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Tulle Death Do Us Part
Tulle Death Do Us Part
Diane Vallere | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Poly Catch a Killer Before They Dance Away?
Poly Monroe has been asked to close her fabric shop, Material Girl, for a private customer. It makes sense when she realizes that the customer is Beatriz Rosen, a famous ballerina trying to hide from the paparazzi, and she is looking for material for her wedding dress. Even with all the secrecy, a man shows up and picks a fight with Beatriz. That evening, Poly witnesses the two of them fighting on the street. A little while later, Poly finds the man dead. It’s only then she learns her connection to the wedding. Suddenly, Poly wants to figure out what is going on. Can she do it?

It's been seven years since we last visited these characters, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed them until I was reading this book. Yes, there is plenty of context given so if you are new to the series or haven’t read them recently, you’ll be in Poly’s world in no time. While I was happy to see the characters again, I really appreciated the growth that came out of the story. The mystery unfolds a little differently than a typical cozy, but that’s not a complaint since I was hooked the entire way through. There were a couple of small timeline issues, although they were minor overall. The worst made me chuckle. There’s a fun shout out to one of the author’s other series in the pages. Old fans will be happy to be back in Poly’s world, and new fans will be quickly hooked.
  
Journey (The Academy #2)
Journey (The Academy #2)
D.D. Larsen | 2021 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
JOURNEY is the second book in The Academy series and we continue where book one left off. Jamie is still fighting being a wolf and wants Liam as her safety net. Wren is still protecting her and has made it clear he understands how she is feeling and won't pressure her for anything else.

Of course, this would all be over if Jamie chose Liam for real, so we have the story to go through first. There, you will find parts that may or may not surprise you, that help to fill in the story, as well as leave you with more questions that need answering.

The only downside of this -- for me -- is that is now another possible love triangle in the mix. Although Liam is out of the picture, it appears Alex is taking his place. Now, don't get me wrong, Jamie is a lot better in this book than the first, but I don't understand this "undeniable" attraction she seems to hold for everyone. Personally, I feel it takes something away from her character, to be pulled in every direction.

That being said, there is enough intrigue and mystery to keep most people happy. I am enjoying the changes in the characters as the story progresses and I look forward to continuing with the series.

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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

 Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Arlo: An MM Age Play Daddy Romance
Arlo: An MM Age Play Daddy Romance
HJ Welch | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Loved This!
I was gifted my copy of this book.

Ima gush about this book, k? It's my review and I can do that, right??

Cos what this is, is a whole bunch of sweet and smexy; cute and downright angry enducing; cat rescuing and pirate fighting (not literally, mind) and the cutest Lolo ever!

I mean, come on! Thomas needs a boy of his own, and Arlo just needs someone to love him. His parental units have mapped out a life for Arlo that he does not want, but he cannot fight them. Thomas helps him see, really see himself for the first time in his life. And I loved Thomas for Arlo.

I loved how Thomas was able to interpret Arlo talking about the pirates and what that really meant. Loved that, cos at first, I wasn't getting it, and then I had a lightbulb moment!

Loved how, at first, Arlo was adamant that there would be no grown up feelings/stuff. He soon changed his mind, but it was ARLO who moved the goalposts, and no pressure was put on him, at all.

Hated the parental units and how they made Arlo feel.

Loved what Thomas does for Jolly!

I'm gonna wrap up, or I'll go on and on, and a ranting review does not a good review make!

I
LOVED
THIS!

Every time Ms Welch writes these kinds of books, I think it's the best yet, and here we go again! Her best one yet!!

5 full and shiny stars.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Playing the Game (Love Goals #2)
Playing the Game (Love Goals #2)
Kristian Parker | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
lots of communication issues between these two!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Love Goals series, and I think it would help to read book 1, Playing for Keeps, before this one. Not strictly necessary, but more a personal recommendation .

I liked book 1, but I liked this one more!

I'm perhaps being picky, and for that I'm sorry but the book feelings are strong with this one!

So, here's the thing. I did like this more than book 1. I found the romance lacking in book one, was here, to some extent. The fact that Jonas and Adam choose to hide their relationship, made it difficult but that was their choice. The emotional connection is deeper, but Lord, is there a lot these guys didn't talk about! I get why for some things, but Adam's news?? He should not have kept that from Jonas.

I loved the new guys, not just Jonas. Tito and Noah are going to be a force to be watched, but not together. I have a feeling that Tito is putting on a front, and Noah is deeper than he lets on. Edi, too although he's not new, but he's fighting an internal battle to please his dad and his team. Not sure who is winning right now though!

I'm looking forward to Noah's story, he is next, but his significant other?? Not sure who that is yet!

creeping up to . .

4 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Nemesis in Books

Jul 8, 2025 (Updated Jul 8, 2025)  
Nemesis
Nemesis
Gregg Hurwitz | 2025 | Thriller
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Orphan Versus Friend
One of Evan’s few friends is Tommy, who also happens to be his weapons dealer. But after discovering some of Tommy’s weapons on an assassin that Evan was fighting, he is mad at his friend for not following Evan’s strict code. Their initial conversation doesn’t go well, but things get complicated with other assassins and a young man that Tommy is trying to help. Will the two be able to solve their differences? Or will they wind up killing each other?

This series is a definite break from my cozy diet, but one I usually love despite the rather graphic violence we get. In this case, the book has too many flaws. The entire plot could have been resolved with a couple of conversations. There are great stretches in the middle where nothing really happens – we’re just dealing with repetitive scenes that don’t go anywhere. Evan is more evil than usual. I get that it was supposed to lead to some growth, but it didn’t work for me. And the ending? I really felt like it let me down. We get some ripped from the headline politics in this book, but it leads to cliches and doesn’t feel like there is much point to it. I feel like the series is marking time in some ways since the initial arc was resolved, and this is worse than normal. The writing is still wonderful. Lots of others seem to still love it, but this one is best for only the diehard fans.