Bookish Bluebird: 4 stars

Showing posts with label 4 stars. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Dual Review: THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN + A CROWN OF WISHES

I am so far behind the Roshani Chokshi bandwagon but I am determined to catch up. I picked up book one back in 2016 when it first streaked across my book socials. Then being the collector that I am, of course I picked up book two despite having not read the first book yet. I mean, would you LOOK at these covers? Gorgeous! Stunning! *insert other synonyms of Beautiful* I had a terrible habit of getting books of a series without knowing whether I would like it or not. I have since then (6 hard years later) gained better control. In the case of The Star-Touched Queen duology, what you see is exactly what you get! Magic in words and imagery. I was swept away by the poetic narrative and mystical setting from the first few chapters.

Review: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Katee Robert

Title: The Marriage Contract

Author: Katee Robert

Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.

"I might not deserve you, but I'm sure as fuck going to do right by you."

It's been a very long while since I last read a mafia/organized crime romance book. Honestly, I think I've only read one series before this which completely blew my mind and heart. It was hard for me not to compare them despite having completely different tones, plot and well, everything. This was my first book by Katee Robert and I really enjoyed it! There were characters that had me swooning, and others that had me mad side-eyeing. I'm invested in the O'Malleys though, and desperately need to know that the other siblings find their happy endings too.

Review: MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Maybe in Another Life

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby's guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she's ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if he wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, more compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she's found him.

"Life is long and full of an infinite number of decisions."

This is the second novel by author Taylor Jenkins Reid that I have read and enjoyed! If it wasn't official before, I am big, BIG fan of her writing style and narrative. Maybe in Another Life was very thought-provoking. I was unsure how I would feel about concurrent storylines but it played out wonderfully. You don't stay in one parallel universe for too long that you begin to forget the details of the other. The novel is not divided into "chapters", and it does not specify which universe you're in. Personally, I felt that this little formatting element added to my reading experience. The story played out like a continuous flow of scenes. I had to read more to figure out more. I had to pay attention to details. I found myself immersed in Hannah's story—both of them.

Dual Review: ROCK HARD + CHERISH HARD

My first two Nalini Singh books! I have lovely book pushing friends who have been trying to get me on this fanwagon for the longest time it seems (my apologies, I'm such a snail). I really need to start one of her paranormal books but the series count intimidates me ahhhhh. I'm glad I could familiarize myself with her writing style via contemporary romance first. Did I say that I dig it yet? BECAUSE I REALLY DIG IT. When I look at the covers, I assumed they were a part of the same series, like book one and book two. Nope. I rarely read out of order but it didn't bring down my enjoyment level at all. I look forward to reading the other books in these contemporary series heheh.

Review: THE PIPER'S SON by Melina Marchetta

Title: The Piper's Son

Author: Melina Marchetta

Award-winning author Melina Marchetta reopens the story of the group of friends from her acclaimed novel Saving Francesca—but five years have passed, and now it's Thomas Mackee who needs saving.

After his favorite uncle was blown to bits on his way to work in a foreign city, Tom watched his family implode. He quit school and turned his back on his music and everyone that mattered, including the girl he can't forget. Shooting for oblivion, he's hit rock bottom, forced to live with his single, pregnant aunt, work at Union pub with his former friends, and reckon with his grieving, alcoholic father. Tom's in no shape to mend what's broken. But what if no one else is either?

An unflinching look at family, forgiveness, and the fierce inner workings of love and friendship. The Piper's Son redefines what it means to go home again.

| Website | Goodreads | Twitter |

"But grieving people are selfish. They won't let you comfort them and they say you don't understand

and they make you feel useless when all your life you've been functional to them"

I'd like to begin with a shout out to You Know Who You Are (x2) for continuously bringing the topic of Thomas Mackee on my Twitter timeline at the most random times. But, hey! I've finally made it to this moment and fully understand why Melina Marchetta is magical and awe-mazing. I've read three of her books now, and I have to say her storytelling/narrative is absolutely lovely. Each book has hit me straight in the feels! I will admit that I shed tears with this one. Strong family and friendship dynamics in a book is a weakness of mine. The Piper's Son had both elements in spades. Everyone pick up her books soon because I've fallen in a hole and would prefer for others to suffer with me but I only wish for the best for these characters. No more pain please, only good things please.

Review: THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparking, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo's desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong.

"There's a reason why we keep thoughts inside our heads

for the most part—they're not safe to be let out in public."

This book triggered all my wannabe Detective Conan skills! Just ask my cousin who I religiously kept updated on my reactions and critical deductions (whether or not she was a willing participant of these impromptu book club messages is unknown). Some of my guesses were not too far off from the truth either. When the book first released, the hype was all over my social media and had caught my interest as a new fan of thriller novels. I was curious if I would like the story because, I was more interested in procedural crime type mysteries/thrillers at the time. It was fun getting my brain working and trying to figure out the what happened though. Hopefully there will be a book-to-movie adaptation of The Woman in Cabin 10, I would watch it!

Dual Review: SLOW BURN + FALLING HARD

2019 Confession: I had this review drafted and incomplete for about 3 years [shame on meee]... I've left everything as is and just added a bit to my FH review after a reread. Finally I can let it out into the blogosphere!

~*~

I started these books the last week of winter term—before final exams. Nothing like some sweet and sexy romance books from one of my all-time favorite authors to get my heart thumping and raring to go for my exams right? Hahahah. Not. I didn't know what I was thinking, but even with the need to study, I wasn't able to stop reading. I couldn't fight the temptation!! It may ~~or may not~~ have been the covers calling out to me as I skimmed through my library putting together a summer tbr. What can I say, half naked firefighter covers are a weakness of mine. From the first chapter, I was on a PC [Pamela Clare] high and zoomed through Slow Burn and Falling Hard as if my life depended on it!

Review: UPROOTED by Naomi Novik

Title: Uprooted

Author: Naomi Novik
Standalone
Publisher: Del Ray

Publication Date: May 19, 2015

Agnieszka loves her valley home in a quiet village. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep the Wood's dark forces at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his assistance: Every ten years, one young woman must be handed over to serve him without questions.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn't, and her dearest friend in the world. Ad there is no way to save her.

But when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

"You're bound to the valley, all of you; born and bred here... It has a hold on you."

I still don't know what led me to believe Uprooted to be only a Rapunzel-inspired retelling. The synopsis doesn't even give a hint to that, but it could be how my brain connects 'tower' with 'Rapunzel' hah. Either way, my expectations were completely blown away in the best way possible! Think Into the Woods meets Studio Ghibli with hints of D-Gray Man's dark imagery. Uprooted was incredibly enchanting and imaginative. The narration had that classic lyrical fairy tale vibe, and I felt compelled to keep reading until the end.

Review: BUTTERFLY DREAMS by A. Meredith Walters

Title: Butterfly Dreams

Author: A. Meredith Walters
Standalone
Publisher: Loveswept

Publication Date: November 24, 2015

She's waiting to die... Corin Thompson is paralyzed by her obsession with mortality. Having lost both of her parents, she is terrified by the idea that she too will die young, and she loses control at any sign of illness. But when Corin connects with someone who has survived a very real brush with death, she begins to see the world in a whole new way.

He's learning to live... As Corin struggles under the weight of her neuroses, Beckett Kingsley is attempting to rebuild a life that feels all too temporary. With the ever-present threat of heart failure never far from his mind, he just wants to make the most of whatever time he has left. And that means pursuing the girl he never expected to find.

Together, Corin and Beckett finally learn to let go of their fears and take solace in everyday pleasures. Who knows what the future holds? After all, nothing lasts forever—the only promise they have is right now.

"Stop thinking about your life in increments. Seconds. Minutes. Days.

Look at the bigger picture and embrace whatever time you have."

Let's start with the cover because, you know I'm a sucker for the pretty ones. I love the blue and purple (my fave colors!), and that gorgeous font. The cover has a kind of hazy, dream-like feel to it that I find reflects the story well. I really, really enjoyed this book! Butterfly Dreams left me wanting to run outside to soak in the sun—happy to just be. It's inspiring and heart-warming. I wasn't the biggest fan of Corin but man, oh man, did I fall head over heels for Beckett.

Review: HER STAND-IN BOYFRIEND by Kelly Jamieson

Title: Her Stand-In Boyfriend

Author: Kelly Jamieson

This boyfriend business is about to get a whole lot more personal...

Event planner Lexi Mannis has a busy life in Chicago—too busy to have a boyfriend. For special occasions, she has her Stand-In Boyfriend, Mac Northrop. Mac offers (almost) all the perks of a real boyfriend—furniture assembly, a date to big events, and someone to cook for. But they've never been "with benefits"...until one wickedly hot night crosses the line.

Mac's been in love with Lexi for ages. He knows he should probably end it but dammit, he just can't. When things get deliciously down and dirty, Mac is certain that he's made the leap out of the friend zone...until Lexi decides she wants to remain friends. With benefits.

What Lexi doesn't know is that she's running out of time. And if she won't promote Mac to Real Boyfriend, she might just lose her Stand-In Boyfriend to someone else...

"All relationships take time and work... If you want it enough, you make it a priority."

Her Stand-In Boyfriend is a quick, sweet and easy read. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lexi and Mac. Their friendship felt natural. I didn't find the story to be angsty, and the plot didn't drag on with drama which was nice. It'd be a great one to pick up in between series or whenever you're looking for something light!

Review: UPSIDE DOWN by Lia Riley

Title: Upside Down

Author: Lia Riley

Publication Date: August 5, 2014

Off The Map #1

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

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

"Leaving is the only way to move forward. If I never get lost, I'll never be found."

Witty and heart-warming. Talia and Bran pulled at my heart strings. From the moment they met, I had an inkling that they'd have me grinning and giggling (which they did). It was instant chemistry between the two. I really enjoyed how their relationship grew. But there were many times where I wanted to shake either characters, I must admit. Both Talia and Bran are flawed, but it's how they owned up to their mistakes that made me root for them even harder.

Review: COMPULSIVE by Lia Fairchild

Title: Compulsive

Authors: Lia Fairchild
Liar #1

Publication Date: May 12, 2015

Lies hurt.

Lies destroy.

But some lies protect...and heal. At least that's what Gray Donovan had hoped for. She's a compulsive liar using it as a defense mechanism to survive life and her shattered past.

When she starts seeing therapist Daniel Harrison, she can no longer deny the truths that have haunted her for so many years. She must now stand and face the,.

Opening up to Daniel leaves her exposed and vulnerable. When her soul is bared to him, she can't contain the attraction or the feelings he elicits.

Daniel feels drawn to his new patient, but knows he will have to fight it in order to resurrect Gray from her demons. His will and his judgement are tested when he must overcome his own doubts and face his own secrets.

**Content Warning: Due to language and sexual situations, this book is intended for 18+ only**

"I want to know that when I speak, my words are genuine...and from my heart."

I haven't read many "forbidden love"-esque novels but the moment I read the blurb for Compuslive, I was intrigued! This was the first time that I've come across a romance between a therapist and their patient, so a big check mark for being unique. The story was touching and I really liked how the relationship between the heroine and hero developed. It didn't feel forced or rushed even if it did play out in a span of a few days. And although the blurb hints at Daniel's secrets, they weren't really touched on. This book was very much focused on Gray and her growth.

Review: EVERLY AFTER by Rebecca Paula

All truths burn bright and clear. I'm still waiting in the dark.

Everly Monteith has traded her life of glitter, parties, and self-destruction for waitressing in a Parisian café. She's put the tragedy that sent her across the Atlantic in the past—until her toxic ex shows up and sends her reeling once more. Her fresh start begins slipping away until a smug British war correspondent crashes her party. But falling for Beckett means letting down her guard, something that might put them both into the dark.

There are beautiful lies in this world, and it takes me being chased through a hallway at a rave to decide this girl is one of them. But even the most beautiful lies aren't worth chasing.

Twenty-five-year-old Beckett Reid is forced into sabbatical after being kidnapped on assignment in Afghanistan. Back in Paris, he locks himself away to work on a novel, focused on saving his budding journalism career. But when he meets an enigmatic American heiress, his plans are quickly neglected. Everly is the perfect replacement for dangerous war zones, even if she does leave glitter on everything he owns. Reckless and wild, she runs through life making more mistakes than anyone he's met, but Beckett is determined to fight for her, even if he must face the messy truth that he must fight for himself first.

*This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.*

"Sometimes there's good in what scares us."

Everly After isn't what I'd classify as your typical new adult contemporary read. It had quite a dark and depressing tone during many parts of the book. Mainly because of the heroine, Everly. She's settled into a life that she doesn't find meaningful. She's very much struggling to find a purpose, and it made me sad to see her take one step forward only to go back five. She made a lot of poor decisions which made her a hard character for me to like. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book and not only because Beckett swept me off my feet! What I loved most about Everly After was that the main characters didn't fix each other's imperfections. It was more that they helped each other admit to them and move forward as individuals. Rebecca Paula has written a beautiful story about two broken people loving each other enough to support them at their lowest.

Review: BECOMING CALDER by Mia Sheridan

Title: Becoming Calder

Author: Mia Sheridan

From the New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice. Becoming Calder is the first part in a two-part romance series. The conclusion, Finding Eden, is available now.

There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a god and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.

Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest places...From the beginning of time, to the end of the world

**New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

"No one should ever stop you from gaining knowledge if you want it."

Becoming Calder is the kind of book that makes you think and appreciate life. Realize how fortunate you really are for having indoor plumbing, electricity, sweets, pencils, paper, freedom. This story was riveting, unique and enlightening. Although I felt the first 50% was slow for my liking, the last 50% was heart-pounding and epic! My heart hurt for both Calder and Eden, for having fallen for each other so intensely but not being able to express it to the world. You witness their growth from children to young adults and how their feelings grew as the story progressed. The burn was wonderful and their love was heart-wrenchingly real.

Calder Raynes is the water bearer in an isolated village called Acadia where everyone has a specific role assigned by the Gods. Even as a young boy, you can see how compassionate and strong he is. I loved all the scenes with his younger sister and those with his best friend, Xander. Both of whom were excellent secondary characters. Calder had always dreamed of being a part of the council, to be of more use to his people and to go out to work in the community.

Those that live in Acadia follow their leader, Hector Bias whom the Gods 'speak' to. Prophecy foretold that him, along with his future wife, would lead the people of Acadia to Elysium after a great flood. As I continued reading, I started realizing that Elysium was their Heaven and that Hector was essentially leading his own cult. He creeped me out to no end. His character seemed so calm and insightful but he could be incredibly ruthless as well.

"If this is the last piece of heaven I get before I'm dragged down to hell, then I'll gladly take it."

Eden was brought into Acadia when she was a young girl because she was needed to fulfill the prophecy. She was kept in the main lodge with Hector and the other council members but was basically isolated from everyone else. She had no friends. Her education was very limited. She was taught how to play the piano but that was it, no math, no science. The very first time she tries to interact with Calder and his friends was so heart-warming. The spark of the flame.

As they grow older and closer, I wanted to melt in a puddle of goo from their secret meetings and lessons at their spring. They're meant for each other. Though I was annoyed with how weak Eden was at the start, her character growth was phenomenal by the end. Both Calder and Eden are strong in different ways. They fought for their love. You experience so much hope and devastation in this book, it's crazy. I cried so hard in the last quarter of the novel. TISSUES ARE A MUST.

There was a scene with Calder and Xander concerning clothes and shopping in the second half ot the book that was so adorable yet so sad. Their friendship was actually my favorite aspect in Becoming Calder. They were like brothers, going to any length to help the other. But that ending! Oh-em-gee. I don't know how Mia Sheridan does it. Every book in her A Sign of Love series has been extraordinary and this one was no exception.

"As long as we're both under the same moon, we'll always find a way to each other."

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

A Sign of Love novels do not need to be read in order and can be read as stand-alones!

However, there are exceptions such as Becoming Calder and Finding Eden which must be read together.

Leo

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

(Inspired by Leo)

Leo's Chance

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

Hero's POV novel. Should be read after Leo

Stinger

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

(Inspired by Scorpio)

Archer's Voice

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

(Inspired by Sagittarius)

Becoming Calder

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

(Inspired by Aquarius)

Finding Eden

| Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo |

Second part & conclusion of the Aquarius story. Should be read after Becoming Calder

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Review: HOW TO KILL YOUR BOSS by Krissy Daniels

Title: How to Kill Your Boss - An Erotic Love Story

Author: Krissy Daniels

When Tatum's daydreams of murder become reality, all fingers point to her.

In Tatum Wood's opinion, murdering her boss on a daily basis within the safety of her thoughts is better than therapy. Until he takes a swan dive off a building and all evidence points to her. Thank goodness she has Franklin Reed. Her mysterious, overprotective and drop-dead gorgeous coworker is all too eager to play hero. With two attacks in her building and her stalker with a penchant for roses, Franklin's injection into her life couldn't have come at a better time.

As Tatum and Franklin scramble to discover who's behind the murder, secrets are unearthed that question his motives...as well as his identity.

**A complimentary copy was kindly provided by author Krissy Daniels via The Book Nuts in exchange for an honest review**

“I protect what's mine. At any cost.”

How To Kill Your Boss was humorous, suspenseful and HOT! The heroine, Tatum, works at a PI investigations firm that was once owned by her father but eventually given to Wallace Cruse, the star of her fantasies. Not her sexual fantasies mind you, she dreams about killing him. When Mr. Cruse winds up dead, all evidence points to her.

The story was told solely in Tate's pov. I loved Tate! She had sass and a backbone. She often said whatever was on her mind without filter and she didn't take crap from anyone, not even our hero Franklin when he calls her 'baby'. I enjoyed reading the fantasy murder schemes, though I found them amusing at the beginning it started feeling redundant after the first four.

“I want you consumed, mind, body, and spirit with want for me, for us.”

Franklin Reed (isn't that an awesome name?) I liked him. He was the new guy at work that Tate got along with and instantly became friends. They had major chemistry. I had suspicions early on about who he really was, though there were times I actually thought he was the bad guy haha. He's incredibly protective of Tate, bordering on extreme even. Why he is the way he is though becomes clear as the novel progresses and my heart melted during that scene.

“Love me, hate me. I don't fucking care. Just be with me.”

I thought the relationship developed a tad too quickly but it may have just felt that way because of the two month time leap after their first introduction. I wouldn't have mind the story being a little longer just so I could see how they started off and connected!

The mystery and intrigue aspect was wonderful and kept me guessing the who and why. I was glad that, for an erotic story, a lot of the novel was plot development rather than constant mindless sex scenes. But let me tell you, those sex scenes were incredibly steamy! *fans self* Overall, a fantastic and unique read!

“You’ll never be alone. Even when you can’t see or touch me. I’ll be there, keeping you safe.”

Extras: Character Casting

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Dual Review: THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN + A CROWN OF WISHES

Friday, January 29, 2021

Review: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Katee Robert

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Review: MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Friday, January 31, 2020

Dual Review: ROCK HARD + CHERISH HARD

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Review: THE PIPER'S SON by Melina Marchetta

Friday, November 29, 2019

Review: THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Dual Review: SLOW BURN + FALLING HARD

Monday, July 31, 2017

Review: UPROOTED by Naomi Novik

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Review: BUTTERFLY DREAMS by A. Meredith Walters

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Review: HER STAND-IN BOYFRIEND by Kelly Jamieson

Friday, October 30, 2015

Review: UPSIDE DOWN by Lia Riley

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Review: COMPULSIVE by Lia Fairchild

Monday, April 20, 2015

Review: EVERLY AFTER by Rebecca Paula

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Review: BECOMING CALDER by Mia Sheridan

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Review: HOW TO KILL YOUR BOSS by Krissy Daniels