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The Husband Criteria (The Lorings #3)
Book
London 1817 The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season...
Regency Romance Historical
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2430 KP) rated The Proof of the Pudding in Books
Nov 9, 2023
Of Poison Gardens and Poisonous Dinner Parties
Lady Georgie has hired a new chef from France, and he is a hit in the community. In fact, Georgie’s neighbor, Sir Mortimer Mordred, has hired him to provide the dinner at the end of the open house he is hosting to show off his poison garden. The next morning, a few of the guests are sick, and one dies. Could Georgie’s chef be a poisoner?
As is usual for this series, the book takes a while to set the story in motion, but once it does, I was hooked. Georgie gets a fun new sleuthing partner that I loved. The climax, while a little unconventional, works well for this book and answers all of our questions. It was great to see the series regulars again and see them continue to grow. Meanwhile, the new characters are great. We get some funny scenes and reminders of what was going on in Europe in the 1930’s. While the two are very different in tone, they are balanced perfect. I enjoyed this latest entry in the series, and fans will as well.
As is usual for this series, the book takes a while to set the story in motion, but once it does, I was hooked. Georgie gets a fun new sleuthing partner that I loved. The climax, while a little unconventional, works well for this book and answers all of our questions. It was great to see the series regulars again and see them continue to grow. Meanwhile, the new characters are great. We get some funny scenes and reminders of what was going on in Europe in the 1930’s. While the two are very different in tone, they are balanced perfect. I enjoyed this latest entry in the series, and fans will as well.
Merissa (13346 KP) rated Feline Valentine (A Witch’s Night Out, #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 20, 2023)
Another scorcher in the Witch's Night Out series, this one being the turn of Shelley, the house-arrested earth mage. She is busy drooling over her new neighbour but doesn't think that she will ever get the chance to speak with him, as she doesn't leave home. Adrien thinks that his neighbour is an old lady, so when his brother hands him an invite for a one-night stand at the house next door, he accepts it with a smile. He plans on taking some chocolate and champagne to make the 'old girl's day' and then leaving. So imagine his surprise when it is Shelley who opens the door.
There is action and humour aplenty in this short but sweet and hot novella. I loved the rapport that was between Shelley and Adrien. With a would-be burglar and an interfering brother and friend in the mix, this is guaranteed to make you smile. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 25, 2016
There is action and humour aplenty in this short but sweet and hot novella. I loved the rapport that was between Shelley and Adrien. With a would-be burglar and an interfering brother and friend in the mix, this is guaranteed to make you smile. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 25, 2016
Merissa (13346 KP) rated Escape from Witchwood Hollow in Books
May 29, 2023
This is a Young Adult Fantasy set in a contemporary setting. Honoria, and her brother Geoffrey, are still recovering from the loss of their parents in the Twin Towers. They now live with their aunt and uncle and have moved to Arnn where Honoria quickly becomes intrigued and ensnared by the local legend of Witchwood Hollow.
Set in many different times, they do link up as the story progresses. Elizabeth, Lady Clifford, I just couldn't figure out how I felt about her. Honoria and Leon were fantastic characters that were completely real to their natures and the times.
Well written, with a fast-moving story, this definitely has more of a mystery theme than romance, although there is a hint of it. I liked how it all tied up together at the end, complete with the twist.
If you want a Young Adult Fantasy Mystery, then I can definitely recommend this.
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
Set in many different times, they do link up as the story progresses. Elizabeth, Lady Clifford, I just couldn't figure out how I felt about her. Honoria and Leon were fantastic characters that were completely real to their natures and the times.
Well written, with a fast-moving story, this definitely has more of a mystery theme than romance, although there is a hint of it. I liked how it all tied up together at the end, complete with the twist.
If you want a Young Adult Fantasy Mystery, then I can definitely recommend this.
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
An Orphan of Hell’s Kitchen
5.0
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In 1914, Hell’s Kitchen is an apt name for New York City’s grittiest neighborhood, as one of the...
We Three Queens
5.0
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New mother Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannoch finds herself trying to separate fact from fiction when...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2430 KP) rated We Three Queens in Books
Nov 20, 2024
An Invasion of Guests
Lady Georgiana is enjoying her new life as a mother, but she is about to be besieged by guests. First comes Wallis Simpson at the request of King Edward while he tries to figure out how he can marry her. Then comes Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law as they look for a school for their son. Finally, Sir Hubert returns home with a film crew in tow. They want to feature the estate in a film about Henry the VIII. Unfortunately, not long after the film crew arrives someone vanishes. Can Georgie figure out what is happening?
Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The Husbands in Books
Feb 26, 2024
Despite how frustrating I found The Husbands, it was a compelling read - if only for the reasons that I was hoping against hope that the main character, Nora, would grow some lady-balls and tell her husband exactly what she wanted him to do. Instead, she seems to rely on his psychic powers (he doesn’t have any), and he was clearly happy with her “letting” him do bog-all. Honestly, I was RAGING.
Then it became a bit Stepford Husbands. Which, whilst appearing to be the ideal solution, isn’t really, is it. Although, if my husband was like Nora’s, I’d sign him up straight away.
The story takes a very unexpected turn in the second half, and I was as disturbed by it all as Nora. Dynasty Ranch, Nora’s dream housing destination, becomes a bit of a nightmare. Manipulative doesn’t even cover it.
I would’ve loved a bit more about Dynasty Ranch and a bit less Nora: how things got to be the way that they were could have been a fascinating read as well.
This was a real page turner. Very enjoyable indeed, just as long as you can put up with Nora!
Then it became a bit Stepford Husbands. Which, whilst appearing to be the ideal solution, isn’t really, is it. Although, if my husband was like Nora’s, I’d sign him up straight away.
The story takes a very unexpected turn in the second half, and I was as disturbed by it all as Nora. Dynasty Ranch, Nora’s dream housing destination, becomes a bit of a nightmare. Manipulative doesn’t even cover it.
I would’ve loved a bit more about Dynasty Ranch and a bit less Nora: how things got to be the way that they were could have been a fascinating read as well.
This was a real page turner. Very enjoyable indeed, just as long as you can put up with Nora!
Lord Frederick's Return
8.0
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An older hero, an enigmatic heroine and a delightfully outspoken four-year-old. Throw scandal into...
Historical Romance Regency
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The Bones Beneath My Skin in Books
Oct 14, 2025
TJ Klune books are basically my dopamine hit. When life is a bit hectic and I’m having NO fun, then his books are a great place to retreat. It’s not all chilled-out and hugs, this book in particular was action packed! A special girl is trying to escape from some particularly unpleasant people, with the help of an ex-marine and a poor ex-journalist who happens to find the two squatting in his remote cabin.
Art is 10 and a very quirky young lady. She’s written as an inquisitive, outspoken child with a penchant for bacon. Alex, her protector, is quiet, brooding and clearly troubled. Nate spends most of the book being justifiably terrified.
Of course, there is found family at the heart of this thoroughly lovely book. It’s a TJ Klune, after all! I thought the Sci-fi element was a bit of a departure, but all his other themes are still there: found family, acceptance and love.
This is action packed and a fast, intense read - and you can’t knock a bit of sci-fi, can you?! (Well, I can’t anyway!).
Art is 10 and a very quirky young lady. She’s written as an inquisitive, outspoken child with a penchant for bacon. Alex, her protector, is quiet, brooding and clearly troubled. Nate spends most of the book being justifiably terrified.
Of course, there is found family at the heart of this thoroughly lovely book. It’s a TJ Klune, after all! I thought the Sci-fi element was a bit of a departure, but all his other themes are still there: found family, acceptance and love.
This is action packed and a fast, intense read - and you can’t knock a bit of sci-fi, can you?! (Well, I can’t anyway!).