Search
Alison Brie recommended Working Girl (1988) in Movies (curated)
Kaz (232 KP) rated Never Say Spy- Book 1 of the 'Never Say Spy' Series in Books
May 18, 2019 (Updated May 18, 2019)
A Real Page Turner
This book was given to me as a present by a friend and is the first in the 'Never Say Spy' Series.
Firstly, what I really liked about this novel, was that the main character was a woman. This is a book set within a crime/spy environment and it's unusual to have a female main character, within this genre. I also really liked how Aydan Kelly was not portrayed as a weak, helpless victim, who was waiting to be rescued. She had guts and could definitely hold her own in a tricky situation.
This is a very fast- paced novel, from the very beginning. I liked this because you felt like you were finding out things, as Aydan was. This is so gripping, that I found it difficult to put this book down.
I also liked the Sci-Fi element to this novel. Usually I don't like books mixing genres too much, but actually., I wish that it could have been used a bit more, because it makes this different from every other novel within this genre.
I enjoyed reading about the male characters within this novel. They are all very distinctive and I liked that they all had their own identities. I loved the dynamics of the two main male characters with Aydan and it kept me wanted to know how this was going to resolve.
Due to the fact that Aydan Kelly is such as strong character, she has some very funny one liners and I really cared what happened to her. However, my only criticism of this novel would be that, as well as being a feisty woman, she also has a lustful mind. This is good because it's realistic, but, I did feel that these thoughts crept into her mind at the most inappropriate times, particularly when she had just been in an intense, dangerous situation.
This is also violent and gory in places. Although I wouldn't say that these parts were not inappropriate to the story.
I'm generally not a fan of spy novels and films, but I really enjoyed this one. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
Firstly, what I really liked about this novel, was that the main character was a woman. This is a book set within a crime/spy environment and it's unusual to have a female main character, within this genre. I also really liked how Aydan Kelly was not portrayed as a weak, helpless victim, who was waiting to be rescued. She had guts and could definitely hold her own in a tricky situation.
This is a very fast- paced novel, from the very beginning. I liked this because you felt like you were finding out things, as Aydan was. This is so gripping, that I found it difficult to put this book down.
I also liked the Sci-Fi element to this novel. Usually I don't like books mixing genres too much, but actually., I wish that it could have been used a bit more, because it makes this different from every other novel within this genre.
I enjoyed reading about the male characters within this novel. They are all very distinctive and I liked that they all had their own identities. I loved the dynamics of the two main male characters with Aydan and it kept me wanted to know how this was going to resolve.
Due to the fact that Aydan Kelly is such as strong character, she has some very funny one liners and I really cared what happened to her. However, my only criticism of this novel would be that, as well as being a feisty woman, she also has a lustful mind. This is good because it's realistic, but, I did feel that these thoughts crept into her mind at the most inappropriate times, particularly when she had just been in an intense, dangerous situation.
This is also violent and gory in places. Although I wouldn't say that these parts were not inappropriate to the story.
I'm generally not a fan of spy novels and films, but I really enjoyed this one. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Matefinder (Matefinder, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I do not consider myself an expert on werewolf and vampire lore, but I do find them highly fascinating. Matefinder is a quick read, with an interesting story and unique characters.
I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for almost a year, waiting for me to pick it up. I am so glad I finally did. Kai and Aurora's story kept my eyes glued to the page till I finished it well past my bedtime last night.
Aurora is a strong female lead and she carries a powerful gift with her. She has overcome so much, survived so much. Discovering who she is and the strength and power she carries is an incredible thing to witness. Passionate (clean) kisses, intense fight scenes, tenderness, and a family/pack bond that is thicker than blood. If you enjoy books with vampires and werewolves, I recommend Matefinder to you.
**I would consider the rating to be PG-13.**
I received a complimentary copy of Matefinder from the author as part of a giveaway that I won. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for almost a year, waiting for me to pick it up. I am so glad I finally did. Kai and Aurora's story kept my eyes glued to the page till I finished it well past my bedtime last night.
Aurora is a strong female lead and she carries a powerful gift with her. She has overcome so much, survived so much. Discovering who she is and the strength and power she carries is an incredible thing to witness. Passionate (clean) kisses, intense fight scenes, tenderness, and a family/pack bond that is thicker than blood. If you enjoy books with vampires and werewolves, I recommend Matefinder to you.
**I would consider the rating to be PG-13.**
I received a complimentary copy of Matefinder from the author as part of a giveaway that I won. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Alpha Power ( Zamorra & Luther 1) in Books
Sep 6, 2023
121 of 235
Kindle
Alpha Power ( Zamorra & Luther 1)
By T J Maguire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Supernatural live in secret among us
Vampires
Shifters
Demons
Mages
Governed by their own societies and laws, one in which Shifters and Vampires have been enemies for millennia
When a rogue Werewolf Shifter stumbles into Vampire territory she meets an ancient, powerful and mysterious Vampire King
Their attraction to one another is swift and undeniable, despite thousands of years of war and bloodshed between their people
When dark, malevolent forces threaten the fabric of what they could build together, they'll have to fight and fight hard for what it is they want
It will be dark
It will be violent
It will be bloody
But if they can stick together, they just might make it out alive
I really enjoyed this. It was a fun read with really likeable and unlikeable characters as well as a decent story. The main female character is sassy and funny and of course the brooding vampire is a strong male lead. Yea overall a good quick read. Ends on a cliffhanger though!
Kindle
Alpha Power ( Zamorra & Luther 1)
By T J Maguire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Supernatural live in secret among us
Vampires
Shifters
Demons
Mages
Governed by their own societies and laws, one in which Shifters and Vampires have been enemies for millennia
When a rogue Werewolf Shifter stumbles into Vampire territory she meets an ancient, powerful and mysterious Vampire King
Their attraction to one another is swift and undeniable, despite thousands of years of war and bloodshed between their people
When dark, malevolent forces threaten the fabric of what they could build together, they'll have to fight and fight hard for what it is they want
It will be dark
It will be violent
It will be bloody
But if they can stick together, they just might make it out alive
I really enjoyed this. It was a fun read with really likeable and unlikeable characters as well as a decent story. The main female character is sassy and funny and of course the brooding vampire is a strong male lead. Yea overall a good quick read. Ends on a cliffhanger though!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated War of Gods Box Set (War of Gods #1-4) in Books
Nov 5, 2017
War of Gods Box Set (War of Gods #1-4) by Lizzy Ford
War of Gods Box Set features the first four books in this series by Lizzy Ford. I understand there is a spin-off featuring at least Xander, but I'm not sure about the rest of the characters. I had previously read Danian's Oracle and couldn't wait to continue with this series. I wasn't disappointed! The female characters are strong in their own right, and not afraid to stand up to the male in their lives. The men are stubborn and opinionated, but tamed (sorted of) by their women. The stories all link up, so I would recommend that you read them as a series, just so that you don't get confused with what is going on, or what has gone on before. The writing is smooth in most places, but sometimes felt a bit jerky when it came to the love scenes that weren't written. Instead of fading to black, they abruptly cut to black, and then to the following morning. This wasn't a big issue, it just felt more obvious considering how smooth the rest of the writing was.
I loved Damian's Oracle and The Grey God. Whilst I didn't 'love' the others, I still thoroughly enjoyed them! I have no hesitation in recommending this series for all those who love feisty females and macho males.
* Verified Purchase ~ August 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved Damian's Oracle and The Grey God. Whilst I didn't 'love' the others, I still thoroughly enjoyed them! I have no hesitation in recommending this series for all those who love feisty females and macho males.
* Verified Purchase ~ August 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Last Girl in Books
Dec 11, 2017
A good first part
This is a very intriguing idea for a story, although bleak dystopian futures appear to be all the rage at the moment. Set in the near future where women have virtually stopped giving birth to girls, where a group of young women are being held in a centre called the ARC - it starts off well and centres around Zoey in her daily routine. This first part is interesting, as you learn about life in the ARC and it keeps you hooked as you try and figure out with Zoey what’s going on. For me this is the best part of the book, as it goes a little downhill from there.
The second half is believable, but potentially far fetched depending solely on survival instinct of someone who has been institutionalised her entire life. Not bad, but I had to allow for a little embellishment and didn’t quite believe 100%. Shame as it’s a very well written and enjoyable book.
The characters themselves are all fairly interesting, although I did wish to see more of certain characters who sadly haven’t made it to the next book. Zoey herself is a strong female lead, obviously taking its lead from the Hunger Games etc. The whole book reminds me a lot of the Wool trilogy, and of Joe Hill’s The Fireman too.
In all, a very good enjoyable first part, and am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
The second half is believable, but potentially far fetched depending solely on survival instinct of someone who has been institutionalised her entire life. Not bad, but I had to allow for a little embellishment and didn’t quite believe 100%. Shame as it’s a very well written and enjoyable book.
The characters themselves are all fairly interesting, although I did wish to see more of certain characters who sadly haven’t made it to the next book. Zoey herself is a strong female lead, obviously taking its lead from the Hunger Games etc. The whole book reminds me a lot of the Wool trilogy, and of Joe Hill’s The Fireman too.
In all, a very good enjoyable first part, and am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
Strong female character (2 more)
Engaging story
Plot twists a plenty
Characters aren't fully developed (1 more)
World isn't fully explored/explained
The story follows the main character of Mare. A girl brought up in poverty where, in her society, she is considered lesser because of her red blood. The elite members of society have silver blood and a range of special abilities which are introduced throughout the book.
Through a series of events Mare ends up living in the Palace with the silver bloods working as an accomplice and spy with the newly formed Scarlet Guard (or the resistance to you and me).
The book sucked me in after a clichéd start to the novel (a fact which is openly mentioned on the front cover of the novel). Once it gets past the sections of the story you swear you've heard before, the plot twists and unexpected elements of the novel come out to play.
There's special powers, secret plots, war, love triangles. Everything you need to make a really exciting read.
My bug bear with this series was the lack of depth. I wanted to know more about the characters and their motivations, I wanted to know more about the world. I felt like too many big (and interesting) concepts were only mentioned in passing rather than given the attention they deserved.
Overall, I did really enjoy this story and I feel compelled to read the other novels in the series but it isn't a favourite.
Through a series of events Mare ends up living in the Palace with the silver bloods working as an accomplice and spy with the newly formed Scarlet Guard (or the resistance to you and me).
The book sucked me in after a clichéd start to the novel (a fact which is openly mentioned on the front cover of the novel). Once it gets past the sections of the story you swear you've heard before, the plot twists and unexpected elements of the novel come out to play.
There's special powers, secret plots, war, love triangles. Everything you need to make a really exciting read.
My bug bear with this series was the lack of depth. I wanted to know more about the characters and their motivations, I wanted to know more about the world. I felt like too many big (and interesting) concepts were only mentioned in passing rather than given the attention they deserved.
Overall, I did really enjoy this story and I feel compelled to read the other novels in the series but it isn't a favourite.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Legacy of Honor (The Stratton Legacy, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This book Legacy of Honor was fantastic. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Renae Brumbaugh Green did a great job with the lay out and characters in this book. It is the first book in her Stratton Legacy Series, and boy am I looking forward to reading more books from her!
Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.
The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.
The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Victims (Hanlon Series #4) in Books
Apr 18, 2021
Once again, I am not disappointed with this, the final book in the series featuring the unconventional DCI Hanlon.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated The Bletchley Circle - Season 1 in TV
Feb 8, 2019 (Updated Feb 8, 2019)
This short series, set post world war II, follows the lives of four women who previously held very important yet highly classified and secret roles during the war.
Susan, the main protagonist, has the Daily Times each day to compete the crossword (a small way to keep get highly intelligent mind engaged) and realises there might be a link and pattern emerging during a couple recent murders of women. She notifies the police but they can't see the pattern themselves so she reconnects with some of her former colleagues from Bletchley to discover what has happened and they try and predict and prevent the next murder from happening.
They end up putting themselves in very dangerous positions and Susan's husband starts to get suspicious that his wife may be dabbling in an extramarital affair due to her recent absences and secrecy.
The characters are all very likable in their own ways and each brings different strengths to the table.
It's refreshing to see a group of women building each other up rather than belittling each other with cattiness. It's also refreshing to see such strong and intelligent women portrayed in this series.
I felt myself going along with this group of ladies, as a fellow investigator, figuring out the connection between the cases and predicting whodunit.
It kept me on the edge of my seat and I really felt the fear and energy the ladies went through as the uncovered the reality.
My only gripe is that the series wasn't long enough!
Susan, the main protagonist, has the Daily Times each day to compete the crossword (a small way to keep get highly intelligent mind engaged) and realises there might be a link and pattern emerging during a couple recent murders of women. She notifies the police but they can't see the pattern themselves so she reconnects with some of her former colleagues from Bletchley to discover what has happened and they try and predict and prevent the next murder from happening.
They end up putting themselves in very dangerous positions and Susan's husband starts to get suspicious that his wife may be dabbling in an extramarital affair due to her recent absences and secrecy.
The characters are all very likable in their own ways and each brings different strengths to the table.
It's refreshing to see a group of women building each other up rather than belittling each other with cattiness. It's also refreshing to see such strong and intelligent women portrayed in this series.
I felt myself going along with this group of ladies, as a fellow investigator, figuring out the connection between the cases and predicting whodunit.
It kept me on the edge of my seat and I really felt the fear and energy the ladies went through as the uncovered the reality.
My only gripe is that the series wasn't long enough!