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Kristina (502 KP) rated Crash (Crash, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
4.5 Stars
This story is not full of rainbows and butterflies. There are no moments that make your heart swell with overwhelming happiness, or when tears of joy threaten to spill over, or even when you feel that satisfaction of a happy ending. Heck no, Crash is absolutely not that story - and I've never been so grateful. I'm a romance fan, through and through, but sometimes I come across too many that are so sweet, I almost feel sick when I'm finished reading (once I come down from the high of a happily ever after, of course). I'd been searching for a book that had the romance quality but offered a twist, a dark element that would keep me on my toes and pique my interest. I found it, thanks to an e-mail that offers free Ebooks. From the beginning, I knew Stranger (as I've dubbed him) was different: his eyes were too cold, his expression was too rough, his demeanor was too rugged; which is how I immediately knew I'd found what I was looking for. Drew Jordan gave me the element of a love story, but she wrapped it up in a beautiful black bow accompanied with thorns. Each chapter had me falling more and more in love with the tale, even if that concerns me slightly. I love how honest and raw it is, how Laney is completely truthful, even if her thoughts don't make sense. The secrets were probably my favorite part - I believed Laney was this sweet little girl who was slowly becoming tainted by this stranger, but I eventually realized there's more to her than meets the eye. I'm very excited to read Hide, the next book in the Crash series, and I look forward to revealing more deep, dark secrets from both Laney and Stranger.
This story is not full of rainbows and butterflies. There are no moments that make your heart swell with overwhelming happiness, or when tears of joy threaten to spill over, or even when you feel that satisfaction of a happy ending. Heck no, Crash is absolutely not that story - and I've never been so grateful. I'm a romance fan, through and through, but sometimes I come across too many that are so sweet, I almost feel sick when I'm finished reading (once I come down from the high of a happily ever after, of course). I'd been searching for a book that had the romance quality but offered a twist, a dark element that would keep me on my toes and pique my interest. I found it, thanks to an e-mail that offers free Ebooks. From the beginning, I knew Stranger (as I've dubbed him) was different: his eyes were too cold, his expression was too rough, his demeanor was too rugged; which is how I immediately knew I'd found what I was looking for. Drew Jordan gave me the element of a love story, but she wrapped it up in a beautiful black bow accompanied with thorns. Each chapter had me falling more and more in love with the tale, even if that concerns me slightly. I love how honest and raw it is, how Laney is completely truthful, even if her thoughts don't make sense. The secrets were probably my favorite part - I believed Laney was this sweet little girl who was slowly becoming tainted by this stranger, but I eventually realized there's more to her than meets the eye. I'm very excited to read Hide, the next book in the Crash series, and I look forward to revealing more deep, dark secrets from both Laney and Stranger.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Fetching (Unleashed Romance #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
There is steam a-plenty, but not ever so explicit
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
The man drove her nuts, making negative comments about her business! But Lord he was preety to look at. Wyatt has an opinion about everything, and it riles Sydney up no end. When Sydney finds out why he was sent to help, she ain't happy, not at all. She can't mis business and pleasure, can she?
I enjoyed this, a lot. I didn't love it though and I'll tell you why shortly.
I loved Sydney, I really did. She won't let Wyatt help, because it's HER business, it belongs to her family. She knows she needs help, she just doesn't want Wyatt's.
Wyatt is a bit more difficult to like, especially until we get his say. He really does rile Sydney up, and at points he riles ME up, but once we get into his head, his motivation becomes clear: Sydney could well be the one for him to fix the heart that was broken 3 years ago.
There is steam a-plenty, but not ever so explicit. As much as I enjoy the down and oh-so-dirty books, sometimes, it's not needed.
You can see what's gonna happen when Sydney finds out what Wyatt does like a train wreck you can't stop, but I do like that.
Why not loved it? Simple. First person. Present tense. AND multi point of view. Quite possibly my trifecta of hell BUT I am trying to give books written as such a chance, and I'm glad I did with this one.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
The man drove her nuts, making negative comments about her business! But Lord he was preety to look at. Wyatt has an opinion about everything, and it riles Sydney up no end. When Sydney finds out why he was sent to help, she ain't happy, not at all. She can't mis business and pleasure, can she?
I enjoyed this, a lot. I didn't love it though and I'll tell you why shortly.
I loved Sydney, I really did. She won't let Wyatt help, because it's HER business, it belongs to her family. She knows she needs help, she just doesn't want Wyatt's.
Wyatt is a bit more difficult to like, especially until we get his say. He really does rile Sydney up, and at points he riles ME up, but once we get into his head, his motivation becomes clear: Sydney could well be the one for him to fix the heart that was broken 3 years ago.
There is steam a-plenty, but not ever so explicit. As much as I enjoy the down and oh-so-dirty books, sometimes, it's not needed.
You can see what's gonna happen when Sydney finds out what Wyatt does like a train wreck you can't stop, but I do like that.
Why not loved it? Simple. First person. Present tense. AND multi point of view. Quite possibly my trifecta of hell BUT I am trying to give books written as such a chance, and I'm glad I did with this one.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Just One Look in Books
Dec 17, 2020
This is the tenth book in my #atozchallenge! I'm challenging myself to read a book from my shelves that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Let's clear those shelves and delve into that backlist!
When Grace Lawson picks up a set of photos from the store, she finds a strange photo in the envelope. It shows a group of four people she doesn't know. But one, she does: her husband, long before she knew him. When she shows him that evening, he leaves their home mysteriously. Soon a crazy series of events kicks off, and while Grace doesn't realize it, there are people who would do anything--even kill--to keep that photo from seeing the light of day.
This was my first Harlan Coben read--I have a bunch of Coben books I've collected sitting on my shelves, so it seemed like a great choice for my challenge. This was the supreme page turner. I had no idea where this book was going most of the time! It's filled with twists and turns, and it kept me guessing! There are a few real "coincidences," but they didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story at all. This was one of those plain 'ol good mysteries. I hadn't realized it was set in the mid-1990s (the development of film should have been a dead giveaway, ha), but it stood the test of time. There are creepy bad guys who fight the good guys. Sometimes you just need a tale of good versus evil with lots of twists to take your mind off of things.
Overall, an enjoyable and puzzling read. 3.5 stars. I'll definitely need to read more of the Coben books on my shelves.
When Grace Lawson picks up a set of photos from the store, she finds a strange photo in the envelope. It shows a group of four people she doesn't know. But one, she does: her husband, long before she knew him. When she shows him that evening, he leaves their home mysteriously. Soon a crazy series of events kicks off, and while Grace doesn't realize it, there are people who would do anything--even kill--to keep that photo from seeing the light of day.
This was my first Harlan Coben read--I have a bunch of Coben books I've collected sitting on my shelves, so it seemed like a great choice for my challenge. This was the supreme page turner. I had no idea where this book was going most of the time! It's filled with twists and turns, and it kept me guessing! There are a few real "coincidences," but they didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story at all. This was one of those plain 'ol good mysteries. I hadn't realized it was set in the mid-1990s (the development of film should have been a dead giveaway, ha), but it stood the test of time. There are creepy bad guys who fight the good guys. Sometimes you just need a tale of good versus evil with lots of twists to take your mind off of things.
Overall, an enjoyable and puzzling read. 3.5 stars. I'll definitely need to read more of the Coben books on my shelves.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020) in Movies
Dec 23, 2020
Stupid Sometimes is Different From Dumb
There is a "danger" to a 50-something year old actor playing a role that they originated as a young adult actor. Especially when the role is the one that a whole generation associates with that actor even when there are at least three other characters one could recognize as the actor's. But the analysis of Keanu Reeves's career, especially the more experimental aspects, is worthy of a blog post or podcast episode.
Bill and Ted Face the Music is the third entry in the series released 29 years after the second one. Bill and Ted are now middle-aged parents still trying to write the song that will unite the world and bring about a utopian society. But once again, that future is threatened unless Bill and Ted can fulfill their destiny. Reality is starting to unravel as George Washington is transported to another time, Babe Ruth takes his place, and Kid Cudi comes to San Dimas. Bill and Ted hijack a time machine and consult with future selves to take the song to their time.
First, I was happy to see the original actors for Missy and Col. Logan also return. Second, the actresses playing the two teenage daughters really captured the essence of Bill and Ted. Third, the couples therapy was a brilliant idea although I am not sure that medieval princesses would really consider this modern-day novelty. Lastly, it was a great idea to have different versions of Bill and Ted to cover the fact that Keanu and Alex are too old to play overgrown versions of the teenage Bill and Ted.
My only complaint was the undercooked screenplay. It had ideas but abruptly ended the threads.
Bill and Ted Face the Music is the third entry in the series released 29 years after the second one. Bill and Ted are now middle-aged parents still trying to write the song that will unite the world and bring about a utopian society. But once again, that future is threatened unless Bill and Ted can fulfill their destiny. Reality is starting to unravel as George Washington is transported to another time, Babe Ruth takes his place, and Kid Cudi comes to San Dimas. Bill and Ted hijack a time machine and consult with future selves to take the song to their time.
First, I was happy to see the original actors for Missy and Col. Logan also return. Second, the actresses playing the two teenage daughters really captured the essence of Bill and Ted. Third, the couples therapy was a brilliant idea although I am not sure that medieval princesses would really consider this modern-day novelty. Lastly, it was a great idea to have different versions of Bill and Ted to cover the fact that Keanu and Alex are too old to play overgrown versions of the teenage Bill and Ted.
My only complaint was the undercooked screenplay. It had ideas but abruptly ended the threads.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Kahayatle (Apocalypsis, #1) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I can't actually remember where I got this - probably Instafreebie or from the author's newsletter - but I know I got my copy for free.
The book's about a couple of kids coming together after the death of every adult and young child. It's hard to survive, with everyone fighting over any supplies, but things are getting really bad - as in, cannibalism bad.
Bryn partners herself with the skinny, gay kid hiding next door, despite knowing he's not gonna be much help in the defense department. He tells her about the death of his little sister - eaten by other kids. They decide it's no longer safe to stay where they are, and are proven right when attacked inside their home. They plan to retreat to the everglades, where the swamps should be inhospitable enough for others to avoid them, but still safe enough to survive in. On their way, they find Bodo, a German exchange student.
Eventually, they do end up at their destination. But the everglades - or Kahayatle, as the indians call it - hold many new problems.
I did notice a fair few grammar mistakes, and just generally found this book a little unprofessional at times. Often, I find unprofessional books really hard to read - but I actually enjoyed this. I'm even considering buying (or borrowing) the rest of the series.
The tiny bits of romance did seem a little out-of-place, not integrated particularly well sometimes. But I suppose it'll be developed later in the series, and I didn't find it too lovey or anything, which is definitely good.
With a bit more polishing, I think this could easily be a 4 star book. But for now, I'm going to give it 3.5. It was a good read, but there are some improvements that could be made.
The book's about a couple of kids coming together after the death of every adult and young child. It's hard to survive, with everyone fighting over any supplies, but things are getting really bad - as in, cannibalism bad.
Bryn partners herself with the skinny, gay kid hiding next door, despite knowing he's not gonna be much help in the defense department. He tells her about the death of his little sister - eaten by other kids. They decide it's no longer safe to stay where they are, and are proven right when attacked inside their home. They plan to retreat to the everglades, where the swamps should be inhospitable enough for others to avoid them, but still safe enough to survive in. On their way, they find Bodo, a German exchange student.
Eventually, they do end up at their destination. But the everglades - or Kahayatle, as the indians call it - hold many new problems.
I did notice a fair few grammar mistakes, and just generally found this book a little unprofessional at times. Often, I find unprofessional books really hard to read - but I actually enjoyed this. I'm even considering buying (or borrowing) the rest of the series.
The tiny bits of romance did seem a little out-of-place, not integrated particularly well sometimes. But I suppose it'll be developed later in the series, and I didn't find it too lovey or anything, which is definitely good.
With a bit more polishing, I think this could easily be a 4 star book. But for now, I'm going to give it 3.5. It was a good read, but there are some improvements that could be made.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated All Our Yesterdays in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Okay, the plot of this book is kind of complicated and my summary probably won't do it justice, but here goes:
Em and Finn have been held prisoners in their cells for months. The doctor puts them through horrific interrogations on a regular basis, trying to determine the location of some documents he believes to be in the possession of Finn and Em.
Em is obsessed with the drain in the centre of her cell, positive that it has some kind of important meaning. Eventually, she manages to unscrew it, and discovers something incredibly unexpected; a note from herself.
With the the help of Mike Connor, a guard that other versions of themselves had convinced to help them in the past, Em and Finn escape their cells and make their way to Cassandra. Before the doctor can stop them, they switch on the machine and are transported four years into the past.
This is written from two different perspectives; Em's, and Marina's. Through each girl's story, we discover the truth about the doctor, Cassandra, and the death of Nate, the brother of Marina's childhood love's brother.
I know this all sounds really complicated, and sometimes it does get that way, but it is written so well. Em looks at Marina like she's a different person, which I suppose she is, really. The relationships between each version of Marina/Em and the two different boys is so unique to this book. I suppose it's a regular love triangle, but at the same time, it's not.
I really liked this book. It's not quite made it's way to my favourites list due to the fact that there were times where I got a little bit lost. But it definitely deserves 4.5 stars, because it is such an gripping, unique book. I'm so glad I read this.
BookMarked
Em and Finn have been held prisoners in their cells for months. The doctor puts them through horrific interrogations on a regular basis, trying to determine the location of some documents he believes to be in the possession of Finn and Em.
Em is obsessed with the drain in the centre of her cell, positive that it has some kind of important meaning. Eventually, she manages to unscrew it, and discovers something incredibly unexpected; a note from herself.
With the the help of Mike Connor, a guard that other versions of themselves had convinced to help them in the past, Em and Finn escape their cells and make their way to Cassandra. Before the doctor can stop them, they switch on the machine and are transported four years into the past.
This is written from two different perspectives; Em's, and Marina's. Through each girl's story, we discover the truth about the doctor, Cassandra, and the death of Nate, the brother of Marina's childhood love's brother.
I know this all sounds really complicated, and sometimes it does get that way, but it is written so well. Em looks at Marina like she's a different person, which I suppose she is, really. The relationships between each version of Marina/Em and the two different boys is so unique to this book. I suppose it's a regular love triangle, but at the same time, it's not.
I really liked this book. It's not quite made it's way to my favourites list due to the fact that there were times where I got a little bit lost. But it definitely deserves 4.5 stars, because it is such an gripping, unique book. I'm so glad I read this.
BookMarked
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated And Another Thing...(Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #6) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I adored the first couple of books in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams, and although this isn't by the same author, I was still pretty excited to read it.
Colfer has managed to capture the voice of Adams incredibly well, including the same nonsensical tone and randomness that made the first books so popular. The main difference between the writers is the length of the book; this addition to the series is considerably longer than the originals.
All our favourite characters are back, including the mean green dude who's insulting everyone in the universe. This guy, who we discover is named Bowerick Wowbagger, has a surprisingly important role in this novel.
Arthur, Random, Trillion, Ford and Zaphod are all causing havoc yet again, unintentionally as per usual. They find themselves on Nano, a new planet colonised by the last remaining Earthlings after the destruction of Earth. Thor becomes Zaphod's client, the immortal Bowerick has his mind set on death, and Trillian finds herself strangely attracted to this suicidal being. So yeah, everything's normal.
I did get a little lost and uninterested during certain parts about Nano, but some of the little bits of dialogue or subtle jokes are just fantastic. If you didn't already know this was by a different author, you may not have even noticed.
I'm not sure the series needed to be six books long, as the best books are definitely the first couple. But none of the books in this series are bad, and are all worth reading in my opinion. Sometimes I wasn't sure this book deserved more than 3 or 3.5 stars, but by the end I decided it should get 4.
Colfer has managed to capture the voice of Adams incredibly well, including the same nonsensical tone and randomness that made the first books so popular. The main difference between the writers is the length of the book; this addition to the series is considerably longer than the originals.
All our favourite characters are back, including the mean green dude who's insulting everyone in the universe. This guy, who we discover is named Bowerick Wowbagger, has a surprisingly important role in this novel.
Arthur, Random, Trillion, Ford and Zaphod are all causing havoc yet again, unintentionally as per usual. They find themselves on Nano, a new planet colonised by the last remaining Earthlings after the destruction of Earth. Thor becomes Zaphod's client, the immortal Bowerick has his mind set on death, and Trillian finds herself strangely attracted to this suicidal being. So yeah, everything's normal.
I did get a little lost and uninterested during certain parts about Nano, but some of the little bits of dialogue or subtle jokes are just fantastic. If you didn't already know this was by a different author, you may not have even noticed.
I'm not sure the series needed to be six books long, as the best books are definitely the first couple. But none of the books in this series are bad, and are all worth reading in my opinion. Sometimes I wasn't sure this book deserved more than 3 or 3.5 stars, but by the end I decided it should get 4.
Natacha (374 KP) rated The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) in Books
Jun 29, 2019
A nice easy read
This was another book that I wanted to pick up when I got back into reading but I ended up reading The Name of the Wind instead. I should have picked this one up...
This was an easy and interesting read. We have a strong female main character and we see that through her actions and not just because the author tells us so.
Things that I liked:
-Lia. She is strong, stubborn and she cares a lot about her friends.
-The mystery of who is the assassin and who is the prince. I thought that was a nice idea, it kept me guessing for a little but if you pay attention to a couple of details you'll guess who is who.
-Love triangle. Yes, that's an unpopular opinion but well-done love triangles are my guilty pleasure.
-Lia's actions have consequences that she needs to deal with.
Things I didn't like:
-This is the first of a trilogy so this was mostly to get to know the characters. The majority of the book is Lia getting on with her new life in Terravin and getting to know Kaden and Rafe, and falling in love. So not too much action.
Worth mentioning:
-If you like complex magic systems in your fantasy book this is not it. There is not magic as see in epic fantasy. The gift that some people have in the book, is another way to say that they are some kind of psychic. They can see into the past and future, sometimes with the help of the dead. And that's all we get magic wise., so don't go in expecting complex magic systems.
This was an easy and interesting read. We have a strong female main character and we see that through her actions and not just because the author tells us so.
Things that I liked:
-Lia. She is strong, stubborn and she cares a lot about her friends.
-The mystery of who is the assassin and who is the prince. I thought that was a nice idea, it kept me guessing for a little but if you pay attention to a couple of details you'll guess who is who.
-Love triangle. Yes, that's an unpopular opinion but well-done love triangles are my guilty pleasure.
-Lia's actions have consequences that she needs to deal with.
Things I didn't like:
-This is the first of a trilogy so this was mostly to get to know the characters. The majority of the book is Lia getting on with her new life in Terravin and getting to know Kaden and Rafe, and falling in love. So not too much action.
Worth mentioning:
-If you like complex magic systems in your fantasy book this is not it. There is not magic as see in epic fantasy. The gift that some people have in the book, is another way to say that they are some kind of psychic. They can see into the past and future, sometimes with the help of the dead. And that's all we get magic wise., so don't go in expecting complex magic systems.
Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Sep 27, 2019
The cast (3 more)
The score
Realistic science
Beautiful VFX
Anticlimactic/possibly unreliable ending (3 more)
Awkward voiceover
Pacing? Some would disagree....
Action scenes are kind of shoehorned in
Beautiful and haunting
First off, you've got to see this in the theater if you're going to see it. The sparse lunar and Martian vistas, not to mention the star-strewn expanses of space, will be so much less impressive on your living room television. The cast is amazing, though there's not nearly enough Tommy Lee Jones or Donald Sutherland. The tone is haunting and uncomfortable, aided by a subdued score that at times seems to pay tribute to the soundless vacuum in which parts of the film are set. The science is up to date, in that it accurately reflects the fact that after getting sidetracked for a decade or four, we're back to using rockets to explore the solar system. The plot is at heart an exploration of humanity, our needs, drives, relationships and obsessive stubbornness, and dips somewhat into questions of sanity and mental health, again sometimes uncomfortably, though the slow-burn pacing is not for everyone. There are occasional action sequences, but they often feel disconnected and shoehorned in. The ending was a little anti-climactic, and I'm not entirely sure it actually happened - it's barely a spoiler to suggest that the protagonist is in danger as the ending nears, and everything that follows his return to Earth could easily be a dream or dying hallucination (and in fact if argue that this would be a stronger ending). The voiceover was a bit awkward, and would have benefitted from an in-story justification such as the character journalling or leaving a sealed log of some sort. Basically, I think it was worth seeing, but it's not going to be for everyone.
Elizabeth Sharrod (5 KP) rated Underworld by Tonight Alive in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Have played this album on repeat all year
I stumbled up on this album on Spotify when I should have been doing uni work. The plan was to find a band I didn't know and listen to them so I had some background noise and I wouldn't get distracted. Unfortunately it took a few loops off this album to realise, I was dancing in the chair more than typing words to a page.
So, Tonight Alive are a band from Australia and the album also features other artists, one well known one being the lead singer of Slipknot and although I'm not a fan of Slipknot, boy can that guy sing well in the track "Underworld" I beautiful ballad.
At the time of first binging this album, I was suffering with sciatica and the track "Temple" was fun to listen to because hey my body IS a temple and "why does it hurt like hell?" The album has a range of tracks from get up on your feet and hop around shaking your head (unless you have sciatica or a slipped disc) to the ones where you will happily push out a ballad in almost perfect harmony while have a shower.
I wish I had listened to this band in my younger days where sciatica wasn't an issue but alas, it has been my go-to album... Even when I start to drift a way, I find myself putting this one back on while doing the school run. It has gotten to a point where my kids know the words to the songs. The songs are written with such poetry, filled will beautiful imagery that makes me sometimes question my descriptive work but yes, this band is so talented and I hope one day I get to see them live.
So, Tonight Alive are a band from Australia and the album also features other artists, one well known one being the lead singer of Slipknot and although I'm not a fan of Slipknot, boy can that guy sing well in the track "Underworld" I beautiful ballad.
At the time of first binging this album, I was suffering with sciatica and the track "Temple" was fun to listen to because hey my body IS a temple and "why does it hurt like hell?" The album has a range of tracks from get up on your feet and hop around shaking your head (unless you have sciatica or a slipped disc) to the ones where you will happily push out a ballad in almost perfect harmony while have a shower.
I wish I had listened to this band in my younger days where sciatica wasn't an issue but alas, it has been my go-to album... Even when I start to drift a way, I find myself putting this one back on while doing the school run. It has gotten to a point where my kids know the words to the songs. The songs are written with such poetry, filled will beautiful imagery that makes me sometimes question my descriptive work but yes, this band is so talented and I hope one day I get to see them live.