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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0593641019
| 9780593641019
| B0DHBZCJQR
| 4.15
| 5,752
| Jun 17, 2025
| Jun 17, 2025
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Feb 11, 2025
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Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 0316493694
| 9780316493697
| B0BXKZ8VNX
| 4.10
| 1,573
| Nov 14, 2023
| Nov 14, 2023
|
it was amazing
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[image] Title: The Star and the Strange Moon Series: n/a Author: Constance Sayers Release date: November 14, 2023 Cliffhanger: no Genre: gothic, fantasy Arr [image] Title: The Star and the Strange Moon Series: n/a Author: Constance Sayers Release date: November 14, 2023 Cliffhanger: no Genre: gothic, fantasy Arriving here, a hollowness had enveloped her. Perhaps a horror film was appropriate for her current state of mind, yet she had a premonition of sorts that this film was going to be the undoing of her. Constance Sayers has just joined a very short list of authors that are so good I will auto-read their books no questions asked. The Star and the Strange Moon is the third book in a row of hers that I absolutely LOVED. Like the first two reads by Sayers, this story had a dark, foreboding edge that keeps you turning the pages with equal parts anxiety and wonder. I've never really been a big fan of the horror genre, but this novel leans towards the gothic sub-genre with the element of romance involved. The romance was not in the forefront of the story, which I didn't mind at all. The dual timelines and time travel feel (I would describe it as traveling to an alternate world/dimension rather than time travel) both added to the complexity of this thought-provoking story. Christopher Kent's childhood was very unstable and chaotic. From a very early age, he had to learn how to deal with his mother's extreme mood swings, addictions, and unpredictable behavior. Constantly on the move to a new place and a new job, they lived a nomadic life out of hotels filled with uncertainty and dread. Christopher knew he wouldn't stay in any one place too long, so he wouldn't allow himself to make friends. While it wasn't an easy childhood, it was what he had become accustomed to in order to take care of his mother and keep them safe. Then his world came crashing down one day when his mother seemed to have a complete mental breakdown. The catalyst was (strangely enough) a poster of an old black and white movie star named Gemma Turner. It seemed to send his mother into an unhinged loss of control that became her final breaking point. After Christopher couldn't hold the pieces of their life together any longer, and he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle. He never forgot Gemma Turner and the strange effect she seemed to have on his mother. It started a lifelong obsession-a quest to learn everything he could about the actress and her possible connection to his mother. It was a quest that would ultimately dig up dark secrets that were meant to stay hidden forever. Christopher knew in his heart that his mother’s true tale had been hidden from him—from all of them. He just had to find it. Gemma Turner's POV is ominous from page one. If you've read the synopsis, you know that she is doomed to disappear during her last movie. That movie, L’Etrange Lune, grew to have a cult-like following as well as the strange deaths of some people connected to it. Was there some sort of curse on the property they were filming at? The world had a macabre fascination with the unexplainable events. To Christopher, it was more than that. He felt uncontrollably drawn to the story. Obsessed. Gemma's fate meant something to him in a very personal way and he couldn't stop until he had closure. Her alternating chapters become hard to read because you're filled with dread for her. Knowing she has nothing but a living nightmare waiting for her in the near future, in a living story that alters with each decision she makes. I can't say much more about the plot without spoiling the mystery of it all, but I will say that Christopher and Gemma's worlds eventually will collide. He must find a way to extract her or he may become entangled right along with her. What sacrifices is he willing to make in order to put this cursed movie to rest once and for all? The book was a little slow going at first, partly due to my impatience to just get Gemma's entrance into the movie over with. Even though I was impatient, the attention to detail created a fine-tuned plot and three dimensional characters. Everything was brought to life in an exquisite, sinister package that kept me hooked until the very last page. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next! FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 2023
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Dec 2023
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Nov 11, 2023
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0999046438
| 9780999046432
| B079WQPDXP
| 3.98
| 831
| Feb 23, 2018
| Feb 23, 2018
|
really liked it
|
[image] [image] Title: Memphis Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: February 22, 2018 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] Title: Memphis Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: February 22, 2018 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] Olivia Valentine has just slinked back to the last place on earth she would want to return to with her tail between her legs. After a scandal involving her ex, she's penniless and bitterly regretting the fact that she has to seek help from her family. When we first meet Liv, she's in a very bad headspace. I have to admit, that it took me some time to warm up to her with the giant chip she had on her shoulder. She was as brittle as a twig, and just as easy to snap. Automatically judging a person based on her father's long list of sins wasn't impressing me. When it's Memphis Delaney being unfairly judged? I was suddenly growly, mama bear protecting her sweet, downtrodden cub. How dare you do that to my boy! As I read on, not only did her anger and bitterness make sense, but I was even starting to sympathize with her. In fact, it was a bit mind blowing that she was able to come from that home life and mature into the woman she became. Already feeling depressed and lost, it didn't help that her mother's poison was injected back into her on a daily basis. It was a game of who could cut the deepest between these two, and Liv was powerless to resist the urge to draw blood. Not that you could blame her for that weakness. That woman had to be one of the worst viperous Olivia wants nothing to do with the fighter being trained by her mother and uncle at their gym. His talent and single-minded drive to succeed in the ring reminds her of how her father used to be in his glory days. When he selfishly rode his wave of fame, and had little time to be a true father or husband. But it's hard to ignore Memphis' true heart. After being surrounded so long by malice, he gave her a safe place to just be. To start to heal. Each experience with him weaves itself into my heart in this way that terrifies me. This is how people lose themselves. Oh, my. He was such a beautiful man inside and out. I will wait for you to really know who I am, Liv. I’m confident in the man I am. I’m not those men upstairs who disappointed you, but I understand your guard. And I will wait until you believe I won’t break that promise. Breaking you, Liv, would be one of the biggest regrets of my life. And I just don’t do regrets.” Memphis has had no one to call family his whole life. He's a bit of a loner, but humble, and his ambitions aren't powered by greed like they were with Archie Valentine. That in itself was commendable considering how little he's had materially his whole life. He simply wanted to honor the memory of his father he never got to know. He eat, sleeps, and breathes boxing, and his only friend is a man who lives on the streets and lays his head under a tree at night. As he and Olivia carefully allow each other in, secrets from their pasts will become tangled and threaten to tear their futures apart. I loved the bond between Liv, Memphis, and Miles. The way they found the love of a real family together warmed my heart and made me smile so big. The epilogue especially was the sweetest touch, and the perfect ending to the trials they all had to overcome. His mouth—his skin and hair and chin. His breath and eyes. It’s invaded me. But that part he let me see inside—his character—that’s what inspires me most. Memphis Delaney is rare. He also might be worth it. I also enjoyed that Liv took the time to build trust in her new relationship before making any impulsive mistakes. And Memphis was patiently waiting for her with open arms whenever she needed someone to keep her demons at bay. He stood beside her in her corner, ready to defend her with his last breath. This was another great read by Ginger Scott. I've been a big fan of her writing for quite a while now, and with every book, she creates new characters that are so endearing and memorable. If this isn't on your TBR, add it now! FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] [image] Title: Memphis Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: February 22, 2018 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] Olivia Valentine has just slinked back to the last place on earth she would want to return to with her tail between her legs. After a scandal involving her ex, she's penniless and bitterly regretting the fact that she has to seek help from her family. When we first meet Liv, she's in a very bad headspace. I have to admit, that it took me some time to warm up to her with the giant chip she had on her shoulder. She was as brittle as a twig, and just as easy to snap. Automatically judging a person based on her father's long list of sins wasn't impressing me. When it's Memphis Delaney being unfairly judged? I was suddenly growly, mama bear protecting her sweet, downtrodden cub. How dare you do that to my boy! As I read on, not only did her anger and bitterness make sense, but I was even starting to sympathize with her. In fact, it was a bit mind blowing that she was able to come from that home life and mature into the woman she became. Already feeling depressed and lost, it didn't help that her mother's poison was injected back into her on a daily basis. It was a game of who could cut the deepest between these two, and Liv was powerless to resist the urge to draw blood. Not that you could blame her for that weakness. That woman had to be one of the worst viperous Olivia wants nothing to do with the fighter being trained by her mother and uncle at their gym. His talent and single-minded drive to succeed in the ring reminds her of how her father used to be in his glory days. When he selfishly rode his wave of fame, and had little time to be a true father or husband. But it's hard to ignore Memphis' true heart. After being surrounded so long by malice, he gave her a safe place to just be. To start to heal. Each experience with him weaves itself into my heart in this way that terrifies me. This is how people lose themselves. Oh, my. He was such a beautiful man inside and out. I will wait for you to really know who I am, Liv. I’m confident in the man I am. I’m not those men upstairs who disappointed you, but I understand your guard. And I will wait until you believe I won’t break that promise. Breaking you, Liv, would be one of the biggest regrets of my life. And I just don’t do regrets.” Memphis has had no one to call family his whole life. He's a bit of a loner, but humble, and his ambitions aren't powered by greed like they were with Archie Valentine. That in itself was commendable considering how little he's had materially his whole life. He simply wanted to honor the memory of his father he never got to know. He eat, sleeps, and breathes boxing, and his only friend is a man who lives on the streets and lays his head under a tree at night. As he and Olivia carefully allow each other in, secrets from their pasts will become tangled and threaten to tear their futures apart. I loved the bond between Liv, Memphis, and Miles. The way they found the love of a real family together warmed my heart and made me smile so big. The epilogue especially was the sweetest touch, and the perfect ending to the trials they all had to overcome. His mouth—his skin and hair and chin. His breath and eyes. It’s invaded me. But that part he let me see inside—his character—that’s what inspires me most. Memphis Delaney is rare. He also might be worth it. I also enjoyed that Liv took the time to build trust in her new relationship before making any impulsive mistakes. And Memphis was patiently waiting for her with open arms whenever she needed someone to keep her demons at bay. He stood beside her in her corner, ready to defend her with his last breath. This was another great read by Ginger Scott. I've been a big fan of her writing for quite a while now, and with every book, she creates new characters that are so endearing and memorable. If this isn't on your TBR, add it now! FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
Feb 19, 2018
not set
|
Feb 22, 2018
not set
|
Aug 12, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0999046497
| 9780999046494
| B07RKK8P4L
| 3.86
| 512
| May 10, 2019
| May 10, 2019
|
it was ok
|
[image] Title: Bred Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: May 10, 2019 Cliffhanger: No Genre:YA romance Henry has been bred to win…with room [image] Title: Bred Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: May 10, 2019 Cliffhanger: No Genre:YA romance Henry has been bred to win…with room for very little else. It really guts me to say that I didn't care for this book like I'd anticipated, but I always strive to write an honest review and unfortunately that's how I feel. A modern YA reimagining of the classic Dickens novel, Great Expectations sounded so fresh and exciting. And of course, I'm a big fan of Ginger Scott's writing, so chances were good that this would be a big hit for me. Keep in mind most of my problems were subjective, so you may have a completely different experience. I'm going to skip the plot summary and just explain my personal difficulties with the story. The love interest Henry Alderman is a troubled kid who lives in a toxic environment. Naturally that has molded him into the kind of person his mentally unstable, manipulative adoptive mother has strived for. Yes, she actually aims to have a cold, calculating son to take over her business when the time comes. She controls every aspect of his life, and removes his personal choices and freedom in pursuit of her end goal. So while I didn't care for Henry's attitude and behavior towards the heroine, I withheld my judgement for the majority of the book as I waited for his character to show signs of growth from his starting point. But I think this was where it went wrong for me. While I understood how he came to be this way since we first met him at the end of junior high school, he stayed consistently subservient to Elena, and remorseless about the often cruel things he did. [...] Henry is nothing like me. He’s broken in a different way, and he doesn’t feel things like pressure or guilt. That much I know. He barely feels at all. The romance is very slow burn. If you're looking for that type of romance, this could very well be the perfect read for you. The first 70% or so of the book is Lily and Henry growing up together, their school interactions, and in my opinion a pretty unhealthy friendship. Henry goes beyond insensitive and often humiliates or hurts her, but she continues to make excuses for him and forgive despite his lack of compassion. He isn’t sorry. He’s never really sorry about anything. That’s the man he’s becoming, and I hate that I still like him so much. There were a couple points where she distanced herself from him out of hurt and realizing that he couldn't return her romantic feelings, but as soon as he crooked his finger at her, she would be drawn back in. There was a lot of back and forth between them. He'd soften a little, she'd get her hopes up for more, and then eventual disappointment. One or the other would get pushed away, only for the cycle to begin again. So when she finally did break his resistance and they started their romantic relationship so far into the book, I wasn't rooting for them. I actually felt as if she was being foolish and setting herself up for heartbreak. Even with almost only 10% of the story left, Henry was writing himself notes to remind himself to stay faithful to her while they were separated. That didn't really inspire confidence in his ability to now make mature, empathetic choices. Henry failed to fight for Lily when it came to Elena. For their right to be together. There was no sacrifice on his part which is what someone does if they are truly in love. His obedience to Elena was only changed when outside forces intervened, and that was pretty disappointing. That would have raised my opinion of him greatly if he had refused to allow her abuse to continue, because really, he didn't even want any part of the company she planned to pass down to him. So what exactly did he have to lose? Lily for the most part was a likable character, though she often made immature choices and let her emotions get the better of her. The influence of Elena and the privileged attitudes she was immersed in had a negative effect on her at times. This, along with other things I mentioned align with things that were inspired by the original characters they were modeled after, but in this modern setting I guess it didn't translate well for me personally. Henry is like the spoiled and cold Estella, Elena is the eccentric, insane Mrs. Havisham, and Lily is the enamored Pip who strives hard to improve himself. One thing I will say is that I didn't see the twist coming at the end, and it made me hate Elena even more which I didn't think was possible. Just when you thought she couldn't sink any lower, she proved you wrong. To sum things up, I think fans of the original classic will find more to enjoy here, or people who are looking for an angsty slow-burn teen romance. It wasn't the perfect fit for me, but I remain a loyal Ginger Scott fan and look forward to what she has to offer next. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] Title: Bred Series: Standalone Author: Ginger Scott Release date: May 10, 2019 Cliffhanger: No Genre:YA romance Henry has been bred to win…with room for very little else. It really guts me to say that I didn't care for this book like I'd anticipated, but I always strive to write an honest review and unfortunately that's how I feel. A modern YA reimagining of the classic Dickens novel, Great Expectations sounded so fresh and exciting. And of course, I'm a big fan of Ginger Scott's writing, so chances were good that this would be a big hit for me. Keep in mind most of my problems were subjective, so you may have a completely different experience. I'm going to skip the plot summary and just explain my personal difficulties with the story. The love interest Henry Alderman is a troubled kid who lives in a toxic environment. Naturally that has molded him into the kind of person his mentally unstable, manipulative adoptive mother has strived for. Yes, she actually aims to have a cold, calculating son to take over her business when the time comes. She controls every aspect of his life, and removes his personal choices and freedom in pursuit of her end goal. So while I didn't care for Henry's attitude and behavior towards the heroine, I withheld my judgement for the majority of the book as I waited for his character to show signs of growth from his starting point. But I think this was where it went wrong for me. While I understood how he came to be this way since we first met him at the end of junior high school, he stayed consistently subservient to Elena, and remorseless about the often cruel things he did. [...] Henry is nothing like me. He’s broken in a different way, and he doesn’t feel things like pressure or guilt. That much I know. He barely feels at all. The romance is very slow burn. If you're looking for that type of romance, this could very well be the perfect read for you. The first 70% or so of the book is Lily and Henry growing up together, their school interactions, and in my opinion a pretty unhealthy friendship. Henry goes beyond insensitive and often humiliates or hurts her, but she continues to make excuses for him and forgive despite his lack of compassion. He isn’t sorry. He’s never really sorry about anything. That’s the man he’s becoming, and I hate that I still like him so much. There were a couple points where she distanced herself from him out of hurt and realizing that he couldn't return her romantic feelings, but as soon as he crooked his finger at her, she would be drawn back in. There was a lot of back and forth between them. He'd soften a little, she'd get her hopes up for more, and then eventual disappointment. One or the other would get pushed away, only for the cycle to begin again. So when she finally did break his resistance and they started their romantic relationship so far into the book, I wasn't rooting for them. I actually felt as if she was being foolish and setting herself up for heartbreak. Even with almost only 10% of the story left, Henry was writing himself notes to remind himself to stay faithful to her while they were separated. That didn't really inspire confidence in his ability to now make mature, empathetic choices. Henry failed to fight for Lily when it came to Elena. For their right to be together. There was no sacrifice on his part which is what someone does if they are truly in love. His obedience to Elena was only changed when outside forces intervened, and that was pretty disappointing. That would have raised my opinion of him greatly if he had refused to allow her abuse to continue, because really, he didn't even want any part of the company she planned to pass down to him. So what exactly did he have to lose? Lily for the most part was a likable character, though she often made immature choices and let her emotions get the better of her. The influence of Elena and the privileged attitudes she was immersed in had a negative effect on her at times. This, along with other things I mentioned align with things that were inspired by the original characters they were modeled after, but in this modern setting I guess it didn't translate well for me personally. Henry is like the spoiled and cold Estella, Elena is the eccentric, insane Mrs. Havisham, and Lily is the enamored Pip who strives hard to improve himself. One thing I will say is that I didn't see the twist coming at the end, and it made me hate Elena even more which I didn't think was possible. Just when you thought she couldn't sink any lower, she proved you wrong. To sum things up, I think fans of the original classic will find more to enjoy here, or people who are looking for an angsty slow-burn teen romance. It wasn't the perfect fit for me, but I remain a loyal Ginger Scott fan and look forward to what she has to offer next. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
May 13, 2019
not set
|
May 17, 2019
not set
|
Aug 12, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| B01EBHRF64
| 4.19
| 320
| May 02, 2016
| May 02, 2016
|
it was amazing
|
[image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffh [image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been following this author since her first book Stolen Breaths. This is the first time where I've been lucky enough to beta read for her, and what an experience it was! To see this story grow from a vague idea to its polished, finished form was an eye-opening experience. I know first hand how important the author worked to breathe life into Charlie and Sophie. The emotions she was able to wring out of me swung from anxiousness, elation, tension, to grief-stricken. Having met Sophie as Cooper's matchmaker grandmother in the Stolen Breaths series, I was excited to get Miss Sophie's history. Because you can't fully know the present until you understand the past. This is the story of what molded a family. And the struggles of a war torn couple that are more than most can comprehend. Sacrifices had to be made and lives were ravaged, all for the sake of freedom. [image] Sophie is a young woman who guards her heart closely. She's someone who's comfortable in her own skin, speaks her own mind, and holds the wounds of the past as a shield against false promises. But war is a time where there are no promises. No guarantees of a happy ending when putting yourself in enemy lines. “I need someone who will care about me if I don’t come back. I need someone to care about me, Sophie.” My eyes skirted over her head and up towards the moon. I closed my eyes and quietly said again, “I don’t have anyone and I need someone. I desperately need that someone to be you.” Charlie is an Army pilot on leave while his leg heals from an injury. From the first moment they collide, he starts to charm his way into her life. Not deterred by her resistance, he pursues her with an old-fashioned sweetness that sweeps you back to the 1940's. It's a time when Big Band music, swing dancing, classic American diners, and white picket fences were all the eye could see. Pamela knows how to write the quintessential beta hero and Charlie is her best in my humble opinion. Her heroes are ones that cherish, worship, and treat their women to a kind of classic romance that has fallen away from the genre. “I kissed him the way he kissed me and met each touch, each caress, with the same patience, the same reverence as he administered. He made me forget who I was and reminded me of the person I wanted to be.” I've said it before, but it's such a refreshing thing to read, it's like cleansing your palate after reading so many dominating and abrasive heroes. [image] She slips Charlie and Sophie effortlessly into our hearts and minds through flashbacks in dual POV. We get pieces of "today" and moments of "yesterday" that come together in a way that she slowly allows us to see what the final fate of Charlie is to be. She really examines the desperation of the time, and how loved ones had to learn to survive their own emotional battles at home. The uncertainty of it all, the feeling that life was hanging on a thread, you feel all of it right along with Sophie. [image] This was a beautiful love story. A story of survival, faith, and trusting that love will triumph through the darkness. Though it has plenty of angst and sorrow, there are enough moments of laughter and hope to balance the scales. To be honest, historical romance is not one I read very often, this era in particular. But I never felt like I was outside my comfort zone, this story just feels natural and necessary. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to this wonderful family, I'm more than a little sad to see them go. Back to Yesterday will sweep you in to another time. Simpler in some ways, but filled with complexities in others. I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for something a little different than what's out there. Just arm yourself with tissues, you're going to need them. Book Trailer Official Playlist Unsteady-X Ambassadors Dark- Breaking Benjamin Smile- Nat King Cole Ain't He Sweet- Annette Henshaw On and On- The Sweeplings She Used to Be Mine- Sara Bareilles Strong- London Grammar Love in the Dark- Adele Chasing All the Stars- Fleurie High Hopes- Kodaline Come to This- Natalie Taylor Til My Heart Stops- Too Far Moon Journey(Ready to Fly)- Natasha Blume Give Me a Sign- The Sweeplings Shelter- Dash Berlin, Roxanne Emery Oceans- Hillsong United FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] Merged review: [image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been following this author since her first book Stolen Breaths. This is the first time where I've been lucky enough to beta read for her, and what an experience it was! To see this story grow from a vague idea to its polished, finished form was an eye-opening experience. I know first hand how important the author worked to breathe life into Charlie and Sophie. The emotions she was able to wring out of me swung from anxiousness, elation, tension, to grief-stricken. Having met Sophie as Cooper's matchmaker grandmother in the Stolen Breaths series, I was excited to get Miss Sophie's history. Because you can't fully know the present until you understand the past. This is the story of what molded a family. And the struggles of a war torn couple that are more than most can comprehend. Sacrifices had to be made and lives were ravaged, all for the sake of freedom. [image] Sophie is a young woman who guards her heart closely. She's someone who's comfortable in her own skin, speaks her own mind, and holds the wounds of the past as a shield against false promises. But war is a time where there are no promises. No guarantees of a happy ending when putting yourself in enemy lines. “I need someone who will care about me if I don’t come back. I need someone to care about me, Sophie.” My eyes skirted over her head and up towards the moon. I closed my eyes and quietly said again, “I don’t have anyone and I need someone. I desperately need that someone to be you.” Charlie is an Army pilot on leave while his leg heals from an injury. From the first moment they collide, he starts to charm his way into her life. Not deterred by her resistance, he pursues her with an old-fashioned sweetness that sweeps you back to the 1940's. It's a time when Big Band music, swing dancing, classic American diners, and white picket fences were all the eye could see. Pamela knows how to write the quintessential beta hero and Charlie is her best in my humble opinion. Her heroes are ones that cherish, worship, and treat their women to a kind of classic romance that has fallen away from the genre. “I kissed him the way he kissed me and met each touch, each caress, with the same patience, the same reverence as he administered. He made me forget who I was and reminded me of the person I wanted to be.” I've said it before, but it's such a refreshing thing to read, it's like cleansing your palate after reading so many dominating and abrasive heroes. [image] She slips Charlie and Sophie effortlessly into our hearts and minds through flashbacks in dual POV. We get pieces of "today" and moments of "yesterday" that come together in a way that she slowly allows us to see what the final fate of Charlie is to be. She really examines the desperation of the time, and how loved ones had to learn to survive their own emotional battles at home. The uncertainty of it all, the feeling that life was hanging on a thread, you feel all of it right along with Sophie. [image] This was a beautiful love story. A story of survival, faith, and trusting that love will triumph through the darkness. Though it has plenty of angst and sorrow, there are enough moments of laughter and hope to balance the scales. To be honest, historical romance is not one I read very often, this era in particular. But I never felt like I was outside my comfort zone, this story just feels natural and necessary. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to this wonderful family, I'm more than a little sad to see them go. Back to Yesterday will sweep you in to another time. Simpler in some ways, but filled with complexities in others. I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for something a little different than what's out there. Just arm yourself with tissues, you're going to need them. Book Trailer Official Playlist Unsteady-X Ambassadors Dark- Breaking Benjamin Smile- Nat King Cole Ain't He Sweet- Annette Henshaw On and On- The Sweeplings She Used to Be Mine- Sara Bareilles Strong- London Grammar Love in the Dark- Adele Chasing All the Stars- Fleurie High Hopes- Kodaline Come to This- Natalie Taylor Til My Heart Stops- Too Far Moon Journey(Ready to Fly)- Natasha Blume Give Me a Sign- The Sweeplings Shelter- Dash Berlin, Roxanne Emery Oceans- Hillsong United FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Feb 2016
not set
|
Apr 23, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B07GD2CL94
| 4.35
| 80
| unknown
| Sep 04, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
[image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at [image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at night that we can see the stars, Zeph. Darkness doesn’t have to be scary. It can be beautiful. You have just forgotten.” It's no secret that I love Pamela Sparkman's storytelling. I've been a fan since her very first book, and with each new release, I have seen her abilities mature and grow. This fantasy series is such a departure from where she started as an author, but I wholeheartedly believe that these two books in the Heart of Darkness series are her most powerful and eloquently written. This set of characters have many tragic events and heartbreaking trials to overcome. The end of The Moon Shines Red, leaves you in a HFN (happy for now) place, but there was much left unsaid, and peace to be won. Overall, more mysteries to reveal with life altering effects. There was one character who was far from left in a happy place, and that is our poor, tortured soul, Zeph. A Monster Like Me begins right where we left off, and reveals the depths of Zeph's despair as he attempts to take his own life. As an innocent child, his promising future was stolen from him, and he became what he most reviled in order to survive. His past had dissipated like an insubstantial dream you can't fully grasp when you wake, forever teasing him in the fringes of his mind. With misguided sins on his conscience, blood staining his hands, and atrocities committed against him, he felt so physically and mentally soiled that he would never come clean. He couldn't conceive of it. Thankfully, his ending was an unexpected new beginning. One that was destined to help him discover all that he had lost, and grace him with so much more than he could have imagined. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. And ultimately, redemption. Guilt was a monster of its own. It was a wall that trapped him, held him prisoner, too big to go around, too mountainous to climb over. It pressed upon him until he was crushed underneath the weight of it, stealing his air and taking his hope. Zeph is not an easy fae to love at first, but there's something about him that snares your curiosity even in his darkest. He comes a long, long, way from who he was in the previous book. Finally getting inside his head divulges things he'd have preferred to forever stay hidden. Things that were rotting him from the inside out. Despite his prickliness, anger, and quick rejection of those who attempt to reach out to him, there's a glimmer of something more peeking out that tells you he isn't beyond help. If there was ever a group of people who had the ability to bring that glimmer out of him and make it shine, it was these unlikely friends. Every time they wrenched a trembling smile out of him, it felt like a victory that was worth celebrating. I loved all of them so much. Searly, who quietly guided them all, and encouraged them to keep on fighting with quiet life lessons and teasing wisecracks. Elin, who overcame a terrible betrayal and taught him the powerful gift of forgiveness, and the strength of family. Lochlan, with the gruff exterior and the heart of gold who knew the true value of friendship after years of loneliness living with a curse. Arwyn, who firmly stood by him in faith, and believed that a man as broken as him was worth piecing back together again. And lastly, Fávian. He was lucky enough to escape tragedy in his young life, but his innate astuteness, poetic soul, and strong principles made him wise beyond his years. Separately, they all struggled with their own demons, some more than others. Together they formed a unified front, and a haven of support. It wasn't an smooth road they traveled together, or a simple one. Your heart aches for Zeph most especially as his sacrifices are revealed. You feel the jagged edges of his ravaged spirit, and his anguished search for a sense of purpose. But there's more to the story than their own personal healing and growth. They've been destined from the start for a higher plan, and fate will eventually lead them to their greatest battle of all. You may be battle-worn. You may be weary. But every one of you are fierce. You are survivors. You are ready. This is your war to win. Your sufferings? They will be the thing that saves you because they are what made you. In your sufferings,” she said, “the world will be saved.” We finally got to know Arwyn in depth here. The violet-haired elf was a bit of a mystery in the previous book, but now we got to sift through all of her layers and discover her hidden talents. As an empath, she is highly sensitive to emotion, and can easily become overwhelmed by what others are feeling. So she's learned to quiet the noise through Nyokou, the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. As she harmoniously connects to nature in meditative archery exercises, she can exhale all of the excess and inhale serenity. Her abundant compassion, and fierce loyalty were just a couple of the qualities that helped her to wait for Zeph so patiently. She was his rock, always believing in him, even when he didn't have the ability to do so himself. As a nurturer, she could neglect her own well-being, and he never failed to step up and give her the support she needed in return. It was in these moments that he gradually re-learned how to define love, and how to express it when it had been absent in his life for so long. [image] Their romance was a slow burn that simmered gently in the background. This is a very character driven story, with some heavy themes to address. With the internal conflicts being faced, I think that the romance was realistically and perfectly paced. Often with romantic fantasy there is an imbalance with either the fantasy or the romance, but that wasn't the case here. Zeph and Arwyn's relationship didn't suffer from a lack of development. I soaked up every bit of the yearning that seeped out of the pages, feeling the ache so keenly. “Your heart is racing,” she said so softly. If he hadn’t been Fae, he probably wouldn’t have heard her. Zeph’s hand covered the thumping organ. “You know my heartbeats?” Arwyn laid her palm flat on the screen. “Sometimes,” she said, “I don’t know if they are yours or mine.” I can't properly express how much I felt for these characters. They grabbed my hand, tugged me gently into their magical dark world, and wouldn't let go. I'm not ready to let go, and I'm more than a little sad that the series has come to a close. Take a chance on these books, and they will pull your heartstrings in the best way possible!!! **A Monster Like Me can easily be read as a standalone, but to get the full experience in both books, I recommend reading them in order. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at night that we can see the stars, Zeph. Darkness doesn’t have to be scary. It can be beautiful. You have just forgotten.” It's no secret that I love Pamela Sparkman's storytelling. I've been a fan since her very first book, and with each new release, I have seen her abilities mature and grow. This fantasy series is such a departure from where she started as an author, but I wholeheartedly believe that these two books in the Heart of Darkness series are her most powerful and eloquently written. This set of characters have many tragic events and heartbreaking trials to overcome. The end of The Moon Shines Red, leaves you in a HFN (happy for now) place, but there was much left unsaid, and peace to be won. Overall, more mysteries to reveal with life altering effects. There was one character who was far from left in a happy place, and that is our poor, tortured soul, Zeph. A Monster Like Me begins right where we left off, and reveals the depths of Zeph's despair as he attempts to take his own life. As an innocent child, his promising future was stolen from him, and he became what he most reviled in order to survive. His past had dissipated like an insubstantial dream you can't fully grasp when you wake, forever teasing him in the fringes of his mind. With misguided sins on his conscience, blood staining his hands, and atrocities committed against him, he felt so physically and mentally soiled that he would never come clean. He couldn't conceive of it. Thankfully, his ending was an unexpected new beginning. One that was destined to help him discover all that he had lost, and grace him with so much more than he could have imagined. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. And ultimately, redemption. Guilt was a monster of its own. It was a wall that trapped him, held him prisoner, too big to go around, too mountainous to climb over. It pressed upon him until he was crushed underneath the weight of it, stealing his air and taking his hope. Zeph is not an easy fae to love at first, but there's something about him that snares your curiosity even in his darkest. He comes a long, long, way from who he was in the previous book. Finally getting inside his head divulges things he'd have preferred to forever stay hidden. Things that were rotting him from the inside out. Despite his prickliness, anger, and quick rejection of those who attempt to reach out to him, there's a glimmer of something more peeking out that tells you he isn't beyond help. If there was ever a group of people who had the ability to bring that glimmer out of him and make it shine, it was these unlikely friends. Every time they wrenched a trembling smile out of him, it felt like a victory that was worth celebrating. I loved all of them so much. Searly, who quietly guided them all, and encouraged them to keep on fighting with quiet life lessons and teasing wisecracks. Elin, who overcame a terrible betrayal and taught him the powerful gift of forgiveness, and the strength of family. Lochlan, with the gruff exterior and the heart of gold who knew the true value of friendship after years of loneliness living with a curse. Arwyn, who firmly stood by him in faith, and believed that a man as broken as him was worth piecing back together again. And lastly, Fávian. He was lucky enough to escape tragedy in his young life, but his innate astuteness, poetic soul, and strong principles made him wise beyond his years. Separately, they all struggled with their own demons, some more than others. Together they formed a unified front, and a haven of support. It wasn't an smooth road they traveled together, or a simple one. Your heart aches for Zeph most especially as his sacrifices are revealed. You feel the jagged edges of his ravaged spirit, and his anguished search for a sense of purpose. But there's more to the story than their own personal healing and growth. They've been destined from the start for a higher plan, and fate will eventually lead them to their greatest battle of all. You may be battle-worn. You may be weary. But every one of you are fierce. You are survivors. You are ready. This is your war to win. Your sufferings? They will be the thing that saves you because they are what made you. In your sufferings,” she said, “the world will be saved.” We finally got to know Arwyn in depth here. The violet-haired elf was a bit of a mystery in the previous book, but now we got to sift through all of her layers and discover her hidden talents. As an empath, she is highly sensitive to emotion, and can easily become overwhelmed by what others are feeling. So she's learned to quiet the noise through Nyokou, the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. As she harmoniously connects to nature in meditative archery exercises, she can exhale all of the excess and inhale serenity. Her abundant compassion, and fierce loyalty were just a couple of the qualities that helped her to wait for Zeph so patiently. She was his rock, always believing in him, even when he didn't have the ability to do so himself. As a nurturer, she could neglect her own well-being, and he never failed to step up and give her the support she needed in return. It was in these moments that he gradually re-learned how to define love, and how to express it when it had been absent in his life for so long. [image] Their romance was a slow burn that simmered gently in the background. This is a very character driven story, with some heavy themes to address. With the internal conflicts being faced, I think that the romance was realistically and perfectly paced. Often with romantic fantasy there is an imbalance with either the fantasy or the romance, but that wasn't the case here. Zeph and Arwyn's relationship didn't suffer from a lack of development. I soaked up every bit of the yearning that seeped out of the pages, feeling the ache so keenly. “Your heart is racing,” she said so softly. If he hadn’t been Fae, he probably wouldn’t have heard her. Zeph’s hand covered the thumping organ. “You know my heartbeats?” Arwyn laid her palm flat on the screen. “Sometimes,” she said, “I don’t know if they are yours or mine.” I can't properly express how much I felt for these characters. They grabbed my hand, tugged me gently into their magical dark world, and wouldn't let go. I'm not ready to let go, and I'm more than a little sad that the series has come to a close. Take a chance on these books, and they will pull your heartstrings in the best way possible!!! **A Monster Like Me can easily be read as a standalone, but to get the full experience in both books, I recommend reading them in order. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
3
|
Aug 26, 2018
Jan 2017
not set
|
Aug 29, 2018
Jun 2018
not set
|
Apr 23, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B0718YL2CB
| 3.85
| 162
| May 05, 2017
| May 05, 2017
|
it was amazing
|
[image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been [image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been a fan of Pamela Sparkman's since her debut book, Stolen Breaths . I will read anything she writes, but I must admit, I was in a frenzy of excitement when she decided to take on the fantasy genre. It couldn't have come at a better time, because I've been finding my way back to fantasy and PNR in the past year. You might even say it's my current This story is completely different from all of her others in almost every way. Most notably, the mysterious undertone throughout this entire book. It weaves between the characters and ties them together in a genius way. The riddle of the hero's curse will keep you flipping the pages and attempting to work out where it will lead you. When what is blue turns red, your child will bring man to his knees in sorrow For they will not see the light of tomorrow Let it be so until the mountains move and the rivers shiver As soon as what's been shrouded is revealed, all wicked souls will quiver A refusal shall mark an age of tranquility And the restoration of balance shall bring forth a remedy [image] Lord Lochlan is conceived from love, but judged and condemned as shameful. An innocent punished for the perceived crimes of his parents. He exists centuries in isolation and misery, just surviving. Never experiencing a normal life or even a promise of the beauty the world has to offer. Death is his consort, coldness his constant companion. He's grown weary, sunk into despair at the hopelessness that he'll ever escape his fate. The path to freedom begins with the most unlikely little spirited package. He admires her fire and wit, he tries to keep her at a distance for her own safety. But while his presence has always commanded fear and awe, Elin quickly overcomes his intimidating magnetism and surly disposition. [image] Even in the outdoors his presence dominated, consumed, like a monolithic column rising above the ground. His essence was as tangible as the man himself. Even the air around him hummed in reverence. I loved Lochlan. He was protective, strong, and genuine, yet darkly cryptic. Even after suffering the contempt of his people and centuries of hurt, he maintained a light underneath that darkness. From the beginning, it was obvious to me that he was ripe for redemption. He only needed someone with the courage to fight this monumental battle by his side. There is a brewing war, and his battle is integral to the outcome of it all. The only question is, is he doomed for damnation or is there a flicker of hope in all of the madness? Hiding unthinkable scars that it seems could never be healed, he hold everything inside and lets it fester. Never revealing the deep cut that he can never forgive himself for. [image] Elin was a young woman who like Lochlan, knows what it's like to be judged for being different, found wanting. Forced to move to Kaelmor Kingdom with her parents in search of safety, she unknowingly moves closer to the fire. Danger is never far from her, but she lacks the knowledge to protect herself. She's intelligent, yet a little naive at first and more than a little innocent. That innocence is heartbreakingly shattered, and her whole world is shifted in ways she couldn't have imagined. But through her pain, we see her grow into a steely resolve and strength no matter what's thrown at her. With Lochlan, she has a protector, a friend, and a man who she yearns to be close to. Their forbidden love delivers an ache and anticipation that draws you right into their rioting emotions. They're passionate. Tender. Desperately longing for the impossible. “I came back.” His heart swelled. “Why?” She shook her head. “Because, I felt like you needed me. Did you? Need me?” All he could do was look at her, wondering why it took so long for her to come into his life. “Yes,” he said. “I think I always have.” Nothing is quite what it seems in this story. Their journey is filled with malevolent forces, hidden agendas, and shocking truths. The ending leaves you with one story complete, and another waiting to be told. Knowing what she has planned for the next in the series, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm already counting down the days until she starts writing. This character is one that is completely torn, broken, and filled with complexities. Tormented doesn't even begin to cover him, and I know his will be one fascinating and twisted tale. Pamela Sparkman always knows how to write a story full of emotion, true romance, and meaning. But this book has exceeded my expectations and shines brighter than I ever could have anticipated. The Moon Shines Red is a love story born in impossible circumstances, and strengthened in adversity and tragedy. There are power struggles, deceit, and secrets to be uncovered. It's about the balance of good and evil, choosing sides and fighting for something that's worth dying for. It's the ultimate fantasy romance that poses the question, "Can love really conquer all?" [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been a fan of Pamela Sparkman's since her debut book, Stolen Breaths. I will read anything she writes, but I must admit, I was in a frenzy of excitement when she decided to take on the fantasy genre. It couldn't have come at a better time, because I've been finding my way back to fantasy and PNR in the past year. You might even say it's my current This story is completely different from all of her others in almost every way. Most notably, the mysterious undertone throughout this entire book. It weaves between the characters and ties them together in a genius way. The riddle of the hero's curse will keep you flipping the pages and attempting to work out where it will lead you. When what is blue turns red, your child will bring man to his knees in sorrow For they will not see the light of tomorrow Let it be so until the mountains move and the rivers shiver As soon as what's been shrouded is revealed, all wicked souls will quiver A refusal shall mark an age of tranquility And the restoration of balance shall bring forth a remedy [image] Lord Lochlan is conceived from love, but judged and condemned as shameful. An innocent punished for the perceived crimes of his parents. He exists centuries in isolation and misery, just surviving. Never experiencing a normal life or even a promise of the beauty the world has to offer. Death is his consort, coldness his constant companion. He's grown weary, sunk into despair at the hopelessness that he'll ever escape his fate. The path to freedom begins with the most unlikely little spirited package. He admires her fire and wit, he tries to keep her at a distance for her own safety. But while his presence has always commanded fear and awe, Elin quickly overcomes his intimidating magnetism and surly disposition. [image] Even in the outdoors his presence dominated, consumed, like a monolithic column rising above the ground. His essence was as tangible as the man himself. Even the air around him hummed in reverence. I loved Lochlan. He was protective, strong, and genuine, yet darkly cryptic. Even after suffering the contempt of his people and centuries of hurt, he maintained a light underneath that darkness. From the beginning, it was obvious to me that he was ripe for redemption. He only needed someone with the courage to fight this monumental battle by his side. There is a brewing war, and his battle is integral to the outcome of it all. The only question is, is he doomed for damnation or is there a flicker of hope in all of the madness? Hiding unthinkable scars that it seems could never be healed, he hold everything inside and lets it fester. Never revealing the deep cut that he can never forgive himself for. [image] Elin was a young woman who like Lochlan, knows what it's like to be judged for being different, found wanting. Forced to move to Kaelmor Kingdom with her parents in search of safety, she unknowingly moves closer to the fire. Danger is never far from her, but she lacks the knowledge to protect herself. She's intelligent, yet a little naive at first and more than a little innocent. That innocence is heartbreakingly shattered, and her whole world is shifted in ways she couldn't have imagined. But through her pain, we see her grow into a steely resolve and strength no matter what's thrown at her. With Lochlan, she has a protector, a friend, and a man who she yearns to be close to. Their forbidden love delivers an ache and anticipation that draws you right into their rioting emotions. They're passionate. Tender. Desperately longing for the impossible. “I came back.” His heart swelled. “Why?” She shook her head. “Because, I felt like you needed me. Did you? Need me?” All he could do was look at her, wondering why it took so long for her to come into his life. “Yes,” he said. “I think I always have.” Nothing is quite what it seems in this story. Their journey is filled with malevolent forces, hidden agendas, and shocking truths. The ending leaves you with one story complete, and another waiting to be told. Knowing what she has planned for the next in the series, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm already counting down the days until she starts writing. This character is one that is completely torn, broken, and filled with complexities. Tormented doesn't even begin to cover him, and I know his will be one fascinating and twisted tale. Pamela Sparkman always knows how to write a story full of emotion, true romance, and meaning. But this book has exceeded my expectations and shines brighter than I ever could have anticipated. The Moon Shines Red is a love story born in impossible circumstances, and strengthened in adversity and tragedy. There are power struggles, deceit, and secrets to be uncovered. It's about the balance of good and evil, choosing sides and fighting for something that's worth dying for. It's the ultimate fantasy romance that poses the question, "Can love really conquer all?" [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
Mar 12, 2017
not set
|
Mar 13, 2017
not set
|
Apr 23, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B081W9BZ7N
| 4.58
| 83
| unknown
| Jan 14, 2020
|
it was amazing
|
[image] Title: Reverend of Silence Series: standalone Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: January 14, 2020 Cliffhanger: no Genre: literary fiction [image [image] Title: Reverend of Silence Series: standalone Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: January 14, 2020 Cliffhanger: no Genre: literary fiction [image] “If I was your warmth and your refuge, you were my shining ray of light in an otherwise dark world.” Where do I even begin in trying to explain the beauty of this story? It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Pamela Sparkman's work, but she has really outdone herself with Reverend of Silence. It's easily in my top three favorites of hers, and I only say that because I don't think I could ever pick a top favorite story. Each one is very special to me and occupies a little space in my heart, never to be replaced. Sam and Lucy will bring you with them through a lifetime of new beginnings, friendship, first love, as they face prejudice and hatred with faith and courage. There are so many things I want to say about these two extraordinary families and what they overcome, and I hope I can do them justice in this review. It's upsetting to imagine a time when the deaf were treated with prejudice simply for being different. As a human race, we've treated many groups of people as if they are undeserving of compassion or love. Ignorance breeds hatred, and people fear what they don't understand. Samuel Burke learns this difficult lesson soon after moving to Bridgeport Connecticut, in the year 1814. Sam meets a young girl in his new class named Lucy Hallison, and she makes an immediate impression on him. For someone who has become accustomed to being invisible in a crowd of people, she doesn't quite know what to make of this boy's direct attention. "I see you, Lucy. I promise I do." Lucy fell ill at a young age and as a result lost her ability to hear. She was the same person before this event, however, she was now an outsider. Within the city and even her own home, no one bothered to open the door to real communication with her. In fact, no one believed she could in the way that non-hearing impaired people are. Imagine a time when there was no formal schooling or language for the deaf. It's almost impossible in the modern world we live in. There were rudimentary "home signs" for simple words or phrases, but to be able to read and write is a whole other world of expression that was closed off from Lucy. Sam meets her and possesses something no one else does: empathy. The ability to understand her feelings without words. Pamela Sparkman did a wonderful job bringing the reader this same level of understanding simply through body language in the beginning of the book. Although there are alternating POVs, Lucy's does not come until a solid portion into the story. When it does, you feel as if you've just been given the gift of a flood of information from this strong-willed, tenacious, and gentle girl's heart and soul. Although there is a love story in this novel, the story of these two families is central. It's about the bond they create as Sam and his family encourage the Hallisons to give Lucy the same opportunities as everyone else. Sam, Lucy, and her brother Noah become best friends as they grow up together. An inseparable, unified family that encourage each other through every challenge in life they face. Reverend Burke is the town's pastor, and it's easy to see where Sam's strength of character was formed when you see what a warrior he is for justice on Lucy's behalf. I remember telling my father once, “The people didn’t know what they were getting when you came to town, did they?” And you know what his response was? “They saw me coming, Son. They knew what they were getting. What they didn’t see coming was you.” I shook my head. “No, Papa,” I said. “It was Lucy they never saw coming. It was always Lucy.” As friendship between Sam and Lucy blooms gradually into feelings of love, they take tentative steps towards changing the dynamic of their relationship. But Sam must put aside his own wants and desires so she may have the freedom to learn to fly. An opportunity to attend the first school for the deaf in the US would give her unparalleled knowledge. How could he possibly hold her back? They go from sharing their lives every single day, to long distance communication for many years. Your heart is heavy for everyone involved as they struggle to adjust to such a drastic change. Even as they're all hurting, they never fail to lift each other up with words of inspiration. Time, it seemed, was a cruel albatross around the heart of those who loved and couldn’t have. Time always seemed to be saying . . . not yet . . . wait . . . wait . . . wait. Mr. Clive is a wealthy, influential man in town who uses his power to fan the flame of hatred towards the Hallisons. He is a morally bankrupt person who feels spite towards anyone he can't control. So called God-fearing churchgoers have long been under his influence, but these two courageous families aren't afraid to stand up for what's right and just. As often is the case in real life, that doesn't come without devastating consequences. Just as you grow to love the main characters, you will despise the antagonists in equal measure. This is a compulsively readable book, pulling you into their lives effortlessly and refusing to let go until these characters find peace and healing. Along the way, you step inside another time and place that isn't always comfortable to be in. But while it can take only one person to amplify hatred, the same can be said for love and acceptance. Redemption, faith, and hope are tested to the limit, and these two families must continue to shine their light when they are at their darkest. I cannot recommend this book enough! It was exquisitely written with relevant underlying themes that we could all benefit from in modern society. If you love historical novels inspired by real events or people, don't miss out on this one. I learned about a piece of American history that I'm sad to say I never spent much time thinking of in the past. I feel privileged that I was able to experience what this book has to offer, and I'm better for having read it. [image] [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] Merged review: [image] Title: Reverend of Silence Series: standalone Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: January 14, 2020 Cliffhanger: no Genre: literary fiction [image] “If I was your warmth and your refuge, you were my shining ray of light in an otherwise dark world.” Where do I even begin in trying to explain the beauty of this story? It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Pamela Sparkman's work, but she has really outdone herself with Reverend of Silence. It's easily in my top three favorites of hers, and I only say that because I don't think I could ever pick a top favorite story. Each one is very special to me and occupies a little space in my heart, never to be replaced. Sam and Lucy will bring you with them through a lifetime of new beginnings, friendship, first love, as they face prejudice and hatred with faith and courage. There are so many things I want to say about these two extraordinary families and what they overcome, and I hope I can do them justice in this review. It's upsetting to imagine a time when the deaf were treated with prejudice simply for being different. As a human race, we've treated many groups of people as if they are undeserving of compassion or love. Ignorance breeds hatred, and people fear what they don't understand. Samuel Burke learns this difficult lesson soon after moving to Bridgeport Connecticut, in the year 1814. Sam meets a young girl in his new class named Lucy Hallison, and she makes an immediate impression on him. For someone who has become accustomed to being invisible in a crowd of people, she doesn't quite know what to make of this boy's direct attention. "I see you, Lucy. I promise I do." Lucy fell ill at a young age and as a result lost her ability to hear. She was the same person before this event, however, she was now an outsider. Within the city and even her own home, no one bothered to open the door to real communication with her. In fact, no one believed she could in the way that non-hearing impaired people are. Imagine a time when there was no formal schooling or language for the deaf. It's almost impossible in the modern world we live in. There were rudimentary "home signs" for simple words or phrases, but to be able to read and write is a whole other world of expression that was closed off from Lucy. Sam meets her and possesses something no one else does: empathy. The ability to understand her feelings without words. Pamela Sparkman did a wonderful job bringing the reader this same level of understanding simply through body language in the beginning of the book. Although there are alternating POVs, Lucy's does not come until a solid portion into the story. When it does, you feel as if you've just been given the gift of a flood of information from this strong-willed, tenacious, and gentle girl's heart and soul. Although there is a love story in this novel, the story of these two families is central. It's about the bond they create as Sam and his family encourage the Hallisons to give Lucy the same opportunities as everyone else. Sam, Lucy, and her brother Noah become best friends as they grow up together. An inseparable, unified family that encourage each other through every challenge in life they face. Reverend Burke is the town's pastor, and it's easy to see where Sam's strength of character was formed when you see what a warrior he is for justice on Lucy's behalf. I remember telling my father once, “The people didn’t know what they were getting when you came to town, did they?” And you know what his response was? “They saw me coming, Son. They knew what they were getting. What they didn’t see coming was you.” I shook my head. “No, Papa,” I said. “It was Lucy they never saw coming. It was always Lucy.” As friendship between Sam and Lucy blooms gradually into feelings of love, they take tentative steps towards changing the dynamic of their relationship. But Sam must put aside his own wants and desires so she may have the freedom to learn to fly. An opportunity to attend the first school for the deaf in the US would give her unparalleled knowledge. How could he possibly hold her back? They go from sharing their lives every single day, to long distance communication for many years. Your heart is heavy for everyone involved as they struggle to adjust to such a drastic change. Even as they're all hurting, they never fail to lift each other up with words of inspiration. Time, it seemed, was a cruel albatross around the heart of those who loved and couldn’t have. Time always seemed to be saying . . . not yet . . . wait . . . wait . . . wait. Mr. Clive is a wealthy, influential man in town who uses his power to fan the flame of hatred towards the Hallisons. He is a morally bankrupt person who feels spite towards anyone he can't control. So called God-fearing churchgoers have long been under his influence, but these two courageous families aren't afraid to stand up for what's right and just. As often is the case in real life, that doesn't come without devastating consequences. Just as you grow to love the main characters, you will despise the antagonists in equal measure. This is a compulsively readable book, pulling you into their lives effortlessly and refusing to let go until these characters find peace and healing. Along the way, you step inside another time and place that isn't always comfortable to be in. But while it can take only one person to amplify hatred, the same can be said for love and acceptance. Redemption, faith, and hope are tested to the limit, and these two families must continue to shine their light when they are at their darkest. I cannot recommend this book enough! It was exquisitely written with relevant underlying themes that we could all benefit from in modern society. If you love historical novels inspired by real events or people, don't miss out on this one. I learned about a piece of American history that I'm sad to say I never spent much time thinking of in the past. I feel privileged that I was able to experience what this book has to offer, and I'm better for having read it. [image] [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jan 05, 2020
not set
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Jan 10, 2020
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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| 0063139634
| 9780063139633
| B0BK9CYX4P
| 3.98
| 6,506
| Jul 25, 2023
| Jul 25, 2023
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liked it
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[image] Title: Not That Duke Series: Would-Be Wallflowers #3 Author: Eloisa James Release date: July 25, 2023 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical romance I wa [image] Title: Not That Duke Series: Would-Be Wallflowers #3 Author: Eloisa James Release date: July 25, 2023 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical romance I was really looking forward to reading this installment in the Would-Be Wallflowers series. I have a weakness for reading nerdy, hyper intelligent heroines, and Lady Stella fit that description to a T. No proper wallflower series is complete without a "bluestocking" heroine-it's well known that they were seen as an oddity and undesirable for the time. Not only is Stella well read, she is basically as blind as a bat which forces her to wear eyeglasses. Another strike against her. Strike three and four are her unconventional freckles and body type. The ideal beauty of the time was willowy thin and delicate. Stella was sturdy, curvy, and accident-prone due to her eyesight. Unlike many other wallflower characters I've read, she isn't that distressed about not fitting in. It does give her poor self-confidence, but she isn't all that desperate to change people's minds about her. Gentlemen entered ballrooms looking for a woman to adore. To worship. Stella didn’t qualify. Stella accepts people's unfair opinions of her stoically, most of all her aunt, Mrs. Thyme. I must say, that woman get on my nerves quite a bit. While her intentions were good, and I wouldn't go so far as to say that she was being intentionally cruel, she spent all her time trying to "fix" Stella's "negative" traits so she could help her find a husband. She was constantly harping on her about trying to hide/minimize her freckles, to avoid activities that could bring out her clutziness, and to keep her intelligence tucked away like it was a dirty secret. It felt like every character trait and physical trait was something she disapproved of and she didn't let Stella forget it. Is it really any wonder that the poor girl felt that she would only be chosen to marry for her dowry and was doomed to a love-less union? Many men had an eye on her dowry, but as far as she could see, not a single one of them had designs on her virtue. They were looking for lovable women. Stella would be the first to admit that she failed on that front. She was too awkward, too outspoken, too argumentative. Too peculiar. Too much hair. Not to mention the spectacles. I didn't hate Mrs. Thyme, but let's just say she wasn't my favorite person. I mean, I didn't even get into her absolute feverish panic about men and their animal "appetites" that threatened every respectable woman's fragile reputation. She literally thought that being alone with a woman next to a bed would instantly turn them into savage beasts with no control over their baser instincts. Good grief, the woman should have kept a solid supply of smelling salts on her at all times to counteract her frequent hysterics. In her own way, Mrs. Thyme loved her. Unfortunately, “in her own way” was the only way anyone ever loved Stella: as second choice, second best. In Part One, pretty much the whole first half is a rehash of the love quadrangle from the previous book, albeit from different POVs of course. If you haven't read The Reluctant Countess it centers around Giles and Yasmin. So many of the events involving these four characters are shown once again. Lord Silvester (the hero) is infatuated with Yasmin and is in a love triangle with her and Giles. Giles fights his feelings for Yasmin, but secretly wants her and the two men are very competitive for her affections. Stella is somewhat of an outsider in this scenario, though she ends up being courted by Giles for a time while secretly being attracted to Silvester. What I didn't like about the first half was seeing Stella be treated as a consolation prize by both men and made to feel inferior because of it. If the two love interests have zero romantic interactions in the first half and he is in fact heavily pursuing another woman, that takes away from the romance building. We are told that they are friends and have intellectual chats rather than shown. There is nothing concrete, no hint of developing feelings on his part aside from a brief passionate encounter between them. It was a tad disappointing and then eventually jarring when Silvester suddenly came to the realization in the beginning of Part Two that he wants Stella. This is after he was rejected by Yasmin, of course. Silvester was resisting thinking of Stella as a romantic partner for so long mostly because she reminded him of his own quirky mother. His mother is an engineer and has awkward social behavior that made him embarrassed and uncomfortable growing up. He wanted a wife that would fit in more, and take more care with social niceties and manners. Silvester has constructed a facade around himself in order to blend in well with others rather than rock the boat. So when his mother gives him her hearty approval of Stella as his future bride, he runs far in the other direction. It was actually sweet to see the interactions between his mother and Stella because they were so alike. The whole lake scene with Merry, Stella, and the Duchess of Huntington was fantastic. When Silvester finally set his mind on Stella and pursued her things picked up. He does have his work set out for him in convincing her that even though she was his second choice, she was the best choice. There was some residual jealousy and hurt feelings, but he's more than ready to make her feel wanted beyond their very healthy physical relationship. The two of them are certainly not lacking chemistry and passion, that's for sure. Overall, I wish there would have been more romance development between the two main characters, as it made the first half pretty slow for me. I thought they made a cute couple once the other two characters were out of the picture, but I ended up feeling as if I needed a bit more. Still, it was a very well-researched book with lots of interesting historical details. The author never disappoints in that area, that's for sure. I also appreciated all of the quirky characters and seeing Stella find the love that she never thought she would have as well as flourishing in her new role as a duchess. I'm looking forward to seeing what story Eloisa James has to offer next. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 22, 2023
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Jul 23, 2023
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Nov 29, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 0316592706
| 9780316592703
| 0316592706
| 3.94
| 154,694
| Jan 03, 2023
| Jan 03, 2023
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really liked it
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 19, 2023
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Feb 21, 2023
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Nov 17, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 0063139588
| 9780063139589
| B09TKYYZHD
| 3.81
| 5,122
| Nov 29, 2022
| Nov 29, 2022
|
really liked it
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[image] Title: The Reluctant Countess Series: Would-Be Wallflowers Author: Eloisa James Release date: November 29, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical r [image] Title: The Reluctant Countess Series: Would-Be Wallflowers Author: Eloisa James Release date: November 29, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical romance I'm always excited to read the newest Eloisa James book because it's almost a given that it's going to be a fantastic read. Some I've loved more than others, but I can't recall any that totally missed the mark for me. I definitely enjoyed this second installment in the series a bit more than the first one. Lady Yasmin and Lord Giles were an enemies-to-lovers/opposites attract pairing that I had high hopes for since meeting them in How to be a Wallflower. Giles is described as a stern, stone-faced aristocrat who likes to observe proprieties at all times. Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, was censorious, buttoned down, and unsurprising. In a flock of British aristocrats, he blended right in. Yasmine lives to stand out in a crowd and enjoy life to the fullest by flirting with anyone who catches her fancy. She's a bright, sparkling young woman that thumbs her nose at rules and restrictions. You would think that these two would never stand a chance, but secretly they both feel an unwelcome attraction that grows despite their efforts to ignore it. Giles is looking for a woman with a reputation beyond reproach. His family was embroiled in a shameful scandal when his father was found to have stolen money from a church in his youth. The resulting gossip and censure caused him to take his life and destroy the family. Giles' painful childhood shaped him to be the man that he was-one that valued decorum and respectability above all else. If he could only erase the stigma attached to his family name, his sister would have a chance to find happiness and love. He has tried to shield her from the ugliness surrounding their parents, but Lydia is aware of what transpired and is already in self-destruct mode because of it. Unfortunately, he is a bit obtuse when it comes to his sister's faults. You can't fault him for his family loyalty, however, his sister was outrageously obnoxious and childish and she caused him quite a bit of harm because of it. She's one of those characters you wish you could throat punch and then do it about fifteen more times for good measure. Her selfish antics were the one, main frustration I had with the story. Although Yasmine is the life of every party, but no one is aware that her bright smiles mask a lot of pain. She was horribly taken advantage of as a teenager back home in France, and like Giles, she suffered greatly from vicious gossip because of it. Yasmine was once naive and trusting, and that caused her to fall for the lies of a malicious fortune hunter. She escaped to the care of her grandfather in England and his title shields her from any fallback she would have felt because of her rebellious behavior. Yasmine is wealthy in her own right because of ample inheritances and has no desire to tie herself to a man and leave her heart open to hurt again. One of her favorite rules for survival amongst the aristocracy—whether French or British—was that a show of weakness had to be avoided at all costs. She never once lets her guard down, but for some reason Giles seems to get under her skin despite his apparent disapproval of her. He does act like a judgmental jerk at times towards her, but underneath his tough exterior he genuinely is a softie. Definitely a bit too much when it came to his sister, but he had good intentions most of the time. One thing about Eloisa James' heroes is that once they make their mind up to court someone, they go all in. Giles is no exception with his single-minded determination to win Yasmine's affection. He's also protective and immediately supportive when her painful past is revealed in a very public manner. Her grandfather was equally as understanding and loving and I actually adored their special relationship. Yes, he allowed her freedoms that were a bit unrealistic for that time, but she needed someone like him in her life. Her parents were one, big waste of space. I only want you. I don’t care what society thinks if they see us in a curricle. “I just want you to sit beside me.” I enjoyed the friction and the chase between these two as they got past their initial preconceptions of each other. She helped him to live in the moment and not worry so much about the opinions of others. He helped her to open her heart to love again so they could build a future together. There were lots of sweet moments between the two of them as they explored their unlikely attraction and got to know one another at a deeper level. The next book in the series will be about bookish, freckled, bespectacled Lady Stella and Lord Silvester who didn't seem interested in her in the slightest. I'll be interested to see how his feelings for her evolve into love. Not That Duke (Would-Be Wallflowers #3) is scheduled for publication in July 2023. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 20, 2022
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Nov 22, 2022
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Jun 16, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 0451489799
| 9780451489791
| 0451489799
| 3.89
| 1,773
| Nov 08, 2022
| Nov 08, 2022
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Apr 07, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0063078538
| 9780063078536
| 0063078538
| 4.22
| 3,545
| Apr 05, 2022
| Apr 05, 2022
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Apr 01, 2022
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Paperback
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| 1250796741
| 9781250796745
| B092T81VVY
| 3.57
| 141,431
| Feb 01, 2022
| Feb 01, 2022
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it was ok
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[image] Title: Good Girl Complex Series: Avalon Bay #1 Author: Elle Kennedy Release date: February 1, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: new adult college When thi [image] Title: Good Girl Complex Series: Avalon Bay #1 Author: Elle Kennedy Release date: February 1, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: new adult college When this book landed on my kindle, it was (in my mind) most likely going to be a guaranteed five star read. Elle Kennedy is a master at light-hearted new adult books. She has lots of experience under her belt at writing characters that you should probably hate on paper but still end up loving with every fiber of your being. She's a master at flirty banter that flies back and forth so fast, your laughter can barely keep up. Her groups of characters are detailed from book one in a series, making you root for each individual secondary character to have their own HEA. That's the magic of Elle Kennedy. On top of that? One of my favorite tropes in books just happens to be revenge. Which is very strongly in the forefront of this particular book. So why, oh why, did this book fall short? The details surrounding the revenge plot soured everything for me in the first half. So much so, that I even wondered if I was going to have to DNF. Thankfully, the book did improve in the second half so that wasn't necessary. But my feelings were a far cry from love. They landed right underneath the borderline of like. This story has a rich girl/poor guy theme that could have worked if not for the over-exaggerated characterization of the "clones" vs. the townies. On one hand, there were the "townie" locals who basically put up with constant abuse from the spoiled, entitled, kids who attend Garnet College. The "clones" or rich kids are portrayed as trust fund babies with more money than human decency. They are all one, snobby unit that think and act alike-as if the townies who serve them are dirt beneath their feet. I'm not particularly fond of painting one group as a mustache twirling, caricature to be hated and scorned. The hero's prejudice towards the rich kids (as well as all of his friends) led to the revenge plot that sets out to intentionally and maliciously humiliate Mackenzie. A girl whom they know did nothing to deserve it and would simply be a pawn played with in their game. His female friends were actually gathered around gleefully rubbing their hands together and joking about humiliating her publicly and "dumping pig's blood" on her Carrie style. In real life, every single wealthy person who comes to a coastal town to attend college would not behave in the same exact abusive way. And yet, this is used as a plot device to explain away Coop and his friends' abhorrent behavior. All it took for Coop's guilty conscience to kick in was one night getting to know Mac. He started to see her as an individual, a human being. Not an inanimate object to be used and abused. Unfortunately, having an inside perspective of his true intent to harm her soured the first half for me completely. The flirting that went on between the two of them should have been fun and entertaining, but that underbelly of dishonesty was very apparent in every exchange. Her ignorance of the truth only served to make matters worse. Mac had her issues as well. She was dating a complete douchebag and seemed to have not the first clue about his true character. He's a serial cheater and a hateful snob of the worst kind, yet we are led to believe that she has never had even the slightest clue about any of it? They grew up together and she still thinks of him as a "nice" guy who is compatible with her in all the right ways? There is a difference between explaining away uncomfortable truths and being totally clueless. It just wasn't realistic that she could be utterly duped into thinking she's with a prince of a guy. She knows there is a culture of cheating and looking the other way in her social group...but trusts HIM irrevocably and absolutely. Mac (rightfully so) judges those around her who allow their boyfriends to cheat on them in order to get an engagement ring on their fingers. This ends up being hypocritical because she was emotionally cheating on her own boyfriend while spending time with Cooper. She knows she's physically attracted to Cooper and developing feelings. Yet she continues to play with fire and push the boundaries of what's acceptable. Mac knows what she feels isn't just platonic or else she wouldn't lie to her boyfriend about her activities. (view spoiler)[One thing that worked for me was the fact that as soon as she caved and kissed Cooper, she immediately came clean to her boyfriend and tried to distance herself from him. She didn't lie like her gross roommate encouraged her to do. She even told her early on that she would keep her mouth shut if she wanted to stray from her boyfriend. Really, she was the worst friend ever. (hide spoiler)] I didn't care for Mac's total subservience to her parents' wishes. It didn't add up to me that she is a strong-willed person who likes to argue and speak her mind with Coop, and at the same time she's willing to marry the man of her parents' choosing simply because of his good social standing. It would be one thing if she felt financially trapped by them and feared being cut off of their support. That wasn't the case. She created her own websites in high school and became a financially independent millionaire. I just didn't get why she would let them manipulate her life to suit them when it clearly made her unhappy. She was going to a college that she didn't even want to go to and dating a guy that was nothing more than comfortable just to make two people happy who only cared about themselves. At any time she could have spoken up and told them her true feelings because she had a nice, cushy nest egg to protect her. I get that she was scared to break status quo, but her personality was a bit inconsistent for all of this to be plausible. All of that being said, the second half did get better. The revenge scheme fizzled fast, and true feelings developed. Cooper's friends and twin brother accepted her into the fold as part of the group and everything was moving along well. Then came the "moment of truth." With a romantic relationship built on deception, you can expect a big bomb to have to eventually drop. Only the "moment of truth" was covered up with more lies by the entire group which only added to the betrayal. When THAT bomb dropped...boy was it a doozy. She moved out, and moved into the home of her newfound friends who were part of the scheme all along? She hated him, but ran to them for shelter. Hmm. Now that was yet another thing that didn't add up for me. How was she so easily able to let their part in everything go? I couldn't see it. Unfortunately, the deception running through the book was too pervasive. Cooper and his group of friends' prejudice ran deep and it was not a good look. The plot was not cohesive enough, and if there were to be a full series with the secondary characters here, I wouldn't be excited because I can't say that I loved any of them. I will say, this was a very fast read just like all of Elle Kennedy's past books despite all of my issues. I think that's why I was able to power through quickly and finish it all. If Cooper hadn't seen the error of his ways so quickly, I doubt I would have had the ability to continue. And there was groveling-necessary groveling. I wish I could have felt that old Elle Kennedy magic that I've gotten used to, but for me, this was for the most part, a loss. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
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1
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not set
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Jan 2022
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Feb 01, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| B0DWVRKGRY
| 4.29
| 181,959
| Mar 29, 2022
| Mar 29, 2022
|
really liked it
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[image] Title: The Diamond Eye Series: standalone Author: Kate Quinn Release date: March 29, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical fiction, war When you’re [image] Title: The Diamond Eye Series: standalone Author: Kate Quinn Release date: March 29, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical fiction, war When you’re young and you’ve known nothing but peace, you assume there will always be time for everything. One of my favorite things about this book was that it was compulsively readable. Oftentimes with historical fiction, you have to be patient while attempting to get engrossed in the book. Setting the historical scene and balancing fact and fiction can be a time consuming thing, albeit usually worth your while. Similar to world building in fantasy books, slow and steady can win the race in a big way. In The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn manages to add just enough historical detail to transport you while simultaneously drawing you in from page one. I managed to plow through a book of this heavy nature in less than twenty-four hours. The author's trademark dual timeline plot that eventually merges past and present was used once again. Personally, I found the past sections to be a much more engrossing read than the Washington present sections, partly because I was most excited to read about this heroic female figure's wartime contribution on the front. Mila Pavlichenko was a fascinating study of contradictions. She was at once an introverted, intelligent, abused young mother, and a fierce survivor with a will of steel and enduring loyalty to her country. She may get knocked down time and again, but no matter what transpires to break her spirit, she picks herself up to fight again every single day. The last person you would expect to become a decorated wartime sniper would be a studious young woman whose self-confidence had been damaged by her emotionally abusive ex. You truly see her evolve throughout the story as she gains an incredible amount of grit. She fights sexism from her peers and commanding superiors and simply uses it to become stronger. Not only does she rise in the ranks to lieutenant, she earns the respect of the men under her command at a time when women were barely tolerated on the front. She wanted to be seen as an individual whose talent helped to make a difference-the goal wasn't glory and acclaim. She managed to achieve both. “I am death.” To over one hundred invaders, anyway. Not enough, the thought whispered. Too many, whispered an answering thought. The "past" sections focused on the development of Mila as a sniper as well as the close personal relationships that molded her. Her best female friend Lena, her "shadow" sniper partner Kostia, and Kitsenko. There was a bit of a love triangle here that crops up, though it doesn't take over the real story in the forefront of the plot. A romance would have been difficult for countless reasons during that time. The life or death situations she endured every day took a huge toll on her emotionally until there wasn't much left to give. As well, getting involved with one of the men could wreak havoc on the friendships she had painstakingly built. It was a monumental risk with potentially devastating consequences. There really was no question in my mind whom Mila would choose if it did happen, because right from the start you feel the attraction between them. Mila tries to ignore as well as discourage what is budding before it gets a chance to grow. However, the persistent charm of her pursuer is not as easy to shoot down as the enemy in her crosshairs. This person gives her the total respect and acceptance she had always craved in her life as well as unconditional love. It's something that she's smart enough to know is a gift that many never find and she takes the leap, putting her vulnerable heart on the line. When you're reading a wartime story, you would expect a lot of tragedy and hardship, and yes, there was much of that here. But there was also a lot of inspiration to discover from the heroes so often forgotten throughout history. That's the key thing I took out of this novel. Where there is extreme adversity, you can find spectacular courage to make you feel proud of the persevering human spirit. The dichotomy of the Nazi's grisly crimes and the heart of those who stood courageously for freedom is a striking glimpse of human nature. Kate Quinn always manages to give us the hope without abandoning the harshness it took to get there. I admire her skill in crafting her story as well as honoring female heroes with her detailed research. If you love war novels based on real life events and people, you can't go wrong with this author. I urge you to give her a chance because you will surely reap the rewards of her words. I hadn’t asked for any of this. I wanted to stay home, cuddle my son, finish my damned dissertation. I didn’t necessarily want the other side dead; I only wanted them gone. But they weren’t going, and so help me, I would settle for dead. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 26, 2022
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Mar 27, 2022
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Nov 30, 2021
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1250812194
| 9781250812193
| 1250812194
| 3.54
| 80,927
| May 03, 2022
| May 03, 2022
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Sep 11, 2021
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Hardcover
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| 1538734885
| 9781538734889
| B09BN416KW
| 3.79
| 2,580
| Apr 05, 2022
| Apr 05, 2022
|
liked it
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[image] Title: Atomic Anna Series: standalone Author: Rachel Barenbaum Release date: April 5, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical fiction, time travel As [image] Title: Atomic Anna Series: standalone Author: Rachel Barenbaum Release date: April 5, 2022 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical fiction, time travel As a huge fan of Rachel Barenbaum's A Bend in the Stars, I probably would have been excited to read her follow up regardless of what the plot happened to be. I was extremely impressed with her writing and was already looking forward to seeing what she came out with next. Then I read the synopsis for Atomic Anna and this book became one of my most anticipated reads this year. Why? Because I'm kind of obsessed with time travel novels and there aren't nearly enough out there for me to get my hands on. Beyond that, what really excited me was the prospect of weaving multi-generational female family relationships into that time travel plot. How would time travel help or hinder these women's relationships? Their careers, personal lives, their personal demons? Anna made a lot of bad choices that affected her own personal happiness as well as the generations to follow. The question was whether or not she could pinpoint where so much began to go wrong and reverse it before it even happens. I'm going to be real when it comes to my feelings about Anna. She was a brilliant woman academically, but when it came to her personal life, she was hopeless. I had a really difficult time liking her for the majority of the book. I admired her intelligence and strength of spirit, however, she was quite selfish in many ways which made it really hard to feel an attachment to her. There were many points of view in this novel, but Anna's is really the central point to everything. Anna's mistakes in regards to her husband Yasha, and their child Molly would ruin so many lives. Yulia and Lazar contributed by being secretive and controlling with Molly causing her to spiral down into addiction, which in turn led her own daughter to suffer because of it. While I did sympathize about Anna's experiences leading up to this, because of the way the storyline is set up, Anna doesn't really go through a gradual progression of enlightenment. She tries to fix things without digging very deeply within herself for the answers, and because of that always seems to fall short of making significant progress. It happens all at once, at the climax of the story, so things felt quite rushed in that regard. Anna's daughter Molly grows up in America, but she doesn't feel at home there. She's too American to be Russian like Yulia and Lazar who raised her, and she's too Russian to acclimate with the other kids in her school. She loses herself in her art and rebels against the traditional, boring boundaries her parents try to keep her in. If there was any kind of communication and honesty between them, so much could have been avoided. She feels unsupported and unloved and goes looking for it in the worst place possible. From Molly's chapters, you witness so many mistakes on her part you just want to shake her. And that brings us to Raisa, my favorite character of the book. Raisa was brilliant like her grandmother, but unlike Anna, she was not at the root of the disastrous events in her life. She suffered because of her mother and grandmother, none of it was from her own making. She was a genius, really, and deserved the chance for the bright future she had every capability of achieving. Out of the three women, she was also the only one to have a healthy romantic relationship instead of a toxic one. Raisa had a maturity about her that was so refreshing to read, and I realized I was looking forward to reading her chapters the most. I loved seeing her sweet relationship with Daniel develop, as well as watching her forge a path back to her mother and grandmother before the conclusion. I thought that the plot was very intricate and it all came together in the end, however it became somewhat chaotic with the different POV switches, multiple timelines, and alternate realities. This book is the opposite of linear. It's kind of a jumbled, jarring, knot of time that you have to pick apart one tiny, twisted piece at a time. That may not be a downside for some readers, but for me personally it caused my reading pace to lag at times. Overall, I did enjoy Barenbaum's writing style once again, and she impressed me with her very original story. It's definitely unlike any other time travel book I've read before so it gets major points for that. I'm very excited to see where this author takes us in the future. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
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1
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Apr 02, 2022
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Apr 05, 2022
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Sep 07, 2021
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Kindle Edition
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| 1250268397
| 9781250268396
| 1250268397
| 4.06
| 556,636
| Sep 28, 2021
| Sep 28, 2021
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0
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not set
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not set
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Aug 28, 2021
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Hardcover
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| B0052AI09Q
| 3.77
| 17,238
| Jan 31, 2012
| Feb 01, 2012
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it was amazing
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2
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Jul 02, 2021
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Jul 04, 2021
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Jul 04, 2021
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Kindle Edition
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| 0063044153
| 9780063044159
| B08XMMZD43
| 4.18
| 2,865
| Nov 30, 2021
| Nov 30, 2021
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[image] Title: After Dark with the Duke Series: The Palace of Rogues #4 Author: Julie Anne Long Release date: November 30, 2021 Cliffhanger: no Genre: hist [image] Title: After Dark with the Duke Series: The Palace of Rogues #4 Author: Julie Anne Long Release date: November 30, 2021 Cliffhanger: no Genre: historical romance I've enjoyed every single installment of the Palace of Rogues series so far. While the newest book is regrettably my least favorite of the four, there were still moments to be swept away by Julie Anne Long's beautiful writing. She has a way of evoking passion and emotion between her characters that's a pleasure to read. He was a bloody castle. And she, like a wildflower, had been seeking out the chinks between the stones from the beginning. This was a opposites attract romance where the hero and heroine have a significant age gap. In fact, Mariana Wylde is only a few years older than the hero, the Duke of Valkirk's son. She is a disgraced opera singer who was branded the “Harlot of Haywood Street” after a scandalous duel was fought in her honor. The newspapers printed conjecture and lies about her moral character which resulted in her fleeing one night from a sanctimonious mob. She arrived on the doorstep of the Grand Palace on the Thames in desperate straits. Near penniless, friendless, and with no prospects of getting hired by anyone in the near future, she hoped the proprietors would take pity on her and give her a place to formulate a plan. It so happens that England's most revered war hero was currently residing there in order to write his latest book, and her presence is an immediate affront to his honorable sensibilities. These two rub each other the wrong way from the start. While Angelique and Delilah show her respect and withhold judgment, James believes every slanderous word printed about her in the papers and deems her unworthy. James has built his entire career and reputation around the concept of honor. That honor has made him God-like in the eyes of society and the weight of it has become burdensome. In reality, we are all human with the imperfections that come along with humanity. It's unrealistic to hold ourselves up to this unrealistic standard as an example to others. in the beginning of the book, James comes off as fairly pompous and condescending. Not only has he risen in society by having been given a dukedom, he's cushioned from judgement by the ton over any transgression he could possibly make. Not that he would ever allow himself a moment of weakness in any life decision that would tarnish the sparkling life he has built. Or would he? Valkirk’s entire allegedly blameless life ensured he was spoken of only in hushed, reverent tones, and the details of his life had been reported as national news, safely on the front page of the newspaper. Never on the gossip pages. Mariana's only sin was perhaps succumbing to her passion and taking a lover at a time when only men were free to explore their sexuality without limits. After she ended a consensual relationship that resulted in a duel, she was immediately blamed for the two men's foolish actions and slapped with the sensational label of Harlot. The judge and jury of public opinion was ruthless, setting out to destroy her with no questions asked. It's kind of a sad thing to think about that things haven't changed all that much in modern times. I enjoyed the author's exploration of this theme in the book. It illustrated how malicious gossip and slander could potentially have catastrophic effects on a person's life. If it weren't for Mariana's strong will and bravery in the face of all of the hate aimed at her, she could have easily folded like a deck of cards.Her inner pride didn't allow for self-pity or fragility. It's that strength that allows her to hold her own when it comes to James' disdain. After one rude exchange between the two of them in which he attempted to shame and embarrass her, he regrets his actions and apologizes. He offers to give her private lessons in Italian as an olive branch which she accepts. It doesn't take long before their attraction starts to bloom. Their attraction eventually leads to clandestine nightly meetings that they both become addicted to despite their heads telling them that it can only end badly. The conflict between the two of them is pretty predictable. He feels obligated to maintain his pristine public image, and going public with a relationship with her would almost certainly decimate the legacy he has worked so hard to build. His life has been built around suppressing his emotions and controlling his desires. Then she comes along and shows him true passion and companionship. He's been undeniably brave on the battlefield, but doesn't know if he can face disapproving public scrutiny. Towards the end of the book, James makes an unforgivably insensitive and careless offer to Mariana that's basically like a knife in her back. You could chalk it up to pure stupidity, but really, for him to say what he said to her would mean that he didn't value her as a person at all. That he was ashamed of her and wasn't willing to show the world that he respected and valued her. By the end, he does redeem himself, and shows her with actions rather than simply words that he was wrong and deeply sorry. I respected him for that. Some types of loneliness had only one cure. He was hers. She was his. But the notion of that was unbearable. God help him. He just wanted to keep her. I did have some issue with the lack of natural progression in their feelings for each other. It felt as if one moment they were not attracted in the slightest bit (on his end he found her to be average and unremarkable in looks) and then suddenly they were fantasizing about each other uncontrollably. I needed a little bit more in order to believe this drastic pull between the two of them. Then when it was revealed what he had been writing in his book the whole time it didn't add up to what he had been thinking and saying in regards to her. I wanted to believe it but the mechanics didn't quite fit for me. He had, in fact, never been this hungry for any other woman. He had the oddest sensation he was meeting his true self for perhaps the first time, and Mariana had somehow affected this introduction. I also felt that the plot was a tad slow in the first half and I had to force my attention to stay on the pages. Maybe that was due to the focus being solely on the Grand Palace inhabitants' interactions and a lack of any relationship building between the hero/heroine. While the humor in JAL's books is always appreciated at some level, after three books the house banter and quirky cast can start to get stale if it's not freshened up. Also, there wasn't really any lead-in to the next book like the ones in the past which have always whet my appetite for the next installment. Not that I'm really complaining really, because this series has been such a resounding success that I would read whatever she puts out, even without a synopsis. Naturally, some books are bigger winners than others, this one just happened to not hit all the right notes. The eighteen year age gap was personally a bit much for me to wrap my mind around, though many particularly love reading books with this trope so it won't be an issue at all for others. I just couldn't stop thinking about the fact that she was basically the same age as his son and therefore in a whole different generation and stage in her life. Their children will be close to the same age as their grandchildren. If you find happiness together, more power to you, but I admit that it's an awkward thing for me to think about. As always, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series and I'll be eagerly reading whatever it is, no questions asked. You Were Made to be Mine is due for publication in June of 2022. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 28, 2021
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Nov 30, 2021
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Jul 01, 2021
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Kindle Edition
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Christie«SHBBblogger»
>
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Feb 11, 2025
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| 4.10
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it was amazing
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Dec 2023
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Nov 11, 2023
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| 3.98
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really liked it
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Feb 22, 2018
not set
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Aug 12, 2023
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| 3.86
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it was ok
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May 17, 2019
not set
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Aug 12, 2023
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| 4.19
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it was amazing
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Feb 2016
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 4.35
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it was amazing
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Aug 29, 2018
Jun 2018
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 3.85
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it was amazing
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Mar 13, 2017
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 4.58
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it was amazing
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Jan 10, 2020
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Apr 23, 2023
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Jul 23, 2023
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Nov 29, 2022
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really liked it
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Feb 21, 2023
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Nov 17, 2022
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really liked it
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Nov 22, 2022
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Jun 16, 2022
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Apr 07, 2022
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Apr 01, 2022
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| 3.57
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it was ok
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Jan 2022
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Feb 01, 2022
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really liked it
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Mar 27, 2022
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Nov 30, 2021
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Sep 11, 2021
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Apr 05, 2022
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Sep 07, 2021
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Aug 28, 2021
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it was amazing
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Jul 04, 2021
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Nov 30, 2021
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Jul 01, 2021
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