Search
I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this book, knowing that it was about a man stalking a woman. But I decided to give it a try and before I gave the TV series a try.
I was blown away by Caroline Kepnes’s writing, it drew me in from the first page and made me want to keep reading so much that I had to force myself to put it down to sleep.
It is all written from the perspective of Joe Goldberg as he falls in love with Guinevere Beck. The trouble is Guinevere (or Beck as she prefers to be called) doesn’t know who he is and has a boyfriend of her own. Joe begins to stalk Beck and try to learn everything about her by watching her while she is in her apartment.
After a while, Joe and Beck finally go on a date and Joe starts to see his dreams become a reality… while Beck is still hung up on her ex. Joe knows that he needs to do something about him and all of the other people in Beck’s life that take the focus away from him.
This book gives an insight into the delusions that a stalker might have that leads them to start stalking the object of their desire. Whilst I enjoyed reading the book, at times it was quite disturbing to read some of Joe’s thought processes and how he wasn’t wrong, everyone else was.
I will be looking at reading the sequel at some point in the future as I would like to know what else Joe gets up to.
I was blown away by Caroline Kepnes’s writing, it drew me in from the first page and made me want to keep reading so much that I had to force myself to put it down to sleep.
It is all written from the perspective of Joe Goldberg as he falls in love with Guinevere Beck. The trouble is Guinevere (or Beck as she prefers to be called) doesn’t know who he is and has a boyfriend of her own. Joe begins to stalk Beck and try to learn everything about her by watching her while she is in her apartment.
After a while, Joe and Beck finally go on a date and Joe starts to see his dreams become a reality… while Beck is still hung up on her ex. Joe knows that he needs to do something about him and all of the other people in Beck’s life that take the focus away from him.
This book gives an insight into the delusions that a stalker might have that leads them to start stalking the object of their desire. Whilst I enjoyed reading the book, at times it was quite disturbing to read some of Joe’s thought processes and how he wasn’t wrong, everyone else was.
I will be looking at reading the sequel at some point in the future as I would like to know what else Joe gets up to.
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Code Blue (Atrous Series #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
CODE BLUE is a follow-up to Code Red, the first in this duo. Now, I LOVED Code Red, so this one can't possibly be as good, can it? It's an N.R. Walker book - OF COURSE, it can!!!
I got my wish - I got more of Steve and Jeremy. What I wasn't prepared for was how much I would fall in love with both of them as they struggle with certain feelings, situations, and people.
Told completely from Steve's point of view, we see him struggle with his love for Jeremy when a stalker becomes apparent. He also has secrets from his past that come back to bite him in the butt, but which help to explain his feelings. Jeremy is also struggling with his health, which doesn't help matters. Code Red was on tour, this one is mainly at Jeremy's home for reasons that become apparent. And, yes, the name of the book means something!
I was so happy to see Moscoe here and the support they provided. The epilogue had me in tears for both couples, but then I'm sappy that way.
This was an amazing sequel and I'm delighted N.R. Walker wrote it. This is definitely a duology for me to buy in paperback, so I can look at them on my shelves, and fall in love with them all over again.
Absolutely fantastic and completely and utterly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 23, 2022
I got my wish - I got more of Steve and Jeremy. What I wasn't prepared for was how much I would fall in love with both of them as they struggle with certain feelings, situations, and people.
Told completely from Steve's point of view, we see him struggle with his love for Jeremy when a stalker becomes apparent. He also has secrets from his past that come back to bite him in the butt, but which help to explain his feelings. Jeremy is also struggling with his health, which doesn't help matters. Code Red was on tour, this one is mainly at Jeremy's home for reasons that become apparent. And, yes, the name of the book means something!
I was so happy to see Moscoe here and the support they provided. The epilogue had me in tears for both couples, but then I'm sappy that way.
This was an amazing sequel and I'm delighted N.R. Walker wrote it. This is definitely a duology for me to buy in paperback, so I can look at them on my shelves, and fall in love with them all over again.
Absolutely fantastic and completely and utterly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 23, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Scorch (Homecoming Hearts #1) in Books
Apr 5, 2018
a deliciously sexy read!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required, however, I found this review written up on my desk when I cleared it off, so here it is!
Faced with the end of his boy band career, 23yr old Blake runs home to his family, only to find his parents have signed him up to an internet reality show. Elion happens to have had a crush on Blake since school. When the film crew following Blake blow an innocent encounter into something massive, Blake finds himself with Elion as a boyfriend. What starts off as a fictitious relationship rapidly turns into a real one for both young men. But someone doesn't want Blake to have Elion and both men could be in grave danger.
How I can file a book on the "crime/thriller" shelf AND the "too stinking cute" shelf is beyond my current comprehensive, but when a book tells me that's where it needs to be, who am I to argue!
The crime bit comes from the stalker/superfan who has targeted Blake as the object of their affections. I did see that one coming at me a mile off, though, and it's great to watch my ideas unfolding correctly. Ms Welch knows how to keep you on your toes, and even if I did see who it was, I did NOT see it going down like that!
And the too stinking cute bit is the way Elion and Blake develop their relationship. Because, yes, in the beginning, it was all for show, it very quickly became something else for both of them. Something very REAL. And I loved watching that happen!
A very delicious, steamy, sexy read.
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Faced with the end of his boy band career, 23yr old Blake runs home to his family, only to find his parents have signed him up to an internet reality show. Elion happens to have had a crush on Blake since school. When the film crew following Blake blow an innocent encounter into something massive, Blake finds himself with Elion as a boyfriend. What starts off as a fictitious relationship rapidly turns into a real one for both young men. But someone doesn't want Blake to have Elion and both men could be in grave danger.
How I can file a book on the "crime/thriller" shelf AND the "too stinking cute" shelf is beyond my current comprehensive, but when a book tells me that's where it needs to be, who am I to argue!
The crime bit comes from the stalker/superfan who has targeted Blake as the object of their affections. I did see that one coming at me a mile off, though, and it's great to watch my ideas unfolding correctly. Ms Welch knows how to keep you on your toes, and even if I did see who it was, I did NOT see it going down like that!
And the too stinking cute bit is the way Elion and Blake develop their relationship. Because, yes, in the beginning, it was all for show, it very quickly became something else for both of them. Something very REAL. And I loved watching that happen!
A very delicious, steamy, sexy read.
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Chat Love in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Let me start by saying that this was a cute little love story, that I read quickly. I give it such a low rating mainly because it was pretty predictable and I figured out what was going to happen 1/3 of the way into the book.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated One Hour Photo (2002) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018
Original and Twitchy. Deserves to Be seen
Contains spoilers, click to show
I would normally expect to be able to happilyh re-watch any film I had given a '9' to but, in truth, it would probably be over-stating it to say that I could 'happily' watch this again. I almost certainly will, but as with such films as 'Seven' and 'Nil by Mouth' this is probably a once-a-decade film.
However it is so good it warrants a 9/10, so don't be put off.
Williams plays the seemingly-happy and very customer-friendly manager of a photo developing kiosk in a large store.
It quickly becomes obvious that he has developed an obsession with one family that use the service quite often, and that he is not as he appears to be.
None of this especially original, the originality comes from what the film-makers do with the situation from that point on.
Firstly, Williams' character is unusually symapthetic. Secondly, that sympathy remains for the duration of the film. As his odd behaviour moves up a level, and he begins to stalk the family, you find your self squriming in your seat at the prospect of him being caught. As the film progresses towards an end that you *know* can only be catastrophic for him and the family, you find you are still as concerned for the effect it will have on the Stalker as the Stalked.
The culmination of all this is perfectly in keeping with the film, which can't have been an easy trick to pull off, and at no time does it disappoint.
Williams,genius that he was, carries this role wonderfully. Rare proof that he was as exceptional an actor as he was funny-man.
You will squirm, twitch and quite possibly cry, but it will have been worth it.
However it is so good it warrants a 9/10, so don't be put off.
Williams plays the seemingly-happy and very customer-friendly manager of a photo developing kiosk in a large store.
It quickly becomes obvious that he has developed an obsession with one family that use the service quite often, and that he is not as he appears to be.
None of this especially original, the originality comes from what the film-makers do with the situation from that point on.
Firstly, Williams' character is unusually symapthetic. Secondly, that sympathy remains for the duration of the film. As his odd behaviour moves up a level, and he begins to stalk the family, you find your self squriming in your seat at the prospect of him being caught. As the film progresses towards an end that you *know* can only be catastrophic for him and the family, you find you are still as concerned for the effect it will have on the Stalker as the Stalked.
The culmination of all this is perfectly in keeping with the film, which can't have been an easy trick to pull off, and at no time does it disappoint.
Williams,genius that he was, carries this role wonderfully. Rare proof that he was as exceptional an actor as he was funny-man.
You will squirm, twitch and quite possibly cry, but it will have been worth it.
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated The Escort (Night Series #2) in Books
Feb 16, 2018
excellent follow up!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the Night Series, but you don't need to have read book one, One Night first. I recommend you DO though, cos that book is HOT!!!
This one is more a slow burner, heat wise, but both Ethan and Joe have lusted after the other for over a year. When Ethan reveals he has a stalker, Joe goes all ALPHA male on him, and finally admits to himself at least, how he really feels about Ethan.
From the moment Ethan saw Joe, he knew he would be his, he'd wait til Joe finally rid himself of his silly "no mixing work and pleasure" rule. Joe wants Ethan, more than anyone he ever met, he just needs to see past the fact that Ethan is staff.
Like I said, more of a slow burner, it takes time for the guys to FINALLY admit to themselves who they really want, but once they do, its on, baby!
I'm not one for early profession of love and forever, but, while the guys use those words to THEMSELVES, its not till the very end of the book, they admit their feeling to each other. It's right and proper for this book and these guys.
Cam and Gabe pop up here too, so that's Brownie points from me!
I liked that Ethan manages to keep his secret net worth from, not only Joe, but US too, til right at the end. WE don't get told that news though, at all! Loved that Ethan didn't keep his money, too.
Excellent follow up, keep them coming! Loving these!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the Night Series, but you don't need to have read book one, One Night first. I recommend you DO though, cos that book is HOT!!!
This one is more a slow burner, heat wise, but both Ethan and Joe have lusted after the other for over a year. When Ethan reveals he has a stalker, Joe goes all ALPHA male on him, and finally admits to himself at least, how he really feels about Ethan.
From the moment Ethan saw Joe, he knew he would be his, he'd wait til Joe finally rid himself of his silly "no mixing work and pleasure" rule. Joe wants Ethan, more than anyone he ever met, he just needs to see past the fact that Ethan is staff.
Like I said, more of a slow burner, it takes time for the guys to FINALLY admit to themselves who they really want, but once they do, its on, baby!
I'm not one for early profession of love and forever, but, while the guys use those words to THEMSELVES, its not till the very end of the book, they admit their feeling to each other. It's right and proper for this book and these guys.
Cam and Gabe pop up here too, so that's Brownie points from me!
I liked that Ethan manages to keep his secret net worth from, not only Joe, but US too, til right at the end. WE don't get told that news though, at all! Loved that Ethan didn't keep his money, too.
Excellent follow up, keep them coming! Loving these!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated In Harm's Way in Books
Nov 15, 2019
Three siblings, all with troubled marriages. Adele and Blair appear to be the perfect couple, but he has started claiming to have to work late. Adele suspects he is having an affair. Gavin and Monica have a new baby and that is putting a strain on their relationship. Mackenzie and Derek.... well Mackenzie is an alcoholic and Derek has seen her getting into a strange car.
She also claims to have a stalker, although in a drunken outburst at a party she claims he's her lover. When she leaves Derek and disappears, nobody seems to be bothered other than Gavin, who gets DS Andrew Geddes involved. But how far can the investigation get when nobody thinks she's actually missing? Meanwhile Mackenzie finds herself chained in a cellar at the mercy of her abductor...
All this might sound like its giving away important plot points but it really isn't; all of this is obvious from the first few pages. What follows is the story of the three relationships, the six people involved key to the story. The abduction itself is just part of the much bigger story, a story about relationships both between married couples and within families.
Added to this is Andrew Geddes, the world weary but sharp police detective previously seen in the Charlie Cameron novels. It is so good to see him with a case of his own to solve, especially as this is one that may be impossible to prove is actually a case at all.
As with his other books, Mullen carefully misdirects the reader all the way through providing twists and turns both small and large. He skillfully hides clues in plain sight then removes the blindfold from the reader's eyes with one deft phrase or scene.
This is a masterful piece of work from one of the best thriller writers out there.
She also claims to have a stalker, although in a drunken outburst at a party she claims he's her lover. When she leaves Derek and disappears, nobody seems to be bothered other than Gavin, who gets DS Andrew Geddes involved. But how far can the investigation get when nobody thinks she's actually missing? Meanwhile Mackenzie finds herself chained in a cellar at the mercy of her abductor...
All this might sound like its giving away important plot points but it really isn't; all of this is obvious from the first few pages. What follows is the story of the three relationships, the six people involved key to the story. The abduction itself is just part of the much bigger story, a story about relationships both between married couples and within families.
Added to this is Andrew Geddes, the world weary but sharp police detective previously seen in the Charlie Cameron novels. It is so good to see him with a case of his own to solve, especially as this is one that may be impossible to prove is actually a case at all.
As with his other books, Mullen carefully misdirects the reader all the way through providing twists and turns both small and large. He skillfully hides clues in plain sight then removes the blindfold from the reader's eyes with one deft phrase or scene.
This is a masterful piece of work from one of the best thriller writers out there.
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Winning Her (Perfect Stats #1) in Books
Apr 28, 2020
Winning Her is the first book in the Perfect Stats series and we focus on Bane and Dahl, both African-Americans and successful in their own ways. Bane is frustrated because he is blocked by the owner and the coach at the club he works for and constantly feels like he needs to be prepared for the chop. Dahl is an award-winning chef with plenty of TV shows and books behind her. At this point, she is helping her cousin with her restaurant in a vain attempt to keep it afloat.
Now, hold onto your hats, because there is LOT that goes on in this book. I'm still not actually sure when Bane crosses the line of wanting to get back at his ex-wife and just wanting her. I'm also not sure about a lot of went on in this book simply because there is so much. You have all the intrigue of the sports world, the cooking/baking world, drop-beat cousins, cheating cousins, a stalker nanny, (another) ex-wife and her anchor job, and a custody case - to name just a few 'themes' in this story. Due to this, it took me a while to get into it because I just couldn't figure out what was going on!
Once I got into it, I did enjoy the story but I had to work at it. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and would love to know more about Warner. As for Bane and Dahl, I liked them but found the whole thing a bit too confusing for my tastes.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, hold onto your hats, because there is LOT that goes on in this book. I'm still not actually sure when Bane crosses the line of wanting to get back at his ex-wife and just wanting her. I'm also not sure about a lot of went on in this book simply because there is so much. You have all the intrigue of the sports world, the cooking/baking world, drop-beat cousins, cheating cousins, a stalker nanny, (another) ex-wife and her anchor job, and a custody case - to name just a few 'themes' in this story. Due to this, it took me a while to get into it because I just couldn't figure out what was going on!
Once I got into it, I did enjoy the story but I had to work at it. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and would love to know more about Warner. As for Bane and Dahl, I liked them but found the whole thing a bit too confusing for my tastes.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The Invention of Angela Carter: A Biography
Book
Selected as a Book of the Year 2016 in The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times,...
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
8.9
Rate It
Movie Watch
Second big-screen outing for the Monty Python team. As King Arthur (Graham Chapman) rounds up the...