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Becs (244 KP) rated Words That Kill in Books
Oct 2, 2019
I’ve always had a thing for poetry and have loved every single poetry collection that I have gotten my hands on. My husband got me Words That Kill by Vivid Vega for this past Christmas. When I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just so good and so emotional. But I eventually had to take a break because it was starting to mess with me. There are not many poetry collections that touch on the mental health subject and I’m glad that there is now one available to the public.
Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult
Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well
Reading level: Middle to High School
Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.
Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.
Point of view: First person
Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.
Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.
Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.
Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.
Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.
Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.
Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!
“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”
Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult
Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well
Reading level: Middle to High School
Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.
Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.
Point of view: First person
Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.
Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.
Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.
Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.
Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.
Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.
Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!
“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Ready or Not (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019 (Updated Sep 2, 2019)
F*cking rich people
Ready Or Not is a delightful mash up of blood soaked horror and devilish comedy that intertwines well making this film an absolute blast. When Ready or not's certificate came up everyone was shocked it was 18 rated (I found kind of sad as to me it symbolised how there is 100% still a big market for the more violent and mature horror film yet these days they sadly seem few and far between. I proud to say this does not disappoint and delivers on gore, grossness and tons of unnecessary yet hilariously fitting cursing. Made by people with clear love for the genre this movie echoes what made 80s horror movies so fun. Its goofy, silly, humorous, cool, violent, over the top, cheesy and stylish with it all working well together as well as being extremely serious and tense when it needs to be too. A great mix of movies like your next, the purge, cabin in the woods and even evil dead this movie doesnt hesitate getting straight to the good stuff moving at a constant brisk pace. Although predictable at times it ride with the horror cliches mixing them up just enough for them to feel modern and refreshingly satisfying. Anti rich themes take front and centre and the film isnt shy of mocking wealthy people constantly questioning their morals, beliefs, way of life, ignorance, naivety, lack of empathy and ability to think they can do as they please. In fact you might say the most horrific parts of the film are just how stupid, desensitized, gullible, careless and void of empathy these people have become which adds a nice real world connection. Theres also some visually impressive/creative scenes that really stand out as they are flawlessly combine with music too. Great tension is also present here and a it has a good eending that keeps you on your toes guessing. Not perfect by any means but go into it with a mind set that you can just sit back and enjoy a well made film that's only interested in you having a good time and you will leave entertained.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Okay, so this book is a Fairy Tale Retelling of Beauty and the Beast. With that in mind, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. Boy, was I wrong!
In Blossom and the Beast, Blossom is the youngest daughter of a clan chief. Her father has a fox for a totem animal, her three brothers are bears(!), and it is suspected that Blossom will be the same. She has a very inquisitive mind and struggles against the rules and traditions that bind her under the canopy. On a trip out of camp (when she shouldn't have been) she is spotted by Kaide. He immediately wants her in his life and does whatever it takes to ensure it. He is determined to win her over though, so he treats her with every respect.
With political manoeuvrings galore, plus a sweet and sensual romance, this book is more than just a Fairy Tale Retelling! This is an amazing book in its own right, and should definitely be recognised as such. Amazing story, with well-rounded and believable characters, this story will entice and enthral.
I will say one thing about the ending without giving out any spoilers - BE CAREFUL!!! When I finished the ending, my Kindle nearly went for a burton! It was so close to hitting the wall as I stomped around my home in disbelief. Without giving too many details, I sort of knew how it was going to end, without knowing the specific details. When those details came to life, I screeched as I couldn't believe it. It was a train wreck that I could see happening, without any means of stopping it! I was actually complaining to Blossom (my Kindle) about her actions and what she should have done instead - much to the amusement of my husband may I just add!
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this story certainly deserves its 5-star rating. Absolutely fantastic and I really, REALLY, can't wait for the second book to see where it will go.
* 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!
May 31, 2016
In Blossom and the Beast, Blossom is the youngest daughter of a clan chief. Her father has a fox for a totem animal, her three brothers are bears(!), and it is suspected that Blossom will be the same. She has a very inquisitive mind and struggles against the rules and traditions that bind her under the canopy. On a trip out of camp (when she shouldn't have been) she is spotted by Kaide. He immediately wants her in his life and does whatever it takes to ensure it. He is determined to win her over though, so he treats her with every respect.
With political manoeuvrings galore, plus a sweet and sensual romance, this book is more than just a Fairy Tale Retelling! This is an amazing book in its own right, and should definitely be recognised as such. Amazing story, with well-rounded and believable characters, this story will entice and enthral.
I will say one thing about the ending without giving out any spoilers - BE CAREFUL!!! When I finished the ending, my Kindle nearly went for a burton! It was so close to hitting the wall as I stomped around my home in disbelief. Without giving too many details, I sort of knew how it was going to end, without knowing the specific details. When those details came to life, I screeched as I couldn't believe it. It was a train wreck that I could see happening, without any means of stopping it! I was actually complaining to Blossom (my Kindle) about her actions and what she should have done instead - much to the amusement of my husband may I just add!
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this story certainly deserves its 5-star rating. Absolutely fantastic and I really, REALLY, can't wait for the second book to see where it will go.
* 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!
May 31, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1653 KP) rated Beautiful Beast in Books
Nov 30, 2018
bloody awesome read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Lucky (Inked Menace MC #1) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
This book is like an onion, it has layers! It is a fast-paced, witty and gritty tale about the Vice-President of a Motorcycle Club and a woman with a deadly secret. Cecilia starts off as nothing more than a woman in Witness Protection, trying to live her life as best she can. There is an instant attraction between her and Luke but she only kisses him when she thinks that she's going to be leaving town. This sets in motion a series of events that will change her life forever, along with Luke's.
I loved how strong Cecilia is and how her mouth runs away with her at times. She isn't afraid to stand her ground but also knows when to back down. She is full of surprises and I loved her!
If you like Shifter stories, if you like MC stories, and if you can cope with a reference made to Ghostbusters then I can definitely recommend this book to you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in this series!
(ps - sorry for the Shrek reference 😉)
* 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!
September 7, 2016
I loved how strong Cecilia is and how her mouth runs away with her at times. She isn't afraid to stand her ground but also knows when to back down. She is full of surprises and I loved her!
If you like Shifter stories, if you like MC stories, and if you can cope with a reference made to Ghostbusters then I can definitely recommend this book to you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in this series!
(ps - sorry for the Shrek reference 😉)
* 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!
September 7, 2016
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow in Books
Jan 4, 2019
The Plot (2 more)
The Pacing
The Characters
A Great Spooky Read!
I've read two other novels by Nancy Gray, Empty Eyes and Krampus, so when I read the synopsis of The Scarecrow, I know I had to read it. It sounded really interesting. I was not disappointed.
All of the previous books in the Spine Chillers series have been short, and The Scarecrow was no exception. I love how each book in the series can be read as a standalone.
I found myself enthralled by the plot of The Scarecrow from the very beginning. Once I started reading, I was immediately thrust into all the action. Yes, the plot about a scary scarecrow come to life has been done many times before, but I loved the way Nancy Gray made her story a bit different. There are a couple of plot twists, and there was even one I didn't see coming. The Scarecrow is a scary read, but it's not overly scary for its targeted audience. I found the world building to be believable. It was easy to be transported to Sophie's world with each word I read.
The pacing for The Scarecrow is done fantastically. Not once did it slow down to where it became boring, and it was never too fast paced where I was just left confused. The pacing is spot on, and I found myself wanting to know more about the scarecrow, Hunt, Sophie, and Edward with each page. This was a definite page turner. Luckily The Scarecrow is a short read because I never wanted to stop reading. I had to know how everything would turn out.
I loved the characters in The Scarecrow. I found Sophie to be incredibly brave and sweet the way she was willing to put her life on the line to look for and save her cousin. Edward was an interesting character in a good way. Even the adults in this book were likable as well as believable.
Trigger warnings for The Scarecrow include one minor profanity (one of the characters says "what the hell"), violence, and disobeying adults.
Overall, The Scarecrow is a great read for those that like to be spooked. It has a great story line, interesting characters, and fantastic pacing. I would definitely recommend Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow by Nancy Gray to those aged 11+. Even though this is written for the middle grade age group, I really think adults would enjoy it too.
All of the previous books in the Spine Chillers series have been short, and The Scarecrow was no exception. I love how each book in the series can be read as a standalone.
I found myself enthralled by the plot of The Scarecrow from the very beginning. Once I started reading, I was immediately thrust into all the action. Yes, the plot about a scary scarecrow come to life has been done many times before, but I loved the way Nancy Gray made her story a bit different. There are a couple of plot twists, and there was even one I didn't see coming. The Scarecrow is a scary read, but it's not overly scary for its targeted audience. I found the world building to be believable. It was easy to be transported to Sophie's world with each word I read.
The pacing for The Scarecrow is done fantastically. Not once did it slow down to where it became boring, and it was never too fast paced where I was just left confused. The pacing is spot on, and I found myself wanting to know more about the scarecrow, Hunt, Sophie, and Edward with each page. This was a definite page turner. Luckily The Scarecrow is a short read because I never wanted to stop reading. I had to know how everything would turn out.
I loved the characters in The Scarecrow. I found Sophie to be incredibly brave and sweet the way she was willing to put her life on the line to look for and save her cousin. Edward was an interesting character in a good way. Even the adults in this book were likable as well as believable.
Trigger warnings for The Scarecrow include one minor profanity (one of the characters says "what the hell"), violence, and disobeying adults.
Overall, The Scarecrow is a great read for those that like to be spooked. It has a great story line, interesting characters, and fantastic pacing. I would definitely recommend Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow by Nancy Gray to those aged 11+. Even though this is written for the middle grade age group, I really think adults would enjoy it too.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Hidden (Fire and Iceland #1) in Books
Dec 15, 2018
Hidden (Fire and Iceland #1) by Megan Morgan
Hidden is the first book in the Fire and Ice series, and we start off with Vanessa as she wakes up outside, wondering what on earth has happened to her. She is found by two Icelandic men, who she can understand even though she knows they are speaking their own language. Not only that, but Vanessa senses she is being watched, and has no idea what has gone on, or why.
This is a long book that is a slow burner. The first half of the book I thoroughly enjoyed, as Vanessa learnt more about the Icelandic mythology, and just how pertinent to her situation it may be. Then, I'm afraid, I got a bit bored. There is a lot of repetition, with Vanessa telling the world how unfair life is. And then we have an attraction thrown into the mix, where his ghostly wife may or may not be involved. And then the ending... of which I won't say anything because I don't want to spoil it for anyone else.
There were lots of aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but I was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied. I have given it a 3-star rating though, because it WAS good! It just didn't hold me engrossed like I love to be in a book. There were no editing or grammatical errors that ruined my reading, which is another reason for 3-stars.
If you fancy something a bit different, and like the idea of Iceland, then I would recommend this book.
* 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!
This is a long book that is a slow burner. The first half of the book I thoroughly enjoyed, as Vanessa learnt more about the Icelandic mythology, and just how pertinent to her situation it may be. Then, I'm afraid, I got a bit bored. There is a lot of repetition, with Vanessa telling the world how unfair life is. And then we have an attraction thrown into the mix, where his ghostly wife may or may not be involved. And then the ending... of which I won't say anything because I don't want to spoil it for anyone else.
There were lots of aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but I was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied. I have given it a 3-star rating though, because it WAS good! It just didn't hold me engrossed like I love to be in a book. There were no editing or grammatical errors that ruined my reading, which is another reason for 3-stars.
If you fancy something a bit different, and like the idea of Iceland, then I would recommend this book.
* 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!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Lifeforce (1985) in Movies
Oct 22, 2020
Fun fact - this is the second film I've seen where a female character uses Patrick Stewart's body to communicate with someone. Maybe this is some kind of niche sub-genre I'm just discovering...
Lifeforce is a film of three parts - it's one part sci-fi, one part British thriller, and one part ridiculous end-of-the-world horror, in that precise order.
The sci-fi part is decent enough, where a space crew discovers a strange object near Halley's comet, and further inspection reveals giant bats and sleeping naked humans in crystal coffins that turn out to weird space vampires (so on board with this ridiculous plot). It has a great aesthetic and some good special effects (keeping in mind this movie came out in 1985). The puppetry when some of the space-vampire victims come back to life is awesome.
Then the film shifts to Colonels Caine (Peter Firth) and Carlsen (Steve Railsback) as they track down one of the escaped aliens through London, whilst it kills and shapeshifts to it's hearts content.
This portion is slower, but Lifeforce has an engaging screenplay, and boasts a cast good enough to keep things entertaing. Patrick Stewart, Frank Finlay, Mathilda May, and John Hallam amongst others provide a solid ensemble that ensures the film doesn't fall into silly territory.
Everything leads up to the absurd finale however. London is completely aflame, hordes of vampire zombie things flood the street, there are bodies everywhere, shit is blowing up, vampire aliens are being vanquished with giant swords, people are being thrown out of helicopters - Tobe Hooper doesn't fuck about with this kind of stuff, and Lifeforce has a final sequence that puts a lot of other horror films to shame, and looks fantastic. It's glorious - This sci-fi-horror gem is well worth checking out.
Lifeforce is a film of three parts - it's one part sci-fi, one part British thriller, and one part ridiculous end-of-the-world horror, in that precise order.
The sci-fi part is decent enough, where a space crew discovers a strange object near Halley's comet, and further inspection reveals giant bats and sleeping naked humans in crystal coffins that turn out to weird space vampires (so on board with this ridiculous plot). It has a great aesthetic and some good special effects (keeping in mind this movie came out in 1985). The puppetry when some of the space-vampire victims come back to life is awesome.
Then the film shifts to Colonels Caine (Peter Firth) and Carlsen (Steve Railsback) as they track down one of the escaped aliens through London, whilst it kills and shapeshifts to it's hearts content.
This portion is slower, but Lifeforce has an engaging screenplay, and boasts a cast good enough to keep things entertaing. Patrick Stewart, Frank Finlay, Mathilda May, and John Hallam amongst others provide a solid ensemble that ensures the film doesn't fall into silly territory.
Everything leads up to the absurd finale however. London is completely aflame, hordes of vampire zombie things flood the street, there are bodies everywhere, shit is blowing up, vampire aliens are being vanquished with giant swords, people are being thrown out of helicopters - Tobe Hooper doesn't fuck about with this kind of stuff, and Lifeforce has a final sequence that puts a lot of other horror films to shame, and looks fantastic. It's glorious - This sci-fi-horror gem is well worth checking out.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Mongrel in Books
Nov 24, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
MONGREL is a standalone story that I really need to be a series! It features Andras, otherwise known by the majority of his pack as Mongrel, and Bowie, a vampire. It also features Erzsébet Báthory, a real-life historical serial killer, who did horrible things to young girls in a possible attempt to stay young (or maybe she was just psycho), and is a vampire of legend second only to Dracula.
Although this involves the kidnapping and torture of young girls, the book doesn't go into too much detail. In fact, hardly any, so don't worry about that. It is more of a slow-burn romance between Andras and Bowie, who are so sweet they should have given me toothache but managed not to.
We are introduced to a host of characters and species in a way that enables the reader to comprehend who they are without being overrun by information. But, for me, the stars were Andras and Bowie. It couldn't be anyone else. They are so protective about each other, jealous and possessive in a somehow good way!
I was wavering between a 4 or 5-star review, simply because there were parts of the story I wanted more of, but then I decided to give it 5-stars simply because of the warm fuzzies I got reading it. This is a standalone but I really hope the author returns to these characters in the future.
Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended.
** 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Although this involves the kidnapping and torture of young girls, the book doesn't go into too much detail. In fact, hardly any, so don't worry about that. It is more of a slow-burn romance between Andras and Bowie, who are so sweet they should have given me toothache but managed not to.
We are introduced to a host of characters and species in a way that enables the reader to comprehend who they are without being overrun by information. But, for me, the stars were Andras and Bowie. It couldn't be anyone else. They are so protective about each other, jealous and possessive in a somehow good way!
I was wavering between a 4 or 5-star review, simply because there were parts of the story I wanted more of, but then I decided to give it 5-stars simply because of the warm fuzzies I got reading it. This is a standalone but I really hope the author returns to these characters in the future.
Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended.
** 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Carma (21 KP) rated The Army Ranger's Surprise (The Men of At Ease Ranch #5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
The Army Rangers Surprise is part of the At-Ease Ranch series by Donna Michaels, but according to the blurb it can be read as a standalone. I have not read any other titles in this series and I can agree that this read pretty well as a standalone. There is some reference as well as interaction with previous characters and I only felt a little lacking in knowing Leos past actions getting him to the point he was currently.
Leo Reed is a restless former soldier dealing with PTSD. With the help of his friends he was finally able to get therapy to deal with his tragic past. He still has trouble feeling worthy enough to fit in and make his friends proud, he has trouble accepting that they dont need to carry him through life. When he agrees to keep an eye on his grandmother while his Mom is out of town helping his sister, he quickly realizes he has an even better motivation to visit Grams, in the form of neighbor Kaydee Wagner. He is attracted to Kaydee but getting involved means talking about the past and he knows if she ever finds out about his past she would leave him faster than anything.
Kaydee Wagner gave up her home to move with her grandfather into a duplex in the small town of his choosing. She promised her parents she would take good care of him until they could get back home in 2 years, after her fathers time was up in the army. Restless is Kaydees middle name, rarely staying in one place very long, but she knows she needs to do this for her family. And having Leo Reed visit his grandmother every week just adds to the appeal. He helped them move into the house and she was enamored from the word Hi. But getting involved means getting out of her comfort zone, could she actually be able to be someones girlfriend. She was horrible at it, but for Leo she would give it a good shot. But she can tell he is holding back, can she get him to let go?
Leo and Kaydee both suffer from a restless energy inside them and it will take a lot for them to let go of that feeling and be free to stay together. When they find themselves in an unexpected situation they both realize they need to let that edge go so they both can move forward in life. I enjoyed Grandma Ava and Grandpa Nate as secondary characters. As well as Fiona and all the At-Ease boys and the girls that love them. Even Lula Belle the cow has a good storyline haha. Im glad I ended up receiving an advance copy of this novel, I will definitely be looking up the other titles to add those to my bookshelf. Any opinions expressed are my own; no expectation for review was ever expressed or required.
Leo Reed is a restless former soldier dealing with PTSD. With the help of his friends he was finally able to get therapy to deal with his tragic past. He still has trouble feeling worthy enough to fit in and make his friends proud, he has trouble accepting that they dont need to carry him through life. When he agrees to keep an eye on his grandmother while his Mom is out of town helping his sister, he quickly realizes he has an even better motivation to visit Grams, in the form of neighbor Kaydee Wagner. He is attracted to Kaydee but getting involved means talking about the past and he knows if she ever finds out about his past she would leave him faster than anything.
Kaydee Wagner gave up her home to move with her grandfather into a duplex in the small town of his choosing. She promised her parents she would take good care of him until they could get back home in 2 years, after her fathers time was up in the army. Restless is Kaydees middle name, rarely staying in one place very long, but she knows she needs to do this for her family. And having Leo Reed visit his grandmother every week just adds to the appeal. He helped them move into the house and she was enamored from the word Hi. But getting involved means getting out of her comfort zone, could she actually be able to be someones girlfriend. She was horrible at it, but for Leo she would give it a good shot. But she can tell he is holding back, can she get him to let go?
Leo and Kaydee both suffer from a restless energy inside them and it will take a lot for them to let go of that feeling and be free to stay together. When they find themselves in an unexpected situation they both realize they need to let that edge go so they both can move forward in life. I enjoyed Grandma Ava and Grandpa Nate as secondary characters. As well as Fiona and all the At-Ease boys and the girls that love them. Even Lula Belle the cow has a good storyline haha. Im glad I ended up receiving an advance copy of this novel, I will definitely be looking up the other titles to add those to my bookshelf. Any opinions expressed are my own; no expectation for review was ever expressed or required.