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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Mayhem, Murder and Marijuana in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Adam Copland is the master when it comes to the legal marijuana business in Los Angeles, California. But not everyone in the business plays nicely. Adam has to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly of this industry. The book focuses on Adam expanding his business to other parts of California as well as other parts of the country. There are a lot of highs and lows he experiences with this expansion. His wife is not happy with the business he is in although it makes him lots of money. Will Adam be able to continue to live and survive being in the marijuana industry?
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBaby/Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was excited to read this book because I have an interest in the marijuana industry and how it has changed so much over the past few years. Being legalized in many states for medical as well as recreational purposes. The overall story was interesting and filled with characters I loved to hate, but there were some issues with the writing that made me give the book three stars.
First off, we're introduced to several characters all at once with similar names(Jamal, Jam) and I had to go back to make sure I was with the right person. Then all throughout the book, the main character would go by different names in the same sentence and paragraph. His name is Adam Copland, sometimes it was just Adam, sometimes Copland and sometimes AC. And there never seemed to be any rhyme or reason as to why it was this way. I'm used to a name shift when a person has a title(eg. Dr. Jones, friends may call him/her by the first name or a detective), but not for an average person. At first this left me very confused because I wasn't sure if they were talking about the same person or different people. Other than that, I had to find out what was going to happen.
This is the first book in the series, I'm not sure how many books there will be all together, but I want to know what is going to happen next, because this book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBaby/Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was excited to read this book because I have an interest in the marijuana industry and how it has changed so much over the past few years. Being legalized in many states for medical as well as recreational purposes. The overall story was interesting and filled with characters I loved to hate, but there were some issues with the writing that made me give the book three stars.
First off, we're introduced to several characters all at once with similar names(Jamal, Jam) and I had to go back to make sure I was with the right person. Then all throughout the book, the main character would go by different names in the same sentence and paragraph. His name is Adam Copland, sometimes it was just Adam, sometimes Copland and sometimes AC. And there never seemed to be any rhyme or reason as to why it was this way. I'm used to a name shift when a person has a title(eg. Dr. Jones, friends may call him/her by the first name or a detective), but not for an average person. At first this left me very confused because I wasn't sure if they were talking about the same person or different people. Other than that, I had to find out what was going to happen.
This is the first book in the series, I'm not sure how many books there will be all together, but I want to know what is going to happen next, because this book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Debbiereadsbook (1777 KP) rated To Beguile a Banished Lord (Regency Rossingley #3) in Books
Nov 13, 2025
loved this instalment!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy od this book.
This is book 3 in the Regency Rossingley series, and the blurb states you can read it as a stand alone.
I say, I would recommend that you read at LEAST book 2. That is Lyndon's brother's book and Lyndon was shocking to his brother in that book, and you need to knoww hat he did, because he comments on it a lot. It's not fully explained (I don't think) until late in this book. And he really was awful to his brother.
And, you know, I said so! I liked book 1, and I loved book two but I LOVED this one!
Lyndon is in exile in Norfolk at his estate. Rollo is sent there for the summer to repent for disobeying his father, Lando (book 1), again. Rollo wasn't expecting to enjoy himself, but Lyndon, or Fitz as Rollo takes to calling him, grows on him.
What I especially loved about this one, was apart from obvious attraction, the feelings creep up on them both. The silly little things, like Rollo calling him Fitz. Or Fitz calling Rollo, pup. The brightness Fitz feels in Rollo's company, or the way Fitz cannot NOT track Rollo's movements with his eyes.
Loved how we don't get the full story about Will and what happened in the lake for quite some time and it was so very not what I was thinking. I refer back to the review from book 2, I think this is just the way the author spins her webs and keeps us on our toes! Loved what Will does, for Fitz.
I loved that, while intially Fitz did not want Rollo there, when he left, Fitz was distraught. Hated what happened there.
But what surprised me most, was Lando's acceptence of Rollo and Fitz being together, given their history. And I think, deep down, Benedict (Fitz's brother) wanted him to be happy, even if he was awful to him in the past.
I loved this book, read it in one sitting, and I want more of these men and how they manage to live their lives, amid a time when being with a man is a capital offence.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Regency Rossingley series, and the blurb states you can read it as a stand alone.
I say, I would recommend that you read at LEAST book 2. That is Lyndon's brother's book and Lyndon was shocking to his brother in that book, and you need to knoww hat he did, because he comments on it a lot. It's not fully explained (I don't think) until late in this book. And he really was awful to his brother.
And, you know, I said so! I liked book 1, and I loved book two but I LOVED this one!
Lyndon is in exile in Norfolk at his estate. Rollo is sent there for the summer to repent for disobeying his father, Lando (book 1), again. Rollo wasn't expecting to enjoy himself, but Lyndon, or Fitz as Rollo takes to calling him, grows on him.
What I especially loved about this one, was apart from obvious attraction, the feelings creep up on them both. The silly little things, like Rollo calling him Fitz. Or Fitz calling Rollo, pup. The brightness Fitz feels in Rollo's company, or the way Fitz cannot NOT track Rollo's movements with his eyes.
Loved how we don't get the full story about Will and what happened in the lake for quite some time and it was so very not what I was thinking. I refer back to the review from book 2, I think this is just the way the author spins her webs and keeps us on our toes! Loved what Will does, for Fitz.
I loved that, while intially Fitz did not want Rollo there, when he left, Fitz was distraught. Hated what happened there.
But what surprised me most, was Lando's acceptence of Rollo and Fitz being together, given their history. And I think, deep down, Benedict (Fitz's brother) wanted him to be happy, even if he was awful to him in the past.
I loved this book, read it in one sitting, and I want more of these men and how they manage to live their lives, amid a time when being with a man is a capital offence.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Shelle Perry (66 KP) rated The House on Crow Mountain in Books
Sep 1, 2021
Mystery Thriller, Cozy Rules
The House on Crow Mountain is probably the most uncozy-like cozy I have ever read. Don’t get me wrong it totally adheres to all the cozy rules; no graphic language, sex, or violence. It also follows the popular cozy tropes; a small town, a broken-hearted woman who returns home to make a new start, clever pets, etc. It is just I consider cozy to be a light afternoon read. More fluff than serious. I mean no disrespect to the books and authors I have read to date, some are among my all-time favorites.
This book from the first sentence to the last pulled me into a hard mystery thriller that just happened to follow cozy rules. It has everything; gripping suspense, a leading lady wracked with grief and guilt, and a possible love interest trying to redeem himself from a tragic mistake, or was it? There are far-reaching family secrets, menacing red herrings, and a sinister plot. There was no guessing whodunnit before the reveal. I really (I mean really) did not like the person, but there were so many other people to not like, to suspect, to think about that it barely registered. I could not put this book down as the story unfolded and the floating, maybe relevant plotlines merged bringing the story to its climax.
I seriously hope for this to be a series as there are characters that I would love to learn more about, but I tell you, I would be okay with this being a one-off. The story as it stands has mostly been told and it is that good.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book from the first sentence to the last pulled me into a hard mystery thriller that just happened to follow cozy rules. It has everything; gripping suspense, a leading lady wracked with grief and guilt, and a possible love interest trying to redeem himself from a tragic mistake, or was it? There are far-reaching family secrets, menacing red herrings, and a sinister plot. There was no guessing whodunnit before the reveal. I really (I mean really) did not like the person, but there were so many other people to not like, to suspect, to think about that it barely registered. I could not put this book down as the story unfolded and the floating, maybe relevant plotlines merged bringing the story to its climax.
I seriously hope for this to be a series as there are characters that I would love to learn more about, but I tell you, I would be okay with this being a one-off. The story as it stands has mostly been told and it is that good.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Debbiereadsbook (1777 KP) rated From The Ashes (Redwood Bay Fire #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2025
Bloody Loved it!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Redwood Bay Fire series, and while it's not really neceassary to read book 1, Igniting His Flame, I think you should. If only cos I said so!
Colton left Zahir after they finished high school and they haven't seen each other in 15 years. But one meeting, and Colton knows he never stopped loving Zahir. Zahir isn't sure he can survive Colton leaving again, and Zahir will not go back into the closet. Can they work it out?
I've had a run of these fairly low angst books and I am LOVING them all!
What I especially loved about this one, was the fact that neither Colt or Zahir had really moved on. Oh they'd had other partners, but nothing lasting, just flings and one nights. But meeting each other again, it all comes back and they both realise that they really could never move on.
I loved that they actually talked it out. Once they had done that, they went all in. I loved how Colt stands up to his mum and dad, that really did make me laugh! Portia was amazing, given what she had been dragged into, and I think she flies the rainbow flag too!
It's not ever so steamy, but it's hawt, if that makes sense. Emotional, very, but the angst level is low and I loved that it was.
Loved that Lochlan and Dario pop up. I love this One: Thirteen family!
This is, I believe, Ms Welch's first foray into the world of second chance, and by Jove I think she got it! Keep these guys coming, please, I need more of them in my life!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Redwood Bay Fire series, and while it's not really neceassary to read book 1, Igniting His Flame, I think you should. If only cos I said so!
Colton left Zahir after they finished high school and they haven't seen each other in 15 years. But one meeting, and Colton knows he never stopped loving Zahir. Zahir isn't sure he can survive Colton leaving again, and Zahir will not go back into the closet. Can they work it out?
I've had a run of these fairly low angst books and I am LOVING them all!
What I especially loved about this one, was the fact that neither Colt or Zahir had really moved on. Oh they'd had other partners, but nothing lasting, just flings and one nights. But meeting each other again, it all comes back and they both realise that they really could never move on.
I loved that they actually talked it out. Once they had done that, they went all in. I loved how Colt stands up to his mum and dad, that really did make me laugh! Portia was amazing, given what she had been dragged into, and I think she flies the rainbow flag too!
It's not ever so steamy, but it's hawt, if that makes sense. Emotional, very, but the angst level is low and I loved that it was.
Loved that Lochlan and Dario pop up. I love this One: Thirteen family!
This is, I believe, Ms Welch's first foray into the world of second chance, and by Jove I think she got it! Keep these guys coming, please, I need more of them in my life!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Forgotten Girls in Books
Jan 13, 2018
Received an ARC from First To Read for an honest review:
First, I like many others it seems, did not know from the blurb that it was book 6 in a series. That scared me just a tiny bit when I started it, but as I read the book I realized it definitely also works as a standalone.
Second, I'm not big on crime novels that are not of the "cozy mystery" variety. That being said, the more violent scenes in this book were not...bothersome. It worked it's way up in intensity, but there was nothing that forced me to step away from the book and take a breather.
That being said, though, the book was full of amazing scenes beautifully described that you couldn't, as a reader, NOT picture, even if you didn't want to. Lines like: "Even the sky seemed static, just a blank wall, a paint swatch, 'chronic depression gray'." were scattered throughout, and they place you in the wintry, desolate, desperate situation of the characters so that you are right beside them, experiencing what they are, for better or worse.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even though the content was not a topic of my normal choosing (sorry, serial killers hunting women freak me out).
Extra bonus for the techy geek stuff I didn't know about the "cloud" that I had to double check with the more "techno-advanced" member of our household about. Definitely makes me think twice about the idea of even donating a used phone.
First, I like many others it seems, did not know from the blurb that it was book 6 in a series. That scared me just a tiny bit when I started it, but as I read the book I realized it definitely also works as a standalone.
Second, I'm not big on crime novels that are not of the "cozy mystery" variety. That being said, the more violent scenes in this book were not...bothersome. It worked it's way up in intensity, but there was nothing that forced me to step away from the book and take a breather.
That being said, though, the book was full of amazing scenes beautifully described that you couldn't, as a reader, NOT picture, even if you didn't want to. Lines like: "Even the sky seemed static, just a blank wall, a paint swatch, 'chronic depression gray'." were scattered throughout, and they place you in the wintry, desolate, desperate situation of the characters so that you are right beside them, experiencing what they are, for better or worse.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even though the content was not a topic of my normal choosing (sorry, serial killers hunting women freak me out).
Extra bonus for the techy geek stuff I didn't know about the "cloud" that I had to double check with the more "techno-advanced" member of our household about. Definitely makes me think twice about the idea of even donating a used phone.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd (Flavia de Luce, #8) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Book 8 in Alan Bradley's wondrous series picks up with Flavia returning home from Canada--no longer in boarding school--and back home among her sisters, family servants, and faithful bike, Gladys. Unfortunately, upon returning home, she is met with the news that her father is gravely ill with pneumonia. Only Flavia's pesky cousin, Undine is around to greet her. Out and about in town, Flavia runs an errand and--in true Flavia fashion-- stumbles across the body of a dead man. He appears to be the local woodcarver, and Flavia finds him hanging upside down in his home. From there, Flavia's downtrodden spirits lift immediately, as there is nothing like a dead body to return her to her true self. She sets out to solve the case before her pal, Inspector Hewitt, can, but this case will offer plenty of twists and turns, even for our young sleuth.
This novel is immediately Flavia, from the start, like picking up with an old friend. The beginning finds Flavia feeling a little lonely and sorry for herself until finding a corpse, of course. With Flavia back from Canada, it's a return to Bradley's tried and true Flavia de Luce formula, but it's certainly not trite, or tired. While the plot is a bit twisty and keeps you guessing, as always, it's Flavia who is the true star. In this book, we see our heroine growing up a bit: not just in age, but in maturity. Thankfully, though, she's still our Flavia, with her feisty spirit and deep love of chemistry. Truly, she's just a dear character and Bradley is amazing in how he captures her voice so perfectly.
These novels never fail to disappoint -- this one, as well. I will continue to highly recommend this series. This can certainly be read as a standalone, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't start at the beginning of Flavia's journey.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it's available for U.S. publication everywhere as of 9/20/16.
This novel is immediately Flavia, from the start, like picking up with an old friend. The beginning finds Flavia feeling a little lonely and sorry for herself until finding a corpse, of course. With Flavia back from Canada, it's a return to Bradley's tried and true Flavia de Luce formula, but it's certainly not trite, or tired. While the plot is a bit twisty and keeps you guessing, as always, it's Flavia who is the true star. In this book, we see our heroine growing up a bit: not just in age, but in maturity. Thankfully, though, she's still our Flavia, with her feisty spirit and deep love of chemistry. Truly, she's just a dear character and Bradley is amazing in how he captures her voice so perfectly.
These novels never fail to disappoint -- this one, as well. I will continue to highly recommend this series. This can certainly be read as a standalone, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't start at the beginning of Flavia's journey.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it's available for U.S. publication everywhere as of 9/20/16.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated ƒire's Viking (ƒire's Viking, #2) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
In this, the second in the Eire's Viking Trilogy, Agnarr has returned to the Emerald Isle with his heart set on finding himself a wife and making a life amongst the people he had pillaged long ago. Cared for by Charis' adoptive daughter, the relationship quickly spirals into more than that of just a patient and his healer.
This story has a great continuation from the first book, flowing smoothly and sucking you straight back in to the trilogy. That said, I would advise against reading this if you have not already read the first in the series. I was sucked instantly into the series, my attention thoroughly grabbed and it kept me wanting to read more and more. It felt like I was actually there in Ireland, the history was so splendid and totally immersed me in the tale being told. It's just enough history, but it never detracts from the story, rather it enhances it as it makes it so much more real and believable.
The romance in this story is well written, as you'd expect having already seen how Layne developed the relationship between Cowan and Charis. Agnarr and Aislinn seem well suited to each other and their initial resistance is balanced, rather than overplayed. The development of their feelings for each other, and their realisation of that fact, is written with skill.
Charis and Cowan remain wonderful characters to read, and their development, both of their relationship and their characterisation in general, is well continued from the first book. The revisiting of other characters like Tuirgeis was a great addition as, not only is it great to see them again, but it helps build a greater degree of reality to the story.
All in all, this was a very pleasant read, a story I enjoyed and one that developed the trilogy well. If I had to, i'd have a little niggle over the pace, as it did slow slightly, but, nevertheless, it was still a very good read. I am, as with the last book, very excited to see how this trilogy will end.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
This story has a great continuation from the first book, flowing smoothly and sucking you straight back in to the trilogy. That said, I would advise against reading this if you have not already read the first in the series. I was sucked instantly into the series, my attention thoroughly grabbed and it kept me wanting to read more and more. It felt like I was actually there in Ireland, the history was so splendid and totally immersed me in the tale being told. It's just enough history, but it never detracts from the story, rather it enhances it as it makes it so much more real and believable.
The romance in this story is well written, as you'd expect having already seen how Layne developed the relationship between Cowan and Charis. Agnarr and Aislinn seem well suited to each other and their initial resistance is balanced, rather than overplayed. The development of their feelings for each other, and their realisation of that fact, is written with skill.
Charis and Cowan remain wonderful characters to read, and their development, both of their relationship and their characterisation in general, is well continued from the first book. The revisiting of other characters like Tuirgeis was a great addition as, not only is it great to see them again, but it helps build a greater degree of reality to the story.
All in all, this was a very pleasant read, a story I enjoyed and one that developed the trilogy well. If I had to, i'd have a little niggle over the pace, as it did slow slightly, but, nevertheless, it was still a very good read. I am, as with the last book, very excited to see how this trilogy will end.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated A Small Case of Murder (Joshua Thornton Mystery #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2024
We are introduced to Joshua Thornton and his five children in chapter 1. The prologue brings Lulu Jefferson's view and a little bit about his parents. We are also introduced to Tad. There is a catch as Joshua moves his family to his former hometown.
He seems to get caught helping someone who tried to kill his cousin Tad in a church, and it seems to bring more to be involved. All when he goes to the state attorney general. It is more as his murderer with his arrangement and ends up murdered along with Beth Davis.
There is a twist when things get more complicated, and the state attorney general decides to ask or request Joshua to become a Special Prosecutor for the case of Vicki Rawlings and Beth Davis. They think he got the trust of the citizens of his hometown. Will he take the offer, or will he not?
Joshua is working with a police officer and a local reporter. What appears to be one thing is that his children are so like him that they want to join in and protect him. Does Joshua wish to be a dad and raise them, or will he hide from them and not send this child to live with their extended family? How will he decide to deal with the life he was chosen for?
Lauren Carr's Mysteries and stories are good. However, this one is less dense when it starts at the story's beginning. However, the action is improving, with this one being when Joshua and his five children are introduced. They are about school age. This book gets better as it goes along.
This is probably when she was starting to write these kinds of stories. This is their second series, so it has improved dramatically since. I love this one. I only wish I knew more about what happened to Valerie and what caused her to pass away. Then Joshua moved and settled in his hometown with his lovely five children. But other than that, it is a good starter book or series to get into her books, Along with Mac Faraday Mysteries.
He seems to get caught helping someone who tried to kill his cousin Tad in a church, and it seems to bring more to be involved. All when he goes to the state attorney general. It is more as his murderer with his arrangement and ends up murdered along with Beth Davis.
There is a twist when things get more complicated, and the state attorney general decides to ask or request Joshua to become a Special Prosecutor for the case of Vicki Rawlings and Beth Davis. They think he got the trust of the citizens of his hometown. Will he take the offer, or will he not?
Joshua is working with a police officer and a local reporter. What appears to be one thing is that his children are so like him that they want to join in and protect him. Does Joshua wish to be a dad and raise them, or will he hide from them and not send this child to live with their extended family? How will he decide to deal with the life he was chosen for?
Lauren Carr's Mysteries and stories are good. However, this one is less dense when it starts at the story's beginning. However, the action is improving, with this one being when Joshua and his five children are introduced. They are about school age. This book gets better as it goes along.
This is probably when she was starting to write these kinds of stories. This is their second series, so it has improved dramatically since. I love this one. I only wish I knew more about what happened to Valerie and what caused her to pass away. Then Joshua moved and settled in his hometown with his lovely five children. But other than that, it is a good starter book or series to get into her books, Along with Mac Faraday Mysteries.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) in Movies
Jan 11, 2018
Remake of wrath of Kahn
The new star trek series is yet to disappoint it's loyal viewers and the remake of the orignal second film does not disappoint. The story has changed for the better and Khan (Cumberbatch) is seen a fighter, defender and murderer in this version. Krik and crew are sent to kill Khan after he first creates a terroist event within the federation and then commits first degree murder in its leadership but, we all know kirk will do the right thing and tries to be himself when his emotions are already running high. If you have seen the first one you know how it ends this ending to me was much better thought out and is way better. I don't want to spoil it so if you are a fan please watch.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
The good: Romance, twists, turns, brooding Kyle, and damaged Faye. The plot to this book is wonderfully well written. It brings you into the Kennedy family and makes you care for not just the main characters but the other boys in the family. Add on the forbidden cousin relationship and you have a story you won't want to put down. The bombshell cliffhanger insures you will be heading to the next book ASAP to find out what will happen.
The bad: I had a hard time with the whole cousin thing for a lot of the book. But if you can get past that the steamy push pull is pretty well done.
The epilogue: This book is for fans of the Royals series as well as anyone who enjoys a good angst ridden push pull relationship.
The bad: I had a hard time with the whole cousin thing for a lot of the book. But if you can get past that the steamy push pull is pretty well done.
The epilogue: This book is for fans of the Royals series as well as anyone who enjoys a good angst ridden push pull relationship.