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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated Snow White Red-Handed (Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Prue and Ophelia take on jobs as maids to the Coops, Americans who are traveling to their castle in Germany’s black forest. Almost as soon as they’ve arrived, a cottage is discovered on the property that looks like a dwarf cottage, and fairytale experts are brought in. The next day, Mr. Coop is poisoned with an apple. What have Prue and Ophelia gotten themselves into?
I love fairytales and fairytale reimaginings, so I had to give this cozy mystery series a try. It was so much fun. The story was fast paced, and the fairytale aspect provided a nice twist to the cozy formula. The characters were sharp as well, and the author made perfect use of a multiple viewpoint story. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-snow-white-red-handed-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love fairytales and fairytale reimaginings, so I had to give this cozy mystery series a try. It was so much fun. The story was fast paced, and the fairytale aspect provided a nice twist to the cozy formula. The characters were sharp as well, and the author made perfect use of a multiple viewpoint story. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-snow-white-red-handed-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated Beyond A Doubt (The Carol Childs Mysteries, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Reporter Carol Childs is on the scene when the police pull up the body of a young woman from a Los Angeles canyon. The victim is Monica Channing, who went missing two weeks ago. While the rest of the media begin to focus on the murder, Carol sees a pattern with other missing young women. What might she have stumbled on?
This book is a fast paced read from the very beginning. It’s definitely not the light reads I often go for, but the story never gets as dark as it could either. Watching Carol try to prove what she thinks is going on is fun, and the climax was very satisfying. Carol leads a strong cast of characters, and I’m looking forward to her next adventure.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-beyond-doubt-by-nancy-cole.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a fast paced read from the very beginning. It’s definitely not the light reads I often go for, but the story never gets as dark as it could either. Watching Carol try to prove what she thinks is going on is fun, and the climax was very satisfying. Carol leads a strong cast of characters, and I’m looking forward to her next adventure.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-beyond-doubt-by-nancy-cole.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Dead Cold Brew (Coffeehouse Mystery, #16) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I always look forward to another adventure with Clare, Matt, Mike, and all of the gang at the Village Blend. A lot of series seem to lose steam after a while, but Cleo Coyle manages to keep the Coffeehouse mysteries feeling fresh, even at #16.
Her boyfriend Mike finally proposes, but a sniper is targeting members of the NYPD, leaving Clare in fear for her fiancés life. When her ex Matts godfather is poisoned, Clare sees a connection between the two cases that sets her and Matt on the trail of a blackmailer and jewel thief, and quite possibly a killer.
Dead Cold Brew was a fast-paced story and once I got started, I couldnt put it down. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and even new readers should be able to pick this one up without feeling lost.
Her boyfriend Mike finally proposes, but a sniper is targeting members of the NYPD, leaving Clare in fear for her fiancés life. When her ex Matts godfather is poisoned, Clare sees a connection between the two cases that sets her and Matt on the trail of a blackmailer and jewel thief, and quite possibly a killer.
Dead Cold Brew was a fast-paced story and once I got started, I couldnt put it down. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and even new readers should be able to pick this one up without feeling lost.

Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Day of Secrets in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Chase Day grew up believing that his mother was dead. When he is surprised by a call from her one evening, he rushes to meet her only to find that she has been shot. As if all of that werent enough of a shock, his mother asks him to find the father who he has never known. Following along with Chase as he searches for his father and tries to figure out why his family is being targeted was a non-stop adventure. I ran through this fast-paced story in one sitting, and Im already looking forward to the next thriller from Daryl Wood Gerber.
Daryl Wood Gerber also writes the Cookbook Nook Mystery series and as Avery Aames, the Cheeseshop Mystery series - this is her second stand-alone thriller.
NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Daryl Wood Gerber also writes the Cookbook Nook Mystery series and as Avery Aames, the Cheeseshop Mystery series - this is her second stand-alone thriller.
NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Point of No Return in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Military romance seems to be my favourite thing to read at the moment. I love sexy alpha males and hot 'hold their own' heroines and this book does not disappoint. I enjoyed the technical details that seem to bring a scene to life and there's no shortage of steamy bits too. This fast became a book I couldn't put down.
Only one issue I had with this book and that was the phrase 'flaming fish balls' , once or twice I could have handled but it's constantly cropping up, I thought it was because the author wanted a substitute for the 'F word' , nope, I was wrong because ' f''king flaming fish balls' was in it too. This did detract from my enjoyment and so I give this book a 3.5 Stars instead of a 4. I would certainly read others by this author and I would recommend this book.
3.5 Stars
Only one issue I had with this book and that was the phrase 'flaming fish balls' , once or twice I could have handled but it's constantly cropping up, I thought it was because the author wanted a substitute for the 'F word' , nope, I was wrong because ' f''king flaming fish balls' was in it too. This did detract from my enjoyment and so I give this book a 3.5 Stars instead of a 4. I would certainly read others by this author and I would recommend this book.
3.5 Stars
Relatable Main Character (1 more)
Quick Listen
Fun Futuristic Story
I listened to Warcross on Audible instead of reading it, so I am reviewing based on that:
Warcross is an extremely fun, fast paced book with a lot of action. I immediately felt connected with Emika Chen as I can remember being so poor I was living off ramen trying to figure out how to make more money. As I understood more about Warcross the game, I couldn't help but wonder how close we are to this type of technology. I also couldn't help but think of how similar this is to Ready Player One in the sense that it is all virtual reality. The added hacker aspect was pretty intriguing, however. It also loosely reminded me of 50 Shade of Grey, minus the sex scenes. The relationship between Emika and Hideo, the billionaire, seems unrealistic.
Warcross is an extremely fun, fast paced book with a lot of action. I immediately felt connected with Emika Chen as I can remember being so poor I was living off ramen trying to figure out how to make more money. As I understood more about Warcross the game, I couldn't help but wonder how close we are to this type of technology. I also couldn't help but think of how similar this is to Ready Player One in the sense that it is all virtual reality. The added hacker aspect was pretty intriguing, however. It also loosely reminded me of 50 Shade of Grey, minus the sex scenes. The relationship between Emika and Hideo, the billionaire, seems unrealistic.

ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Hotel Ruby in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I LOVED this book. I adored every second. It was fast paced and I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to know what was going to happen from one second to the next.
It starts off getting right into the thick of Hotel Ruby, and it has a steady progression of interesting characters and side plots and thoughts.
There was just enough gore and violence and enough lovey dovey stuff too. It was the perfect balance for me.
Honestly I wish this were a series I'd love to read more from the Hotel but it just ended so great that ... I can't be sad about it. The end was slightly predictable of course I swear I've seen a movie like this and it reminded me a lot of AHS Hotel while reading it - perhaps that's why I liked it so much. I'll definitely be buying it to reread later!
It starts off getting right into the thick of Hotel Ruby, and it has a steady progression of interesting characters and side plots and thoughts.
There was just enough gore and violence and enough lovey dovey stuff too. It was the perfect balance for me.
Honestly I wish this were a series I'd love to read more from the Hotel but it just ended so great that ... I can't be sad about it. The end was slightly predictable of course I swear I've seen a movie like this and it reminded me a lot of AHS Hotel while reading it - perhaps that's why I liked it so much. I'll definitely be buying it to reread later!

Shayde (75 KP) rated The Beach House: A Shimmer Pointe Romance (Book 1) in Books
Sep 6, 2018
the scene (2 more)
the idea
good romance novel
needs more backstory (1 more)
needs to be more drawn out
Honest Review
Contains spoilers, click to show
Full Disclosure: I won a copy of this book in a Smashbombs giveaway. It came signed by the author, with a handwritten note, and a signed bookmark. It was so cute and I loved it upon arrival.
However, I should also mention I am a bit of a cynic at times. For me, this book read way too fast.
~SPOILERS~
Girl goes to a beach house, girl meets boy, they go out, they end up together. There's also an ex who shows up but it's not even an issue. I would have liked a slower building romance, that maybe felt a bit more real. Also, as for the writing style, I wanted more show and less tell. Overall though, I think it's a pretty cute book and would be a good beach read.
However, I should also mention I am a bit of a cynic at times. For me, this book read way too fast.
~SPOILERS~
Girl goes to a beach house, girl meets boy, they go out, they end up together. There's also an ex who shows up but it's not even an issue. I would have liked a slower building romance, that maybe felt a bit more real. Also, as for the writing style, I wanted more show and less tell. Overall though, I think it's a pretty cute book and would be a good beach read.

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Night Before Christmas in Books
Jan 2, 2019
With Christmas fast approaching I realised that we don't own a copy of The Night Before Christmas. Therefore I began my hunt for a copy that my three year old would enjoy. I wanted something with vivid color and interaction. The pages are very busy and there is something new to see each time we open the pages. The traditional poem has always been one of my favorites. The illustrations add life to the words. My son loves it and keeps asking to "Read Santa!" and he goes around saying "Dash away! Dash away!" If you too are on the hunt for The Night Before Christmas, I recommend this copy. Eventually I would like a classic hard copy of this poem to own, but this year I am settling for a digital copy of this version that I found through our local library. May your season be filled with Christmas cheer!

Zachary McLaughlin (4 KP) rated The Bourne Identity (Jason Bourne, #1) in Books
Dec 13, 2018
Spyz, forgetfulnes, and.... What was I saying again?
This is one of my favorite books of all time. The beginning is very slow and methodical and creates a feeling of unease, and as the story progresses you learn more about character and what's going on almost as slowly as the protagonist Jason Bourne does. About half way through though there comes a point where we know more than he does and it increases the feeling of unease. As the story develops the pace slowly increases until you are reading as fast as you can trying to see what is going to happen or go wrong again. By the end you are sweaty and out of breathe and the reveal in the last chapter and even the last few lines is beautiful. Again I love this book.