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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2526 KP) rated Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars #2) in Books
Jan 4, 2019
Can Veronica Track Down an Attacker?
This book finds Veronica Mars hired by the Neptune Grand to clear them of responsibility for an attack that left a young woman almost dead several miles away. Before she was found, she was last in the hotel. At first, she claims she can't remember what happened in the attack, but then she names someone on the hotel's staff. With a client who wants Veronica to prove them innocent and a victim who thinks Veronica's only motive is to discredit her, can she find the truth? Meanwhile, Weevil's trial is winding down. Will the jury reach the correct verdict? And will Veronica's father ever be able to use the stories he's found of the Sherriff department's evidence planting?
Having been a fan of the Veronica Mars TV show since the pilot aired, I'm a bit surprised it took me so long to read this second book. I'm glad I finally did because I loved it. The mystery introduced here was great, and it gave us a good excuse to check in with many of our favorite characters. We even saw some minor characters again. The characters are all fantastic. I was most surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Veronica and Logan's relationship, something I'd never been a fan of in the TV series. Like with the first book, I wish this had been told in Veronica's first-person narration – I missed her snarky narration from the series. But that's a minor complaint. Fans of the series will definitely love it. Those new to the franchise might have trouble appreciating everything that happens here, but the obvious solution is to go back and watch the show. You'll find it is well worth your time.
Having been a fan of the Veronica Mars TV show since the pilot aired, I'm a bit surprised it took me so long to read this second book. I'm glad I finally did because I loved it. The mystery introduced here was great, and it gave us a good excuse to check in with many of our favorite characters. We even saw some minor characters again. The characters are all fantastic. I was most surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Veronica and Logan's relationship, something I'd never been a fan of in the TV series. Like with the first book, I wish this had been told in Veronica's first-person narration – I missed her snarky narration from the series. But that's a minor complaint. Fans of the series will definitely love it. Those new to the franchise might have trouble appreciating everything that happens here, but the obvious solution is to go back and watch the show. You'll find it is well worth your time.
David McK (3755 KP) rated Mockingjay in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The third and final book in Suzanne Collin's <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy, in which the (I found) the whole proved to be greater than the sum of its parts.
Like the previous two entries, this is again told in the first-person immediate sense, and is again a 'true' sequel - don't even bother trying to read this without the first two!
Picking up from the end of <i>Catching Fire</i>, Katniss (and some other victors) has been rescued from the 75th annual Hunger Games by the previously-thought-to-be-a-myth survivors of District 13. Not all have made it out, however, Peeta (and two other victors) have been captured by the Capitol, who are now in the process of torturing them for information as the other Districts (1 through 12) rise up against teh Capitol.
This, then, is pretty much a war story, and doesn't shy away from the realities of such (albeit also somewhat sanitized), with characters dropping left, right and centre in unexpected moments, and with Katniss suffering further mental scarring as a result.
But if the Capitol falls, what will rise to replace it?
As a series over-all, I'll admit I wasn't too sure about it at first, and that it took a while for me to get used to the format in which it was told. The every-chapter-must-end-on-a-cliffhanger approach might have been a bit too much for my tastes, but in the end you just had to go with it (think of it like those old TV episodes that did the same!). Individually, the stories were enjoyable enough but nothing special, but put together as one whole arc (and read back to back) I have to say, it proved to be better than I was expecting.
Like the previous two entries, this is again told in the first-person immediate sense, and is again a 'true' sequel - don't even bother trying to read this without the first two!
Picking up from the end of <i>Catching Fire</i>, Katniss (and some other victors) has been rescued from the 75th annual Hunger Games by the previously-thought-to-be-a-myth survivors of District 13. Not all have made it out, however, Peeta (and two other victors) have been captured by the Capitol, who are now in the process of torturing them for information as the other Districts (1 through 12) rise up against teh Capitol.
This, then, is pretty much a war story, and doesn't shy away from the realities of such (albeit also somewhat sanitized), with characters dropping left, right and centre in unexpected moments, and with Katniss suffering further mental scarring as a result.
But if the Capitol falls, what will rise to replace it?
As a series over-all, I'll admit I wasn't too sure about it at first, and that it took a while for me to get used to the format in which it was told. The every-chapter-must-end-on-a-cliffhanger approach might have been a bit too much for my tastes, but in the end you just had to go with it (think of it like those old TV episodes that did the same!). Individually, the stories were enjoyable enough but nothing special, but put together as one whole arc (and read back to back) I have to say, it proved to be better than I was expecting.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Love and a Little White Lie (State of Grace, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Where in the world have I been? Under a rock? I feel like I have missed out on all Tammy L. Gray’s other books! This was my first time reading one of her books and I thoroughly enjoyed her straightforward writing style. This book is probably the first in a series if I had a guess, and I am very happy with that prospect.
Tammy L. Gray writes this story from a first-person perspective and it was fascinating. I loved the raw emotions, and actions of the characters; they felt real and not cushioned by the reader’s expectations. January is a very well-developed character whom I could totally relate too (I mean honestly, how many of us have not dressed up for someone we hoped to impress and had less than satisfactory results?). But January takes it all in stride and turns her misfortunes around without even realizing that she is doing it. I also really enjoyed the slow build romance in this story, it was not the focus, but it was a great side-benefit.
The setting of this book was in Texas, which was awesome, as I know many of the places that were mentioned in this book. It was just the right amount of small-town charm mixed with the feeling of being apart of something bigger. I enjoyed the offhanded humor and the amazing message of accepting people as they are and letting the Lord work. Truly a great portrayal of the gospel.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great story-line, the real and edgy characters, and for the underlying themes throughout the whole book! I highly recommend picking this book up to read.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Tammy L. Gray writes this story from a first-person perspective and it was fascinating. I loved the raw emotions, and actions of the characters; they felt real and not cushioned by the reader’s expectations. January is a very well-developed character whom I could totally relate too (I mean honestly, how many of us have not dressed up for someone we hoped to impress and had less than satisfactory results?). But January takes it all in stride and turns her misfortunes around without even realizing that she is doing it. I also really enjoyed the slow build romance in this story, it was not the focus, but it was a great side-benefit.
The setting of this book was in Texas, which was awesome, as I know many of the places that were mentioned in this book. It was just the right amount of small-town charm mixed with the feeling of being apart of something bigger. I enjoyed the offhanded humor and the amazing message of accepting people as they are and letting the Lord work. Truly a great portrayal of the gospel.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great story-line, the real and edgy characters, and for the underlying themes throughout the whole book! I highly recommend picking this book up to read.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I first heard about this book, I was extremely interested. There's nothing better than watching a man who refuses to commit be roped in. However, I most certainly did not care for this story. First of, Alexa is really annoying. I understand her infatuation at first, because well make mistakes, but it didn't take me nearly as long as it did her that Jack would never choose to be with her unless there was another person involved. The only times he slept with her were when one, or both, of them were unavailable - this tells me what a jerk Jack is. Also, in the beginning, I thought maybe Jack had called Alexa to come down because he was actually having second thoughts and wanted to see if he still had feelings for her before he got married. Then she meets Ramsey. I liked him immediately and quickly threw Jack aside, because nothing he did convinced me he would treat her better. Each past story of their reunions left me cringing and wishing she would just tell Jack to F off - no such luck. By the end of the book, I was praying that Jack would get hit by a bus and that Alexa would realize that Ramsey could be a good match for her. It was hard to keep up with the writing and, occasionally, the view would change for a sentence or two and reveal what either Jack or Ramsey were thinking; this was confusing. The ending was perfect, though. She finally tells Jack to shove it and, though I liked Ramsey, she tells him there's no room for him. I thought, "Good for you. You've been too obsessed with Jack for too long to start up a relationship this soon." I loved that it ended with Alexa being alone, it's what she needed.
Charlotte (184 KP) rated The Mistake in Books
Mar 20, 2021
Although this is a review it will also serve as a letter to Mandy and any other person who has been in this or similar position.
Also this is trigger central with physical and emotional abuse, rape, bereavement, suicide attempts and self harm. If ANY of this affects you please seek help.
Let's start at the beginning.....yes maybe it was a mistake BUT remember you were being MANIPULATED. At the point you made that first 'mistake' he had already done the ground work, he'd slowly started controlling you and your environment......you didn't have a real choice.
He was a master of manipulation and deception, he already knew what words and phrases to use to get compliance........he had experience of it, he relished it. The guy had plausibility and knew how to create a good story....a believable one, well, multiple stories. The story to fool authorities, the story to fool family and friends, the story that became the script of your life.....this is NOT your fault! Whether due to generally being a trusting person or (for Mandy) being vulnerable from a previous bad relationship, you were taken advantage of.
Hope is a make or break feeling, meeting number 4 full of hope for things to get better was bittersweet. I don't have children but can only imagine what emotional trauma was caused from the very first moment of fear for the children. I take my hat off to all the survivors who steeled themselves and did what was necessary to protect their babies. Mandy did what was needed, not for her but her babies.....that's selflessness right there.
MB passing, for goodness sake! It's fluffing heartbreaking. Not going to lie I cried, for MB, for someone that deserved happiness but yet again was dealt a crap hand in life.
Totally unimpressed with flakey bake, I won't say anything else as I'll just swear a lot.
I've actually met Mandy a few times. She came across as outspoken, independent and strong in person, as well as fun (She's serious about the changing hair colours).
Having read this I have no doubt of the strength of this amazing woman. Followed for years by many demons yet still able to stand up and carry on, able to put into words, write a book, about things that most people wouldn't be capable of imagining let alone have touch their lives. A true inspiration.
I know how depression can creep up on you, stalk you, cloak itself so self doubt sets in......I also know how hard it is to ask for help but please ask, it's a lifesaver.
A story of freedom, survival, heartbreak, despair, hope and love as well as so much more.
This is a tissues and chocolate read from start to finish.
Also this is trigger central with physical and emotional abuse, rape, bereavement, suicide attempts and self harm. If ANY of this affects you please seek help.
Let's start at the beginning.....yes maybe it was a mistake BUT remember you were being MANIPULATED. At the point you made that first 'mistake' he had already done the ground work, he'd slowly started controlling you and your environment......you didn't have a real choice.
He was a master of manipulation and deception, he already knew what words and phrases to use to get compliance........he had experience of it, he relished it. The guy had plausibility and knew how to create a good story....a believable one, well, multiple stories. The story to fool authorities, the story to fool family and friends, the story that became the script of your life.....this is NOT your fault! Whether due to generally being a trusting person or (for Mandy) being vulnerable from a previous bad relationship, you were taken advantage of.
Hope is a make or break feeling, meeting number 4 full of hope for things to get better was bittersweet. I don't have children but can only imagine what emotional trauma was caused from the very first moment of fear for the children. I take my hat off to all the survivors who steeled themselves and did what was necessary to protect their babies. Mandy did what was needed, not for her but her babies.....that's selflessness right there.
MB passing, for goodness sake! It's fluffing heartbreaking. Not going to lie I cried, for MB, for someone that deserved happiness but yet again was dealt a crap hand in life.
Totally unimpressed with flakey bake, I won't say anything else as I'll just swear a lot.
I've actually met Mandy a few times. She came across as outspoken, independent and strong in person, as well as fun (She's serious about the changing hair colours).
Having read this I have no doubt of the strength of this amazing woman. Followed for years by many demons yet still able to stand up and carry on, able to put into words, write a book, about things that most people wouldn't be capable of imagining let alone have touch their lives. A true inspiration.
I know how depression can creep up on you, stalk you, cloak itself so self doubt sets in......I also know how hard it is to ask for help but please ask, it's a lifesaver.
A story of freedom, survival, heartbreak, despair, hope and love as well as so much more.
This is a tissues and chocolate read from start to finish.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated 13 Little Blue Envelopes (Little Blue Envelope, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I loved Aunt Peg right from the first letter. Even though everything the reader knows about her is through the letters and the memories of those she knew, she still seemed like an amazing and quirky person to be around. Ironically, she seemed more "alive" than the the main character, Ginny. Ginny's shyness and withdrawn personality seemed to hinder a connection with the reader for a large portion of the book. The letters from her Aunt Peg seemed to draw her out of her shell as she forces herself to complete the strange and uncomfortable tasks listed in the letters.
Of course, what sane person wouldn't want to travel all over Europe for a month on some else's dime? Even though the tasks sometimes made no sense, and Ginny often had to miss out on the typical tourist destinations, the memories that she created and the life lessons that she gleaned from these abstract travels are invaluable. In addition, she gains a family member, a romantic relationship, and the freedom to go where she wants and be who she wants to be without feeling constrained by the life she had led previously to this adventure.
I was slightly disappointed with what happened towards the end, but the way that Ginny deals with it actually makes it better than it probably would have been otherwise. This ending also shows how well she truly knows her Aunt Peg, even after Peg's death. Her Aunt Peg was able to leave her with the roadmap to a lifetime of lessons and adventures, all stamped with Peg's unforgettable style.
Of course, what sane person wouldn't want to travel all over Europe for a month on some else's dime? Even though the tasks sometimes made no sense, and Ginny often had to miss out on the typical tourist destinations, the memories that she created and the life lessons that she gleaned from these abstract travels are invaluable. In addition, she gains a family member, a romantic relationship, and the freedom to go where she wants and be who she wants to be without feeling constrained by the life she had led previously to this adventure.
I was slightly disappointed with what happened towards the end, but the way that Ginny deals with it actually makes it better than it probably would have been otherwise. This ending also shows how well she truly knows her Aunt Peg, even after Peg's death. Her Aunt Peg was able to leave her with the roadmap to a lifetime of lessons and adventures, all stamped with Peg's unforgettable style.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Jordan's World, The Jordan of Algoran Series #1 in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Whew, what a way to begin a series! Jordan pulled me in from the beginning and made me so curious about her as a person and how Allen Steadham would mold her as a character. She was/is a complex person with really well described internal struggles that I think everyone goes through at one point or another in their lives; I mean what is your purpose in life? It seems to be one of Jordan’s biggest questions and I truly admire the way Jordan goes about finding the answers to that question. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters and the layers of laughter, sarcasm, sass, and humor that they brought with them. They are so loyal that I cannot imagine the story without them! All the characters show a great amount of strength and courage when faced with the unknown.
The plot was also really good and hooked me from the first page (Just read it and you will see why) Allen Steadham definitely knows how to pull you in and commit you to the story. The twists and turns that this story takes will have you dreaming of conclusions and wishing you had already bought the second book so you could see what happens next. I know I did. I totally enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it if you are willing to take a leap into a world not quite our own. 5 out of 5 stars for the great character build up, faith interwoven themes, and for leaving me wanting more…. Now I am off to read book two, Jordan’s Arrow.
The plot was also really good and hooked me from the first page (Just read it and you will see why) Allen Steadham definitely knows how to pull you in and commit you to the story. The twists and turns that this story takes will have you dreaming of conclusions and wishing you had already bought the second book so you could see what happens next. I know I did. I totally enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it if you are willing to take a leap into a world not quite our own. 5 out of 5 stars for the great character build up, faith interwoven themes, and for leaving me wanting more…. Now I am off to read book two, Jordan’s Arrow.
Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Forrest: Half a year ago I put out a want ad for a PA. The first person to respond showed up at my...
TRIGGER WARNING - on-page descriptive (non-erotic) rape and stalking. MM Best Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance
Survival: Wicked Forest
Games and Entertainment
App
Survival: The Wicked Forest. After awakening in a forest cold and helpless, your mission is to...
