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kristens_bookshelf's Reviews (143)
As always, thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing me with this ARC!
This story was fantastic! The characters could easily be side characters in Bridgerton that got their own little side story. The whit and banter between the lead characters was perfection. This was a great fast paced enemies to lovers period piece. I will definitely be adding more of this author's books to my TBR!
Widowed Tamsin is living her best life (mostly) until her departed husband's cousin is sent to manage her estate until her toddler is of age to take over. Thru arguments and wacky pranks, the slow burn romance ensues.
This story was fantastic! The characters could easily be side characters in Bridgerton that got their own little side story. The whit and banter between the lead characters was perfection. This was a great fast paced enemies to lovers period piece. I will definitely be adding more of this author's books to my TBR!
Widowed Tamsin is living her best life (mostly) until her departed husband's cousin is sent to manage her estate until her toddler is of age to take over. Thru arguments and wacky pranks, the slow burn romance ensues.
As always, thanks to Hachette Book Group and Orbit for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
My heart is heavy...this will be the 2nd book I have ever DNF'd. I trudged to the 50% mark but I just couldn't do it anymore. I set this book down twice to read another book and I never do that. When I thought about picking up this book for the 3rd time, I realized I just didn't care what would happen in the second half.
Kembral is a field agent in a magical equivalent to the CIA. She had a baby two months prior and her first night away from the baby is for a company party...that ends up turning into a job.
She is CONSTANTLY (and I mean like every few pages) complaining about how tired she is from lack of sleep after the birth of her newborn (yea we get it, now shut up and be the a** kicker you are suppose to be).
The house the party happens in is under a thin layer of reality. There are 12 layers of reality and as the story progresses the house slips further and further from the reality they know as their prime reality. As the house slips into a different reality, the same things happen over and over and over AND OVER just a slightly different setting. I was so bored reading essentially the same thing each chapter.
There is just no way I was willing to keep reading the story to continue to read the same thing with the only progression being the enemies to lovers romance that was tossed into the mix that should have been left out.
My heart is heavy...this will be the 2nd book I have ever DNF'd. I trudged to the 50% mark but I just couldn't do it anymore. I set this book down twice to read another book and I never do that. When I thought about picking up this book for the 3rd time, I realized I just didn't care what would happen in the second half.
Kembral is a field agent in a magical equivalent to the CIA. She had a baby two months prior and her first night away from the baby is for a company party...that ends up turning into a job.
She is CONSTANTLY (and I mean like every few pages) complaining about how tired she is from lack of sleep after the birth of her newborn (yea we get it, now shut up and be the a** kicker you are suppose to be).
The house the party happens in is under a thin layer of reality. There are 12 layers of reality and as the story progresses the house slips further and further from the reality they know as their prime reality. As the house slips into a different reality, the same things happen over and over and over AND OVER just a slightly different setting. I was so bored reading essentially the same thing each chapter.
There is just no way I was willing to keep reading the story to continue to read the same thing with the only progression being the enemies to lovers romance that was tossed into the mix that should have been left out.
As always, thanks to Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I love a period piece! It's my life mission to watch and read them all. This story had great "bones". The plot was great. I was excited to dive into the story...but in the end, all it was was good "bones" with no meat and saggy skin. The story was equivalent to a Victorian Hallmark Spanish novela. Overly dramatic and cheesy. I was laughing when I should have been swooning.
I love a period piece! It's my life mission to watch and read them all. This story had great "bones". The plot was great. I was excited to dive into the story...but in the end, all it was was good "bones" with no meat and saggy skin. The story was equivalent to a Victorian Hallmark Spanish novela. Overly dramatic and cheesy. I was laughing when I should have been swooning.
Avoid this office drama disaster!
From the very first chapter, it was evident that McFadden's writing lacked any semblance of depth. Instead of crafting a compelling narrative, McFadden relies on tired clichés and predictable twists that even the most casual reader could see coming from a mile away. Such a forgettable and uninspired addition to the "thriller" genre if you could even put this book in that category.
With its flat characters and lackluster plot it's a book best left gathering dust on the discount rack. Save yourself the time and frustration and pick up something with a bit more substance – you'll thank me later.
However, if you are wanting to learn all there is about turtles, then this is the book for you! Confused? You should be, as was I reading this book learning turtle facts. Still confused? Me too friend, me too.
From the very first chapter, it was evident that McFadden's writing lacked any semblance of depth. Instead of crafting a compelling narrative, McFadden relies on tired clichés and predictable twists that even the most casual reader could see coming from a mile away. Such a forgettable and uninspired addition to the "thriller" genre if you could even put this book in that category.
With its flat characters and lackluster plot it's a book best left gathering dust on the discount rack. Save yourself the time and frustration and pick up something with a bit more substance – you'll thank me later.
However, if you are wanting to learn all there is about turtles, then this is the book for you! Confused? You should be, as was I reading this book learning turtle facts. Still confused? Me too friend, me too.
I wasn't sure about this book at first but I really enjoyed it! It's a witty and ambitious satire that follows the misadventures of Prince Frederick and Princess Fredericka of Wales as they embark on a comically absurd mission to reclaim their throne. Picture Princess Diana and Prince Charles being banished to America to recolonize them before he is allowed to become King and then you have an idea of what this book is all about!
Despite its humorous premise, it is also a story of personal transformation and self-discovery. As the prince and princess navigate their surreal journey, they confront their insecurities and societal expectations, ultimately forging a deeper understanding of themselves and their responsibilities as leaders.
At its heart, "Freddy and Fredericka" is a novel about the power of resilience and the capacity for growth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Helprin's ability to blend satire with heartfelt storytelling makes this book a compelling read that entertains and enlightens.
Despite its humorous premise, it is also a story of personal transformation and self-discovery. As the prince and princess navigate their surreal journey, they confront their insecurities and societal expectations, ultimately forging a deeper understanding of themselves and their responsibilities as leaders.
At its heart, "Freddy and Fredericka" is a novel about the power of resilience and the capacity for growth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Helprin's ability to blend satire with heartfelt storytelling makes this book a compelling read that entertains and enlightens.
This book...I wish I could give it 10 stars out of 5! Hands down the best book I have read since the Harry Potter series. It's the first novel by Stephen King that I have read and if he always writes like this, it wont be the last I read! The world building is second to none. While the story was leading up to the main plot I forgot it was even a fantasy story. I was hooked even with just the modern story telling in the beginning. I was here for the ride regardless of where it went.
King crafted a narrative that transcended genre expectations. The exploration of the parallels between modern-day struggles and classic fairy tale motifs was captivating. The novel was whimsical yet eerie. I enjoyed how King delves into the darker side of fairy tales, blending elements of fantasy and suspense.
I have a billion things to say about this book but not enough space for it all, but this is definitely a MUST read for everyone!
King crafted a narrative that transcended genre expectations. The exploration of the parallels between modern-day struggles and classic fairy tale motifs was captivating. The novel was whimsical yet eerie. I enjoyed how King delves into the darker side of fairy tales, blending elements of fantasy and suspense.
I have a billion things to say about this book but not enough space for it all, but this is definitely a MUST read for everyone!
This isn't the type of book that I would normally read but it was good. I grew up in a very religious environment so I was already familiar with the story of Jacob and his wives but the fictional twist with this novel being based on his only daughter and her life was fascinating.
This is a story about the power of female bonds giving us a glimpse into the lives of women often overshadowed in traditional narratives. The red tent serves as a sacred space where women gather during their menstrual cycles and childbirth, fostering a sisterhood that sustains them through joy and sorrow. Throughout the novel, Diamant seamlessly integrates themes of spirituality and ritual, offering profound insights into the ancient practices of worship and the interconnectedness of life and death. The red tent itself becomes a symbol of sanctuary and empowerment, where women find solace, share wisdom, and forge bonds that transcend generations.
This is more than a retelling of biblical lore; it is a testament to the enduring strength of women's stories and the timeless quest for identity and belonging.
This is a story about the power of female bonds giving us a glimpse into the lives of women often overshadowed in traditional narratives. The red tent serves as a sacred space where women gather during their menstrual cycles and childbirth, fostering a sisterhood that sustains them through joy and sorrow. Throughout the novel, Diamant seamlessly integrates themes of spirituality and ritual, offering profound insights into the ancient practices of worship and the interconnectedness of life and death. The red tent itself becomes a symbol of sanctuary and empowerment, where women find solace, share wisdom, and forge bonds that transcend generations.
This is more than a retelling of biblical lore; it is a testament to the enduring strength of women's stories and the timeless quest for identity and belonging.
I have had this book for 12+years and I wish I would have read it sooner so I could have read it a few more times over. This book was brilliant!
This is a hauntingly atmospheric journey through the shadowy realms of vampire lore and historical mystery. With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and evocative settings spanning centuries and continents, Kostova weaves a mesmerizing tale that blends history, folklore, and suspense into a captivating literary thriller.
The pacing is deliberate and suspenseful, drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of clues and revelations. Kostova's prose is elegant and immersive, evoking a sense of unease and fascination as the narrative shifts between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and myth.
At its heart, "The Historian" is a homage to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of Gothic literature. Kostova deftly explores themes of obsession, identity, and the consequences of unearthing buried truths, while paying homage to classic vampire lore in a fresh and compelling manner.
This is a hauntingly atmospheric journey through the shadowy realms of vampire lore and historical mystery. With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and evocative settings spanning centuries and continents, Kostova weaves a mesmerizing tale that blends history, folklore, and suspense into a captivating literary thriller.
The pacing is deliberate and suspenseful, drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of clues and revelations. Kostova's prose is elegant and immersive, evoking a sense of unease and fascination as the narrative shifts between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and myth.
At its heart, "The Historian" is a homage to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of Gothic literature. Kostova deftly explores themes of obsession, identity, and the consequences of unearthing buried truths, while paying homage to classic vampire lore in a fresh and compelling manner.
This was very much Golden Girls meets James bond and I loved every second of it! The wit and humor of this story was right up my alley. I would LOVE for this to be turned into a movie.
This book is my brain and everyone must read it!
This is a captivating exploration of childhood, perception, and the complexities of language. Set in contemporary Paris, the novel follows Nory, an American girl navigating the intricate world of an international school where she is enrolled for a semester.
At its heart, the novel delves into Nory's inner thoughts and observations as she grapples with her surroundings and the interactions with her classmates and teachers. Baker's prose is characteristically introspective, inviting readers into Nory's mind as she wrestles with questions about identity, friendship, and the nature of storytelling itself.
This is a captivating exploration of childhood, perception, and the complexities of language. Set in contemporary Paris, the novel follows Nory, an American girl navigating the intricate world of an international school where she is enrolled for a semester.
At its heart, the novel delves into Nory's inner thoughts and observations as she grapples with her surroundings and the interactions with her classmates and teachers. Baker's prose is characteristically introspective, inviting readers into Nory's mind as she wrestles with questions about identity, friendship, and the nature of storytelling itself.