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Because of Him (Fortunate, #1)
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Blair Ackerman is a girl with crazy hair and a bad attitude. She's a girl who doesn't care what...
romance contemporary
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2572 KP) rated Murder Gets a Makeover in Books
Oct 15, 2021 (Updated Oct 15, 2021)
Who Gave Bebe a Makeover as a Corpse?
Thanks to her neighbor, Jaine Austen is getting a free makeover. Unfortunately, it is with Bebe Braddock, who turns out to be a nasty woman. When Jaine goes to a fitting, she finds Bebe’s dead body. The police start looking at Jaine as their top suspect, so she tries to find the real killer. Meanwhile, Jaine’s cat, Prozac, becomes a viral star after saving a toddler’s life and her father thinks he finally has the goods on his nemesis in the retirement community.
Between the strong sub-plots and the solid mystery, this book is always hopping. Author Laura Levine does a great job of juggling everything and keeping us entertained the entire time. The book is filled with laughs, mainly coming from the sub-plots. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit the tone of the series perfectly and do their job of entertaining us. I did feel this book wasn’t quite as good as most of the series, but it’s mostly minor nitpicks. Overall, I enjoyed Jaine’s latest adventure and am sure that her fans will laugh as the pages fly by.
Between the strong sub-plots and the solid mystery, this book is always hopping. Author Laura Levine does a great job of juggling everything and keeping us entertained the entire time. The book is filled with laughs, mainly coming from the sub-plots. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit the tone of the series perfectly and do their job of entertaining us. I did feel this book wasn’t quite as good as most of the series, but it’s mostly minor nitpicks. Overall, I enjoyed Jaine’s latest adventure and am sure that her fans will laugh as the pages fly by.
ClareR (6230 KP) rated Swimming For Beginners in Books
Jan 27, 2024 (Updated Jan 27, 2024)
Well this was a thoroughly lovely read!
Loretta is a very prickly character, so much so, that I began to think quite early on that she was hiding something (and it all does become clear). I’ve met a fair few people like Loretta, people who don’t have great social skills and really struggle with small talk and work relationships - and in this day and age it should be noted and understood by employers. Not so much where Loretta works though.
Six year old Phoebe is a lovely child. Despite her trauma, she’s lively, talkative, charming and funny. Yes, she’s upset and cries - that’s just what you’d expect. I couldn’t help but think that her grandmother didn’t really help matters, but then she’s equally as upset. Which is why Loretta’s help is needed.
Phoebe is the making of Loretta. She not only makes her see that there’s more to life than her job, she also helps her to deal with her own past - and make some big changes in her life.
Swimming for Beginners is a feel-good read, it’s very sad in places and gives the reader ample opportunity to laugh as well. I loved it.
Loretta is a very prickly character, so much so, that I began to think quite early on that she was hiding something (and it all does become clear). I’ve met a fair few people like Loretta, people who don’t have great social skills and really struggle with small talk and work relationships - and in this day and age it should be noted and understood by employers. Not so much where Loretta works though.
Six year old Phoebe is a lovely child. Despite her trauma, she’s lively, talkative, charming and funny. Yes, she’s upset and cries - that’s just what you’d expect. I couldn’t help but think that her grandmother didn’t really help matters, but then she’s equally as upset. Which is why Loretta’s help is needed.
Phoebe is the making of Loretta. She not only makes her see that there’s more to life than her job, she also helps her to deal with her own past - and make some big changes in her life.
Swimming for Beginners is a feel-good read, it’s very sad in places and gives the reader ample opportunity to laugh as well. I loved it.
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Her Mountain Rescuer (Honey Ridge #1) in Books
May 30, 2025
HER MOUNTAIN RESCUER is the first book in the Honey Ridge series, but features two characters we have met before. Hailey is Logan's daughter, and Beau is his best friend. We met Logan in Accidentally Kidnapping the Mountain Man, when Kaylee kidnaps him.
I love this author's books! She gives you exactly what she promises - a hot and spicy age-gap Daddy Romance with a breeding kink. AND IT WORKS! Even though this is a one-sit novella, you will get swept up in Hailey's story, feeling her heartbreak when she thinks Beau is out of her reach. You will feel his frustration at wanting his best friend's daughter. So when they get together and work it out? Sheer perfection!
If you're after a short and hot instalove story, then I recommend not only this book, but any by this author. HIGHLY 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!
May 27, 2025
I love this author's books! She gives you exactly what she promises - a hot and spicy age-gap Daddy Romance with a breeding kink. AND IT WORKS! Even though this is a one-sit novella, you will get swept up in Hailey's story, feeling her heartbreak when she thinks Beau is out of her reach. You will feel his frustration at wanting his best friend's daughter. So when they get together and work it out? Sheer perfection!
If you're after a short and hot instalove story, then I recommend not only this book, but any by this author. HIGHLY 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!
May 27, 2025
I haven't read anything before about World War II from the German perspective and therefore was very interested to see how this is portrayed from that angle and whilst I found this book definitely provided insight of what it was like from Raffeiner's eyes, from what I have read in other books and seen in documentary's, I'm not sure how much was "missed", "forgotten" or "locked away" as the memories are too painful or too awful to talk about.
This is however a valuable read if you want to get some idea of what it was like for a "simple" German soldier; the vivid descriptions of the hardships of being on the Eastern frontline and how luck played a huge part in his life are well documented and it also gives a really good account of Raffeiner's tough early years growing up and the choices he had to make.
Whilst this isn't what I feel a comprehensive book on this subject, it is an important individual and personal story that is captivating and I need to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is however a valuable read if you want to get some idea of what it was like for a "simple" German soldier; the vivid descriptions of the hardships of being on the Eastern frontline and how luck played a huge part in his life are well documented and it also gives a really good account of Raffeiner's tough early years growing up and the choices he had to make.
Whilst this isn't what I feel a comprehensive book on this subject, it is an important individual and personal story that is captivating and I need to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Kindred (The Darkwoods Trilogy #2) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This story continues 7 months from the end of Book 1 but it takes you straight back into the story. The second book in a trilogy can sometimes be a weak link, only really there to link book 1 to book 3, but not this one. This story continues along with the story but gives you more insight into the characters, both main and secondary, and their feelings for each other and the others whose lives intertwine with theirs.
There are a few twists and turns in this story, some that you can see building up and others that blindside you. It is emotionally laden without being bogged down and takes you along with Adria onto her journey into madness. Isaac is still coming into his own and is not sure about much apart from Adria but something will happen which makes him take a stand and I feel that he grows so much because of it.
This whole story is quite simply blowing me away and I have already started Book 3 - The Ballad of Aramei.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 19, 2017
There are a few twists and turns in this story, some that you can see building up and others that blindside you. It is emotionally laden without being bogged down and takes you along with Adria onto her journey into madness. Isaac is still coming into his own and is not sure about much apart from Adria but something will happen which makes him take a stand and I feel that he grows so much because of it.
This whole story is quite simply blowing me away and I have already started Book 3 - The Ballad of Aramei.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 19, 2017
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Redeem (The Caelian Cycle #2.5) in Books
May 5, 2023
OK, so I will admit before even starting my review that I am biased towards Kian. I love him!!! He is brilliant in every way so I was ecstatic to receive this ARC. I was not disappointed as Donnielle Tyner has managed to make her voice 'male' and completely believable. You learn things about Kian's past that are only alluded to, which help make him a more rounded character, giving me a new understanding of him and his behaviour.
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 10, 2016
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 10, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Charm ( Destine Academy book 7) in Books
Oct 25, 2022
198 of 230
Kindle
Charm ( Destine Academy book 7)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Caroline finds her mortal best friend, Felicity, at Destine Academy, a whole new string of questions unfolds—and Caroline is faced with the extent to which her aunt will go to get her way.As Caroline struggles to heal her body, her heart is torn between her growing feelings for both Corbin of the Surnaturals and Aldrick of the Magicks. But the lingering question is Does she even have a choice?With her aunt pretending the locker room incident was a simple gas leak, Caroline and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands and find a way to protect themselves against Tempeste’s growing powers. But first, they must return Eloise’s memories to her, if they’re to have any hope
And good instalment in the Destine Academy series these books are not long but you get so much info and story packed in you feel like you have read a full length book. We pick back up with Caroline and friends as they find a way to protect themselves from Tempeste. Really enjoyed it.
Kindle
Charm ( Destine Academy book 7)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Caroline finds her mortal best friend, Felicity, at Destine Academy, a whole new string of questions unfolds—and Caroline is faced with the extent to which her aunt will go to get her way.As Caroline struggles to heal her body, her heart is torn between her growing feelings for both Corbin of the Surnaturals and Aldrick of the Magicks. But the lingering question is Does she even have a choice?With her aunt pretending the locker room incident was a simple gas leak, Caroline and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands and find a way to protect themselves against Tempeste’s growing powers. But first, they must return Eloise’s memories to her, if they’re to have any hope
And good instalment in the Destine Academy series these books are not long but you get so much info and story packed in you feel like you have read a full length book. We pick back up with Caroline and friends as they find a way to protect themselves from Tempeste. Really enjoyed it.
ClareR (6230 KP) rated The Shadow Cabinet in Books
Oct 17, 2023
Firstly, I need to say how much I loved this.
Secondly, HMRC is a mess! The High Priestess is dead and her successor isn’t who anyone thinks she is, Theo’s powers seem to be dwindling, Leonie’s brother has disappeared and she needs to rescue him from Public enemy #1, and Elle’s marital problems take a rather drastic turn. Oh, and there are rather a lot of Witch-finders - and they are most definitely NOT good news. These men are Incels on steroids.
Everyone gets a say, with even a non-witch Prime Minister and his cronies getting a look in, and we learn about Luke’s backstory.
There’s a lot packed in to this story, but I didn’t feel as though any of it was rushed. Leonie’s trip to a long lost coven was fascinating and a bit traumatic (again, there’s a fair bit of trauma in this!)
But the main character in this (and I’m not going to say who it is!) is the real tour de force.
And the ending!!!!
I WILL be reading the third book, absolutely no question! I will be needing to find out how they will all deal with the small Lucifer problem…
Secondly, HMRC is a mess! The High Priestess is dead and her successor isn’t who anyone thinks she is, Theo’s powers seem to be dwindling, Leonie’s brother has disappeared and she needs to rescue him from Public enemy #1, and Elle’s marital problems take a rather drastic turn. Oh, and there are rather a lot of Witch-finders - and they are most definitely NOT good news. These men are Incels on steroids.
Everyone gets a say, with even a non-witch Prime Minister and his cronies getting a look in, and we learn about Luke’s backstory.
There’s a lot packed in to this story, but I didn’t feel as though any of it was rushed. Leonie’s trip to a long lost coven was fascinating and a bit traumatic (again, there’s a fair bit of trauma in this!)
But the main character in this (and I’m not going to say who it is!) is the real tour de force.
And the ending!!!!
I WILL be reading the third book, absolutely no question! I will be needing to find out how they will all deal with the small Lucifer problem…
David McK (3801 KP) rated The Truth (Discworld, #25; Industrial Revolution, #2) in Books
Sep 11, 2022
The Truth shall set you Fret!
<2022 update>
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)
Still as good as ever!
<original review below>
So, over the weekend I watched a BBC documentary about the late, great, Sir Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett: Back in Black) as part of which they brought up the fact that his earliest job had been as a reporter for his local paper (and saw his first corpse a few hours later, work experience meaning something in those days ...) .
Experience that shows in this novel.
The second of the so-called Industrial Revolutions (after Moving Pictures) sub-series of the Discworld novels, this is - IMO - the first to really get into the meat of said revolution, and concerns itself with Ankh-Morporks first newspaper, alongside a plot to depose the Patrician - a character, I feel, who (whilst mostly in the background in the earlier novels) comes more to the fore in this, as do the likes of Foul Ol' Ron, Coffin Henry, The Duck Man and Gaspode
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pratchett novel without a generous portion of puns running alongside the satire, parody and memorable characters (such as, say, Otto von Chriek: the vampire with a thing for flash photography ...)