Search
Search results
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Tokyo Heat (Nights #3) in Books
May 28, 2018
loving this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book three in the series, and you really SHOULD read book one, One Night, first. This is a continuation of Gabe and Cam's story. And it's a 5 star read! Book two, The Escort ain't too shabby either!
A year ago, Cam and Gabe decided one night would never be enough. Then Gabe says those three little words and Cam's world implodes, and he runs.
I loved One Night, made a new shelf for it and everything. But, while still a great, sexy read, I found this one lacking in the emotions i expected with someone running when told I love you.
Oh! Don't get me wrong, these guys still burn high, and hot and long. I just didn't feel connected to Cam as much as I did to Gabe. Because we get Gabe dealing, or rather NOT dealing with the fact that Cam ran, but we don't get much of Cam after he runs, you know??
BUT OH.MY.GOD! When Cam pulls his head out of his ass and gets his act together and finally realises what that pain in his chest is?? That it's what he's feeling for Gabe?? He redeems himself in spectacular fashion! **that fanning again, girls!**
I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. I wonder what's going on there and whether they will get a story?? It's not book 4 or 5, cos I have those all lined up ready to go, but I HOPE they get a story!
Ah, you know what?? Stuff it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page because of that not connecting to Cam thing. But now I'm typing it up, I think that's just CAM, you know?? He doesn't want you to know what he feels for Gabe, what he's dealing with while they are apart. He wants GABE to know, just how deeply he loves him. He DOES love Gabe, he just never thought he could love anyone.
So! Upgrading to...
5 even more scorching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book three in the series, and you really SHOULD read book one, One Night, first. This is a continuation of Gabe and Cam's story. And it's a 5 star read! Book two, The Escort ain't too shabby either!
A year ago, Cam and Gabe decided one night would never be enough. Then Gabe says those three little words and Cam's world implodes, and he runs.
I loved One Night, made a new shelf for it and everything. But, while still a great, sexy read, I found this one lacking in the emotions i expected with someone running when told I love you.
Oh! Don't get me wrong, these guys still burn high, and hot and long. I just didn't feel connected to Cam as much as I did to Gabe. Because we get Gabe dealing, or rather NOT dealing with the fact that Cam ran, but we don't get much of Cam after he runs, you know??
BUT OH.MY.GOD! When Cam pulls his head out of his ass and gets his act together and finally realises what that pain in his chest is?? That it's what he's feeling for Gabe?? He redeems himself in spectacular fashion! **that fanning again, girls!**
I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. I wonder what's going on there and whether they will get a story?? It's not book 4 or 5, cos I have those all lined up ready to go, but I HOPE they get a story!
Ah, you know what?? Stuff it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page because of that not connecting to Cam thing. But now I'm typing it up, I think that's just CAM, you know?? He doesn't want you to know what he feels for Gabe, what he's dealing with while they are apart. He wants GABE to know, just how deeply he loves him. He DOES love Gabe, he just never thought he could love anyone.
So! Upgrading to...
5 even more scorching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Free Books for Kindle Fire, Free Books for Kindle Fire HD
Book and Lifestyle
App
'Free Books for Kindle Fire, Free Books for Kindle Fire HD' brings you daily updates on the best new...
BookInspector (124 KP) rated I Know A Secret (Rizzoli & Isles, #12) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
For more reviews please visit https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
I embarrassingly admit, that I was “living under the rock” and this is my first book by Gerritsen, but I am an absolute fan from now on, and I simply need to read all the eleven books from this series, it is just too good to be ignored.
The blurb above, describes this book quite accurately, Rizzoli and Isles got new, very unusual cases, and trying to find the connection between all those murders. The whole narrative is told from Jane’s, Maura’s, and Holly’s perspectives, and that helped me a lot to have a feel of the characters and their complex personalities. I really enjoyed being the one, who knew, what Rizzoli was missing. There are plenty of diverse and very interesting characters in this book, and I think every reader can choose their favourite. My favourite was Jane Rizzoli; I loved her strong personality, and she is very believable and realistic, with husband and little daughter, which showed her softer, down to earth side. There were plenty of clues, that this book is continuation of previous novels, but it can easily be a standalone thriller, even without reading previous books, I was able to enjoy it.
The plot of this book was incredibly well thought through and very addictive, which made this book very hard to put down. Tess puts clues and suspense in every chapter of this book, followed with constant twists and turns. I loved that Tess used different theories to solve the murders, and her personal experience with human bodies was absolutely fantastic.
Even thought author used quite a bit of medical terms in this book; I still found this book quite easy, understandable and pleasurable to read. The chapters are decent length, and did not leave me bored. The culmination was interesting and unexpected, which concluded this novel greatly. So, to conclude, Tess Gerritsen has a new fan, and this book is an absolute must read which is very addictive, incredibly plotted, and filled with unexpected turns and twists. Enjoy ! :)
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
I embarrassingly admit, that I was “living under the rock” and this is my first book by Gerritsen, but I am an absolute fan from now on, and I simply need to read all the eleven books from this series, it is just too good to be ignored.
The blurb above, describes this book quite accurately, Rizzoli and Isles got new, very unusual cases, and trying to find the connection between all those murders. The whole narrative is told from Jane’s, Maura’s, and Holly’s perspectives, and that helped me a lot to have a feel of the characters and their complex personalities. I really enjoyed being the one, who knew, what Rizzoli was missing. There are plenty of diverse and very interesting characters in this book, and I think every reader can choose their favourite. My favourite was Jane Rizzoli; I loved her strong personality, and she is very believable and realistic, with husband and little daughter, which showed her softer, down to earth side. There were plenty of clues, that this book is continuation of previous novels, but it can easily be a standalone thriller, even without reading previous books, I was able to enjoy it.
The plot of this book was incredibly well thought through and very addictive, which made this book very hard to put down. Tess puts clues and suspense in every chapter of this book, followed with constant twists and turns. I loved that Tess used different theories to solve the murders, and her personal experience with human bodies was absolutely fantastic.
Even thought author used quite a bit of medical terms in this book; I still found this book quite easy, understandable and pleasurable to read. The chapters are decent length, and did not leave me bored. The culmination was interesting and unexpected, which concluded this novel greatly. So, to conclude, Tess Gerritsen has a new fan, and this book is an absolute must read which is very addictive, incredibly plotted, and filled with unexpected turns and twists. Enjoy ! :)
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Out For Blood (DI Eve Hunter #2) in Books
Dec 13, 2020
After reading and enjoying the first in this series, Hold Your Tongue, I was looking forward to getting my teeth into this one and I wasn't disappointed. I will say that although you don't necessarily have to have read the first, I do think you will enjoy this second one more if you do.
This is a gritty police procedural set in Aberdeen, Scotland which delves into the seedy and repulsive world of human trafficking but what does the death of a privileged young man and the apparent suicide of a young woman have in common? On first impressions, absolutely nothing however, DI Hunter and her team set about investigating and what they find is worse than they expected.
Mainly written from Eve's perspective interspersed with other characters and those of an unknown young woman, this gave insight from all the important protagonists in this book and provided a well-rounded view of the situation from all angles. The characters are well developed and believable with the relationships between Eve and her wider team excellently portrayed.
The story is a difficult one to read in parts but, I felt, was dealt with respectfully but with no holds-barred which made it feel authentic making me feel both sad and angry in equal measure that these things are likely to be happening to someone right now! The pace is good, it does start off a little slow but increases as the story develops and this follows the pace of the investigation, again making it feel believable and, once again, the author manages to keep the identity of the killer well hidden which kept me guessing and second guessing throughout.
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending this to others who enjoy a cleverly written and gripping police procedural and I look forward to reading the next instalment in what is a great series with DI Hunter fast becoming a favourite character of mine.
I was fortunate enough to have been invited to read an advance copy by Transworld Publishers, part of Penguin Random House UK, via NetGalley in return for an unbiased and unedited review and for which, I am thankful.
This is a gritty police procedural set in Aberdeen, Scotland which delves into the seedy and repulsive world of human trafficking but what does the death of a privileged young man and the apparent suicide of a young woman have in common? On first impressions, absolutely nothing however, DI Hunter and her team set about investigating and what they find is worse than they expected.
Mainly written from Eve's perspective interspersed with other characters and those of an unknown young woman, this gave insight from all the important protagonists in this book and provided a well-rounded view of the situation from all angles. The characters are well developed and believable with the relationships between Eve and her wider team excellently portrayed.
The story is a difficult one to read in parts but, I felt, was dealt with respectfully but with no holds-barred which made it feel authentic making me feel both sad and angry in equal measure that these things are likely to be happening to someone right now! The pace is good, it does start off a little slow but increases as the story develops and this follows the pace of the investigation, again making it feel believable and, once again, the author manages to keep the identity of the killer well hidden which kept me guessing and second guessing throughout.
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending this to others who enjoy a cleverly written and gripping police procedural and I look forward to reading the next instalment in what is a great series with DI Hunter fast becoming a favourite character of mine.
I was fortunate enough to have been invited to read an advance copy by Transworld Publishers, part of Penguin Random House UK, via NetGalley in return for an unbiased and unedited review and for which, I am thankful.
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Slumber in Books
Sep 9, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Becky Bird for providing an e-copy of Slumber in exchange for an honest opinion.
Everyone knows that the market for fairy tale retellings is hot right now and, as such, is becoming saturated. However, Becky Bird comes at the story of Sleeping Beauty from a completely different angle: what if “true love’s kiss” which breaks the spell isn’t that between the Prince and Princess?
Slumber was a slow burner for me personally. Initially I agreed with previous reviews that the novel would be considered middle-grade rather than YA but my opinion did change about half way through the book. In my opinion, this was when the author ‘settled in’ to the novel and truly developed the characters into ones the reader could relate to and find themselves rooting for.
This was also the point where it became clear Becky Bird was challenging a number of stereotypes through her characters: the Cardinal is a man of God but this does not necessarily make him good; Lucy is an orphan but this does not make her weak; Jack is a boy but this does not make him brave and, finally, Thomas is a Prince but this does not make him charming! This humanised the characters for me and I found myself growing to really like them.
There are also a number of tongue-in-cheek references to fairy tales which I really appreciated. Phrases such as “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo” and Jack running for the trees every chance he got added an undercurrent of humour throughout the novel.
Unfortunately, there were moments where I got frustrated by the novel skipping between locations and characters- sometimes mid-event. Separating these by chapters or even page breaks would have made this an easier read. The start of the book especially also seemed to be a tad “over written” with references to a literal river of tears and a croissant described as a “creamy delight”.
Overall Slumber was a quick and easy read with a really great concept and endearing characters. It possibly could have benefitted from some suspense as all the Cardinal’s motives were revealed right at the start of the book but nevertheless it was an enjoyable read.
Everyone knows that the market for fairy tale retellings is hot right now and, as such, is becoming saturated. However, Becky Bird comes at the story of Sleeping Beauty from a completely different angle: what if “true love’s kiss” which breaks the spell isn’t that between the Prince and Princess?
Slumber was a slow burner for me personally. Initially I agreed with previous reviews that the novel would be considered middle-grade rather than YA but my opinion did change about half way through the book. In my opinion, this was when the author ‘settled in’ to the novel and truly developed the characters into ones the reader could relate to and find themselves rooting for.
This was also the point where it became clear Becky Bird was challenging a number of stereotypes through her characters: the Cardinal is a man of God but this does not necessarily make him good; Lucy is an orphan but this does not make her weak; Jack is a boy but this does not make him brave and, finally, Thomas is a Prince but this does not make him charming! This humanised the characters for me and I found myself growing to really like them.
There are also a number of tongue-in-cheek references to fairy tales which I really appreciated. Phrases such as “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo” and Jack running for the trees every chance he got added an undercurrent of humour throughout the novel.
Unfortunately, there were moments where I got frustrated by the novel skipping between locations and characters- sometimes mid-event. Separating these by chapters or even page breaks would have made this an easier read. The start of the book especially also seemed to be a tad “over written” with references to a literal river of tears and a croissant described as a “creamy delight”.
Overall Slumber was a quick and easy read with a really great concept and endearing characters. It possibly could have benefitted from some suspense as all the Cardinal’s motives were revealed right at the start of the book but nevertheless it was an enjoyable read.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Westworld - Season 2 in TV
Jun 18, 2019
Very confused
The first series of Westworld was a bit of a head scratcher, but a good one. Admittedly I had to read up a bit afterwards to make sure I'd understood it correctly but i still really enjoyed it. It was a great new take on AI and consciousness. The second series however was a bit of a let down.
Firstly the cinematography and production values of this show are fantastic. It looks amazing, and has a truly stellar cast to boot. The problem for me is entirely down to the plot. This second series has gone completely off the rails in my eyes and become so confused and convoluted. Admittedly it isn't helped by the multiple timelines on offer, which feature different time periods straight after the events of the series 1 finale. To begin with I thought this was a great idea, but after a few episodes I started to get very confused. I think they've taken a very good base plot and tried to do too much to it (Lost anyone?). I'm all for plot twists but this takes it way too far. And what started off as a fun reveal of guess who is/isnt a host, has become very tired and old. By the end of this series I was getting a little sick of yet more people being revealed as hosts. And without revealing any spoilers, i think a reveal right at the end about a major character potentially being a host really made me annoyed.
I would say to take my review with a pinch of salt. I think a show like this needs a large amount of brainpower and attention, and this just isn't something I have right now. I think this may have pushed my already fried brain off the edge, but if I ever get chance to watch this when I'm a little less overloaded, I may have a different opinion!
Firstly the cinematography and production values of this show are fantastic. It looks amazing, and has a truly stellar cast to boot. The problem for me is entirely down to the plot. This second series has gone completely off the rails in my eyes and become so confused and convoluted. Admittedly it isn't helped by the multiple timelines on offer, which feature different time periods straight after the events of the series 1 finale. To begin with I thought this was a great idea, but after a few episodes I started to get very confused. I think they've taken a very good base plot and tried to do too much to it (Lost anyone?). I'm all for plot twists but this takes it way too far. And what started off as a fun reveal of guess who is/isnt a host, has become very tired and old. By the end of this series I was getting a little sick of yet more people being revealed as hosts. And without revealing any spoilers, i think a reveal right at the end about a major character potentially being a host really made me annoyed.
I would say to take my review with a pinch of salt. I think a show like this needs a large amount of brainpower and attention, and this just isn't something I have right now. I think this may have pushed my already fried brain off the edge, but if I ever get chance to watch this when I'm a little less overloaded, I may have a different opinion!
Copywriting in a Week: Be a Great Copywriter in Seven Simple Steps
Book
Great copywriting just got easier It's strange to think that there was a time when only the...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated No Weddings in Books
Jan 8, 2021
I first saw this book as a giveaway on Goodreads and entered to win it. Unfortunately I wasn’t a lucky winner and after re-reading the synopsis I decided I wanted to read it anyway, which isn’t always the case with the books I enter to win on Goodreads. So off I went to Amazon to search it out and I was surprised by the price (77p) so I pre-ordered it and two days later it was delivered.
Let me say this now; I'm not a big contemporary romance reader any more. I tend to stick to paranormal/urban fantasy/suspense books with romance in them for an added element.
But I have to say that I really liked this!
It was told from Cade's POV, a proper ladies man, who sets up a party planning company with his three older sisters and decides they won't do any weddings as Cade seems to always end up sleeping with a guest (or two). But then he meets Hannah, an amazing baker/cook who they want to hire to make the cakes for whatever events they're organizing for, and as he gets to know her he begins to really like her.
Let me tell you this book is full of sexual tension; they flirt, they touch...it was really kinda cute watching how he softened and changed.
http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n5z8fpUqsd1t0hoy1o1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank
Another thing I liked was the banter between almost everyone. The siblings reminded me a bit of me and my brother; Cade and Hannah; Cade and his room mates.
Let me say that there is no sex in this book—plenty of romance!—and their relationship is going to continue into the next one, One Funeral, which I believe is going to be from Hannah's POV. And let me tell you I will most definitely be continuing this series.
Let me say this now; I'm not a big contemporary romance reader any more. I tend to stick to paranormal/urban fantasy/suspense books with romance in them for an added element.
But I have to say that I really liked this!
It was told from Cade's POV, a proper ladies man, who sets up a party planning company with his three older sisters and decides they won't do any weddings as Cade seems to always end up sleeping with a guest (or two). But then he meets Hannah, an amazing baker/cook who they want to hire to make the cakes for whatever events they're organizing for, and as he gets to know her he begins to really like her.
Let me tell you this book is full of sexual tension; they flirt, they touch...it was really kinda cute watching how he softened and changed.
http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n5z8fpUqsd1t0hoy1o1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank
Another thing I liked was the banter between almost everyone. The siblings reminded me a bit of me and my brother; Cade and Hannah; Cade and his room mates.
Let me say that there is no sex in this book—plenty of romance!—and their relationship is going to continue into the next one, One Funeral, which I believe is going to be from Hannah's POV. And let me tell you I will most definitely be continuing this series.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated 11.22.63 in Books
Nov 30, 2020
When this book first came in, back in 2011, I blew it off, despite a marked interest in all things JFK/Lee Harvey Oswald conspiracy related. However, when I saw who had written it, that interest was dashed bits. Jumping ahead to yesterday, when I completed the book, I find myself having to rough myself up mentally for not reading this sooner!
The novel is unlike anything I've read by King. The prose was just right, not too much. Even the use of profanity was toned down = not sure if this was because of the era it was set (unlikely, I apt to believe, as life was not "The Donna Reed Show", contrary to what we would like to believe) or attributable to the fact that Mr. King has, in fact, grown up as a writer. In any case, I liked a whole heckuva lot!
The book had so many good plot elements: time-travel, romance, epic dilemmas, and characters that you genuinely cared about! All of the aforementioned elements added up to a novel worthy of praise and adulatation - many times over!
The story within was so engaging that I finished it within a week after starting it - something I haven't been able to do with a Stephen King novel in a loooong time! Throughout the tale, I found myself smiling, laughing, gripped with tension and suspense, and the hardest emotion to pull: tears of sadness and delight!
Look, I will not mislead or try to "lure" you into reading this. What I do is tell it like this: there more books on the NY Times bestseller list that are just filler for writers' contractual obligations, lacking the real substance or feeling needed for a proper tale.! '11/21/63' has plenty of feeling and substance, enough to offer to some of the other bestsellers on the list now, and then.
And conclusion, I will leave like this: Seriously? You do a lot worse that giving this book the shot it deserves.
The novel is unlike anything I've read by King. The prose was just right, not too much. Even the use of profanity was toned down = not sure if this was because of the era it was set (unlikely, I apt to believe, as life was not "The Donna Reed Show", contrary to what we would like to believe) or attributable to the fact that Mr. King has, in fact, grown up as a writer. In any case, I liked a whole heckuva lot!
The book had so many good plot elements: time-travel, romance, epic dilemmas, and characters that you genuinely cared about! All of the aforementioned elements added up to a novel worthy of praise and adulatation - many times over!
The story within was so engaging that I finished it within a week after starting it - something I haven't been able to do with a Stephen King novel in a loooong time! Throughout the tale, I found myself smiling, laughing, gripped with tension and suspense, and the hardest emotion to pull: tears of sadness and delight!
Look, I will not mislead or try to "lure" you into reading this. What I do is tell it like this: there more books on the NY Times bestseller list that are just filler for writers' contractual obligations, lacking the real substance or feeling needed for a proper tale.! '11/21/63' has plenty of feeling and substance, enough to offer to some of the other bestsellers on the list now, and then.
And conclusion, I will leave like this: Seriously? You do a lot worse that giving this book the shot it deserves.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Surreal Estate in Books
Nov 5, 2018
love love LOVED this one!
Sasha can't live at home, so he's on the streets. He finds an empty home that calls to his 6th sense and moves in. Then Nick buys the house. The house reacts badly to Nick wanting to sell it, and makes Nick's already tight budget and time frame almost impossible. Sasha doesn't want Nick to end up in the hospital, or worse, so he has to come up with something quick, while clearly out and healing his grandfather's house.
I won a copy of this book, and I am so bloody glad I did! Ms Ryan usually writes Young Adult and had this book came with that tag, I would not have entered, cos I'm not a YA fan. This is Ms Ryan's first foray into a much more adult setting, and into the male/male genre, and BOY does she smash it out the park!
Sasha can read houses, they call to him. His skill isn't made immediately clear, and we have to wait for the full picture. I think it really hit me, just what this meant for Sasha, when he was healing his grandfather's house.
I loved we got all of Nick's internal wrangling with himself over his growing feelings and attraction to Sasha. Loved that he was like, "okay then, must be bi" Loved the interaction between Nick and his brothers! His older brother needs a story now, needs to find his happy ever after, especially after what happened here. Well both brothers should have a story, I think!
It's not overly explicit, I thought, but it wans't lacking in any thing regards to the heat and steam level between these two! Not at all! It does carry a violence and drug use warning. These ARE needed and are an integral part of the story, but they are all off screen. We know Sasha's mum does drugs, but we don't see it. We know WHAT happened to Nick, cos we deal with the fall out, but not HOW. It also comes with a non-con warning. It's mostly touching, and doesn't develop into a full blown attack, but could very well have. It needs mentioning though.
It's told from both Sasha and Nick's point of view, in the first person. Each change occurs as a a chapter changes and is clearly headed. I didn't quite manage to read it in one sitting, but very nearly!
I can't wait to see what Ms Ryan comes up with next. I love finding new to me authors, especially ones who step outside their comfort zone! She impressed me here, greatly, and, apparently, I'm a tough critic! I'm not sure that's true, but I LOVED this book.
so,
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I won a copy of this book, and I am so bloody glad I did! Ms Ryan usually writes Young Adult and had this book came with that tag, I would not have entered, cos I'm not a YA fan. This is Ms Ryan's first foray into a much more adult setting, and into the male/male genre, and BOY does she smash it out the park!
Sasha can read houses, they call to him. His skill isn't made immediately clear, and we have to wait for the full picture. I think it really hit me, just what this meant for Sasha, when he was healing his grandfather's house.
I loved we got all of Nick's internal wrangling with himself over his growing feelings and attraction to Sasha. Loved that he was like, "okay then, must be bi" Loved the interaction between Nick and his brothers! His older brother needs a story now, needs to find his happy ever after, especially after what happened here. Well both brothers should have a story, I think!
It's not overly explicit, I thought, but it wans't lacking in any thing regards to the heat and steam level between these two! Not at all! It does carry a violence and drug use warning. These ARE needed and are an integral part of the story, but they are all off screen. We know Sasha's mum does drugs, but we don't see it. We know WHAT happened to Nick, cos we deal with the fall out, but not HOW. It also comes with a non-con warning. It's mostly touching, and doesn't develop into a full blown attack, but could very well have. It needs mentioning though.
It's told from both Sasha and Nick's point of view, in the first person. Each change occurs as a a chapter changes and is clearly headed. I didn't quite manage to read it in one sitting, but very nearly!
I can't wait to see what Ms Ryan comes up with next. I love finding new to me authors, especially ones who step outside their comfort zone! She impressed me here, greatly, and, apparently, I'm a tough critic! I'm not sure that's true, but I LOVED this book.
so,
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**