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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated This Case Is Gonna Kill Me (Linnet Ellery, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
This book was an unexpected delight. Lawyers? Meh. Even lawyers with paranormal spice.
But Linnet Ellery is no ordinary lawyer, even for a young lawyer in a White Fang law firm. She has no end of backbone and smarts, not to mention luck - or should I say Luck? Because fortune swirls around her like nobody else, making her a nexus of events and a little too conspicuous for her very discreet employers.
That's not to say that she doesn't make her share of mistakes - that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? She survives and learns from them, then helps others avoid the same.
Living in a world of vampires, werewolves, and Alfar (elves) might be intimidating to most humans, especially when those beings (Powers) are essentially in charge. Linnet doesn't let them intimidate her. She uses her contacts and plays to her strengths, winning more and more significant battles every time she goes to bat.
Bornikova sets things up very nicely for a sequel, and I am personally hungry to read more. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys paranormals, urban fantasy, or simply good, humorous fiction with a dollop of suspense and a strong heroine.
But Linnet Ellery is no ordinary lawyer, even for a young lawyer in a White Fang law firm. She has no end of backbone and smarts, not to mention luck - or should I say Luck? Because fortune swirls around her like nobody else, making her a nexus of events and a little too conspicuous for her very discreet employers.
That's not to say that she doesn't make her share of mistakes - that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? She survives and learns from them, then helps others avoid the same.
Living in a world of vampires, werewolves, and Alfar (elves) might be intimidating to most humans, especially when those beings (Powers) are essentially in charge. Linnet doesn't let them intimidate her. She uses her contacts and plays to her strengths, winning more and more significant battles every time she goes to bat.
Bornikova sets things up very nicely for a sequel, and I am personally hungry to read more. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys paranormals, urban fantasy, or simply good, humorous fiction with a dollop of suspense and a strong heroine.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Crowned and Dangerous (Her Royal Spyness, #10) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lady Georgie and Darcy’s elopement is put on hold when Darcy gets the news that his father has been arrested for murder. He races off to Ireland to see how he can help, and it isn’t long before Georgie follows him to help clear her future father-in-law. The evidence all seems to point to Darcy’s father. Can Georgie figure out anything that will help clear him?
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Murder with a Twist in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Former NYPD cop Nic and her husband Nigel are in New York for Christmas and to celebrate his cousin’s 25th birthday. Only Audrey’s husband Leo has disappeared, and she is threatening to not attend her own party if he isn’t found. Nic is asked by the family to track down Leo, and soon she is back in contact with her contacts on the shady side of the law. A dead body and learning just what kind of man Leo is make Nic wonder if Audrey would be better off without her husband. But where is he?
This book is a wonderful tribute to The Thin Man, and fans of Hammett’s classic book or the films will love it. However, even if you aren’t familiar with them, you’ll still absolutely love this book. The plot is well constructed with plenty of twists and surprises. The characters are all strong. And there are tons of laughs, be they from Nic and Nigel’s new dog or the banter between the characters. Pick this book up today.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-murder-with-twist-by-tracy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a wonderful tribute to The Thin Man, and fans of Hammett’s classic book or the films will love it. However, even if you aren’t familiar with them, you’ll still absolutely love this book. The plot is well constructed with plenty of twists and surprises. The characters are all strong. And there are tons of laughs, be they from Nic and Nigel’s new dog or the banter between the characters. Pick this book up today.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-murder-with-twist-by-tracy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated North: How to Live Scandinavian in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Nørth: How to Live Scandinavian by Brontë Aurell is a fun introduction to Scandinavia. This book is filled with recipes, instructions and playful sideways satirical jabs at each of the three Scandinavian countries. From the OCD "it has to be white, all white," to the absolute gaucheness of taking a knife to a beautiful Danish cheese, use a slicer is proper and easier, to the proper way to smörgåsbord and how to drink aquavit, this book covers many aspects of living, dressing and eating in Scandinavian culture. The quirky idioms will make you laugh and the Janteloven (Law of Jante) will give you insight into the Scandinavian psyche.
I was excited to read this book. I lived for a year in Denmark and the year impacted the way I live my life. I knew Denmark and Danes impacted my life greatly but this book helped me realized just how much.
I highly recommend this book to people who want to learn about Scandinavian culture, or are Scandinavian.
I received this book from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and Aurum Press Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book. I lived for a year in Denmark and the year impacted the way I live my life. I knew Denmark and Danes impacted my life greatly but this book helped me realized just how much.
I highly recommend this book to people who want to learn about Scandinavian culture, or are Scandinavian.
I received this book from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and Aurum Press Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie Johnson (34 KP) rated Snapchat in Apps
Aug 14, 2018
Silly (1 more)
Entertains the babies
A review by someone over 25
Allow me to shed some light on snapchat from someone who is not 16 and using it to send nudes. Yes, the pictures disappear after you view them unless you save them, but there is more to this app than destroying the evidence. My two year old enjoys to see her face with doggie ears. My theater friends enjoy to watch their last scene with a tanning taco in the foreground. My sister in law and I snap before and after videos while we clean our house. I can send videos of our children to my husband at work and know that the quality of what I send will be better than a text message. So what I'm saying is that there is a lot of good here, even if you are saying to yourself "I dont use anything that the Kardashians do" and I hear you. Just know that you are missing out on the silliness that a adults need in their life ever so often
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Unforgiven (1992) in Movies
Dec 5, 2018
Eastwood's best is still Eastwood's best!
On the eve of Eastwood's latest and maybe final film "The Mule" hitting theatres in a few weeks, I decided to rewatch his 1992 Best Picture winning effort to see if it still packs a punch as a subtle masterpiece.
Retired outlaw and present farmer William Munny decides to perform one final execution with his friend Ned and the Schofield Kid after they hear the tale of a prostitute being disfigured by a disgruntled customer. In the process, they have a run in with the local badass sheriff who has his own kind of law he dispenses at will.
It's cliche to say all westerns look beautiful since their nature is to capture the Old West in all its majesty and landscape; however, the cinematography here is the true star. The look of the film is stunning (especially on my new 75" TV) and moves you into this world immediately.
Eastwood, Hackman and Morgan Freeman form one of the greatest movie trifecta performances ever and the acting prowess on display is hard to match.
A true masterpiece.
Retired outlaw and present farmer William Munny decides to perform one final execution with his friend Ned and the Schofield Kid after they hear the tale of a prostitute being disfigured by a disgruntled customer. In the process, they have a run in with the local badass sheriff who has his own kind of law he dispenses at will.
It's cliche to say all westerns look beautiful since their nature is to capture the Old West in all its majesty and landscape; however, the cinematography here is the true star. The look of the film is stunning (especially on my new 75" TV) and moves you into this world immediately.
Eastwood, Hackman and Morgan Freeman form one of the greatest movie trifecta performances ever and the acting prowess on display is hard to match.
A true masterpiece.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Star Wars, Vol. 4: Last Flight of the Harbinger in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Entry #4 in Marvel's new run of Star Wars stories, in which Han, Luke, Leia and the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 (and some expendable 'Red Shirts', to borrow a phrase from Star Trek) hijack a Star Destroyer.
Running concurrently, we also have a look at the war from the other side of the divide, from the point of view of a Stormtrooper squad, who believe the Rebels to be terrorists and that freedom = law and order (rather than the Rebellions view of what entails freedom).
Said squad led by a character Luke had previously encountered on the Smugglers moon of Nar-Shadda, and with said sqaud tasked with 'recovering' the hijacked Destroyer.
AS is also now standard, we also have a flash-back to Kenobi's time on Tattoine looking after (from afar) Luke - if you ask me, it's a wonder how that kid didn't know something was up!
All-in-all, though, I have to say that I have enjoyed these 'main' Star Wars stories - hit and miss though they may be - more than, say, the Darth Vader series, with this one proving to be no exception.
Running concurrently, we also have a look at the war from the other side of the divide, from the point of view of a Stormtrooper squad, who believe the Rebels to be terrorists and that freedom = law and order (rather than the Rebellions view of what entails freedom).
Said squad led by a character Luke had previously encountered on the Smugglers moon of Nar-Shadda, and with said sqaud tasked with 'recovering' the hijacked Destroyer.
AS is also now standard, we also have a flash-back to Kenobi's time on Tattoine looking after (from afar) Luke - if you ask me, it's a wonder how that kid didn't know something was up!
All-in-all, though, I have to say that I have enjoyed these 'main' Star Wars stories - hit and miss though they may be - more than, say, the Darth Vader series, with this one proving to be no exception.
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Rebecca's Children: A saga of love and betrayal in 19th century Wales in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Not at all what I had expected!
Honestly, I didn't think that I was going to like this book, mainly because of the subtitle: 'love and betrayal' sounded a bit Catherine Cookson, and whilst I liked Cookson as a teenager, not so much now. BUT this is NOTHING like her books! There is a bit of romance, but I didn't find that it overwhelmed the story, and I really the historical detail fascinating. I'd never heard of the Rebecca Riots before, and I found the descriptions really interesting (and the English reaction completely unsurprising). Dare I say that I completely empathised with them?
Mary and William's story alone was interesting, but I really enjoyed the other sides to the story: the other Rebecca-ites, the Law and Mary's rather unfortunate, and slightly toe-curling, employer Hugh. There's a large cast of characters, as we meet a fair few Rebecca-ites, soldiers, policemen and politicians, but it didn't put me off or confuse me. It was all a clear, well-told, touching story. And I learnt something. So all good!
Many thanks to Sapere Books for giving me a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
Mary and William's story alone was interesting, but I really enjoyed the other sides to the story: the other Rebecca-ites, the Law and Mary's rather unfortunate, and slightly toe-curling, employer Hugh. There's a large cast of characters, as we meet a fair few Rebecca-ites, soldiers, policemen and politicians, but it didn't put me off or confuse me. It was all a clear, well-told, touching story. And I learnt something. So all good!
Many thanks to Sapere Books for giving me a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
Merissa (12929 KP) rated Full Disclosure (Nice Guys, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This story is about Mitch and Cody. Mitch is still trying to work on the case that involved his friends, Colt and Jace, from a year or so previously. Unfortunately for him, no-one is particularly interested and wants to pay any attention. He gets sent on assignment to 'collect' someone but upon arrival realises that it is a bust as there is a law convention in town. So he enjoys some time with his friends whilst longing for someone to have a connection with like they do. Along comes Cody.
These two are opposites in pretty much every way but as such actually complement each other... once Cody gets past his issues. I was pretty much yelling at my Kindle as I read the book as I really REALLY wanted them to be together. There is a lot of suspense in this book as the crimes continue but Mitch isn't any closer to finding out 'whodunnit'.
With a cast of amazing supporting characters, an intriguing and suspenseful storyline and sexy scenes that are smokin', this is just a brilliant book full of love, passion and danger. Recommended for all who enjoy M/M romance.
These two are opposites in pretty much every way but as such actually complement each other... once Cody gets past his issues. I was pretty much yelling at my Kindle as I read the book as I really REALLY wanted them to be together. There is a lot of suspense in this book as the crimes continue but Mitch isn't any closer to finding out 'whodunnit'.
With a cast of amazing supporting characters, an intriguing and suspenseful storyline and sexy scenes that are smokin', this is just a brilliant book full of love, passion and danger. Recommended for all who enjoy M/M romance.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Messages From Henry in Books
Nov 20, 2019
When Evelyn Bury is kidnapped, her abductor is unaware that Henry, her friendly homing pigeon, is able to track her. As law enforcement track the criminal down with Henry's help the poor victim is moved from place to place.
This is told from the point of view of Tammy, Evelyn's neighbour who first realises that Henry is carrying messages from Evelyn and Henry does come out as the hero, defying the odds to save his mistress.
A short story for younger readers (but not too young due to the subject matter which at times could be distressing for them) this will especially appeal to animal lovers. The story is written to be both sympathetic and dramatic and having Tammy narrate as a friend to the hostage works well.
The story flows at a good pace and the reader will be waiting for Henry to arrive almost as much as Tammy and each time hope that Evelyn is finally rescued.
A good read for those just under the target audience for most 'young adult' stories and short enough that it doesn't seem a chore to read.
This is told from the point of view of Tammy, Evelyn's neighbour who first realises that Henry is carrying messages from Evelyn and Henry does come out as the hero, defying the odds to save his mistress.
A short story for younger readers (but not too young due to the subject matter which at times could be distressing for them) this will especially appeal to animal lovers. The story is written to be both sympathetic and dramatic and having Tammy narrate as a friend to the hostage works well.
The story flows at a good pace and the reader will be waiting for Henry to arrive almost as much as Tammy and each time hope that Evelyn is finally rescued.
A good read for those just under the target audience for most 'young adult' stories and short enough that it doesn't seem a chore to read.