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The Intermission
7.0
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Have you ever had a secret so gut-wrenching you couldn't share it with anyone, not even the person...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder in Books
Oct 21, 2021 (Updated Oct 21, 2021)
Polar Bear Plunge of Death
Every December, Ocean Crest, New Jersey, hosts a polar bear plunge as a fund raiser, and this year it is raising money for a much-needed renovation for the senior center. Most of the businesses in the town are participating, and Lucy Berberian is representing her family’s Kebab Kitchen restaurant. As expected, the water is chilly, but all that is soon forgotten when the dead body of one of the participants washes ashore. At first everyone assumes that the shock of the cold water killed Deacon Spooner, but the medical examiners determines that it was murder. Lucy had recently met Deacon, and he wasn’t a nice man. When the police look at Lucy’s friend as their prime suspect, she can’t help but nose around. She uncovers plenty of motives and opportunity, but who actually killed the man?
The book starts out strong, but it loses its way, with very little forward movement and a sub-plot taking over as we near the climax. Fortunately, we do get a logical and suspenseful ending. The sub-plot, about Lucy dragging her feet planning her wedding, would have made sense if it had been weeks between books instead of months. Still, it did allow us to see some growth in Lucy and in her relationships, which I appreciated. The book isn’t overwhelming with Christmas, but it is there, and I enjoyed that aspect as well. We get four recipes at the end of the book to enjoy later. While the book could have been stronger, as a fan of the series, I’m glad I read it.
The book starts out strong, but it loses its way, with very little forward movement and a sub-plot taking over as we near the climax. Fortunately, we do get a logical and suspenseful ending. The sub-plot, about Lucy dragging her feet planning her wedding, would have made sense if it had been weeks between books instead of months. Still, it did allow us to see some growth in Lucy and in her relationships, which I appreciated. The book isn’t overwhelming with Christmas, but it is there, and I enjoyed that aspect as well. We get four recipes at the end of the book to enjoy later. While the book could have been stronger, as a fan of the series, I’m glad I read it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated An Almost Purrfect Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2022
Who Committed Murder on an Alaskan Cruise?
A cruise to Alaska isn’t Frankie’s idea of a vacation, but when her best friend, Penny, decides to get married in the middle of a cruise, she goes along, especially since she’s the maid of honor. The first night, Frankie watches the entertainment, which includes a cat trainer. She surprised to find one of the cats outside her door the next morning transmitting some weird messages that only begin to make sense when she finds the dead body of the trainer on the lifeboat below her cabin. Can she convince anyone that he was murdered?
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
Merissa (12841 KP) rated Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
Brett is the fourth book in the Bad Boys After Dark series, but you can read it as a standalone (as I did), and you won't get lost. The other brothers play a big part in Brett's story, but not enough that you are lost with who is with whom. Brett and Sophie have known each other for a while, as Sophie works for Brett's brother. Since a wedding they both attended, Brett can't get her out of his mind. He is worried though, as he knows Sophie is not looking for just one night, but a long-term relationship. Due to circumstances in his past, Brett is slightly phobic about commitment but decides he needs to take a chance with Sophie.
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
Merissa (12841 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Layla & Levi (The Heartwood Series #2) in Books
Aug 27, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
SMITH'S CORNER: LAYLA & LEVI is the second book in the Heartwood series. This time, the focus is on Layla, Delilah's mum, and so we learn her past and the secrets she was hiding in book one.
Trust me when I say this is not easy reading. There is a trigger warning for a reason. There is nothing graphic but what is there, made my stomach churn. I really felt for Layla. Levi is just as much of a sweetheart as Dallas is. He knows he was in the wrong at their first meeting, and does everything he can to prove he is the right man for Layla and Cora. And I say both because, in Levi's mind, they are a complete package.
There are some very funny moments in this story, plus others that are heartbreaking. I loved how the story came out and the various reactions. The bachelor/bachelorette parties were hysterical, and the wedding was gorgeous.
Ash and Alora are next and I really can't wait for their story. In fact, I can't wait for ALL the stories, but I will be content with one at a time.
A fantastic addition to the series that I am thoroughly enjoying. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, but I would suggest you read them in order, just to get the full enjoyment out of all the characters.
** 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!
Aug 27, 2021
Trust me when I say this is not easy reading. There is a trigger warning for a reason. There is nothing graphic but what is there, made my stomach churn. I really felt for Layla. Levi is just as much of a sweetheart as Dallas is. He knows he was in the wrong at their first meeting, and does everything he can to prove he is the right man for Layla and Cora. And I say both because, in Levi's mind, they are a complete package.
There are some very funny moments in this story, plus others that are heartbreaking. I loved how the story came out and the various reactions. The bachelor/bachelorette parties were hysterical, and the wedding was gorgeous.
Ash and Alora are next and I really can't wait for their story. In fact, I can't wait for ALL the stories, but I will be content with one at a time.
A fantastic addition to the series that I am thoroughly enjoying. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, but I would suggest you read them in order, just to get the full enjoyment out of all the characters.
** 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!
Aug 27, 2021
Merissa (12841 KP) rated Deceived by Desire (Roaring Rogues #2) in Books
Oct 13, 2022
DECEIVED BY DESIRE is the second book in the Roaring Rogues series, and features Nash, who is currently beating himself up for the wrongs he thinks he has done. On a coach to Scotland, he is intrigued by a miss wearing hideous hats - complete with veils - who persists in speaking to him even when he doesn't want her to. What follows is a lovely story filled with humour and sexy times, as well as a dash of danger, as Laney tries to figure out her future as Nash bemoans his past.
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely 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!
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely 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!
Relight My Fire
10.0
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Some comebacks can be murder . . . Stella is enjoying life as an almost student, or at least she...
Debbiereadsbook (1424 KP) rated Saul (Rent-a-Daddy #1) in Books
Oct 9, 2024
low on the angst but HIGH on the warm and fuzzies scale!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Calvin wants to bury his head in the sand, or his blanket fort, he's not fussy, and totally ignore the invite to his best friends wedding. Problem is not that he doesn't want to go, just that he will meet the Daddy who broke his heart last year. Enter, Saul. Doing this one thing as a favour seemed like a good idea, even is Saul isn't really a Daddy. But seeing Calvin for the first time does . . . . .something. . . .inside of Saul. Can they really pretend?
What I loved about this was how quickly they both knew, and admitted, that this wasn't pretend anymore. I loved how Saul settled into the Daddy role with way more ease that he thought he would, and that he seemed to know what Calvin needed WAY before Calven did. That was the biggest thing for me. That Saul never really knew he was a Daddy, but with Calvin, he absolutely was.
I found it heavy on the emotional side, but a bit lighter on the steamy side. Oh it's steamy, yes indeed, but not explicit. It's more about the emotional connection between Saul and Calvin, rather than the physical one.
Low on the angst scale, but high on the warm and fuzzies slash too stinking cute scale! I read this in one sitting.
I loved that the rotten daddy gets his comeuppence!
And I loved catching up with all the couples that live in Rainbow key!
5 cute and fuzzy stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Calvin wants to bury his head in the sand, or his blanket fort, he's not fussy, and totally ignore the invite to his best friends wedding. Problem is not that he doesn't want to go, just that he will meet the Daddy who broke his heart last year. Enter, Saul. Doing this one thing as a favour seemed like a good idea, even is Saul isn't really a Daddy. But seeing Calvin for the first time does . . . . .something. . . .inside of Saul. Can they really pretend?
What I loved about this was how quickly they both knew, and admitted, that this wasn't pretend anymore. I loved how Saul settled into the Daddy role with way more ease that he thought he would, and that he seemed to know what Calvin needed WAY before Calven did. That was the biggest thing for me. That Saul never really knew he was a Daddy, but with Calvin, he absolutely was.
I found it heavy on the emotional side, but a bit lighter on the steamy side. Oh it's steamy, yes indeed, but not explicit. It's more about the emotional connection between Saul and Calvin, rather than the physical one.
Low on the angst scale, but high on the warm and fuzzies slash too stinking cute scale! I read this in one sitting.
I loved that the rotten daddy gets his comeuppence!
And I loved catching up with all the couples that live in Rainbow key!
5 cute and fuzzy stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1424 KP) rated On Warmer Shores in Books
Aug 4, 2024
stunning 5 star read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (12841 KP) rated Second Drafts (Matchmakers #2) in Books
Sep 1, 2017
Second Drafts (Matchmakers #2) by G.R. Lyons
Second Drafts is the second book in the Matchmakers series - set in a world similar yet different to our own. This book is about Chance's brother, Shain, and his demons, plus Ellidan, and his monster. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! Okay, so I might have said that about book one too, but seriously, this one got to me. I loved the relationship between Shain and Ellidan, although I was all for kicking Shain during most of the story! Ellidan thinks he is so broken, and yet he is so strong. Shain thinks he has everything under control, and yet really doesn't.
You also get the opportunity to catch up with Chance and Remy, which I loved. I didn't love Shain and Chance's father turning up to the wedding, or what happened with Ellidan, but I'll leave that there. You also see Bryan acting out at Matchmakers, and yet still don't know why. Danny is trying to deal with him, and that is such a delightful teaser for the next book.
Still, I'm getting ahead of myself. This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoiled my reading flow. I adore how Chance is an editor, and Shain is a writer. Books/writing/editing, set in a fantasy m/m scene? I can't ask for anything else! Ticks all my boxes, that's for sure.
Second Drafts certainly doesn't suffer from being a 'gap' book. I was caught up in every scene, every word, and loved it from beginning to end. 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 comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
You also get the opportunity to catch up with Chance and Remy, which I loved. I didn't love Shain and Chance's father turning up to the wedding, or what happened with Ellidan, but I'll leave that there. You also see Bryan acting out at Matchmakers, and yet still don't know why. Danny is trying to deal with him, and that is such a delightful teaser for the next book.
Still, I'm getting ahead of myself. This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoiled my reading flow. I adore how Chance is an editor, and Shain is a writer. Books/writing/editing, set in a fantasy m/m scene? I can't ask for anything else! Ticks all my boxes, that's for sure.
Second Drafts certainly doesn't suffer from being a 'gap' book. I was caught up in every scene, every word, and loved it from beginning to end. 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 comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!