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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Happy Birthday to Me (Birthday Trilogy, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Cameron was that typical jock who only cared about his sexy girlfriend and how soon she'd let him sleep with her. He got drunk and insulted his pretty waitress—which was a bad idea because she turned out to be a witch of sorts. She laid a curse on him out of spite: Every day, he grew to be one year older.
As he aged rapidly he was faced with a reality check: His life would end in a few short weeks. He would never see his graduation. His girlfriend breaks up with him and goes back to her ex. He's not sure if his parents love him or hate him. And they're not sure either.
Then he meets Leisel. And Leisel had her own secret.
The first third of the book frustrated me because Cameron was stupid, rude, immature, irresponsible, and disrespectful. But further in, I started to feel for him a little more. Near the last third of the book I was really enjoying it, I liked all the characters more (or less, in his girlfriend's case) and I was hooked on the story. It was fast-paced and interesting. I think the part I liked most was watching Cameron change from an obnoxious jerk into someone who had some depth and good qualities. It was what I wanted to see, and it made me happy to see him change.
The writing was a little frustrating only because there were ALL CAPS sprinkled in through the book. Now I understand why Rowe used all caps (If I woke up and looked like a thirty year old, I'd say everything in all caps too) but it still makes the editor in me cringe. Aside from that, I liked the writing and the style, I liked the pacing, I liked the humor, and I liked the dialogue. I don't often find a self-published book with good writing, so I'm wary to accept them. I'm glad I made an exception!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, some sexual references, no sex. Ages 16+
As he aged rapidly he was faced with a reality check: His life would end in a few short weeks. He would never see his graduation. His girlfriend breaks up with him and goes back to her ex. He's not sure if his parents love him or hate him. And they're not sure either.
Then he meets Leisel. And Leisel had her own secret.
The first third of the book frustrated me because Cameron was stupid, rude, immature, irresponsible, and disrespectful. But further in, I started to feel for him a little more. Near the last third of the book I was really enjoying it, I liked all the characters more (or less, in his girlfriend's case) and I was hooked on the story. It was fast-paced and interesting. I think the part I liked most was watching Cameron change from an obnoxious jerk into someone who had some depth and good qualities. It was what I wanted to see, and it made me happy to see him change.
The writing was a little frustrating only because there were ALL CAPS sprinkled in through the book. Now I understand why Rowe used all caps (If I woke up and looked like a thirty year old, I'd say everything in all caps too) but it still makes the editor in me cringe. Aside from that, I liked the writing and the style, I liked the pacing, I liked the humor, and I liked the dialogue. I don't often find a self-published book with good writing, so I'm wary to accept them. I'm glad I made an exception!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, some sexual references, no sex. Ages 16+
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Coyote Dreams (Walker Papers, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I never am sure how to evaluate the books in this series, because I understand so little of what is occurring. Joanne is the type of character who lives moment to moment, and still comes out smelling like roses. In the first book, this didn't feel like it would work for me, but now I'm quite used to it. The irony is that what used to surprise me so unexpectedly had quite ceased to have that sort of effect.
The plus side to all of this is that Joanne no longer seems to be fighting her shamanic role as much and is excepting who she is and what she can do. Even her boss seems to be adapting to the idea, which can be quite hilarious at times. The chemistry between them is as visible as lightning, but for some reason neither one wants to act on it, which is frustrating to no end for me.
I was really hopeful through most of the book that the new male element was as good as he seemed, because he was perfect for Joanne in so many ways. The way her life changed on a dime did not seem to phase him, and neither did her shamanic duties. It was like he had this secret knowledge that he knew exactly what she needed, and it was the hottie standing in his shoes. Alas, these things are always too good to be true.
I enjoyed the focus on sleep and dreaming that this book had, it was a more unpredictable element for Joanne to work with and it made her expand her limits and comfort zone. This also allowed her to venture into her boss's mental garden, which was both surprising and exciting and added a new layer to their evolving relationship.
I was not really satisfied with the ending, but the great thing about series is that this still has the potential to change. I look forward to the next book in the series, Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4).
The plus side to all of this is that Joanne no longer seems to be fighting her shamanic role as much and is excepting who she is and what she can do. Even her boss seems to be adapting to the idea, which can be quite hilarious at times. The chemistry between them is as visible as lightning, but for some reason neither one wants to act on it, which is frustrating to no end for me.
I was really hopeful through most of the book that the new male element was as good as he seemed, because he was perfect for Joanne in so many ways. The way her life changed on a dime did not seem to phase him, and neither did her shamanic duties. It was like he had this secret knowledge that he knew exactly what she needed, and it was the hottie standing in his shoes. Alas, these things are always too good to be true.
I enjoyed the focus on sleep and dreaming that this book had, it was a more unpredictable element for Joanne to work with and it made her expand her limits and comfort zone. This also allowed her to venture into her boss's mental garden, which was both surprising and exciting and added a new layer to their evolving relationship.
I was not really satisfied with the ending, but the great thing about series is that this still has the potential to change. I look forward to the next book in the series, Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4).
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Feast of Fools (The Morganville Vampires, #4) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This book picks up right where the previous one left off, right in the middle of the action. I love when books do that. I flew through this book as quickly as the previous three, barely taking time to eat or sleep. I would compare the infamous Mr. Bishop to Dracula - minus the romantic leanings. Nothing about him is remotely appealing, and he has no interest in making himself appealing, unlike the other two power players in town, Oliver and Amelie. Lots of subplots are developed, but this one felt like more time could have been devoted to these other elements and lengthened the novel a bit without sacrificing the quality of the text, such as exploring how Claire could wield the power of Glass House, the effect that Michael had on others when he performed, Claire's problem with her professor, or even Claire's parents reaction to the truth about Morganville. It feels as if there are too many characters in the script and not enough pages to give them all adequate time in the spotlight. I find the character of Myrnin even more fascinating in this book - he seems sort of like the dark town jester. I was also disappointed in Claire's lack of interest in her classes, given that she was so happy about her schedule change in the last book. The funeral of Eve's father seemed forced, like it was inserted in the plot as an afterthought, especially since we did not see her mother at the ball at the end of the book, even though it seems logical that Mrs. Rosser would try to use the occasion to make a specticle of herself, not unlike Monica Morrell. Wow, so I had alot of nit-picky things to say about this book, but I still really enjoyed it and I really like this series, especially the character of Claire, who has more courage and daring than anyone in the book. I look forward to the next one, Lord of Misrule.
Frecklesxoxo (6 KP) rated The Good Daughter in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I received an arc copy from Netgalley of this book for an open and honest review.
Recently I have been reading young adults and supernatural books, these are great I love them, I love the supernatural genre and I think the stories are fun,however, I have read a lot of them and this book really honed in on the fact that I have really missed a good old fashioned Suspenseful Thriller! It's absolutely amazing,I was hooked like a fish on a rod, I literally could not put this book down it got to the point where I'm reading it to the very last second before I need to leave for work or I can't quite go to sleep yet I just have to finish this chapter.
The writing is spectacular she has this amazing ability to really bring you into the story,you are invested in the characters, you want to know them, you want to be with them, you feel their pain, their joy and you want what they want and you're afraid when they're afraid and I think that's just such a fantastic skill set to have.
I love the characters I think Sam and Charlie are great and they really work of each other and I love rusty especially nearing the end when you find out more about him, you really find out who he is and what makes him tick and I think he has some really good advice that he gave them.
This book is painful and it's sad and it's tough but there is a light at the end of the tunnel there is good in it as well and I really don't want to say anymore as I don't want to say anything about the story as I don't want to spoil it but it is an amazing story and I truly recommend this.
Recently I have been reading young adults and supernatural books, these are great I love them, I love the supernatural genre and I think the stories are fun,however, I have read a lot of them and this book really honed in on the fact that I have really missed a good old fashioned Suspenseful Thriller! It's absolutely amazing,I was hooked like a fish on a rod, I literally could not put this book down it got to the point where I'm reading it to the very last second before I need to leave for work or I can't quite go to sleep yet I just have to finish this chapter.
The writing is spectacular she has this amazing ability to really bring you into the story,you are invested in the characters, you want to know them, you want to be with them, you feel their pain, their joy and you want what they want and you're afraid when they're afraid and I think that's just such a fantastic skill set to have.
I love the characters I think Sam and Charlie are great and they really work of each other and I love rusty especially nearing the end when you find out more about him, you really find out who he is and what makes him tick and I think he has some really good advice that he gave them.
This book is painful and it's sad and it's tough but there is a light at the end of the tunnel there is good in it as well and I really don't want to say anymore as I don't want to say anything about the story as I don't want to spoil it but it is an amazing story and I truly recommend this.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Balance Plan: Six Steps to Optimize Your Hormonal Health in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Nourishment not Deprivation!
Have you ever thought you struggle to lose weight even when you don’t eat properly? What about not being able to live without your tea, coffee or chocolate fix on a daily basis? Are you always saying how exhausted you are?
More than likely you have said something along these lines, but did you know that these complaints are often down to a hormonal imbalance?
The Balance Plan by Angelique Panagos tackles how to deal with all those issues and more, whilst offering practical advice, and suggestions for overcoming things like always feeling hungry but never feeling satisfied, or constantly feeling bloated.
Split up into four parts there are recipes, meal plans and full on explanations about how to optimise your hormonal health. To achieve this Angelique has created a six-step method (the six pillars of balance) which include; nourish (eating correctly), balance (stabilising ourselves by planning ahead), nurture (looking after ourselves), cleanse (cleansing our bodies), move (exercises) and restore (pampering).
In addition we hear about how hormones work and what exactly they are, through “The Sassy Six” and how to recognise what is happening to our bodies. From PMS, toxins, to stress and the menopause — major transitions in a woman’s life — it’s all covered.
This is an empowering book which highlights how we should celebrate our feminine cycle, by learning to understand and support our hormonal balance through a journey of gentle consistent lifestyle changes. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit hippy-ish, but it’s not at all. The Balance Plan helps to show us how we don’t need to reach for the pills for a quick fix, only to gloss over what is really happening to our bodies.
This is a thoroughly educational read, that should be on every woman’s bookshelf. Imagine if you can sleep better, enhance digestion, elevate energy levels, lose weight, reduce stress and feel happier. This book plans to help you do just that!
Have you ever thought you struggle to lose weight even when you don’t eat properly? What about not being able to live without your tea, coffee or chocolate fix on a daily basis? Are you always saying how exhausted you are?
More than likely you have said something along these lines, but did you know that these complaints are often down to a hormonal imbalance?
The Balance Plan by Angelique Panagos tackles how to deal with all those issues and more, whilst offering practical advice, and suggestions for overcoming things like always feeling hungry but never feeling satisfied, or constantly feeling bloated.
Split up into four parts there are recipes, meal plans and full on explanations about how to optimise your hormonal health. To achieve this Angelique has created a six-step method (the six pillars of balance) which include; nourish (eating correctly), balance (stabilising ourselves by planning ahead), nurture (looking after ourselves), cleanse (cleansing our bodies), move (exercises) and restore (pampering).
In addition we hear about how hormones work and what exactly they are, through “The Sassy Six” and how to recognise what is happening to our bodies. From PMS, toxins, to stress and the menopause — major transitions in a woman’s life — it’s all covered.
This is an empowering book which highlights how we should celebrate our feminine cycle, by learning to understand and support our hormonal balance through a journey of gentle consistent lifestyle changes. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit hippy-ish, but it’s not at all. The Balance Plan helps to show us how we don’t need to reach for the pills for a quick fix, only to gloss over what is really happening to our bodies.
This is a thoroughly educational read, that should be on every woman’s bookshelf. Imagine if you can sleep better, enhance digestion, elevate energy levels, lose weight, reduce stress and feel happier. This book plans to help you do just that!
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Poison Song in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Fantastic conclusion to a great series
*** Disclosure - I received a free advance copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
The finale of this trilogy has some ground to cover. The Jure'lia (an alien type race of beings with a connected consciousness) have been beaten back and are in hiding, licking their wounds. The humans and Eborans have an uneasy truce with the knowledge that their common enemy can be beaten, if only temporarily.
The first half of this book continues developing the story, the opening is a really enjoyable revenge visit to her old prison by Noon, and the others are trying to plan how to try and track down the Jure'lia to beat them once and for all. And then we have Hestilion, the immoral immortal, who seems to have sided with the Jure'lia simply out of curiosity or for something to do.
I'll admit I struggled to remember some of the terms and previous storylines and these are possibly recapped less than in the later books of other series. Given the weirdness of the world Williams has built, this did make it a steep remembering-curve (if that's a thing, which it isn't).
However the second half of the story is truly epic. A thoroughly engaging, action-packed assault on the reader's sleep pattern and emotions. There are highs and there are lows, and there are great character interactions throughout.
I'll confess to being slightly disappointed with the final act, I had it in my head that the Jure'lia would be beaten in a certain way, but this did not pan out, and what happened was significantly more simplistic and route one than I had thought.
That said, I really enjoyed the closing half-book of this series and on the whole it has been a really great read of a story in a very unusual and creative world.
The finale of this trilogy has some ground to cover. The Jure'lia (an alien type race of beings with a connected consciousness) have been beaten back and are in hiding, licking their wounds. The humans and Eborans have an uneasy truce with the knowledge that their common enemy can be beaten, if only temporarily.
The first half of this book continues developing the story, the opening is a really enjoyable revenge visit to her old prison by Noon, and the others are trying to plan how to try and track down the Jure'lia to beat them once and for all. And then we have Hestilion, the immoral immortal, who seems to have sided with the Jure'lia simply out of curiosity or for something to do.
I'll admit I struggled to remember some of the terms and previous storylines and these are possibly recapped less than in the later books of other series. Given the weirdness of the world Williams has built, this did make it a steep remembering-curve (if that's a thing, which it isn't).
However the second half of the story is truly epic. A thoroughly engaging, action-packed assault on the reader's sleep pattern and emotions. There are highs and there are lows, and there are great character interactions throughout.
I'll confess to being slightly disappointed with the final act, I had it in my head that the Jure'lia would be beaten in a certain way, but this did not pan out, and what happened was significantly more simplistic and route one than I had thought.
That said, I really enjoyed the closing half-book of this series and on the whole it has been a really great read of a story in a very unusual and creative world.
TheBookMother (105 KP) rated The Memory Keeper's Daughter in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Hauntingly Beautiful
This came into the charity shop I work in and as soon as I read the blurb on the back of the book I knew I had to read it.
A Doctor in a snow storm delivers his twins but one is born with Down Syndrome and he decides there and then to tell his wife that she died. He hands over his daughter to the nurse and asks her to take her to a home. She decides upon seeing the home she cannot possibly leave her here and raises her herself.
The book follows through time the lives of everyone the Doctor and his wife raising there son Paul, and the Nurse Caroline fighting for Phoebe to be accepted and have access to an education and equal opportunities.
It starts of in the 60s and we really get a glimpse into the attitudes of the time towards those with Down Syndrome and at times it is awkward to read at times as you cannot believe that it was like this.
With such a explosive secret being kept and the grief that Norah feels after thinking she has lost a child the family is poisoned and relationships turn toxic and the family dynamic is ripped apart.
We see Phoebe thrive throughout her life with Caroline and also the limitations she faces in her day to day life.
The emotive language the author uses means you do feel Norah's loss, you resent David for his betrayal, you can understand Paul's rebellion and Caroline's guilt.
It is an achingly beautiful book which is dealing with an explosively emotive storyline. I really enjoyed it and it is really hauntingly staying with me even after I've finished as I began to imagine how I would feel and what I would do if I was put in that situation. A really good read, possibly to emotionally charged for a sleep deprived and hormonal mother of two boys, one of which does have medical issues do I could relate somewhat too.
A Doctor in a snow storm delivers his twins but one is born with Down Syndrome and he decides there and then to tell his wife that she died. He hands over his daughter to the nurse and asks her to take her to a home. She decides upon seeing the home she cannot possibly leave her here and raises her herself.
The book follows through time the lives of everyone the Doctor and his wife raising there son Paul, and the Nurse Caroline fighting for Phoebe to be accepted and have access to an education and equal opportunities.
It starts of in the 60s and we really get a glimpse into the attitudes of the time towards those with Down Syndrome and at times it is awkward to read at times as you cannot believe that it was like this.
With such a explosive secret being kept and the grief that Norah feels after thinking she has lost a child the family is poisoned and relationships turn toxic and the family dynamic is ripped apart.
We see Phoebe thrive throughout her life with Caroline and also the limitations she faces in her day to day life.
The emotive language the author uses means you do feel Norah's loss, you resent David for his betrayal, you can understand Paul's rebellion and Caroline's guilt.
It is an achingly beautiful book which is dealing with an explosively emotive storyline. I really enjoyed it and it is really hauntingly staying with me even after I've finished as I began to imagine how I would feel and what I would do if I was put in that situation. A really good read, possibly to emotionally charged for a sleep deprived and hormonal mother of two boys, one of which does have medical issues do I could relate somewhat too.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Depravity (Beastly Tales, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
First off, let me say how furious I am that this is a three part series with each novel ending in a cliff hanger. Each novel has enough meat to it to count as individual novel, but they all end in maddening cliffhangers. I loathe cliff hangers more than I loathe serials.
That being said, this series had me from page one and I couldnt put it down until the very last one. I missed a lot of sleep for it I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, especially if there erotica involved. This is definitely one of the better retellings of Beauty and the Beast, albeit a very dark one. The female lead is almost raped more times than I can count, abused by her obnoxious sisters, manipulated by an arrogant sorceress, and subjected to dealing with a short tempered man child stuck in a beasts body. Through it all, Benella stays determined and loved her grit.
There are some themes that may not sit well with some people, especially with the Beasts treatment of Benella in the second novel. I think they are missing the point of this story, however. The premise is not just about looking beyond aesthetic value, it is about personal growth. While it is the Beautys purpose to look beyond outer appearances to appreciate what people have on the inside; it is the Beasts role to develop from well a beast to a better person. I feel that most people look past that.
This is a great series for those looking for an adult retelling of Beauty and the Beast and can handle the dark themes and cliff hangers that come with it. If you can accept an anti-hero with faults who falls for a strong woman who can hold her own in a hateful sexist world, then this is definitely the series for you.
That being said, this series had me from page one and I couldnt put it down until the very last one. I missed a lot of sleep for it I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, especially if there erotica involved. This is definitely one of the better retellings of Beauty and the Beast, albeit a very dark one. The female lead is almost raped more times than I can count, abused by her obnoxious sisters, manipulated by an arrogant sorceress, and subjected to dealing with a short tempered man child stuck in a beasts body. Through it all, Benella stays determined and loved her grit.
There are some themes that may not sit well with some people, especially with the Beasts treatment of Benella in the second novel. I think they are missing the point of this story, however. The premise is not just about looking beyond aesthetic value, it is about personal growth. While it is the Beautys purpose to look beyond outer appearances to appreciate what people have on the inside; it is the Beasts role to develop from well a beast to a better person. I feel that most people look past that.
This is a great series for those looking for an adult retelling of Beauty and the Beast and can handle the dark themes and cliff hangers that come with it. If you can accept an anti-hero with faults who falls for a strong woman who can hold her own in a hateful sexist world, then this is definitely the series for you.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Baby Teeth in Books
Jun 15, 2018
Creepy kid....
This was such a good book I stayed up until 2am to finish it. Even then I couldn’t go back to sleep because I was floored!
What really makes a huge impact in this book were the characters and the tension created between all of them. A beautifully created house wasn’t so lovely on the inside and what you think is a lovely happy family is really not what it seems.
The plot itself was good. You follow the points of view of Hanna and Suzette. Hanna. Oh my goodness. All you can think of how is it possible that she can be such a horrid rabid creature who does whatever it takes to push Suzette to her limits. Her actions are shocking and it’s hard to believe she’s could be this sweet little girl (or at least to Alex she is). You are constantly guessing what she might have. A psychological disorder? Or is there something more malicious out there? (ie: paranormal).
At times you feel for Suzette. She’s at her limit and she tries to justify Hanna’s actions, blaming herself at times because she thinks it’s due to her lack of being a mother. Now I can understand how she can lash out and snap sometimes at Hanna but sometimes I thought her behavior went too harsh and it didn’t help matters, in fact it escalated and made it worse. There were times when she got whiny and it’s hard to sympathize with any side at this point (Although you could sympathize for Alex as he’s caught in the middle of this ordeal).
This book may not be for everyone, it’s definitely chilling to see a child act like this. Again you have to wonder if there’s something much darker underlying her behavior. I loved the ending, it was so perfect for this book. Definitely recommended for those that want a chilling novel where kids run amok. Keep in mind some parts can be pretty disturbing.
What really makes a huge impact in this book were the characters and the tension created between all of them. A beautifully created house wasn’t so lovely on the inside and what you think is a lovely happy family is really not what it seems.
The plot itself was good. You follow the points of view of Hanna and Suzette. Hanna. Oh my goodness. All you can think of how is it possible that she can be such a horrid rabid creature who does whatever it takes to push Suzette to her limits. Her actions are shocking and it’s hard to believe she’s could be this sweet little girl (or at least to Alex she is). You are constantly guessing what she might have. A psychological disorder? Or is there something more malicious out there? (ie: paranormal).
At times you feel for Suzette. She’s at her limit and she tries to justify Hanna’s actions, blaming herself at times because she thinks it’s due to her lack of being a mother. Now I can understand how she can lash out and snap sometimes at Hanna but sometimes I thought her behavior went too harsh and it didn’t help matters, in fact it escalated and made it worse. There were times when she got whiny and it’s hard to sympathize with any side at this point (Although you could sympathize for Alex as he’s caught in the middle of this ordeal).
This book may not be for everyone, it’s definitely chilling to see a child act like this. Again you have to wonder if there’s something much darker underlying her behavior. I loved the ending, it was so perfect for this book. Definitely recommended for those that want a chilling novel where kids run amok. Keep in mind some parts can be pretty disturbing.
