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Merissa (13555 KP) rated Avenged by Fire (Between Ruin and Salvation #3) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
AVENGED BY FIRE is the third book in the Between Ruin and Salvation series and you must read these books in order, as one follows on from the other.
I won't rehash the storyline - you've got the blurb for that. Suffice it to say it is full-on action once again. Now Ava has beaten Alpha Thomas, she has set her sights on the Council. After all, they do have her parents, child, and mother-in-law! Together with Makaii, they set off around America to form alliances in a bid to take them down. While doing that, the full horror of what the council is doing comes to light - and there is no way that Protector Ava or her associates are going to stand for that!!!
Ava is just as kick-ass as in the other stories and I am finally warming up to Makaii. In fact, I actually felt for him in this book as he tries his best to go against his instincts to wrap Ava up in cotton wool to keep her safe. I may not have been that keen on him but I love their relationship. There are mistakes being made, give and take between two very strong individuals. They haven't just immediately fallen into this perfect life.
Ava also gets to meet more of her family - together with a Fae Prince who is a bit of a jerk, if I'm honest. Mind you, Ava does manage to bring him into line in spectacular fashion. That may be my favourite scene out of the whole book.
Oh, and Bailey sniffs out her mate but avoids him like the plague. I know which one I want for her but I will have to wait and see.
One helluva cliffhanger wraps up one helluva book! I really can't wait for the conclusion and to see Ava in action again. HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 12, 2023
I won't rehash the storyline - you've got the blurb for that. Suffice it to say it is full-on action once again. Now Ava has beaten Alpha Thomas, she has set her sights on the Council. After all, they do have her parents, child, and mother-in-law! Together with Makaii, they set off around America to form alliances in a bid to take them down. While doing that, the full horror of what the council is doing comes to light - and there is no way that Protector Ava or her associates are going to stand for that!!!
Ava is just as kick-ass as in the other stories and I am finally warming up to Makaii. In fact, I actually felt for him in this book as he tries his best to go against his instincts to wrap Ava up in cotton wool to keep her safe. I may not have been that keen on him but I love their relationship. There are mistakes being made, give and take between two very strong individuals. They haven't just immediately fallen into this perfect life.
Ava also gets to meet more of her family - together with a Fae Prince who is a bit of a jerk, if I'm honest. Mind you, Ava does manage to bring him into line in spectacular fashion. That may be my favourite scene out of the whole book.
Oh, and Bailey sniffs out her mate but avoids him like the plague. I know which one I want for her but I will have to wait and see.
One helluva cliffhanger wraps up one helluva book! I really can't wait for the conclusion and to see Ava in action again. HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 12, 2023
Lee Richmond (19 KP) rated Halloween (2018) in Movies
Mar 5, 2019
Face your fate.
It's 1999 and my twenty years younger self is spending the entire year getting hyped for The Phantom Menace. That movie dominated my year. I had queued at ToysRUs when they released the new figures just to get my hands on a Darth Maul and a Podracer. I had brought the CD of John Williams Soundtrack. I had seen every trailer countless times and as soon as they were put on sale I brought two tickets so that I could watch the movie twice on the same day. I sat in the theatre as the Lucasfilm logo appeared and thought 'this is it'. Then the end credits rolled and I left the movie and headed to get something to eat before the next showing, all the while trying to convince myself that I had loved what I had just watched. Truth is I couldn't do it. I hadn't loved it at all. It left me deflated and all I could think was that I had to sit and watch it all again as all that excitement turned to shit with every clunky piece of dialogue and every scene featuring Jar Jar fucking Binks. It hurt and I promised I would never get so hyped for a movie again.
Fast forward to 2018. I had been excited for the prospect of Halloween since it was announced. Jamie Lee was involved and it was a direct sequel. Both of these things had me invested. Then the trailer dropped and that old familiar feeling of hype that I had promised to forgo started to creep over me once more. Now I should add that John Carpenters original 1978 movie is one of my all time favourites. I love that movie. To me it is an example of perfect horror story telling. It's simple yet incredibly effective at doing what it says on the tin and I rewatch it every year on Haloween as a tradition.
Time came for opening night and I had purchased my ticket in advance (but only one this time just in case) and as we sat waiting for the movie to start even my wife commented that I appeared nervous. I was nervous. I had every right to be nervous because the mishandling of something that means so much to me would mean major disappointment. I am a movie geek. Movies mean so much to me, especially Halloween and I take disappointment pretty badly. So the movie played out. That old familiar score played over the top of bright orange titles against a black background as a pumpkin seemed to unrot and I loved it. I loved the steady build to Michaels escape. I loved how being locked up for so long just seemed to make him more relentless. Once he was out and let loose on Haddonfield I was hooked. The killing spree that followed as Michael went from house to house on a rampage fueled by 40 years of incarceration had me mentally punching the air with happiness. Jamie Lee Curtis though was something else all together. Her portrayal of Laurie suffering from four decades of pent up PTSD was nothing short of brilliant. I could really feel for this character that I have adored for so many years. Laurie will always be my number 1 final girl. She survived the original Halloween because she was smart, and wasn't distracted like her sex mad, airhead friends. Seeing how the events of the first film had effected her life so dramatically was like watching an old friend going through a really hard time. The closing twenty minutes literally had me on the edge of my seat as Laurie searches one dark room after another, the hunted becoming the hunter. You know Michael is there lurking somewhere, but where? The final image as a trapped Michael stares up at his escaping prey, so fixed on Laurie that he fails to even notice that he is being engulfed in flames really stuck with me after the credits rolled.
Now I'm not going as far as to say this film was perfect. Some of the humour fell a little flat and felt out of place and I hated the new Dr Loomis character and his plot twist. It felt crowbarred in and completely unnecessary. Had the rest of the film not been as tight it would have taken me out of the movie completely, but thankfully that was not the case. A lot of love and passion went into making this movie. Clearly the film makers are fans of the original and that really comes across on screen. It really honours Carpenters movie and evidently comes across as a love letter more than a cash in. I know this movie divided people. You either loved it or hated it and I am definitely in the camp of the former. Do I want another sequel? If the quality of this one is maintained then hell yeah. Halloween 2018 has taught me that allowing myself to get a little hyped now and again can sometimes be rewarding. Not everything has to be The Phantom Menace.
Fast forward to 2018. I had been excited for the prospect of Halloween since it was announced. Jamie Lee was involved and it was a direct sequel. Both of these things had me invested. Then the trailer dropped and that old familiar feeling of hype that I had promised to forgo started to creep over me once more. Now I should add that John Carpenters original 1978 movie is one of my all time favourites. I love that movie. To me it is an example of perfect horror story telling. It's simple yet incredibly effective at doing what it says on the tin and I rewatch it every year on Haloween as a tradition.
Time came for opening night and I had purchased my ticket in advance (but only one this time just in case) and as we sat waiting for the movie to start even my wife commented that I appeared nervous. I was nervous. I had every right to be nervous because the mishandling of something that means so much to me would mean major disappointment. I am a movie geek. Movies mean so much to me, especially Halloween and I take disappointment pretty badly. So the movie played out. That old familiar score played over the top of bright orange titles against a black background as a pumpkin seemed to unrot and I loved it. I loved the steady build to Michaels escape. I loved how being locked up for so long just seemed to make him more relentless. Once he was out and let loose on Haddonfield I was hooked. The killing spree that followed as Michael went from house to house on a rampage fueled by 40 years of incarceration had me mentally punching the air with happiness. Jamie Lee Curtis though was something else all together. Her portrayal of Laurie suffering from four decades of pent up PTSD was nothing short of brilliant. I could really feel for this character that I have adored for so many years. Laurie will always be my number 1 final girl. She survived the original Halloween because she was smart, and wasn't distracted like her sex mad, airhead friends. Seeing how the events of the first film had effected her life so dramatically was like watching an old friend going through a really hard time. The closing twenty minutes literally had me on the edge of my seat as Laurie searches one dark room after another, the hunted becoming the hunter. You know Michael is there lurking somewhere, but where? The final image as a trapped Michael stares up at his escaping prey, so fixed on Laurie that he fails to even notice that he is being engulfed in flames really stuck with me after the credits rolled.
Now I'm not going as far as to say this film was perfect. Some of the humour fell a little flat and felt out of place and I hated the new Dr Loomis character and his plot twist. It felt crowbarred in and completely unnecessary. Had the rest of the film not been as tight it would have taken me out of the movie completely, but thankfully that was not the case. A lot of love and passion went into making this movie. Clearly the film makers are fans of the original and that really comes across on screen. It really honours Carpenters movie and evidently comes across as a love letter more than a cash in. I know this movie divided people. You either loved it or hated it and I am definitely in the camp of the former. Do I want another sequel? If the quality of this one is maintained then hell yeah. Halloween 2018 has taught me that allowing myself to get a little hyped now and again can sometimes be rewarding. Not everything has to be The Phantom Menace.
Sam (74 KP) rated One Hundred Names in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I was in an awful reading slump and I finally started reading this, knowing Cecelia Ahern always makes me love reading again, and I wasn’t wrong.
I loved Kitty so, so much. She’s a character whose life has been ruined by her mistakes but she still won’t let it completely take over her life. True, what she did wasn’t right when she didn’t collect all of the facts before outing a man. However, this sort of mistake could have ruined her career. But she uses the death of her best friend to fuel her to succeed and move on from her past. Her ability to eventually laugh with others over what happened is admirable, and what makes her such a brilliant character.
I also love the realism here. Kitty has her flaws and has made her mistakes, but so has every single other character in the novel. Everyone has their flaws and nothing is sugar-coated, giving a really strong realistic image.
There were a few moments when Kitty’s decisions annoyed me slightly, mainly later on in the novel where there is one occasion where she is quite spiteful, but in the end it all turns around and her spiteful decision actually helps the person she has a grudge against. I love that this spreads the message of sharing kindness instead of hatred.
I loved Kitty so, so much. She’s a character whose life has been ruined by her mistakes but she still won’t let it completely take over her life. True, what she did wasn’t right when she didn’t collect all of the facts before outing a man. However, this sort of mistake could have ruined her career. But she uses the death of her best friend to fuel her to succeed and move on from her past. Her ability to eventually laugh with others over what happened is admirable, and what makes her such a brilliant character.
I also love the realism here. Kitty has her flaws and has made her mistakes, but so has every single other character in the novel. Everyone has their flaws and nothing is sugar-coated, giving a really strong realistic image.
There were a few moments when Kitty’s decisions annoyed me slightly, mainly later on in the novel where there is one occasion where she is quite spiteful, but in the end it all turns around and her spiteful decision actually helps the person she has a grudge against. I love that this spreads the message of sharing kindness instead of hatred.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Summer of Shambles (Ondine, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
This book really took me by surprise!
The description didn't really entice me to read it, but the fact that the I loved the cover did! I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I did, and I'm so glad I did!
When I read the first chapter, I thought I'd end up not finishing the book as I found it incredible dull and boring. However, by the second or third chapter, I was hooked! So please don't give up on this book if you're not into it by the second chapter.
I loved the characters of Shambles/Hamish (even if he did talk with a Scottish accent, lol) and Ondine. Ondine came across as being very sweet whilst Shambles/Hamish came across as being very opinionated.
I loved, loved, loved the fact that the author included very funny footnotes as I believe this actually did make the book that much better.
I also like the fact that this book doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a very light read, and I felt it was very fast paced.
There were a lot of sub-plots going on which made it more interesting.
I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone in middle school and all other ages that love YA. It's a sweet read =)
The description didn't really entice me to read it, but the fact that the I loved the cover did! I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I did, and I'm so glad I did!
When I read the first chapter, I thought I'd end up not finishing the book as I found it incredible dull and boring. However, by the second or third chapter, I was hooked! So please don't give up on this book if you're not into it by the second chapter.
I loved the characters of Shambles/Hamish (even if he did talk with a Scottish accent, lol) and Ondine. Ondine came across as being very sweet whilst Shambles/Hamish came across as being very opinionated.
I loved, loved, loved the fact that the author included very funny footnotes as I believe this actually did make the book that much better.
I also like the fact that this book doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a very light read, and I felt it was very fast paced.
There were a lot of sub-plots going on which made it more interesting.
I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone in middle school and all other ages that love YA. It's a sweet read =)
Holly (1 KP) rated Pestilence in Books
Jul 17, 2018
Grey morality (2 more)
Narrative voice
Provoked tears
The cover makes it seem like a dime a dozen romance (1 more)
Never addressed possible Stockholm syndrome
Unexpected
I downloaded this book to my kindle thinking it would be a quick mindless read for my daily commute.
It was not.
This is as a book that moved me to tears on said bus, hoping no one would see me and think I was crazy.
The author has created a world in which you find yourself torn between hating and caring for a mass murderer. She uses the idea of the Four Horseman to highlight both the redeemable and the irredeemable facets of humanity. The writing was very enjoyable, and overall this was a great read possibly because I was expecting a trashy romance and instead got death and disease.
There is still romance in the plot, but I’m on the fence about how about it. If you have an issue with overly possessive men who have no boundaries or idea of how much the human body can take, then I wouldn’t recommend it. I also feel as thoug Stockholm night play a lot in the heroines eventual love of Pestilence m, but it was never addressed or even hinted at.
If your looking for a slow burn romance, without the fluff, full of angst and darkness this is definitely worth a go.
It was not.
This is as a book that moved me to tears on said bus, hoping no one would see me and think I was crazy.
The author has created a world in which you find yourself torn between hating and caring for a mass murderer. She uses the idea of the Four Horseman to highlight both the redeemable and the irredeemable facets of humanity. The writing was very enjoyable, and overall this was a great read possibly because I was expecting a trashy romance and instead got death and disease.
There is still romance in the plot, but I’m on the fence about how about it. If you have an issue with overly possessive men who have no boundaries or idea of how much the human body can take, then I wouldn’t recommend it. I also feel as thoug Stockholm night play a lot in the heroines eventual love of Pestilence m, but it was never addressed or even hinted at.
If your looking for a slow burn romance, without the fluff, full of angst and darkness this is definitely worth a go.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Witch (The Cursed Manuscripts) in Books
May 30, 2021
I think I can safely say that I am a fan of Mr Wright's tales; they take me back to my teenage years when I read anything and everything that was described as horror or creepy and even now, in my 50's, I still enjoy a story "from the dark side"!
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
Ducklady (1174 KP) rated Mansions of Madness: Second Edition in Tabletop Games
Aug 25, 2019
Want to play more!
Despite the price tag, I took the plunge on this one. I own the first one and thoroughly enjoyed it, but the lengthy rules put quite a few people off that I was playing with. If you have the patience, then once you’ve learnt the rules then he game goes a lot quicker. This particular edition attracted me as the app makes learning the rules a lot easier. Ive played the shorter adventure twice already and i am keen to do the longer ones if i can get the people to play, although I’m pretty sure you can actually play 1 player. The figures in the game look amazing and all the house/scene tiles are nicely illustrated.
The downside for me is that the longer adventures seem to take a LOT longer than it states on the app which usually leads to it overrunning and a non-completion of the game. When we went to return to the game, the app had deleted where we were, which was frustrating. The app sometimes crashed and reset, but in general it worked smoothly. But saying that, the app really encourages players who aren’t as into board games as I am, meaning I could enlist more players at Christmas time XD.
The downside for me is that the longer adventures seem to take a LOT longer than it states on the app which usually leads to it overrunning and a non-completion of the game. When we went to return to the game, the app had deleted where we were, which was frustrating. The app sometimes crashed and reset, but in general it worked smoothly. But saying that, the app really encourages players who aren’t as into board games as I am, meaning I could enlist more players at Christmas time XD.
Merissa (13555 KP) rated The Dark Heart (Indulgence #4) in Books
Jan 23, 2025
THE DARK HEART is the fourth book in the Indulgence series and MUST be read in order.
After the ending of book three that nearly had me committing Kindle-ocide, we start with this instalment. One thing has become clear - Adom and Terah will do anything to be with the other - even take on another god!
This is a series I will be re-reading just as soon as the series is finished, just so I can enjoy it without any cliffhangers. I did find it a little hard to get back into as it's been some time since I read The Blood Chain, BUT once I was back on track, the pages flew by.
This series has more layers than Shrek's onion and you never know where the next betrayal or surprise will come from. The growth in all the characters, not just Adom and Terah (although their growth is spectacular!), and seeing Terah's family standing together was outstanding.
This is a complex and intricate world, blending cars and phones with science-fantasy that I am thoroughly enjoying and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I can't wait for The Crimson Throne!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2025
After the ending of book three that nearly had me committing Kindle-ocide, we start with this instalment. One thing has become clear - Adom and Terah will do anything to be with the other - even take on another god!
This is a series I will be re-reading just as soon as the series is finished, just so I can enjoy it without any cliffhangers. I did find it a little hard to get back into as it's been some time since I read The Blood Chain, BUT once I was back on track, the pages flew by.
This series has more layers than Shrek's onion and you never know where the next betrayal or surprise will come from. The growth in all the characters, not just Adom and Terah (although their growth is spectacular!), and seeing Terah's family standing together was outstanding.
This is a complex and intricate world, blending cars and phones with science-fantasy that I am thoroughly enjoying and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I can't wait for The Crimson Throne!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2025
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Savage ( Vixen Bluff book 3) in Books
May 15, 2022
85 of 230
Kindle
Savage ( Vixen Bluff book 3)
By C. Black ( Catherine Black)
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
One free-spirited tree hugger running from grief.
One technology-addicted IT manager on the road to self-discovery.
6 states. 1200 miles. 1 cramped SUV.
What could possibly go wrong?
**********
Skyler
I never thought I'd lose the best thing to ever happen to me...and then I did. Without my best friend at my side, the world drains of color and the commune I grew up in no longer feels like home. So I give into the wanderlust plaguing my heart and set out to rid myself of the grief hanging onto my soul like beggar's lice. Then he sits down in front of me in a small roadside diner and everything changes.
Reed is high-strung, materialistic, and shows little to no interest in the world around him, which is the only reason I take him under my wing. I'm bound and determined to teach him how to embrace the hideous beauty that comes with each sunrise, as well as the bliss and heartache that passes with each sunset. But it's hard as hell to learn anything new about life when you're weighed down by a secret, and Reed Stanley's has the power to ruin everything.
Reed
I don't stand a chance with a gypsy witch like Skyler Kassamali, but I don't care. Her tattoos and piercings are enough to intimidate me, but there's something else to her—a sharp sadness—that draws me in and refuses to let go. But she's so much more than a shattered heart lost on a grief-fueled adventure and I want to know her best-kept secrets, all while never revealing my own.
But secrets have a way of undoing you, whether you want them to or not, and despite all my shortcomings, Skyler sees something in me and takes a chance. On an adventure that brings us both to our knees, she teaches me the greatest lesson of all: No matter how convincing the smile is, no matter how untarnished the skin seems to be, no matter how we bend and fold to conform—inside, we're all a little savage.
This was good. It was quite sweet compared to book 2 which was just pure filth. I don’t think it was as good as I wanted it to be the start was a bit patchy but it did all come together nicely in the last third of the book.
Kindle
Savage ( Vixen Bluff book 3)
By C. Black ( Catherine Black)
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
One free-spirited tree hugger running from grief.
One technology-addicted IT manager on the road to self-discovery.
6 states. 1200 miles. 1 cramped SUV.
What could possibly go wrong?
**********
Skyler
I never thought I'd lose the best thing to ever happen to me...and then I did. Without my best friend at my side, the world drains of color and the commune I grew up in no longer feels like home. So I give into the wanderlust plaguing my heart and set out to rid myself of the grief hanging onto my soul like beggar's lice. Then he sits down in front of me in a small roadside diner and everything changes.
Reed is high-strung, materialistic, and shows little to no interest in the world around him, which is the only reason I take him under my wing. I'm bound and determined to teach him how to embrace the hideous beauty that comes with each sunrise, as well as the bliss and heartache that passes with each sunset. But it's hard as hell to learn anything new about life when you're weighed down by a secret, and Reed Stanley's has the power to ruin everything.
Reed
I don't stand a chance with a gypsy witch like Skyler Kassamali, but I don't care. Her tattoos and piercings are enough to intimidate me, but there's something else to her—a sharp sadness—that draws me in and refuses to let go. But she's so much more than a shattered heart lost on a grief-fueled adventure and I want to know her best-kept secrets, all while never revealing my own.
But secrets have a way of undoing you, whether you want them to or not, and despite all my shortcomings, Skyler sees something in me and takes a chance. On an adventure that brings us both to our knees, she teaches me the greatest lesson of all: No matter how convincing the smile is, no matter how untarnished the skin seems to be, no matter how we bend and fold to conform—inside, we're all a little savage.
This was good. It was quite sweet compared to book 2 which was just pure filth. I don’t think it was as good as I wanted it to be the start was a bit patchy but it did all come together nicely in the last third of the book.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Eight Days a Week in Books
Nov 5, 2018
A story about a manny who falls in love with his boss, Eight Days A Week captured my attention from the first time I read the summary. Never normally one for romances, I liked the unique spin it promised and tucked in with enthusiasm, hoping it would deliver so much more than your average boy meets girl romance. And boy did it. As you can see from the 5 star rating, I adored this book and have saved it firmly on my 'favourites' list on my kindle because, quite frankly, it was amazing, and here's why....
Firstly, I have to give credit to our author on the brilliance of the characters. Dee is amazing (and Don) and to see the way he grows throughout this book (no jokes about Don here please!) is just fantastic. Character development is always something I look out for in a book, and Johnson has done that splendidly here. It's believable, it's written with great skill and it really pulls you into the character and his story. Honestly, I could expect to bump into Dee on the street somewhere and he could be real, that's just how detailed and precise this book portrayed him to me. As a reader with limited time to give to different characters, it's great to see a character leap out the pages so well, even if it were to bring Don to visit me in my sleep!
I touched on it, but another thing that I adored about this book was the story line. It was different, fresh and told the story from a different perspective to what I usually encounter in this genre. I think this is in part due to how Dee tells the story himself, but it's so engaging I often found myself up late with eyes closing and smacking myself in the face with my kindle as I tried to read just another chapter. The 'Manny Log' was an excellent addition, and these frequently had me rolling with laughter at Dee and Don's commentary on things.
The book is full of these laugh out loud moments, but it's so much more than just comedy, and I think that is something that really made me enjoy this book that little bit more. The range of human emotions Johnson writes about in just one book is huge. But here's the best part, they're written with such excellent compassion, detail and, I'm harking back to it but it's important, believability that it's almost too much for me to describe. Sadness, love, raw need, sex, it's all there and it's all written so well that it draws you right in and you are compelled to keep reading. Without spoiling it, the ending was fantastic and left me teary eyed to the point I had to stop reading, but in such a good way!
Well, I can't recommend this book highly enough. I laughed, I cried, I cringed and I loved it. There's only two things I'd love right now:
1. Another sampling of Amber Johnson's writing
2. This book made into a movie so I can oggle Dee and Don in the flesh.
But don't take my word for it, pick up a copy and read it for yourselves!
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Firstly, I have to give credit to our author on the brilliance of the characters. Dee is amazing (and Don) and to see the way he grows throughout this book (no jokes about Don here please!) is just fantastic. Character development is always something I look out for in a book, and Johnson has done that splendidly here. It's believable, it's written with great skill and it really pulls you into the character and his story. Honestly, I could expect to bump into Dee on the street somewhere and he could be real, that's just how detailed and precise this book portrayed him to me. As a reader with limited time to give to different characters, it's great to see a character leap out the pages so well, even if it were to bring Don to visit me in my sleep!
I touched on it, but another thing that I adored about this book was the story line. It was different, fresh and told the story from a different perspective to what I usually encounter in this genre. I think this is in part due to how Dee tells the story himself, but it's so engaging I often found myself up late with eyes closing and smacking myself in the face with my kindle as I tried to read just another chapter. The 'Manny Log' was an excellent addition, and these frequently had me rolling with laughter at Dee and Don's commentary on things.
The book is full of these laugh out loud moments, but it's so much more than just comedy, and I think that is something that really made me enjoy this book that little bit more. The range of human emotions Johnson writes about in just one book is huge. But here's the best part, they're written with such excellent compassion, detail and, I'm harking back to it but it's important, believability that it's almost too much for me to describe. Sadness, love, raw need, sex, it's all there and it's all written so well that it draws you right in and you are compelled to keep reading. Without spoiling it, the ending was fantastic and left me teary eyed to the point I had to stop reading, but in such a good way!
Well, I can't recommend this book highly enough. I laughed, I cried, I cringed and I loved it. There's only two things I'd love right now:
1. Another sampling of Amber Johnson's writing
2. This book made into a movie so I can oggle Dee and Don in the flesh.
But don't take my word for it, pick up a copy and read it for yourselves!
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*