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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Dark Deception (Defenders of Justice #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a long time fan of Nancy Mehl's and just finishing Fatal Frost from the library, I couldn't wait to dive into this beauty. I was definitely not disappointed! She is a seasoned author who knows just what to bring her readers.
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won't be easy.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.
"A mystery, a treasure hunt, and a split-time romance--all set within a beautiful chateau.
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful romance mystery that keeps the readers' attention from the beginning. You can't help but love Millie, who is taking care of her grandmother diagnosed with dementia. When Milie has to find another home for her grandmother, with little money to do it with, her grandmother tells her of a journal of her great grandmother's that has a treasure map. Who doesn't like a good treasure hunt? And so begins our story of intrigue and romance.
This is a story of a lost romance and a new romance brought together by a unique situation. I believe that readers will enjoy this story as much as I did. It's not only about mystery and love, in this story we find two people trying their best to do right. Millie taking care of her grandmother and Ben trying to right his mother's wrong.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.
"A mystery, a treasure hunt, and a split-time romance--all set within a beautiful chateau.
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful romance mystery that keeps the readers' attention from the beginning. You can't help but love Millie, who is taking care of her grandmother diagnosed with dementia. When Milie has to find another home for her grandmother, with little money to do it with, her grandmother tells her of a journal of her great grandmother's that has a treasure map. Who doesn't like a good treasure hunt? And so begins our story of intrigue and romance.
This is a story of a lost romance and a new romance brought together by a unique situation. I believe that readers will enjoy this story as much as I did. It's not only about mystery and love, in this story we find two people trying their best to do right. Millie taking care of her grandmother and Ben trying to right his mother's wrong.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen, #1) in Books
Mar 22, 2019
I've had this on my TBR shelf for quite a while, but only got around to reading it because the library finally really wants it back. Oops! And now I'm regretting not reading it sooner because it is OH MY GOD FANTASTIC. This is one of those books that's going to be hard to talk about without giving things away about the plot, but I'm going to try. Maya is the main character, a princess with a horoscope full of doom for whoever marries her.
She's in for a surprise when she does marry, though, as she is whisked away from her father's kingdom to a palace full of hidden doors and a husband who is more than he seems. She's quickly embroiled in a mystery to find out not only the secrets her husband's kingdom is hiding, but the secrets behind her own history.
I absolutely love reading non-western fantasy because there are NEW fantasy elements to discover. This book makes heavy use of reincarnation, which is not a common trope in western fantasy. Not reincarnation as karma, anyway. There is fate, and horoscopes, and choosing your own destiny despite those things, and spirit worlds, and OH IT'S JUST SO GOOD.
The second book, about Maya's sister, came out last March, so I need to read that too. The same author has written another book set in Paris, The Gilded Wolves, which came out in January and immediately hit the bestseller list. I'm glad, this author is fantastic. I'm not sure I'll read it though, as the description doesn't really intrigue me. But The Star-Touched Queen and its sequel, A Crown of Wishes - these are just my cup of tea!
You can read all my book reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
She's in for a surprise when she does marry, though, as she is whisked away from her father's kingdom to a palace full of hidden doors and a husband who is more than he seems. She's quickly embroiled in a mystery to find out not only the secrets her husband's kingdom is hiding, but the secrets behind her own history.
I absolutely love reading non-western fantasy because there are NEW fantasy elements to discover. This book makes heavy use of reincarnation, which is not a common trope in western fantasy. Not reincarnation as karma, anyway. There is fate, and horoscopes, and choosing your own destiny despite those things, and spirit worlds, and OH IT'S JUST SO GOOD.
The second book, about Maya's sister, came out last March, so I need to read that too. The same author has written another book set in Paris, The Gilded Wolves, which came out in January and immediately hit the bestseller list. I'm glad, this author is fantastic. I'm not sure I'll read it though, as the description doesn't really intrigue me. But The Star-Touched Queen and its sequel, A Crown of Wishes - these are just my cup of tea!
You can read all my book reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Owned in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I wasn't quite sure what to read so I turned to my extremely large Kindle library to find a book that would hold my attention. I've never read a book by M. Never so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.
Owned deals with various dark and twisted themes. Readers should know that it deals with the following: Coercion, Kidnapping, Rape, & Abuse. If those themes are instant turn-offs, this book isn't for you. Personally, I love a good dark romance so this book was right up my alley.
I cannot give up too much of the plot but I will say that the characters were well written and the plot was intriguing. I was going to give it 4 1/2 caffeinated stars but I felt that at points the book lost track of the plot & sometimes things were divulged in too obvious of ways. I would have loved it if it flowed better and didn't feel forced at times.
The shining stars of the book were the main characters. Ellie & Kayne were so much fun to read about. I loved Ellie & her snark. The snarkiness was fun and made her more relatable. Kayne was interesting and kept my attention as well. I would have loved to learn more about him. I also LOVED Jett. He was such a fun character and I really can't wait to read more of this series.
All in all, the book was good and anyone that enjoys a good dark romance is sure to enjoy this one. It would also be a decent beginner book for people who want to dip their toes into dark romances. It wasn't too dark though it dealt with darker themes.
Owned deals with various dark and twisted themes. Readers should know that it deals with the following: Coercion, Kidnapping, Rape, & Abuse. If those themes are instant turn-offs, this book isn't for you. Personally, I love a good dark romance so this book was right up my alley.
I cannot give up too much of the plot but I will say that the characters were well written and the plot was intriguing. I was going to give it 4 1/2 caffeinated stars but I felt that at points the book lost track of the plot & sometimes things were divulged in too obvious of ways. I would have loved it if it flowed better and didn't feel forced at times.
The shining stars of the book were the main characters. Ellie & Kayne were so much fun to read about. I loved Ellie & her snark. The snarkiness was fun and made her more relatable. Kayne was interesting and kept my attention as well. I would have loved to learn more about him. I also LOVED Jett. He was such a fun character and I really can't wait to read more of this series.
All in all, the book was good and anyone that enjoys a good dark romance is sure to enjoy this one. It would also be a decent beginner book for people who want to dip their toes into dark romances. It wasn't too dark though it dealt with darker themes.
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Murder in the Reading Room in Books
Apr 30, 2019
Storyline (1 more)
Characters
How Far Would You Go For The Truth
Jane goes on a search to the Biltmore Estate to find Edward and discovers far more than she thought she knew about her own past. Now she must discover what she really wants for her future and her family she has created for herself and her sons. When enemies from the past and the present collide Jane must decide if the secrets of the library should be open for the world to see and read. As more of the story of the Templars and Guardians becomes unwound Jane discovers that everyone is keeping secrets from her both friends and foes that make her want to take a stand and change the rules of what has always been at Storyton Hall.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
A thoughtful, beautifully written novel about the world beneath our feet.
This is my first Robert Macfarlane book, and I am so glad that I took a chance on a book with a pretty cover (yes, this is one of my better known book choosing techniques!). The cover reflects what is inside, in my opinion. Is beautifully, descriptively written: you are there with him, underground in the caves and burial chambers in Somerset, in the tunnels beneath Paris, or inside a moulin in Greenland. There were times when I felt the claustrophobia of the tight spaces, the cold of the frozen North, or the pathways of fungus beneath my feet in a forest.
One of the questions he asks is “Are we being good ancestors?” I think that question is answered with a resounding “No”, especially in the final section of the Northern countries that he visits. This is really sobering. Climate change is, and will be, a real danger to our way of life, and is already affecting those who live in the northernmost countries on this planet. We could learn something from the support network of the trees in Epping Forest (and, incidentally, all forests). Without the support of one another, we will perish. However, he still takes the time to see the beauty in the places that he visits.
I think this is a book that could do with more than one reading (not something that I often do), and I will be buying myself a copy once I have returned mine to the library. I’ve already bought one for a friends birthday present - that’s how much I enjoyed it. I really do highly recommend this, you won’t regret reading it.
One of the questions he asks is “Are we being good ancestors?” I think that question is answered with a resounding “No”, especially in the final section of the Northern countries that he visits. This is really sobering. Climate change is, and will be, a real danger to our way of life, and is already affecting those who live in the northernmost countries on this planet. We could learn something from the support network of the trees in Epping Forest (and, incidentally, all forests). Without the support of one another, we will perish. However, he still takes the time to see the beauty in the places that he visits.
I think this is a book that could do with more than one reading (not something that I often do), and I will be buying myself a copy once I have returned mine to the library. I’ve already bought one for a friends birthday present - that’s how much I enjoyed it. I really do highly recommend this, you won’t regret reading it.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Duke's Night of Sin (Seven Deadly Sins, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Wow, I immediately feel in love with this book. Out of the three novels out in this series, I felt that this was the most developed and had more plot than the other two, which actually isn't saying much. Of course, I am a huge fan of erotica, and this book started out steamy. Although, I found it completely ridiculous that she allowed Sebastian to have sex with her in the library when she did not even know who he was. Not only that, but she wouldn't allow him to pull out when he ejaculated. I highly doubt anyone can be that
empty headed. I could be wrong though.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Alice in Zombieland - White Rabbit Chronicles in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This was an interesting re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland. In Alice in Zombieland, Alice Bell's life has always been curtailed by her father's insistence that monsters exist. The family cannot leave the house after dark, she's been taught how to fight hand-to-hand and with a couple of weapons, and they never - NEVER - drive past the graveyard. All of this changes in one night - when Alice "falls down the rabbit hole" as it were - and discovers her father wasn't insane after all.
Now, living with her grandparents, haunted by visions of her little sister and glimpses of monsters in the dark, Alice - or Ali, as she insists on being called - finds herself being called on to fight the monsters alongside the roughest crowd in her high school. Falling in love with the leader of the bad boys doesn't help her social life, but might help her stay alive.
I enjoyed this book and will probably pick up the sequel, Through the Zombie Glass, if I can find it at the library. The writing flowed well most of the time, and while Alice began a little whiny, by the end of the book she was pretty bad ass. It felt.... a little more "young adult" than some young adult books I've read; the emotions seemed detached or damped down a bit. While she was dealing with grief over the loss of her family, and possible death at the hands of zombies, it just didn't feel as raw as I think those emotions should have felt. And the notion of a bunch of high school kids fighting zombies - with the support of adults, including the high school principal - was a little weird. Still an interesting book, and not a waste of time, but it felt a lot like "teenagers are special snowflakes!"
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Now, living with her grandparents, haunted by visions of her little sister and glimpses of monsters in the dark, Alice - or Ali, as she insists on being called - finds herself being called on to fight the monsters alongside the roughest crowd in her high school. Falling in love with the leader of the bad boys doesn't help her social life, but might help her stay alive.
I enjoyed this book and will probably pick up the sequel, Through the Zombie Glass, if I can find it at the library. The writing flowed well most of the time, and while Alice began a little whiny, by the end of the book she was pretty bad ass. It felt.... a little more "young adult" than some young adult books I've read; the emotions seemed detached or damped down a bit. While she was dealing with grief over the loss of her family, and possible death at the hands of zombies, it just didn't feel as raw as I think those emotions should have felt. And the notion of a bunch of high school kids fighting zombies - with the support of adults, including the high school principal - was a little weird. Still an interesting book, and not a waste of time, but it felt a lot like "teenagers are special snowflakes!"
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Storm (Men Of Hidden Creek) in Books
Apr 3, 2018
warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute! Loved it!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
OH!!! Warm and fuzzies, AND too stinking cute! Seriously, not had a book like this for some time and after a run of much heavier, emotionally devastating books, this landed in the queue at the very right time!
Chase gets a call and his life turns upside down and inside out. A visit to the doctor's introduces Chase to Hunter, and then Hunter's life is turned upside down and inside out. Spending more time with Chase and his daughter, Lyla, Hunter begins to really question what he wants, or more specifically, WHO. And when Hunter makes his mind up, there really is no stopping him.
Enter a few bigoted individuals in a position of power, and a few more who really surprise you, a three legged dog called Trooper, and you have an amazing little read! Took me couple hours, I lost the whole morning, but I really did love this!
It's very well written, from both Chase and Hunter's point of view, so we get all that internal wrangling that Hunter does, because let's face it, he does have a lot of wrangling to do. Or at least, he DID. But like I said, once he makes his mind up, Hunter is very clear about how he feels for Chase and Lyla and how he wants them both in his life.
This is part of the Men of Hidden Creek series. There were a couple of characters that popped up along the way who have an interesting story to tell and I do hope I get the chance to read them!
Excellent addition to Ms Welch's library!
5 full and shiny, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
OH!!! Warm and fuzzies, AND too stinking cute! Seriously, not had a book like this for some time and after a run of much heavier, emotionally devastating books, this landed in the queue at the very right time!
Chase gets a call and his life turns upside down and inside out. A visit to the doctor's introduces Chase to Hunter, and then Hunter's life is turned upside down and inside out. Spending more time with Chase and his daughter, Lyla, Hunter begins to really question what he wants, or more specifically, WHO. And when Hunter makes his mind up, there really is no stopping him.
Enter a few bigoted individuals in a position of power, and a few more who really surprise you, a three legged dog called Trooper, and you have an amazing little read! Took me couple hours, I lost the whole morning, but I really did love this!
It's very well written, from both Chase and Hunter's point of view, so we get all that internal wrangling that Hunter does, because let's face it, he does have a lot of wrangling to do. Or at least, he DID. But like I said, once he makes his mind up, Hunter is very clear about how he feels for Chase and Lyla and how he wants them both in his life.
This is part of the Men of Hidden Creek series. There were a couple of characters that popped up along the way who have an interesting story to tell and I do hope I get the chance to read them!
Excellent addition to Ms Welch's library!
5 full and shiny, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Fast Ships, Black Sails in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I meant to write this review with the book in my hands, which is really the only way I can properly review any anthology. Alas, the volume had to be returned to the library before that happened (and before that, Sam was enjoying it). As it is, some stories just didn't register strongly enough for me to remember them.
On the other hand the stories I do recall were really, really good, and if I could rate them on their own they'd get 4s and 5s.
I'd read Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette's "Boojum" online, but it was so good that I read it again. I adore their work (individually and together). That story was actually the only reason I even considered reading the book, as I'm not really much of a pirate fan. I'm not into too much darkness in my leisure reading, and I don't like antiheroes.
Next, "Pirate Solutions" by Katherine Sparrow was so good that I insisted that Sam read it. RIGHT THEN. I think Katie would have enjoyed it, too. It should be added to the "poly culture" lists. I'll be looking for more of Sparrow's work!
Naomi Novik's "Araminta, or, The Wreck of the Amphidrake" was all right, and I do remember it. It just didn't really toast my bread—possibly because I found Araminta to be an annoying brat.
"Elegy for Gabrielle, Patron Saint of Healers, Whores and Righteous Thieves" by Kelly Barnhill was absolutely lovely. I can't describe it beyond that without spoiling it for you, which would be criminal.
Carrie Vaughn managed to make me cry with "The Sea Nymph's Child." It was especially poignant to me right now, at this point in the parenting process.
We may well end up buying a copy of this one. It's certainly worth the cover price!
On the other hand the stories I do recall were really, really good, and if I could rate them on their own they'd get 4s and 5s.
I'd read Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette's "Boojum" online, but it was so good that I read it again. I adore their work (individually and together). That story was actually the only reason I even considered reading the book, as I'm not really much of a pirate fan. I'm not into too much darkness in my leisure reading, and I don't like antiheroes.
Next, "Pirate Solutions" by Katherine Sparrow was so good that I insisted that Sam read it. RIGHT THEN. I think Katie would have enjoyed it, too. It should be added to the "poly culture" lists. I'll be looking for more of Sparrow's work!
Naomi Novik's "Araminta, or, The Wreck of the Amphidrake" was all right, and I do remember it. It just didn't really toast my bread—possibly because I found Araminta to be an annoying brat.
"Elegy for Gabrielle, Patron Saint of Healers, Whores and Righteous Thieves" by Kelly Barnhill was absolutely lovely. I can't describe it beyond that without spoiling it for you, which would be criminal.
Carrie Vaughn managed to make me cry with "The Sea Nymph's Child." It was especially poignant to me right now, at this point in the parenting process.
We may well end up buying a copy of this one. It's certainly worth the cover price!