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Merissa (13725 KP) rated Altair (Fueled By Lust #11) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
Altair is the eleventh book in the Fueled by Lust series, and we meet up with Altair (plus two) as they seek to end a drug lord who has threatened their own. They are not the only ones after him though, and paths collide in a cellar. Makenna has her own reasons for wanting the drug lord dead, and she isn't happy with someone else showing up and possibly interfering with her mission. However, once she gets a glimpse of Altair, all bets are off. Not only do you get Altair and Makenna's story, but Elianna shows up too, AND we have Lucian and Maxim on hand as well.
Altair is a shorter book than I am used to in the FBL series, and I have to say, I miss the longer story. I understand why, but still, that's my opinion. There is one heck of a lot that goes on in this book, so hang on tight. Celeste Prater's writing is as smooth as ever, with plenty of steam to see you through, whilst losing nothing of the intricate storyline that holds the series together. Once again, Altair proves that the Insedi fall fast and hard, and it lasts. My man Cato makes a small appearance here, and I am pleased to say that he is still head over heels for Luna. #HappyReader!
This series is like a fine wine, it just gets better the longer it goes on. Okay, so that analogy may have fallen flat at the end, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying! This IS a series though, so I would wholeheartedly recommend starting from the very beginning. Not only will you then understand the complete story, but you will also get the chance to meet the rest of the Insedi and fall in love with all of them. Hands off Cato though - he's mine 😉
Absolutely recommended, and bring on the next one!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2018
Altair is a shorter book than I am used to in the FBL series, and I have to say, I miss the longer story. I understand why, but still, that's my opinion. There is one heck of a lot that goes on in this book, so hang on tight. Celeste Prater's writing is as smooth as ever, with plenty of steam to see you through, whilst losing nothing of the intricate storyline that holds the series together. Once again, Altair proves that the Insedi fall fast and hard, and it lasts. My man Cato makes a small appearance here, and I am pleased to say that he is still head over heels for Luna. #HappyReader!
This series is like a fine wine, it just gets better the longer it goes on. Okay, so that analogy may have fallen flat at the end, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying! This IS a series though, so I would wholeheartedly recommend starting from the very beginning. Not only will you then understand the complete story, but you will also get the chance to meet the rest of the Insedi and fall in love with all of them. Hands off Cato though - he's mine 😉
Absolutely recommended, and bring on the next one!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2018
Lots of twists and turns (1 more)
Red herrings to keep us guessing
And so the plot thickens...
The story centres around the main character Tom, who is trying to keep his family together after the death of his wife, whilst starting a new relationship with Sophie. Tom is desperately trying to find his daughter, who has gone missing from the same party where her boyfriend turns up dead.
This is a who did it series, where we are left till the very last episode to find out where Jenny (the missing daughter) is (and with whom), and also who murdered her boyfriend, as well as the reasons behind this. As much as the plot unravels in the first part of the series, we are delighted to watch as lose ends are tied up in a complex thread towards the end. As viewers we are left with the bigger picture during the last episode, where we can see just how clever the writing of this series have been at masking such a huge chain of events.
The plot is quite complex, and certainly not one that you can leave to make a cup of tea without pausing. The clues come thick and fast throughout the whole series, some have cleverly been placed as red herrings, to stop us realising the answers too soon. I am usually know for picking murderers from stories very early on in the plot, however if I were to bet on this one, I would be totally missing the mark- I was genuinely shock when the murder was revealed.
There are a lot of characters in the series, although they are subtly introduced, so they were not too overwhelming. The characters were superbly cast, being both well acted and believable. Michael C. Hall, who played Tom was exceptional in his acting, showing a complete range of emotions throughout. There were also a few smaller sub-stories within the main plot, which helped enrich the series further.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the series, it was one I binged on over two days and kept me guessing throughout.
This is a who did it series, where we are left till the very last episode to find out where Jenny (the missing daughter) is (and with whom), and also who murdered her boyfriend, as well as the reasons behind this. As much as the plot unravels in the first part of the series, we are delighted to watch as lose ends are tied up in a complex thread towards the end. As viewers we are left with the bigger picture during the last episode, where we can see just how clever the writing of this series have been at masking such a huge chain of events.
The plot is quite complex, and certainly not one that you can leave to make a cup of tea without pausing. The clues come thick and fast throughout the whole series, some have cleverly been placed as red herrings, to stop us realising the answers too soon. I am usually know for picking murderers from stories very early on in the plot, however if I were to bet on this one, I would be totally missing the mark- I was genuinely shock when the murder was revealed.
There are a lot of characters in the series, although they are subtly introduced, so they were not too overwhelming. The characters were superbly cast, being both well acted and believable. Michael C. Hall, who played Tom was exceptional in his acting, showing a complete range of emotions throughout. There were also a few smaller sub-stories within the main plot, which helped enrich the series further.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the series, it was one I binged on over two days and kept me guessing throughout.
Debbiereadsbook (1647 KP) rated Escape You (Cole Brothers #3) in Books
Jan 14, 2020
good but myabe not for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Tyler finds out his amazing one night stand is the mark for the next ATF raid. Then he finds himself on the opposite side of the fence, as her fiancee. Mia knows she has no choice to this union of Mafia branches, but she doesn't have to like it. Finding out there really IS a way out of it, is great, just not who Tyler really is. Can they really be together when it all goes down?
This is book 3 in the Cole Brothers series, and I have not read the others. I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing, but this book gives me enough hints to THOSE books, that I would LIKE to go back and read them, because I want to, not because I need to.
And I really am NOT sure how I feel about THIS book! And ya'll know I'm ALL about my book feelings. Its just I don't seem to have any about this book and I cannot for the life of me, figure out what doesn't work for me.
I liked that both Mia and Tyler have a say, it is in the first person, but each change is headed as the chapter changes. I liked that Tyler's deception discovered late in the day, not by Mia, cos Tyler tells her, but by the other major players.
I liked that there is a much bigger picture here, with ALL the Cole brothers involved, and that picture is what makes me want to go back and read the other books. Maybe THIS one will fit in better then, I don't know.
A *for a Mafia book* Nice book, and as much I as hate using that word for a book, it's the ONLY one I can muster.
3 solid GOOD stars, just maybe not for me.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Tyler finds out his amazing one night stand is the mark for the next ATF raid. Then he finds himself on the opposite side of the fence, as her fiancee. Mia knows she has no choice to this union of Mafia branches, but she doesn't have to like it. Finding out there really IS a way out of it, is great, just not who Tyler really is. Can they really be together when it all goes down?
This is book 3 in the Cole Brothers series, and I have not read the others. I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing, but this book gives me enough hints to THOSE books, that I would LIKE to go back and read them, because I want to, not because I need to.
And I really am NOT sure how I feel about THIS book! And ya'll know I'm ALL about my book feelings. Its just I don't seem to have any about this book and I cannot for the life of me, figure out what doesn't work for me.
I liked that both Mia and Tyler have a say, it is in the first person, but each change is headed as the chapter changes. I liked that Tyler's deception discovered late in the day, not by Mia, cos Tyler tells her, but by the other major players.
I liked that there is a much bigger picture here, with ALL the Cole brothers involved, and that picture is what makes me want to go back and read the other books. Maybe THIS one will fit in better then, I don't know.
A *for a Mafia book* Nice book, and as much I as hate using that word for a book, it's the ONLY one I can muster.
3 solid GOOD stars, just maybe not for me.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Christine A. (965 KP) rated A Study in Scarlet (The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection #1) in Books
May 29, 2020
Wonderful Retelling For Children
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Stephanie Baudet has written over 50 books for children. Among them, The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection, a retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant novels for children ages seven and up.
To give a fair and accurate review of the first book in the series, A Study in Scarlet, I read the original novel. I am not going to review Conan Doyle's work at this time. This review deals with Baudet's adaption. Although I will add, those who are not familiar with Holmes and Watson should start the series with this adaption. It introduces the characters when they first meet and agree to move into Baker Street together.
Baudet's adaption is so enjoyable and entertaining, if they were available years ago, I would have bought the entire collection for my children. The drawings are well done. All of the major points in the original work are presented clearly for children to understand and appreciate Conan Doyle's work.
To date, there are 12 adaptions published. None of them are Sir Author Conan Doyle's most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles. I appreciate that Baudet adapted his lesser-known work to allow children access to stories they may not have discovered otherwise.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/29/20.
Stephanie Baudet has written over 50 books for children. Among them, The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection, a retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant novels for children ages seven and up.
To give a fair and accurate review of the first book in the series, A Study in Scarlet, I read the original novel. I am not going to review Conan Doyle's work at this time. This review deals with Baudet's adaption. Although I will add, those who are not familiar with Holmes and Watson should start the series with this adaption. It introduces the characters when they first meet and agree to move into Baker Street together.
Baudet's adaption is so enjoyable and entertaining, if they were available years ago, I would have bought the entire collection for my children. The drawings are well done. All of the major points in the original work are presented clearly for children to understand and appreciate Conan Doyle's work.
To date, there are 12 adaptions published. None of them are Sir Author Conan Doyle's most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles. I appreciate that Baudet adapted his lesser-known work to allow children access to stories they may not have discovered otherwise.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/29/20.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Killing Kind in Books
Jun 6, 2021
Ooooo, this is good!
Jane Casey is one of my favourite authors and I love her Maeve Kerrigan series, so when I saw this, I couldn't click fast enough and I was not disappointed; this is a standalone but every bit as good.
This is absolutely gripping from start to finish; full of so much tension and a general creepiness that gets right in your head. The characters are excellent and John Webster is a brilliant "baddie".
This is one of those books when you think you've nailed it and then it kicks you in the teeth and you have to start guessing all over again ... I love it!!
Totally recommended to lovers of this genre.
Thank you to HarperCollinsUK/HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Jane Casey is one of my favourite authors and I love her Maeve Kerrigan series, so when I saw this, I couldn't click fast enough and I was not disappointed; this is a standalone but every bit as good.
This is absolutely gripping from start to finish; full of so much tension and a general creepiness that gets right in your head. The characters are excellent and John Webster is a brilliant "baddie".
This is one of those books when you think you've nailed it and then it kicks you in the teeth and you have to start guessing all over again ... I love it!!
Totally recommended to lovers of this genre.
Thank you to HarperCollinsUK/HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
David McK (3692 KP) rated Tricked (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Book no 4 in The Iron Druid chronicles this, I felt, is the weakest of the series so far.
I'm not sure whether that is because it comes after [b:Hammered|10443590|Hammered|Mark Ward|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328728608s/10443590.jpg|15348265] my choice for the best or because the main plot line of [b:Hounded|18404329|Hounded|David Rosenfelt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382758931s/18404329.jpg|26038191], [b:Hexed|6372672|Hexed|Michael Alan Nelson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348584639s/6372672.jpg|6560286] and [b:Hammered|10443590|Hammered|Mark Ward|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328728608s/10443590.jpg|15348265] are finished, or even because of the unfamiliar (to me) Navajo setting, but to me, this just didn't gel as much as any of the previous three.
The plot has to do with Atticus dealing with the aftermath of his journey to Asgard in the previous novel, and the deal he made with Coyote to cover his tracks, with the big bad in this taking the form of two Skinwalkers rather than the Irish god(s) of the first, the Witches of the second or the Norse gods of the third.
It's not a bad read, just not my pick for the best of the series
I'm not sure whether that is because it comes after [b:Hammered|10443590|Hammered|Mark Ward|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328728608s/10443590.jpg|15348265] my choice for the best or because the main plot line of [b:Hounded|18404329|Hounded|David Rosenfelt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382758931s/18404329.jpg|26038191], [b:Hexed|6372672|Hexed|Michael Alan Nelson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348584639s/6372672.jpg|6560286] and [b:Hammered|10443590|Hammered|Mark Ward|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328728608s/10443590.jpg|15348265] are finished, or even because of the unfamiliar (to me) Navajo setting, but to me, this just didn't gel as much as any of the previous three.
The plot has to do with Atticus dealing with the aftermath of his journey to Asgard in the previous novel, and the deal he made with Coyote to cover his tracks, with the big bad in this taking the form of two Skinwalkers rather than the Irish god(s) of the first, the Witches of the second or the Norse gods of the third.
It's not a bad read, just not my pick for the best of the series
Clavanna (27 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Feb 8, 2019
So much missing from the book
This is ok. I have read the books unfortunately it does not come close to the book. The build up to the characters and their connection in the TV series is too fast and bland. If I had not read the book then maybe the rating i gave would have been higher but I would still have the same issue with the lack of build up in the characters connection and the lack of story details to race through to the end. Their is so much missing and changes have been made which I do not believe is an improvement. Saying this, it is still worth watching but would definitely recommend people to read the book as the book is much more "magical" and makes the reader care more about each character and their story.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Lady Mechanika Vol. 2: The Tablet of Destinies in Books
Nov 30, 2020
So, yeah, bit of a snoozer this one! Art was fab tho'! I find Joe Benitez J. Scott Campbell, no contest. Benitez brings the same gorgeous detail to this volume as he did for the first one. No character, not even Lady Mechanika, is "sexed up", allowing for character development and depth.
The story, unfortunately, did not hold as well as expected. I was great through the first two issues, feeling like I was witnessing an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. However, by the fourth issue, I felt the series had tanked. And the reveal (no spoilers, promise) of who the villains were made it seem like a cheap-ass SyFy Channel movie!
I have the third volume in my queue to read. Hopefully, it will not disappoint, as the first volume was all aces! My advice: skip it!
The story, unfortunately, did not hold as well as expected. I was great through the first two issues, feeling like I was witnessing an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. However, by the fourth issue, I felt the series had tanked. And the reveal (no spoilers, promise) of who the villains were made it seem like a cheap-ass SyFy Channel movie!
I have the third volume in my queue to read. Hopefully, it will not disappoint, as the first volume was all aces! My advice: skip it!
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Barrel Proof in Books
Jul 6, 2017
Barrel Proof (Agents Irish and Whiskey #3) by Layla Reyne
Barrel Proof is the emotional, high impact, AMAZING finale to the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, and it does need to be read in order to understand what is going on. Aidan decides that he needs some space from Jamie following his betrayal, not because he wants to end things with Jamie but the complete opposite reason. He wants Jamie, he loves him, but he knows that his anger will overshadow that. So he requests what should be a simple solo job, undercover at a financial company. What he doesn't know is that things are coming to a head and he is in deeper than he realised.
Oh my! This book, this series! I have loved every single book (even when Aidan was acting like a jerk). Nothing is said or done without reason, and they all become clear in this edition. Any loose ends are tied up, some in ways that I never envisaged. The story is fast-paced but very smooth. With both Jamie and Aidan at odds, plus Mel and Danny, there is lot angst in this book, so the sexy times are not as numerous. However, this didn't negatively impact the story in any way. In fact, it would have been odd to do it any other way.
Heart-breaking and heart-fulfilling, this book is the perfect finale to the series, and Layla Reyne now has a brand new reader completely addicted to her work. Without a doubt, 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oh my! This book, this series! I have loved every single book (even when Aidan was acting like a jerk). Nothing is said or done without reason, and they all become clear in this edition. Any loose ends are tied up, some in ways that I never envisaged. The story is fast-paced but very smooth. With both Jamie and Aidan at odds, plus Mel and Danny, there is lot angst in this book, so the sexy times are not as numerous. However, this didn't negatively impact the story in any way. In fact, it would have been odd to do it any other way.
Heart-breaking and heart-fulfilling, this book is the perfect finale to the series, and Layla Reyne now has a brand new reader completely addicted to her work. Without a doubt, 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Good Girls Lie in Books
Jan 10, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
J.T. Ellison's latest work, Good Girls Lie, is set in an elite boarding school which is set atop a hill in the small town of Marchburg, Virginia. The students are only the best girls who are hand-picked each year by the dean. However, it is not a young adult book. It is a thriller full of secrets, secret societies, lies, and a strict honor code that is not always followed.
In the beginning, I found it difficult to get into the book but I am glad I kept reading. Several reviewers described it as fast-paced but I disagree. It is a slow burn but it does definitely burn. The twists were both expected and unexpected but worked well.
It opens with a body being found then flashes back to learn the events that lead up to the death. It is not a new tactic but, with the story, it works well.
J.T. Ellison is best known for her Lt. Taylor Jackson series. The 8th book, "Field of Graves" was published in 2015. She has teamed up with Catherine Coulter to write "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 6th book in the series, The Last Second, was published in 2019.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/10/2020.
J.T. Ellison's latest work, Good Girls Lie, is set in an elite boarding school which is set atop a hill in the small town of Marchburg, Virginia. The students are only the best girls who are hand-picked each year by the dean. However, it is not a young adult book. It is a thriller full of secrets, secret societies, lies, and a strict honor code that is not always followed.
In the beginning, I found it difficult to get into the book but I am glad I kept reading. Several reviewers described it as fast-paced but I disagree. It is a slow burn but it does definitely burn. The twists were both expected and unexpected but worked well.
It opens with a body being found then flashes back to learn the events that lead up to the death. It is not a new tactic but, with the story, it works well.
J.T. Ellison is best known for her Lt. Taylor Jackson series. The 8th book, "Field of Graves" was published in 2015. She has teamed up with Catherine Coulter to write "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 6th book in the series, The Last Second, was published in 2019.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/10/2020.