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Autumn (3 KP) rated Breaking Beautiful in Books
Jan 19, 2018
this book wasn't what I was expecting. most YA novels aren't when I think about it. anyway, this was wonderful. I think of it as a story of a girl discovering who she is and what she needs.
thankfully I have about zero experience and only academic knowledge about abusive relationships. therefore my only complaint was that there was no explanation in how Allie got into this destructive relationship. from a moralistic standpoint this is probably one of the worst books to give a teenager in an abusive relationship. it demonstrates no means of prevention or plausible solutions of extracting oneself from such a situation. apparently your only means of escape are 1. getting the shit beat out of you until your partner thinks you're dead or 2. your partner dies. not terribly plausible.
points for self-actualization and having a character with CP; big WTF for not helping anyone.
thankfully I have about zero experience and only academic knowledge about abusive relationships. therefore my only complaint was that there was no explanation in how Allie got into this destructive relationship. from a moralistic standpoint this is probably one of the worst books to give a teenager in an abusive relationship. it demonstrates no means of prevention or plausible solutions of extracting oneself from such a situation. apparently your only means of escape are 1. getting the shit beat out of you until your partner thinks you're dead or 2. your partner dies. not terribly plausible.
points for self-actualization and having a character with CP; big WTF for not helping anyone.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #17) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I kept saying I was giving up on Hamilton's books, then giving her just one more chance as each novel came out, hoping that at some point she'd give up the porn and write real novels again. With this volume, the effort is finally vindicated.
Don't get me wrong--there's definitely sex in <i>Skin Trade</i>. Sex with yet more new men, even! But it doesn't start happening 'til well into the book, and when it does occur there's a lot more justification for it than at some times in the past. It's still explicit, and there are still likely to be more than two people in any given bed at a time, but if any of that squicked you, you wouldn't be reading any of her work.
The book nearly earned four stars, but there were a few plot holes that bothered me too much to forget them.
Don't get me wrong--there's definitely sex in <i>Skin Trade</i>. Sex with yet more new men, even! But it doesn't start happening 'til well into the book, and when it does occur there's a lot more justification for it than at some times in the past. It's still explicit, and there are still likely to be more than two people in any given bed at a time, but if any of that squicked you, you wouldn't be reading any of her work.
The book nearly earned four stars, but there were a few plot holes that bothered me too much to forget them.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Murder on Wheels (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #6) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I love a protagonist who feels like someone I could be best friends with, and that's exactly how I felt about Jill Gardner. She isn't afraid to eat cheesecake, tacos, and fries, she reads everything from romance novels to stories about dragons, and she isn't afraid to (or doesn't know when not to) speak her mind. I'd also love to quit my day job and work at Coffee, Books, and More!
This is another new-to-me series that I enjoyed so much I will be going back to the beginning to get caught up. It was full of believable characters, a touch of romance, and just enough personal drama to keep Jill on her toes. The mystery kept me guessing, and the solution did not disappoint. If you enjoy cozies, be sure to check out Murder on Wheels!
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is another new-to-me series that I enjoyed so much I will be going back to the beginning to get caught up. It was full of believable characters, a touch of romance, and just enough personal drama to keep Jill on her toes. The mystery kept me guessing, and the solution did not disappoint. If you enjoy cozies, be sure to check out Murder on Wheels!
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Casino Royale (2006) in Movies
Feb 21, 2018 (Updated Feb 21, 2018)
Urbane Legend XXI
Bold hard reboot of the Bond series that took it closer to the novels than it had been in generations. Newly-licensed 007 uncovers terrorist financier, beats him at cards, takes a terrible belting in the gentleman's department (emotionally and physically).
Very refreshing (at least at the time) for blowing the barnacles off Bond and going back to source, more or less; Daniel Craig seems to be the first replacement Bond not to on some level be constantly thinking about Sean Connery. Unusually tough and naturalistic, but with the expected (high quality) fights and chases grafted onto Fleming's story. Even at the time one wondered just where this new take on Bond could possibly go next (not terribly far, as it turned out: at least not while staying interesting), but on its own terms this is a thrilling reinvention and a great, credible thriller.
Very refreshing (at least at the time) for blowing the barnacles off Bond and going back to source, more or less; Daniel Craig seems to be the first replacement Bond not to on some level be constantly thinking about Sean Connery. Unusually tough and naturalistic, but with the expected (high quality) fights and chases grafted onto Fleming's story. Even at the time one wondered just where this new take on Bond could possibly go next (not terribly far, as it turned out: at least not while staying interesting), but on its own terms this is a thrilling reinvention and a great, credible thriller.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Boy Meets Boy in Books
Jul 10, 2018
This was a really cute novel. I have been a fan of David Levithan for quite some time. I however was nervous to read this novel. The name of it definitely through me off and made me unsure of it. I'm definitely glad that I picked it up.
The reason I didn't want to read this novel was because I felt that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters. I love how David Levithan can write about gay characters and make it so everyone can relate to them no matter their sexual orientation. Too many novels feel the need to make their characters unreasonably "gay" and completely unrelatable. I'm glad that this novel was not like that.
The characters were charming, the writing was spectacular, and I found myself relating to many of the characters. This wasn't a life altering novel but it definitely was a good one.
The reason I didn't want to read this novel was because I felt that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters. I love how David Levithan can write about gay characters and make it so everyone can relate to them no matter their sexual orientation. Too many novels feel the need to make their characters unreasonably "gay" and completely unrelatable. I'm glad that this novel was not like that.
The characters were charming, the writing was spectacular, and I found myself relating to many of the characters. This wasn't a life altering novel but it definitely was a good one.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I own an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but I ended up listening to it on audiobook. The narrator (Abby Elvidge) did an really good job at pulling off the humor and snark that Mary Roach puts into her books. The book was fascinating and it is always fun to see how much research Mary Roach puts into her book. I'm never disappointed and I always leave her novels knowing more than I ever thought I could have learned.
Mary Roach has a way of making you want to gag and laugh at the same time. Her snark and humor is always fun and adds a lot when you start learning about decomposing shark flesh. I love reading/listening to her books because it delivers knowledge with a side of humor.
All in all, this was really fascinating. I would recommend reading this.
Mary Roach has a way of making you want to gag and laugh at the same time. Her snark and humor is always fun and adds a lot when you start learning about decomposing shark flesh. I love reading/listening to her books because it delivers knowledge with a side of humor.
All in all, this was really fascinating. I would recommend reading this.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Red Rising in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I have been putting this book off for 2 years now and I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed in myself. Red Rising by Pierce Brown drips with all the goodies that Dystopian novels promise. The characters were interesting and I loved that there were mind games, physical games, and just some well written fight scenes.
I liked the plot but it did seem to borrow from many of the dystopian books I have read in the past. It became almost a game to compare books. That is the main reason I am giving this a 4 star review. I loved the plot but it did feel a little like a mashup of all of the recent and past dystopian books.
All in all, I enjoyed the characters the most and the plot was intriguing when I didn't feel like it was copying different books.
I liked the plot but it did seem to borrow from many of the dystopian books I have read in the past. It became almost a game to compare books. That is the main reason I am giving this a 4 star review. I loved the plot but it did feel a little like a mashup of all of the recent and past dystopian books.
All in all, I enjoyed the characters the most and the plot was intriguing when I didn't feel like it was copying different books.
Thank you Dani Collins for sending over the book to me, and for your autograph! It's really precious to me!
As much as I love romance novels, this one is definitely at the top of my favourites.
For every romantic soul among us, this is a book that will lead you into an amazing world full of emotions, laughter, intelligent conversation and very explicit moments that will make you open the windows at home. My home felt too hot a few times ;)
It is a very good composed book, the story takes you in right from the very first chapter and I will save you all from spoilers, but I'll let you know that you will definitely love the ending and would want to know what happens after as well!
A must read for all of you that enjoy reading about love and happy ever afters!
As much as I love romance novels, this one is definitely at the top of my favourites.
For every romantic soul among us, this is a book that will lead you into an amazing world full of emotions, laughter, intelligent conversation and very explicit moments that will make you open the windows at home. My home felt too hot a few times ;)
It is a very good composed book, the story takes you in right from the very first chapter and I will save you all from spoilers, but I'll let you know that you will definitely love the ending and would want to know what happens after as well!
A must read for all of you that enjoy reading about love and happy ever afters!
Toni M (6 KP) rated A Dark and Twisted Tide (Lacey Flint #4) in Books
Aug 22, 2018
I loved this one! The previous Lacey Flint novels have kept me guessing, and I'm always wrong. So this time, I thought outside the box and was sure I had it figured out. Wrong! I love that Bolton keeps me on my toes!
In spite of the fact that Joesbury is largely absent from this book, the Mark/Lacey storyline features more prominently than it did in Lost (or Like This, For Ever, depending which edition you read). I was really missing it in the last book so I was happy to see more of it this time around.
Finally, Thessa's character is well-written and beautifully portrayed. I fell in love with her straight away.
I've got Here Be Dragons next on my reading list and I have high hopes for it. Still, I can't wait for the next full-length novel in this series!
In spite of the fact that Joesbury is largely absent from this book, the Mark/Lacey storyline features more prominently than it did in Lost (or Like This, For Ever, depending which edition you read). I was really missing it in the last book so I was happy to see more of it this time around.
Finally, Thessa's character is well-written and beautifully portrayed. I fell in love with her straight away.
I've got Here Be Dragons next on my reading list and I have high hopes for it. Still, I can't wait for the next full-length novel in this series!
ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Dark Lake in Books
Sep 5, 2018
One to watch for.
A debut thriller that really kept me on the edge of my seat. Rosalind Ryan, a local Drama and English teacher, is found dead in the lake at a local nature reserve. Gemma Woodstock, a local Detective Sergeant, is put on the case. Except Gemma has a history with Rosalind, and she has a lot of other personal baggage.
I enjoyed this. They're all very human characters with lots of faults, sometimes unpleasant ones: but I liked that. I liked that the murderer wasn't at all obvious (to me, anyway!) and had me guessing right up to the end, and the whole reason for the murder was a shock, and at the same time, understandable.
I will keep an eye out for future novels by this author, particularly in this series. I really do think that she'll be one to watch out for in the future.
I enjoyed this. They're all very human characters with lots of faults, sometimes unpleasant ones: but I liked that. I liked that the murderer wasn't at all obvious (to me, anyway!) and had me guessing right up to the end, and the whole reason for the murder was a shock, and at the same time, understandable.
I will keep an eye out for future novels by this author, particularly in this series. I really do think that she'll be one to watch out for in the future.