Her Husband's Lover is a real page-turner, with sharp and crisp writing by Julia Crouch. The pacing of the novel is perfect and there was not a dull moment. Every chapter had a new discovery and the characters were mind-blogging. The rivalry between two wronged women Lou/Louisa and Soph/Sophie was so strong that I couldn't guess what was happening and who should I believe in. Every characters detail was so well thought-out that I must say Her Husband's Lover is a sure-shot masterpiece. It's clever, engaging and surprisingly refreshing because I would've snoozed if at all this would have been some idiotic novel based on Gone Girl. Yes, you would be shocked to know there are tons of books out there that lack creativity and the panache to be even listed under psychological thrillers. I don't want to divulge into details because that would be giving away an innocent spoiler. But let me tell you, if you're out looking for crazy - I mean really crazy - female characters, you have to read this one. YOU MUST!!!! Her Husband's Lover is one of those books that you'll be thinking on about on for days to come. I know I will reading it again just for kicks. Don't waste time! Get your copy from Amazon.com.
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Sugar is sexless and the best part about it that it focuses on career, relationships, and a drive to reach at the top that most of the millennial are after. It does focus on fame, recognition, and the sacrifices Charlie actually makes to get what she wants. However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see Charlie as a greedy, attention-grabbing protagonist. I saw a realistic portrayed of career-oriented women today and didn't think there was anything wrong in the way she was focused on her career.
Sugar is also a story about how people around us get affected because we're so focused on our way to the top that we sometimes neglect or take our loved ones for granted. This novel is also about how sometimes we get drafted into unfavourable situations. Through Charlie, I could see myself (when I was focussed on a high-paying career), the consequences and the price you have to pay. Charlie is a super-strong female protagonist who I'll remember forever. She portrays all of us. I loved how Kimberly Stuart didn't make her a damsel in distress, waiting eagerly for a man to come and save her. On the other hand, she finds Kai, who not only supports her through her tedious schedule, but is also not offended or rattled by her success. Do such men really exist? They do. My husband is one of them and it was so amazing to watch Charlie and Kai figure it out in the end. Other characters in the book like Manda, Jack and their kids, Avery, Margot and the others were equally engaging and not just fillers to the plot. They had a purpose. I know a few women like Margot, so I totally know they exist. Final touchdown on Kimberly's writing. IT IS SENSATIONAL. Her storytelling is beyond imagination and her attention to details is engaging and doesn't bore you to death. If I'm prophesying, this could be one of those books that the upcoming generations might study in their curriculum maybe a hundred years from now like we've studied Austen to know what life and society was like in those days. Sugar is definitely a feminist novel. I'm. A. New. Fan. Will definitely look forward to reading more of her works. Get your copy of Sugar by Kimberly Stuart from Amazon.com Captivating, heart-pumping & brilliant! Gosh, I had not yet come down from the "A Man With One Of Those Faces" high, when my favorite author, Caimh McDonnell, brought out yet another gripping and mind-blowing novel for me to read. As surprising as the request to read and review the ARC of The Day That Never Comes was, this plot brought me so much joy! Caimh's writing nearly tipped me over the edge of my seat because Bunny McGarry was missing until 70% of the book and I kept wondering if the book would fall flat this close to the ending. IT DID NOT! If anyone ever needs references on how to liven up a story at when there's only 30% left, Caimh's your man! Get inspired! Backstories of Bunny's life were like a bone stuck in my throat which I couldn't swallow neither could I throw it out. Caimh, you do know how to torture poor readers like us. But, let me say-the torture was worth everything. I went through it all to know where the story was going....and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. What I love about Caimh's stories is that they come to a full circle in the end. As a reader, I have high moments of conflict and agitation because I just have to read a few more pages to come closer to the truth even when my eyes are closing on their own accord. This only happens when the writing as well as the plot are f-ing good~! I loved the fact how Bunny McGarry was the focus in The Day That Never Comes. We knew a fair share about Brigit and Paul from A Man With One Of Those Faces and it was so refreshing to read how wisely Caimh didn't divulge in too much of their details. However, Bunny being a prime focus (who has gone missing) in this book along with the other social f-ups and sub-plots happening around Brigit and Paul make The Day That Never Comes a truly interesting read. Caimh hasn't just thrown in the sub-plots. They're cleverly placed and overlap the present events in pure magnificence. I can't even begin to imagine how Caimh must've aligned the sub-plots and tied them together for "all great things," but it worked. I couldn't figure the suspense out while I was reading. Now when I take a step back and retrace my steps, I can see the whole picture. Wow! Very clever of Caimh! There were so many ways in which this plot could've been ruined by a simple slip, but thank God, it didn't. Humor plays a huge part in The Day That Never Comes and I adored Maggie. Who wouldn't? Maggie was a brilliant addition to the plot. It just shows what a great observer Caimh is and how the canine was not an arm candy. Maggie had PERSONALITY!!! I want a SASSY DOG too! Paul's sarcasm was his best in this book and I have no words left for dear Phil. There were moments I couldn't decide whether I should shake Phil's hand or grab him by his throat. He was seriously entertaining! Brigit did a great job and Bunny's dry humor throughout the book was worth every second. With the reeling sub-plots and Maggie on my mind, I'm still wondering - "How does he do it?" Order your copy of The Day That Never Comes now!
There is not one mystery that Detective Karen Pirie is trying to solve.
Talk about women, and multi-tasking (wholehearted pun intended)! I'm sure if you're an avid reader of Val McDermid's precious works, Detective Karen Pirie must not be new. To me, she was and nothing like any other detectives I've known before. I sincerely appreciated her sharpness, quick wit and the way she jumped the gun on countless occasions. If you've not been introduced to Detective Karen Pirie, here is your golden chance. I'm not just stopping here because I surely would be reading more to get a glimpse into her life. Nosy me, I know! But, that's how I've become a reader/reviewer. I'll leave Detective Karen Pirie alone for now and focus my attention back on the plot. My God! Out of Bounds left me speechless and kept me guessing! I loved the chase and thrill that accompanies reading such novels and lately, I had found some really lazy ones. Here, Detective Karen Pirie is trying to solve two historic murder cases and one fresh case. Yet, nothing was messy about the writing. Everything was crisp and clear. The way Val McDermid's writing carefully faded in and out of these three cases was spectacular. It's not an easy feat to achieve this kind of skill. It displays the author's keen sense to detail and not making the reader have a whiplash by changing scenes abruptly. Out of Bounds was a treat for the senses. Although the book is not fast paced, it is paced well enough to keep the reader on its toes. I admired Val McDermid's red herrings and intelligent plot line. The clues were not shoved into the plot; they were carefully placed and now when I'm retracing my steps, I keep wondering "How did I miss that?" That is why Out of Bounds deserves a standing ovation and Val McDermid to become one of my favorite crime/mystery/thriller authors. Get your copy of Out of Bounds by Val McDermid.
Caimh McDonnell gifted (us readers) A Man With One of Those Faces with spectacular, well-developed characters, each correct in their own way. I'd doubled over in fits of laughter after every alternate page because the humor just blended in with the theme even when it was poles apart. It temporarily lightened my mood, but also added a depth to each of the characters. For instance, Paul was sarcastic at his best, Brigit, is not Artemisia I of Caria, but equally intruding and captivating and I'm never going to forget Bunny MacGarry. EVER.
In addition to the three protagonists, there are other chaotic characters who I still remember by name even when I've finished reading the book, which is a feat in itself and a serious compliment for Caimh McDonnell . Each character had a personality and they didn't crowd the story, just added value to the plot and the scenes. The dialogues were witty, catchy and I wouldn't even wish upon a few scenarios to fall on my enemies. They were hilarious, but left me completely red-faced with rejoicing at odd moments. The final plot twist left me winded. I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING! And guess what, Caimh McDonnell has written one of the best acknowledgements I've read in years. Honestly, he's raised the bar so high with A Man With One of Those Faces, I'm beginning to think other authors trying to channel humor, crime and mystery together might feel a bit overwhelmed. Hell, I kept thinking on so many occasions - "How does he do it?" Order your copy from Amazon.com
I was deeply invested in not just George, but everything about him. Each and every relationship detailed in George Bailey Gets Saved in the End has a deeper meaning. The simple plot twists are so magnificently placed in the entire story that I marveled at Ken O'Neill’s imagination and how simplification only raised the story to another level.
This realization also brings me to a conclusion: I will be re-reading the novel for years to come because I truly feel like there is still so much more to discover. Although the book has religious/spiritual motifs, they do not become the essence of George’s life or derail the plot. It is clear that the religious beliefs were a part of the protagonist's life and did not become him. It was refreshing to read the way George had a different perspective even when everything in his life was falling apart in chunks. I appreciate it a lot. All the other characters in the story are well-developed as well. Even characters like Tara, Dennis and Luke, Fr. Sal, who make brief appearances in the story are placed in the plot for a reason. They are not buffers or act as word-fillers. They are meaningful characters with their individual perspectives. Also, when I thought about George’s grandmother, Nan, I thought of my own grandmother who was very much similar to her. This makes George Bailey Gets Saved in the End extra special for me. A special thanks to Ken O'Neill for writing George Bailey Gets Saved in the End. You wrote a book which will stay with me for a lifetime. I can't explain how heavily and emotionally I'm invested in your book and am grateful to you for bringing a beautiful story to life. Order your copy from Amazon.com ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first novel that I'm reading by Jay Stringer and I enjoyed every page of it. The entire novel is based in Glasgow, another place on my to-visit list. For me, the hero and the most enchanting character in this book was not the PI Samantha Ireland. It was Fergus, right from the beginning. And who wouldn't love a hit man for Christ's sake. I loved reading about the mind and the workings of a contract killer/hit man through Fergus. He was entertaining, agile, cute and funny. Now, a girl like me threw my head back and laughed on his jokes and oddball takes on life. Honestly, the last time I enjoyed characters like Fergus was in Pulp Fiction - you know, the movie and a classic for my taste. What made this book more interesting was not just the wide range of characters but the double journey narrative with three major plot lines. This literary technique is beautifully pinned down in How to Kill Friends and Implicate People, which I've only seen in movies so far. This is a very clever way to design a plot because all of a sudden I realized....I've got to pay attention, I can't skip a line or a word....I have to read it through. I don't have to mention that all the characters are witty, smart, hilarious and most importantly, unique. The varied language dialects also adds to the charm of their narrative, not forgetting to mention - the colorful language. I bet if they decide to make a movie out of How to Kill Friends and Implicate People, it will be a cultural classic for audiences everywhere. Overall, it was a treat for my senses and I'm getting me a paperback. Order your copies from Amazon.com
Few readers might call it insta-love, which would have come across as boring had Ms. Miller not worked her charm throughout the story. Her writing was spectacular. It flowed, literally.
Caleb is charming, witty and I loved him till the end. So was Brook memorable and it has nothing to do with her abrupt bouts of crying. It’s a neuro-psychological condition people. Read the book and find out why the heroine is one balloon filled with tears, ready to burst. I sympathized with her pain and how Caleb had been by her side throughout. One thing that I simply loved about Caleb and Brook was the fact that they didn’t let petty insecurities or jealousy drive them into madness or cause them to behave irrationally like toddlers. Brook was the first one to surprise me when she doesn’t throw the napkin on their first dinner date and walk-out on Caleb when he declares he’s a Blackstone. Both have been mature individuals throughout the series. Their discussions are not petty or unwanted. It gave me a deeper look into who Caleb and Brook truly were. I don’t even want to start writing about the swoon-worthy, heart palpitating, steamy scenes between Caleb and Brook. There were moments when I was happy, sad, and worked-up and seriously thinking about various aspects of the book. To be honest, the story has nothing new to add. I’ve read some of the same instances occurring in other books and could find connections with other novels that I’ve read in the same genre. The overall story is more of an ‘old-wine-in-a-new-bottle’ kind of story. But, the characters and their depths make it one unique and hard-to-put-down read. I finished it in a day. I was not very happy when the book ended because I wanted more. I know, I’m one greedy reader.
When I read the blurb, I thought Who We Were Before was something similar to Rabbit Hole; you know the Nicole Kidman-Aaron Eckhart movie about a couple trying to move on after their four-year-old son dies in an accident.
I’ve seen the movie and wanted to see what made this book stand apart from the theme of grief-stricken parents Edward and Zoe who’ve lost their two-year-old son as well. Who We Were Before blew me away. I couldn’t put it away because no matter how hard it was getting to read and breathe at the same time, I pushed on to finish it. My throat closed up reading their experiences and how they were drifting apart. Leah Mercer’s writing was beautiful. Who We Were Before is told through two perspectives - Edward and Zoe; switching between past and present. I can’t even begin to explain how bare and honest their story was because my family has gone through grief as such - twice. I can’t even begin to explain what grief of losing a child does to parents, because time and again I could see my cousin and his wife in Zoe and Edward. Losing a child is an irreplaceable loss that nothing or no one else can fill. It forever remains and open wound; sometimes it throbs till you can’t breathe anymore and sometimes it becomes numb. Through their past and present narrations, I got to know what each of their actions meant and how the better-half interpreted it. There were many instances of misunderstanding because both Edward and Zoe were not willing to talk about their pain and kept running away from each other. When Edward escaped to work, Zoe’s plans were only getting drunk to numb her pain. Yeah, you might think why didn’t they just talk it out-and-out? Well, it’s not that easy. “But how can you help someone who won’t just let you in, but who is also lying to you?” You can’t. Truth is, whatever Edward and Zoe were going through was real. Grief changes people/parents in so many different ways and I’ve seen it changing people in real life. I loved how Leah Mercer traced this subject with right amount of delicateness and honesty. As much as I loved reading about their past, I dreaded reading about their present because nothing was hearts and flowers. A harsh truth they both had to live. Overall, this is a beautiful book and sadly, not everyone will understand the deep-rooted sentiments and pain of Edward and Zoe. It is a story for mature readers who will appreciate the efforts, sensitivity, and Leah Mercer’s willingness for writing a book about loss and grief. Get your copy from Amazon.com
love with Cletus, but I seriously loved Jennifer too. Usually, it so happens that I remember the male protagonist and forget the female protagonist altogether because she is lack-luster or is not enough. A princess-in-distress kind to be precise and I don’t appreciate those stories much; unless the guy has stolen my heart.
Coming back to Cletus. He is no alpha-male. Thank-effing-God for that! Because I’ve been sick and tired (read nauseated) with the thoughts of reading books that star an alpha-male. The brooding kinds and the works. Cletus is a man on a mission. He is remarkable force to be stayed away from. He is meticulous, detailed, and passive-aggressive and oh man, he’s got amazing skills that I admired throughout the book. Kudos Ms. Reid for developing such a strong man, who is no alpha, but is sneaky and dangerous on a whole new level. I’ve always been afraid and suspicious of ‘the quiet ones’ and you surely cemented my thoughts by introducing me to Cletus. GAH! I LOVE CLETUS! I kept reading about him with admiration and awe with an undercurrent of fear. It was thrilling! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED CLETUS. Looks like Penny Reid heard my prayers and gifted womankind Jennifer. She doesn’t come across as the alpha-kind in the beginning. But, wait till you find out how she strikes a deal with the revengeful, calculative, never-forgive-never-forget Cletus. What I loved most aboutJennifer was the fact that she never came across as a self-loathing, pity-me kind of character even when she knew others were treating her unfair. But, I believe she just needed a nudge from Cletus from being mere a kitten to becoming a tigress. WOAH! Her change was not just profound but she commanded attention. I loved that! I’ve read Penny Reid’s Elements of Chemistry series which also had a strong and unique female protagonist and I still remember her name - Kaitlyn. That is the best part about her writing. Her female protagonists’ are memorable. Cletus on the other hand was brilliant. You do not want to cross with him. EVER. He is the best passive-aggressive avenger I’ve ever read about and he thrilled me to the core. I loved his bluntness, those solemn nods, and the way he spoke. I love a man who knows where to apply the right amount of sarcasm. Furthermore, I wanted to strangle Jennifer's father, shove a dirty rag down her mother’s throat and I don’t even want to begin how I wanted to torture her brother. You see, I love it when my emotions are out of control when I’m reading. It does showcase how profound Ms. Reid’s writing is that Beard Science has drawn such emotions out of me. My emotional investment was worth every second of it and I’m going to re-read this book countless times. Plus, Penny Reid understands WEIRD. I know WEIRD, because I am WEIRD. That is what makes her writing unique for me because whenever I’ve read her books, I keep nodding and grinning in affirmation with all the little details she puts that I have noticed on quite a few occasions myself. There are so many nuggets of lessons Penny Reid’s weaved throughout Beard Science, and whenever I’m reading her work, I’m on high-alert to spot all the details and observations she puts into her writing. She is by far one of the best author’s I’ve read in the scene today. She does not come up with forgettable characters and storylines. She knows where to mock, joke or throw in sarcasm without over-throwing the plot or the seriousness of it. She is the Wise Yoda in the writing smart romance. She tackled serious topics such as isolation, OCD, emotional abuse and physical/child abuse in all fairness without making me question the characters. I recommend this book to everyone who’s looking for something different to read, other than the same-old yada-yada love stories. You will get a love story in Penny Reid’swriting alright, but you will also get to know so much about the ‘other’ kind of people. Buy your copies from: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Googleplay | Smashwords | Goodreads
I was spooked by so many facts so intricately woven in the story-line. The descriptions were much needed to understand the world of puppets and puppeteers. There was not a dull moment.
I felt so bad for Theo on countless occasions. I could understand the parallel-shift that Kay was experiencing because what had happened to her. Read the book to find out. I would not be giving out any spoilers in this review. Keith Donohue’s writing beautifully covered the concept of the ‘fear of the unknown’ throughout the story. I kept reading it page after page just to find out what would the end entail. Believe me, the end did not disappoint me. It rather hurt me and ripped me into a thousand pieces. It was not what I expected, neither did I see it coming. Some of my favorite quotes from the book are: The story starts with She fell in love with a puppet. Because he was beautiful, because he was rare, because he could not be hers. And believe, me when I say this, you will ponder upon this quote when you finish reading it, because I certainly am and the killer part is, I know what it means! Never enter a toyshop after midnight. I took this as a clear warning when I was 40% done with the book. I swear on my life! Sometimes the puppets return, sometimes they never come back. Sometimes they last forever. Lesson Learnt: I’m never stepping a foot inside a puppet store. EVER. You can order your copy from Amazon.com
“Maybe I was destined to forever fall in love with people I couldn’t have. Maybe there’s a whole assortment of impossible people waiting for me to find them. Waiting to make me feel the same impossibility over and over again.”
Believe me, I did not expect this book to be so gripping and enriching. I can somewhere relate to June because she is one of those 14 year-olds who is too mature for her age. Her thoughts are on a completely different level. Through June, Carol Rifka-Brunt has shown a very unique side of love that is not bound by or dependent on physical intimacy. “I thought of all the different kinds of love in the world. I could think of ten without even trying. The way parents love their kids, the way you love a puppy or chocolate ice cream or home or your favorite book or your sister. Or your uncle. There's those kinds of love and then there's the other kind. The falling kind.” I have experienced love that's 'the falling kind' and Carol Rifka Brunt has just worked her magic in explaining why it is so right. From the blurb, no one would realize what a miracle and outstanding this book actually is. On the other hand, the author has touched a very delicate subject. AIDS. Although this book is set in 1987, the AIDS-related taboos are still masking out society. This is one book I'd press upon people in years to come. Order a copy of this evergreen story from Amazon.com Let me start by saying–
It was so courageous of YOU to write about the most difficult times of YOUR life and YOUR ongoing battles. Battle seems like a small word, maybe war is what it is. I’m so proud of each one of YOU who contributed, and those of YOU who will read this book and realize – YOU are not alone. These are gut-wrenching letters written by people who are suffering from various mental disorders, some of which include body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, trichotillomania, OCD, anxiety and depression, self-harm, epilepsy, amnesia, social anxiety, anorexia, anger issues, bipolar disorder, fear of abandonment, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia, just to name a few. Through a beautiful medium of Hello Me, It’s You, each one of YOU expressed what it feels like to be in YOUR shoes. I could feel it to my bones and even beyond. There is nothing flowery about Hello Me, It’s You. The truth is bare, naked and vulnerable. It was like I was getting a glimpse of YOUR soul and what YOU are/were going through. It’s a constant war-zone if YOU’D ask me and YOU are so brave. I can’t call Hello Me, It’s You a self-help book because it is not. And I recommend you don’t look at it or categorize it as one. It’s a mirror for each one of those who are experiencing mental health issues, are struggling to cope up with one, and are scared to tell someone about your struggles and to be judged. This is one book which will give you the courage to open up. It is also a reflective book for those who are so quick to judge all the YOU’s in the world, who are in a constant war-zone. Again, YOU are so brave. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages. A special thank-you to Hannah Todd for taking the first steps to bring such an excellent, real and much-needed book for all generations. Order or gift a copy from Amazon.com
something as dominant as The Masterminds comes along the way, I believe I’m converted; and I haven’t even read the first book, yet.
The Masterminds is told from the perspective of Brook and Josh. Josh is trying to nail the Discoli family down which leads him to Brook, who fronts as a judge of a famous competition while behind the scenes, he is doing things he’s not supposed to. Both of them are trying to save who they love the most. Ivy and Aster, the twins from the first novel are tangled in this mess and the story moves forward with a pace that had me biting my nails till I didn't have any left. Olivia Wildenstein is a fine craftswoman of words. She weaved a story so gripping and profoundly moving, giving each and every character a powerful motive to make The Mastermindswhole. What surprised me even more is how she didn’t usedetailed sex scenes as a common literary device I’ve come across these days that many authors use to shove the plot forward and stretch the words count to a painful extent. She knows which genre she’s writing for and how to present it well. Her writing is simple because the complexities lie in her characters and the dense plot. She is a true mastermind in devising crisp sentences that don’t come across robotic. In addition to this, I liked that Olivia Wildenstein didn’t overdo the descriptions of settings and places because I tend to skip those paragraphs altogether. I hate reading about the color of the drapes and the cracks on the wall unless it's coming from Agatha Christie. Do you catch my drift? Descriptions can be poetic, but can also ruin the story if the writing is sloppy. That's where some readers like me struggle to connect with the characters. I agree, some of the readers might disagree with me on this. But, give The Masterminds a chance and see for yourself how clever Olivia Wildenstein’s writing actually is. Even without the flowery descriptions, I could relate to the characters, their stories, fears and insecurities. I also appreciate her writing more because every time I tried guessing the mystery of the missing diamonds, I was proved wrong. I loved the fact how Olivia Wildenstein didn’t describe Diana’s physical attributes at first when she talks to Brook and carefully unwraps her in another scene in the future when I kept racking my head wondering who is the woman Josh is describing, using her physical attributes. The way this author created doubt in my mind in every chapter and scene was spectacular. The ending was gut-wrenching and I did not see that coming. Olivia Wildenstein, you knocked the wind out of me using a sledgehammer. How could you? Although, I do believe it was not easy for you to write it as well. Maybe that’s why the chapter was short and a tough one. I went back to reading it twice before I could grasp what happened and what I read was actually what it meant. Before I forget, here are my favorite quotes from the book: Unfortunately, I’ve learned that sometimes you’ll love people who won’t love you back, and there’s nothing you can do about it. & My other half. My sweeter half. My shattered half. & one more…. To me, Ivy and Aster are two parts of the same person. In the womb, a person’s right arm doesn’t grow sooner than the left. I’m a fan and am looking forward to read more of Olivia Wildenstein’s works of art. Order your copy for Kindle and Paperback.
The story generally focuses on Iris Jaxson, the dying girl with a final wish to fulfill. Alec Sage is her best-friend in-denial and Arthur Quinn, the boy who has been in love with her ever since she walked into the place where he worked.
A twisted tale in which time has the ability to rob your loved ones away from you and you can't do anything about it. At times, I hated Alec but also understood what he must be going through, just imagining what his life would be without Iris. They're soul mate, best-friends, but not lovers. Surprise, surprise! Arthur Quinn was a revelation. You get to know all the characters in this book on a deep, moving level and can understand where they are coming from. I loved how everyone around Iris transformed and she is a bad-ass throughout this book to be honest. Nothing has stopped her from achieving whatever she wanted from her life. The mesmerizing details revolving around Iris, Alec and Arthur make you feel like you are right in the middle of this story. The narration was beautiful and deep. Unfinished is a story I'd remember for a long time. Order your copy from: Amazon.com E-book in various versions available on: Smashwords.com
Here is the reason why.
Pretty Wicked is a well-researched novel. The workings of a psychopath is detailed and through Ryann, I could acknowledge how she worked and justified her actions. For the world, she is perfect example of a good girl and ticks all boxes of social acceptance. But, underneath all that lies another layer of her personality. A personality that is intelligent, dark, egotistic, liar and a prime manipulator. She has everyone eating from her hands, except for Estevez, her father’s partner. I admired the graphical and sensory representation of each and every killing that Ryann undertakes. It made me feel like I was sitting in the front row to watch her work. No matter how she picks up her victims or the various ways she kills them, the clues add up and make her the focal point. I can only blame her fifteen-year-old age and the immaturity it entails. I enjoyed how the novel was written from the perspective of a psychopath and not from the viewpoint of the same-old-detective. I was thrilled, scared, happy and even sad withRyann and her experiences. When another psychopath came into the plot, I really hoped they’d work together. You must think I’m twisted, but I can’t help it. I was looking forward to it. I’d guessed who the other psychopath was because I seriously paid attention to the clues neatly placed in the writing. But, again, Kelly Charron threw my expectations out of the window with a major plot twist in the end. Kelly Charron’s writing is beautiful and I admire the way her simple way of writing actually made me excited. Pretty Wicked is a page-turner and a must read. Get your copy from: Amazon.com
just fall for the male protagonist, which in this case is Cooper MacKenzie, but you also go head-over-heels crazy for a female lead like Imogene Walsh.
Imogene is observant and cynical only because she’s been burnt quite a couple of times through failed relationships. She is extremely confident and does not comes across as a snob throughout the story. She knows what she wants from life. Her colorful language and spark was what kept me turning page after page and laughing till my cheeks hurt because she is one of the most fascinating female leads I’ve read this year! Cooper = THOR. Yes, he looks like the Norse God, THOR but is a man with a heart of gold. I swooned whenever he responded to Imogene’s jibes with equal, quirky comebacks and those killer, secretive smiles. He is stunning and the wayImogene’s brain misfires in some of the really awkward moments took their chemistry to the whole new level. I can’t even begin to talk about biology here. Imogene is size 10 people and she loves her curves. I loved this girl because she didn’t fret about being curvy. She loves her body and knows make-up is her arsenal! Plus, her insecurities are more intimate and as a reader, I could relate to them. There were countless moments in Faithful that made me laugh out loud till I had tears rolling down my face; I’m not exaggerating. S. A. Wolfe’s writing is effortless, deep, comical and witty which makes the story of Imogene and Cooper a memorable read for me. Her writing is flawless and it does not deviate to superficial grounds where the characters generally begin to lose their charm. I’m saying this because I didn’t skip reading a single line and the plot did not slow down. I felt like I was sitting right in the middle of action. My favorite quotes from Faithful are: It’s frightening because love is unpredictable, emotionally unstable, and uncontainable. & …real love leads to unintentional pain and loss. The story is about second chances with a twang of sarcasm; that is spot on and not overly done. Faithful is a story I’d press up on the world to read! Get your copy now from: Amazon.com
characters who I fell in love with. It was also because of the kick-ass narrator. Mila Rossi, I never thought I’d read something so exciting in this form of narrative. The narrator wins you right from the first page.
Although, I wanted to know more about Trent and Samantha, I understand it’s a novella and what a treat it was. Their conversations and jibes were so entertaining that makes the whole novel phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down. The books I’ve read generally feature guys as strong, badass characters. But, in Going the Distance , Samantha is one strong woman, mentally and physically. I really loved knowing her. Her words and thoughts made sense. She was a well-balance girl who knew what she wanted and where to put her feet down. The way she treated Trent, right from the beginning (I must add), was spectacular. Nowhere did the story drag on or become boring. I can’t wait to read the other two upcoming novellas because Mila Rossi has got me hooked.ARC received in exchange for an honest review. Buy your copy from: Amazon.com Release date: February 7, 2017
My gut twisted with the fact that her father was not an alcoholic or a drug abuser. I expected him to be the usual going-on-a-bender type. But, no, it was his daughter risking her life just for the sake of keeping up with the bills.
Noooooo, she doesn’t turn into a prostitute either. She uses her brain! Accept my apologies, if you’re disappointed! Chelsea is intelligent and finds a way to make some risky money. She is practical and the complete opposite of her laid back father. She knows her problems won’t go away unless she does something about it. She is not expecting anyone to take care of them and finds a way (dangerous way) to make sure her bills are getting paid. Chelsea is a normal teenager risking her life for something as basic as food. She also does commit silly mistakes that validates her as being a human being and acting her age. She is intelligent and witty. She doesn’t have answers to all her problems, but she sure is persistent to find the solutions. I really like that about her! Chelsea is not the generic teary-eyed teenager crying over a boy. However, there are still some slips she makes because of her young age that makes her even more appealing. Her motivation is practical and it broke my heart on countless occasions. Not once does Chelsea blame her father for not keeping up with the expenses (except in the final chapters). Through her, I could see what a normal teenager would hope her life to be and when it is not, how does the society look at her as well. I was on an emotional trip with her. Honestly, the narrative was so captivating that even if Nate, the probable love interest in Chelsea’s life didn’t make an appearance, I sure as hell would’ve finished reading her story anyway. She is that powerful. I love it when such strong female characters are written and I thank Julie Dill for developing Chelsea’s character so well. Chelsea also strikes an unlikely friendship with Miss Stella and it is beautiful. Both are missing something important in their lives and are filling it up by each other’s company. “Girl Power” for sure! The last page threw me off completely because I didn’t see it coming. Damn it! I have so many questions. Most important of all: Will there be a sequel? There has to be…..I hope….Dear, God! Pre-order your copy of from: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble Release date: January 10, 2017
What could have made the good professor snap and kill his entire family? Thomas Houston had everything that DeMarco didn’t - a happy, cheerful family with a loving wife and beautiful children. However, throughout the investigation, Ryan DeMarco finds that there is not much difference between him and Thomas Houston. I found their similarities oddly satisfying and the overall book to be a great read.
This is the first book that I’ve come across where the protagonist is a writer, and how the author focused on the lives of a writer is true to some extent. It is solitary life, to be precise. Randall Silvis, the author is a spectacular storyteller. I could remember every character by their metaphorical and unique references he has placed carefully for the reader to remember them. In addition to this, the literary references made throughout the book were from some of my favorite authors and poets which made Two Days Gone even more special. Randall Silvis is a mind-blowing observer and at times I wondered if I’d ever get a chance to sit with him somewhere, in a crowded place and do nothing but observe the people around us. There were small bouts of well-timed humor that added spark to the prose. Believe me, the narration and the small ticks in each and every character were memorable. I admired how every scene had a profound sensory experience. Throughout the book, I could smell, sense, taste and feel things. Like I was right there in the middle of things. Very few authors get it right and when such exemplary sensory experience gets combined with a brooding plot, everything becomes exciting. I want to go on and on about Two Days Gone, but that would only mean revealing the spoilers - which I don’t want to. You need to read and find it out yourself if you want to know what I'm talking about. Pre-order your copy of from: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble |
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