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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Frightened to Depths in Books

Jul 10, 2025 (Updated Jul 10, 2025)

Nothing to Be Frightened About Here

When Charlotte and Jane’s cruise ship docks for a couple of days in New Orleans, they run into an old crush of Jane’s. He joins them aboard the ship, along with a band reuniting with a former member. But when that band member is shot with a silver bullet under a full moon, Jane’s new beau looks like a suspect. After all, he is writing a book about New Orlean’s werewolf legend. Will finding the truth cost Charlotte her relationship with her sister?

I was excited to be back with these characters. While some of the supporting cast are in the background, the suspects are strong, and I enjoyed watching the main cast’s relationships grow. I have to give a special shout out to Charlotte and Jane’s relationship since their struggle is well represented. The plot is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged before the logical climax. If this is how these characters sail off into the sunset, I’ll be happy. But I hope they come back for more.

Kudos

Morgan Sheppard (1036 KP) created a post

Jan 25, 2026

Today is Dydd Santes Dwynwen—the Welsh Day of Love 💕, a celebration rooted in the story of Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales. According to legend, Dwynwen prayed to be freed from a love she could not have, and her devotion and compassion led her to become a protector of others’ hearts.

Her story is remembered each year on January 25th, especially in connection with Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey, where a well dedicated to her was once believed to hold omens for the future of relationships. Over time, the day has become a Welsh alternative to Valentine’s Day, marked by cards, small gifts, and traditional lovespoons—beautifully carved wooden tokens symbolising affection, commitment, and care.

Today feels like a gentle invitation to celebrate all forms of love: romantic, friendship, family, and the quiet kind we offer ourselves. May your day be filled with warmth, kindness, and a few heartfelt moments to share with those who matter most. 🌹✨

#DyddSantesDwynwen #WelshDayOfLove #SaintDwynwen #LoveAndTradition #Connection 💖

Kudos Comment

ClareR (6256 KP) rated Ritual of Fire in Books

Sep 24, 2024

Ritual of Fire

D. V. Bishop | 2023 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

I didn’t want to get involved with another series, I’d sworn off them. But here we are, Ritual of Fire is excellent, and I need to hurry up and read book 4 (A Divine Fury) before I read book 5!

I’m addicted to the world of Cesare Aldo and 16th Century Florence with all of its richly described sights, sounds and smells. I love the characters, their relationships (Aldo, Saul the Jewish Doctor, Strocchi and the obnoxious Bindi) - just the whole package!

From the title you can guess that there’s going to be some unpleasant murders this time, and the first death is set up in the same way as that of a renegade monk, Savanola, 40 years previously. Burning.

Aldo had been banished in the last book, but he manages to become embroiled in the mystery (thank goodness!), and Strocchi has to work with him (after a word or two from his wife!).

This series is well worth becoming deeply involved with (ahem…me!). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Kudos

Merissa (14142 KP) rated His Forbidden Obsession in Books

Oct 9, 2025

His Forbidden Obsession

Silvia Violet | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

HIS FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is the first book in the Forbidden Mafia series. Although this is the first book in this series, I believe it's a spin-off series, and so has other characters, plus family relationships, in it that I don't know.

Niko is the sweet, innocent in all of this, with a secret submissive side that comes out to play with Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the protective grump who is more than happy to show Niko just exactly what he wants and what Niko enjoys.

Add to this a not-so-nice(!!!) couple of families, plus the family that Lorenzo works for, and you have a fast-paced Mafia romance full of action and wanting what shouldn't happen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but I do wish I had read the other series first. Definitely 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!
Oct 9, 2025

Kudos

The Book of Oded, Chapter 2: A Story of Love in 17 parts

Oded Kassirer

(0 Ratings) Rate It

Book

The Book of Oded, Chapter 2: A Story of Love in 17 Parts is a true story told through seventeen...

Gay Non Fiction Memoir

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Buried in Shamrocks in Books

Feb 25, 2026

Can Kate Make Her Ex an Ex-Suspect?

Kate Buckley and her daughters are back in Shamrock for the summer. They’ve arrived just in time for the Great Shamrock Fair. But then Kate finds out her ex-husband is in town with his band to perform at the event. And his new fiancée is in town, too. But when she winds up dead, the pressure is on to find the killer before it dampens the fair. Can Kate keep her ex-husband out of jail?

I was glad we got a return visit. Once again, the town and characters are charming. And I enjoyed getting to see some of the characters and their relationships grow. The mystery does have some pacing issues, but it does reach a logical climax that I really enjoyed. A couple of the subplots felt like they could have given us a bit more here while still leaving things open for the next book. But the characters made the pages fly by all too quickly. You’ll find them charming as well.