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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Muse in Books
Jan 30, 2022
18 of 230
Book
The Muse
By Jessie Burton
⭐️⭐️
Seductive, exhilarating and suspenseful, The Muse is an unforgettable novel about aspiration and identity, love and obsession, authenticity and deception – a masterpiece from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist.
A picture hides a thousand words . . .
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery – no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise come artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences . . .
Oh it started so well and I was enjoying it but I just got so bored. I really wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t find anything to keep me hooked in! The characters were wushu washy and the story lost it appeal. Such a shame!
Book
The Muse
By Jessie Burton
⭐️⭐️
Seductive, exhilarating and suspenseful, The Muse is an unforgettable novel about aspiration and identity, love and obsession, authenticity and deception – a masterpiece from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist.
A picture hides a thousand words . . .
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery – no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise come artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences . . .
Oh it started so well and I was enjoying it but I just got so bored. I really wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t find anything to keep me hooked in! The characters were wushu washy and the story lost it appeal. Such a shame!
Merissa (13883 KP) rated The Cursed King (Inferno Rising #4) in Books
Nov 2, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
THE CURSED KING is the fourth, and final, book in the Inferno Rising series. It is Angelika's turn now, the last sister unmated. Only, it turns out, she actually wanted to mate with someone - Airk - and he turned her down. Now, Pytheios wants her, so what will Airk do?
Angelika has always viewed herself as the weakest link as she didn't inherit any of her mother's powers. Airk is unable to shift due to his captivity for five hundred years. Angelika has a way of calming his dragon down and also exciting him, so Airk vows to stay away. Of course, we all know how that works out!
This was an epic conclusion to a great story. I was half expecting what happened, as I didn't think it likely our author would leave Angelika hanging. It is fast-paced and intricate, with the other mated pairs playing their parts. You do see less of Pytheios this time, together with his witch, and his phoenix. The witch I eventually felt sorry for; the phoenix, not so much!
I would love to return to these dragon clans in the future but, rest assured, no matter what Ms Owens writes, I'll be right there reading it. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Nov 2, 2021
Angelika has always viewed herself as the weakest link as she didn't inherit any of her mother's powers. Airk is unable to shift due to his captivity for five hundred years. Angelika has a way of calming his dragon down and also exciting him, so Airk vows to stay away. Of course, we all know how that works out!
This was an epic conclusion to a great story. I was half expecting what happened, as I didn't think it likely our author would leave Angelika hanging. It is fast-paced and intricate, with the other mated pairs playing their parts. You do see less of Pytheios this time, together with his witch, and his phoenix. The witch I eventually felt sorry for; the phoenix, not so much!
I would love to return to these dragon clans in the future but, rest assured, no matter what Ms Owens writes, I'll be right there reading it. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Nov 2, 2021
Merissa (13883 KP) rated Scorned (The Emrys Chronicles #3) in Books
Jul 5, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
SCORNED is the third book in The Emrys Chronicles and this time we travel with Catrin and Meuric through time. Catrin has been pining over Einion and Meuric is determined no one will hurt his sister again. However, when these two find out just when they are, they realise that they need to work together if they are ever to find their way back home.
This continues the story nicely, giving Meuric and Catlin their own space and time to figure things out on their own, without well-meaning but sure-to-be-interfering, families. I thought the history/current aspect of the story was brilliant, giving extra depth to those we have already met in the previous stories.
I will admit to Cat growing on me. She annoyed me in Einion's book and it started off the same way, but she matured and had realisations in this book that helped me warm to her. Meuric was always a star, and my heart broke for the sorrow he has had to live with. I hope both Cat and Meuric have a happy future, but am content with their Happy For Now ending.
This has been a great series that I have loved reading and have no hesitation in recommending either this book or the series as a whole.
** 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!
Jul 5, 2021
This continues the story nicely, giving Meuric and Catlin their own space and time to figure things out on their own, without well-meaning but sure-to-be-interfering, families. I thought the history/current aspect of the story was brilliant, giving extra depth to those we have already met in the previous stories.
I will admit to Cat growing on me. She annoyed me in Einion's book and it started off the same way, but she matured and had realisations in this book that helped me warm to her. Meuric was always a star, and my heart broke for the sorrow he has had to live with. I hope both Cat and Meuric have a happy future, but am content with their Happy For Now ending.
This has been a great series that I have loved reading and have no hesitation in recommending either this book or the series as a whole.
** 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!
Jul 5, 2021
A Sucker For Christmas
8.0
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An annual Christmas vacation to Australia gives two long-term friends more than they bargained...
Paranormal MM Romance Seasonal
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2518 KP) rated Clouds in My Coffee in Books
Jun 1, 2022
Who Wants to Kill Ellison?
The benefit that Ellison Russell’s mother has been working on for months is about to happen, and Ellison finds herself as a last-minute host for her aunt and sister, both of whom are in town to show their support. However, it is Ellison who might in danger when someone tries to drop a statue on her. Then they firebomb her house. Ellison doesn’t think anyone is after her, but can she figure out what is going on before she is killed?
It has been far too long since I read the first two books in the series, but that wasn’t an issue when I picked this book up. I was quickly back in Ellison’s world and enjoying every second of it. Between the conversations between the characters and a few incidents, I laughed quite a few times. The plot was a bit more focused on the family drama, which made the mystery weaker than I would normally like, but I was still hooked the entire time, so I didn’t really mind. The characters are strong, and I enjoyed reuniting with them and watching their relationships develop, although I did get annoyed with Ellison’s insistence that she didn’t need protection when she clearly did. The story wanders into some more mature topics – I’d rate this book as PG-13 as a result. The 70’s setting comes to life and adds to the fun. If you are looking for a pleasant trip back to the 70’s, this is the book and series for you.
It has been far too long since I read the first two books in the series, but that wasn’t an issue when I picked this book up. I was quickly back in Ellison’s world and enjoying every second of it. Between the conversations between the characters and a few incidents, I laughed quite a few times. The plot was a bit more focused on the family drama, which made the mystery weaker than I would normally like, but I was still hooked the entire time, so I didn’t really mind. The characters are strong, and I enjoyed reuniting with them and watching their relationships develop, although I did get annoyed with Ellison’s insistence that she didn’t need protection when she clearly did. The story wanders into some more mature topics – I’d rate this book as PG-13 as a result. The 70’s setting comes to life and adds to the fun. If you are looking for a pleasant trip back to the 70’s, this is the book and series for you.
The Stolen Twins
9.0
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Auschwitz, 1944: “You can’t leave me,” I whisper, my hand trembling as I reach for her cheek....
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Serial Killer's Sister in Books
May 14, 2023
This might be the third in the series but can definitely be read as a standalone; they are not linked and you can read them in any order.
Once again, Alice Hunter has created an intriguing story. Anna hasn't had the best start in life but she has managed to shake that off and build a good life with her husband and all is looking good until the police turn up on her doorstep to tell her that her brother is a serial killer and she may hold the key to catching him or could she be the next victim?
Written over two timelines and mostly from Anna's perspective, the short chapters make this feel fast paced and despite there not being a lot of the usual gruesome descriptions that are the norm with serial killer books, Alice Hunter uses the growing sense of tension to put you on tenterhooks and racing to find out what's going to happen. This is a great story with unexpected twists and just when you think you've got it, another one happens that turns the story on it's head.
I don't think I actually liked any of the main characters but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book and I would recommend to those who enjoy a good serial killer book without a plethora of violence and gore and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Serial Killer's Sister.
Once again, Alice Hunter has created an intriguing story. Anna hasn't had the best start in life but she has managed to shake that off and build a good life with her husband and all is looking good until the police turn up on her doorstep to tell her that her brother is a serial killer and she may hold the key to catching him or could she be the next victim?
Written over two timelines and mostly from Anna's perspective, the short chapters make this feel fast paced and despite there not being a lot of the usual gruesome descriptions that are the norm with serial killer books, Alice Hunter uses the growing sense of tension to put you on tenterhooks and racing to find out what's going to happen. This is a great story with unexpected twists and just when you think you've got it, another one happens that turns the story on it's head.
I don't think I actually liked any of the main characters but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book and I would recommend to those who enjoy a good serial killer book without a plethora of violence and gore and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Serial Killer's Sister.
Rockin’ Around the Chickadee
9.0
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Bells are ringing and alarms are sounding in Donna Andrews' latest cheery addition in the New York...
Merissa (13883 KP) rated Fighting the Lure (Fighting for Love) in Books
Jan 19, 2024 (Updated Jan 19, 2024)
FIGHTING THE LURE is part of the multi-author Fighting for Love series, and I am in love and want more!
Sam left home ten years ago, leaving her parents and younger sister behind. When she tried to contact Nina, she was shut down. So Sam disappeared out of their lives, leaving a younger Ames wondering where her crush had gone. Time moves on and Ames moves to a new city and a new gym, and wouldn't you just know it...
Hot and intense - I loved every word, every thought, and every scene. The connection between Ames and Sam is instantaneous. Sparks fly, my friend, think fireworks. BUT it wasn't all about getting hot and heavy. There was so much more to these two. They connected on every level, not just the physical.
So many characters that I enjoyed reading about, and I'm really hoping Brooks and Emmit have their own stories. I may just have to check out the other books in this series! I also hope Nina gets her HEA! I think she deserves one after being lied to for all these years. Plus, she lives so far away from Ames now! 😄
A great read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Another jewel in Katherine McIntyre's crown!
** 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!
Jan 15, 2024
Sam left home ten years ago, leaving her parents and younger sister behind. When she tried to contact Nina, she was shut down. So Sam disappeared out of their lives, leaving a younger Ames wondering where her crush had gone. Time moves on and Ames moves to a new city and a new gym, and wouldn't you just know it...
Hot and intense - I loved every word, every thought, and every scene. The connection between Ames and Sam is instantaneous. Sparks fly, my friend, think fireworks. BUT it wasn't all about getting hot and heavy. There was so much more to these two. They connected on every level, not just the physical.
So many characters that I enjoyed reading about, and I'm really hoping Brooks and Emmit have their own stories. I may just have to check out the other books in this series! I also hope Nina gets her HEA! I think she deserves one after being lied to for all these years. Plus, she lives so far away from Ames now! 😄
A great read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Another jewel in Katherine McIntyre's crown!
** 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!
Jan 15, 2024
The Glutton
9.0
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One man with an insatiable hunger: a novel of desire and destruction in Revolutionary France, based...
Historical fiction France