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The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
Julia Quinn | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Humor & Comedy, Romance
6
7.9 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
189 of 235
Book
The Viscount who loved me ( Bridgertons 2)
By Julia Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️


1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry-he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield-the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands-and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister-but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

I love Julia Quinn and this series has become so popular. I’ve managed to avoid the tv series as I always prefer to read the book first. And this was really good I enjoyed Anthony’s story, not as much as the first book but it was exactly what I expected.
  
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!
  
Braided Dimensions (Braided Dimensions #1)
Braided Dimensions (Braided Dimensions #1)
Marie Judson | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BRAIDED DIMENSIONS is the first book in the series of the same name. We meet Kay, an ex-professor now working in a job she dislikes. She is a loner and drifting. One Halloween, she goes out and enjoys herself. When she decides to have her own garden patch, she meets the same people and now has her own little group. On her way home from the Halloween night out, something strange happens to her, leading her down a rabbit hole into ancient Wales.

One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.

This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting more.

** 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!
Apr 15, 2024
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Easter Basket Murder in Books

Jan 25, 2024 (Updated Jan 25, 2024)  
Easter Basket Murder
Easter Basket Murder
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Here’s to a Deadly Easter
Kensington has called on their go to trio for three new holiday themed mysteries, this time featuring Easter. Up first, Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone gets involved with a promotion for the local businesses leads to the theft of a golden Easter egg. Then Lee Hollis’s Hayley Powell finds the Easter Bunny dead at a community Easter egg hunt. Finally, Barbara Ross’s Julia Snowden’s Easter on the family island off the coast of Maine is interrupted when she finds a man in coat tails dead in the garden. Then, a few minutes later, he’s gone.

All three stories have fun with the theme, and present it in some clever ways. As is often the case, I found the first story the weakest, but the mysteries in the other two stories are strong. Still, I was engaged no matter which story I was reading. All three have some great Easter elements that made me feel like it was spring. And I love the community aspects we get. I’m only a regular reader of Barbara Ross’s series, and I was interested in the updates we got on the characters there. If you are looking for some new dishes to serve this year, you’ll be interested in the recipes we get with the second and third story. Each story is roughly 100 pages, so you can read them in a sitting or two. Overall, this is a fun anthology you’ll be happy hopped on to your to be read pile.
  
Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2)
Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2)
JP Sayle, Layla Dorine | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
LITTLE & LETHAL is the second book in the Little Paws Haven series, and I feel it would definitely help to have read the first one.

Cosmo is a little who loves colouring in. He also has another side that most don't know about. Nomad and Harley have been mates for years, although Harley was always insistent there was a third out there for them. When they first see Cosmo, all three know, but Cosmo isn't having it. He's been alone for too long to trust anything at face value.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I didn't connect with it as I did with the previous book, and I don't know why. As individuals, there was nothing wrong, and as a group, it all worked, but... there was just something for me that didn't pull me in as I liked.

I am hoping the third book will be about Bash and Romy - after all, Rhino shifters aren't that common, and I always love reading about different shifters.

If you are a fan of either of these authors, then I definitely recommend this book. I have never read a bad book by these authors, so I think this may be a case of "It's not you, it's 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!
Jul 19, 2024
  
Heart of Trust (Hooves & Hearts #1)
Heart of Trust (Hooves & Hearts #1)
Hannah E. Carey | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEART OF TRUST is the first book in the Hooves & Hearts series that ISN'T just for horse lovers. I love horses but I've only just figured out which part is the mane and which is the tail. All the bits in-between? Yeah, I'm lost. The thing is though, I didn't need to understand everything as the MMC was just as clueless as me - and I mean that in a good way. I learnt alongside him and it made for one heckuva reading experience.

Carter and Meg are made for each other; they just don't realise it at first as they are both carrying past hurts with them. It takes a horse-shaped cupid by the name of D'Artagnan to bring them together as they both want what's best for him.

There is a whole lot going on in this book and it isn't all romance. You have a mother with her own agenda, betrayal, mystery, rehabilitation, a slightly-lost younger brother, and a rocking grandpa that I want to have lunch with!

I've only ever read this author's fantasy works, but I'm happy to say she knocks contemporary out of the park too. A real page-turner that had me enthralled. 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 15, 2024
  
Buffy the Vampire Slayer  - Season 5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season 5
2000 | Horror
The Body (2 more)
Anya Speech
The Gift
DAWN! (0 more)
The lets kick you in the feels season
Whilst I hate the introduction of Dawn I really enjoyed this series there where two absolute sound out episode first being:

The Body- This is without a doubt one of the best ever episode ive seen dealing with greif and death the episode is heart breaking from start to finish Anya's speech is the most powerful moment for me.


"I don't understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I mean, I knew her, and then she's- There's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead anymore. It's stupid. It's mortal and stupid. And-and Xander's crying and not talking, and-and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me why."


However ever character had a part that was monumental in explain death I also liked Tara explanation of its always sudden even if expected. Xander's need for violent outburst WIllow's need for changing clothes. This is one of the most memorable episode of Buffy.


The second stand out episode is The Gift:


"Dawn, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will *always* love you. But this is the work that I have to do. Tell Giles... tell Giles I figured it out. And, and I'm okay. And give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now. You have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn, the hardest thing in this world... is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me."



The thing that got to me most this episode was Spike face in the last scene
  
Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1)
Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1)
Felice Stevens | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Under the Boardwalk (Landmarks #1) by Felice Stevens
Under the Boardwalk is the latest book by Felice Stevens, an author that I have long admired. It's starts with last summer, as our two main characters first lay eyes on each other and want more. The timing isn't right though, so a year goes by. Now we are at this summer.

Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.

I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?

I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.

Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!

* 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!
  
The January Man: A Year of Walking Britain
The January Man: A Year of Walking Britain
Christopher Somerville | 2017 | Natural World
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A charming and thoughtful book about life, family, nature and the joy of walking (0 more)
Nothing (0 more)
The Long and Winding Road
The relationship between fathers and sons is contested ground. An emotional boxing match with incomprehension at golden opportunities wasted in one corner, and frustration at being held to impossible standards in the other.

The sometimes awkward, but always close, relationship between journalist Christopher Somerville and his war hero father is at the heart of this hugely engaging mix of memoir and nature writing. Their shared love of walking was the bond that united two very different characters in a story that unfolds against a backdrop of profound social change.

The quiet stoicism that saw a generation of men through the war giving way to rebellion born of affluence, then morphing into the busy atomisation of twenty first century life. This could make for a maudlin exercise in chin stroking, but is saved from it by Somerville’s good humour and inherent optimism.

Added to this is a deep love of nature and the English countryside and the people who have painted, written about or made their living from it over the centuries. Somerville is able to translate this into nature writing that carries the message that we should value what we’ve got without being either sentimental or didactic.

As a memoirist, he has an eye for the eccentricities of family life and a welcome sense of empathy with the experience of his parent’s generation and how it shaped their outlook. Being reserved is not the same thing as being distant, love strong enough to last a lifetime doesn’t need to announce itself with flowers and candy hearts; it manifests in the little acts that make up a life.

This is also a resolutely practical book, something Somerville senior would have approved of, with several associated walks that can be downloaded. Even if the journey from the bookcase to your easy chair is the closest you get to hiking, it is still worth reading.
  
I've Got Your Number
I've Got Your Number
Sophie Kinsella, Finty Williams | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.2 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
Poppy Wyatt has just gotten engaged to Magnus Tavish. He gives her a gorgeous emerald ring that he had to get from the family lockbox. Then the unthinkable happens all in one horrendous day. First, she loses the ring after her friends are passing it around at an afternoon tea and then while she is on the phone trying to locate the ring, she is mugged and the phone is snatched right out of her hand. She finds another phone discarded in the bin(trash), what luck! Only problem is the owner wants it back before she finds her ring.

This is a cute and quirky story set in England. Poppy is marrying Magnus after being his physiotherapist. Theirs is a quick romance. Poppy's girlfriends are jealous and her future in-laws are very unsure about this relationship. When Poppy meets Sam, the owner of the phone, she can't help but insert herself into his life. They have the misfortune to share a phone since Sam is without a Personal Assistant(she's the one who tossed the phone) and Poppy has given this number to anyone in connection with finding her ring.

I listened to this book on my way to and from work this past week. It was read in an English accent and I found myself wanting to do the same. What I liked about this book was the sense of adventure tied into the romance. Trying to resolve a few crises in the midst of planning a wedding and trying to live life. They say, you can't help who or when you will fall in love. Poppy never meant to fall in love with Magnus while he was her patient. She never meant to lose his family's priceless heirloom. She didn't mean to have her phone 'nicked' and she certainly didn't mean to find a phone in the bin and be forever connected to Sam Rockston.

This is a cute, quick adventurous love story.