This is a well written (but light hearted) depiction of what life could be like after an apocalypse.
I'm not a fan of the zombie apocalypse type genre,This is a well written (but light hearted) depiction of what life could be like after an apocalypse.
I'm not a fan of the zombie apocalypse type genre, nor TV like the walking dead. (So if you are hoping for dark gritty horror, this is not for you).
but I like the the way Kylie Scott has written this from the start, makes it feel like this could be possible, (well we've already been through Covid, God help us if we do get something worse).
But, I was hooked from the first chapter.
Dean - good choice of name, my mind conjures up a cross between Dean Winchester ( I may say I don't like zombies, but I am definitely a paranormal fan) and a combination of my favorite military alpha males, honourable, but willing to do what needs to be done to save someone.
Astrid - l like her character, she's the average girl next door - but I read her as being way younger than the age she's actually in the book (but she's easy to relate to, kept herself to herself, but had a life she enjoyed) the first actual encounter with Dean was such a great read)
The story is quite fast paced, it doesn't linger on the nitty gritty of the situation, but it does make you think about what you would do if heaven forbid the world doe turn to crap.
Overall I enjoyed the book, it's been the first book this year that kept me up reading till 3am!...more
This is the second book in this series I have read, having started with the prequel. this book could be read first, the back story of Grace and Seth isThis is the second book in this series I have read, having started with the prequel. this book could be read first, the back story of Grace and Seth is included in a briefer version than the prequel. the characters are written well and although I couldn't understand why Seth was so cruel to Grace at the beginning, he does eventually show the side of Seth the Angel that fell because of his love for Grace in the prequel. Grace, for all her multiple lives as a Tate is naive and at sometimes insensitive, I especially didn't like her behavior with Josh and Seth (I am not a fan of Romance Triangles) and at times I felt like some of the plot was deliberately done for this Triangle scenario. there were some really good chapters, I really felt the grief that Emma's death created. The funeral scene and also the scenes straight after her death when Grace went to her favorite thinking spot. there's a big plot twist, and I'm assuming that will be the focus of book 2 Sacrifice. which I am starting now. Overall I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next....more
I bought this and books 1&2 at a book signing in Australia, ( they have different covers) and although I started this book when I got back, 3.5 Stars.
I bought this and books 1&2 at a book signing in Australia, ( they have different covers) and although I started this book when I got back, I never finished it. finally I restarted it and I finished (and am now reading Fall for Me.)
so reading the prequel first means I don't know the characters and I got to know them through this book.
Seth, I liked him, I got his frustration, he 'Loves' Grace, - not in a heavenly angelic way, but in a raw, emotional and definitely not how an Angel should feel... but Grace hasn't got a clue.
Grace, she seems like a typical angel, who, follows heaven's rules to the letter. She does have feelings for Seth, they work as partners, but because Angels aren't supposed to have 'emotional' feelings for anyone, she comes across as naive.
Michael, the Archangel, is a friend of Seth, and I am sure he has some agenda for both Seth and Grace... I guess by book 2 I will find out if my hunch is true.
on the whole I enjoyed the book, it could have had a bit more world building, and tighten up a little. but overall it was a good prequel. l definitely went straight to reading Fall for Me after I finished this book. (I'm already at chapter 15) and enjoying it more than this book.
What I didn't like was Seth not giving any explanation to Grace to why he renounced heaven.
my favorite part was when Grace finally decided to agree to her next assignment , the storyline gets a lot more interesting from that point on, making me definitely want to read the rest of the series....more
This was Dzintras first novel and I bought this at the #IADU2014 book signing in the Gold Coast. It's sat on my bookshelves ever since due to me not waThis was Dzintras first novel and I bought this at the #IADU2014 book signing in the Gold Coast. It's sat on my bookshelves ever since due to me not wanting to spoil the signed copy. I now don't have a place for bookshelves, so I am getting a storage box of books in my caravan and then finding them new homes. There's a tiny book library in the area our caravan is in so I'm going to be gifting this for a new YA fantasy reader to find. The book had a cover refresh since then and I think the remainder of the series is finished (I will find the e-books) I love supporting indie authors and it's even harder now because of the AI stuff drowning these hardworking authors. So if you haven't read this or Dzintras other works (she's continued to write since then) Check her out ...more
This review is as in spoilery as I can make it. I'll start with... Just buy it and read it, you won't put it down!!!
Now onto the plot and what l thoughThis review is as in spoilery as I can make it. I'll start with... Just buy it and read it, you won't put it down!!!
Now onto the plot and what l thought:
It starts with a bang... Nastasya watches her best friend wrongly murdered in her place, Caroline was not in the story long, but in her brief scene, she was a friend indeed. She was gravely injured and knew her friends life was in danger, she told her to run, and Nastasya knew she had no choice.
This scene really pulled me in and kept me reading, ignoring chores ...more
I prefer the original series about the SLAYED band but I was eager to read this book because I thought *** Gifted in exchange for an honest review***
I prefer the original series about the SLAYED band but I was eager to read this book because I thought that with Caleb being the eldest 'Kid' of the SLAYED Band members, it may prove to be more 'Adult' and less whiny, but I did not gel with this story, I did carry on till the end but unlike others who have read and reviewed, it just didn't grab me.
So Caleb was a character I felt was an unfortunate victim in the story line of the first series, I felt more connected to him probably due to this, how could you not feel for a kid with kidney failure and the rough start he had for the first 7 years of his life. ( One point I found annoying was why after kidney failure as a child the author thought it ok for the grown up Caleb to drink heavily? I think thats probably the one thing they reiterate to kidney transplant patients - its a gift not to be abused!)
Indica Malone was his friend from the start, her deadbeat parents meant that she spent as much time as she could with Caleb and his mum. Then they still manage to keep friends when his mum and dad Hux get together.
I was happy for the first part of the book, as Caleb and Indica were children and their friendship grew, right into their teenage years, but the tragedy that happens with Indi's parents was where it went downhill for me.
Oh I have no doubt that it was tragic and that it would affect not only Indi but Caleb as well but it just felt so contrived - I don't want to say what happens as this is my personal feeling and others will read the book and feel it, so I will just leave it at that. I think maybe if there had been more substance written to the way Indi dealt with her parents death it would have connected with her character more.
I did not feel that any of this book really touched on the subject of depression, I have read books where you really felt the pain and devastation the characters where dealing with, but its glossed over and Indi moves in with Calebs family.
Now how Indi reacts when Caleb professes his love was very similar to Annie in book 1 and I am afraid I did roll my eyes a bit, and then she ran. Her self-doubt and lack of trust for Caleb (who has never shown any reason before in their long time together) causes her to push him away.
For ages Caleb searches for indi, never giving up, but in the end he turns into the archetypal Rock star Man whore and with this happening when their Band Staked is getting started, but underneath the hurt and pain is inside.
There is a break of 6 years before Annie's drunken episode at her 17th birthday causes Caleb to run into Indi again, I so hoped that this would be the start to their happy ever after.
But of course This is a Rock Star book, it can't be a bed of roses... there have to be some crazy stalker fans to throw a spanner or three into the mix.
Again I feel some of the situations in this book could have been tightened up, but it may have been as with Arc's they tend to be sent out before the final is completed.
In the end Indi finally grows a backbone and Caleb finally is given a chance to make amends. And the book concludes in the same timeline of the first book, followed by an epilogue.
Ella and Chad are the final band members who will get a book, and although something in the epilogue made me wonder what happens, I don't think I will sign up to review, there are plenty of reviewers who have liked this series so far, but I think I prefer my Rock Stars to be a bit older. ( I am a real fan of YA books so I am unsure why I can't gel with this series)
The characters would probably appeal to Young Adult readers as they are more their age, but unfortunately there are far too many sex scenes for it to be classed as such.
in ending I will say that I actually found some parts very sweet, and especially in the final chapters ( I can't say what scene as it would be too much of a spoiler, but it involves a place that is in Scotland thats very popular with people in love)
Merged review:
*** Gifted in exchange for an honest review***
I prefer the original series about the SLAYED band but I was eager to read this book because I thought that with Caleb being the eldest 'Kid' of the SLAYED Band members, it may prove to be more 'Adult' and less whiny, but I did not gel with this story, I did carry on till the end but unlike others who have read and reviewed, it just didn't grab me.
So Caleb was a character I felt was an unfortunate victim in the story line of the first series, I felt more connected to him probably due to this, how could you not feel for a kid with kidney failure and the rough start he had for the first 7 years of his life. ( One point I found annoying was why after kidney failure as a child the author thought it ok for the grown up Caleb to drink heavily? I think thats probably the one thing they reiterate to kidney transplant patients - its a gift not to be abused!)
Indica Malone was his friend from the start, her deadbeat parents meant that she spent as much time as she could with Caleb and his mum. Then they still manage to keep friends when his mum and dad Hux get together.
I was happy for the first part of the book, as Caleb and Indica were children and their friendship grew, right into their teenage years, but the tragedy that happens with Indi's parents was where it went downhill for me.
Oh I have no doubt that it was tragic and that it would affect not only Indi but Caleb as well but it just felt so contrived - I don't want to say what happens as this is my personal feeling and others will read the book and feel it, so I will just leave it at that. I think maybe if there had been more substance written to the way Indi dealt with her parents death it would have connected with her character more.
I did not feel that any of this book really touched on the subject of depression, I have read books where you really felt the pain and devastation the characters where dealing with, but its glossed over and Indi moves in with Calebs family.
Now how Indi reacts when Caleb professes his love was very similar to Annie in book 1 and I am afraid I did roll my eyes a bit, and then she ran. Her self-doubt and lack of trust for Caleb (who has never shown any reason before in their long time together) causes her to push him away.
For ages Caleb searches for indi, never giving up, but in the end he turns into the archetypal Rock star Man whore and with this happening when their Band Staked is getting started, but underneath the hurt and pain is inside.
There is a break of 6 years before Annie's drunken episode at her 17th birthday causes Caleb to run into Indi again, I so hoped that this would be the start to their happy ever after.
But of course This is a Rock Star book, it can't be a bed of roses... there have to be some crazy stalker fans to throw a spanner or three into the mix.
Again I feel some of the situations in this book could have been tightened up, but it may have been as with Arc's they tend to be sent out before the final is completed.
In the end Indi finally grows a backbone and Caleb finally is given a chance to make amends. And the book concludes in the same timeline of the first book, followed by an epilogue.
Ella and Chad are the final band members who will get a book, and although something in the epilogue made me wonder what happens, I don't think I will sign up to review, there are plenty of reviewers who have liked this series so far, but I think I prefer my Rock Stars to be a bit older. ( I am a real fan of YA books so I am unsure why I can't gel with this series)
The characters would probably appeal to Young Adult readers as they are more their age, but unfortunately there are far too many sex scenes for it to be classed as such.
in ending I will say that I actually found some parts very sweet, and especially in the final chapters ( I can't say what scene as it would be too much of a spoiler, but it involves a place that is in Scotland thats very popular with people in love)...more
I have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas hI have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas has written the story in a way that created a compelling read, where Lola eventually with the help of Drew and the Montgomery security team find's strength to face her demon's and fight for her future. I was totally immersed in the storyline, feeling the emotions of Lola, the frustration for Drew, as they battle to get justice for Lola. The Thailand chapters were intense, the scenes between Lola and Drew as their relationship deepens made my heart melt. The next book in this series is Gabriella's story and it was a long time in between this and her book, but although I recently read it I'm going to jump into it because I don't want to leave this world Ms Dallas set around a women's refuge.
If you haven't read the series yet, pick up the first book now and read them on order. My favorite quote in this book was( although I highlighted load's that really resonate with me.)...
“Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.”...more
Annie has been a character that was introduced and continued to be in the other books, now it's time for her story. Her once happy marriage was torn apAnnie has been a character that was introduced and continued to be in the other books, now it's time for her story. Her once happy marriage was torn apart by mental illness, Annie had to make sure she and Eli were safe, so she left , but always looked over her shoulder and didn't let anyone close, now with the help of a phycologist, her husband is trying to get access. Annie has no choice, but her gut is saying something is wrong.
Dillon Montgomery has enough of a past that he knows it can leave a lasting mark on your soul. But to protect those he loves, Dillon is prepared to do whatever necessary, even if it means more blood on his hands.
Dillon has tried to get close to Annie, but each time she's pushed him away. Dillon will always be there for Annie and Eli, and when the threat comes to town he's there as well as the rest of the team.
There's a lot more going on in this book, but I don't want to spoil the plot.
My thoughts on this book are in part personal (someone close has dealt with an abusive relationship) and also objective of the plot of the story.
I got Annie being hesitant to ask fo help, her reluctance to let Dillon close. There was a lot going on in the story, and a surprising plot twist showed another hidden danger.
Some would say an unnecessary addition to the storyline, but then again, I think it was a good one because it brought to light how in the real world, things happen right under our noses, it opens your eyes up to realize that there are people out there who look normal and nice, but in reality they're struggling and can easily go down a path which ends badly.
I think you have to read these books in order and I'm now starting LOSING LOLA...more
 Wow this is the fastest book I've read in a while.. I spent every moment I could emersed in the storyline.
This is a really interesting read. A blendi Wow this is the fastest book I've read in a while.. I spent every moment I could emersed in the storyline.
This is a really interesting read. A blending of known historical facts used as a framework for a mesmerising look into the way books survive in a turbulent world.
The author has done a lot of research and blended it seamlessly into a story full of the wonder and awe of how the book May have come into existence.
The switches between the different timelines are very easy to follow, taking the reader back into the books past blending fact with fiction in European history, religion, war, the inquisition and how this unusual Jewish Haggadah came to be in Sarajevo. The afterward is a must read.
I googled the book after reading, so as not to spoil the story. I do love books that inspire you to research more about an event or object (a story based on war-torn Yugoslavia was the last fiction I read that made me research more about a subject read in a fictional book
Check out this book on Goodreads: For the Love of Roman
This story obviously written by a prize winning author is more polished than the book above.but both fictional books have inspired me to delve into the history of the subject....more
I have read about rural towns in Australia selling house's cheap or even paying someone to move there, so this premise and the plot arc sounded like aI have read about rural towns in Australia selling house's cheap or even paying someone to move there, so this premise and the plot arc sounded like a good read, and I was right, I enjoyed the development of the B&B as much as the development of the romance. If you like the rural romance genre then this one is sure to entertain you. I hope to find another from this $1 series (this was book 2 apparently) this is a fully standalone story though so it didn't make any difference reading out of order....more
I enjoyed this story, it was well thought out, the plot was entertaining and romantic, I enjoyed the setting being about a woman truck driver, especiaI enjoyed this story, it was well thought out, the plot was entertaining and romantic, I enjoyed the setting being about a woman truck driver, especially long haul. Both characters had pasts but were willing to take the chance, I enjoyed disappearing into the rural romance genre again....more
From the first page, Lesley Jones creates a vision of the triumphs and struggles with relationships. Lauren needs Gabriel to be there for her, but he lFrom the first page, Lesley Jones creates a vision of the triumphs and struggles with relationships. Lauren needs Gabriel to be there for her, but he lets her down... Unintentionally, but the strains the past puts on a new relationship can often derail it. Ren has been through hell with her ex husband turning into a monster she can't understand, how can she trust Gabe to be there for her, if the one she thought was the love of her life turned into a monster! This book reveals the complexity of navigating the second chance at love. I'm not going to say much more than I literally read into the Early hour's, I didn't want to stop. The book will make you laugh, cry, and stay up till dawn reading to the end....more
What can I say...l read the original book Saviour when it released and although I still remember the overall plot, it's Long enough ago that this versWhat can I say...l read the original book Saviour when it released and although I still remember the overall plot, it's Long enough ago that this version really didn't seem familiar, this version is excellent, now I'm not sure whether my Life of the last 4 years has given me more of an understanding to the storyline, but to me the emotional intensity of the words really hit home. I've tried to be as unspoilerish as possible and had to only share part of this quote but as we live in a world where women are expected to be perfect and men seem to be becoming more and more critical and I'm one of those who struggle to not feel bad about my body image. This quote is one that stuck. [QUOTE] When you do notice it’s there, it’ll just be a reminder of your story, like your stretch marks and wobbly belly are reminders of the babies you carried. They’re all just a small part of what makes up your life story. They don’t define it, but they’ll always be a part of it, you can’t change that. What you can change is how you let all of that impact the way you feel about yourself, and the way you live the rest of your life.”[UNQUOTE] this statement hits your heart ❤️ no matter what your personal story is I think women should really remember this. I look in the mirror and I just see myself getting old and it's hard... But these words made me stop and realise, I need to stop being ashamed of growing old, l love when you grow from reading a really good book.
If you're after a book that will grip you and make you feel all the emotions then Lesley Jones writing is what you need, raw emotional intensity is all I can think to describe how I feel when reading this... Yes it's ended in a cliff hanger, but I can't wait for the second instalment....more
From the beginning of the book, l connected with Ellie and Connor, maybe because I met my soul mate at 13... so I felt everything they went through, aFrom the beginning of the book, l connected with Ellie and Connor, maybe because I met my soul mate at 13... so I felt everything they went through, and then after a certain point, I had this little bit of doubt that Ms Golland was going to be putting my heart through the wringer... Can't say which point as I would spoil the whole thing but ever since I have been rooting for this couple to make it to their HEA. There's been heartstopping moments, moments of joy... Moments of anger at the idiotic things teenage boys can do... This books got it all. One passage which really connected with me was this one:
'The truth was, no one ever lost, and no one ever failed. Life was a string of achievements, whether great or small and if you chose to look forward you moved forward. Always. You found your purpose again and again.'
The ending... that was beautiful, its truthfulness, I sobbed buckets and as I sit here trying to write this review through tears.
Thank you Ms Golland for writing a story that was a truly emotional roller-coaster, for keeping to your vision and not letting anyone tell you what rules you have to stick too. I loved how I got to grow up with Connor and Ellie throughout their epic love story. Everyone needs to read this book. It's one of my favourites of this year....more
Tandem is a new book from an author that gives a solid contemporary romance story with characters that you can relate to.
In this book we have Kyle, heTandem is a new book from an author that gives a solid contemporary romance story with characters that you can relate to.
In this book we have Kyle, he had it all, his life was on track until a tragedy pulled it slowly apart.
We are given pieces of each characters past as we progress through the book, each chapter draws you in, the writing flowed flawlessly, and my heart ached, stuttered and then leapt into the hope of the future with the characters as I read.
Now I didn’t like how Kyle spiralled after his life fell apart, but in reality how people react when their heart is broken isn’t pretty, its brutal and we all deal with stuff differently – so Ms. Ryder did a good job in creating Kyle into a character who was human, flawed and living day to day, shutting off his feelings and distancing himself from his past friends.
Kalani, thought her life was perfect, until one fateful night took everything away and buried her in survivors guilt. Turning from the bright butterfly she was into a traumatized survivor was too much for some people to deal with (and again Ms Ryder did a great job in drawing the reader into the situations – I felt it all, I really got how Kalani felt and I cheered for her in every step she took to step out of the darkness) I wanted to throttle some of the characters who were close to Kalani.
That’s all I will say on the storyline, this is a second chance romance where two broken hearts find each other, and together they learn to mould what was left of their hearts (because I know neither situations are something anyone could get over completely) into a new and blossoming future together.
I enjoyed delving back into Ms. Ryder’s writing. This was a good solid 2nd chance romance that will appeal to readers.
*** this review is MY honest opinion and I have NOT received any compensation nor been requested to review the book ***...more
*** reviewed without any monies or request *** This is the first book in this new series from Australian author Michelle Irwin. being an artist, I had a*** reviewed without any monies or request *** This is the first book in this new series from Australian author Michelle Irwin. being an artist, I had a connection with Ari, from the beginning, it's often hard to find inspiration for your art, but once you do, it's hard to stop creating. Ari and Hennessey have a connection, but it's not plain sailing. my favourite scenes were when Ari was painting, they were very real for me, the author had got that rush of finding your creativity just right, well I could see myself in how I feel when painting, whether it be the good or even the bad when you just can't capture the vision you have on canvas. I guess having an artist's perspective had this book becoming a firm favourite of 2017, but the romance that is blossoming between Ari and Hennessey has a few hurdle to navigate first. both jumped to conclusions, and Ari is stressed with a situation at Art school, will they figure out how to communicate? well grab a copy to find out.
I was glued to the story but it's also got me wanting to pick up my painting too... except my stuff is in a container on the ocean lol.
This story was just what I needed to keep me entertained in the wee hours while my daughter got some well needed rest. e_readers are a godsend while holding newborns! And Ms. Irwin has another hit series I'll be keeping an eye out for book 2in this series based at Cecilia's....more
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblin*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***
I have books 1 to 3 in this series they have sat on my bookshelf waiting to be read, but life got in the way and I haven't had the chance. BUT I will be grabbing them to read once I get to the UK!
Book 4 I have read as the first and I had no problems with doing that, this is a sign of a good author. Kate McCarthy has created the story with enough depth that I felt no qualms about jumping in at book 4. Mac is the younger sister of 3 very over protective brothers and parents that want to wrap her in cotton wool, and turn her into a propper lady... but that is never going to happen as Mackenzie Valentine is wilful, fiery, and determined to prove she doesn’t need anyone.
As a child she met Jake Romero and he left a lasting impression on her young heart.
By the time she is 17 she is fed up of her over-protective family so she runs away to find Jake.
When Jake first met Mac he was a traumatised boy and after years in the foster system he was thrown into circumstances that led him down a path that leads to notorious gang, the King Street Boys.
Fate and a dusty road throw the pair together, but Jake realises that his life is not the best place for Mac, and he breaks her heart by contacting her brothers, this one action leads to an event that Mac will never get over.
Fate is determined to bring them together again, but will the pair be able to find the right path to love?
Well I will let you find out.
What I will say is that it is a very tough road for both of them but love can conquer all if you give it a chance.
I enjoyed this book very much, I cried in parts, laughed a lot at Mac's Sassy attitude and as I said at the beginning, eager to read the other books as soon as I can...more
From the beginning of this book you will realise that you are going to be giggling, sighing and high fiving as you turn the pages. When Danielle agreed From the beginning of this book you will realise that you are going to be giggling, sighing and high fiving as you turn the pages. When Danielle agreed to marry Elliot (Lots - what a cool nickname) when they were eight years old, little did she think her childhood friend and neighbour would hold her up to it. I mean he gave her a Cheezel, (not sure what one is - check the cover out - which is a cool cover so Well done Hang Le, I like it when the cover has something in common with the contents. So when 'Lot's proposed Danielle ate the Cheezel and said - Yes... But when she was thirty. Years pass, Dani's single and in a job she loves, ok so she's not found love - Yet, in fact she has a few issues about the whole commitment thing. But read the book to find out why this is.
Elliot Parker's quirky Facebook message, with its Laweeze and insistence that he was wanting to proceed with the 'oral contractual agreement', was hilarious, and I was on his side from that moment on.
I read the book in a day, not much was done on Sunday, but boy did I enjoy being engrossed in Ms. Golland's characters.
If you want a book that has some substance with humour, romance, and plain old HEA at the end grab a copy now.
I will be ordering a paperback at the next signing Ms. Golland is at, because I know I want this on my shelf.
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***