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Debbiereadsbook (1647 KP) rated Forever This Time (Heartbreaker #1) in Books
Mar 17, 2023
While everything was dealt with in a sympathetic manner, it all needed to be MORE.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is set in Moonrise Beach, a series by this author, and Ash and Shay are part of that series, but this is their story. I have not read that series, and I do not feel I missed anything for not doing.
This is one of those reviews that will be hard to write. I'm not sure I liked this book, but can't figure out why!
So, I'll comment on what I did like and maybe it will come to me? Let's try.
It's fairly well written, from both Ash and Shay's point of view. Greyson also gets a chapter, he is Ash's best friend, and is married to Dacey, Shay's best friend but I'm not entirely sure what the point of HIS chapter was?
It moves along steadily. The pace of the story and the way Ash and Shay build their relationship moves along nicely, neither want to rush into anything and spoil their friendship.
I felt some of the things that had happened to Shay could have been dealt with in a deeper way, but what does happen was not glassed over. I just felt it needed more, you know?
I think that's my biggest issue. While everything was dealt with in a sympathetic manner, it all needed to be MORE. Yes, my overwhelming feeling about this book was, I needed more, and ya'll know I like to share my book feelings.
When I find a new to me author I ask myself this: Will I read more of this author? My answer for this author is :possibly, but only if the blurb grabs. I will not go back and read the Moornrise Beach series though.
3 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is set in Moonrise Beach, a series by this author, and Ash and Shay are part of that series, but this is their story. I have not read that series, and I do not feel I missed anything for not doing.
This is one of those reviews that will be hard to write. I'm not sure I liked this book, but can't figure out why!
So, I'll comment on what I did like and maybe it will come to me? Let's try.
It's fairly well written, from both Ash and Shay's point of view. Greyson also gets a chapter, he is Ash's best friend, and is married to Dacey, Shay's best friend but I'm not entirely sure what the point of HIS chapter was?
It moves along steadily. The pace of the story and the way Ash and Shay build their relationship moves along nicely, neither want to rush into anything and spoil their friendship.
I felt some of the things that had happened to Shay could have been dealt with in a deeper way, but what does happen was not glassed over. I just felt it needed more, you know?
I think that's my biggest issue. While everything was dealt with in a sympathetic manner, it all needed to be MORE. Yes, my overwhelming feeling about this book was, I needed more, and ya'll know I like to share my book feelings.
When I find a new to me author I ask myself this: Will I read more of this author? My answer for this author is :possibly, but only if the blurb grabs. I will not go back and read the Moornrise Beach series though.
3 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Her Last Holiday in Books
Sep 12, 2021
I think this is one of those ©Marmite books ... you'll either like it or not. For me, I liked it ... I didn't love it, but I was certainly entertained and fair blasted through it.
This starts off at a steady pace while the characters are introduced and gradually increases as the story develops culminating in break-neck speed. There a quite a few characters and past and present timelines so you have to keep your wits about you but this added to the suspense and tension.
The story is told from three points of view - Fran, Kate and Jenna. It took me a while to warm to Fran but the more I read, the more she grew on me. Kate - nope, not a likeable character at all but worked well for the book. Jenna - still not sure how I feel about her.
The plot is interesting - not particularly plausible but if you can't suspend reality in a fiction book, then when can you? There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and although I pretty much worked out what was going on pretty early on, it was fun seeing how it all played out.
Overall, a fun read and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This starts off at a steady pace while the characters are introduced and gradually increases as the story develops culminating in break-neck speed. There a quite a few characters and past and present timelines so you have to keep your wits about you but this added to the suspense and tension.
The story is told from three points of view - Fran, Kate and Jenna. It took me a while to warm to Fran but the more I read, the more she grew on me. Kate - nope, not a likeable character at all but worked well for the book. Jenna - still not sure how I feel about her.
The plot is interesting - not particularly plausible but if you can't suspend reality in a fiction book, then when can you? There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and although I pretty much worked out what was going on pretty early on, it was fun seeing how it all played out.
Overall, a fun read and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Hate F*@k: Part 1 (The Horus Group, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Hmm...that last bit has stumped me a little. I'll give it 3.5 stars.
I have no idea where the name came from for this because there isn't much hate going on or f*@king for that matter. There's a lot of tension and few sexual interactions but not too much--which is good as far as I'm concerned. Too much puts me off.
Another thing I liked was there was actually a plot to this book--with the name you can never be too sure--and I enjoyed it. The tension was brilliant and I couldn't wait for it to peak which it did right at the end.
As for the other part of the story, the family issue and Cole's secrets I am very intrigued by that ending. What the hell happened?!
I think I'll have to get the second part just to find out.
I have no idea where the name came from for this because there isn't much hate going on or f*@king for that matter. There's a lot of tension and few sexual interactions but not too much--which is good as far as I'm concerned. Too much puts me off.
Another thing I liked was there was actually a plot to this book--with the name you can never be too sure--and I enjoyed it. The tension was brilliant and I couldn't wait for it to peak which it did right at the end.
As for the other part of the story, the family issue and Cole's secrets I am very intrigued by that ending. What the hell happened?!
I think I'll have to get the second part just to find out.
Debbiereadsbook (1647 KP) rated Silas's Sweetheart (Divergent Omegaverse #4) in Books
Aug 2, 2025
I liked that Ziggy was a perfect match for Silas' desires.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and I recommend that you read books 1-3 first. Not strictly necessary, but you will get more of this group of men and the world they live in.
Silas didn't want to return home, but his parents called 8 Starling brothers to them and dropped a bombshell: They were retiring and the company was to be run by the brothers. So, he goes to his happy place to forget for a while. Meeting the snake shifter rocked his world, but finding the same shifter in his office as his new PA? Silas isn't sure he can manage to keep his hands to himself. Ziggy offers an alternative, since he is equally smitten with Silas. Then the emotional past comes back to Silas and he hurts Ziggy, badly. Can he get Ziggy to give him a second chance?
I loved Silas and Ziggy, I really did but not so much their story and *insert wailing* I don't know why!
So, here's what I did like.
I liked that both Silas and Ziggy found themselves rocked by the encounter at Hidden Desires. I liked that they both found themselves wanting to repeat that. I liked that Ziggy was a perfect match for Silas' desires.
I did not like what happened to Sials when he was a child. I liked that it bought Booker into the family though. But Silas is still suffering the effects of that attack and it's this that makes him mess up, big time, with Ziggy.
I liked that Ziggy, while hurt and trying to move on, really cannot. I do love that Ziggy was able to let Silas explain his actions and the reasons why he acted the way he did. Once Ziggy gets the full picture, he is willing to let Silas back in, IF he remembers to use his words next time!
I loved that we visited the Darling Ranch and met Cass (Unbar The Barred) for the first time, along with a few other characters who piqued my interest. So much so, I saw pairings that were not there and I'm not sure if I'm disappointed with myself, or excited about those correct pairings!
There is some overlap with books 2 and 3, and some fall out from that visit to the factory. I hope those omegas get their HEA, cos they really need it!
Can't quite figure out what's different to the other books, but that;s Ms Sayle for you! She properly messes with my book brain!
4 very good stars (sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and I recommend that you read books 1-3 first. Not strictly necessary, but you will get more of this group of men and the world they live in.
Silas didn't want to return home, but his parents called 8 Starling brothers to them and dropped a bombshell: They were retiring and the company was to be run by the brothers. So, he goes to his happy place to forget for a while. Meeting the snake shifter rocked his world, but finding the same shifter in his office as his new PA? Silas isn't sure he can manage to keep his hands to himself. Ziggy offers an alternative, since he is equally smitten with Silas. Then the emotional past comes back to Silas and he hurts Ziggy, badly. Can he get Ziggy to give him a second chance?
I loved Silas and Ziggy, I really did but not so much their story and *insert wailing* I don't know why!
So, here's what I did like.
I liked that both Silas and Ziggy found themselves rocked by the encounter at Hidden Desires. I liked that they both found themselves wanting to repeat that. I liked that Ziggy was a perfect match for Silas' desires.
I did not like what happened to Sials when he was a child. I liked that it bought Booker into the family though. But Silas is still suffering the effects of that attack and it's this that makes him mess up, big time, with Ziggy.
I liked that Ziggy, while hurt and trying to move on, really cannot. I do love that Ziggy was able to let Silas explain his actions and the reasons why he acted the way he did. Once Ziggy gets the full picture, he is willing to let Silas back in, IF he remembers to use his words next time!
I loved that we visited the Darling Ranch and met Cass (Unbar The Barred) for the first time, along with a few other characters who piqued my interest. So much so, I saw pairings that were not there and I'm not sure if I'm disappointed with myself, or excited about those correct pairings!
There is some overlap with books 2 and 3, and some fall out from that visit to the factory. I hope those omegas get their HEA, cos they really need it!
Can't quite figure out what's different to the other books, but that;s Ms Sayle for you! She properly messes with my book brain!
4 very good stars (sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Very Practical Magic: Modern Magic for Everyday Use in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Very Practical Magic: Modern Magic for Everyday Use by Nicola Kelleher is an interesting spellbook, to say the least. People interested in all different kinds of magic will be able to find something useful in this book. I just urge people to be sure of their intent before attempting any of these. Also, some of the spells suggest or even require the use of feathers and it may be important to note that the possession of specific feather in the US is not legal (something that I just learned recently) so users might just want to be aware of it.
This short book of practical spells starts out with a small preface about the author and some basic information about when it is best to perform magic. The book explains what powers are strongest on each day of the week and by each phase of the moon. It then moves on to love spells but explains that even with these spells the caster can not force anyone to love them and should not attempt to do so. The spells for the home go over every subject from protection and cleaning to even selling and finding your dream home.
No starter spellbook (and that is exactly what this is) would be complete without a section on bringing more wealth toward the user so long as it is not for greed. It contains spells to help bring new friends to you and cultivate current friendships. There is even a version of the Witch’s Ladder toward the back of the book as well. For all the pet lovers there are spells to protect or heal a pet who is sick, yet it encourages readers not to forgo proper medical care. No matter what the reader classifies themselves as or who their patron god/goddess (if applicable) is this book contains a spell for everyone.
What I liked best is that the spells are simple and could easily be adapted for a specific use. I also really liked the list of crystals, herbs, oils, and candles at the back of the book. These lists are a great reference for anyone who wants to create their own spells or needs substitutions for an unavailable item. There was just one thing that I did not like at all, a spell I did not agree with. The spell titled Nail Yourself a Lover encourages filing your nails into a tea that you will serve someone else. This just feels completely wrong to me and gross, not to mention I am not even sure if it is legal.
While I can not suggest an age range for this but there is a clear group of people this book is meant for. The main requirement is that the reader must believe in Magic (not the slight-of-hand type) but real magic. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4. The title is correct in saying that this is a book of very practical magic. Most of the spells have very few ingredients or requirements and do not take long to perform. I would have liked to see pictures of the crystals along with their descriptions in the back of the book to make it better and less likely for errors to occur.
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This short book of practical spells starts out with a small preface about the author and some basic information about when it is best to perform magic. The book explains what powers are strongest on each day of the week and by each phase of the moon. It then moves on to love spells but explains that even with these spells the caster can not force anyone to love them and should not attempt to do so. The spells for the home go over every subject from protection and cleaning to even selling and finding your dream home.
No starter spellbook (and that is exactly what this is) would be complete without a section on bringing more wealth toward the user so long as it is not for greed. It contains spells to help bring new friends to you and cultivate current friendships. There is even a version of the Witch’s Ladder toward the back of the book as well. For all the pet lovers there are spells to protect or heal a pet who is sick, yet it encourages readers not to forgo proper medical care. No matter what the reader classifies themselves as or who their patron god/goddess (if applicable) is this book contains a spell for everyone.
What I liked best is that the spells are simple and could easily be adapted for a specific use. I also really liked the list of crystals, herbs, oils, and candles at the back of the book. These lists are a great reference for anyone who wants to create their own spells or needs substitutions for an unavailable item. There was just one thing that I did not like at all, a spell I did not agree with. The spell titled Nail Yourself a Lover encourages filing your nails into a tea that you will serve someone else. This just feels completely wrong to me and gross, not to mention I am not even sure if it is legal.
While I can not suggest an age range for this but there is a clear group of people this book is meant for. The main requirement is that the reader must believe in Magic (not the slight-of-hand type) but real magic. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4. The title is correct in saying that this is a book of very practical magic. Most of the spells have very few ingredients or requirements and do not take long to perform. I would have liked to see pictures of the crystals along with their descriptions in the back of the book to make it better and less likely for errors to occur.
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Debbiereadsbook (1647 KP) rated Midnight In Berlin in Books
Aug 24, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Covered in feathers, Leon hitchhikes back to his hostel. But Christoph mistakes Leon for a rogue werewolf, and bites him, making Leon like Christoph. Waking up in a house full of others, Leon is more worried about Christoph than his own fate. After Leon frees Christoph, and the truth about their history becomes clear, Leon and Christoph want to leave the pack. But not everyone will let them.
I'm rally not sure how I feel about this book! I did not love it, at all but I didn't hate it either. This is going to be one of those short reviews, and I apologise for that!
It's almost clean, which surprised me, don't know WHY it surprised me, but it did. Also surprised by the fact that I rather liked that it was!
It is, however, quite violent in places. Graphically so, and I did find it a bit too much for me. Someone else might not find it as bad, but me? I didn't like that.
It's told entirely from Leon's point of view and of course I wanted to hear from Christoph. He makes some spur of the moment, life changing decisions here and I needed to know what was going through his mind at those key points in the story.
What Leon does say, is in the first person, past tense, His voice is well written, and well delivered and he gets all the important emotions across in all the right places. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
I jst don't know if this book was for me, that's all! And Lord knows, I say it often enough, but it pains me when I can't word why I do or do not love a book.
So I'll leave it at that.
3 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Covered in feathers, Leon hitchhikes back to his hostel. But Christoph mistakes Leon for a rogue werewolf, and bites him, making Leon like Christoph. Waking up in a house full of others, Leon is more worried about Christoph than his own fate. After Leon frees Christoph, and the truth about their history becomes clear, Leon and Christoph want to leave the pack. But not everyone will let them.
I'm rally not sure how I feel about this book! I did not love it, at all but I didn't hate it either. This is going to be one of those short reviews, and I apologise for that!
It's almost clean, which surprised me, don't know WHY it surprised me, but it did. Also surprised by the fact that I rather liked that it was!
It is, however, quite violent in places. Graphically so, and I did find it a bit too much for me. Someone else might not find it as bad, but me? I didn't like that.
It's told entirely from Leon's point of view and of course I wanted to hear from Christoph. He makes some spur of the moment, life changing decisions here and I needed to know what was going through his mind at those key points in the story.
What Leon does say, is in the first person, past tense, His voice is well written, and well delivered and he gets all the important emotions across in all the right places. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
I jst don't know if this book was for me, that's all! And Lord knows, I say it often enough, but it pains me when I can't word why I do or do not love a book.
So I'll leave it at that.
3 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Lucky Number Slevin (2006) in Movies
Feb 29, 2020
I had avoided this film up until now being put off by the awful title and hearing about Ben Kingsley's insistence of being called Sir on the poster and the credits. Stylistically it's a bit of a poor mans 'Lock Stock' but its not actually a bad film at all. A tale of mistaken identity , revenge and multiple double crossings it's quite compelling storytelling (if a tad convoluted at times) and I liked how it all came together and even explained the awful title. The cast all put in good performances but barring Lucy Liu's bubbly character are a thoroughly unlikable group of assorted villains and scum bags. All in all not sure if I would come back and re watch it but its certainly worth a couple of hours of your time.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan- Season 1 in TV
Sep 7, 2018
I watched all 8 episodes in one sitting, which is something I rarely do. I was super pumped to see Jack Ryan on screen.
I liked how they modernized it, and the story was all new. Well, as new as the standard foil a terrorist plot. Of course, if you've seen/read anything about Jack Ryan, you know certain characters are bound to show up... e.g., Cathy.
The last episode was definitely fan-fare, and riffed off all of the previous films.
I'm just not sure I'm sold on Krasinski as Ryan. I thought he did a better job than Alec Baldwin and Ben Affleck, but definitely wasn't as good as Harrison Ford.
I'm just glad Amazon is going ahead with a second season.
I liked how they modernized it, and the story was all new. Well, as new as the standard foil a terrorist plot. Of course, if you've seen/read anything about Jack Ryan, you know certain characters are bound to show up... e.g., Cathy.
The last episode was definitely fan-fare, and riffed off all of the previous films.
I'm just not sure I'm sold on Krasinski as Ryan. I thought he did a better job than Alec Baldwin and Ben Affleck, but definitely wasn't as good as Harrison Ford.
I'm just glad Amazon is going ahead with a second season.
SO
Secrets of the Centenarians: What is it Like to Live for a Century and Which of Us Will Survive to Find Out?
Book
In October 1995, French grandmother Jeanne Calment became, so far as we know, the oldest human being...
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Poe in Books
Dec 19, 2017
I really liked this book quite a bit FOR THE MOST PART. It was incredibly well-written, and it was quite unique. It was paranormal, but not cheesy, pg-13 YA paranormal. This combined Russian history and demons and seraphs and Rasputin and love and demented siblings and Bohemian artist types and etc. etc. etc. It was a lot of fun. However, the ending was a bit less than satisfying. I'm not sure if there is going to be a second book... by the way it ended, I'm assuming there will be, but I wasn't EXPECTING a second book, and as such, the ending really disappointed me. It didn't tie up the main freaking plot point or several of the smaller ones. That just bugs me to no end. However, it still was a really good book. Or at least, it WILL BE, as long as there is a second book to help me finish up the story the author started in this one. :-D