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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Where the Fire Falls (Vintage National Parks, #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Ms. Barnett is back and she's done it again! Another fabulous park mystery with amazing characters and a twisty plot line, all filled with God's grace! I loved this one as much as the first one and I am so glad I read it!
Ms. Barnett takes us to the heart of Yosemite during the '20s. It was such a fun time getting to know the world back then, along with being introduced to Olivia and Clark. Both had decisions to make, both knew there was a lot at stake. Watching them throughout this novel was not only interesting, it was a fresh of breath air! I became a part of the story and loved feeling as though I was right there next to them! My son's grandparents travel the United States in their RV and visit some of the National Parks and I've heard them tell some great things, but they don't describe near like Ms. Barnett does! She truly is wonderful with her character creations and her descriptions!
This is definitely a 4.5 star worthy novel! Clark and Olivia come to life with each page turn, the romance is tender and the messages of truth and accepting God's will are strong through the entire story. From start to finish, Ms. Barnett had me hooked, and I never lost interest! If you are looking for a fun novel that will transport you back in history, then this is a novel just for you. Ms. Barnett's writing style will captivate you and you'll become a fan for life! I can't wait for book 3!!! Well done, Ms. Barnett!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Barnett takes us to the heart of Yosemite during the '20s. It was such a fun time getting to know the world back then, along with being introduced to Olivia and Clark. Both had decisions to make, both knew there was a lot at stake. Watching them throughout this novel was not only interesting, it was a fresh of breath air! I became a part of the story and loved feeling as though I was right there next to them! My son's grandparents travel the United States in their RV and visit some of the National Parks and I've heard them tell some great things, but they don't describe near like Ms. Barnett does! She truly is wonderful with her character creations and her descriptions!
This is definitely a 4.5 star worthy novel! Clark and Olivia come to life with each page turn, the romance is tender and the messages of truth and accepting God's will are strong through the entire story. From start to finish, Ms. Barnett had me hooked, and I never lost interest! If you are looking for a fun novel that will transport you back in history, then this is a novel just for you. Ms. Barnett's writing style will captivate you and you'll become a fan for life! I can't wait for book 3!!! Well done, Ms. Barnett!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Sarah's Surrender (Bound and Determined, #2.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I didnt pay too much attention that this was a novella until I started reading it. It may be a short story, but it was packed full of heat and emotion. At first, I thought this would be one of those novels where the protagonists are pig-headed and constantly misinterpreting each other, but was pleasantly surprised by when that wasnt the case. Of course there was a misunderstanding, one that stemmed from childish selfishness, but I was pleased to read how the characters handled it and how they grew as people.
There was little plotline to the story, but I feel that for this story, it was just right. There didnt need to be some grand adventure for the characters. I did feel, however, that the story just cut off at the end. There was no cliffhanger but it still felt unresolved. I would have liked another chapter or at least an epilogue to see how things truly turned out instead of the reading assuming.
The author also wrote some erotic scenes. I like my historical erotic to be erotic and different from the usual scenes you find in historical romance. The scenes were tamer than I usually read, but fit with the theme and feel of the novel. In certain places, however, she would write in short staccato sentences. Sometimes this was distracting and took away from the heat of the scene. In one part, it was downright annoying because of the number of said sentences. They did not take away from the novel as a whole, however, and I often found myself swept away in the passion of the characters.
This was the first piece I have ever read from the author and I enjoyed enough to seek out her other works.
There was little plotline to the story, but I feel that for this story, it was just right. There didnt need to be some grand adventure for the characters. I did feel, however, that the story just cut off at the end. There was no cliffhanger but it still felt unresolved. I would have liked another chapter or at least an epilogue to see how things truly turned out instead of the reading assuming.
The author also wrote some erotic scenes. I like my historical erotic to be erotic and different from the usual scenes you find in historical romance. The scenes were tamer than I usually read, but fit with the theme and feel of the novel. In certain places, however, she would write in short staccato sentences. Sometimes this was distracting and took away from the heat of the scene. In one part, it was downright annoying because of the number of said sentences. They did not take away from the novel as a whole, however, and I often found myself swept away in the passion of the characters.
This was the first piece I have ever read from the author and I enjoyed enough to seek out her other works.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Glass Spare (The Glass Spare, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The Glass Spare was a book that at times couldn't decide what it wanted to be. With its steampunk-esque technological innovations thrown in a typical fantasy kingdom setting, the world-building of the story just didn't quite mesh. I'm sure that some people will enjoy that melding, but it personally wasn't seamless enough for me not to detract from the plot. The storyline itself was interesting and the premise was unique. Similar Midas before her, Wil learns that her touch can turn living things into gemstone.
Wil, or Wilhemina, is the fourth child in her family and considered a spare, as she is not the heir to the throne. This status has influenced her thinking and perception of herself, so although she is a strong-willed person who is resourceful, she is also reckless with her life. Whereas Loom was the more intriguing character for me. I was interested to see his motivations and the development of his personality over the course of the book.
While I enjoyed the two main characters, the focus on the story was more on the will they/won't they romance rather than the premise that drew me in initially. I have a difficult time determining if this was insta-love or not, just because the main character wouldn't acknowledge it - yet they were inexplicably drawn together, she couldn't help but want to be near him even though she didn't trust him, etc. It just seemed like the love connection was formed pretty quickly, even if it wasn't explicitly described.
Despite the book falling a little flat for me some of the time, it intrigued me enough that I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was left with so many questions that I need to know the answer to and won't receive unless I continue the series.
Wil, or Wilhemina, is the fourth child in her family and considered a spare, as she is not the heir to the throne. This status has influenced her thinking and perception of herself, so although she is a strong-willed person who is resourceful, she is also reckless with her life. Whereas Loom was the more intriguing character for me. I was interested to see his motivations and the development of his personality over the course of the book.
While I enjoyed the two main characters, the focus on the story was more on the will they/won't they romance rather than the premise that drew me in initially. I have a difficult time determining if this was insta-love or not, just because the main character wouldn't acknowledge it - yet they were inexplicably drawn together, she couldn't help but want to be near him even though she didn't trust him, etc. It just seemed like the love connection was formed pretty quickly, even if it wasn't explicitly described.
Despite the book falling a little flat for me some of the time, it intrigued me enough that I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was left with so many questions that I need to know the answer to and won't receive unless I continue the series.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Walking Dead (Walker Papers, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I've enjoyed the other Walker Papers novels, but <i>Walking Dead</i> definitely showed more depth and maturity than the earlier volumes. Both the author and her lead character have grown very nicely. It's refreshing to read a series that does not fall into the all-too-familiar paranormal romance formula!
Another thing I enjoy about this series is that heroine Joanne has a supporting ensemble of friends and coworkers who have their own talents and foibles, including a delightful married couple, a sexy father figure (who isn't related to anyone we've met so far), and an even sexier boss. This time around we were treated to the return of a character Joanne rescued in an earlier volume who has grown into some of her own ass-kicking abilities.
Joanne is far from perfect, but she doesn't make the same mistakes over and over again, which is a pet peeve of mine and occurs all too often in some other authors works. (There's consistency, and then there's refusing to learn from mistakes to the extent that I have to believe that a character is too stupid to live.)
There is a thread that ties all of the Walker Papers together, but C.E. Murphy is keeping things fresh enough that I, at least, am not getting bored. I would, however, caution that this is a series that is best read completely and in order. I began reading one of the novels without realizing that there had been a novella published between it and the previous one, and found myself well and truly confused. Walking Dead definitely is not a good starting point for the series! While a new reader wouldn't necessarily be completely lost, she would miss far too much of the magic.
Another thing I enjoy about this series is that heroine Joanne has a supporting ensemble of friends and coworkers who have their own talents and foibles, including a delightful married couple, a sexy father figure (who isn't related to anyone we've met so far), and an even sexier boss. This time around we were treated to the return of a character Joanne rescued in an earlier volume who has grown into some of her own ass-kicking abilities.
Joanne is far from perfect, but she doesn't make the same mistakes over and over again, which is a pet peeve of mine and occurs all too often in some other authors works. (There's consistency, and then there's refusing to learn from mistakes to the extent that I have to believe that a character is too stupid to live.)
There is a thread that ties all of the Walker Papers together, but C.E. Murphy is keeping things fresh enough that I, at least, am not getting bored. I would, however, caution that this is a series that is best read completely and in order. I began reading one of the novels without realizing that there had been a novella published between it and the previous one, and found myself well and truly confused. Walking Dead definitely is not a good starting point for the series! While a new reader wouldn't necessarily be completely lost, she would miss far too much of the magic.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Harbor Secrets (The Legacy of Sunset Cove #1) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
A Peaceful Coastal Town...Threatened by a Storm of Secrets
It's 1916 when newspaper woman Anna McDowell learns her estranged father has suffered a
stroke. Deciding it's time to repair
bridges, Anna packs up her precocious adolescent daughter
and heads for her hometown in Sunset Cove, Oregon.
Although much has changed since the turn of the century, some things havent. Anna finds the
the staff of her fathers paper not exactly eager to welcome a woman into the editor-in-chief role, but
her father insists he wants her at the helm. Anna is quickly pulled into the charming town and
her
new position... but just as quickly learns this seaside getaway harbors some dark and dangerous
secrets.
With Oregons new statewide prohibition in effect, crime has crept along the seacoast and
invaded even idyllic Sunset Cove. Anna only meant to get to know her father again over the
summer, but instead she finds herself rooting out the biggest story the town has ever seen
And trying to keep her daughter safe from it all.
My Thoughts: This well-written story takes us to the seashore in Oregon during the prohibition period. Anna returns home to visit her estranged father to make amends for a disagreement that happened years ago. During this visit home, she discovers that something just isn't quite right around town. Using her investigative news reporting skills she intends to find out.
This is a wonderful summertime read! It's always nice to read about the ocean and beaches in the summer, and this one is perfect. It's full of mystery and suspense; it doesn't focus on romance. This is a book about forgiveness, healing relationships and starting over. I enjoyed Melody Carlson's writing and how she developed her characters. It was a very enjoyable read.
It's 1916 when newspaper woman Anna McDowell learns her estranged father has suffered a
stroke. Deciding it's time to repair
bridges, Anna packs up her precocious adolescent daughter
and heads for her hometown in Sunset Cove, Oregon.
Although much has changed since the turn of the century, some things havent. Anna finds the
the staff of her fathers paper not exactly eager to welcome a woman into the editor-in-chief role, but
her father insists he wants her at the helm. Anna is quickly pulled into the charming town and
her
new position... but just as quickly learns this seaside getaway harbors some dark and dangerous
secrets.
With Oregons new statewide prohibition in effect, crime has crept along the seacoast and
invaded even idyllic Sunset Cove. Anna only meant to get to know her father again over the
summer, but instead she finds herself rooting out the biggest story the town has ever seen
And trying to keep her daughter safe from it all.
My Thoughts: This well-written story takes us to the seashore in Oregon during the prohibition period. Anna returns home to visit her estranged father to make amends for a disagreement that happened years ago. During this visit home, she discovers that something just isn't quite right around town. Using her investigative news reporting skills she intends to find out.
This is a wonderful summertime read! It's always nice to read about the ocean and beaches in the summer, and this one is perfect. It's full of mystery and suspense; it doesn't focus on romance. This is a book about forgiveness, healing relationships and starting over. I enjoyed Melody Carlson's writing and how she developed her characters. It was a very enjoyable read.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Blake Mistake in Books
Nov 8, 2019
Ben Blake has a talent that can occasionaly help in his job as an intelligence operative. When he forsees a terrorist attack he asks his friend, brother in law and former bad boy Jake Snell to help him prevent it. However Jake is starting to behave oddly, including having periods where he is not aware of what he has done. Could the suppressed memories of his traumatic upbringing be the cause? Meanwhile his wife (and Ben's sister) Emma is delving into Jake's family history. Maybe the secrets of the past are best left alone.
Camilleri aims high with this book - and delivers. It is a complex mix of whodunnit, psychological thriller, paranormal thriller and romance. The plot moves forward dragging the reader with it, the threads and lives of the characters spiralling around the central theme of Jake's past and how it is impacting on the present. There are a number of twists and turns, some as surprising to the reader as to the characters.
The characters themselves are well drawn, benefitting from having developed over previous books (which don't need to have been read to enjoy this). The way the relationships between them change and develop as suspicions arise and certain events occur is excellent, although sometimes frustrating as the reader sees the story from all their viewpoints so can see that sometimes there has just been a misunderstanding or that if something was said everything would be different.
The first third of the book is a little slow as the characters are described and the situation is set up but this allows the rest to move under it's own terrible momentum towards the climax.
Overall a book worth reading and it certainly holds the attention once it gets going.
Caution: Some sex scenes
Camilleri aims high with this book - and delivers. It is a complex mix of whodunnit, psychological thriller, paranormal thriller and romance. The plot moves forward dragging the reader with it, the threads and lives of the characters spiralling around the central theme of Jake's past and how it is impacting on the present. There are a number of twists and turns, some as surprising to the reader as to the characters.
The characters themselves are well drawn, benefitting from having developed over previous books (which don't need to have been read to enjoy this). The way the relationships between them change and develop as suspicions arise and certain events occur is excellent, although sometimes frustrating as the reader sees the story from all their viewpoints so can see that sometimes there has just been a misunderstanding or that if something was said everything would be different.
The first third of the book is a little slow as the characters are described and the situation is set up but this allows the rest to move under it's own terrible momentum towards the climax.
Overall a book worth reading and it certainly holds the attention once it gets going.
Caution: Some sex scenes
JT (287 KP) rated Bridesmaids (2011) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
This was quite a nice change of pace from the regular rom-coms we have seen. The dull and somewhat boring 27 Dresses, Runaway Bride and Bride Wars as examples all try to leave you feeling fluffy and emotionally satisfied.
Bridesmaids is simply The Hangover for females. With brilliant ad-libbing and standout scenes it only lets itself down by trying to fill the humour gaps with a genuine romance for Kristen Wiig‘s Annie. Beneficial to the film is producer Judd Apatow who has brought us some fantastic comedies such as The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up to name a few. Each with a collection of colourful and extremely funny characters – Bridesmaids is not a lot different.
Here he almost certainly lends a helping hand in making sure this misfit group of women can cause as much havoc as possible, and they do. Laugh out loud moments such as a trip to the bridal shop after some rather dodgy food is a disgusting but hilarious highlight, as is the plane trip to Vegas in which a nervous Annie mixes pills and scotch and tries to slip into first class.
One of the highlights was the supporting role of Melissa McCarthy as Megan, almost a female version of the loveable Zach Galifianakis‘ character Alan in The Hangover . She nearly steals the show, but if not for a great performance from Wig. Given the film’s high budget it did very well to profit such a huge sum worldwide so it must have hit the right notes with film goers.
Overall I enjoyed Bridesmaids a lot. The actresses not following the the script and add-libbing takes a lot of skill, more so to make the scene funny, so hats off to that.
Bridesmaids is simply The Hangover for females. With brilliant ad-libbing and standout scenes it only lets itself down by trying to fill the humour gaps with a genuine romance for Kristen Wiig‘s Annie. Beneficial to the film is producer Judd Apatow who has brought us some fantastic comedies such as The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up to name a few. Each with a collection of colourful and extremely funny characters – Bridesmaids is not a lot different.
Here he almost certainly lends a helping hand in making sure this misfit group of women can cause as much havoc as possible, and they do. Laugh out loud moments such as a trip to the bridal shop after some rather dodgy food is a disgusting but hilarious highlight, as is the plane trip to Vegas in which a nervous Annie mixes pills and scotch and tries to slip into first class.
One of the highlights was the supporting role of Melissa McCarthy as Megan, almost a female version of the loveable Zach Galifianakis‘ character Alan in The Hangover . She nearly steals the show, but if not for a great performance from Wig. Given the film’s high budget it did very well to profit such a huge sum worldwide so it must have hit the right notes with film goers.
Overall I enjoyed Bridesmaids a lot. The actresses not following the the script and add-libbing takes a lot of skill, more so to make the scene funny, so hats off to that.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Too Good To Be True in Books
Mar 4, 2021
A compelling and twisty thriller
Skye Starling is beautiful, wealthy, and smart. She has a good job and a group of close friends. But she's never found lasting love thanks to her horrible OCD, which she's suffered from since her mother's death when she was young. But when Skye meets Burke Michaels, that all changes. Yes, he's older, but Skye can't help falling for this handsome man who wants her. However, Burke has a secret of his own: he's married, and he's using Skye for her family's money.
"All I'm saying is that if he seems too good to be true, he probably is."
This is one of those fun, twisty thrillers that keeps you reading and guessing. It's filled with wild characters and if you're willing to slightly suspend disbelief while reading, it's a great ride. Skye is a sympathetic yet enjoyable protagonist, and Burke is complex in his own way. The book is told from Skye's point of view and interspersed with letters from Burke to his therapist. We also get the perspective of Heather, a young woman, speaking from her past, who knew Burke when they were kids.
The result is quite compelling, and I blew through this one in a couple of days. The first half is probably a bit stronger than the second, though the last half certainly unveils some crazy surprises. Some you can work out; others caught me off guard.
Overall, I went into this one looking for a fun thriller, and it delivered. It also has a bit of romance thrown in, too. It's crazy and twisty and an excellent distraction. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review. It releases on March 2nd.
"All I'm saying is that if he seems too good to be true, he probably is."
This is one of those fun, twisty thrillers that keeps you reading and guessing. It's filled with wild characters and if you're willing to slightly suspend disbelief while reading, it's a great ride. Skye is a sympathetic yet enjoyable protagonist, and Burke is complex in his own way. The book is told from Skye's point of view and interspersed with letters from Burke to his therapist. We also get the perspective of Heather, a young woman, speaking from her past, who knew Burke when they were kids.
The result is quite compelling, and I blew through this one in a couple of days. The first half is probably a bit stronger than the second, though the last half certainly unveils some crazy surprises. Some you can work out; others caught me off guard.
Overall, I went into this one looking for a fun thriller, and it delivered. It also has a bit of romance thrown in, too. It's crazy and twisty and an excellent distraction. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review. It releases on March 2nd.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Bound by Night (MoonBound Clan Vampire, #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
***ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
4.5 stars.
I’ll start by saying I really, really, liked Riker. He might have tried to act like a hard-ass but he wasn’t. Something right from the start grabbed me about him and I went a little mushy. Awww… :P And he was hot, too!!
Nicole turned out to be quite ballsy and I liked that about her. Riker needed someone like her in his life. I liked how she told it to him straight and if he didn’t like it, then she either fought to make him listen or walked away, making him come to her.
The secondary characters were quite fun too. Hunter, the head of the MoonBound clan, made me smile a lot. Playing is video games and saying some of the stuff he did. Myne, a fellow member of the clan, was another favourite. He might have come across at the beginning of being some rather scary ass vampire but by the end, he’d grown on me.
I feel I have to mention that first sex scene. It was HOT!! As was the second. Crikey, Larissa Ione knows how to write passionate scenes between her characters.
The storyline was different, with vampires being slaves to humans and I wondered how it was all going to work out. I wasn’t disappointed, it was a hell of a journey. I was happy, sad (I almost cried a few times), and angry at various points in this. But to me that made it goooood. Really good.
If you’re a fan of Larissa Ione then this isn’t to be missed. If you like steamy paranormal romance, again, this isn’t to be missed. I highly recommend it.
P.S. I am so going to look up what an origami vampire looks like :P
4.5 stars.
I’ll start by saying I really, really, liked Riker. He might have tried to act like a hard-ass but he wasn’t. Something right from the start grabbed me about him and I went a little mushy. Awww… :P And he was hot, too!!
Nicole turned out to be quite ballsy and I liked that about her. Riker needed someone like her in his life. I liked how she told it to him straight and if he didn’t like it, then she either fought to make him listen or walked away, making him come to her.
The secondary characters were quite fun too. Hunter, the head of the MoonBound clan, made me smile a lot. Playing is video games and saying some of the stuff he did. Myne, a fellow member of the clan, was another favourite. He might have come across at the beginning of being some rather scary ass vampire but by the end, he’d grown on me.
I feel I have to mention that first sex scene. It was HOT!! As was the second. Crikey, Larissa Ione knows how to write passionate scenes between her characters.
The storyline was different, with vampires being slaves to humans and I wondered how it was all going to work out. I wasn’t disappointed, it was a hell of a journey. I was happy, sad (I almost cried a few times), and angry at various points in this. But to me that made it goooood. Really good.
If you’re a fan of Larissa Ione then this isn’t to be missed. If you like steamy paranormal romance, again, this isn’t to be missed. I highly recommend it.
P.S. I am so going to look up what an origami vampire looks like :P
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Passion Unleashed (Demonica #3) in Books
Sep 3, 2019
I read book 1 (Pleasure Unbound) and book 2 (Desire Unchained) not that long ago and got really invested in this group of brothers and their friends.
Like the others before, this one starts with some action. Wraith is hunting gang members that belong to a vampire led gang when he gets poisoned by a mysterious someone. And it seems he can't be healed unless he sleeps with a certain virgin with Aegis connections who holds a charm that can save his life. Of course, there's a downside to that--Serena will die without it.
I liked how Wraith changed in this. He's gone from some rather self destructive guy, who holds himself back from everyone, to one who starts to soften and admit he cares for people. We see his insecurities and his fears and I started to feel for him. To truly like him. He's not had the greatest life, not until he met his brothers anyway.
I loved the globe-trotting aspect to this one with Serena's Tomb Raider type skills. We spend a while in Egypt as she looks for two artefacts that the Aegis are hoping will stop the unrest in the demon population and Sheoul.
Gem and Kynan's romance returns in this one--after his disappearance at the end of the last book--and I have been eating it up! It's been three books brewing now, so it's about time they finally got together. Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly and for several pages I wanted to cry.
And what do you know? Another sibling pops up in this one, and it appears his story is next in the series. I don't know if I'll be going straight into book 4 or take a break now that the original trio have found their special someone.
Like the others before, this one starts with some action. Wraith is hunting gang members that belong to a vampire led gang when he gets poisoned by a mysterious someone. And it seems he can't be healed unless he sleeps with a certain virgin with Aegis connections who holds a charm that can save his life. Of course, there's a downside to that--Serena will die without it.
I liked how Wraith changed in this. He's gone from some rather self destructive guy, who holds himself back from everyone, to one who starts to soften and admit he cares for people. We see his insecurities and his fears and I started to feel for him. To truly like him. He's not had the greatest life, not until he met his brothers anyway.
I loved the globe-trotting aspect to this one with Serena's Tomb Raider type skills. We spend a while in Egypt as she looks for two artefacts that the Aegis are hoping will stop the unrest in the demon population and Sheoul.
Gem and Kynan's romance returns in this one--after his disappearance at the end of the last book--and I have been eating it up! It's been three books brewing now, so it's about time they finally got together. Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly and for several pages I wanted to cry.
And what do you know? Another sibling pops up in this one, and it appears his story is next in the series. I don't know if I'll be going straight into book 4 or take a break now that the original trio have found their special someone.