Search

Search only in certain items:

The Bond (The Secret Tales #1)
The Bond (The Secret Tales #1)
Vicki Stiefel, Sanna Brand | 2023 | Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE BOND is the first book in The Secret Tales and the first secret, Rosamund's, is certainly not a nice one - to be polite!

This is a long book, with plenty of trauma and angst to keep you company. It takes you from their present, with quick flashbacks to the past, moving with them to their future as they try to have a secure life together. I did feel as though it could have been shortened just a little, as there were parts I didn't fully grasp the relevance of so, to me, they had little bearing on the story.

This is a slow burn with little physical intimacy (completely understandable) but plenty of affection between the two main characters.

A great start to the series and I can't wait for the next book! Definitely 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!
Jun 2, 2023
  
Because You'll Never Meet Me
Because You'll Never Meet Me
Leah Thomas | 2015 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You instantly fall for both characters. Two different voices throughout of both characters but an over lapping plot line. Both will have you laughing, crying and rooting for them. (0 more)
Electric charged teen angst meets Stranger Things sci fi
We've all heard that it is easier to tell a stranger something than it is your own family before but Because We'll Never Meet takes this onto a unique new level.
Ollie and Moritz are introduced as penpals and we find out they both have very special gifts that connects them together.
Throughout the story we begin to find out more about their interesting lives such as Ollie being allergic to electric and living in the woods, and Moritz being somewhat of a Daredevil character who has no eyes but can read and see despite this.
We begin to learn about their lives and the complex emotions that they are battling alongside the normal teenage angst.
Both are very isolated and alone with only each other for comfort. They each give one another a purpose in writing letters.
They find solace in one another and it really is endearing how they encourage and empower one another and confess their deepest darkest feelings that they feel they cannot speak to anyone else about.
The plot comes to a head when Moritz reveals how the boys are connected and there fall out on both sides changes both of the boys' lives forever.
You cannot help but love the characters and the humour element is one that is quite surprising but makes for a great read.
The hints towards how the boys' are connected is present throughout which makes you want to find out more and more.
I really did enjoy the book and it did remind me slightly of Stranger Things with a sci fi experiment feel to it and I very much appreciated the Marvel / superhero references.
This book highlights and brings home the troubles of finding yourself and where you fit in as a teenager but also that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are no matter how different you may be.
It is fairly different from what I've read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed how the author set the tone and pace of the book.
It is certainly worth a read and makes you think twice about things we all likely take for granted everyday such as friendship, sight and electricity!
  
Jace's Trial
Jace's Trial
J.M. Wolf | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jace's Trial by JM Wolf is a M/M Contemporary Romance with a May / December Romance element. JM is a new to me author as this is the first of his books that I've read. What I will say is that I was not disappointed in the least. Normally, I'm a bit more leery of first person point of views because I have a harder time being drawn into the book as opposed to third person. Jace's Trial was one of those books that I absolutely loved. Not only did it draw me in completely but it pulled at all my 'feels'. It had me crying more than once. Not just sniffling but 'ugly crying'. When you read this definitely make sure you have the tissues ready.

The story was fast paced and a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off of. The character development was amazing. The world development was perfect as well. The Happily Ever After at the end was sweet and perfect. Jace's trial had it all. Love, hurt, angst and loss. I definitely will be reading more from this author.

Pick up this book today and give it a try.
  
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Traci Douglass | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Destiny is the first book in the Seven Seals series. In this one, we meet Kagan, who has looked after the host of the First Seal for eons. The trouble is, not only does he concern himself over the current host, but he is also getting bored and wants to visit earth. A summons comes, and he arrives on earth, only to find out it wasn't Divinity who summoned him, but the host.

This is a nice, relaxing read, with no particular angst and an easy enough plot to follow. Although this story focuses on Kagan, his other brothers are mentioned. With plenty of brothers - and hosts - I can't wait to see where this series will go next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story.

For a quick, laid-back, paranormal romance, then I can definitely recommend this 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!
  
Truth in Lies (The Generators #2)
Truth in Lies (The Generators #2)
Jennifer DiGiovanni | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Truth in Lies (The Generators #2) by Jennifer DiGiovanni
Truth in Lies is the second book in The Generators series, and we reunite with Cara and Alex. Cara is still keeping her powers a secret from her family. Alex is keeping secrets from Cara and Nate. Nate is keeping secrets from Alex. It's a whole big secret-fest! The pressure is ramping up for them though, and the chances of them being 'normal' young adults seems to get further away.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, although I did get frustrated with Cara at times. However, I had to remind myself she is only eighteen, and would I have done any different at that age? This is a high action book, with plenty of angst throughout. The story is fast-paced so make sure you keep up. I will admit to loving where this is going, and I can't wait to see where Jennifer DiGiovanni takes it next. Definitely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
Defensive Play (Boys on the Brink)
Defensive Play (Boys on the Brink)
Jamie Deacon | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Defensive Play (Boys on the Brink) by Jamie Deacon
Defensive Play is the first book by this author I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Davey knows he is gay, but he hasn't told anyone. He is a geek who has managed to earn the respect of his football team, and he is worried if he comes out, he will lose that. He thinks he has it all under control, until Adam shows up. With one glance, Davey starts to become unraveled.

This was a sweet story, with some angst in tune with the story. Mostly, it is about Davey and how he feels, what he will do, and what will the fall out be. It is a novella, so expect the pacing to be fairly fast. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow.

A thoroughly enjoyable story, and I look forward to reading more by this author. Definitely recommended by me.

* I received a copy of this book 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!
  
MO
Memories of the Heart (Memories, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.

This book doesn't pull any punches as it takes you along for the ride. Both Josh and Micah have things to learn to make their own lives better. Along the way, their grandmothers are there to help, just as they always have been. But what happens when life gets in the way and rushes by. Before you realise it, a year has gone past. Is it too late to reconnect? This is what Micah has to learn and decide as the book starts. He is a tool at the beginning and his attitude sucks. However, as the story progresses, you understand more and more about the whys and wherefores and it actually helps make him a more rounded character.

Felice Stevens has once again brought to life some amazing characters and circumstances - enough angst to make it seem real and yet not over the top. Her writing style is excellent and well paced to keep you turning the pages and wanting the next part RIGHT NOW!

Definitely recommended for all fans of the M/M genre.
  
40x40

Amanda Palmer recommended Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes in Music (curated)

 
Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
1983 | Alternative, Rock, Punk
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Violent Femmes was a huge high-school record. I probably got it when I was 14 or 15. I just played the entire album on stage with [Femmes bassist] Brian Ritchie, Brian from the Dresden Dolls and [Bad Seed] Mick Harvey, so I found myself revisiting the record and my early experiences of it. The one thing I remembered was that when I heard that record for the first time, I thought Gordon Gano was a girl. But really sexy! The songs were so sexy and raw and filled with beautiful, actually relatable teenage angst. The music and the production was all so immediate. My cool friends and my older brother were all listening to punk. I tried to be cool and tried to like the Sex Pistols, but I just couldn't get into the records. There just wasn't enough song there for me. But the Violent Femmes was like punk music that my brain could actually follow. I played that tape into the ground, just a non-stop soundtrack. Another thing I realised revisiting it was there's just not a bad song on that record, not a single moment that isn't essential. There's not two seconds of filler."

Source
  
Summer Nights (Wildflowers, #1)
Summer Nights (Wildflowers, #1)
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, courtesy of Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review*

This is my first book by the author and it was a light romance with an interesting new idea for a plot about opening a summer camp for adults. It also has a longer story arc of what's happened to Dylan's dad that I'm assuming will be continued in the rest of the Wildflowers series.

Unfortunately, I struggled with the book. I like quite a bit of angst in my romances. I like fights and steamy make up sex. I like tattooed bad boys who get up to mischief while falling for the virgin new girl.

This was far too tame for me personally.

I loved the idea of the summer camp with the cabins and the activities but I don't think there was enough details about a lot of the going ons.

The characters didn't really grab me either. I didn't find myself willing them to get together. I was actually a little indifferent to them all.

This was not my kind of story, unfortunately.
  
40x40

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Feb 4, 2021  
Come read my rave book review for the Young Adult clean romance novel PUDGE & PREJUDICE by Allison Pittman Author Page. "I'm so happy that I did get a chance to read this book because I have become totally smitten with it!" Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a hair scrunchie, a signed copy of the book, and a $25 Visa gift card - three winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/02/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-pudge.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
A Mixtape of Big '80s Style, High School Angst, and a Classic Jane Austen Tale

It’s 1984 and after moving to Northenfield, Texas, with her family, Elyse Nebbit faces the challenge of finding her place in a new school, one dominated by social status and Friday night football. When Elyse’s effortlessly beautiful older sister Jayne starts dating golden boy Charlie Bingley, Elyse finds herself curious about Charlie’s popular and brooding best friend, Billy Fitz. Elyse’s body insecurities eventually complicate her relationship with Billy, leaving Jayne and Elyse’s exceedingly blunt friend, Lottie, to step in and help Elyse accept herself for who she is, pant size and all.