tiiiger35's reviews
60 reviews

Monica's Story by Andrew Morton

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.25

Monica Lewinsky, then, 22 years old made a bad choice. She had an affair with her boss, the most powerful man in the world and then lied about it, to try and protect him. What she done may have been morally wrong, but morals are subjective at best & always changing throughout time. 
It was a so called friend with ulterior motives that betrayed Monica by recording all their phone conversations regarding Bill Clinton. Linda Tripp gleefully sold out Monica & her secrets, with the agenda of making a buck. 
Monica was absolutely lambasted by the media, the ioc & the government. She was treated as if she had committed a violent, heinous crime. Even the so called Feminists of the time turned their backs on her. 
Bill Clinton done nothing to protect her. He was too busy covering his own ass by lying to the entire world about his non sexual relations with “this woman”.
Ken Starr used her as a pawn in his longtime game to impeach the president. For years he tormented Monica threatening jail time up to 27 years. He also forced her mother to testify infront of a grand jury against her. Another man abusing his position of power. 
I don’t agree with Monica’s loose morals towards married men but, she might be one of the bravest women I’ve heard of. It must take an incredibly stoic person to survive and rebuild a life after everything she suffered. Even by today’s standards of misogyny and bullying, Monica was treated incredibly cruelly. 
Never Lie by Freida McFadden

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I thought I was a smart ass & had figured everything out, wrong!! Really good twist and turns that kept me engaged. The last paragraph bugged me a little, turns out Trisha has no loyalty to anyone, i hated to think of her as a mother. It also made me think, how you never really know who you’re dating/marrying. Everyone has a past & secrets they keep to themselves, just like, everyone has two sides to themselves. 

Overall, quick, easy and a fast paced read. I can see why Freida McFadden has become such a popular author, this is the second book of hers I’ve read. Both have left a strong impression on me. Great for book club choices. 

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The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is the second Katy Brent book I’ve read after HTKMAGAWI. I like her writing style, it’s straightforward but engaging. She balances out some serious dark topics with dry humour. 
The main character Mollie is a bit of a walking disaster. She has low self esteem & no belief in herself, she’s completely lost her way in life. She’s grief stricken & stuck in a dead end job by choice. She’s constantly making poor life decisions & drinking too much, which will be her undoing. 

Many issues modern women face because of men are explored: harassment, intimidation, misogyny, infidelity, gaslighting, manipulation, online harassment & consent violations & sexual assault to name but a few. It also highlights the lack of respect and compassion women face when reporting incidents to the police. The problematic, misogynistic culture within the ranks of the force has become a major safety issue for women. 


I’d have given 4 stars if it wasn’t for the ending. It had zero depth and your left wondering if justice was served for Posey. 

Overall, fast paced, exciting, with light humour amongst dark times. A quick and easy read. 

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How to Kill Men and Get Away With It by Katy Brent

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The title “How to murder men & get away with it” tells you everything about the content of the novel. 
Any woman who’s been intimidated, harassed, assaulted, cheated on, lied to, abused or tormented by men will relate to what drives Kitty to her extremes, whether you agree with her actions or not. 
The realities of what women deal with everyday force you to put yourself in Kitty's position. Simple things like, why should women have to fear walking outside, alone? Why do we all share a sense of security when walking with our keys jammed in our hands, Incase we’re attacked?

Kitty has had enough of these predators stalking women like their prey. Her vendetta is focused on ridding the world of these creatures. The fact she enjoys brutally murdering these men is a whole other level of confronting her inner demons. 

Somehow, a lighthearted book, based on very dark subjects. Fast paced & a constant stream of dry humour that’s sadly 100% relatable. 
Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews

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dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I had high hopes for the 3 remaining Dollinger kids but, as always reality is harsh & unforgiving. 
Told from Cathy’s perspective, as she grapples with the evils of her past, whilst trying to achieve the life she dreamed of. However, revenge becomes the pinnacle of her life, she’s all consumed with a burning hatred for their mother & an arduous plan to seek revenge.

Chris on the other hand was focused on his dreams of being a doctor & wasn’t derailed by Cathy’s tumultuous life. He remained faithfully in love with her & felt none of the shame & contempt she carried daily. He was with her every step of the way picking up the pieces of her broken life. 
Cathy’s constant impulsiveness & passion led her down many dark paths. The men she attracted were abusive, manipulative & dangerous & of course, destroy her dreams of stardom. 

The underlying theme remains the debate over the essence of evil. Is one condemned to hell for the sins of their parents? Can someone be considered evil when acting out of love? 


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The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It took me a few chapters to become fully immersed in this novel. Once I connected with Oraya & Raihn, I was fully invested in following their ‘Kejari’ adventures & battles. Oraya is a bad ass! Born human, but raised by the ‘night born vampire king’ who loved her as a daughter but, trained her like a warrior, to survive in a world where she was constant prey. 
Raihn, although a Pandora’s box, appears to be a tortured soul who longs for his humanity back and to make a change in the world he rightfully so despises.

The slow burn relationship between Oraya & Raihn is complex, challenging, chaotic and unpredictable. Enemies, to friends, to lovers, to enemies..? It has all the makings of an epic journey. 
I’m excited to read the next instalment, the ending of this had me completely confused whether I was still rooting for them to be together or not. I’m an eternal romantic though & id like to believe the good guy really can be a hero….perhaps though, the girl will have to be her own saviour, just like the real world. 

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Praise by Sara Cate

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If you’re in your late 30s-early 40s this book will make you feel absolutely ancient. Charlie the leading lady goes on and on…and on about Emerson being 40 and being so old! Ah! To be 21 & not have a clue what “old” really is…. 

This was an easy read, I quite enjoyed it but compared to the ‘Wolf Hotel”series I’ve just finished, this was lacking the necessary fire. The characters felt a-bit wooden and the plot was predictable. Even the spicy stuff was stale & emotionless.  

Not bad, just not great for this category. 

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Ronan by K.A. Tucker

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funny informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A short, sweet novella. I loved Roman’s character in the wolf series, it was great he got his own small backstory told and to discover how him and Connor met. I’d assumed they were friends for years. 
Not much to review, it was a 2 night read, light hearted and fast paced. I’d only recommend reading it if you liked the characters themselves because Henry Wolf is only mentioned and they don’t know Abbey yet as they’re still in Miami. 
Own Me by K.A. Tucker

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dark emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this book series, the characters were very likeable and I felt the story was particularly strong. Henry Wolfs character became some compelling stuff, his journey from being a closed off, commitmentphobe, with control and jealousy issues, grew in to an ideal man. His transformation was a joy to read….even how he handled the curve balls thrown his way as nothing short of endearing.
Abby’s journey from a naive, insecure, heartbroken farm girl, controlled by her mother and everyone around her was relatable. She was just an ordinary girl whose eyes were being opened to the big world around her. She blossomed gradually in to a strong, sensual and confident woman. 
Both these journeys made for the perfect destination, together. Finally!