To be totally honest and open, I probably would have enjoyed this book if I was more of an animal lover...yeah yeah lower your pitch forks. Colleen CoTo be totally honest and open, I probably would have enjoyed this book if I was more of an animal lover...yeah yeah lower your pitch forks. Colleen Coble is relatively new to me and her books seem to be pretty "low risk" as far as romance and entertainment are concerned. You can pretty much call her books from page one. But that won't stop me from reading them, I enjoy a more "clean" romance and the Christian messages she weaves into her books. My most favorite aspect of this book was having Hezichiah from my first Coble book. The mystery in this books (who killed the woman at the beginning) felt like it got lost in the budding romance, attacks on the sanctuary and Paradise searching for her parents killers. With all the plot lines I never felt totally compelled to find out the outcome of any of the plots....but it was a good book to past the time. Last thing, despite what Coble stated in her authors notes, the name Paradise is stupid. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for allowing me to review this advanced copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions, I was not influenced or paid. ...more
Oh no, here I go, I am going to be that person. I am going to have an unpopular opinion let's just chalk this one up as another unpopular opinion but Oh no, here I go, I am going to be that person. I am going to have an unpopular opinion let's just chalk this one up as another unpopular opinion but this book did not work for me. It started off so strong and was clouded in a mystery I couldn't wait to get the bottom of, like most Patti Callahan Henry books. I know with her I have to be a patient reader as she slowly but surely reaveals the intricacies of her great story telling. Sadly her writing style for this book seemed to morph into fairy tale land. She could have grown a garden with all the flowery language. I about wanted to roll my eyes with all the "beautiful" language and "secret language". This was like eating a bowl of froot loops, drinking a dr pepper and licking a blow pop. Outside of the impossibly dramatic wording, the actual plot was frustrating/dumb. Clara's mother, a child prodigy author, left(or died) when Clara was 8 years old after a house fire. Fast foward 25 years, Clara is all grown up and has her own daughter Wynn. She receives a phone call from Charlie in England who has found her mother's satchel with a letter for Clara and her "Secret Language Dictionary". Everything started strong and I was loving the mystery and the strong mother daughter bond present amidst the generations. However once the story shifted to England, it felt like we slipped into a majestical world, and I wasn't lovin it. The story began to drag on....rather slowly. THEN. The big reveal at the end had me incredibly frustrated. I don't like to do spoilers so I will block it out, but....if you want to know...... spoiler: (view spoiler)[. You are telling me, that a mother would LEAVE her 8 year old child because she thought she would be sent away to an insane asylum? You would rather your child think you DEAD?? No mother would do that. It was ludicrous and on top of that Clara and her father were like, "Okay we forgive you." Im sorry but NO. I understand forgiveness, but they shrugged it off and moved on like she had just gone missing for an hour...25 years? The torture this did to poor Clara. I hated it. The ending was such a big ball of cheese.. (hide spoiler)]
For an author that really likes to dig deep into a book and expose relationships, I thought this was very shallow. She spent too much time on this majestical fantasy world and language. The conclusion left me angry and frustrated. But just like how I love my Steaks cooked crispy well done, i love hot humid days I also did not like this book.
Thank you Net Galley and Patti Callahan Henry for allowing me to review this advanced copy of The Story She Left Behind. I was not influenced or paid for this review. ...more
Proceed with caution. Yes, I gave this 4 stars, but I recognize this is not going to be so for everyone. I am even surprised that I was able to enjoy Proceed with caution. Yes, I gave this 4 stars, but I recognize this is not going to be so for everyone. I am even surprised that I was able to enjoy it. Police/Detective procedurals are not my cup of tea, I tend to find them extremely slow and there is an abundance of repeating of the facts. For those two reasons alone I get bored. That being said The Queens of Crime unfortunately does fall into step with my stereotype. As the book began I couldn't help but be enchanted with Bessie Carter's voice. Her narration added a whole layer of depth to this novel and made for a pleasurable listening experience. Pair her voice with Marie Benedicts storytelling and you can't go wrong. I applaud Ms Benedict for finally not inserting her extrememe feminist or DEI agenda in this novel (yes she. mentioned how women were not equals in the writing world, but she handled herself MUCH more appropriately and did not include any additional characters to add to her DEI agenda) I was actually able to enjoy the book. I am excited to hear more about how she came upon this somewhat historical account of Dorothy Sares and Agatha Christie solving a real life crime (in the author's note she suggest the real crime was never solved) but I like how she took this as a launching pad and wove it in to create a very intersting historical FICTION book. Just keep that in mind as you read, this is fiction. It was also fun to see a group of mystery writers (who I guess could be rivals...?) team up together to use their sleuthing skills to collect clues, fool people into giving them information and just be clever! Yes there was a lot of repetition of the clues and revisiting of facts, but it felt real. I am so glad I stuck with this book because it had a very satisfying ending and I am going to recommend this one to all my detective loving enthusiast. Slow and steady, but wildly fun! The description of the ladies clothes was pretty funny too...haha it seems like Ms Agatha Christie was not fashionable!
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this advance copy listen audiobook. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my review.
I would like to thank Net Galley for this advanced Listen Copy of This book.. I was not influenced in exchange for this honest review.
Natalie Meg EvanI would like to thank Net Galley for this advanced Listen Copy of This book.. I was not influenced in exchange for this honest review.
Natalie Meg Evans is a first time author for me and I can see she is very talented. I was amazed at how she invited me into this story and allowed me to grieve, rejoice, and feel emotion alongside the characters. The start of the book is a little confusing trying to figure out what is going on, but once you start to understand the characters, the setting and plot things start rolling. I was entertained for the most part, and enjoyed the "Day to day" living Gwenna did on her farm, Clearly Natalie Meg Evans had a bit of a feminist agenda, and wanted to through some other agendas into this story (Like WHY?) . I thought the book had actually ended at 75% but it kept going and going for a while, however the ending ended up being satisfying. I am a bit soft on this review as historical fiction is not my cup of coffee usually, so I think if you like that genre you will really enjoy this book.
Merged review:
I would like to thank Net Galley for this advanced Listen Copy of This book.. I was not influenced in exchange for this honest review.
Natalie Meg Evans is a first time author for me and I can see she is very talented. I was amazed at how she invited me into this story and allowed me to grieve, rejoice, and feel emotion alongside the characters. The start of the book is a little confusing trying to figure out what is going on, but once you start to understand the characters, the setting and plot things start rolling. I was entertained for the most part, and enjoyed the "Day to day" living Gwenna did on her farm, Clearly Natalie Meg Evans had a bit of a feminist agenda, and wanted to through some other agendas into this story (Like WHY?) . I thought the book had actually ended at 75% but it kept going and going for a while, however the ending ended up being satisfying. I am a bit soft on this review as historical fiction is not my cup of coffee usually, so I think if you like that genre you will really enjoy this book....more
This book will suck you in like the Spanx you wore to your 20th high school reunion. Also like your Spanx this book will leave your breathless. I founThis book will suck you in like the Spanx you wore to your 20th high school reunion. Also like your Spanx this book will leave your breathless. I found myself racing to the finish because I just had to know what would happen. Evie Porter seems like the girl nextdoor and she is about to move in with her dream guy Ryan, so why does she have an empty apartment to "move out of" and buy some furniture from Good Will to make it look like she actually had a life before Ryan? So that is how you get sucked in...and just when you think you are about to hit the ground running with this story, Elston throws another punch: a women shows up at a party Evie and Ryan are at, that women's name...Lucca. Lucca just happens to be who Evie used to be......
Oh wow, this book will take you on a ride that you didn't know you needed in your life. I cannot recommend this book enough if you are looking for a mind blowing escape from your life. I will warn you, if you are in college studying for a test, or if you are a mom and have the responsibility of kids you are not going to be able to "do life" until you finish this book. It is more binge worthy than Desperate Housewives (you remember that show don't ya?)
I hope to see more by Ashley Elston in the future, because her storytelling and ability to create a crafty con artist story that had me and the edge of the seat is something I admire. When I finished the last page, it was as satisfying as kicking off those heels and throwing off the spanks and taking a nice deep deep breath!
Thank you NetGalley and Ashley Elston for allowing me the opportunity to review "First Lie Wins" . I was not influenced or paid for this honest review. ...more
As we all know with my reviews if there is a character named "TED" I automatically boost it by 1 star, this book is no exception, there is a characterAs we all know with my reviews if there is a character named "TED" I automatically boost it by 1 star, this book is no exception, there is a character named.....you guessed it....TED!!! Unfortunately Ted was not a great character like the GOAT Ted, but that is neither here nor there....Onward!
I admit, this book had the pages turning for sure, lots of twist and turns, and very very unreliable characters. I will say you must suspend your belief in reality and how life unfolds for this plot line to work, but hey it kept me entertained on 6 early morning runs. The book opens with a dad fleeing "someone" with his two kids and there appears to be some kind of abuse situation happening. The next chapter we have Mel arriving at the family's vacation rental and her family is....GONE! Gasp! From there the plot goes back in time and the relationship between Mel and her new husband (and his biological kids) begins to unfold, things are for sure not what they appear. Her husband has a dodgy family. And his family, they were messed up as billy goats...you think it was all that CAnnibas? Yup! I think Mama was making too many "cookies" My biggest gripe (I have been wanting to use that word!) with the book was the total lack of a spine Dad had. I won't go into detail, but uh I wanted to shake him silly, but then I guess I would be guilty as.....well can't say that either.
Anyway, fun quick twisty read, that will have you flipping the pages!
I for sure will be checking out Rona Halsall's backlist, I am intrigued!
Many thanks to Bookouture, Rona Halsall and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
It is not everyday that I can honestly say I really enjoyed a YA novel! But Megan Lally threw a curve ball at me and knocked it out of the park with tIt is not everyday that I can honestly say I really enjoyed a YA novel! But Megan Lally threw a curve ball at me and knocked it out of the park with this one! Well done! (Don't get all excited there were some things not so great) First of all, great opening and well developed plot line! The whole time I was on edge and clawing to find out what would happen. A girl is found by the side of the road with no memory of who she is or how she got there. A policeman finds her and brings her back to the station when a man walks in and claims she is his daughter, Mary, he even has the documentation and papers to prove it. Hours away Drew a once golden boy has been accused of murder of his girlfriend, Lola--but, no body has been found. As Mary begins to adjust to her life with her father, she begins to question him, like why did he allow her to eat Strawberries when she is allergic? Drew is determined to find out what happened to his girlfriend, even though the more truth he reveals about what happened that night they got in a big fight the guiltier he looks!
Lally builds suspense and I for once enjoyed being inside the mind of a teenager (it made some of their dumb/immature "talk" and behaviors tolerable) as they navigated what was happening. The ending was very satisfying and had me guessing until the big reveal, which shocked me! There were some typical YA Book things you can expect which I do not think it is fair to count against the book as this is marketed towards teens: -Teens being smarter than the cops -Teens pulling off some pretty incredible things (Max getting the CCTV video from the diner) -Adults acting stupid/bafoonish -Edgy social choices -Dumb motivations (Leaving your girlfriend on the side of the road because hse starts talking about getting married....come on "Dude")
One thing I cannot "Not" mentioned (that was complicated) I really disliked how the author continued to mentioned and normalize Drew's 2 dads. It was mentioned over and over again. I am not sure why she felt like she needed to include that in the book, it had nothing to do with the plot. Despite that I look forward to reading more by this author.
I will end on a good note: The pacing was fantastic! Perfect for a quick read that will have you invested the whole time---if you are a teen you will love it! If you are an adult, give it some grace and suspend belief a little and enjoy the ride.
Thank you Net Galley for this advanced copy listen of That's Not My Name. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review. ...more
When I click request on Net Galley I probably commit the cardinal rule of requesting, I totally judge a book by its cover and title. I had never heardWhen I click request on Net Galley I probably commit the cardinal rule of requesting, I totally judge a book by its cover and title. I had never heard of or read anything by Laura Griffin, and whoa what a great surprise read! I was initially excited because I love to read about genetics and solving cases via the use of genealogy. I think it is cool how authors are bringing in new technology to their books. Another thing that surprised me in this book was the fact that it was a police procedural, usually those can be more like a Tylenol PM for me. But this one had me guessing and doing a ride along with Jack as he hunted down his guy. There was a great balance of police work, and then "real life" I loved Rowan and her quirky found family friends. If you are looking for a fun police procedural that will keep you on the edge of your seat (Uhh what a total cliche to say that...? What is better....hmm..flipping the pages...no that's over done too....okay well how about this: The Last Close Call will make you turn off your Taylor Swift Music and pop in your ear buds to read this instead (wait, that's not saying much for me, but I am assuming you might be a Swifty...) I cannot wait to read more by Laura Griffin
Thank you Net Galley and Laura Griffin for this advanced copy, I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review. ...more
Since the name of this book is "We All Keep Secrets" I will honor the title and try to keep this spoiler free. But there is no secret here, this book Since the name of this book is "We All Keep Secrets" I will honor the title and try to keep this spoiler free. But there is no secret here, this book was 50% too long. The story was building intrigue with Ellie working for the most messed up couple via Nick and Whats Her name in Gone Girl. They only tolerated each other and seemed to be only in the marriage because of some secret that held them together. Ellie, while totally frustrating niggled her way into their home as a child carer for a 6 year old. boy and infant girl. Hubby had a past with hiring young eye candy, red flag number one, so Megan treats Ellie terribly. But Ellie is not winning any brownie points because she does things like, "I walked past the master bedroom and saw her makeup bag open so I used some of her make up.." On the first time alone in the home she TAKES A SHOWER AND USES THE TOWELS. Like what? Who does that....she even makes comments like, I know I should do this but.....Yeah Ellie, you shouldn't. So unlike (I cannot believe I am about to say something positive abut McFadden, but here we go....) in the Housemaid I felt no sympathy for Ellie because she was just so dumb. Sleeping with the boss thinking he actually loved her, yet he saw how pitiful his marriage was? She was always snooping and using Megans stuff, Im sorry I was just so frustrated with her. But I plowed on because I really wanted to know what was behind the stupid closet door and what the big secret was between the married couple. Well enter boring land. Browne used the all too familiar troupe of retelling the eXACTT SAME STORY from Megan and Husband's POV. Like almost WORD for WORD, with very little new insight. I was so mad/bored and frustrated. I suggest reading the first 1/2 then totally skipping over the last part until you get to about 90% when new information is released.
The new information that was released was so obvious that you probably could get the way the cookie crumbles. It must have been a vegan gluten free dairy free cookie because those crumbs wern't so good. The ending was pretty unsatisfying..... Hoping my next cookie is a nestle chocolate chip cookie with all the real stuff!
Thank you Net Galley for this advanced copy listen of "We All Keep Secrets" I was not paid or influenced in exchange for this honest review. ...more
I am being such a nice girl here rounding up to 3 stars! When an author sits down to write a book. I gather from author interviews I have heard, spendI am being such a nice girl here rounding up to 3 stars! When an author sits down to write a book. I gather from author interviews I have heard, spend hours researching and fact checking their books before publishing. I believe Ms. Morrissey did all of her research in the STAR tabloid (not the online edition, we are talking the kind they use to sell in the Kroger checkout line, you know the one that claims that Princess Di is still alive and was just abducted by aliens, or some crazy shennanigans like that (Superbad--what a film!) She is living in a bit of a fantasy world here.
We find ourselves in Black Harbor apparently the Durham of Michigan (Or Illinois, I can't remember) Crime, drugs, prostitution and vandilism are rapent. The ME, Rowan is married to a Detective Axel they have a very robotic marriage it felt like. They liked their job and spend more time with their co workers than one another. Their daughter is playing the starring role in Beetlejuice but they are called away because a girl from the high school has been murdered. So like any responsible parent they leave their teenage daughter to find her way home even though the girl that was murdered was walking alone.....excuse me while I go take the trophy from the Wormwoods in Matilda of worst parents in the world award to give it to Axel and Rowan.---Well well well, guess what? Chloe goes missing so thus sets this book in motion. As the investigation heats up, another classmate turns up dead, and appears to have a strong motive for killing her two classmates, but so do some of the faculty and students at the school..... This is where things get Unicornish. Rowan and A are allowed to “work� the case where their daughter is either 1. A suspect or 2. Been murdered. If you ever wondered why this is not allowed these 2 knuckleheads put on a Academy Award Winning Performance why. Blaming one another, seeking counsel from co workers, not coming together as united, bullying other suspects...I could go on. It was beyond insane how unrealistic this police procedural was...A becomes unhinged and even gets caught up convinced his daughter is a murder. Like, what? Okay enough man bashing�.Rowan was terrible. Apparently she was a anesthesiologist and allowed a young girl to die on her watch (a VERY weak scenario was described totally not possible even if the hospital was run by the DMV) and she keeps saying OVER and OVER and OVER “Karma� “It’s what I deserve� . I really had a hard time connecting with her because I am not sure how unworried and more concerned about solving the murder case than finding her daughter. Then we had Libby—I won’t even go down that path. What was up with that? It was just sad the comments she made about herself and her body.
Let’s wrap this burrito up�.the storyline was entertaining enough because **WAIT consider this the consequence of eating a Taco Bell burrito then going to run sprints**What high school in a messed up town like Dark Harbor allows a Taxidermy class…apparently there is not enough money to staff a full police force, but yeah let’s give these corrupt dark kids a class stuffing dead animals…that will produce some productive normal citizens*�**Resume normal broadcasting** I wanted to know what happened and I was really kind of hoping for a twisted end…but sadly it was about as predictable as someone from Carborro driving a Prius.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this advanced copy read of “When I’m Dead�. I was not influenced or paid for this honest review....more
The Title "Such A Loving Couple" was defiantly me judging a book by its title. I love nothing more than rich people killing each other AND domestic thThe Title "Such A Loving Couple" was defiantly me judging a book by its title. I love nothing more than rich people killing each other AND domestic thrillers. I promise I am a normal individual... So when I requested this book I was not sure what I was going to get, and just when I thought I knew what was going on, I arrived to Part 3. This was different from other domestic thrillers in that we get 3 POVs, and it was not the same old same old author pulling to switch-a-roo and retelling the same story just from the different points of view (Ahem...see my last review We All Keep Secrets). Yes this has the "lost memory" troupe which turns some off, but Smith did a nice job of making it believable because Becca actually begins to regain her memory and is able to start piecing some of the puzzle together. As the reader from the outside looking in, I also had enough of a veil over my eyes because of what the author reveals, to keep me guessing literally till the end. Hayley Smith is a new author to me, and I hope to read many more of her books in the future. I also thought this book was well written in the fact that none of the characters were that likely, however I fell in love with the story and wanted to know what was behind all the mystery and intrigue. Just when you thought you could trust a character, you would suddenly remember somehthing from their past that made you pause. I love be wrong about things/characters/situations (because in real life I never am...haha just kidding) If you are in need of a quick addictive page turner then for sure go get yourself a copy of this book when it publishes on November 8, 2023. Thank you Hayley Smith and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy read. I was not influenced or paid for this honest review. ...more
I tend to not be a series reader or a fan of detective procedurals, but Sally Rigby did this one right! She did a great job of presenting two very difI tend to not be a series reader or a fan of detective procedurals, but Sally Rigby did this one right! She did a great job of presenting two very different mysteries (20 year old skeletons and 3 kidnapped toddlers from Nursery Schools) and creating a very compelling story. There was a great balance of mystery/police procedure and "every day" life which allowed me to get to know Detective Pengelli "Ice Queen" and Matt Price. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I really am looking forward to #2 in this series and seeing more of Matt and Pengelli. (I also loved Matt's parents) I was hesitant at first when I pressed play because it seemed like there was not going to be much of a story, but Rigby really did suck me in and made for a VERY easy and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to more in this series. If you need a quick entertaining book that will keep you flipping the pages and cheering on Matt and Pengelli on do yourself a favor and check this one out when it publishes on October 5, 2023.
Thank you Netgalley and Sally Rigby for this advanced copy audio review copy. I was not influenced or paid for my own honest thoughts. ...more
I have always been fascinated with the Amish, so I enjoy occasionally picking up a book to escape into Amish Country. I have just completed a long 400I have always been fascinated with the Amish, so I enjoy occasionally picking up a book to escape into Amish Country. I have just completed a long 400+ page historical fiction book and a few dark twisty mystery thrillers, so this was the perfect light fun palette cleanser that I needed. I immediately fell in love with sister Lizzie and Edith who play matchmaker to their new tenneant. Dr Sam. While the seniors are embarking on a little love triangle Sam's granddaughter Mindy has a little romance brewing with one of the local Amish boys. The story is very endearing and charming. Lizzie and Edith provide some spice to what would be a regular plain Amish book. If you need a quick, clean love story this is your ticket!
Thank you Netgalley and Beth Wiseman for this advanced copy read. I was not influenced or paid for my honest review. ...more
Doing Diabetes Differently was full of great information that all those with Diabetes can benefit from (Whether it be Type 1, Gestational, LADA or TypDoing Diabetes Differently was full of great information that all those with Diabetes can benefit from (Whether it be Type 1, Gestational, LADA or Type 2). Of course that being said always discuss with your medical provider, but Lewis lays out a very reasonable approach to managing diabetes with the goal of minimalizing the use of pharmaceuticals and extreme diets. Lewis includes many of his own personal successes following his 12 step program for managing his diabetes. His voice is very calming and empowers the reader to believe or at least begin believing that they too can achieve normal A1C levels and increase insulin sensitivity. I enjoyed the layout of the book where he addresses his steps in a methodical approach. The only part that felt too “opinionated� were his extreme praise for high fat low carb way of eating. He planted a few seeds of doubt in readers that carbs are bad. There is an important distinguisher that should be pointed out. Yes some carbs are worse than others. On average Americans consume 7 oz of grains per day, however only 1 oz of those are whole grains. It is the refined grains that are more of the issue, not the fruits/vegetables and whole grains. There is a Grand Canyon between an apple and apple jacks cereal. Lewis touches this but I believe could delve a bit deeper. I enjoyed his approaches to exercise and found it to be very attainable doable and motivating. He has a lot of sound evidence and I think many will benefit from this book. Thank you Net Galley for granting me the access to this advanced copy read. Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my honest review....more
Shopping at the Limited Too Wearing Steve Madden Platform Being in love with Ricky Martin Giving up bacon for 5 years Reading Fly With Me
Those my friends Shopping at the Limited Too Wearing Steve Madden Platform Being in love with Ricky Martin Giving up bacon for 5 years Reading Fly With Me
Those my friends are my list of regrets. Do I need to write a full review? I guess I have to as I promised Net Galley I would. Gee, swell, this should be fun. Now you may be thinking to yourself, this is not a Neils book. And yes you are correct. This is what happens when you are clicking through net galley and skimming over the names of the characters. The description sounded cute, I love fake dating troupes, but the names did not register: Stella and Olive. I think my eyes must have seen "Oliver", but as soon as I started it my heart sank, this was a girl on girl romance. Not my thing. So I tried to in my mind make one of the characters a male so I could work through the book. It helped a little bit, but at the end of the day this was just not for me.
Content aside this book was still very painful to work through. I thought the author was very bias and unfair in her opinions. Let me explain. A male (o heaven forbid there be an decent male character that is straight) captain says very sexual vile things to one of the lead female lesbian male characters. He makes some sexual passes at her. So Burke takes the opportunity to get on her soap box and explain to the readers how bad this is and how men are just like that. Flash forward a few scenes and the other lead MC, who is crushing on the female pilot literally thinks the most nasty adult thoughts about that woman and has very degrading "objectified" thoughts, and this is seen as totally acceptable.....double standard much? Shouldn't the women see the women for her great character? How smart she is? How much she has accomplished? Like her for who she is......not just her looks?
So it was things like the above mentioned seen that just irked me the wrong way. The book is written with such a slant that i could not get over. Characters are over done to the extreme, the book was overly detailed about things (I opted to skip over the physical scenes (notice i did not say romantic) because it was just,,,,well...no)
I thought Burke also made Olive appear very needy and gullible. Continuing to persue a person who has clearly said ,"Fake Girlfriend" and "Fake Romance" over and over? Her family was downright unbelievably horrible.... This author was just trying to check off those PC boxes.
I am off to read a book filled with much less anger, stereotyping and graphic detail.
I will NOT read another book by Andie Burke.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy read in exchange for my honest review. I was not influenced or paid for my VERY honest review.
Merged review:
Shopping at the Limited Too Wearing Steve Madden Platform Being in love with Ricky Martin Giving up bacon for 5 years Reading Fly With Me
Those my friends are my list of regrets. Do I need to write a full review? I guess I have to as I promised Net Galley I would. Gee, swell, this should be fun. Now you may be thinking to yourself, this is not a Neils book. And yes you are correct. This is what happens when you are clicking through net galley and skimming over the names of the characters. The description sounded cute, I love fake dating troupes, but the names did not register: Stella and Olive. I think my eyes must have seen "Oliver", but as soon as I started it my heart sank, this was a girl on girl romance. Not my thing. So I tried to in my mind make one of the characters a male so I could work through the book. It helped a little bit, but at the end of the day this was just not for me.
Content aside this book was still very painful to work through. I thought the author was very bias and unfair in her opinions. Let me explain. A male (o heaven forbid there be an decent male character that is straight) captain says very sexual vile things to one of the lead female lesbian male characters. He makes some sexual passes at her. So Burke takes the opportunity to get on her soap box and explain to the readers how bad this is and how men are just like that. Flash forward a few scenes and the other lead MC, who is crushing on the female pilot literally thinks the most nasty adult thoughts about that woman and has very degrading "objectified" thoughts, and this is seen as totally acceptable.....double standard much? Shouldn't the women see the women for her great character? How smart she is? How much she has accomplished? Like her for who she is......not just her looks?
So it was things like the above mentioned seen that just irked me the wrong way. The book is written with such a slant that i could not get over. Characters are over done to the extreme, the book was overly detailed about things (I opted to skip over the physical scenes (notice i did not say romantic) because it was just,,,,well...no)
I thought Burke also made Olive appear very needy and gullible. Continuing to persue a person who has clearly said ,"Fake Girlfriend" and "Fake Romance" over and over? Her family was downright unbelievably horrible.... This author was just trying to check off those PC boxes.
I am off to read a book filled with much less anger, stereotyping and graphic detail.
I will NOT read another book by Andie Burke.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy read in exchange for my honest review. I was not influenced or paid for my VERY honest review....more
When I started this book I was worried I would not be able to channel the necessary Christmas Vibe I needed to read this book in August, but no no no When I started this book I was worried I would not be able to channel the necessary Christmas Vibe I needed to read this book in August, but no no no Mrs Mary Kay Andrew delivered all the feels! The only thing that would have made this better would have been if I could have been wearing my Christmas Pajamas (all family members in matching ones of course) sipping hot chocolate with a Christmas Tree next to a crackling fire. (Side note, I mainly listened to this book on my walks in 100 degree hot steamy, humid August North Carolina weather, in nike tempos, a t shirt and SPF 50 slopped on my face--not too Christmasy)--despite all that I got all the Christmas Cheer!!
Kerry and her gruffy older brother make the annual trip up to NYC to sell the family's Christmas Trees , however Kerry takes the place of Jock their father because he has recently had a heart attack. In NYC they live out of the family trailer, Spammy. The story chronicles the comings and goings of the Tree stand in busy New York City, I think it does a little bit of "un truth" as the block where they set up camp feels more like a small southern tow (very kind friendly people, letting them bathe, wash clothes and warm up in their apartments) No offense to northerners but it felt more like they were in the South. But whatever, maybe it was just the characters were in the Christmas spirit. There was nothing "major" or "dramatic" that happened in this book, except for the developing relationships amongst the characters. I enjoyed watching Kerry grow more confident in her abilities, spread her charm and fall in love. The little boy in this book was precious-I Loved him!! But my most favorite character of all was...get this....the Tin Can Trailer, SPAMMY! AH! That little trailer had so much personality, I almost *almost* cried over Spammy at one point. Great easy quick read that will set in motion your Christmas excitement! Warning if you are a big Christmas person, wait to read until Thanksgiving so you don't go out and buy your Christmas treee...tomorrow, because I was tempted........ Great Job MKA!
Thank you Net Galley for this advanced copy read/listen. I was not influenced or paid for this honest review. (I would like some Spammy T shirts, key chains......any kind of paraphanelia) ...more
Do you want to cry because you are so happy? Then you NEED this book. In fact this should be required reading for anyone who loves a good love story tDo you want to cry because you are so happy? Then you NEED this book. In fact this should be required reading for anyone who loves a good love story that expands decades of time. Reading the progression of Gabe and Anna's love story was innocent, endearing, passionate and a slow burn that ends with a flood of all kinds of a emotions. This is going to be the book I reccommend to people who say, "I want a book that makes me cry, laugh and fall in love"
This was my first time reading Melissa Wisner, and I have immediately added her back list to my never ending TBR list. Her writing tumbled off the page and was such a natural flow. It required no effort. I couldn't believe when I looked down at my progress in the book, I was at 70% and didn't even realize I had spent that much time reading. If there ever was a literary couple I would love to see more of, Gabe and Anna are it! In fact I NEED a sequel, (Usually I highly recommend no sequel, but I want more of them together.)
Gabe is my new book husband! I LOVED every bit of him! What I loved about this was how their relationship started when they were young and blossomed into a beautiful story.
Thank you net galley for this advanced copy read. I was not influenced or paid for this honest review. ...more
I somehow keep clicking on these Historical Tennis books! Again I am shocked I did not know much about Alice Marble as I grew up playing tennis, but aI somehow keep clicking on these Historical Tennis books! Again I am shocked I did not know much about Alice Marble as I grew up playing tennis, but apparently I have pretty limited knowledge of the great women who paved the way for us women today in the great sport. What shocks and amazes me about the greats like Althea and Alice Marble is how tennis consumed their every waking moment. Alice had some very interesting life choices (smoking for one) It was sad to see how hard she worked and how many obstacles she over came in her personal life. I enjoyed reading about her adventurous life and all her dabbles in the celebrity world. This telling of Alice Marble was a bit disconjointed at the end as Alice's reporting and documenting seemed to be fabricated at times. Blais does a decent job of informing the reader of what is real and what is "according" to Ms Marble. Anyone who is interested in sports history, especially women's tennis, I would suggest adding this to their list. Alice was a trail blazer for sure, setting the ways with her power style of play and fashion. I enjoyed her competitive drive and love for the sport. Thank you Net Galley for this advanced copy of "Queen of the Court: The Man Lives of Tennis Legend Alice Marble" I was not influenced or paid for my honest review....more
I'm torn, 3 ways.Part of me wants to say, "It's no you, it's me" and the other part of me wants to say ,"Okay, good ending" and *2.5 Stars Rounded Up*
I'm torn, 3 ways.Part of me wants to say, "It's no you, it's me" and the other part of me wants to say ,"Okay, good ending" and the last part of me wants to go, "Uhh, another drawn out book where the author let's us know how misrepresented women are".
Shall we go through all 3? Okay let's.
"It's Not You, It's Me" -To Quote the great George Costanza I am not a horror genre reader. I took the time to look up (okay it took google 0.06 seconds to give me this definition: agenre of fiction whose purpose is to create feelings of fear, dread, repulsion, and terror in the audience.... putting life’s most frightening and perplexing things—death, evil, supernatural powers or creatures, the afterlife, witchcraft—at the center of attention....� I hate supernatural powers (see House Across the Lake review) I am to much of a realistic person, I find ghost/ghost stories/ spirits stupid and not real, my mind just doesn't work that way. I also dispise all things cults and witchcraft.
"Uhh, another drawn out book where the author let's us know how misrepresented women are". All you need to know the term "Pregnant People" was used multiple times. I do not want to go into a whole anatomy lesson here, but men can not have babies, only women. Also terms "cis-man" and "cis-female" were used, like what? Why did I need an urban dictionary to read this book? Next lets talk about how many times we had to hear about how modern medicine does not listen to women....women are just hormonal crazy women who are "Delicate". If any doctor behaved or said some of the things that were said/done in this book they would be sued for medical malpractice. Also I am not sure where y'all are getting health care, but doctors don't put down talk to patients that way. Also men do not treat their wives this way either, "Oh honey you are just being pregnant"--So frustrating how Valentine stereotypes characters in this way. Okay now lets talk about how this book kept going on and on and on and on. I was like okay I get it, Anna is having a "Weird" pregnancy, and odd things are happening. I do not need 112 examples. Each of the examples was so graphic and over the top also, very gross descriptions. Like eating raw pork chops, ew.....Craving to eat a racoon? The graphic miscarriage and birthing scenes...um thanks but no. Okay, good ending" I can admit I did enjoy a satisfying ending to this book. It all wrapped up nicely and I definatly knew 1 part of the ending, however Valentine did a good job of weaving in certain clues and pieces of the puzzle throughout the book. She explained how everything came together for a cohesive ending. Well thought out for sure. Overall if you are a fan of horror I think you will enjoy this book but be prepared for a VERY slow burn. If you can climb over the politically correct jargon then read away, I won't stop you.
Thank you Net Galley and Danielle Valentine for this advanced copy of Delicate Condition. I was not influenced or paid for this honest review....more
What a disappointment. This book was dashing towards a hands down 5 star. Rosie our girl has a meet cute with grumpy Angus which involves a snickers bWhat a disappointment. This book was dashing towards a hands down 5 star. Rosie our girl has a meet cute with grumpy Angus which involves a snickers bar being thrown and their paths crossing again when she decides to set up shop in the most adorable little town of Galway NC. I loved seeing Rosie blossom into who she was and shave off her insecurities. As I was reading I was thinking, I wish I had read book #1 because she seemed to have such a deep backstory that would have enhanced my enjoyment of the "new" Rosie. I was disappointed to find out that this was indeed book #1, so I felt a little lost not fully connected with Rosie. Mother kinda just throws you into a story and you do not fully understand who she is and where she came from to understand why she is the way she is. Anyway it was really cute to see Angus de-ice as he works to renovate her house. BUT BUT BUT Then we get to the point where all the sudden we have this wholesome rom-com going and it does a total genre hop and jumps over to sex ed. No thanks. It was so uncomfortable some of the conversations Angus and her would have, including him talking about previous lovers was so uncalled for. It was constant awkward encounters and sexual innuendos. The rest of the book was just Moher trying to get the two MCs in the same vicinity so they could hook up. No thanks. The ending also made me do a sudden change in feelings towards Angus. It felt like he was unwilling to be in a relationship unless he was "winning" he had this constant scale making sure he was ahead. He couldn't just accept a gift or act of kindness. I would consider reading another book in the series if I am promised more of the charming cute small town comings and goings of Galaway as long as there is no hanky panky!
Thank you net galley for giving me the opportunity to review Curves for Days in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
Loading...
