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ClareR (6059 KP) rated Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel in Books
May 9, 2021
Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel is only the second book by Ruth Hogan that I’ve read (The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes was the first), and I had only read the first 20% of this book when I pre-ordered her latest book Madame Burova. That’s how much I loved this book.
This story is told from two points of view: 6 year old Tilly and 46 year old Tilda. We see Tilly in flashbacks as Tilda goes to her late mothers seaside home to clear out her belongings.
Tilly had been an outgoing, happy child, who adored her Daddy. But one day he leaves the house and doesn’t return. Her Mummy tells her that he’s dead. Tilly doesn’t really seem to understand the concept of ‘dead’. Indeed, Tilly doesn’t seem to understand that there are people she sees that others don’t seem to notice - dead people (this isn’t a huge theme in this book , so if you don’t like reading about the supernatural, it doesn’t dominate. But I like the supernatural, so 🤷🏼♀️). This is such a lovely story filled with very likeable people, such as the flamboyant Queenie Malone and her mother, who has a different Hollywood starlet name according to the day of the week.
In the present day, Tilda starts to work through her feelings of resentment towards her mother: the way that she felt abandoned when went to boarding school, in particular.
Tilda is a very solitary figure - a polar opposite to her childhood self, in fact. When she finds her mothers diaries and starts to read them, there are many revelations that explain her mothers motivations - some of them very sad.
This is another wonderful book from Ruth Hogan, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it (I bought a copy for my mum as soon as I finished it, in fact!).
This story is told from two points of view: 6 year old Tilly and 46 year old Tilda. We see Tilly in flashbacks as Tilda goes to her late mothers seaside home to clear out her belongings.
Tilly had been an outgoing, happy child, who adored her Daddy. But one day he leaves the house and doesn’t return. Her Mummy tells her that he’s dead. Tilly doesn’t really seem to understand the concept of ‘dead’. Indeed, Tilly doesn’t seem to understand that there are people she sees that others don’t seem to notice - dead people (this isn’t a huge theme in this book , so if you don’t like reading about the supernatural, it doesn’t dominate. But I like the supernatural, so 🤷🏼♀️). This is such a lovely story filled with very likeable people, such as the flamboyant Queenie Malone and her mother, who has a different Hollywood starlet name according to the day of the week.
In the present day, Tilda starts to work through her feelings of resentment towards her mother: the way that she felt abandoned when went to boarding school, in particular.
Tilda is a very solitary figure - a polar opposite to her childhood self, in fact. When she finds her mothers diaries and starts to read them, there are many revelations that explain her mothers motivations - some of them very sad.
This is another wonderful book from Ruth Hogan, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it (I bought a copy for my mum as soon as I finished it, in fact!).
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Q: The Novel in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Elena, and the book is told from her perspective. Elena is a teacher at a high-level school, she is married to a man, who holds a very high position when it comes to education. She has two daughters, eldest is a little miss perfect, she is smart and her daddy loves her, the younger one was struggling all her life. Elena hates her husband, and she is ready to do anything when her little girl is sent away to the lowest grade school. I really liked all the characters chosen for this book, they all are intriguing, different and they have unique stories to tell. I really loved to see different generations displayed in this book, their stories entwined beautifully.
I loved the narrative of this book. The whole concept of this novel intrigued me. I liked the topics discussed in this novel, such as partner and family relationship issues, WWII, perfectionism, political propaganda and brainwashing, children abuse, people segregation and many more. I really enjoyed the research done for this novel, I like history, and I loved real historical stories incorporated in this novel. I think this novel is quite fast-paced, and the pages just flew by for me, I was really engrossed in this story.
I really enjoy C. Dalcher’s writing style, she creatively uses political situations, to create these amazing dystopian countries and rules, that leaves me gobsmacked every time. The chapters are really short, and it is an absolute pleasure to read this novel. The ending of this book left me a little confused, I liked the way the author decided to conclude this novel, but it didn’t leave me fully satisfied with the outcome.
I loved the narrative of this book. The whole concept of this novel intrigued me. I liked the topics discussed in this novel, such as partner and family relationship issues, WWII, perfectionism, political propaganda and brainwashing, children abuse, people segregation and many more. I really enjoyed the research done for this novel, I like history, and I loved real historical stories incorporated in this novel. I think this novel is quite fast-paced, and the pages just flew by for me, I was really engrossed in this story.
I really enjoy C. Dalcher’s writing style, she creatively uses political situations, to create these amazing dystopian countries and rules, that leaves me gobsmacked every time. The chapters are really short, and it is an absolute pleasure to read this novel. The ending of this book left me a little confused, I liked the way the author decided to conclude this novel, but it didn’t leave me fully satisfied with the outcome.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Little Mermaid (1989) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
There are just some things that probably shouldn't be seen again, and for me the Little Mermaid is one of them. Any Disney movie with singable song in is a win for me, and of course, throw in a singalong version and it's even better. It doesn't really change the fact that... perhaps... *hushed tones* this one isn't a particularly good film. I know. I'm sorry. But apart from the bits with the big three songs in, nothing overly exciting happens. And poor old Ursula's song really isn't that good either, and I love a good villain song.
By far the best bit about this whole event was the audience. There were 17 of us watching, including the Ariel from the lobby, three children, 1 father, with the rest exclusively women over the age of 25. But out of those it was the family of four in front of me that won the evening.
They were wonderful. Mum, dad, daughter of about three and baby. Never judge a book by it's cover, I honestly thought dad was there under duress... but no I'll get to that in a bit. Cue the trailers, and The Incredibles 2. Frozone comes on the screen and daughter goes "daddy he looks like you!" And yes, the similarity was uncanny. Daughter is laughing, mum is laughing, I'm laughing. Dad turns to her completely deadpan and says "it's not funny, we don't laugh about it." But we all did. The movie starts and daughter is humming the Disney tune as the logo comes up. It was one of the cutest things I've witnessed, until the film itself starts up. Dad is singing along with he rest of us, he's even reciting the words of the script to his daughter... with voices. People... that's family goals right there.
By far the best bit about this whole event was the audience. There were 17 of us watching, including the Ariel from the lobby, three children, 1 father, with the rest exclusively women over the age of 25. But out of those it was the family of four in front of me that won the evening.
They were wonderful. Mum, dad, daughter of about three and baby. Never judge a book by it's cover, I honestly thought dad was there under duress... but no I'll get to that in a bit. Cue the trailers, and The Incredibles 2. Frozone comes on the screen and daughter goes "daddy he looks like you!" And yes, the similarity was uncanny. Daughter is laughing, mum is laughing, I'm laughing. Dad turns to her completely deadpan and says "it's not funny, we don't laugh about it." But we all did. The movie starts and daughter is humming the Disney tune as the logo comes up. It was one of the cutest things I've witnessed, until the film itself starts up. Dad is singing along with he rest of us, he's even reciting the words of the script to his daughter... with voices. People... that's family goals right there.
Tennesse Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh
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On 31 March 1945, at The Playhouse Theatre on Forty-Eight Street the curtain rose on the opening...
The Problem (Single Dad Support Group #1)
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Laurence’s new lover is half his age. The problem? His relationship is about to make his life a...
Contemporary M_M M_Preg Romance
Greek mythology is my catnip, and Elektra was the only thing I wanted to listen to for the week it took me to finish it (work and families can be really inconvenient sometimes!).
Elektra by Jennifer Saint is told from three female perspectives: Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen, the wife of Agamemnon; Cassandra, a Princess of Troy; and Elektra, Clytemnestra and Agamemnon’s youngest daughter.
The things these women had to put up with! Clytemnestra’s husband Agamemnon, acts like a madman (but it’s ok, it’s all for the Gods!) and she’s supposed to accept it all. Except she doesn’t.
Cassandra is treated like a madwoman after she’s cursed by Apollo. She can tell the future, but no-one believes her. So they only have themselves to blame when Troy is destroyed.
And then there’s Elektra. She seems to have fully bought into the whole “men/ daddy knows best, and anyway, he’s a hero” story. She’s a young woman who adores her father and believes he can do no wrong. She can’t understand her mothers reaction to the sacrifice of her eldest daughter and Elektra’s sister. Can we blame Elektra though? Probably. She certainly knows how to play the long game.
The narrators were well chosen, and really helped to add life and vigour to the characters of the three women. Listening to these Greek myths haas added something extra special to the stories - after all, I’ve read these stories so many times over the years in different forms. And I still can’t see a time where they’ll get old. In every retelling there’s a different angle, and I don’t think I can express enough how much I enjoy the story told from the women’s points of view.
Elektra is just fabulous - a timeless story about strong women.
Elektra by Jennifer Saint is told from three female perspectives: Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen, the wife of Agamemnon; Cassandra, a Princess of Troy; and Elektra, Clytemnestra and Agamemnon’s youngest daughter.
The things these women had to put up with! Clytemnestra’s husband Agamemnon, acts like a madman (but it’s ok, it’s all for the Gods!) and she’s supposed to accept it all. Except she doesn’t.
Cassandra is treated like a madwoman after she’s cursed by Apollo. She can tell the future, but no-one believes her. So they only have themselves to blame when Troy is destroyed.
And then there’s Elektra. She seems to have fully bought into the whole “men/ daddy knows best, and anyway, he’s a hero” story. She’s a young woman who adores her father and believes he can do no wrong. She can’t understand her mothers reaction to the sacrifice of her eldest daughter and Elektra’s sister. Can we blame Elektra though? Probably. She certainly knows how to play the long game.
The narrators were well chosen, and really helped to add life and vigour to the characters of the three women. Listening to these Greek myths haas added something extra special to the stories - after all, I’ve read these stories so many times over the years in different forms. And I still can’t see a time where they’ll get old. In every retelling there’s a different angle, and I don’t think I can express enough how much I enjoy the story told from the women’s points of view.
Elektra is just fabulous - a timeless story about strong women.
Merissa (13718 KP) rated My Minotaur Daddy (Tales of the Arcane #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2025
MY MINOTAUR DADDY is the first book in the Tales of the Arcane series, featuring Skylar Larkspur, a guildless fae, and Hiero, a minotaur halfling. Both men feel like they don't fit in, for their own reasons, but perhaps they are perfect for each other, if only they could trust in what they have.
This was a sweet and spicy, low-angst story that I read in one sitting. I loved the banter between them and how, although each was wary of the other, they both accepted the whole of who they were. There was no "you need to change this." Just an acknowledgement of what had happened in the past, and hope for the future.
Of course, even in a low-angst story, there are still sh!tty characters to contend with. And here we have Cedrych, Skylar's ex, and his mother. Both are complete ar$eholes, but hey, they're royalty, so they get away with it.
The next book is about Cedrych, but I'm afraid I just can't bring myself to read it. I love a good redemption story, and I'm sure I would enjoy it if I did actually read it, but he really is the biggest brat of them all, which doesn't do much for me at all. I prefer boys like Skylar, who have a hint of brattiness but are needy for cuddles.
Skylar and Hiero's story was a wonderful read that I was completely hooked by. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 15, 2025
This was a sweet and spicy, low-angst story that I read in one sitting. I loved the banter between them and how, although each was wary of the other, they both accepted the whole of who they were. There was no "you need to change this." Just an acknowledgement of what had happened in the past, and hope for the future.
Of course, even in a low-angst story, there are still sh!tty characters to contend with. And here we have Cedrych, Skylar's ex, and his mother. Both are complete ar$eholes, but hey, they're royalty, so they get away with it.
The next book is about Cedrych, but I'm afraid I just can't bring myself to read it. I love a good redemption story, and I'm sure I would enjoy it if I did actually read it, but he really is the biggest brat of them all, which doesn't do much for me at all. I prefer boys like Skylar, who have a hint of brattiness but are needy for cuddles.
Skylar and Hiero's story was a wonderful read that I was completely hooked by. 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!
Oct 15, 2025
Merissa (13718 KP) rated A Daddy for Christmas 3: Lorcan in Books
Nov 21, 2025
A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS 3: LORCAN tells the story of Lorcan and Cody. Lorcan is twice the age of Cody and has gone through the roughest of times recently with his ex-husband. He also wants to be a puppy, but is worried about his age. Cody, although young, is accomplished and knows what he wants, including Lorcan. He isn't the type of man to push someone else's recovery to his timetable though, which is probably what makes him such a good psychiatrist.
Their story is a sweet undertaking of trust and realistic optimism. Lorcan had every right to each one of his doubts, the same as Cody had every right to help with them. It was easy to forget that Lorcan was the older one, although that had nothing to do with him with immature. Also, seeing Lorcan become more than he had been, with the care and support of new friends, made it a worthwhile read. And please don't get me wrong - Cody is here too, every step of the way. It's just that with what Lorcan's going through, he needs a little more immediate help, but you know damn well that it works both ways between these two.
A nice segue at the end to lead to the next book, and also providing a HEA for Cody and Lorcan, although I certainly wouldn't be upset to see them in future books. A really good read and 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!
Nov 21, 2025
Their story is a sweet undertaking of trust and realistic optimism. Lorcan had every right to each one of his doubts, the same as Cody had every right to help with them. It was easy to forget that Lorcan was the older one, although that had nothing to do with him with immature. Also, seeing Lorcan become more than he had been, with the care and support of new friends, made it a worthwhile read. And please don't get me wrong - Cody is here too, every step of the way. It's just that with what Lorcan's going through, he needs a little more immediate help, but you know damn well that it works both ways between these two.
A nice segue at the end to lead to the next book, and also providing a HEA for Cody and Lorcan, although I certainly wouldn't be upset to see them in future books. A really good read and 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!
Nov 21, 2025
Merissa (13718 KP) rated A Daddy For Christmas 3: Rowan in Books
Dec 17, 2025
A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS: ROWAN is part of the multi-author series of almost the same name. I'll let you figure that part out!
Damon is co-owner of a sex-toy business, usually run by his brother, Nigel. Damon took the week before Christmas off from work to avoid the stress, but Nigel had other ideas, so Damon got called in just before Christmas, and to top things off, also had to attend a charity fancy-dress ball in the middle of nowhere on Nigel's behalf. Not only did he not want to go, but that also meant he would spend time with Rowan, Nigel's driver, whom he was attracted to but was off-limits as an employee. Rowan, on the other hand, is prepared to use anything and everything to help him gain time with Damon, even a freak snowstorm.
This is a fast-paced novella, where most of the longing has already happened. Rowan was a little too bratty, too forceful/manipulative, for my liking, but it ticked Damon's boxes, so that's the main thing. There is plenty of heat, even in a snowstorm, that continues afterwards.
If you've read any of Ms Davison's Kinky Housemates series (highly recommended!), then you may recognise some of the names that pop up here. It was great to see them again!
Overall, this is a forced proximity, Scrooge-Christmas story with plenty of heat to keep you warm. 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!
Dec 17, 2025
Damon is co-owner of a sex-toy business, usually run by his brother, Nigel. Damon took the week before Christmas off from work to avoid the stress, but Nigel had other ideas, so Damon got called in just before Christmas, and to top things off, also had to attend a charity fancy-dress ball in the middle of nowhere on Nigel's behalf. Not only did he not want to go, but that also meant he would spend time with Rowan, Nigel's driver, whom he was attracted to but was off-limits as an employee. Rowan, on the other hand, is prepared to use anything and everything to help him gain time with Damon, even a freak snowstorm.
This is a fast-paced novella, where most of the longing has already happened. Rowan was a little too bratty, too forceful/manipulative, for my liking, but it ticked Damon's boxes, so that's the main thing. There is plenty of heat, even in a snowstorm, that continues afterwards.
If you've read any of Ms Davison's Kinky Housemates series (highly recommended!), then you may recognise some of the names that pop up here. It was great to see them again!
Overall, this is a forced proximity, Scrooge-Christmas story with plenty of heat to keep you warm. 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!
Dec 17, 2025
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Last Place You Look in Books
Dec 24, 2017
funny (2 more)
dark
sarcastic
Roxane Weary is good at finding things. She always has been. So when she's hired by Brad Stockton's sister, Danielle, to find Brad's teenage girlfriend, Sarah, she doesn't think it will be a difficult case. Danielle is convinced she spotted Sarah at a gas station--despite the fact she disappeared fifteen years ago. Meanwhile, Brad is in jail--set to soon be executed--for the brutal murder of Sarah's parents the night Sarah disappeared; the prosecution also alleged that Brad killed Sarah as well. Brad did not put up much of a fight in his defense, but Danielle refuses to give up. Roxane quickly becomes caught up in Sarah's story and finds ties between her disappearance and other girls in the seemingly idyllic town of Belmont-- as well as connections to cases worked by her father, a police officer.
This is just a great book. It's easy to read and funny, albeit dark and sad at times. Roxane's dark, sarcastic humor is perfect. She gives off a Kinsey Millhone type vibe, if Kinsey was a functioning alcoholic with major Daddy issues. She's a complicated character (a complicated, real, female character - so refreshing!). She's bisexual (so wonderful to see reflected realistically in a novel). The other characters are well-formed and range from awful to sweet, but they support Roxane and the story perfectly.
As for the plot, it draws you immediately and keeps you constantly guessing, wondering what people know, who is telling the truth, and what's the actual story. I actually didn't figure this one out, so kudos to Lepionka. There are a few amazing "aha" moments that basically made me gasp. The town of Belmont is creepy and dark, and you'll find yourself completely wrapped up in its twisted, sad characters.
It looks like this is the first in a series, and I couldn't be happier; I can't wait to see where Roxane is headed next. Definitely recommend this one to mystery and thriller fans alike.
This is just a great book. It's easy to read and funny, albeit dark and sad at times. Roxane's dark, sarcastic humor is perfect. She gives off a Kinsey Millhone type vibe, if Kinsey was a functioning alcoholic with major Daddy issues. She's a complicated character (a complicated, real, female character - so refreshing!). She's bisexual (so wonderful to see reflected realistically in a novel). The other characters are well-formed and range from awful to sweet, but they support Roxane and the story perfectly.
As for the plot, it draws you immediately and keeps you constantly guessing, wondering what people know, who is telling the truth, and what's the actual story. I actually didn't figure this one out, so kudos to Lepionka. There are a few amazing "aha" moments that basically made me gasp. The town of Belmont is creepy and dark, and you'll find yourself completely wrapped up in its twisted, sad characters.
It looks like this is the first in a series, and I couldn't be happier; I can't wait to see where Roxane is headed next. Definitely recommend this one to mystery and thriller fans alike.