Cassandra

I really enjoyed this book! I know some people didn't really care for it very much but it was a real page-turner to me. Even though I knew what was happening at about 80 pages in and how it would unfold, it was still exciting to be along for the ride.

This is, hands down, one of my favorite books of all time! I can't wait to read the second book, Reverse.

This is the first book by this author that I've read and I gave it 4 stars. I bought the Kindle and Audible versions of this book and utilized Whispersync for Voice. I never got bored and read it straight through in less than a day, only stopping to make meals and catch up on some household chores. The narrator, Johanna Parker did an excellent job and I rate the performance with 5 out of 5 stars.
The moral of the story is that you can always find the cracks in the façade if you know exactly what to look for, regardless of the genius behind the design. Sometimes I wanted to yell at the characters for being so stupid and not keeping their mouths shut. There were moments when they didn't realize what was going on and I was thinking ‘How can a person be so stupid?', but I'm sure I probably would've fallen for the same lies if I was in that situation.
Some people didn't like the ending, but I loved it. I'm about to start another book by this author since I enjoyed this one so much.

Not Quite Ready to say goodbye to this series!

What an amazing end to a fantastic romantic series! I cried twice while reading Not Quite Crazy, and I almost cried for a third time when I learned from Catherine Bybee's website that this was the final book. I would recommend this series if you enjoy reading lighthearted love stories. While it's true that this book on its own merit is cute and enjoyable, it is much more enjoyable if you start with book 1 Not Quite Dating. The characters from the first book and thereafter show up throughout the series. That was my favorite part. Why does it feel like we are losing friends when we finish a series like this? ;)
Thank you, Catherine Bybee for the incredible stories and such lovable and fun characters.

I really enjoy Kelly Rimmer's books. This is the 3rd one I have read. I borrowed this book using the Libby app and when the book version was due back, I went ahead and finished with the audio version. I liked this book, and the only reason I did not give it 4 stars is because the ending of story was ruined for me when I went to the index to see how many chapters were left. To prevent this from happening to someone else, let me tell you that instead of the usual numbers throughout the book, at the end there are 2 actual titles that tell a very big spoiler of part of the story's ending. There are 41 numbered chapters and 2 with titles. Until that point, I was really enjoying this book a lot. I would recommend it to those who have a loved one who struggles with chemical addiction or is dealing with this themselves. Keep the tissue nearby as you read this.

2019 Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge:
☐ Genre explorer: Read a book from a genre you've never read before. - Hard Science Fiction

I chose this book for the Good Reads Summer reading challenge for 2019. This was my “Good as Gold” pick. I really enjoyed it!

2 1/2 STARS!

I really enjoyed this book and can truly see why it has received so many rave reviews, high accolades and was a National Book Award finalist in 2017. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. This is a book about family ties. The bias that affected Korean expats in Japan at the end of WWII was harsh and I had no idea how bad it was until I read Pachinko. The hardships the characters faced gave me a renewed sense of appreciation for all that I have been blessed with in my life. The writing style was wonderful and I look forward to reading more books written by Min Jin Lee.
- I read the digital version and listened to the audio version simultaneously which I was able to borrow from my library via the Libby App. I just ordered the hardback version from the Book of the Month club, as well, because I know I'm going to be reading this one again and again!

Summer Reading Challenge:
The book is better: Read a book being adapted for TV
or film this year.
Armchair traveler: Read a book set in a destination
you want to visit. – Japan

The writing and character development was good, but I believe that there should be a warning that this is a supernatural fantasy story which is not based on reality or anything that could actually occur. If that was what I was expecting and had been led to purchase this book knowing that all along, I might have given it more stars.

It was confusing to keep up with the characters for the first third of the book, but then it began to get easier as more of what really happened began to unfold. When the background story started to get more stout, and we really start to learn more about what we think really happened and which characters were involved, it starts rolling along much smoother. I understand that this was intentional, so I don't fault Paula Hawkins for writing it this way, but I've seen a few vloggers reveal that they had to keep a cheat sheet beside them with notes to keep up with each character. Fortunately, I did not have to resort to this and that is probably because I had to read it rather quickly. I checked this out from the Libby app and the library is not so generous about extending the days for their digital rentals. I also purchased the audio book via Kobo-Rakuten. The audio book version was narrated by multiple people and was outstanding! I highly recommend the audio book. However, because of the complexity of the story line, I suggest the book over the audio version if you can't get both. I can't wait for Paula Hawkins next book!

I'm one of those obsessive readers/fans who is always checking Stephenie Meyer's website for new information on her next book, and it was really sad when I started to believe she may never write again. Once I heard about The Chemist, I could no longer be tamed. I could not wait for a new book from her, but the funniest thing about people saying “we can't wait” is that we really have no choice, other than to wait. And we will.

If I didn't have to work, sleep, bathe, or anything else, I would have read the book straight through, because I could hardly put it down. I even purchased the audio version for when I was driving. It's such an exciting story!

I didn't understand some of the technical “chemist” or “spy” things, at first, and I had to look some things up (like why stock up on peaches), but that actually became fun. I hope Homeland security doesn't assume anything from my suspicious search history. :)

Honestly, this story was a nice departure from my usual read and I learned some new things - that's always a plus! If it had any other author's name on it, just by the title alone, I probably would not have been interested in reading it.

2019 Summer Reading Challenge:
☐ Not from around here: Read a book set in a different culture from your own.
☐ Continental drift: Read a book set on every continent.
☐ Back to school: Read a book about a subject you don't know much about. (Apartheid)

My mother bought this book for me when it first came out (1979). I have fond memories of my dreams of becoming a professional model when I was young. It was a realistic view into the “job”. It really opened my eyes to see that modeling was a lot more than glamour and fame. Betsy Cameron's photography was superb, as usual. What I remember most about this book was that Lisanne Falk was like every girl our age, so it was easy and exciting to follow along.

2019 Goodreads Summer Challenge - EXPERT-LEVEL ADDITIONS:
☐ Continental drift: Read a book set on every continent. - Antarctica & Europe
☐ Reading roulette: Read the third book you see on your Want to Read shelf.
☐ Back to school: Read a book about a subject you don't know much about. - Astronomy

I was able to borrow the eBook with the Libby app and the audiobook via Spotify. I've been enjoying my foray into the Carolina Cold Fury series, and I think Sawyer Bennett is a great writer, but I was a little disappointed with this story. So much of it seemed implausible to me. The main conflict that kept the couple apart (truly destined to be together) all could've been settled with just a little mention by the FMC that she had tried to call and email her ex (the MMC) but was upset and holding out on getting back together with him because he never responded back to her... especially since she was sure HE was THE one that no other man could measure up to. I understand the tension was needed, but really there wasn't much else that happened in this one. Oh, and I know this is fiction, but what hockey player (on thin ice with his estranged girlfriend there in the middle of sexy time together) would invite his fb into his place with her there when she just showed up uninvited with no warning? Ummm nope! That would not happen IRL. I am looking forward to Max Fornier's book though!

I edited this so many times to fix it up, but the Goodreads mobile app, like this book, leaves a lot to be desired. Sorry for anything that didn't read smoothly.

This book is not for the faint of heart, but it's so well-written and good that you will want to stay up all night reading.. which I did both times I read it -well with one exception this time (thank you, Benadryl). I own the Audible copy and borrowed the eBook from Kindle Unlimited this time so I could read & listen, which is my favorite way to devour a book.
Unfortunately, I had to take Benadryl because my allergies were really bad and I zonked out with Kathleen Early's calming voice in my ears. I had to rewind back to where I fell asleep to pick it back up again. Thankfully I already knew the ending from reading it before and nothing was spoiled, but it was just as good the second time around.

I always recommend Karin Slaughter, to readers who like the same books I do, especially this book in particular. However, this one has been read by just about everyone, it seems. If you love thrillers and haven't read this book, where have you been? There are trigger warnings for this book and it's very graphic and dark.. like deep dark to the depth of the most-depraved minds I've ever read in this genre so if you can't handle the themes outlined in this book's description, it might be why you're one of the small percentage of thriller readers who hasn't read or finished it.
I'm on the Will Trent train now and can't wait for August 2024 when Karin Slaughter releases the next Will Trent book here in the U.S.

I really enjoyed Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter. This was the first book in her Grant County series. As warned, I found there were some pretty graphic and violent scenes in this book. However, we can always expect with Karen Slaughter's writing, that they're genius and you can be sure they will really get you riled up until the culprit gets caught. There I was, feeling like I was peering over the shoulders of the medical examiner and the chief of police, hinting for them to go check out what so-in-so is hiding. Thankfully, I'm not faint of heart. I was in the ICU hooked up to monitors while reading part of this book. I'm hooked on this series and love so many of the characters now that I'm going through these books fast. If you like fast-paced thrillers where you find yourself quite literally sitting on the edge of your seat, I recommend Blindsighted and Karin Slaughter's Grant County series.

A Stone in the Sea is book 1 of the Bleeding Stars series by A.L. Jackson. Each book is the story of a member of a fictitious internationally known L.A. based rock band called Sunder. Book 1 & 2 are about the lead singer and guitarist Sebastian “Baz” Stone who meets and falls for Shea who is a waitress in her uncle's bar in Savannah. Book 1 ends in a cliff hanger and their story ends in book 2 Drowning To Breathe.
I enjoyed book 1 a little more than book 2, but this is good book with an entertaining storyline. I really love A.L. Jackson's writing and can't wait to finish this series.

I love historical fiction and time travel romance novels, but I struggled to stay interested in this book for some reason. I'm sure many factors were due to my own personal preference, but the main thing I struggled with was the dialogue. Many words and phrases used by Chuck and Justin would most likely have been met with confusion by the residents of Galveston in 1900. I know this book is a work of fiction, but I just couldn't get past that. I did appreciate the decision made by the characters at the very end of the book. This book was slow in the first half and I almost DNF'd it, but I kept reading and it got better. However, it never totally pulled me in or redeemed itself.

2019 Summer RC - Good as Gold, On The Bandwagon, In The Friend Zone & The Book is Better

I really enjoyed this story. I read the book and also supplemented with the audio version when I needed to multitask. The audio version of the book was superb - great narration by all 3 women! I found the story exciting and it was a page-turner that kept me up way past my bedtime. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Paula Fisher.

This is the 13th book by Karin Slaughter that I've read and I felt more in tune with this one than any others so far. It starts off with a fast pace and really drew me in and kept me intrigued. Will Trent is growing on me. He gets partnered up on this case with Faith Mitchell from Atlanta P.D. and things don't start off too smoothly which was fun to read. Their dynamic had me tickled - I could picture a modest Will Trent getting uncomfortable with Faith since he's not used to working with someone. All in all, this is a definite 5-star read in my opinion.

It's probably one of my favorites because I can relate since I lived in this area In the mid 80's. I lived in midtown Atlanta on the corner of 11th street which is now a Marriott Residence Inn, but was once the Phoenix Hall - Church Home For Girls which was basically part boarding house/ part Georgia Tech dormitory for girls. The tech guys my friends and I dated called it “the convent”. I remember the tunnel, and practically living at The Varsity! I sure had my share of F.O.'s and “rangs” (onion rings ordered with the twang of a Southern accent). I remember getting lost in Ansley Park trying time find various friends homes off The Prado.

I enjoyed watching Karin Slaughter talking about her writing and this book on the YouTube video on the WGBH Forum channel. I also grew up in DeKalb County much closer to where the Atlanta Child Murders were taking place than was comfortable so my family moved to Clayton and Henry County which had a slower pace and seemed much safer. I have a lot in common with the places Slaughter writes about so maybe that's why her books really are so enjoyable to me. They're nostalgic for me, because I moved to Wisconsin 12 years ago and I've missed Georgia, which is my true “home”.

She's got me hooked! I'm starting Undone now ... and I should be going to sleep so I can function at work tomorrow, but I love these books! I can't stop! :-)

It's 3 A.M. and I just finished book 3 in A.L. Jackson's Time River series. This book, Claim Me Forever was so good that I read it straight on through like a freight train - full speed ahead to the end. I loved it! This one was about Ezra who is the sheriff in Time River and he's so dreamy! He's a widower with 3 really young children and I loved the interactions they all share together. We're introduced to his new love interest Savannah and she fits in with this little family perfectly like she was meant to be there all along. This book was suspenseful and though I could pretty much suspect who the “bad guys” were pretty early on, I still was on the edge of my seat following along in some of the scenes, especially at the end. As I've said before, A.L. Jackson is one of my top favorite authors and this series has been great so far. I can't wait for Cody's book Hold Me Until Morning which is due to be released in mid-July this year (2024).
The audiobook was perfect. I borrowed the eBook on KU and purchased the Audible version on Amazon. This was definitely a 5 star A.L. Jackson book for me. I'll be recommending this one to all my friends who enjoy romances, particularly cinnamon-roll-alpha-male-sexy-dreamboats.

Literally could not put this book down!

I had the Kindle version, but I could not put this down so I purchased the audio version for when I was driving, showering, sleeping, cleaning, or performing other necessary duties where holding my iPad or mobile would be difficult. This is my 2nd Moriarty book and I'm looking forward to the next. Already downloaded both the audio and Kindle version as I was finishing this one. I think I'm addicted!

I can't stop saying, “Oh calamity!” I was so sad when the book ended. I loved these characters so much. Madeline was my favorite, but Ed was a close second.

Such a well developed story! I am just fascinated with Moriarty's imagination now. She really weaves a good one! I've been suggesting this one to everyone, even strangers I catch browsing for their next guilty pleasure read.

I was pretty certain that I knew who the dad was about a quarter into the book, but when Ed cracked open his Cornwall novel and the red herring reference was made, I decided to keep my mind open. ;)

I literally squealed so loud at Tom's revelation in his apartment in the back of Blue's Blues that my son came running “What!?” I think that was in my top 5 moments of reading the book. Also Chloe's conversation with Madeline in the car on the way to orientation raked high on my list. What a hoot that was!

5 Stars easily! It's one of my favorite books (ever) now.