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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Good, the Bad and the Smug in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I love Tom Holt’s sense of humor and writing style. He is sarcastic, quirky, fun to read, entertaining, light-hearted, and hilarious. I fell in love with his world and his style when I read (listened to) Doughnut way back in 2013. Apparently TGTB&TS is book 4 in the series and I missed all the ones in between. But not once did I feel lost or confused. Actually I didn’t even know it was part of the series until I recognized the sound of “The Very Very Large Hadron Collider.”
That being said, I’d recommend reading book 1 before you read this, otherwise you will be so confused it would distract you from how funny the book is.
Tom Holt has managed to take something so absolutely ridiculous and impossible and make it totally real. The characters are well built and real (even if they are goblins and elves and stock brokers pretending to be rumplestiltskin). The plot had my heart racing (trying to figure out why The Dark Lord is crying over patterned curtains is a serious matter) and the conclusion, though open to interpretation and somewhat confusing, was still fulfilling. I’m very happy with this book and look forward to going back (and forwards) to enjoy the others in the series!
Content/Recommendation: some language, some mention of eating body parts. no sex. Ages 18+
That being said, I’d recommend reading book 1 before you read this, otherwise you will be so confused it would distract you from how funny the book is.
Tom Holt has managed to take something so absolutely ridiculous and impossible and make it totally real. The characters are well built and real (even if they are goblins and elves and stock brokers pretending to be rumplestiltskin). The plot had my heart racing (trying to figure out why The Dark Lord is crying over patterned curtains is a serious matter) and the conclusion, though open to interpretation and somewhat confusing, was still fulfilling. I’m very happy with this book and look forward to going back (and forwards) to enjoy the others in the series!
Content/Recommendation: some language, some mention of eating body parts. no sex. Ages 18+
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This was by far my favorite book in the Mercy Thompson series. I loved the in-depth introduction into the Fae culture without losing the werewolf focus of the series. I did not like so much the complete lack of anything vampire, but I suppose one can't have it all.
The scene in which Mercy is made to drink from the Fairy cup and the aftermath was incredible, powerful writing and not likely something I will forget anytime soon. I don't recall if I have ever read a rape scene from a perspective such as Mercy's, and it really opened my eyes to such a nightmarish experience.
I also found the dynamic between Ben and Mercy afterwards to be both moving and fascinating, since I got to see beneath Ben's shell to who he really is and what makes him tick. Even though I disliked Ben intensely at the start of the series, he is growing to become one of my favorite characters.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, as the whole book was building up to her joining with Adam, and then when the book finally gets to the point, I don't get so much as a single kiss. Boo. Hopefully in the next book, Bone Crossed, a little more romance takes centerstage.
The scene in which Mercy is made to drink from the Fairy cup and the aftermath was incredible, powerful writing and not likely something I will forget anytime soon. I don't recall if I have ever read a rape scene from a perspective such as Mercy's, and it really opened my eyes to such a nightmarish experience.
I also found the dynamic between Ben and Mercy afterwards to be both moving and fascinating, since I got to see beneath Ben's shell to who he really is and what makes him tick. Even though I disliked Ben intensely at the start of the series, he is growing to become one of my favorite characters.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, as the whole book was building up to her joining with Adam, and then when the book finally gets to the point, I don't get so much as a single kiss. Boo. Hopefully in the next book, Bone Crossed, a little more romance takes centerstage.
Sam (74 KP) rated The Austere Academy (A Series of Unfortunate Events #5) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
The Baudelaires, after every other disaster that has happened in their lives, arrive at Prufrock Preparatory School with Mr Poe.
The Austere Academy doesn’t even start off happy. The school the Baudelaire’s arrive at looks depressing at best. The individual buildings look like tombstones, and the vice principal is a self-obsessed, violin playing dictator.
The Baudelaire’s go straight off to a rough start, being told that since they didn’t have a guardian’s permission to live with the rest of the students, they must live in the Orphan Shack – a mouldy shack infested with crabs.
It’s probably one of the most depressing books in the series so far because even though Count Olaf reappears (shocker), they’ve begun to give up telling adults who he is because they are never believed. The Baudelaires seem on the verge of completely giving up and letting Count Olaf and his associates win.
There is a small beam of hope where they meet the Quagmires, and I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoiling the entire book.
The series is just starting to pick up with this book as it begins to reveal some of the mysteries and secrets which have been looming since the first book. It really seems that this book marks a turning point in the series and really starts off the uncovering of all of the mysteries surrounding the Baudelaire’s circumstances.
The Austere Academy doesn’t even start off happy. The school the Baudelaire’s arrive at looks depressing at best. The individual buildings look like tombstones, and the vice principal is a self-obsessed, violin playing dictator.
The Baudelaire’s go straight off to a rough start, being told that since they didn’t have a guardian’s permission to live with the rest of the students, they must live in the Orphan Shack – a mouldy shack infested with crabs.
It’s probably one of the most depressing books in the series so far because even though Count Olaf reappears (shocker), they’ve begun to give up telling adults who he is because they are never believed. The Baudelaires seem on the verge of completely giving up and letting Count Olaf and his associates win.
There is a small beam of hope where they meet the Quagmires, and I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoiling the entire book.
The series is just starting to pick up with this book as it begins to reveal some of the mysteries and secrets which have been looming since the first book. It really seems that this book marks a turning point in the series and really starts off the uncovering of all of the mysteries surrounding the Baudelaire’s circumstances.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated A Night Too Dark (Kate Shugak, #17) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I've been somewhat uncomfortable with this series since [b:Hunter's Moon|398477|Hunter's Moon (Kate Shugak, Book 9)|Dana Stabenow|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174429360s/398477.jpg|387933], but Stabenow has brought me all the way back into the fold now. Obviously I wasn't too far gone, as I'm still reading the series at book 17 (HM was book 9, I believe?) but Kate finally feels happy again, and that's important to me when I'm reading a series.
The mystery really was a mystery, too. There was no obvious answer, no telegraphing of the villain, motive or means. Stabenow kept me guessing, without making me feel cheated by pulling out some vital clue that the reader couldn't possibly have known.
The last scene was a bit annoying, setting up conflicts that will obviously carry on to future novels, but I was already looking forward to her next release anyway. My sole complaint is that I have to wait too long between releases for my fix. If Nora Roberts can release two "In Death" books plus however many romance books a year, can't we at least rely on one Kate Shugak book a year? I'd strongly prefer two. One Shugak and one Liam Campbell would be better! That way there'd be variety, see? Aren't I nice when I'm being a demanding brat?
The mystery really was a mystery, too. There was no obvious answer, no telegraphing of the villain, motive or means. Stabenow kept me guessing, without making me feel cheated by pulling out some vital clue that the reader couldn't possibly have known.
The last scene was a bit annoying, setting up conflicts that will obviously carry on to future novels, but I was already looking forward to her next release anyway. My sole complaint is that I have to wait too long between releases for my fix. If Nora Roberts can release two "In Death" books plus however many romance books a year, can't we at least rely on one Kate Shugak book a year? I'd strongly prefer two. One Shugak and one Liam Campbell would be better! That way there'd be variety, see? Aren't I nice when I'm being a demanding brat?
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Scion's Awakening (Seven Seals #3) in Books
Jul 24, 2018
Scion's Awakening (Seven Seals #3) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Awakening is the third book in the Seven Seals series, and we meet Wyck, whom we were briefly introduced to at the end of Chago's book. He is the resident geek, and Scion to the Seal of the Apocalypse, who in traditional opposite style, is a scientist trying to stop the world's famine problem. However, with the Nephilim involved, nothing is as simple as it seems.
This is a fast-paced story, so be prepared for it to jump a bit - one example being Quinn's reluctance to be with Wyck as he will only break her heart. Next paragraph, they are together. Now, I know, before I get shouted at, this is a novella so this happens. It was just a bit too quick.
On the whole, this was well written, and a good continuation of the series. I would have preferred to drool a bit more of Wyck's 'geekiness' which wasn't really mentioned, but that's just me! I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and look forward to continuing it. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a fast-paced story, so be prepared for it to jump a bit - one example being Quinn's reluctance to be with Wyck as he will only break her heart. Next paragraph, they are together. Now, I know, before I get shouted at, this is a novella so this happens. It was just a bit too quick.
On the whole, this was well written, and a good continuation of the series. I would have preferred to drool a bit more of Wyck's 'geekiness' which wasn't really mentioned, but that's just me! I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and look forward to continuing it. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson, #6) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
4.5 stars.
It took me a while to get into this, maybe it was the fact we didn't get the answer to the question from the last book straight away or because of the lack of anything sexual happening between Reyes and Charley in the first few chapters.
It quickly got back to it's usual level of crazy Charley plots and heated exchanges between her and her "nigh fiancé". Add in all the usual P.I./police/FBI stuff and once again it was another great book in the series.
I loved the car sex scene.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif"/></a>
That might sound a little strange but add Reyes, rain, a car bonnet and nakedness and you'll understand that was one hell of a hot scene. Especially if you've read the rest of the books in the series.
I'm happy about a lot of things that happened in this book but the ending has thrown me a little. I wasn't expecting it, anyway, and I'm intrigued as to where the ret of the series will go now and how many books there are going to be all together.
I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for the 7th book in October :D
It took me a while to get into this, maybe it was the fact we didn't get the answer to the question from the last book straight away or because of the lack of anything sexual happening between Reyes and Charley in the first few chapters.
It quickly got back to it's usual level of crazy Charley plots and heated exchanges between her and her "nigh fiancé". Add in all the usual P.I./police/FBI stuff and once again it was another great book in the series.
I loved the car sex scene.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_ms31u5aQtU1rgff3fo1_500.gif"/></a>
That might sound a little strange but add Reyes, rain, a car bonnet and nakedness and you'll understand that was one hell of a hot scene. Especially if you've read the rest of the books in the series.
I'm happy about a lot of things that happened in this book but the ending has thrown me a little. I wasn't expecting it, anyway, and I'm intrigued as to where the ret of the series will go now and how many books there are going to be all together.
I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for the 7th book in October :D
Merissa (13169 KP) rated The Dragon’s Fake Mate (Bad Dragon's Bride, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2023
THE DRAGON'S FAKE MATE is the fourth book in the Bad Dragon's Bride series and features Starla, the bad-ass witch who looks after her girls, and Mars, her emotionless, psychopathic stalker. We've met both of these characters before and it's hard to say which one is scarier!
I loved how both of them had a story to tell, with both of them having a rough go of it and both coming out the other side. Okay, so they're both damaged too, but when they realise that together they make a whole, it was brilliant.
For me, this book is easily the best of the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books but this one blew them out of the water. The pacing is perfect and the story flows without any wasted words. The way the trust these two find in each other was shown was sheer perfection.
I'm really REALLY hoping Diesel gets his HEA though. He's one dragon who has stolen my heart!
All in all, the jewel in the crown (so far, for me) in this series and HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how both of them had a story to tell, with both of them having a rough go of it and both coming out the other side. Okay, so they're both damaged too, but when they realise that together they make a whole, it was brilliant.
For me, this book is easily the best of the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books but this one blew them out of the water. The pacing is perfect and the story flows without any wasted words. The way the trust these two find in each other was shown was sheer perfection.
I'm really REALLY hoping Diesel gets his HEA though. He's one dragon who has stolen my heart!
All in all, the jewel in the crown (so far, for me) in this series and HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13169 KP) rated The Heart of Everton Inn (Betwixt the Sea and Shore, #2) in Books
Oct 18, 2022
Return to the Orkney Islands and the Selkies as the story continues...
THE HEART OF EVERTON INN is the second book in the Betwixt the Sea and Shore series and it runs concurrently alongside book one. This means that you will see things through Adaira's eyes as they happen to Briony or any of the other villagers. You will also see things that happened with Adaira that you didn't see before.
This series is so well-researched, it shines through every scene. I love the village characters, the scenery, the relationships. It's all so clearly defined and makes for a gripping read.
Adaira and John have their ups and downs as they try to have a relationship but it seems as though the world is against them. Even though there is an age gap, it is clear that these two will fit together if only they are allowed.
This was a brilliant addition to the series but it does end on a cliffhanger, so just consider yourself forewarned. I can't wait to see what happens next. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This series is so well-researched, it shines through every scene. I love the village characters, the scenery, the relationships. It's all so clearly defined and makes for a gripping read.
Adaira and John have their ups and downs as they try to have a relationship but it seems as though the world is against them. Even though there is an age gap, it is clear that these two will fit together if only they are allowed.
This was a brilliant addition to the series but it does end on a cliffhanger, so just consider yourself forewarned. I can't wait to see what happens next. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Spoon to be Dead in Books
Dec 16, 2023 (Updated Dec 16, 2023)
Is Trinidad’s Ex a Killer?
As winter sets in, Trinidad Jones is concentrating on figuring out how to keep her shake shop going through the cold months. But that takes a back seat when her ex-husband walks through the door of her shop one morning. No one had informed her that Gabe had been let out of prison. Even more surprising, he announces that he thinks he just killed someone before collapsing on the floor. What could be going on?
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7) in Books
May 24, 2023
OK, call me shallow, but I have to admit that reading about a tattooed man, with long hair, into bikes, makes the story a lot easier to read. I love The Blood Rose series, but this book was outstanding. I love how although the Mastyrs are important, it is their Blood Roses who are coming into their own. Each is different, each bringing just what is needed, I think they are all magnificent but I will admit to loving Olivia's attitude! She rocks!!
As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.
Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 28, 2016
As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.
Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 28, 2016