Search
Search results
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sugar Money in Books
Oct 16, 2021
168 of 250
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated Of Hoaxes and Homicide in Books
Jan 31, 2024
Dear Miss Hermion, Will You Join a Cult?
It’s been a few months since we last checked in on half-sisters Violet and Sephora Manville, and they are finding themselves a bit bored after the excitement of solving their first murder. That changes when Violet’s alter ego, advice columnist Miss Hermione, receives a letter from a distraught mother whose daughter has run off and joined a cult. When Violet starts to investigate, she realizes that she knows someone in the group. Violet goes undercover in the cult right before a murder happens. Can she figure out what is going on?
I enjoyed the first, and this was another good entry. We get the story most from Violet’s first-person point of view, but we occasionally transfer to Sephora’s. These breaks are always obvious, and they are also used to good effect to advance the story. The plot could have used a bit more, but there are still some good twists, and I was engaged the entire time. Part of that is because of the characters, who I enjoyed. I also liked seeing both Violet and Sephora not only grow, but grow their relationship as well. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
I enjoyed the first, and this was another good entry. We get the story most from Violet’s first-person point of view, but we occasionally transfer to Sephora’s. These breaks are always obvious, and they are also used to good effect to advance the story. The plot could have used a bit more, but there are still some good twists, and I was engaged the entire time. Part of that is because of the characters, who I enjoyed. I also liked seeing both Violet and Sephora not only grow, but grow their relationship as well. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Dani Capello Shadows of Men
Book
"An endearing queer couple uplifts this romantic, unique, and occasionally violent tale." - Kirkus...
LGBTQ+ Coming of age literary
High Risk: A Strong Woman Medical Romance
Book
One overworked lady doctor has found the perfect guy. He's smoking hot, a fabulous dancer, and...
Romantic suspense multicultural romance action adventure romance medical romance
Merissa (14214 KP) rated Into The Churn in Books
Apr 4, 2024
INTO THE CHURN is the first in a new same-name series by an amazing author. First, she has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in Fantasy, and now, she has done it again in Science Fiction.
The characters of Ezren and Foster are outstanding, quickly drawing you into their story and making you want all the good things for them. Their relationship is quick, but not rushed, and not without its arguments as they are both strong-minded and strong-willed. They are ably supported by a brilliant cast, all with their own unmistakable personalities, who share the pages so well.
From a death-defying race, to sabotage and murder, this story gives you enough to sink your teeth into, whilst leaving you wanting more. I have fallen in love with Belethea and hope to return to her skies soon!
This is high-class Science Fiction that just happens to have young MCs but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME!!!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2024
The characters of Ezren and Foster are outstanding, quickly drawing you into their story and making you want all the good things for them. Their relationship is quick, but not rushed, and not without its arguments as they are both strong-minded and strong-willed. They are ably supported by a brilliant cast, all with their own unmistakable personalities, who share the pages so well.
From a death-defying race, to sabotage and murder, this story gives you enough to sink your teeth into, whilst leaving you wanting more. I have fallen in love with Belethea and hope to return to her skies soon!
This is high-class Science Fiction that just happens to have young MCs but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME!!!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2024
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Tarot Reader of Versailles in Books
Jul 8, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it’s a NetGalley book. But I knew I was never going to be able to read it anytime soon, so I just Xigxagged it! And I’m really glad that I did. When a book is from more than one perspective, it’s good to hear the characters in their “own” voices, I always think. I don’t know if I an even explain the storyline of this one – there’s a lot going on. French Revolution, a tarot card reader (Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand) discovers an Irish woman (Cait) on the streets of Paris who also has extraordinary powers. Lenormand reads futures, Cait sees their pasts. Cait wants to return to Ireland and help free the Irish from the yoke of British rule, and this is how she goes about getting there. There’s a lot of detail about the French Revolution, and Lenormand has a close relationship with those around Marie Antoinette (unfortunately for her). It’s pretty brutal at times, but those were the times in which these people lived. It’s a real adventure story, with magic and sapphic love thrown in to the mix as well. I loved this one – highly recommended!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated A Grave Deception in Books
Dec 10, 2025
Murder Past and Present
Kate Hamilton has found a murder from centuries ago. An archeological group from a college is working in an area nearby, and they’ve found a very well-preserved body. Kate and Ivor are brought in to investigate the items found with the body. The owner of the property where the find was made is very curious and asks Kate to try to find out who this woman was. But that is complicated when a modern-day murder also takes place. Kate is well positioned to figure out what is happening. Can she piece together clues to solve the modern mystery as well?
The characters are the draw for me with this series, and I enjoyed getting to see Kate and Tom’s relationship continue to evolve. Several of the other regulars were also present, which was nice. The plot did get derailed briefly a time or two for me, but those who enjoy British history and antiques will enjoy those detours more than I did. Overall, the plot kept me engaged and lead to a logical climax. And I learned something about history and antiques along the way. Fans of the series will be delighted with this new entry.
The characters are the draw for me with this series, and I enjoyed getting to see Kate and Tom’s relationship continue to evolve. Several of the other regulars were also present, which was nice. The plot did get derailed briefly a time or two for me, but those who enjoy British history and antiques will enjoy those detours more than I did. Overall, the plot kept me engaged and lead to a logical climax. And I learned something about history and antiques along the way. Fans of the series will be delighted with this new entry.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated Harm Not the Earth in Books
May 22, 2026 (Updated May 22, 2026)
Murder of Environmental Activists
Jim and Sally follow up on a report and find a dead body in their off hours. Since the death is outside of Jim’s normal patrol area, the man who takes on the case doesn’t welcome his help. But Jim becomes even more determined to figure out what is going on when he realizes he knew the victim, having volunteered with his environmental organization. Then a second victim turns up. Sally jumps in to help, hoping to make sure things are resolved before Jim gets into too much trouble. Can they determine what is going on?
Between the title and the victim, I wasn’t surprised when some of the motives hit environmental issues. Fortunately, the author did a good job of portraying the complexities of the issue while still offering other motives. The plot was complex with several strong suspects and twists that kept me engaged until the logical climax. Unfortunately, there were some snags in the timeline, but nothing that truly impacted the solution. It’s nice watching the beginning stages of Jim and Sally’s relationship here. They are continuing to grow as individual characters as well. I’m glad I have the next in the series already since I enjoyed this one.
Between the title and the victim, I wasn’t surprised when some of the motives hit environmental issues. Fortunately, the author did a good job of portraying the complexities of the issue while still offering other motives. The plot was complex with several strong suspects and twists that kept me engaged until the logical climax. Unfortunately, there were some snags in the timeline, but nothing that truly impacted the solution. It’s nice watching the beginning stages of Jim and Sally’s relationship here. They are continuing to grow as individual characters as well. I’m glad I have the next in the series already since I enjoyed this one.
Merissa (14214 KP) rated Passing Through Purgatory (Passing Through Cafe #1) in Books
Jun 10, 2025
PASSING THROUGH PURGATORY is the first book in the Passing Through Cafe series, and we start with Oliver trying to attend an interview in Greed. Unfortunately for him, a series of errors means he misses the train and doesn't get the job. What he does get is an introduction to the craziest bunch of characters I've yet to meet.
This was chaos from beginning to end, and it had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Plus, seeing Oliver's reaction to Liel was sheer class. Cringeworthy, but classic! They had met before, but Oliver was too drunk to remember. Their relationship moves smoothly, with lots of wooing, which I loved.
This whole bunch deserve books of their own, and I have the second lined up ready to go (Jude and Toni's story). I can't wait to read their story and take a back seat to all the shenanigans that will no doubt go on. A great read that I definitely recommend!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2025
This was chaos from beginning to end, and it had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Plus, seeing Oliver's reaction to Liel was sheer class. Cringeworthy, but classic! They had met before, but Oliver was too drunk to remember. Their relationship moves smoothly, with lots of wooing, which I loved.
This whole bunch deserve books of their own, and I have the second lined up ready to go (Jude and Toni's story). I can't wait to read their story and take a back seat to all the shenanigans that will no doubt go on. A great read that I definitely recommend!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1856 KP) rated Totality (Leading Men #1) in Books
Mar 12, 2025
when we got the full story behind that call. And I cried, I really did.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Azora meets Lorcan, a film star, at an eclipse. What follows is a bit of a whirlwind romance. Azora knows time is ticking, these things never last. But does she really want it to end?
I enjoyed this. It was an easy read, for the most part, with quite low angst on the relationship side. A minor scuffle with an ex, but nothing too dramatic.
The BDSM thing kinda bloomed really quickly but I liked that. Azora knew that Lorcan was in the scene, but she was worried it would be like her ex. There was no real discussion though, about limits and things.
The only real angst, and it was really heavy, was when we got the full story behind that call. And I cried, I really did. That's all I'm going to say, but brace yourself.
Only Azora gets a say. Hearing from Lorcan would have been nice, but I'm not sure it would have stretched m e to 5 stars.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
Azora meets Lorcan, a film star, at an eclipse. What follows is a bit of a whirlwind romance. Azora knows time is ticking, these things never last. But does she really want it to end?
I enjoyed this. It was an easy read, for the most part, with quite low angst on the relationship side. A minor scuffle with an ex, but nothing too dramatic.
The BDSM thing kinda bloomed really quickly but I liked that. Azora knew that Lorcan was in the scene, but she was worried it would be like her ex. There was no real discussion though, about limits and things.
The only real angst, and it was really heavy, was when we got the full story behind that call. And I cried, I really did. That's all I'm going to say, but brace yourself.
Only Azora gets a say. Hearing from Lorcan would have been nice, but I'm not sure it would have stretched m e to 5 stars.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.