Cats! All over the place. Protecting them from a dark threat can be deadly, but Jaymie does her best and as usual, gets herself in a dangerous situatiCats! All over the place. Protecting them from a dark threat can be deadly, but Jaymie does her best and as usual, gets herself in a dangerous situation. Hamilton's created a memorable cast, and this installment expands upon the families we've gotten to know over the years in the Vintage Kitchen series. Solid mystery. Good romance. Smart friendships....more
I'm a sucker for these kinds of books. Hate at first site. Turns to admiration. Becomes sexual attraction. Permanent lovers. It's always like that rigI'm a sucker for these kinds of books. Hate at first site. Turns to admiration. Becomes sexual attraction. Permanent lovers. It's always like that right? When you hate someone, you do everything in your power to find silly situations to still be around each other. Well, no, not really, but then again... the line between hate and love is very blurry. Intense emotions come tumbling int your life and mind, and some of us hate what we really want to be or have, right? Enough about my personal idiosyncrasies (tho if you're ready this, you probably feel the same way)... onto the book thoughts!
Both main characters have charm, and a few not-so-wonderful qualities, but they have hearts of gold. There are lovely romantic scenes and relationship (friendship, teammates, et al) levels to analyze and achieve. Happy Endings. Good but not overly explicit sexual scenes. All the right ingredients, plus one is a prince, so it adds that extra layer. Made for a great afternoon of reading. That said, and I say this about many LGBTQ books... there are so few that seem based in any sense of reality where readers could say, hey... this could happen to me. Makes me question, are books written to provide fantasy even if they're not in the fantasy genre, or should some have merit in what could happen. Would those even be interesting?
I always come back to this kind, tho, so it must mean I like the fantasy myself, eh? Thanks for a fun trip, Nora Phoenix....more
Writers can truly shape the story in a way that forces a reader to believe something that isn't true. Kathryn Croft often does this, and it's the primWriters can truly shape the story in a way that forces a reader to believe something that isn't true. Kathryn Croft often does this, and it's the primary driving factor in her latest book, The Last One to See Him. Some readers immerse themselves in a book and don't try to solve the mystery or get ahead of the author's game. Other readers just make guesses and claim they knew the plot before it happened. I usually try to avoid guessing it so I can enjoy the writing, the story, and the suspense. That was the case here. I fell for it. I disliked the characters I was supposed to dislike. I liked the ones I was suppose to like. But the shades of gray are powerful here. Tho we're clear in the ending, I still found myself a bit ticked at one of the two women leading this story - the wife of the victim. I think she overplayed her hand and reacted too strongly, and as the truth comes to light, did she suffer appropriately or was she given a pass after all that happened in the background? A good book makes you think about the balance of equality when it comes to an eye for an eye. Nice job!...more
**spoiler alert** Never Come Back is the latest novel from author Cara Reinard. I received an early copy through NetGalley and eagerly dove in last we**spoiler alert** Never Come Back is the latest novel from author Cara Reinard. I received an early copy through NetGalley and eagerly dove in last week to learn what happened to a man when he visited Mexico City. The plot hinges on a semi-often 'old wives tale' about a man who wakes up in a bathtub missing a kidney. But there's really a whole lot more to this dramatic novel. Family history, genetics, affairs, misunderstandings... a woman pushed to the brink and the lines she will cross. Loved the novel!!! Might be my first true 5-star of the year. Of course there are niggles, we all have them, and that ending... super annoyed about what happens when you break the law. I get it, but if you do something for the greater good, or to balance another crime, what is the punishment? Encourage you to read if you like thrillers and Reinard's style....more
Kim Davis has written a delectable series stocked with memorable and vivid characters. Chocolate Can Be Deadly, book 7, continue that delivery with grKim Davis has written a delectable series stocked with memorable and vivid characters. Chocolate Can Be Deadly, book 7, continue that delivery with great new recipes and a drama-filled event. Poison, revenge, and bitter characters who love to argue and treat people poorly. Toss in the loss of money and societal status, you know there's a secret lurking beneath the surface.
Mystery was great. The growing relationship between the main characters and her boyfriend's family, and her own in a strange twist of blended family dynamics, has created a beautiful world we can sometimes (and sometimes not) relate to. I missed her sister being in the side stories tho!!
The title pulled me in - I admit it. I love disco and wish I grew up in that period. Not that I'd actually go out and dance, ha. Witches are fascinatiThe title pulled me in - I admit it. I love disco and wish I grew up in that period. Not that I'd actually go out and dance, ha. Witches are fascinating and have the best balance of reality and magic without going into the realm of the fantasy genre for me; it's not appealing to me. And I spent a few summer's on Fire Island, so I totally understand the culture, even if I was way too young when the book took place in the 80s.
I enjoyed reliving a few experiences, seeing the comedy of older gay men who try to look out for the youngin's, and being exposed to an entirely different side of life that can be shocking and entertaining. Tender moments interspersed throughout the story make for a proper balance of emotions. The magical moments went over my head and for me pulled the story down rather than showcase a tighter theme of tolerance and imagination.
Not a book I'd recommend for the faint of heart when it comes to promiscuity, sexual scenes, or even strong language. But well done in that it evoked a lot of depth to truth, personality, and the party scene....more
The past always comes back to haunt you. Especially if you don't tell your deepest, darkest secret to your husband. (Side note: so many stories where The past always comes back to haunt you. Especially if you don't tell your deepest, darkest secret to your husband. (Side note: so many stories where the protagonist is hiding things from their significant other, which I get happens, but huge things? I would feel like I'd know but maybe love blinds you!). Also, never live near your in-laws, especially when they don't seem to like you or prefer your husband's former lover. Some families are just messed up. Good characters. Interesting plot. Echoes normal intrigue from the author's books. Will continue to read more....more
Loved the story... connects a bit of magic, family drama, delicious baked goods and beautiful scenery. I've come to expect this in a Gaughan / Woods nLoved the story... connects a bit of magic, family drama, delicious baked goods and beautiful scenery. I've come to expect this in a Gaughan / Woods novel, and she doesn't disappoint here. Would have loved to learn more about why the vanilla worked (won't reveal the secrets here!) but I am totally good just going with it. Solid characters. Lovely setting. I'm all caught up on the author's books now....more
I Would Die for You is the first Sandie Jones novel I've read, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed the story and the characters, and in the end, it haI Would Die for You is the first Sandie Jones novel I've read, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed the story and the characters, and in the end, it had a super balanced tone between memories and live action. Multiple POVs give the reader cause to question who is really speaking, and you get to play the guessing game of which sibling is the focal point. As the true history of what happened all those years ago come together, you're left with an open-ended choice of which characters to love and which to hate. Readers will easily fall into some traps, which writers love.... thru the trickery of words, changing POV, and playing a bit of a guessing game, you think you understand but then you learn about some of the other situations in the background and it all feels like a house of cards that eventually, like all dramatic moments, come tumbling down. Intrigued by the writing style enough to see if the author recreates that magic in other novels....more
It's a bit like chucking pumpkins but at Christmas time in this small seaside town. Except the flying holiday treat (not a popular one?) causes a disaIt's a bit like chucking pumpkins but at Christmas time in this small seaside town. Except the flying holiday treat (not a popular one?) causes a disaster. Surely someone couldn't die by fruitcake? Amanda solves the case, among celebrating the holidays with friends and family. Good installment but very light!...more
Strange guests at the inn. Someone trying to buy up property. A divorce in the making. And murder. Whodunit this time? Another fun installment in the Strange guests at the inn. Someone trying to buy up property. A divorce in the making. And murder. Whodunit this time? Another fun installment in the Ravenwood Cove Mysteries. I see the next one turns the series more toward romance. Interesting twist?...more
When you combine books, witches, and historical fiction, I'm all in. Such is the case with Helen Phifer's new book, The Vanishing Bookstore. Loved howWhen you combine books, witches, and historical fiction, I'm all in. Such is the case with Helen Phifer's new book, The Vanishing Bookstore. Loved how the past connects to the present, and we're dealt mischievous men who want to hunt down the women who wouldn't fit in their boxes. Terrible POVs but the women win in the end... thus I enjoyed the story's conclusion. Much to applaud. Lots to get sentimental and worried about. And I enjoyed the various generations. Crazy how the past can come back to haunt you too....more
I remember watching the last few seasons of Golden Girls when it was still on the air, and decades later, I've rewatched the entire series a few timesI remember watching the last few seasons of Golden Girls when it was still on the air, and decades later, I've rewatched the entire series a few times. Actually, we started again for the new year and watch an episode before bed many weeknights. When the book was announced, I giggled. It could be terrible, it could be amusing. It hit my queue last week, so I jumped on in. The author does a good job balancing the comedic zingers and exuberant personalities, as well as drawing a bit of a caricature for the traits that define each of the 4 women. All their exploits are front-and-center, tho this is primarily about Rose and Dorothy. There are moments (like most cozies) where I worry it's not plausible, and there are others where things are too coincidental, but it's a lovely balance of all it is supposed to be. If you're a fan of the show and like extended fan fiction, you'll enjoy this. If you're the kind of reader who picks away at something because that's just what you do, stay away. For two reasons - stop being such a grumpy reviewer who enjoys ruining things for other people and you weren't going to like it anyway so why bother? But for most fans of the show who are readers and who enjoy light mysteries, you'll relish!...more
Janovsky does it again with Once Upon You and Me! Loved both main characters and rooted all the way for them to work it out. Very much enjoy how well Janovsky does it again with Once Upon You and Me! Loved both main characters and rooted all the way for them to work it out. Very much enjoy how well the author creates memorable personalities and provides a balanced take on reality versus fiction. Can't wait to read another one....more
The Other People, written by C.B. Everett, had all the right ingredients to make for a spectacular read: locked room mystery, ten strangers invited toThe Other People, written by C.B. Everett, had all the right ingredients to make for a spectacular read: locked room mystery, ten strangers invited to an island, one by one they die... any Agatha Christie fan would love it. And it delivered on so many levels. I couldn't put the book down for most of the time. As we got down to the final few suspects, things unraveled a little for me. We began to see signs of intentional information being left out which was both crucial to discovering the killer and couldn't be told until the very end without giving the plot away. So, it felt a bit distracting... But, the plot device, once it's fully unveiled, actually has a lot of merit and brought out the mystery fan in me. There were a few dangling threads in the end, meaning... either a red herring / clue was left open-ended or purpose behind some of the plot was murky. As a whole, it totally delivered on suspense and I could see how it would play out as a movie... so kudos to the author!...more
I Will Blossom Anyway is the second book from Disha Bose that I've read. Centered around an Indian woman living in America, the story brings to light I Will Blossom Anyway is the second book from Disha Bose that I've read. Centered around an Indian woman living in America, the story brings to light the concept of arranged marriages, freedom of choice, and the impact of circumstances outside your control. While more on the gentle and humorous side, there is a lovely poignancy that reflects throughout the pages. Death can surprise you. But so can a slowly burgeoning love that may not be what you expected but is what you needed. Imagine feeling different yet struggling with how to meet the expectations of many people in your life whom you've possibly let retain too much control? A memorable trip home to India. Blind dating humor. And tests to the bonds of friendship. I loved the reality of all the relationships, some good and some bad. It was a little slow-moving at times, and a few of the scenes felt forced to fit the overall plot rather than the natural actions of characters. I didn't like the early death one of person who had more story to tell - perhaps it was a one-sided narration and so it was meant to be that way... kind of like life taking someone from you without understanding why. So in that case, it's spot on... but it was just missing a few things to move to 5 stars for me. Still a recommended read....more
This series has been a bit all over the map throughout its 31 books, but this one was quite strong. Great murder caper. Loved the family dynamics withThis series has been a bit all over the map throughout its 31 books, but this one was quite strong. Great murder caper. Loved the family dynamics with Lucy's two youngest daughters and embracing of modern times. Found myself thoroughly enjoying the series again......more
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