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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dark Chocolate Demise (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Fairy Tale Cupcakes are selling cupcakes at the end of the first annual Zombie walk in town, and Mel, Angie, and the rest of their staff are getting into the spirit of things. But the fun takes a dark turn when Mel finds a body stuffed into the coffin outside their cupcake truck – a body that hits very close to home. Who was the target and why?
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
OneStarReads (141 KP) rated The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events #13) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
I created a video explaining my slow decent into hating this series, book by book, for your viewing pleasure:
Had this series been clearly well thought out- you know, like not following a template, the characters not changing at a moments notice, and the story not being varying degrees of ridiculous- I might have congratulated this book on its willingness to put itself out there and not answer the questions it built up to through this series. I would have comended it for being strong enough to end a story like this, and teaching readers that you don't always get what you want, or a happy ending for that matter.
But this story, though all of its books, has components of the list above. They each follow the same template, the characters change personality whenever it is needed, and the plot is all over the place in tone. So no, I will not congratulate this story for ending this way. I can see what he might've been going for, but with the story up until now, it made this last book feel more like a cop out.
So yea, this is over.
Had this series been clearly well thought out- you know, like not following a template, the characters not changing at a moments notice, and the story not being varying degrees of ridiculous- I might have congratulated this book on its willingness to put itself out there and not answer the questions it built up to through this series. I would have comended it for being strong enough to end a story like this, and teaching readers that you don't always get what you want, or a happy ending for that matter.
But this story, though all of its books, has components of the list above. They each follow the same template, the characters change personality whenever it is needed, and the plot is all over the place in tone. So no, I will not congratulate this story for ending this way. I can see what he might've been going for, but with the story up until now, it made this last book feel more like a cop out.
So yea, this is over.
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Merissa (12900 KP) rated Embrace the Mystery (The Blood Rose #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
The third in the Blood Rose Series is dedicated to Quinlan and Batya, both natives of the Nine Realms although Batya left to live on 'mortal' earth, for reasons you find out as the book develops. In fact, it is not only the book that develops, but the series as a whole, as facts come to light and more starts to make sense. There is a name now for the 'big bad', an understanding of what is wanted, and more to the point, what is needed to stop it.
The chemistry is rife between Quinlan and Batya and, although you might think that the timing is wrong, they still manage to make time for each other. And boy, is it hot!
There are appearances from previous characters, as well as from new ones. Some, I'm not sure if they're part of the bigger picture or not, but I still really like reading about them.
This is a brilliant addition to the Blood Rose series and will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 20, 2015
The chemistry is rife between Quinlan and Batya and, although you might think that the timing is wrong, they still manage to make time for each other. And boy, is it hot!
There are appearances from previous characters, as well as from new ones. Some, I'm not sure if they're part of the bigger picture or not, but I still really like reading about them.
This is a brilliant addition to the Blood Rose series and will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 20, 2015
Merissa (12900 KP) rated In the Eye of the Storm (Full Circle #1) in Books
Dec 8, 2021
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM is the first book in the Full Circle series BUT it is a follow-on series from The Base, which I haven't read. I'm afraid this DID affect my enjoyment of the book as there were plenty of characters and situations referred to that I had absolutely no idea about.
This is a dark, fast-paced story that delves into the world of child sex trafficking, trying to rescue said children, and helping them live their best lives after dealing with the trauma involved.
The characters were mostly heart-warming. I wasn't able to feel the full effect of the big bad as I feel he probably made more of an impact in the original series. It is told from multiple perspectives so sometimes it seemed to flit across the surface, rather than give any depth to the feelings and emotions.
It has an ending that leaves it wide open for further stories. The writing itself was good, I just had trouble connecting with the story or the characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a dark, fast-paced story that delves into the world of child sex trafficking, trying to rescue said children, and helping them live their best lives after dealing with the trauma involved.
The characters were mostly heart-warming. I wasn't able to feel the full effect of the big bad as I feel he probably made more of an impact in the original series. It is told from multiple perspectives so sometimes it seemed to flit across the surface, rather than give any depth to the feelings and emotions.
It has an ending that leaves it wide open for further stories. The writing itself was good, I just had trouble connecting with the story or the characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12900 KP) rated In Deeper Water: Part Two (Aria & the Seven Seas, #2) in Books
Nov 22, 2022
Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here!
IN DEEPER WATER is the second in the Aria and the Seven Seas series and continues where book one left off.
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod but it isn't as easy as you may think. Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here. Each kingdom is so very different from the previous ones. I love how Aria is herself, no matter what. The other members of her Pod become clear but the road to true love is never smooth, so Aria and her Pod have some work to do before they all get their HEA.
No middle-book-slump for this series, no sirree. Instead, we have a story full of action and adventure, with plenty of steam. The relationships within the Pod make it so much more interesting than 'just' an erotic tale.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Can't wait for the finale.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod but it isn't as easy as you may think. Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here. Each kingdom is so very different from the previous ones. I love how Aria is herself, no matter what. The other members of her Pod become clear but the road to true love is never smooth, so Aria and her Pod have some work to do before they all get their HEA.
No middle-book-slump for this series, no sirree. Instead, we have a story full of action and adventure, with plenty of steam. The relationships within the Pod make it so much more interesting than 'just' an erotic tale.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Can't wait for the finale.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12900 KP) rated Catching the Dragon's Heart (Heartstone Rescue #2) in Books
Nov 5, 2023
CATCHING THE DRAGON'S HEART is the second book in the Heartstone Rescue series.
Eyv finds out his betrothal is being broken in favour of his younger brother. In anger, he bites off the hand of his 'beloved.' In return, his father crushes his heartstone and Evy gets sentenced to death. Nice, huh?! Durango is Boone's brother and one of the dragons sent to rescue Eyv. Their attraction is pretty much instant, but they have to cope with the whole, you know, dying part of not having a heartstone.
This was a great addition to the series but I would recommend reading it as a series rather than a standalone. It is full of characters we met in the first book, as well as new ones. There are also more rescues so that ramps up the political situation too.
Lake's story was perfect for him and Boone, just as this one is perfect for Eyv and Durango. I love their family and can't wait to see what happens next for them.
Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Eyv finds out his betrothal is being broken in favour of his younger brother. In anger, he bites off the hand of his 'beloved.' In return, his father crushes his heartstone and Evy gets sentenced to death. Nice, huh?! Durango is Boone's brother and one of the dragons sent to rescue Eyv. Their attraction is pretty much instant, but they have to cope with the whole, you know, dying part of not having a heartstone.
This was a great addition to the series but I would recommend reading it as a series rather than a standalone. It is full of characters we met in the first book, as well as new ones. There are also more rescues so that ramps up the political situation too.
Lake's story was perfect for him and Boone, just as this one is perfect for Eyv and Durango. I love their family and can't wait to see what happens next for them.
Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12900 KP) rated Orbit: A Lunar Wolves Novella in Books
Jul 4, 2023
ORBIT is a Lunar Wolves Novella - it says so in the title. It is also the first book I have read in this series or by the author. I was told I wouldn't need to read the series to enjoy this book but I'm afraid I think that was wrong.
This is a short novella and, for me, you really didn't learn anything about the world or the characters so having some knowledge would have been helpful. Callum and Vaughan were a cute couple but also a paradox. On the one hand, they communicated nicely. Callum, in particular, helped Vaughan with his social anxiety. But then, on the other, neither of them talks when there's a problem, which I found odd, especially when it could be linked to said social anxiety.
The ending is quite abrupt. I'm guessing we will see more of them in future books but, as a novella, it's more of a meet-cute and not much more.
A good read but I would definitely recommend reading the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 4, 2023
This is a short novella and, for me, you really didn't learn anything about the world or the characters so having some knowledge would have been helpful. Callum and Vaughan were a cute couple but also a paradox. On the one hand, they communicated nicely. Callum, in particular, helped Vaughan with his social anxiety. But then, on the other, neither of them talks when there's a problem, which I found odd, especially when it could be linked to said social anxiety.
The ending is quite abrupt. I'm guessing we will see more of them in future books but, as a novella, it's more of a meet-cute and not much more.
A good read but I would definitely recommend reading the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 4, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1441 KP) rated Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7) in Books
Aug 18, 2018
a really fitting end!
There comes along, once in a rare while, a book that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzie inside. A book that is far too stinking cute for its own good. A book that wraps up an ENTIRE series in so few pages. A book that is simply, brilliant.
This is book 7 in the Sin Bin series, and if you are just coming across this book, you should at the very LEAST read book two, The Caretaker, which is where Freddie and Taine meet. You should read them all, though!
Taine plucks up the courage to ask Freddie to marry him, but first he asks for Freddie's fathers permission. Since their first meeting wasn't exactly a tea party, Taine has reservations they won't chop him up and hide the pieces! But the fathers surprise him, and then Taine has to actually propose.
The proposal delivers, for me, the best line of the book!
Freddie asks, "why marriage?" Taine replies, "When they write our story after we're gone, it should read that I loved you more than anything else in the world. More than rugby. More than you love cheese. I want our names connected - intertwined. Legally. So no knobdobbers can claim I wasn't dedicated to you. So, will you marry me?"
The wedding plans are amusing, with all the previous characters taking part. So you can imagine what they all get up to! There is, of course, some messing about with food, cos ya'll know Ms Donovan's boys like to play with their food!
Bit that made me cry?? When all of Taine's rugby team mates perform the Haka at the wedding. That bit made me cry more that what happened on the honeymoon!
It's always sad to see a series end, but what a way to go!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 7 in the Sin Bin series, and if you are just coming across this book, you should at the very LEAST read book two, The Caretaker, which is where Freddie and Taine meet. You should read them all, though!
Taine plucks up the courage to ask Freddie to marry him, but first he asks for Freddie's fathers permission. Since their first meeting wasn't exactly a tea party, Taine has reservations they won't chop him up and hide the pieces! But the fathers surprise him, and then Taine has to actually propose.
The proposal delivers, for me, the best line of the book!
Freddie asks, "why marriage?" Taine replies, "When they write our story after we're gone, it should read that I loved you more than anything else in the world. More than rugby. More than you love cheese. I want our names connected - intertwined. Legally. So no knobdobbers can claim I wasn't dedicated to you. So, will you marry me?"
The wedding plans are amusing, with all the previous characters taking part. So you can imagine what they all get up to! There is, of course, some messing about with food, cos ya'll know Ms Donovan's boys like to play with their food!
Bit that made me cry?? When all of Taine's rugby team mates perform the Haka at the wedding. That bit made me cry more that what happened on the honeymoon!
It's always sad to see a series end, but what a way to go!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Labyrinth of the Spirits in Books
Nov 2, 2018
A beautiful and deserving ending to a wonderful series
This is the fourth and final instalment in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. I have to be honest - I have read the first book in the series, and I have the second and third books on my bookshelf, unread. I thought I had actually read them, but as I read this book, it became blatantly obvious that I hadn't. I WILL be rectifying that! However, it isn't actually necessary to read these in order. I don't feel I've missed any of the plot, although I have a sneaking suspicion I would have 'cottoned on' a lot quicker with some of the story lines.
I loved this book - the characters are so well developed, the story had me reading through my fingers (if you see what I mean!). I wanted the best for the Sempere's for Alicia and Fermin, and they all got the ending they deserved (and that's all I'll say!).
Parts of the book are toe-curlingly graphic. Alicia's life is not a pleasant one, and one of the other characters has a very bad experience. We get to see the corruptness of government officials in fascist Spain, and the depths they go to for money and power.
And underlying it all is a love of books that we book lovers all understand: "This is a place of mystery...a sanctuary. Every book, every volume you see here has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and loved and dreamed with it."
Yes, I cried. It's a gorgeous book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
I loved this book - the characters are so well developed, the story had me reading through my fingers (if you see what I mean!). I wanted the best for the Sempere's for Alicia and Fermin, and they all got the ending they deserved (and that's all I'll say!).
Parts of the book are toe-curlingly graphic. Alicia's life is not a pleasant one, and one of the other characters has a very bad experience. We get to see the corruptness of government officials in fascist Spain, and the depths they go to for money and power.
And underlying it all is a love of books that we book lovers all understand: "This is a place of mystery...a sanctuary. Every book, every volume you see here has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and loved and dreamed with it."
Yes, I cried. It's a gorgeous book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.