Rebirth is a YA coming of age story with a twist. Instead of our hero or heroine coming to terms with some mysterious power within themselves, it is a...moreRebirth is a YA coming of age story with a twist. Instead of our hero or heroine coming to terms with some mysterious power within themselves, it is a tale of several individuals coming to terms with what being an adult involves.
The book starts with a bang. The protagonists’ town is being destroyed by mysterious beings. People are disappearing in a flash of light. Buildings are destroyed. Aleksei, who develops into the man character, has a background traveling the world with his parents in underdeveloped areas. This helps him in coming to terms with what is going on. Soon he gathers a small group around him aged from 3 months to slightly less than his own age, which appears to be around 16.
The story concerns the group’s struggles to escape town, to survive, and to find out what is happening to the world. There is tension between the individuals as they come to terms with each other’s personalities and weaknesses, but soon they begin to knit as a microcosm of a community and exhibit their strengths as well.
Rebirth carries a strong moral thread without it becoming overpowering, and the primary lesson taken is of how people can work together through adversary.
Despite not a great deal appearing to happen the plot and tension is maintained at a great pace leading to a rather expected climax and outcome.
The ending, for me, felt a little too moralising, and too convenient. In one or two places I would have enjoyed a little more development of some pivotal scenes. All in all though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and wanted it to continue and discover even more about every single character.
Chance Damnation by Deanna Knipping was a thrilling ride, indeed. The story is about a small town that gets invaded by demons�, half bull-half human l...moreChance Damnation by Deanna Knipping was a thrilling ride, indeed. The story is about a small town that gets invaded by demons�, half bull-half human looking creatures, who search for and kidnap a magical little girl in order to gain their chance take over the world. The action started right from the first chapter, which was much appreciated. The voice was comical and honest. The plot twisted, turned, and somersaulted throughout the entire piece. Once I thought I had something figured out, something else changed and I had to go back to the drawing board of my imagination. Even during times when I was unable to read, I found myself contemplating the outcome of the novel: the next chapter, the next scene, or the ending.
I LOVED the characters various and strong personalities. I found it easy to become emotionally invested in most of them. Aloysius and Theodor were my personal favorites. Surprisingly, however, I didn’t feel hardly any attachment to Jerome at all. I wanted to and I tried to force it, but it just didn’t work for me. That is not to say that I didn’t think his character was nicely done. It was. As was everyone else’s in the story, which is an admirable feat all on it’s own.
One thing that did bug me about the characters was that they all seemed to accept various things way too quickly. The most troubling being, witnessing the death of their own family members without one tear being shed. They just kind of went on about their business and thought about the incident in passing. Furthermore, this may have been done to show some kind of divide in the family, but they seemed to care more about people outside of the family. Again this could have been intentional, but I found it very strange and a bit off-putting.
Lastly, there were quite a few grammatical errors and very unfortunate places. It took me a while to read through this book 1. Because I really like much of the dialogue and read them twice sometimes for entertainment value, and 2. Because there was some errors that made certain parts not make since at all, so I found myself reading whole pages over because I was sure I missed something. Things like that take the reader out of the story and gives a sense of confusion and incompleteness in the reading experience.
With all of that said, I still LOVED this novel and will be adding it to my personal collection to read again sometime later. From the way it ended, I don’t think there will be a second one, but enjoying the first one was good enough for me.
I give Chance Damnation by Deanna Knipping a solid 4.5/5.(less)
Abominable is a story that I think any couple can relate to – meeting your love for the first time and having so much potential, only for it to turn s...moreAbominable is a story that I think any couple can relate to – meeting your love for the first time and having so much potential, only for it to turn sour in the later years. Then there is the absolute desperation and fear that your relationship is about to turn sour and everything will fall apart – and the lengths that people will go to be with those they love.
It’s a chilling tale (excuse the pun) with a strong supernatural element. The story becomes more and more desperate as it goes on and drags you into the moment. I liked the way it was set out and the way the story went from hope to outright hopelessness in just a few pages. A short read, but one worth checking out.
This is my first experience with The Cowboy and the Vampire series. I have been meaning to read it for ages and this was the perfect start, my interes...moreThis is my first experience with The Cowboy and the Vampire series. I have been meaning to read it for ages and this was the perfect start, my interest has been well and truly kindled.
Red Winter is about the town LonePine in Wyoming in year 1890. The towns sherrif Early, my only complaint is that Early is a confusing name, is investigating a suspicious murder at the start which soon turns into more gruceme deaths. A strange figure Jericho Whistler comes into the town and Early starts to suspect him, after all Mr Whistler isn’t what he seems at all.
Red Winter is very well written and has definitely sparked my interest in the full Cowboy and the Vampire series. I am keen to learn if the characters that have been introduced in Red Winter will be revisited in the series.
The only downfall I found with Red Winter was the fact that I found Early a confusing name, I’m sure however that I probably didn’t pronounce it correctly.
I read “Lure of the Vampire” by Bertena Varney. The book is basically a survey of everything you could possibly want to know about vampires. It has a...moreI read “Lure of the Vampire” by Bertena Varney. The book is basically a survey of everything you could possibly want to know about vampires. It has a lot of good information, some of it very strange and off the wall. However, the main sections that had writing from the author had misspellings and incorrect word choice (every instead of very for example). I am not a huge fan of vampires to start with. What really got to me though is that the last section of the book is an about me section in which the author states this will be used as a *textbook* for a college class that she is teaching. She has two masters degrees and she didn’t bother to spell check a novel/textbook that was published.
However much the writing style bothered me, there was a lot of good and interesting information presented in the book. It had information (easy to read lists) on a multitude of topics related to vampires starting with their history and moving to film and people who believe they are real life vampires. It also included essays written by various contributors (which had a much more polished writing style) and a few interviews with various “vampires” of today. I believed the information was good due to a very extensive bibliography in the back of the book which did show that a great deal of research had been done.
Personally, vampires are not my cup of tea and I skimmed over portions of this book, however, for a true vampire aficionado, this would be a great and thought-provoking book.
I would give it 2.5 out of 5 stars – good information, but it needed some more revision before it went to press.(less)
I was unsure on taking this book on for the use of language in the title, however I am glad I read it as some very valid points were made. I will tell...moreI was unsure on taking this book on for the use of language in the title, however I am glad I read it as some very valid points were made. I will tell you a little about my favourite bits of the book.
Drugs and Sports – What’s The Problem: A subject which has been brought to the front for many who enjoy wrestling like me. We support the wrestlers and they, out of their own choosing, take drugs and get suspended. So do we still support them? For me I am choosing to support one particular wrestler still as they, I have to say, are little and cute and make me smile with their in ring abilities. If he gets suspended again he will be thrown out of the company he works for. I do not condone drug taking in the slightest and for me the discussion in this section was a topic that I have been thinking about myself.
Women’s Fiction: A very good look at calling Women’s Fiction “Women’s Fiction”. I agree with what was said here. Men enjoy women’s fiction too some even write what would be classified as “Woman’s Fiction”. Maybe the category of “Women’s Fiction” needs to be addressed.
Bang Bang: This addressed another subject that I have been following closely. A shop opened in our town centre which was called the “Kids Army Store” selling toy guns and war toys. I have been on the side that doesn’t agree with this kind of shop at all! Do you remember years ago when people blamed the Power Rangers for all kinds of trouble that children did; fighting amongst others? Isn’t it the exact same thing with selling toy guns?
If I go into too much detail in my review I am at risk of telling you the whole book and the discussions in it. But I would highly encourage all to read the book. It brought to the front some subjects that a lot of people have views on and I have to say that I agreed with a lot of them.
To say this book has shown me a new light, so to speak, on how I look at my friends and the relationships I have with them in a very big understatemen...moreTo say this book has shown me a new light, so to speak, on how I look at my friends and the relationships I have with them in a very big understatement.
I found myself learning something new throughout the book. Each chapter offering a new way to look at things, including a chapter on social media which was very eye opening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I found it hard going as it’s almost a text book I was intreagued to read more. I read 70% of the book in one sitting because I was so interested in what Carlin Flora had to say.
I read the uncorrected proof and to be honest with an uncorrected proof I expected so many more mistakes than there was.
I liked the way that I was brought into the text through questions and thinking time. It was very well written and I have already recommended it to my Psychology tutor as I feel that her other students would find it useful and that she would enjoy reading it.
I give Friendfluence: The Surprising Ways Friends Make Us Who We Are 5/5.(less)
A Whale of A Myth is a short story. It is an e-book available for 0.99 in the Kindle store. It has 14 pages but a surprisingly cohesive story for such...moreA Whale of A Myth is a short story. It is an e-book available for 0.99 in the Kindle store. It has 14 pages but a surprisingly cohesive story for such a short length. I had no idea what to expect and it basically tells the story of a boy who screws up and then fixes the mess he initially created. The story takes a leaf from the *Percy Jackson* series in that the main characters have to do with various mythological gods. One god referenced though is the Greek name and another the Roman and another from the Inuits. This makes stuff more confusing but the story is enjoyable nonetheless. If you want a quick read that you might feel like reading again, I recommend this short story.
Catch Harris is an ex-military man having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He has difficulty connecting with human beings, and prefers to move thro...moreCatch Harris is an ex-military man having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He has difficulty connecting with human beings, and prefers to move through life alone. When a waitress in his diner, Hallie, tries to strike up a conversation with him he dismisses her, but then he sees Hallie being abducted when she leaves work, and feeling guilty about brushing her off earlier, decides to rescue her. Thus begins a thrilling chase through a brutal winter storm as Catch and Hallie seek to elude their pursuers and keep out of their grasp the item they covet so ardently – a mysterious package sent to Hallie by her father. The package contains an item that could change the world as we know it.
There is a decent story here, but it is let down by some really bad editing. There is an abundance of grammatical errors, including at least three instances of the word “its” containing an erroneous comma. The novel really needs a couple of rounds with a good editor.
On the positive side, however, this is a page turner of a story. The chase is a thrilling ride, and the characters of Catch and Hallie really grow on you. Neither of them starts off as particularly likable – Catch is a man without any apparent redeeming features, and Hallie introduces herself to him by plonking herself down opposite him in his booth after serving him, and trying to talk to him when he clearly wants to be left alone – something I would find intensely irritating, if I were in his position. But the characters grow closer as they find themselves running for their lives, and in doing so they endear themselves to the reader, as well as to each other.
On the face of it, this is a straight crime thriller, but the mysterious artefact that is at the centre of the chase gives the story a distinct SF flavour.
If you can forgive the grammatical errors, there is a story here worth reading.
When I read the title I thought this would be a predictable murder and a long drawn out chase of who dunit. Instead it’s a light hearted romp of unfor...moreWhen I read the title I thought this would be a predictable murder and a long drawn out chase of who dunit. Instead it’s a light hearted romp of unfortunate accidents by Ruby Russell and her cohort Charlotte, both out of the mental institution and trying to live a ‘normal’ life. The first ‘accident’ happens when Ruby discovers that her middle aged husband is cheating on her with a woman the same age as their son. Ruby wants to teach him a lesson and puts Viagra in his chocolate mousse. Unfortunately, the stiffie he becomes isn’t what she had anticipated. If I tell you anymore it’ll ruin this must read story that is both light-hearted and disturbing at the same time.
Death by Chocolate is well written while the plot twists keep the reader entertained if not slightly ill by the mad logic that describes Ruby Russell.
My only complaint is that the author used too many names with the same beginning and ending letters. Someone should let her know it’s confusing to the reader and generally accepted. Otherwise the story is humorous and well worth the read.
This was an interesting short story in a ‘gotcha’ format. The story opens with Noah waking up in a coffin in a funeral home. The funeral director disc...moreThis was an interesting short story in a ‘gotcha’ format. The story opens with Noah waking up in a coffin in a funeral home. The funeral director discovers him lying there and an ongoing discussion results. Noah can’t quite figure out how he ended up in the coffin or why he woke up. This is an imaginative and interesting short story with a cool twist. I don’t want to go into too many details because of the nature of the story.
I like John Brinling’s style. He keeps the reader entertained throughout and the story interesting. The only problem I had with the story was that I thought the wrap-up was too abrupt. It felt to me that there should be more, that the tension should build a bit higher before the reveal. I look forward to seeing more from John.
If you’re looking for a novel with plenty of twists, intrigue and political conspiracy, look no further than God’s and Fathers. It’s a novel that will...moreIf you’re looking for a novel with plenty of twists, intrigue and political conspiracy, look no further than God’s and Fathers. It’s a novel that will appeal to any crime reader, or any reader that wants a fast paced story.
The plot revolves around an attorney called Matt DeMarco, who we discover early on has some military background and a fairly dark past (but then who doesn’t in crime thrillers?). When his son is arrested on suspicion of murder, he pulls all his resources to try and save him. However, he soon discovers that there is more to this case than meets the eye.
For the sake of spoilers, I think I’ll leave it at that. But the plot is very fast paced and the chapters short and punchy. I actually found myself reading through about ten chapters at a time without realising it! It certainly keeps you on your toes and the plot twists and turns to create more of a conspiracy as it goes along.
However, I did kinda find the characters in the book a little stock and standard for this genre of book – and it was a little easy to spot who the villains and the traitors were. And the story did fall into a few clichés that could have been avoided and the ending was a little predictable.
But that being said I did enjoy this story and it was something that I wouldn’t normally read. It twists and turns and there are some genuine shocks in the plot. There’s not much really more to say as I did enjoy this book. It’s a little bit standard and by the numbers in places, but it’s still an enjoyable read and has a much better pace than most books.
Serial Killer’s Daughter by Haywood Gould is an interesting mystery and action adventure novel set in modern North America. The novel follows two coll...moreSerial Killer’s Daughter by Haywood Gould is an interesting mystery and action adventure novel set in modern North America. The novel follows two college students, Peter and Hannah, who are being chased by murderers while at the same time the police suspect Peter and Hannah of drug running and murder.
What I liked best is that this book is unique in both set-up and scope and has a lot of action. The plot is fast-paced, and Gould does a great job hiding the killer. I didn’t know who the culprit was until the chapter before the reveal.
There was one element of the story that I didn’t like, which is purely personal on my part. Hannah is introduced into the novel when she trades sex for help in an English class which I found hard to believe. Moments like this, as well as the emotional distance between Peter and Hannah, make the book feel geared more toward a male audience.
This book is a hard one for me to rate by a standard rating system. On a personal level, I would give it a 3, but this is based on my own subjective preferences. On a technical and objective level, Serial Killer’s Daughter is more likely a 4 star book.(less)
I was interested in this book from the moment I heard about it. I wasn’t disappointed. I was not able to put this book down and I already desperately...moreI was interested in this book from the moment I heard about it. I wasn’t disappointed. I was not able to put this book down and I already desperately want to read the second in the series!
The way Giacomo writes is just incredible. I felt like I was really there and watching the action unfold. The way that it was told by the different points of view can sometimes be confusing but it was easy to follow and added so much to the thread of the story. I also loved the fact that some chapters told the history of the story. It was easy to understand why Nicky wanted revenge.
I loved the way the story was written, the fast pace and the action was amazing. I loved the fact that I read pages after pages and didn’t know how much I had read. The characters were very well fleshed out and I have my favourite gangster. I won’t spoil it by saying who but I will say that I am so glad things worked the way they did for them.
I give Murder Takes Time a very big 5/5 although it deserves much more.(less)
This YA book was one of my favorites in a group I was given to review for Read2Review. It was very easy to slip into and enjoy the ballet and mystery...moreThis YA book was one of my favorites in a group I was given to review for Read2Review. It was very easy to slip into and enjoy the ballet and mystery as well as a little love story.
Amanda Brice brings all her characters to life! Pointe of No Return lets you see the background feelins of the “bunheads” as they try for roles in the Nutcracker. Yes, it’s the classic teen angst, love, and rivalry, but with a very interesting twist! Reading this was a great reminder of growing up reading Nancy Drew Mysteries.
The character of Dani just captured my attention with her issues trying to become the best she can be while competing with older, more experience girls. All the characters came together to help when needed and exposed the true villan.
Any more and I’ll spoil the twist ending! Definitely a great little read!!
I had the fortune of reading Codename: Dancer by Amanda Brice. I have to say that this was a very entertaining piece. From the very beginning, Dani’s...moreI had the fortune of reading Codename: Dancer by Amanda Brice. I have to say that this was a very entertaining piece. From the very beginning, Dani’s young teenage voice was apparent and remained constant throughout the piece. As a lover of mysteries I thought that the culprit was a little easy to figure out. But, keeping in mind that this is a novel for young teens, I thought that the clues and suspenseful moments were placed very well. The story moved quickly and there was always a new development to consider.
Brice may have done a little too well with the voice of the main character Dani at times. Although I was completely engaged in this good read, I felt like I was “losing brain cells” in the mind of Dani’s character from time to time. Her complete naivety throughout the piece and her insistence that she was a grown up, was both annoying and enlightening. With that said, I feel that there are many young teens who can relate to her and some of the very adult issues that she has to face in this piece. As a dancer myself, if not ballet, and even at 25 years of age, I could also relate so I think it would be a great read for young impressionable people.
Because I was able to figure out the culprit before the reveal, I found the ending more funny than anything else. I had never really connected with Dani—Maya was my favorite character actually—so her feelings of betrayal didn’t really reach me as much as I would have liked. The end was a little surprising though, if gratifying, because I felt that the criminal was subdued a little too easily. (No one is just going to let you break their bone)
As for the wrap up scene, it was VERY Scooby-Doo-isk. The whole time, I was really felling like I was 10 years old again watching one of my favorite episodes. Honestly, I don’t know if that is good or bad. But I’ll say it followed the style of the piece nicely and I felt satisfied. I believe Codename: Dancer is the first of a series of novels in the Dani Mysteries.
I give this novel a 4/5 for being a quick and cozy read.(less)
I came across First Class To New York only about a week ago; bless my Kindle Paperwhite for bringing this piece of pure brilliance into my life.
This b...moreI came across First Class To New York only about a week ago; bless my Kindle Paperwhite for bringing this piece of pure brilliance into my life.
This book brought me to tears twice. Once after a very powerful shower scene in the middle of the book and again at the end. This is by no means a bad thing. I always say if a book has the power to do this to me then it’s a winner.
The lead character Matt Latham reminded me so very much of someone and this intensified the story big style. I also saw so much of myself in Janie, except for the widow and children bit. It was almost like AJ Harmon reached into my heart and mind and laid not only me but my ideal man down in the pages of this book.
I loved the way that New York was written, it was so easy to picture and this added again to the flow of the book. It took me just a very short time to read this book and I have already downloaded the second part to this story which I will be starting tonight. I need more of this story, I need to know what happens and I need to know if this will end the way I want it too. I will be devastated if it doesn’t.
If you haven’t read this book then please go and get it today. You will not be disappointed and I think you too will find yourselves falling for this wonderful love story.
I give First Class To New York a breath taking 5/5 – however if I could score it higher I would have done without a second thought.(less)
I was lucky to win a copy of this book through the competition on Read2Review’s The Hunger Games Read-Along event. I have read books by Mel Williams b...moreI was lucky to win a copy of this book through the competition on Read2Review’s The Hunger Games Read-Along event. I have read books by Mel Williams before, Twilight related when the film came out in 2008.
The book is full of information on all of the major characters in The Hunger Games. Information can be found on their history, past film credits and also the characters they portray in the film.
The pictures are stunning. All sourced from Getty Images, a prime source of pictues of celebriaties on the internet. I have to say with all the pictures from this book and others I am definitely on team Gale.
I would recommend this book to any Hunger Games fan as it is a great keep sake from the film release.
I would give Inside Out: The Stars Of The Hunger Games 4/5.(less)
When I was growing up the Mighty Duck films were some of my favourite films! I still love them till this day and I don’t ever think I could get tired...moreWhen I was growing up the Mighty Duck films were some of my favourite films! I still love them till this day and I don’t ever think I could get tired of them. I have my favourite characters: Charlie, Adam, Foulton, Dean and Coach Bombay. I would also find myself randomly quacking at people lol. Yeah I was a very weird child, lol!
I didn’t know they had made a companion book for the film until I came across it in one of my local charity shops. I immediately picked it up and was very excited to read it. Sadly my expectations were not to be fulfilled.
The book had added chapters that were not in the film, I thought this would add to the characters but I found myself wanting to skip these bits. Also some of the main points that I loved in the film had either been taken out of the book or changed.
I did however love the pictures as they were of some of the best parts of the film.
I think sadly that this was one book that should have remained a movie only.
I give D2: The Mighty Ducks Are Back a disappointing 1.5/5.(less)
One of my ALL TIME favourite movies. The story of Baby and Johnny who meet and fall in love at Kellerman’s summer retreat. The film has topped many of...moreOne of my ALL TIME favourite movies. The story of Baby and Johnny who meet and fall in love at Kellerman’s summer retreat. The film has topped many of the “favourite” charts since its release in the 80’s. I came across this book while Christmas shopping and I couldn’t resist.
The book is split into 4 different sections:
* The story of the film * Colour Photograph Section of the climax to the film * The background to the film * Trivia
The story of the film is very basic with black and white photographs from the film. I have to say that for me this was the let-down of the book. I felt that a lot more could be done with this section that wasn’t. Also the story was told in its most basic form.
The colour photographs for the final dance (climax of the film) are really a nostalgic section where, those who have seen the film can remember the magic that was this dance. Hands up who cried when watching the film for the first time during this dance? Ok, phew, not just me then!
The background to the film was my favourite section to the book. It goes into detail about the time the film was set, the place in which it is set, the music, the dances, the main characters and the stars of the film. I have owned the film and soundtrack for many years now and it was really nice to be able to read how and why certain pieces were used. Also the in-depth look at the characters was very interesting.
Finally the trivia section was fun. I knew some of the information supplied in this section and didn’t know other bits of information. For example did you know that Val Kilmer was offered the role of Johnny originally? I am so glad Patrick Swayze took the role. I for one can’t imagine anyone else in the role of Johnny.
This book is a definite one for any fan of Dirty Dancing and as a nice book to accompany the film I did enjoy it. However I felt that more could be done with the first section and maybe more could have been added through the book in whole.
With the anticipation of The Hunger Games movie in cinemas soon I wanted to read as much as I could about them. Seeing this in our local book shop I b...moreWith the anticipation of The Hunger Games movie in cinemas soon I wanted to read as much as I could about them. Seeing this in our local book shop I brought it.
The book is full of pictures from the movie; it gives pictorially a great sense for the film. I loved the pictures and can’t wait to see the captures on the big screen. The different sections of the book showed us more not seen before pictures and were brilliant for any Hunger Games Fan.
I really liked the profiles of the characters. I feel this section shed some light on the major characters from the film.
The written part of the book leads up to just before Katniss is launched into the arena. It is a much shorter less detailed version of the novel and I felt was written for a much younger age group.
I did enjoy the book and I feel that it is a good way to introduce the film and the start of Katniss’s story.
I would give The Hunger Games: Tribute Guide a 4/5 – A must for ANY Hunger Games Fan.(less)
Lydia Trent is a young woman betrothed to a man she barely knows. Her fiancé, Marcus, Lord Russell, prefers the notion of a prospective wife more than...moreLydia Trent is a young woman betrothed to a man she barely knows. Her fiancé, Marcus, Lord Russell, prefers the notion of a prospective wife more than the reality of being wed. But on Lydia’s betrothal night Marcus releases a passion locked within Lydia she was barely aware of. Once ignited this passion burn hotly within Lydia, but six years after their betrothal Marcus remains reluctant to tie the knot. In frustration Lydia writes to him breaking off their engagement.
Marcus may not want a wife, but he likes the idea of being betrothed too much to allow Lydia the break she desires. He vows to win her back, using all his sensual powers to do so.
Marcus persuades Lydia to travel to London to meet him, hoping to change her mind. Lydia travels with her best friend and cousin Maria, Lady Morehaven, fully intending to make Marcus aware of her determination to end their betrothal.
Marcus’ mother, Lady Russell, conspires with her son to send Lydia to Woburn Abbey with Marcus. During the long journey Marcus not only re-introduces Lydia to her true sensual nature, but Lydia demonstrates her worth to Marcus in unexpected ways.
A Breach of Promise is a relatively short novel which draws the reader in with a fast pace and interesting plot. The heat factor rises considerably as the book progresses. Despite being set during the Regency Period, this is most certainly not a traditional Romance of that time, with much description of damp thighs and erect manhood.
The writing was excellent, the period well conjured, and the characters drawn with enough reality for the reader to care about their ultimate aspirations. Marcus is supremely arrogant and self-centered, while Lydia is strong-willed and sensual. I would have enjoyed the book being longer, with more about Lydia and Marcus’ life in Italy and Europe, and more of their journey of sensual discovery that is only hinted at toward the end.
Overall this short novel is recommended. 4 stars.(less)
I have always loved Native American History and to have it put with one of my favourite genres to read Romance, with a little heat, was perfect for me...moreI have always loved Native American History and to have it put with one of my favourite genres to read Romance, with a little heat, was perfect for me.
The story is based around Carrie, a woman who gets transported back in time through a spell cast on a necklace. She is brought to three brothers Hawk, Coyote and Bear. Without giving too much away it’s a lovely romantic story in Novella form.
This was the first time that I came across any work by R.E. Butler and I will very much be looking out for the continuation of this series and also other work by her. Her writing style is very smooth and flowed very easily. I read the pages without realising that pages had gone by.
I loved her characters, each male lead offering something new and exciting. I think the basis of a perfect man if you put all three together. I also loved the descriptions of the scenery. It was a very well written Novella which is the start to an amazing series.
The second book in the Erotic Me series was a very touching read for me. You don’t really expect that from an erotic romance. You expect to be excited...moreThe second book in the Erotic Me series was a very touching read for me. You don’t really expect that from an erotic romance. You expect to be excited and hot under the collar when you are done reading but I really wish that Lauren would continue Barbara and Ethan’s story.
Barbara, a previous rape victim, thinks she isn’t sexy or sensual but Ethan helps her to realise that she is. He helps her to find herself. He protects her and ensures her that should she wish him to stop he will. At the end he also lets her know that he loves her and will stay by her side. Oh and it gets very dirty, and that’s from the mud!
I have to say that I think so far this is my favourite of the series. I can really relate to Barbara and while I was reading this story it reminded me very much of my relationship with my fiancé. I think we might just be a real life Barbara and Ethan, minus the mud!
As part of the Red Hot Book Tour we were asked to review these magazines. This review is the first of our reviews for Everything Erotic. Everything Er...moreAs part of the Red Hot Book Tour we were asked to review these magazines. This review is the first of our reviews for Everything Erotic. Everything Erotic is a magazine that is produced each month with a print collection every quarter.
Where do I start?……….
Alice Gaines wrote some totally awesome stories! I loved Wonder Slut but it ended way too soon! I cant wait to read the next part in the second Everything Erotic!
Boone Brux introduced me to a different side of the Romans, one that I didn’t know about. I was fascinated by the information she provided. Who knew the Romans were so randy!
C.J. Ellisson I cant wait to read her full work. The excerpt from “Johnny Living Dangerously” really made me want to pick up the novel and read it as soon as possible. It is now waiting for me on my eReader.
The above were my favourite from the collection however I would really like to say that the others were amazing too and I thoroughly enjoyed each of the shorts/excerpts and there are now a lot of books and authors on my wish list.
I cant wait to read more of this series!
I give Everything Erotic (Issue 1) a scorching hot 5/5.(less)
With 50 Shades becoming a overnight hit our local Waterstones (book shop) put together a table of the books with an erotic element. I have to admit I...moreWith 50 Shades becoming a overnight hit our local Waterstones (book shop) put together a table of the books with an erotic element. I have to admit I was very intreagued and ended up purchasing four different books. This was one of them.
Each story lives up to the “five minute” rule and were very easy to read. I liked some stories more than I liked others. Some left more to the imagination than others. On a whole the book was a really good read and there were no stories that left me feeling disappointed.
I liked the variety that was offered by the books. From stories having only play to those that had full blown sex, and those that had both, each story was written well. There were no glaring errors. There was one story that I had to read parts of again as I wasn’t sure what the author meant but in a book of over 40 stories that’s pretty good going.
For those just getting started with this genre this is a perfect book to start with. It gets the mind racing and I have to say its helped me with writing sex scenes, in the way that I can now put the words together a little easier.
Lavinia Thompson presents a book that isn’t meant to be read and enjoyed. Like Wintergirls, Crank, or Inexcusable, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle takes...moreLavinia Thompson presents a book that isn’t meant to be read and enjoyed. Like Wintergirls, Crank, or Inexcusable, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle takes the readers to the dark galleries of life. No one sits and reads these books and says “wow, I enjoyed that.” Rather, books on the harsh realities of life and the tragedy and trauma caused by mankind are written to expand our horizons and complete our perspective.
At least, that is the goal. In She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle, we see the effects of domestic abuse in free form poetry. Lavinia reveals to us at the end of the book that this is her story, and poetry became her sanctuary in a world that was proving ever-more cruel. Coming from a writing background, I found common ground with her in that writing is very therapeutic.
But, that’s about where the commonalities ended. Each section in the book begins with a journal entry, each something after her years of dealing with abuse where she is trying to regain a grip on her life. Then it goes into the poetry she wrote while dealing with domestic abuse and violence from her father. None of the poems had rhythm or diction, giving it a very Ellen Hopkins feel to each page.
The most difficult part about reading She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle was the use of imagery. The book felt raw and exposed, as books of this nature usually are, but imagery would shift in a single poem to mean two or three different things, each of which wasn’t entirely clear as to if it’s symbol or meaning was positive or negative. Trying to make sense of the ideas presented made the pages blur together for me.
The most enjoyable part of the book was also what could have been toned back and refined to make it an overall better read. It was raw, unrefined and undiluted for the public masses. It offered a personal look into a terribly common evil in first world society. Her word choice in multiple instances made the book intimate, like a fly on the wall to evil, feelings of revenge and hatred, and some feelings of recovery. However, this raw, unrefined look at a girl’s life in many cases made it confusing and difficult to understand. The flow at times felt clunky and unpracticed, while other times rushing the reader onwards.
As far as a rating goes, She Wasn’t Allowed to Giggle lands a 2.5 out of 5, mostly because of the confusion that the poetry builds while trying to offer a personal escape. Novels of this nature are hard to write, and few are successful, and Lavinia Thompson has undertaken a big task to let her voice be known.(less)
True life fascinates me it must be said. I have been through so much in my 30 years that to read about someone else makes me realise that hey I’m not...moreTrue life fascinates me it must be said. I have been through so much in my 30 years that to read about someone else makes me realise that hey I’m not the only one who has had to overcome obstacles and if this person can do it and face another day so can I.
When I was contacted to review Felecia’s book I have to admit I had no idea who she was. The opening part of the book states that her story is well known and covered. I was in the dark. So for me reading this was hearing and seeing it for the first time.
The first thing I have to say is after reading this I will not be looking into other sides of this story. I 100% believe Felecia. Reading about her work with the coalition, how she worked hard to achieve so much and overcome so many obstacles is nothing short of amazing.
I started reading this at 10pm and at 1am I finished it. I read the whole time and my phone is testament to how much I was absorbed by the book, so many missed messages!
Not much is said about the allegation that the student made towards Felecia as the case is still in progress. I would be very interested to learn more about what happened.
The first part of the book right up until the parts written, very vaguely from 2010, was riveting. I felt that Felecia really cares about her students and will do anything to protect them. A mark of an incredible teacher. I was actually thinking at one point that this story would work so well on the big screen. To help educate others and to share the story, I was reminded very much of the film Freedom Writers that was also based on real life events.
It is hard to read that still in 2008 there is segregation towards minority people. Look around you, they aren’t so much of a minority these days and everyone deserves equal opportunities. I whole heartedly applaud Felecia for taking a stand.
I am very keen to read book 2 as I said above and would also like to say on a personal level that Felecia gave me hope and reminded me that although the turmoil I went through was impossible to deal with I must never let them win.
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