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Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town
8.0
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Christmas. Hawkins, 1984. All Chief Jim Hopper wants is to enjoy a quiet first Christmas with...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Halloween Party Murder in Books
Sep 1, 2021 (Updated Sep 1, 2021)
Partying with a Corpse or Three
This Halloween, we are being treated to another novella collection with these three cozy mystery authors as they feature their series sleuths. First up, Lucy Stone finds a dead body after a haunted house fund raiser. Then, Hayley Powell’s Halloween party in her new restaurant ends with the discovery of a corpse in the freezer. Finally, when Julia Snowden’s niece finds herself at a high school party, Julia goes to bring her home, only for the police to discover a dead body in the shed out back.
Out of these three authors, I only regularly read Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries, so that story, featuring Julia Snowden, was my favorite. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy all three of the novellas. All three feature a strong assortment of characters and a solid mystery. Even if I figured out a part of the story early, I didn’t have it all pieced together until the end. My only complaint was the politics brought into the first novella in the collection. Even then, I’m a bit torn since it did play a part in the story while also feeling like I was reading a lecture. Still, if you are in the mood for a murderous Halloween party, you’ll be glad you picked up this novella collection.
Out of these three authors, I only regularly read Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries, so that story, featuring Julia Snowden, was my favorite. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy all three of the novellas. All three feature a strong assortment of characters and a solid mystery. Even if I figured out a part of the story early, I didn’t have it all pieced together until the end. My only complaint was the politics brought into the first novella in the collection. Even then, I’m a bit torn since it did play a part in the story while also feeling like I was reading a lecture. Still, if you are in the mood for a murderous Halloween party, you’ll be glad you picked up this novella collection.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Six Sweets Under in Books
Feb 9, 2023
This Debut Isn’t as Sweet as I’d Hoped For
Becca Ransom has returned home to Larch Haven, Vermont, and has taken over the chocolate making in her family’s chocolate shop. She is loving being around her family and friends again, but she isn’t as happy to see that Archie Smith is still being obnoxious in town, opposing just about everything. When he is found floating in the canals in town, everyone is shocked to learn it is murder. When Becca’s grandfather becomes the prime suspect, can Becca figure out what really happened?
I’ve been wanting to try a book by this author for a while, so I figured the start of a new series was the perfect time to do that. Plus, I can’t resist a chocolate theme. That aspect made me drool. However, the mystery could have been stronger. We got more theorizing than clue gathering, although Becca did still reach a logical solution. Speaking of Becca, I really appreciated how mature she was, realizing her own fault in one particular sub-plot. And I loved her and the rest of the regulars. Likewise, the setting in fantastic – I’d go visit in a heartbeat if it were real. While I wish the plot were stronger, I’m planning to visit again when the sequel comes out.
I’ve been wanting to try a book by this author for a while, so I figured the start of a new series was the perfect time to do that. Plus, I can’t resist a chocolate theme. That aspect made me drool. However, the mystery could have been stronger. We got more theorizing than clue gathering, although Becca did still reach a logical solution. Speaking of Becca, I really appreciated how mature she was, realizing her own fault in one particular sub-plot. And I loved her and the rest of the regulars. Likewise, the setting in fantastic – I’d go visit in a heartbeat if it were real. While I wish the plot were stronger, I’m planning to visit again when the sequel comes out.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Dragon Warrior (Dragon Clan #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the second book in the Dragon Clan series and I recommend you read the first book, simply because it is so enjoyable and you might miss out on a brilliant story if you don't.
This tells the tale of Harith, Huroth's son. He has been betrothed since a young age to a human princess, Ayelet. However, things aren't going too well although both of them feel that they must 'do their duty'. On a flight home, Harith makes a decision that is costly and ends up in Nyssa's care. She is also a dragon but doesn't tell him that due to her own private history.
This is a wonderful telling and the more I hear about the dragon clans, the more I admire Huroth! He is a wise and capable leader of the dragons and with Orwenna by his side, they make an awesome pair. Harith and Nyssa are a force to be reckoned with and I am looking forward to reading more snippets about them in the books to come (hopefully!).
This book has pretty much everything in it - love, romance, action, danger and even sadness so be prepared. Definitely recommended!
* 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 1, 2015
This tells the tale of Harith, Huroth's son. He has been betrothed since a young age to a human princess, Ayelet. However, things aren't going too well although both of them feel that they must 'do their duty'. On a flight home, Harith makes a decision that is costly and ends up in Nyssa's care. She is also a dragon but doesn't tell him that due to her own private history.
This is a wonderful telling and the more I hear about the dragon clans, the more I admire Huroth! He is a wise and capable leader of the dragons and with Orwenna by his side, they make an awesome pair. Harith and Nyssa are a force to be reckoned with and I am looking forward to reading more snippets about them in the books to come (hopefully!).
This book has pretty much everything in it - love, romance, action, danger and even sadness so be prepared. Definitely recommended!
* 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 1, 2015
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Ghost of You (Phantoms #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is the third book in the Phantoms Series although it is the first book in it that I have read. This in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book as I was able to completely understand the story, and backstory, without any prior knowledge. What I will say is that I now want to read the first two!
This is a paranormal romance with a high element of creepiness! Phantoms is a paranormal fright show where they go and investigate things that go bump in the night. This one hits close to home though as it is in Sammy's hometown, with a story she heard about all her life, with a personal tragedy thrown in too.
The chemistry between the two main characters jumps off the page at you. I loved how they interacted with each other and every time a nickname was used, I laughed at the same time as I winced in sympathy (except for Firecracker!).
With a twisting and intriguing story that will grip you, even as you get goosebumps, this is one helluva story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Sep 24, 2015
This is a paranormal romance with a high element of creepiness! Phantoms is a paranormal fright show where they go and investigate things that go bump in the night. This one hits close to home though as it is in Sammy's hometown, with a story she heard about all her life, with a personal tragedy thrown in too.
The chemistry between the two main characters jumps off the page at you. I loved how they interacted with each other and every time a nickname was used, I laughed at the same time as I winced in sympathy (except for Firecracker!).
With a twisting and intriguing story that will grip you, even as you get goosebumps, this is one helluva story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Sep 24, 2015
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Chalice (Planetary Submissives #1) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is a perfect coffee break book that dabbles with BDSM but doesn't go into too much detail, whilst it is put in a science fiction backdrop.
Chalice is a four-elemental mage but his magic is out of control. In a world where magic users are paired off into dominant and submissive roles, it is usually the strong magic user who is dominant, except in this case. Chalice is a submissive and isn't getting the support he needs at home. This means that he is increasing the risk of his magic being completely out of control, followed by disaster. He decides to strike out on his own and find himself a Master. He finds Terrin - a Master that goes through submissives like water through a sieve. He is intrigued by Chalice though, and is determined to make him his own. These two are more like Partners than D/s, but still, it is a quick, fun and steamy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, complete with the quick world and character-building. I am hoping for more from this series. Smoothly paced and with a hint of things to come, definitely recommended.
* 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!
Dec 5, 2015
Chalice is a four-elemental mage but his magic is out of control. In a world where magic users are paired off into dominant and submissive roles, it is usually the strong magic user who is dominant, except in this case. Chalice is a submissive and isn't getting the support he needs at home. This means that he is increasing the risk of his magic being completely out of control, followed by disaster. He decides to strike out on his own and find himself a Master. He finds Terrin - a Master that goes through submissives like water through a sieve. He is intrigued by Chalice though, and is determined to make him his own. These two are more like Partners than D/s, but still, it is a quick, fun and steamy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, complete with the quick world and character-building. I am hoping for more from this series. Smoothly paced and with a hint of things to come, definitely recommended.
* 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!
Dec 5, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Under the Grave ( The Gravedigger book 4) in Books
Oct 11, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
188 of 230
Kindle
Under the Grave ( The Gravedigger book 4)
By Willie E. Dalton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Peace is all Hel has longed for since she died, and finally, she feels like she’s found it… that is until three unexpected visitors ruin her romantic evening with Soren.
Soon, the safety of the home she’s carefully crafted begins to crash around her, and once more she’s jerked out of everything she knows and thrown into a world of nothingness—a world she has to create and rule over.
Starting from scratch and bound to the threads of her fate, she learns she can’t run from her destiny, but just maybe she can weave it into a design of her liking.
If she can adapt and accept this world of new faces and new rules, she will be more powerful than she ever imagined. If not, it’s not only her soul she has to worry about, but the souls of all who come to her. Either way, it’s going to cost her.
!!! Spoiler!!!
This was the best one yet! This series has gotten better with each book. I loved her new realm and the new man in her life. Soren I just feel sad for but it’s all so good and I’m excited to see what Hel can do now she’s a mega goddess!!!
Kindle
Under the Grave ( The Gravedigger book 4)
By Willie E. Dalton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Peace is all Hel has longed for since she died, and finally, she feels like she’s found it… that is until three unexpected visitors ruin her romantic evening with Soren.
Soon, the safety of the home she’s carefully crafted begins to crash around her, and once more she’s jerked out of everything she knows and thrown into a world of nothingness—a world she has to create and rule over.
Starting from scratch and bound to the threads of her fate, she learns she can’t run from her destiny, but just maybe she can weave it into a design of her liking.
If she can adapt and accept this world of new faces and new rules, she will be more powerful than she ever imagined. If not, it’s not only her soul she has to worry about, but the souls of all who come to her. Either way, it’s going to cost her.
!!! Spoiler!!!
This was the best one yet! This series has gotten better with each book. I loved her new realm and the new man in her life. Soren I just feel sad for but it’s all so good and I’m excited to see what Hel can do now she’s a mega goddess!!!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 19, 2023
I Wasn’t Quite Hooked on This Debut
Recently widowed Molly Pink has landed a job as the events coordinator at a local independent bookstore. Part of that is overseeing the crochet group that meets in their event space. When one of their members, Ellen Sheridan, leaves behind her crochet needles, Molly decides to run them home. Unfortunately, she finds Ellen’s dead body, and the police are right behind her. Molly has more of a connection to Ellen then she lets on at first, and the police think that makes her a great suspect. Can she figure out what really happened?
When I realized this book was set in Southern California, I decided I had to give it a try. While there is a good mystery in here, the pacing is off, and some of the sub-plots slowed things down further. On the other hand, I loved the characters, who are varied and charming. I especially enjoyed the fictional celebrities who showed up. Part of my problem was the writing, which felt a bit vague at times, and kept me from getting fully into Molly’s world. There is a simple crochet project and a delicious sounding recipe at the end. I liked the characters enough to consider picking up the sequel, but it’s not a series I’m going to rush back to.
When I realized this book was set in Southern California, I decided I had to give it a try. While there is a good mystery in here, the pacing is off, and some of the sub-plots slowed things down further. On the other hand, I loved the characters, who are varied and charming. I especially enjoyed the fictional celebrities who showed up. Part of my problem was the writing, which felt a bit vague at times, and kept me from getting fully into Molly’s world. There is a simple crochet project and a delicious sounding recipe at the end. I liked the characters enough to consider picking up the sequel, but it’s not a series I’m going to rush back to.
Dexterity Check (Dungeons and Dating #5)
9.0
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Eli’s sworn off irresponsible flirts, and Arjun’s one of the worst—aggravating, provoking, and...
Contemporary MM Romance Series
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bite of Winter ( Faes Captive book 3) in Books
Sep 15, 2022
166 of 230
Kindle
Bite of Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 3)
By Lily Archer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
The Red Plains are hot. But my fae king? Even hotter. So, we kind of got captured by a warlike clan of Vundi warriors. Sounds bad, right? But they treat us as guests, and I’m coming to like them despite the ongoing threat of me being shipped off to the king beyond the mountain. I still endeavor to reach the winter kingdom and find a way back home … until the Vundi high priestess reveals that I may have more ties to the fae world than I ever imagined. On top of that, Leander knows just what buttons to press to get me naked, in a tub, and panting for him. My resolve is failing on all fronts, but worse than that, I discover danger is even closer than I realized.
Well that was just what I’ve been waiting for with this series it’s finally getting somewhere. It still seems a short book but I really got into the characters and the story more with this instalment. Liander is still doing my head in a little bit now he’s finally mated maybe he’ll shut up about it. It ends on another cliffhanger which is fine as I don’t mind them!
Kindle
Bite of Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 3)
By Lily Archer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
The Red Plains are hot. But my fae king? Even hotter. So, we kind of got captured by a warlike clan of Vundi warriors. Sounds bad, right? But they treat us as guests, and I’m coming to like them despite the ongoing threat of me being shipped off to the king beyond the mountain. I still endeavor to reach the winter kingdom and find a way back home … until the Vundi high priestess reveals that I may have more ties to the fae world than I ever imagined. On top of that, Leander knows just what buttons to press to get me naked, in a tub, and panting for him. My resolve is failing on all fronts, but worse than that, I discover danger is even closer than I realized.
Well that was just what I’ve been waiting for with this series it’s finally getting somewhere. It still seems a short book but I really got into the characters and the story more with this instalment. Liander is still doing my head in a little bit now he’s finally mated maybe he’ll shut up about it. It ends on another cliffhanger which is fine as I don’t mind them!