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Louise (64 KP) rated Every Last Lie in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I read ‘Don’t you cry’ by Mary Kubica last year and really enjoyed her writing so I knew that I wanted to read more from this author, that’s why I grabbed the chance at reading this book.
This book is told from dual perspective of Clara and Nick Solberg, they are husband and wife with a four-year old daughter and a new-born baby, they have a great life. Nick has his own dental practice, they have a great network of family and friends and are blissfully in love. Until one day Nick and his daughter are involved in a car crash, unfortunately Nick is killed but Maisie the daughter is unharmed. It’s only when the little girl starts mentioning ‘a bad man’ and becoming terrified of a certain car the Clara starts to investigate the death of her husband herself and unravels secrets that Nick has been keeping from her.
Ahhh this book, I have mixed feelings. The story telling was great, the tension and the mystery had me questioning and trying to second guess everything that was going on… I was really invested in the story and then it came to the ending – oh it was so anti-climatic, I felt a bit cheated, I am not going to say much because I don’t want to give anything away but be warned.
I liked the characters and the alternate POV kept things interesting, we have Clara and then Nicks POV before the accident happened so we get an idea of what their life was like before.Clara’s character was really well written you could feel the anxiety and feel how exhausted she was from the writing, but she also did some things that were questionable and downright stupid. There was something lacking in this story which I can’t put my finger on and obviously the ending.
Overall this is an enjoyable read, a great build up and tension for a mystery/thriller.
I rated this 3 out of 5 stars
I read ‘Don’t you cry’ by Mary Kubica last year and really enjoyed her writing so I knew that I wanted to read more from this author, that’s why I grabbed the chance at reading this book.
This book is told from dual perspective of Clara and Nick Solberg, they are husband and wife with a four-year old daughter and a new-born baby, they have a great life. Nick has his own dental practice, they have a great network of family and friends and are blissfully in love. Until one day Nick and his daughter are involved in a car crash, unfortunately Nick is killed but Maisie the daughter is unharmed. It’s only when the little girl starts mentioning ‘a bad man’ and becoming terrified of a certain car the Clara starts to investigate the death of her husband herself and unravels secrets that Nick has been keeping from her.
Ahhh this book, I have mixed feelings. The story telling was great, the tension and the mystery had me questioning and trying to second guess everything that was going on… I was really invested in the story and then it came to the ending – oh it was so anti-climatic, I felt a bit cheated, I am not going to say much because I don’t want to give anything away but be warned.
I liked the characters and the alternate POV kept things interesting, we have Clara and then Nicks POV before the accident happened so we get an idea of what their life was like before.Clara’s character was really well written you could feel the anxiety and feel how exhausted she was from the writing, but she also did some things that were questionable and downright stupid. There was something lacking in this story which I can’t put my finger on and obviously the ending.
Overall this is an enjoyable read, a great build up and tension for a mystery/thriller.
I rated this 3 out of 5 stars
Merissa (12897 KP) rated The Cowboy and the Pencil-Pusher in Books
Nov 30, 2018
The Cowboy and the Pencil-Pusher by S.C. Wynne
The Cowboy and the Pencil-Pusher is the first book by S.C. Wynne I have read, and I enjoyed it.
In this story, we meet Paul - a man trained to think without feelings, to let cold, hard facts rule him. He was trained this way by his father, but then his dad had a heart attack, which led him to an epiphany. A result of this, is his dad is trying to do things with more feelings. This leaves Paul completely confused and unsure of what he is supposed to do. Paul has to go to a ranch and see Cort and his grandpa, because their payments have fallen behind. Paul would be happy just to foreclose on them, but his dad wants it done differently. Enter Cort. Everything that Paul shouldn't want, but does. Throw in a complicated ex, a stampede, and sexy times, and there you have it.
I loved Paul's character, prissy though he was. There were reasons for the way he acted, and you find them out slowly throughout the book. Cort I loved, up until Riley reappeared in his life. It's funny, because I could get behind him when Riley was just a name, but how he acted once Riley was there, didn't like that. I know Paul couldn't give him the answer he wanted, but to fall back in with Riley was just the easy, familiar route. It didn't seem to mesh very well with the Cort portrayed throughout most of the book. He really was a two-sided character - one with Riley, and one with everyone else.
On the whole though, I did enjoy this book. The pacing was smooth, and the character development was there, in Paul at least ? This was the first book by this author, but it won't be the last. Recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
In this story, we meet Paul - a man trained to think without feelings, to let cold, hard facts rule him. He was trained this way by his father, but then his dad had a heart attack, which led him to an epiphany. A result of this, is his dad is trying to do things with more feelings. This leaves Paul completely confused and unsure of what he is supposed to do. Paul has to go to a ranch and see Cort and his grandpa, because their payments have fallen behind. Paul would be happy just to foreclose on them, but his dad wants it done differently. Enter Cort. Everything that Paul shouldn't want, but does. Throw in a complicated ex, a stampede, and sexy times, and there you have it.
I loved Paul's character, prissy though he was. There were reasons for the way he acted, and you find them out slowly throughout the book. Cort I loved, up until Riley reappeared in his life. It's funny, because I could get behind him when Riley was just a name, but how he acted once Riley was there, didn't like that. I know Paul couldn't give him the answer he wanted, but to fall back in with Riley was just the easy, familiar route. It didn't seem to mesh very well with the Cort portrayed throughout most of the book. He really was a two-sided character - one with Riley, and one with everyone else.
On the whole though, I did enjoy this book. The pacing was smooth, and the character development was there, in Paul at least ? This was the first book by this author, but it won't be the last. Recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sophie Wink (11 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Jun 20, 2019
"Heartwarming, romantic and great fun." - Closer
I very much agree with this statement. The storyline is very heartwarming and credible, I believed every word. It is a really great, quirky story of which is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
I really like the way in which the themes are introduced, it's obvious yet subtle at the same time. The more serious of the themes like abuse and poverty are handled beautifully and delicately, the concept of family is important to the novel itself of which I really admire and like and the relationships between the family members are a part of what makes the novel so warm. The slow but blooming relationship between Eleanor and Park is lovely, it made me smile, feel happy and content. The novel itself is definitely relatable due to secondary school being a big part of the novel as well as the love story between the two teens.
The characters Eleanor and Park are definitely likable and admirable due to their love and how they develop throughout the novel. I think that the fact that Eleanor is so defensive and loyal to her family is kind of heartbreaking considering her situation and I really sympathised for her and was angry for her too. I really liked how Park was the key to open Eleanor up to make her feel like a normal human being again, the thing about Park that fascinated me the most was that he was convinced she was being different on purpose, it made me realise that too much time is spent on trying to be different and trying to be unique when all that really matters is that you are yourself and stay true to that - a very clear message of the story as a whole. I found all characters credible and I really sympathised with them.
I loved the book overall however I did find that it lacked a hook in the beginning, therefore, it was quite a slow start although once you got further into the book that is when the story unraveled a little more and encouraged my further reading and enjoyment.
Overall, a brilliant novel of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I very much agree with this statement. The storyline is very heartwarming and credible, I believed every word. It is a really great, quirky story of which is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
I really like the way in which the themes are introduced, it's obvious yet subtle at the same time. The more serious of the themes like abuse and poverty are handled beautifully and delicately, the concept of family is important to the novel itself of which I really admire and like and the relationships between the family members are a part of what makes the novel so warm. The slow but blooming relationship between Eleanor and Park is lovely, it made me smile, feel happy and content. The novel itself is definitely relatable due to secondary school being a big part of the novel as well as the love story between the two teens.
The characters Eleanor and Park are definitely likable and admirable due to their love and how they develop throughout the novel. I think that the fact that Eleanor is so defensive and loyal to her family is kind of heartbreaking considering her situation and I really sympathised for her and was angry for her too. I really liked how Park was the key to open Eleanor up to make her feel like a normal human being again, the thing about Park that fascinated me the most was that he was convinced she was being different on purpose, it made me realise that too much time is spent on trying to be different and trying to be unique when all that really matters is that you are yourself and stay true to that - a very clear message of the story as a whole. I found all characters credible and I really sympathised with them.
I loved the book overall however I did find that it lacked a hook in the beginning, therefore, it was quite a slow start although once you got further into the book that is when the story unraveled a little more and encouraged my further reading and enjoyment.
Overall, a brilliant novel of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Chabadabada
Book and Entertainment
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The Shelbourne Ultimatum
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After his brush with death Ross O'Carroll-Kelly - schools rugby legend, award-winning author and...
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Shaft (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
Shaft Gets The Shaft In This Newest Reboot/Update
Shaft is a 2019 action/comedy movie directed by Tim Story and written by Kenya Barris. This film was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie Usher, Regina Hall, Alexandra Shipp, and Richard Roundtree.
After a failed assassination attempt, Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall), his wife, leaves Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) and takes their son, John "JJ." Shaft Jr., to raise on her own. 25 years later, Karim (Avan Jogia), a childhood friend of "JJ"'s, dies of a heroin overdose. JJ who is a cyber security expert and FBI Agent concludes he must have been murdered. After being violently ejected by drug dealers when investigating who sold the heroin that killed his friend; he is left with no other recourse but turn to his father, Shaft, for help.
This movie was a lot different from how I remember the last one which came out in 2000. I remember that one being more serious and more thriller, where they were trying to catch the bad guy. This one seemed to make too light of the action but did deliver on the laughs occasionally. Also I don't remember the last film being as "adult" when it came to language or nudity either, but I like how the movie acknowledged the main characters dialogue when his son tries to talk like him. Jessie Usher was very funny as JJ but I personally felt that he was trying to act like Nick Canon, which if that's what they were going for, they could have got him instead. It's an ok movie if your looking for something funny with action and don't care about things like story telling, plot, and the characters walking around with "plot armor". All in all, this movie was good but nothing special, I would just wait for it to go to dollar movies, red box or Netflix instead of wasting money at the movies. Of course if you need your fix of Samuel L. Jackson, then you might want to give this movie a shot. I remember the last one being a lot better. I give this movie a 5/10.
After a failed assassination attempt, Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall), his wife, leaves Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) and takes their son, John "JJ." Shaft Jr., to raise on her own. 25 years later, Karim (Avan Jogia), a childhood friend of "JJ"'s, dies of a heroin overdose. JJ who is a cyber security expert and FBI Agent concludes he must have been murdered. After being violently ejected by drug dealers when investigating who sold the heroin that killed his friend; he is left with no other recourse but turn to his father, Shaft, for help.
This movie was a lot different from how I remember the last one which came out in 2000. I remember that one being more serious and more thriller, where they were trying to catch the bad guy. This one seemed to make too light of the action but did deliver on the laughs occasionally. Also I don't remember the last film being as "adult" when it came to language or nudity either, but I like how the movie acknowledged the main characters dialogue when his son tries to talk like him. Jessie Usher was very funny as JJ but I personally felt that he was trying to act like Nick Canon, which if that's what they were going for, they could have got him instead. It's an ok movie if your looking for something funny with action and don't care about things like story telling, plot, and the characters walking around with "plot armor". All in all, this movie was good but nothing special, I would just wait for it to go to dollar movies, red box or Netflix instead of wasting money at the movies. Of course if you need your fix of Samuel L. Jackson, then you might want to give this movie a shot. I remember the last one being a lot better. I give this movie a 5/10.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Krypton in TV
Jul 7, 2020
Krypton Is No Kryptonite, Despite No Supes
Shaft is a 2019 action/comedy movie directed by Tim Story and written by Kenya Barris. This film was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie Usher, Regina Hall, Alexandra Shipp, and Richard Roundtree.
After a failed assassination attempt, Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall), his wife, leaves Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) and takes their son, John "JJ." Shaft Jr., to raise on her own. 25 years later, Karim (Avan Jogia), a childhood friend of "JJ"'s, dies of a heroin overdose. JJ who is a cyber security expert and FBI Agent concludes he must have been murdered. After being violently ejected by drug dealers when investigating who sold the heroin that killed his friend; he is left with no other recourse but turn to his father, Shaft, for help.
This movie was a lot different from how I remember the last one which came out in 2000. I remember that one being more serious and more thriller, where they were trying to catch the bad guy. This one seemed to make too light of the action but did deliver on the laughs occasionally. Also I don't remember the last film being as "adult" when it came to language or nudity either, but I like how the movie acknowledged the main characters dialogue when his son tries to talk like him. Jessie Usher was very funny as JJ but I personally felt that he was trying to act like Nick Canon, which if that's what they were going for, they could have got him instead. It's an ok movie if your looking for something funny with action and don't care about things like story telling, plot, and the characters walking around with "plot armor". All in all, this movie was good but nothing special, I would just wait for it to go to dollar movies, red box or Netflix instead of wasting money at the movies. Of course if you need your fix of Samuel L. Jackson, then you might want to give this movie a shot. I remember the last one being a lot better. I give this movie a 5/10.
After a failed assassination attempt, Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall), his wife, leaves Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) and takes their son, John "JJ." Shaft Jr., to raise on her own. 25 years later, Karim (Avan Jogia), a childhood friend of "JJ"'s, dies of a heroin overdose. JJ who is a cyber security expert and FBI Agent concludes he must have been murdered. After being violently ejected by drug dealers when investigating who sold the heroin that killed his friend; he is left with no other recourse but turn to his father, Shaft, for help.
This movie was a lot different from how I remember the last one which came out in 2000. I remember that one being more serious and more thriller, where they were trying to catch the bad guy. This one seemed to make too light of the action but did deliver on the laughs occasionally. Also I don't remember the last film being as "adult" when it came to language or nudity either, but I like how the movie acknowledged the main characters dialogue when his son tries to talk like him. Jessie Usher was very funny as JJ but I personally felt that he was trying to act like Nick Canon, which if that's what they were going for, they could have got him instead. It's an ok movie if your looking for something funny with action and don't care about things like story telling, plot, and the characters walking around with "plot armor". All in all, this movie was good but nothing special, I would just wait for it to go to dollar movies, red box or Netflix instead of wasting money at the movies. Of course if you need your fix of Samuel L. Jackson, then you might want to give this movie a shot. I remember the last one being a lot better. I give this movie a 5/10.
Alex Wolff recommended One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) in Movies (curated)
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The House Guest in Books
Jul 10, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2021)
The House Guest is a psychological thriller that had me so frustrated in parts, that I could happily have thrown my kindle across the room (I really liked the book, by the way)
Kate’s sister disappeared when she was 10 years old, and now 15 years later Kate decides to move to London after one of her sisters old friends phones to say that they’ve seen her. Could this be Kate’s chance to find her sister?
Kate is overwhelmed by everything: the fact that she can’t find a decent job, she’s having no luck in finding her sister, and her parents expectation that she’ll come home to be with them, that London is just a phase. In fact they are very protective of Kate, almost suffocatingly so. They want her to phone them regularly, and make it clear that they expect her to come back to Oxford.
So when Della walks in to the cafe that Kate works at and invites her to join in her life-coaching class for some free sessions, Kate jumps at the chance. After all, she might just get the help she needs.
Kate is such a vulnerable character: she’s emotional and needs constant reassurance, whilst at the same time she doesn’t want anyone to know about her past. Della, on the other hand, is confident in every aspect of her life. She’s a successful life coach with beautiful children and a supportive husband - but there always seems to be something lurking under this glossy exterior. You just can’t put your finger on it until it’s too late!
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to shake or hug Kate, if I’m honest, and I’m sure other people will feel the same way, especially as more of her past is revealed. But my standing ovation goes to Della’s character and how she manages to manipulate Kate into getting exactly what she wants!
I hope this has piqued your interest. It’s a pretty gripping read especially in the latter half, and I’m sure you will really enjoy it - I did!
Many thanks to HarperCollins for my NetGalley copy of this book.
Kate’s sister disappeared when she was 10 years old, and now 15 years later Kate decides to move to London after one of her sisters old friends phones to say that they’ve seen her. Could this be Kate’s chance to find her sister?
Kate is overwhelmed by everything: the fact that she can’t find a decent job, she’s having no luck in finding her sister, and her parents expectation that she’ll come home to be with them, that London is just a phase. In fact they are very protective of Kate, almost suffocatingly so. They want her to phone them regularly, and make it clear that they expect her to come back to Oxford.
So when Della walks in to the cafe that Kate works at and invites her to join in her life-coaching class for some free sessions, Kate jumps at the chance. After all, she might just get the help she needs.
Kate is such a vulnerable character: she’s emotional and needs constant reassurance, whilst at the same time she doesn’t want anyone to know about her past. Della, on the other hand, is confident in every aspect of her life. She’s a successful life coach with beautiful children and a supportive husband - but there always seems to be something lurking under this glossy exterior. You just can’t put your finger on it until it’s too late!
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to shake or hug Kate, if I’m honest, and I’m sure other people will feel the same way, especially as more of her past is revealed. But my standing ovation goes to Della’s character and how she manages to manipulate Kate into getting exactly what she wants!
I hope this has piqued your interest. It’s a pretty gripping read especially in the latter half, and I’m sure you will really enjoy it - I did!
Many thanks to HarperCollins for my NetGalley copy of this book.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated I Heart Hawaii (I Heart Series, Book 8) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Angela, and she is sharing her amusing life story and adventures. I absolutely adored Angela, she is very realistic, down to earth, and the situations she gets herself into made me laugh out loud. I really liked her friends as well. They seem truly one of a kind. The story is told from a single perspective, but it was sufficient for me.
I liked this book from the first chapter, it kept me guessing and intrigued. Even though this book is last in the series, as a first-time reader, I was fully able to understand what was going on and who was who, but I think this book would make more sense for people who read them all and have a better knowledge of all Angela’s adventures in the past. This novel is full of funny situations, and the reader is never left bored. I really liked the research done for this book, as well as a great portrayal of New York. (Do follow Lindsey on Insta, her stories are superb! And she shared her experience from the cat sanctuary in Hawaii, that was mentioned in the book! How awesome is that! ❤ 🐱
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, it is easy to read, fluffy, and made me happy like a hug after a long day at work. 😀 The chapters are medium length, but divided into smaller parts as well, so it didn’t drag to me. The ending of this book is very well deserved and left me very satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, it was an epic finish of the series. It had the well-loved characters, fast pace and lots of silly and funny situations, that made this book a great read. I am going to get the other books in series now, and if you are looking for something to brighten up your day or just a great summer read, this book is definitely a great pick. Please give it a try and I hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy!
I liked this book from the first chapter, it kept me guessing and intrigued. Even though this book is last in the series, as a first-time reader, I was fully able to understand what was going on and who was who, but I think this book would make more sense for people who read them all and have a better knowledge of all Angela’s adventures in the past. This novel is full of funny situations, and the reader is never left bored. I really liked the research done for this book, as well as a great portrayal of New York. (Do follow Lindsey on Insta, her stories are superb! And she shared her experience from the cat sanctuary in Hawaii, that was mentioned in the book! How awesome is that! ❤ 🐱
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, it is easy to read, fluffy, and made me happy like a hug after a long day at work. 😀 The chapters are medium length, but divided into smaller parts as well, so it didn’t drag to me. The ending of this book is very well deserved and left me very satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, it was an epic finish of the series. It had the well-loved characters, fast pace and lots of silly and funny situations, that made this book a great read. I am going to get the other books in series now, and if you are looking for something to brighten up your day or just a great summer read, this book is definitely a great pick. Please give it a try and I hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy!