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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Caramel Pecan Roll Murder in Books
Mar 4, 2022 (Updated Mar 4, 2022)
Hannah Goes Fishing for a Killer
A fishing tournament has come to Lake Eden, which is great news for Lake Eden Inn since it is located on the shores of Eden Lake. Hannah Swensen is out at the inn filling in for their pastry chef, who is out for a family emergency. That’s how she first meets Sonny Bowman, the celebrity face of the contest. Sonny is as arrogant as he is handsome, but Hannah is still surprised when she finds his dead body. Can she figure out what happened?
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Leviathan's Song (The Boundlands #1) by Elsie Winters in Books
Aug 5, 2022
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan!
LEVIATHAN'S SONG is the first book in The Boundlands series, and we start off where two worlds combine. Elara is a golemancer and tinker. She is small in height but big in competency. She first meets Levi when she hears him busking and she can hear the lure in his voice. When her life gets complicated, Levi is the one who is there for her - along with friends both new and old.
I loved every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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 every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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 (11950 KP) rated Alien Indiscretions (World of Kalquor #9) in Books
Oct 31, 2023
Alien Indiscretions is the ninth book in the Worlds of Kalquor series. I have read some of these before, but not all of them. I would recommend you read the series though, as previous characters and relationships are mentioned.
Crissy and Tasha are Jessica's cousins and have made their way to Kalquor to start a new life, one where they can be with whomever they wish. Crissy takes an instant dislike to one of the councillors but is more than happy to push them onto her twin. Of course, that doesn't happen, and Crissy and the Kalquorians need to figure a lot of things out while they still have the chance.
This is definitely a case of those who know, see a different person, because at first glance Crissy is uncouth, brash, and downright rude at times. However, those who know her, love her. And there is enough about her to catch the interest of two out of the three Kalquorians.
This story has a lot of backstory to it, with an overall story arc playing a BIG part of this story. For that reason, I would definitely recommend reading some of the others before this one. It was all well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing is smooth, and there are plenty of sexy scenes for your titillation.
If you have read any of these books before, then I can absolutely recommend it. If you haven't, then I still recommend it, but would suggest you start the series properly first.
* 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!
Jul 2, 2018
Crissy and Tasha are Jessica's cousins and have made their way to Kalquor to start a new life, one where they can be with whomever they wish. Crissy takes an instant dislike to one of the councillors but is more than happy to push them onto her twin. Of course, that doesn't happen, and Crissy and the Kalquorians need to figure a lot of things out while they still have the chance.
This is definitely a case of those who know, see a different person, because at first glance Crissy is uncouth, brash, and downright rude at times. However, those who know her, love her. And there is enough about her to catch the interest of two out of the three Kalquorians.
This story has a lot of backstory to it, with an overall story arc playing a BIG part of this story. For that reason, I would definitely recommend reading some of the others before this one. It was all well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing is smooth, and there are plenty of sexy scenes for your titillation.
If you have read any of these books before, then I can absolutely recommend it. If you haven't, then I still recommend it, but would suggest you start the series properly first.
* 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!
Jul 2, 2018
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) in Books
Jan 6, 2022
I think that this has by far been my favourite of the Bridgerton series that I have read so far! After not enjoying An Offer From A Gentleman quite as much as the first three, I’m glad to see that Julia Quinn seemed to have gone back to her original style rather than retelling a fairytale.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Storm & Stone (The Heartwood Series #5) in Books
Feb 14, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
SMITH'S CORNER: STORM AND STONE is the fifth book in the Heartwood series. Stone has always been the odd one out amongst his brothers; the one they turn to when they need a favour, but not to give him the relationship he wants. He feels firmly stuck on the periphery when he wants to be involved. Storm knows all about that as she was a foster child until Dee and Layla found her. Whereas Stone will hold it all inside, Storm will lay it out there.
These two don't have it easy, simply because Stone is so afraid of being hurt again. He pushes Storm away until he snaps. It takes him some time to realise she is different from his ex, Vicki, but then, just like the proverbial bad smell, Vicki rolls back into town, with Stone set firmly in her sights.
One thing I adored about this is no matter Vicki's machinations, Storm is not prepared to jump to conclusions. She knows Stone, knows how he feels about Vicki, and how hurt he was. She does not jump to conclusions Vicki wants her to and certainly gives as good as she gets.
We also get further snippets of Hunter and Holden, as well as playing catch up with the rest of the clan. Now, you could read this as a standalone, but to get the most from it, I would definitely recommend you read it as part of the series.
A great addition to the series and 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!
Feb 14, 2022
These two don't have it easy, simply because Stone is so afraid of being hurt again. He pushes Storm away until he snaps. It takes him some time to realise she is different from his ex, Vicki, but then, just like the proverbial bad smell, Vicki rolls back into town, with Stone set firmly in her sights.
One thing I adored about this is no matter Vicki's machinations, Storm is not prepared to jump to conclusions. She knows Stone, knows how he feels about Vicki, and how hurt he was. She does not jump to conclusions Vicki wants her to and certainly gives as good as she gets.
We also get further snippets of Hunter and Holden, as well as playing catch up with the rest of the clan. Now, you could read this as a standalone, but to get the most from it, I would definitely recommend you read it as part of the series.
A great addition to the series and 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!
Feb 14, 2022
While the idea of Legend is in no way unique, with the recent influx of post-apocalyptic/dystopian storylines in YA fiction, it is still an enjoyable read. It was nice to have the two varied perspectives - the boy from the street and the girl of means. Their story is full of highs and lows, deception, hurt, betrayal and death. Each deals with events in their own way and comes out of the series as a very different person. (Series-wise) <spoiler>I was not entirely satisfied with the ending. It left the reader with the temptation of promise and a what-if, but felt like an afterthought. The epilogue didn't seem as pulled together as the rest of the novel. It felt more like the readers raged against the conclusion of the book and the author tacked this story on at the end to appease them. Remember what tragic things, what relationships, what changes happened at the end that you didn't like? Just kidding, I take it back. Here's a glimpse of the storyline you actually wanted. </spoiler> Other than that I really enjoyed the series and would recommend it.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Obsidian Chamber in Books
Feb 21, 2018
While some of the Pendergast books can be read as standalone thrillers, whether or not youve read the rest of the series, you really do need to have read a lot (if not all) of the previous books to appreciate this one. While its very hard to say much about it without using spoilers, I can say that this story is very much character driven, and you need to understand the relationships and motivations of the characters in question for the story to make sense. While there is more action than usual for Proctor in this installment, overall the style of the story makes it move along a little more slowly than most books in the series. While I did like the book, I cant say that I was completely happy with the way things were wrapped up, or with the amount of page-time Pendergast actually gets in this novel. It left me wanting more, but I guess that in itself is a good thing!
Longtime fans of the Pendergast series should enjoy this one, but Id recommend starting back with Relic if Pendergast is new to you!
Longtime fans of the Pendergast series should enjoy this one, but Id recommend starting back with Relic if Pendergast is new to you!
It's hard now-a-days to read urban fantasy without drawing comparisons with Jim Butchers superlative 'Dresden Files' series.
It's even harder when the story is told in the first person, and features a powerful magic-user who deals with all sorts of magical creatures.
That is most definitely the case with Kevin Hearne's 'Hounded' novel, the first in his Iron Druid series (and, I believe, also his first novel). However, unlike Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sulivan is a centuries old Irish Druid and is already pretty powerful. Also, unlike Dresden, he does not deliberately draw attention to himself ('Wizard for hire'), nor does he have a relationship with the local PD.
Instead, Atticus is doing his best to live the quiet life, trying to stay away from the attention of a Celtic god who has hounded him for centuries and believes that Atticus has stolen a powerful magical sword from him (the sword is in Atticus possession, yes, but not stolen).
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant diversion while waiting for the next Dresden book, and will possibly read a few more to see if I 'grow into' the series any more.
It's even harder when the story is told in the first person, and features a powerful magic-user who deals with all sorts of magical creatures.
That is most definitely the case with Kevin Hearne's 'Hounded' novel, the first in his Iron Druid series (and, I believe, also his first novel). However, unlike Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sulivan is a centuries old Irish Druid and is already pretty powerful. Also, unlike Dresden, he does not deliberately draw attention to himself ('Wizard for hire'), nor does he have a relationship with the local PD.
Instead, Atticus is doing his best to live the quiet life, trying to stay away from the attention of a Celtic god who has hounded him for centuries and believes that Atticus has stolen a powerful magical sword from him (the sword is in Atticus possession, yes, but not stolen).
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant diversion while waiting for the next Dresden book, and will possibly read a few more to see if I 'grow into' the series any more.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Generally speaking, I'm not really a comic-book guy kinda person.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
Deeper Than Midnight
Book
In an instant her privileged world disappears and a new, dangerous and erotic one beckons...At the...