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Charlotte (184 KP) rated Flawless Witness in Books
Apr 29, 2023
Oh, the feels
Trigger warning for this short, powerful book. There's abuse, emotional trauma, mention of suicide and stalking.
Flawless Witness is eye opening for both victims of a narcissist and people who have managed to avoid this kind of relationship. It opens the reader's mind to looking a little deeper when talking to people.
It reminded me of a short relationship I had with a man like that, controlling, always playing the victim and self-centred......just like Jonathan.
Suzanna is great, she's relatable and down to earth. The questions she asks herself and how she works her way through things shows the strength of character she has. Also how important a good support network is.
A thought provoking read that I'd recommend for daytime reading so there's plenty of thinking time. Also, book group worthy, would make for fantastic conversations.
Trigger warning for this short, powerful book. There's abuse, emotional trauma, mention of suicide and stalking.
Flawless Witness is eye opening for both victims of a narcissist and people who have managed to avoid this kind of relationship. It opens the reader's mind to looking a little deeper when talking to people.
It reminded me of a short relationship I had with a man like that, controlling, always playing the victim and self-centred......just like Jonathan.
Suzanna is great, she's relatable and down to earth. The questions she asks herself and how she works her way through things shows the strength of character she has. Also how important a good support network is.
A thought provoking read that I'd recommend for daytime reading so there's plenty of thinking time. Also, book group worthy, would make for fantastic conversations.
AJaneClark (3962 KP) rated Changing on the Fly in Books
Apr 24, 2020
Made my heart ache
Changing on the fly tells the story of the beautiful Maya finally finding love with her best friend’s younger brother Jude, after being in love with him for over five years.
However as is life the process is never straightforward. Maya is being terrorised by her ex, and he is brutally harsh in handing out his brand of terror. There should most certainly be a trigger warning on this book due to the some of the horrendous acts that Maya is subjected to.
It’s a well written tale, that I simply could not put down. I read it in a matter of hours. The main characters are very likeable and I could not help but empathise with them. Angela Stevens’s novel is an emotional rollercoaster, allowing you to experience joy and love followed my fear and horror. With some very heartwarming moments entwined.
However as is life the process is never straightforward. Maya is being terrorised by her ex, and he is brutally harsh in handing out his brand of terror. There should most certainly be a trigger warning on this book due to the some of the horrendous acts that Maya is subjected to.
It’s a well written tale, that I simply could not put down. I read it in a matter of hours. The main characters are very likeable and I could not help but empathise with them. Angela Stevens’s novel is an emotional rollercoaster, allowing you to experience joy and love followed my fear and horror. With some very heartwarming moments entwined.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Stolen (Saving Setora #1) in Books
Oct 27, 2020
180 of 200
Kindle
Stolen ( saving setora book 1)
By Raven Dark and Petra J. Knox
It all began when the road warriors found me outside Hell's Burning, lost and dehydrated. When the bikers took me into The Compound, I thought I was saved.
Especially when, as a Violet - a rare genetic anomaly prized above all - I'm taken in and raised by one of the wealthiest men in the world. Educated and groomed by the best teachers money could buy, I mistakenly thought he had a great future planned for me, one in which I'd be cared for and cherished.
I was wrong.
For centuries, women have been sold as slaves. In my 18th year, my benefactor reveals a truth that shatters my world. I'm to be put on display before the wealthiest of society at one of the biggest auctions this world has ever seen... as a slave.
But that night at the auction, something goes wrong. I am stolen by members of the infamous Dark Legion, a road warrior crew feared the world over. Torn from the only world I have ever known, now I have not one master, but four.
I shouldn't want these dangerous, deadly men with their leather cuts and their growling bikes, but the deeper my captors draw me into their dark and twisted world, the more I crave what they do to me. They stole me from a powerful man who'll stop at nothing to get me back. If I don't find a way to escape soon, my new masters might just steal my heart.
* trigger warning for this book *
Not quite sure where I stand on this book! It definitely needs a trigger warning for several reasons! I was searching somewhere through for one of these “men” to redeem yea Hawk isn’t as bad as the others. I did enjoy the writing style I’m just still not sure of where it’s going I like a bit of dark but is this too dark?
Kindle
Stolen ( saving setora book 1)
By Raven Dark and Petra J. Knox
It all began when the road warriors found me outside Hell's Burning, lost and dehydrated. When the bikers took me into The Compound, I thought I was saved.
Especially when, as a Violet - a rare genetic anomaly prized above all - I'm taken in and raised by one of the wealthiest men in the world. Educated and groomed by the best teachers money could buy, I mistakenly thought he had a great future planned for me, one in which I'd be cared for and cherished.
I was wrong.
For centuries, women have been sold as slaves. In my 18th year, my benefactor reveals a truth that shatters my world. I'm to be put on display before the wealthiest of society at one of the biggest auctions this world has ever seen... as a slave.
But that night at the auction, something goes wrong. I am stolen by members of the infamous Dark Legion, a road warrior crew feared the world over. Torn from the only world I have ever known, now I have not one master, but four.
I shouldn't want these dangerous, deadly men with their leather cuts and their growling bikes, but the deeper my captors draw me into their dark and twisted world, the more I crave what they do to me. They stole me from a powerful man who'll stop at nothing to get me back. If I don't find a way to escape soon, my new masters might just steal my heart.
* trigger warning for this book *
Not quite sure where I stand on this book! It definitely needs a trigger warning for several reasons! I was searching somewhere through for one of these “men” to redeem yea Hawk isn’t as bad as the others. I did enjoy the writing style I’m just still not sure of where it’s going I like a bit of dark but is this too dark?
Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV
Jun 18, 2018
So many mixed reviews
I surround myself with mental health communities as I suffer myself and have seen so many mixed reviews for this show. But having had depression throughout my school years I think this was a raw and real problem with school kids these days. I think so much more awareness has come from this programme and it shows that things that could seem so small to others can have a huge impact on the people around us. I don't think it glorifies suicide as a lot of people have mentioned, it shows how real and how easily something can hurt somebody without anyone else knowing. The end episode, for me, was a huge trigger and I think a warning should have been put on that. I know that has changed for season 2 though.
I enjoyed watching this, it was hard to watch, raw and I went through so many emotions.
I enjoyed watching this, it was hard to watch, raw and I went through so many emotions.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Loving L ( Damaged souls Golden Hearts 1) in Books
Aug 19, 2023
113 of 235
Kindle
Loving L ( Damaged Souls Golden Hearts 1)
By Amy J. Heart
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love is torture. Love is pain. Until the right person at the wrong time changes everything.
From the sordid streets to a life of luxury, things are finally looking up for me. Then I meet Eden.
Sweet. Beautiful. Everything I ever dreamed of...except she's under the control of the greatest tormentor from my past.
Blackmail. Corruption. Even murder. Am I prepared to do the unthinkable to keep her safe?
Damn right I am.
That didn’t take long at all I enjoyed it too. It can be a bit hard to read in places and does come with an abuse trigger warning but I think it was dealt with quite well. The characters were likeable and well written and their stories heartbreaking. A bit spicy so overall a good read for a dark romance.
Kindle
Loving L ( Damaged Souls Golden Hearts 1)
By Amy J. Heart
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love is torture. Love is pain. Until the right person at the wrong time changes everything.
From the sordid streets to a life of luxury, things are finally looking up for me. Then I meet Eden.
Sweet. Beautiful. Everything I ever dreamed of...except she's under the control of the greatest tormentor from my past.
Blackmail. Corruption. Even murder. Am I prepared to do the unthinkable to keep her safe?
Damn right I am.
That didn’t take long at all I enjoyed it too. It can be a bit hard to read in places and does come with an abuse trigger warning but I think it was dealt with quite well. The characters were likeable and well written and their stories heartbreaking. A bit spicy so overall a good read for a dark romance.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ferns Decision ( Sisters of Hex Fern book 1) in Books
Feb 6, 2022
22 of 230
Kindle
Ferns Decision ( sisters of Hex Fern book 1)
By Bea Paige
Death is a lonely place, silent, or so everyone thinks... Fern is no stranger to death, or the singing that accompanies it. She has always known when a person is about to die, for the singing foretells it. Her mother passed it off as an oddity never to be discussed, so she learned to tune out the voices until they disappeared for good. Or so she thought. Then one day, as she fights to bring back a dying baby in the hospital where she works, Fern hears the familiar melody once more. Except this time the voice belongs to a man with ice-blue eyes and black angel wings. As the baby takes its final breath, the angel sings his last note. For this isn't an angel who gives life, it is one that takes it. One year has passed since that encounter, and just when Fern is beginning to believe it had all been an illusion, the angel returns, and this time he's not alone. For now there are three Angels of Death and Fern appears to be their next victim.Fern's Decision is the first book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. Although this is the start of a standalone trilogy, to get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.***TRIGGER WARNING - This book contains content that some may find triggering***
I loved the first set of Hex sister books so I was looking forward to this set. I wasn’t disappointed in the first book at all I really enjoyed it although the first few chapters were extremely hard to get through with it being so close to my own heart of losing my own baby a few time I cried thinking I need to push through. It was well handled and I’m glad I pushed through a good start to the new trilogy and sister. I would recommend but with a caution of possible trigger warning if you have lost a baby.
Kindle
Ferns Decision ( sisters of Hex Fern book 1)
By Bea Paige
Death is a lonely place, silent, or so everyone thinks... Fern is no stranger to death, or the singing that accompanies it. She has always known when a person is about to die, for the singing foretells it. Her mother passed it off as an oddity never to be discussed, so she learned to tune out the voices until they disappeared for good. Or so she thought. Then one day, as she fights to bring back a dying baby in the hospital where she works, Fern hears the familiar melody once more. Except this time the voice belongs to a man with ice-blue eyes and black angel wings. As the baby takes its final breath, the angel sings his last note. For this isn't an angel who gives life, it is one that takes it. One year has passed since that encounter, and just when Fern is beginning to believe it had all been an illusion, the angel returns, and this time he's not alone. For now there are three Angels of Death and Fern appears to be their next victim.Fern's Decision is the first book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. Although this is the start of a standalone trilogy, to get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.***TRIGGER WARNING - This book contains content that some may find triggering***
I loved the first set of Hex sister books so I was looking forward to this set. I wasn’t disappointed in the first book at all I really enjoyed it although the first few chapters were extremely hard to get through with it being so close to my own heart of losing my own baby a few time I cried thinking I need to push through. It was well handled and I’m glad I pushed through a good start to the new trilogy and sister. I would recommend but with a caution of possible trigger warning if you have lost a baby.
Karla Dee (6 KP) rated Little Thieves in Books
Nov 19, 2021
I am a fan of the cover because the bone skull and the little Sailor Moon symbol at the top. Also the intro or dedication to the gremlin girls was inspiring and I hope it encourages all the young girly readers to continue breaking the glass ceilings with bricks or whatevs else they can get their hands on. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of the book warning the reader about the content in her reading which included child abuse and assault.
This read is a grimm retelling story and is very dark and magical. The author, Margaret Owen, based this book on the "The Goose Girl" which I have never heard of or read. This retelling is also a series so there is another book after this one which is the first of the series. I'd also categorize this retelling as LGBTQ+ which I love. I have no idea what Goose Girl is about but the idea of there being a more woke version is AMAZING to me <3<3<3 Bring on the next book please!
This read is a grimm retelling story and is very dark and magical. The author, Margaret Owen, based this book on the "The Goose Girl" which I have never heard of or read. This retelling is also a series so there is another book after this one which is the first of the series. I'd also categorize this retelling as LGBTQ+ which I love. I have no idea what Goose Girl is about but the idea of there being a more woke version is AMAZING to me <3<3<3 Bring on the next book please!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Anatomy of a Scandal in Books
Mar 11, 2018
A well-timed book about abuse of power
An Anatomy of a Scandal is a book about privilege and power, a timely novel given the recent spate of high profile sexual harassment cases. In this instance, James is a privileged, charismatic, successful member of Parliment and is accused of raping his mistress in a lift on the grounds of Westminster, while his doting wife Sophie, is torn between believing him and staying with him.
A trial then ensues, in which the accuser, Olivia is forced to face her worst nightmares, all the while fighting against a system in which he is king. Her lawyer Kate on the other hand, knows he is guilty, and we watch her back story unfold.
The book is told from alternating viewpoints with alternating timelines. As more of the past is revealed it is even more clear, that James is hiding more than expected.
An Anatomy of A Scandal exposes sexual assault for being more than just a moment in isolation. It is a culmination of behaviours and attitudes leading up to that moment and involves more than just the victim and the assaulter. An interesting read, and worth a trigger warning.
A trial then ensues, in which the accuser, Olivia is forced to face her worst nightmares, all the while fighting against a system in which he is king. Her lawyer Kate on the other hand, knows he is guilty, and we watch her back story unfold.
The book is told from alternating viewpoints with alternating timelines. As more of the past is revealed it is even more clear, that James is hiding more than expected.
An Anatomy of A Scandal exposes sexual assault for being more than just a moment in isolation. It is a culmination of behaviours and attitudes leading up to that moment and involves more than just the victim and the assaulter. An interesting read, and worth a trigger warning.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Peach in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Dark, harrowing but poetic - requires a trigger warning
This is a debut novel by author Emma Glass and she has produced something extraordinary. Her writing is confident and bridges any gap between prose and poetry, with emotion portrayed often through alliteration and repetition of key phrases.
The story follows Peach, who has been brutally battered and left bruised one night, though it is never clear what has happened. Her thoughts meander over the incident and the consequences in which at one point she believes she may be pregnant.
The remainder of the book paints a graphic picture of the effect the trauma has had on Peach and how this is expressed by her in changes to her body shape, and in her perception of the ordinary things of life.
There are mythical and superstitious elements to Peach's damaged psyche, which you will need to experience yourself. I must admit that some of it escaped me, but this thin volume has such power and leaves the reader in no doubt of Peach's pain and the ultimate consequences.
It is quite unlike anything I have read before, and whilst I cannot claim to have fully understood it, it definitely is unique. Unfortunately it is an acquired taste so not everyone will appreciate the style.
The story follows Peach, who has been brutally battered and left bruised one night, though it is never clear what has happened. Her thoughts meander over the incident and the consequences in which at one point she believes she may be pregnant.
The remainder of the book paints a graphic picture of the effect the trauma has had on Peach and how this is expressed by her in changes to her body shape, and in her perception of the ordinary things of life.
There are mythical and superstitious elements to Peach's damaged psyche, which you will need to experience yourself. I must admit that some of it escaped me, but this thin volume has such power and leaves the reader in no doubt of Peach's pain and the ultimate consequences.
It is quite unlike anything I have read before, and whilst I cannot claim to have fully understood it, it definitely is unique. Unfortunately it is an acquired taste so not everyone will appreciate the style.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Astonishing Color of After in Books
Mar 29, 2018
Evocative descriptions (1 more)
Good characters
Just WOW. The Astonishing Color of After is about a teenage girl, an artist, dealing with her mother's depression and ensuing suicide. Part of what makes the book so fascinating is Leigh's constant description of colors. She uses color as shorthand for emotions - her grandmother might have a vermilion expression on her face, or she might be feeling very orange while staring at her mother's coffin at the funeral. Between colors-as-feelings and her insomnia-induced hallucinations (or magic - the book is deliberately, I think, noncommittal on whether some things only happen in her head or not) the entire book feels a little surrealistic. But grief and mourning DO feel surrealistic. The book is amazingly evocative and emotional and I absolutely adore it. This, along with City of Brass and Children of Blood and Bone, are definitely on my Best of 2018 list.
As an added bonus, the author is the American child of Taiwanese immigrants herself. So all the ghost traditions and folklore from Leigh's journey to Taiwan are from her ancestry as well.
This book was gorgeous. It may need a trigger warning for depression and suicide. If you can handle those themes, read it.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
As an added bonus, the author is the American child of Taiwanese immigrants herself. So all the ghost traditions and folklore from Leigh's journey to Taiwan are from her ancestry as well.
This book was gorgeous. It may need a trigger warning for depression and suicide. If you can handle those themes, read it.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com