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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Highlander Redeemed (Guardians of the Targe, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is the third in the series, and it definitely shows. I did not know that it was part of a series until I started reading it, but I wish I had. While it is not necessary to read the first two to understand or enjoy Highlander Redeemed, I found myself wondering more often than not about what I had missed out on.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
KarenRC (6 KP) rated Faceless (DI Rosalind Kray, #1) in Books
Jul 23, 2018
This is the first on a new series from Rob about DI Roz Kray. She has just returned to work after horrific attack that left her physically and mentally scarred and her husband dead, so she is desperate to prove that she is ready to get stuck back in. The first case she is called to is at a flat where other residents have complained of a smell. What she finds is the decomposed body of a young woman who has been killed in a horrific way that leaves them all confused and starts the ball rolling on an investigation that will challenge Roz more than she could have imagined.
Elsewhere the killer is plotting their next move and we are given an insight into their twisted thoughts and the meticulous planning behind the killings. They are not random and the killer has a very clear and well rehearsed system which Roz and her team are going to have to work to try and figure out.
The switching narratives between Kray and the killer is done very well and keeps the story moving along at a lightning fast speed.
I loved the setting in Blackpool, a place not far from me, but was surprised to find part of it set in the Trafford Centre, which is literally up the road from me! Always seems to make stories feel more 'real' to me if I know the setting well!
This was my first book by Rob and it won't be my last. I loved the writing, how the story was paced and am looking forward to hearing more from Roz very soon!
Elsewhere the killer is plotting their next move and we are given an insight into their twisted thoughts and the meticulous planning behind the killings. They are not random and the killer has a very clear and well rehearsed system which Roz and her team are going to have to work to try and figure out.
The switching narratives between Kray and the killer is done very well and keeps the story moving along at a lightning fast speed.
I loved the setting in Blackpool, a place not far from me, but was surprised to find part of it set in the Trafford Centre, which is literally up the road from me! Always seems to make stories feel more 'real' to me if I know the setting well!
This was my first book by Rob and it won't be my last. I loved the writing, how the story was paced and am looking forward to hearing more from Roz very soon!
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Watermelon (Walsh Family, #1) in Books
Aug 21, 2018
View my full review on: diaryofdifference.com/2018/04/25/watermelon-marian-keyes-book-review/
A lovely read! Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors of all time. The story of how I discovered Marian is quite funny, actually.
It was back in the days when I was a teenager and I was in love with the Gifted Series from Marilyn Kaye. I have read only the first two books and I have asked my mum to bring me the rest of them (there were six in total). She came back with a book with an author that had a similar name, and here we are today :)
I have read Watermelon a long time ago, but I have decided to share my thoughts with you now.
This is a chick lit book about a woman left on her own right after she gives birth to her first child and then goes back to her parent's house to start her life over.
This is a story about bravely, love, family and all little things that will melt your heart.
Prepare to cry - Actually, prepare to cry a lot, and don't say I haven't warned you.
A story that will stick with you for years after you've read it. The characters that will make you wish you met them and were their friends over and over again!
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A lovely read! Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors of all time. The story of how I discovered Marian is quite funny, actually.
It was back in the days when I was a teenager and I was in love with the Gifted Series from Marilyn Kaye. I have read only the first two books and I have asked my mum to bring me the rest of them (there were six in total). She came back with a book with an author that had a similar name, and here we are today :)
I have read Watermelon a long time ago, but I have decided to share my thoughts with you now.
This is a chick lit book about a woman left on her own right after she gives birth to her first child and then goes back to her parent's house to start her life over.
This is a story about bravely, love, family and all little things that will melt your heart.
Prepare to cry - Actually, prepare to cry a lot, and don't say I haven't warned you.
A story that will stick with you for years after you've read it. The characters that will make you wish you met them and were their friends over and over again!
<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="http://innahcrazy.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>; |
Merissa (13816 KP) rated Desperate Measures (Aspen Falls #5) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Desperate Measures (Aspen Falls #5) by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise
Desperate Measures is the fifth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we finally get Camilla's story. She has made regular appearances throughout this series, but hasn't as yet had her say. She does in this one, and it was definitely worth waiting for!
Cam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (so to speak) and was determined to change her life, and to make a difference. She does this, but not without heartbreak. She leaves behind the love of her young life, knowing he is in with the gangs that are rampant. She walks away, and does make a difference. Alex has always remained in her thoughts though, even when she tries to forget him. So when he turns up, bloody and battered, will she help him, or arrest him?
This was a great story, with plenty of depth to both the situations and the characters. There were no editing or grammatical errors to this story that I noticed. I enjoyed the banter between Cam and Alex, as well as the situations they found themselves in. Even though she is a police officer, Cam did across with a healthy dose of naivety at times.
With enough action to keep you turning the pages, this was thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
This is a series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (so to speak) and was determined to change her life, and to make a difference. She does this, but not without heartbreak. She leaves behind the love of her young life, knowing he is in with the gangs that are rampant. She walks away, and does make a difference. Alex has always remained in her thoughts though, even when she tries to forget him. So when he turns up, bloody and battered, will she help him, or arrest him?
This was a great story, with plenty of depth to both the situations and the characters. There were no editing or grammatical errors to this story that I noticed. I enjoyed the banter between Cam and Alex, as well as the situations they found themselves in. Even though she is a police officer, Cam did across with a healthy dose of naivety at times.
With enough action to keep you turning the pages, this was thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
This is a series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Living With The Dominator: A Book About The Freedom Programme in Books
Dec 28, 2019
Be Free
The Freedom Programme was a course devised by the author and from what she learnt she wrote this book for those who can't attend so more (mainly women) can protect themselves from abuse. The chapters begin with a sentence of a statistic that will shock and chill you which shows domestic violence is a huge blight and consern in this country. Once the sentence shocks you the chapter describes a different type of abusor, his tactics, why he thinks like that and where he gets his thoughts from. What I really like about this book as well is each chapter then lists the opposite of how a partner should behave and how you should be treated.
Finally the book tells you the things you should look out for when starting a new relationship so you don't fall for another abusor. All in all I recommend every women reads this before they start dating and statistically if a handful of people are rearing this review then chances are at least one of you is in an abusive relationship. My message to you is this. You are here as you on this planet living your life just once. Go to the police today, don't think you don't want them to get in trouble, what they have done to you is wrong and they know what they have done is wrong, they deserve to be dealt with by the authorities and you deserve freedom.
Finally the book tells you the things you should look out for when starting a new relationship so you don't fall for another abusor. All in all I recommend every women reads this before they start dating and statistically if a handful of people are rearing this review then chances are at least one of you is in an abusive relationship. My message to you is this. You are here as you on this planet living your life just once. Go to the police today, don't think you don't want them to get in trouble, what they have done to you is wrong and they know what they have done is wrong, they deserve to be dealt with by the authorities and you deserve freedom.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated The Yellow Lantern in Books
Nov 4, 2019
osephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colorsa new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor shes assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctors next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struckJosie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, shell await her true missionposing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Brahams own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all. What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel
My Thoughts: This is a very unique mystery that will captivate readers from the beginning. A fictional novel based on true facts, this story gives the reader an insight to the horrific things that happened at the turn of the century.
This story will certainly keep the readers' attention. The author has created very believable characters. The readers will either like them or hate them.
This is a wonderful story for those who like a good mystery. This one has many twists in the plot to keep the readers on their toes.
Step into True Colorsa new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor shes assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctors next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struckJosie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, shell await her true missionposing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Brahams own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all. What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel
My Thoughts: This is a very unique mystery that will captivate readers from the beginning. A fictional novel based on true facts, this story gives the reader an insight to the horrific things that happened at the turn of the century.
This story will certainly keep the readers' attention. The author has created very believable characters. The readers will either like them or hate them.
This is a wonderful story for those who like a good mystery. This one has many twists in the plot to keep the readers on their toes.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated An Unpresentable Glory in Books
Nov 4, 2019
I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands. Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink waterand beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory. Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Lindas garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Lindas garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencerson a national scale.
My Thoughts: What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep? That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life. Her caring changed another persons life. It showed "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.
This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention. All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.
This novel is about trust, integrity, loyalty and loving God. It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.
This is a good story for everyone.
????
My Thoughts: What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep? That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life. Her caring changed another persons life. It showed "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.
This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention. All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.
This novel is about trust, integrity, loyalty and loving God. It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.
This is a good story for everyone.
????
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Breathing Underwater (Breathing Underwater, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
I suppose I'll mention this was one of the books we just finished in English. Apparently, I think that Breathing Underwater is the best book so far in the school year that was required reading. (Notice I didn't say the best book I've ever read...)
Nick seems to be a person who is quite spoiled and probably has the perfect life being handsome, popular and rich. Beneath the surface though (see what I did there?) he's abused by his father often and has taken out his anger on others as well, such as Caitlin. As a result, there are many consequences due to Nick's actions. It make me really sad to hear that his father was abusive though. Comparing my very own life to Nick's life, my life seems to be easy as pie.
I don't seem to have a lot of reaction from this book. I typically don't read YA Realistic Fiction that much on my own when I look on my list of Books Read.
Why I really gave it such a high rating is the dramatic storyline and the emotional process that Nick takes to recover and learn from his many mistakes that really makes his life far from perfection when he takes an anger management.
Though I don't typically read Realistic Fiction, I highly recommend that if you enjoy reading Realistic Fiction, you read the book. As mentioned earlier, the book has a dramatic storyline and is an emotional and powerful read.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-breathing-underwater-by-alex-flinn/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Nick seems to be a person who is quite spoiled and probably has the perfect life being handsome, popular and rich. Beneath the surface though (see what I did there?) he's abused by his father often and has taken out his anger on others as well, such as Caitlin. As a result, there are many consequences due to Nick's actions. It make me really sad to hear that his father was abusive though. Comparing my very own life to Nick's life, my life seems to be easy as pie.
I don't seem to have a lot of reaction from this book. I typically don't read YA Realistic Fiction that much on my own when I look on my list of Books Read.
Why I really gave it such a high rating is the dramatic storyline and the emotional process that Nick takes to recover and learn from his many mistakes that really makes his life far from perfection when he takes an anger management.
Though I don't typically read Realistic Fiction, I highly recommend that if you enjoy reading Realistic Fiction, you read the book. As mentioned earlier, the book has a dramatic storyline and is an emotional and powerful read.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-breathing-underwater-by-alex-flinn/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Forgotten Lyrics (Watersong, #0.5) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
While it probably should have taken me to read a 60 page story in about 2-3 hours or less, I kinda extended it a bit (well, in this case, a few days). Just trying to balance my scales in a way. :) But I'll admit, a shortstory is always a nice break from a chapter book every once in awhile.
Forgotten Lyrics is a shortstory novel that is based on the first book of the Watersong series, Watersong. It gives a basic history about Daniel and the Sirens from Watersong. No spoilers from that book if you haven't read it yet. But it does have a pretty good plot, even though there were some grammar issues.
Aggie is also introduced here, who was the Siren that Gemma is soon to replace. In my opinion, Aggie seems to be the nice and caring one out of all the Sirens in Watersong To actually risk her own *insert spoiler* (yep, you must read to find out :)). It's sad she's dead later though. :( The way Penn acted just confirms what I'm fearing for Gemma in the future....
Overall, I think it's a good read if you would like more background info on some of the characters from Watersong, specifically Daniel and the real reason of how the Sirens went from 4 to 3. Though like I said earlier... it's not a big book and you'll finish in a few hours, so try to have another book in handy after you read it. ;)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-forgotten-lyrics-by-amanda-hocking/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Forgotten Lyrics is a shortstory novel that is based on the first book of the Watersong series, Watersong. It gives a basic history about Daniel and the Sirens from Watersong. No spoilers from that book if you haven't read it yet. But it does have a pretty good plot, even though there were some grammar issues.
Aggie is also introduced here, who was the Siren that Gemma is soon to replace. In my opinion, Aggie seems to be the nice and caring one out of all the Sirens in Watersong To actually risk her own *insert spoiler* (yep, you must read to find out :)). It's sad she's dead later though. :( The way Penn acted just confirms what I'm fearing for Gemma in the future....
Overall, I think it's a good read if you would like more background info on some of the characters from Watersong, specifically Daniel and the real reason of how the Sirens went from 4 to 3. Though like I said earlier... it's not a big book and you'll finish in a few hours, so try to have another book in handy after you read it. ;)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-forgotten-lyrics-by-amanda-hocking/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters (Momotaro, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
I think I've grown out of reading middle grade books now. I find that a little sad - the first book in Dilloways Momotaro series isn't even a bad book, aside from the fact I kept expecting a Percy Jackson vibe (which, in a way, it kind of does).
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters - if we're going down the Percy Jackson vibe (I'm pretty sure the synopsis makes the comparison .) - is basically Japanese folklore set in modern day, with plenty of Japanese mythological creatures making an appearance. Unfortunately, Xander definitely resembles a Japanese version of Percy Jackson - blue eyes, black hair, twelve years old, and the only difference? Xander has a bit of silver streak in his hair (oh wait ) and he's mixed (Asian and Irish).
It's no wonder I expected a lot of humor out of Dilloway's book (comparisons = high expectations). The first Momotaro book does have the occasional funny moment, but it just isn't as funny as I hoped it would be. (That might just be the fact I'm nineteen.)
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters is set in a comic book like format with illustrations featured throughout the book, and it will definitely appeal more to younger audiences than the older ones. (And hopefully, it'll be more funny to them than to me.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-xander-and-lost-island-of-monsters-by-margaret-dilloway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I think I've grown out of reading middle grade books now. I find that a little sad - the first book in Dilloways Momotaro series isn't even a bad book, aside from the fact I kept expecting a Percy Jackson vibe (which, in a way, it kind of does).
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters - if we're going down the Percy Jackson vibe (I'm pretty sure the synopsis makes the comparison .) - is basically Japanese folklore set in modern day, with plenty of Japanese mythological creatures making an appearance. Unfortunately, Xander definitely resembles a Japanese version of Percy Jackson - blue eyes, black hair, twelve years old, and the only difference? Xander has a bit of silver streak in his hair (oh wait ) and he's mixed (Asian and Irish).
It's no wonder I expected a lot of humor out of Dilloway's book (comparisons = high expectations). The first Momotaro book does have the occasional funny moment, but it just isn't as funny as I hoped it would be. (That might just be the fact I'm nineteen.)
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters is set in a comic book like format with illustrations featured throughout the book, and it will definitely appeal more to younger audiences than the older ones. (And hopefully, it'll be more funny to them than to me.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-xander-and-lost-island-of-monsters-by-margaret-dilloway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>