I really like Hilarie Burton Morgan (both in personality and as an author/storyteller) so I expected that I would love this memoir, especially after lI really like Hilarie Burton Morgan (both in personality and as an author/storyteller) so I expected that I would love this memoir, especially after loving her first memoir "The Rural Diaries".
However, I will say that this memoir is notably different from her first memoir yet still captures her unique personality (especially when read via audiobook with her own narration).
I liked this memoir and it really did have some gems inside but I will admit to preferring her first memoir more. ...more
I really enjoy villain origin stories and as this is also Disney, how could I ever say no? In addition, I have had my eye on these books for YEARS sinI really enjoy villain origin stories and as this is also Disney, how could I ever say no? In addition, I have had my eye on these books for YEARS since I saw the cover and what lies beneath the dust jacket. These editions are absolutely stunning.
This novel is pure Disney at its core. From the stylistic and detailed writing to the storytelling. If you have seen the original Disney film of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", you do know how the story ends. However, I can't say that I would have predicted how this novel would create a story to get to that ending. I really liked how a background story was created for the Queen and how she was made to seem more human.
I'm really interested in continuing this series because I think it'll bring me back to all that nostalgia and love that I feel for the original tales, but with a new spin on the backgrounds for each villain. ...more
It's hard for me to write a review for this one because honestly and unashamedly, I'm a big Nicholas Sparks fan. The books and the movies. With that bIt's hard for me to write a review for this one because honestly and unashamedly, I'm a big Nicholas Sparks fan. The books and the movies. With that being said, it's hard for me to remain impartial because these books will always be my no guilt 'guilty pleasures'.
As for this specific novel, I will admit that it's not an example of his best work. The story is good and the book still hold the air and all the tellings of a Nicholas Sparks novel. But....it did kind of feel as if elements of this story, especially regarding Natalie's complex relationship dynamics have been done before (even if it wasn't done in the exact way). This also could be said for Trevor and the events that he faced in his past.
This was still an enjoyable and emotional read (as expected) but I think it was just too similar to some of the author's other works. It wouldn't be the book that I would recommend to others when picking a Nicholas Sparks novel to recommend.
***Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***...more
Seriously. I feel like the word "experience" is necessary as this book was a JOURNEY (which probably could have been predicted bWhat an...experience!
Seriously. I feel like the word "experience" is necessary as this book was a JOURNEY (which probably could have been predicted based on the book's size).
I am continuing to really enjoy this series! I've said this before but I'll say it again, if you like "The Wheel of Time" series or "Game of Thrones", give this series a try. It's a complex world and this story is so action packed but the author lays everything out so perfectly through his storytelling. There are identifiers and subtle reminders to help the reader keep track of what's going on within the story and which character is which. This is really important as there are MANY characters and many different POVs that we read from. I actually find this series way more accessible and easier to understand than the "Wheel of Time" series although they both are complex and detailed worlds.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what comes next. The ending really left me with a bunch of questions (which I imagine was the desired effect) and I can't wait to see the direction this series goes. ...more
What an adventure! And one that's only just getting started.
This novel was...incredible. As expected, especially being book one in a Fantasy series, What an adventure! And one that's only just getting started.
This novel was...incredible. As expected, especially being book one in a Fantasy series, there's a lot to become accustomed to. Whether it be the characters, the world, the magic system, the politics, or the plot. With this novel, as extensive as both the world and the characters are, I found it manageable (I can't in all honesty say 'easy') to follow along with. There were different subtle cues to remind you of which character you were following and those subtle reminders didn't come across as overtly intentional or obvious.
The writing in this novel was also incredibly well done. The size of this book is a doozy but it doesn't come across that way when reading because everything flows so well in both writing and storytelling.
I haven't fully read either of the "The Wheel of Time" series or "A Song of Ice and Fire" (i.e. Game of Thrones) series but I will go out on a ledge and suggest that if you like either of those series, maybe give this one a try if you are looking for something similar.
It wasn't until the end when reading about the author that I realized this was a debut and I'm floored. What an incredible feat for a debut!...more
Let me tell you: even though I was extremely excited about this novel, I was NERVOUS. The first book in this series, "Cash" is TOP TIER. I could go onLet me tell you: even though I was extremely excited about this novel, I was NERVOUS. The first book in this series, "Cash" is TOP TIER. I could go on and on about how much I love that book, the main characters, and basically everything about that novel. I could make it my whole personality. It brought me back to my love of country/cowboy romance. ANYWAY. With that level of love and devotion, I was worried that this second book wouldn't live up to that.
All of that is to say: I didn't have to be worried. This book was amazing! Everything that made the first book so incredible, made this book equally as loved. From the writing, to the characters, the relationships, and the setting.
Even though I could (and will) sing the accolades for "Cash" for years to come, I feel like I will also be singing praise for "Wyatt" and this series in general. I love how this novel shares some similarities to the first book but is also uniquely different. It truly read as if it was coming from a character with a different personality (which makes sense because they are siblings but also different people). Although the characters share similar lifestyles and have lived some of the same circumstances, you could read the different personalities if that makes sense.
I loved both of these main characters in this novel, their romance, and the trope used. Everything combined and was executed so perfectly that you couldn't help but be all caught up in your feels.
Add this whole series to my TBR because I can tell these brothers are going to be some of my favourite fictional cowboys!
**Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me an e-ARC to read and review**...more
This was such a fun and addictive read! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down until I finished over the course of an afternoon.
If you like a cowbThis was such a fun and addictive read! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down until I finished over the course of an afternoon.
If you like a cowboy/country romance, this book is top tier. I'd say that this book is honestly top tier for the romance genre in general, but for a sub-genre such as cowboy romance that can be saturated with an abundance of novels, you want to know the good ones. Let me tell you: this is one of them!
I don't want to give away any of the tropes because part of the fun is discovering them but this one deals with some of my favourites! There also was potential for my least favourite trope to be included but I was loving this story so much that I was willing to look past it.
I loved the small town, the ranch, the cast of characters, and the relationship. This book is enough to make you want to pack up and move to the middle of nowhere.
Add Cash to your list of new book boyfriends. I have read a lot of cowboy romance and let me just say: he is probably my favourite cowboy. Those fighting words!
I can't wait to continue reading this series as it publishes. It was so fun and I loved that feeling of not being able to put a book down until it was finished. ...more
What a wildly thrilling and unpredictable reading experience! The best thing I could have done was going into this book knowing nothing about it. I haWhat a wildly thrilling and unpredictable reading experience! The best thing I could have done was going into this book knowing nothing about it. I had read no blurb, no summary, nothing. I had no idea what kind of story I was picking up which made everything that much more surprising.
If you were to ask me what I thought I would rate this book as I was reading, I would have given a variety of answers. It took me a while to even get into the story. The writing flowed and gripped me from the beginning but when it came to the story, it took me a solid hundred pages before I was invested.
I really liked so many of these characters. How they were written, their personalities, their loyalty, their banter, and their humour. I'm excited to learn more about each of them in future novels.
The last quarter (or even maybe last 200 pages) of this book was...A LOT. There was so. much. happening. I'm not going to lie, at some points I was even thinking TOO much stuff was happening as it was hard to wrap my head around everything that was evolving.
Parts of this novel seemed so creative, fresh, and unique which I really appreciated, but other elements in this story felt recycled and similar to another very popular Romantasy series (you know if you know).
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series but I'm also quite apprehensive. I don't know if a second novel could "beat" this one. I was even thinking at one point that this could have been an amazing standalone but there unfortunately is quite a few things left unanswered.
I think this novel is definitely deserving of the popularity that it's receiving and I'm interested to see where the story goes. ...more
Not only is this book potentially my favourite read of December, it's potentially my favourite Christmas read...ever. I'm having a hard time fully comNot only is this book potentially my favourite read of December, it's potentially my favourite Christmas read...ever. I'm having a hard time fully committing to that statement but either way, it's definitely within my top five.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this book up and I'm glad of that. I hadn't read any blurb and only knew that it was getting rave reviews. I didn't know anything about the storyline.
This book was HILARIOUS. I'm one of those readers that while reading, even if I feel an emotion, I'm not very expressive. But with this book, I actually caught myself smiling and laughing out loud. The humour was incredible and made this book that much more fun.
I loved all of the characters. All of them. No notes. I can't think of anything for each character that I would change.
I don't think I was expecting for this book to get as steamy as it did judging by the first half of this book but I'm not hating on it. I'm just acknowledging: this book gets STEAMY. If you like that, perfect. If you don't, I still would say give this book a chance and if you have to, maybe flip past those sections quickly. The rest of this story is oh so worth it.
I think this book may be my first Meghan Quinn but it most certainly will not be my last. I'm tempted to go immediately order her backlist based on this reading experience but I will resist that temptation and make my way through slowly. ...more
First off, I LOVED the setting of the small town and Christmas tree farm. I don't think I have often (if atThis was such a fun winter holiday romance!
First off, I LOVED the setting of the small town and Christmas tree farm. I don't think I have often (if at all) read novels set at a Christmas tree farm and it's honestly such a picturesque and cozy setting too imagine.
This novel was like the best version of a Hallmark Christmas movie but with a little added spice (minus the dramatized cheesiness which I do also love). It was just such a heartwarming and wholesome read where you couldn't help but root for all of the characters involved.
This is a novel that I surprisingly didn't feel the need to race through. Even though it would have been easy to, I think subconciously I wanted to slowly make my way through this one so that I could have the time to really enjoy it.
I know the most obvious next step would be to dive right into the next book in the series, but I think I'm going to plan to read each one during the season that they represent to allow me to truly love each reading experience. ...more
I wish I reviewed this book the first time I read it (or the second, third, or fourth times) but alas.
This book is the perfect ending to this trilogy I wish I reviewed this book the first time I read it (or the second, third, or fourth times) but alas.
This book is the perfect ending to this trilogy and what a WILD ride to get there!
Beyond that, I don't have much to say. I consider this series a modern day classic, especially when it comes to the ever developing dystopian genre. I continue to think that this series is timeless and holds up amazingly well. I will no doubt continue to reread this series over the course of my lifetime. ...more
When I first read this book many years ago I don't know if I would have rated it five stars. I do know that I really liked it at the time so it would When I first read this book many years ago I don't know if I would have rated it five stars. I do know that I really liked it at the time so it would have came close. I can say confidently though that I rate this book five stars NOW and I will continue to reread this book (and this series) for many years to come.
I do know at the time Katniss would have frustrated me with how she treated Peeta in regards to the whole Gale/Peeta dilemma but now in hindsight, I can understand that she's a teenager and the head of a rebellion that she never asked to be a part of.
This book (and series) really withstands the true test of time. I originally read this book when it came out as a teenager and now in my thirties (*welp*) I enjoyed it just as much. In fact, it's a different reading experience now having more perspective and having lived through more....more
I have no words. No words to give this story and this book the justice it deserves.
Can I first just acknowledge the fools we all are questioning why I have no words. No words to give this story and this book the justice it deserves.
Can I first just acknowledge the fools we all are questioning why we needed Haymitch's story thinking we knew everything that we needed to know? Lesson LEARNED. Loud and clear. Suzanne Collins, I am seated and willing to be educated in everything involving this universe. I will take any crumb that you grace us with.
This release flew under the radar for me. I knew the book was coming out but it's not a release that I was massively anticipating. Again, I think it's because I {ignorantly} thought we knew Haymitch's story. I'm actually happy that I wasn't highly anticipating this novel because I was caught off guard with how I much I loved it. Honestly, depending on the moment, you may even catch me saying this is my favourite Hunger Games novel...
I don't want to get into spoiler territory so I will try and keep this vague. I really appreciate this book coming after, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" because I think we all needed a reminder of a certain character's...character. We waffled, we questioned, and Suzanne Collins answered and corrected us.
This story, the writing, EVERYTHING was incredible. Incredible and beautiful. Add on the current political climate we are living in and while it was HARROWING, it also gave me HOPE.
The 'Easter eggs' were also laid out loud and proud! Loved them and I like how some were not blatantly obvious. Did we get all the answers? No. But at this point, I don't think we WANT all the answers.
For new readers to this series, I want to make a recommendation. Either way, this series is going to be great but I truly recommend reading this series in publication order. To me, reading any other way is doing a disservice to the series. I don't think the emotional impact will be the same.
I will be thinking about this book for many moons to come and I'm really looking forward to the adaptation. I don't know if Suzanne Collins plans on doing any more Hunger Games books but this book continues to leave many options open for development. However, I would also be happily content with the books we have been given. ...more
Even though I finished reading this book upon its release a few weeks ago, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that happened but I've come to Even though I finished reading this book upon its release a few weeks ago, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that happened but I've come to the conclusion that I don't think I'll ever be able to fully understand what I read in this book. I'm HOPING in future novels that I'll be able to understand more.
Honestly, you would have never guessed that I reread the previous two books in this series a week before this book's release because I spent the majority of this book CONFUSED. About many things. Places, people, you name it and I probably was confused about it. The ending? Full on TOTAL confusion there (until I watched some theory videos and even then, some of them won't be correct).
When it came to the romance in this novel, I definitely got what I wanted in this book from that regard (maybe even more than I wanted to be honest).
The storylines however? Wild. There was so much that was introduced and so many people along with it. It was difficult to keep everything straight. This can be a classic thing that happens in a complex Fantasy series but I don't think it was necessarily laid out well in this book as I think it could have been more accessible and easier to understand.
I'm interested to see where this series goes and to have some explanations that will have everything make sense down the line....more
Take this review with a grain of salt as I have read and reread this book many times and yet I have never written a review.
I think this book is whereTake this review with a grain of salt as I have read and reread this book many times and yet I have never written a review.
I think this book is where I started in the dystopian genre. If not it's definitely the one that is most widely known. I can say rereading this book many years later, this book still holds up to that original popularity and I would consider it a modern day classic. A "1984" for my generation (and I guess generations to come).
This story is addicting and harrowing at the same time. I think the most disturbing part of it all is that I could easily see how we (as a society) are not all that far from that. I don't know if that makes sense because it isn't like we have an official "Hunger Games" going on (thank GOD) but I can see how we are not THAT far from it.
Looking beyond that chilling proximity to reality, it's overall just a good story as well. Incredible. It's one that I hope many will continue to read, no matter the age. ...more
I was initially apprehensive of this book as it was published so much later than the original trilogy. I was worried that it would be somethi4.5 stars
I was initially apprehensive of this book as it was published so much later than the original trilogy. I was worried that it would be something that was published riding on that trilogy's success instead of a story with a good plot.
With that being said, those concerns were unwarranted and I was happily surprised by how good this novel was. In writing, in plot, and in creativity. As well, the story that was told all made sense in respect to Snow's character in the original trilogy and I liked learning the background of his character.
I loved the nods to the original trilogy whether it be subtle or obvious and I'm sure that I missed some that were hidden.
What kept me from giving this book a full five stars is that I felt the story really slowed down in that final quarter when in District 12. Yes, there was a lot that was eventful but I feel like this book could have been five stars if some of the added pages were removed. Either way, it's close to a five star read for sure.
I don't want to spoil anything so I will keep this vague but with that conclusion, I can't help but wonder about a certain character's future and what their life was like.
***I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***...more
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