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Wild Lavender (The Aurelian Guard #1)
10.0
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A brave woman fights to save her kingdom, and herself: A Golden Quill winner for Best Fantasy...
Medieval Fantasy Romance Historical
Found Innocent (Detective Madison Knight Series Book 4)
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She wanted to leave her past behind, but it may have followed her… A young woman’s remains...
series crime fiction mystery police procedural Carolyn Arnold
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spells of Breath and Blade (Tarot Academy #2) in Books
Sep 28, 2021
162 of 250
Kindle
Spells of Breath and Blade ( Tarot Academy book 2)
By Sarah Piper
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I spent my whole life believing magick was a curse - and that I didn't have enough of it to worry about, anyway.
Turns out I was wrong on both counts.
I'm so much more than a magick-blessed Academy student. I'm an Arcana Witch, bound to a sacred order whose sole duty is to protect magick - and one another - at all costs.
Thankfully, I'm not alone.
My Arcana magick brought four fiercely loyal, impossibly sexy Arcana mages into my life.
But it also brought trouble.
Corrupt Academy officials. Mysterious attacks stripping students of their power. And the terrifying Dark Arcana - five insanely powerful ancient beings desperate to reclaim the magick they believe is their sole birthright... and destroy the rest of us.
Our best shot at defeating them is to track down the hidden Arcana artifacts - sacred Tarot relics that bind and balance all magick. But to do that, we'll have to embark on a dangerous otherworldly journey - one that will change us in ways even the Tarot can't predict.
Surviving my first month at Arcana Academy was no easy feat, but compared to what's coming?
That was training day.
This is the real deal.
And the fight is just beginning.
Honestly not much happens until the last chapter. It’s mainly Stevie dealing with the aftermath and putting her relationships right. It was an ok read.
Kindle
Spells of Breath and Blade ( Tarot Academy book 2)
By Sarah Piper
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I spent my whole life believing magick was a curse - and that I didn't have enough of it to worry about, anyway.
Turns out I was wrong on both counts.
I'm so much more than a magick-blessed Academy student. I'm an Arcana Witch, bound to a sacred order whose sole duty is to protect magick - and one another - at all costs.
Thankfully, I'm not alone.
My Arcana magick brought four fiercely loyal, impossibly sexy Arcana mages into my life.
But it also brought trouble.
Corrupt Academy officials. Mysterious attacks stripping students of their power. And the terrifying Dark Arcana - five insanely powerful ancient beings desperate to reclaim the magick they believe is their sole birthright... and destroy the rest of us.
Our best shot at defeating them is to track down the hidden Arcana artifacts - sacred Tarot relics that bind and balance all magick. But to do that, we'll have to embark on a dangerous otherworldly journey - one that will change us in ways even the Tarot can't predict.
Surviving my first month at Arcana Academy was no easy feat, but compared to what's coming?
That was training day.
This is the real deal.
And the fight is just beginning.
Honestly not much happens until the last chapter. It’s mainly Stevie dealing with the aftermath and putting her relationships right. It was an ok read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2568 KP) rated The Late Show (Renée Ballard, #1) in Books
Sep 7, 2024
Not Sure the Character is New, but Story is Great
LAPD officer Renee Ballard has been demoted to working the overnight shift in the Hollywood division. She’s frustrated that she never gets to work a case to resolution in her current role. Until one night when a series of cases land in her lap. A woman reports a stolen wallet. A transgender individual is left for dead. A shooting incident happens at a bar. As Ballard gets involved in all these cases, can she solve them?
I remember when this book came out how far behind I was on the author’s books and thinking I’d never get to it. And yet here I am. I found that Ballard shared quite a bit with the author’s Harry Bosch character. I’m not saying I didn’t like her, but I felt like she was a bit too familiar. Maybe that will change when I see them together. And again, I did like getting to meet her here and am looking forward to seeing what else happens to her. The mystery was very compelling. I saw a few things coming early, but there were some great twists that took me by surprise as well. I also enjoyed the nod to the Bosch TV show, which I guess means it is time for me to start watching it. Do keep in mind this is a police procedural, so the content is stronger than in the cozies I often read. If you haven’t met Ballard yet, you’ll be happy you picked up this book.
I remember when this book came out how far behind I was on the author’s books and thinking I’d never get to it. And yet here I am. I found that Ballard shared quite a bit with the author’s Harry Bosch character. I’m not saying I didn’t like her, but I felt like she was a bit too familiar. Maybe that will change when I see them together. And again, I did like getting to meet her here and am looking forward to seeing what else happens to her. The mystery was very compelling. I saw a few things coming early, but there were some great twists that took me by surprise as well. I also enjoyed the nod to the Bosch TV show, which I guess means it is time for me to start watching it. Do keep in mind this is a police procedural, so the content is stronger than in the cozies I often read. If you haven’t met Ballard yet, you’ll be happy you picked up this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2568 KP) rated Kill or Bee Killed in Books
Jun 5, 2024
Bailey Must Bee Careful
It’s time for the annual Bee Festival in Humble Hills, Colorado. Since Bailey’s Granny Bee is in charge, that means that Bailey will be busy with the week-long festival helping make sure that it runs smoothly. One of the events is a local-restaurant cooking contest, and morning show host Rex Rafferty is coming to town, with a film crew, to host the event. However, Rex is a horrible man, and it isn’t long before Bailey and her best friend, Evie, who is a contestant, are doing all they can to avoid him. Before the contest is over, he’s been murdered. The crew he brought with him seem like obvious suspects, but the evidence seems to point to the event’s contestants. Can Bailey free her friend?
The book starts out a bit slowly, but with a very funny scene. It isn’t long before the plot kicks in and we are meeting the victim and prime suspects. I enjoyed following Bailey as she looked for the killer. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did answer all of my questions and kept me turning pages. Over the course of the book, we get laughs from characters and other slapstick situations. A few of the characters still don’t get enough page time to develop, but I enjoyed seeing the series regulars again and watching their relationships grow. The suspects are good, but a couple could have used a little more page time. Overall, this is a fun second entry in what is quickly becoming a sweet series.
The book starts out a bit slowly, but with a very funny scene. It isn’t long before the plot kicks in and we are meeting the victim and prime suspects. I enjoyed following Bailey as she looked for the killer. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did answer all of my questions and kept me turning pages. Over the course of the book, we get laughs from characters and other slapstick situations. A few of the characters still don’t get enough page time to develop, but I enjoyed seeing the series regulars again and watching their relationships grow. The suspects are good, but a couple could have used a little more page time. Overall, this is a fun second entry in what is quickly becoming a sweet series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2568 KP) rated 26 Below in Books
Sep 13, 2024 (Updated Sep 13, 2024)
Can Darcie and Jason Stop a Villain Cold?
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?
I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.
I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.
Crime and Parchment
9.0
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Rare books librarian Juniper Blume knows this much...an ancient Celtic manuscript shouldn't be in a...
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Divided Road (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024) in Books
Nov 1, 2024
I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a stand alone to the other books in the series.
Owen is the fiddler in Flightless, an up and coming rock band. Jared joins as a stand in when the keyboard player takes some family time. But time is short for Owen and Jared.
For the most part, I liked this book.
Both Jared and Owen have a say, and they say a great deal. I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal.
It's not overly explicit but there are smexy times. No real angst or drama, I didn't think.
I did like the way it all played out.
It's an easy read, a Nice book.
*insert sigh*
I just felt I was missing MUCH information. About both men, and their history. Case in point: these guys met before, The Beer Guy incident. I needed that explained. I don't fully get that and I wanted it. I also found it was a little . . . flat . . .on the romance. They meet, they kiss, and they are in love. I wanted more build up.
BUT like I said, I did enjoy it, I'm just saying what I wanted that I didn't get.
3.5 stars, but rounded UP for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a stand alone to the other books in the series.
Owen is the fiddler in Flightless, an up and coming rock band. Jared joins as a stand in when the keyboard player takes some family time. But time is short for Owen and Jared.
For the most part, I liked this book.
Both Jared and Owen have a say, and they say a great deal. I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal.
It's not overly explicit but there are smexy times. No real angst or drama, I didn't think.
I did like the way it all played out.
It's an easy read, a Nice book.
*insert sigh*
I just felt I was missing MUCH information. About both men, and their history. Case in point: these guys met before, The Beer Guy incident. I needed that explained. I don't fully get that and I wanted it. I also found it was a little . . . flat . . .on the romance. They meet, they kiss, and they are in love. I wanted more build up.
BUT like I said, I did enjoy it, I'm just saying what I wanted that I didn't get.
3.5 stars, but rounded UP for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
There’s No Murder Like Show Murder
10.0
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Tasha Weaver has seen her fair share of divas come and go while working as the costume shop head at...
ClareR (6225 KP) rated And So I Roar in Books
Feb 3, 2025
And So I Roar is the follow-up that I didn’t know I needed! I read and loved The Girl with the Louding Voice, and I thought it had all come to a satisfactory end, and Adunni would be able to get on with her life with Tia’s help. But it seems that the skeletons in Adunni’s closet are coming out, no matter what - along with Tia’s.
Adunni is forcibly taken back to her village by the Chief and the person who brought her to Lagos, so that she can atone for the suspected murder she has fled from in TGWTLV. The village has been affected by drought, and the sins of a number of girls is apparently to blame.
At the same time, Tia’s mother is dying, and Tia has argued with her about something that happened when Tia was a teenager.
But all that pales in the face of what Adunni and the other women and girls go through at the tribal court.
There are themes of rape, child brides, baby factories, FGM and women as second class citizens, resigned to a life of domestic drudgery.
And then there’s the reason for the tribal court. Drought, caused by climate change and deforestation.
This is a really hard-hitting novel, and even in its darkest moments the strength of the female characters shines through. I loved this book as much as the first.
And before you ask, you DEFINITELY need to read the first book before you read And So I Roar!
Adunni is forcibly taken back to her village by the Chief and the person who brought her to Lagos, so that she can atone for the suspected murder she has fled from in TGWTLV. The village has been affected by drought, and the sins of a number of girls is apparently to blame.
At the same time, Tia’s mother is dying, and Tia has argued with her about something that happened when Tia was a teenager.
But all that pales in the face of what Adunni and the other women and girls go through at the tribal court.
There are themes of rape, child brides, baby factories, FGM and women as second class citizens, resigned to a life of domestic drudgery.
And then there’s the reason for the tribal court. Drought, caused by climate change and deforestation.
This is a really hard-hitting novel, and even in its darkest moments the strength of the female characters shines through. I loved this book as much as the first.
And before you ask, you DEFINITELY need to read the first book before you read And So I Roar!