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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Barbecue Can Be Deadly in Books
Oct 26, 2023
Brisket and Deadly Tension
Sho Tanaka’s sister Jenny is entering a local barbecue competition, and Sho and Levi Blue are going along to show their support. Sho immediately notices all the tension between the other professional contestants. But he isn’t prepared when he and Levi stumble over a dead body. With the evidence pointing to Jenny, Sho is quick to jump into the investigation. Who is cooking up more than barbecue?
Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
10.0
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The best fiction simply tells the truth. But the truth is never simple. When novelist Kendra...
contemporary fiction friendship fiction coming of age tragedy
Rose Christie is a young Classics teacher who gets a teaching post at an elite public boarding school in Scotland: Caldonbrae Hall.
But this school isn’t as it first appears. Rose loves her subject and wants to share that love: the girls don’t want to learn, and they frankly can’t see the point. Frustration radiates off the page - or perhaps as an ex-teacher I was just projecting! Honestly, this part nearly made me stop reading! I was so angry with the students behaviour!
It would seem that the senior management team at the school very much agree with the girls though, and want Rose to become more like them.
Not likely!
And then there was Rose’s predecessor and her strange disappearance, which of course Rose has to find out more about.
I’m so glad that I read beyond my 3 chapter cut off, because I did enjoy this. I will say that there’s a fair bit of age-inappropriate sexual behaviour, so if you find this problematic, it may be best to steer clear. But it was all in keeping with the ethos of the school - I KNOW!!
But this school isn’t as it first appears. Rose loves her subject and wants to share that love: the girls don’t want to learn, and they frankly can’t see the point. Frustration radiates off the page - or perhaps as an ex-teacher I was just projecting! Honestly, this part nearly made me stop reading! I was so angry with the students behaviour!
It would seem that the senior management team at the school very much agree with the girls though, and want Rose to become more like them.
Not likely!
And then there was Rose’s predecessor and her strange disappearance, which of course Rose has to find out more about.
I’m so glad that I read beyond my 3 chapter cut off, because I did enjoy this. I will say that there’s a fair bit of age-inappropriate sexual behaviour, so if you find this problematic, it may be best to steer clear. But it was all in keeping with the ethos of the school - I KNOW!!
Merissa (14050 KP) rated Breathing Betrayal (Elemental Evidence #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is a story with two main characters who are both a bit broken and battered around the edges. Things move very quickly between the two, but then circumstances also push them together. With two very different gifts, they work together to try and find a Professor's missing brother, only to find that the 'case' takes on a sinister twist.
The prologue is written without using anyone's name, and because Chapter 1 is from Jake's point of view, I incorrectly assumed that it was to do with him. However, things became clear as the story moved on.
Well written, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as hot and sexy scenes, Breathing Betrayal shows all the signs of being the first book in a new series. I'm sincerely hoping that this is the case as I would love to know more about Jake and Mari. Definitely recommended for all M/M fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
The prologue is written without using anyone's name, and because Chapter 1 is from Jake's point of view, I incorrectly assumed that it was to do with him. However, things became clear as the story moved on.
Well written, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as hot and sexy scenes, Breathing Betrayal shows all the signs of being the first book in a new series. I'm sincerely hoping that this is the case as I would love to know more about Jake and Mari. Definitely recommended for all M/M fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
Merissa (14050 KP) rated The Deceiver: Tales of Kelnore (Royals #2) in Books
Jul 2, 2026
THE DECEIVER is the second book in The Tales of Kelnore: Royals, and I would recommend you read The Princess first, if only to get an idea about Kelnore, its emperor, and his sons and daughters.
Once again, this story is told from multiple perspectives, and there are so many layers to it, it rivals Shrek's onion. While we go deeper into the lives, history, and current events of Kelnore, including political allies and enemies, please don't expect to have all the answers by the end of this book.
As always, Ms Carey takes us on an adventure, leading us to places we might not have gone by ourselves, and leaves us wondering just what will happen next! While I still love Pern Coen, I am loving the characters of Kelnore, even if I find it stifling, too.
A fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
** The 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 - Stories Worth Unearthing
Jul 2, 2026
Once again, this story is told from multiple perspectives, and there are so many layers to it, it rivals Shrek's onion. While we go deeper into the lives, history, and current events of Kelnore, including political allies and enemies, please don't expect to have all the answers by the end of this book.
As always, Ms Carey takes us on an adventure, leading us to places we might not have gone by ourselves, and leaves us wondering just what will happen next! While I still love Pern Coen, I am loving the characters of Kelnore, even if I find it stifling, too.
A fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
** The 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 - Stories Worth Unearthing
Jul 2, 2026
Carma (21 KP) rated Cowboy SEAL Christmas (Navy SEAL Cowboys, #3) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Love and a Llama, how can a book get any better than this?! Cowboy Seal Christmas is the 3rd book in the Navy Seal Cowboy series (a sort of spin off of Helms Big Sky Cowboy series). I have not read the first 2 books in this series (time constraints and a overwhelming TBR pile but I did read all the books in the Big Sky Cowboy series). This book has all the elements I loved from those books and more. Nicole Helm has a way of getting you right into the moment as if you were standing right there alongside the characters. 5/5 for Grouchy Gabe!!!
Gabe Cortez is a grouchy, ex Navy SEAL who hates Christmas. He hates most things actually and is more than happy to tell you how much it all sucks. He had a horrible childhood that led to him entering the military and losing a good friend in one horrifying instance. He comes to Revival ranch with his 2 friends, Jack and Alex, to help start a new program for injured military servicemen and women to get back on their feet. Jack and Alex both find love (spoiler for the first 2 books haha) and he is once again the odd man out. Then he meets the new ranch therapist Monica Finley and hope starts to rise in him again.
Monica Finley is looking forward to working with all the men and women headed to Revival Ranch for therapy and help getting back to civilian life. Growing up with a Marine father suffering from PTSD has helped her understand some of the struggles men and women face upon returning home. She has a 10 year old son named Colin, with her late Air Force husband Dex, who is her entire world. She protects him, well overprotects, as well as she can as a single mother and is hoping the closeness of the ranch will help them all start a new life. Gabe has been the only one to deny needing therapy and keeps his distance from her both literally and figuratively. She has to find a way to crack his shell. Can Gabe help her understand not only his struggles but some of her own struggles since her husband died?
This story flows really well from start to finish. I was able to get a great idea of where Monica and Gabe are in their lives as well as some past situations that have molded their current state of mind. Throw in great friends (who meddle), a Montana snowstorm, being snowed in for days without heat (snuggle alert), past secrets, daily questions (1 for her, 2 for him) and a llama and you have pretty much the perfect love story. Nicole Helm once again draws me into her cowboy world and makes me sad to leave when the story ends.
Gabe Cortez is a grouchy, ex Navy SEAL who hates Christmas. He hates most things actually and is more than happy to tell you how much it all sucks. He had a horrible childhood that led to him entering the military and losing a good friend in one horrifying instance. He comes to Revival ranch with his 2 friends, Jack and Alex, to help start a new program for injured military servicemen and women to get back on their feet. Jack and Alex both find love (spoiler for the first 2 books haha) and he is once again the odd man out. Then he meets the new ranch therapist Monica Finley and hope starts to rise in him again.
Monica Finley is looking forward to working with all the men and women headed to Revival Ranch for therapy and help getting back to civilian life. Growing up with a Marine father suffering from PTSD has helped her understand some of the struggles men and women face upon returning home. She has a 10 year old son named Colin, with her late Air Force husband Dex, who is her entire world. She protects him, well overprotects, as well as she can as a single mother and is hoping the closeness of the ranch will help them all start a new life. Gabe has been the only one to deny needing therapy and keeps his distance from her both literally and figuratively. She has to find a way to crack his shell. Can Gabe help her understand not only his struggles but some of her own struggles since her husband died?
This story flows really well from start to finish. I was able to get a great idea of where Monica and Gabe are in their lives as well as some past situations that have molded their current state of mind. Throw in great friends (who meddle), a Montana snowstorm, being snowed in for days without heat (snuggle alert), past secrets, daily questions (1 for her, 2 for him) and a llama and you have pretty much the perfect love story. Nicole Helm once again draws me into her cowboy world and makes me sad to leave when the story ends.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Senshi (Katana, #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a title="Senshi by Cole Gibsen" href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/11/review-senshi-by-cole-gibsen.html">http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/11/review-senshi-by-cole-gibsen.html</a>;
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste</i>
Well, I'll admit Katana felt like a stand alone with the "oh, hey, they lived happily ever after! There's no more!" And I actually did think Katana was a stand alone.
But then Goodreads spoiled everything. -_- I can't believe you would do that to me, Goodreads.
Well, not exactly. I really wouldn't have known Katana had a sequel without Goodreads, but with the announcements every single day (Katana was a book club read in October) at school about preordering Senshi, I'm bound to know eventually.
Or the county library would have said, "hey, there's a sequel!" right after I returned Katana in Ebooks Library Lend101. Go figure.
Moving on.
In Senshi, it's been a few months since the events left off in Katana. Going down memory lane in terms of nutshell spoilers, Rileigh's finally come to terms with her inner warrior self (go Rileigh!).
I must say, despite the fact Katana felt like a stand alone, Senshi had some nice surprises waiting for me when reading, and it was almost as good as the first novel. Okay, I almost always love the first novel before the sequels because it's not the end where you have to wave good bye to characters.
But I just love it when authors lead you down one road but then all of a sudden, they toss in a thing or two (or more) that throws the reader off balance. It makes everything less predictable. ^_^
The characters are just as amazingly written as ever, particularly Quentin, who I must admit has already landed on my favorite characters from the series next to Rileigh (of course, Rileigh. It's not like I can read Quentin's mind from Rileigh's view, even though I would love to, but I'm just one little opinion out of... hundreds). Then there's Sumi and also Dr. Wendell. I hope I'm not the only when I say the interaction between Rileigh and Dr. Wendell is pretty classic in the way Rileigh pushes Dr. Wendell's buttons all the time. Sumi, on the other hand, is a nuisance and a pain in the butt. Unfortunately, she's likely back in the next book: Shinobi. Fantabulous. A great way to make a Tuesday better. Good thing it's not a Friday. I think I'll survive.
My Two Cents of Randomness: Aliens didn't abduct Rileigh and change her up did they? I still find the cover really weird. O_o (But only the story matters in my humble opinion, so says the girl who can't even draw a pair of eyes that aren't lopsided.)
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste</i>
Well, I'll admit Katana felt like a stand alone with the "oh, hey, they lived happily ever after! There's no more!" And I actually did think Katana was a stand alone.
But then Goodreads spoiled everything. -_- I can't believe you would do that to me, Goodreads.
Well, not exactly. I really wouldn't have known Katana had a sequel without Goodreads, but with the announcements every single day (Katana was a book club read in October) at school about preordering Senshi, I'm bound to know eventually.
Or the county library would have said, "hey, there's a sequel!" right after I returned Katana in Ebooks Library Lend101. Go figure.
Moving on.
In Senshi, it's been a few months since the events left off in Katana. Going down memory lane in terms of nutshell spoilers, Rileigh's finally come to terms with her inner warrior self (go Rileigh!).
I must say, despite the fact Katana felt like a stand alone, Senshi had some nice surprises waiting for me when reading, and it was almost as good as the first novel. Okay, I almost always love the first novel before the sequels because it's not the end where you have to wave good bye to characters.
But I just love it when authors lead you down one road but then all of a sudden, they toss in a thing or two (or more) that throws the reader off balance. It makes everything less predictable. ^_^
The characters are just as amazingly written as ever, particularly Quentin, who I must admit has already landed on my favorite characters from the series next to Rileigh (of course, Rileigh. It's not like I can read Quentin's mind from Rileigh's view, even though I would love to, but I'm just one little opinion out of... hundreds). Then there's Sumi and also Dr. Wendell. I hope I'm not the only when I say the interaction between Rileigh and Dr. Wendell is pretty classic in the way Rileigh pushes Dr. Wendell's buttons all the time. Sumi, on the other hand, is a nuisance and a pain in the butt. Unfortunately, she's likely back in the next book: Shinobi. Fantabulous. A great way to make a Tuesday better. Good thing it's not a Friday. I think I'll survive.
My Two Cents of Randomness: Aliens didn't abduct Rileigh and change her up did they? I still find the cover really weird. O_o (But only the story matters in my humble opinion, so says the girl who can't even draw a pair of eyes that aren't lopsided.)
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Seizure (Virals, #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-seizure-by-kathy-reichs.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste
I had no clue why the title was Seizure. For all I knew, seizure meant something to do with a stroke or a heart attack and could possibly result in death if not fixed ASAP. I could be wrong with that definition as well. What I never knew however, was the other definition. The Dictionary enlightened me:
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2czRrDxmYY8/UUEOb7ipebI/AAAAAAAABKE/7MBpVauz380/s320/Seizure+Definition.JPG"; />
I guess I was partially right. Apparently there goes proof I'm not a walking/talking dictionary. Living proof. I'm honestly better off as a spellchecker any day. I must be bored if I did know the definition for every word that exists. Extremely bored. To the point of desperation. Which isn't happening any day until the zombie apocalypse at the least.
Seizure is the second novel in the Virals series (first book is Virals, but my review for it never existed on this planet because my book blogging life never existed at the time) written by Kathy Reichs. It's been awhile after the Virals have transformed from a super-virus. Due to financial problems, Loggerhead Island is at risk to be shut down, and the Virals may have to separate, facing the super-virus on their own. At least until Tory Brennan hears about Anne Bonny's legend. It's said that her treasure is buried right in Charles Town, but no one has succeeded in finding it for around 3 centuries.
What I like about Seizure is the storyline. It's creative, and it twists a legend (I don't know the actual legend though) to fit in with what's going on with the Virals after their transformation. I also love how the characters have changed a lot from the first novel, or at least, most of them, and how there are new characters introduced. Whitney's still as annoying as before (just get out of Tory's hair already! Dx) and Chance hasn't changed much. As for everyone else? Well, I can't say. I can say they changed, but I can't say how. I might as well tape an index card on my forehead with the words SPOILER.
What I dislike? My prediction (always. I fear I'm aiming correctly... even though I have terrible accuracy). I sense a love triangle coming soon. And as typical as it goes with love triangles in YA, it might get ugly with the tension. The best part about that though? I might be off the mark. Or I may be bull's eye (I hope not!). Don't take my prediction for granted. It's just a thought. I might be wrong, or I might be right. I guess we'll see.
Speaking of which, the third book in the series, Code, came out last Wednesday, March 12. Who's excited for a new Virals adventure? :D
Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste
I had no clue why the title was Seizure. For all I knew, seizure meant something to do with a stroke or a heart attack and could possibly result in death if not fixed ASAP. I could be wrong with that definition as well. What I never knew however, was the other definition. The Dictionary enlightened me:
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2czRrDxmYY8/UUEOb7ipebI/AAAAAAAABKE/7MBpVauz380/s320/Seizure+Definition.JPG"; />
I guess I was partially right. Apparently there goes proof I'm not a walking/talking dictionary. Living proof. I'm honestly better off as a spellchecker any day. I must be bored if I did know the definition for every word that exists. Extremely bored. To the point of desperation. Which isn't happening any day until the zombie apocalypse at the least.
Seizure is the second novel in the Virals series (first book is Virals, but my review for it never existed on this planet because my book blogging life never existed at the time) written by Kathy Reichs. It's been awhile after the Virals have transformed from a super-virus. Due to financial problems, Loggerhead Island is at risk to be shut down, and the Virals may have to separate, facing the super-virus on their own. At least until Tory Brennan hears about Anne Bonny's legend. It's said that her treasure is buried right in Charles Town, but no one has succeeded in finding it for around 3 centuries.
What I like about Seizure is the storyline. It's creative, and it twists a legend (I don't know the actual legend though) to fit in with what's going on with the Virals after their transformation. I also love how the characters have changed a lot from the first novel, or at least, most of them, and how there are new characters introduced. Whitney's still as annoying as before (just get out of Tory's hair already! Dx) and Chance hasn't changed much. As for everyone else? Well, I can't say. I can say they changed, but I can't say how. I might as well tape an index card on my forehead with the words SPOILER.
What I dislike? My prediction (always. I fear I'm aiming correctly... even though I have terrible accuracy). I sense a love triangle coming soon. And as typical as it goes with love triangles in YA, it might get ugly with the tension. The best part about that though? I might be off the mark. Or I may be bull's eye (I hope not!). Don't take my prediction for granted. It's just a thought. I might be wrong, or I might be right. I guess we'll see.
Speaking of which, the third book in the series, Code, came out last Wednesday, March 12. Who's excited for a new Virals adventure? :D
Kids Learning - My First Numbers Counting Game
Education and Games
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Grasshopper Apps = Top Educational iPad Apps for Kids :-) Why Grasshopper Apps? We believe that...
Debbiereadsbook (1777 KP) rated Blowing A Fuse (Redwood Fire #5) in Books
May 28, 2026
cant fault it!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I said this at the end of my review for Up in Smoke. I take it back. I take it ALL back and switch to this one!!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Ms Welch is the first author to find themselves on my Masterpiece shelf, with 2 books back-to-back! (There can be only one! so Up In Smoke has been disposed)
What this book is, right, is a master class in writing a book, about two men who do not see themselves as worthy of love. Romeo's pain is on full show, but he hides it. Julian's pain is deeper and he smoothers it so well, not even those who work with him can't see it.
But Julian sees Romeo, and Julian is smitten from that very first meeting. And Romeo? He digs his way under Julian's skin until he parks himself so deep, Julian won't never let him go.
The chemistry is scorching right from the start and it carries all the way through, but once they get that out the way, the emotions take over and this is heavy on the emotions for both men. Differently heavy, but still.
I loved that Romeo let Julian have his space, even after Romeo found himself homeless. Loved that Julian HATED that Romeo gave him the space he requested!
Loved the guys in the One-Thirteen could see Julian change after meeting Romeo, and loved that they loved that for Julian. The guys love their captain and they just want him to be happy.
What I loved most, though, was how little angst there was between these two, other than that needing space thing. Yes, there is the fact that Julian is dealing with the loss of a parent, and Romeo is dealing with homophobic parents, but between them? None, nothing at all and I just loved that!
I started reading this book for an hour before bed. I woke early, and couldn't sleep, so I jumped back in at 5am and finished the book at 630! And I cannot stress how much I loved it!
But now I'm sad. Cos it says at the end of this that there is only one, ONE more book for these guys and I don't want it to end!!
I've followed Ms Welch, as Helen Juliet, right from the beginning and it makes me so proud to have been part of her journey and to see just how far she will go.
Thank you, I love this book!!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere