2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews has read 0 books toward her goal of 150 books.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

CIRCE by Madeline Miller Review



Hello, Hello, Hi *waves*

Pull up a chair, welcome to my little slice of the bookish community.


We are here to chat about CIRCE by Madeline Miller


BLURB
"A bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story," this #1 New York Timesbestseller is "both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right" (Alexandra Alter, The New York Times).

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.




My Thoughts.

HOLY SMOKES!

What was that, I am speechless. I listened to this brilliant story in audio. I highly recommend. This was the story about Circe, daughter of Helios, a Titian God.

I am a massive Mythology geek, I have numerous books and have read and re read them all for years and years. I did not no of Circe, and she was a gifted witch that I did not know I wanted to know about.

This story is the birth of Circe and her life, and i am assuming the beginning of her death *insert eye roll* she was a lonely Goddess banished to her deserted island Aiaia.

We meet many of gods, and goddesses, from Helios, Athena, Prometheus, her brother Aeetes, Glaucus and Daedalus, Odysseus. Hermes, Telemachus and her son Telegonus.
and so many more.

I haven't read the story about Circe, so this was all so new to me. Circe should not have been alone and I felt sorry for her.

Circe was so strong, and I wanted so much more for her. She was so powerful, she should have taken down whom put her on that island.

This book had many romantic scenes, but its not graphic nor is it smut. Just love.

I loved the way the author weaved her story, but at the same time was annoyed with situations as well.

Most of the time I was completely captivated, and I liked the brand new story the author has created. She created something very unique. The Odyssey is one story I want to read now that I have read this one. Its also free on amazon.

Circe is a very character driven story,  and very lyrical and I think for some it will either be a hit or miss.

All Circe wanted was to be accepted and loved, she was a lesser nymph and we go on this journey watching her become this big powerful witch, her strength is amazing and courage. Her compassion was honourable. She suffers heartache, motherhood, desire and we get a real story about one kick ass goddess.

Listen to the audiobook, that is how I found myself reading this one.

TW: Rape & Violence.

That ending though, Oh man, what a ending. I was swept away in a lovely romance, a deserving romance that felt just as that. I felt all the emotions and It made me so very happy to see Circe what she deserved.

I really enjoyed this story, I was hesitant at times and I wasn't to sure what was going to happen next, but I am so so glad I made it to the end, a beautiful ending at that.

Ang

The Villa by Nora Roberts Review


Hello, Hello, Hi *waves*

Pull up a chair, welcome to my little slice of the bookish community.

Nora Roberts Book of the Month Book Club!
 If you would like to join me on my Nora book of month please come and join us. You now join the good reads group I have created.



APRIL

The Villa by Nora Roberts.
 Blurb:
Sophia is the pride of the Giambelli clan and a vital player in the family's celebrated winery. But things are about to change at Villa Giambelli.

Family matriarch Tereza has announced a surprise merger with the MacMillan family's winery. As a savvy businesswoman, Sophia knows she must be ready for anything - but she isn't prepared for Tyler MacMillan. They've been ordered to work closely together to ensure the merger goes through smoothly. But as they toil together, both in and out of the fields, Sophia finds herself increasingly torn between professional rivalry and a powerful attraction. 

And when the business and the family are threatened by disturbing acts of sabotage, Sophia realises her quest isn't just for dominance, but survival...

My Review
I Loved this book!

The Villa was literally like the old show or new show Dynasty!
So much family drama, and I was here for it. Normally I am not one for drama, but this was written so well that I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Sophia and Tyler are perfect main characters, and so are all the other characters we are introduced. The Giambelli family is big and vindictive. With passion, romance and twist and turns this was a family you don't wont to mess out on reading about.

I loved the way Nora described everything, the way she made you feel like you were looking or walking through he vineyards. She is an artist with the words she creates, this really truly was quite fun, even with all the theatrics.

This was an excellent buddy read for the Nora Roberts book of the month. Next month we are doing something a little magical.

The Villa, I was very attracted to the setting Napa Valley. The merge between two wine making family's, was a treat to read about. The Villa really had it all, the who did it aspect, drama, sex, romance and a murder.

I enjoyed the audio, and reading the book.

Cant not wait to see what Nora brings us next!

Ang

Junk Mail by Kendall Ryan Review




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Pull up a chair, welcome to my little slice of the bookish community.

Junk Mail by Kendall Ryan

BLURB

It all started with a sexy selfie.

Texted to the wrong number. 

Oops. 

Not my finest moment—but I have nothing to be ashamed of.

She thought I was no better, and I quote, than the knuckle-dragging douche-bags she was never dating again.

It was a stupid dare from a girl I’d met online, but since she’d given me a fake number, I didn’t feel bad that my interests were suddenly focused elsewhere—on the fiery and sharp-tongued, Peyton that I found myself sparring with over text for the rest of the evening.

The following day, my case of mistaken identity came back to bite me in the banana.

When I strolled into the office, I was introduced to Peyton as the new client I needed to win over. The Peyton , in case you're not tracking.

And let’s just say she had my full attention.

Brains? Check. 

Beauty? Oh yeah. 

And the best part? She hated me on sight. 

Dear God, do I love a challenge. 

Let the games begin.


My Thoughts.
Overall I rated this story a 3.5/5 stars. All the way to one specific part it was a 4 stars and then something happened where I as like No, No NO You didn't...
I really loved the way Kendall writes, It was entertaining and with fun characters you couldn't not like it though. What happens when you send a dick to the wrong number???

I laughed a lot, and I really enjoyed the sensual sexy tension chemistry that Josh and Peyton have, it was igniting my kindle. I loved the Grandma, she was hilarious and I did not like Josh best mate. I think everyone will enjoy this short, sexy romance.

For me, my biggest peet peeve is unintentional miss communication, and then go weeks with out it, that adds up to a chunk of the story.

Its standalone, and the authors newest addition to her list of stories. It is told in dual POV and I did like that you did not have to read anything before jumping feet first into this story.

Fast paced and a little predictable at times, but it was was very cute and Josh is swoon worthy, the sexy times were freaking Delicious and I for one really enjoyed them.

Be sure to check out this one .

Ang

Monday, April 22, 2019

Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb



Hey, Hello, Hi *waves*

Welcome to my newest blog entry.


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Rapture in Death by J.D Robb

BLURB

Lieutenant Eve Dallas delves into the world of virtual reality gaming to stop a sadistic killer in this In Death novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb.

They died with smiles on their faces. Three apparent suicides: a brilliant engineer, an infamous lawyer, and a controversial politician. Three strangers with nothing in common—and no obvious reasons for killing themselves. Police lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the deaths suspicious. And her instincts pay off when autopsies reveal small burns on the brains of the victims. 

Was it a genetic abnormality or a high-tech method of murder? Eve’s investigation turns to the provocative world of virtual reality games—where the same techniques used to create joy and desire can also prompt the mind to become the weapon of its own destruction...


My Thoughts.

I am seriously loving the mystery crime murders that Eve has to solve, that and I adore herself and Roarke's relationship. In this one they are married, and on there sexy, sexy honeymoon. But one slight hiccup Roarke and Eve discover a dead body...

 I am Loving my buddy reads with Fran and Suz over at UTC book blog.


I really loved the twist and turns in this story, I really liked it, this one was very futuristic. I enjoyed my time within this world and  I can not wait to see where book FIVE takes us.


Incredible
Sexy
Mystery
Funny
Interesting

I could go on and on, but you get the idea, if you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for?


Ang

A Wolf Apart by Maria Vale


Hello, Welcome Friends.

Welcome to my newest blog entry.



A WOLF APART by Maria Vale

(The Legend of All Wolves Book 2) 


BLURB

"Wonderfully unique and imaginative. I was enthralled!"—JEANIENE FROSTNew York Timesbestselling author, for The Last Wolf
Can a human truly make room in her heart for the Wild?
Thea Villalobos has long since given up trying to be what others expect of her. So in Elijah Sorensson she can see through the man of the world to a man who is passionate to the point of heartbreak. But something inside him is dying...

Elijah Sorensson has all kinds of outward success: bespoke suits, designer New York City apartment, women clamoring for his attention. Except Elijah despises the human life he's forced to endure. He's Alpha of his generation of the Great North Pack, and the wolf inside him will no longer be restrained...
She sizes me up quickly with eyes the color of ironwood and just as unyielding.
"Thea Villalobos," she says, and it takes me a moment to get my breath back.
Thea Villalobos. Goddess of the City of Wolves.

The Legend of All Wolves:
The Last Wolf (Book 1)
A Wolf Apart (Book 2)

What People Are Saying About The Last Wolf:
"Raw, wild, and intense—captivating to the final page."—AMANDA BOUCHETUSA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles
"Pushes boundaries, and keeps you at the edge of your seat."—TERRY SPEARUSA Todaybestselling author of the Heart of the Wolf series
"A standout...a dense, gooey chocolate cake in page form."—Kirkus Reviews
"Outstanding world...well worth reading. Spellbound readers will watch for the next installment."—Booklist Starred Review


My Thoughts.

"Homeward, you land sick heath- wanderer, in 27 days"

A Wolf Apart by Maria Vale was so very different to the first book, where I loved the first book so much, i found myself not loving this one as much, and only because the romance was very secondary to the story.

"My sky, my mountains, my wood, my earth."

Elijah Sorensson is the Alpha of echelon, but rather then being with his pack he has had to live in the human world, and he only gets to return back home when the Iron moon happens each month. It is literally destroying his soul being trapped in his human body more and more then he likes. he is the most successful lawyer and he has everything human would want in life, but he is not human he is wolf and all he wants to to be wild once again.

"I know how it feels when your soul starts to die."

Until he meets Thea, Thea Villalobos, she is human and she chooses to live a life like he would love to. Thea lives away from others.

"The great man" "The great wolf" "is the one who in the midst of the crowd" "of humans" "keeping with perfect sweetness the stillness of the forest"

"The quote is," Keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

The romance was lacking quite a lot in this one, still I found myself enjoying it, but I really did miss the romance element. We are told that Elijah really digs Thea, but i found the relationship did lack any depth. In this one we are told they love each other but not shown, I think if we had some of Thea's POV I might have liked it even more. But even with all this said I found myself really loving Elijah and wanting him to have the best life possible.


"A good fight isn't about the outcome. It's about knowing that you've made things different by trying."

I can defiantly say that I have not ever read a series like this one, where the werewolf, shifter, humans are so different and I cant even with the right words try and explain how amazing the author has created such a unique world, a world that I am loving!

"When I'm with her, I remember who I really am."

I don't think this book is for everyone, but for me it was everything. It made me feel instead of reading, It made me shed a tear or two, I was excited to know when it ended that I could jump into the next one.

"Be thou blessed. Be thy body as strong as the tree. Be thy will as hard as the mountain. Be thy young as wild as the storm. Be the lead of men as soft as snow upon thy fur. Be thou blessed."

4.75 / 5 Stars.

Ang


Nora Roberts Book of the Month May



Nora Roberts Book of the Month.

Nora Roberts Book of the Month Book Club!
 If you would like to join me on my Nora book of month please come and join us. You now join the good reads group I have created.

We had a long running poll and this is the book that had the most votes on to read. If you want to cast your votes, come and join us and put forward a book you would like to be read.


Junes Poll is here...



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May's Pick

Morrigan's Cross (Circle Trilogy Book 1)  


Blurb:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy begins with an epic tale that breaks down the boundaries between reality and the otherworldly, while forging together the passions of the men and women caught in a battle for the fate of humanity…

In the last days of high summer, with lightning striking blue in a black sky, the sorcerer stood on a high cliff overlooking the raging sea…        

Belting out his grief into the storm, Hoyt Mac Cionaoith rails against the evil that has torn his twin brother from their family’s embrace. Her name is Lilith. Existing for over a thousand years, she has lured countless men to an immortal doom with her soul-stealing kiss. But now, this woman known as vampire will stop at nothing until she rules this world—and those beyond it…

Hoyt is no match for the dark siren. But his powers come from the goddess Morrigan, and it is through her that he will get his chance at vengeance. At Morrigan’s charge, he must gather five others to form a ring of power strong enough to overcome Lilith. A circle of six: himself, the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms, and the one he’s lost. And it is in this circle, hundreds of years in the future, where Hoyt will learn how strong his spirit—and his heart—have become…

Don’t miss the other books in the Circle Trilogy
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence





April's book of the month was The Villa, and the majority of us really enjoyed it.
Review Here.

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MAY BREAKDOWN

May 1st -May 12th
Read Prologue - Chapter 12

May 13th - 25th
Read Chapter 12- The End

May 26th- 30th
Catch up

May 31st Group Chat

Total Pages 321, Number of Chapters 21 

Go grab yourself a copy and join us on the 1st of May.
Ang


Flatshare by Beth O'Leary Review


Hello, Hello, Hi *waves*
Pull up a chair, welcome to my little slice of the bookish community.




Blurb

Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met…
 


Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…
 


My Thoughts

'The Flatshare' did not feel  red or feel like so many of the countless romantic-comedy books I've read throughout the years.

Tiffy and Leon are flatmates with a twist. They share a bed. But Leon is in the flat only during the day as he works night shifts. Where Tiffy is in the flat at nights and on the weekends. Their lives are so separate that they haven't even met... I mean we know where this is going to go eventually.

 BUT THIS ROMANTIC JOURNEY IS FABULOUS!


When Tiffy and Leon start leaving generic post it notes for each other around the flat (regarding things such as bin day, leftover food etc) that is when the story got really good. These notes gradually evolve into a deeper intimacy and the two find themselves getting to know each other on a deeper level, and eventually they become very good friends.

The pacing was slow, I thought the book might have the error of using the notes as the sole point of contact between the two leads , I am still unsure if that was intentional. After awhile I got used to it, but in the beginning it was a distraction. It was only when it was Leon's POV.


I really wasn't expecting that this story is far more emotional than I ever thought possible from a light read. This is because it deals with some heavy issues. controlling, stalker (ish) ex boyfriends, A brother in prison.

I enjoyed the lead characters, and I really liked the secondary characters, there friends. Overall I really enjoyed my time with this story.


If you're a fan of romantic comedies a then this book is definitely one you should pick up.



Sunday, April 21, 2019

The Dark Bones by Loreth Anne White Review





Hello, Hello, How are you?
Welcome to my little slice of the bookish community.

We are here to talk about The Dark Bones by Loreth Anne White 


BLURB
She’s come back to solve the mystery of her father’s death and confront her own dark past.
When Detective Rebecca North left her rural hometown, she vowed never to return. Her father’s apparent suicide has changed that. The official report is that retired cop Noah North shot himself, knocked over a lantern, and set his isolated cabin ablaze. But Rebecca cannot believe he killed himself.
To prove it, she needs the help of Ash Haugen, the man she left behind. But Rebecca and Ash share more than broken hearts. Something darker lies between them, and the investigation is stirring it back to life. Clues lead them to the home of Olivia West and her deeply troubled twelve-year-old daughter, Tori. The child knows more about the murder than anyone can imagine, but she’s too terrified to say a word.
And as a cold-blooded killer resurfaces from the past, Rebecca and Ash begin to fear that their own secrets may be even harder to survive.

MY REVIEW

"Can you pinpoint the exact instant your life starts on a collision course with someone else's? Can you trace back to the moment those lives did finally intersect, and from where they spiralled outward again, yet from that point they remained forever entwined, two lives locked one with another?" (The Dark Bones)


I will try and NOT to include any spoilers so I apologise for the vague review, or if any spoilers.This book was amazing and I’m so grateful I was able to read an advance copy.

 I loved twist and turns this novel took us on, I enjoyed the pace. At times i found it to be a little wordy, and in the beginning I was so sure I was going to enjoy it as much as the first one, I loved that one. I think to, because I listened to the audio. I found myself starting this one and not being able to put it down, way into the dark night I was so scared to move lol I just wanted to know what happened all them years ago.

Really good Mystery Suspense novel, not a lot of romance which kind of made me twitchy. But I overall thought it was a great read.T he Dark Bones is the second book in the Dark Lure series. The main character is Rebecca North. She's a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detective who moved out of her rural hometown of Clinton, Canada as soon as she could after her boyfriend Ash Haugen broke her heart.

Two teens disappear 20 years ago and the mystery was never solved until now! A retired cop comes across new evidence who is the main characters father, and is killed because of it so his daughter Rebecca comes home and starts putting all of the clues together. While solving this crime, you could not pick who done it, at one point I thought for sure I knew who the killers were but nope it changed so very much right till the last chapter when we find out.

The author jumps from the present to the past and back again to set up the relationships between Ash, Becca, Whitney & Trevor. One thing though, the past holds the key to actual crimes committed. The book is emotional, and could be triggering to some it involves physical abuse, inappropriate behaviour, murder, deep & dark secrets, brief mention of rape and a second chance to romance.

You can read this as a standalone, even with it being book two in the series. Yes it has Tori from the previous book but nothing major spoilery unless you want to read book one which I high recommended because that story was UN freaking believable, it was a smidgen better then this one, but I highly recommend both. this was a solid 4 stars, maybe 4.75. Only because I really wanted a little more romance with the characters, what we got wasn't enough to satisfy me.

I can not wait to see if the author will return to this series, and small town. and if and when she does ill be returning as well, I really liked this story.

Ang