Search
Search results
The Ghost Garden (The de Chastelaine Chronicles #1)
Eleanor Harkstead and Catherine Curzon
10.0
Rate It
Book
Within the tangled vines of a forgotten garden, can a blossoming new love overcome an ancient evil...
Historical Paranormal Romance
Light Changes Everything
Book
“I adored stepping back into to the world of the Prines through tough-as-rawhide Mary Pearl. Light...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Man Who Died Twice in Books
Sep 5, 2021
One Heck of a Hoot!
I have read and enjoyed the first in this series which introduced us to the members of The Thursday Murder Club and what a surprising and enjoyable read it was; this second instalment is, in my opinion, even better. You don't have to have read the first as The Man Who Died Twice can be read as a standalone but it will certainly help to have a knowledge of the main characters.
I am loving being back amongst the members of the Thursday Murder Club - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and the additional, but definitely not superfluous, characters of Chris, Donna, Stephen, Bogdan, Patrice and Kendrick ... I love them all and really enjoyed getting to more about them which was skilfully woven within the story. The relationships they have with each other is special and really shows the value of friendship, trust and loyalty.
Reading The Man Who Died Twice is like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, a fluffy dressing gown, cosying up on the sofa in front of a real fire with the rain pouring down outside - perfect. Do not, however, be mistaken - this is not a cosy mystery, it is so much more than that - it has action, humour (lots of it), violence (although not a lot and not gratuitous) and tender moments all wrapped up in an excellent plot which is addictive and enthralling.
Is it plausible? Not really but its one heck of a hoot and I love it and cannot wait for the next .. there'd better be one Mr Osman!
Many thanks to Penguin General UK via NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
I am loving being back amongst the members of the Thursday Murder Club - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and the additional, but definitely not superfluous, characters of Chris, Donna, Stephen, Bogdan, Patrice and Kendrick ... I love them all and really enjoyed getting to more about them which was skilfully woven within the story. The relationships they have with each other is special and really shows the value of friendship, trust and loyalty.
Reading The Man Who Died Twice is like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, a fluffy dressing gown, cosying up on the sofa in front of a real fire with the rain pouring down outside - perfect. Do not, however, be mistaken - this is not a cosy mystery, it is so much more than that - it has action, humour (lots of it), violence (although not a lot and not gratuitous) and tender moments all wrapped up in an excellent plot which is addictive and enthralling.
Is it plausible? Not really but its one heck of a hoot and I love it and cannot wait for the next .. there'd better be one Mr Osman!
Many thanks to Penguin General UK via NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Sep 8, 2021 (Updated Sep 8, 2021)
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Dragonborn in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 25, 2023)
Prince Ben is beloved by his parents and can do no wrong. Princess Cecily is viewed as a curse and can do no right. The only problem is that they share a body! On even days, Ben is in charge, whilst Cecily 'rests'. On odd days, it is Cecily's turn. They have a bond which is looming on their twentieth birthday and no way of breaking it without dying. The King and Queen don't actually mind if Cecily dies, indeed they are working towards that, but Ben is not happy at all.
I simply loved this book! It is so different and refreshing. Seeing how Ben and Cecily coped with their lives, and how completely different they were from each other, made this a magical read all by itself. But then you have the supporting characters of Alloran, Rowan, Lila, and Rachael, plus the mysterious tutors of Crispin and Jude.
In other countries, multiple bonds are legitimate - romantic, physical, non-physical, and friendship. The King and Queen have outlawed any bonds other than one male and one female. They will also only acknowledge the male or female sexes, anyone who feels differently has to keep it secret upon pain of death.
This is an intricate tale, with layer upon layer of discoveries waiting to be made. I was completely enthralled as the story unfolded, but couldn't wait for the King and Queen to get their comeuppance. I mean, come on - seriously!?!
Absolutely recommended for fans of fairy tales who want something a bit different!!
* 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!
Nov 18, 2015
I simply loved this book! It is so different and refreshing. Seeing how Ben and Cecily coped with their lives, and how completely different they were from each other, made this a magical read all by itself. But then you have the supporting characters of Alloran, Rowan, Lila, and Rachael, plus the mysterious tutors of Crispin and Jude.
In other countries, multiple bonds are legitimate - romantic, physical, non-physical, and friendship. The King and Queen have outlawed any bonds other than one male and one female. They will also only acknowledge the male or female sexes, anyone who feels differently has to keep it secret upon pain of death.
This is an intricate tale, with layer upon layer of discoveries waiting to be made. I was completely enthralled as the story unfolded, but couldn't wait for the King and Queen to get their comeuppance. I mean, come on - seriously!?!
Absolutely recommended for fans of fairy tales who want something a bit different!!
* 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!
Nov 18, 2015
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Whirlwind (Southern Spirits #8) in Books
Apr 25, 2023
Stefan suffered before he died, in more ways than one, and it took him time to realise that he was 'different' as a spirit than he was alive. Sometimes he still forgets. He is also lonely. He has seen those that he cares about pair up as the years have gone by, and now Connor has too. He realises that it is possible but just hasn't found anyone who sparks his interest.
Jordan and Gideon were best friends, in the Forces, and haven't done anything together to further their friendship. When their time on earth is cut short, they stay together but are still unable to admit how they feel for each other. They make their way to McKinton where Jordan's mother lives. Gideon spots Stefan close to Jordan's mum. Stefan is actually trying to console the heartbroken mother, but Gideon thinks he is trying to hurt her so attacks.
This book starts off quite sad as Stefan is alone, and Jordan and Gideon have to die. However, it couldn't move on if it wasn't for this fact so stick with it. Stefan's mischievous side comes through, as well as Connor's protective side towards Stefan. Connor also seems to be packing some amazing powers, which I loved reading about.
Lack of communication, misunderstandings, personal inhibitions - they're all here and need to be solved before these three brilliant guys can sort themselves out.
Well-written once again, and fast-paced, I don't know if I'm ready to say goodbye to the Southern Spirits! Loved the book and the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
Jordan and Gideon were best friends, in the Forces, and haven't done anything together to further their friendship. When their time on earth is cut short, they stay together but are still unable to admit how they feel for each other. They make their way to McKinton where Jordan's mother lives. Gideon spots Stefan close to Jordan's mum. Stefan is actually trying to console the heartbroken mother, but Gideon thinks he is trying to hurt her so attacks.
This book starts off quite sad as Stefan is alone, and Jordan and Gideon have to die. However, it couldn't move on if it wasn't for this fact so stick with it. Stefan's mischievous side comes through, as well as Connor's protective side towards Stefan. Connor also seems to be packing some amazing powers, which I loved reading about.
Lack of communication, misunderstandings, personal inhibitions - they're all here and need to be solved before these three brilliant guys can sort themselves out.
Well-written once again, and fast-paced, I don't know if I'm ready to say goodbye to the Southern Spirits! Loved the book and the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Christmas Escape in Books
Nov 18, 2021
Christy Sullivan and her best friend Alix have spent Christmas together since they were children. This year they are planning to go to Lapland, a snowy wonderland. The trip will include Christy's husband and their young daughter, Holly. But when Christy faces trouble with her marriage, she asks Alix to take Holly to Lapland without her. She'll be joined by their family friend, Zac--whom Alix has been avoiding ever since Christy's wedding. But as Alix, Zac, and Holly enjoy their time in Lapland, Alix realizes she may have made a mistake in avoiding him. Meanwhile, Christy starts to wonder if her friendship with Alix and marriage will survive the holidays.
I hate rating books low, but this just did not work for me. It was a sweet enough story and I liked the fun, snowy Arctic setting, but, oh, this book could have been so much shorter and enjoyable. The repetition is intense, to the point I found myself skimming sections. We are constantly bombarded by everyone's thoughts and issues. Did you know Alix has commitment issues? Oh you will. Christy struggles with perfection? The overwhelming focus on the characters' tropes and the rehashing and pontificating on thoughts and feelings was incredibly frustrating. It was very slow moving with far more telling than showing. I was not that invested in Alix and Zac's relationship.
There's a sweet storyline involving Christy's aunt, who lives at Lapland, which I enjoyed, and others have enjoyed the overall story more, so take my review with a grain of salt, but most of this book was just too repetitive and trite for me. 2.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
I hate rating books low, but this just did not work for me. It was a sweet enough story and I liked the fun, snowy Arctic setting, but, oh, this book could have been so much shorter and enjoyable. The repetition is intense, to the point I found myself skimming sections. We are constantly bombarded by everyone's thoughts and issues. Did you know Alix has commitment issues? Oh you will. Christy struggles with perfection? The overwhelming focus on the characters' tropes and the rehashing and pontificating on thoughts and feelings was incredibly frustrating. It was very slow moving with far more telling than showing. I was not that invested in Alix and Zac's relationship.
There's a sweet storyline involving Christy's aunt, who lives at Lapland, which I enjoyed, and others have enjoyed the overall story more, so take my review with a grain of salt, but most of this book was just too repetitive and trite for me. 2.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
I'm Not in Love (Don't Let Go #1) by Mia Kerick
8.0
Rate It
Book
I’m not in love… I’m not in love… I will never let myself fall in love with Tristan...
Contemporary MM Romance Adult
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Learned by Heart in Books
Sep 20, 2023
Learned by Heart is the fictionalised account of two women who really did exist: Eliza Raine and Anne Lister (also known as Gentleman Jack). I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator Shiromi Arserio, really brought the characters, all teenage girls for the most part, to life. Together with Emma Donoghue’s impeccable, compassionate writing, it made for an emotional and heartbreaking novel.
Both girls are outsiders: Eliza is an orphan of an English doctor and an Indian mother. Anne isn’t like any of the other girls, and doesn’t want to conform to expectations. They end up sharing a room and forge a close friendship. They eventually fall in love.
Anne is the person that Eliza is too shy to be. Eliza looks different - she’s darker skinned, and everyone knows that she was Indian. So she tries to avoid too much notice. Anne doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. Together they are able to make school more bearable.
Interspersed in the story of their time at school are Eliza’s letters written to Anne. Letters that are never sent. Eliza is in an asylum at a point in the future, and she doesn’t want the doctors to know about her relationship with Anne. These were such desperately sad parts - Eliza has lost Anne, perhaps partly due to her illness.
I thought the writing reflected the emotional inner life of teenagers so well. The overwhelming emotions and the fact that these were still children who were being forced to act as adult women in a regimented, emotionless setting.
I loved this. It was meticulously researched, and this enriched the story right up to its heartbreaking end. This really is well worth a read (or a listen!).
Both girls are outsiders: Eliza is an orphan of an English doctor and an Indian mother. Anne isn’t like any of the other girls, and doesn’t want to conform to expectations. They end up sharing a room and forge a close friendship. They eventually fall in love.
Anne is the person that Eliza is too shy to be. Eliza looks different - she’s darker skinned, and everyone knows that she was Indian. So she tries to avoid too much notice. Anne doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. Together they are able to make school more bearable.
Interspersed in the story of their time at school are Eliza’s letters written to Anne. Letters that are never sent. Eliza is in an asylum at a point in the future, and she doesn’t want the doctors to know about her relationship with Anne. These were such desperately sad parts - Eliza has lost Anne, perhaps partly due to her illness.
I thought the writing reflected the emotional inner life of teenagers so well. The overwhelming emotions and the fact that these were still children who were being forced to act as adult women in a regimented, emotionless setting.
I loved this. It was meticulously researched, and this enriched the story right up to its heartbreaking end. This really is well worth a read (or a listen!).