Search

Search only in certain items:

The Enemy We Don’t Know
The Enemy We Don’t Know
Liz Milliron | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Enemy at Home
It’s November of 1942, and Betty Ahern is doing her part for the war effort from her hometown of Buffalo, New York. That’s why she is one of the many young women working at Bell Aircrafts to build the planes the Allies need. But when someone starts sabotaging the production line, Betty sees her chance to emulate her big screen idol, Sam Spade, and solve a mystery. A murder further complicates things. Can she figure out what is happening?

I love learning about World War II, so it was nice to read a historical mystery set at home during the time. Betty finds plenty of motives that would only work during this time period, which I appreciated. The pacing could have been a little better, but the book kept me engaged most of the time along the way to a great climax. Betty and the main characters were well-developed. I did feel like some of the supporting players, especially Betty’s family, could use more development, but hopefully we will see that happen as the series progresses. Betty was first introduced in a short story that I need to go back and read now. There are a few references to what happened there, but nothing spoilery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, be sure to check out this book.
  
Torn (Second Sight #2)
Torn (Second Sight #2)
Hazel Hunter | 2015 | Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
74 of 250
Kindle
Torn ( Secnd Sight book 2)
By Hazel Hunter

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

They are opposites in everything - except love.

Psychic Isabelle de Grey and FBI Special Agent Gavin "Mac" MacMillan are an improbable couple. But when her world of seeing into the past and his world of profiling criminals overlaps, an intense, sensual relationship quickly erupts. Despite bicoastal living arrangements, red-hot desire still consumes them both. Though Isabelle is thrilled that Mac is returning to L.A., her happiness is tempered by the grim reality they must face.

The serial killer who escaped them has struck again and found another young woman. Though Isabelle and Mac work together, he keeps their relationship hidden in order to preserve his job. As the investigation falters and the strain of secrecy takes its toll, Isabelle and Mac struggle to find a way forward. Despite the heated passion that explodes between them, hard decisions lay in store for the couple as they discover that every choice has its cost.



For a quick read it shows promise! It could be a very good full crime/paranormal novel it felt very force and very rushed to pack it all into 11 chapters. She clearly has a talent just these short blasts need more!
  
Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree (Madam Tulip #4)
Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree (Madam Tulip #4)
David Ahern | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have to be honest, I miss these characters, they are so theatrical, pompous, but at the same time so realistic and cute. The protagonist of this story is Derry, and the book is told from her perspective. Derry has this “luck” to get herself into craziest situations, involving rich and famous, she knows most of their secrets, and always gets into trouble. I like Derry and her crazy parents, and I enjoy their craziness in every book, including this one.

I was very impressed with the plot of this book, it is funny and entertaining, but at the same time more serious and solid. I liked the way the author unravelled this mystery, it was interesting to read about the music band’s lifestyle, mysterious shaman, and plenty of interesting history of Dublin. The narrative starts quite slow, but it has enough action and intense moments as well. Even though this book is a part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone.

I liked the setting of this novel, the author describes Dublin and surrounding areas very picturesquely and I really liked that. I enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, I think he improves with every single book. The chapters are quite short, so the book didn’t drag for me. I loved the ending of this book, I think it rounded this book really well.
  
First In The Fight: 20 Women Who Made Manchester
First In The Fight: 20 Women Who Made Manchester
Helen Antrobus | 2019 | Biography, History & Politics
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book concentrates on Influential women from Manchester, who fought for women rights and tried to make our life more equal to men. We can find many biographies that inspire and left me more determined to fight for my rights. It also shares quite a lot of history of Manchester and how these women changed it. I really loved the illustrations of every single woman who’s biographies were shared, as well as plenty of photographs from statue reveals, rallies, and other important events that happened in this fine city. I really loved the research done for this book, there are tons of facts, and I applaud the dedication.

I liked the writing style, but it was quite suffocating sometimes with all the facts and historical terms, and it wasn’t the easiest of reads for me. The chapters are short, and that helped to cope with the style of this book. To conclude, I think it is a very important book to read, and I am very happy that this book was published and we have a chance to know more about all these icons, that moulded our country and it’s society. If you would like to get inspired and feel low on self-esteem, do read this book, it will weak up the warrior in you!
  
07-Ghost, Volume 01
07-Ghost, Volume 01
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Honestly, this is the first graphic novel I've properly read so I don't have anything to compare it to. So this review may not be that helpful, and I'm just going to keep it quite short.

I'm not going to lie, I found this pretty confusing. It was a bit all over the place - but I've heard it gets better. It starts at the military academy with Teito Klein and Mikage, who are best friends. But then Teito's repressed memories are jogged when he overhears a secret conversation, forcing him to flee the district. From there, he finds himself in a strange church. The bishops there begin to help him understand the war between two empires, the legend of seven ghosts, and the battle between good and evil.

The art in this is fantastic! Sometimes it seems a little busy and hard to follow, but maybe that's just because I'm new to it.

The dialogue is great - the jokes and everything really make this a good novel. And the premise is good, too - I intend to read on and hopefully make sense of it all!

I did like it, but I also got lost a fair bit. It was a lot better toward to end, with Mikage's surprise appearance and all, but I think I can only give this 3 stars.
  
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2)
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2)
Maya Daniels | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) by Maya Daniels
Speak of the Devil is the second book in the Broken Halos series, and we reunite with Hel and Eric. Hel is being held prisoner by Michael, as Eric desperately searches for her. Help comes from an unexpected source, and Hel is freed. Of course, it doesn't stop there, because then it would be a very short book. Instead, Hel starts gaining new powers, Eric has to tune down his monster-mash rage, they have sexy times, oh, and try to find Hector before he loses any further body parts.

Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.

Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, and definitely 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!
  
KH
Keeping Her (Losing It, #1.5)
Cora Carmack | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved both Losing It and Faking it so I was so happy when the publishers accepted my request to read this too :D

This one alternates between Garrick and Bliss’ POV with each chapter and we see how they feel about going to London and meeting his family and friends. Garrick is worried how is mum will treat her and Bliss is worried they wont like her. Bliss being Bliss worries far too much but in that humorous way she has that leaves you smiling if not laughing out loud and Garrick is just his charming self trying to make things as easy as possible for her.

One scene I liked was where they go to meet his parents and Bliss, being her clumsy self, knocks over his mothers favourite vase and it smashes into pieces and she just stands there like a rabbit caught in headlights while going through this funny mental conversation with herself.

It isn’t a full length novel but plugs the gaps of what happened between Losing It and Faking It with Garrick and Bliss. It was short and sweet and if you are a fan of the series then you have to read this. (Just make sure you do it in order or you may get a little confused :D )
  
The Queens of Innis Lear
The Queens of Innis Lear
Tessa Gratton | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Queens of Innis Lear is a retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear, which I haven’t read, so I can’t even begin to compare this frankly wonderful book to the original.

I’m not even going to write a synopsis, however short, because this is a 500+ page book, and it would be impossible. What I WILL say, is that this book really did deliver on the strong female character front. That alone would make this a book I’d want to read. The descriptions of the anthropomorphised island (that’s my big word for the day), the magic, the trees, was entrancing. Where is this place? I need to go there! It’s OK, I know it’s fictitious, but, y’know…

There are so many twists and turns, double crosses, misunderstandings - there’s never a dull moment on this island. Handsome men and Kings who are passed over because the women, the potential Queens, know that to have their own autonomy they must remain single.

Ok, this book could have been shorter, but I really believe that this would have affected the world building - and what a world Innis Lear and the countries near and far from it’s borders are!

If you like fantasy with Kings, Queens, magic and strife, then this may well be the book for you. I adored it.