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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated The Decorator Who Knew Too Much in Books
Mar 19, 2022
Did Madison Find a Dead Body?
It’s been seven months since we last saw Madison, and she’s been enjoying her new relationship with Hudson James. When he suggestions they take a working vacation to Palm Springs to help his brother-in-law with a project he has going on there, she accepts. However, their first day there, Madison spots a dead body below the surface of the river that runs near the project site. By the time the police show up, the body is gone. The delays to the project and the suspicion that Madison just imagined what she said she saw begin to make the trip stressful. How can Madison prove she was right?
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Forbidden City in Books
Mar 2, 2022 (Updated Mar 2, 2022)
Spying and Chess
While on a recent mission, Paris discovered some bonus intel, and that turns out to be a valuable find. It leads MI6 to believe that the evil organization Umbra is going to kidnap one of North Korea’s nuclear scientists. If MI6 wants to get him to defect first, they need to find a way to approach him. Given North Korea’s secrecy and security, that won’t be easy. However, the scientist’s son is a top chess player, and he is planning to enter a couple of international tournaments. So Paris tries to upgrade his own chess skills so he can join the tournaments. Will Paris and the rest of the team be able to make contact with the scientist? Is he even interested in defecting?
Having enjoyed the first two in this series, I was looking forward to this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is Paris’s time to shine, but all the other characters get their own smaller moments, and I continue to love their relationships. We get some surprising advancement on one series plot thread, although others are only mentioned in passing. I do feel like the other books in the series had a bit more action, but with all the angles the teams uses to approach their mission, I was never bored. We get a few laughs along the way, and even when we aren’t laughing, it’s just fun to be around the characters. Fans will enjoy this latest book. I’m already looking forward to their next mission.
Having enjoyed the first two in this series, I was looking forward to this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is Paris’s time to shine, but all the other characters get their own smaller moments, and I continue to love their relationships. We get some surprising advancement on one series plot thread, although others are only mentioned in passing. I do feel like the other books in the series had a bit more action, but with all the angles the teams uses to approach their mission, I was never bored. We get a few laughs along the way, and even when we aren’t laughing, it’s just fun to be around the characters. Fans will enjoy this latest book. I’m already looking forward to their next mission.
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Frozen Flowers Fallen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master) in Books
Jan 11, 2023
An intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense that is absolutely brilliant!
FROZEN FLOWERS FALLEN is the first book in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It's a quick read that takes you back to Sziveria where Gen-talents are held so highly.
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13681 KP) rated The Eternal Series - Box Set Books 1 to 4 in Books
Jul 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE ETERNAL SERIES: Books 1-4 not only gives you the four main stories, but two added extra shorts. The first one tells the origin story of Sammael/Alaric and the second is Kaitlyn and Raif's story.
The premise of this series is a really good one, but I'm afraid the constant time- and head-hopping made the writing style difficult for me to get into. There were also numerous spelling mistakes that jolted me out of the story. There were also a multitude of euphemisms used, eg. middle leg, and flag pole. I'll leave it to you to figure out what was being spoken about. And if I had a euro for every time "Rock, meet hard place," was mentioned, I'd be rich.
I enjoyed most of the characters and their individual stories. I also enjoyed seeing how their relationships continued in the following stories. The only one I really didn't like was Alex. He annoyed me from the beginning and nothing he did changed my mind.
I'm sure there are plenty of stories left in this series and I certainly wouldn't mind continuing with the story. Each book is long enough to sink your teeth into with plenty of intense steamy scenes too.
Great stories and overall story arc, 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 9, 2021
The premise of this series is a really good one, but I'm afraid the constant time- and head-hopping made the writing style difficult for me to get into. There were also numerous spelling mistakes that jolted me out of the story. There were also a multitude of euphemisms used, eg. middle leg, and flag pole. I'll leave it to you to figure out what was being spoken about. And if I had a euro for every time "Rock, meet hard place," was mentioned, I'd be rich.
I enjoyed most of the characters and their individual stories. I also enjoyed seeing how their relationships continued in the following stories. The only one I really didn't like was Alex. He annoyed me from the beginning and nothing he did changed my mind.
I'm sure there are plenty of stories left in this series and I certainly wouldn't mind continuing with the story. Each book is long enough to sink your teeth into with plenty of intense steamy scenes too.
Great stories and overall story arc, 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 9, 2021
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Holiday Huddle (Appleton Falls #1) in Books
Dec 15, 2025
HOLIDAY HUDDLE is a fast-paced novella that begins the Appleton Falls series, complete with crossover characters from the Brooklyn Kings series.
Harte is a forty-year-old quarterback who has just retired and doesn't know what to do with himself. Jet is a thirty-six-year-old deputy sheriff in Appleton Falls. These two did know each other, way back when, but reconnect when Harte moves to town. He doesn't get off to a great start, as he has an accident, and Jet is the one who stays with him. Both of them are bisexual and sort of behind closed doors.
These two may not be out-out, but trust me, when they stay in, the spice comes out! There is such a connection between them, and they are both just what the other needs. I loved reading the small signs of bravery from each of them as they came out in various situations or moved out of their comfort zones.
This is fast-paced, and I guess I wanted a little more depth, especially considering just how good these two are and the friends they have and make. This is the first book in the series, and I honestly can't wait to return. 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!
Dec 15, 2025
Harte is a forty-year-old quarterback who has just retired and doesn't know what to do with himself. Jet is a thirty-six-year-old deputy sheriff in Appleton Falls. These two did know each other, way back when, but reconnect when Harte moves to town. He doesn't get off to a great start, as he has an accident, and Jet is the one who stays with him. Both of them are bisexual and sort of behind closed doors.
These two may not be out-out, but trust me, when they stay in, the spice comes out! There is such a connection between them, and they are both just what the other needs. I loved reading the small signs of bravery from each of them as they came out in various situations or moved out of their comfort zones.
This is fast-paced, and I guess I wanted a little more depth, especially considering just how good these two are and the friends they have and make. This is the first book in the series, and I honestly can't wait to return. 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!
Dec 15, 2025
ClareR (6054 KP) rated Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft in Books
Apr 11, 2018
I keep telling myself not to get involved with another comic series. This book (and the next in the series) is the result of taking my children to the library to while away a wet day during the Easter holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed it, too. It dives straight in to the action from page one. Bits are rather blood thirsty, and it does bend reality (he's his fathers son, and probably fed up with being compared to him as well, but there it is!). It's all about keys and somebody, who isn't particularly nice, wanting to get their hands on them. I don't want to say anything else! All I will say, is that it's well worth giving it a chance.
Marqees (17 KP) rated The Lightning Thief in Books
Jan 20, 2018
If you are looking for something Harry Potter like but more swords and fighting the Percy Jackson series is for you. Percy is a 12 year old who discovers his true lineage as the son of a Greek god. He is then thrust into the world of heroes and monsters. Percy can be very whiny at times but fellow heroes Annabeth and Grover balance him out with wit and humor. Although it is a YA title there is violence that includes death so if you might not want to read it to small children. All in all, it is a great book and better series give it go.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Puzzled Indemnity (Puzzle Lady #16) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Becky’s latest client is worried that her husband is having an affair and plotting to kill her, so Becky hires Cora to learn if the client has reason to be worried. When Cora confirms the affair, the client hesitates long enough for things to really explode.
Series fans will love this latest case for Cora and company. The banter and word play is present, but it advances a story that has some nice twists and surprises. The characters could be better developed, but that’s long been an issue with the series. It’s a fun fast read, and that’s exactly what it sets out to be.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/03/book-review-puzzled-indemnity-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Series fans will love this latest case for Cora and company. The banter and word play is present, but it advances a story that has some nice twists and surprises. The characters could be better developed, but that’s long been an issue with the series. It’s a fun fast read, and that’s exactly what it sets out to be.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/03/book-review-puzzled-indemnity-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Shooting at Loons (Deborah Knott Mysteries, #3) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
I didn't enjoy this novel as much as some of the others in the Deborah Knott series... not sure if it's because I didn't sit down and just read it in one or two sittings as I do with most of Maron's novels, or what. Perhaps, as a result, the plot seemed a bit convoluted at times. Overall, though, it was still a fun read and I did wind up reading the last half or so of the book in one sitting. I thought I had it all figured out, but wound up fairly pleasantly surprised. I'm enjoying this series and will continue to pace myself so I don't read all 14 or so novels in "one fell swoop" (to sound quite Deborah-like).
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Siege and Storm in Books
Feb 19, 2018
This continuation of the story started in Shadow and Bone has Alina running from the Darkling, the Apparat, and at times even trying to run from her own power and the person she is becoming. I thought the author did a good job keeping the dynamics between the characters from getting stale while still keeping them believable. Whenever there is a romance (especially, it seems, in YA), there has to be some type of conflict to keep it interesting if it is going to span a series. Here there is conflict both within Alina’s inner circle and from without, which keeps it interesting and keeps the story flying along at a fast pace. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!