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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1) in Books

Aug 27, 2021 (Updated Aug 27, 2021)  
Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1)
Strength Check (Dungeons and Dating #1)
Katherine McIntyre | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
9
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Roxie is trying to run a successful business with her closest friends at the same time as trying to put back together her heart that has been torn to shreds.
Mel has moved states to get farther up the career ladder as well as far away as possible from her toxic ex who is not getting we are just friends.
When Roxie first sees Mel a fire starts to burn will it be extinguished or will the flames devour them both and give them both a sense of worth and the love they've both been missing out on?

This was just a gorgeously written story it really made my heart melt. The feelings that Roxie gets about herself, feels like I'm reading my own story the self doubt through years of abuse and put downs plays that heavily on her that she feels she has to destroy what she feels could be something good because she doesn't think she's worth it, it is absolutely heartbreaking!
I love that the friendship with Mel helps with her healing process and that they are both helping each other recover along with the friends who are as close a family.

It really does give you that warm fuzzy feeling. I did find myself shouting at Roxie a couple of times and Mel if I'm honest but it was worth the wait. Deffinatly recommend 4/5
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jul 30, 2022  
Have a listen to the awesome playlist for the #contemporary #suspense novel PAPER TARGETS by Patricia Watts on my blog. Then be sure to enter the fantastic giveaway for a chance to win autographed copies of "Paper Targets", "The Frayer" by Patricia Watts, and "The Big Empty" by Stan Jones and Patricia Watts!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/07/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-paper.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS FOR PAPER TARGETS**
Everyone knew that Roanne never got angry—until the night she killed her ex-husband and herself.

Roanne, a nice, suburban lady in her sixties who works at a Hallmark shop and volunteers at the Food Bank in Round Rock, Texas, calls her lifelong friend, Connie, confesses to murder, then puts the gun to her own head. Connie, spurred by Roanne’s last words about a lifetime of unspoken rage, sets aside her work as a cozy mystery writer and cupcake shop owner to confront the men who have stolen her dignity while she remained silent, including a bully brother, a rapist, and an ex-spouse. On a journey to reclaim her inner power and to make peace with the loss of her treasured friend, Connie’s mission is to avoid the same tragic path as Roanne, but she takes along a gun, just in case.

With pathos and humor, Paper Targets, by Patricia Watts, calls us to speak our own narratives, even when it is uncomfortable or risky, and shows us the magnificence of a friendship that transcends time.
     
The Fragrance of Death
The Fragrance of Death
Leslie Karst | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder is Nothing to Artichoke Over
Thanks to a sinus infection, Sally Solari has lost her sense of smell. While that would be bad enough under normal circumstances since it interferes with cooking at her restaurant, she is really struggling to prepare her dish for the Santa Cruz Artichoke Cook-Off. However, that quickly becomes the least of the issues when the body of a fellow contestant, Neil Lerici, is found near the end of the day. Sally had been friends with Neil’s sister, Grace, in high school. As the two rekindle their friendship, she can’t help but poke around. But is her old friend guilty of murder?

It's been a few years since we last visited Sally, but I am pleased to say she is back in top form. It was great to catch up with her and her family and friends and see the next steps in some of her relationships. The suspects were strong, which lead to a mystery that was hard to figure out. It kept me engaged the entire time, and once Sally reached the solution, everything fell into place. Each book has focused on a different of the five senses, and I thought the sense of smell was done wonderfully here. Naturally, there are some recipes to enjoy after you’ve finished the book. Fans will be pleased to visit Sally again and will join me in waiting for the next in the series.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated What July Knew in Books

Feb 5, 2023  
What July Knew
What July Knew
Emily Koch | 2023 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read and enjoyed a couple of Emily's books before and this was no exception and something a little different to my usual reads.

July has had a difficult start in life having lost her mum very early in her life but as she nears her tenth birthday and wants to find out more about her mum, her life becomes even more difficult especially when she is not allowed to ask any questions otherwise there are "lessons" that she needs to learn.

I absolutely loved July and was immediately drawn to her and her story. Her innocence was endearing and I matched her desire and need to find out more about her mum and what happened to her.

This was a tough read in parts as it deals with domestic and child abuse and although it isn't gratuitous, if these are triggers for you, I would think strongly whether you want to read it.

Although it's a little slow to start, there is a pervading sense of unease amongst the drip drip of information that makes you want to keep reading and I would recommend to those of you who enjoy a great mystery but, more than that, a strong story of friendship, family and finding out where you belong within that complicated structure.

Thanks to Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of What July Knew.
  
Earth Wolf & Fire (Eliza Falls #2)
Earth Wolf & Fire (Eliza Falls #2)
Maggie Francis | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
EARTH WOLF AND FIRE is the second book in the Eliza Falls series, although it can be read as a standalone. The couple from the first book, Seb and Cora, are in here but you don't need their story for this one to work.

Ulla is someone who has connected with Nature at a very young age. Unfortunately, children can be cruel and she paid the price. The only people she really sees as friends are Cora and Desi. She returns home to Eliza Falls and runs into Desi, sparking their friendship again. However, Cora and Desi are now part of a Pack. Through one thing and another, Ulla meets Tate and BOOM. There you go. Insta-lust in spades.

This is a great paranormal romance series, one that I am thoroughly enjoying. It is funny in places, spicy in others, and even the occasional hint of mystery. Ulla and Tate are just so goddamned cute together! AND you get it from both of their perspectives which makes it nicely rounded out.

All in all, this was a great addition to the series. I'm really hoping Desi is next, and with someone she doesn't see coming. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

** 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!