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Lesley (60 KP) rated A Double Life in Books
Aug 10, 2018
Beautiful, tense thriller!
I have never read a book by Flynn Berry before. I was absolutely blown away by this book, and so sad that it had to end.
A young woman is always on the lookout for her father, who murdered her nanny and attempted to murder her mother before fleeing the country. His tight-knit, powerful group of friends and classmates is her best bet for finding out what really happened, and where he went. She follows them, tries to infiltrate their lives anonymously, and get answers. The story is told in alternating timelines - then and now. The way it unfolded was fascinating, had a great pace, and ended up being surprisingly emotional in the end. I can't wait to read more of Berry's books!
A young woman is always on the lookout for her father, who murdered her nanny and attempted to murder her mother before fleeing the country. His tight-knit, powerful group of friends and classmates is her best bet for finding out what really happened, and where he went. She follows them, tries to infiltrate their lives anonymously, and get answers. The story is told in alternating timelines - then and now. The way it unfolded was fascinating, had a great pace, and ended up being surprisingly emotional in the end. I can't wait to read more of Berry's books!
What a cute set of stories!
This collection of stories about a Cameo passed down by Queen Elizabeth herself was so fun!
It was cool to imagine that actually happening, and then to see how the characters acted through their stories was remarkable. Truly a great retelling of a legend in a family tree. Two of these authors were previously unknown to me and now I can't wait to research them and see what other books they have written.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. This is not the first collection by Barbour Publishing that I have read but I will say to date that it is probably my favorite.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This collection of stories about a Cameo passed down by Queen Elizabeth herself was so fun!
It was cool to imagine that actually happening, and then to see how the characters acted through their stories was remarkable. Truly a great retelling of a legend in a family tree. Two of these authors were previously unknown to me and now I can't wait to research them and see what other books they have written.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. This is not the first collection by Barbour Publishing that I have read but I will say to date that it is probably my favorite.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Until My Last Breath ( Demonic Convergence book 1) in Books
Dec 22, 2022
223 of 230
Kindle
Until My Last Breath ( Demonic Convergence book 1)
By Sue Allerton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She believed their lies
Now she must find the truth
Niah devoted her life to revenge
She was trained, forged into a weapon.
Only to be betrayed
As she accepts the truth
She embraces the Fury ways.
And for the first time,
she learns the meaning of friendship.
Will friendship be enough to change fate?
Or will she become the monster she fears?
This was really good. It was non stop from start to finish with great characters and an interesting story. The whole concept was really good. This is the first time I’ve read this author and it won’t be the last. If you love angels and demons this is definitely worth a read.
Kindle
Until My Last Breath ( Demonic Convergence book 1)
By Sue Allerton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She believed their lies
Now she must find the truth
Niah devoted her life to revenge
She was trained, forged into a weapon.
Only to be betrayed
As she accepts the truth
She embraces the Fury ways.
And for the first time,
she learns the meaning of friendship.
Will friendship be enough to change fate?
Or will she become the monster she fears?
This was really good. It was non stop from start to finish with great characters and an interesting story. The whole concept was really good. This is the first time I’ve read this author and it won’t be the last. If you love angels and demons this is definitely worth a read.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Lodrick & Godefroy (Ambrosia #1) in Books
Sep 10, 2024
loved the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
weird and wacky but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
So once again I was stuck for choice for what book to read next so I random number generated (RNG) it and got this, #22, which just shows you how old it is (2012).
I'm hoping my tastes haven't changed that much that I won't like it but we'll see what happens.
Okay, I'm going to DNF this at 35%. It wasn't that bad a story but as I mentioned in my status update, I can't help but picture Robert/Bob as some sort of Mexican thug/drug lord/drug runner with how he talks. I know he's from the wrong side of town but I'm sure they don't necessarily have to talk like he was doing. Then the fact he's in a gang...meh.
The main reason I'm not going to finish this is because I got a little bored. It was a bit too predictable. Bad boy, good girl. Meet, fall in love. Live happily ever after. Now if it had been the other way around; bad girl, good guy...then I might have stuck around for completion because I haven't read that situation often and I find it much more intriguing.
The characters were also a little strange in their actions. Stuff happened that a normal person would freak out about and instead our characters just sort of got on with life as if nothing had happened.
My taste in books has changed a fair bit in the three years since I downloaded this, when I downloaded almost everything that was free in the romance category.
I'm now going to go read something that I've paid for and actively sought out.
Not necessarily a bad book just not to my tastes.
I'm hoping my tastes haven't changed that much that I won't like it but we'll see what happens.
Okay, I'm going to DNF this at 35%. It wasn't that bad a story but as I mentioned in my status update, I can't help but picture Robert/Bob as some sort of Mexican thug/drug lord/drug runner with how he talks. I know he's from the wrong side of town but I'm sure they don't necessarily have to talk like he was doing. Then the fact he's in a gang...meh.
The main reason I'm not going to finish this is because I got a little bored. It was a bit too predictable. Bad boy, good girl. Meet, fall in love. Live happily ever after. Now if it had been the other way around; bad girl, good guy...then I might have stuck around for completion because I haven't read that situation often and I find it much more intriguing.
The characters were also a little strange in their actions. Stuff happened that a normal person would freak out about and instead our characters just sort of got on with life as if nothing had happened.
My taste in books has changed a fair bit in the three years since I downloaded this, when I downloaded almost everything that was free in the romance category.
I'm now going to go read something that I've paid for and actively sought out.
Not necessarily a bad book just not to my tastes.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Designation: Submissive (The Designation Series #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2023
different. but hard work.
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not really sure what I feel about this book, to be honest but I will try to explain.
I liked the blurb, it grabbed me so that's why I read it, and the blurb fits the book well.
I did found this book to have a lot of *noise* for want of a better word. Both Criag and Sam go off on pages and pages of internal monologues and it made for distracting reading, especially when that monologue lands slap bang in the middle of the smexy times!
And there are a LOT of smexy times. I'm not ashamed to say I ove my books on the steamier side, but I like some STORY too.
I mean, very quickly, you know what is going to happen: it's all laid out for you. And...........................that's it!
More world and character building would have been nice, but in a much less instructional way, you know? I almost felt I was being told to listen and take in all in, all in one go, and I really don't like that.
I've not tagged it as romancce, because, to be honest, I didn't get it. Sam wanted and sub and Craig wanted his own Dominant and they get that.
What I do want to know, though, is what happened to Robert, a side character who has disappeared. Now, there is a second book that tells us, and I really REALLY want to read that. Robert is a Dominant with some extra skills that Sam does not have.
Kassel has a large back catalogue. I've not read any of their work before. I might go pick a random one and read something else.
A good 3 star read.
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not really sure what I feel about this book, to be honest but I will try to explain.
I liked the blurb, it grabbed me so that's why I read it, and the blurb fits the book well.
I did found this book to have a lot of *noise* for want of a better word. Both Criag and Sam go off on pages and pages of internal monologues and it made for distracting reading, especially when that monologue lands slap bang in the middle of the smexy times!
And there are a LOT of smexy times. I'm not ashamed to say I ove my books on the steamier side, but I like some STORY too.
I mean, very quickly, you know what is going to happen: it's all laid out for you. And...........................that's it!
More world and character building would have been nice, but in a much less instructional way, you know? I almost felt I was being told to listen and take in all in, all in one go, and I really don't like that.
I've not tagged it as romancce, because, to be honest, I didn't get it. Sam wanted and sub and Craig wanted his own Dominant and they get that.
What I do want to know, though, is what happened to Robert, a side character who has disappeared. Now, there is a second book that tells us, and I really REALLY want to read that. Robert is a Dominant with some extra skills that Sam does not have.
Kassel has a large back catalogue. I've not read any of their work before. I might go pick a random one and read something else.
A good 3 star read.
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dire Straits (Bo Blackman, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
So this is my first full-length foray into paranormal/urban fantasy for a long time since I lost interest in the genre a year or so ago and I have to admit I got pulled into it.
I'm usually wary of urban fantasy books because I read books for the romance in them, be it a little flirting or a full on sex-fest, and this was more of a subtle he-wants-her-does-she-want-him sort of thing, though I think that Bo is a little oblivious right now--or purposely ignoring it. Maybe a bit of both.
The story pulled me in from the start though I will admit I skipped a few paragraphs here and there where she was doing too much description. It was intriguing, as to who behind it from the start. Who was it aimed at? Were they from a family?
Admittedly I was a little torn over who I thought it was of the three recruits but it did become a bit more obvious the more that was read.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of the series in the future, if only so I can see what happens with Bo and Michael :P
I'm usually wary of urban fantasy books because I read books for the romance in them, be it a little flirting or a full on sex-fest, and this was more of a subtle he-wants-her-does-she-want-him sort of thing, though I think that Bo is a little oblivious right now--or purposely ignoring it. Maybe a bit of both.
The story pulled me in from the start though I will admit I skipped a few paragraphs here and there where she was doing too much description. It was intriguing, as to who behind it from the start. Who was it aimed at? Were they from a family?
Admittedly I was a little torn over who I thought it was of the three recruits but it did become a bit more obvious the more that was read.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of the series in the future, if only so I can see what happens with Bo and Michael :P
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Alliance (Torsere #3) in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Alliance is the third and final book in the Torsere series, and you get a fitting finale with a tense and twisted plot.
Ryneq and Nykin have made it back home to Torsere but their troubles are far from over. The witch they are dealing with now seems even worse than the one they just killed. No matter what they plan, she is three steps ahead. Of course, the reason why comes out and wasn't really a surprise but, still, who it was just added an extra layer of heartache to the story.
I will admit, this one had me in tears. It's darker than the others, with almost no hope of a happy ending, which, when it does happen, is full of non-stop action that will take your breath away. This book is not without loss, and it was so well-written! How the characters reacted was just superb! Yes, I know that sounds strange but read it for yourself and you'll see.
With excellent world-building, characters to love and hate, plus some steamy scenes, this trilogy has been outstanding. I have loved every moment and am sad to see it come to an end. This is one of those books you wish you could un-read, just so you have the opportunity to read it again with fresh eyes! Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Sep 18, 2020
Ryneq and Nykin have made it back home to Torsere but their troubles are far from over. The witch they are dealing with now seems even worse than the one they just killed. No matter what they plan, she is three steps ahead. Of course, the reason why comes out and wasn't really a surprise but, still, who it was just added an extra layer of heartache to the story.
I will admit, this one had me in tears. It's darker than the others, with almost no hope of a happy ending, which, when it does happen, is full of non-stop action that will take your breath away. This book is not without loss, and it was so well-written! How the characters reacted was just superb! Yes, I know that sounds strange but read it for yourself and you'll see.
With excellent world-building, characters to love and hate, plus some steamy scenes, this trilogy has been outstanding. I have loved every moment and am sad to see it come to an end. This is one of those books you wish you could un-read, just so you have the opportunity to read it again with fresh eyes! Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Sep 18, 2020
KarenRC (6 KP) rated The French Girl in Books
Jul 23, 2018
Ten years after they all went on holiday to celebrate finishing uni, a group of friends are shocked to hear that the ‘mademoiselle next door’, who went missing just after they left, has now been found, or at least her remains have.. It turns out not all was as it seemed and they are all now under suspicion of murder. The group, who mostly went their separate ways after the trip, are brought back together for fresh questioning by the enigmatic French detective. Suspicions as to what happened and who could be responsible, as well as old wounds being opened that had never fully healed, mean that it is not a totally happy reunion.
The story is told by Kate who, as well as having to deal with this, is also trying to start her own business and is now haunted by visions of Severine. Although it does focus on Kate’s side of the story, it does well to explain the other characters connections to the story and possible theories as to why any one of them would have had reason to cause Severine harm.
I am not too sure on my feelings to this book.. I thought the writing was really good and I was enjoying the unfolding story waiting for something unexpected to happen… but then it didn’t and I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with it, especially the ending. I think it would make a great holiday read and as debuts go, it was ok. I look forward to reading more from Lexie in the future.
The story is told by Kate who, as well as having to deal with this, is also trying to start her own business and is now haunted by visions of Severine. Although it does focus on Kate’s side of the story, it does well to explain the other characters connections to the story and possible theories as to why any one of them would have had reason to cause Severine harm.
I am not too sure on my feelings to this book.. I thought the writing was really good and I was enjoying the unfolding story waiting for something unexpected to happen… but then it didn’t and I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with it, especially the ending. I think it would make a great holiday read and as debuts go, it was ok. I look forward to reading more from Lexie in the future.