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Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Meet Me at the Top in Books
Aug 5, 2022
a wonderful short read!
Oh this book? Its so good, but too short! I need more, I really do! I do hope Alicce and Sam get a follow up, I really do!
Alice's parents treat her to a trip of a lifetime, to see all the places in her favourite movie, Sleepless In Seattle. She bumps into Sam, quite literally, and he gives her an unofficial guided tour. It's clear they get along, and the few days they spend together are the best either have had in a long time, but Alice lives clear across the country. Can they make it work?
What I loved most about this book, was what's missing in my usual reads: there is none of that explicit sex I usually like. Now, don't get me wrong, a good sex scene works in the right place in all manner of books, but this one? Does NOT need it. At. All. I really did love that all that was not here.
Sam and Alice are well suited, both carrying some baggage and both not really looking for anything, but finding each other at this time and in this place really was the right thing.
Like I said at the beginning, it's only short, and I really hope Ms Pratt will find time for a follow up, cos I want to know, no, I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know, that Alice and Sam really do make it work. So PULEEEEEEEZE???
Oh, and I really should comment on the cover of this book. I loves it, for almost the same reason as I loves the book: lack of nekkid man on the cover. So please, don't ever change your covers, I love them all.
5 warm and fuzzy, too stinking cute, far too short stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Alice's parents treat her to a trip of a lifetime, to see all the places in her favourite movie, Sleepless In Seattle. She bumps into Sam, quite literally, and he gives her an unofficial guided tour. It's clear they get along, and the few days they spend together are the best either have had in a long time, but Alice lives clear across the country. Can they make it work?
What I loved most about this book, was what's missing in my usual reads: there is none of that explicit sex I usually like. Now, don't get me wrong, a good sex scene works in the right place in all manner of books, but this one? Does NOT need it. At. All. I really did love that all that was not here.
Sam and Alice are well suited, both carrying some baggage and both not really looking for anything, but finding each other at this time and in this place really was the right thing.
Like I said at the beginning, it's only short, and I really hope Ms Pratt will find time for a follow up, cos I want to know, no, I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know, that Alice and Sam really do make it work. So PULEEEEEEEZE???
Oh, and I really should comment on the cover of this book. I loves it, for almost the same reason as I loves the book: lack of nekkid man on the cover. So please, don't ever change your covers, I love them all.
5 warm and fuzzy, too stinking cute, far too short stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Rabbit's Foot (Hartford Manor #3)
Book
1885 North Devon, England Mr Edward Snell was more than a little curious when Robert Fellwood,...
Historical Fiction Family Saga Romance
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake #4) in Books
Jun 28, 2022
113 of 230
Kindle
Bitter Falls ( Stillhouse Lake book 4)
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.
In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.
Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.
In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?
Another brutal trial for the Proctor family! Threats , kidnapping, taking in strangers and all the drama again. I absolutely love this series and I’m hoping Gwen , Sam and the kids have got something good finally coming their way. It’s been a tough few years for this family they just attract trouble. I get so emotional reading any Rachel Caine book especially these that were written when she was struggling with her health and it’s sad knowing the next one in this series is the last she wrote. If you haven’t yet picked up this series I high recommend it.
Kindle
Bitter Falls ( Stillhouse Lake book 4)
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.
In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.
Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.
In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?
Another brutal trial for the Proctor family! Threats , kidnapping, taking in strangers and all the drama again. I absolutely love this series and I’m hoping Gwen , Sam and the kids have got something good finally coming their way. It’s been a tough few years for this family they just attract trouble. I get so emotional reading any Rachel Caine book especially these that were written when she was struggling with her health and it’s sad knowing the next one in this series is the last she wrote. If you haven’t yet picked up this series I high recommend it.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Tidelands ( Fairmile book 1) in Books
May 8, 2022
79 of 230
Book
Tidelands ( Fairmile book 1)
By Philippa Gregory
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A country at war
A king beheaded
A woman with a dangerous secret
On Midsummer’s Eve, Alinor waits in the church graveyard, hoping to encounter the ghost of her missing husband and thus confirm his death. Until she can, she is neither maiden nor wife nor widow, living in a perilous limbo. Instead she meets James, a young man on the run. She shows him the secret ways across the treacherous marshy landscape of the Tidelands, not knowing she is leading a spy and an enemy into her life.
England is in the grip of a bloody civil war that reaches into the most remote parts of the kingdom. Alinor’s suspicious neighbors are watching each other for any sign that someone might be disloyal to the new parliament, and Alinor’s ambition and determination mark her as a woman who doesn’t follow the rules. They have always whispered about the sinister power of Alinor’s beauty, but the secrets they don’t know about her and James are far more damning. This is the time of witch-mania, and if the villagers discover the truth, they could take matters into their own hands.
This was my first Philippa Gregory book and I liked it but it didn’t wow me! I took a while to get into it and struggled a little for a while. I’m glad I stuck with it though and it did really pick up towards the end. I’m a fan of historical history reads so the era was right up my street. I must say the ending was just so sad and my heart actually wrenched for Allinor. I look forward to reading more.
Book
Tidelands ( Fairmile book 1)
By Philippa Gregory
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A country at war
A king beheaded
A woman with a dangerous secret
On Midsummer’s Eve, Alinor waits in the church graveyard, hoping to encounter the ghost of her missing husband and thus confirm his death. Until she can, she is neither maiden nor wife nor widow, living in a perilous limbo. Instead she meets James, a young man on the run. She shows him the secret ways across the treacherous marshy landscape of the Tidelands, not knowing she is leading a spy and an enemy into her life.
England is in the grip of a bloody civil war that reaches into the most remote parts of the kingdom. Alinor’s suspicious neighbors are watching each other for any sign that someone might be disloyal to the new parliament, and Alinor’s ambition and determination mark her as a woman who doesn’t follow the rules. They have always whispered about the sinister power of Alinor’s beauty, but the secrets they don’t know about her and James are far more damning. This is the time of witch-mania, and if the villagers discover the truth, they could take matters into their own hands.
This was my first Philippa Gregory book and I liked it but it didn’t wow me! I took a while to get into it and struggled a little for a while. I’m glad I stuck with it though and it did really pick up towards the end. I’m a fan of historical history reads so the era was right up my street. I must say the ending was just so sad and my heart actually wrenched for Allinor. I look forward to reading more.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Take the Plunge in Books
Jul 8, 2023
a sweet and smexy read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Waking up hand cuffed to his brother's best friend was nice, but not what Kian expected. Jett was furious with his so called friend for pulling this stunt. The weekend, however, wasn't a total write off, though, and Kian and Jett begin a no strings thing. Until that thing becomes something more but neither is brave enough to say what they actually want.
When I started to read this, I thought, nah, it'snot working for me. Why isn't it working? What's missing? What does it need? I told myself, I need to keep reading, maybe it will become obvious. So I did.
And whatever wasn't right in the beginning, totally went poof! I dunno what it was, but who cares!
Because I loved this book!
I loved watching Kian and Jett get closer, physically and emotionally. Kian had crushed in Jett for a long time, and getting close to him was a dream come true.
While it was painful reading in parts, I loved the way Jett opened to Kian, and how he came to rely on him, so much. I loved that both of them wanted more, but were afraid to ask for what they wanted.
I hated that Jett felt he needed to keep what happened to him with his ex from his best friend, but I understood WHY he did it. I loved that he was able to fully open up to Kian.
But what I loved most about this, was that there was, Jett's ex thing aside, very little drama. It's such a great read, about 2 men falling in love!
A steamy, smexy emotional read.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Waking up hand cuffed to his brother's best friend was nice, but not what Kian expected. Jett was furious with his so called friend for pulling this stunt. The weekend, however, wasn't a total write off, though, and Kian and Jett begin a no strings thing. Until that thing becomes something more but neither is brave enough to say what they actually want.
When I started to read this, I thought, nah, it'snot working for me. Why isn't it working? What's missing? What does it need? I told myself, I need to keep reading, maybe it will become obvious. So I did.
And whatever wasn't right in the beginning, totally went poof! I dunno what it was, but who cares!
Because I loved this book!
I loved watching Kian and Jett get closer, physically and emotionally. Kian had crushed in Jett for a long time, and getting close to him was a dream come true.
While it was painful reading in parts, I loved the way Jett opened to Kian, and how he came to rely on him, so much. I loved that both of them wanted more, but were afraid to ask for what they wanted.
I hated that Jett felt he needed to keep what happened to him with his ex from his best friend, but I understood WHY he did it. I loved that he was able to fully open up to Kian.
But what I loved most about this, was that there was, Jett's ex thing aside, very little drama. It's such a great read, about 2 men falling in love!
A steamy, smexy emotional read.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13162 KP) rated Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth #2) in Books
May 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
CAPTURING FATE is the second book in the Fatal Truth series, although it could be read as a standalone. I say could because if you do, you're missing out on another 5-star read!
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ 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!
May 13, 2021
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ 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!
May 13, 2021
I listened to this frankly stunning novel on audiobook via NetGalley. I think that this will be a book that people will want to read in one sitting - I couldn’t put it down (which makes work really inconvenient!).
Three friends reunite after many years. Mush has stayed in Kinlough, Joe has become a famous singer, and Helen has been working as a journalist in Canada. As teenagers, they hung around in a group of six, until one of its most popular members (Kala) goes missing. It seems that her disappearance has had a huge effect on all of her friends since then. Helen comes home for a wedding and during this time, remains are found in a hold-all. And they’re Kala.
Mush helps his mother run a coffee shop and is, I think, the most likeable character. He wants to pick up friendships where they were left off after Joe and Helen had left. I can’t help but think that Helen uses this as a way to get him to help her look into the disappearance of Kala.
This isn’t just about Kala though. It’s a book that looks at all of these characters and their lives. They all have issues of one kind or another, whether these issues are caused by Kala’s disappearance, their family lives or something more - the town itself has a violent undercurrent.
It’s beautifully written: the snatches of scenes from childhood are idyllic, the interactions of the characters range from funny to sad to menacing. Do these characters really know one another, and who can they trust? There are a lot of lies to uncover!
I will be very keen to read whatever Colin Walsh writes next - he’s definitely one to watch!
Three friends reunite after many years. Mush has stayed in Kinlough, Joe has become a famous singer, and Helen has been working as a journalist in Canada. As teenagers, they hung around in a group of six, until one of its most popular members (Kala) goes missing. It seems that her disappearance has had a huge effect on all of her friends since then. Helen comes home for a wedding and during this time, remains are found in a hold-all. And they’re Kala.
Mush helps his mother run a coffee shop and is, I think, the most likeable character. He wants to pick up friendships where they were left off after Joe and Helen had left. I can’t help but think that Helen uses this as a way to get him to help her look into the disappearance of Kala.
This isn’t just about Kala though. It’s a book that looks at all of these characters and their lives. They all have issues of one kind or another, whether these issues are caused by Kala’s disappearance, their family lives or something more - the town itself has a violent undercurrent.
It’s beautifully written: the snatches of scenes from childhood are idyllic, the interactions of the characters range from funny to sad to menacing. Do these characters really know one another, and who can they trust? There are a lot of lies to uncover!
I will be very keen to read whatever Colin Walsh writes next - he’s definitely one to watch!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Project Dogway in Books
Jan 2, 2022
Dogging a Killer
Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is). Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show. However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish. While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife. Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Christmas Cocoa Murder in Books
Nov 8, 2022
Drowning in Hot Chocolate
This story finds Siobhan O’Sullivan, the main character in the popular Irish Village Mysteries, a few weeks from joining the local police department in her small Irish village. Even though she’s not supposed to officially join until after the first of the year, she finds herself getting involved in a case just before Christmas. First, her family’s dog goes missing. Then the intermission entertainment at the holiday panto goes horribly wrong. Paddy O’Shea, the village Santa, has been obsessed over how to top the Santa from the neighboring village, and he’s come up with what he thinks is the perfect way. He’s had a custom-built dunk tank made, and he’s going to challenge people to dunk him in hot chocolate. However, before the show is over, Paddy is found floating face down in the hot chocolate. Who killed Santa?
This was my introduction to the characters, and I did struggle a bit keeping Siobhan’s family straight, and there are some references to things going on in her personal life that I didn’t get. However, these were very minor issues in an overall fun story and easy enough to ignore. As you might have guessed from the description of the story, there is some humor involved in the events, but it does have plenty of serious moments as well. These were balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed getting to know Siobhan and the suspects were all strong enough to be believable as the killer. The plot kept me engaged until we reached the great climax.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
This was my introduction to the characters, and I did struggle a bit keeping Siobhan’s family straight, and there are some references to things going on in her personal life that I didn’t get. However, these were very minor issues in an overall fun story and easy enough to ignore. As you might have guessed from the description of the story, there is some humor involved in the events, but it does have plenty of serious moments as well. These were balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed getting to know Siobhan and the suspects were all strong enough to be believable as the killer. The plot kept me engaged until we reached the great climax.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Merissa (13162 KP) rated Sotarios (Fueled By Lust #8) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 20, 2023)
Book 8 in this series continues the general story arc, whilst giving further details specific to Sotarios. He is a fascinating character who repeatedly broke my heart, due to his story. I raise my hat to Celeste Prater for bringing to light a subject that isn't usually talked about. The feelings that Sotarios deals with on a daily basis, plus the nightmares and how he keeps everyone pushed away, were so real and poignant that it about killed me. Raine is his perfect partner - she feels deeply but also understands that not everything can be shared at once, and sometimes the best thing is to walk away until it can be dealt with.
This is not a standalone book, and you definitely need to read this series from the start. Plus the fact, if you don't, you are missing out on a fantastic series. Extremely well written (and hot) with more emotional punches than even Raine can throw.
Celeste Prater has this incredible talent for making me want the next book, even as I'm reading the current one. And I won't mention how many times I've re-read them, just to immerse myself into their world.
So many things I want to say, but can't as I don't give away spoilers! All I will say is, if you have read the previous books, then get your mitts on this one. If you haven't, and you like erotic science fiction, then start the series NOW. I promise you you won't regret it. Highly 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!
Feb 17, 2016
This is not a standalone book, and you definitely need to read this series from the start. Plus the fact, if you don't, you are missing out on a fantastic series. Extremely well written (and hot) with more emotional punches than even Raine can throw.
Celeste Prater has this incredible talent for making me want the next book, even as I'm reading the current one. And I won't mention how many times I've re-read them, just to immerse myself into their world.
So many things I want to say, but can't as I don't give away spoilers! All I will say is, if you have read the previous books, then get your mitts on this one. If you haven't, and you like erotic science fiction, then start the series NOW. I promise you you won't regret it. Highly 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!
Feb 17, 2016