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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Spy School at Sea in Books

Sep 13, 2021 (Updated Sep 13, 2021)  
Spy School at Sea
Spy School at Sea
Stuart Gibbs | 2021 | Children, Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cruising for Danger
Ben Ripley is off on another mission. The CIA has reason to believe that Murray Hill is boarding the cruise ship Emperor of the Seas, so Ben, Erica Hale, her parents, and Ben’s friend Mike, are all joining the ship for a cruise through the Panama Canal to find Murray and stop him. The ship turns out to be much bigger than they envisioned. Will they find him in time? Can they figure out his plan and stop him? And will Ben and Mike be able to keep the secret they are hiding from the Hales?

This is book nine in a delightful middle grade mystery series, and fans of the series will be thrilled with this entry. Those new to the series will find some minor spoilers for the previous book, but everything they need to know is explained here. The plot is fast moving with multiple action scenes that had me turning pages as fast as I could. There is some depth to the characters, and that continues to be explored here without slowing the action down. Meanwhile, the laughs are plentiful, and I was glad I wasn’t reading this book in public. I’m a decade or three beyond the target middle grade audience, but I don’t care. These books are wonderfully fun for all ages.
  
Hunger (Blood Rose Tales #2)
Hunger (Blood Rose Tales #2)
Caris Roane | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This story is about Brianna, a mortal in love with a vampire, and Yolen, a detective vampire on the heels of a drugs kingpin and determined to keep Brianna safe, no matter the cost. Yolen has the potential to become a mastyr vampire but doesn't want it after he saw a friend and his mate get killed immediately after he 'levelled up'. Things are going downhill for Brianna and Yolen as they both want something different but Brianna can't understand why she keeps on pushing. Throw Mastyr Keynes into the mix and we get a hot, fast-paced story.

The characters are well-rounded and old favourites are either mentioned or make cameo appearances. This world becomes more real every time I read about it. The plot is fast-paced and with no holes, although the 'bad guy' is known almost from the start, it's not for the mystery that you read this book. It is romantic and funny, hot and sad.

Definitely recommended for all fans of Caris Roane and if you haven't read anything of hers, then I can highly recommend the Blood Rose series as a starting point.

* 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 31, 2015
  
Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1)
Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1)
Tessa Kane | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LONE WOLF is the first book in the Exiled Omegas series and we start off with a pack that isn't interested in 'new' thinking, preferring to stick to the old traditions. This doesn't work for Keir, especially as it means his death. With help from Luke, the alpha's son, he escapes and tries his best to hide from all packs.

What follows is roughly two weeks of time where multiple kidnap attempts, shifter trafficking, fated mates, old blood laws, and multiple challenges are held, and I'm sure I've missed something out! If you're looking for a fast-paced book, this is definitely one of those!

With it being so fast-paced, I actually missed some of the softer times between Julien and Keir. Yes, they're fated mates, but they really didn't have much time to get to know each other before things went crazy - one way or another.

The epilogue gives a nice closure to their story, whilst leaving me wanting more. I really want to know about the kidnapped babies! A great beginning to a new series 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!
Oct 24, 2023
  
Unbar the Barred (Darling Ranch #1)
Unbar the Barred (Darling Ranch #1)
JP Sayle | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNBAR THE BARRED is a fast-paced prequel novella to begin the Darling Ranch series, a spin-off set in the Divergent Omegaverse. If you have read Silas's Sweetheart, then you will have met Cass and his chicks. Now you have the opportunity to meet Trey, the bar owner and wolf Cass pines after. But they're just FWBs, aren't they?

This novella gives you a little more detail and behind-the-scenes footage of when Silas and his brothers and the PAs were at the Ranch. You see flirty Jupiter, who is all too intuitive. You see a sweet moment with Cass' chickens, Bowie, and Kari. Plus, it seems as though Rue had a thing going on!

I definitely recommend you read at least Silas's Sweetheart, just to get the feel of this world and how it operates. Cass is a divergent, or a shifter who can't shift. As this is a novella, it really is fast-paced, so hold onto your (cowboy) hats. I look forward to returning to Darling Ranch and the Divergent Omegaverse. 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!
Aug 25, 2025
  
The Transatlantic Conspiracy
The Transatlantic Conspiracy
G.D. Falksen | 2017 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well-paced, good dialogue, some fluttery heartbeats but no trifling romance (0 more)
It's a Falksen book, so you know someone's going to die and it might be someone you like. (0 more)
Exciting, fast-paced, no fluff
Classic conflicts of child/parent, friend/(boy)friend, working/privileged classes, come to a head with a brutal murder, pre-WWI industrial espionage, and a race to survive the crossing.

The publisher classes it as YA, but it is suitable for a well-read late middle grader as the murder is neither gory nor superfluous to the plot. The language is clear and direct, the dialogue natural, and the settings imaginative.
  
Broken Dolls (Broken Dolls, #1)
Broken Dolls (Broken Dolls, #1)
Tyrolin Puxty | 2015 | Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
What an amazing read! I was unable to put this book down and read it in one sitting. This is a fast paced and intriguing read with just the right amount of the creepy factor (duh, it is about dolls after all.) I found myself making so many assumptions about what was really going on and I was entirely wrong. So wrong that once the truth came out I was blown clear out of the water.

Broken Dolls is a unique and creative story and you will certainly not be disappointed. I'm extremely happy that I stumbled upon this author and I eagerly await the release of the next book.
  
By a Charm and a Curse
By a Charm and a Curse
Jaime Questell | 2018 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Engaging Read
This book has it all; mystery, romance and suspense. It kept me so engaged that before I knew it I was turning the last page. For me, the pace went by way too fast but honestly, it is a well-paced read with beautiful characters and swoon-worthy moments that had me oohing and aahing. I believe that readers both young and old will find this to be a delightful read.-YA/NA Book Divas

{I requested a review copy via NetGalley and Entangled Teen and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Love Like Blood in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
Love Like Blood
Love Like Blood
Mark Billingham | 2017 | Crime
10
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
You would think that by book 14, you would get bored of reading about the same characters but no you won't. Once you open the book, it's like putting on a pair of comfy shoes that might be a bit worn but you always go back to them even if you've bought a new pair! The subject matter of this particular book is unpleasant but, as always, Mr Billingham approaches it with respect and clearly has done his research. Thought-provoking, fast paced and, well, just brilliant. Highly recommended. Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
  
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Jennifer (4 KP) rated The Night Circus in Books

Aug 10, 2017  
The Night Circus
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.1 (106 Ratings)
Book Rating
plot (0 more)
nothing (0 more)
Magical read
I read this book a while ago and it popped up here. I remember loving the book so much that afer I borrowed it to read from my sister who recommended it, I ran out and bought it in paperback and an electronic copy for my Nook. The has a fast paced plot and storyline that never looses momentum. The story keeps you on your toes as well. It is incredibly well written, creating a picture in your mind of the scenery, charachters and more.
Overview- set in the past, 2 youths are trained to be competing magians in a circus but fall in love.
  
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Kate (355 KP) rated Apple iPad Pro in Tech

Mar 29, 2019  
Apple iPad Pro
Apple iPad Pro
Computers & Accessories > Tablets
7
7.7 (60 Ratings)
Tech Rating
Was on the lookout for a new iPad, so went to test a few, had seen this one on line and was so tempted by it but thankfully I went to test drive it first and so glad I did because I changed my mind. It really is for the professionals, there is no home button, you swipe the screen upwards to get back and it moves quite fast, so those who do suffer from motion sickness it could you make you feel rather ill. There is also no headphone socket so you have to purchase Bluetooth headphones if you don't have any. Didn't purchase this one.