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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated The Plot Thickets in Books
Oct 27, 2022 (Updated Oct 27, 2022)
Fresh Body in the Cemetery
Lilly Jayne has received a suggestion that the Garden Squad look at the historic cemetery because some of the areas have been neglected. When Lilly and Delia head out there one afternoon, they find more problems than they were expecting. Yes, some areas desperately need to be weeded and tended to in other ways. But Lilly also finds more graves than she is expecting to see in the middle of historic family plots. While she isn’t completely sure if she can trust her memory or not, she begins to investigate. When a fresh body turns up above ground near the Jayne family’s crypt, Lilly starts digging deeper. Can she find what happened?
I always love getting to spend time with the Garden Squad. Their friendships are fantastic, and I love the town of Goosebush. The rest of the characters are strong as well. Unfortunately, I felt the pacing was off in this book, especially in the first half. This isn’t anything new for this series, but it felt worse than usual here. There is a good mystery, it just needed a little pruning, and once the action picked up, I was kept guessing until the end. As always, there are some garden tips at the end of the novel. I enjoyed visiting my friends again, and fans will as well, even if the plot could have been stronger.
I always love getting to spend time with the Garden Squad. Their friendships are fantastic, and I love the town of Goosebush. The rest of the characters are strong as well. Unfortunately, I felt the pacing was off in this book, especially in the first half. This isn’t anything new for this series, but it felt worse than usual here. There is a good mystery, it just needed a little pruning, and once the action picked up, I was kept guessing until the end. As always, there are some garden tips at the end of the novel. I enjoyed visiting my friends again, and fans will as well, even if the plot could have been stronger.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Apr 25, 2022)
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death be Hell ( Terra Vane 8) in Books
Oct 11, 2023
149 of 235
Kindle
Death be Hell ( Terra Vane 😎
By Katie Everwood/Katie Epstein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t. At least that’s the position Terra and the team are in. One of their own is at risk, and time must be reversed to save them.
How will they do that? With no other option, they’ve got to travel through the Shadow Veil to the Demon Cities. A lust demon will lead the way, but she has a confession. Once her sinister ex finds out she’s returned, the darkness shadowing one of their own will be the least of their problems.
It’s time to for the team to go to hell and back.
Literally.
Oh this is so one of my favourite series I love it! I have missed these characters and this was the perfect book to get reacquainted with them. Bernard just breaks my heart and I love seeing a bit more about him and his trauma in this and I know he loves Terra still. Libbey has really changed my opinion of her this book I just loved her!!! I didn’t think we could beat the zombies but the trip to hell was just brilliant I loved the costumes so funny. This was a huge bonding instalment and it was really fun! Then the ending smacks you in the face not happy 😭
Kindle
Death be Hell ( Terra Vane 😎
By Katie Everwood/Katie Epstein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t. At least that’s the position Terra and the team are in. One of their own is at risk, and time must be reversed to save them.
How will they do that? With no other option, they’ve got to travel through the Shadow Veil to the Demon Cities. A lust demon will lead the way, but she has a confession. Once her sinister ex finds out she’s returned, the darkness shadowing one of their own will be the least of their problems.
It’s time to for the team to go to hell and back.
Literally.
Oh this is so one of my favourite series I love it! I have missed these characters and this was the perfect book to get reacquainted with them. Bernard just breaks my heart and I love seeing a bit more about him and his trauma in this and I know he loves Terra still. Libbey has really changed my opinion of her this book I just loved her!!! I didn’t think we could beat the zombies but the trip to hell was just brilliant I loved the costumes so funny. This was a huge bonding instalment and it was really fun! Then the ending smacks you in the face not happy 😭
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated More than Exes ( Chasing the Dream book 0.5) in Books
Jun 5, 2022
99 of 230
Kindle
More than Exes ( Chasing The Dream book 0.5)
By Elizabeth Briggs
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Just when I think things can’t get any worse...my ex shows up.
This is it. Our one chance to make it big in the Battle of the Bands. We have to win.
Except our bassist is missing. Guess who gets to track her down? That’s right, me. Because I’m the guy who’s always stuck fixing my band’s problems. And now my car won’t start. FML.
As if I’m not having a bad enough night, my ex-girlfriend Alexis shows up too. She offers to help me track down our rogue bassist, and with only hours before our band goes on stage, I can’t refuse.
I haven’t seen Alexis since high school, but now she’s back with a sexy new attitude and fiery red hair to match. She broke my heart once, but she’s not getting away this time.
Tonight I’m going to win—not just the Battle of the Bands, but the girl I never got over.
This is a standalone novella in the Chasing The Dream series, set a month before More Than Music.
It was good for what it was the start was a bit Ripley but it turned out ok in the end. This is a novella to a series so we will see how the rest of the books work out!
Kindle
More than Exes ( Chasing The Dream book 0.5)
By Elizabeth Briggs
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Just when I think things can’t get any worse...my ex shows up.
This is it. Our one chance to make it big in the Battle of the Bands. We have to win.
Except our bassist is missing. Guess who gets to track her down? That’s right, me. Because I’m the guy who’s always stuck fixing my band’s problems. And now my car won’t start. FML.
As if I’m not having a bad enough night, my ex-girlfriend Alexis shows up too. She offers to help me track down our rogue bassist, and with only hours before our band goes on stage, I can’t refuse.
I haven’t seen Alexis since high school, but now she’s back with a sexy new attitude and fiery red hair to match. She broke my heart once, but she’s not getting away this time.
Tonight I’m going to win—not just the Battle of the Bands, but the girl I never got over.
This is a standalone novella in the Chasing The Dream series, set a month before More Than Music.
It was good for what it was the start was a bit Ripley but it turned out ok in the end. This is a novella to a series so we will see how the rest of the books work out!
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Bear Creek Valentine (Holiday Mates #2) in Books
Mar 27, 2023 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
BEAR CREEK VALENTINE is a second-chance romance between a bear shifter and a human. Dash's first mate was killed 'by accident' and he has been alone ever since. Aiden is getting ready for Valentine's Day with his amazing baked goods, a day that reminds him how alone he is. Will these two be able to find their HEA?
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** 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!
Mar 19, 2023
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** 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!
Mar 19, 2023
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Omegas in Power (Omegas in Power #1) in Books
Jun 1, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
OMEGAS IN POWER is the first book in the series of the same name, and we meet Grayson and Zack, an omega and alpha who don't look as they should, who don't act as they should, and have a whole host of problems down to something out of their control.
I loved how these two were, right from the start. Originally, I thought Grayson was going to be some hard-nosed businessman who was softened by Zack, but I quickly realised there was so much more to him than that. Finding out who they both were made this book exceptional. Yes, there is instant attraction, and yes, there is the instant proposal (which does make sense when you read it), but still, these two figure out just who they are and what they're doing. Add Lucian into the mix, and it's just the perfect mix for me.
With a great storyline, perfect pacing, a fantastic pair of main characters plus amazing supporting characters, this book really did tick all of my boxes. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and I can't wait to see what happens next. Absolutely 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!
Jun 1, 2021
I loved how these two were, right from the start. Originally, I thought Grayson was going to be some hard-nosed businessman who was softened by Zack, but I quickly realised there was so much more to him than that. Finding out who they both were made this book exceptional. Yes, there is instant attraction, and yes, there is the instant proposal (which does make sense when you read it), but still, these two figure out just who they are and what they're doing. Add Lucian into the mix, and it's just the perfect mix for me.
With a great storyline, perfect pacing, a fantastic pair of main characters plus amazing supporting characters, this book really did tick all of my boxes. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and I can't wait to see what happens next. Absolutely 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!
Jun 1, 2021
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Mr. Uptight in Books
Feb 16, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
MR. UPTIGHT is a standalone novel that is about opposites (in some ways) attracting, and how you can know of someone for years without actually knowing them. This is what happens between Mason and Jude. Both of them have ideas of what the other is like, without actually finding out if it is correct or not.
Mason is the 'younger brother', the one always partying and getting into trouble... or so Jude thinks. And Jude is the one who always takes the hard line, without any compassion or empathy... or so Mason thinks. Both of them are proven wrong when they start working together, and the sparks fly.
I love the writing style of Felice Stevens. It flows from scene to scene, taking the reader along with it. Some issues are real and cause problems, others are talked out, which always makes a pleasant change. There is a great supporting cast who provide backup and help the story move along where necessary.
A warm, feel-good story, with low angst and high emotion. It's a book to be kept and re-read whenever you want a hug from a book. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 16, 2021
Mason is the 'younger brother', the one always partying and getting into trouble... or so Jude thinks. And Jude is the one who always takes the hard line, without any compassion or empathy... or so Mason thinks. Both of them are proven wrong when they start working together, and the sparks fly.
I love the writing style of Felice Stevens. It flows from scene to scene, taking the reader along with it. Some issues are real and cause problems, others are talked out, which always makes a pleasant change. There is a great supporting cast who provide backup and help the story move along where necessary.
A warm, feel-good story, with low angst and high emotion. It's a book to be kept and re-read whenever you want a hug from a book. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 16, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated His Precious Omega (Sweet Alps Mates #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2023
Put off by some wording
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Sweet Alps series. I have not read the others and I did not feel I was missing anything by not doing so.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book, I really did.
I liked that it took time for Ry and Daddy Brendan to properly connect. I liked that Ryan tells Brendan of his problems BEFORE they enter into anything. I liked that Brendan seeks help as to how to properly look of Ry when he is little. I even liked the stalker storyline, and how that all panned out. Didn't see that coming at me. I liked that I can see a certain pair of shifters getting together!
BUT
There are some points along the way that the wording of sentences really grated on my nerves. He did NOT "drug" the chair across the room (not actually from the book,but just using to make my point) he DRAGGED the chair. I'm fairly certain this is a local lingo thing, to the author's locality, but to me? Nuh-uh. Once, I can let it go, but it happens more than once. At that point, I switched to "let's get this finished, eh?" mode.
So, I'm sorry, I will not be following this series.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Sweet Alps series. I have not read the others and I did not feel I was missing anything by not doing so.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book, I really did.
I liked that it took time for Ry and Daddy Brendan to properly connect. I liked that Ryan tells Brendan of his problems BEFORE they enter into anything. I liked that Brendan seeks help as to how to properly look of Ry when he is little. I even liked the stalker storyline, and how that all panned out. Didn't see that coming at me. I liked that I can see a certain pair of shifters getting together!
BUT
There are some points along the way that the wording of sentences really grated on my nerves. He did NOT "drug" the chair across the room (not actually from the book,but just using to make my point) he DRAGGED the chair. I'm fairly certain this is a local lingo thing, to the author's locality, but to me? Nuh-uh. Once, I can let it go, but it happens more than once. At that point, I switched to "let's get this finished, eh?" mode.
So, I'm sorry, I will not be following this series.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (11953 KP) rated In a New York Minute in Books
May 22, 2023
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a standalone with a couple of cameos but nothing that would confuse you. It is a sweet and tender story of grown-up problems and mature responses. I simply adored this story from start to finish.
Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.
Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.
A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!
** 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!
May 22, 2023
Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.
Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.
A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!
** 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!
May 22, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated White Elephant Dead in Books
May 23, 2024
Rummaging for Blackmail Secrets
Broward’s Rock is getting ready for the Women’s Club’s annual white elephant sale. When Kathryn Girard disappears with the club van while out collecting donations, Annie’s friend and best customer, Henny Brawley, heads out after her. But then no one hears from Henny. Annie and her husband, Max, start searching for her. They find the van with Kathryn’s body in the back and Henny’s car nearby. The new police chief thinks that means Henny much have killed Kathryn. But Annie knows better. The real question is, why would anyone want to kill Kathryn? And what happened to Henny?
It isn’t long before Annie and Max realize blackmail is involved, and it adds an interesting layer to this mystery. As usual, I found the suspects a bit flat, and I had a hard time remember who was who. Likewise, one aspect of the plot is just dropped, and I wish it had been fully developed. Still, things came together for a logical climax. I’m catching more of the references to other mystery books, but I still find there are too many of them, so they can get annoying. The series regulars are in fine form, and they gave me plenty of laughs. Most of my issues with the book are regular problems for me in the series, but I still enjoy the books. If you are a fan who hasn’t read this book yet, you’ll enjoy it, too.
It isn’t long before Annie and Max realize blackmail is involved, and it adds an interesting layer to this mystery. As usual, I found the suspects a bit flat, and I had a hard time remember who was who. Likewise, one aspect of the plot is just dropped, and I wish it had been fully developed. Still, things came together for a logical climax. I’m catching more of the references to other mystery books, but I still find there are too many of them, so they can get annoying. The series regulars are in fine form, and they gave me plenty of laughs. Most of my issues with the book are regular problems for me in the series, but I still enjoy the books. If you are a fan who hasn’t read this book yet, you’ll enjoy it, too.