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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Seduction (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated Love Will Tear Us Apart in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Aug 14, 2018)
More communication needed!!
This book seems to be based around a couples inability to communicate with one another and the problems that goes on to cause. The couple are Kate and Paul, and they have been best friends since they were seven years old. This continues through their teenaged years and into adulthood. They have a pact at 15, that if they aren't married by 30, they'll marry each other. Kate is brought up pretty much by Paul's parents. Hers are too busy initially, and then Kate's mother dies. Her father is too busy and too detached from her by this point. She seems to live a lonely life and the only relief is Paul and his family. We meet them on holiday with their children in the lead up to their 10th wedding anniversary. They seem very distant from one another.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Sisters One, Two, Three in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Sisters One, Two and Three by Nancy Star is a story told from Ginger's perspective. The plot moves between the 1970s and today. Ginger is the oldest of four siblings, and in the 1970s a tragic event redefined her family.
The three sisters, all very different, come together after the death of their mother. Ginger is the the eldest who is the overanxious hypochondriac. Mimi is the laissez-faire soccer Mom extraordinaire. Lastly, Callie is the youngest and the wanderer whom, as of late, has been on one of her famous disappearing acts. The three finally converge at their Martha’s Vineyard home and, finally, are forced to confront the tragedy from their childhood that has plagued them all for years.
The characters in this novel are well thought out and unique, as well as realistic and flawed. This novel has great style, flow and is very easy to read. I was overjoyed when the format on my E-reader copy was clear, and I could easily engage.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Lake Union Publishing for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
The three sisters, all very different, come together after the death of their mother. Ginger is the the eldest who is the overanxious hypochondriac. Mimi is the laissez-faire soccer Mom extraordinaire. Lastly, Callie is the youngest and the wanderer whom, as of late, has been on one of her famous disappearing acts. The three finally converge at their Martha’s Vineyard home and, finally, are forced to confront the tragedy from their childhood that has plagued them all for years.
The characters in this novel are well thought out and unique, as well as realistic and flawed. This novel has great style, flow and is very easy to read. I was overjoyed when the format on my E-reader copy was clear, and I could easily engage.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Lake Union Publishing for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Unknown (The Elements Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Kyla is a feisty teenager. She'd rather run around through the woods in her brothers' clothes, learning how to use a bow and sword, than acting like the queen-to-be that she is. Perpetuating her antics is her childhood friend, Jethro, who just so happens to be the cousin of her fiancee. Their friendship has waned since the announcement of her future marriage, but something strange and long-foretold may shove them alongside one another once again, whether they like it or not.
I fell in love with the story from the start. I could readily identify with the characters, especially Kyla, and they just pulled me in deeper and deeper into the story. Melissa has a way with words that makes you feel like you're actually a part of the story, and that makes it so much easier to become engrossed throughout. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, and I'm anxious to get started on Unseen!! Great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series =)
5 stars
Princess Kyla is a feisty teenager. She'd rather run around through the woods in her brothers' clothes, learning how to use a bow and sword, than acting like the queen-to-be that she is. Perpetuating her antics is her childhood friend, Jethro, who just so happens to be the cousin of her fiancee. Their friendship has waned since the announcement of her future marriage, but something strange and long-foretold may shove them alongside one another once again, whether they like it or not.
I fell in love with the story from the start. I could readily identify with the characters, especially Kyla, and they just pulled me in deeper and deeper into the story. Melissa has a way with words that makes you feel like you're actually a part of the story, and that makes it so much easier to become engrossed throughout. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, and I'm anxious to get started on Unseen!! Great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series =)
5 stars
ClareR (6129 KP) rated The Mars Room: A Novel in Books
Jul 30, 2018
A stunning debut.
Romy Hall has been given 2 consecutive life sentences for the murder of her stalker. This novel follows her arrival at prison, and reveals the story of her life in the lead up and at the start of her incarceration. We also meet some of the women who she lives with during this time.
I can see why this book has been nominated for The Man Booker Prize 2018 - it clearly shows how a childhood of poverty and benign neglect can lead to drug addiction and crime. It also shows the awful conditions of the prison that Romy is kept in and the hatred of the guards towards their charges. This isn't an environment of rehabilitation, it's an environment of harsh punishment. Which probably explains the high rates of reoffending.
It's a frustrating book to read, because I think the reader really does start to care about the people that they read about (at least I did), even though the writing doesn't actually invite us to feel for the characters. In fact it's all written in quite a detached way. They are more than just the crime they committed, and this book shows that.
I can see why this book has been nominated for The Man Booker Prize 2018 - it clearly shows how a childhood of poverty and benign neglect can lead to drug addiction and crime. It also shows the awful conditions of the prison that Romy is kept in and the hatred of the guards towards their charges. This isn't an environment of rehabilitation, it's an environment of harsh punishment. Which probably explains the high rates of reoffending.
It's a frustrating book to read, because I think the reader really does start to care about the people that they read about (at least I did), even though the writing doesn't actually invite us to feel for the characters. In fact it's all written in quite a detached way. They are more than just the crime they committed, and this book shows that.
A very topical graphic novel
This is very relevant at the moment. It makes for depressing reading about our society. A woman, Sabrina, goes missing and her boyfriend goes to stay with a childhood friend who is in the military, in order to get away from the media scrum. His friend is actually a very central character in all of this.
When Sabrina is found murdered, there are those on the internet who believe that this is 'fake news', that her murderer has been framed, and when they find out where her boyfriend is staying, they target the friend he is staying with. They send him emails trying to prove a conspiracy. When the video that the murderer made of Sabrinas actual death (which has been sent to news outlets)is leaked on to the internet, it means that anyone can watch the murder. But the conspiracy theorists still don't believe that this is all real. The it is a set up.
It's depressing and scary, and it really happens. It's fictionalised in the book, but it HAS happened. And that is what has made it stand out.
When Sabrina is found murdered, there are those on the internet who believe that this is 'fake news', that her murderer has been framed, and when they find out where her boyfriend is staying, they target the friend he is staying with. They send him emails trying to prove a conspiracy. When the video that the murderer made of Sabrinas actual death (which has been sent to news outlets)is leaked on to the internet, it means that anyone can watch the murder. But the conspiracy theorists still don't believe that this is all real. The it is a set up.
It's depressing and scary, and it really happens. It's fictionalised in the book, but it HAS happened. And that is what has made it stand out.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Talk Talk - Single by Cannons in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Cannons is an electro-pop band from Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Talk Talk” single.
“You say it felt so nice. That’s when I am near. I’m fighting voices in my mind, voices telling lies about it. ‘Cause it feels so right with your arms around me.” – lyrics
‘Talk Talk’ will be featured on Cannons’ upcoming album, entitled, “Shadows”, available later this summer.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, dreamy vocals, and groovy instrumentation seasoned with a chill ‘70s vibe. Also, the song possesses indie-alternative and electro-pop elements.
Cannons formed in 2013 when childhood friends Ryan Clapham and Paul Davis met Michelle Joy.
The two grew up on the same street in Los Angeles and had been trying to start a band for years. But nothing had quite clicked until their paths crossed hers.
Michelle’s effortless vocals melded perfectly with Ryan’s old school, Memphis-style R&B chord progressions and Paul’s densely layered productions.
Since then, their music has been licensed in HBO’s first season of Ballers, and used to soundtrack the rollout for Kendall & Kylie Jenner’s Topshop line.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/cannons-talk/
“You say it felt so nice. That’s when I am near. I’m fighting voices in my mind, voices telling lies about it. ‘Cause it feels so right with your arms around me.” – lyrics
‘Talk Talk’ will be featured on Cannons’ upcoming album, entitled, “Shadows”, available later this summer.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, dreamy vocals, and groovy instrumentation seasoned with a chill ‘70s vibe. Also, the song possesses indie-alternative and electro-pop elements.
Cannons formed in 2013 when childhood friends Ryan Clapham and Paul Davis met Michelle Joy.
The two grew up on the same street in Los Angeles and had been trying to start a band for years. But nothing had quite clicked until their paths crossed hers.
Michelle’s effortless vocals melded perfectly with Ryan’s old school, Memphis-style R&B chord progressions and Paul’s densely layered productions.
Since then, their music has been licensed in HBO’s first season of Ballers, and used to soundtrack the rollout for Kendall & Kylie Jenner’s Topshop line.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/cannons-talk/
David McK (3755 KP) rated The Blooding (Matthew Hawkwood, #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The most recent book (at the time of writing) in [a:James McGee|223959|James McGee|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1389430491p2/223959.jpg] Matthew Hawkwood series, this is primarily set during the 'forgotten war' of 1812 between Great Britain and the fledgling USA, with Hawkwood newly arrived in the country while trying to get home to London from his escapades in France in the previous novel ([b:Rebellion|11254850|Seeds of Rebellion (Beyonders, #2)|Brandon Mull|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388247992s/11254850.jpg|16181497]).
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated The Ice House (The Honours #2) in Books
Jul 8, 2019
It wasn’t until I was halfway through this book and adding it on to Goodreads, that I realised it was the second in a series. So I would say that it can be read on it’s own - but I’m going to buy the first book and read it now! I love this world building! It would be interesting to read about Delphine’s childhood, the discovery of the Honours and the gateway.
There’s a great cast of characters in this book - the females have great representation and lead the story. They’re strong, brave and don’t wait for someone else to do what they can do for themselves.
The Honours refers to a gift given to certain, chosen people from this otherworldly, accessed by the gateway, and it makes them immortal - which I thought was a great touch.
I feel that only the surface has been scratched, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series (there had better be one - we’re certainly left thinking that there will be one!). Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this book - this is all my own, unbiased opinion, and I’m sorry for taking so long to review it!
There’s a great cast of characters in this book - the females have great representation and lead the story. They’re strong, brave and don’t wait for someone else to do what they can do for themselves.
The Honours refers to a gift given to certain, chosen people from this otherworldly, accessed by the gateway, and it makes them immortal - which I thought was a great touch.
I feel that only the surface has been scratched, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series (there had better be one - we’re certainly left thinking that there will be one!). Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this book - this is all my own, unbiased opinion, and I’m sorry for taking so long to review it!
Leah Lopez (7 KP) rated Strictly Ola: Ola Jordan in Books
Nov 6, 2019
*****Some SPOILERS*****
I have been a SCD fan from the very first show. There have been some amazing professional dancers who have come and gone but there are some dancers you love from the beginning and continue to love despite their exit. Ola and James Jordan are a firm favourite of mine and when I spotted Ola's book in my local library I was like a child in a chocolate factory-I just had to have it. Learning about Ola's childhood and how poor her family and country were was really sad but Ola never let it interfere in her passion for dance. I too wanted to be a professional dancer but due to ill-health this has never really been an option. I was deeply shocked to learn of SCD team behind the curtain and how O+J Jordan were treated. I was appalled how Craig RH was after a few drinks and the way he talked about the celebrities and professional dancers. This book was a real eye-opener.
SCD is back on our screens with a new head-judge. I certainly miss O+J Jordan...
I have been a SCD fan from the very first show. There have been some amazing professional dancers who have come and gone but there are some dancers you love from the beginning and continue to love despite their exit. Ola and James Jordan are a firm favourite of mine and when I spotted Ola's book in my local library I was like a child in a chocolate factory-I just had to have it. Learning about Ola's childhood and how poor her family and country were was really sad but Ola never let it interfere in her passion for dance. I too wanted to be a professional dancer but due to ill-health this has never really been an option. I was deeply shocked to learn of SCD team behind the curtain and how O+J Jordan were treated. I was appalled how Craig RH was after a few drinks and the way he talked about the celebrities and professional dancers. This book was a real eye-opener.
SCD is back on our screens with a new head-judge. I certainly miss O+J Jordan...