logo
Wrong email address or username
Wrong email address or username
Incorrect verification code
back to top
Search tags: Part-of-my-story
Load new posts () and activity
Like Reblog Comment
review 2019-07-30 22:25
I read this. Now you don't have to. You're welcome.
Killing Phar Lap: An Untold Part of the Story - Biff Lowry

God, I wanted to love this.  I did. 

 

I love Phar Lap. The movie, omg, the movie. I have read some of the sources that Lowry says he used. I love my Phar Lap Breyer model. I've long subscribed to the murder theory. Okay? I'm not convinced Lowry's wrong. I am just not convinced he's right, and this book is a mess.  Honesty it is just as bad as whatsherfaces book about Jack the Ripper - Cornwell, that's her name.  And I didn't think that was possible.

Why is it a mess?

1. Padding. Way to0 much padding. I think the bits about the Kennedys and King were there to show the idea that the mob can kill people. Unless it was there to suggest that the Daddy Kennedy was in on the plot to kill Phar Lap. Though why killings that occurred so many years later prove something about a horse, I don't know. He even mentions Lincoln. Like because Booth killed Lincoln that means all Yanks will kill horses (okay, he doesn't actually say that but he comes close).  Additionally, there is a whole chapter about a boxer who went to the US and died. While Lowry says he wasn't murdered, he implies that the boxer was. The boxer at least is a contemporary so his inclusion makes sense, though a whole chapter feels a bit much.

2. For some reason, Lowry feels it necessary to point out that the Yanks can't really deny killing Phar Lap because we have crime, more than our share. Um, okay? So there is no crime in New Zealand or Australia? Oh, look a few pages later he talks about how some Aussie people cheated at horse racing. So, nope? It's fine that he doesn't like the US or Yanks, but that was a seriously stupid sentence.

3. The facts that Lowry presents in the book are not foot noted or cited in the body of the ticket. Additionally, while he lists sources, in many cases the source listings are general. Something like say Online Press or Wikimedia. Not impressed.

4. Lowry does rely on interviews, but it is unclear if Lowry did some, all or none of the interviews. This annoying because much of his "proof" comes from one man.

which brings to

5. Much of the proof comes from one man who was a boy when Phar Lap was staying at the ranch. It is unclear how old, though looking up the man and doing the math, he would have been 8.. It also should be noted that some of what makes its way to a young boy's ears might be changed or misheard. For instance, a woman claims that her husband and the doctor are killing her. The boy hears this and believes this but he lacks the knowledge about her condition that an adult would have. I'm not saying man is wrong or lying, but one person's memory isn't enough to go on.

6. Back to the sources - one person is listed because she is a historian for the area and loves Phar Lap. I'm not sure entirely how loving Phar Lap makes her an expert.  Plus, quoting Shakespeare in this type of book does not qualify as a real rebuttal.

7. Lowry keeps tooting his own horn about how shocking and groundbreaking, nay controversial, his theory is. He does this like 20 times before he even really gets started. Sadly, it is none of those three things.
 
 8. Conversation not coversations.
Like Reblog Comment
show activity (+)
review 2017-09-30 01:28
Book Review for Beyond Reckless by Autumn Jones Lake
Beyond Reckless: Teller's Story, Part One (A Lost Kings Novel) (Lost Kings MC Book 8) - Autumn Jones Lake
 
 
 
 
 
Title: Beyond Reckless
Series: Lost Kings MC
Author: Autumn Jones Lake
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: September 18, 2017
Arc copy provided for honest review
Reviewed by: Angles With Attitude Book Reviews
Kindle Edition


 
 
 
 
 
 
Blood doesn’t make you family, loyalty does.
 
Marcel “Teller” Whelan, Treasurer of the Lost Kings MC, has always been two things—honest and responsible. At ten years old, he was already taking care of his baby sister. At eighteen, he patched into the Lost Kings MC and took a major role in shaping the club’s future.
 
Three years ago, he thought he’d met the perfect woman, only to have her reject everything he is—a Lost King.
 
One bullet is a lifetime supply.
 
Now, after an accident that left a girl dead and Teller almost crippled, he’s struggling through the darkest time in his life. His niece, sister, and Lost Kings MC family are the only things holding him together, but his reckless actions are bound to drive everyone away.
 
Then, in the most unlikely place, he crosses paths with her again. The woman he once thought might be his perfect match.
 
Love soothes our inner demons.
Sparks fly for both of them. She’s the ride-or-die woman he needs, able to calm his many demons and bring the light back into his life. But she has a secret—one that forces him to lie to his brothers.
 
In chaos we trust.
When Teller’s brothers find out who he’s falling in love with, it will create a storm of chaos for the Lost Kings MC. But if there’s one thing Teller’s turbulent life has taught him, it’s that sometimes love is worth the chaos.
 
Beyond Reckless is the 8th book in the popular Lost Kings MC series, but can be read as a standalone.
 
 
“Amazing as always. Teller is...wow!” - Nothing but Sexy Books Blog
“With action, suspense, and plenty of steam, this is one MC Series you do not want to miss!” - Crazies R Us Book Blog
“Autumn has once again created another compelling and beautiful story of perseverance, love, loyalty and family and I hope she never stops writing about these characters and the LOKI world.” - A Girl and Her Books

Lets start off by saying that I love,love,love, this series and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story so far and this current tale was no different.We loved it !I am glad that the author decided to continue Teller's tale onto another book as the story had so many issues to tie up or explain that the current story would have felt rushed otherwise.Teller is a character that is very complex and he doesn't show people the real him he as many layers that you really need to peel back those layers in order to get to know the real him.I think of him as the strong silent type but, don't get me wrong he is deadly as hell.

I loved Teller in this story and in the previous ones and I am so glad that he found someone  that was willing to peel back those layers and see the real Teller as he is a big softy at heart and very lonely even though he had his sister,Alexis and Murphy and of course the brothers.When I say lonely I mean that he secretly wanted what his brothers have found like Murphy and Rock and then of course Wrath.He was secretly wanting a women of his own and perhaps a family in time.

I found Teller to be super protective of those he loves,patient and kind ,loving and loyal .I love how he lights up every time he has his niece in his arms.I love how close he and Murphy are and the friendship they share.I think he is a big softy at heart.Then there is a whole other side to Teller that is seriously dangerous and deadly.The lengths he is willing to go through to protect his club his sister and her family and to seek revenge for a girl he barely new was short of amazing.

We saw Teller go through so many emotional changes in this story and his adjustment of his  sister becoming and old lady of his best friend and brother Murphy and off course recovering from his bike accident where someone tried to kill him in the previous story.I felt really bad for him at times as letting go of that responsibility for Heidi was not an easy thing for him and it really gutted him.Regardless of how close he and Murphy are changes are hard to except especially when the sister that you love above others is now is taking his best friends time when they were always in each others pockets to almost non existent.We saw him struggle between his wanting his sister happiness and fighting being jealous all the same. We see him struggle to adjust but, rekindling a romance with one of his past conquests is distracting him from all that.

Omg ! How I loved Charlotte and her fierceness and how feisty she was and also how she made me laugh.I found her to be the perfect match for Teller.I thought that this couple had amazing chemistry and they definitely burned up the sheets and they were super hot together.Charlotte is testing and challenging him at every turn but, Teller is proving to live up to that challenge.I think Teller is doing his best to win his girl!

I love when you can connect with the characters that you read about and I was able to do that with this couple.As always I love all the ins and out of the club and there drama .I love how all the characters of the previous books are all part of the current book.I think all the characters are amazing.Some of my favorites characters are Rock,Wrath,Trinity,Hope but I have to say that Wrath is and a all time favorite of mine..
He is definitely swoon worthy...
sigh...

Another amazing tale in this on going series that we love so much.I have to say this is one of my top three favorite MC authors.The story was a page turner for us and once we started we could not put it down.Another to go into the keeper pile for us .I have to say this is a series that I never get tired of reading over and over again.

Recommended read to all!
As Well as the series itself.

A personal note: This is a MC that must be read in order and not one to read out of it.Even though the MC members get their own story all the books connect to one another and also some characters have more than one book to continue their journey to finding their own happiness.

5 stars from us


 
 
 

“What’re you doing?” Teller asks in a low, gravelly voice.

 

My hands go to his belt working it loose. “You need to ask?”

 
One of his hands closes over mine. “Wait.”
 
I glance up, patiently anticipating his next words. 
 
“I’m all fucked up.”
 
I squeeze and run my hand over his cock gently through his jeans. “You feel good to me.”
 
Finally he lets out a soft laugh. “Yeah, that works fine. I mean, I’ve got a lot of scars from my accident.”
 
I’m not used to men like him sharing their vulnerability with me. 
 
I’m used to them acting like defensive assholes.
 
He’s so different.
 
“Everyone has scars.” My gaze collides with his intense stare. “They just mean you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.”
 
His eyes widen and he traces his fingers along my jaw. “Get up.”
 
“But I haven’t even started,” I protest. 
 
That edge of ferocity that I remember from our first encounter enters his eyes. He grabs me by my arms and hauls me to my feet. Then to my utter shock, he drops his shoulder and throws me over it. I yip and squeal, kicking my legs. “What the hell are you doing?” 
 
He pops me on the ass once. “Quiet down. Where’s your bedroom?”
 
“Put me down.”
 
“I’ll find it on my own.”
 
I keep still, afraid he’ll drop me, but a few seconds later, he’s tossing me on my bed. I’m so glad I took five minutes to fix my sheets and blankets this morning. At least I won’t give off the impression I’m a complete slob.
 
He reaches over and flicks on the small lamp sitting on my nightstand. Without taking his eyes off me, he shrugs out of his cut and drapes it over the back of my desk chair.
 
He threads his fingers into my hair, tilting my head back and presses a hungry kiss against my lips. “You’re even sexier than I remembered and I didn’t think that was possible.”

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Autumn was born and raised in Upstate, New York. She spends her free time listening to music, going to concerts and spending time with her family. She enjoys reading, writing, acting and horror movies. Her favorite books are mystery, thrillers, horror, romance, erotica and urban fantasy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Like Reblog Comment
review 2016-10-14 00:00
That Man - The Wedding Story, Part 2
That Man - The Wedding Story, Part 2 - N... That Man - The Wedding Story, Part 2 - Nelle L'Amour That's cheating.

No matter how well written the book. No matter how good the story. It's just not right to chop up a book into 3 or 5 separate books so that readers have to by more books to get the whole story. I don't and won't give more than a 3 star rating to any book series created that way. And I won't buy anymore books by this author.
Like Reblog Comment
review 2015-07-17 07:09
YOUNG LOVE - Dean Amory - first love - young romance - high school love
Young Love Part 1: A Schoolyard Love Story - Dean Amory
Young Love Part 2: First Love's Shadow - Dean Amory

YOUNG LOVE

 

Author: Dean Amory

 

Tags: young romance, first love, young love, teenage romance, teenage love, coming of age, new adult, young adult, romance, novel, high school romance,

 

He who looks outside dreams;

he who looks inside awakes. (Carl Jung)

 

Dean Amory entices with atypical New Adult Romance Novel Series about real young people in a real world

 

Are you done with romance stories that rely on princes, werewolves or dark secrets?   Here is a set of refreshing contemporary New Adult Romance Stories about ordinary people that deal with love, loss and growing up.

 

Imagine a romance novel with no billionaires or earls, no unexpected heritages, no criminal boyfriends with dark secrets, no paranormal gifts, no vampires or zombies, … in short: A novel that doesn’t rely on well-trodden stereotypes, but depicts all the uncertainties and overpowering emotions that come with true young love and describes the heroes psychological struggle in an honest, original and genuine way.

 

Such is exactly what you will find in Dean Amory’s Young Love Novels Part 1, A Schoolyard Love Story and Part 2, First Love’s Shadow: Two refreshing high school romance novels set in Europe, Flanders, in the early seventies of the previous century, that have it all: they are witty, bittersweet, touching and rich in culture and history.

 

The “Young Love” novels are available in most quality web shops, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lulu, Kindle, Feedaread, Shopmybooks, Smashwords, etc….

At http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Jaimelavie the book is also available in a luxury hardcover boxset edition which includes both stories.

Dean Amory, real name Edgard (Eddy) Adriaens, was born 21.09.1953 in the Flemish city of Aalst.   After finishing high school, he worked at a few local SMEs as a correspondent and assistant (sales) executive. In 1986 he was recruited by Bacob Bank, and started as a relationship manager. After the bank’s merger with the Dexia Bank, he moved on to be an Electronic Banking Expertise Officer at Dexia, later renamed Belfius bank.

 

There is something endearing and innocent about young love; it’s irresistible. 

 

Here are two unconventional young adult romance novels with a unique rhythm that echoes the cadence and energy of youth, and a wonderful underlying pulse that quickly captures your imagination.  YOUNG LOVE is a unique and welcome look at love and romance from the young man’s perspective. It looks at first love in diverse and unconventional ways, which is what we need in young adult novels today: 

 

 

About Young Love, part 1: "A Schoolyard Love Story"

 

In Young Love part 1, A school Yard Love Story”, Sean and Katherine fall in love the first day they meet. Theirs is a complicated relationship from the start, but although Katherine questions Sean's true intentions, and doesn't always like his behaviour, she cannot help falling in love with him. However, when their relationship becomes too serious and threatens to disrupt her studies and ruin the good understanding with the teachers and with her parents, she breaks up.

 

For Sean, being dumped is hard enough, but things become really complicated when Katherine  promises she will return to him after they graduate from high school. When he discovers that Katherine cannot shake him from her mind, Sean struggles to live up to her expectations and restore their bond. In the process, he is forced to have a good look at himself and to discover his own identity.  Slowly, he finds that it’s okay not to have all the answers.   After trying for months to convince Katherine to reconsider, Sean gives up.  But with Katherine always nearby, he never really manages to distance himself from her. 

 

Sean is only seventeen, but the serious issues he faces when he falls in love with his new class mate, Katherine, resonate also with older readers.

 

Readers will appreciate the realistic depiction of the tortured hero's psychological struggle after the heroine ends the relationship, especially when it becomes clear that both young people remain drawn to each other anyway and struggle to regain their balance during the rest of the school year.

 

A refreshing high school romance set in Europe, Flanders, in the early seventies of the previous century with a total lack of stereotyping, that has it all: it's witty, bittersweet, touching and rich in culture and history. The story depicts all the uncertainties and overpowering emotions that come with true young love in a most original and genuine way.

 

About Young Love, part 2: "First Love's Shadow"

 

Dean Amory, author of the critically acclaimed coming of age novel “Young Love, A Schoolyard Love Story”, returns with a poignant, striking sequel that skilfully captures the singular experience of being a teenager: “Young Love, First Love’s Shadow”. Dean Amory chronicles the hero’s life through the thrills, heartbreaks, joy and despair of the final year in high school and the consecutive transition to a labour environment

 

The sequel Young Love Part 2, First Love’s Shadow”, starts at the beginning of the summer holiday. After the traumatic end of the school year, Sean has accepted a holiday job at a hotel in a seaside resort.  He tries to move on with his life. Away from Katherine, he opens up again, meets new people and falls in love again. It’s difficult though to forget about Katherine, when so many of the issues he experiences in his new relationships look almost identical to what he went through before with her.

With past experiences haunting him, he must face some hard truths about himself.   Torn between old dreams and new hopes, he questions himself and the rules he’s always lived by. By the time he returns home after the summer holiday, he feels reborn and ready to face the world. But is he also ready to face Katherine?

 

At the start of their last year at school, Sean and Katherine discover that it’s not always simple to spend most active hours of every life in the same classroom with your ex.  Someone you loved and adored with all of your being and with whom it’s still easy to talk because they know and  understand you.  When she broke up, Katherine had a simple plan: put studies before love and return to Sean after graduating from high school only.

 

Seeing how Sean has distanced himself from her, she realizes she is running the risk of losing him completely and invites him to reunite with her until the end of the school year, at which point she wants to re evaluate her life.   Will they lay their hearts on the line again? Are second chances really possible? Can recreating the past help the young couple to create a different future?  And is Sean even willing to accept the terms Katherine's offer comes with?

 

In this imaginative, surprising and complex page-turner, which will certainly appeal to all fans of young adult and new adult romance novels, Dean Amory has brought a vivid, clever and heartfelt portrayal of what it’s like to be a teenager in love. "Young Love Part 2, First Love's Shadow" is a gripping story in which the distance between lost and found is often less than a text line long.

 

If you’re looking for a great contemporary romance check out YOUNG LOVE.

 

YOUNG LOVE  is a wonderful contemporary romance.  Dean Amory does an excellent job at giving us humour and characters that have depth, and portraying love, heartbreak and fate in this great coming-of-age story. He gives us the thoughts and musings of young adults, and shows us that in a world seemingly without a cure, there is always hope in one form or another.

 

Dean Amory is a master at writing characters that come alive on the page.  The emotional tension between Sean and Katherine  is beautifully written. You really get a good sense of what both characters are feeling.   The sweetness of young love. The anguish of regret.   The sadness of time lost.   Not only did I fall in love with Sean and Katherine, but I really enjoyed watching Sean struggle to become the person he wanted to be and remain honest and consequent, even when his decisions came with an obvious cost.

 

I don’t know about you, but I totally love high school romance stories, especially when they involve young people trying to become the best they can.  I highly recommend this book.   It’s a wonderful read, and it leaves you with a sigh and a smile.  

 

 

Some Comments:

 

Great writing!  Could not stop reading!!

When I first picked up this book I wasn't all that sure I would like it, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read it. Now I can say with complete honesty that I enjoyed the story very much and am so glad I picked it! The story drew me in and I felt all the joy and all the pain.  It was intelligent and well developed and the dynamic between the main characters was great. 

 

I really enjoyed the characters. The characters are very well written: they have substance, and are unique without ever being overdone. The author didn't go over the top with unrealistic scenes, though sometimes I became frustrated with Sean and even yelled at him once or twice. He took his time and you felt him struggle with his feelings. 

 

I was a little sad at some times and even cried at one point.  His heartbreak over losing Katherine was really sad. I was left with a little bit of hmmmm a hang.

All in all it was a sweet read and wish this author only success with many more to come.

 

Total recommend for someone who's looking for a really good, original romance novel.

 

(Nele)


-------------

 

I usually don't leave reviews, but this book was TOO good not to. This is an incredible book that you will not regret reading.  The story really caught me up in it. It had me hooked within minutes and I couldn't put it down!  I love this type of stories because they give you that feeling of first love discovery and transport you back to the days of high school and the emotional highs and lows of young love. 

 

The book is very well written and unique because it takes the boy's point of view, which is rather unusual for a romance. Also, it isn't as superficial as most romance stories: you really get to know the main characters very well. Especially Sean of course. To me, it was unexpected who he ended up with. Throughout the book, I kept hoping Sean and Katherine would come together in the end, after they finished school. After all, they loved each other, had known each other for years and had always been there for each other, even when they were not so close. I can honestly say that my feelings were hurt when they did not, even though they probably made the best choice for themselves.

 

I hope the author will consider publishing the book with an alternate ending with Sean picking Katherine, after they finally realize they've been each other's true love all along! Definitely recommend this book. I will be buying other books by this author. 

 

(Megan)

 

--------


I'm so glad to have come across this book! This truly is a gem!  I have absolutely enjoyed reading it! I fell in love with the characters right away and felt as if I were in high school right along beside them.  They are totally realistic and relatable.

I loved the special bond Sean and Katherine shared.

 

The story had me go through a roller coaster of emotions. The plot line was sweet and endearing but also honest and never too sappy! Even though Sean's heart gets broken along the way, he refuses to settle for anything less than true love. I'm so glad for the silver lined cloud in the end. 

 

The story is paced evenly throughout the book with no huge time jumps or overworking of parts. I would definitely recommend you purchase this book. You will not be disappointed! 

 

(Sharon)


----------------

 

Wow, I loved this book!  Really amazing! This book contains a well thought story plot. The characters are genuine, and their decisions easy to understand.

Sean's personal struggle adds just enough drama, but I most of all adored Katherine. Unlike Sean, she does not allow her hormones to rule her life and fights for what she knows is right, even if this means that she has to suffer a lot. 

I absolutely loved this book!

 

(Caroline)

 

-------

 


Wonderful book. I literally just finished it and am sitting here a little stunned by how much I liked it. From the beginning I felt a connection with Sean.  I absolutely loved this story! It had me smiling, made me feel sad, even crying and on edge.  I was amazed at how well written it was.  The book is easy to understand, but also very different to the usual superficial falling-in-and-out-of-love kind of teen romance.  I loved it!

 

This is definitely one of the better young adult romance novels I have read in a long time!  Anybody who loves a great teen romance should definitely read this book.

 

(Madelyn)

 

-------

 

Wow, "Young Love" is absolutely awesome and I really enjoyed reading it.

I don't usually read young adult books because I thought they are too juvenile for me.  But I decided to give it a shot anyway.  After reading Young Love, I am persuaded otherwise!  The story captivated me from the start. I realy liked this book. It was so full of emotions that it overwhelmed me sometimes.

 

The story is good and it's well-written. I was able to connect to the characters and feel the emotion they were going through. I started reading it last night and couldn't put it down anymore.  I finished it about 15 minutes ago. 

My emotions were everywhere! The book reminds me of my own life story.

I appreciated the honesty with which the author describes Sean's personal struggle.

The boy took my heart away just because he's not perfect or fake, but one hundred percent authentic.  And Katherine was so strong!  Doing the right thing all the time even though she knew it would cause her pain.  

 

(Abigail)

 

Young Love is available at:


Lulu.com


http://www.lulu.com/shop/dean-amory/young-love-part-1-a-school-yard-love-story/paperback/product-22211969.html

 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/dean-amory/young-love-part-2-first-loves-shadow/paperback/product-22225251.html

 

Amazon.com (also Amazon Fr, De, Uk ...)

 

http://www.amazon.com/Young-Love-Part-School-Story/dp/1514332035/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434526760&sr=8-1&keywords=dean+amory+young+love

 

http://www.amazon.com/Young-Love-Part-Shadow-Volume/dp/1514641836/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EY2KAM7CTJ2KJXQDJ6R

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Young-Love-Part-School-Story/dp/1514332035/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434526665&sr=8-2&keywords=dean+amory

 

Kindle

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=dean+amory

 

Barnes and Noble

 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young-love-part-1-mr-dean-amory/1122130623?ean=9781514332030

 

ShopmyBooks

 

http://www.shopmybooks.com/BE/en/books?query=dean+amory

 

Smashwords

 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/550243

 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/552606

 

Source: www.lulu.com/spotlight/Jaimelavie
Like Reblog Comment
show activity (+)
text 2015-07-07 13:19
I cannot express my gratitude enough.

This community, this site, booklikes...

 

I mostly lurk here because of what happened to me on Goodreads, but I've made some amazing friends here. And you've all given me so much hope. In a week we have raised $735 towards bellas surgery and most of it is from here.

 

I have no words for the love I have for each and everyone of you. I feel like we are a family. I can't even... Literally I can't.

 

Everyone who has donated or has donated and then shared the go fund me link is a hero in my eyes. Lissa and I couldn't do this without all of you. I'm so overwhelmed with love and admiration. 

 

This is community of book lovers, nerds, and general weirdos who accept me for who I am and don't push me to read things I don't like and don't force me to review when I'm not ready... You have restored my hope for this world.

 

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. 

 

You are all perfect to me.

 

And for that, I give you the gift of one of my favourite Deadpool moments.

 

 

You all help me to stop losing all faith in our species.

 

Thank you.

 

More posts
Your Dashboard view:
Need help?