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One to Hold (One to Hold, #1)
Tia Louise | 2013
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I downloaded this I thought it was going to be a new adult book but it isn't, it's a contemporary erotic romance with characters in their thirties.

Nevertheless I enjoyed the book, how the first half or so is based at the spa retreat and the next 40% (it finishes around the 90& mark) is based back wherever she comes from. The difference between her life at home and the tranquillity of the spa is so different and I have to admit I felt sorry for her, though I don't want to spoilt it for those who haven't read it as to why.

I liked Derek from the first moment he's mentioned, maybe it's the way he looks at her from across the bar and seduces her within a handful of pages

It's hard to write a good review of this book when if I talk about the last half of it, I'll spoil it...
  
Kiss and ’Telle?
Kiss and ’Telle?
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book has so many uplifting and funny moments!

I enjoyed this short story about Chantelle and Dennis, the characters were described quickly but enough that you felt engaged with the characters. I enjoyed their banter back and forth with each other, and I liked what Chantelle said:

 “I figure, if folks could spend less time just waiting for love and more time finding ways to give love, it would help”- Chapter 3.

That is one of the underlying themes in this book that I think needs to be broadcasted far and wide. Others include the younger generation needing to step up and show the world what they do and leaning on God for our ups, and downs in life. Chantelle and Dennis have so much laughter together and they learn about each other over time the way good friends and life-long partners do.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creativity in creating a great story in a short story, for the inspirational quotes throughout this book (I had a hard time choosing just one to include!), and for the message of speaking up and not being afraid.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2544 KP) rated Murder in the Piazza in Books

Sep 10, 2022 (Updated Sep 10, 2022)  
Murder in the Piazza
Murder in the Piazza
Jen Collins Moore | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder in Rome
Maggie White’s husband has been sent to Rome for two years for his job, and she’s gone along with him. After a few months of living the life of leisure, she has found a job working for Masterpiece Tours, a specialty tour company that offers painting lessons and tours of some of the museums and famous locations in the city. She’s barely started and she’s already fantasizing about ways to kill her boss, Lord Phillip, an English expat. However, she is shocked to find him shot in his office one evening. The police don’t seem that interested in figuring out what happened, so Maggie starts investigating. Can she figure out what is going on?

This was a good travel themed mystery. It brought Rome to life in such a way that I felt I was there with Maggie. Unfortunately, the pacing of the mystery was off early on, but I did appreciate how everything came together at the end. We met many of the characters in a group setting, but they became distinct people as the story progressed, so it wasn’t really an issue. If you are looking for a virtual visit to Rome with a side of murder, this is the book for you.
  
AT
After the End (After the End, #1)
Amy Plum | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
[After The End] by [Amy Plum] has a deceptive tile because it leads you to think it is an dystopian novel. Although I love those books this was a welcomed surprise. It turned into more of an action/adventure with a little coming of age thrown in for good measure.

[Plum] did an excellent job of developing a creative, fearless, intelligent character in Juneau. Although she is naive do to lack of exposure she know how to survive. Her loyalty to family even though they hurt her is endearing.

Miles, on the other hand, is a spoiled rotten brat who has had the easy life. He starts out for his own gain but what he really gains is a new insight about life and love.

This story has some supernatural aspects but over all is more of an exciting journey of discovery for two young people who have a lot to learn from each other.