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Brandy Bentley (3 KP) rated Complicated in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Good small town, law enforcement romance
Contains spoilers, click to show
Complicated is classic Kristen Ashley! Lots of alpha male action that you either love or hate at times, but ultimately love because he's our hero.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
Saerie_Faerie (18 KP) rated Annihilation (2018) in Movies
Mar 3, 2018
actors (2 more)
plot
pace
So creepy-cool good! Very conflicted on rating
If you like all female, kickass smart science loving movies then this movie is for you! Unless you aren't a fan of creepy/thriller stuff then maybe steer clear. I also really wish the characters had more in depth backgrounds but for the sake of a movie it has to be somewhat short and this movie was already sitting at 2 hours so I don't think they could have really afforded to make it any longer.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Cut to the Bone in Books
Aug 6, 2020
I absolutely love the Sayer Altair series and book three didn't disappoint one bit. What is not to love about an incredibly intelligent kickass black FBI agent who takes no prisoners? While Sayer lost her FBI agent fiancé, Jake, several years ago--something she's still reeling from--she's now surrounded herself by her own makeshift family: Adi; her neighbor, Tino; and Ezra. And, of course, there's her witty and tough grandmother, Nana, who raised Sayer. Coming back to this crew as a reader feels like returning to family. Cooper excels at capturing each character's unique voice, and I'm so fond of them all. We even get an appearance from Sayer's former boss, Holt, who has been kicked out of the FBI in a scandal covered in the previous books.
The mystery plot here is a really wild but totally engaging case. There are lots of references to Egypt and plenty to keep you on your toes. It is a tense and suspenseful tale and Cooper throws in plenty of well-timed twists and turns. The story turns personal for Sayer, and I was certainly riveted. Cooper writes in a quick, fast-paced style that makes it easy to keep flipping the pages.
All the books in this series are dark, and this one is no exception. They are not especially for the faint of heart. A lot of death and gruesome descriptions. It is easy to see that Cooper, who has a Ph.D. in anthropology and worked as a murder investigator, knows her stuff. For me, the authenticity just makes the story pop off the pages even more.
This book ends with a total boom for Sayer, and I cannot wait for the next installment. As I said, I love this series and adore Sayer and her little family. If you haven't read the entire series, I recommend starting with book one, but this one will standalone, especially if you love a twisty and engaging thriller. 4+ stars.
The mystery plot here is a really wild but totally engaging case. There are lots of references to Egypt and plenty to keep you on your toes. It is a tense and suspenseful tale and Cooper throws in plenty of well-timed twists and turns. The story turns personal for Sayer, and I was certainly riveted. Cooper writes in a quick, fast-paced style that makes it easy to keep flipping the pages.
All the books in this series are dark, and this one is no exception. They are not especially for the faint of heart. A lot of death and gruesome descriptions. It is easy to see that Cooper, who has a Ph.D. in anthropology and worked as a murder investigator, knows her stuff. For me, the authenticity just makes the story pop off the pages even more.
This book ends with a total boom for Sayer, and I cannot wait for the next installment. As I said, I love this series and adore Sayer and her little family. If you haven't read the entire series, I recommend starting with book one, but this one will standalone, especially if you love a twisty and engaging thriller. 4+ stars.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death Be Blue (Terra Vane #1) in Books
Jul 15, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
She can glimpse visions of the past, present, and future but she doesn’t know when, how, or why. She only knows the outcome, and it doesn’t look good…
Being human is hard enough. Being human with psychic abilities is worse. It was for Terra Vane anyway, until she immigrated to Portiside. There she feels at home in the thriving city of the Fey, Shifters, Vampires, and other gifted humans.
Where there are many factions of creatures, however, crime and skirmishes are to be expected. With a stubbornness born out of years of being deemed a “freak,” Terra’s determination and unique ability serve her well as an Enforcer Field Agent for the Portiside City Agency.
Alongside her annoying wolf-shifting partner, Kaleb, there is no case that is too strange to solve. No case too dangerous—until there is, and the trail of bloodlust leads them to unravel a mystery that threatens Portiside as they know it.
Brilliant
This is the first book I've read of Katie Epstien and I couldn't put it down I was hooked from the start. Her style reminds me of Keri Arthur's and I love her books. It was full of action and sexual tension. It's refreshing to have a strong female lead that's kickass and not wingy. I love the relationship dynamics that she has put together. Terras friends are brilliant strong women helping each other along, then you have the two father figures in Dan and her step dad, her best friend and partner relationship with Kaleb. All this set in such a fantastic world. So ready for the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Being human is hard enough. Being human with psychic abilities is worse. It was for Terra Vane anyway, until she immigrated to Portiside. There she feels at home in the thriving city of the Fey, Shifters, Vampires, and other gifted humans.
Where there are many factions of creatures, however, crime and skirmishes are to be expected. With a stubbornness born out of years of being deemed a “freak,” Terra’s determination and unique ability serve her well as an Enforcer Field Agent for the Portiside City Agency.
Alongside her annoying wolf-shifting partner, Kaleb, there is no case that is too strange to solve. No case too dangerous—until there is, and the trail of bloodlust leads them to unravel a mystery that threatens Portiside as they know it.
Brilliant
This is the first book I've read of Katie Epstien and I couldn't put it down I was hooked from the start. Her style reminds me of Keri Arthur's and I love her books. It was full of action and sexual tension. It's refreshing to have a strong female lead that's kickass and not wingy. I love the relationship dynamics that she has put together. Terras friends are brilliant strong women helping each other along, then you have the two father figures in Dan and her step dad, her best friend and partner relationship with Kaleb. All this set in such a fantastic world. So ready for the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Merissa (12394 KP) rated Bound (The Caelian Cycle #2) in Books
May 5, 2023
I said in my review of Lost that I needed to read book 2. Well, I have, and now I NEED to read book 3!!! This is a doozy of a book that just keeps on giving, with twists and turns that you won't see until it's too late, and things that won't make sense until the author decides it is time for you to know. Donnielle Tyner wraps up a fantastic story into a neat little bundle, presents it to you and then sits back whilst your emotions get ripped to pieces!
We stay with Sadie as she lives in the Underground, training in preparation to take down her grandfather, Miles Koenig. Kian doesn't agree with her decision, but he still supports her in her training. Sadie is one kickass main female and I love her to bits. Kian, well, he's just Kian! Dreamy, protective, stubborn, I could go on. The supporting cast is still as funny and heartwarming as before, although we don't see as much of them due to Sadie's living arrangements. When we do though, it's wonderful. She does make a new friend in Luca though, and their relationship is just as strong as the ones from the orphanage.
There is plenty of action in this book that will leave you gasping and, yes, even crying. I was on more than one occasion and I'm not ashamed to say it. THIS - this is how an author drags you into a story and makes you care about what's happening! There are two shocking events in this that tore me apart, but I will leave it to you to find out what they were.
With a cliffhanger ending that almost had me throwing my Kindle against the wall, this still manages to finish in the right place. Totally engrossed from page one, I can't wait to read book 3! Highly recommended!
* 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!
Nov 26, 2015
We stay with Sadie as she lives in the Underground, training in preparation to take down her grandfather, Miles Koenig. Kian doesn't agree with her decision, but he still supports her in her training. Sadie is one kickass main female and I love her to bits. Kian, well, he's just Kian! Dreamy, protective, stubborn, I could go on. The supporting cast is still as funny and heartwarming as before, although we don't see as much of them due to Sadie's living arrangements. When we do though, it's wonderful. She does make a new friend in Luca though, and their relationship is just as strong as the ones from the orphanage.
There is plenty of action in this book that will leave you gasping and, yes, even crying. I was on more than one occasion and I'm not ashamed to say it. THIS - this is how an author drags you into a story and makes you care about what's happening! There are two shocking events in this that tore me apart, but I will leave it to you to find out what they were.
With a cliffhanger ending that almost had me throwing my Kindle against the wall, this still manages to finish in the right place. Totally engrossed from page one, I can't wait to read book 3! Highly recommended!
* 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!
Nov 26, 2015
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Ninja Girl in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
So I have Cookie OGormans debut novel, <i>Adorkable </i>sitting in my Kindle app, and I cant wait to read it because it sounds freakishly adorable, and I am all about adorable books (I like to mention <i><a href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-imperfect-chemistry-by-mary-frame"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imperfect Chemistry</a></i> for the New Adult readers).
<i>Ninja Girl</i> is OGormans second novel, and it does seem like a second book in a stand-alone series since from what I know, the love interest of this book, Ash, makes an appearance in <i>Adorkable </i>and the couple in that book make an appearance here. (Did I make sense or was that too weird?)
What drew me to <i>Ninja Girl</i> in the first place is the Korean MC, Snow, who looks up to Bruce Lee as her role model and makes her decisions based on what she thinks Bruce Lee would approve. Shes phenomenal at martial arts, which makes her stick out from her group of friends because shes considered a tomboy. To prove that she is indeed a girl, Snow decides to kiss an entirely random guy, someone she would never typically go for, who turns out to be the son of a running candidate for the Senate that recently got pulled out of his life in a public school to a private school.
<i>Ninja Girl</i> reverses the whole damsel in distress and boy saves girl trope - instead, Snow is the one who saves Ash. Snow is recruited as Ashs bodyguard when his father starts getting more threats as they get closer to elections. Its just so refreshing to see a familiar trope being reversed and breaking out of the norm (and of course, OGorman isnt the only one who does this, but Im extremely glad theres another female character to root for).
It is a very nitpicky thing, but I am a little bothered by the title since ninja originates from Japan. However, I feel the title fits remarkably well with Snow as a character - she is extraordinarily fast in her movements when we see her in action as a bodyguard.
I loved the writing style in <i>Ninja Girl</i> - OGorman is hilarious with her writing style, and there are a lot of moments where I just really enjoyed having Snow as the main character and getting to know Ash as a character. As mentioned, I currently have OGormans debut novel on my kindle and getting the chance to see her writing style in her sophomore novel makes me extremely excited to read her debut when I get the chance. There are some fantastic lines in <i>Ninja Girl</i> that I love, and I honestly want to make a different post featuring all of my favorite quotes from the book.
Overall, though, if you want a cute story with a kickass main character who is a POC and hilarious lines, <i>Ninja Girl</i> might be the book for you.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/ninja-girl-by-cookie-ogorman-blog-tour/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
So I have Cookie OGormans debut novel, <i>Adorkable </i>sitting in my Kindle app, and I cant wait to read it because it sounds freakishly adorable, and I am all about adorable books (I like to mention <i><a href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-imperfect-chemistry-by-mary-frame"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imperfect Chemistry</a></i> for the New Adult readers).
<i>Ninja Girl</i> is OGormans second novel, and it does seem like a second book in a stand-alone series since from what I know, the love interest of this book, Ash, makes an appearance in <i>Adorkable </i>and the couple in that book make an appearance here. (Did I make sense or was that too weird?)
What drew me to <i>Ninja Girl</i> in the first place is the Korean MC, Snow, who looks up to Bruce Lee as her role model and makes her decisions based on what she thinks Bruce Lee would approve. Shes phenomenal at martial arts, which makes her stick out from her group of friends because shes considered a tomboy. To prove that she is indeed a girl, Snow decides to kiss an entirely random guy, someone she would never typically go for, who turns out to be the son of a running candidate for the Senate that recently got pulled out of his life in a public school to a private school.
<i>Ninja Girl</i> reverses the whole damsel in distress and boy saves girl trope - instead, Snow is the one who saves Ash. Snow is recruited as Ashs bodyguard when his father starts getting more threats as they get closer to elections. Its just so refreshing to see a familiar trope being reversed and breaking out of the norm (and of course, OGorman isnt the only one who does this, but Im extremely glad theres another female character to root for).
It is a very nitpicky thing, but I am a little bothered by the title since ninja originates from Japan. However, I feel the title fits remarkably well with Snow as a character - she is extraordinarily fast in her movements when we see her in action as a bodyguard.
I loved the writing style in <i>Ninja Girl</i> - OGorman is hilarious with her writing style, and there are a lot of moments where I just really enjoyed having Snow as the main character and getting to know Ash as a character. As mentioned, I currently have OGormans debut novel on my kindle and getting the chance to see her writing style in her sophomore novel makes me extremely excited to read her debut when I get the chance. There are some fantastic lines in <i>Ninja Girl</i> that I love, and I honestly want to make a different post featuring all of my favorite quotes from the book.
Overall, though, if you want a cute story with a kickass main character who is a POC and hilarious lines, <i>Ninja Girl</i> might be the book for you.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/ninja-girl-by-cookie-ogorman-blog-tour/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>