Search
Search results
ClareR (5784 KP) rated Platform Seven in Books
Sep 1, 2019 (Updated Sep 2, 2019)
A beautiful, sad story.
If I could give more than 10/10 for Platform Seven, I would. The main character, and I’m giving nothing away here, is a ghost. She doesn’t know her name or why she’s there, but she knows that she’s dead, and she knows that she can’t leave the confines of Peterborough train station. However, two things trigger the return of her memories: a suicide on Platform Seven, and the appearance of a (living) young man in the station. We then learn her name, and the sequence of events that resulted in her death and afterlife at Peterborough train station.
This was a beautifully told story, and I’ll warn you now that you’ll need to read it with tissues at hand. I cried, and I cried quite a lot! This isn’t an action packed thriller. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and at times it’s frustrating. It’s easy to read a story and say to yourself that you won’t make the same mistakes as the lead character, that that character should have made different choices, but this book explains so well a manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship.
I would recommend this story - it really is well worth reading.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this outstanding book.
This was a beautifully told story, and I’ll warn you now that you’ll need to read it with tissues at hand. I cried, and I cried quite a lot! This isn’t an action packed thriller. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and at times it’s frustrating. It’s easy to read a story and say to yourself that you won’t make the same mistakes as the lead character, that that character should have made different choices, but this book explains so well a manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship.
I would recommend this story - it really is well worth reading.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this outstanding book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Hunter (The Realm #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2020
100 of 200
Halfway!!
Kindle
The Hunter ( The Realm book 2)
By Eve Langlais
Suzie and her twins tired of running from a violent ex, decide to settle down in sweet suburbia. But forget the quiet life, meet Hunter, Suzie's hot next door neighbor. Masquerading as a private eye, in truth he's a tracker from a magical realm on a quest to keep his world's existence secret. Little does he know that love has its sight on him. To survive a threat from Suzie's past and a predatory shapeshifter from the Realm, they will rely on the special skills that only the Hunter possesses. But will the Hunter allow himself to be caught for the sake of love?
I think everyone need a neighbour like a hunter oh my gosh was he a bit yummy! Yes I used the word yummy! I enjoyed getting a bit more from the realm but they never spend long enough in it! The kids were just so bloody adorable and I now need two dragon babies! This was a easy quick read and I really enjoyed it. Think more could have been made with the hunting and demise of the dragon but still a decent read.
Halfway!!
Kindle
The Hunter ( The Realm book 2)
By Eve Langlais
Suzie and her twins tired of running from a violent ex, decide to settle down in sweet suburbia. But forget the quiet life, meet Hunter, Suzie's hot next door neighbor. Masquerading as a private eye, in truth he's a tracker from a magical realm on a quest to keep his world's existence secret. Little does he know that love has its sight on him. To survive a threat from Suzie's past and a predatory shapeshifter from the Realm, they will rely on the special skills that only the Hunter possesses. But will the Hunter allow himself to be caught for the sake of love?
I think everyone need a neighbour like a hunter oh my gosh was he a bit yummy! Yes I used the word yummy! I enjoyed getting a bit more from the realm but they never spend long enough in it! The kids were just so bloody adorable and I now need two dragon babies! This was a easy quick read and I really enjoyed it. Think more could have been made with the hunting and demise of the dragon but still a decent read.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1) in Books
Dec 10, 2023
191 of 235
Kindle
Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dear Diary
Petty, cruel, mean, and a well known curse word that starts with a B.
Those are words used to describe me.
Now I’m trying to do better.
I want to be a better person, but the forces of evil aren’t making this venture to reform myself easy.
What do you do when your past catches up to you, in the form of hot twins that you used to torment?
Then let’s add in an equally hot best friend, and a jealous Alpha’s daughter to the mix.
How does one reform herself when said past is looking for its own payback?
Do I turn a blind eye, or do I fight back?
The path to reform myself won’t be easy, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge.
I really enjoyed this and read it within an hour and a half. It was easy to read and kept you engrossed. Aspen is definitely an alpha and I’m looking forward to seeing this series play out. CY Jones is one of those writers that has you wanting more. I thought 3⭐️ was too low so went for the 4.
Kindle
Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dear Diary
Petty, cruel, mean, and a well known curse word that starts with a B.
Those are words used to describe me.
Now I’m trying to do better.
I want to be a better person, but the forces of evil aren’t making this venture to reform myself easy.
What do you do when your past catches up to you, in the form of hot twins that you used to torment?
Then let’s add in an equally hot best friend, and a jealous Alpha’s daughter to the mix.
How does one reform herself when said past is looking for its own payback?
Do I turn a blind eye, or do I fight back?
The path to reform myself won’t be easy, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge.
I really enjoyed this and read it within an hour and a half. It was easy to read and kept you engrossed. Aspen is definitely an alpha and I’m looking forward to seeing this series play out. CY Jones is one of those writers that has you wanting more. I thought 3⭐️ was too low so went for the 4.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Rest of The Story in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Emma Saylor's mom, Waverly, died when Emma was 10 after a troubled history with drugs and alcohol. Now it's just Emma and her dad. Life is safe and comfortable, and Emma likes it that way. But now Emma's dad is getting remarried, and Emma needs a place to stay this summer. So she suddenly finds herself shipped off to stay with her mother's family--whom she hasn't seen since she was a kid. They live at North Lake, where her mom grew up, and now Emma gets to meet (well re-meet) her grandmother, aunt, and a whole host of cousins she doesn't even remember. She also sees the divisions between working class North Lake and adjacent Lake North, where her dad spent his summers. As Emma spends more time in North Lake, she feels divided as well. In North Lake, she becomes Saylor--what her mom always called her. She has her cousins and she meets Roo, who was her friend when she was little. He and his late dad have a deep history with her mom. But in wealthier Lake North--and with her dad--she's rigid, predictable Emma. Who is she really? And which side will win out at the end of the summer?
This was just a good, refreshing read, you know? I found it to be touching and poignant. Emma is a likeable character and the oft told tale of a kid finding her way doesn't seem stale in Dessen's hands. The supporting cast is great--I loved Emma's cousins, and Emma and Roo are so great. There's wit and humor infused throughout this book. Scenes with an ice cream truck, for instance, will stick with you! It's so nice to read a book about meaningful family dynamics and relationships (especially one where the families aren't murdering each other, which is often my genre of choice, ha).
"The past was always present, in its way, and you can't help but remember. Even if you can't remember at all."
What I enjoyed about this one is that you just find yourself smiling as you read. Dessen is a wonderful writer--I don't think that comes as a surprise to anyone--and Emma and the other characters come alive from the pages. Emma has a lot to deal with: her late mom, meeting what is basically a new family, and the usual teen "stuff," but there's still plenty of fun here too. Her grandmother runs a motel by the lake, and there's never a dull moment. But, Dessen also deals with the serious moments with a touching grace. There are some good messages about family, as well as class and status. It's wonderful watching Emma learn more about her past--and herself--as she gets to know her mom's family and forge new friendships.
"But all my life I'd felt more like an observer than an active participant. Beside the wheel, not behind. It was safer there, but could be lonely too, or so I was now realizing."
Overall, this is just a lovely read. It's funny, sweet, and will make you smile. Emma is a great character, and it's impossible not to get caught up in her journey. Plus, with the lake setting, it's a perfect summer read! 4+ stars.
This was just a good, refreshing read, you know? I found it to be touching and poignant. Emma is a likeable character and the oft told tale of a kid finding her way doesn't seem stale in Dessen's hands. The supporting cast is great--I loved Emma's cousins, and Emma and Roo are so great. There's wit and humor infused throughout this book. Scenes with an ice cream truck, for instance, will stick with you! It's so nice to read a book about meaningful family dynamics and relationships (especially one where the families aren't murdering each other, which is often my genre of choice, ha).
"The past was always present, in its way, and you can't help but remember. Even if you can't remember at all."
What I enjoyed about this one is that you just find yourself smiling as you read. Dessen is a wonderful writer--I don't think that comes as a surprise to anyone--and Emma and the other characters come alive from the pages. Emma has a lot to deal with: her late mom, meeting what is basically a new family, and the usual teen "stuff," but there's still plenty of fun here too. Her grandmother runs a motel by the lake, and there's never a dull moment. But, Dessen also deals with the serious moments with a touching grace. There are some good messages about family, as well as class and status. It's wonderful watching Emma learn more about her past--and herself--as she gets to know her mom's family and forge new friendships.
"But all my life I'd felt more like an observer than an active participant. Beside the wheel, not behind. It was safer there, but could be lonely too, or so I was now realizing."
Overall, this is just a lovely read. It's funny, sweet, and will make you smile. Emma is a great character, and it's impossible not to get caught up in her journey. Plus, with the lake setting, it's a perfect summer read! 4+ stars.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I use to ask myself what rock I'd been living under whenever I read a book that had come out two even three years ago but I've realized it wasn't a rock; I've just broadened my horizons, expanded my genres and sub genres and now delve into a bit of everything and I'm glad I have because I keep finding new and exciting authors and their books. I loved this fantastic book and the author's take on Poseidon and Triton. Beautifully written story with gorgeous characters and I simply had a hard time putting this book down.
Emma is enjoying her summer vacation with her best friend Chloe unaware that she will soon experience a devastating loss and learn a secret that will forever change her life and alter her perspective on reality. This author's creativity and underwater world building will quickly captivate you and enthrall you and I cannot wait for book two to arrive in the mail because my jaw completely unhinged with the cliff hanging ending. This is a MUST read.
Emma is enjoying her summer vacation with her best friend Chloe unaware that she will soon experience a devastating loss and learn a secret that will forever change her life and alter her perspective on reality. This author's creativity and underwater world building will quickly captivate you and enthrall you and I cannot wait for book two to arrive in the mail because my jaw completely unhinged with the cliff hanging ending. This is a MUST read.
Cumberland (1142 KP) created a post in The Smashbomb Book Club
May 27, 2019 (Updated May 29, 2019)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Sayonara Slam (Mas Arai #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The World Baseball Classic has come to Dodger Stadium, and Mas Arai is excited about the upcoming match between Japan and Korea. He’s on hand early and witnesses a reporter drop dead at a press conference. Mas has no desire to get involved in the investigation until a friend’s grandson hires him as a driver and interpreter. What will they uncover?
I haven’t read most of the books in this series, but I’ve been wanting to return to it for a while now. The characters are good, although I think I missed some of the character development since I’m not super familiar with them. Some sub-plots bogged down the plot a bit early on, but as the book continued, the mystery got stronger. I learned a bit about World War II history along the way to the logical climax.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-sayonara-slam-by-naomi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I haven’t read most of the books in this series, but I’ve been wanting to return to it for a while now. The characters are good, although I think I missed some of the character development since I’m not super familiar with them. Some sub-plots bogged down the plot a bit early on, but as the book continued, the mystery got stronger. I learned a bit about World War II history along the way to the logical climax.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-sayonara-slam-by-naomi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Dirty (Dive Bar, #1) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
A nice read,
Favourite quote...
“When women read romance books, one of two things generally happen.” Mal ran a hand through his lovely locks. “They either want to discuss the book in great depth. And probably, life and your relationship. Now sometimes that’s okay. You reach a higher level of understanding with each other and shit. But sometimes it sucks, pure and simple. You wind up getting bitched at for days because of something the dude in the book did that makes you look bad. But if it’s an awesome book, however, a hot one? Well then … kinky fuckery like you wouldn’t believe, man. The ideas Pumpkin has gotten out of some of those books. Gold. I could never have talked her into trying half of that stuff.” “Huh.” “Trust me, never mock a romance book,” said Mal with all the zest of a manic street preacher. “You have no idea the amount of good they can do for you between the sheets and on the streets. If you love your girl? Buy her books.”
Favourite quote...
“When women read romance books, one of two things generally happen.” Mal ran a hand through his lovely locks. “They either want to discuss the book in great depth. And probably, life and your relationship. Now sometimes that’s okay. You reach a higher level of understanding with each other and shit. But sometimes it sucks, pure and simple. You wind up getting bitched at for days because of something the dude in the book did that makes you look bad. But if it’s an awesome book, however, a hot one? Well then … kinky fuckery like you wouldn’t believe, man. The ideas Pumpkin has gotten out of some of those books. Gold. I could never have talked her into trying half of that stuff.” “Huh.” “Trust me, never mock a romance book,” said Mal with all the zest of a manic street preacher. “You have no idea the amount of good they can do for you between the sheets and on the streets. If you love your girl? Buy her books.”
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I must say this book was fairly predictable. From the minute the focus was put on Elanor above all else I was like, something is fishy with this one here. She seemed like an overgrown child the whole of the book.
Now, I did listen to the audio book version of this, so perhaps that swayed the way that I had interpreted this book, but I did not enjoy her at all. Theodora was my favourite character - I wonder why, again, perhaps the way she was read to me.
The house concept was cool, the way the whole theme and story was lay out was pretty awesome as well - the progression of the story was quick and deliberate. There was some laugh out loud funny moments - I'm pretty sure the house was turning people quite mad.
Overall it was an alright book - 3.5 stars (again, goodreads, let us have .5 stars alright) - not at all scary though (perhaps again that was the audio book talking), but good for a read nontheless - especially in October :)
Now, I did listen to the audio book version of this, so perhaps that swayed the way that I had interpreted this book, but I did not enjoy her at all. Theodora was my favourite character - I wonder why, again, perhaps the way she was read to me.
The house concept was cool, the way the whole theme and story was lay out was pretty awesome as well - the progression of the story was quick and deliberate. There was some laugh out loud funny moments - I'm pretty sure the house was turning people quite mad.
Overall it was an alright book - 3.5 stars (again, goodreads, let us have .5 stars alright) - not at all scary though (perhaps again that was the audio book talking), but good for a read nontheless - especially in October :)
David McK (3496 KP) rated Nightlife (Cal Leandros #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Originally picked up on a whim (as a Christmas present from my Amazon wishlist back in the early 2010s), and I'm glad I did. Be looking for more of this series, methinks.
<edit in 2018>
I've just re-read this again, and can fill in a bit more now than my previous 'review' (above).
This falls firmly into the Urban Fantasy genre, mainly told in the first person, with Cal(iban) Leandros the main narrator of the story, and with the Grendels (or Auphe, or Elf!) the main antagonists: the main, but not the only. In this world (or New York), there's also a Boggle in the park, Trolls (at least one) in the underground, Werewolves, Vampires and other associated mythological creatures, including one who takes a prominent role: that of Darkling (whose sisters are the Banshees of Irish myth). Caliban definitely undergoes quite a bit throughout this story with a major transformation in his character taking place roughly about halfway through: read it, and you'll see what I mean!
<edit in 2018>
I've just re-read this again, and can fill in a bit more now than my previous 'review' (above).
This falls firmly into the Urban Fantasy genre, mainly told in the first person, with Cal(iban) Leandros the main narrator of the story, and with the Grendels (or Auphe, or Elf!) the main antagonists: the main, but not the only. In this world (or New York), there's also a Boggle in the park, Trolls (at least one) in the underground, Werewolves, Vampires and other associated mythological creatures, including one who takes a prominent role: that of Darkling (whose sisters are the Banshees of Irish myth). Caliban definitely undergoes quite a bit throughout this story with a major transformation in his character taking place roughly about halfway through: read it, and you'll see what I mean!