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ClareR (5632 KP) rated End of Story in Books

Apr 14, 2023  
End of Story
End of Story
Louise Swanson | 2023 | Contemporary, Crime, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
End of Story had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next - and completely bewildered.

It’s 2035, fiction has been banned for the last five years, and even owning a work of fiction is a criminal act. Fern Dostoy had won a prestigious book award before the laws came in to force, and now she isn’t allowed to write. She has random home checks by frightening men in suits, is threatened by imprisonment - or worse.

I found this a very disturbing read - I mean, I would be among the first to be booked in to a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure (aka, prison). And is this so very far from the truth right now?

Some aspects of the pandemic are referred to, especially the isolation that so many people struggled through.

This is a pretty bleak read, but I just loved it. It’s touching, too, and gave me a lot to think about. This isn’t a book to race through (or it at least needs a second read), because it throws up so many questions with regards to fiction, the arts and society in general.

As Fern says: “if you tell a story we’ll enough, it’s true”. I honestly hope not in this case!

Highly recommended - and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Louise for reading along with us.
  
47 of 230
Kindle
Black Arts, Tarts & Gypsy Carts ( Spells & Caramels book 2)
By Erin Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A carnival bakery booth. A deadly magic show. Is it the perfect recipe for murder or a clever sleight of hand?

Palace pastry chef Imogen is struggling to control her newfound magic and her potent feelings for the prince. So when the carnival rolls into the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to run the royal bakery booth. But her plan to escape her problems backfires when murder rocks the magician's table, and her dear friend is found holding the bloody saw.

Determined to cook up a way to keep Rhonda out of witch's prison, she sifts through the clues and the long list of suspects. Between devious dark magicians, cagey stage assistants, and a strongman with more to offer than just muscles, everyone at the fairgrounds seems to be hiding secrets - even Rhonda.

With the final night of the carnival approaching, will Imogen's shaky powers be enough to flush out the murderer before her good friend ends up on the chopping block?

This series is so different and quirky. The characters just make you smile. Iggy has to be my favourite I mean a flame with personality and a sense of humour what’s not to love! It’s just such a pleasure to read.
  
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Merissa (11830 KP) rated Forsaken Fate (Forsaken Destiny #2) in Books

Jan 29, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
Forsaken Fate (Forsaken Destiny #2)
Forsaken Fate (Forsaken Destiny #2)
Maya Daniels | 2021 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FORSAKEN FATE is the second book in the Forsaken Destiny series and we continue with Echo. She is getting used to the idea of having multiple mates and, so long as she can still hide from dear old dad, she's not too bothered. Until she is reminded that mate number 4 could well be telling dear old dad exactly where she is. So the 'bleep' hits the fan, big time.

Tyler is still my number one guy and I'm SO happy about what happened, for him! He doesn't belong in a stony prison, so YEY, Tyler!!! But I have to say, coming in at number 2 is Xzavier. Oh, I do so love a confused male!

The pacing of this book is fast and furious, with some exceedingly funny bits in there too. There is one scene that brought a smile to my face simply because I know the feeling all too well! Talk about making me laugh!

Anyhoo, perfect pacing, an intriguing storyline with amazing characters - it really couldn't be anything else than a Maya Daniels novel. Absolutely recommended. Bring it on, Forsaken Heart!!

* 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!
Jan 28, 2021
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2109 KP) rated Spoon to be Dead in Books

Dec 16, 2023 (Updated Dec 16, 2023)  
Spoon to be Dead
Spoon to be Dead
Dana Mentink | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Is Trinidad’s Ex a Killer?
As winter sets in, Trinidad Jones is concentrating on figuring out how to keep her shake shop going through the cold months. But that takes a back seat when her ex-husband walks through the door of her shop one morning. No one had informed her that Gabe had been let out of prison. Even more surprising, he announces that he thinks he just killed someone before collapsing on the floor. What could be going on?

The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
  
Tough Luxe
Tough Luxe
Diane Vallere | 2021 | Mystery
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Twists of the Pretzel, but a Bit Empty Overall
Samantha Kidd has landed a new gig as a fashion columnist for the local paper. But she doesn’t expect that to lead to an invitation to visit someone in prison. Pretzel heiress Suzy Kintz was a high school acquaintance of Samantha’s, but a few years after they graduated, Suzy was convicted of killing her husband, and has been in jail ever since. Now, there is new evidence that might exonerate Suzy. Can Samantha figure out what really happened all those years ago?

I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I enjoyed watching Samantha try to piece things together. However, when we hit the end, I was found I was left with too many questions – one I’d had since the beginning and a couple more than came up from the climax. I also found a sub-plot involving Samantha and her husband to be cringe inducing. At least that sub-plot led to some great character growth in Samantha. On the plus side, it is always great to hang out with these characters, and I loved the humor of the book. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to see what Samantha gets up to here. If you are new to the series, you should pick up an earlier book first before you see what happens here.