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The Fog Ladies
The Fog Ladies
Susan McCormick | 2019 | Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Plot Got Fogged In
When Sarah James moves to San Francisco to do her medical residency, she moves into a building in Pacific Heights and begins making friend with her older neighbors. One she struggles to like is Mrs. Bridge, her neighbor who lives directly across the hall, since Mrs. Bridge is always complaining about something. When Mrs. Bridge dies unexpectedly, Sarah thinks it is a sad accident. However, some of the other residents begin to see a pattern with other deaths in the building. Was Mrs. Bridge’s death an accident? Or will Sarah find something more sinister going on?

I was excited about this book and looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, it failed to deliver. I was a bit overwhelmed by the characters at first, but as we got to know them, I was able to keep them straight. Sadly, that was because some of them never rose above their initial stereotypical caricatures, and they were annoying caricatures at that. The plot was slow to start with then all but vanishes in the middle third before coming back for a descent resolution. Too many sub-plots really detracted. A couple parts of the book seemed off to me, including a sub-plot involving a character discovering Starbucks thanks to countless coupons in the paper. It’s a shame because I did really enjoy a few of the characters, but the rest was bad enough that I will give the rest of the series a pass.
  
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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1) in Books

Aug 27, 2021 (Updated Aug 27, 2021)  
Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1)
Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1)
Katherine McIntyre | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
9
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Roxie is trying to run a successful business with her closest friends at the same time as trying to put back together her heart that has been torn to shreds.
Mel has moved states to get farther up the career ladder as well as far away as possible from her toxic ex who is not getting we are just friends.
When Roxie first sees Mel a fire starts to burn will it be extinguished or will the flames devour them both and give them both a sense of worth and the love they've both been missing out on?

This was just a gorgeously written story it really made my heart melt. The feelings that Roxie gets about herself, feels like I'm reading my own story the self doubt through years of abuse and put downs plays that heavily on her that she feels she has to destroy what she feels could be something good because she doesn't think she's worth it, it is absolutely heartbreaking!
I love that the friendship with Mel helps with her healing process and that they are both helping each other recover along with the friends who are as close a family.

It really does give you that warm fuzzy feeling. I did find myself shouting at Roxie a couple of times and Mel if I'm honest but it was worth the wait. Deffinatly recommend 4/5
  
A Perfect Bind
A Perfect Bind
Dorothy St. James | 2021 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Body Behind the Library
Someone is breaking into the secret bookroom that librarian Tru Beckett has set up in the basement of the library and is disturbing the books at night when the building is supposed to be closed. Tru’s only lead is the theory that it is a poltergeist, but she suspects that someone all too human is involved. Then, one morning, the body of Owen Maynard, the town drunk, is found behind the library. Tru’s worried that the attacks on her secret room might be a key to solving the murder, so she jumps in to figure out what is going on so she can keep her secret. Will she solve the crime? Or will her secret be revealed?

I enjoyed the first book in the series because of the unique premise, and this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, the secret bookroom provides a great motive for Tru to get involved in solving a crime, and the plot weaves in some fun, surprising directions. I had the killer figured out before it was revealed, but I think I figured it out about the same time Tru did, so I was proud of myself. A couple of characters annoyed me, but for the most part I loved the cast, and I enjoyed seeing depth to them as the book went along. I smiled and laughed my way through the book, especially at the romantic sub-plots. This book is perfectly delightful.
  
Secret Admirer Pact
Secret Admirer Pact
Bernadette Marie | 2024 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
kinda cute
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!

It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!

While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.

It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.

It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!

It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.

I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.

3 good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
High Tide (Olympic Cove #5)
High Tide (Olympic Cove #5)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIGH TIDE is the fifth book in the Olympic Cove series and continues the overall story arc, so you really need to read them in order to get the full enjoyment from them.

In this one, we have Scott (who thinks he's a human), Orrin (a satyr), and Rian (who people think is a mer but is so much more.) Rian and Orrin are already a couple when Scott comes on the scene, and Rian is not happy with his appearance. This, for me, is where I lost a star. Rian's insecurity and jealousy were understandable and he didn't really receive any reassurances. Not only that, but his attitude did a 180 from disliking Scott to not. I would have liked a little more details about the change of heart, a little more build-up.

The story arc is coming along nicely and I am LOVING how it's going with Thetis. Instead of being a cartoon character baddie, she is fully dimensional and I found myself sympathising for her in this book. Loved that!

On the whole, this is a great addition to the series, just not one of my favourites. I still recommend it, plus the others in the series.

** 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!
Jul 4, 2024