emotionally satisfying
340954
This is not your typical town and not your typical bad girl makes good story. The plot twists are intense and unique. Fun read.
2485566
Sad and even wrenching in parts, but in the end optimistic.  After a terrible tragedy, the parents involved fall apart in predictable ways  only to reassemble themselves along entirely unexpected paths.  The author packs a lot of emotion into action that takes place over just a few days.  Every character seems to have both unforeseen depths and serious stuff to deal with.  Some more successfully than others, sure, but they're all trying and most of them make it.  The Guilty One is thoroughly engrossing and deeply satisfying.
2238171
So many family secrets hold these two people's happiness in their grasp.  While this story brings to mind the TV series Grey's Anatomy with a dash of Scandal, I became emotionally invested in their relationship. There was a point early on where I thought there would be no way they could work out their issues because the revenge tactics went too far,but things turned around by 30% into the story with a change in direction that saved them from truly destroying their feelings for each other. This was heavier on conflict than RomCom, but very entertaining in all.
1895408
I've just finished reading this novel and found it even better and more satisfying than the original (which, by the way, was marred by some typographical errors).
I don't understand why certain people would be disappointed in the characters in Natural Disaster, compared to Bareback, because they can't recognise them from the previous novel. That's the whole point of this second book: it's meant to show how much the characters have matured, grown and how much stronger is their commitment to each other. This natural progression from Bareback was one of the most satisfying aspects of this novel.

*SPOILERS BELOW*
I also found a very interesting parallel in Jake having to deal with a bereavement in his family, whereas Tor had to deal with his own bereavement in Bareback, and how through such a tragic events these two men become even more attached and committed to each other.

Another thing I loved about Natural Disaster is how capably the author showed Jake (and Tor) in a parental role they have no experience for. And the secondary characters are as engaging as they were in Bareback, if not more.
1676510
The novel is very enjoyable as it leads you through a few months in the life of Happy Liu. All the characters feel real, and it's easy to enjoy their happiness and sympathize with their troubles. There are definitely dark parts in the story, but they serve to keep things real. There are some loose ends that are never tied up, but it just left me wanting more, not feeling unfulfilled. Well worth the read.
4758832
This great short novel will please all, and delight many.  Partway in, I wasn't sure it was living up lived up to the strong reviews (and "National Book Award Finalist" status), but it grows on you as steadily as you accompany the pair on their long and challenging journey. There are a few moments of action and excitement (well conveyed), but despite the inherent drama and color of the setting, this novel's style and pacing reflects the quiet, determined and slightly melancholy spirit of its aging and somewhat weary main character, the Captain. By the end, you will be fully and emotionally invested (I cried).  This is the sort of book that lingers pleasantly in your mind well after you've closed the back cover for the last time. A beautiful novel that's easy to recommend..
1778615
I have found fascinating the way the author takes you through the story; detailed narration, and very interesting well build main characters that you could easily relate and empathize with. Very emotional/strong love story (my favourite), I cried, laughed and get mad while reading the book. It is a 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
3777193
My heart is full, right now. Full of emotion and satisfaction over having read this story that has evolved so beautifully from sexy fun to a wholesome emotional adventure. My calendar is complete. A whole year! And I'm going to miss it.

My beloved Wes and Mia have come full circle. He's dealing with this trauma in a much healthier way while Mia has another successful go at her new job filming segments for TV about what beauty is in people's lives. Their bond is deeply touching. Yet for Mia there's a huge hurdle to overcome that I was eagerly awaiting. And it's as devastating, surprising and human as I wanted it to be.

The feelings of family unity and Christmas cheer were strong and heartfelt. I loved every minute of it. There are also some harrowing moments for Mia and her sister. They were hard, realistic. I can't believe this year-long journey of life and love has come to an end, but it's been so fulfilling and intense that I can only wish it could start again.

First reviewed on Literaria http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com
1162111
If you are looking for a happy ending, a lover's conclusion or a pat and satisfying ending to a mystery then a Tana French novel is not for you. However, if you are interested in reading about human relationships that are so deep and well developed that it feels like you can touch them, see them or have experienced them then I recommend The Likeness (and Tana French's first in this series In the Woods). Ms. French has a knack for painting friendships and human interactions in such a way that I literally want to crawl inside the book and be part of the interaction.

In The Likeness, the main character is Cassie Maddox who we were introduced to in In the Woods. Is Cassie is recovering both emotionally and career wise from the results of her partnership with Rob Ryan and their failure to catch the killer in the earlier book. Much like this book, Ms. French created a hauntingly real tight bond between Rob and Cassie, and Cassie often thinks of Rob in The Likeness and longs for that closeness again. The focus of The Likeness is crazy and improbable, the murder is sort of easy to figure out - but that is not the point and it does not lessen the impact of this book. What is the point is Cassie's relationship with the 4 main suspects and their relationship with each other. I hope at one point in everyone's life they have experienced such a close bond that Ms. French describes between the 4 main suspects (Rafe, Daniel, Justin, and Abby) - so to read it is nostalgic at least for me, it made me remember college roommates, living abroad and doing nothing else but focusing on my friendships. We can all see the train wreck coming, we know the end is there (including Cassie) but the manner in which Ms. French expertly crafts the friendship and bons of Rafe, Daniel, Justin and Abby made me (and Cassie) to never want the end to happen.

I listened to the narration of this book and it was done beautifully by an Irish narrator, who seemed to my uneducated ears to be able to catch and portray the various accents realistically.
4658838
Ah, this was great. Very satisfying, unlike the Everything Box which I sorta kinda trashed as being "throwaway".

While Dead Set is definitely not a Sandman Slim novel, it's still excellent. And also, unlike the Everything Box, the prose is crisp and super-clean, maybe even better than the Sandman Slim novels which I have described as "disgustingly entertaining".

Although the book doesn't appear to have been marketed to the YA group, it's certainly appropriate for that demographic, and I suspect the book was intended for that group. But this doesn't mean adults can't enjoy it: It's about a HS girl who travels into "Iphigene" in search of her father. And even though I'm a male adult, the character felt real to me, and I also felt like she was in a very believable way 'heroic', though without trying to be heroic. In other words, Kadrey found a way to turn a believable HS teenager girl from 2016 into a heroine, and this is not only fun to read, I think actual teenage girls will take away something comforting and important for them.

Meanwhile, it does get dark. And perhaps the publisher felt it was slightly too dark for a teen audience, a sort of 'hid' the YA slant of the book. But there isn't any torture and there really isn't anything that a teenager shouldn't be exposed to or already wasn't aware of. It hits this line pretty carefully, and I think it had to in order to achieve what it did.

In other words, this is a wholly satisfying, non-Sandman Slim novel.
2078906
Cat Grant's intensely emotional roller coaster ride, The Courtland Chronicles series, comes to an immensely satisfying but slightly melodramatic conclusion in Triad.  After 20 years this loving and committed trio seem to be happy with things going their way overseas. It's not long before the real world comes knocking on their Tuscan fantasy in the form of a family member's failing health, a vengeful ex-lover, and another round of secrets to put this triad's devotion to the test.  It's only through honesty and acceptance of what's truly important to them that they achieve a complete HEA.

Each member of this trio has aged and thus have become a bit wiser and deft at keeping a balance to their triad.  Each member finally feels equal and you can truly see them as a family as they protect and support each other through thick and thin.  Eric has changed the most as he's more inclined to talk than keep secrets now.  Every decision he makes is now done with input from his spouses and I find this more open Eric delightful.  He's still a commanding presence but it's tempered with a more kindhearted soul.

Nick is put put through the emotional wringer this time around as his mother's health starts to fade and a shocking secret kept by someone from his past comes to light.  I ached for all the pain he had to endure but grateful he had so much support since there were moments in this series where he was on his own.  While Nick and Eric are dealing with issues from the outside world Ally is put on the backburner throughout this story as she's dealing with her pregnancy.  After losing a previous baby she's being extra careful this time.  Her role is to be the voice of reason, the one to keep the peace, the glue to keeping their family close.

Many of the issues befalling this trio were a bit obvious and soap opera-ish in nature.  The return of the vile Branford Crane bent on revenge using Eric's past as blackmail being the most annoying of all the issues.  It takes up a big part of the book but is quickly wrapped up in an out of left field denouement. The actual ending of the book, while satisfying, left a few things slightly undone to leave us forming our own opinions as to the rest of this trio's life and how society will ultimately treat them.

Ms. Grant seamlessly incorporates political/societal responses to this lifestyle in a sympathetic and believable way.  Once or twice it becomes a bit heavy-handed but on a whole it promotes thought-provoking conversation.  The sexual interludes aren't as frequent as in the previous installments but just as satisfying in their intensity.  This triad has definitely become a family and it's heartwarming to finally reach this hard fought conclusion.  The journey's been difficult to witness at times but we'll worth the time invested.  Ms. Grant has created an enticing and memorable saga that, though originally written a few years ago, still resonates today.
4677104
Lots of fun and a genuinely thrilling and emotionally satisfying conclusion. You don't have to know all references to enjoy it. Read it, why don't you.
828960
Most books that I read are either for entertainment, learning or growth in understanding.  Books that try to tug at my heartstrings tend to turn me off, so the fact that this book was able to move me emotionally was a first for me.  This book was so heart-rending that I really couldn't call it entertaining.  I didn't really agreed with the main heroine's motivations, but the honesty was there that held my attention.  This book was adeptly able to put emotions into words, and was able to lay bare some of my own desires and longings in ways that no other book has done.  I highly recommend it for people who enjoy a good emotional read.
771436
What a sweet feel-good story. It's an easy read without all that Citrus angst !), but it's still satisfying. I liked the first book, which was just as fun.

The artwork is very nice and the way the characters are drawn really show their emotions; the yuri scenes are touching and hot. Kase-san is a wonderful girlfriend and looks like an Amazon goddess (ie hot!).
4098235
I really enjoyed this book. I also was able to easily emotionally connect with all the hero/heroines. If you can tolerate a little happiness I recommend this book.
3464370
Every now and then you read a book that affects you emotionally, and that is how this book was for me. Vikki McCombies writing was so intense, I felt the pain and joy in the story. This isn't a preachy story but shares a peace when trusting in the Lord. There are so many emotions, joy, heartache, loss, sadness, grief, acceptance, new beginnings, and even fear. I felt like I was on an emotional roller-coaster, going from joy to intense heartache.  I don't normally cry reading a story, but I was so emotionally pulled into this book, that I cried several times. The plot kept me in constant suspense with the emotional dialog, a great cast of characters, life and death situations, and learning to cope beyond the tragedy and trying to pick up the pieces of life and beginning again.  Through everything that Nanci deals with, she does find peace, happiness and a promising future with the help of Daniel.

As a side note, my sister's stepson-in-law was killed in Afghanistan in November 2010, and the military support that his wife received was as it is depicted in this story, A New Beginning For Nanci.
4961034
This book is so satisfying. It is YA novel with all of the magic, suspense, and plot twists that one would expect from this genre. The Steele Wolf is the second book of the Irons Butterfly series and it is my personal favorite. I enjoy the saga-like feel of this book. The book picks up where The Iron Butterfly (book 1) left off, which gives the story a sense of motion and action from the very beginning. The journey takes us to different lands and introduces us to knew characters and Denai abilities. All of this helps to bring us deeper into the colorful world that Chanda Hahn has created. If you are a fan of book 1, this book gives you more to love. Why? Because, as the story continues we receive more and more information but it always seems that no matter how close we get to the center of all the secrets, more questions arise. Now Thalia knows exactly who she is but does that knowledge make things easier or harder?

Some things you might not normally think about but are actually really nice: the language of the book is perfect for middle school/high school, the characters are well developed, the romantic plot lines are heart warming and only the teensiest bit racy but certainly not something I would be concerned with sharing with my younger family members. In that way, it's a very multigenerational book. That being said, the fact that it is a YA novel  in no way takes away from the exciting journey that Thalia takes you on as you she travels to Joss's home and discovers more about the machine's origins. I consider this book a light read which is part of the reason why I called it satisfying at the beginning of the book. It is fun. I don't feel taxed as I read, trying to remember who is who, why that detail might be important. I go from beginning to the middle to the end and when I arrive there, I find that I enjoyed my reading and that I have sense of closure with the story. It's the same feeling I get when I read Jane Austen actually.