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Dana (24 KP) rated All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. If you have ever struggled with the words on how to explain the advice you want to give or would have liked to have had as a younger person, give this book a read.
Carrie does a marvelous job getting across her message of hope and kindness, while keeping her advice genuine. It does not come across as a complete guidebook on how to live your life, but it can act as a helping hand when you are struggling.
There were so many sections in this book that I would have loved to have read as a younger teen. Not only does she make things relatable by having anecdotes of her own life, she also keeps the reader engaged by reminding them that they are not alone. No matter how alone you feel, there is someone who cares about you.
I loved how Carrie takes on the role of the honorary big sister. She keeps a line of communication open to those who need it, no matter the circumstances. It is refreshing to see someone who genuinely cares about helping others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just teenage girls. I was able to relate much of this stuff to my life right now and I am no longer a teen!
It was an excellent read and I will be coming back to it whenever I need some reassurance.
Carrie does a marvelous job getting across her message of hope and kindness, while keeping her advice genuine. It does not come across as a complete guidebook on how to live your life, but it can act as a helping hand when you are struggling.
There were so many sections in this book that I would have loved to have read as a younger teen. Not only does she make things relatable by having anecdotes of her own life, she also keeps the reader engaged by reminding them that they are not alone. No matter how alone you feel, there is someone who cares about you.
I loved how Carrie takes on the role of the honorary big sister. She keeps a line of communication open to those who need it, no matter the circumstances. It is refreshing to see someone who genuinely cares about helping others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just teenage girls. I was able to relate much of this stuff to my life right now and I am no longer a teen!
It was an excellent read and I will be coming back to it whenever I need some reassurance.
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Hunter and The Cultist (Hunter X Slayer #1) in Books
Apr 1, 2021
kept me thoroughly engaged, and hooked me in sufficiently to want to read more.
Independent reviewer for gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
From a little research, I've discovered this author usually writes young adult, and this is most certain NOT young adult. Now, at times, it shows. It's a little clunky in places. In places where clunky need not be :-p
That said! I thoroughly enjoyed this!
It takes a little bit of time to put all the clues together about this world, and while usually I don't like massive info dumps, I could have done with at least a SMALL one here. It all comes together, it just took me far too long, and I kept feeling I missed something.
It's quite violent in places, but I think that was needed to get the point across. Steamy, but not ever so explicit (but definately more than a YA book!) and I did scream a time or three at the author! Gustav and Abel got interrupted so many times before they got their moment, and it just went on a bit too much I thought.
There are massive clues who might be next, and I look forward to reading who ever it might be.
A good read, that kept me thoroughly engaged, and hooked me in sufficiently to want to read more.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
From a little research, I've discovered this author usually writes young adult, and this is most certain NOT young adult. Now, at times, it shows. It's a little clunky in places. In places where clunky need not be :-p
That said! I thoroughly enjoyed this!
It takes a little bit of time to put all the clues together about this world, and while usually I don't like massive info dumps, I could have done with at least a SMALL one here. It all comes together, it just took me far too long, and I kept feeling I missed something.
It's quite violent in places, but I think that was needed to get the point across. Steamy, but not ever so explicit (but definately more than a YA book!) and I did scream a time or three at the author! Gustav and Abel got interrupted so many times before they got their moment, and it just went on a bit too much I thought.
There are massive clues who might be next, and I look forward to reading who ever it might be.
A good read, that kept me thoroughly engaged, and hooked me in sufficiently to want to read more.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is Britain now.
This book describes what it is to live in Britain in 2019. The previous two books in the seasonal quartet looked at the Brexit vote, Trump’s election, and this one seems to have a central theme of borders and immigration (although you could argue that immigration seems to have been an overarching theme so far).
There is so much going on beneath the surface in these books if you want to research and find out, but it is just a fascinating and exciting book to read just for the joy of reading it.
I loved the “What we want”, “Any time at all. Here take it. Take my face”, and “Now for 140 seconds of cutting edge realism” chapters. They reflect society today so well: how people hide behind social media and the internet to say whatever they want to without fear of any repercussions, and the violence behind what they say (both obvious and insidious).
Ali Smith is just so clever, and I love her books. I can’t wait to see what Summer will hold for us.
There is so much going on beneath the surface in these books if you want to research and find out, but it is just a fascinating and exciting book to read just for the joy of reading it.
I loved the “What we want”, “Any time at all. Here take it. Take my face”, and “Now for 140 seconds of cutting edge realism” chapters. They reflect society today so well: how people hide behind social media and the internet to say whatever they want to without fear of any repercussions, and the violence behind what they say (both obvious and insidious).
Ali Smith is just so clever, and I love her books. I can’t wait to see what Summer will hold for us.
Lee (2222 KP) rated A Star Is Born Soundtrack by Lady Gaga in Music
Dec 10, 2018
I was recently lucky enough to win this CD in a Smashbomb giveaway, so here's my review!
If you'd read my review of the movie back in October, you'll know that I found it to be one of this years big disappointments (sorry!). For me, the first half was an 8/10, the second half a 4/10, so I ended up giving it a 6 overall. That being said, the best thing about the movie, and the thing that remains consistent throughout, is the music. By now you'll have probably heard Shallow thousands of times by now as it gathers frequent radio plays, and the Oscars are sure to follow. But there are so many other great songs, and it's great to be able to have all of them collected together as Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga both have incredible voices. With accompanying dialogue in-between tracks, it's like having all of the best bits from the movie, without all the boring stuff that starts dragging it down.
If you'd read my review of the movie back in October, you'll know that I found it to be one of this years big disappointments (sorry!). For me, the first half was an 8/10, the second half a 4/10, so I ended up giving it a 6 overall. That being said, the best thing about the movie, and the thing that remains consistent throughout, is the music. By now you'll have probably heard Shallow thousands of times by now as it gathers frequent radio plays, and the Oscars are sure to follow. But there are so many other great songs, and it's great to be able to have all of them collected together as Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga both have incredible voices. With accompanying dialogue in-between tracks, it's like having all of the best bits from the movie, without all the boring stuff that starts dragging it down.
Merissa (13298 KP) rated The Wrangler and the Orphan (Farthingdale Ranch #4) in Books
Oct 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)
THE WRANGLER AND THE ORPHAN is the fourth book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, and although technically, I suppose you could read as a standalone, I personally feel it works best in a group.
Brody has been the strong, silent one up until now, turning Clay down when he came onto him. He kept himself to himself, preferring the company of the horses. Now we find out why. He had a horrific childhood himself and was rescued (quite literally) by Quint. This means he is able to understand fully where Kit is coming from and knows exactly how he feels.
This is slow-burn, with a couple of steamy moments, but the focus is on their relationship, and the changes Kit goes through as he finds somewhere so completely different to what he has known, he thinks it's like a TV show.
Although Brody has his own scars, both internal and external, Kit never questions them or Brody's past, and I really wish he had. No, they weren't the same, but I do think it would have helped.
This was a great addition to the series that I read in one sitting, so do I recommend it? You betcha!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Oct 26, 2021
Brody has been the strong, silent one up until now, turning Clay down when he came onto him. He kept himself to himself, preferring the company of the horses. Now we find out why. He had a horrific childhood himself and was rescued (quite literally) by Quint. This means he is able to understand fully where Kit is coming from and knows exactly how he feels.
This is slow-burn, with a couple of steamy moments, but the focus is on their relationship, and the changes Kit goes through as he finds somewhere so completely different to what he has known, he thinks it's like a TV show.
Although Brody has his own scars, both internal and external, Kit never questions them or Brody's past, and I really wish he had. No, they weren't the same, but I do think it would have helped.
This was a great addition to the series that I read in one sitting, so do I recommend it? You betcha!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Oct 26, 2021
Merissa (13298 KP) rated Forbidden Match (Perfect Match Agency #6) in Books
Aug 3, 2023
FORBIDDEN MATCH is part of the multi-author Perfect Match Agency series, although you don't have to have read any of the previous books to get the full benefit of this one.
Because this one is a beauty! The start of it, seeing Topher and Renn getting to know each other through emails and texts, was brilliant. Then how they kept missing each other for various reasons, followed by the explosive meeting when they did. And then everything that goes on afterwards, and how they are there for each other. Absolutely bloody brilliant!
You get a full story here - beginning, middle, and ending - without it feeling rushed, or that time has jumped, or anything has been skipped over. The timeline works for their story and it is perfectly paced, giving you lots of sexy times but also other things that keep the story moving.
I've read three of these books now (unless I've forgotten one) and I would absolutely say this was the best of the bunch so far. Of course, I'll have to check the others now, just to make sure, you know, in the name of R&D! 😁
HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2023
Because this one is a beauty! The start of it, seeing Topher and Renn getting to know each other through emails and texts, was brilliant. Then how they kept missing each other for various reasons, followed by the explosive meeting when they did. And then everything that goes on afterwards, and how they are there for each other. Absolutely bloody brilliant!
You get a full story here - beginning, middle, and ending - without it feeling rushed, or that time has jumped, or anything has been skipped over. The timeline works for their story and it is perfectly paced, giving you lots of sexy times but also other things that keep the story moving.
I've read three of these books now (unless I've forgotten one) and I would absolutely say this was the best of the bunch so far. Of course, I'll have to check the others now, just to make sure, you know, in the name of R&D! 😁
HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2023
I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting
Book
Now that I'm a mom, I know the most painful part isn't getting something giant through your hooha....
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated You Should Have Left in Books
Jun 5, 2019
by author Daniel Kehlmann is imaginatively written in such a way that you’re reading a scriptwriter’s notes from his notebook, as he is writing them. The main character bares his soul about his life, his thoughts and dreams. Much of it is mundane everyday stuff, until you realise that what is being said actually has a very different meaning. Darker and more horrific than it at first may seem.
Writing his screenplay, and lying to his boss about his progress, the screenwriter takes his family, wife Susanna, and four-year old Esther to what he wants to be a writer’s retreat. Yeah, it does sound rather like The Shining. But even though there’s less of it, there’s even more to it… Stick with me. I’ll explain.
Things are not going as planned, for this unnamed writer. His marriage is on the rocks and his screenplay is failing. On top of that there are a lot of strange goings on he cannot explain. Odd things are happening in the house he’s renting via Airbnb. Maybe it’s haunted, or just tricks of light are playing with his mind giving him that illusion. Either way, it’s a slow descent into darkness that the author of the notebook does not seem to notice himself. Not straight away.
But as the reader I get to see that every now and then there’s things hidden in the text the writer seems not to be aware of. He’s spiralling downhill I’m wondering about his mental state, or if the house itself, or something in it — something supernatural — is playing with his mind.
How long can he hold it together? He’s got responsibilities to look after his kid, but he can hardly look after himself. He’s already forgetting which lies he’s told and mixing his dreams (and nightmares) with reality. Even he doesn’t know how it will end, and starts to think about leaving his notebook behind in order for it to be found… and it has been, I’m reading it now…
Several of the notes in his book get to the end of the page and are never finished, which to my mind, is in keeping with the distracted, confused voice of this note taker and adds to the setting’s dark, oppressive atmosphere.
Clever, surreal, with a kind of rhythmic writing, akin to memories of sitting in the back of the car and being rocked to sleep. The only difference would be the rude awakening. The slamming of the brakes. When the harshness of reality jolts you awake.
Yep, this unsettling, nightmarish journey, had me glued to the pages, even though at first I was not entirely sure I understood what I’d read… It’s a short novella sized book, and I must admit I had to read it again to fully appreciate this awesome piece of writing. It’s not your average horror, I can tell you! Nope, there’s nothing average about this at all. Incidentally, it’s translated from German and that fact may be why I thought it worked even better. No words are wasted. There’s a certain style to this book that makes me feel like he’s got something bigger, and maybe even better to come. I can see, however, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I personally wish I’d got to this one sooner.
Stark, sparse, and totally different to anything I’ve read in a long time. I loved it. An alternative read without a doubt. A very short read, in fact. What’s more, this review took longer to write about it, than it did to read. Twice.
Writing his screenplay, and lying to his boss about his progress, the screenwriter takes his family, wife Susanna, and four-year old Esther to what he wants to be a writer’s retreat. Yeah, it does sound rather like The Shining. But even though there’s less of it, there’s even more to it… Stick with me. I’ll explain.
Things are not going as planned, for this unnamed writer. His marriage is on the rocks and his screenplay is failing. On top of that there are a lot of strange goings on he cannot explain. Odd things are happening in the house he’s renting via Airbnb. Maybe it’s haunted, or just tricks of light are playing with his mind giving him that illusion. Either way, it’s a slow descent into darkness that the author of the notebook does not seem to notice himself. Not straight away.
But as the reader I get to see that every now and then there’s things hidden in the text the writer seems not to be aware of. He’s spiralling downhill I’m wondering about his mental state, or if the house itself, or something in it — something supernatural — is playing with his mind.
How long can he hold it together? He’s got responsibilities to look after his kid, but he can hardly look after himself. He’s already forgetting which lies he’s told and mixing his dreams (and nightmares) with reality. Even he doesn’t know how it will end, and starts to think about leaving his notebook behind in order for it to be found… and it has been, I’m reading it now…
Several of the notes in his book get to the end of the page and are never finished, which to my mind, is in keeping with the distracted, confused voice of this note taker and adds to the setting’s dark, oppressive atmosphere.
Clever, surreal, with a kind of rhythmic writing, akin to memories of sitting in the back of the car and being rocked to sleep. The only difference would be the rude awakening. The slamming of the brakes. When the harshness of reality jolts you awake.
Yep, this unsettling, nightmarish journey, had me glued to the pages, even though at first I was not entirely sure I understood what I’d read… It’s a short novella sized book, and I must admit I had to read it again to fully appreciate this awesome piece of writing. It’s not your average horror, I can tell you! Nope, there’s nothing average about this at all. Incidentally, it’s translated from German and that fact may be why I thought it worked even better. No words are wasted. There’s a certain style to this book that makes me feel like he’s got something bigger, and maybe even better to come. I can see, however, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I personally wish I’d got to this one sooner.
Stark, sparse, and totally different to anything I’ve read in a long time. I loved it. An alternative read without a doubt. A very short read, in fact. What’s more, this review took longer to write about it, than it did to read. Twice.
David McK (3610 KP) rated Death to the Emperor (Macro and Cato #21) in Books
Apr 10, 2023
The Year 2001.
I wondered into a local branch of Eason's, and saw Under the Eagle on offer, sold for an introductory price (which I can't even remember), and with a blurb that sounded interesting. That, and a quote from the king of historical action-adventure fiction Bernard Cornwell that 'I really don't need this kind of competition ... a great read'.
Jump forward just over 20 years, and we're now onto book #20 in the series, and back in the Roman province of Brittania after the intervening books have had us all over the Roman Empire.
The series has also lost the 'Eagle' that was always included somewhere in the earlier titles (Under the Eagle, The Eagle's Conquest, The Eagle and the Wolves etc), with that word last used in the title in entry # 7 (The Eagle in the Sand).
That's not all that has changed: Cato is no longer the scared young man he had been in the first entries; Macro no longer the seasoned Centurion. Now, Macro is retired from active service whilst Cato - who now has a family of his own - has risen in rank above that that Macro ever reached but is still firm friends with the latter.
We've now also reached a pivotal moment in Roman Britain history, with the Boudicean revolt just about to kick off (as it does here) and as the Romans finally capture and raze the Druid stronghold of Mona.
Those two events form the backbone of this novel, with Cato involved in the attack on Mona whilst Macro is charged with the defence of Camulodunum (Colchester) and in charge of the Roman Reserves there whilst the main army is away on campaign, just after the Governor of Britain has further alienated their Icenian allies.
As with all of the Simon Scarrow books I've read, the history is worn lightly enough to make an enjoyable read: this is not a dry, stuffy retelling of events but rather uses the real historical events as the backbone for the story being built around it.
This, I have to say, is also the first in the series that I can remember ending in a definite cliffhanger ...
(I might have to go back and re-read the previous now)
I wondered into a local branch of Eason's, and saw Under the Eagle on offer, sold for an introductory price (which I can't even remember), and with a blurb that sounded interesting. That, and a quote from the king of historical action-adventure fiction Bernard Cornwell that 'I really don't need this kind of competition ... a great read'.
Jump forward just over 20 years, and we're now onto book #20 in the series, and back in the Roman province of Brittania after the intervening books have had us all over the Roman Empire.
The series has also lost the 'Eagle' that was always included somewhere in the earlier titles (Under the Eagle, The Eagle's Conquest, The Eagle and the Wolves etc), with that word last used in the title in entry # 7 (The Eagle in the Sand).
That's not all that has changed: Cato is no longer the scared young man he had been in the first entries; Macro no longer the seasoned Centurion. Now, Macro is retired from active service whilst Cato - who now has a family of his own - has risen in rank above that that Macro ever reached but is still firm friends with the latter.
We've now also reached a pivotal moment in Roman Britain history, with the Boudicean revolt just about to kick off (as it does here) and as the Romans finally capture and raze the Druid stronghold of Mona.
Those two events form the backbone of this novel, with Cato involved in the attack on Mona whilst Macro is charged with the defence of Camulodunum (Colchester) and in charge of the Roman Reserves there whilst the main army is away on campaign, just after the Governor of Britain has further alienated their Icenian allies.
As with all of the Simon Scarrow books I've read, the history is worn lightly enough to make an enjoyable read: this is not a dry, stuffy retelling of events but rather uses the real historical events as the backbone for the story being built around it.
This, I have to say, is also the first in the series that I can remember ending in a definite cliffhanger ...
(I might have to go back and re-read the previous now)
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Taking What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #4) in Books
Apr 24, 2025
super steamy!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere