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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Things Fall Apart in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I received this book as part of a book exchange for my book club. I was excited because it finally gave me a reason to read a book that has been on my "I should read this" list. I finished this book and I honestly have no idea what my thoughts are. I'm trying to put them into words and I'm failing.
I liked this book for the multicultural issues that it proposes. It had elements that I have never grasped or read before which I enjoyed. I loved learning about the culture and customs of this tribe. I also loved how complex the main character was. I loved how at moments you're wanting him to be shunned and at other moments you want him to be fully embraced by his tribe.
I didn't like how abrupt the ending was. It was leading to the climax of the story and then just halted leaving me extremely unsatisfied. I want a resolution and I want a cookie cutter ending where everything is wrapped up tight with a cute little bow. Unfortunately, that isn't this book.
All in all, I'm happy that I read this book. I'm thrilled that I finally found time to read it. I'm just not so sure how I feel about it either.
I liked this book for the multicultural issues that it proposes. It had elements that I have never grasped or read before which I enjoyed. I loved learning about the culture and customs of this tribe. I also loved how complex the main character was. I loved how at moments you're wanting him to be shunned and at other moments you want him to be fully embraced by his tribe.
I didn't like how abrupt the ending was. It was leading to the climax of the story and then just halted leaving me extremely unsatisfied. I want a resolution and I want a cookie cutter ending where everything is wrapped up tight with a cute little bow. Unfortunately, that isn't this book.
All in all, I'm happy that I read this book. I'm thrilled that I finally found time to read it. I'm just not so sure how I feel about it either.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Slayer (Slayer #1) in Books
Mar 19, 2019 (Updated Mar 19, 2019)
When I saw that Kiersten White was writing a Slayer novel, I was completely intrigued. I really liked Paranormalcy.
So, the extent of my Buffy knowledge is limited to the film. But, apparently, crap has gone down, and everyone hates Buffy? The novel does an ok job at filling in necessary gaps, so I wasn't completely lost. Overall, the story was just meh and predictable. I'm fairly sure I've already figured out the entire book series to come. It's also another reminder that new YA is not for me, at all. The characters were...well, kind of meh. The story didn't really pick up until the last 100 pages Overall, this was an ok book, it wasn't good, but it wasn't god-awful. I definitely don't plan on continuing to read the series.
So, the extent of my Buffy knowledge is limited to the film. But, apparently, crap has gone down, and everyone hates Buffy? The novel does an ok job at filling in necessary gaps, so I wasn't completely lost. Overall, the story was just meh and predictable. I'm fairly sure I've already figured out the entire book series to come. It's also another reminder that new YA is not for me, at all. The characters were...well, kind of meh. The story didn't really pick up until the last 100 pages Overall, this was an ok book, it wasn't good, but it wasn't god-awful. I definitely don't plan on continuing to read the series.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Footwork in Books
Sep 11, 2023
Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Town Bronze Box Set in Books
Sep 1, 2024
it was a wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Prequels #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
In a lot of ways I liked <i>A Summer to Remember</i> better than it's predecessor, <i>One Night for Love</i>. Lauren turned out better than I had hoped (or feared, rather :P), and the love story between her and Kit was very sweet, realistic, and lovely. I couldn't ask for more! I loved how Lauren gradually opened herself up and became a whole person - it was just wonderful. Pure magic in this book. That's all I have to say - definitely a keeper for me. :)
Now...I'm not sure how I'll be able to like Freyja with how she is written in this book. I wish her book was the first in the Bedwyn series so I can get it over with. I'll just have to have faith in Ms. Balogh and how she writes her and her story, because I didn't like her in the least here. I'll cautiously go in. :D
Now...I'm not sure how I'll be able to like Freyja with how she is written in this book. I wish her book was the first in the Bedwyn series so I can get it over with. I'll just have to have faith in Ms. Balogh and how she writes her and her story, because I didn't like her in the least here. I'll cautiously go in. :D
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Witness in Books
Jan 6, 2021
4.5 stars.
This is my first Nora Roberts book that wasn't part of a series or paranormal and I have to say I
really enjoyed it!
I was drawn in very quickly to the story with young Elizabeth and her rebellion against her rather clinical mother and her rules. I know it's called The Witness but I didn't think we'd actually see her witness the crime--which sounds stupid, considering, but oh well. She did. She saw the crime and did the right thing.
It quickly moved on and we met Brooks. I have to tell you now that I really liked him from his first page. He's a good cop with an awesome family behind him.
It's twelve years later (though on the back cover of my paperback it says fifteen?) and Elizabeth is now Abigail and a loner. She isn't good around people and finds it hard to trust people. She has a way about her that is so odd but at the same time you can't help but like her.
Enter Brooks and the fun starts.
I really loved their relationship! They make a great couple and I loved reading it happening.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. Everything worked out great in the end but I think I'd have liked it to have been fleshed out a little more, considering it had been building since around 100 pages in, but it was still pretty good.
I look forward to reading my other Nora Roberts and J.D.Robb paperback books now :)
This is my first Nora Roberts book that wasn't part of a series or paranormal and I have to say I
really enjoyed it!
I was drawn in very quickly to the story with young Elizabeth and her rebellion against her rather clinical mother and her rules. I know it's called The Witness but I didn't think we'd actually see her witness the crime--which sounds stupid, considering, but oh well. She did. She saw the crime and did the right thing.
It quickly moved on and we met Brooks. I have to tell you now that I really liked him from his first page. He's a good cop with an awesome family behind him.
It's twelve years later (though on the back cover of my paperback it says fifteen?) and Elizabeth is now Abigail and a loner. She isn't good around people and finds it hard to trust people. She has a way about her that is so odd but at the same time you can't help but like her.
Enter Brooks and the fun starts.
I really loved their relationship! They make a great couple and I loved reading it happening.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. Everything worked out great in the end but I think I'd have liked it to have been fleshed out a little more, considering it had been building since around 100 pages in, but it was still pretty good.
I look forward to reading my other Nora Roberts and J.D.Robb paperback books now :)
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Designation: Submissive (The Designation Series #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2023
different. but hard work.
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not really sure what I feel about this book, to be honest but I will try to explain.
I liked the blurb, it grabbed me so that's why I read it, and the blurb fits the book well.
I did found this book to have a lot of *noise* for want of a better word. Both Criag and Sam go off on pages and pages of internal monologues and it made for distracting reading, especially when that monologue lands slap bang in the middle of the smexy times!
And there are a LOT of smexy times. I'm not ashamed to say I ove my books on the steamier side, but I like some STORY too.
I mean, very quickly, you know what is going to happen: it's all laid out for you. And...........................that's it!
More world and character building would have been nice, but in a much less instructional way, you know? I almost felt I was being told to listen and take in all in, all in one go, and I really don't like that.
I've not tagged it as romancce, because, to be honest, I didn't get it. Sam wanted and sub and Craig wanted his own Dominant and they get that.
What I do want to know, though, is what happened to Robert, a side character who has disappeared. Now, there is a second book that tells us, and I really REALLY want to read that. Robert is a Dominant with some extra skills that Sam does not have.
Kassel has a large back catalogue. I've not read any of their work before. I might go pick a random one and read something else.
A good 3 star read.
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not really sure what I feel about this book, to be honest but I will try to explain.
I liked the blurb, it grabbed me so that's why I read it, and the blurb fits the book well.
I did found this book to have a lot of *noise* for want of a better word. Both Criag and Sam go off on pages and pages of internal monologues and it made for distracting reading, especially when that monologue lands slap bang in the middle of the smexy times!
And there are a LOT of smexy times. I'm not ashamed to say I ove my books on the steamier side, but I like some STORY too.
I mean, very quickly, you know what is going to happen: it's all laid out for you. And...........................that's it!
More world and character building would have been nice, but in a much less instructional way, you know? I almost felt I was being told to listen and take in all in, all in one go, and I really don't like that.
I've not tagged it as romancce, because, to be honest, I didn't get it. Sam wanted and sub and Craig wanted his own Dominant and they get that.
What I do want to know, though, is what happened to Robert, a side character who has disappeared. Now, there is a second book that tells us, and I really REALLY want to read that. Robert is a Dominant with some extra skills that Sam does not have.
Kassel has a large back catalogue. I've not read any of their work before. I might go pick a random one and read something else.
A good 3 star read.
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Restored: A Second Chance Romance (Chance Brothers #2) in Books
Feb 4, 2022
I liked that the bigger picture to why Dale left Becca isn't immediately obvious!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Chance Brothers series, and while not NECESSARY, reading book one, Renovated, might give you a better picture of this group of people, and also how Becca and Dale are around each other in that book.
Dale left Becca 8 years ago, and now she has returned to town, and finds him working in her mother's house. Dale always regretted leaving Becca, now he wants to make amends, but will she let him?
I really enjoyed book one, and while I did enjoy this one too, it doesn't quite hit THAT spot, and it pains me to say so, especially since I can't pinpoint why!
I liked that the bigger picture to why Dale left Becca isn't immediately obvious, it takes time for the full story to come out. I must admit, when reading, I kept thinking "there's something else coming" and then it comes, both from Dale AND Becca. So, it was a bit like watching a freight train coming at you, and there ain't nothing you can do to stop it. But I liked that, I really did.
I wasn't happy with the way Becca's mum and brother were with her, they totally put Becca down all the time. I wouldn't have been so forgiving as Becca is. Especially when the full story about that night, 8 years ago, comes out. I wanted to punch Becca's brother so bad!
I loved that Becca's friends are still looking out for her, keeping her heart safe from breaking but I also loved that Becca stands up for Dale, when her friends are dissing him, even before they decide to make it work between them.
Dale's brothers all play a huge part, and the foundations are laid for another brother to fall, whether that book is next, I'm not sure, but I will read it.
Even though it hits a different spot than Renovated, and that freight train kept coming at me, I still enjoyed this.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Chance Brothers series, and while not NECESSARY, reading book one, Renovated, might give you a better picture of this group of people, and also how Becca and Dale are around each other in that book.
Dale left Becca 8 years ago, and now she has returned to town, and finds him working in her mother's house. Dale always regretted leaving Becca, now he wants to make amends, but will she let him?
I really enjoyed book one, and while I did enjoy this one too, it doesn't quite hit THAT spot, and it pains me to say so, especially since I can't pinpoint why!
I liked that the bigger picture to why Dale left Becca isn't immediately obvious, it takes time for the full story to come out. I must admit, when reading, I kept thinking "there's something else coming" and then it comes, both from Dale AND Becca. So, it was a bit like watching a freight train coming at you, and there ain't nothing you can do to stop it. But I liked that, I really did.
I wasn't happy with the way Becca's mum and brother were with her, they totally put Becca down all the time. I wouldn't have been so forgiving as Becca is. Especially when the full story about that night, 8 years ago, comes out. I wanted to punch Becca's brother so bad!
I loved that Becca's friends are still looking out for her, keeping her heart safe from breaking but I also loved that Becca stands up for Dale, when her friends are dissing him, even before they decide to make it work between them.
Dale's brothers all play a huge part, and the foundations are laid for another brother to fall, whether that book is next, I'm not sure, but I will read it.
Even though it hits a different spot than Renovated, and that freight train kept coming at me, I still enjoyed this.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Alice (117 KP) rated Light Perpetual in Books
Mar 3, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber for the advanced copy of this book
I'm always very hit or miss when it comes to literary fiction and unfortunately for me, this was a miss! The concept sounded so intriguing and I was instantly intrigued to read it and I really wanted to love it but it just didn't hit home for me. This is a reimagining of what a group of characters lives could have been like had they not died in an explosion as children but with this happening at the very beginning of the book I had no time to get attached to any of the characters maybe if the explosion was revealed at the end after spending the time getting invested it may have struck home for me better. This book is basically all about the characters but I just didn't care about any of them I enjoyed finding out what they were getting up to at each stage but I didn't care about what actually happened to them. One thing I liked was how it portrayed different people at the same stage in life living completely different lives with completely different problems showing how not everyone travels through life at the same pace. All in all just not for me but I'm sure some other people will absolutely love it.
I'm always very hit or miss when it comes to literary fiction and unfortunately for me, this was a miss! The concept sounded so intriguing and I was instantly intrigued to read it and I really wanted to love it but it just didn't hit home for me. This is a reimagining of what a group of characters lives could have been like had they not died in an explosion as children but with this happening at the very beginning of the book I had no time to get attached to any of the characters maybe if the explosion was revealed at the end after spending the time getting invested it may have struck home for me better. This book is basically all about the characters but I just didn't care about any of them I enjoyed finding out what they were getting up to at each stage but I didn't care about what actually happened to them. One thing I liked was how it portrayed different people at the same stage in life living completely different lives with completely different problems showing how not everyone travels through life at the same pace. All in all just not for me but I'm sure some other people will absolutely love it.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Extraction (2020) in Movies
Apr 28, 2020
I thought this was an okay film. I can say that it's almost 100% likely that I'll watch anything with Chris Hemsworth in it and he's great. I will say that I wish I held onto him a little more. I feel like if they would've rolled out his story sooner or built the connection with Ovi more, I would've really felt a connection to him. I just felt like it came a little too late.
I've said it before, but I love it when films have a short timeline because I feel like it allows for a richer story with more details and not as much to contend with in making sure the details align and it all makes sense. I think that if this film would've had a longer plot time, it would've messed up the rhythm.
I liked that they left an ending that could provide for a sequel but didn't need it. If it does end up standing alone, it's a film that can do that. But it could also benefit from a sequel. It doesn't feel like this entire first film was a set up for a second film. This movie has enough to stand on its own and still be a good watch.
I am glad I watched it and I will probably watch the sequel if they do release one, but I can't say I'll ever come back to it or that I highly recommend. Watch it for Hemsworth or don't watch it at all.
I've said it before, but I love it when films have a short timeline because I feel like it allows for a richer story with more details and not as much to contend with in making sure the details align and it all makes sense. I think that if this film would've had a longer plot time, it would've messed up the rhythm.
I liked that they left an ending that could provide for a sequel but didn't need it. If it does end up standing alone, it's a film that can do that. But it could also benefit from a sequel. It doesn't feel like this entire first film was a set up for a second film. This movie has enough to stand on its own and still be a good watch.
I am glad I watched it and I will probably watch the sequel if they do release one, but I can't say I'll ever come back to it or that I highly recommend. Watch it for Hemsworth or don't watch it at all.