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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Right Behind You in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In Lisa Gardner’s next thriller following her runaway New York Times bestseller Find Her — Right Behind You sees the return of (now retired) FBI Profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife Rainie Conner who have now adopted Sharlah. Several years ago her older brother Telly Ray Nash killed their drunken father to protect them.
But when it appears that Telly has killed again, this time it can’t be for her protection, can it? Especially as it is later discovered he’s also killed his foster parents.
This story is a lot slower than other Lisa Gardner books. I still enjoyed it, but as the story unravelled I found myself more drawn to the relationships of families involved – the abuse that went on – the secrets and lies. It’s like the author has gone from fast-paced FBI police procedural crime novel to a character driven story. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I expected.
Rainie and Quincy still make a great couple, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. It may be light on the FBI profile and police procedural aspects, but
Right Behind You still made for a great read because the characters were so endearing, and quite often physically and emotionally vulnerable.
I’m interested to see what Lisa Gardner’s next book (comes out Feb. 19 2019) titled NEVER TELL, is going to be like. It apparently features Detective D.D. Warren joining forces with vigilante Flora Dane to investigate the murder of known associate of Flora’s infamous kidnapper.
But when it appears that Telly has killed again, this time it can’t be for her protection, can it? Especially as it is later discovered he’s also killed his foster parents.
This story is a lot slower than other Lisa Gardner books. I still enjoyed it, but as the story unravelled I found myself more drawn to the relationships of families involved – the abuse that went on – the secrets and lies. It’s like the author has gone from fast-paced FBI police procedural crime novel to a character driven story. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I expected.
Rainie and Quincy still make a great couple, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. It may be light on the FBI profile and police procedural aspects, but
Right Behind You still made for a great read because the characters were so endearing, and quite often physically and emotionally vulnerable.
I’m interested to see what Lisa Gardner’s next book (comes out Feb. 19 2019) titled NEVER TELL, is going to be like. It apparently features Detective D.D. Warren joining forces with vigilante Flora Dane to investigate the murder of known associate of Flora’s infamous kidnapper.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit in Books
Jun 11, 2019
This is a sweet, southern f/f romance. Set in Georgia, it deals with a lot of things young lesbians might have to deal with in the south - religion, bigotry, the stress of coming out or not coming out (or being forced back in the closet by a move to a small town)! It doesn't deal with any outright violence against our lesbian protagonists, and it just barely touches on drug use, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. Joanna has a mostly supportive family, even if they do ask her to hide her sexuality for her senior year in the new town. Jo reluctantly agrees to do so, but doesn't count on falling in love with a girl at her new school.
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Soldier Girl in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Refreshingly different
This was my first Annie Murray and it made me love her storytelling. I found it was so different from what is usually written about women around the time of the war.
I didn't find out until after I had finished it that it was part of a series. I just had to know if there was a sequel as the ending was so abrupt, so many questions still unanswered, I was so relieved to see it was part of a series. I was surprised that it was the second as it was easy to fall into, you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one.
The main character isn't your usual woman in the early 1900's which makes you want to keep reading, to see how she is received in this world that is so strict, a world which anyone who was different were ostracized and frowned upon.
The way Annie Murray writes this story really does make you root for the characters, for me I felt I was there with them, not an easy thing to portray but Annie Murray does it well.
I am still on the look out for book 1 and 3 and hope I find them soon! I'd like to think others will read this (as I definitely think they should) and will fall in love with Annie Murray's books.
I didn't find out until after I had finished it that it was part of a series. I just had to know if there was a sequel as the ending was so abrupt, so many questions still unanswered, I was so relieved to see it was part of a series. I was surprised that it was the second as it was easy to fall into, you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one.
The main character isn't your usual woman in the early 1900's which makes you want to keep reading, to see how she is received in this world that is so strict, a world which anyone who was different were ostracized and frowned upon.
The way Annie Murray writes this story really does make you root for the characters, for me I felt I was there with them, not an easy thing to portray but Annie Murray does it well.
I am still on the look out for book 1 and 3 and hope I find them soon! I'd like to think others will read this (as I definitely think they should) and will fall in love with Annie Murray's books.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Taboo (Albright Sisters, #2.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I had very high hopes for this book. While I wasn't disappointed, I shouldn't have set my standards so high just because of a pretty cover. The gorgeous cover is what intrigued me and I literally couldn't stop myself from buying it. I didn't know it was part of a series so I definitely am going to read the other three novels in the series. Although, I am so confused as to how they can consider this novel 2.5. What disappointed me about Taboo was the completely simplistic and unimaginative plot.
The rundown: boy and girl fall in love despite being in different classes of society. Because society would never accept their relationships, someone meddles, breaking them apart. One turns into a whore while the other turns into a crybaby and runs to another country. Said crybaby returns and, because he cannot get his once lover out of his head, he blackmails her into becoming his whore. Eventually, the truth comes out and the couple lives happily ever after.
Despite the uncreative plot, I really enjoyed this book. The erotic scenes were great except for one particular scene that just wasn't my taste. Despite that, they were expertly written. The only thing that actually bothered me was the fact that the female protagonist became a whore for the ton so that sex wouldn't be ruined for her. It was a major "Wtf?" moment and I almost threw the book across the room, especially since Michaels like to repeatedly bring this point up.
Overall, a pleasing erotic novel.
The rundown: boy and girl fall in love despite being in different classes of society. Because society would never accept their relationships, someone meddles, breaking them apart. One turns into a whore while the other turns into a crybaby and runs to another country. Said crybaby returns and, because he cannot get his once lover out of his head, he blackmails her into becoming his whore. Eventually, the truth comes out and the couple lives happily ever after.
Despite the uncreative plot, I really enjoyed this book. The erotic scenes were great except for one particular scene that just wasn't my taste. Despite that, they were expertly written. The only thing that actually bothered me was the fact that the female protagonist became a whore for the ton so that sex wouldn't be ruined for her. It was a major "Wtf?" moment and I almost threw the book across the room, especially since Michaels like to repeatedly bring this point up.
Overall, a pleasing erotic novel.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Texas Rose Forever (Texas Rose Ranch, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Who doesnt love a story about second chances? There are few things more heart warming than someone who has been burned but finds love again anyway and discovers they are worthy of love. Most of us have been there. For those of us who received another chance, whether it be a second or 22nd, we know that love comes when you least expect it.
Thats what happened to CanDee and Cinco. Neither was looking for love, but they certainly found it. It was lovely to read their falling for each other because it seemed to happen at a natural, logical procession. Its easy to see why they would fall in love too! CanDee is a strong, funny heroine not without her faults whereas Cinco is a hardworking cowboy who knows how to play just as hard. They fit together nicely as did the supporting characters.
What I loved about this novel is how neither CanDee nor Cinco stayed hung up on their less than stellar past relationships. They were open to a new partner rather than dwelling in their own pity party.
What I didnt like? Their names. Cincos didnt bother me, but CanDee really? I feel that there is this trend in among authors to try and give their characters unique names. Call me petty, but I found her name annoying rather than unique or innovative. This clearly did not interfere with my enjoyment of the novel (Im not THAT petty) and I appreciated the authors easy style.
Thats what happened to CanDee and Cinco. Neither was looking for love, but they certainly found it. It was lovely to read their falling for each other because it seemed to happen at a natural, logical procession. Its easy to see why they would fall in love too! CanDee is a strong, funny heroine not without her faults whereas Cinco is a hardworking cowboy who knows how to play just as hard. They fit together nicely as did the supporting characters.
What I loved about this novel is how neither CanDee nor Cinco stayed hung up on their less than stellar past relationships. They were open to a new partner rather than dwelling in their own pity party.
What I didnt like? Their names. Cincos didnt bother me, but CanDee really? I feel that there is this trend in among authors to try and give their characters unique names. Call me petty, but I found her name annoying rather than unique or innovative. This clearly did not interfere with my enjoyment of the novel (Im not THAT petty) and I appreciated the authors easy style.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Moonlight (Dark Guardian, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I still don't really know how I feel about this one. While it wasn't terrible like i was expecting it to be, it wasn't anything special either. It seemed like just another typical young adult werewolf novel.
What I did enjoy about this novel was the style. I actually enjoyed Hawthorne's style compared to many young adult writers. Her dialogues were realistic even if her character were so stereotypical for a young adult novel.
What really irritated was having to continuously read about Kayla's parents dying. I understand that it was a huge part of the plot, but it only needs to brought up so many times when it isn't moving the plot forward. It comes to a point when you need to stop kicking the dead horse.
Another point that irritated me was how out of no where, suddenly Kayla and Lucas were so in love with each other. I can understand that Kayla was attracted to him, but to bring in the whole one true love thing was a bit much. I actually liked the concept that the Shifters found their mates young in life. I felt that it may give some young readers delusions about relationships.
I also felt like Hawthorne rushed so many things, such as Kayla becoming a Dark Guardian. I felt like Hawthorne could have fleshed the end out much more. Despite this, I still want to read the second one just to see what happens with the rest of the pack.
What I did enjoy about this novel was the style. I actually enjoyed Hawthorne's style compared to many young adult writers. Her dialogues were realistic even if her character were so stereotypical for a young adult novel.
What really irritated was having to continuously read about Kayla's parents dying. I understand that it was a huge part of the plot, but it only needs to brought up so many times when it isn't moving the plot forward. It comes to a point when you need to stop kicking the dead horse.
Another point that irritated me was how out of no where, suddenly Kayla and Lucas were so in love with each other. I can understand that Kayla was attracted to him, but to bring in the whole one true love thing was a bit much. I actually liked the concept that the Shifters found their mates young in life. I felt that it may give some young readers delusions about relationships.
I also felt like Hawthorne rushed so many things, such as Kayla becoming a Dark Guardian. I felt like Hawthorne could have fleshed the end out much more. Despite this, I still want to read the second one just to see what happens with the rest of the pack.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book was very good. I enjoyed listening to it when I had a free chance. I gave it a four out of five because there were a few moments, especially in the beginning, where I found it hard to connect to the characters. Elisa seemed like she was just self-deprecating for a lot of the book and that got tiresome after a while. When she started to grow as a character, I started to like it more. I wish there wasn't that love triangle in the story, but I understand why it had to be there. I just feel like these love triangles are in most books and I want there to be more without it (That's just a personal note) There were even some relationships between characters that I thought were going to pan out to be romantic, but didn't. But who knows, there are other books in the series after all! Some of the puzzles that the characters had to solve I felt were kind of predictable but others were genuinely surprising. I fell in love with so many side characters and I wish we had been able to see more of them throughout the story. While Elisa is a compelling narrator, I felt like the other characters had more to them. This was a great break from the myriad of historical or classic novels that I have had to read recently. If you like fantasy and adventure stories, pick this up. I really recommend it.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Catching Jordan in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Catching Jordan is the first book in the series Hundred Oaks. Before reading this book I read Breathe, Annie, Breathe which is book #5 in the series. (Here is my review for the book).
I love this book. I love the writing style. I love that it's about football. I love the relationships. I love that it's genuine.
The story has twists that keep you guessing on where the story is going to go next. I love that Jordan is the QB of a high school football team, which is not normal but could absolutely be reality. It shows that girls can have a leadership role in a sport typically deemed for guys. I enjoy sports and having a book about football and a love story made it that much more enjoyable.
The chemistry in Catching Jordan is phenomenal. There is a connection between the characters that is deeply felt. The connection is between the team, the friends, the families. It's all well-written with charisma floating off the pages that you'll see these people come alive. You will feel that you have been friends with Jordan, Ty and Henry for years.
Catching Jordan is not simply a love story. It's so so so much more; It's about going for your dreams, overcoming obstacles and never giving up believing they will happen. You will undoubtedly finish this book with a smile on your face
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports stories and love who love having a female role model.
Catching Jordan is the first book in the series Hundred Oaks. Before reading this book I read Breathe, Annie, Breathe which is book #5 in the series. (Here is my review for the book).
I love this book. I love the writing style. I love that it's about football. I love the relationships. I love that it's genuine.
The story has twists that keep you guessing on where the story is going to go next. I love that Jordan is the QB of a high school football team, which is not normal but could absolutely be reality. It shows that girls can have a leadership role in a sport typically deemed for guys. I enjoy sports and having a book about football and a love story made it that much more enjoyable.
The chemistry in Catching Jordan is phenomenal. There is a connection between the characters that is deeply felt. The connection is between the team, the friends, the families. It's all well-written with charisma floating off the pages that you'll see these people come alive. You will feel that you have been friends with Jordan, Ty and Henry for years.
Catching Jordan is not simply a love story. It's so so so much more; It's about going for your dreams, overcoming obstacles and never giving up believing they will happen. You will undoubtedly finish this book with a smile on your face
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports stories and love who love having a female role model.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Betwixt (Betwixt, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book (so much so that I finished it within 36 hours)! I was really drawn to the characters, especially Nicole and her relationships with her friends. It reminded me of high school and all the cliques that you see, as well as the gossip, backstabbing, and bullying that goes on. The further I got into the story, the more I was hoping Nicole would see her "friends" for who they truly were, considering they hardly batted an eye when she was determined to be missing.
Aside from Nicole, Dale is the other main character, as he's trying to help Nicole by finding her before it's too late. The whole time, he's attempting to get it through to her friends that something's happened to her, and yet nobody cares. All they do is harass Dale and treat him like crap for caring about somebody "outside his league". Typical high school.
Once I started reading "Betwixt" I didn't want to put it down (darn sleep/work!). It's such an interesting plot, and the longer I read it, the more I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what happened. There's certainly a wide range of emotions involved, and it really sucks you in. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who remembers what high school was like (whether you were a member of the popular crowd or not), and for those who like a little paranormal twist to their reading. Enjoy!! =)
I really enjoyed this book (so much so that I finished it within 36 hours)! I was really drawn to the characters, especially Nicole and her relationships with her friends. It reminded me of high school and all the cliques that you see, as well as the gossip, backstabbing, and bullying that goes on. The further I got into the story, the more I was hoping Nicole would see her "friends" for who they truly were, considering they hardly batted an eye when she was determined to be missing.
Aside from Nicole, Dale is the other main character, as he's trying to help Nicole by finding her before it's too late. The whole time, he's attempting to get it through to her friends that something's happened to her, and yet nobody cares. All they do is harass Dale and treat him like crap for caring about somebody "outside his league". Typical high school.
Once I started reading "Betwixt" I didn't want to put it down (darn sleep/work!). It's such an interesting plot, and the longer I read it, the more I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what happened. There's certainly a wide range of emotions involved, and it really sucks you in. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who remembers what high school was like (whether you were a member of the popular crowd or not), and for those who like a little paranormal twist to their reading. Enjoy!! =)
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.