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Starfish Pier (Hope Harbor #6)
Starfish Pier (Hope Harbor #6)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a roller coaster this book was, hold on and prepare the Tacos!

I loved Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon. From the characters to the setting, it drew me in and made me feel at home from the very beginning. Starfish Pier is part of the Hope Harbor series (I believe book #6) but it can be read as a standalone. All the books are just based in the same town, so you get to see previous and future characters interwoven throughout the series; I think it is a lot like some of the series Debbie Macomber has written.

Holly and Steven were a great combination of characters. Each one had a unique viewpoint, some very different personalities, and struggles to overcome. I loved Holly’s outlook on life, she was always reaching out to others to try and help make their days better even when she was not having a good day herself. Now Steven. I loved his strength, his selflessness, and his willingness to put others before his happiness. His character is someone I could know in real life.

The themes in this book were quite varied, from depression, physical disabilities, overcoming addiction, protection of life… So many thought-provoking arguments were brought forth in this book, and both sides of the arguments were presented, which I thought was interesting. Plus, you cannot forget the yummy Tacos and advice!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the in-depth characters, varied themes, and the love of Tacos! I recommend reading this book!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1)
Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1)
Kat Kinney | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dark is the first book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and it introduces us to a world where shifters and vampires are not the best of friends, where you can be turned by sex or a bite, and where the thunderstorms are FIERCE!

The story itself is a simple one. Unrequited love, up-and-coming band, kidnappings, stalkers, silver addiction, did I say simple? The world-building is fulfilling enough as it is set in contemporary Texas (as you might have guessed from the series title!). Although I have never been, it was easy enough to 'see' this world.

If I had any complaints, I would mention the transitions in some of the scenes. A couple of times, I was confused between what was actually happening and what had already happened but was being remembered. Another time was right at the start. Was Hayden speaking to Ellie in the car or was she remembering the conversation?

Told from the first perspective from both Hayden and Ethan, this was a fast-paced story with plenty of action to balance out the blooming second-chance romance between our two main characters. I would love to know more about Ethan's brothers as I wasn't sure at the end just what was happening but that's probably just me.

A great start to a new series by a new-to-me author but one that I hope to continue with. Definitely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
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ClareR (5916 KP) rated The Winners in Books

Mar 8, 2023  
The Winners
The Winners
Fredrik Backman | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Sport & Leisure
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I finished this book in absolute bits. Awkward on a dog walk. But how does Fredrik Backman do this?!

Over the course of this trilogy I have become involved in the lives of everyone in Beartown and Hed. I don’t watch Ice Hockey (my son plays field hockey, and I imagine that’s slightly less dangerous - although he’s had his share of black eyes and sprained ankles!).

This book is about the lives of the people of the two towns. How, despite their animosity towards one another, there is more that joins them together than drives them apart. They just have to learn that.

The novel starts with the storm of a generation: trees are blown over, houses and businesses damaged. In fact, this is something of a sign of things to come for these people.

Life isn’t necessarily easy for any of the characters in this. We read of the trials and tribulations of their lives, their successes and failures. The observations made by Backman are so full of insight , like he has really taken the time to understand these people.

Emotions run high between the towns, especially when it’s discovered that the council want to shut one of the rinks down. They’ve clearly not thought this one through and have no understanding of their constituents!

This novel contains all of the struggles of so many small towns today: addiction, violence, families in trouble, people in need, corruption, criminality, love and loss.

It’s a long book, but it flies by - and that’s all Backman’s writing (and the translator Neil Smith’s translating!). I’m so sorry to see this trilogy come to an end. It’s been quite the ride.
  
Gluttony (Seven Princes of Sin #2)
Gluttony (Seven Princes of Sin #2)
S.N. Hunt | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GLUTTONY is the second book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, as with book one, is DARK. There are trigger warnings so please take heed.

Leo, the most laid-back of the Princes, rescued Carrie at the end of Donna and Adam's book and we continue on from there. Carrie is addicted to drugs and thinks nothing of doing tricks to get her fix. Leo is determined to help her beat her addiction and live life as his mate.

This book deals more with Carrie and Leo than it does with the overall story arc but there is still enough to keep it moving along. Trust me, I'd sooner bet on the Princes than on the angels! Carrie has some learning to do, not all of which is her fault. We also see a more intense side to Leo, rather than just being fun and jovial, we see what pushes his buttons.

Adam and Donna do play a part here too, but only at the end. Out of the brothers, we see a couple of them throughout but supporting rather than starring roles. Each of the brothers is fascinating and I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love how the author writes each book, giving the brother the undivided attention they deserve.

A great addition to the series and one I 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!