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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Mushroom Capped in Books
Jan 10, 2024
Jackie Finds Murder Mushrooming
Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood has landed in Conway, Maryland, for their second annual mushroom festival. She’s especially excited about connecting with her friend, Marshall. However, she quickly discovers that there’s lots of tension in town thanks to a big farming company trying to buy up the mushroom farms in the area. When Jackie finds the owner of the company dead, Marshall becomes the prime suspect. Can Jackie clear him?
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated The Treasure of Rigmore House (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #3) in Books
Mar 26, 2024
THE TREASURE OF RIGMORE HOUSE is the third book in the Betwixt the Sea and Shore series, set in 18th-century Scotland, complete with Selkies, Kelpies, Trows, and Banshees!
We have seen Muireall in the previous two books. We see a different side to the one she usually presents in this story, together with the reasons for her behaviour. And then we have Niall, also known from the first two stories. If he's back in town, then trouble will surely follow... right?
The slow-burn between these two was a delight to read, especially when Muireall lets herself be true to who she really is, rather than who she is expected to be. Both of these characters have a redemption arc for differing reasons, and it was good to see it happen.
It was also good to see Briony and Adaira moving forward with their lives, and how it intermingled with Muireall and Niall's.
A great addition to the series that will both satisfy and leave you wanting more. 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!
Mar 26, 2024
We have seen Muireall in the previous two books. We see a different side to the one she usually presents in this story, together with the reasons for her behaviour. And then we have Niall, also known from the first two stories. If he's back in town, then trouble will surely follow... right?
The slow-burn between these two was a delight to read, especially when Muireall lets herself be true to who she really is, rather than who she is expected to be. Both of these characters have a redemption arc for differing reasons, and it was good to see it happen.
It was also good to see Briony and Adaira moving forward with their lives, and how it intermingled with Muireall and Niall's.
A great addition to the series that will both satisfy and leave you wanting more. 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!
Mar 26, 2024
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Treatment (The Program, #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I loved The Program by Suzanne Young, so I had to get The Treatment as soon as it was released to find out what happened to James and Sloane. While I didn't love The Treatment as much as The Program, this was still a good read.
I like the title. It's a good fit for what the books about, and it fits with the first boo in the series.
I like the cover. I like how, to me, it kind of portrays James and Sloane on the run. I had the hardback copy of this book, so when I took off the dust jacket, it had the pill cover which is the treatment.
The world building was done fantastically! I could see each of the scenes in my mind clearly. This time, the setting of the book takes James and Sloane all over the United States.
The pacing was a bit slow for about the first two-thirds of the book, and I was really disappointed. However, I kept reading because I desperately wanted to like this book. Luckily, I was rewarded when the last section of the book picked up pace, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The plot is good. Sloane and James are on the run from the Program after rekindling their romance from before the Program. They meet other rebels who are on the run, and they all try to stay one step ahead of the Program. Sloane is still wondering if she should take the Treatment, which would restore all of her memories, that Realm gave her. The only thing I didn't like about the plot is that it was too mushy when it came to the romance. The first book in the series wasn't as bad as this. Plus, it seemed in this book that James and Sloane were having sex at the end of almost every chapter!
I thought the characters were written really well even if James and Sloane were humping like rabbits all the time! Sloane is still a very strong female character, and in this book, we're introduced to Dallas who is also a very strong female character. Dallas does have some vulnerability though, and I found it very interesting to learn what she was like before the Program. We're also introduced to Cas in this book. Cas was like the comic relief in this book. He would always try to defuse the situation. Realm is back in this book, and I don't really like him. He's not written poorly, but he just grates on my nerves the way he's always trying to make Sloane second guess her love for James. James is very hot-headed in this book. I still do like him as a character, and I can understand why he got angry.
I enjoyed the dialogue especially when Dallas or Cas where involved in the scene. The dialogue felt very natural and fitting for a young adult book. There is some swearing in this book as well as violence. There are some sexual scenes in this book although they aren't graphic.
Overall, The Treatment (The Program #2) by Suzanne Young starts off being slow but picks up during the last third of the book. The characters are still written very well, and the world building is fantastic.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who enjoyed The Program and want to know more about Sloane and James.
I loved The Program by Suzanne Young, so I had to get The Treatment as soon as it was released to find out what happened to James and Sloane. While I didn't love The Treatment as much as The Program, this was still a good read.
I like the title. It's a good fit for what the books about, and it fits with the first boo in the series.
I like the cover. I like how, to me, it kind of portrays James and Sloane on the run. I had the hardback copy of this book, so when I took off the dust jacket, it had the pill cover which is the treatment.
The world building was done fantastically! I could see each of the scenes in my mind clearly. This time, the setting of the book takes James and Sloane all over the United States.
The pacing was a bit slow for about the first two-thirds of the book, and I was really disappointed. However, I kept reading because I desperately wanted to like this book. Luckily, I was rewarded when the last section of the book picked up pace, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The plot is good. Sloane and James are on the run from the Program after rekindling their romance from before the Program. They meet other rebels who are on the run, and they all try to stay one step ahead of the Program. Sloane is still wondering if she should take the Treatment, which would restore all of her memories, that Realm gave her. The only thing I didn't like about the plot is that it was too mushy when it came to the romance. The first book in the series wasn't as bad as this. Plus, it seemed in this book that James and Sloane were having sex at the end of almost every chapter!
I thought the characters were written really well even if James and Sloane were humping like rabbits all the time! Sloane is still a very strong female character, and in this book, we're introduced to Dallas who is also a very strong female character. Dallas does have some vulnerability though, and I found it very interesting to learn what she was like before the Program. We're also introduced to Cas in this book. Cas was like the comic relief in this book. He would always try to defuse the situation. Realm is back in this book, and I don't really like him. He's not written poorly, but he just grates on my nerves the way he's always trying to make Sloane second guess her love for James. James is very hot-headed in this book. I still do like him as a character, and I can understand why he got angry.
I enjoyed the dialogue especially when Dallas or Cas where involved in the scene. The dialogue felt very natural and fitting for a young adult book. There is some swearing in this book as well as violence. There are some sexual scenes in this book although they aren't graphic.
Overall, The Treatment (The Program #2) by Suzanne Young starts off being slow but picks up during the last third of the book. The characters are still written very well, and the world building is fantastic.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who enjoyed The Program and want to know more about Sloane and James.
jmercado (1 KP) rated Gerard's Beauty (Kingdom, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
2nd book in the Kingdom Series.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) in Books
May 25, 2018
Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) by Jessica Coulter Smith
Offered to the Cyborg is the second book in the Cy-Con series, but can be read as a standalone. Shaylee was kidnapped from Earth, and has been used and passed around as a slave since then. Although she has had children, she has never found pleasure in the making of them, due to the pain and humiliation she has endured. So when Wrylack enters the medbay where she is being held, she really has no idea of what is going to happen next as he treats her in a way she is totally unused to.
This is a fast-paced story that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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 that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
Dana (24 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I think it was a great set up for what is to come in the rest of the series. Working with a world that is so complex, like this one, is very difficult and requires a lot of world building which I think this book did very well.
The pacing was slow at parts, but even in those moments, it was enjoyable.
The characters were all very interesting and well thought out. I hope that in the next books there is more building on the relationships of the characters and reactions to the consequences of what they had done. I want to learn more about their Peculiarities and how they work as well.
I wish we could get more background on how the mechanics of the Home works, but I think we may get that in the next books.
I loved the integration of the images in with the story. I think it worked very well in this book, something that does not always reign true with all books set up like this.
I was lucky enough to meet Ransom Riggs at Yallwest in 2015 and he is so nice! I am so glad I finally read the book after owning it for a few years!
I would love to pick up the next two books to continue the series! I can't wait to see what they are going to do with the movie as well!
The pacing was slow at parts, but even in those moments, it was enjoyable.
The characters were all very interesting and well thought out. I hope that in the next books there is more building on the relationships of the characters and reactions to the consequences of what they had done. I want to learn more about their Peculiarities and how they work as well.
I wish we could get more background on how the mechanics of the Home works, but I think we may get that in the next books.
I loved the integration of the images in with the story. I think it worked very well in this book, something that does not always reign true with all books set up like this.
I was lucky enough to meet Ransom Riggs at Yallwest in 2015 and he is so nice! I am so glad I finally read the book after owning it for a few years!
I would love to pick up the next two books to continue the series! I can't wait to see what they are going to do with the movie as well!
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Mystic Maples (Deerbourne Inn Series) in Books
Jun 18, 2019
Mystic Maples (Deerbourne Inn Series) by Tena Stetler
Mystic Maples is the first book by Tena Stetler I have read, although it is part of a larger series, Deerbourne Inn, which involves other authors.
In this, Mercy takes a leave of absence from the shop she co-owns with her sister, after a dramatic few months. She ends up at Deerbourne Inn, but due to a mix-up, she is only there for two weeks, rather than the six months she had intended. Along comes Silvanus to save the day.
This was an easy read that didn't really delve too deeply into any of the 'paranormal' elements. We know Mercy is a Earth/Fire witch, but mainly she grows plants. We know Silvanus is a gypsy/fae, but his gypsy side is stronger. There is a magical, time-travelling vardo that takes them back to right a wrong, but once again, this is skimmed over and done with before you can blink.
For myself, this was a lunch-break book - definitely good enough to whisk me away for an hour, but nothing that stays with me after. If you are looking for a light read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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, Mercy takes a leave of absence from the shop she co-owns with her sister, after a dramatic few months. She ends up at Deerbourne Inn, but due to a mix-up, she is only there for two weeks, rather than the six months she had intended. Along comes Silvanus to save the day.
This was an easy read that didn't really delve too deeply into any of the 'paranormal' elements. We know Mercy is a Earth/Fire witch, but mainly she grows plants. We know Silvanus is a gypsy/fae, but his gypsy side is stronger. There is a magical, time-travelling vardo that takes them back to right a wrong, but once again, this is skimmed over and done with before you can blink.
For myself, this was a lunch-break book - definitely good enough to whisk me away for an hour, but nothing that stays with me after. If you are looking for a light read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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 (12358 KP) rated The Heart (Ice Dragons Hockey, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The Heart is the second book in the Ice Dragons Hockey series, and we reunite with Alex, aka Simba. Some time has passed since the end of The Code and the Dragons are on a losing streak. Alex calls for a meeting which goes on until early hours of the morning. On his way home, he and Ryan spot a car accident, and Alex is able to save both the baby and her father, although he is injured in the process. Jo is a firefighter on probation and the one who saves Alex.
This is a great story, with a humorous start in the kitchen between Jo and Alex. Jo has her own reasons for not wanting a relationship, the same as Alex does, but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other, and wanting more. There is an air of suspense with this book too as Jo has to deal with different situations all connected by a bomb. With additional stories involving Gooley, and the twins, there is definitely something here for everyone.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a wonderful addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to Gooley's story which is coming next.
* 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 great story, with a humorous start in the kitchen between Jo and Alex. Jo has her own reasons for not wanting a relationship, the same as Alex does, but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other, and wanting more. There is an air of suspense with this book too as Jo has to deal with different situations all connected by a bomb. With additional stories involving Gooley, and the twins, there is definitely something here for everyone.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a wonderful addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to Gooley's story which is coming next.
* 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!
Charlotte Ozanne (108 KP) rated End Game (Will Robie #5) in Books
Nov 12, 2019
I foolishly bought this book thinking it was a one-off and not tied into a series. After reading three chapters, I decided to Google Baldacci and realised this is actually book number five in the Will Robie series. However, I was enjoying it thus far and was intrigued to see how it would play out. Not having read the first four books did not bother me too much as I am quite sure they are about standalone missions; there are just some continuities in Robie's life, but I got the gist of some things I had missed out on.
This is the first thriller novel I have read and it has intrigued me to read more. Baldacci's writing is very simple (no complicated words and sporadic jargon), which results in a nice relaxing read. The first half of the book excited me more than the latter, the build up and investigation into Blue Man's disappearance interested me more than the fighting action in the latter half. Personally, I thought there were too many characters in the book. It was hard to keep track of everyone and their separate motives; as well as the general "who is that again?".
Having said that, I did enjoy it - it is a good introduction into the crime thriller genre. And I would read more of Baldacci's work. Perhaps I'll start from the very beginning next time though!
This is the first thriller novel I have read and it has intrigued me to read more. Baldacci's writing is very simple (no complicated words and sporadic jargon), which results in a nice relaxing read. The first half of the book excited me more than the latter, the build up and investigation into Blue Man's disappearance interested me more than the fighting action in the latter half. Personally, I thought there were too many characters in the book. It was hard to keep track of everyone and their separate motives; as well as the general "who is that again?".
Having said that, I did enjoy it - it is a good introduction into the crime thriller genre. And I would read more of Baldacci's work. Perhaps I'll start from the very beginning next time though!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Signature Kill (Frank Behr #4) in Books
Jan 5, 2020
Gritty, dark atmospheric and suspenseful
This is another book that has been on my "to be read" list since 2015 and I have finally got round to reading it and so pleased I did as I really enjoyed it. Although this is book 4 in the Frank Behr series, I haven't read any of the others and I admit that it would probably be better to read the others in order to get some clarity and background to Frank but having said that, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book so will say it works well as a standalone.
This is a pretty disturbing story written from Frank's perspective and that of the killer; this I think was genius in that it gave Frank a strong voice and made him come alive but it also did the same for the killer which was chilling and oddly satisfying but perfect for this book.
The writing style was excellent and easy to read; the suspense and action scenes were described perfectly and all the characters were well developed and authentic.
This is a gritty, dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read that I found gripping and very difficult to put down; I will certainly read more of this series and from this author but hopefully won't delay it so long next time.
Thank you to RandomHouseUK / Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a pretty disturbing story written from Frank's perspective and that of the killer; this I think was genius in that it gave Frank a strong voice and made him come alive but it also did the same for the killer which was chilling and oddly satisfying but perfect for this book.
The writing style was excellent and easy to read; the suspense and action scenes were described perfectly and all the characters were well developed and authentic.
This is a gritty, dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read that I found gripping and very difficult to put down; I will certainly read more of this series and from this author but hopefully won't delay it so long next time.
Thank you to RandomHouseUK / Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.