The Thick and the Lean is an exploration of so many themes with just a few. I thought the focus of society's views on food was interesting and very liThe Thick and the Lean is an exploration of so many themes with just a few. I thought the focus of society's views on food was interesting and very like how our societies view sexuality. Eating and enjoying food is for the depraved, so there are pills given out for supplementation and to reduce hunger. I am not sure that I entirely enjoyed this book, but the characters and themes are very interesting. It was the thoughtful world building that really kept my interest and characters!...more
Intense! Desperation in Death is not the easiest read. There are many triggers, so readers beware. (My tags should show what many of the triggers are,Intense! Desperation in Death is not the easiest read. There are many triggers, so readers beware. (My tags should show what many of the triggers are, but this novel in particular will have many triggers.)
Eve Dallas was abused and raped as a child. Her memories come to the surface time and time again in Desperation in Death when she's in charge of a young 13 year old homicide victim. The reader really gets to see the character development in Eve and Roarke as they walk through this particular case. The bring in the whole team which is one of my favorite parts is when we see all the characters working together as a cohesive unit.
Although Desperation in Death is set in the future, there are not as many features shown on display for the reader to geek out over in this novel. One exception is the really fast helicopter that Roarke owns that gets a few members of the team from one place to another. Most of the Naked In Death series feature futuristic technology and ideas, which is something I enjoy.
I adore Eve, Roarke, Peabody and so many other characters. What really gets me each time about JD Robb's writing in the Naked in Death series is the plot. It is tight, intense, moves fast and flows really well with the other elements in the novel. I like the way that JD Robb handles the tough issues that could really trigger a reader in this novel. She doesn't glorify the abuse or events that occur at The Pleasure Academy... and shows the toll it takes on the officers and civilians working this case. Desperation in Death can be read as part of the series but can also be read as a stand alone....more
I confess - I watched the show on Netflix, then realized it was a book so backtracked to read. Better than the tv series and I thought the tv series wI confess - I watched the show on Netflix, then realized it was a book so backtracked to read. Better than the tv series and I thought the tv series was really good!!...more
Marnie and Cobra do not seem like a perfect fit, or a compatible fit at all at first glance but there is something between them that keeps drawing theMarnie and Cobra do not seem like a perfect fit, or a compatible fit at all at first glance but there is something between them that keeps drawing them together in Finding Paradise written Barbara Dunlop. In Book 2 of the Paradise, Alaska series Marnie is back to coordinate getting a group of single women to the airport to head to Alaska for some fun matchmaking. At the last minute, Marnie is pressured by the women into going along for the ride and she makes it clear she is not there to get married to anyone.
Then she meets Cobra and at first, she is drawn to him because he is also out of this whole matchmaking plan. There is attraction and resistance which leads to a sizzle between the two combined with a bit of stubbornness in both of them.
I liked the first book just a bit better because I thought the character development and characters were better, but book two definitely has appeal. There are side plots and stories that come up that are intriguing along with the Alaska wilderness that I truly miss. I also liked that previous characters were in this book too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this advance review digital copy of Finding Paradise for me to read and enjoy. My opinions are my own and my reviews are voluntary....more
Denise Williams has won my heart with The Fastest Way to Fall in this body positive romance between two people who are not supposed to be dating, muchDenise Williams has won my heart with The Fastest Way to Fall in this body positive romance between two people who are not supposed to be dating, much less fall in love. What is it about the forbidden? It is just a little, nothing too taboo....professional jobs prevent them from dating because of client/trainer relationship and she is working on assignment. There is something spicy about two people who are working together and both have their own professional goals in front of them.
What really got me though, was the depth of the connection between Britta and Wes. Diving into social media, fitness, and physical appearances was just the icing Britt and Wes totally had me hooked from the beginning!
Want more reasons to grab this book and start reading? Strong women! Body positivity and healthy discussions about working out and the numbers on the scale. Social media. Two points of view. Chemistry. Little bit of suspense keeps things interesting. Drama! Love!
If that is not enough, then just trust me that you will also fall for Britta - she is a fine, sassy and wonderful Black woman who is written so well that she just comes off as real right away. It is not that common for an author to write a character so well that you feel that you know her... this is where Williams really shines... the connections and the characters are just heart stealers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Books for providing a digital advance review copy of The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinion is mine and mine alone oh yeah, and my review is voluntary.
I absolutely adore Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The concept of Expendables is an interesting topic to explore, and I believe Ashton handles the topics wiI absolutely adore Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The concept of Expendables is an interesting topic to explore, and I believe Ashton handles the topics with skill, interweaving the concerns of consciousness, intelligence, the morality of colonization, and immortality. Mickey7 was assumed dead on his last mission and when he shows up, alive.... he realizes they have already printed out Mickey8. Duplicates are not tolerated, so they wind up sharing daily rations and space....and friends. I write all this down, but it just doesn't explain the adventure and laughs, the serious questions that are posed so artfully and a plot that just doesn't quit. Excellent, highly recommended. I would definitely recommend Mickey 7 especially if you like sci fi that makes you think that is very entertaining! Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and author Edward Ashton for this digital review copy for me to read and enjoy!...more
One of the better of the recent books out in The Naked in Death series by JD Robb (AKA Nora Roberts). See trigger warning at the end of my review.
FaiOne of the better of the recent books out in The Naked in Death series by JD Robb (AKA Nora Roberts). See trigger warning at the end of my review.
Faithless in Death starts with a single homicide but rapidly expands to involve everyone on Eve Dallas' team to uncover and dismantle corruption in a cult from the top down. Very intense, and also plenty of action with the side stories and characters we all love. I love the chase...finding clues and putting them all together...and I am hopelessly addicted to the characters.
Can be read as a standalone... though I really love the developing stories of all the main characters. (Trigger warning: drugs and rape, violence against women) ...more
Shiori'anma is everyone's strong heroine, a beautiful Princess from Kiata who harbors a dangerous secret that could mean exile or death if anyone wereShiori'anma is everyone's strong heroine, a beautiful Princess from Kiata who harbors a dangerous secret that could mean exile or death if anyone were to find out. Soon, Shiori's magic is revealed to none other than Raikama, her step-mother who casts a dark spell on Shiori by placing a magic bowl on her head obstructing her perfect features from the eyes of others and forbidding her to talk or the lives of her six brothers who have just transformed into crimson cranes will be in jeopardy. Then she is cast far far away from everyone she knows and left on her own to figure out how adult. No longer living as a teenager princess, Shiori has a long road ahead of her in her quest to find and save her brothers.
Author Elizabeth Lim weaves together mythology from classic literature/fairytales (The Wild Swans/Cinderella) and Chinese folklore as well ) Madame White Snake, Chan E The Moon Goddess, Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, and The Girl with the Black Bowl). Lim is brilliant at combining East and West mythology and creating a vibrant story with characters that are really developed. I can see this as a huge movie series. There is so much to unpack in this first book in this new fantasy series.
Although the target audience may state young adult, this book is perfect for any adult as well. Has all the makings of successful reading: action, adventure, fantasy, magic, exile, quests, and a bit of romance here or there. I am quite impressed with Elizabeth Lim as an author, because to work her magic on Six Crimson Cranes takes an organized and creative genius! Can you tell that I highly enjoyed and truly recommend Six Crimson Cranes? Go pick it up right away, it is out now!
Did I mention there are dragons?? Oh almost forgot to throw in that quick teaser. Yes, at least two dragons! Prepare for an epic adventure....more
Who Did You Tell is about young Astrid, her challenging recovery from alcoholism, and the mysterious stranger that is stalking her. Psychological suspWho Did You Tell is about young Astrid, her challenging recovery from alcoholism, and the mysterious stranger that is stalking her. Psychological suspense is definitely on the menu while reading Who Did You Tell and Lesley Kara builds the suspense gradually.
We get to know Astrid and see the life she is trying to create for herself with the support of her mom and the assistance of AA meetings. The relationship between Astrid and her mom is really realistic, it shows the sarcasm the layers of guilt, desire to please and ultimate love between them in powerful ways. The novel has depth - and this is evident in how Kara shows us Astrid's guilt and desire to live right. We meet characters who could be suspects and we meet new people who could have it out for Astrid as well.
Whew this book was quite the read. I learned so much about being in recovery from this book - and the mystery/suspense was intense! I appreciate how the chapters just flow, seamlessly and the character development is amazing! Well done, Lesley Kara! I can't wait to read The Rumour, as I am very impressed with the writing. ...more
Wow! Just finished this book last night and I could not put it down. The Flight Attendant features two strong female characters that I really felt draWow! Just finished this book last night and I could not put it down. The Flight Attendant features two strong female characters that I really felt drawn to. These are not your everyday likable, lovable heroines that everyone wants to read about. Instead, we are introduced to Cassandra Bowen who is a hot mess in every way. An alcoholic who sleeps around and makes unavoidably bad choices, Cassandra is someone most of us have known. How many times have we stepped in to take care of our friend and watch them self destruct when it appears that they have everything we have always wanted? The compulsive behaviors just add to Cassandra' addiction and now, it appears she has slept with the wrong person at the wrong time. Or maybe a right person at the wrong time..it is hard to tell with a dead body laying next to her.
All too soon, Cassandra's life is overwhelming chaos with the FBI, Union representative, other flight attendant's questions, a new lawyer, and someone else who seems to be after her.
Enter, Miranda...aka Elena who also has quite a bit of depth for being the bad guy... or is she? She doesn't kill Cassandra when she should and now she is having to track down the destructive flight attendant who may know too much for her own good. Her orders are to make her disappear...so Elena sets off to finish her mission.
I felt author Chris Bohjalian showed me what it was like to be Cassandra with powerful, evocative writing and a great suspense story that held my attention. I did like the ending very much and it surprised me! The book was more enjoyable with the character development and slow build. Even when I wanted to dislike the characters there was something in their story that made me want to find out more.
Review updated after rereading and binging on the HBO TV Show series The Flight Attendant. ...more
I love that Cait Flanders voiced her own memoir - her voice is likable, her tone is too. She shares her journey...and that is what this is...simply heI love that Cait Flanders voiced her own memoir - her voice is likable, her tone is too. She shares her journey...and that is what this is...simply her journey of getting healthier and the steps she needed to take to do so. Decluttering, minimizing shopping and the rigid list of rules she chose to live by are party because she needed to do so for her own life for her own reasons. Getting healthy meant that Cait had to look at how she used alcohol, food or shopping and how to structure them differently so that she was not healthy.
I enjoyed the memoir very much, checked out the audiobook via the library! My advice is simply this: I would read the book, as long as you can read it as a memoir. Take what you like for yourself out of the tips and techniques, and accept the rest as part of the author's journey. :) Appreciating Cait's journey helps me look at areas of my life where I need to make changes and I think that is her overall goal. To share her journey with others in case someone finds it helpful or useful in their own way of living....more
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