Search
Search results
Mount Mercy
9.0
Rate It
Book
From the author of Alaska Wild comes a standalone romantic suspense that will leave you breathless....
Protect The Prince
7.5
Rate It
Book
Magic, murder, adventure, and romance combine in this second novel in the exciting Crown of Shards...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated I Sleep Around in Books
Jun 5, 2024
Honest Look at Van Life
In this memoir, authors Sue Ann Jaffarian talks about her decision to buy a camper van when she retired and hit the road full time. She discusses what lead to her decision and the steps she took to get ready for her new adventure before detailing what life was like that first year on the road. She talks about the joys (visiting beautiful places, making new friends) and the pitfalls (dangerously bad weather, problems with her van). She also talks about how her new life changed in 2020 as we were all trying to shelter in place.
As a fan turned friend, I have followed her journey from the time she first made the decision, and I was thrilled to read this book and get a good look at how she is adapting to his new life. The book is filled with practical advice and a realistic look at what life can be like. As I said, she covers the good and the bad, and I appreciated the balanced approach. Still, overall, she loves her new life, and that comes through. If anything, I wish we’d heard more about places she’s visited along the way, although the discussions we do get make me want to hit the road and see them for myself. If you want an honest look at the life of a full-time nomad, you’ll love this book.
As a fan turned friend, I have followed her journey from the time she first made the decision, and I was thrilled to read this book and get a good look at how she is adapting to his new life. The book is filled with practical advice and a realistic look at what life can be like. As I said, she covers the good and the bad, and I appreciated the balanced approach. Still, overall, she loves her new life, and that comes through. If anything, I wish we’d heard more about places she’s visited along the way, although the discussions we do get make me want to hit the road and see them for myself. If you want an honest look at the life of a full-time nomad, you’ll love this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 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.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Magical Midlife Dating ( Levelling Up book 2) in Books
Feb 9, 2022
24 of 230
Kindle
Magical Midlife Dating ( Leveling Up book 2)
By K.F. Breene
She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?
A Wall Street Journal bestseller and Top 3 book in the entire Amazon Kindle store!
The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings.
There's only one problem - she can't figure out how to access them.
Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.
But she could've never predicted who answers her call - he's an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He's also incredibly handsome. And interested.
Maybe flying isn't the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.
Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn't big enough for two.
Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.
I love this series for so many reasons it’s just so funny. Niamh is just hilarious I love her! I love how they call human men and women Dicks and Janes there is just so much to grab onto and each chapter and character brings a smile. It’s so well written I highly recommend it especially if you need a break from those all to serious books.
Kindle
Magical Midlife Dating ( Leveling Up book 2)
By K.F. Breene
She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?
A Wall Street Journal bestseller and Top 3 book in the entire Amazon Kindle store!
The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings.
There's only one problem - she can't figure out how to access them.
Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.
But she could've never predicted who answers her call - he's an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He's also incredibly handsome. And interested.
Maybe flying isn't the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.
Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn't big enough for two.
Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.
I love this series for so many reasons it’s just so funny. Niamh is just hilarious I love her! I love how they call human men and women Dicks and Janes there is just so much to grab onto and each chapter and character brings a smile. It’s so well written I highly recommend it especially if you need a break from those all to serious books.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated City of Fortune in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Racing to Pull off a Con
Elizabeth Bates is accompanying her new husband, Gideon, to the race track. One of his clients wants Elizabeth’s help in making his daughter, Irene Nolan, fit for society, which is funny since Elizabeth is still learning how to fit in herself. The day of horse racing doesn’t go the way the Nolan’s had planned however, when neither of their horses do well. But as Elizabeth gets to know Irene, Elizabeth realizes that Irene needs more help than fitting into society. In fact, Elizabeth’s skills as a conwoman might prove to be extremely helpful. Can she come up with a way to solve Irene’s real problems?
Obviously, this is more a caper than the typical mysteries I read, and I enjoyed the change of pace. I did feel the plot could have used an additional twist or two and some personal stakes for Elizabeth to truly draw me in, but I still really enjoyed it. And there are a couple of twists, one I didn’t see coming. The characters are strong. Elizabeth and Gideon are great lead characters, and we continue to get to know them well as we see the story unfold from both of their points of view. There are some funny moments that come from the characters including one line that really made me laugh. The 1919 setting is brought to life wonderfully as well. This is a fun addition to a fun series.
Obviously, this is more a caper than the typical mysteries I read, and I enjoyed the change of pace. I did feel the plot could have used an additional twist or two and some personal stakes for Elizabeth to truly draw me in, but I still really enjoyed it. And there are a couple of twists, one I didn’t see coming. The characters are strong. Elizabeth and Gideon are great lead characters, and we continue to get to know them well as we see the story unfold from both of their points of view. There are some funny moments that come from the characters including one line that really made me laugh. The 1919 setting is brought to life wonderfully as well. This is a fun addition to a fun series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Mark of Fate ( The Marked book 3) in Books
Dec 17, 2021
210 of 250
Kindle
The Mark of Fate (The Marked series book 3)
By Rinna Ford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
War will be waged, lives will be lost…
One step forward and two steps back.
That’s what it feels like for Emelia since nearly dying at the hands of the Council. No matter what, they always seem to have the upper hand, and to make matters worse, her triple hybrid nature is working against her. However, her ability to blow up things by accident is the least of her problems.
Friends will become enemies, and enemies will become something more as Emelia and her mates search for the ones they’ve lost and try to fulfill the prophecy before time runs out. Emelia is the cursed child foretold to rule them all, but will she be able to succeed where others have failed?
Only fate knows the answer.
I absolutely loved it! Best one so far I love how she is finally getting her self together and kicking ass! Ok so I may have cried a little I won’t put why as it’s a spoiler and I wouldn’t want to take that from anyone else enjoying this series. It didn’t take long to read as I just couldn’t put it down and it’s now almost 3am! Definitely recommend to any reverse harem or fantasy fan!
Kindle
The Mark of Fate (The Marked series book 3)
By Rinna Ford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
War will be waged, lives will be lost…
One step forward and two steps back.
That’s what it feels like for Emelia since nearly dying at the hands of the Council. No matter what, they always seem to have the upper hand, and to make matters worse, her triple hybrid nature is working against her. However, her ability to blow up things by accident is the least of her problems.
Friends will become enemies, and enemies will become something more as Emelia and her mates search for the ones they’ve lost and try to fulfill the prophecy before time runs out. Emelia is the cursed child foretold to rule them all, but will she be able to succeed where others have failed?
Only fate knows the answer.
I absolutely loved it! Best one so far I love how she is finally getting her self together and kicking ass! Ok so I may have cried a little I won’t put why as it’s a spoiler and I wouldn’t want to take that from anyone else enjoying this series. It didn’t take long to read as I just couldn’t put it down and it’s now almost 3am! Definitely recommend to any reverse harem or fantasy fan!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 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.
