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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Can you keep a secret in Books
Nov 23, 2021
196 of 250
Book
Can you Keep a Secret
By Karen Perry
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Surviving the weekend depends on whether you can keep a secret . . . Lindsey hasn't spoken to Rachel in twenty years, not since her brother's eighteenth birthday party at their parents' remote country house. A night that shattered so many friendships - and left Rachel's father dead. Now Thornbury Hall is up for sale, and the old gang are back there, together again. A weekend to say goodbye to the old place, to talk about the past. But twenty years of secrets aren't given up lightly. Some won't speak about what happened that night. While others want to ensure that no one ever does.
I’m not one to write bad reviews I just try to put my honest opinion but would encourage anyone else to at least try the book!
For me this was just a no go I was so bored by the time I got to part two even with an event at the end of part one! I can’t put my finger on what was missing but I just didn’t find it entertaining at all.
Book
Can you Keep a Secret
By Karen Perry
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Surviving the weekend depends on whether you can keep a secret . . . Lindsey hasn't spoken to Rachel in twenty years, not since her brother's eighteenth birthday party at their parents' remote country house. A night that shattered so many friendships - and left Rachel's father dead. Now Thornbury Hall is up for sale, and the old gang are back there, together again. A weekend to say goodbye to the old place, to talk about the past. But twenty years of secrets aren't given up lightly. Some won't speak about what happened that night. While others want to ensure that no one ever does.
I’m not one to write bad reviews I just try to put my honest opinion but would encourage anyone else to at least try the book!
For me this was just a no go I was so bored by the time I got to part two even with an event at the end of part one! I can’t put my finger on what was missing but I just didn’t find it entertaining at all.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Jinni's Wish (Kingdom, #4) in Books
Nov 20, 2021
193 of 250
Kindle
Jinni’s Wish ( Kingdome Chronicles book 4)
By Marie Hall
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A long, long time ago there lived a man. A Jinni, who had one wish. To know love. But the woman he thought he knew betrayed him and the love he thought they shared. Tortured for his crimes, he was cast out of Kingdom, stripped of all his powers, left to langour in pain and solitude, until eventually he becomes nothing but a ghost...
Paz Lopez is an artist with a dream. To buy a ridiculously large penthouse in the swankiest section of Chicago. But there's just one hitch, she has no man to share her dream with. A fateful visit to a carnival and Madam Pandora's tent sends Paz on a mission to find the love of her life before it's too late.
But the Madam forgot to tell Paz one very important detail... to meet him, Paz will have to die first.
I enjoyed it. It was sweet little story could have been longer got a bit of a rushed feel from it that I didn’t from the first 3 books. Definitely a spin on these fairly tales and finding love!
Kindle
Jinni’s Wish ( Kingdome Chronicles book 4)
By Marie Hall
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A long, long time ago there lived a man. A Jinni, who had one wish. To know love. But the woman he thought he knew betrayed him and the love he thought they shared. Tortured for his crimes, he was cast out of Kingdom, stripped of all his powers, left to langour in pain and solitude, until eventually he becomes nothing but a ghost...
Paz Lopez is an artist with a dream. To buy a ridiculously large penthouse in the swankiest section of Chicago. But there's just one hitch, she has no man to share her dream with. A fateful visit to a carnival and Madam Pandora's tent sends Paz on a mission to find the love of her life before it's too late.
But the Madam forgot to tell Paz one very important detail... to meet him, Paz will have to die first.
I enjoyed it. It was sweet little story could have been longer got a bit of a rushed feel from it that I didn’t from the first 3 books. Definitely a spin on these fairly tales and finding love!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Lady of Valour ( Warrior book 3) in Books
Dec 4, 2021
202 of 250
Kindle
Lady of Valor ( Warrior Trilogy book 3)
By Lara Adrian
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In Lady of Valor, Tina St. John spins a dazzling tale of romantic adventure in magnificent medieval England, where battles of love and war are fought with equal passion. . . .
Left a widow by her cruel husband's death, Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is determined to control her own destiny, until her hard-won vows of independence are threatened by the mysterious warrior sent by the king to protect her castle. Emmalyn is now at the mercy of Sir Cabal, a feared knight known as Blackheart.
Skilled at war and hiding a tormented past, Cabal swears allegiance to no one but himself and his country. But once he meets Emmalyn, he finds his strength tested by this proud beauty who stirs his blood with desire, tempting him to defy his king and surrender his heart. . .
This was my favourite of the three books in the warrior trilogy. Emmalyn was a kick ass heroine and I love Cabal it’s good sometime to settle in with a good historical romance. Everyone deserves to be loved. I’m looking forward to reading more by Lara I really enjoy her style of writing.
Kindle
Lady of Valor ( Warrior Trilogy book 3)
By Lara Adrian
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In Lady of Valor, Tina St. John spins a dazzling tale of romantic adventure in magnificent medieval England, where battles of love and war are fought with equal passion. . . .
Left a widow by her cruel husband's death, Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is determined to control her own destiny, until her hard-won vows of independence are threatened by the mysterious warrior sent by the king to protect her castle. Emmalyn is now at the mercy of Sir Cabal, a feared knight known as Blackheart.
Skilled at war and hiding a tormented past, Cabal swears allegiance to no one but himself and his country. But once he meets Emmalyn, he finds his strength tested by this proud beauty who stirs his blood with desire, tempting him to defy his king and surrender his heart. . .
This was my favourite of the three books in the warrior trilogy. Emmalyn was a kick ass heroine and I love Cabal it’s good sometime to settle in with a good historical romance. Everyone deserves to be loved. I’m looking forward to reading more by Lara I really enjoy her style of writing.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Cruel Elites (Nocturnal Academy book 2) in Books
Dec 5, 2021
203 of 250
Kindle
Cruel Elites ( Nocturnal Academy book 2)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I refuse to end up as a vampire's slave.
There's no escape out of Nocturnal Academy's prison school. Being here means I've lost my mother, my best friend, and my freedom.
Now, Nocturnal Academy plans to make me into a courtesan for the vampires. My only hope out is topping the Placement Tests and becoming the 1 out of 100 fae who gets to shape her own fate.
But between a mysterious vampire guard confusing my feelings, my nemesis circling in on me like a viper, and a teacher who hates my guts, all my plans are falling apart. If I'm not careful, I won't even end up as a courtesan, but as dead meat.
This is the second book and definitely a star more than I rated book 1. This was more settled and the story is picking up and getting interesting. It’s definitely a tough concept that these Young mainly female fae really have limited outcomes on their lives and can be a bit tough to read in places, but I’m finding it well written! Looking forward to reading the next one.
Kindle
Cruel Elites ( Nocturnal Academy book 2)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I refuse to end up as a vampire's slave.
There's no escape out of Nocturnal Academy's prison school. Being here means I've lost my mother, my best friend, and my freedom.
Now, Nocturnal Academy plans to make me into a courtesan for the vampires. My only hope out is topping the Placement Tests and becoming the 1 out of 100 fae who gets to shape her own fate.
But between a mysterious vampire guard confusing my feelings, my nemesis circling in on me like a viper, and a teacher who hates my guts, all my plans are falling apart. If I'm not careful, I won't even end up as a courtesan, but as dead meat.
This is the second book and definitely a star more than I rated book 1. This was more settled and the story is picking up and getting interesting. It’s definitely a tough concept that these Young mainly female fae really have limited outcomes on their lives and can be a bit tough to read in places, but I’m finding it well written! Looking forward to reading the next one.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The year’s best Fantasy and Horrror 2006 19th annual collection in Books
Dec 19, 2021
208 of 250
Book
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.
There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.
Book
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.
There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Undercurrent in Books
Dec 25, 2021
211 of 250
Kindle
Undercurrent
By J.A. Baker
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Phoebe and her disabled husband, Martyn, move into a new house in a village on the edge of County Durham. They plan to lead a quiet existence, a set up that suits them both.
Then Anna, who lives over the road and is bored of spending her days alone, seeks friendship with Phoebe and events take a dark turn.
Phoebe has secrets and is haunted by her past and Anna's arrival in her life may prove to be the catalyst for her undoing.
What is Phoebe hiding and why are she and her husband so reclusive?
When Anna gets caught in a storm and is rescued by Phoebe the truth becomes apparent and Anna is thrown into danger.
Is there a difference between madness and evil?
Some friendships can be murder.
Brilliant! I loved it from start to finish! So well written and kept you interested from the first word to the last. This has to be one of my favourite books that I’ve read in 2021! The story follows a woman with a dark past moving to a small village things soon start going wrong.
Kindle
Undercurrent
By J.A. Baker
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Phoebe and her disabled husband, Martyn, move into a new house in a village on the edge of County Durham. They plan to lead a quiet existence, a set up that suits them both.
Then Anna, who lives over the road and is bored of spending her days alone, seeks friendship with Phoebe and events take a dark turn.
Phoebe has secrets and is haunted by her past and Anna's arrival in her life may prove to be the catalyst for her undoing.
What is Phoebe hiding and why are she and her husband so reclusive?
When Anna gets caught in a storm and is rescued by Phoebe the truth becomes apparent and Anna is thrown into danger.
Is there a difference between madness and evil?
Some friendships can be murder.
Brilliant! I loved it from start to finish! So well written and kept you interested from the first word to the last. This has to be one of my favourite books that I’ve read in 2021! The story follows a woman with a dark past moving to a small village things soon start going wrong.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Road to Winter (Fae’s Captive #2) in Books
Oct 29, 2021
180 of 250
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Soulless ( The Privileged of Pembroke high book 2) in Books
Dec 9, 2021
205 of 250
Kindle
Soulless (The Privileged of Pembroke High boo 2)
By Ivy Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Nothing is ever as it seems.
In a world where lies and deceit rule, my carefully hidden secrets weren’t an exception.
The privileged hide behind masks that only elitism and power can provide.
Yet, I’m still learning just how vile and ruthless you need to become to play their twisted game.
In my naiveté, I thought my heart would always be safe in their hands.
But I was wrong.
So very wrong.
And now I have to live with the tangled mess my actions have created.
There are no winners in the war of treachery and hate.
But if you’re soulless enough, you might just survive.
Soulless is the second book in The Privileged of Pembroke High series which ends in a cliffhanger.
I love Ivy Fox and this didn’t disappoint! There are some possible trigger warnings in this book, I thought it was handled well. I enjoyed getting to know more about the boys situation also get to know Rome too he’s become my favourite! Highly recommend for those reverse harem with some spice.
Kindle
Soulless (The Privileged of Pembroke High boo 2)
By Ivy Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Nothing is ever as it seems.
In a world where lies and deceit rule, my carefully hidden secrets weren’t an exception.
The privileged hide behind masks that only elitism and power can provide.
Yet, I’m still learning just how vile and ruthless you need to become to play their twisted game.
In my naiveté, I thought my heart would always be safe in their hands.
But I was wrong.
So very wrong.
And now I have to live with the tangled mess my actions have created.
There are no winners in the war of treachery and hate.
But if you’re soulless enough, you might just survive.
Soulless is the second book in The Privileged of Pembroke High series which ends in a cliffhanger.
I love Ivy Fox and this didn’t disappoint! There are some possible trigger warnings in this book, I thought it was handled well. I enjoyed getting to know more about the boys situation also get to know Rome too he’s become my favourite! Highly recommend for those reverse harem with some spice.
David (771 KP) rated Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker in Tech
Jul 25, 2018
Fantastic sound
I received this device as a giveaway from Smashbomb, that said this review will not be biased in any way. Thank you again Smashbomb.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated We Sold Our Souls in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Creepy novel
Horrorstör was my 4th favorite book I read in 2015. Considering only "Ready Player One", "13 Reasons Why", and "Autopsy Room Four", a little-known work by Stephen King were the only ones to beat it that is quite impressive.
I was so excited when I learned "We Sold Our Souls" by Grady Hendrix was being published. After reading it, I am just as excited to write how much I enjoyed it. First let me say, I am and always will be, a metalhead.
We Sold Our Souls involves a broken up metal band who did not end on the best of terms.As you can imagine, their reuniting is not everyone sitting around and singing Kumbaya. Hendrix through flashbacks shows how the band broke up and why they need to fight together. I would have loved to hear Dürt Würk play. Mentioned throughout the story are well known heavy metal bands that I have to turn up anytime I hear them. Each chapter's title is the name of a metal album.
The novel did not scary me but it was creepy and definitely worth reading. I will be keeping Grady Hendrix at the top of my "authors to read anything they publish" list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 1/31/19.
I was so excited when I learned "We Sold Our Souls" by Grady Hendrix was being published. After reading it, I am just as excited to write how much I enjoyed it. First let me say, I am and always will be, a metalhead.
We Sold Our Souls involves a broken up metal band who did not end on the best of terms.As you can imagine, their reuniting is not everyone sitting around and singing Kumbaya. Hendrix through flashbacks shows how the band broke up and why they need to fight together. I would have loved to hear Dürt Würk play. Mentioned throughout the story are well known heavy metal bands that I have to turn up anytime I hear them. Each chapter's title is the name of a metal album.
The novel did not scary me but it was creepy and definitely worth reading. I will be keeping Grady Hendrix at the top of my "authors to read anything they publish" list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 1/31/19.