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Savage Nature (Leopard People #4)
Savage Nature (Leopard People #4)
Christine Feehan | 2011 | Romance
6
3.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have only read the short story that fits into the Leopard People series, so I am sure there is much that I am missing about this series. I wanted to read this book mostly because of the Louisiana bayou setting, my home state. Even though I spent most of my life in Louisiana, I did not spend much time at all in the bayou, so this was as much a nostalgic experience as an education for me. I found Christine Feehan's descriptions and uses of the setting to be very well written and quite engrossing, as this actually kept me involved enough in the book to keep reading, over the actual plot.
Much like when I read the short story in Fantasy by Christine Feehan, I found the plot to be overly dramatic and forced. Every scene, every interaction was told with such extreme emotion that I had to wonder if these characters ever had a chance to relax. The melodrama felt like something out of a t.v. soap opera with no natural flow to the time line.
I did like a few of the characters, such as Saria and the woman who ran the inn. Many of the characterizations matched the typical stereotypes of the Cajun people who reside in the backwaters of Louisiana. The dialogue hinted at the Cajun accent without muddling the vocabulary so much that I would have difficulty reading it.
While I loved Christine Feehan's use of Louisiana culture in Savage Nature (Leopard), I do not think I will be continuing to read any more of the Leopard People series.
  
Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Barbara Ross | 2019 | Mystery
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fall Brings Mysteries for Julia
The clambake that Julia Snowden and her family run on their family’s island is just running on weekends through Columbus Day. Unfortunately, tension among the staff seems to be reaching the boiling point. Romances among the staff have been causing issues all season, but Julia was hoping they could make it until the end of the season, and those issues would resolve themselves before the clambake starts up again in the spring. A fist fight as the guests and crew were leaving one days brings things to a head, and leaves Julia in the unfortunate position of firing her boyfriend’s brother. However, a dead body on the island the next morning only makes the situation worse.

There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
  
CO
City of Whispers
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won this book on First Reads. It took FOREVER to get it...over 2 months! Then I finally get it & start reading. That led to the 2nd disappointment, the book itself.
This is the first of the Sharon McCone series I've read. The characters (Sharon & Hy) are interesting, but the plot of the book itself left much to be desired. That was frustrating because Muller has a great voice in her writing, but it felt like not much happened. The "mystery" was fairly predictable. The only reason I was able to coax 3 stars out of it was due to the great writing style.
I don't know that I would seek out anymore of this author's books based on the mediocore plot alone.
  
Betrothed #1
Betrothed #1
Sean Lewis, Steve Uy | 2018 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Relevant Characters (0 more)
Only one issue (0 more)
Contains spoilers, click to show
A comic book written by a play wright? That's right.

In a world where two warring factions in another dimension are in a war for ages, their two future rulers have been placed on Earth to grow up. When they meet, they immediately feel a connection.
This is not Romeo and Juliet, as the issue immediately tells us.
I was absolutely riveted. For the exposition that this issue had To do, ithought it was done very smoothly. I also found I really enjoyed the characters especially the main two. My biggest regret isthatthere is currently only one issue out. I will be adding this series to my monthly pulls because I believe it warrants the support.
  
40x40

Bysa (2 KP) rated Catching Fire in Books

Sep 19, 2018  
Catching Fire
Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins | 2012 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.2 (179 Ratings)
Book Rating
I couldn't put this book down! Unfortuntely I took me a few days to get through it, what with my schedule and all.
At any rate, the author of this story does the best job of captivating her readers and I was finding myself reading faster and faster because I wanted to see how the story unfolded. I think Collins has created memorable characters that will not soon be forgotten! I cannot wait to see how the movie turns out!
My favorite characters from the book have got to be Katniss as well as her stylist Cinna. Although the other supporting characters are interesting, I am anxious to see what happens in the third installment of this series. Happy reading everyone!
  
Captive (Beautiful Monsters #1)
Captive (Beautiful Monsters #1)
Jex Lane | 2016
10
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<strong>4.5 stars</strong>

This has left me wanting so much more. And I really want Tarrick to be lying about not caring for Matthew. You can't make me want them to be a couple and then break my heart like that. I mean, I know Tarrick was a bit of an arse in how he treated Matthew but come on..?!

I have to agree with some other reviewers about having M/F sex scenes when I thought this was going to be M/M. I don't really like it happening but I didn't mind it too much.

I also can't wait to read more of this series and might have to splash out on book two just to see what happens next.
  
Arabian Nights Volume Two
Arabian Nights Volume Two
Marty Ross | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second (of, currently, two) of Audible's Arabian Nights series, this is again framed - as the original tales are - as Scheherazade telling her Sultan increasingly fantastical tales so he will not kill her, and so that she will live another night.

This time around, the tales are all of Sinbad the Sailor and his many adventures, although I'm pretty sure that these are told in a different order than they usually, and with a different way of linking each tale rather than Sinbad going back to land, getting bored, and heading off on a new voyage.

You may note I said earlier of, currently, two - this is left open for a sequel: I must admit, also, to be surprised at the rather abrupt ending of the audiobook!
  
HT
Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5)
Karen Chance | 2011 | Paranormal, Romance
Chance must have thought readers were bored with the Cassandra/Mircea match, because much of this book is spent with Cassie falling for Pritkin without really being aware that she's getting into dangerous territory.

Palmer isn't one of my favorite characters. She isn't an ass-kicker, but she's probably somewhat more realistic than most paranormal heroines for that fact. She's coming into her own by standing up to Mircea more in this volume, but she does it in childish ways. I find her annoying partially because I'd hate to try protecting her from herself, much less anyone else.

I don't honestly understand why Mircea and Pritkin are attracted to her, either, but part of the romance formula is the heroine has to be irresistible to at least one, preferably more than one man. I do find Mircea and Pritkin interesting (they just have bad taste in women), so they and the plots hold my interest.

To be fair, Cassie seems to be growing up a little bit. Not entirely, but she's growing a little. She does vehemently claim to care about whether or not other people get hurt trying to protect her.

This book also serves as backstory time for Mircea and Pritkin, as we learn a lot more about their pasts. Things drag a bit while they relate their stories, and in fact there seems to be little point in what we hear from Mircea (readers of the series already know a lot about his family and history).

Altogether, I wouldn't have read it if I weren't already so far into the series. I do wish Chance would switch focus to another character. (I'm aware of the Dorina Basarab series set in the same universe, and consider them to be better books in general). I suppose that's unlikely, seeing as it's the Cassandra Palmer series.
  
American Horror Story  - Season 1
American Horror Story - Season 1
2011 | Horror
Twistedly beautiful
This series is very refreshing. Weird and sometimes strange but like a guilty pleasure nonetheless leaving you wanting more! With storylines and characters so twisted and peculiar it leaves you totally mind boggled. And just so you know tate Langdon is sinfully delicious (just saying!) I have progressed to series 3 so far so I have a lot to catch up on (I know! Don't give me that judging look) ? but I will say from what I've seen, if you think the first series isnt enough to keep you up all night binge watching episodes like its going out of fashion. Just you wait! each following season gets better and awesomely shocking! your brain will start to wonder "wait... Did my eyeballs just see that!?" two thumbs up and two big toe wiggles from me thoroughly recommend to anyone who revels in not being normal, well because normal people scare me of course ?