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Pity by Andrew McMillan is a compassionate book that’s as much about the town it’s set in (Barnsley) as it is about the people in it.
I can’t honestly tell you which parts I liked best: the thoughts of the miners as they trudged to the mine and worked there; the sociologists researching the history and decline of the town; and Simon, who works in a call centre by day and has a drag act in local clubs and bars at night. Each part blended with and gave explanations for every other component of this book, and explained the impact on the next generation.
Simon’s sections and the preparation for his show, where he would dress as Margaret Thatcher were particularly engaging. Her impact on ex-mining towns are clearly still apparent, and Simons alter ego, Puttana Short Dress, appears dressed as the Iron Lady with the slogan “This turn is not a lady!” - it’s a genius act!
I was left wondering where Simon and Ryan’s relationship would go, as Ryan seemed unhappy about Simon wearing his makeup on the journey home after his act had finished. Could he accept Simon - ALL of Simon?
This was a short read, that I would happily have read if it was twice (or more!) the length - it was all over too soon!
Recommended.
I can’t honestly tell you which parts I liked best: the thoughts of the miners as they trudged to the mine and worked there; the sociologists researching the history and decline of the town; and Simon, who works in a call centre by day and has a drag act in local clubs and bars at night. Each part blended with and gave explanations for every other component of this book, and explained the impact on the next generation.
Simon’s sections and the preparation for his show, where he would dress as Margaret Thatcher were particularly engaging. Her impact on ex-mining towns are clearly still apparent, and Simons alter ego, Puttana Short Dress, appears dressed as the Iron Lady with the slogan “This turn is not a lady!” - it’s a genius act!
I was left wondering where Simon and Ryan’s relationship would go, as Ryan seemed unhappy about Simon wearing his makeup on the journey home after his act had finished. Could he accept Simon - ALL of Simon?
This was a short read, that I would happily have read if it was twice (or more!) the length - it was all over too soon!
Recommended.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Immersion Play (Leather and Lattes #1) in Books
May 30, 2024
IMMERSION PLAY is the first book in the Leather and Lattes series, a spin-off from Dungeons and Dating, but you don't need to have read those to enjoy this one.
Micah, vanilla as they come, broke off his so-called relationship and disappeared to San Francisco in the middle of the night. Parker is the Daddy Dom who is determined to never fall in love, due to the heartbreak that follows when one of them inevitably dies. The connection between these two is electric from the beginning, as Parker realises he may have found the boy perfect for him, and Micah realises he isn't as vanilla as he always thought.
Not only do you get a great story between Micah and Parker, but you also get a Found Family, with snippets of their backstories. It looks like this series is going to be another winner for this author, and I can't wait to read them!
Full of connections, love, s3x, and steam aplenty, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and 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!
May 23, 2024
Micah, vanilla as they come, broke off his so-called relationship and disappeared to San Francisco in the middle of the night. Parker is the Daddy Dom who is determined to never fall in love, due to the heartbreak that follows when one of them inevitably dies. The connection between these two is electric from the beginning, as Parker realises he may have found the boy perfect for him, and Micah realises he isn't as vanilla as he always thought.
Not only do you get a great story between Micah and Parker, but you also get a Found Family, with snippets of their backstories. It looks like this series is going to be another winner for this author, and I can't wait to read them!
Full of connections, love, s3x, and steam aplenty, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and 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!
May 23, 2024
Taylin's Temptation (Divergent Omegaverse #2)
10.0
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Taylin doesn't have a clue how the universe works, but he believes that given the right conditions...
Omegaverse MM Mpreg Paranormal Romance Shifters
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Fondue or Die in Books
Dec 12, 2024 (Updated Dec 12, 2024)
A Pageant Proves that Murder is not Beautiful
This Labor Day, Willa Bauer is participating in the Dairy Days festival held in the next town over. Her employee and friend, Mrs. Schultz, is once again helping out with the Miss Dairy pageant that closes out the festival. But when Willa finds the pageant director dead, plans turn chaotic. The police don’t seem that certain that it was murder, but Willa is concerned about the safety of her friend, so she starts investigating. Can she figure things out?
I’d forgotten just how much I love this series until I picked up this book, but I was soon under the spell of the characters again. We aren’t in the usual locations as much, but that’s a minor complaint. The characters’ relationships continue to draw me in, and I liked the new characters we met as well. At least the ones who weren’t acting suspicious. One relationship gets some wonderful development. The mystery is fantastic. I kept second guessing myself until we reached the climax. I did have a niggle with the ending, but it was minor overall. As usual, these books will make you crave cheese, so you’ll be happy with the three recipes at the end. Fans new and old will find themselves savoring this entry.
I’d forgotten just how much I love this series until I picked up this book, but I was soon under the spell of the characters again. We aren’t in the usual locations as much, but that’s a minor complaint. The characters’ relationships continue to draw me in, and I liked the new characters we met as well. At least the ones who weren’t acting suspicious. One relationship gets some wonderful development. The mystery is fantastic. I kept second guessing myself until we reached the climax. I did have a niggle with the ending, but it was minor overall. As usual, these books will make you crave cheese, so you’ll be happy with the three recipes at the end. Fans new and old will find themselves savoring this entry.
ClareR (6253 KP) rated The King’s Mother in Books
Jan 7, 2025
I realise as I write this that I’ve read The King’s Mother before the first part of this duology (Cecily). Ah well. It hasn’t spoilt my enjoyment one bit, though. I have a fair bit of knowledge of the War of the Roses from Edward and Richard’s points of view, and it was fascinating to learn about Edward’s reign (and later Richard’s) from Cecily.
This novel explores those things that the women, in particular, would have experienced. Their lives wouldn’t have just been about waiting for their husbands, sons and fathers to come home, it would have been about the relationships with other women, their children, and in Cecily’s case, about her relationship to the throne and those in power.
Cecily was a formidable woman (as was Henry VII’s mother, Margaret Beaufort). She saw the death of her husband, sons, and regime changes. She backed her sons up, no matter her personal opinions. She was unendingly loyal - but anyone else was fair game!
This is such a well-researched, gripping read. I would have hated to have been in Cecily’s shoes, and she proved that power didn’t always bring happiness.
This was a fabulous read, and I will go back and read Cecily. If you enjoy historical fiction, then this would be a great addition to your TBR!
This novel explores those things that the women, in particular, would have experienced. Their lives wouldn’t have just been about waiting for their husbands, sons and fathers to come home, it would have been about the relationships with other women, their children, and in Cecily’s case, about her relationship to the throne and those in power.
Cecily was a formidable woman (as was Henry VII’s mother, Margaret Beaufort). She saw the death of her husband, sons, and regime changes. She backed her sons up, no matter her personal opinions. She was unendingly loyal - but anyone else was fair game!
This is such a well-researched, gripping read. I would have hated to have been in Cecily’s shoes, and she proved that power didn’t always bring happiness.
This was a fabulous read, and I will go back and read Cecily. If you enjoy historical fiction, then this would be a great addition to your TBR!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Mission Manhattan in Books
Feb 20, 2024 (Updated Feb 20, 2024)
Another Fast Pasted Adventure
As this book opens, the team is in Venice. MI6 has intercepted a threat against a climate change rally that is featuring Beatriz Santos, a teen who has gained quite a following with her outspokenness on the topic. Since she is from Brazil, Rio has been tasked with getting close to her. It’s a good thing they are there, since things don’t go according to plan.
But Venice was just the beginning. As the team looks into what happened there, they realize that the danger isn’t over yet. Can they figure out what is happening in time to stop it?
I was anxious to dive into this book after the cliffhanger from the last book, and it did not disappoint. It did take a while to get back to cliffhanger, and the answers only lead to more questions. While I could have done without the climate change theme, I was happy to see those mini-lectures never lasted too long. Instead, we get plenty of surprises and fun as the City Spies try to figure out exactly what is going on so they can stop it. Meanwhile, I still love these characters and their relationship. Fans of all ages will love their latest adventure and be left wanting to find out what happens next.
But Venice was just the beginning. As the team looks into what happened there, they realize that the danger isn’t over yet. Can they figure out what is happening in time to stop it?
I was anxious to dive into this book after the cliffhanger from the last book, and it did not disappoint. It did take a while to get back to cliffhanger, and the answers only lead to more questions. While I could have done without the climate change theme, I was happy to see those mini-lectures never lasted too long. Instead, we get plenty of surprises and fun as the City Spies try to figure out exactly what is going on so they can stop it. Meanwhile, I still love these characters and their relationship. Fans of all ages will love their latest adventure and be left wanting to find out what happens next.
Lover's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #7)
10.0
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Hovering on the brink of extinction, a tiny group of wild red wolves have been released in North...
Paranormal MM Romance
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Trooper (The Reckless Order MC #2) in Books
Mar 30, 2026
TROOPER is the second novella in The Reckless Order MC series, and you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one. Trooper takes place a couple of years after Tarzan.
Shea is happy being alone, convinced no one will stay. She has her tattoo shop, and that's good enough. Plus, she has her best friend, Trooper/Teddy/Theo. But that's all it is, right? Trooper has been happy with his love 'em and leave 'em life up until now, but he's getting older and is maybe just the tiniest bit envious of what his brother has with Keely. He's just glad he's got Shea as his best friend. After all, it will never be anything else, right? Their relationship pootles along until Shea is on the receiving end of a stalker. Trooper doesn't take kindly to this and does everything in his power to protect her.
Once again, this was WAY too short for my liking. I am in love with the writing style and the characters, so the ending always comes way too soon. This was a great addition to the series, and I also loved catching up with Tarzan and Keely. Definitely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mar 30, 2026
Shea is happy being alone, convinced no one will stay. She has her tattoo shop, and that's good enough. Plus, she has her best friend, Trooper/Teddy/Theo. But that's all it is, right? Trooper has been happy with his love 'em and leave 'em life up until now, but he's getting older and is maybe just the tiniest bit envious of what his brother has with Keely. He's just glad he's got Shea as his best friend. After all, it will never be anything else, right? Their relationship pootles along until Shea is on the receiving end of a stalker. Trooper doesn't take kindly to this and does everything in his power to protect her.
Once again, this was WAY too short for my liking. I am in love with the writing style and the characters, so the ending always comes way too soon. This was a great addition to the series, and I also loved catching up with Tarzan and Keely. Definitely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mar 30, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Love Me or Grieve Me in Books
May 9, 2024
Obituary Error Puts Madison in Danger
It all starts with a mix up in the paper. Addison Nigh, a once famous jazz singer, has died, but a small paper in town mixes it up with Madison Night, and other papers pick up on the error. Naturally, this creates problems for Madison since banks freeze her accounts and clients cancel appointments, or don’t show up at all.
But Madison can’t help but be curious about Addison. As she begins to meet the woman’s friends and family, she stumbles over a dead body. Can Madison figure out what is really going on?
I always love it when an author comes up with a creative premise for a mystery, and this is one of those. It leads to so much happening that it is hard to put down. I couldn’t figure out which thread was important until Madison figured it out at the end. The premise also allows us to see real growth in Madison and her relationship with her boyfriend, which I enjoyed. There are some great comic moments as well. Fans of Doris Day movies will not only recognize the title but also some of the details in Addison’s life, but that’s only a jumping off point. Anyone who enjoys a great mystery will be glad they picked this one up.
But Madison can’t help but be curious about Addison. As she begins to meet the woman’s friends and family, she stumbles over a dead body. Can Madison figure out what is really going on?
I always love it when an author comes up with a creative premise for a mystery, and this is one of those. It leads to so much happening that it is hard to put down. I couldn’t figure out which thread was important until Madison figured it out at the end. The premise also allows us to see real growth in Madison and her relationship with her boyfriend, which I enjoyed. There are some great comic moments as well. Fans of Doris Day movies will not only recognize the title but also some of the details in Addison’s life, but that’s only a jumping off point. Anyone who enjoys a great mystery will be glad they picked this one up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated French Quarter Fright Night in Books
Sep 4, 2024
Frightful Time with the New Neighbor
Ricki James-Diaz is leading the efforts of the Bon Vee staff to put on the best haunted house New Orleans has seen this Halloween. Those efforts are being hampered by their new next-door neighbor, who is constantly making complaints about them. Ricki is shocked when she learns who has bought the house – mega movie star Blaine Taggart, the best friend of her late husband. Ricki had hoped to never see Blaine again, but things get complicated when another dead body turns up on Bon Vee property. Can Ricki once again figure out what happened?
I’m so glad that a new publisher picked up this series. It was wonderful to visit Ricki and her friends again. I enjoyed getting to see some of the relationships grow in this book, even if Ricki’s relationship with the detective isn’t really realistic. I also enjoyed seeing Hollywood pop up here. The mystery itself is strong with some nice surprises before we reach the logical ending. It was fun to visit the city during Halloween. As always, I laughed several times while reading. We also get some recipes inspired by vintage cookbooks at the end of the book, including several appropriate for the season. Fans will be just as happy as I was that Ricki and her friends are back.
I’m so glad that a new publisher picked up this series. It was wonderful to visit Ricki and her friends again. I enjoyed getting to see some of the relationships grow in this book, even if Ricki’s relationship with the detective isn’t really realistic. I also enjoyed seeing Hollywood pop up here. The mystery itself is strong with some nice surprises before we reach the logical ending. It was fun to visit the city during Halloween. As always, I laughed several times while reading. We also get some recipes inspired by vintage cookbooks at the end of the book, including several appropriate for the season. Fans will be just as happy as I was that Ricki and her friends are back.