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Once Upon a Murder
Once Upon a Murder
Samantha Larsen | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not as Strong as the First Book
It’s 1784, and spinster Tiffany Woodall is hoping to put the chaos and intrigue of the last few months behind her. However, when she finds a dead body on her way to work at the castle one morning, she knows that isn’t going to happen. When the local bookseller, the man Tiffany loves, is accused of the crime, she can’t help but get involved. Can she figure out what happened?

The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
  
Battletech.

Giant stompy robots, very much - it seems to me - the Western version of Japanese mecha.

A board (miniatures) game that's been around since the 1980s, with a fair few PC games and other associated elements spin-offs.

With said spin-offs including a series of novels which - although aware they existed (in much the same way as do Start Trek or Dr Who novels) I never really read any of them - I think I might have tried one, back in the mid 90s or so, but it was forgettable at best.

So, when I was recently looking for something light to read in between bouts of heavier literature (I hate that word), I thought I would give this one a try, since it is - apparently - #1 in the entire series, and since it was on sale for something silly like 99p on Kindle.

What I got was pretty much what I expected: a sci-fi war story, where the 'mechs are basically the equivalent of futuristic tanks, with a light smattering of intrigue but with the real draw, of course, being on the mech vs mech action.

I might pick up some more in the series, but don't think I'll be going out of my way to do so.
  
Rough Harmony (Rough Harmony #0.5)
Rough Harmony (Rough Harmony #0.5)
K.C. Wells | 2026 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ROUGH HARMONY is a prequel novella to a series of the same name. It's about an all-male, all-queer, leather-bound, a capella group that is the brainchild of Max and Theo.

You don't get much, but what you do get is enough to intrigue and draw you in, giving enough information on each singer to leave you wanting more. Each man is broken in their own way, searching for something to help them be.

Each chapter is either Max, Theo, or one of the new guys. It is hard not to find it at least a little repetitive when each one has to audition, but it's also hard to avoid. I found it hard to remember names, attitudes, and the little bit of backstory that we did get, but I know with a full-length novel, it will be easier.

A great prequel that has whetted my appetite, and I can't wait for more. A quick but intriguing read that 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 16, 2026
  
A Whisper of Claws (Steel Vanguard #1)
A Whisper of Claws (Steel Vanguard #1)
Jennie Lynn Roberts | 2026 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm sorry I couldn't love it!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.


My review of this book will be short, and I'm sorry about that!


I . . . struggled . . . I think is the best word.. . .with this book. I've no idea why, because I loved Ms Roberts Hawks books, and I love pretty much anything with dragons, so I can only assume it was a me thing, rather than a book thing.


I liked that Luka and Izabel both had a say, as did their dragon half. I really liked that way the plot twisted, and the threat came from an unexpected source.


I loved the way that others in the group were given enough hints for their books (or at least that was the way my mind went!)


It's steamy and full of danger, intrigue, and yes, dragons. Even if Luka was at odds with his for most of the book, but the boy does redeem himself!


I enjoyed it, I finished it, and I will try to follow what and who comes next, because while Izabel and Luka get a HEA, there is much unfinished.


3 very VERY good stars (again, a ME thing!)


*same worded review will appear elsewhere