I enjoy a good VC Andrews book, they're a nice guilty pleasure. Nothing too hard to digest here, but also a lot of dark, gothic fun for an afternoon rI enjoy a good VC Andrews book, they're a nice guilty pleasure. Nothing too hard to digest here, but also a lot of dark, gothic fun for an afternoon read. Yes, some awful things happen, but the way that it's written, it never feels hopeless. It may be a tale that his been told before, high school girl is bullied, but it's told in that special VC Andrews way.
This ebook is very short, but that works great for this short tale. Anything else would have felt dragged out. This ebook is part of a four part prequel for the Andrews' book "Bittersweet Dreams." I haven't read the full novel yet, but I believe I would have enjoyed Corliss even more if I had.
The novella ends with Corliss being accepted to Spindrift, the school for special teens. I think the book serves as a great teaser for "Bittersweet Dreams," or as complementary reading for those who have already read the novel. For me personally, it made me want to read Bittersweet Dreams so I can find out what happens and who Corliss will meet there.
Overall, I found the story quite interesting, and I think it will appeal to fans of VC Andrews' work. I will definitely be reading "Bittersweet Dreams" and the additional four "Girls of Spindrift" novellas.
This book is just gorgeous, gorgeous to look at, to read, and to feel. Tyler Knott Gregson's poetry is bound to make you feel whether you want to or nThis book is just gorgeous, gorgeous to look at, to read, and to feel. Tyler Knott Gregson's poetry is bound to make you feel whether you want to or not. I thought I was just going to look at this book on a lazy afternoon, but I was mistaken. I was taken through the wringer of life and death, with lots of love and romance along the way.
For those of you familiar with Gregson's poetry, he actually types out the poems on a typewriter on scraps of paper, and the book includes photos of these. This gives such personality and dimension to each poem. It also makes for a fabulous book to look at.
This book is definitely on my keeper shelf, I know I will keep going back to it and learning something new each time that I read it. This would be an excellent gift book to anyone who loves poetry and romance.
reviewed at Inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
book was sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
"Just Fine with Caroline" is the first book in the author's new Cold River series, set in a small town in the Ozarks. The small town setting and quirk"Just Fine with Caroline" is the first book in the author's new Cold River series, set in a small town in the Ozarks. The small town setting and quirky characters are the main attraction in this story. The romance is there, but it's really all about those characters, relationships, and interactions that you can really only find in a small town.
I think a lot of people can identify with Caroline. She's a very likable character, and she really always tries to do the right thing for everyone she cares about. This includes her mother, who has Alzheimer's, her doctor father, her trouble-finding cousin, Ava Dawn, her childhood friend, Court, and her fur friend, Yara. Then comes Noah, the long lost grandson of one of the town's most notorious and mysterious citizens. Family secrets are unravelled as new relationships grow.
I loved the town and characters, but sometimes the story meandered off track a bit. I perfer a tighter story, but that's a matter of personal preference. The family mystery was a bit predictable from the start, it wasn't a shocking revelation at the end. There was an interesting sub-story about Caroline's fascination with prohibition era, I would have loved for that to have been developed even more to mirror the current story.
The author has an authentic small town, Southern voice, which I appreciate. Sometimes this type of voice can come off forced and fake, but Noblin's characters come across so natural. This made the story believable and highly readable at the same time.
Books like this are why I love historical romance novels. I lost myself for an entire morning reading this book as quickly as possible. The story and Books like this are why I love historical romance novels. I lost myself for an entire morning reading this book as quickly as possible. The story and the writing flowed along so nicely, the pages just kept turning almost of their own accord. I've read romances were the actual romance between the leads might have been stronger or more star crossed, but I loved the way this book had balance. The supporting characters and side mystery really drew me in as much as the romance story.
The romance was much more of a slow burn between the hero and heroine but it was quite believable that way considering the circumstances. Maggie and Owen had met and actually had a bit of a romance when they were teenagers. But Own was betrothed to another woman, and dismissed Maggie's visions of the death of his bride as a jealous ploy for his attention. Flash forward ten years, and Maggie's vision had come true, and the couple finds themselves betrothed as part of a contract between their two families.
Maggie has a vision of Owen dying this time, and she devises ways to keep him at arms' length and even make him think she is an unsuitable bride. Of course, he wants to marry her anyway and it's so cute to see him immune to all of her plots to make herself both unattractive and disagreeable.
The leads are strong, Owen is so serious and tries to make himself unaffected by any emotions. He comes along nicely though, and his attraction and affection for Maggie is always apparent. Maggie is somewhat funny in her attempts to keep Owen away. It does become just a bit tiresome to hear her always referring to her dream of his death, but it shows how seriously she takes her visions.
The supporting characters are so much fun and keep the story lighthearted. Kathleen, Maggie's maid is so sweet and genuine. Cat, Owen's sister, is refreshing in that she is always on Maggie's side even though their family's don't get along.
Gayle Callen hits it out of the park with this historical romance. There is a little something for everyone and the romance, the storyline, and the characters all tie together for a seamless, page-turning read.
book received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I think I was the same as a lot of people, and I wanted to read this graphic novel out of curiosity for the new movie, Suicide Squad, coming out next I think I was the same as a lot of people, and I wanted to read this graphic novel out of curiosity for the new movie, Suicide Squad, coming out next year. This book, which includes comic books #1-8, was a great way to get a feel for the characters and set up of the film, but I didn't think it all tied together extremely well. I definitely still got caught up in the action, and I became invested in some of the characters so I had to see how it ended. But there were still some holes and disjointedness in the overall story.
I would have loved to have gotten to know the characters a little better. Especially the actual Suicide Squad instead of having so much of the narrative devoted to those who pull the strings in the office. I became especially attached to Manta, Harley, and Reverse Flash. I was really pulling for them, and I would have loved seeing more fleshing out of their characters. Joker's Daughter, Deathstroke, and Deadshot were all in and out so fast my head was spinning. They weren't able to add much to the story.
I'm sure I will continue this series, because I became invested in the characters. The action was great and kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. But I think I will try to read some of the other incarnations of the Suicide Squad, just to see the story from a different angle. I really liked the idea of the team up of villains, and all of the characters have an interesting story to tell. This one focused just a bit too much on the red tape of the missions instead of the motivation of the characters for me.
This one took a long time before it really grabbed me, but once it did, I couldn't put the book down! What a perfect creepy read for this time of yearThis one took a long time before it really grabbed me, but once it did, I couldn't put the book down! What a perfect creepy read for this time of year! The author takes a big risk and I really think it payed off and made for a very interesting and unique take on a ghost story. This story is super spooky at times, but in addition to the ghost story, there is a heartfelt message about the bond between families.
Since I love historicals, I love that even though this is a contemporary story, some of the ghosts lived 100 years ago. The storytelling really ties the past into the current story.
I loved the recurring theme of "everything is not always what it seems." I feel like this applied to the story over and over again. It was really eye opening and reminded the reader be open minded about everyone and everything, and not to take anything at face value.
You really have to read this one for yourself to truly understand the core of the book. I don't want to give any spoilers here, but know that this one really picks up speed around 20% into the book!
Overall, this is the perfect read for a dark and stormy October night!
"Make a Wish, Midas" is my favorite in the Mini Myths series! It is just too sweet! Like the other board books in the series, this installment is base"Make a Wish, Midas" is my favorite in the Mini Myths series! It is just too sweet! Like the other board books in the series, this installment is based on a Greek Myth, retold in a way that toddlers can relate to. Here, Midas wishes that everything he touches would become yellow. But he soon learns that maybe that things are better left unchanged in a very heartwarming way.
The illustrations are so colorful and I think little ones will just love them along with the story. It's a fun tale, and a great introduction to classic myths!
"Brush your Hair, Medusa" is another adorable book in the Mini Myths series! This board book follows Medusa and her unruly, snake-like hair on their w"Brush your Hair, Medusa" is another adorable book in the Mini Myths series! This board book follows Medusa and her unruly, snake-like hair on their way to being brushed. She is a sneaky character, and she will do anything to get out of getting her hair brushed. But just like Perseus, her family uses deflection to make her hair presentable.
The story is a perfect fit with the bright illustrations, and I think little ones will enjoy their first introduction to a classic character like Medusa.
This is just such a lovely little book! The size is small, perfect for adding to your bag to read while out and about. Honestly, even if you don't reaThis is just such a lovely little book! The size is small, perfect for adding to your bag to read while out and about. Honestly, even if you don't read the advice on watercolor painting, the wonderful illustrations alone are worth picking up this book to see!
There are no step by step instructions, its more of a compilation of advice, techniques, and tips for a watercolor artist. The tips come from many different artists, which gives such a great range of styles. If one artist isn't your style, there are many others that may right up your alley!
The format of the book is perfect for paging through. There is a grid at the front of the book with all of the artwork contained inside. So you can pick and choose that way or you can just page through. There are 200 watercolor artworks to choose from, each with a full page of tips and techniques from the artist.
This book is the perfect gift for the watercolor artist of any skill level. It's small in size, but packed with info and beautiful paintings.
"A Heart for Copper" is an interactive short story, it's done in the style of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. As the reader, you get t4.5 Stars
"A Heart for Copper" is an interactive short story, it's done in the style of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. As the reader, you get to choose Copper's path, including romance! The story was very well-written, and I instantly felt for Copper. How difficult it would be to be silently in love with someone, unable to tell him or show him how she feels. When she does get her heart and she becomes human, she faces more questions than she ever dreamed of. She's so different from anyone else, what kind of life should she choose to lead now that she has the choice?
I found this story to be really fun and fast-paced. It's short, but I found myself going back and choosing all of Copper's different paths, in order to see how things could have come out differently. I really enjoyed the steampunk world that the author built. I could really see all of the characters living in this alternate history. The character of Copper is a great blend of vulnerable and strong, and she actually changes depending on what choices you make as the reader.
This novella is a quick, fun, historical romance. I think the 'fling' in the title is very fitting. It's nothing too deep, just a really fluffy, quickThis novella is a quick, fun, historical romance. I think the 'fling' in the title is very fitting. It's nothing too deep, just a really fluffy, quick romantic tale. The characters are sweet, but nothing extraordinary. Just a fun afternoon read.
I think I was drawn in the most by the heroine's stuttering. The first time we meet Penelope, we learn that she has a stutter, and she even feels like William is making fun of her (he isn't, don't worry!). Seeing that vulnerability right off the bat, just made me really pull for her as a character.
William is a fun leading man, but at first, I had trouble differentiating him from his brother (I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I assume his brother was the lead in another book). It was difficult for me to keep them straight at first and I think that hampered my understanding of William's character for the rest of the story.
This short and sweet novella really is a Highland Fling! What are you waiting for? Kick your feet up and enjoy a lighthearted Highland romance!
This is definitely one of the best historical romances that I have read for a really long time! I'm sad to say this was my first book by Tessa Dare. WThis is definitely one of the best historical romances that I have read for a really long time! I'm sad to say this was my first book by Tessa Dare. What took me so long?? Now I know that all the rave reviews are 100% deserved. The main characters are so lovable, and add to that an engaging plot, a well-rounded supporting cast, and fantastic writing, and you have the perfect romance novel!
Clio is a wonderful heroine. She has just the right amount of vulnerability along with an independent side. She has inherited a castle, and she no longer wants to bother with a husband. Definitely not the husband she has been waiting on for 8 years. Rafe is the complete opposite of his straight-laced brother, also known as Clio's perfect-on-paper fiance. He rejects any societal norms and wants to make his own way as a prizefighter. Clio and Rafe were inseparable as children, and now they are realizing that their feelings are deeper than friendship.
I loved the secondary cast of characters as well. Rafe's friend, Bruiser, was hilarious in his disguise as a 'gentleman'. He had it all figured out down to the monocle. Clio's sister and her somewhat bumbling husband fit their roles to a tee, not quite mean-spirited, but always saying the wrong thing and hurting Clio.
This is just the perfect romance, historical romance fans are bound to be swept into Tessa Dare's story and the historical world of these characters. This is a wonderful historical romance, sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
What a fun book! This instructional cartooning book, has it all-easy to follow how-to advice, and background information, as well as a fun wr4.5 Stars
What a fun book! This instructional cartooning book, has it all-easy to follow how-to advice, and background information, as well as a fun writing style. The author blends his drawings of fun cartoon monsters with funny descriptions as well as the reasons why the characters are drawn the way they are. He doesn't just tell you to draw a zombie with an open jaw, he tells you WHY zombies have open jaws. This is such a great teaching style. The artist learns why they are drawing a certain way, not just copying what another artist has done. This method really helps you develop your own style instead of copying the instructor's style.
The book is divided into section by type of monster. Zombies are first, followed by vampires, mummies, aliens, etc. I really enjoyed the vampire and zombie monsters the most, but I liked all of the monsters. There is a good variety of types to draw, some are cute like the zombie cheerleader on the cover, and some are more silly and icky. All of the monsters are in good fun though, there's nothing scary in the book. It's perfect for children, teens, and adults in my opinion.
I think the author achieved his goal of providing information for both beginning artists, and for experienced artists who want to develop their craft and learn how to draw a new category in order to stay current.
Overall, this is a monstrously fun cartooning book, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
"Mayhem" is a really fun, and also really sweet take on the New Adult rock star romance. The writing flows so well, and I found myself caught4.5 Stars
"Mayhem" is a really fun, and also really sweet take on the New Adult rock star romance. The writing flows so well, and I found myself caught up in the story really quickly. Sure, the subject matter is a total fantasy, and a bit cheesy at times, but I love that type of escapism in books, especially romance! I loved that the book is fun and doesn't get caught up in a lot of sex scenes like some books in the New Adult genre.
It took awhile for me to warm up to Adam, at first I was thinking he was too aloof and a stereotypical rock star. But as soon as Rowan goes on her weekend getaway with the band, I started to really like Adam. He actually does some really sweet things and treats Rowan really well. It was just the initial stage when Rowan was worshipping him from afar in which I didn't really care for his character.
Rowan was a great lead heroine. I love love love that she spent most of the book in her glasses and dressed down so that Adam wouldn't recognize her as Peach. And Adam fell head over heels for her even without all the fancy clothes and makeup! Of course, Rowan becomes complete BFF with most of the band, which is a bit far-fetched but totally fun. Why not just embrace the escapism, it's fun!
For a fun, light-hearted, and sweet romance with a rock star, look no further! Jamie Shaw is a great new voice in New Adult romance!
This book is both informative and very inspiring! The author encourages artists of all skill levels to practice their art every day (it's ok if you miThis book is both informative and very inspiring! The author encourages artists of all skill levels to practice their art every day (it's ok if you miss a day!) to become better at their craft, and also break free from a rut.
The artwork in the book is amazing! The book features mini masterpieces by the author as well as many other daily painters. It's fascinating that each piece of art in the book was created, from start to finish, in one day. One way that the author is able to achieve this is by producing many small works, normally 6x6.
This book contains both practical advice on painting, with great information on supplies and techniques. It's not just an instructional book though, it also includes motivation to create every day and break free from a rut. I really enjoyed the section at the end where other daily artists chimed in with ways that they lose their artist's block.
Overall, this book is great motivator for any artist to get painting today!
book sent by bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review
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