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Hunting Prince Dracula
Hunting Prince Dracula
Kerri Maniscalco | 2017 | Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.9 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
I absolutely adore Kerri’s writing in this one! I loved the folklore added into the story (I think I learned more in this one that I did in the first one) and that we got to explore Thomas’s family history and learn more about him.

I mentioned in my review for STJR that the ending had took me by surprise but that I could go back to add up the clues dropped throughout the book. The ending to this one, however, caught me completely off guard! I knew most of the suspects were red herrings but I hadn’t thought that this character would do what they did! Especially given their reasoning behind their actions.

I also loved that we were able to explore Cressworth some more in this book (the tension was killing me at certain moments) but given THAT part of the ending, I’m hoping we get even more of their romance in the third book. ?

The new characters added were some of my favorite side characters. I’m hoping they’ll pop up in any future books (if Kerri adds on after the third one she’s announced) for assistance for Audrey Rose and Thomas in a future case. These two really do remind me of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and I absolutely love it!
  
Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners
Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners
Therese Oneill | 2016 | Art, Photography & Fashion, Gender Studies, Humor & Comedy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The author's writing style, history, information, frivolity. It isn't dry. (0 more)
It doesn't delve as deeply as I like. (0 more)
Such glorious fun!
I love this author's writing style. It isn't a recitation of dry facts as some historical nonfiction books can be. She really takes you into the daily rituals associated with fashion, hygiene, sex, marriage, and manners by immersing you in the culture as a virtual time traveler visiting the Victorian era. It brushes away the romance of the time period and gets you into the nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty history but in a fun and frivolous way as she takes you into her confidence and shares the secrets of the past. It's a delightful romp written with light sarcasm that brought tears from laughter into my eyes. I highly recommend this book and this author. She has written another book on the history of child-rearing called Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent's Guide to Raising Flawless Children (Hardcover), which will be available April 16, 2019. Though I don't have children, I'm tempted to buy this book because the other was so much fun.


Oh, and if you like this book, you might also enjoy The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg.
  
T.A. Davenport has created a wonderful and exciting world in her novel The Great Balance. This is a book about good and evil with just the right amount of romance.

The characters in the book are very well developed. My personal favorite is Briellyn. She is the heroine of the novel, and she seems so real! She is a strong and confident business woman who is also so kind and good. I would love to have her as my boss! Another character I love is Eric. He is just all sorts of amazing. He is the perfect guy.

Ms. Davenport's writing is very vivid and easy to follow. The pace of her work is not too fast nor too slow. It is just right and makes you want to just keep on reading!

Also, the plot in this novel is so fresh and new! I loved the twist on the creation story from the Bible. I have yet to read anything that took a spin on Adam and Eve before, and it was really interesting!

All in all, T.A. Davenport has a special gift, and I am sure there will be more greatness to come!

*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
  
La La Land (2016)
La La Land (2016)
2016 | Comedy, Drama, Musical
Great catchy soundtrack (2 more)
Great cast
Good story
A great musical where the music shines
This was a great movie and went well beyond my expectations. I have watched this many times now and still love it.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are both fantastic and work well together. The songs are so good and catchy and convinced me to go get the soundtrack and am listening to it as i write this. It also convinced me to look into jazz which i never thought to listen to before. This movie feels like a love letter to that genre of music. This movie is all about the music and i loved every second of every song.

It is a romance story you have seen before but they sfill find a way to make if feel fresh and different with an ending not really expected. I think throughtout this movie i felt every emotion there is.

The movie was shot beautifully and in a way you could be convinced this was filmed either now or many years ago. There is an old fashioned feeling about this movie which i loved.

It may not be for everyone but i can recommend it for a musical fan. I never expected to enjoy it as much as i did.
  
Accidentally on Purpose
Accidentally on Purpose
J.M. Snyder | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Accidentally on Purpose by J.M. Snyder
Accidentally on Purpose is the story of a fifty-something man, who has a teenage crush on a forty-something man. Alan spends all his time thinking of Jim, and trying to meet him whenever he can. Of course, Jim doesn't know Alan is meeting him, so doesn't turn up for half of the time. Alan's fourteen-year-old nephew, Brooks, gets involved, and that is when all the mischief and mayhem happens.

This was an amusing book, as the two grown men tried to figure out if they liked each other, and where to go next. It does take a serious turn as it nears the end, when Brooks goes missing. An entertaining read, this had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I enjoyed every word of this page-turner.

If you are looking for a light-hearted romance featuring an 'older' generation, then I can definitely recommend this one.

**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
  
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Xenia Manasseh is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with Kenyan roots. Not too long ago, she released a bittersweet R&B tune, entitled, “Don’t Go”, produced by Ayo n Keyz.

“Staring at your picture hanging on the wall thinking of our last encounter. Wasn’t ready for the fall. Wondering when you’ll get here, I wanna talk it out. If you’ll just be patient with me, we can work it out.” – lyrics

‘Don’t Go’ tells an interesting tale of a single young woman who regrets telling her ex-beau to depart from their problematic relationship.

But after some time alone, she realizes that he’s the only guy who truly gets her. Therefore, she wants him back and doesn’t want him to leave anymore.

Later, she admits that she can’t remember what was said that put them in a bad place, but apologizes for the part she played in their looming breakup.

Even though her heart is in the right place, she fears that it might be too late to rekindle the flames of their dying romance.

‘Don’t Go’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/xenia-manasseh-dont-go/
  
Connilyn Cossette continues to bring a refreshing voice to Biblical Fiction. Expanding the horizons and bringing us thrilling and captivating stories to satisfy this nerd girl's heart.



I absolutely love discovering what life was like in ancient times. Cossette brings the lives of these people and their cultures to life in ways that will astound you. Sofea grew up in an isolated culture. Throughout this story, she is on a journey to learn who this God of the Hebrews is. His gentleness, His kindness, His love for His children. Eitan is a swoony hero in all his long-haired, bearded manliness...A protector and a fighter. Don't you dare come between him and those he loves...You will regret it. I loved watching their romance unfold. With two cultures clashing, you can imagine that it wasn't all smooth. But the results were definitely worth it.



I highly recommend Connilynn's stories (yes, all of them). She opens the history books for us in a way that is unique and compelling. I can not get enough of her stories, and neither will you!



I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
TH
The House on Foster Hill
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Just the right amount of suspense, mystery, romance, and creepiness......to satisfy the bookish mind!

I am not typically a "suspense" reader (and DEFINITELY not a suspense movie type of person at all). But when word about this book started circulating around the bookish world last year...I just knew I HAD to read it!!! I mean just look at that cover...It screams "YOU MUST READ ME! You MUST discover the secrets that I hold within these pages!"

Be prepared for a lot of emotions that will be brought to the surface while reading The House on Foster Hill. Jaime addresses some very difficult topics in this book. And I am SO glad she does. It is not easy to read about, but the TRUTH must be shared. The secrets, the pain, the shame, must all be brought forward for healing, restoration, and freedom.

With a dual timeline, the author alternates between the present and the past with flawless accuracy. Secrets and shame hide behind the walls of Foster Hill House. What will be revealed? And what will be lost to history forever?

I received a complimentary copy of The House on Foster Hill. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
The second book in the Orion Circle series is just as action-packed as the first book. I will admit to the beginning taking me by surprise but I loved how it was written, with the characters of Kacie and Logan being immediately recognisable and flowing to the forefront of my mind, even though it is a while since I have read the first book in this series, Tortured Souls.

This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.

Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
C(
Collide (Shock Me, #3)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
*Disclaimer* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.

Wow! This book will take you on a rollercoaster of a journey. In fact, scrap that, this SERIES will take you for a ride. I'm not going to go into the story - that's what the synopsis is for and as this is book 3 in the series, you've probably already got some idea of what's happening anyway.

As for Collide, it is one step forwards, two steps back - that is the unfortunate love story between Donna and Ryan and I really, REALLY want them to get a HEA but I'm not totally sure they will. They both have a lot of secrets and life... plus Ryan's father... keeps getting in the way of them being honest with each other.

This story is woven with such skill and lots of other strands are highlighted in this book - for example, Rebecca and Randy to name just two, along with Gemma, David and Lynn plus others.

This is part of a series and each book does end with a cliffhanger so fair warning - you will be left gobsmacked and wanting the next book immediately. A brilliant addition to the Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance genres. Highly recommended.