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Choir: Gareth Malone
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The hugely popular Gareth Malone recounts the heart-warming stories and transformations behind the...
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Grave Secret (Harper Connelly, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'd say that wraps it up for this series. No, I won't tell you why I'm saying that, or it'll ruin the book for you.
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
Merissa (12374 KP) rated Camboy (My Kinky Housemate #6) in Books
Mar 10, 2023
CAMBOY is the sixth and final book in the My Kinky Housemate series and I'm not ready for this series to be over!!!
Hendrix has been a character from the beginning, loving his role as House Brat but showing snippets of so much more. He about broke my heart in this one, I will admit. How he missed Rory, Callan, and Aiden really tugged on my heartstrings. It would take someone (or someones) rather special to get Hendrix to commit.
Enter Lyric, Toby, and Rubin.
I will admit, I thought it might be Toby and Rubin, Lyric and Hendrix, but I am happy to say I was wrong. Each of these characters brings something unique to the story. Each of them has their insecurities and histories to deal with and it is a case of everyone helping each other, with more than enough love to go around.
And can I just give a huge shout-out to Arthur!!!! Oh, man. He's the best and I loved every scene with him in it. I'm glad he got to tell his story and found a new friend too.
This series has been absolutely fantastic, taking various kinks and people, and combining them all together into heartwarming, funny, serious, hot, stories that give you the warm fuzzies with each tale. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the whole incredible series and suggest you start at book one, just so you get the full experience.
** 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!
Hendrix has been a character from the beginning, loving his role as House Brat but showing snippets of so much more. He about broke my heart in this one, I will admit. How he missed Rory, Callan, and Aiden really tugged on my heartstrings. It would take someone (or someones) rather special to get Hendrix to commit.
Enter Lyric, Toby, and Rubin.
I will admit, I thought it might be Toby and Rubin, Lyric and Hendrix, but I am happy to say I was wrong. Each of these characters brings something unique to the story. Each of them has their insecurities and histories to deal with and it is a case of everyone helping each other, with more than enough love to go around.
And can I just give a huge shout-out to Arthur!!!! Oh, man. He's the best and I loved every scene with him in it. I'm glad he got to tell his story and found a new friend too.
This series has been absolutely fantastic, taking various kinks and people, and combining them all together into heartwarming, funny, serious, hot, stories that give you the warm fuzzies with each tale. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the whole incredible series and suggest you start at book one, just so you get the full experience.
** 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!
BookishWoo (317 KP) rated Zodiac in Books
May 25, 2020 (Updated May 25, 2020)
Zodiac is the 2nd book of the Sergiu Manta Series and the first to be translated into English.
I was captivated by Zodiac right from the first page. Anamarie wrote this extremely well and in a way that you felt you were reading a script for a crime drama, scene by scene. This is slightly different to what I'm used to, but I found as long as I paced myself and didnt speed through it I could keep up with the scene jumps and found that I completely enjoyed her writing style. Although this is a fast paced thriller do not be fooled that being only 218 pages long you can speed through this quickly. This is a book to savour and enjoy.
I can honestly say that I fell in love with the main protagonaist Sergiu, he was an unpredicatable, motorbike riding, charming "Agency" man willing to do whatever it takes no matter what the cost.
His character was in stark contrast to Marius who was a typical police inspector and family man with a moral conscience. This worked well alongside Sergiu's character and didnt give you that typical good cop, bad cop feel. They complimented each other well.
The plot was fantastic, and just when I thought I had it all figured out the twist came along and surprised me completely!
I cant wait to read more of the series and hope that the first book gets translated so I can read this too!
If you are a fan of fast paced thrillers I highly recommend this!
Trigger Warnings: swearing, sexual themes, rape, murder, guns, violence
I received Zodiac by Amamaria Ionescu for free in exchange for an honest review from Love Book Tours and Corylus Books.
I was captivated by Zodiac right from the first page. Anamarie wrote this extremely well and in a way that you felt you were reading a script for a crime drama, scene by scene. This is slightly different to what I'm used to, but I found as long as I paced myself and didnt speed through it I could keep up with the scene jumps and found that I completely enjoyed her writing style. Although this is a fast paced thriller do not be fooled that being only 218 pages long you can speed through this quickly. This is a book to savour and enjoy.
I can honestly say that I fell in love with the main protagonaist Sergiu, he was an unpredicatable, motorbike riding, charming "Agency" man willing to do whatever it takes no matter what the cost.
His character was in stark contrast to Marius who was a typical police inspector and family man with a moral conscience. This worked well alongside Sergiu's character and didnt give you that typical good cop, bad cop feel. They complimented each other well.
The plot was fantastic, and just when I thought I had it all figured out the twist came along and surprised me completely!
I cant wait to read more of the series and hope that the first book gets translated so I can read this too!
If you are a fan of fast paced thrillers I highly recommend this!
Trigger Warnings: swearing, sexual themes, rape, murder, guns, violence
I received Zodiac by Amamaria Ionescu for free in exchange for an honest review from Love Book Tours and Corylus Books.
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated Another Shot with Summer in Books
Oct 2, 2018
Another Shot with Summer by Michele de Winton
"Girls could do anything, and she was about to prove they could have everything to"
This book review is for the first and second book in the Hot Tide series.
The hot tide series follows the lives of competitive surfers who are taking on the various waves and beaches around the world. The first book follows Summer, an up and coming surfer who is eager to break out into the surf circuit and Ashton, a former surfer turned photographer. They were high school sweethearts along time ago but were left feeling bitter after a messy breakup. The second book follows Maya, a PR consultant for all things surf-ey and Dominic, the business mogul who is looking to take on the surfing community. Maya and Dominic start working together to rebrand his image but also to help Maya get the man of her dreams.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/09/hot-tide-series-by-michele-dewinton.html
This book review is for the first and second book in the Hot Tide series.
The hot tide series follows the lives of competitive surfers who are taking on the various waves and beaches around the world. The first book follows Summer, an up and coming surfer who is eager to break out into the surf circuit and Ashton, a former surfer turned photographer. They were high school sweethearts along time ago but were left feeling bitter after a messy breakup. The second book follows Maya, a PR consultant for all things surf-ey and Dominic, the business mogul who is looking to take on the surfing community. Maya and Dominic start working together to rebrand his image but also to help Maya get the man of her dreams.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/09/hot-tide-series-by-michele-dewinton.html
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated Making Over Maya in Books
Oct 2, 2018
Making Over Maya by Michele de Winton
"Girls could do anything, and she was about to prove they could have everything to"
This book review is for the first and second book in the Hot Tide series.
The hot tide series follows the lives of competitive surfers who are taking on the various waves and beaches around the world. The first book follows Summer, an up and coming surfer who is eager to break out into the surf circuit and Ashton, a former surfer turned photographer. They were high school sweethearts along time ago but were left feeling bitter after a messy breakup. The second book follows Maya, a PR consultant for all things surf-ey and Dominic, the business mogul who is looking to take on the surfing community. Maya and Dominic start working together to rebrand his image but also to help Maya get the man of her dreams.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/09/hot-tide-series-by-michele-dewinton.html
This book review is for the first and second book in the Hot Tide series.
The hot tide series follows the lives of competitive surfers who are taking on the various waves and beaches around the world. The first book follows Summer, an up and coming surfer who is eager to break out into the surf circuit and Ashton, a former surfer turned photographer. They were high school sweethearts along time ago but were left feeling bitter after a messy breakup. The second book follows Maya, a PR consultant for all things surf-ey and Dominic, the business mogul who is looking to take on the surfing community. Maya and Dominic start working together to rebrand his image but also to help Maya get the man of her dreams.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/09/hot-tide-series-by-michele-dewinton.html
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2275 KP) rated Christmas Cupcake Murder in Books
Dec 12, 2020
A Fine Short Story Stretched
There is a stranger in Lake Eden, and no one knows who he is – including the man himself. Hannah and her mother find him one day mostly starved, and get him to the hospital. When he is revived, he doesn’t remember his name, but asks to be called Joe Smith instead of John Doe. Hannah makes it her mission to find out who he really is. Can she help him recover his memory?
This book takes us back in time to the early days of the series, and it is fun to see some of those relationships knowing what has happened to the characters since then. The plot is definitely different for a cozy, but I liked it for the variety. Unfortunately, the plot is drowned out by talk of food. I skimmed parts of the book, and I didn’t miss any part of the plot. The plot does get stronger as the book goes along, and I liked the way the story finished. This series always has an abundance of recipes, and this book is no exception with twenty new treats to try, including seven cupcakes. If you are a fan of the series and set your expectations accordingly, you’ll be fine. But otherwise, there is no need to read this book.
This book takes us back in time to the early days of the series, and it is fun to see some of those relationships knowing what has happened to the characters since then. The plot is definitely different for a cozy, but I liked it for the variety. Unfortunately, the plot is drowned out by talk of food. I skimmed parts of the book, and I didn’t miss any part of the plot. The plot does get stronger as the book goes along, and I liked the way the story finished. This series always has an abundance of recipes, and this book is no exception with twenty new treats to try, including seven cupcakes. If you are a fan of the series and set your expectations accordingly, you’ll be fine. But otherwise, there is no need to read this book.
Dead like you (Roy Grace book 6)
8.5
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Merissa (12374 KP) rated Human Again: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling (End of Ever After #4) in Books
Feb 27, 2020
Human Again is the fourth book in the End of Ever After series of fairy tale retellings. This one is told from the Beast's perspective and is in past tense, almost as if he reminisces about his past.
This is also the hardest review of the four books I've yet had to write! Why? Because there are so many parts of this that I loved and yet other parts just didn't tick the boxes for me. The 'Beast' himself? I loved him. You got an in-depth view on his childhood and just what made him into a 'Beast'. For myself, it was never quite clear if he did indeed change into something else or if he just was a human man enraged.
I think it was his family that annoyed me more than anything. Yes, I know that's how you're supposed to feel but it was more along the lines of Amelia. She was old enough to understand how her father was with Azahr but was content to just go along and believe what she is told without actually finding out if it was true or not.
I'm very pleased this was told by Azahr. Too many times, this story is from Belle's, or Kiara as she is here, point of view.
This isn't my favourite of the series but I am certainly happy to have read it. I have no hesitation in recommending either this book or the series but I would recommend you read them in order. Although these are companion books, it will definitely make more sense that was.
* 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!
This is also the hardest review of the four books I've yet had to write! Why? Because there are so many parts of this that I loved and yet other parts just didn't tick the boxes for me. The 'Beast' himself? I loved him. You got an in-depth view on his childhood and just what made him into a 'Beast'. For myself, it was never quite clear if he did indeed change into something else or if he just was a human man enraged.
I think it was his family that annoyed me more than anything. Yes, I know that's how you're supposed to feel but it was more along the lines of Amelia. She was old enough to understand how her father was with Azahr but was content to just go along and believe what she is told without actually finding out if it was true or not.
I'm very pleased this was told by Azahr. Too many times, this story is from Belle's, or Kiara as she is here, point of view.
This isn't my favourite of the series but I am certainly happy to have read it. I have no hesitation in recommending either this book or the series but I would recommend you read them in order. Although these are companion books, it will definitely make more sense that was.
* 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!