Received copy for reviewing purposes from my review group.
I had difficulty with the writing style. The novel was more detaileDNF: Automatic 3 stars.
Received copy for reviewing purposes from my review group.
I had difficulty with the writing style. The novel was more detailed in the environment and surrounding than characterization, and I found the dialogue very wooden. However, I believe the premise was solid if executed properly. As I said, the novel just wasn't to my tastes.
Merged review:
DNF: Automatic 3 stars.
Received copy for reviewing purposes from my review group.
I had difficulty with the writing style. The novel was more detailed in the environment and surrounding than characterization, and I found the dialogue very wooden. However, I believe the premise was solid if executed properly. As I said, the novel just wasn't to my tastes....more
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars.
Upon starting Damon Snow #2, I was happy to note the series' identity c I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars.
Upon starting Damon Snow #2, I was happy to note the series' identity crisis was abolished. It felt 100% historical paranormal from start to finish. With book #1, it felt more of a historical romance with mentions of paranormal. Why do I mention this? I fear it would have been off-putting for a reader who didn't straddle both camps, wanting more of their favored genre. Olivia Helling manages to inject the charm of the era with the originality of the supernatural.
Well-written and easy to read, with the flow maintaining the narrator's voice, and a quick pacing which keeps the reader engaged.
This was an angsty, lust-filled novella that wasn't light on story. Damon is an insecure, Incubus Molly, who is lonely, heartbroken- even if he won't admit it -and completely endearing. Oft times a novella isn't as fleshed out as a full-length novel in the emotional depth department, with the characters coming off as 2 dimensional in order to fit a story in so few pages. But this wasn't the case in Damon Snow #2. My heart hurt at times. I found myself smiling, getting excited, and worried for Damon. The side characters were just as endearing, even the anti-hero Frost (I want to know more of him, but I'm equally intrigued by both Rogers & Byrne).
Without coming off as a fangirl, I will say that years ago I read a ton of UF & PNR, and in recent times I started reading Historical Romance, never combining the two until recently. I've read thousands of books, but when I was asked to read this title for Wicked Reads I was excited, recognizing the title immediately (as I'd been waiting for it).
In a nutshell, I was entertained the entire time. When I finished the novella, my appetite was whetted for the next. Book #1 was a slow build into book #2, which captured me as a reader, and I anxiously await #3.
Recommended: Historical Romance fans | Paranormal Romance Fans | Male/Male Fans | Heat Level: HOT | explicit | M/M | Orgy | Would I read more by this author: I look forward to seeing the growth as an author, and will be on the lookout for books to come. Would I read more of this series: Absolutely. I cannot wait to see the direction the series takes.
footnote: I normally don't read the note to the readers at the end of the book. Terrible I know, as I also write my readers notes. For some reason I did this time, as was shocked to see my name in the note. Just proof that we authors do read reviews (even if we shouldn't because sometimes it hurts more than it helps. But it's pathological for us to do so) My reason for stating this: words have power; wield them wisely. There is a good chance the author will read them.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars.
Upon starting Damon Snow #2, I was happy to note the series' identity crisis was abolished. It felt 100% historical paranormal from start to finish. With book #1, it felt more of a historical romance with mentions of paranormal. Why do I mention this? I fear it would have been off-putting for a reader who didn't straddle both camps, wanting more of their favored genre. Olivia Helling manages to inject the charm of the era with the originality of the supernatural.
Well-written and easy to read, with the flow maintaining the narrator's voice, and a quick pacing which keeps the reader engaged.
This was an angsty, lust-filled novella that wasn't light on story. Damon is an insecure, Incubus Molly, who is lonely, heartbroken- even if he won't admit it -and completely endearing. Oft times a novella isn't as fleshed out as a full-length novel in the emotional depth department, with the characters coming off as 2 dimensional in order to fit a story in so few pages. But this wasn't the case in Damon Snow #2. My heart hurt at times. I found myself smiling, getting excited, and worried for Damon. The side characters were just as endearing, even the anti-hero Frost (I want to know more of him, but I'm equally intrigued by both Rogers & Byrne).
Without coming off as a fangirl, I will say that years ago I read a ton of UF & PNR, and in recent times I started reading Historical Romance, never combining the two until recently. I've read thousands of books, but when I was asked to read this title for Wicked Reads I was excited, recognizing the title immediately (as I'd been waiting for it).
In a nutshell, I was entertained the entire time. When I finished the novella, my appetite was whetted for the next. Book #1 was a slow build into book #2, which captured me as a reader, and I anxiously await #3.
Recommended: Historical Romance fans | Paranormal Romance Fans | Male/Male Fans | Heat Level: HOT | explicit | M/M | Orgy | Would I read more by this author: I look forward to seeing the growth as an author, and will be on the lookout for books to come. Would I read more of this series: Absolutely. I cannot wait to see the direction the series takes.
footnote: I normally don't read the note to the readers at the end of the book. Terrible I know, as I also write my readers notes. For some reason I did this time, as was shocked to see my name in the note. Just proof that we authors do read reviews (even if we shouldn't because sometimes it hurts more than it helps. But it's pathological for us to do so) My reason for stating this: words have power; wield them wisely. There is a good chance the author will read them. ...more
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectI received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectacular read. Well-written, the narration flowed smoothly, and the situations were realistic and surprisingly deep. Lysander is a rich, gay kid with absolutely no direction in life. He's lost. The narrator was written in such a way to remove the vapid, arrogance which would have been expected, but in its place was a compassionate kid, who was realistic, and easy to understand and love.
Without giving the entirety of the plot away, Lysander is sent to Naughty camp for misfit teenagers, where we meet a mishmash of broken teens who were a pleasure to read. Each and every character was unique and multifaceted.
What I loved the most about the book: it took a long while for a romance to appear, as friendship, familial bonds, and the characters' issues were in the foreground. The bond between Lysander and Finn was refreshing, as was the bond between Lysander and Cai. The reader could feel the familial bonds, even from the grave.
Spectacularly Broken didn't use tricks, action sequences, or excesses of romance to cover the fact that it was lacking in story, because it perfectly showcased the human condition.
Very deep read, yet light-hearted with the age group and Lysander himself. I'm not one who enjoys an endearment in a book (in fact, it's my biggest pet peeve) but when he called his cousin Cupcake, I couldn't help but smile. The endearment spewing was so Lys, that I found it darling. My favorite line of the book is when he called his older cousin 'sweetheart' and told him to go step on a Lego!
I also really, really want pancakes now.
Genre: Young adult (but there is swearing, sexual situations, drug use, yet they were not unrealistic to the age group) | New Adult | Coming of Age | Dark | LGBTQ Gay Romance M/M | Contemporary Romance | HEA | Standalone | Recommend: Contemporary LBGTQ Romance fans | Those who like a deep read, who aren't afraid of the realistic pains in everyday life | Would I read more by this author: will be checking to see what other works the author has written as soon as I push send on this review.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectacular read. Well-written, the narration flowed smoothly, and the situations were realistic and surprisingly deep. Lysander is a rich, gay kid with absolutely no direction in life. He's lost. The narrator was written in such a way to remove the vapid, arrogance which would have been expected, but in its place was a compassionate kid, who was realistic, and easy to understand and love.
Without giving the entirety of the plot away, Lysander is sent to Naughty camp for misfit teenagers, where we meet a mishmash of broken teens who were a pleasure to read. Each and every character was unique and multifaceted.
What I loved the most about the book: it took a long while for a romance to appear, as friendship, familial bonds, and the characters' issues were in the foreground. The bond between Lysander and Finn was refreshing, as was the bond between Lysander and Cai. The reader could feel the familial bonds, even from the grave.
Spectacularly Broken didn't use tricks, action sequences, or excesses of romance to cover the fact that it was lacking in story, because it perfectly showcased the human condition.
Very deep read, yet light-hearted with the age group and Lysander himself. I'm not one who enjoys an endearment in a book (in fact, it's my biggest pet peeve) but when he called his cousin Cupcake, I couldn't help but smile. The endearment spewing was so Lys, that I found it darling. My favorite line of the book is when he called his older cousin 'sweetheart' and told him to go step on a Lego!
I also really, really want pancakes now.
Genre: Young adult (but there is swearing, sexual situations, drug use, yet they were not unrealistic to the age group) | New Adult | Coming of Age | Dark | LGBTQ Gay Romance M/M | Contemporary Romance | HEA | Standalone | Recommend: Contemporary LBGTQ Romance fans | Those who like a deep read, who aren't afraid of the realistic pains in everyday life | Would I read more by this author: will be checking to see what other works the author has written as soon as I push send on this review....more
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
I had great difficulty getting into this novella because of the way the inI received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
I had great difficulty getting into this novella because of the way the information was released- new story, new world-building, and new characters. The flow and pacing of the information had me struggling, as it was written in a jarring fashion, laying it on the reader all at once. But it did lead to the overall validity of the storytelling, as this is a fantasy title. The narration felt as if it was from that era of time, in that type of setting, befitting the characters.
Not a mark against the book itself, just that I’m used to reading contemporary or historical books, so I had a difficult time with the flow and sentence structure. I felt I should mention this so that readers who are struggling as well will continue to read on. I should add, not only am I an avid reader of all genres, I'm a writer. In most of my reviews as of late, I'm commenting on how I wished the book was shortened. In the case of this novella, I wish it had been broadened, as it took a lot of concentration on my part to understand what was happening on during certain scenes, as well as the backstory. In essence, I needed to be eased into some of the plot threads.
Touch of Salar was heavy on the fantasy, action, intrigue, political plots, and physical and sexual aspects, yet light on character development and eliciting emotion from the reader. With most novellas, you can only pack so much into so few pages, leaving some things out while making others feel complicated. With that being said, it was a quick read, sometimes difficult to understand, yet still entertaining.
The concept of this series is intriguing, with a well-thought out premise. I was a bit thrown at the declarations of love after a handful of meetings, sexual engagements, and absolutely no conversation to connect on a deeper level than the physical. For me, I had a difficult time reading after this moment, because there was no basis for love to be brought in as of yet. I understood the characters' physical connection, their chemistry, their need to be around one another to learn about each other, but love takes time to grow- over time and experience. I can't say this was an insta-love situation like in some books. It just felt out of left-field for this genre. While I enjoyed some of the sex scenes, the final one felt misplaced and repetitive, drawing this more into the erotic category instead of fantasy. The overall feel of the novella is deeply rooted in fantasy, so the sexual aspects didn't always flow well for me.
In all honesty, Touch of Salar was just not my type of read. I'm trying to be respectful without being critical by pointing out what was missing for me, in hopes others who read differently from me will find great enjoyment from this novella and the series as a whole. It was written well, with a great foundation of world-building, and I could tell there was tremendous thought put into this concept by the author. I just wasn't gripped. I didn't become invested in the story or the characters. This isn't a mark against the author, but just to my individual reading tastes.
Genre tag: Fantasy | Mythology | Religion | Sorcery | Wartime | LGBTQ | Male/Male | Romance | Political Intrigue- plots and conspiracy | Sex level: Moderate yet not explicit. Sex scenes scattered throughout the novella, from beginning to end. Will I read more by this author: I was offered the next in the series by my review group- Wicked Reads -and I'm strongly debating on whether or not to continue, as I feel I am not a good fit.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
I had great difficulty getting into this novella because of the way the information was released- new story, new world-building, and new characters. The flow and pacing of the information had me struggling, as it was written in a jarring fashion, laying it on the reader all at once. But it did lead to the overall validity of the storytelling, as this is a fantasy title. The narration felt as if it was from that era of time, in that type of setting, befitting the characters.
Not a mark against the book itself, just that I’m used to reading contemporary or historical books, so I had a difficult time with the flow and sentence structure. I felt I should mention this so that readers who are struggling as well will continue to read on. I should add, not only am I an avid reader of all genres, I'm a writer. In most of my reviews as of late, I'm commenting on how I wished the book was shortened. In the case of this novella, I wish it had been broadened, as it took a lot of concentration on my part to understand what was happening on during certain scenes, as well as the backstory. In essence, I needed to be eased into some of the plot threads.
Touch of Salar was heavy on the fantasy, action, intrigue, political plots, and physical and sexual aspects, yet light on character development and eliciting emotion from the reader. With most novellas, you can only pack so much into so few pages, leaving some things out while making others feel complicated. With that being said, it was a quick read, sometimes difficult to understand, yet still entertaining.
The concept of this series is intriguing, with a well-thought out premise. I was a bit thrown at the declarations of love after a handful of meetings, sexual engagements, and absolutely no conversation to connect on a deeper level than the physical. For me, I had a difficult time reading after this moment, because there was no basis for love to be brought in as of yet. I understood the characters' physical connection, their chemistry, their need to be around one another to learn about each other, but love takes time to grow- over time and experience. I can't say this was an insta-love situation like in some books. It just felt out of left-field for this genre. While I enjoyed some of the sex scenes, the final one felt misplaced and repetitive, drawing this more into the erotic category instead of fantasy. The overall feel of the novella is deeply rooted in fantasy, so the sexual aspects didn't always flow well for me.
In all honesty, Touch of Salar was just not my type of read. I'm trying to be respectful without being critical by pointing out what was missing for me, in hopes others who read differently from me will find great enjoyment from this novella and the series as a whole. It was written well, with a great foundation of world-building, and I could tell there was tremendous thought put into this concept by the author. I just wasn't gripped. I didn't become invested in the story or the characters. This isn't a mark against the author, but just to my individual reading tastes.
Genre tag: Fantasy | Mythology | Religion | Sorcery | Wartime | LGBTQ | Male/Male | Romance | Political Intrigue- plots and conspiracy | Sex level: Moderate yet not explicit. Sex scenes scattered throughout the novella, from beginning to end. Will I read more by this author: I was offered the next in the series by my review group- Wicked Reads -and I'm strongly debating on whether or not to continue, as I feel I am not a good fit....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 extremely TABOO stars.
I'm not entirely sure how to review this novel for severaI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 extremely TABOO stars.
I'm not entirely sure how to review this novel for several reasons: I want the reader to be surprised, so I don't want to give a rundown. I'm not sure how to put my thoughts into words. & because of its very taboo subject matter, it is difficult to put into words.
Little bit of background on how I got my hands on this title. (not really a spoiler, just in case you don't give a hoot(view spoiler)[I use Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Listopia to find new reads. I've been slowly finishing off the Best M/M Incest list, and this title was taunting me. I would go to Amazon and hover over the one-click button, unsure if I wanted to spend 7 bucks on a new-to-me author. So I laid in wait. Finally, I approached Wicked Reads master book fetcher, Angela, to work her magic on the publisher. (I know, I sound cheap. But Wicked Reads was my creation, only made infinitely better by Angela, and we love nothing more than promoting my fellow authors, especially those I've been stalking because they are as twisted as I am but have the balls to pull the trigger) Lucky me, lucky Wicked Reads, after working her magic, Angela came back saying I could have any book I wanted from the publisher. I chose all three books in this series. I squee-ed. I literally squee-ed! (hide spoiler)]
This book isn't for the faint of heart. Aside from the double mint twins (double your pleasure, double your fun) x 2. Yes, TWO sets of identical twins! There is some deep subject matter just lurking beneath the surface. Subjects that make a reader experience the intense feels. While this looks like the taboo-ist of the taboo, filled with hedonistic sex, there is a lot of depth.
I liked the fact that it wasn't entirely predictable. The character traits of specific twins contradicted what I was expecting. Like the initial narrator seemed like a burly, gruff man, but he turned out to be an emotional, shy, introvert virgin who wasn't a big guy at all. His counterpart, who seemed to be the epitome of a twink, turned out to be the alpha of the pair. With the big twins, the hero is actually the emotionally corrupt one and the happy-go-lucky counterpart is wounded yet more emotionally stable than all of them. (I found Luka to be the most stable) <-- none of this makes sense to someone who hasn't read the book. So just read the book ;)
Hey, I warned it was a difficult book to review since I refuse to give the plot away. But...
So, the story is about two pairs of twins who are dating, amongst other naughty shenanigans. But there is a third romance thread with a pair of roommates of the oldest, bigger twins. I really enjoyed this thread, and it made me hunger for more.
Now, I don't need to tell you the sex was surface of the Sun hot, as that is beyond obvious. I was squirming around. There were times in the beginning of the book I was covering my face and whimpering, "Oh, my God!" during their initial meetings, and especially when one set of new lovers met their identical counterparts. "Oh, my God!"
I was blushing for them, I tell you!
One of my biggest issues with books is insta-anything. Albeit love, lust, or infatuation. & there was some hot and heavy insta-lust, followed by a hefty dose of insta-love going on in this story. But I was able to overlook it, forgive it, and continue on without mentally complaining the entire way through. (Yes, I am a PitA of reader/reviewer) So that should tell you how into the story I was to not care.
Now, I'm a certified pervert. A total hedonist deviant. I eat this type of story for breakfast (which is why I specifically hunted for it) But, I wouldn't suggest someone new to this genre to start with this book. It's a genre people tend to get eased into. Multiple incest is a bit more hardcore than most. But it was written in a way that wasn't shocking. You saw it coming a mile away so it shouldn't creep you out too badly, while still getting folks like me off mentally.
Warning: if you're not reading this book for its taboo-ness, then why the hell are you reading reviews for it?
Now, I just read the 1st in the series from page 1 until the end, but I'm not going to dive right into book 2 just yet. I think too much of a good thing is too much. It would desensitize the reader. So I'm going to take a step back and read a few other review books I have queued up, and then hit book 2 after I'm sensitive to the taboo again.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 extremely TABOO stars.
I'm not entirely sure how to review this novel for several reasons: I want the reader to be surprised, so I don't want to give a rundown. I'm not sure how to put my thoughts into words. & because of its very taboo subject matter, it is difficult to put into words.
Little bit of background on how I got my hands on this title. (not really a spoiler, just in case you don't give a hoot(view spoiler)[I use Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Listopia to find new reads. I've been slowly finishing off the Best M/M Incest list, and this title was taunting me. I would go to Amazon and hover over the one-click button, unsure if I wanted to spend 7 bucks on a new-to-me author. So I laid in wait. Finally, I approached Wicked Reads master book fetcher, Angela, to work her magic on the publisher. (I know, I sound cheap. But Wicked Reads was my creation, only made infinitely better by Angela, and we love nothing more than promoting my fellow authors, especially those I've been stalking because they are as twisted as I am but have the balls to pull the trigger) Lucky me, lucky Wicked Reads, after working her magic, Angela came back saying I could have any book I wanted from the publisher. I chose all three books in this series. I squee-ed. I literally squee-ed! (hide spoiler)]
This book isn't for the faint of heart. Aside from the double mint twins (double your pleasure, double your fun) x 2. Yes, TWO sets of identical twins! There is some deep subject matter just lurking beneath the surface. Subjects that make a reader experience the intense feels. While this looks like the taboo-ist of the taboo, filled with hedonistic sex, there is a lot of depth.
I liked the fact that it wasn't entirely predictable. The character traits of specific twins contradicted what I was expecting. Like the initial narrator seemed like a burly, gruff man, but he turned out to be an emotional, shy, introvert virgin who wasn't a big guy at all. His counterpart, who seemed to be the epitome of a twink, turned out to be the alpha of the pair. With the big twins, the hero is actually the emotionally corrupt one and the happy-go-lucky counterpart is wounded yet more emotionally stable than all of them. (I found Luka to be the most stable) <-- none of this makes sense to someone who hasn't read the book. So just read the book ;)
Hey, I warned it was a difficult book to review since I refuse to give the plot away. But...
So, the story is about two pairs of twins who are dating, amongst other naughty shenanigans. But there is a third romance thread with a pair of roommates of the oldest, bigger twins. I really enjoyed this thread, and it made me hunger for more.
Now, I don't need to tell you the sex was surface of the Sun hot, as that is beyond obvious. I was squirming around. There were times in the beginning of the book I was covering my face and whimpering, "Oh, my God!" during their initial meetings, and especially when one set of new lovers met their identical counterparts. "Oh, my God!"
I was blushing for them, I tell you!
One of my biggest issues with books is insta-anything. Albeit love, lust, or infatuation. & there was some hot and heavy insta-lust, followed by a hefty dose of insta-love going on in this story. But I was able to overlook it, forgive it, and continue on without mentally complaining the entire way through. (Yes, I am a PitA of reader/reviewer) So that should tell you how into the story I was to not care.
Now, I'm a certified pervert. A total hedonist deviant. I eat this type of story for breakfast (which is why I specifically hunted for it) But, I wouldn't suggest someone new to this genre to start with this book. It's a genre people tend to get eased into. Multiple incest is a bit more hardcore than most. But it was written in a way that wasn't shocking. You saw it coming a mile away so it shouldn't creep you out too badly, while still getting folks like me off mentally.
Warning: if you're not reading this book for its taboo-ness, then why the hell are you reading reviews for it?
Now, I just read the 1st in the series from page 1 until the end, but I'm not going to dive right into book 2 just yet. I think too much of a good thing is too much. It would desensitize the reader. So I'm going to take a step back and read a few other review books I have queued up, and then hit book 2 after I'm sensitive to the taboo again....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
2.5 stars. Listed as 3 Stars because there are no half star allowances in the systeI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
2.5 stars. Listed as 3 Stars because there are no half star allowances in the system.
Age range: 12+. Parents, this is a murder/suicide mystery who-done-it, so be forewarned about violent content.
(A new addition to my reviews) With so many adults reading the YA genre, I felt it necessary to add on whether or not an adult would enjoy the novel. I'm on the fence with Dead Ringer on whether or not an adult would enjoy it. In my opinion, no. This is a Young Adult title that should only be read by Young Adults, as with anyone with life experience will begin to doubt everything you read on the pages.
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery/suspense |
NOTE: NOT a stand-alone. This is book #1 in a series, which does end in a cliffhanger. While there is nothing in the blurb or the series information that denotes this as not being a standalone. So, that, in and of itself, is a mystery to be solved by the reader by book's end.
Recommended for young adults who love a who-done-it mystery, similar to Pretty Little Liars and the Lying Game. As a huge Shepard fan, both in reading her books and watching the adaptations, I jumped at the chance to read Dead Ringer.
Jessie Rosen has promise as a storyteller, but the execution wasn't spot-on. The flow of information was at a snail's pace, and everything HAD to be a mystery, even things that shouldn't have been because they didn't connect to anything else. Characterization should NEVER be a mystery. The who/how/what/where/why is what makes a story, and to give it out piecemeal is not a mystery but a flaw in the writing style that left me disinterested. You have to give the reader something to grip onto, something that engages them and keeps them interested. If they have to read 300+ pages to find out an answer to the smallest things, with it all being buried among the mundane, they may just give up and find another story to read. Or skim- like I eventually had to do in order to continue because I was bored by not knowing anything.
In a mystery, everything cannot be the mystery. It buries the real plot beneath the information that makes a story fluid and engaging.
I was prepared for an on-the-edge-of-my-seat type of read. Where your heart pounds with nervous energy. This is why I warn that only the actual young adults should read Dead Ringer, as the true adults will never hit that plateau. As with PLL (the television series), I was disappointed over the fact that things that are presented as a mystery, that should have connected, but never did. They were just loose ends not explained and forgotten, or completely disregarded as the author rewrites the history they built in the first place.
Dead Ringer begins with Laura moving to a new town, going to a new school, where she is the Dead Ringer for a dead girl- a girl who committed suicide nearly two years ago when she was only 14. Only, the thing is, Laura looks NOTHING like Sarah. Hair color/eye color, all opposites of Sarah. The face was 'similar'. So that is not what I'd call a Dead Ringer at all. In fact, siblings who actually do look alike, even twins, when their hair color isn't the same, they look nothing like each other. This plays into the storyline later on, and it actually defeats the purpose- the supposedly looking like a Dead Ringer, but not actually looking the same. (If you're reading this review after reading the book, do you see what I mean? Why bother?)
Bear in mind, the incident happens at 14. At 16, the children have no parental supervision and have endless amounts of money, are geniuses, and behave like 50 yo egomaniacs. This is why I said younger readers would suspend believe, whereas I couldn't. 14-year-old hackers exist, but not in a vacuum. They have to have means, know-how, and helpers. Just like the major plot hole in PLL, A could NOT be everywhere, and Sasha couldn't know what she knew from surfing her programs twice a day- once in the morning and once in the evening. Not possible. Another major player was able to do things that are illegal from age 14 - 16 (things well-connected adults could never achieve), when they would have had to use legal paperwork to be where they were. (Like today, an 18 yo boy found out he was kidnapped when he was 5 when his college submission paperwork didn't add up) NO WAY could anything that happened in Dead Ringer even be plausible. Yes, it's fiction.
Nothing connected, added up, and some things were downright contradictory. Things from the beginning of the book, the narrator was unreliable, even when dealing with their own private thoughts. Making the entire story a huge lie. It wasn't a mystery, to me- it was shoddy writing. Young adults won't notice, adults will. So I'm not faulting the author, I'm saying adults may be disappointed by how glaring it will become.
In the end, none of it was remotely possible, no matter how much suspension of belief the reader uses. 3 stars because a young adult will probably get a kick out of the story...
__________
If I would have edited this book, I would have told the author to write the entire thing from Charlie's POV, so the big reveal of the mystery wouldn't have been a contradiction- or an outright lie. With Charlie showing what had happened before the book even hit the 1/3 mark, and the mystery slowly unraveling from there to show who is whom and why. The narrative by one character negated the entire story. When you're inside a character's head, they cannot keep something so major hidden, causing readers to no longer trust the author.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
2.5 stars. Listed as 3 Stars because there are no half star allowances in the system.
Age range: 12+. Parents, this is a murder/suicide mystery who-done-it, so be forewarned about violent content.
(A new addition to my reviews) With so many adults reading the YA genre, I felt it necessary to add on whether or not an adult would enjoy the novel. I'm on the fence with Dead Ringer on whether or not an adult would enjoy it. In my opinion, no. This is a Young Adult title that should only be read by Young Adults, as with anyone with life experience will begin to doubt everything you read on the pages.
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery/suspense |
NOTE: NOT a stand-alone. This is book #1 in a series, which does end in a cliffhanger. While there is nothing in the blurb or the series information that denotes this as not being a standalone. So, that, in and of itself, is a mystery to be solved by the reader by book's end.
Recommended for young adults who love a who-done-it mystery, similar to Pretty Little Liars and the Lying Game. As a huge Shepard fan, both in reading her books and watching the adaptations, I jumped at the chance to read Dead Ringer.
Jessie Rosen has promise as a storyteller, but the execution wasn't spot-on. The flow of information was at a snail's pace, and everything HAD to be a mystery, even things that shouldn't have been because they didn't connect to anything else. Characterization should NEVER be a mystery. The who/how/what/where/why is what makes a story, and to give it out piecemeal is not a mystery but a flaw in the writing style that left me disinterested. You have to give the reader something to grip onto, something that engages them and keeps them interested. If they have to read 300+ pages to find out an answer to the smallest things, with it all being buried among the mundane, they may just give up and find another story to read. Or skim- like I eventually had to do in order to continue because I was bored by not knowing anything.
In a mystery, everything cannot be the mystery. It buries the real plot beneath the information that makes a story fluid and engaging.
I was prepared for an on-the-edge-of-my-seat type of read. Where your heart pounds with nervous energy. This is why I warn that only the actual young adults should read Dead Ringer, as the true adults will never hit that plateau. As with PLL (the television series), I was disappointed over the fact that things that are presented as a mystery, that should have connected, but never did. They were just loose ends not explained and forgotten, or completely disregarded as the author rewrites the history they built in the first place.
Dead Ringer begins with Laura moving to a new town, going to a new school, where she is the Dead Ringer for a dead girl- a girl who committed suicide nearly two years ago when she was only 14. Only, the thing is, Laura looks NOTHING like Sarah. Hair color/eye color, all opposites of Sarah. The face was 'similar'. So that is not what I'd call a Dead Ringer at all. In fact, siblings who actually do look alike, even twins, when their hair color isn't the same, they look nothing like each other. This plays into the storyline later on, and it actually defeats the purpose- the supposedly looking like a Dead Ringer, but not actually looking the same. (If you're reading this review after reading the book, do you see what I mean? Why bother?)
Bear in mind, the incident happens at 14. At 16, the children have no parental supervision and have endless amounts of money, are geniuses, and behave like 50 yo egomaniacs. This is why I said younger readers would suspend believe, whereas I couldn't. 14-year-old hackers exist, but not in a vacuum. They have to have means, know-how, and helpers. Just like the major plot hole in PLL, A could NOT be everywhere, and Sasha couldn't know what she knew from surfing her programs twice a day- once in the morning and once in the evening. Not possible. Another major player was able to do things that are illegal from age 14 - 16 (things well-connected adults could never achieve), when they would have had to use legal paperwork to be where they were. (Like today, an 18 yo boy found out he was kidnapped when he was 5 when his college submission paperwork didn't add up) NO WAY could anything that happened in Dead Ringer even be plausible. Yes, it's fiction.
Nothing connected, added up, and some things were downright contradictory. Things from the beginning of the book, the narrator was unreliable, even when dealing with their own private thoughts. Making the entire story a huge lie. It wasn't a mystery, to me- it was shoddy writing. Young adults won't notice, adults will. So I'm not faulting the author, I'm saying adults may be disappointed by how glaring it will become.
In the end, none of it was remotely possible, no matter how much suspension of belief the reader uses. 3 stars because a young adult will probably get a kick out of the story...
__________
If I would have edited this book, I would have told the author to write the entire thing from Charlie's POV, so the big reveal of the mystery wouldn't have been a contradiction- or an outright lie. With Charlie showing what had happened before the book even hit the 1/3 mark, and the mystery slowly unraveling from there to show who is whom and why. The narrative by one character negated the entire story. When you're inside a character's head, they cannot keep something so major hidden, causing readers to no longer trust the author....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars overall 5 Stars for the first 50% 2 Stars for the last 50%
I was hooked on WaiI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars overall 5 Stars for the first 50% 2 Stars for the last 50%
I was hooked on Waiting for Rain from the first page with Toby's narrative. Presented in first-person dual Point of View from Toby and Rain's perspectives. Toby had a snarky, dry sense of humor- a complete contradiction of pessimism mixed with hope. While I enjoyed Rain as a character, I didn't connect to him as closely as I had Toby. Rain was commitment-shy after a bad breakup, but that wasn't my reasoning for not connecting with him. I can't quite put a finger on it, actually.
Susan Mac Nicol has a very distinct voice. Her work is a solid mix of dry humor(I'm not one for over-the-top comedy, and Susan Mac Nicol had me chuckling underneath my breath often in the first half), sugary-sweet romance, and a bit of the darker emotions to balance it out. She also has the ability to write a very hot book.
I couldn't put the book down, but around the 45% mark, my interests seemed to wane. While I loved Toby and Rain (and really, REALLY wanted to hear more of Simon), I had a feeling it would turn formulaic, where it was drawn out by repeat between the sheets scenes, a few instances of miscommunication, and misunderstandings (secret-keeping that comes to bite one in the behind). None of which is a problem if I'm still connected to the characters. But I just felt like the story had run its course, and I was ready for a new story. All threads that had cropped up in the first half of the story had been resolved, leaving a new set to begin and to be resolved... again. I enjoyed the build-up in the first half. It seemed more realistic and relationship-centric. While the second half was more like a series of random conflicts which didn't connected but were strung together in between the characters getting their rocks off.
However, I did like learning more of Toby's backstory in the last half.
This is strictly my opinion... so, if you love a lot of details in a relationship, where the author takes the characters on a roller coaster ride of emotions, allowing interlopers into their relationships to create angst, and bad decision-making to affect their relationship... you'll love the angst that is the last half of Waiting For Rain.
I definitely recommend to fans of M/M romance who love sugary-sweet romance, HEA endings, angst, and between the sheets action in almost every chapter after the characters couple-up.
_____________
On a side note: I felt it bizarre to do a fundraiser using a strip-tease, especially when it was for the medical costs of an eight-year-old child. I appreciated the sentiment of why, also how liberating it was for the Gay/Bi men to realize they were accepted. But for a fundraiser for a small child, using something with those connotations was beyond bizarre. Most fundraisers involve the one who is receiving the benefits. Meaning they should be present to tug the heartstrings of those who donate. It was just... bizarre.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars overall 5 Stars for the first 50% 2 Stars for the last 50%
I was hooked on Waiting for Rain from the first page with Toby's narrative. Presented in first-person dual Point of View from Toby and Rain's perspectives. Toby had a snarky, dry sense of humor- a complete contradiction of pessimism mixed with hope. While I enjoyed Rain as a character, I didn't connect to him as closely as I had Toby. Rain was commitment-shy after a bad breakup, but that wasn't my reasoning for not connecting with him. I can't quite put a finger on it, actually.
Susan Mac Nicol has a very distinct voice. Her work is a solid mix of dry humor(I'm not one for over-the-top comedy, and Susan Mac Nicol had me chuckling underneath my breath often in the first half), sugary-sweet romance, and a bit of the darker emotions to balance it out. She also has the ability to write a very hot book.
I couldn't put the book down, but around the 45% mark, my interests seemed to wane. While I loved Toby and Rain (and really, REALLY wanted to hear more of Simon), I had a feeling it would turn formulaic, where it was drawn out by repeat between the sheets scenes, a few instances of miscommunication, and misunderstandings (secret-keeping that comes to bite one in the behind). None of which is a problem if I'm still connected to the characters. But I just felt like the story had run its course, and I was ready for a new story. All threads that had cropped up in the first half of the story had been resolved, leaving a new set to begin and to be resolved... again. I enjoyed the build-up in the first half. It seemed more realistic and relationship-centric. While the second half was more like a series of random conflicts which didn't connected but were strung together in between the characters getting their rocks off.
However, I did like learning more of Toby's backstory in the last half.
This is strictly my opinion... so, if you love a lot of details in a relationship, where the author takes the characters on a roller coaster ride of emotions, allowing interlopers into their relationships to create angst, and bad decision-making to affect their relationship... you'll love the angst that is the last half of Waiting For Rain.
I definitely recommend to fans of M/M romance who love sugary-sweet romance, HEA endings, angst, and between the sheets action in almost every chapter after the characters couple-up.
_____________
On a side note: I felt it bizarre to do a fundraiser using a strip-tease, especially when it was for the medical costs of an eight-year-old child. I appreciated the sentiment of why, also how liberating it was for the Gay/Bi men to realize they were accepted. But for a fundraiser for a small child, using something with those connotations was beyond bizarre. Most fundraisers involve the one who is receiving the benefits. Meaning they should be present to tug the heartstrings of those who donate. It was just... bizarre....more
Added in with "WHO IS FREAKING THINKING/SPEAKING? WHOSE HEAD IS THIS?!" After struggling, I start to not DNF
This is a curse of the "TOO MANY F'N POVs"
Added in with "WHO IS FREAKING THINKING/SPEAKING? WHOSE HEAD IS THIS?!" After struggling, I start to not give a damn & move on with my life (another book by a different author)
I really, really wanted to like it, but it was a slog to get thru. 40% & I'm calling it quits.
It's difficult to form a connection with a character when you're torn from their head & placed in the baddies' heads at page-intervals. Impossible to skim them.
I loathed this in BDB, skipping it on reread. But this is the initial read, & the head-hopping is almost every page. In early BDB, at least those POVs were of importance.
What they thought was truly of little consequence, so it was bizarre. The reader would have found it more mysterious if we learned of the happenings via the characters learning it too.
To be honest, 9/10, whenever a writer feels the desire to write passages via baddies (not a quick passage but as a main character) all it does is remove the mystery, cut the connection, bog the pacing down, cause confusion, add frustration, & BORE the reader. They're not as interesting as the author believes.
From an editing standpoint: STOP! too many POVs is a negative. Truly weigh if that character needs a voice. Every baddie having page-time (every other page for half a page) removes any and all mystery. Honest, they're never that interesting. Ever. Never. Unless it's 2 POVs & the reader is unsure who is voicing the 2nd POV, a person within the circle of the MC. All it does is interrupt story progression & flow.
Ugh.
With 5+ POVs, you'd think it wouldn't be confusing but these characters think "around" things, evasiveness for the lazy sake of mystery. Major pet-peeve an editor should have pointed out. It's not a mystery, just a purposefully unreliable narrator who is creating unnecessary confusion. If it's truly a mystery, don't give the ppl in the know a voice. They just end up being ridiculously evasive. Allow the reader and the MC make the discoveries together.
This is a case of the writing style destroying a promising premise ...more
After having read this series & watched the movies innumerable times, I feared I wouldn't enjoy the audiobookJanuary 2024 Audible edition.
Audible 8/24
After having read this series & watched the movies innumerable times, I feared I wouldn't enjoy the audiobooks because K Stew's voice is Bella. Plus, I've read some criticism about the narrator.
After 10 seconds into the sample, I knew I wouldn't have a problem (narrators are make or break a book for me)
I mainlined Twilight - Midnight Sun in less than a week at 1.2 speed. I already sang the praises of MS's narrator but found Jacob's narrator even better (had to listen at normal speed)
I can see that the audiobooks will become part of my obsessive read/watch/listen comfort-seeking. Well worth the 5 credits I dropped.
_
Review of Hardcover & Kindle Editions: I read Midnight Sun super slowly over 10 days, knowing I had to savor it after such a long wait with no more books guaranteed.
I enjoyed spotting the differences in the beginning portion from the partial manuscript. While I felt Edward's meandering inner monologue drawn-out at times, his mind-reading created a 3D view. We saw inside other's minds, Edward interpreting. Which was something we couldn't experience via Bella. Creating a more fleshed-out world, especially with the Cullens.
I hope the weight of Midnight Sun off SM's shoulders will help release the burden, able to find inspiration to write more in the Twilight universe, new stories for readers to devour....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars, based solely on the fact that I read this cover to cover in one sitting anI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars, based solely on the fact that I read this cover to cover in one sitting and was entertained by the train wreck. This rating is based on entertainment value, not the quality.
Genre: MM Romance | ANGST | DRAMA | ANGST | MORE ANGST | Did I say angst? | Heat level: mild, nearly off-scene fade to black |
Warning: some readers are sensitive to cheating in a storyline. I won't spoil it to say where/how/why the cheating occurs, or by whom, but it is a major thread of the book that made me sick to the stomach with violent emotions.
Lover of Light in a nutshell: ANGST. Good thing I love angst. I was hooked from page one until the end, reading the entire novel in one sitting. Lover of Light is filled with insensitive, irrational, selfish, immature characters, who are lost and trying to be found. It takes until the 50% mark until anyone tries to act with maturity and in the best interests of others, finding some redeeming qualities.
Like a train wreck, the cast of characters' lives are a massive, dramatic soap opera. Andy is our only narrator, and the following is a rundown on the cast.
At book's start, Andy is dating Quinn. Our MC is a 28 yo ex-bartender, now living in domestication with a 40+ divorcee with a teenager, yet the ex-wife is still in the picture. Andy's grieving the death of his father, whom verbally abused him because he was gay. Leaving the family at 16, he's estranged from his brother and sister, and their mother left them when they were small children. Andy's brother is a good guy (the only good person in the book besides lost Alexei), and I found no good qualities for his sister.
(All off-scene) Quinn, Andy's boyfriend of two years, will only have sex really quickly with Andy, because he denies his sexual impulses with men after discovering his bisexuality. A 40+, divorcing his wife, and living with a man for two years, completely out as a bisexual, Quinn STILL doesn't meet Andy's needs (or his own) unless inebriated or doing so quickly once a month or so when the pressure gets to him. Their relationship is bordering on parent/child, and bizarre.
The BFF: Dimitry (spelled oddly) the therapist, has been dating Alexei, the lost 22 yo with an expired visa. Obviously Andy is jealous, wanting his friend to himself with a level of envy you'd think he was in love with him, but in reality he's just selfish. Dimitry is shown as a 'fixer', the mature one, the one who cares about everyone else's needs. BUT, I won't ruin it... Dimitry just feels like one of the least redeemable characters in my eyes, especially with his profession and education.
Alexei- truth be told, the editor in me would have told Mel Bossa to take the book, turn it around, and write the entire thing from Alexei's POV. I think it would have had so much more emotional depth, with a greater capacity to entertain the readers. Alexei was given a bad rap from page one and all throughout the book because of the narrator (Andy) and Andy's BFF, Alexei's boyfriend, Dimitry.
Lover of Light is the epitome of love/hate, bordering on abusive and catty by Andy to Alexei, same with Dimitri to Alexei, and every character in the story to Alexei...
I'm at a loss.
Because I love angst, drama, and train wreck characters (when I'm in the mood) I rated this 4 stars. If I hadn't been in the mood, I can't even contemplate what this review would read like, or the rating would be. There is a lot wrong with this story- the quicker you read it, the less you contemplate it, the more enjoyment you'll find.
I'm not sure I can recommend Lover of Light to anyone who doesn't read as I posted above. I've enjoyed books by this author in the past, and still enjoyed this title. But I will admit that it was a departure from the author's usual writing style and storytelling abilities. The writing, the novel, was all over the place, not knowing what it truly wanted to be. There were so many opportunities to make this in-depth and emotional, but it didn't happen.
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Genre: MM Romance | Grief | Love/Hate | Children/family life | Alcoholism/I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Genre: MM Romance | Grief | Love/Hate | Children/family life | Alcoholism/Addiction | Foster care | Abuse survivor | Aboriginal | Heat level: Mild | Writer/teacher |
Until September had it all if you're a fan of reality-based, character-driven storylines- endearing with a slow-burn romance.
Archer's early life influenced every choice he makes later in life. Coming from abusive family, abandoned by his addict mother, Archer does all he can to take care of his baby sister, Margie. He moves away from the reservation at age 16, turning tricks and worse to save money to send home to Margie so she can have a better life, go to college, and be stable and happy.
Fast-forward to chapter one: Archer is a cold, pragmatist, who doesn't have any vices outside of promiscuous sex- he doesn't even imbibe alcohol in fear he'll become addicted. Blogger and writer with a controversial stance on gay marriage and child-rearing- Archers in for a big surprise, reality-check.
After all the sacrifices he's made in his life, the taint he's placed on his soul, it was all for naught. Archer becomes the guardian two: his niece and nephew (ages 5 & 7) Lost, he is challenged to view life through a different lens than the one he writes about in his blog posts and stories... and in walks his sister's friend/children's teacher to 'help'.
Archer and Ryan had a slow-burn romance in the extreme, with a bit of love/hate/reluctant attraction thrown in the mix. There was banter, angst, infuriating circumstances, and an ex coming back into the picture.
The heart of the story is the children, written realistically to sound/act/behave as real children of that age group in that situation. Their reluctance to trust their uncle, their fear he would leave them as their parents had, then the strong attachment. Sam the imaginary friend had me smiling through tears.
I won't deny, I shed more than a few tears while reading Until September. It was written fluidly, easy to fall into the storyline and read without being yanked back out. No bells and whistles. No miscommunications. No unnecessary angst. No insta-anything. As the reader, I could buy their relationship as a family and the love that grew out of tragedy.
The reason my rating is not a five star is simply personal taste in the pacing of the storyline. I'm all for slow-burn, but at times I was bordering on boredom & contemplating skimming unnecessary scenes. Also, I understand the author's decision to add aboriginal elements, and not bog the story down with too much information. Curious and eager for knowledge, I would have actually liked a bit more on this thread, and will probably read up a bit more on the subject.
I would highly recommend this title to fans of MM romance, and look forward to reading more by this author....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars.
Genre: MM Romance | Cop | Out/closet | Hurt/comfort | Victim of a violent I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars.
Genre: MM Romance | Cop | Out/closet | Hurt/comfort | Victim of a violent crime | Traumatic events/flashbacks | Agoraphobia | Puppy cuddles | Meddlesome yet loving sister | Small town mentality in the workplace | Steam level: Moderate |
The blurb had me drawn to Something Shattered in a heartbeat. Spending 3 weeks a year in New Mexico, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a novel set in the same location. The cover was an instant hook for me too.
Our cop, Jesse, is a patient man. When a new guy moves in across the street, he's curious, especially when he goes to greet the newcomer but the door never opens in invitation. Like an inquisitive cop on a stakeout, he sits on his steps watching the guy's house.
Caleb is the newcomer, and it's obvious from Jesse's POV that he was a victim of a violent crime. He's guarded and closed off, and clearly having a hard time of it.
The lead up to all of this was fun to read in Jesse's narration. So it was a bit jarring when the reader is switched to reside in Caleb's head. I felt the agoraphobia was written well- the fear and emotional agony, the defeat and triumph of trying to make your way to the sidewalk and the mailbox beyond.
The first few meetings between the pair, you can see how patient, coaxing, and caring Jesse truly is. Hero mentality, which is always a good trait to have in the main character.
In the beginning, it became frustrating when Caleb was narrating, because the reader knew nothing of his plight. They're Caleb's thoughts- he's thinking about it- but not thinking with a single detail. Leading the reader on, this was frustrating and drawn out, and completely removed any emotional response on my part. Because it just started to feel like a miserable book once I was inside Caleb's head with no explanation.
Caleb was terrified, to the point he wouldn't leave his home, nor did he want to be touched. But he quickly warmed to Jesse, no matter how terrified he was, which I felt was unrealistic in the extreme, but I understood with a book of this length.
As per usual in a small town setting, the homophobes come out of the woodwork in droves, causing problems between our couple, especially at work. This is a trope that rubs me a bit wrong, being from a smaller town than most (a few 100 residents), it gives rural America a bad name. We really are just like everyone else with a bad apple or two, but not a whole bushel. This always reads as OTT to me- perhaps more appropriate for a decade or two ago.
I don't want to be nitpicky, but it's a hazard of my profession as a writer. The story was not for me. I needed some details. More show, less tell. A smoother transition from one scene to the next with something denoting it, because I became confused a few times with one paragraph ending in one location and the next beginning somewhere else. Same with the POV shifts making it a disjointed read. Jesse. *blink* Caleb.
Overall, I will say many MM readers will enjoy Something Shattered, especially if they connect with the characters and the story resonates with them. I am an overtly picky person, and I can't let something slide, and it usually destroys my enjoyment. So this is all on me. Bailey Bradford is a good storyteller. If you read like me, there ya go. If you're more of a relaxed reader, you'll probably truly enjoy Something Shattered. ...more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
DNF: automatic 3 star.
The beginning of the book sets the pacing, and I was instanI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
DNF: automatic 3 star.
The beginning of the book sets the pacing, and I was instantly turned off by the fighting couple. Both acted like overemotional teenage girls, not grown men who were getting married. Bryan: the cheater. Nate: the irrational hormonal girl. Evan: the event planner trying to keep everything running smoothly.
Nate throws an epic temper tantrum, breaking things and throwing vases at his partner. (do men do this stuff? I don't even know women who do) Obviously the vase hits its target- Bryan.
Quote:
My face." Bryan shoved the cloth away from his eyes and leveled a hate-filled glare at his partner. "What did you do?" He pressed his hand to his cheek, effectively smearing the blood into a clownish masquerade of a frown.
"Oh, baby. You're still beautiful." Nate's croon switched to indignation when his memory apparently caught up with the moment. "Wait. What do I care? You deserve to be scarred like my heart is."
This ridiculousness continues on for quite a bit.
That was all I could read of Champagne Kisses. As a serious person, I can't deal with this type of OTT, childish behavior in person or in writing, therefore the writing style was not for me. Nothing against the author, as I believe many readers would enjoy the easy flow of writing.
Even though Nate and Bryan were not the main characters- Evan and Richard are- I just couldn't invest more time in the story, when all the males I'd read thus far sounded like teenage girls throwing tantrums like a two-year-old. My preference in MM is for the men to sound/act/react/think like men. Adults.
Basically, the behavior of the characters who bring the main characters together turned me off to the point I couldn't read another word.
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 14+
I was immediately drawn into Underwater, and reaI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 14+
I was immediately drawn into Underwater, and read 75% of it in one sitting (sleep overcame me as it was the middle of the night). For me, Morgan was a very relatable character from the start, who was atrophying in her apartment due to agoraphobia.
I started the novel without a clue on what caused the 17 year old to live in fear and anxiety. But for the sake of reviewing, I must give a tiny spoiler away. This is my 4th school shooting novel in less than 6 months that I've read. I don't go out of my way to find them, but it feels as if it's becoming a genre unto its own.
Morgan, a survivor of a school shooting, can't bear to leave her apartment, even going as far as to take the rest of her junior year courses online. She's pushed her friends away, neglecting her swimming, but is seeing a therapist at her home.
I felt Morgan was written with authenticity and compassion for agoraphobia & PTSD- with realism. The parallels between her absentee father who had tour after tour in the military, who is also suffering yet finding succor in the bottle.
Morgan meets the new next door neighbor, and it sparks her to make a change. This isn't insta-anything, except perhaps friendship. But like any 17 yo girl, she does find Evan cute, and it reminds her of who she used to be prior to October.
Underwater is a slow progression of Morgan's struggle to overcome agoraphobia, meaning the book's pacing does flow like molasses for the purpose of maintaining realism. The flow of information detailing the shooting, I felt, should have been faster to keep the reader engaged. It was released piecemeal, and I could sense there was always more coming. The knowledge itself felt beyond realistic, and I'd be a liar if I didn't say I shed more than a tear or two.
Underwater definitely took me through the gamut of emotions. Sweet and humorous between Morgan and her baby brother. Endearing between Morgan and her mother. Funny yet frustrating between Morgan and the neighbor, Evan. The novel delivered the feels.
The romance: It was necessary, as it was fuel for a 17 yo to move on. But after the slow pacing throughout the book, when it does happen late, it still seems too soon. I was frustrated and annoyed with Morgan constantly freezing Evan out. I understood why, but it became redundant after a few times for the reader. So when they do come together, it's within 10 minutes without truly talking about the whys or hows. After a couple hundred pages, it felt like BOOM! "Am I your boyfriend?" after Moran finally decided to talk to Evan again, at her brother's machinations. 10 minutes. That's my too soon comment. It felt forced, like the author pulled the trigger on it to appease her YA readers (no pun intended). In this, friendship should have been in order first and foremost because I couldn't buy the romance angle. Everything else was flawlessly written.
Underwater is the emotional aftermath and healing in the wake of a tragic school shooting, and I highly recommend this title to Young Adults and those who are young at heart. ...more
Overall, I enjoyed Kage. The writing style was undoubtedly easy to read, showing a cleverness that had me smiling and chuckling underneath 3.5 Stars.
Overall, I enjoyed Kage. The writing style was undoubtedly easy to read, showing a cleverness that had me smiling and chuckling underneath my breath. In the beginning, it definitely felt as if a male was narrating the story, with a masculine emotional signature/action/reaction. But beneath the surface, the character development needed to be fleshed out a bit more, and not in the way that a man is more reserved with his feelings. It didn't exist, and we were INSIDE Jamie's head. The pacing was fast, for which I appreciated, but at the expense of developing any real emotions, especially by Jamie & his mother. Some plot points were devastating, yet had only a paragraph, where the author moved onto showing more of Jamie's fascination with Kage, but this left Jamie very one-dimensional. Kage was an enigma, and not in the way that he was a cool guy- more like the author wasn't sure what direction to take him yet, so made him like a ghost haunting the pages.
Will I read more by this author? Maybe.
Will I continue on with the series: At this time, no. I'm not much on series at this point in my life- busy- so I don't want to read a trilogy to get me back to a point in book one where you knew the characters were going to end up together. I just don't have patience for the journey, and that's not on the author but on me.
Do I believe readers will enjoy this trilogy: Absolutely. ...more
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