Search

Search only in certain items:

Justice Prevails (Sin City Uniforms #3)
Justice Prevails (Sin City Uniforms #3)
Morticia Knight | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
loving this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Sin City series, and you don't NEED to have read boks one and two before this, to follow this one. You should, though, cos I said so! They are rather good!

Beau is in the middle of a serial killer investigation, and bumps into Austin when he is trying to drown his sorrows after he loses his childhood friend. Austin pulls a blinder and kisses Beau and Beau is, for want of a better word, smitten with the geeky young man who he keeps bumping into! Taking a 5 hour trip to interview someone turns out to be a bust for the case, but somewhat of a revelation for Beau and Austin and their relationship, if they can stay alive.

Like I said, book three and I don't *think* Trent and Shawn (book one) are even mentioned here, but Parker and Lonnie (Slade, book two) do play a part here, so I repeat, not totally necessary for you to have read the other books.

Serial killer aside, I found this a much lighter read, and I'm not entirely sure WHY, since both men have their own demons to battle, as well as the killer, but that's my thought on finishing and ya'll know I'm ALL about the sharing of my book thoughts!

Beau is smitten with Austin but he is NOT he usual type. And that's what sort of bothers him the most, this attraction to a geeky guy he never even looked at before, even though he had seen him around the station. Austin has admired Beau from afar, for a while, and getting his hands on Beau, even for a short time, to scratch the itch that burns when they are together, will be enough, for now at least.

The killer story line worked itself into Beau and Austin's life really well, and actually, I had no clue how that was gonna play out! I thought it might be carrried over to the next book, but it's all wrapped up in a big fat Austin shaped bow here. Well played, Ms Knight!

Brett (Parker's ex from book two) is up next. Be nice for him to have his happy ever after, after what happens to him in book two.

Loving this series, please keep them coming!

5 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
TL
The Lamp (the Lamp Series, Book 1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book as a member giveaway through LibraryThing for an honest review. I received the Omnibus so read all four books together. I recommend that since you will want to know what happens next.

I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.

As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.

[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
  
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5)
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5)
Cassandra Clare | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry, Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.2 (27 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow!
So I don't know how she does it but, Cassandra Clare manages to make each new installment in the Mortal Instruments series better than the last. And this latest novel did nothing to change that trend! It is very rare that a series keeps getting better & better but luckily for all the fans of these books, it does!
I was truly worried about Jace & Clary's relationship in this book. The way Jace was changed was awful, but it works so well with the plot. Clary is a wonderful female character...strong, smart, beautiful...there need to be more leads like her in books. I just couldn't put this book down! I even blew off some things I needed to get ready for my classroom before the school year starts up again just so I could see what was going to happen next. Now I dread that I am going to have to wait for the next novel in the series. The ending was great, but it is a cliffhanger. Not the kind that piss you off, but the good kind that leaves you dying to know what's going to happen next.
I love these books!
  
SM
Slightly Married (Bedwyn Saga, #1)
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I don't have too much to say about this first (actual) entry into the Bedwyn/Slightly series. The pacing was good, the hero and heroine were nice and likable characters, and their romance was sweet and charming. The only thing I had a problem with were the loves scenes, they just felt 'off' and didn't quite fit into or with the flow of the storyline. Especially the second one, which struck me as odd. Otherwise it was a nice and easy story to read.

I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P

Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
  
TS
The Secret, Book, & Scone Society
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mrs. Ellery Adams did it again. Her unique writing has transported us to Miracle Springs, North Carolina. In this unique little village, we get to meet a group of flawed women Nora, Hester, June and Estella, who together form a unique group Secret, Book and Scone Society. With this group, the women find companionship, trust, and friendship and solve a crime or two. In this unique group of women, you will find a little of yourself. Mrs. Adams has brought us another best-selling series. Being a fan of Mrs. Adams other series I was excited about to read her new book and I was blown away. Her writing and storyline are not to be missed. I am excited to see where the Miracle Springs Series goes from here as the ladies grow in their friendship and how they are open to being real and sharing their secrets while solving others hidden secrets to help the ladies heal and a few visitors. Well worth the time to read once, twice or a few more. Learning that is never too late to turn the page and start over... with a comfort scone or two.
  
A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1)
A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1)
Daryl Wood Gerber | 2017 | Mystery
10
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mimi Rousseau is just months into her new venture of a French bistro and hotel in the heart of Napa County. This weekend, she is hosting her first event, the wedding of Angelica Edmonton, noted TV talk show host and the niece of Bryan Baker, Mimi’s benefactor and mentor. However, when tension at the pre-wedding dinner on Friday night leads to a dead body on Saturday morning, Mimi finds herself looking into the murder. What is going on?

It’s fun to find a series set in Napa County that doesn’t focus on wine, although wine is certainly present. The French food will definitely leave your mouth watering as you work your way through this good first mystery. The initial chapter has a bit of a data dump in it, but once beyond that, the mystery picks up and the pace never slows down again. The characters are outstanding, and the relationships between the series regulars is already strong. I’m looking forward to seeing that grow as the series progresses.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-deadly-eclair-by-daryl-wood.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21)
Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21)
Joanne Fluke | 2017 | Mystery
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?

Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The Uninvited Corpse
The Uninvited Corpse
Debra Sennefelder | 2018 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You Are Invited to a New Series
Food and lifestyle blogger Hope Early is settling back into her home town of Jefferson, Connecticut, and she is enjoying reconnecting with family and friends. One chance to do that is at her friend’s garden party to celebrate that friend’s new gardening book. However, Peaches McCoy, an ambitious real estate agent, crashes the party. Peaches isn’t well liked in town, but Hope is surprised to find Peaches’ body before the event is over. With the police zeroing in on Hope’s sister, Hope sets out to find the real killer. Can she do it?

This book doesn’t waste much time before jumping into the garden party. That’s both good and bad since it means it isn’t long before Peaches dies, but it also means we meet the suspects and series regulars in a hurry. It took me a little time to keep them all straight, but as their personalities came through, I was able to remember who they all were. The plot does slow down in the second half, but everything comes together for a great climax. This looks like the start of a fun series.
  
The Bone Queen (The Books of Pellinor #0.5)
The Bone Queen (The Books of Pellinor #0.5)
Alison Croggon | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I found out The Bone Queen was coming out it was a pleasant surprise. I read the original Pellinor series years ago and have always remembered it as one of my favorite fantasy series. I was originally a bit worried that all these years later this book wouldn't live up to the rest of the series, but I'm happy to report that my fears were unjustified.

The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.

For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
  
Millions (Dollar book 5)
Millions (Dollar book 5)
Pepper Winters | 2017 | Erotica, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
9
6.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This final book in the series is possibly even better than the rest. Most of the darkness from the previous books is gone allowing us to really explore Pim and Elder and dare to hope for happiness.

That being said this is by no means a happy carefree book, there is of course pain, physical and emotional, threats and near death experiences to keep you on your toes right till the very end.

We even get a brief glimpse into the mystery of Selix and some of his reasons for being Elder’s shadow. However this small snippet gives some closure but does build hope for more of his story later on.

The end is completely satisfying, we get a multi perspective epilogue, then an extended epilogue and then the final epilogue. I felt it really finished off the story so there were no unanswered questions. Without the fault of some epilogues, which skip forward a few years so that you get information but not necessarily the emotions.

I think this series was the perfect length to tell Pim and Elder’s story but without getting lost in the middle as I feel some series can.