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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2402 KP) rated A Deadly Bone to Pick in Books
Feb 23, 2022
Unfortunately, I Have a Bone to Pick with This Debut
Molly Madison and her dog have relocated to Pier Point, California, and she is looking forward to starting all over. However, she has not completely unpacked before a dog she is dog sitting uncovered a hand in the sand of a nearby beach. With the police looking at Molly as a suspect because of a scandal in her past, she has to figure out what is going on. But if she doesn’t even know her neighbors, can she do that?
I picked up this book because of the Southern California setting, and I loved that. Even though Pier Point is fictional, I could easily picture it. I also enjoyed meeting Molly and the rest of her neighbors. They are slightly eccentric, but not so over the top that they didn’t still feel real. There are plenty of dogs, and they are equally charming. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book is very off. It was slow in the beginning, focusing on Molly settling into her new life. The ending, while logical, was rushed. That kept me from fully enjoying what was a promising debut.
I picked up this book because of the Southern California setting, and I loved that. Even though Pier Point is fictional, I could easily picture it. I also enjoyed meeting Molly and the rest of her neighbors. They are slightly eccentric, but not so over the top that they didn’t still feel real. There are plenty of dogs, and they are equally charming. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book is very off. It was slow in the beginning, focusing on Molly settling into her new life. The ending, while logical, was rushed. That kept me from fully enjoying what was a promising debut.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Whichever Way The Road Leads (The Eastman Saga #1) in Books
Aug 4, 2024
loved them both, together and apart!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I should say, I'm UK based, so the 1812 war between Canada and the US is not really one I know anything about. Therefore, I cannot comment on the accuracy of the details in this book.
What I can comment on, though, is the story between Zee and Jesse and their struggle to cope during this war. I loved them both, together and apart. They are both strong people, emotionally, do deal with such a difficult time, and to come out the other side.
It's beautifully written, from both Zee and Jesse's POV. There are wonderful descriptions of the scenery in that part of the world. I really enjoyed trying to picture them.
It has some lighter moments, but some darker ones too. There was much that made me cry.
I haven't read anything by this author before, A quick look shows her books seem to be about couples in settings with a war backdrop. I'd like to read more from this author.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I should say, I'm UK based, so the 1812 war between Canada and the US is not really one I know anything about. Therefore, I cannot comment on the accuracy of the details in this book.
What I can comment on, though, is the story between Zee and Jesse and their struggle to cope during this war. I loved them both, together and apart. They are both strong people, emotionally, do deal with such a difficult time, and to come out the other side.
It's beautifully written, from both Zee and Jesse's POV. There are wonderful descriptions of the scenery in that part of the world. I really enjoyed trying to picture them.
It has some lighter moments, but some darker ones too. There was much that made me cry.
I haven't read anything by this author before, A quick look shows her books seem to be about couples in settings with a war backdrop. I'd like to read more from this author.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13203 KP) rated Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) by Charlie Cochet
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is the last book (so far) in the THIRDS series, and you do need to read the other books in the series to get the complete picture. It is in previous books that we have learned about the Hobbs family, about Hudson's relationship with Nina, and how Therians view the whole being marked phenomenon.
Now, I will admit to being torn going into this book. I like Hudson - the sexy, nerdy doctor who has helped Dex and Sloane without question. Okay, so maybe with some questions, but he still helped. BUT you then get the Hudson that is constantly pulling Seb to him, only to push him away again. I understand the story of how it happened, and I understand the guilt behind it. I also understand the bonding that is there between mates. What I don't understand is how Seb could carry on wanting Hudson with how he was behaving. Nina had it right with what she said to Hudson, but it was a few years too late in my opinion. I will also admit to getting slightly fed up with the 'poor me' Hudson routine.
On the whole though, this book manages to tie up some loose ends whilst leaving you with plenty of questions going forward. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I found the pacing very smooth, with peaks of action in amongst the talking. This book is still a welcome addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I will admit to being torn going into this book. I like Hudson - the sexy, nerdy doctor who has helped Dex and Sloane without question. Okay, so maybe with some questions, but he still helped. BUT you then get the Hudson that is constantly pulling Seb to him, only to push him away again. I understand the story of how it happened, and I understand the guilt behind it. I also understand the bonding that is there between mates. What I don't understand is how Seb could carry on wanting Hudson with how he was behaving. Nina had it right with what she said to Hudson, but it was a few years too late in my opinion. I will also admit to getting slightly fed up with the 'poor me' Hudson routine.
On the whole though, this book manages to tie up some loose ends whilst leaving you with plenty of questions going forward. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I found the pacing very smooth, with peaks of action in amongst the talking. This book is still a welcome addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Mr June (Calendar Men #6) in Books
Jul 2, 2018
Perfect hangover cure!
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 6 in the Calendar Men series, and I would recommend you read Jan through May before this one, if only to give you a better picture of this photo shoot and what's happened up to now. Not totally necessary though.
Having dumped his boyfriend right after shooting their photo for June, Ilias finds himself on a callout to a fight at a local doctor's office. Meeting Henry makes his heart swell with everything he had been looking for up to this point. There is just a small matter of someone dealing drugs out of Henry's office!
I'm really enjoying this series.
They have, for the most part, (May not included!) just the right amount of loves, drama, sexy time, emotions and the whole gamut of emotions that need to be in a book to make them engaging and enjoyable.
This one did seem a little longer than the rest, but they are all a similar page length.
I loved Ilias and Henry, both separately and together. They really are perfect for each other!
While it's painfully obvious (to me anyway) WHO is doing the dirty on Henry, I liked being proved correct, just as much as I would have liked to have been proven wrong!
I read this in one sitting while suffering from a book AND an alcohol hangover, so despite its longer length, there it will sit!
Great addition to the series. Love to see what happens next with this shoot!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 6 in the Calendar Men series, and I would recommend you read Jan through May before this one, if only to give you a better picture of this photo shoot and what's happened up to now. Not totally necessary though.
Having dumped his boyfriend right after shooting their photo for June, Ilias finds himself on a callout to a fight at a local doctor's office. Meeting Henry makes his heart swell with everything he had been looking for up to this point. There is just a small matter of someone dealing drugs out of Henry's office!
I'm really enjoying this series.
They have, for the most part, (May not included!) just the right amount of loves, drama, sexy time, emotions and the whole gamut of emotions that need to be in a book to make them engaging and enjoyable.
This one did seem a little longer than the rest, but they are all a similar page length.
I loved Ilias and Henry, both separately and together. They really are perfect for each other!
While it's painfully obvious (to me anyway) WHO is doing the dirty on Henry, I liked being proved correct, just as much as I would have liked to have been proven wrong!
I read this in one sitting while suffering from a book AND an alcohol hangover, so despite its longer length, there it will sit!
Great addition to the series. Love to see what happens next with this shoot!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13203 KP) rated Liam For Hire in Books
Oct 18, 2018
Liam for Hire by A. Zukowski
Liam For Hire can be read as a standalone, but it does feature a couple of characters from the first book - The Boy Who Fell To Earth. That was an amazing read, so I wholeheartedly recommend you do start with that one first, just so you get the full picture.
Liam is one of those characters, and we meet up with him a few months after Sasha. He has mainly got his act together, and is now an escort. He knows what he is, and what he does. He would like more, but he just can't see it. As the story progresses you see many reasons for why he would feel like this, and trust me, it will break your heart. As for Ali, there is little I can say about him apart from I LOVE HIM!! His attitude was perfect for Liam, and helped him in more ways than even Liam realised.
This is a dark read yet again, showing Liam's addiction, and recovery, and addiction. Too many good bits to mention, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, and read it in one sitting. It was so nice to read a story from Liam's perspective. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommeding this story, or this author. Absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait for Chris' story.
* 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!
Liam is one of those characters, and we meet up with him a few months after Sasha. He has mainly got his act together, and is now an escort. He knows what he is, and what he does. He would like more, but he just can't see it. As the story progresses you see many reasons for why he would feel like this, and trust me, it will break your heart. As for Ali, there is little I can say about him apart from I LOVE HIM!! His attitude was perfect for Liam, and helped him in more ways than even Liam realised.
This is a dark read yet again, showing Liam's addiction, and recovery, and addiction. Too many good bits to mention, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, and read it in one sitting. It was so nice to read a story from Liam's perspective. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommeding this story, or this author. Absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait for Chris' story.
* 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!
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Merissa (13203 KP) rated The Perfect Lap (Racing Hearts in Serenity #2) in Books
Sep 24, 2019
The Perfect Lap is the second book in the Racing Hearts series, and this time we meet with AJ and Ella. Ella made a mistake and lost her job because of it. She also split with her boyfriend as he had a hand in it too. AJ is a great racing driver, but lets his personal issues cloud his mind once he has finished the race. Together, these two have lessons to learn.
This was an easy read, and a great follow on to book one. It didn't have the same pizazz for me as Nora's Promise, but it was still a charming read. AJ really does have a heart of gold, and just needs Ella's help to focus on what is really important. In turn, Ella needs to realise that not every man is a write-off. Add in three children and a down-on-her-luck mother, and you have all the ingredients for the story. I particularly liked seeing the cameos from Nora and Davey, plus the hints of the books to come.
A smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this was perfectly paced and with a strong set of characters. You do not have to know anything about Nascar racing either (which is a bonus for me!) Absolutely recommended, but I would suggest you start with Nora's Promise first, just to get the bigger picture.
* 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!
This was an easy read, and a great follow on to book one. It didn't have the same pizazz for me as Nora's Promise, but it was still a charming read. AJ really does have a heart of gold, and just needs Ella's help to focus on what is really important. In turn, Ella needs to realise that not every man is a write-off. Add in three children and a down-on-her-luck mother, and you have all the ingredients for the story. I particularly liked seeing the cameos from Nora and Davey, plus the hints of the books to come.
A smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this was perfectly paced and with a strong set of characters. You do not have to know anything about Nascar racing either (which is a bonus for me!) Absolutely recommended, but I would suggest you start with Nora's Promise first, just to get the bigger picture.
* 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!
Merissa (13203 KP) rated Bad Best Friend (Billionaire's Club #14) in Books
Mar 1, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
BAD BEST FRIEND is the fourteenth book in the Billionaire's Club series, and we meet Cora and Rafe. Now, as you may recall, I started this series at book thirteen, so there's a pretty good chance that the couples mentioned have their own stories that I haven't read. That didn't impact me in any way though.
Cora is the baby of the family, over-protected by her brothers and their best friend to try to make up for the death of her father when she was too young to remember him. She had dreams about Rafe but it obviously wasn't meant to be. That is until he moves in and realises she is a woman and all grown up.
I really felt for Cora in this. She took a lot that I don't think I could have. And Teresa was spot on with her prediction. Rafe is a good guy and I do understand where he was coming from. It just didn't fit with the picture I got in my head from the blurb.
Told from both Cora and Rafe's perspectives, this was an easy read that flowed well. The pacing was spot on and there were a few steamy moments.
Another great read from Elise Faber and recommended by me. Now, I really must get those books on the backlist!
** 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!
Mar 1, 2022
Cora is the baby of the family, over-protected by her brothers and their best friend to try to make up for the death of her father when she was too young to remember him. She had dreams about Rafe but it obviously wasn't meant to be. That is until he moves in and realises she is a woman and all grown up.
I really felt for Cora in this. She took a lot that I don't think I could have. And Teresa was spot on with her prediction. Rafe is a good guy and I do understand where he was coming from. It just didn't fit with the picture I got in my head from the blurb.
Told from both Cora and Rafe's perspectives, this was an easy read that flowed well. The pacing was spot on and there were a few steamy moments.
Another great read from Elise Faber and recommended by me. Now, I really must get those books on the backlist!
** 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!
Mar 1, 2022