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Sugar Money
Jane Harris | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
168 of 250
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.



I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
  
Shifted Reality (Looking Glass Multiverse, #1)
Shifted Reality (Looking Glass Multiverse, #1)
Delta James | 2022 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SHIFTED REALITY is the first book in the Looking Glass Multiverse series and it had everything here that I like - wolf shifters, authors, BDSM - but somehow, this just didn't work for me.

The first half of the book concentrated mainly on Iris and Rogan - so much so that I had to re-read the blurb to remind myself just who this was supposed to be about. Angelique and Rogan don't even meet until approximately 55-60% of the way through the book, and then they pretty much shoot straight for the stars. Who needs to get to know anyone anyway?

My overall feeling when I finished the book was "Is that it?" Although well-written, the parts with Angelique and Rogan felt incredibly rushed and left me with loads of questions that just weren't answered.

Although the blurb of book two sounds good, as well as the epilogue in this book, I don't think I'll bother. I'm sure others will love this book and the series but it's just not for 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!
  
The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1)
The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1)
Talena Winters | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Calandra is a powerful merfolk healer who is related to royalty, she just doesn't know how powerful she is. Zale is an attraction at a travelling show what could the two possibly have in common?


This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.


The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.


Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Man in Books

Aug 27, 2023  
The Silent Man
The Silent Man
David Fennell | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I didn't realise this was the last book in a trilogy when I started reading it and whilst it is clear that I have missed the back story, it didn't affect my enjoyment of this book one little bit. My only gripe is with myself, how did I miss the first 2 books in this series??

From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn't read it fast enough. The characters are excellent and I loved the easy and natural relationship between Archer and Quinn. The story is told from various points of view which give a rounded view of the two main plots and whilst this can sometimes cause confusion, not so here.

Written at a fast pace with plenty of twists, turns and scenes of violence and peril, The Silent Man is a book that I can highly recommend to those of you who love a gritty and dark story with a serial killer who uses a unique way to both identify and despatch his victims.

I will definitely be looking out for more by David Fennell in the future and thanks must go to him, Bonnier Books, Zaffre and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Man.
  
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Merissa (11961 KP) rated Crimson Petticoats in Books

Apr 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)  
Crimson Petticoats
Crimson Petticoats
Ryan Green | 2022 | Crime
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
CRIMSON PETTICOATS tells the true crime story of Western Europe's first known serial killer, Martin Dumollard. A disturbed child constantly in trouble, he grew up happiest when outside, in the forests and fields. When working as a groundskeeper at an estate, he met Marie, his future wife. She played the long game with Martin, their courtship lasting over ten years. After they were married and left that employ though, both of their worlds changed.

This is a well-written account that allows some imagination to take place, whilst firmly keeping the facts from that time -- found in newspapers and other places of research -- in mind. The sheer number of victims is almost incomprehensible by itself.

This is the first book by this author I have read and it won't be the last. I love the mixture of facts, told in a story-like fashion, that makes it a much better read than just dry facts of no consequence.

Absolutely recommended by me to all fans of #TrueCrime.

** 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!
Apr 14, 2022
  
Listen, Do You Want to Know a Secret
Listen, Do You Want to Know a Secret
Teresa Trent | 2024 | Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Listen, This Secret is Disappointing
Dot Morgan has been the secretary at a local radio station for several months. She enjoys the job, although she’d be happier if they played top ten hits like the Beatles instead of the old crooners. Then one day, a strange woman comes in and accuses Dot’s boss of killing his first wife. When that woman is murdered a couple of days later, Dot can’t help but wonder if it was true. Can she find the truth?

This sounded like an intriguing mystery, and I enjoyed the first two, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Sadly, it disappointed. The mystery was very underdeveloped, and the climax just left me with a new question. Instead, the book felt more like a soap opera, focusing on the love lives of the characters, both series regulars and new. While I did like the sub-plots involving returning characters, the other storylines didn’t really interest me. Meanwhile, we also got some lectures on how things were at the time. A little bit would have been appropriate, but it got to be too much. In the end, unless you are a diehard fan of the series, I recommend you skip this one.
  
Into The Churn
Into The Churn
Hayley Reese Chow | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
INTO THE CHURN is the first in a new same-name series by an amazing author. First, she has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in Fantasy, and now, she has done it again in Science Fiction.

The characters of Ezren and Foster are outstanding, quickly drawing you into their story and making you want all the good things for them. Their relationship is quick, but not rushed, and not without its arguments as they are both strong-minded and strong-willed. They are ably supported by a brilliant cast, all with their own unmistakable personalities, who share the pages so well.

From a death-defying race, to sabotage and murder, this story gives you enough to sink your teeth into, whilst leaving you wanting more. I have fallen in love with Belethea and hope to return to her skies soon!

This is high-class Science Fiction that just happens to have young MCs but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2024