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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
"This suspenseful romance has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster!"
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/november/viewer/desktop/#page/90
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/november/viewer/desktop/#page/90
This will be a short, yet very sweet review. I have read a couple of Elle J Rossi’s books and I just adore them. Alabaster Nights by Elle J Rossi is the first book in the Josie Hawk Chronicles, well technically, it is more of a prequel. The book introduces Keller. Keller is a vampire that has an addiction to feeding, an addiction that kills. Josie Hawk is a hunter, and she will not tolerate brutal killings in her city of Nashville. Keller is immediately drawn to her, knowing that she is his mate. However, she is fierce, independent, and will need some convincing…
This book is a teaser! It is only about 70 pages but will leave the reader wanting more, and it did for me. I love paranormal romance and I was immediately hooked on the characters. I adore their banter and teasing. They are both sarcastic and witty, even in serious situations which makes the story entertaining as well as addicting. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, which is much more than a teaser. I love the suspense and watching Keller and Josie’s teamwork when fighting demons. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
This book is a teaser! It is only about 70 pages but will leave the reader wanting more, and it did for me. I love paranormal romance and I was immediately hooked on the characters. I adore their banter and teasing. They are both sarcastic and witty, even in serious situations which makes the story entertaining as well as addicting. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, which is much more than a teaser. I love the suspense and watching Keller and Josie’s teamwork when fighting demons. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
I am finally done with The After Series. Finally. After Ever Happy by Anna Todd is the last book in the After Series. I would write a detailed synopsis, but what is the point? If you have read the first three books then there is nothing new. The book begins with Hardin throwing a tantrum and destroying a bar. Then he decides to destroy his relationship with Tessa. He soon finds out that she is grieving a family member’s death, (trying to avoid spoilers) so he all of a sudden decides that he needs to be there for her. They go back and forth for about 400 pages. Hey, at least this book isn’t 800 pages like the last couple of books in the series. Then …The End. Yep, that is it.
At least I know how the series ends now. That is the one thing about this series…it is addicting. Is it good? Not by a long shot. One of the problems with the book is that I absolutely hate every single character with a passion. Everyone. Except for Landon…he is the only decent human being in the series. Everyone else is selfish, self-destructive…and idiotic. The “problems” that Tessa and Hardin get into just revolve around jealousy and them trying to hurt each other. It is abusive and toxic and this shouldn’t be romanticized in the slightest. This should be an example of what should not happen in a relationship. One of the worst things about this series is that Tessa and Hardin take a little break and all of a sudden, Hardin is a semi-decent human. That doesn’t happen and that is dangerous to tell teen and young adult women.
Now, the whole series is about 2800 pages total, not including the Before book. Throughout the 2800 pages. 70% is Hardin and Tessa destroying themselves, each other, and everyone around them. The other 29% is them having sex. The last 1% is Hardin and Tessa in the future. The ending jumps forward 2 years for a page or two, then jumps ahead another 2 years, then another 10 years. It is so disorganized and just a really rushed ending. This book series is for those who just love the drama because the positive aspects probably make up 20 pages out of 2800 pages.
You have now reached the aspect that pissed me off the most. The author compares #Hessa (insert eye-roll) to famous classic couples like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth or Heathcliff and Catherine. NO. Just no. This book should not be compared to those literary classics. I don’t mind the references that took place at the beginning of the series, but then it just became too much for me. Well, I am thankfully done with the series. It was entertaining at times. But overall, it is just drama to pass the time. This series finale gets 1 out of 5 stars.
At least I know how the series ends now. That is the one thing about this series…it is addicting. Is it good? Not by a long shot. One of the problems with the book is that I absolutely hate every single character with a passion. Everyone. Except for Landon…he is the only decent human being in the series. Everyone else is selfish, self-destructive…and idiotic. The “problems” that Tessa and Hardin get into just revolve around jealousy and them trying to hurt each other. It is abusive and toxic and this shouldn’t be romanticized in the slightest. This should be an example of what should not happen in a relationship. One of the worst things about this series is that Tessa and Hardin take a little break and all of a sudden, Hardin is a semi-decent human. That doesn’t happen and that is dangerous to tell teen and young adult women.
Now, the whole series is about 2800 pages total, not including the Before book. Throughout the 2800 pages. 70% is Hardin and Tessa destroying themselves, each other, and everyone around them. The other 29% is them having sex. The last 1% is Hardin and Tessa in the future. The ending jumps forward 2 years for a page or two, then jumps ahead another 2 years, then another 10 years. It is so disorganized and just a really rushed ending. This book series is for those who just love the drama because the positive aspects probably make up 20 pages out of 2800 pages.
You have now reached the aspect that pissed me off the most. The author compares #Hessa (insert eye-roll) to famous classic couples like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth or Heathcliff and Catherine. NO. Just no. This book should not be compared to those literary classics. I don’t mind the references that took place at the beginning of the series, but then it just became too much for me. Well, I am thankfully done with the series. It was entertaining at times. But overall, it is just drama to pass the time. This series finale gets 1 out of 5 stars.
Believe it or not, this is my first time reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Well…technically not. Remember those illustrated classic books that you read in like 5th grade? Yeah, that was the last time I read Little Women. So I knew the gist of the story and the ending, but it was very difficult to recall details. So this lovely book was our bookclub’s selection for November and December. The March sisters are utterly delightful and honestly, quite relatable. I grew up with 2 sisters and we are very close. So that bond that they share definitely touched my heart. There is feisty Jo, who is unapologetically herself. There is Meg, who is beautiful inside and out. Then there is determined, Amy. And last, but certainly not the least, sweet and fragile Beth. The story follows each of the March girls as they grow up during the time of the Civil War. It follows their friendships, their adventures, and their relationships.
What I love the most about this book is how each girl is very different in temperament and personality. They are also not perfect, they can be selfish and wish for silly things. But through tragedy and life experiences, they grow and they learn and they hold onto each other. It is difficult to choose a favorite sister because they all have something I admire.
I wish I had Jo’s courage. She does not care what the world thinks of her and her aspirations know no bounds.
Meg is kind and beautiful. After she becomes a mother, the story shows her struggles to be a wife and mother. At first glance, it seems silly and quite old-fashioned. But if you think about it, she was most likely struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression. Her mother tells her it is okay to ask for help. I think that is huge considering the time period. When I tell my friends who are about to become moms for the first time, that is the advice I give. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Beth’s kindness and understanding are beyond admirable. She is the peacekeeper.
Amy. Oh, Amy. Her aspirations have no limit either. She is an accomplished artist, but she wants to be the absolute best. She starts off very immature. (But she is just a child.) However, her development is wonderful by the end of the book.
I think this book might become a yearly read around Christmas. It absolutely touched my heart and I already want to read it again. This classic gets 5 out of 5 stars.
What I love the most about this book is how each girl is very different in temperament and personality. They are also not perfect, they can be selfish and wish for silly things. But through tragedy and life experiences, they grow and they learn and they hold onto each other. It is difficult to choose a favorite sister because they all have something I admire.
I wish I had Jo’s courage. She does not care what the world thinks of her and her aspirations know no bounds.
Meg is kind and beautiful. After she becomes a mother, the story shows her struggles to be a wife and mother. At first glance, it seems silly and quite old-fashioned. But if you think about it, she was most likely struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression. Her mother tells her it is okay to ask for help. I think that is huge considering the time period. When I tell my friends who are about to become moms for the first time, that is the advice I give. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Beth’s kindness and understanding are beyond admirable. She is the peacekeeper.
Amy. Oh, Amy. Her aspirations have no limit either. She is an accomplished artist, but she wants to be the absolute best. She starts off very immature. (But she is just a child.) However, her development is wonderful by the end of the book.
I think this book might become a yearly read around Christmas. It absolutely touched my heart and I already want to read it again. This classic gets 5 out of 5 stars.
After I read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, I knew from that moment on that I would read anything she wrote. She has a way of just making readers understand. That is the same for On The Come Up. When it finally came in at the library, I snagged it. This book has a whole new cast of characters. This one stars Bri, a highschool girl who has a passion for rapping. Her father was also a rapper and he was killed in a gang retaliation when she was young. Her mom struggled with drugs after that moment, and years later finally became clean again. But now she struggles with job interviews when discovered she is an addict. Times are tough at Bri’s home. They struggle to make ends meet. However, she has her two best friends Sonny and Malik and of course, her Aunt Pooh. Her Aunt Pooh takes her to her first rap battle and she slays. She could not anticipate how her words would impact her life. They are her truth but discovers it can be used against her.
Wow. Just wow. This is another powerful novel by Angie Thomas. Another fantastic set of characters. The main thing that I love about these books is how Angie Thomas speaks to me and helps me learn and understand. I am a white woman. I have no idea what it is like to be judged for the color of my skin. Bri’s story is powerful. She is a girl, who experienced something terrifying and she spoke her truth and then she was vilified. People viewed her as an anti-police gang member…just because of the color of her skin. If I had spoken out about something like that, I would be supported. But Bri is just a child. NO ONE WAS THERE FOR THIS CHILD. A child who is judged by the color of her skin and by the area that she lives in. And some may say, “but Amanda, calm yourself. This is just fiction.” No. It is not just fiction. This is the reality for so many people. And that breaks my heart. It makes me angry. For those who have experienced racism. I see you. I hear you. I support you. As you can tell this book stirred up many emotions. Good. I want everyone to read this book. We need to stand by our fellow humans. We need to see them and respect them. Now, this is not the only theme of the book. This is also a coming-of-age story. I loved the real relationships and friendships portrayed. The struggles that our youth go through. Again. Just powerful. It is no surprise that I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend everyone to read it.
Wow. Just wow. This is another powerful novel by Angie Thomas. Another fantastic set of characters. The main thing that I love about these books is how Angie Thomas speaks to me and helps me learn and understand. I am a white woman. I have no idea what it is like to be judged for the color of my skin. Bri’s story is powerful. She is a girl, who experienced something terrifying and she spoke her truth and then she was vilified. People viewed her as an anti-police gang member…just because of the color of her skin. If I had spoken out about something like that, I would be supported. But Bri is just a child. NO ONE WAS THERE FOR THIS CHILD. A child who is judged by the color of her skin and by the area that she lives in. And some may say, “but Amanda, calm yourself. This is just fiction.” No. It is not just fiction. This is the reality for so many people. And that breaks my heart. It makes me angry. For those who have experienced racism. I see you. I hear you. I support you. As you can tell this book stirred up many emotions. Good. I want everyone to read this book. We need to stand by our fellow humans. We need to see them and respect them. Now, this is not the only theme of the book. This is also a coming-of-age story. I loved the real relationships and friendships portrayed. The struggles that our youth go through. Again. Just powerful. It is no surprise that I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend everyone to read it.
Good heavens. I am back! I was lost in this World War II historical fiction. The Light Over London by Julia Kelly begins with Cara, a freshly divorced woman who has secluded herself from society because of her broken heart. She helps appraise antiques and during one of her jobs, she discovers a diary from World War II written by a woman named Louise Keene. Cara is determined to return the diary to its family but she must solve the mystery of Louise. Who is she and where did she end up after the war? Cara sparks a friendship and budding attraction with her neighbor Liam as they search for answers. Cara’s grandmother also fought in the war but has never been able to talk about it, leaving the family with many secrets. Cara hopes that solving this mystery will also bridge the gap between her and her grandmother.
When it comes to the historical fiction genre, World War II-themed stories definitely dominate it. There are so many to choose from and all of them are beautiful and heartbreaking, but as I mentioned, there are so many. Sometimes it can be difficult to stand out. This book definitely stood out for me. The author weaves 3 main storylines together, flawlessly. I loved learning about the gunner girls, how amazing they were but how much they had to endure because they were women in war. God, the main characters are unbelievable! I loved them all- Especially, Liam! He is on that list of fictional characters I would marry because he is perfect. Louise and Cara are separated by generations but still have so much in common. They are both stronger than they think. The book dives into friendship, betrayal, and love. There are some moments when the pacing slows, especially before Louise joins the war effort.
However, it does have wonderful historical detail, but because it is WWII, it is also heartbreaking. There is one quote that made me choke back tears.
“Her commanding officer lifted her eyes to meet Louise’s. “That was a block of flats. We passed it on the way in.”
“I know,” said Louise, forcing down the bile rising in her throat.
“There were children playing outside.”
“I know.”
THE LIGHT OVER LONDON, PAGE 156
It shows how devastating the bombings were in London. How lives changed in an instant.
This book is a quick read, I read it in just a few hours, but it was phenomenal none-the-less. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, Goodreads, Simon and Schuster, and Julia Kelly for a copy of this book!
When it comes to the historical fiction genre, World War II-themed stories definitely dominate it. There are so many to choose from and all of them are beautiful and heartbreaking, but as I mentioned, there are so many. Sometimes it can be difficult to stand out. This book definitely stood out for me. The author weaves 3 main storylines together, flawlessly. I loved learning about the gunner girls, how amazing they were but how much they had to endure because they were women in war. God, the main characters are unbelievable! I loved them all- Especially, Liam! He is on that list of fictional characters I would marry because he is perfect. Louise and Cara are separated by generations but still have so much in common. They are both stronger than they think. The book dives into friendship, betrayal, and love. There are some moments when the pacing slows, especially before Louise joins the war effort.
However, it does have wonderful historical detail, but because it is WWII, it is also heartbreaking. There is one quote that made me choke back tears.
“Her commanding officer lifted her eyes to meet Louise’s. “That was a block of flats. We passed it on the way in.”
“I know,” said Louise, forcing down the bile rising in her throat.
“There were children playing outside.”
“I know.”
THE LIGHT OVER LONDON, PAGE 156
It shows how devastating the bombings were in London. How lives changed in an instant.
This book is a quick read, I read it in just a few hours, but it was phenomenal none-the-less. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, Goodreads, Simon and Schuster, and Julia Kelly for a copy of this book!
The Snow Globe by Tony Faggioli is a suspenseful thriller from beginning to end. WARNING: This story contains rape, child sexual abuse, stalking, etc…
Maggie Kincaid is on the run. She goes from city to city trying to escape her ex-fiance, Michael. She broke up their engagement and he has been stalking her ever since. She tried to get help from the police, but the justice system failed her. So she is very careful with every move during the day out in public and even in her own home. However, Michael proves to be one step ahead, he kidnaps her sister Julie. Maggie must then chase the man who has been stalking her for years.
Maggie is such a courageous character. She endures so much throughout her life to be hurt again and again. She does everything in her power to keep herself safe, but the moment her sister is taken, she will walk through fire for her. She is truly commendable. It is truly heartbreaking because this is a story many women and men can relate to. The justice system fails them, their families fail them, everyone who is supposed to be there for them fails them.
There is also a bit of mysticism as well. She gets dream visits from her grandmother who died years before. These dreams are almost like premonitions that help keep her out of danger. I actually like that aspect of the story. It isn’t believable but there are many people who deal with trauma in their own way. There are a few scenes that weren’t really necessary, but overall the story flows pretty smoothly from beginning to end. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Maggie Kincaid is on the run. She goes from city to city trying to escape her ex-fiance, Michael. She broke up their engagement and he has been stalking her ever since. She tried to get help from the police, but the justice system failed her. So she is very careful with every move during the day out in public and even in her own home. However, Michael proves to be one step ahead, he kidnaps her sister Julie. Maggie must then chase the man who has been stalking her for years.
Maggie is such a courageous character. She endures so much throughout her life to be hurt again and again. She does everything in her power to keep herself safe, but the moment her sister is taken, she will walk through fire for her. She is truly commendable. It is truly heartbreaking because this is a story many women and men can relate to. The justice system fails them, their families fail them, everyone who is supposed to be there for them fails them.
There is also a bit of mysticism as well. She gets dream visits from her grandmother who died years before. These dreams are almost like premonitions that help keep her out of danger. I actually like that aspect of the story. It isn’t believable but there are many people who deal with trauma in their own way. There are a few scenes that weren’t really necessary, but overall the story flows pretty smoothly from beginning to end. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
And just like that, it is the end of January, but I listened to this lovely book back during Christmas. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is written by Paula Quinn and narrated by Carrington MacDuffie. This is the fifth book in the Highland Heirs series. I believe this is my first Paula Quinn book, which is surprising because I see her books everywhere in Romancelandia. I have a weakness for historical romance, especially when Highlander’s are involved. What can I say? I like a brooding man in a kilt. This story introduces one brooding Highlander named Cailean Grant who is a Black Rider. The Black Riders are pretty much swords for hire. He never meant to become this, but heartbreak throughout his life led him on a path on anger and retribution. This path eventually leads him to Linavar, where Temperance Menzie lives with her grandmother. Her father was killed by the hands of the Black Riders. When Cailean Grant ends up needing her care due to an injury, she can’t help but fall for the mysterious man. Cailean has never met anyone like Temperance before but will he lose her when she learns the truth about him?
If you are looking for a steamy romance for Christmas time, then this is a lovely choice. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely. But I enjoyed listening to it by the tree regardless of some of the issues. One great thing about this book is the characters! I loved all of them. Even the antagonist. I loved to hate him. That is always fun. The book starts off pretty heavy when Temperance’s father is murdered before her eyes. The writing really captures the emotion in this scene. However, it is Temperance’s spirit and determination that is truly inspirational. She wants revenge no matter the cost, but is still there for those around her and does not seem to lose her trust in those she loves. Then there is Cailean. Brooding-check. Well-built-check. Not looking for love but finds it anyway-check. He is complicated and broken and only Temperance can heal his heart. But my dude gets way ahead of himself all the time. He falls in love so quickly, starts making plans to marry Temperance before he even tells her who he really is. I wanted to go full Genie on Aladdin status by screaming, “TELL HER THE TRUTH!!” God, it was excruciating to keep listening. This sounds like it added suspense…no. Just frustration…and not the good kind.
That brings me to my first issue. Some of the writing and dialogue was a little…cheesy. I feel like the author was trying to add so much to the characters that the story got lost. For instance, Cailean is not only an amazing fighter but loves to cook and write. Those things honestly felt forced and did not add much for me. Then there is Temperance’s love for farming and gardening. She actually says she can’t move to the Highlands because she can’t live without gardening. Hey, that is totally fine, I love gardening too and there are some things I can’t live without. But again, it felt forced. Then there were the awkward descriptions. For instance, Temperance misses his flawless jaw? I actually had to rewind to make sure I heard the narrator right. Now, I haven’t seen my husband’s jaw in over a decade because of his beard, but it wasn’t actually something I ever noticed. To each their own?
Now for the narrator. Sigh. The narrator was good, but probably not the best choice for this book. The voice sounded older than the characters, except for Temperance. The Scottish accent was great, but the accent for Temperance did not work for me. Temperance’s voice is so high pitched she sounded like a 12-year-old. So it sounded like an older brooding man sweet-talking a child. IT. WAS. WEIRD.
I will probably go back and read the book rather than listen to it. But it made for a lovely Christmas read/listen. It is filled with enough action to keep my interest and I loved the characters and the romance. The voicing is the major issue for me. So I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
If you are looking for a steamy romance for Christmas time, then this is a lovely choice. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely. But I enjoyed listening to it by the tree regardless of some of the issues. One great thing about this book is the characters! I loved all of them. Even the antagonist. I loved to hate him. That is always fun. The book starts off pretty heavy when Temperance’s father is murdered before her eyes. The writing really captures the emotion in this scene. However, it is Temperance’s spirit and determination that is truly inspirational. She wants revenge no matter the cost, but is still there for those around her and does not seem to lose her trust in those she loves. Then there is Cailean. Brooding-check. Well-built-check. Not looking for love but finds it anyway-check. He is complicated and broken and only Temperance can heal his heart. But my dude gets way ahead of himself all the time. He falls in love so quickly, starts making plans to marry Temperance before he even tells her who he really is. I wanted to go full Genie on Aladdin status by screaming, “TELL HER THE TRUTH!!” God, it was excruciating to keep listening. This sounds like it added suspense…no. Just frustration…and not the good kind.
That brings me to my first issue. Some of the writing and dialogue was a little…cheesy. I feel like the author was trying to add so much to the characters that the story got lost. For instance, Cailean is not only an amazing fighter but loves to cook and write. Those things honestly felt forced and did not add much for me. Then there is Temperance’s love for farming and gardening. She actually says she can’t move to the Highlands because she can’t live without gardening. Hey, that is totally fine, I love gardening too and there are some things I can’t live without. But again, it felt forced. Then there were the awkward descriptions. For instance, Temperance misses his flawless jaw? I actually had to rewind to make sure I heard the narrator right. Now, I haven’t seen my husband’s jaw in over a decade because of his beard, but it wasn’t actually something I ever noticed. To each their own?
Now for the narrator. Sigh. The narrator was good, but probably not the best choice for this book. The voice sounded older than the characters, except for Temperance. The Scottish accent was great, but the accent for Temperance did not work for me. Temperance’s voice is so high pitched she sounded like a 12-year-old. So it sounded like an older brooding man sweet-talking a child. IT. WAS. WEIRD.
I will probably go back and read the book rather than listen to it. But it made for a lovely Christmas read/listen. It is filled with enough action to keep my interest and I loved the characters and the romance. The voicing is the major issue for me. So I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
"There has never been a book with such flawless mix of humor and suspense!"
Check out my full review in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/october/viewer/desktop/#page/70
Check out my full review in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/october/viewer/desktop/#page/70
I got to meditation 136, and it started to become a chore. It is too preachy and religious for me. I was hoping for more spiritual guidance and focus on yoga rather than the author's religious beliefs and his own struggles. He often mentions the military and alcoholism--it is repetitive and I couldn't relate to it at all. When it comes to yoga, it is something I look forward to every day, and like I said, reading the daily meditations became a chore. I did enjoy the quotes but not the meditations themselves.