Search

Search only in certain items:

Winter Frost (Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2)
Winter Frost (Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2)
Lauren Carr | 2019 | Crime, Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lauren Carr does is once again. This book Winter Frost is filler of mystery. It will pull you into the story from the first page to last page. I loved it.

As we know Chris, and his family. We also have Helen and her daughter. We running into and meet Chris supposed dead wife Blair. We also have Murphy join forces with Chris Matheson. I love that the author did this. Bring Murphy and Tristan into the mix. They were more of sub characters but almost like the main characters.

The story was really told well. I can say the narrator did wonderful. I hope to see more mix of the other series like having Chris be brought in with his book club into the other series. I was really surprised and happy when I heard Murphy name when he was helping with Chris escape. We have action from the beginning to the end.

If you have not picked up Lauren Carr books you are missing something. Pick any of her books and you will be hooked. I can not wait to read more. So glad to have two more to read or listen to this time around. Mystery lovers and Crime and detective loves would love these books and series.
  
Winter Moon (Walker Papers, #1.5)
Winter Moon (Walker Papers, #1.5)
Mercedes Lackey | 2005 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first story by Mercedes Lackey is meant to take place in her world of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, minus the power of The Tradition to force things a certain way. The only clue the I found that could indicate that this story would fit in the Five Hundred Kingdoms is the presence of the Fool. Other than that, it simply read as a good fantasy plotline, with equal parts romance, intrigue, and adventure. The story wrapped up nicely, with no loose ends, but I would love to read a full novel about the Grey Ladies - not much information is given on this group of women and they certainly have much potential for a good full-length story.

The second story is by Tanith Lee, whom I have never read before now. I rather enjoyed the world development, despite the length she had to work in, and the imagery was both mysterious and beautiful. After I read the story, I went looking online to see if this world fit into any other novels, but I could not find any information on this. Still, I plan to check out more of her work now.

The third story by C. E. Murphy takes place in her Walker Papers series, specifically between the first and second book. Since I have only read the first two books in the series, I thoroughly appreciated how this story filled in a few blanks for me about what is happening in the series. In this story, Joanne learns about her deceased mother, who turns out to be quite a fascinating character. I think I may even prefer her to Joanne. It can't be easy for the author to translate a thick Scottish accent onto paper, either. Now I am anxious to read more of the Walker Papers series.
  
Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy, #1)
Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy, #1)
J.R. Ward | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read my first Black Dagger Brotherhood book back in 2010, I think, and fell in love with this group of warriors. I have books 1-12 in paperback and they sit proudly on my bookshelf, as shown below

I guess it's not fair to have favourites but two of them always stick in my head: Rhage and Vishous, though all the guys are memorable. The King, Wrath's second book in the series took me a while to read so I gave up on the series for a while, though I have been buying the rest of the books in this series as Kindle books.
This spin off series - Black Dagger Legacy - is about the original guys finding new recruits who they will train so they can help them take on the lessers and any other threats to their population.

This one follows Paradise, a society heir who wants more from her life than parties so she fills in an application form and hopes her father will give her permission to join the programme and he does, believing she won't make it very far. Paradise proves everyone wrong, though, including Craeg - fellow trainee and the guy she has an intense attraction towards. And the feeling is definitely mutual.

I enjoyed watching this play out, although Craeg's reluctance to start with annoyed me a little. But Paradise certainly wore him down in the end and it was fun watching.

It also focuses on Butch and Marissa's relationship. Both are dealing - or more precisely NOT dealing - with issues from their pasts and it's starting to drive a wedge between them. Then there's the battered female that comes into Safe Place - where Marissa works - on the brink of death that brings up old memories.

I did enjoy seeing a lot of the brothers again, it reminded me why I love this series and I can't wait to read more. I think The Shadows will be my next read.
  
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling | 2014 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
8
9.1 (270 Ratings)
Book Rating
Exciting and interesting characters. (1 more)
A really good introduction to this whole world of wonder and magic.
Although, it does have bits of excitement through it, it doesn't really go full throttle until right at the end. (0 more)
Good introduction to a whole new world
Contains spoilers, click to show
When when I read the series as a child growing up alongside Harry Potter was a unique and amazing experience, so this book will always have a fond place in my heart where my love for all things HP grew, but on its own, its not the best of the series. For me, when everything leads up to one major excitement right at the end, (which I know Jk had to introduce the world and characters) which is why I still love this book, I much prefer the later books where we can get stuck right in with the story.

My absolute favourite part is Hagrid bursting into the little hut on the rock. Hagrid is one of my favourite characters, and his endearing and loveable personality and how he treats Harry is one of the most beautiful developed and truly inspiring relationships in the series.


I think the bad character (I won't spoil it just in case we have new readers) is probably the least developed and thus makes him in effect of my least favourite characters in the series.
Again I think could be because it's the first in the series but I just feel he lacks the evilness, possibly even charm of the other bad guys.


Overall, I will always love this book as it started me on a wonderful, journey, I already loved to read and had a bit of a geeky trait but this series fully cemented me in the love to read and the geek categories!
  
40x40

Rachel King (13 KP) rated Bloodlines in Books

Feb 11, 2019  
Bloodlines
Bloodlines
Richelle Mead | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.1 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a huge fan of the Vampire Academy series, I anxiously awaited this book. What little I knew of the Alchemists fascinated me, and I felt like Adrian got the short stick in the final book of the series, Last Sacrifice. Richelle Mead does not disappoint in this book, and she keeps just enough mystery in the plot to keep me engrossed to the last page. Rose and Dimitri even make a few appearances, which was neat to see how other characters viewed them.
Sydney is the central character, and at first glance she seems to be the antithesis of Rose's personality. She wants to be obedient and cooperative with her bosses, and she had no interest in rebelling against the system. Unfortunately, her innate desire to do good and root out evil forces her into some rough situations. Her extreme phobia of magic also creates some interesting conflicts and a very promising revelation that I can't wait to see play out in further books.
Adrian's role is at first a secret, but with a few clues from the previous series allowed me to figure it out before Mead revealed it. Gone is the Adrian that Rose brought out -- instead he is back to as much smoking and drinking as at the beginning of the previous series, back when I did not like his character. BUT, this all seems to be a facade after awhile, when Adrian shows an avid interest in painting.
Jill is the one that Sydney is protecting, along with a collection of other new and old characters. As a fifteen-year-old girl also striving to have some semblance of normal life, Jill gets mixed up in problems of her own as she strives to define who she is. While her character could have had more development, as the first book in the series, there is plenty of room for growth.
I could not get through this book fast enough, and I can't wait for the second book, Golden Lily.
  
All He Needs (My Truth #1)
All He Needs (My Truth #1)
Ann Grech | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
All He Needs (My Truth #1) by Ann Grech
All He Needs is the first book in the My Truth series, but features a couple of characters from the Unexpected series.

This has got to be one of the most emotional books I have read in a long time. I was crying by 21%, and it carried on throughout the story. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not all sad, in fact, it is also happy, contented, and extremely sexy. The part about Gracie having reflux caused me to wince in remembered empathy. I had that with all three of my babies, and I know how exhausting it is. Caden has my full support!!

I found this book to be extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The world-building was excellent for those of us who have never been to either America or New Zealand, and likewise for the characters. I haven't felt like I missed out on anything from not having read the Unexpected series, although I have now added that to my wishlist!

This was the first book by Ann Grech I have read, but I can guarantee it won't be the last. Highly recommended by me.

* 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!
  
OO
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ms. Turano is back with her witty, soul capturing characters and brings her fans a novel that you won't soon forget! While this is not the first book in the series, it's easily read as a stand alone, though I do recommend reading the first book, as a series is always best read in order. Ms. Turano's writing style is unique and quirky and I loved every minute of this page turning novel!

Gertrude and Harrison really stole my heart. I loved the way they interacting and watching them blossom into their feelings was a pleasant treat while reading their story. Ms. Turano chiseled them both perfectly for their roles, and threw in a few other characters to round them out, though one character you'll just love to hate, if you're like me!

If you want a 5 star worthy novel that will captivate your stole, make a home in your heart and is filled with historic detail and laugh out loud wit from beautifully created characters, then this is most definitely a book that you do not want to miss! Ms. Turano has hit the nail on the head with this novel and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done and two thumbs up!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
The Betrayer (Crossing Realms Series #3)
The Betrayer (Crossing Realms Series #3)
Rebecca E. Neely | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Betrayer (Crossing Realms Series #3) by Rebecca E. Neely
The Betrayer is the third book in the Crossing Realms series, and I would definitely recommend you read books one and two first, as the characters and the storylines DO crossover.

Saying that, this book is about Curtis and Jordan. Curtis is the geeky computer Keeper - and you know I do love me a geek! Jordan is the betrayer, and yet there is so much more to her. In fact, you could even say she is the key to the Second Rebellion. I won't say anymore as I don't want to give away any spoilers. What I can say is this book is a great read!

It picks up where The Watcher left off, and the story goes along in leaps and bounds. The pacing is smooth, and not a single word is wasted. Everything is there for a reason, and it is thoroughly enjoyable. I love this world, and the characters that live there. I have enjoyed all three books so far in this series, and I really hope this isn't the last one. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
40x40

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Crown of Midnight in Books

Aug 25, 2019 (Updated Apr 21, 2024)  
Crown of Midnight
Crown of Midnight
Sarah J. Maas | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.1 (48 Ratings)
Book Rating
73 of 220
Book
Reread
Crown of Midnight ( Throne of Glass 2)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Never trust an assassin.

Celaena's story continues in this second book in the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become the King's Champion. But she is far from loyal to the crown. Though she goes to great lengths to hide her secret, her deadly charade becomes more difficult when she realises she is not the only one seeking justice. Her search for answers ensnares those closest to her, and no one is safe from suspicion - not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a princess with a rebel heart.

Then, one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie ... and what she is willing to fight for.

This is a reread for me and I loved it more the second time round if that’s at all possible. When rereading a book you see all the bits and think well crap I missed that the first time, also this time despite knowing a certain part was coming it was still emotional. Absolutely love this series.
  
FP
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm new to Ms. Johnson's work, but I won't be for long! I truly enjoyed this beautifully written novel. It's the 3rd book in her Keys Of Promise series, but it was still highly enjoyable, despite not reading the first two books.

In this novel, Ms. Johnson weaves the perfect combination of faith, hope, and love, along with beautifully depicted historical elements. I was instantly captivated from page one and this book took me on a whirl wind ride until the end. Catherine and Tom both stole my heart for the long run, and I loved following their story!

Ms. Johnson created a story well worth 4 stars, for sure! This is a quick, beautiful read and I am already anxious for more! I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this wonderful series, and I look forward to adding Ms. Johnson among my favorite authors list! Well done, and bring on the next! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/?p=13719"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>