The Big Alpha in Town by Eve Langlais; Milly Taiden; Kate Baxter thank you Negalley and St Martins press for my advance copy of this book the thoughtsThe Big Alpha in Town by Eve Langlais; Milly Taiden; Kate Baxter thank you Negalley and St Martins press for my advance copy of this book the thoughts below are my honest and unbiased opinions. I have recently called my best friend a paranormal romance snob because all she reads is vampire romance so when I picked this up I was simply looking for something different. This is a compilation of three shifter stories and I liked them all but I wasn’t in love. Bearing his name was fast paced and funny. How do you deal with finding your mate and dealing with the fact that you might be the baby daddy to her sister? What I loved about this story is that Ark and Jade are a funny couple and I found myself thinking my Big Fat Greek Wedding with shifters.
Owned by the Lion was super sweet. I have a week spot for strong males and Kier is amazingly strong willed and sweet all in one. I almost wish that this book was called Taming the lion. I say that in the kindest of ways I just feel that Kier is such a womanizer that everyone wants and outside from a sex scene I don’t really see much owning. It’s just two people with big personalities falling in love since we never see a shift. I do love the match aspect of finding a mate.
No Need Fur Love This one is actually my favorite! I don’t know much about wood nymph and the Hero and his leading lady are such a feisty match that I loved it. They are such a great match that the story just turned off the page. There was drama and chemistry. I feel like the conflict that happens at the end brings Mia and Owen together because the conflict of life helps you find love. All and all an anthology worth reading if you are looking something cute to read by the beach.
Merged review:
The Big Alpha in Town by Eve Langlais; Milly Taiden; Kate Baxter thank you Negalley and St Martins press for my advance copy of this book the thoughts below are my honest and unbiased opinions. I have recently called my best friend a paranormal romance snob because all she reads is vampire romance so when I picked this up I was simply looking for something different. This is a compilation of three shifter stories and I liked them all but I wasn’t in love. Bearing his name was fast paced and funny. How do you deal with finding your mate and dealing with the fact that you might be the baby daddy to her sister? What I loved about this story is that Ark and Jade are a funny couple and I found myself thinking my Big Fat Greek Wedding with shifters.
Owned by the Lion was super sweet. I have a week spot for strong males and Kier is amazingly strong willed and sweet all in one. I almost wish that this book was called Taming the lion. I say that in the kindest of ways I just feel that Kier is such a womanizer that everyone wants and outside from a sex scene I don’t really see much owning. It’s just two people with big personalities falling in love since we never see a shift. I do love the match aspect of finding a mate.
No Need Fur Love This one is actually my favorite! I don’t know much about wood nymph and the Hero and his leading lady are such a feisty match that I loved it. They are such a great match that the story just turned off the page. There was drama and chemistry. I feel like the conflict that happens at the end brings Mia and Owen together because the conflict of life helps you find love. All and all an anthology worth reading if you are looking something cute to read by the beach....more
It took me a few chapters to settle into this book. At first it was kind of aloof to me - everything in third person, bouncing between different peoplIt took me a few chapters to settle into this book. At first it was kind of aloof to me - everything in third person, bouncing between different people’s perspectives, and providing a bunch of women’s names I was having a hard time remembering. But once the ladies go out to the bar, the story picks up. The author did a great job of painting the scene; the fact that there were multiple perspectives and back stories helped to build the mystery and confusion about the turn of events. In fact, after the third chapter I glanced back at the highlights of chapters one and two, and that helped cement the starts of the story-line.
There were times when the reading would get laborious for me because there’s 4 different women that are featured, and each woman usually has either her own chapter or chunks of a chapter that are from her viewpoint. This means that several chapters were left on semi cliff-hanger moments with new revelations about respective characters. The problem with that for me was that not every character had the same level of interesting things going on. So some of the chapters felt kind of boring while I was trying to get back to where another character left off.
The book definitely has a twist. However, now that I’m finished with the book, I don’t really know how I feel about it. The author brushes over the main characters’ back stories - so I kind of felt connected to them, but then also not really. The epilogue felt like it kind of happened in shadow. You have an idea of where things stand, but it felt like it finished it the middle of a thought....more
This was a psychological, romantic thriller. This is a three book series by Lee Alan and each book just gets better. The third book is particularly scThis was a psychological, romantic thriller. This is a three book series by Lee Alan and each book just gets better. The third book is particularly scary. I recommend for anyone who likes a good thriller!...more
The Memory by Lucy Dawson will be in my memory for a very long time. I want to thank Netgalley and all parties involved for my arc of this awesome reaThe Memory by Lucy Dawson will be in my memory for a very long time. I want to thank Netgalley and all parties involved for my arc of this awesome read. I wish this didn’t spend so much time on my kindle because it is something you can devour in one day like one good meal and the last few pages are dessert because you get a satisfying ending. She’ll never forget… I’ll never forgive. When a class turns to death the implications of what happens will last a lifetime. People always notice my daughter, Isobel. How could they not? Extraordinarily beautiful... until she speaks. Little girls voice coming from a woman. This is a very dark haunting read that everyone should read. The story starts with a dark traumatic scene that I won’t repeat because when you pick it up, I want it to pack a punch for you. As the story continues you find out that Izzie has a secret not even her mother knows that is attached to the house that they live in. When Izzie’s past meets her future, you find out that everything that happen with Izzie and the little boy Tim in the beginning is all connected. I know that this review is very cryptic but it is very hard to write a review for this book without giving it away. I found this book a dark adventure that is part edge of your seat and part depression because it is so sad the way things unfold. So fellow readers I wish you a fun journey on this dark ride. ...more
NY attorney Olivia Randall defends her ex-fiancée, Jack Harris, accused of killing 3 people in a public park. The highest profile victim and apparent NY attorney Olivia Randall defends her ex-fiancée, Jack Harris, accused of killing 3 people in a public park. The highest profile victim and apparent target was the father of the kid who killed Jack's wife in a mass shooting. Jack's story is that he was drawn to that location through an online dating contact who asked him to meet her there.
I'm a fan of Alafair Burke's novels. This one is a quick, easy read with a good plot and good characters. The story progresses through the initial steadfast denial of guilt by defendant Harris, the discovery of evidence by both prosecution and defense, the period of wavering conviction by Olivia that her client is innocent, and finally the 'whodunnit' revelation. There are plenty of clues along the way, and a sharp mystery reader should be able to figure this one out. A fair portion of the story is also given to details of the past relationship between Randall and Harris. If there was a surprise at the end, it was more in the 'romance' aspect of the story than the murder plot. ...more
For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt published by HARLEQUIN - MIRA (U.S. and Canada). I want to start this off by saying thank you to Margot Hunt HarleFor Better and Worse by Margot Hunt published by HARLEQUIN - MIRA (U.S. and Canada). I want to start this off by saying thank you to Margot Hunt Harlequin and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book. This is my first read by this author and I am intrigued enough to want to read and see more. Two lawyers the perfect couple or perfect partner in crime? Natalie and Will a very interesting couple. The opening of the book is a first date where they talk about getting away with murder. After so many years of marriage they get to put that conversation to the test. Til Jail do us part or Happily ever after? "Some people just need killing" A completely true statement where it comes to this book. Natalie and Will the perfect couple doing everything to protect their son. The Clarkes have the worst situation on their hands that any parents would never want to have. Their son's principal and friend of the Clarke's has been accused of molesting a young boy at the elementary school. One day Natalie is talking with her son Jacob and he drops an awful bomb of being molested by the principal Robert as well. Talk about ATROCIOUS! The book takes you on a ride of the planning and execution of the perfect murder and you the reader are on the edge of your seat hoping they get away with it or hoping only one goes to jail. I enjoyed this read. I was just hoping for it to pack a bigger punch. Overall a strong three star read....more
A wonderful start to a series with tons of potential. It was very easy to get sucked into the story, and I found myself reading a good chunk of it in A wonderful start to a series with tons of potential. It was very easy to get sucked into the story, and I found myself reading a good chunk of it in one sitting. The writing is accessible and engaging. You get a wonderful sense of Rin's desperation and her masochistic, obsessive drive to push herself beyond normal limitations. "Pain in exchange for power" is an overarching theme of the novel. Rin's early actions foreshadow the significantly larger stakes that unfold later in the novel. She's not an idol. She's not a pure hero that people would necessarily want to emulate. She's a highly flawed survivor who hangs out in that moral grey zone that's fun to roll around in.
The novel is split between a competitive academy setting and brutal warfare. Both sections of the novel have a distinct tone. Readers may find themselves preferring one above the other. The two settings are linked together by one of the story's strongest elements: shamanism and magic. The way this novel handles the use of "magic" is refreshing in its peril, as utilizing it comes with considerable and potentially cataclysmic repercussions. You quickly understand why they're referred to as "The Poppy Wars." The Poppy War itself is brutal, unforgiving, and heavily inspired by real life events in all their horror. Kuang pulls none of her punches in these grim sections.
My only critique lies in the fact that it doesn't always feel like a self-contained story that will naturally build into something more complex. You can easily see that elements of the story are left hanging for future sequels to resolve. Teasing is good, though some of the unresolved elements are pretty major and/or are rapidly introduced and then just as rapidly dropped in the last quarter of the novel. So it's less like teasing and more like someone smacking you in the back of the head and then running away really fast. Some of the B-string characters also take a hit here, especially Rin's merry band of superhero shamans, as they are introduced too quickly to really build comprehensive personalities and backstories.
All in all, though, it's a highly satisfying and enjoyable read. I especially like how the ending isn't conventional. I won't spoil anything, but you expect the "good guys" to behave in certain ways courtesy of excessive TV shows and novels dealing with these struggles. Rin, in keeping with her masochistic and borderline manic character, ignores all of these expectations and does her own thing with all the repercussions that comes with. And it's a highly refreshing tease of things to come.
Definitely looking forward to the sequels.
"Hello, I am praying," and "Please leave," formed into one of my favorite dialogue exchanges in a long time....more
Strange the Dreamer The brothers told Lazlo Strange he’d come in the wagonload of war orphans. He grows up with nothing except for his dreams about a mStrange the Dreamer The brothers told Lazlo Strange he’d come in the wagonload of war orphans. He grows up with nothing except for his dreams about a mythical city called Weep, based on the stories an old monk shares with him. Sent to deliver manuscripts to the library, he stumbles upon a neglected vault of fairytales and he stays. The library-staff apprentices him and the more he reads, the more convinced he is that his destiny is linked to the far-off and forbidden city and then one day, a caravan arrives from Weep—this is Lazlo’s chance—if only he’s brave enough to put himself forward.
But the city of Weep has its own tragedies. For 200 years, its people were slaves to the evil godlike overlords. Fifteen years ago, Eril-Fane, called the Godslayer, lead a revolt and the gods died, but Weep is still haunted. Its people are desperate for cure and Eril-Fane has come in search saviors.
At the same time, Sarai, one of the five god-spawn children, who escaped death, uses her god-gift of invading sleepers’ dreams to make Weep’s population fear the angel citadel where the god-spawn hide. As a child, she enjoyed inflicting nightmares. Now, at seventeen, after spending so much time in others’ minds, she has questions and regrets. She enters Lazlo’s dream and, unlike any other dreamer she’s ever known, he sees her.
The world building is rich and enchanting, but the characters made me fall in love with the story. Life has been unfair to Lazlo, yet he’s kind, gentle and genuinely wants to help others. All the characters are deep, complex and conflicted and their interactions including the love story and those who seek revenge compelled me to keep turning pages.
If you read fantasy to be captivated by a story, this is a book for you....more
Absolutely fantastic true crime read! You can feel all the hours spent slogging through thousands of leads for that diamond in the rough. McNamara's wAbsolutely fantastic true crime read! You can feel all the hours spent slogging through thousands of leads for that diamond in the rough. McNamara's writing in the first handful of chapters creates a story focused around the suffering of the victims and their families. She takes care to protect privacy of the grieving families but still impart important details to the reader. Quite a delicate balance to hold.
After her passing, the novel was completed and built from interview transcripts and incomplete chapters. I appreciate that they did not attempt to copy her way of writing, instead focusing on breaking down the loads of facts that can take the search for the elusive killer in many different directions. The true capping point of the book was the letter to the Golden State Killer at the end written by McNamara. Her words are powerful and direct.
As a reader after the announcement of the capture of the alleged killer, it was unsettling to read about the methods she used realizing the exact same process is what eventually brought justice to lives of victims and their families. All and all a really good read. ...more
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin is a good read I can honestly say I enjoyed it. This is my second book by Emily Giffin but I don’t see it as it beiAll We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin is a good read I can honestly say I enjoyed it. This is my second book by Emily Giffin but I don’t see it as it being my last. I borrowed this from my public library and I am very glad I did. I am still trying to get a handle on my reading after being in such a slump of where I take way too long with my books. Her writing is superb and easy to sink into. What a great book! I have a feeling I’ll be reading all of Ms. Giffin’s books. The story: Nina lives the perfect life in the prestigious Belle Meade community of Nashville. A successful husband, a son who was just accepted at Princeton, a beautiful home and all the designer clothing and home furnishings she could only dream about when she was a middle-class child and teen in the less prosperous small town of Bristol. Then it all collapses when her 18-year-old son uses poor judgement and shares a suggestive and racist photo of a girl from his school. As Nina and her husband Kirk struggle with the consequences and how to minimize the devastating effect this could have on their son’s future, she begins to realize how much she and her values had morphed since her childhood days in Bristol and her college days at Vanderbilt. She realizes that the way her husband deals with the problem are less than honest and she feels ashamed at how she allowed him to do that for so many years, and how his actions were turning their son into the same type of man. As she struggles with doing the right thing through a myriad of increasing problems, she gradually begins to find herself again. This book will resonant with any mother who has dealt with the tribulations and clamor of a teen who has made stupid choices with grave repercussions. If that’s you, reading this book will help you realize that even those who seem to have everything still struggle through raising a teen who is testing limits, especially in a world where social media and text messages can destroy lives in a manner of minutes. I hope to find more time to read this author in the near future if not 2019 has lots more of this author in my future. ...more
I read the book after everyone else has read it or seen the film adaptation. It is well written and a pleasure to read. It bogged down a little when KI read the book after everyone else has read it or seen the film adaptation. It is well written and a pleasure to read. It bogged down a little when Krakauer detoured from McCandless's story to go into his own story. It was written well enough that while reading it I developed some empathy for McCandless that I did not have before. After soaking it all in I have returned to my original opinions of the character, which means Krakauer did a good job with his writing, but in the end McCandless was still a squatter, a poacher, a trespasser, and anarchist with little or no respect for private property or the people who work and contribute to society. I did find myself envying McCanless freedom and adventures which I credit to Krakauer's writing....more
Oh Jet and Ayden, I really enjoyed them as a couple in this second installment of the Marked Men series by Jay Crownover. The theme of opposites attraOh Jet and Ayden, I really enjoyed them as a couple in this second installment of the Marked Men series by Jay Crownover. The theme of opposites attract from the first book still take residence in the second book of the series. I foresee an underline theme here, and it works with these characters.
On the surface Jet and Ayden look to want different things in life. Jet is a musician, he lives and breathes his art form. He is tattooed and pierced and doesn’t have a regard for stability and a “normal” profession. He lives life by his own terms. Ayden, wants the complete opposite of Jet. She wants normal, she wants stability. She wants the complete opposite of her childhood. However, sometimes the heart doesn’t always listen to what the brian thinks is right. Jet and Ayden have a fiery sexual tension. They try to keep each other at bay until they no longer can, and when they come together it is fireworks. Their road is not easily paved, past insecurities, and estranged family member throw cause the majority of the conflict in their relationship. Jay Crownover does a nice job of showing how they work through their issues.
The supporting characters are great. If you have read the first book you will be familiar with them. They are family of friends. It is great to catch up with Rule and Shaw, and get a deeper insight to the other characters in this group of knit tight friends.
I thought Jet was a great read. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Rome. Although these books can be read as stand alone novels, there is a great overall arch between the first two books that I hope continues throughout the rest of the series. Jet was another great read in the Marked Men series....more
I have no say that this was my favorite read of 2018. God what does that say about me this was such a dark read. After I finished Block Party I neededI have no say that this was my favorite read of 2018. God what does that say about me this was such a dark read. After I finished Block Party I needed more from this author so I picked this up I had the first 30% done that same night. Enough about me now on to Church and Emma. Church is twisted, this story takes you thru many emotions, you feel pity, rage, pain you even start to feel obsessed, it leaves you raw.
Paul “ Church” and Emma’s characters are so multifaceted, is hard to really know what is next, what are they thinking. They are two broken people with so much hate, resentment and pain that when they meet each other is clearly that they are each other’s missing pieces that where lost along the way. The wicked chemistry between the two is flawless and I loved every page. Thank you for giving me Margo to hate because I think this book needed someone to hate and Margo was the perfect villain. There is so much I want to say but won't I have no desire to ruin the story, so I suggest picking it up and inhaling it with lots of water because this one is an emotional hang over. ...more
Kat and Stone Bastion, you are both stunning geniuses. How I missed reading a book by you both. This is the one book I was looking forward to this ye Kat and Stone Bastion, you are both stunning geniuses. How I missed reading a book by you both. This is the one book I was looking forward to this year I am sorry that my review has been so delayed. I love this just like I have loved every single installment of this series and I will love the next one. I hope there is more. But enough of that lets get to it. The novel I am reviewing today is Lawbreaker!! If you are looking for a book that is fresh and charming this is so it!!! It’s heartwarming and witty in true Kat and Stone fashion. The warning that is attached to this book is true you will need snacks and drinks because this is an all nightery read in one sitting kind of book. Shay Morgan had to raise herself on the streets, stealing to provide not just for her but for the few she calls her own. And even though trust is not something that comes easily to her, a loving family is what she wants. She’s taken her first baby walking on the right side of the law by working at Loading Zone, where employees are like family. Walks in Ben Bishop after a bad day and say goodbye to Shay’s job and hello to a bad ass chick and a rugged guy and one awesome page turner. Why did Ben Bishop have a bad day well one-word PARENTS. He grew up wanting nothing and having everything while living with a dad who no child would want. I have to say I felt like this was a modern Westside Story and I loved it. Ben spends time trying to find her and after that they spend the entirety of the novel skirting being legal and having fun. I like many readers loved having golf added in this book because every book has something that makes things curious and naughty golf shirts yes please. As their banter continues and you see both sides of these characters you also get to catch up with the characters from the other books which makes me love this even more. I can’t say that Ben Bishop is my favorite of all this series but he is very relatable and makes me think that people with money embrace their humanity and fall in love for people for who they are and not how much money they have. The Romance between Shay and Ben is unique and all their own. It draws you in and makes you believe that love is out there for everyone. Not only did Shay and Ben win each other’s hearts in a week but these authors won me over with this story.
When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica was one of my standout thrillers for 2018. But anything by this author is usually amazing. This was one of thoseWhen the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica was one of my standout thrillers for 2018. But anything by this author is usually amazing. This was one of those mysteries that had a slow burn. Each clue was laid out perfectly adding build up to the story. The story is told from two main viewpoints and alternating timelines. We experience Jessie's story firsthand, in the present. While also uncovering her mother, Eden's story, told from the past. My mother always says that secrets either come out in the wash or they have a way of catching up with you, after years of caretaking for her mother, Jessie is faced with rebuilding her life. On a leap of faith, she applies to college but quickly discovers there might be a problem with her registration due to identity. What does this mean for Jessie? The mystery of figuring out just who she is takes her down an unbidden path. She is extremely fatigued and overwhelmed with insomnia, and it is affecting every aspect of her life while she also tries to figure out who she is. As the chapters flew by I found myself relating to both sides of the characters. I won’t give it away I will say that I feel for both mother and daughter and loved how this story played out. ...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had to devour it all in one day. It was funny, emotional, sad, and really all about love. This family was rocked to itThoroughly enjoyed this book. I had to devour it all in one day. It was funny, emotional, sad, and really all about love. This family was rocked to its core in 2001 when an unexpected tragedy shook their family. Fifteen years later they are still trying to deal with it and the ramifications of that night. The relationship most explored was between sisters. Josie and Meredith fight all the time, about everything. They are so different, yet similar. They are both hurting and envious, to an extent of one another's life. This was a beautifully woven story of family, those that we are born into, and the ones that we create, and also the best and sweetest tale of love coming first...more
This book consumed me. I read in one sitting, totally engrossed in the condition of the human soul and its ability to love.
TheActual rating 4.5 stars.
This book consumed me. I read in one sitting, totally engrossed in the condition of the human soul and its ability to love.
The spirit of A goes beyond gender and sexual identity and into a space of simply ‘being.’ It was such an amazing perspective on existence. Juxatpose that with the love interest, Rhiannon’s perception and interactions with A and her gradual understanding and acceptance of A, and their humanity, and you end up with a universal attitude of love and acceptance of everyone. It was truly inspired.
On the other hand, being A was weird. Always the interloper, unsure of your very existence. It’s a hard place to be. Alone and transient. Enough to send you completely bonkers. But A finds a way to balance it all. A's own desires and wishes without impacting the lives of the bodies that are being borrowed for the day.
I loved toe tone of zero prejudice about the physical being and of identity. I loved getting to walk, if somewhat briefly, in so many other people’s lives and feel that impact.
While we only get the tiniest hint of the mythology behind A and his existence, the rest of the novel feels like a social commentary on identity and how we treat each other. How we are all different, yet the same. I wanted to get involved more into the reasons why A was the way he was – a wandering soul. I was hoping that in the sequel ‘Another Day’ I’d get more answers, but alas, only another brief touch on the mythology. I have my fingers crossed that we can really sink out teeth into the paranormal or science fiction of it all in the third book of the series ‘Someday’ due out on the 2nd of October this year. Not long to wait now!
There’s not much to say about this novel. It’s a romance, a character study with a heavy dose of philosophy. I loved it. The concept so fresh in YA!
It’s a beautiful quick read that I highly recommend....more
As a devoted Stephen King fan, I read - maybe I should say, devoured, this novel in three days as soon as I received it. I have to hand it to Mr King,As a devoted Stephen King fan, I read - maybe I should say, devoured, this novel in three days as soon as I received it. I have to hand it to Mr King, the man can certainly tell stories! This one was a page turner, although to be fair, his books usually are. The story was very well told as only he can tell it. Briefly, Terry Maitland is a coach of prepubescent boys, one of whom is found murdered, grossly and very viciously. Terry is arrested because his DNA and other factors lead the police to believe they have found their killer. However as it turns out, Terry also has a verifiable alibi including witnesses and even a tv interview. The pace is heightened when unexpected things occur and new information is sought. I have read so many King novels and short stories that I am used to his style and prose. Every now and then he gives us little surprises and The Outsider contains several. If you have read some of his later novels, you will get the inside joke. The only complaint with the book and why I didn't give it 5 stars was because I felt the concluding chapters bogged down somewhat and didn't really explain everything well, In my honest opinion, I like that Uncle Steve is with it and makes references to many of our tech devices, social media and other items that did not even exist five or ten years ago. A nice touch to bring the story into 2018....more
If You Love Me: A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Opioid Addiction by Maureen Cavanagh. First off, I would like to thank Netgalley for my arc oIf You Love Me: A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Opioid Addiction by Maureen Cavanagh. First off, I would like to thank Netgalley for my arc of this book. Also, I want to thank the author and her daughter for being brave enough to share their story. This was an honor to read. While my review is super late it doesn’t speak to how amazing this book actually is. I went through lots this year emotionally with the loss of my grandma and while I was still reading, I found it hard to sit down and review and still be objective. This book gets you from page one and doesn’t let you go until long after you are done. Maureen does a beautiful job detailing the emotional journey for her family while dealing with this addiction. I want anyone who reads this book to get something out of it, you will feel every emotion on every page and after your done you will want to find ways to want to help others in this situation. For me personally it showed me that I am in the wrong profession and should be working in a field to help others. All and all 5 painful stars well done....more
This is a good read. The mystery of where the girl on the train and the baby came from is tantalizing and slowly, artfully revealed. The interaction bThis is a good read. The mystery of where the girl on the train and the baby came from is tantalizing and slowly, artfully revealed. The interaction between them and the Chicago couple who take them in is unpredictable and intriguing. The characters are believable. The ending is satisfying. ...more
Loading...
