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The One (The Selection, #3)
The One (The Selection, #3)
Kiera Cass | 2014 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.4 (23 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The One</i> is the third book in <i>The Selection</i> series by Kiera Cass. With only four girls remaining, the competition to become Prince Maxon’s bride is nearing its conclusion. Being from a lower caste, America is the least unlikely girl in the whole of the selection to have made it this far. But although sometimes his intentions are confusing, it appears Maxon is in love with her. As the title suggests this will be the book where Maxon makes his important decision, but will America be the one?

Of the three books, <i>The One</i> is the most interesting by far. Although the key storyline is about the selection itself, there is more interaction with other aspects of the story. The southern rebels are getting even more violent as they determine to overthrow the king, however America learns a lot more about the northern rebels, including something extremely surprising, which makes them seem a lot less threatening than they previously were.

With America as the narrator, readers can suspect which girl will be chosen as princess, however there are still some things that could completely change the competition. For example the relationship between America and her former boyfriend, Aspen; also the hatred King Clarkson has for America.

The will they, won’t they questions plague the readers from beginning until its dramatic conclusion. The shocking ending could move readers to tears, proving just how gripping the story actually is.

With its happy, sad ending <i>The One</i> is a brilliant continuation of the young adult dystopian romance. Although the selection has come to an end, there is still so much the reader wants to know, making the next book, <i>The Heir</i>, a top priority to read.
  
This is definitely the best book of the series and the only thing that disappointed was that it was the last of the series.

The Suffragette Scandal follows the story of Frederica “Free” Marshall and Edward Clark. Edward is a scoundrel of the highest order and I positively love him. His character is amazing, and he’s got flaws but he admits them – flaunts them even.

“Which of my myriad flaws is making you uneasy, Miss Marshall?” He gave her a long, slow smile. “Is it my arrogant conceit or my wicked sense of humour?”

“I’m Edward Clark. Born Edward Delacey. Now apparently, Viscount Claridge.” He shut his eyes “You can address me by my preferred title: you idiot.”

The thing with Edward is that he isn’t afraid of admitting he’s wrong about something. I like how this book was told from equal POVs and that the whole book was about winning the girl but was instead about saving the day, winning the girl and then trying to save their marriage.



Free’s character was amazingly astute as well and so laid back but also very upfront – “Huzzah! Suffragettes!” – she meshes with Edward right from the beginning which was lovely, there wasn’t a massive overhaul of her principles after the marriage and in fact Edward tries to give her back her life.

The dynamic between them was amazing and Edward says the best thing about Free:

“I married her to unleash her on the world, not to keep her under wraps “

I’m pretty much just rambling about the characters because they were just that good. So well written and the relationship between them was amazing and it flowed expertly.

I’m kind of sad that the series has ended now after reading them all but they were very, very good. Highly recommended.
  
Not Thomas
Not Thomas
Sara Gethin | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is such a sad story I often struggled to bring myself to read it. The novel is written as if it were a true story told by the central character, 5-year-old Tomos. Tomos has just moved in with his birth mother, following a long period of foster care which came to an end when the foster parent died.

The language with which it’s written, is very much like that of its protagonist, with common wording, present tense, short sentences, and childlike enthusiasm clearly conveyed. In spite of this, you may argue it’s not necessarily easy to read, as I shall explain.

In the beginning of the book, the neglect endured by Tomos is more commonplace, such as: occasionally having crisps instead of a cooked meal, making do with a removable ladder to on and off his bed, and his mum missing his nativity play. Later a teacher spots there’s an issue and starts bringing food and uniform for him to school.

However, after each let-down, the author must have thought “Right, what’s the worst thing that can happen next?” By the end of the book, there’s a rape, an arrest, and a murder. Eventually the teacher forges a rescue of sorts for Tomos, but things may never be the same again for poor Tomos.

Reading a book where the dialogue is in my own Welsh valley dialect made the story feel all the more real to me. In the first half of the book, the dialogue amongst the adults provides more depth, context and complexity to the story, which would otherwise only be hinted at.

In the end, it’s the realism of the story that makes it such a hard read.

You can check out more of my book reviews on Wordpress or Facebook:
https://bookblogbycari.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bookblogbycari/
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated It Was Her in Books

Aug 11, 2018  
It Was Her
It Was Her
Mark Hill | 2018 | Crime, Thriller
9
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Highly recommended
Having read the first in this series "His First Lie" (previously named "The Two O'Clock Boy") and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was excited to get my hands on this second outing for the team of DI Ray Drake and DS Flick Crowley and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

I know that sometimes you can dip into a series out of order but not this one. I strongly suggest you read "His First Lie" before "It Was Her" otherwise you could become a little lost as this book builds on the events of that one. In addition, you might feel differently about the characters, especially Ray, without the back story that is so important in understanding his thought processes and actions.

What we have in "It Was Her" is not just your run-of-the-mill crime thriller, it is so much more than that and I can't even begin to describe how much I became totally immersed in the story. I won't go into detailing the plot as it's clearly set out in the blurb but I will say that it is complex, dark, gritty and edgy with suspense and tension but amongst all that, is quite a sad story and the ending ... well, I didn't see that coming until it was on top of me and it left me having to take a few deep breaths and a few minutes to take it all in.

So, would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Would I recommend this author? Without a doubt. Do I want to read the next instalment? Hell yes!!

My thanks go to the publisher, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and NetGalley for my e-copy in return for an honest review.
  
Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7)
Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7)
Dahlia Donovan | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
a really fitting end!
There comes along, once in a rare while, a book that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzie inside. A book that is far too stinking cute for its own good. A book that wraps up an ENTIRE series in so few pages. A book that is simply, brilliant.

This is book 7 in the Sin Bin series, and if you are just coming across this book, you should at the very LEAST read book two, The Caretaker, which is where Freddie and Taine meet. You should read them all, though!

Taine plucks up the courage to ask Freddie to marry him, but first he asks for Freddie's fathers permission. Since their first meeting wasn't exactly a tea party, Taine has reservations they won't chop him up and hide the pieces! But the fathers surprise him, and then Taine has to actually propose.

The proposal delivers, for me, the best line of the book!

Freddie asks, "why marriage?" Taine replies, "When they write our story after we're gone, it should read that I loved you more than anything else in the world. More than rugby. More than you love cheese. I want our names connected - intertwined. Legally. So no knobdobbers can claim I wasn't dedicated to you. So, will you marry me?"

The wedding plans are amusing, with all the previous characters taking part. So you can imagine what they all get up to! There is, of course, some messing about with food, cos ya'll know Ms Donovan's boys like to play with their food!

Bit that made me cry?? When all of Taine's rugby team mates perform the Haka at the wedding. That bit made me cry more that what happened on the honeymoon!

It's always sad to see a series end, but what a way to go!

5 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Celeste Arrazolo is a singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her debut single, entitled, “Caution”.

“I’m not going. I’m not leaving this bar or this place. I came here for answers. Made so many mistakes. I’ve been down, I’ve been low, I’ve been high every chance that I get. It’s been such a lonely road ain’t got no relief yet.” – lyrics

‘Caution’ tells a bittersweet tale of a girl with sad eyes who doesn’t want to leave a bar because she’s searching for answers to her problems.

The bartender is sympathetic to her cause and offers her one last drink before the bar closes.

Lost in the moment, the girl reveals that religion has deserted her, and God has forgotten her name.

Later, she admits that no smart person should want any part of her because she’s a mess. Also, she’ll bring them down and hurt them with lies to survive. Therefore, they should proceed with caution when dealing with her.

‘Caution’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with emo-soul and R&B elements.

“‘Caution’ is a climax in an internal struggle. It’s about losing your way. I want listeners to be able to meet me in that moment.” – Celeste Arrazolo

Celeste Arrazolo flew to Los Angeles as soon as she had her diploma in hand. Shortly afterward, she encountered hard times, and her life spiraled out of control.

She turned to music for solace and eventually discovered a path to redemption and freedom. Through endless hours of studying powerhouse singers and songwriters, Arrazolo learned to translate her experience into her music.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/celeste-arrazolo-caution/
  
Piece By Piece - Single by Bria Lee
Piece By Piece - Single by Bria Lee
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Bria Lee is a rising New York-based singer-songwriter from Providence, Rhode Island. Not too long ago, she released an urban-pop ballad, entitled, “Piece By Piece”.

“Wake up, paint my smile on, but nothing feels the same. I’m too pale, my makeup’s stale, the sky’s a little bit grey. I heard from a good friend that you are doing fine. But still here, ash and cigarettes, and empty bottles of wine. But how did I get here? What do I do when everything always comes back to you?” – lyrics

‘Piece By Piece’ is the follow-up single to Bria Lee’s breakout tune, entitled, “One Shot”, featuring Fat Joe.

The likable tune contains a sad-girl storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.

“‘Piece By Piece’ is a song to help you realize that being broken is not the only option. It’s about taking the time to look inward and trying to put the pieces of your life back together. So that when you fall in love with the right person they can see the whole you. This song is about being transparent, speaking your heart, and remembering your voice.” – Bria Lee

Bria Lee grew up in a musical household. Her mother sang and played the guitar. Her father was fascinated with artists and musicians and urged her to not let her talents go to waste.

At the age of 17, she registered at New York’s Manhattan School of Music and studied classical piano.

Shortly afterward, she found herself with an 80-hour grind, waiting tables and working at a pizzeria, while singing on the NYC jazz scene.

Eventually, her hard work paid off after a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a record label showcase, which opened the door to her signing with Republic Records.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/bria-lee-piece-by-piece/
  
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Darren (1599 KP) rated 50/50 (2011) in Movies

Jun 20, 2019  
50/50 (2011)
50/50 (2011)
2011 | Comedy, Drama
9
8.3 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Verdict This comedy drama will make you laugh but it will also make you cry. The actor from everyone is among some of the best you will see with ever character being a believable and someone who everyone could have in their own lives. I found the comedy level is the perfect level to complement the serious nature of the movie. This is a movie that everyone will enjoy it has everything you need in a good movie without have to have anything over the top happening, you should watch this movie.

Story Mark 10/10 Perfect story

 

Comedy Mark 9/10 Light heart comedy on serious issue

 

Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 Adam and Kyle look like lifelong friends

 

Romantic Chemistry Mark 9/10 Adam chemistry with Katherine work perfectly and you can see Adam and Rachael falling apart

 

Star Performances Joseph Gordon Levitt he put in one of the best performance of the year and of his career so far.

Anna Kendrick great performance to keeping up her good record of strong performances

Seth Rogen most likely his best performance of his career right up there with his performance in Funny People.

Favourite Character I have to go with Adam just seeing how he deals with the situation is just incredible.

Least Favourite Character Rachael watch and you will see why.

Best Part It’s pretty much perfect never to funny or sad.

Worst Part Hard to find one

Best Quote Adam ‘’See, but… that’s bullshit. That’s what everyone has been telling me since the beginning. “Oh, you’re gonna be okay,” and “Oh, everything’s fine,” and like, it’s not… It makes it worse… that no one will just come out and say it. Like, “hey man, you’re gonna die.”

 

Similar Too – Funny People

https://moviesreview101.com/2011/11/23/5050-2011/
  
Ghosted
Ghosted
Leslie Margolis | 2018 | Children
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mean Girl Gets Scrooged
Ellie Charles rules Lincoln Heights Middle School. Everyone wants to be her friend and everyone wants to please her. She's top of the class academically, president of the student body, and chairperson of every committee that matters. Maybe she rules with an iron fist, but no one seems to mind - at least as best Ellie can tell.

The book opens the day of the winter dance. Naturally, Ellie is chair of the dance committee, and it is going to be awesome! However, when Ellie falls off a ladder, she finds herself having a freaky out of body experience. Suddenly, she's back five years ago when her best friend, Marley, and Marley's two dads lived across the street. Back before her father left her and her mother right before Christmas. Why is she witnessing these events again? And who is the Girl in Black who seems to be following Ellie on this trip down memory lane?

Being a big fan of A Christmas Carol, I had to give this modern middle grade take on the classic a try. While I enjoyed aspects of it, including a few clever nods to the original, I felt the book was lacking overall. Ellie is just so mean it is hard to root for her. The book spends much of the time in the past, and Ellie's sad past doesn't help things. The expected ending seems abrupt and short, so we don't get as big a pay off as we would like after our trip with Ellie. Then again, it might just be that I'm not the target audience. Either way, this won't be making my list of beloved spins on the Dicken's classic.
  
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Tragic (Rook and Ronin, #1)
J.A. Huss | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Tragic tells the beginning of the story of Rook & Ronin...and let me tell you... not only is it sexy, but its AMAZING!!! Rook gets signed as the model for the Tragic campaign, which is irony in its greatest form because he life is just that...TRAGIC.

Rook bounced around from foster home to foster home her whole life, until she met Jon... At the time Jon was her knight in shining armor, but quickly he became possessive and eventually Rook feared for her life. She smartened up and bought a one way bus ticket to Dallas, modeling, and eventually Ronin's bed.

This story is beyond great! JA Huss writes this story in such a way that you can't help but cheer Rook on. There were several times during this book I found myself talking to the book trying to give Rook advice on how to drop Ronin like a hot potato.

Rook is a great character. She is TRAGIC, but yet there is hope, and I think Ronin is the silver lining to her new modeling gig. Ronin wants nothing but to help Rook navigate the modeling world and life in general, but this isn't the first time Ronin has been tangled up with a TRAGIC model, and the people around him point this out to him every chance he gets. Ronin can tell that Rook is different, and special. Ronin ultimately believes people are good and he is too.

This book is great from start to finish, and I can't help but recommend this book to everyone I know! I am sad to see that this is only going to be a trilogy of books. I was hoping to be able to have much more time with this characters. This is a must read!!

*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review! ***