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Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake, #3) in Books
May 22, 2019
She cant ignore a cry for help. But in this remote hunting town, its open season.
Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she cant seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isnt an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.
But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already deadher own daughter blamed for the murder. Except thats not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isnt leaving until she finds out who that was.
But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And its poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, its so easy for them to hide
Wolfhunter River, the third book in Caine's Stillhouse Lake series .It is INTENSE and that's putting it mildly.
This is definitely bloody and action-packed with Gwen, Sam and the kids helping to save the day in Wolfhunter. The threat of Melvin is gone, but there is still evil out there. Now it seems that the series may continue with Gwen going in a new direction though it's probable that there will still be more of the fallout from her being the wife of a mass murderer and her still trying to escape her past.
This story was PACKED with twists and turns and shocking, jaw-dropping moments.
I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series. If you haven't read all the books yet, start with Stillhouse Lake. You will need to read the first two books to understand their lives; but not completely necessary to read this one.
I'm already looking forward to #4 it is called Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake Book 4) (21 Jan 2020) according to Amazon.
Highly Recommend reading!!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the opportunity to experience this book in advance of its release.
Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she cant seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isnt an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.
But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already deadher own daughter blamed for the murder. Except thats not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isnt leaving until she finds out who that was.
But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And its poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, its so easy for them to hide
Wolfhunter River, the third book in Caine's Stillhouse Lake series .It is INTENSE and that's putting it mildly.
This is definitely bloody and action-packed with Gwen, Sam and the kids helping to save the day in Wolfhunter. The threat of Melvin is gone, but there is still evil out there. Now it seems that the series may continue with Gwen going in a new direction though it's probable that there will still be more of the fallout from her being the wife of a mass murderer and her still trying to escape her past.
This story was PACKED with twists and turns and shocking, jaw-dropping moments.
I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series. If you haven't read all the books yet, start with Stillhouse Lake. You will need to read the first two books to understand their lives; but not completely necessary to read this one.
I'm already looking forward to #4 it is called Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake Book 4) (21 Jan 2020) according to Amazon.
Highly Recommend reading!!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the opportunity to experience this book in advance of its release.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Last Song in Books
Apr 27, 2018
My Summary: Ronnie does not want to spend the summer with her dad. Her dad left them three years ago, and she hasn’t really forgiven him for it. She hated him for it so much, that she refused to take his calls, quit playing the piano, and never read the letters he sent her. What is she going to do all summer stuck with a dad she hates in a small town with nothing but sand on every side of her, no clubs, no friends…
When she finds Will, the cutest volley-ball players slash aquarium volunteer in her back yard helping her protect un-hatched sea turtles from being eaten by raccoons, she judged him as not-her-type. She doesn’t expect to find a friend in a jock-rich-perfect-family boy, nor does she expect that this will be the best—most exciting, most scary, most fun, most painful—summer of her lifetime.
My Review: I’m not really sure where to start here, other than I am so utterly pleased with The Last Song, I cannot begin to find words to describe it.
Ronnie, Jonah (her brother), Her dad Steve, Will… all the characters really, were such real characters. I felt everything they felt, I laughed when they laughed, and I (nearly) cried when they cried.
I hate it when books suffer from "happy-land syndrome—" where everything works out just too perfectly that it seems silly. The Last Song seemed to work perfectly, but it didn’t have that plot-manipulated feel to it. It didn’t feel like Sparks was just trying to move the story along and causing things to line up too perfectly to be realistic—it felt like the story was writing itself, and it was perfect. The pacing didn’t feel rushed or slow. It was not a thriller, but I did find myself sitting on the edge of my seat dying to find out what happens. I read it through in two or three days (which is fast for me right now, what with school the way it is!). There are twists, there are surprises—some beautiful, some painful, but all wonderful.
The writing was contemporary. It was easy reading and it wasn’t Dostoevsky, but it wasn’t bad either. The humor was light and witty and sarcastic, sometimes laugh out loud, and more times than I can count my sister would look up from her homework and say “Haley. What is so funny?” The perspective alternated between several different characters, but it wasn’t disorientating. It was all from third person perspective, but I still felt like I could get inside the character’s head.
The end was perfect. That’s all I can really say about it because any information would totally ruin the story. All the loose ends were tied, all the questions were answered, and the ending was open to the future but closed in a wonderful conclusion. Suffice to say I grinned so wide I couldn’t see, and my cheeks are still sore.
Audio Review: Let’s just say that I almost gave up reading The Last Song when I started listening to the audio. Pepper Binkley read Ronnie’s perspective and had a high pitched voice, she read a little too fast (which is rare. Most of the time readers are way too slow), there was no differentiating between voices of characters so you couldn’t tell who was talking, and she seemed up tight and nervous. Scott Sowers read the various men’s perspectives, and he read alright. He was a little slow and his voice took some getting used to but he was otherwise ok. I did get too frustrated to get far in the audio book though. I ended up quitting and reading the paperback. I recommend reading The Last Song over listening to it.
Content: blissfully clean. There was romance between Will and Ronnie, but no sex. It wasn’t needed, either. I feel like the fact that they didn’t sleep together added to the book rather than took away from it. It was also clean of foul language. There was some mention of God and the Bible, but never did it feel like Sparks was preaching.
Recommendation: Ages 14+
When she finds Will, the cutest volley-ball players slash aquarium volunteer in her back yard helping her protect un-hatched sea turtles from being eaten by raccoons, she judged him as not-her-type. She doesn’t expect to find a friend in a jock-rich-perfect-family boy, nor does she expect that this will be the best—most exciting, most scary, most fun, most painful—summer of her lifetime.
My Review: I’m not really sure where to start here, other than I am so utterly pleased with The Last Song, I cannot begin to find words to describe it.
Ronnie, Jonah (her brother), Her dad Steve, Will… all the characters really, were such real characters. I felt everything they felt, I laughed when they laughed, and I (nearly) cried when they cried.
I hate it when books suffer from "happy-land syndrome—" where everything works out just too perfectly that it seems silly. The Last Song seemed to work perfectly, but it didn’t have that plot-manipulated feel to it. It didn’t feel like Sparks was just trying to move the story along and causing things to line up too perfectly to be realistic—it felt like the story was writing itself, and it was perfect. The pacing didn’t feel rushed or slow. It was not a thriller, but I did find myself sitting on the edge of my seat dying to find out what happens. I read it through in two or three days (which is fast for me right now, what with school the way it is!). There are twists, there are surprises—some beautiful, some painful, but all wonderful.
The writing was contemporary. It was easy reading and it wasn’t Dostoevsky, but it wasn’t bad either. The humor was light and witty and sarcastic, sometimes laugh out loud, and more times than I can count my sister would look up from her homework and say “Haley. What is so funny?” The perspective alternated between several different characters, but it wasn’t disorientating. It was all from third person perspective, but I still felt like I could get inside the character’s head.
The end was perfect. That’s all I can really say about it because any information would totally ruin the story. All the loose ends were tied, all the questions were answered, and the ending was open to the future but closed in a wonderful conclusion. Suffice to say I grinned so wide I couldn’t see, and my cheeks are still sore.
Audio Review: Let’s just say that I almost gave up reading The Last Song when I started listening to the audio. Pepper Binkley read Ronnie’s perspective and had a high pitched voice, she read a little too fast (which is rare. Most of the time readers are way too slow), there was no differentiating between voices of characters so you couldn’t tell who was talking, and she seemed up tight and nervous. Scott Sowers read the various men’s perspectives, and he read alright. He was a little slow and his voice took some getting used to but he was otherwise ok. I did get too frustrated to get far in the audio book though. I ended up quitting and reading the paperback. I recommend reading The Last Song over listening to it.
Content: blissfully clean. There was romance between Will and Ronnie, but no sex. It wasn’t needed, either. I feel like the fact that they didn’t sleep together added to the book rather than took away from it. It was also clean of foul language. There was some mention of God and the Bible, but never did it feel like Sparks was preaching.
Recommendation: Ages 14+
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated To Defend a Damaged Duke (Regency Rossingley #2) in Books
Jun 22, 2025
Loved this second instalment!!
Independent Reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere
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Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated The Princess of Draga (Draga Court #1) in Books
Feb 28, 2018
a slow burner
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Shattered (Dark Reflections #4) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
WOW! Dean Murray did warn me on my blog review of Ambushed that this one might blow my mind. He knew what he was talking about as it did! At the beginning, Alec and Adri still aren't speaking following their separation at the end of the last book. Carson is training Alec and Adri is still trying to help Taggart in every way she can apart from killing.
We spend time with different characters in this book as it moves forward. Addison, James' mum, makes a discovery which may just put our Sanctuary pack in danger but she is one of theirs - will they go ahead anyway? You know the answer is yes but how it is written will keep you on edge for every moment. There is a lot of action in this book, as well as long-awaited outcomes and new revelations. I won't give anything away by mentioning specifics but suffice it to say, if you have read the first three Dark Reflections books then I honestly can't see how you won't love this instalment.
This book had me reading faster and faster the closer to the end it got while at the same time, I was desperately hoping that it would never end. Unfortunately for me, it did end and what an ending it was. Now I just need to (im)patiently wait for the next one.
Good one, Dean, brilliant once again.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 20, 2016
We spend time with different characters in this book as it moves forward. Addison, James' mum, makes a discovery which may just put our Sanctuary pack in danger but she is one of theirs - will they go ahead anyway? You know the answer is yes but how it is written will keep you on edge for every moment. There is a lot of action in this book, as well as long-awaited outcomes and new revelations. I won't give anything away by mentioning specifics but suffice it to say, if you have read the first three Dark Reflections books then I honestly can't see how you won't love this instalment.
This book had me reading faster and faster the closer to the end it got while at the same time, I was desperately hoping that it would never end. Unfortunately for me, it did end and what an ending it was. Now I just need to (im)patiently wait for the next one.
Good one, Dean, brilliant once again.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 20, 2016
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I went to London Super Comic Con on Friday and bought a few image books/graphic novels (I can't wait to read them!) and decided to start taking advantage of my boyfriend's extensive comic/graphic novel collection. As I've been intending to read The Killing Joke for ages now, I decided to start with that.
The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.
This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.
Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.
I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.
The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.
The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.
This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.
Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.
I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.
The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.
Hannah May (3 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Mar 8, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
It was a strange kind of wonderful, reading this book. It is a romance in its purest form and has been written with so much care and tenderness. Eleanor & Park is unlike any book I have ever read - so far at least. The romantic build is slow, dramatic and captiviting, and it defies the stereotypes of everyday life. Eleanor is not your average teenage girl. She's not popular. She's not blonde. She's not stick thin. Her family is not rich. She is different and Rainbow Rowell reaffirms that idea again and again. She has a big mess of red hair. She's a social outcast. She's bullied. She comes from a broken family. She's anxious and self-conscious. She is so different and so far off the spectrum, that it was a never ending thrill hearing her side of the story, hearing of her struggles and passions. Reading from Eleanor's point of view really brought the whole world into perspective, and made me think in ways I have never done so before. Now. What can I say about Park without repeating myself? What I like most about him is his characterisation. Why? Because it sets him apart from the typical male protagonist you find in most Teen Fiction novels. He's quirky. He's sarcastic. He's a closet romantic. He's Asian. He wears make up. He too is an outcast. This alone makes him different, but no less intriguing or entertaining to read. I truly admire his devotion to Eleanor. Even when she tries to push him away, he's always there for her and he always loves her, despite her taciturn moods and snappy comments. He loves her so deeply and without shame. Needless to say, I wish there were more boys like him. Now, the ending was ambiguous and rather bittersweet. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but somehow I found it quite fitting; considering what happened and how far both Eleanor and Park had come, since their first meeting on the school bus. It's not the perfect happily-ever-after, but it was full of potential and hope that it was, in its own little way. It left a smile on my face, at least. Needless to say, I would recommend Eleanor and Park to anyone. From the setting to the characters to the little hidden messages, it is a real story. It is a real romance and it will move you; body and soul.