This was just the sweetest, most adorable story ever!
I hate to compare all of Thorne's books to The Hating Game but if you are hoping for a book like This was just the sweetest, most adorable story ever!
I hate to compare all of Thorne's books to The Hating Game but if you are hoping for a book like that, this is not it. Second First Impressions is a sweet, charming, almost fluffy story about two people who seem so different coming together. Ruthie is 25 going on 125 and Teddy is 27 going on 17 but when they are forced to work together they help each other grow in all the ways they needed.
Teddy is an absolute charmer (you know the type) he's sweet and funny and manages to make everyone fall in love with him. Ruthie is not exactly uptight but she has this old lady librarian thing going on (that totally works for Teddy). She had makeover written all over her and I was concerned there was going to be a 2000's romcom style makeover but thankfully, it was done much better than that. In fact, both characters end up changing in little ways but the changes are for themselves.
The story is a touch predictable but that's fine because it delivers on what you want. It's like a cuddle-buddy in book form perfect for when you have a touch of the blues.
FYI: There is a sex scene but it is so tame the book is practically clean. It's actually a pretty sweet scene.
I absolutely loved the first book, These Hollow Vows, but I did have a few issues with Brie being tormentingly stupid on occasion. Thankfully, These TI absolutely loved the first book, These Hollow Vows, but I did have a few issues with Brie being tormentingly stupid on occasion. Thankfully, These Twisted Bonds has completely redeemed her character flaws. After the betrayals of the first book, Brie launches herself into her new circumstances taking no more shit from anyone.
Although Brie has gone all independent woman, the love triangle is still a major part of the plot. It's practically what drives the plot with it being tied to major and influential historical events. So, if you hate a love triangle this may annoy you. I love an emotional love triangle so I was all over it and very happy with its outcome.
We also get a new character in this book who was briefly mentioned in the first book. Misha, Pretha's brother, is awesome and I really wish he had been present in the first book. He brought an energy These Hollow Vows lacked that These Twisted Bonds really benefited from. I would love a spin-off starring him and his kingdom.
The "twists" and reveals were somewhat predictable but it didn't make the story any less enjoyable. It was the characters that really made this duology such an engaging and enjoyable read....more
Oh, my gosh, I was completely undone by this book! It was so beautiful. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.
The setting, the banterOh, my gosh, I was completely undone by this book! It was so beautiful. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.
The setting, the banter, the relationships, the expressions of love for books, everything was just fabulous.
Book Lovers is more like Beach Read so if you enjoyed that you will likely enjoy this one but let me tell you, Book Lovers is better.
Book Lovers takes the smalltown romance trope and flips it for the city people without losing any of the magic. We still get the quirks and jokes that you'd expect from something like Gilmore Girls but also the style and energy of something like Sex and the City (minus the sex talk).
As with Henry's other books, there's a focus on familial relationships and how the pain from our youth influences our decisions as adults. It was an absolute joy to go on this journey with these characters as they overcame their issues without compromising who they intrinsically are.
And the love story? Oh, the love story is one of the most beautiful I have ever read. Probably the most beautiful! I honestly can't think of one I prefer.
I mentioned this above but I just want to say again, the banter in this is fabulous. Reminiscent of Lorelai and Rory in Gilmore Girls or Annie and Lillian in Bridesmaids. It's zappy, zingy and so much fun....more
Absolutely wonderful book. I'm always impressed with the readability and artistic elements of the Rebel Girls books. They really aren't just for smallAbsolutely wonderful book. I'm always impressed with the readability and artistic elements of the Rebel Girls books. They really aren't just for small girls, they can be a source of inspiration for everyone. This latest addition to the series, Rebel Girls Climate Warriors, is such an important book for us all right now. The women included are so inspiring and I love the extra interactive elements to help people actually do something with that inspiration....more
I adored this friends to lovers contemporary romance. It gave me all the warm fuzzies without ever crossing the line into cheesy. Poppy and Alex’s relI adored this friends to lovers contemporary romance. It gave me all the warm fuzzies without ever crossing the line into cheesy. Poppy and Alex’s relationship is explored and expanded in a way that feels more realistic than most other friends to lovers stories I’ve read. They truly were friends and lived their lives without one of them secretly pining for the other until their relationship grew into something more. They definitely always loved one another but it was an enduring love that was such a joy to read.
And if you can’t tell by the cover and title, this will be a wonderful book to read over the summer....more
Brilliant!! I am consistently surprised by what I don’t know about my down there! Every time I read a book about it I learn something new. I love thisBrilliant!! I am consistently surprised by what I don’t know about my down there! Every time I read a book about it I learn something new. I love this one not only for what it thought me but for the approachable language used, inclusivity and its acceptant attitude towards every little wonderful and cringey thing that happens down there. A must read for everyone with or without a vulva.
Such a fun little book. I’m sure many young kids will get a giggle out of this. The artwork is quite pretty for such a humorous topic, full of colour Such a fun little book. I’m sure many young kids will get a giggle out of this. The artwork is quite pretty for such a humorous topic, full of colour and whimsy. The rhymes are fun and cute and translated really well....more
Delicious delicious delicious! So many salivating melty cheese recipes. I’m a huge fan of cheese so I was mightily impressed with this cookbook. The rDelicious delicious delicious! So many salivating melty cheese recipes. I’m a huge fan of cheese so I was mightily impressed with this cookbook. The recipes included are very straightforward and will be achievable by people with the most basic cooking skills. My only complaints are that I wish there were more photos and that there were a few dessert recipes. I know it’s a cookbook for hot cheese but there are surely a few sweet recipes out there with hot cheese…...more
A pretty faithful graphic novel adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s early 20th century novel. It runs through the story pretty quickly but the artwork is siA pretty faithful graphic novel adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s early 20th century novel. It runs through the story pretty quickly but the artwork is simply stunning. The depictions of the opera house are especially beautiful and I love the crypt creeperesque portrayal of the phantom....more
What an inspiring young woman! Given her age, I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of just how influential she will be but I’m glad this book was created What an inspiring young woman! Given her age, I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of just how influential she will be but I’m glad this book was created now. It’s wonderful for her peers to see how they can make changes especially with highly influential people like Trump making damaging statements in the media that may be disheartening.
“Greta doesn’t think well-meaning individuals, just by themselves, can stop the problem. She believes that governments have to work together to create solutions. And they must act quickly. Still, as she has said herself, “You are never too small to make a difference.””...more
Wonderful book to help you talk about racism with kids. It does simplify a pretty complex topic though I think a lot of the language may still be beyoWonderful book to help you talk about racism with kids. It does simplify a pretty complex topic though I think a lot of the language may still be beyond the grasp of most small children. The illustrations are super cute, perfect for getting a toddlers attention to raise the topic of racism and help both parents and children to learn and grow....more
There's a lot of potential here. I love many of the ideas for the story such as the ship city and the social ranking system. It's a very interes
There's a lot of potential here. I love many of the ideas for the story such as the ship city and the social ranking system. It's a very interesting take on the Cinderella story. However, this book is deficient in writing style and story technique meaning it doesn't flow very well and lacks depth.
I picked this up because it reminded me of My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix. The two books would look very well on a shelf togeth
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I picked this up because it reminded me of My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix. The two books would look very well on a shelf together or make a very nice gift packaged together. The 80’s nostalgia (with a bit of 70’s in this book) mixed with occult and horror themes makes for a very entertaining book. It’s styled on those old catalogues of books for kids with some puzzles and activities (join the dots on Satan, anyone?),with short descriptions on some of the books and order forms for occult items such as a cursed video tape. It’s mainly a collection of very funny horror-parody children’s book covers. I would love to have some of them as posters for my office especially the “Sleep is my God” one.
The illustrations are wonderful and the horror/occult theme is entertaining throughout never passing into grotesqueness.
I must say I absolutely loved this and the only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I found t
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"It is better to be a coward than a corpse"
I must say I absolutely loved this and the only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I found the drug addiction a bit tiresome after a while. I wanted more of the mystery and hints of vampirism. It is a wonderfully twisty and gothic historical mystery loosely inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It kept me guessing until the end and I never suspected who the killer was!
Tillie’s character is a touch annoying in the beginning but it’s short lived and she becomes someone to inspire and root for. All of the characters are so richly portrayed even the hateful ones. It’s impossible not to find them all engaging and get caught up in their webs.
First of all, you need to have read at least the first book of Frost's Night Huntress series before reading The Other Side of the Grave. Go on! Go reaFirst of all, you need to have read at least the first book of Frost's Night Huntress series before reading The Other Side of the Grave. Go on! Go read it. I promise you won't regret it.
The Other Side of the Grave retells the events of Halfway to the Grave from Bones' perspective. We get to see what he was up to when Cat wasn't around and what was going on inside his devilish little mind during their interactions. I absolutely LOVED seeing his side of things. We also get a few things explained about Halfway to the Grave that Cat wasn't aware of or never figured out.
My only issue is that Bones is already a well-rounded and developed character from the moment he shows up. He's a guiding force for Cat's story so we don't get much character growth with Bones other than him falling in love. It occasionally felt like we were just following Bones around doing stuff cause he was always so sure of himself and his actions.
Having said that though, I freaking LOVED this book. It was amazing to see Bones falling for Cat and if Frost decided to write more of the series from his perspective I will definitely be reading them. Halfway from the Grave does end on a cliffhanger that would have made the ending for The Other Half of the Grave a bit depressing but Frost very cleverly included an epilogue featuring an early scene from One Foot in the Grave that makes the ending to this book just wonderful. ...more
I love how this short story collection has tie in songs for each story. It adds another layer to the story especially with the author’s not
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I love how this short story collection has tie in songs for each story. It adds another layer to the story especially with the author’s notes included.
The collection is the final installment in the Kitty Norville series though each story doesn’t follow Kitty, some are even historical but they are all supernatural, set in this universe and mostly feature characters from the series.
It’s kind of a look around the world at what else was going on since the main series is told from Kitty’s perspective the view is limited to what she experiences. With this collection we get to see a little more and discover things she doesn’t know as well as some new experiences for her since Kitty Saves the World.
There is a lot of potential in this story but it doesn’t quite reach it. It’s burdened by tedious chunks of world building and very slow pa
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There is a lot of potential in this story but it doesn’t quite reach it. It’s burdened by tedious chunks of world building and very slow pacing. The premise is so intriguing and there are many moments throughout the book that grab your attention but they are short lived. The characters are also a bit flat with little personality.
My favourite thing about this book is the cover. I think it’s so pretty but it doesn’t do a good job at portraying what this book is about.
I was a bit iffy with this one for the first 2 or 3 chapters. It was pretty much nothing but world bui
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You can’t beat a good murder mystery!
I was a bit iffy with this one for the first 2 or 3 chapters. It was pretty much nothing but world building that I found pretty boring to read. I even contemplated dropping it but I’m so happy I stuck it out cause this book was so good! Once I got to chapter 5 the ball was rolling and I was well and truly invested in the story.
It’s one of those unputdownable whodunnit stories with vampires, werewolves and mystery beings thrown in. It’s a lot of fun and it’s refreshing to read an urban fantasy not set in the US.
*All the proceeds from pre-orders of this book are being donated to Refuge, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and First Book.
This one let me down a little bit. It was a lovely story, I loved the connections between all of the characters, the dynamics of running th
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This one let me down a little bit. It was a lovely story, I loved the connections between all of the characters, the dynamics of running the campsite but overall I found it a little bit boring. It’s the perfect book to read if you want to unwind and relax a bit but don’t expect anything too exciting.
An absolutely stunning and comprehensive guide to creating botanical artworks. The book instructs the reader in the basic artistic skills a
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An absolutely stunning and comprehensive guide to creating botanical artworks. The book instructs the reader in the basic artistic skills and techniques required and then elaborates on them with applied and advanced techniques as they relate to botanical illustrations. Each step is helpfully portrayed with photographs of the techniques and finished artwork.
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