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Merissa (12911 KP) rated Against the Grain (THIRDS #5) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Against the Grain (THIRDS #5) by Charlie Cochet
Against The Grain is the first book where Dex and Sloane are not the main couple. Instead, we concentrate on Ash and Cael, and to be fair, their story has been a long time coming. We start where the previous book finished, with Tony wielding Old Betsy, but to the guys' surprise, it doesn't go down how they expected. Instead, Ash learns more about Cael than he realised he didn't know, and it makes him want to 'try'. This is still difficult for Ash, and it's not without it's hiccups, but Cael is prepared to help him where he can. Now, this wouldn't be a THIRDS book if something else wasn't going down, and this time it's all mixed in with Sloane's loss of control, plus it turns out Ash's loss of control, and maybe one other. You are left not knowing who to trust, apart from the family that is Destructive Delta!
Everything does become clear, plus it means a change for our crew, but they are prepared to fight for what they believe in. I will admit that I actually missed Dex's banter more than I thought I would. Although he is (obviously) still around, he isn't the main character and therefore the quips are there as much. Still, I enjoyed the mix of action, intrigue, romance, and sex. Ash and Cael's story is one that I wanted, waited for, and thoroughly enjoyed. I loved all the intrigue, the questions, and how this book complements the series as a whole. Most definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Everything does become clear, plus it means a change for our crew, but they are prepared to fight for what they believe in. I will admit that I actually missed Dex's banter more than I thought I would. Although he is (obviously) still around, he isn't the main character and therefore the quips are there as much. Still, I enjoyed the mix of action, intrigue, romance, and sex. Ash and Cael's story is one that I wanted, waited for, and thoroughly enjoyed. I loved all the intrigue, the questions, and how this book complements the series as a whole. Most definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Daily Guideposts 2011 in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I grew up in church, so the name of Guideposts has been familiar to me my whole life. This book of devotionals lives up to its familiar name. Guideposts has become synonymous with quality in materials for prayer and reflection, and this book is no exception. The Introduction tells me that the theme for this collaborative effort is "Growing in Love." Each day in the book is one page, with a Bible verse at the beginning and a short prayer at the end, with a true, first-person narrative in between. Each month is preceded by a lovely black-and-white photograph of a lighthouse, with a Bible verse somewhere in the picture. The end of each month has a blank section titled "Seeds of Love" in which the reader can record something God has been doing in his or her life on one line for each day of that month. The end of the book contains a section titled "Fellowship Corner," which lists all of the fifty-five contributors for this devotional, complete with pictures of the people and their thoughts of the past year.
I can really appreciate the collaborative effort put into this book, as each devotional is unique and well thought out. The various viewpoints of the different writers are quite interesting, especially since I know they can all be depended on to believe in and write about the Word of God. While I obviously have not read through every page in this devotional since the time I received it from the publisher, I plan on continuing to use it in the coming new year as part of my personal time with Jesus.
I can really appreciate the collaborative effort put into this book, as each devotional is unique and well thought out. The various viewpoints of the different writers are quite interesting, especially since I know they can all be depended on to believe in and write about the Word of God. While I obviously have not read through every page in this devotional since the time I received it from the publisher, I plan on continuing to use it in the coming new year as part of my personal time with Jesus.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Bringing Maggie Home in Books
Feb 25, 2019
So, I will confess: it's been awhile since I read a Kim Vogel Sawyer book. Like eons ago. But,when I saw this book available and read the blurb, I knew it was one I could not pass up! I definitely made the right choice for sure, as it was like coming home from a long stay in a foreign country. Her writing style was breathtakingly stunning in this emotionally moving, sometimes suspenseful book.
I loved the women in this book. They each stole a piece of my heart and became like family to me. I loved that feeling. I loved the way Ms. Sawyer created this story with 3 generations of stong willed, stubborn women. The mystery she added to the mix and the cold case of Maggie's story was incredibly done. It was the perfect blend of emotions for me!
If you are looking for a fast-paced, laugh out loud novel, don't pick up this book. If you want a book that will grip your soul, twist it, taking it on the most incredible roller coaster ride (the only way I will ever get on a roller coaster!), then this book, filled with messages of longing, hope, desperation and learning to lean on God to show the way, will be the perfect one for you! Ms. Sawyer's latest book is definitely a top read of 2017 for me and gets the highest of 5 stars! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/blogging-for-books-review-bringing-maggie-home-by-kim-vogel-sawyer/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved the women in this book. They each stole a piece of my heart and became like family to me. I loved that feeling. I loved the way Ms. Sawyer created this story with 3 generations of stong willed, stubborn women. The mystery she added to the mix and the cold case of Maggie's story was incredibly done. It was the perfect blend of emotions for me!
If you are looking for a fast-paced, laugh out loud novel, don't pick up this book. If you want a book that will grip your soul, twist it, taking it on the most incredible roller coaster ride (the only way I will ever get on a roller coaster!), then this book, filled with messages of longing, hope, desperation and learning to lean on God to show the way, will be the perfect one for you! Ms. Sawyer's latest book is definitely a top read of 2017 for me and gets the highest of 5 stars! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/blogging-for-books-review-bringing-maggie-home-by-kim-vogel-sawyer/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated If I'm Found (If I Run #2) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
A long time fan of Ms. Blackstock, I was excited to pick up this book. I wasn't disappointed, that was for sure! From first page to last, I was on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense long in to the night. The rush of anticipation was strong with this book!
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Paper Towns in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Quentin is a typical high school kid - watching school life from behind the scenes and adoring his neighbor and classmate Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. However, one night Margo pops up in Quentin's window and asks for him to accompany her on a revenge-seeking adventure. They have an epic night and Quentin returns to school the next day, expecting things to have changed. However, Margo never shows up and eventually Quentin realizes she isn't coming back. He finds some supposed clues that lead to her whereabouts and tries to track her down, but suddenly Margo is consuming his entire life.
I'm not exactly sure what I thought about this one. Margo and Quentin's night out was fun to read about, but the book starts to lag after Margo disappears. It seems like Quentin becomes overly obsessed with Margo - to the extreme - and his search takes forever. You never quite realize why Margo is so special. The book picks up at the end, but by then, I was a little jaded.
Also, and this is just my own pet peeve, I dislike reading books after they've already been made into movies, because I can only picture the actors as I read the story, versus my own imagination. Not sure why this bothers me, but it does.
Still, this was a fun story and definitely hilarious at points (I very much love Quentin and his friends), so I think it's worth a read. However, if you're looking to feel as much emotion as say, when reading "The Fault in Our Stars," you'll be a little disappointed.
I'm not exactly sure what I thought about this one. Margo and Quentin's night out was fun to read about, but the book starts to lag after Margo disappears. It seems like Quentin becomes overly obsessed with Margo - to the extreme - and his search takes forever. You never quite realize why Margo is so special. The book picks up at the end, but by then, I was a little jaded.
Also, and this is just my own pet peeve, I dislike reading books after they've already been made into movies, because I can only picture the actors as I read the story, versus my own imagination. Not sure why this bothers me, but it does.
Still, this was a fun story and definitely hilarious at points (I very much love Quentin and his friends), so I think it's worth a read. However, if you're looking to feel as much emotion as say, when reading "The Fault in Our Stars," you'll be a little disappointed.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Birds (1963) in Movies
Mar 6, 2018
Amazing Film
Before disaster strikes, The Birds lures you into a false sense of comfort with beautiful scenic shots from a drop-top driving up the side of a mountain pass to a small boat pacing its way through the vast Pacific. If you're smart or pay any attention to movie history at all, you know what's coming next. I can only help but imagine how original audiences must have felt seeing all this serenity before being hit with a rude awakening. The word "jarred" comes to mind.
When Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) shows up in a sleepy, California coastal town, her visit turns sour when the town's birds start to randomly attack the population. The film is a thrill ride from beginning to end, relying on the tension of the unsettling and unusual to rattle your mind. Seagulls are attacking randomly. The chickens aren't eating. The next thing you know, a man is found in his bedroom with his eyes pecked out (very memorable shot) and it's off to the races.
Because of the tension from one moment to the next, every scene then becomes memorable. I'll never forget the scene where Melanie and Mitch (Rod Taylor) are walking past watching crows on their way to pick up Cathy (Veronica Cartwright). You know those birds can strike at anytime which had me waiting on the edge of my seat.
And this is where the genius of Hitchcock comes in. To be able to take something that sounds so minor on paper and make it a major deal in your mind is not an easy thing to do. He makes it look effortless. I give the film a 98.
When Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) shows up in a sleepy, California coastal town, her visit turns sour when the town's birds start to randomly attack the population. The film is a thrill ride from beginning to end, relying on the tension of the unsettling and unusual to rattle your mind. Seagulls are attacking randomly. The chickens aren't eating. The next thing you know, a man is found in his bedroom with his eyes pecked out (very memorable shot) and it's off to the races.
Because of the tension from one moment to the next, every scene then becomes memorable. I'll never forget the scene where Melanie and Mitch (Rod Taylor) are walking past watching crows on their way to pick up Cathy (Veronica Cartwright). You know those birds can strike at anytime which had me waiting on the edge of my seat.
And this is where the genius of Hitchcock comes in. To be able to take something that sounds so minor on paper and make it a major deal in your mind is not an easy thing to do. He makes it look effortless. I give the film a 98.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated A Texan's Promise (Heart of a Hero, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
I want to get this book to read but I was reading another book by Shelley Shepard Gray at the time. I was either going to wait for it to become free for my Nook or get it though the library. Well I was surfing my facebook or looking at posts that were coming to my surprise Shelley Shepard post Status update saying that her book "A Texan's Promise" was being able to download it free for that day or that week for the Nook at Barnes & Noble website. So I downloaded it to my Nook and started reading it. Now on to my lovely thought of the book.
I really like how the beginning starts in this book. We get learn about Clayton and Vanessa past though the book. We start to see how Vanessa Grant life become rattled and how things change rapidly. Clayton seems to care for her and her pain. He see her in pain and wants to get her safe. We get to introduced to Miles Grant and Vanessa stepfather a little bit. We hear about Clayton's side of the family while he and Vanessa are traveling on the trail from Texas to Colorado. Along the way, you meet a few of Clayton's friends. Their a new set problem that exist with old one between Clayton and Vanessa. You also hear about Miles and his struggles along with Miles and Vanessa stepfather problem is. To find out what they are and struggles each person as is suggest that you go and read it. [b:A Texan's Promise|11082675|A Texan's Promise|Shelley Gray|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327938432s/11082675.jpg|16004333]
I really like how the beginning starts in this book. We get learn about Clayton and Vanessa past though the book. We start to see how Vanessa Grant life become rattled and how things change rapidly. Clayton seems to care for her and her pain. He see her in pain and wants to get her safe. We get to introduced to Miles Grant and Vanessa stepfather a little bit. We hear about Clayton's side of the family while he and Vanessa are traveling on the trail from Texas to Colorado. Along the way, you meet a few of Clayton's friends. Their a new set problem that exist with old one between Clayton and Vanessa. You also hear about Miles and his struggles along with Miles and Vanessa stepfather problem is. To find out what they are and struggles each person as is suggest that you go and read it. [b:A Texan's Promise|11082675|A Texan's Promise|Shelley Gray|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327938432s/11082675.jpg|16004333]
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
John Dexter has Borderline Personality Disorder, quite a special case indeed, and he's recently become infatuated with Carla, a young woman working at a local pub. Well, "infatuated" is too light a word; he's fallen head-over-heels in love with her, and upon first sight, no less. See, that's one of his main issues: he falls hard and fast, and when the inevitable happens, he just doesn't have the emotional capabilities to cope. So, this is just going to be another in a string of intense failings, right? Or will his many years of therapy actually come through for him this time?
Coming from a Psychology background, this book really hits the nail on the head. I was greatly appreciative that the author took the time to outline the different requirements for a diagnosis of BPD and how John fits within each one. It's an interesting read from a fictional perspective, and it has its ups and definitely its downs, but the psychological aspect is spot-on, as well. The ways John chooses to cope with his failings, emotional downfalls, etc, are accurately depicted, from self-harm to drinking himself to oblivion, and while it's not something that everyone can identify with, it's made all the more easier to understand through the author's use of explanatory exposition and narration from John himself, discussing his diagnosis with the reader.
This is the first book I've read of this author, and I plan to add him to my list of those to seek out in the future.
5 stars
John Dexter has Borderline Personality Disorder, quite a special case indeed, and he's recently become infatuated with Carla, a young woman working at a local pub. Well, "infatuated" is too light a word; he's fallen head-over-heels in love with her, and upon first sight, no less. See, that's one of his main issues: he falls hard and fast, and when the inevitable happens, he just doesn't have the emotional capabilities to cope. So, this is just going to be another in a string of intense failings, right? Or will his many years of therapy actually come through for him this time?
Coming from a Psychology background, this book really hits the nail on the head. I was greatly appreciative that the author took the time to outline the different requirements for a diagnosis of BPD and how John fits within each one. It's an interesting read from a fictional perspective, and it has its ups and definitely its downs, but the psychological aspect is spot-on, as well. The ways John chooses to cope with his failings, emotional downfalls, etc, are accurately depicted, from self-harm to drinking himself to oblivion, and while it's not something that everyone can identify with, it's made all the more easier to understand through the author's use of explanatory exposition and narration from John himself, discussing his diagnosis with the reader.
This is the first book I've read of this author, and I plan to add him to my list of those to seek out in the future.
5 stars
Louise (64 KP) rated Bitch Planet: Extraordinary Machine: Volume 1 in Books
Jul 2, 2018
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This a bind up of the first 5 comics in the series
First off I am not gonna lie, this wasn’t as good as I anticipated but does get better throughout. I really didn’t like the retro artwork that was going on, I felt that the artwork needed to be more sombre for this storyline. There is a lot of nudity in this book, like constantly and I really don’t think it was that necessary. I am not a prude but there was literally, tits, ass and vagina’s on every page
This graphic novel deals with several topics such as feminism, oppression, racism and voyeurism (lot’s of ism’s I know) so this book is not going to be for everyone. I liked the fact that not every women in this book had a bikini body, there were characters such as Penny that were bigger ladies and proud of it. There was also background information to why these women were on Bitch Planet, which helped with character development. The important message that is coming across in this graphic novel is that all women should be themselves and not to give a damn about other people’s opinions.I think the storyline is getting better as you get towards the end of this bind up and would be definitely interested in reading more
I had trouble with the layout as provided to me via Netgalley, it took the experience away from me and I would probably enjoyed it more in a physical format.
Overall I gave this 3 out of 5 stars.
This a bind up of the first 5 comics in the series
First off I am not gonna lie, this wasn’t as good as I anticipated but does get better throughout. I really didn’t like the retro artwork that was going on, I felt that the artwork needed to be more sombre for this storyline. There is a lot of nudity in this book, like constantly and I really don’t think it was that necessary. I am not a prude but there was literally, tits, ass and vagina’s on every page
This graphic novel deals with several topics such as feminism, oppression, racism and voyeurism (lot’s of ism’s I know) so this book is not going to be for everyone. I liked the fact that not every women in this book had a bikini body, there were characters such as Penny that were bigger ladies and proud of it. There was also background information to why these women were on Bitch Planet, which helped with character development. The important message that is coming across in this graphic novel is that all women should be themselves and not to give a damn about other people’s opinions.I think the storyline is getting better as you get towards the end of this bind up and would be definitely interested in reading more
I had trouble with the layout as provided to me via Netgalley, it took the experience away from me and I would probably enjoyed it more in a physical format.
Overall I gave this 3 out of 5 stars.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Sieve (Drakon Book 1) in Books
Jul 31, 2018
Very short book 1 of 4
This first instalment in the Drakon book sees a mysterious figure, Da-Ren, appear at a monastery looking for salvation, and then follows his memories of his coming-of-age journey as a 12 year-old boy. Dragged from his bed in the orphans camp of his tribe and thrown into The Sieve - a 6 week long trial to weed out the weakest of the tribe, he and his fellow tribe members are forced to stand barely clothed in the freezing field - if they don't fall they get the luxury of clothes and meat; otherwise its porridge. The story flows really well and only seems to drag in a couple of chapters - quite a feat considering the daily drudge being described!
This first part is very short indeed and I can't help but wonder why. I think the overall page count of the full 4 "book" series is about 1500 - so cutting it in to 4 sections seems a little far. This book is about 250 pages. While it tells the full story of Da-Ren's time in the sieve and concludes with his final rating (the role he will perform for the tribe for the rest of his life) I think more of the present story (the monastery) could have been added on the end. A story featuring flashbacks should absolutely not finish in the flashback - showing that this is not really a standalone book at all.
I will read the rest of the series in due course as I loved the storytelling, the world built and am intrigued as to what is next.
This first part is very short indeed and I can't help but wonder why. I think the overall page count of the full 4 "book" series is about 1500 - so cutting it in to 4 sections seems a little far. This book is about 250 pages. While it tells the full story of Da-Ren's time in the sieve and concludes with his final rating (the role he will perform for the tribe for the rest of his life) I think more of the present story (the monastery) could have been added on the end. A story featuring flashbacks should absolutely not finish in the flashback - showing that this is not really a standalone book at all.
I will read the rest of the series in due course as I loved the storytelling, the world built and am intrigued as to what is next.