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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2504 KP) rated Union Jacked in Books
Sep 3, 2022
Retirement Parties, Strikes, and Murder
A British investment firm has bought out Travada, the local department store were Samantha Kidd works as a buyer. She’s struggling to match what she thinks the store should be selling with her new directives. Meanwhile, many of the employees are on strike, and Samantha is planning a retirement party for Detective Loncar. When Detective Loncar stops by the store on day, he’s on sight when someone shoots a gun. He and the leader of the strike are both shot. Who was the target? Can Samantha figure out what is going on?
Parts of the premise of this book stretch credibility a bit, but I was quickly caught up in the story and didn’t care. With everything happening, the story was fast paced and kept me engaged right up to the ending. The ending took a bit of thinking on my end, but it does make sense. What doesn’t make the sense is the timelines. It’s not anything that impacts the story, but Samantha can’t keep the days of the story straight or when some of her last adventures happened in relation to each other. On the other hand, I still enjoyed my time in the characters, new and old, and appreciated the growth we saw in Samantha. The humor is still sharp as well; I was grinning when I wasn’t laughing. Fans of the series will enjoy this adventure for sure.
Parts of the premise of this book stretch credibility a bit, but I was quickly caught up in the story and didn’t care. With everything happening, the story was fast paced and kept me engaged right up to the ending. The ending took a bit of thinking on my end, but it does make sense. What doesn’t make the sense is the timelines. It’s not anything that impacts the story, but Samantha can’t keep the days of the story straight or when some of her last adventures happened in relation to each other. On the other hand, I still enjoyed my time in the characters, new and old, and appreciated the growth we saw in Samantha. The humor is still sharp as well; I was grinning when I wasn’t laughing. Fans of the series will enjoy this adventure for sure.
Merissa (13840 KP) rated In a New York Minute in Books
May 22, 2023
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a standalone with a couple of cameos but nothing that would confuse you. It is a sweet and tender story of grown-up problems and mature responses. I simply adored this story from start to finish.
Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.
Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.
A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!
** 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 22, 2023
Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.
Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.
A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!
** 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 22, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1678 KP) rated Secret Admirer Pact in Books
Feb 23, 2024
kinda cute
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hard By A Great Forest
9.0
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Saba’s father is missing, and the trail leads back to Tbilisi. It’s been two decades since...
Merissa (13840 KP) rated Cruising Right into Love in Books
Jul 2, 2024
CRUISING RIGHT INTO LOVE is part of the Pride Cruise 2024 collection. It features Victor and Denton as the MCs, ably supported by a brilliant cast of colourful characters.
Denton saw Victor at his lowest and has tried to give him time to heal. Only, in doing that, he has created more distance. Victor has crushed on Denton for three years now, always from a distance. So when they have the opportunity to get up close and personal, will they take it?
This is a great summer read and the heat in these pages isn't only from the sun! I will admit, I love what happened with Mr Polished! If anyone deserved that, it was him. I really REALLY want Ollie and Beckett's story though, and my next job is going through this author's backlist to see if I have already read it or not!
This is low angst for the main part, with just a little bit with Nese and Victor. You have to remember, these two have had unrequited love for YEARS, so if you think things are moving fast, just think on that.
Brilliantly written, as always, and I look forward to more in the Pride Cruise 2024 collection.
** 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 19, 2024
Denton saw Victor at his lowest and has tried to give him time to heal. Only, in doing that, he has created more distance. Victor has crushed on Denton for three years now, always from a distance. So when they have the opportunity to get up close and personal, will they take it?
This is a great summer read and the heat in these pages isn't only from the sun! I will admit, I love what happened with Mr Polished! If anyone deserved that, it was him. I really REALLY want Ollie and Beckett's story though, and my next job is going through this author's backlist to see if I have already read it or not!
This is low angst for the main part, with just a little bit with Nese and Victor. You have to remember, these two have had unrequited love for YEARS, so if you think things are moving fast, just think on that.
Brilliantly written, as always, and I look forward to more in the Pride Cruise 2024 collection.
** 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 19, 2024
David McK (3728 KP) rated Mickey7 (Mickey7, #1) in Books
May 18, 2025
The Ship of Theseus.
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
Fearless and Free: A Memoir by Josephine Baker
8.0
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This is the iconic Josephine Baker in her own words. Funny, candid and unconventional: the wildly...
Contesting the Wool
10.0
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It's curtains for somebody at the reading of the will... Poly Monroe never expected to inherit...
Merissa (13840 KP) rated His Mate By Defiance (Lunetti Pack #4) in Books
Mar 11, 2026
HIS MATE BY DEFIANCE is the fourth book in the Lunetti Pack series, and after thirteen years of patiently waiting, Doc Rafe is about to claim his mate.
Rafe and Adri originally met in To Defy His Mate, but you don't need to worry if you haven't read it, as there is a prologue that brings you up to speed. Suffice to say, Rafe knows Adri is his mate, but being a contrary cat means Adri won't admit it and keeps Rafe as far away as he possibly can.
Rafe and Adri make a great pair, and I loved the cat mannerisms that Adri had, as well as him reaching the stage where he didn't care if anyone saw him claim Rafe. I was afraid it would be a little one-sided, but it's not. Adri just needed some time to catch up.
The overarching story continues to move forward, this time dragging Adri along with it. I am interested to know how it will come to a head.
This was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to Marco and Seth's story. 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!
Mar 11, 2026
Rafe and Adri originally met in To Defy His Mate, but you don't need to worry if you haven't read it, as there is a prologue that brings you up to speed. Suffice to say, Rafe knows Adri is his mate, but being a contrary cat means Adri won't admit it and keeps Rafe as far away as he possibly can.
Rafe and Adri make a great pair, and I loved the cat mannerisms that Adri had, as well as him reaching the stage where he didn't care if anyone saw him claim Rafe. I was afraid it would be a little one-sided, but it's not. Adri just needed some time to catch up.
The overarching story continues to move forward, this time dragging Adri along with it. I am interested to know how it will come to a head.
This was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to Marco and Seth's story. 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!
Mar 11, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2504 KP) rated The Case of the Canterfell Codicil in Books
Jan 26, 2024
“One Doesn’t Just Ignore an Old School Chum with a Locked Room Mystery.”
When Anty Boisjoly gets a telegram from his friend Fiddles, he can’t help but be intrigued. Fiddles’ uncle has recently died under mysterious circumstances, and Fiddles wants Anty to come and help. It isn’t long after Anty arrives that Fiddles becomes the prime suspect. Who was with the victim in the locked room? Can Anty figure it out in time to save his friend?
I was intrigued by this series when I saw it described as Dorothy L. Sayers meets PG Wodehouse. If you take those two authors’ output and put it in a blender, you have a pretty good approximation of this series. It did take me the first chapter to adapt to the writing style, which mimics the 1920’s when the book is set. But once I did, I was hooked. The mystery was intriguing, with plenty of twists on the way to the logical climax. Anty makes a fantastic lead character, and picks up on quite a few things I missed. The rest of the cast are equally fleshed out. And the humor was wonderful. It’s very dry British wit, so it might not be for everyone, but I was as hooked for the laugh as I was the twists. And the book had plenty of both. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.
I was intrigued by this series when I saw it described as Dorothy L. Sayers meets PG Wodehouse. If you take those two authors’ output and put it in a blender, you have a pretty good approximation of this series. It did take me the first chapter to adapt to the writing style, which mimics the 1920’s when the book is set. But once I did, I was hooked. The mystery was intriguing, with plenty of twists on the way to the logical climax. Anty makes a fantastic lead character, and picks up on quite a few things I missed. The rest of the cast are equally fleshed out. And the humor was wonderful. It’s very dry British wit, so it might not be for everyone, but I was as hooked for the laugh as I was the twists. And the book had plenty of both. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.