Search
Search results
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1) in Books
Nov 26, 2022
212 of 230
Book
The Duke & I ( Bridgertons book 1)
By Julia Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry-though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever! Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry-though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever!
I loved it! It was a slow starter but by the end I was quite emotional not sure if that was the book or the fact I’m a sensitive soul 😂. Julia Quinn is one of my favourite writers for these types of books this didn’t disappoint. I have happily avoided the tv series due wanting to read the books first, I may give them a go after I’ve finished this series.
Book
The Duke & I ( Bridgertons book 1)
By Julia Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry-though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever! Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry-though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever!
I loved it! It was a slow starter but by the end I was quite emotional not sure if that was the book or the fact I’m a sensitive soul 😂. Julia Quinn is one of my favourite writers for these types of books this didn’t disappoint. I have happily avoided the tv series due wanting to read the books first, I may give them a go after I’ve finished this series.
Debbiereadsbook (1741 KP) rated Rule of Thirds in Books
Apr 17, 2018
some darker moments, but brilliant!
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have to admit, when I read the blurb for this book, I had no idea what AI meant, it did not click. Once it's made clear, very early on?? Well, now it made total sense!
Jason is suffering from PTSD and Chase and Shade are his AI companions to help with that. But not only Jason suffers, Shade does too and its left to Chase to keep everyone together.
Very quickly, you lose the fact that Chase and Shade are, for want of a better word, robots. They feel as much as humans do, they want all the same things. The fact that we lose that, is a testament to the skill of the author, it really is.
Just as Jason suffers from his torture, Shade suffers from the modifications made to him against his wishes. Shade may NEVER fully recover, but being around Jason, broken though he is, begins to bring Shade out of his trauma, just as Shade and Chase bring Jason out of his.
I have a soft spot for 3 way relationship, especially if they are hot and heavy. This book is NOT hot and heavy. This book is not about that. this book is EMOTIONALLY heavy, for all three men. You feel for both Shade and Jason every time something sets them off, something triggers for them. And you feel for Chase, trying to keep them all together. And you feel it, right here in your heart when Jason finally begins to let Chase and Shade in.
There has been a huge amount of research into PTSD for this book. You can't get the depth of felling and emotion across without a massive amount of work. Very VERY well done, Aidan Wayne!
I haven't read anything by Wayne before, but the author is on my hit list now!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I have to admit, when I read the blurb for this book, I had no idea what AI meant, it did not click. Once it's made clear, very early on?? Well, now it made total sense!
Jason is suffering from PTSD and Chase and Shade are his AI companions to help with that. But not only Jason suffers, Shade does too and its left to Chase to keep everyone together.
Very quickly, you lose the fact that Chase and Shade are, for want of a better word, robots. They feel as much as humans do, they want all the same things. The fact that we lose that, is a testament to the skill of the author, it really is.
Just as Jason suffers from his torture, Shade suffers from the modifications made to him against his wishes. Shade may NEVER fully recover, but being around Jason, broken though he is, begins to bring Shade out of his trauma, just as Shade and Chase bring Jason out of his.
I have a soft spot for 3 way relationship, especially if they are hot and heavy. This book is NOT hot and heavy. This book is not about that. this book is EMOTIONALLY heavy, for all three men. You feel for both Shade and Jason every time something sets them off, something triggers for them. And you feel for Chase, trying to keep them all together. And you feel it, right here in your heart when Jason finally begins to let Chase and Shade in.
There has been a huge amount of research into PTSD for this book. You can't get the depth of felling and emotion across without a massive amount of work. Very VERY well done, Aidan Wayne!
I haven't read anything by Wayne before, but the author is on my hit list now!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology in Books
May 25, 2018
This review is totally biased, so I apologize for that first if I offend anyone... A family member of mine had some experiences with the Church of Scientology while away at a stint in rehab. He did get clean there, and we are thankful for that - but the garbage they put in his brain, how unbelievably brainwashed he became to these ludicrous ideals... makes me sick. He will never be the same. So, I knew I was on Leah's side before I even read about her story.
I'm happy though to have a more inside look at Scientology now after reading this - because I thought I was drawing assumptions from personal "experience" but boy was I right about this cult! It's totally clear now why Nicole Kidman's adopted kids with Tom Cruise are no longer in her life because it is required by the church - how awful and sad. It explains the Katie Holmes situation as well - I'm sure she freaked out when she realized what she had gotten herself and her daughter into. It disgusts me that TC has basically abandoned his daughter because of these crazies!
My heart definitely goes out to Leah. She went through hell and back with these people and still somehow survived and landed back on two feet. I do place some blame on her mother for ever getting involved (why?!? just why?!?)but the story does a great job of showing how she got in, what she went through and how she eventually got out.
I cannot believe that Scientology is considered a "Church". They way they treat people is horrendous. They don't actually do anything for those less fortunate like most churches; but the amount of money that these people have is disgusting. And its just used to rope more people into this cult.
Leah's story was very informative, and a great peek into the mystery of this strange group of people. I'm glad she got out and survived, because it seems that some people do not survive leaving. A eye-opening read for sure.
I'm happy though to have a more inside look at Scientology now after reading this - because I thought I was drawing assumptions from personal "experience" but boy was I right about this cult! It's totally clear now why Nicole Kidman's adopted kids with Tom Cruise are no longer in her life because it is required by the church - how awful and sad. It explains the Katie Holmes situation as well - I'm sure she freaked out when she realized what she had gotten herself and her daughter into. It disgusts me that TC has basically abandoned his daughter because of these crazies!
My heart definitely goes out to Leah. She went through hell and back with these people and still somehow survived and landed back on two feet. I do place some blame on her mother for ever getting involved (why?!? just why?!?)but the story does a great job of showing how she got in, what she went through and how she eventually got out.
I cannot believe that Scientology is considered a "Church". They way they treat people is horrendous. They don't actually do anything for those less fortunate like most churches; but the amount of money that these people have is disgusting. And its just used to rope more people into this cult.
Leah's story was very informative, and a great peek into the mystery of this strange group of people. I'm glad she got out and survived, because it seems that some people do not survive leaving. A eye-opening read for sure.
Merissa (13961 KP) rated Pestilence (The Four Horsemen #1) in Books
Apr 25, 2023
This book starts with Aldo 'waking up' after a successful attempt at killing himself, so to say he was a bit confused should be taken as given. He finds out that he is now Pestilence, the White Horseman. It is his job to go where he is sent and spread epidemics in order to keep the balance between Heaven and Hell. He was a doctor in his life, so it is both ironic and heartbreaking for him to now be spreading disease. In an effort to distance himself from the human population, he lives in the middle of the Amazon jungle. So you can imagine his surprise when he sees a man stumble into his clearing, full of fever and virus.
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2015
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2015
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Cold Calling in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Even from the description, it was visible, that this book will contain tons of strong language, and it did. I believe all of us had to deal with a “cold call” at least once in our lifetime, and it is really annoying, to be honest. This book is an insight into behind the scenes of “cold calling” companies, and I found it incredibly interesting to read. After reading this novel, I promised myself not to be rude to people who work in this industry, because as it showed, their life is already not the best.
This book about a guy named Rhys. He works in a call centre and lives really sad and monotonic life. He hates his job and actually his life. His life is a routine of work, porn websites after work, casual drink with friends he hates, sleep, repeat. One day after a lot of drinks, he kills a family, takes their baby, cooks it and eats it. And it somehow changes his life, and he needs more… So this book is about a guy who from being an ordinary boring dude, becomes a vicious and exciting murderer. The characters chosen for this book are just like normal, ordinary lads, very believable and you see these kinds of people every day. Haydn Wilks has quite a bit of experience working in call centres himself, and I appreciate, that he shared the details of it with the readers.
The plot of this book left me interested and grossed out at the same time. I like horror books, but this one overwhelmed me. There were some really nasty parts in here, and if I would be a meat eater, it would put me off from it for quite a while. The details of cooking human flesh, eating it, and sharing with others just gives me nausea. So if you got weak stomach and you are sensitive, this book is definitely not for you. I really enjoyed reading about Rhys’s psychotic plans of how to find new victims and how to preserve their bodies, I like when books give insights into murderers thoughts, I find that very interesting.
This book is quite short and really quick paced, so it is a quick read even though it doesn’t have chapters. This book is written in a very interesting manner, it is like a letter to yourself, about yourself. Here is the first paragraph of the book:
“You were born the year the Berlin Wall fell. For your generation, it’s impossible to conceive of life outside capitalism. It feels as permanent and natural as gravity or the four seasons. You were born into a system and you’ve inherited its world view. A person’s beliefs are shaped by their society. No preindustrial revolution European intellectuals were openly atheist. Human civilisation is an echo chamber. Imagine how ideas that are emerging now will get amplified and distorted over time. These are the thoughts that fill your head as you stare into the computer screen; at names and addresses and telephone numbers; black details on slow-blinding white.”
So this kind of writing style justifies the lack of chapters and brought something new to my reading spectra because I don’t remember reading anything similar. This book is easy to read and doesn’t have a difficult language. I don’t know was the author lazy or genius, but this book does not have an ending. The ending of the book tells the reader to create their own ending. As this is the first book I read by this author, I really don’t know if other books by this author have the same ending style, or it’s just this one. So, to conclude, this book was too strong for me, that’s why my rating for it is not the best. However, if you have a strong stomach, interested in behind the scenes of call centres, and like books about cannibalism, this one would be a great book for you.
This book about a guy named Rhys. He works in a call centre and lives really sad and monotonic life. He hates his job and actually his life. His life is a routine of work, porn websites after work, casual drink with friends he hates, sleep, repeat. One day after a lot of drinks, he kills a family, takes their baby, cooks it and eats it. And it somehow changes his life, and he needs more… So this book is about a guy who from being an ordinary boring dude, becomes a vicious and exciting murderer. The characters chosen for this book are just like normal, ordinary lads, very believable and you see these kinds of people every day. Haydn Wilks has quite a bit of experience working in call centres himself, and I appreciate, that he shared the details of it with the readers.
The plot of this book left me interested and grossed out at the same time. I like horror books, but this one overwhelmed me. There were some really nasty parts in here, and if I would be a meat eater, it would put me off from it for quite a while. The details of cooking human flesh, eating it, and sharing with others just gives me nausea. So if you got weak stomach and you are sensitive, this book is definitely not for you. I really enjoyed reading about Rhys’s psychotic plans of how to find new victims and how to preserve their bodies, I like when books give insights into murderers thoughts, I find that very interesting.
This book is quite short and really quick paced, so it is a quick read even though it doesn’t have chapters. This book is written in a very interesting manner, it is like a letter to yourself, about yourself. Here is the first paragraph of the book:
“You were born the year the Berlin Wall fell. For your generation, it’s impossible to conceive of life outside capitalism. It feels as permanent and natural as gravity or the four seasons. You were born into a system and you’ve inherited its world view. A person’s beliefs are shaped by their society. No preindustrial revolution European intellectuals were openly atheist. Human civilisation is an echo chamber. Imagine how ideas that are emerging now will get amplified and distorted over time. These are the thoughts that fill your head as you stare into the computer screen; at names and addresses and telephone numbers; black details on slow-blinding white.”
So this kind of writing style justifies the lack of chapters and brought something new to my reading spectra because I don’t remember reading anything similar. This book is easy to read and doesn’t have a difficult language. I don’t know was the author lazy or genius, but this book does not have an ending. The ending of the book tells the reader to create their own ending. As this is the first book I read by this author, I really don’t know if other books by this author have the same ending style, or it’s just this one. So, to conclude, this book was too strong for me, that’s why my rating for it is not the best. However, if you have a strong stomach, interested in behind the scenes of call centres, and like books about cannibalism, this one would be a great book for you.
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated Almost Perfect in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Almost Perfect got to me. I just loved the story behind it. It's about a boy named Benny and an older woman named Bess. Benny is having trouble with emotions, especially when dealing with his mother. Benny wants a dog, but his mother is too busy with her life. We meet several different folks.
Benny meets Bess for the first time when he discovers her dogs. Benny meets Susie and McCreery, Bess's poodle. Benny wants McCreery for himself. Bess sees this fascination with McCreery. Benny runs off. Bess wants to win the Westminster Dog show and no one
There are some amazing twists and turns in this book. At one point, Benny finds out that McCreery is gone. And is determined to find McCreery. There are other characters I liked in this book. David and Dr. Kate meet through Benny. Benny meets a new girl as well.
Benny now has the possibility of choosing a puppy and calls him Breaker. Bess and Benny are now Co-Owners. Can Benny handle a puppy and deal with all the hard work it takes for a show dog? To find out you will need to read "Almost Perfect." There are surprises to this story.
Benny meets Bess for the first time when he discovers her dogs. Benny meets Susie and McCreery, Bess's poodle. Benny wants McCreery for himself. Bess sees this fascination with McCreery. Benny runs off. Bess wants to win the Westminster Dog show and no one
There are some amazing twists and turns in this book. At one point, Benny finds out that McCreery is gone. And is determined to find McCreery. There are other characters I liked in this book. David and Dr. Kate meet through Benny. Benny meets a new girl as well.
Benny now has the possibility of choosing a puppy and calls him Breaker. Bess and Benny are now Co-Owners. Can Benny handle a puppy and deal with all the hard work it takes for a show dog? To find out you will need to read "Almost Perfect." There are surprises to this story.
This is Betsy - A Contrary Girl
Book and Education
App
The beloved Betsy can now be read and enjoyed with narration, animations based on the original...
All Together Now... We Love The Beatles 1957 - 1970
Book
Did you know that 'Lucy in the sky with diamonds' was inspired by little Julian Lennon's painting of...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Thick & Thin (THIRDS, #8) in Books
Jan 5, 2021
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Thick & Thin (THIRDS #8) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.