Grisette's bookshelf: all en-US Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:41:46 -0700 60 Grisette's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Pack Darling Part One (Pack Darling #1)]]> 198558356
My awakening? Never gonna happen. Heat, mates, and a fairytale pack life? Maybe next reincarnation.

All I want is to be left alone.

I'm invisible, headed to a blissful solo future until the Wyvern Pack destroys my dream of independence.

Atlas, Hunter, Finn, Jett, and Orion are poison candy. They don't want an omega, but they need one, even if there'll never be a real spot for me in their pack.

Who needs a pack? I’ll keep myself safe, same as always.

I'll never awaken, and I'll never ever give the Wyverns my heart...

Because all they'll do is rip me apart .



� Slow

� Med/High (spicy MM + MMMMM scenes)

� Growly alpha males, no shifting

� Warning : Contains MM content, frequent cursing, and references to past assault that may be disturbing. Author not responsible for ugly crying. Wait for Part 2 if HEA is a requirement.



Join the fanpack who are waiting for Pack Darling, Part Two and see if you agree with these readers� reviews!

“Like AJ Merlin's Reckless, Pack Darling fits into that great middle ground � Basically, it's a perfect choice for those who don't want super sweet or super dark. Pack Darling is just right.� � Rambling Reader, ŷ

“I honestly can't give enough stars to this book. I think it easily deserves six, seven or even eight stars, but unfortunately there is no option to add extra stars, so I'm gonna have to go with five and an amazing review. But somehow I doubt a review can really do justice to this amazing book.� � Ines, ŷ

“I love the books that sneak up on you!....Oh my goodness. I have to wait until September for book two. I am dying inside from anticipation. I read this twice in three days! How many more times will I read it between now and then!? I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy Lily Archer's Omega Academy . Pack Darling is similar in awesomeness without aliens. I can't wait to read more by Lola Rock!� - Ali, Have Coffee, Need Books]]> 356 Lola Rock 1959927000 Grisette 5 4.8 stars

This book was a total revelation in terms of sweet omegaverse. I already read and appreciated the Lola duet by another author, but PD is a sweet omegaverse in its own category. Without any doubt, this book and Lola Rock deserve the following awards:

- Book with the mother of cliffhanger of the year;
- Book with the most poignant, tear laden, heart aching final chapters of the year; and
- Book enticing many re-reads just because the hurt in the final chapters is so good.

If that isn't a record!

When I stumbled upon PD - Part One, I was mildly interested by the blurb (it promised angst, rejection trope and mf Omegaverse i.e. some of my favourite romance ingredients) but from experience, I knew that enticing blurbs did not mean good writing, plots and characters. Around close to midnight, I finally decided to have a go at it and, as per my usual modus operandi, having found the first chapter a bit difficult to get into, I skipped to read the last chapters to decide whether it was a worthwhile book. And boy, how I was blown away with these last chapters!! I was literally crying buckets although I was in half-asleep mode. The raw feelings it had evoked in me drove me into an angst-ridden kind of sleep, which is highly appreciated from time to time.

The next day, I was still feeling the aftershocks of reading all through the day and my only obsession was to be back at home and actually read the damn thing from start to finish in the comfort of my bedroom. And that second night, I finished the whole book at around 4 am (my e-reader informs me that I read it in about 6 hours straight)! With again the buckets of tears, even though I already had read the end on the eve.

The star of the book is certainly Lilah. I really, really like her. She is a courageous, kind, funny and down to earth girl. Maybe a bit fatalistic in her approach, she nevertheless tries to fight back when she gets the chance because she has her eyes on the long term gain. My heart went out totally to her when she faced the final rejection from her mates. Although she always knew that she would never be accepted into the Wyvern pack, and she even actively made plans to escape them despite them being her fated mates, I would like to believe that because she was in her first heat, the rough rejection from her mates weighed in against her emotional defenses ten times more than if she had not been in heat. I mean to say, that because she was in such a weak biological moment (that override rational thoughts), any hurt that she felt then would surely sear deeper, and permanently, in her soul than at any other moment. Hence, Part Two promises to be very interesting in that regard. I am looking forward to a very hardened Lilah who cannot let go of the pain and hurt in her heart and make her mates pay her back to the last cent every little rejection, attitude and careless words. This is what I also like about Omegaverse: the freedom of authors to take the basic ABO settings and mould them into any creative direction they wish. Here, it is the omega who takes control and the alphas have to submit.

And contrarily to many, though the Wyvern Pack were 1st class douches, I still love them with their immaturity. But I am convinced that PD - Part Two (out Jan 2022 with some luck) will totally redeem them, with this time the award of: Book with the mother of epic grovel of all time.

If Lola Rock succeeds in that (with top notch steam), this duet will be a historical reference of the genre for the decades to come. But no pressure Lola, I still love you for the epicness of Part One.]]> 4.38 2021 Pack Darling Part One (Pack Darling #1)
author: Lola Rock
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/18
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

4.8 stars

This book was a total revelation in terms of sweet omegaverse. I already read and appreciated the Lola duet by another author, but PD is a sweet omegaverse in its own category. Without any doubt, this book and Lola Rock deserve the following awards:

- Book with the mother of cliffhanger of the year;
- Book with the most poignant, tear laden, heart aching final chapters of the year; and
- Book enticing many re-reads just because the hurt in the final chapters is so good.

If that isn't a record!

When I stumbled upon PD - Part One, I was mildly interested by the blurb (it promised angst, rejection trope and mf Omegaverse i.e. some of my favourite romance ingredients) but from experience, I knew that enticing blurbs did not mean good writing, plots and characters. Around close to midnight, I finally decided to have a go at it and, as per my usual modus operandi, having found the first chapter a bit difficult to get into, I skipped to read the last chapters to decide whether it was a worthwhile book. And boy, how I was blown away with these last chapters!! I was literally crying buckets although I was in half-asleep mode. The raw feelings it had evoked in me drove me into an angst-ridden kind of sleep, which is highly appreciated from time to time.

The next day, I was still feeling the aftershocks of reading all through the day and my only obsession was to be back at home and actually read the damn thing from start to finish in the comfort of my bedroom. And that second night, I finished the whole book at around 4 am (my e-reader informs me that I read it in about 6 hours straight)! With again the buckets of tears, even though I already had read the end on the eve.

The star of the book is certainly Lilah. I really, really like her. She is a courageous, kind, funny and down to earth girl. Maybe a bit fatalistic in her approach, she nevertheless tries to fight back when she gets the chance because she has her eyes on the long term gain. My heart went out totally to her when she faced the final rejection from her mates. Although she always knew that she would never be accepted into the Wyvern pack, and she even actively made plans to escape them despite them being her fated mates, I would like to believe that because she was in her first heat, the rough rejection from her mates weighed in against her emotional defenses ten times more than if she had not been in heat. I mean to say, that because she was in such a weak biological moment (that override rational thoughts), any hurt that she felt then would surely sear deeper, and permanently, in her soul than at any other moment. Hence, Part Two promises to be very interesting in that regard. I am looking forward to a very hardened Lilah who cannot let go of the pain and hurt in her heart and make her mates pay her back to the last cent every little rejection, attitude and careless words. This is what I also like about Omegaverse: the freedom of authors to take the basic ABO settings and mould them into any creative direction they wish. Here, it is the omega who takes control and the alphas have to submit.

And contrarily to many, though the Wyvern Pack were 1st class douches, I still love them with their immaturity. But I am convinced that PD - Part Two (out Jan 2022 with some luck) will totally redeem them, with this time the award of: Book with the mother of epic grovel of all time.

If Lola Rock succeeds in that (with top notch steam), this duet will be a historical reference of the genre for the decades to come. But no pressure Lola, I still love you for the epicness of Part One.
]]> Pack Darling Part Two 198558316 452 Lola Rock 1959927027 Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3 stars.

To say that this has been my most anticipated book of 2022 is certainly an euphemism. I caught the PD fever late, some two weeks before the first scheduled release of PD2 in 2021 and I was totally crushed when the date was postponed. But I held good, packing many PD1 re-reads along the way. And so, on release day, I was virtually a slave chained to the book, not ready to let go until I had read first to last line. On the eve, I had completed a full re-read of PD1, so, I was totally soaked in the drama of Lilah and co and I was on the verge of expiring if I did not get to read how things got resolved.

Now, some 24 hours post reading, with time for my mind to absorb things, I have to say that I am having mixed feelings. First, it was a total relief that PD2 proved to be a high-quality book in terms of writing style and plot flow. LR is no doubt a very good writer, able to pack witty and edgy lines over and over without breaking a sweat, twist the plot in unexpected and original but still enjoyable directions, and connect carefully previously sown plot bunnies in a way that fans would click and fangirl over. My greatest fear with continuations that had not yet been fully written at the time of release of a first book is that somehow the whole structure will fall totally flat and tasteless like a bad soufflé. Not so with PD2. So, kudos LR!

I really liked the mature way in which the groveling was arranged in the book. For the total angst enthusiast that I am, the grovel part was the main theme that I was dying to read about. After the bucket of tears that I had in PD1, I wanted epic groveling. While I did not get the epic part, I was glad to see that the groveling started right at the beginning of the book and that it continued right up to the end, with each character making efforts to change things and show Lilah how they have changed. That Hunter took charge, broke the bond (!) and craftily put in place a ‘patience� strategy was very original, and in the end effective for me as a reader. Not romantically epic as in my fantasies, but highly appreciated in its down to earth realism � what I would expect in RL for sure. For that reason, Hunter was my favourite character in the book, the alpha that I really would like to meet and keep as mine in RL ^^

It was also a surprise that most of the actions in the first part of the book took place at the OCC. While not my favourite place on earth, I was nicely taken in by this original turn of events. I cheered when Lilah was able to at last set so many of the wrongs that she was victim of to right. It was certainly unexpected that all she suffered there had in fact been orchestrated by the baddies a long time back (the lies! so many lies in her dossier!), that Hikaru totally believed her, and that he took real, drastic measures immediately. This was the satisfactory answer to one of my hanging questions from PD1 as I could not understand how the Wyverns could have let things go so bad at one of their institutions, and done against precious omegas.

And of course, I was glad that Lilah made peace with the guys and they found their HEA (though it sounds a bit like HFN in the epilogue). LR mentioned that it was going to be a medium burn but I found it to be a quite a slow burn, with Lilah finding her ground with the pack little by little. I quite like the steamy scenes but a bit of more raunchy would have been welcomed as well. That said LR did a great job, injecting slow and languorous feelings in the scenes.

What I felt missing in the romance aspect of the book, and that’s just my opinion, is that ‘swept off my feet element�. While I was very excited all through the reading, I did not cry any bucket of tears like in PD1. And I wanted to, I needed to and I was expecting to. I wanted at least one chapter where my heart was so wrung out that I had to stop and bawl my eyes out. I know my order is tall, and that writing is difficult. And when the plot structure has already been established to evolve in a realistic way, I get it that it could have been out of place to inject tears along the way. Romantic me still craved that part but total respect for the way it was done nevertheless.

My main point of contention would be surprisingly an aspect that I actually appreciated. I found it totally surprising, in a good way, that LR chose the path of breaking the pack bond. Boy, this came as a total surprise. But almost immediately, my mind acknowledged it was the logical the way to go. It had already been hinted multiple times, by many characters, in PD1 that there was something wrong in the bond, that it was fragile and unstable. So, it was totally logic that to build solid foundations, one had to destroy everything and rebuilt anew. This is what happens in RL and it totally makes sense in the book and allowed for good plot and character development. However, one tiny romantic part within me wished it was otherwise as my heart went out to Orion. I know that he is totally fine with how the pack was re-arranged, but I still wanted that he and Lilah would be the central magnets of the pack. In my mind, Lilah would have been integrated in the pack and reign alongside Orion (with some hot omega-omega actions along the way^^), a bit like Atlas and Hunter fantasized in PD1! And so, my heart was kind of disappointed when Orion was pushed to the side by the other guys (even Atlas a bit) to the profit of Lilah. There is a definitive theme of ‘Lilah IS the queen� which my mind totally respects, but which does not contend my heart. It feels as if the dads were totally justified since Day 1 when they said that the guys had acted thoughtlessly and their pack would never work (and that's wrong if they are proved right). I know that the other guys will still help during Orion’s heat, but that he had to lose all their marks punched me wrong somehow. It was even pointed out that the reason they would love to get working on Orion was because Lilah would love it. This sounds so wrong imho. I loved how Orion and Lilah bonded but I really would have preferred if Orion had reigned equally along Lilah. Oh well, just wistful little me.

I never hated Jett (like I know some did) because I could see the hurt in PD1 and also because I knew that when his story would blow in PD2 it would be awesome (and it totally helped that I pictured him as Coffee Prince alumni, Kim Jae-wook all along =D).

KJW

So, while his trauma was indeed brought up in PD2, I feel like it was not enough. I wanted a scene where he would get open with the pack. I know that he is still under therapy so I guess it will come on later. But even with Lilah, he could not get the full words out. In the end, I did not like how his character was made into. I get that he is in tortured mode, but I cannot equate the sharp worded Jett in PD1 with the one-word response submissive male in PD2, with inferiority complex, that Lilah seems to abet. I hope it is not true, but the epilogue made it sound that the main objective of Jett nowadays is to bask in the lap of Lilah, getting petted, while she works. Jett is much, much more than that.

Concerning Finn, I feel that his issues should have been dug into as well. As romantic as it is that both Jett and him believed that if Lilah was gone, they would have no purpose in life and would be ready to end each other’s life, it’s not healthy. At all. His kidnapping was never brought up with Lilah. And why is there no need for him to get into therapy as well? When PD1 pointed out that he either had the cold assassin vibe or the crazy, mischievous bordering kamikaze persona, I expected some kind of resolution in PD2. We did glimpse at the empty and desperate Finn in the last chapters of PD1. I had hoped that PD2 would have navigated deeper into that part and come up with a strong Finn. Instead, Finn seems to remain as he was, just surviving 24H on Lilah and leashed by Hunter from time to time. I almost wish for PD3 to get his character development. PD3 seems possible (even if not now) with the heavy hints in the epilogue. If PD3 exists, I do hope it is Wyvern centric, with understandably some action with baddies, and resolving missing elements concerning Finn and Jett at least.

Last, about Atlas. He was certainly the one that needed to change the most given that he was pack leader. I totally applaud that he found it in him to get down on earth, and work on his own issues so that he would be a better alpha to his omegas. However, I am not sure how I feel for him to be a happy domestic Alpha. It is a daring original angle for sure but I am not a totally happy camper about this. Atlas could be both military top gun and caring Alpha. I do not see how this would be contradictory. Also, I know that PD2 was about Lilah but more scenes with Atlas groveling to Orion would have been welcomed as well. After the deep bond they had in PD1, I would have expected more in PD2. But oh, well, just my opinion.

So, this is where I am with PD2. I loved the writing and all the original punches LR gleefully sprinkled along the way. The plot development followed a logical in-context journey with doses of practical realism. Although I do miss the epic angst, and I have some points of contention, I still liked PD2. PD1 will forever remain an epic book for me, and I am relieved that PD2 does not let it down. I remain a big fan of LR's writing.]]> 4.17 2022 Pack Darling Part Two
author: Lola Rock
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/19
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3 stars.

To say that this has been my most anticipated book of 2022 is certainly an euphemism. I caught the PD fever late, some two weeks before the first scheduled release of PD2 in 2021 and I was totally crushed when the date was postponed. But I held good, packing many PD1 re-reads along the way. And so, on release day, I was virtually a slave chained to the book, not ready to let go until I had read first to last line. On the eve, I had completed a full re-read of PD1, so, I was totally soaked in the drama of Lilah and co and I was on the verge of expiring if I did not get to read how things got resolved.

Now, some 24 hours post reading, with time for my mind to absorb things, I have to say that I am having mixed feelings. First, it was a total relief that PD2 proved to be a high-quality book in terms of writing style and plot flow. LR is no doubt a very good writer, able to pack witty and edgy lines over and over without breaking a sweat, twist the plot in unexpected and original but still enjoyable directions, and connect carefully previously sown plot bunnies in a way that fans would click and fangirl over. My greatest fear with continuations that had not yet been fully written at the time of release of a first book is that somehow the whole structure will fall totally flat and tasteless like a bad soufflé. Not so with PD2. So, kudos LR!

I really liked the mature way in which the groveling was arranged in the book. For the total angst enthusiast that I am, the grovel part was the main theme that I was dying to read about. After the bucket of tears that I had in PD1, I wanted epic groveling. While I did not get the epic part, I was glad to see that the groveling started right at the beginning of the book and that it continued right up to the end, with each character making efforts to change things and show Lilah how they have changed. That Hunter took charge, broke the bond (!) and craftily put in place a ‘patience� strategy was very original, and in the end effective for me as a reader. Not romantically epic as in my fantasies, but highly appreciated in its down to earth realism � what I would expect in RL for sure. For that reason, Hunter was my favourite character in the book, the alpha that I really would like to meet and keep as mine in RL ^^

It was also a surprise that most of the actions in the first part of the book took place at the OCC. While not my favourite place on earth, I was nicely taken in by this original turn of events. I cheered when Lilah was able to at last set so many of the wrongs that she was victim of to right. It was certainly unexpected that all she suffered there had in fact been orchestrated by the baddies a long time back (the lies! so many lies in her dossier!), that Hikaru totally believed her, and that he took real, drastic measures immediately. This was the satisfactory answer to one of my hanging questions from PD1 as I could not understand how the Wyverns could have let things go so bad at one of their institutions, and done against precious omegas.

And of course, I was glad that Lilah made peace with the guys and they found their HEA (though it sounds a bit like HFN in the epilogue). LR mentioned that it was going to be a medium burn but I found it to be a quite a slow burn, with Lilah finding her ground with the pack little by little. I quite like the steamy scenes but a bit of more raunchy would have been welcomed as well. That said LR did a great job, injecting slow and languorous feelings in the scenes.

What I felt missing in the romance aspect of the book, and that’s just my opinion, is that ‘swept off my feet element�. While I was very excited all through the reading, I did not cry any bucket of tears like in PD1. And I wanted to, I needed to and I was expecting to. I wanted at least one chapter where my heart was so wrung out that I had to stop and bawl my eyes out. I know my order is tall, and that writing is difficult. And when the plot structure has already been established to evolve in a realistic way, I get it that it could have been out of place to inject tears along the way. Romantic me still craved that part but total respect for the way it was done nevertheless.

My main point of contention would be surprisingly an aspect that I actually appreciated. I found it totally surprising, in a good way, that LR chose the path of breaking the pack bond. Boy, this came as a total surprise. But almost immediately, my mind acknowledged it was the logical the way to go. It had already been hinted multiple times, by many characters, in PD1 that there was something wrong in the bond, that it was fragile and unstable. So, it was totally logic that to build solid foundations, one had to destroy everything and rebuilt anew. This is what happens in RL and it totally makes sense in the book and allowed for good plot and character development. However, one tiny romantic part within me wished it was otherwise as my heart went out to Orion. I know that he is totally fine with how the pack was re-arranged, but I still wanted that he and Lilah would be the central magnets of the pack. In my mind, Lilah would have been integrated in the pack and reign alongside Orion (with some hot omega-omega actions along the way^^), a bit like Atlas and Hunter fantasized in PD1! And so, my heart was kind of disappointed when Orion was pushed to the side by the other guys (even Atlas a bit) to the profit of Lilah. There is a definitive theme of ‘Lilah IS the queen� which my mind totally respects, but which does not contend my heart. It feels as if the dads were totally justified since Day 1 when they said that the guys had acted thoughtlessly and their pack would never work (and that's wrong if they are proved right). I know that the other guys will still help during Orion’s heat, but that he had to lose all their marks punched me wrong somehow. It was even pointed out that the reason they would love to get working on Orion was because Lilah would love it. This sounds so wrong imho. I loved how Orion and Lilah bonded but I really would have preferred if Orion had reigned equally along Lilah. Oh well, just wistful little me.

I never hated Jett (like I know some did) because I could see the hurt in PD1 and also because I knew that when his story would blow in PD2 it would be awesome (and it totally helped that I pictured him as Coffee Prince alumni, Kim Jae-wook all along =D).

KJW

So, while his trauma was indeed brought up in PD2, I feel like it was not enough. I wanted a scene where he would get open with the pack. I know that he is still under therapy so I guess it will come on later. But even with Lilah, he could not get the full words out. In the end, I did not like how his character was made into. I get that he is in tortured mode, but I cannot equate the sharp worded Jett in PD1 with the one-word response submissive male in PD2, with inferiority complex, that Lilah seems to abet. I hope it is not true, but the epilogue made it sound that the main objective of Jett nowadays is to bask in the lap of Lilah, getting petted, while she works. Jett is much, much more than that.

Concerning Finn, I feel that his issues should have been dug into as well. As romantic as it is that both Jett and him believed that if Lilah was gone, they would have no purpose in life and would be ready to end each other’s life, it’s not healthy. At all. His kidnapping was never brought up with Lilah. And why is there no need for him to get into therapy as well? When PD1 pointed out that he either had the cold assassin vibe or the crazy, mischievous bordering kamikaze persona, I expected some kind of resolution in PD2. We did glimpse at the empty and desperate Finn in the last chapters of PD1. I had hoped that PD2 would have navigated deeper into that part and come up with a strong Finn. Instead, Finn seems to remain as he was, just surviving 24H on Lilah and leashed by Hunter from time to time. I almost wish for PD3 to get his character development. PD3 seems possible (even if not now) with the heavy hints in the epilogue. If PD3 exists, I do hope it is Wyvern centric, with understandably some action with baddies, and resolving missing elements concerning Finn and Jett at least.

Last, about Atlas. He was certainly the one that needed to change the most given that he was pack leader. I totally applaud that he found it in him to get down on earth, and work on his own issues so that he would be a better alpha to his omegas. However, I am not sure how I feel for him to be a happy domestic Alpha. It is a daring original angle for sure but I am not a totally happy camper about this. Atlas could be both military top gun and caring Alpha. I do not see how this would be contradictory. Also, I know that PD2 was about Lilah but more scenes with Atlas groveling to Orion would have been welcomed as well. After the deep bond they had in PD1, I would have expected more in PD2. But oh, well, just my opinion.

So, this is where I am with PD2. I loved the writing and all the original punches LR gleefully sprinkled along the way. The plot development followed a logical in-context journey with doses of practical realism. Although I do miss the epic angst, and I have some points of contention, I still liked PD2. PD1 will forever remain an epic book for me, and I am relieved that PD2 does not let it down. I remain a big fan of LR's writing.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder at the National Gallery]]> 59914437


Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are contacted by a curator of the National Gallery for their assistance. The dead woman, an artist's model and lady of the night, had links to artist Walter Sickert who was a suspect during the Ripper's spree of killings. Scotland Yard have arrested Sickert on suspicion of this fresh murder but it is not the last ...

Copycat murders of the Ripper's crimes implicate the artist who loves to shock but Sickert insists that he is innocent. Who would want to frame him? Wilson and Fenton have their work cut out catching an elusive and determined killer.]]> 321 Jim Eldridge 074902738X Grisette 1 1.2 stars

What a drag to finish this!

]]> 4.37 Murder at the National Gallery
author: Jim Eldridge
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2023/08/06
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, story-letdown
review:

1.2 stars

What a drag to finish this!


]]> The Collected Short Stories 8551940 A Quiver Full of Arrows takes readers on a journey of encounters that befall an assortment of kindly strangers, wary old friends, and long-lost loves.Sly reflections on human nature are at the center of A Twist in the Tale in which blindly adventurous game-players compete for stakes higher than they dreamed.Expect the unexpected and you'll still be surprised in Twelve Red Herrings, a dozen tales of betrayal, love, murder and revenge capped with a startling twist.Thirty-six stories in all, each poised to astonish and inspire, revealing "master entertainer" (Time) Jeffrey Archer at his artfully entertaining best.]]> 640 Jeffrey Archer 1429967323 Grisette 5 my-kind-of-funny-reads 4.00 1997 The Collected Short Stories
author: Jeffrey Archer
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 2021/03/07
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: my-kind-of-funny-reads
review:

]]> Tell Tale 58257865 Author of the bestselling Clifton Chronicles, Jeffrey Archer, gives us fifteen gripping and rewarding short stories for readers to return to time and again.

Find out what happens to the hapless young detective from Naples who travels to an Italian hillside town to solve a murder and the pretentious schoolboy whose discovery of the origins of his father’s wealth changes his life forever. Follow the stories of the woman who dares to challenge the men at her Ivy League university during the 1930s, and another young woman who thumbs a lift and has an encounter of a lifetime.

From the master of the short story, the refreshingly original stories in Tell Tale prove why Archer has been described by the Mail on Sunday as ‘probably the greatest storyteller of our age�.

]]> 248 Jeffrey Archer 1447252322 Grisette 5 my-kind-of-funny-reads 4.35 2017 Tell Tale
author: Jeffrey Archer
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2021/02/26
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: my-kind-of-funny-reads
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1)]]> 60588112 An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.


A woman is drawn to a dangerously intruiging man in this unique historical romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ashley.

It was whispered all through London Society that Ian Mackenzie was mad, that he’d spent his youth in an asylum, and was not to be trusted—especially with a lady. For the reputation of any woman caught in his presence was instantly ruined.

Yet Beth found herself inexorably drawn to the Scottish lord whose hint of a brogue wrapped around her like silk and whose touch could draw her into a world of ecstasy. Despite his decadence and his intimidating intelligence, she could see that he needed help. Her help. Because suddenly the only thing that made sense to her was�The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.]]> 338 Jennifer Ashley Grisette 5 4.4 stars

Those who have ever read my past reviews might know that many times I painfully dither and procrastinate before actually tackling a book, no matter how many times recommendations abound for it or the shameful length of time it's been sitting on my TBR. That said, I do believe that there is a right time and a right place for everything. So here I am, finally, having read the oft recommended The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie at long last! And I see why the story fascinated so many people!

I checked and so far I have read 19 books by Jennifer Ashley/ Ashley Gardner, since I am going through her Kat Holloway series and her Captain Lacey series. Even with that background, the first book of the Mackenzies series still managed to surprise me. I found her writing style and plotting here sharper and richer than ever before. I like the Kat Holloway series for its light-heartedness and cosy atmosphere, while though I find the Captain Laceys a bit dour and gauche, they still make for comfortable reads.

By contrast, with this book, JA showed me how complex her plot can get and with real character depth explored for her main characters - and all this with a good dose of steaminess. And I loved it! Though the book is mainly a HR and not a detective story like the two other series, it felt very original as a romance and also managed to incorporate smartly a mystery.

Ian, as a hero, was fascinating to read with so many facets (inc. his dirty bed talk ]]> 4.13 2009 The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1)
author: Jennifer Ashley
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/28
date added: 2025/04/28
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration, men-who-love-deeply
review:

4.4 stars

Those who have ever read my past reviews might know that many times I painfully dither and procrastinate before actually tackling a book, no matter how many times recommendations abound for it or the shameful length of time it's been sitting on my TBR. That said, I do believe that there is a right time and a right place for everything. So here I am, finally, having read the oft recommended The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie at long last! And I see why the story fascinated so many people!

I checked and so far I have read 19 books by Jennifer Ashley/ Ashley Gardner, since I am going through her Kat Holloway series and her Captain Lacey series. Even with that background, the first book of the Mackenzies series still managed to surprise me. I found her writing style and plotting here sharper and richer than ever before. I like the Kat Holloway series for its light-heartedness and cosy atmosphere, while though I find the Captain Laceys a bit dour and gauche, they still make for comfortable reads.

By contrast, with this book, JA showed me how complex her plot can get and with real character depth explored for her main characters - and all this with a good dose of steaminess. And I loved it! Though the book is mainly a HR and not a detective story like the two other series, it felt very original as a romance and also managed to incorporate smartly a mystery.

Ian, as a hero, was fascinating to read with so many facets (inc. his dirty bed talk
]]> <![CDATA[Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5; Castles Ever After, #4)]]> 28500651 All Charlotte wanted was to avoid scandal. Instead, she was caught in the arms of a mysterious, handsome lord...and he's not letting go.

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.

Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn't her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers' true identity, she'll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville--the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she's ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn't got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit . . . and melt a woman's knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte's safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte's feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who's sworn to never love?]]> 387 Tessa Dare Grisette 4 3.8 stars

This is my second Tessa Dare, and I can say I really like her writing style. Her pen is very sleek and well worded, and her storytelling so captivating. And what a funny bone she has! There were loads of moments in the books where I was rotflol (memorably: the M-U-R-D-E-R scenes, the ]]> 4.24 2016 Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5; Castles Ever After, #4)
author: Tessa Dare
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/21
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.8 stars

This is my second Tessa Dare, and I can say I really like her writing style. Her pen is very sleek and well worded, and her storytelling so captivating. And what a funny bone she has! There were loads of moments in the books where I was rotflol (memorably: the M-U-R-D-E-R scenes, the
]]> <![CDATA[Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4)]]> 17841187 What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season--or any season--but his diabolical mother abducts him to "Spinster Cove" and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn't dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother's "duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn't a miserable failure. She's a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure--a woman who ignites Griff's desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won't be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess--can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?]]> 389 Tessa Dare Grisette 4 3.5 stars

I have had this book for ages, and every time I started it, I just stopped after a bit. Now with greater wiseness, I tried again. It was a fun read but with some ups and down. And the premise will look infinitely ludicruous on so many angles, but suspending disbelief for the sake of the zany plot helps.

One thing I loved about the book was the humour. It was a real treat how witty the banter was.

He let his gaze dip to her bosom, where it had been wanting to stray all night. Two soft, pale mounds pressed to the border of her neckline. Like twin pillows. His attention bounced back and forth between them.

"It's all right," she said in a playful whisper. "I can't stop looking at them either. This corset is a real feat of engineering."

"I think it's sorcery."


The beginning was great fun and drew me fast into the story. I liked less the middle part with 'My Fair Lady' trope - the humour was still great but the story's substance was too sparse for the pages it took. Probably because I am not a big fan of that trope. The sex scenes were steamy to begin with, but then veered a bit in the OTT landscape. The story picked up high again in the last quarter. And there was even a slice of Cinderella trope thrown in. I did roll my eyes at the characters falling in love over the course of only one week, but then TD paralleled this with the one week Griff had with his first daughter - I liked the message that one week was enough to upend one's life. The ending was totally unexpected (with its share of disbelief suspension) but it worked for me.

I am glad that I actually finished reading an oft mentioned TD's work. It was not perfect but it had its shiny moments, and all the laughs ]]> 4.17 2013 Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4)
author: Tessa Dare
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/25
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

I have had this book for ages, and every time I started it, I just stopped after a bit. Now with greater wiseness, I tried again. It was a fun read but with some ups and down. And the premise will look infinitely ludicruous on so many angles, but suspending disbelief for the sake of the zany plot helps.

One thing I loved about the book was the humour. It was a real treat how witty the banter was.

He let his gaze dip to her bosom, where it had been wanting to stray all night. Two soft, pale mounds pressed to the border of her neckline. Like twin pillows. His attention bounced back and forth between them.

"It's all right," she said in a playful whisper. "I can't stop looking at them either. This corset is a real feat of engineering."

"I think it's sorcery."


The beginning was great fun and drew me fast into the story. I liked less the middle part with 'My Fair Lady' trope - the humour was still great but the story's substance was too sparse for the pages it took. Probably because I am not a big fan of that trope. The sex scenes were steamy to begin with, but then veered a bit in the OTT landscape. The story picked up high again in the last quarter. And there was even a slice of Cinderella trope thrown in. I did roll my eyes at the characters falling in love over the course of only one week, but then TD paralleled this with the one week Griff had with his first daughter - I liked the message that one week was enough to upend one's life. The ending was totally unexpected (with its share of disbelief suspension) but it worked for me.

I am glad that I actually finished reading an oft mentioned TD's work. It was not perfect but it had its shiny moments, and all the laughs
]]> Bass-Ackwards 44905051 Christina Lee Dodd needs Friday off work. Needs. She's up to her eyeballs in problems.
One of those problems is her boss, Bill Marshall.
And Bill Marshall is an a**hole.

The offer he makes is textbook inappropriate. An HR nightmare.
But is it wrong for her to accept?

Is it wrong for her to like it?

Bass-Ackwards is a filthy wrong-way romance where two human beings make more mistakes than you can shake a stick at.]]> 260 Eris Adderly Grisette 4 3.7 stars

Unexpected. Unconventional. And that's the least said ]]> 3.74 2019 Bass-Ackwards
author: Eris Adderly
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/23
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.7 stars

Unexpected. Unconventional. And that's the least said
]]> <![CDATA[The Billionaire Boss and The Barista (Rogues and Rescuers #5)]]> 220329728 His high school nemesis pretends not to recognize him
Billionaire Garrett Chapman can’t believe it when he finds the bane of his high school existence working as a barista in his building.

Not only that, but the girl he used to snipe and argue with daily is pretending not to know him. Convinced that he is being set up by his competitors, he sets a trap to ferret out the corporate spy.

Emmaline Mendez is rebuilding her life after a catastrophic accident. She’s moved a thousand miles away from home to find a fresh start. She has no idea why the high-handed and arrogant CEO in the penthouse office insists she personally deliver his coffee, but one of these days she’s going to spill it in his lap.

A misunderstanding leads to a physical confrontation that turns Garrett’s world upside down. But he recovers quickly. He has to.

Because fate has given him a chance to rewrite history…and he’s going to take it.]]> 446 Lucy Leroux 1942336764 Grisette 4 3.7 stars

I have read books by LL and I liked them, and so I was ready to enjoy this one too. In final, there were imperfections, but I loved the core storyline of a fated second chance romance. I found the pairing cute and their rollercoaster of a story twisty enough to have kept me riveted.

On the downside, you have to have a healthy tolerance to suspend disbelief at some of the plot points, what with the billionaire supermen, the fairy-talish damsel in rescue situations and the almost-telenovela worth's twist upon twist. But since it had that fun, light atmosphere, I was happy to roll with it. However, I think the book could have benefitted from some trimming and some editing finetuning here and there (e.g. some polishing in convos on who was speaking what since the 3rd person narrative sometimes got confusing, minor details about changes in a dress colour etc).

That said, the feel-good reading experience was a plus for me, so I am rounding up.


P.S. The cover was meh for me, the story deserved better.]]> 4.33 The Billionaire Boss and The Barista (Rogues and Rescuers #5)
author: Lucy Leroux
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.7 stars

I have read books by LL and I liked them, and so I was ready to enjoy this one too. In final, there were imperfections, but I loved the core storyline of a fated second chance romance. I found the pairing cute and their rollercoaster of a story twisty enough to have kept me riveted.

On the downside, you have to have a healthy tolerance to suspend disbelief at some of the plot points, what with the billionaire supermen, the fairy-talish damsel in rescue situations and the almost-telenovela worth's twist upon twist. But since it had that fun, light atmosphere, I was happy to roll with it. However, I think the book could have benefitted from some trimming and some editing finetuning here and there (e.g. some polishing in convos on who was speaking what since the 3rd person narrative sometimes got confusing, minor details about changes in a dress colour etc).

That said, the feel-good reading experience was a plus for me, so I am rounding up.


P.S. The cover was meh for me, the story deserved better.
]]> Perfect Sin (Clayton, #2) 23234847
He was the ultimate rake. But Randall Clayton, 7th Duke of Beldon, harbors a hidden motive for seducing the fiery haired, passionate Caitlin Harmon. Rand is on a mission to find a murderer...and it's leading straight to Caitlin's father.

PERFECT SEDUCTION...

She was the ultimate temptation. Cait Harmon, the feisty, intellectual daughter of an American adventurer, is certain she will never fall in love. But one dance with the powerful, compelling Duke of Beldon and Cait's heart is lost forever.

PERFECT SIN...

Theirs was the ultimate love. They were the talk of London, until passion and betrayal tore them apart. Now, in Perfect Sin by bestselling author Kat Martin, Rand must embark on the quest of a lifetime: proving to Caitlin that love is the most powerful treasure of all.]]> 339 Kat Martin 1466858087 Grisette 4 3.6 stars

There are only two other books from KM that I've read before, and I loved them for years: Innocence Undone and Heartless. This is because I find that KM's style of HR in these two books is really set apart from most contemporary HR authors. Based on these two books, I found that KM's recipe for success include exciting and rich plots that have the allures (but not the full contents thankfully!) of bodice rippers of old, Alpha heroes who are borderline cavemen where their women are concerned, angsty situations, exotic settings and very steamy encounters.

And so, I have always wanted to try another KM Historical which might match my expectations. After finishing Perfect Sin, I can now say that indeed the recipe is followed, except that the hero was the biggest sinner compared to the heroes from Innocence Undone and Heartless because he really went a step further (too far!) than them. Did I like Perfect Sin as much as these other two books? No. But because the story was real solid (and followed the recipe!) and the plot actually matched the great length of the book, I am rounding up my rating.

I won't say much about the book's whole plot because it's a big book and a lengthy plot with lots of things happening. Concerning the romance, the pacing was excellent and kept me riveted even when I don't really like when my HR stories take place a lot outside England. There were so many opportunities for angst in the complicated relationship between Rand and Cait but in effect, few were really digged deeply into (except for one, which I will say more on below). At the start of their relationship, I hated how Rand took Cait for an easy woman just because she was American! And even if he was torn after she followed her father on his expedition, I was not convinced he would have chased her had she not been pregnant. That was fertile ground for the big betrayal to follow because their marriage did not start on solid bases. One big cookie point for this couple was that their sex scenes were very hot for an HR. There were even 'jungle sex' scenes (two!]]> 4.03 2000 Perfect Sin (Clayton, #2)
author: Kat Martin
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/19
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.6 stars

There are only two other books from KM that I've read before, and I loved them for years: Innocence Undone and Heartless. This is because I find that KM's style of HR in these two books is really set apart from most contemporary HR authors. Based on these two books, I found that KM's recipe for success include exciting and rich plots that have the allures (but not the full contents thankfully!) of bodice rippers of old, Alpha heroes who are borderline cavemen where their women are concerned, angsty situations, exotic settings and very steamy encounters.

And so, I have always wanted to try another KM Historical which might match my expectations. After finishing Perfect Sin, I can now say that indeed the recipe is followed, except that the hero was the biggest sinner compared to the heroes from Innocence Undone and Heartless because he really went a step further (too far!) than them. Did I like Perfect Sin as much as these other two books? No. But because the story was real solid (and followed the recipe!) and the plot actually matched the great length of the book, I am rounding up my rating.

I won't say much about the book's whole plot because it's a big book and a lengthy plot with lots of things happening. Concerning the romance, the pacing was excellent and kept me riveted even when I don't really like when my HR stories take place a lot outside England. There were so many opportunities for angst in the complicated relationship between Rand and Cait but in effect, few were really digged deeply into (except for one, which I will say more on below). At the start of their relationship, I hated how Rand took Cait for an easy woman just because she was American! And even if he was torn after she followed her father on his expedition, I was not convinced he would have chased her had she not been pregnant. That was fertile ground for the big betrayal to follow because their marriage did not start on solid bases. One big cookie point for this couple was that their sex scenes were very hot for an HR. There were even 'jungle sex' scenes (two!
]]> <![CDATA[This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek, #8)]]> 24363730

First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him�especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both!

]]> 393 Brenda Novak 1460380533 Grisette 4 4 stars

� [Re-read project #15 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 3 to 4 GR stars]

Getting into this re-read was not an easy decision because I knew I would be in a world of hurt. And so even years after my first read of this story, I found the writing of BN still so vibrant that it broke my heart all over again. But so beautifully done!

BN's prose had that fluid quality to it and brimming with visceral feelings - very often heartbreaking ones (and yes, I cried at so many points) but also heartening ones. Because her heroine Phoenix, was such a beautiful person with a heart of gold. The way BN wrote her down-on-her-luck / martyr / trailer trash Phoenix was so powerful without falling into soppiness territory. Yes, I ugly cried along but I also admired Phoenix's courage and salt of the earth attitude.

Originally, I had rated down the book because while I acknowledged how beautiful this story was, I was also angry that by the end of the book [spoilers removed]. Now, years later, I understand Phoenix's point of view of being grateful for the essentials much better. I am still seething that [spoilers removed] but I now see why for Phoenix the simple recognition would be enough. I do not agree with her but I understand it.

I would have made it into a 5 GR star book if the ending was more detailed. I actually liked how the Epilogue was written but I needed much, much more. I needed to read about how real happiness tasted for Phoenix with her new freedom. And concerning the H, Riley, I liked him better this time around and approved how he opened his mind/ heart so soon into the story, but I still felt he could have argued better with his toxic mother when he was defending Phoenix. I needed him to point out how his parents/their friends were being purposely closed-minded while pretending to want the truth.

Solid 4 GR stars book, ]]> 4.39 2015 This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek, #8)
author: Brenda Novak
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/10
date added: 2025/04/20
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration, heart-squeeze
review:

4 stars

� [Re-read project #15 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 3 to 4 GR stars]

Getting into this re-read was not an easy decision because I knew I would be in a world of hurt. And so even years after my first read of this story, I found the writing of BN still so vibrant that it broke my heart all over again. But so beautifully done!

BN's prose had that fluid quality to it and brimming with visceral feelings - very often heartbreaking ones (and yes, I cried at so many points) but also heartening ones. Because her heroine Phoenix, was such a beautiful person with a heart of gold. The way BN wrote her down-on-her-luck / martyr / trailer trash Phoenix was so powerful without falling into soppiness territory. Yes, I ugly cried along but I also admired Phoenix's courage and salt of the earth attitude.

Originally, I had rated down the book because while I acknowledged how beautiful this story was, I was also angry that by the end of the book [spoilers removed]. Now, years later, I understand Phoenix's point of view of being grateful for the essentials much better. I am still seething that [spoilers removed] but I now see why for Phoenix the simple recognition would be enough. I do not agree with her but I understand it.

I would have made it into a 5 GR star book if the ending was more detailed. I actually liked how the Epilogue was written but I needed much, much more. I needed to read about how real happiness tasted for Phoenix with her new freedom. And concerning the H, Riley, I liked him better this time around and approved how he opened his mind/ heart so soon into the story, but I still felt he could have argued better with his toxic mother when he was defending Phoenix. I needed him to point out how his parents/their friends were being purposely closed-minded while pretending to want the truth.

Solid 4 GR stars book,
]]> The Secret Pearl 6297044 432 Mary Balogh Grisette 4 4.4 stars

I've meant to read this one for a long time seeing as it is one of MB's most famous works. Two things immediately caught my attention: that the plot had obvious parallels with both Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and MB's own book More than a Mistress. Only that The Secret Pearl is a much more romantic and steamy version of Jane Eyre and with a truly noble hero, and More than a Mistress being a lighter version (published 9 years after, but which I read before).

I adored More than a Mistress, and so I hoped that it would be the same level of enchantment with The Secret Pearl. In a way it was, because MB's writing was excellent, beautifully crafted and translated brillantly the painful emotions (at times with a bit too much repetition). But for my personal enjoyment, the first two third was a bit too gothic for me, with a very charged atmosphere that was morose and stifling. I think part of it was because I normally do not enjoy house parties settings, esp. with frivolous guests.

Concerning the romance, I really loved the Fated trope threaded carefully in the story development between Fleur and Adam. Such sweet and cruel Fate, but yet beautifully Fated. Neither character individually touched me but together, they did shine. Some of their heartfelt declarations to each other were really swoon-worthy, esp. in the last third of the book. And I think, Adam was the hero in all books I have read so far who was the most genuinely martyr and noble in character. And painfully so in his chivalry. Part of me hated him for being so noble, but another part also respected him for it.

On a small note, I do feel cheated that after all the emotionally tortuous obstacles Fleur and Adam went through, there was no epilogue/ satisfactory wrap-up to show them in their happiness, perhaps glimpses of their life and their children. But I guess abrupt endings were the norm in the 1990s.

All that to say, that this book is definitely a must-read for HR lovers.


P.S.1 Concerning the OW (technically she was not, but in reality she was), I really hated her. She was pitiful with her immature arrogance but I did not pity her.

P.S.2 Though the plots were largely different, this book also reminded me strongly of the delicious movie Firelight (starring Sophie Marceau and Stephen Dillane). I hotly recommend this movie!!]]> 4.24 1991 The Secret Pearl
author: Mary Balogh
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/16
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.4 stars

I've meant to read this one for a long time seeing as it is one of MB's most famous works. Two things immediately caught my attention: that the plot had obvious parallels with both Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and MB's own book More than a Mistress. Only that The Secret Pearl is a much more romantic and steamy version of Jane Eyre and with a truly noble hero, and More than a Mistress being a lighter version (published 9 years after, but which I read before).

I adored More than a Mistress, and so I hoped that it would be the same level of enchantment with The Secret Pearl. In a way it was, because MB's writing was excellent, beautifully crafted and translated brillantly the painful emotions (at times with a bit too much repetition). But for my personal enjoyment, the first two third was a bit too gothic for me, with a very charged atmosphere that was morose and stifling. I think part of it was because I normally do not enjoy house parties settings, esp. with frivolous guests.

Concerning the romance, I really loved the Fated trope threaded carefully in the story development between Fleur and Adam. Such sweet and cruel Fate, but yet beautifully Fated. Neither character individually touched me but together, they did shine. Some of their heartfelt declarations to each other were really swoon-worthy, esp. in the last third of the book. And I think, Adam was the hero in all books I have read so far who was the most genuinely martyr and noble in character. And painfully so in his chivalry. Part of me hated him for being so noble, but another part also respected him for it.

On a small note, I do feel cheated that after all the emotionally tortuous obstacles Fleur and Adam went through, there was no epilogue/ satisfactory wrap-up to show them in their happiness, perhaps glimpses of their life and their children. But I guess abrupt endings were the norm in the 1990s.

All that to say, that this book is definitely a must-read for HR lovers.


P.S.1 Concerning the OW (technically she was not, but in reality she was), I really hated her. She was pitiful with her immature arrogance but I did not pity her.

P.S.2 Though the plots were largely different, this book also reminded me strongly of the delicious movie Firelight (starring Sophie Marceau and Stephen Dillane). I hotly recommend this movie!!
]]> Rebecca 54588587
Ancient, beautiful Manderley, between the rose garden and the sea, is the county's showpiece. Rebecca made it so - even a year after her death, Rebecca's influence still rules there. How can Maxim de Winter's shy new bride ever fill her place or escape her vital shadow?

A shadow that grows longer and darker as the brief summer fades, until, in a moment of climatic revelations, it threatens to eclipse Manderley and its inhabitants completely...]]> 447 Daphne du Maurier Grisette 4 my-kind-of-classics 4.38 1938 Rebecca
author: Daphne du Maurier
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.38
book published: 1938
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: my-kind-of-classics
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Victim, A Viscount, And Miss Mifford (Regency Murder and Marriage #2)]]> 57348768
Having neither needed nor desired to become a viscount, Ivo Bonville finds himself most vexed when he is accused of murdering his host for his title. As the local constable is too bone-idle to even button up his breeches, Ivo realises that if he wants to clear his name he must do so himself. Thankfully, help is on hand from the delightful local beauty, Miss Mifford, and together she and Ivo begin their investigation.

As the pair attempt to whittle down the long list of suspects with a motive to murder Lord Crabb, Ivo finds himself falling in love with the brave and beautiful Miss Mifford - but can he prove his innocence and prove to Miss Mifford that he wants her as his bride?

This Cozy Regency Romance is the second book in the Regency Murder and Marriage Series but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.]]> 158 Claudia Stone Grisette 4 4.1 stars

I am so happy I stumbled upon this series! In this second instalment, I welcomed the same hallmarks that made me enjoy the first book, namely, the fine humour (hilarious!), the colourful and fun side characters, a cute romance and a cosy side mystery that still managed to surprise me with its twists and refined solution! And all wrapped up in a novella for a quick romp of a read! Bravo CS!

P.S. A big Me thing, but I just love the name Ivo ]]> 4.18 2021 A Victim, A Viscount, And Miss Mifford (Regency Murder and Marriage #2)
author: Claudia Stone
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.1 stars

I am so happy I stumbled upon this series! In this second instalment, I welcomed the same hallmarks that made me enjoy the first book, namely, the fine humour (hilarious!), the colourful and fun side characters, a cute romance and a cosy side mystery that still managed to surprise me with its twists and refined solution! And all wrapped up in a novella for a quick romp of a read! Bravo CS!

P.S. A big Me thing, but I just love the name Ivo
]]> <![CDATA[Temptations of a Wallflower (The Wicked Quills of London, #3)]]> 26029537 Eva Leigh’s deliciously sexy Wicked Quills of London series continues as a Lady’s secret career writing erotic fiction is jeopardized by real-life romance . . .

In society circles she’s known as the Watching Wallflower—shy, quiet, and certainly never scandalous. Yet beneath Lady Sarah Frampton’s demure façade hides the mind of The Lady of Dubious Quality, author of the most titillating erotic fiction the ton has ever seen. Sarah knows discovery would lead to her ruin, but marriage—to a vicar, no less—could help protect her from slander. An especially tempting option when the clergyman in question is the handsome, intriguing Jeremy Cleland.

Tasked with unmasking London’s most scandalous author by his powerful family, Jeremy has no idea that his beautiful, innocent bride is the very woman he seeks to destroy. His mission must remain a secret, even from the new wife who stirs his deepest longings. Yet when the truth comes to light, Sarah and Jeremy’s newfound love will be tested. Will Sarah’s secret identity tear them apart or will the temptations of his wallflower wife prove too wicked to resist?]]> 374 Eva Leigh 0062358677 Grisette 3 3.5 stars

I picked this book because its characters intrigued me after a brief mention in Dare to Love a Duke. On the plus side, the writing style was superb � solid, lively, enticing. On the less plus side (but still plus), the plot was surprising and daring but sometimes fraught with elements that made suspension of disbelief challenging (e.g. [spoilers removed]).

The plot surprised me. I never read an HR with a vicar as the hero! So I was intrigued how that would work. EL's pen made it work in final. I think a shorter book (and hence a swifter pace) would have served the plot better. The big middle part was a bit too slow for me. Nevertheless, I liked the original characterisation and the romance was quite steamy. EL did a great job in mingling the in-world fiction written by the heroine with the actual plot.

Similar to how I felt after Dare to Love a Duke, this book was not perfect but it had the great merit of being refreshingly different. Hats off for this Ms EL!]]> 3.69 2016 Temptations of a Wallflower (The Wicked Quills of London, #3)
author: Eva Leigh
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.5 stars

I picked this book because its characters intrigued me after a brief mention in Dare to Love a Duke. On the plus side, the writing style was superb � solid, lively, enticing. On the less plus side (but still plus), the plot was surprising and daring but sometimes fraught with elements that made suspension of disbelief challenging (e.g. [spoilers removed]).

The plot surprised me. I never read an HR with a vicar as the hero! So I was intrigued how that would work. EL's pen made it work in final. I think a shorter book (and hence a swifter pace) would have served the plot better. The big middle part was a bit too slow for me. Nevertheless, I liked the original characterisation and the romance was quite steamy. EL did a great job in mingling the in-world fiction written by the heroine with the actual plot.

Similar to how I felt after Dare to Love a Duke, this book was not perfect but it had the great merit of being refreshingly different. Hats off for this Ms EL!
]]> <![CDATA[The Duchess Hunt (Once Upon a Dukedom, #2)]]> 56462946 ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

]]> 384 Lorraine Heath Grisette 5 4.3 stars

I loved the tone of this book, so easy and fun to read! It took a trope that I loved seeing in HPs but which are not really well handled in other CR books (because it tends to get diverted by pregnancy tropes, insta-lust etc): secretary's unrequited love for her boss. And in an HR book to boot!

The beginning of the story was very enthusing to read. There was a lightness in the writing that just caught me in. The tingles of the burgeoning romance between Penelope and Hugh was thrilling to read and the sex scenes were steamily passionate. The middle part was a bit too slow, but the last part was just wow! I did feel some tiny butterflies here and there ]]> 4.34 2021 The Duchess Hunt (Once Upon a Dukedom, #2)
author: Lorraine Heath
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/04
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.3 stars

I loved the tone of this book, so easy and fun to read! It took a trope that I loved seeing in HPs but which are not really well handled in other CR books (because it tends to get diverted by pregnancy tropes, insta-lust etc): secretary's unrequited love for her boss. And in an HR book to boot!

The beginning of the story was very enthusing to read. There was a lightness in the writing that just caught me in. The tingles of the burgeoning romance between Penelope and Hugh was thrilling to read and the sex scenes were steamily passionate. The middle part was a bit too slow, but the last part was just wow! I did feel some tiny butterflies here and there
]]> <![CDATA[Razer's Ride (The Last Riders, #1)]]> 18054056
Razer was not going to change for any woman, not even Beth. Their lifestyles were too different; betrayed she ran. Realizing his mistake too late; she was not about to forgive and forget. It takes a killer intent on targeting Beth to bring her back to him and The Last Riders for protection. Razer may have learned his lesson, but this time, as long as she is at the club, she has to play by their rules.

This work of fiction is intended for mature audiences only. All sexually active characters portrayed in this ebook are eighteen years of age or older. Please do not buy if strong sexual situations, multiple partners, moderate violence and explicit language offends you.]]> 229 Jamie Begley Grisette 3 2.9 stars

I have so much mixed feelings for this book. It was not a badly written book per say but it was certainly not a perfect book. Mixed thoughts:

]]> 3.89 2013 Razer's Ride (The Last Riders, #1)
author: Jamie Begley
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/10
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, story-letdown
review:

2.9 stars

I have so much mixed feelings for this book. It was not a badly written book per say but it was certainly not a perfect book. Mixed thoughts:


]]> <![CDATA[Best of Me (Savannah's Best #1)]]> 209825254 Gabriel Rhodes
My family's roots run deep and my responsibilities are clear. My family and Rhodes Hotels, my family business. As a father first, I've always put my daughter above everything, living in a carefully maintained world close to my ex-wife, ensuring peace.

I never expected to fall in love again and find the kind of passion I did with Aurora. I thought it would be easy, but when I introduced her to my daughter, it shattered the delicate balance of my life, forcing me to make regrettable choices that hurt the only woman I ever loved.

Aurora Turner
I have lived my whole life not being important to anyone, not my parents, not the aunt who I was the caretaker of and definitely not my first boyfriend who didn't deliver on his promise of commitment. Meeting Gabriel was unexpected, a whirlwind that promised a sense of belonging I've always craved.

As an architect, I'm used to creating spaces where people feel at home, yet finding my own place in Gabriel's world proves to be my biggest challenge. His dedication to his daughter is admirable and I love that about him but when it becomes clear that I will end up coming between his daughter, who wants her parents to get back together, and Gabriel, I'm forced to walk away and break my heart.

I have not even started to heal from the wound he delivered, when Gabriel comes back. He says he still loves me and knows that I feel the same way. But how can I believe that we won't end up exactly where we did the last time?

Best Of Me is a billionaire single-father, second chance, found-family romance with a meddling ex-wife, enough angst to require a box of tissues and plenty of steam that may make a fan necessary. It is a complete standalone.]]> 354 Maya Alden Grisette 3 3.5 stars

My first official Maya Alden review ever! It was high time!

Let me preface my review by first saying that ever since they have started being published, I have compulsively bought all of her books in the Best and Modern Vintage series seeing as they were always being touted in every angst/grovel group. And I have skimmed-read all of said books because I know me, and as such know that though I love to immerse myself in good angst, I am also very skittish for rage-inducing angst so I need plenty of mind bracing before going full fledged into reading and reviewing. Thus, skim-reading helps in defusing some of my pre-emptive anxiety and also gauge the level of rage-read (that will trigger extensive highlights, comments, emojis while reading, and produce inevitably a written diatribe as a review!).

Having done that exercise repetitively for all the books I mentioned, I arrived at the conclusion that (a) MA was the supreme queen of dramatic angst scenes, knowing perfectly how best to hurt her heroines for best effect and induce empathetic tears from me; but (b) there will always be one big 'Snag' that will derail the path of what should have been an epic grovel, often in having her heroines just give in too early. For all these reasons, I had never mustered the mental energy to full-read a MA book because I knew I would have to process and write too much for one book. Until now, when I finally thought 2025 was high time to take a big breath and have a go at it.

This book had so many facets, some that were real brilliant and some that were inescapably rage-inducing. I am already tired after finishing this read (and my tablet is quite tired with me and all my highlights and comments ]]> 3.89 2024 Best of Me (Savannah's Best #1)
author: Maya Alden
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: heart-squeeze, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

My first official Maya Alden review ever! It was high time!

Let me preface my review by first saying that ever since they have started being published, I have compulsively bought all of her books in the Best and Modern Vintage series seeing as they were always being touted in every angst/grovel group. And I have skimmed-read all of said books because I know me, and as such know that though I love to immerse myself in good angst, I am also very skittish for rage-inducing angst so I need plenty of mind bracing before going full fledged into reading and reviewing. Thus, skim-reading helps in defusing some of my pre-emptive anxiety and also gauge the level of rage-read (that will trigger extensive highlights, comments, emojis while reading, and produce inevitably a written diatribe as a review!).

Having done that exercise repetitively for all the books I mentioned, I arrived at the conclusion that (a) MA was the supreme queen of dramatic angst scenes, knowing perfectly how best to hurt her heroines for best effect and induce empathetic tears from me; but (b) there will always be one big 'Snag' that will derail the path of what should have been an epic grovel, often in having her heroines just give in too early. For all these reasons, I had never mustered the mental energy to full-read a MA book because I knew I would have to process and write too much for one book. Until now, when I finally thought 2025 was high time to take a big breath and have a go at it.

This book had so many facets, some that were real brilliant and some that were inescapably rage-inducing. I am already tired after finishing this read (and my tablet is quite tired with me and all my highlights and comments
]]> <![CDATA[Murder in Grosvenor Square (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, #9)]]> 23400974
Captain Gabriel Lacey begins Spring 1818 preparing for a duel. But while he focuses on the affair of honor, darkness, greed, and death stalk the streets of London and bring tragedy to a family Lacey has grown close to.

With the aid of Lucius Grenville, London’s most famous dandy, and Brewster, a ruffian employed by an underworld criminal, Lacey explores the world of molly houses and the double lives some men of society lead. His investigation takes him from the elegant mansions of Grosvenor Square to the squalid lanes of Seven Dials, to taverns that practice a highly illegal trade, spelling ruin and possible hanging for those caught within.

Lacey once again comes into the realm of James Denis, a crime lord, when what appears to be a simple crime of hatred becomes far more complex.]]> 335 Ashley Gardner Grisette 4 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3.6 stars

Ninth book in the series and I still enjoying Lacey's adventures. This one hit close within the entourage of the Captain, lending a sad and important tone to his investigation. Overall, I liked the plotting that took unexpected but fresh detours even if at times, Lacey's tendency to jump to unseeming conclusions tired me. However, the book felt too long in the middle part.

The final solution was good even if there was too much rush to conclude so some details were missing to make full sense of the tragedy in the book. For example, [spoilers removed]

I am by now attached to the series even if sometimes the stories are uneven/ imperfect, so I will be looking forward to delving into the next one!]]> 4.40 2014 Murder in Grosvenor Square (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, #9)
author: Ashley Gardner
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.6 stars

Ninth book in the series and I still enjoying Lacey's adventures. This one hit close within the entourage of the Captain, lending a sad and important tone to his investigation. Overall, I liked the plotting that took unexpected but fresh detours even if at times, Lacey's tendency to jump to unseeming conclusions tired me. However, the book felt too long in the middle part.

The final solution was good even if there was too much rush to conclude so some details were missing to make full sense of the tragedy in the book. For example, [spoilers removed]

I am by now attached to the series even if sometimes the stories are uneven/ imperfect, so I will be looking forward to delving into the next one!
]]> The Seven Dials Mystery 18882134 Gerry Wade had proved himself to be a champion sleeper, so the other houseguests decided to play a practical joke on him. Eight alarm clocks were set to go off, one after the other, starting at 6:30 a.m. But when morning arrived, one clock was missing and the prank then backfired, with tragic consequences.

For Jimmy Thesiger in particular, the words "Seven Dials" were to take on a new and chilling significance. . . .

]]> 387 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 3.5 stars

==================

]]> 4.07 1929 The Seven Dials Mystery
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1929
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/05
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

==================


]]> <![CDATA[A Death, a Duke and Miss Mifford (Regency Murder & Marriage #1)]]> 55888511
Henry William Lockheart, Sixth Duke of Northcott, has returned to his ducal seat, determined to attend to the estate he has neglected since his father's death. Nothing shall distract him from his plan, he thinks, until something - or rather someone- does.
Miss Mary Mifford is hardly the ideal candidate to be his duchess - given her lack of wealth and connections, along with the bothersome fact that she is the prime suspect in a murder - but Henry is smitten. Determined to help the young lady, Henry throws himself into investigating the death of the rector, Mr Parsims, hoping to clear her name.

With a long list of suspects, Henry suspects that the task might be difficult; though it might prove easier to solve a murder than to convince an earnest spinster that she should be his bride...

A Death, A Duke, And Miss Mifford is the first book in the Regency Murder and Marriage Series, by Claudia Stone. A light, witty, and fun read this story is sure to delight fans of Regency Romance and Cozy Mysteries alike.]]> 153 Claudia Stone Grisette 4 4.2 stars

A delightful discovery! This book was a very enjoyable, light read and such hilarious wit! I was rotflol in many places ]]> 3.94 A Death, a Duke and Miss Mifford (Regency Murder & Marriage #1)
author: Claudia Stone
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/28
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.2 stars

A delightful discovery! This book was a very enjoyable, light read and such hilarious wit! I was rotflol in many places
]]> Kingscastle 58511942 An enchanting romance that fans of Bridgerton will take to their hearts

Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees.

As the new Marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her underpaid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby shows she will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

]]> 276 Sophia Holloway 0749027886 Grisette 4 4 stars

Lately I will admit that I was in a dour mood and my reading enjoyment has suffered as a result. And reading middling books has not helped. So reading this book felt like a lifesaver of sorts! It all comes down to the excellent writing style and plotting genius of SH. Her pen in this book was very reminiscent of the great Jane Austen, with the bonus of easier modern English. I tremendously enjoyed the wit she infused in her dialogues and her minute study of the different strata of characters. A really excellent homage to Jane Austen!

Special mention to her Lady Willoughby who was the summum of pettiness and evil, beating Lady Catherine de Bourgh flat ]]> 4.21 2021 Kingscastle
author: Sophia Holloway
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4 stars

Lately I will admit that I was in a dour mood and my reading enjoyment has suffered as a result. And reading middling books has not helped. So reading this book felt like a lifesaver of sorts! It all comes down to the excellent writing style and plotting genius of SH. Her pen in this book was very reminiscent of the great Jane Austen, with the bonus of easier modern English. I tremendously enjoyed the wit she infused in her dialogues and her minute study of the different strata of characters. A really excellent homage to Jane Austen!

Special mention to her Lady Willoughby who was the summum of pettiness and evil, beating Lady Catherine de Bourgh flat
]]> Claiming the Courtesan 8163884 The Duke of Kylemore knows her as Soraya, London's most celebrated courtesan. Men fight duels to spend an hour in her company. And only he comes close to taming her. Flying in the face of society, he decides to make her his bride; then, she vanishes, seemingly into thin air.

Dire circumstances have forced Verity Ashton to barter her innocence and change her name for the sake of her family. But Kylemore destroys her plans for a respectable life when he discovers her safe haven. He kidnaps her, sweeping her away to his hunting lodge in Scotland, where he vows to bend her to his will.

There he seduces her anew. Verity spends night after night with him in his bed... and though she still dreams of escape and independence, she knows she can never flee the unexpected, unwelcome love for the proud, powerful lover who claims her both body and soul.

]]> 383 Anna Campbell 0061800406 Grisette 4 3.5 stars

I have debated whether to round up or down my rating. But since it was a debut book with such impressive writing style, I am rounding this up. I really liked how AC's prose was atmospheric and had a very original narrative style from the usual HR book. And though I am not a big fan of captive romances, I found that the plot was equally impressive and rich for a first book.

The first 50% of the plot, I did not enjoy mainly because of how toxic the H's behaviour was. He was obsessed with a fake image of the h and in fact did not know her at all. He was a total basket case, raving about imagined slights and lowering him to raping the h on more than one occasion. And yes, that was rape because she clearly was unwilling even if her body yielded. However, hats off to Verity, the h, for her strength and continuous will to fight against him. She was really several levels better as a character than Justin, the H, and he is lucky she forgave him. (In view of the multiple steamy scenes, I have to add that Justin came across as a lazy and selfish lover most of the time - he is again lucky that Verity digs him and his brand of rutting.)

The second half was infinitely better, with at last Justin growing some sense and earthly remorse. As much as I hated that Verity was the one who generously embraced him into her forgiveness because she realised she loved him (and hence stopped him from proving his remorse through solid actions), their relationship development and character developments were still titillating to read. Add to that a real evil MIL drama toward the end and the story soared high. If only there had been a good epilogue with some HEA moments (because after all the tension between them, Verity and Justin, as well as myself deserved it!!), I would even have considered adding another star.

In short, this book was a very intense and different read. Well worth reading, and all the recommendations I have seen for it. That said, I hope other stories that I may read from this author might be a little more restive in terms of tension, for the sake of my nerves!]]> 3.85 2007 Claiming the Courtesan
author: Anna Campbell
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

I have debated whether to round up or down my rating. But since it was a debut book with such impressive writing style, I am rounding this up. I really liked how AC's prose was atmospheric and had a very original narrative style from the usual HR book. And though I am not a big fan of captive romances, I found that the plot was equally impressive and rich for a first book.

The first 50% of the plot, I did not enjoy mainly because of how toxic the H's behaviour was. He was obsessed with a fake image of the h and in fact did not know her at all. He was a total basket case, raving about imagined slights and lowering him to raping the h on more than one occasion. And yes, that was rape because she clearly was unwilling even if her body yielded. However, hats off to Verity, the h, for her strength and continuous will to fight against him. She was really several levels better as a character than Justin, the H, and he is lucky she forgave him. (In view of the multiple steamy scenes, I have to add that Justin came across as a lazy and selfish lover most of the time - he is again lucky that Verity digs him and his brand of rutting.)

The second half was infinitely better, with at last Justin growing some sense and earthly remorse. As much as I hated that Verity was the one who generously embraced him into her forgiveness because she realised she loved him (and hence stopped him from proving his remorse through solid actions), their relationship development and character developments were still titillating to read. Add to that a real evil MIL drama toward the end and the story soared high. If only there had been a good epilogue with some HEA moments (because after all the tension between them, Verity and Justin, as well as myself deserved it!!), I would even have considered adding another star.

In short, this book was a very intense and different read. Well worth reading, and all the recommendations I have seen for it. That said, I hope other stories that I may read from this author might be a little more restive in terms of tension, for the sake of my nerves!
]]> <![CDATA[Aspire to Die (Bridget Hart #1)]]> 50231605
Haunted and driven by her own personal tragedy, newly promoted DI Bridget Hart has a lot to prove as she leads her first murder case. Her investigation uncovers a tangled web of lies, lust and ambition, and brings her into conflict with powerful interests.

But no one can be above suspicion within the closed and claustrophobic confines of an Oxford college, where students and academics live and work side by side, and a ruthless killer waits to strike again.]]> 271 M.S. Morris 1914537165 Grisette 3 3 stars

� [Re-read project #14 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I blame Gaudy Night for starting my fascination with murder in scholarly settings, esp. Oxford and its timeless surroundings. So it was a given that a detective series set in Oxford would attract me. I started this series a few years ago and I remember that overall, it was an interesting read. However, shame on me for never writing down a review. Mistake now rectified!

I still remembered the important points of the plot though I mis-recalled the culprit's identity. I think that my views upon this re-read reflects what I thought years back. Namely, that the writing style was comfortable in a familiar way to read. The puzzle and its resolution were okay even if the investigatory conduct at times felt generic and gauche.

The biggest issue from my pov was the characterisation of the main characters. I felt the same in the past. Somehow, they appeared unreal. Markedly so. Take Bridget: [spoilers removed]. I know that this feeling perdures in further books but I also know I continued with the series because I liked the cozyness and comforting universe candidly painted by the authors. And I will continue this time around too ]]> 4.25 2019 Aspire to Die (Bridget Hart #1)
author: M.S. Morris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/22
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3 stars

� [Re-read project #14 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I blame Gaudy Night for starting my fascination with murder in scholarly settings, esp. Oxford and its timeless surroundings. So it was a given that a detective series set in Oxford would attract me. I started this series a few years ago and I remember that overall, it was an interesting read. However, shame on me for never writing down a review. Mistake now rectified!

I still remembered the important points of the plot though I mis-recalled the culprit's identity. I think that my views upon this re-read reflects what I thought years back. Namely, that the writing style was comfortable in a familiar way to read. The puzzle and its resolution were okay even if the investigatory conduct at times felt generic and gauche.

The biggest issue from my pov was the characterisation of the main characters. I felt the same in the past. Somehow, they appeared unreal. Markedly so. Take Bridget: [spoilers removed]. I know that this feeling perdures in further books but I also know I continued with the series because I liked the cozyness and comforting universe candidly painted by the authors. And I will continue this time around too
]]> <![CDATA[Busman's Honeymoon (Lord Peter Wimsey, #13)]]> 16174704
It took several near-death experiences for Lord Peter Wimsey to convince Harriet Vane to be his wife, but she has finally relented. When the dapper detective marries Britain’s most popular mystery author—just a few short years after rescuing her from the hangman’s noose—the press could not be more excited. But Lord Peter and his bride have no interest in spending their wedding night surrounded by reporters. They sneak out of their own reception to begin their honeymoon early, out of sight of the world. Unfortunately, for some couples, calamity is inescapable.

On their first morning together, the newlyweds discover the house’s caretaker bludgeoned to death in the manor’s basement. If they thought finding a few minutes alone was difficult, they’re up against even steeper odds. In a house full of suspects, identifying the killer won’t be easy.

This edition features an illustrated biography of Dorothy L. Sayers including rare images from the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College.]]> 419 Dorothy L. Sayers Grisette 0 4.28 1937 Busman's Honeymoon (Lord Peter Wimsey, #13)
author: Dorothy L. Sayers
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1937
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: currently-reading, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Folie À Deux (The Villainous Heroes Series, #0.5)]]> 60525203
Me.

After my mother and step-father are killed in a car accident, I have no one else to turn to. Forced to live with them or become a ward of the state, I choose to take my chances with the devils I know.

But what happens when my fear of their darkness blossoms into something not even the stars can deny?]]> 144 Ruby Medjo Grisette 3 smut-mostly 2.5 stars

It's on me. All through reading, I was not in the mood, making it so difficult to be enthused by the story. Even the smut scenes did not help.

Though, I can say I was today's old when I learned that pearled ]]> 3.71 Folie À Deux (The Villainous Heroes Series, #0.5)
author: Ruby Medjo
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: smut-mostly
review:

2.5 stars

It's on me. All through reading, I was not in the mood, making it so difficult to be enthused by the story. Even the smut scenes did not help.

Though, I can say I was today's old when I learned that pearled
]]> <![CDATA[Mortal Arts (Lady Darby Mystery, #2)]]> 17875399 Scotland, 1830. Lady Kiera Darby is no stranger to intrigue—in fact, it seems to follow wherever she goes. After her foray into murder investigation, Kiera must journey to Edinburgh with her family so that her pregnant sister can be close to proper medical care. But the city is full of many things Kiera isn’t quite ready to face: the society ladies keen on judging her, her fellow investigator—and romantic entanglement—Sebastian Gage, and ultimately, another deadly mystery.

Kiera’s old friend Michael Dalmay is about to be married, but the arrival of his older brother—and Kiera’s childhood art tutor—William, has thrown everything into chaos. For ten years Will has been missing, committed to an insane asylum by his own father. Kiera is sympathetic to her mentor’s plight, especially when rumors swirl about a local girl gone missing. Now Kiera must once again employ her knowledge of the macabre and join forces with Gage in order to prove the innocence of a beloved family friend—and save the marriage of another…]]> 384 Anna Lee Huber Grisette 3 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3.2 stars

Second book in the series. It read better for me than Book 1, perhaps because the setting and characters had more grit and layers, compared to the artificiality inspired by the obnoxious side characters in the previous book. However, I was still not happy with the overdescriptiveness in every inner thought of Kiera. It really hurt the pacing and it was sometimes a fight to keep my interest from waning.

The story itself was satisfyingly complex and well plotted, though the morose atmosphere was quite hard to get by (the moreso, with [spoilers removed]]]> 4.21 2013 Mortal Arts (Lady Darby Mystery, #2)
author: Anna Lee Huber
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/18
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.2 stars

Second book in the series. It read better for me than Book 1, perhaps because the setting and characters had more grit and layers, compared to the artificiality inspired by the obnoxious side characters in the previous book. However, I was still not happy with the overdescriptiveness in every inner thought of Kiera. It really hurt the pacing and it was sometimes a fight to keep my interest from waning.

The story itself was satisfyingly complex and well plotted, though the morose atmosphere was quite hard to get by (the moreso, with [spoilers removed]
]]> Always My Forever 214454945 This is a polarizing, atypical romance book. It has toxicity, a male lead with his head up his rear end for half the book, it is contentious and divisive among readers. It is also the first book ever written by Madison Myers, and is her debut novel.

If you prefer a more “normal� romance storyline, please check out her other Rekindling the Flame or The Roommate Syndrome. This particular one is not for everyone. Please read with caution.

___

What if what you’ve been searching for has been right in front of you all along?
And what if, by the time you realize that, you’ve f**ked it all up beyond repair?

Aaron and Gemma have been best friends since middle school. Long before he was becoming a household name on the big screen and taking home models, he was everything to one girl. When he finally realizes she’s all he’s ever needed, will it be too late? Has she moved on, bloomed into who she was always meant to be in his absence? Is the damage he’s done irreparable? Or is their forever fated, unavoidable, and the only thing that really matters?

Emotions are messy, mistakes are made, and a lifetime of trust is shattered. Always My Forever is the story of how one man took the best thing that ever happened to him for granted, how he plummeted to rock bottom, and what he did to try to win her back.

Gemma

I can take a hint. He’s never going to see me as anything but a friend. It’s time to give up on what’ll never be, and move on. The fact that he’s not just my best friend, he’s also my boss (and did I mention, on the cover of every magazine I pass by) isn’t helping me get over him, but a new boyfriend just might.

Aaron Stone has been my entire world for as long as I can remember. But when he crosses the line, makes me feel worthless at the only thing I’ve ever been good at, I’ve been made a fool for the last time. I’m determined to build a life without him. His will crumble without me.

But Aaron? He’s not walking out of my life. And he’s not letting me get away from his, either. He’s back, and he’s got plans to stay there, regardless of how badly I want to shut him out for good.

Aaron

How did I miss the fact that she is what kept my life going, kept me going? How did I miss the fact that she was made for me?

Now that I’ve seen how it should’ve always been, there’s no going back. I might be a mess, but there’s one thing I know for sure, and that is she belongs with me. I just need to remind her of it, once I earn her trust back.

I might’ve caught on to what she’s always known ten years too late, but she’s not getting away from us. We’re forever, and I’ll do whatever it takes to show her that I’ll never take her for granted again. Even if she ends up being the only thing I have left at the end of it.

___________________________________

Childhood friends to lovers
Slow burn
She fell first but he fell harder
Celebrity love interest
Boy obsessed
Groveling
Soul mates
No third act breakup
___________________________________

About Always My Forever

Always My Forever is a slow burn, childhood friends to lovers romance. It is a standalone with a happily ever after (after quite a few bumps along the way), and enough spice to start a food truck, once you get to it.]]> 469 Madison Myers Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3.3 stars

Finally done reading this. There were some good parts and some less good ones. Overall, I think MM is a promising author.

The plus points

]]> 3.53 2024 Always My Forever
author: Madison Myers
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/08
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.3 stars

Finally done reading this. There were some good parts and some less good ones. Overall, I think MM is a promising author.

The plus points


]]> <![CDATA[Dead Man's Folly (Hercule Poirot, #35)]]> 8423699 Whilst organising a mock murder hunt for the village fete hosted by Sir George and Lady Stubbs, a feeling of dread settles on the famous crime novelist Adriane Oliver. Call it instinct, but it's a feeling she just can't explain...or get away from.

In desperation she summons her old friend, Hercule Poirot -- and her instincts are soon proved correct when the 'pretend' murder victim is discovered playing the scene for real, a rope wrapped tightly around her neck.

But it's the great detective who first discovers that in murder hunts, whether mock or real, everyone is playing a part.

]]> 240 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 2.5 stars

� [Re-read project #10 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 3.91 1956 Dead Man's Folly (Hercule Poirot, #35)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1956
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

2.5 stars

� [Re-read project #10 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> <![CDATA[The Accidental Wedding (Devil Riders, #4)]]> 9447603
When Nash Renfrew wakes in the bed of lovely Maddy Woodford, he thinks he's dreaming. Then he learns of his accident and the loss of his memory. But when it returns, Nash has no desire to leave Maddy's side and he pretends he still has amnesia. With each passing day, Nash's attraction to Maddy grows. But he's a diplomat and she's just a country girl. How can he even entertain thoughts of seducing her?

With five orphaned half siblings in her charge, Maddy needs the money Nash offers and accepts it even though she, knows his stay will stir gossip. She can't deny his presence makes her feel safe. Nor can she deny the passion promised with each soft caress. But their love is also igniting a danger neither of them realizes -- and a threat to a newfound love. neither Maddy nor Nash can live without...]]> 336 Anne Gracie 1101444002 Grisette 4 4.2 stars

� [Re-read project #13 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

A solid read. This re-read enabled me to discover anew how AG mastered well the art of storytelling, by creating cute dilemmas and successfully having her characters rationalise their actions to them, all while keeping the interest into this original plot going on. And she did her characterisation so well, making even the interactions between the main characters and the children feel real natural.

On the romance side, it was very sweet with even some bursts of sweet angst. All in all, a classic HR book that deserves to be read by any enthusiast of the genre.]]> 4.29 2010 The Accidental Wedding (Devil Riders, #4)
author: Anne Gracie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4.2 stars

� [Re-read project #13 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

A solid read. This re-read enabled me to discover anew how AG mastered well the art of storytelling, by creating cute dilemmas and successfully having her characters rationalise their actions to them, all while keeping the interest into this original plot going on. And she did her characterisation so well, making even the interactions between the main characters and the children feel real natural.

On the romance side, it was very sweet with even some bursts of sweet angst. All in all, a classic HR book that deserves to be read by any enthusiast of the genre.
]]> <![CDATA[The Heartbreaker: A Rouge Historical Romance]]> 24719430 A sweeping Western historical romance, from Nicole Jordan, the New York Times bestselling author

A Convenient Bride

Burdened by family debts, Heather Ashford has no choice but to accept the proposal of the ruggedly handsome cattle baron Sloan McCord. But she will not give up on her dreams of romance.

And an Irresistible Groom

However, tormented by a deep sorrow, Sloan keeps his heart well guarded and has vowed never to love again. Although his infant daughter needs a mother, he doesn't want � or need � a wife. Does his fierce bride of convenience have the strength to heal his broken heart � before he breaks hers?

Rouge romance - the best historical romance novels, perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer.]]> 305 Nicole Jordan Grisette 5 4.5 stars

What a delicious read! I hate myself a little for bypassing this book for so long. Just because I am not a big fan of Western romances. Very silly of me ofc ]]> 3.36 1998 The Heartbreaker: A Rouge Historical Romance
author: Nicole Jordan
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.36
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.5 stars

What a delicious read! I hate myself a little for bypassing this book for so long. Just because I am not a big fan of Western romances. Very silly of me ofc
]]> <![CDATA[To Marry the Devil (Finders Keepers, #2)]]> 201838517 “I ruin everything I touch. That has been my curse since the day I was born.�

Lady Annabelle Beaumont prefers books to ballrooms. With her elder sister married, she intends to avoid men until she’s old enough to be put on the shelf along with her favourite novels. Unfortunately, when she’s inadvertently discovered alone with notorious rake Jacob Barrington, she has two options: enter an engagement with a man she loathes or be ruined forever.

Jacob Barrington, newly minted Marquess of Sunderland and the “Devil of St James�, plans to destroy his family’s reputation in the most licentious way possible. An engagement is not on the agenda, especially to someone he detests. Instead, he offers to spend their fake engagement finding Annabelle a husband she prefers. But as their desire deepens into something more, she ends their deal and leaves London entirely. Alone, Jacob comes to a the devil does possess a heart.

And she’s just run away with it.]]> 312 Terri Mackenzie 1916589049 Grisette 4 3.7 stars

This one had been sitting on TBR for quite some time. I saw several recommendations but I am rueful to say that for a long time I had my doubts only because of the sedate cover. I was obviously wrong because the story was not sedate at all.

I enjoyed the first third a lot, in part because I was agreeably surprised by the rich characterisation, and also because the plot felt fresh under the very good prose of TM. Many times, TM had these little turn of phrases that were simply too beautiful in meaning. The middle part of the story was a little less well done imho, mainly because (a) I have never been too fond of the My-Fair-Lady trope, and (b) the reasons for pressing Annabelle and Jacob into an engagement were quite too much of a stretch for me ([spoilers removed]). It could have worked better if the successive changes in opinion of the leads for getting involved with each other had been supported by stronger insights into their psyche. Things picked up again in the last third of the book and the ending was very sweet.

The romance between Annabelle and Jacob was overall cute and would have benefitted yet more from swifter pacing and tighter character development in the middle part. One big cookie point for Jacob going down so easily on his knees to grovel.

After this first book, I agree that TM is a very good writer of the genre and deserves more limelight. I will certainly be checking out her other titles!]]> 4.15 2023 To Marry the Devil (Finders Keepers, #2)
author: Terri Mackenzie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.7 stars

This one had been sitting on TBR for quite some time. I saw several recommendations but I am rueful to say that for a long time I had my doubts only because of the sedate cover. I was obviously wrong because the story was not sedate at all.

I enjoyed the first third a lot, in part because I was agreeably surprised by the rich characterisation, and also because the plot felt fresh under the very good prose of TM. Many times, TM had these little turn of phrases that were simply too beautiful in meaning. The middle part of the story was a little less well done imho, mainly because (a) I have never been too fond of the My-Fair-Lady trope, and (b) the reasons for pressing Annabelle and Jacob into an engagement were quite too much of a stretch for me ([spoilers removed]). It could have worked better if the successive changes in opinion of the leads for getting involved with each other had been supported by stronger insights into their psyche. Things picked up again in the last third of the book and the ending was very sweet.

The romance between Annabelle and Jacob was overall cute and would have benefitted yet more from swifter pacing and tighter character development in the middle part. One big cookie point for Jacob going down so easily on his knees to grovel.

After this first book, I agree that TM is a very good writer of the genre and deserves more limelight. I will certainly be checking out her other titles!
]]> Gold Digger (Daydreamer, #2) 215092266 still doesn’t know what to do about the massive crush he has on his cleaner. Lottie’s clumsy and really crap at her job, but her laugh is infectious, her smile lights up the room, she’s insanely good at chess, and he can’t stop thinking about her.

Aware of the power imbalance, he sets out to make her his, and he thinks he’s getting somewhere until she seriously betrays his trust. So now he tells himself he hates her, and he makes sure everyone knows it. But once Ollie realizes that his privilege and self-absorption have made him entitled and completely blind, he’s determined to win Lottie back. A fake engagement might be a bit extreme, but his family had been getting its way for five hundred years, and the Duke of Buckingham was no different from his ancestors.

Lottie’s life is a struggle. She’s had to fight for everything since going into foster care at the age of twelve. The Duke of Buckingham, wouldn’t understand struggle if it smacked him in the face. He’s got money and family coming out of his ears; she has twenty quid in her current account and no family other than her traumatized, selectively mute eight-year-old little sister, whom Lottie is determined to keep safe.

She doesn’t have time for handsome Dukes with silver tongues. So she tells herself she’s not heartbroken when he turns on her like she knew he would, putting everything she worked so hard for in jeopardy. She needs to concentrate on survival. But Lottie underestimates just how charming Ollie can be. Or what a formidable opponent his centuries-old, innate arrogance makes him.

This is a billionaire, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, grumpy boss, contemporary romance.

Trigger warnings for assault, mentions of domestic violence and past childhood neglect. ]]> 338 Susie Tate 1068682027 Grisette 5 4.5 stars

Okay, first full disclosure. This is not the first ST book that I have read. Her books are often recommended on the basis of the betrayal/grovel themes she tackles on. And of course, her Sticks and Stones is very often cited. Well, I did try Sticks and Stones some time back and my perusal of it did not impress me to actually fully read and finish it. I remember having difficulties with the writing style and the actual betrayal really did not pack a punch at all (it felt like I had to squint through a keyhole to understand what the offence was about) and the grovel was lacklustre. So, given that context, I have been very wary about the betrayal/grovel potential of her books. That said, I did not give up and remained on the lookout for her other books. Each time it was rather the same conclusion. Until this book.

Yes, I have to say I pretty enjoyed this one. The British slang required a bit of easing into, but once past that, I fell into the story and its charming and quirky characters. Sure, there is some suspension of disbelief required but what drew me in was the high emotionality that ST infused into this plot. In many parts, I had a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, as I lived through the angst and heartbreak of the h, Lottie.

The betrayals parts certainly hit good and hard (esp. the second one!) and the grovel was decent (personally, [spoilers removed]).

I would have wished for more Show scenes during their [spoilers removed]]]> 4.14 2024 Gold Digger (Daydreamer, #2)
author: Susie Tate
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

4.5 stars

Okay, first full disclosure. This is not the first ST book that I have read. Her books are often recommended on the basis of the betrayal/grovel themes she tackles on. And of course, her Sticks and Stones is very often cited. Well, I did try Sticks and Stones some time back and my perusal of it did not impress me to actually fully read and finish it. I remember having difficulties with the writing style and the actual betrayal really did not pack a punch at all (it felt like I had to squint through a keyhole to understand what the offence was about) and the grovel was lacklustre. So, given that context, I have been very wary about the betrayal/grovel potential of her books. That said, I did not give up and remained on the lookout for her other books. Each time it was rather the same conclusion. Until this book.

Yes, I have to say I pretty enjoyed this one. The British slang required a bit of easing into, but once past that, I fell into the story and its charming and quirky characters. Sure, there is some suspension of disbelief required but what drew me in was the high emotionality that ST infused into this plot. In many parts, I had a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, as I lived through the angst and heartbreak of the h, Lottie.

The betrayals parts certainly hit good and hard (esp. the second one!) and the grovel was decent (personally, [spoilers removed]).

I would have wished for more Show scenes during their [spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[Her Dragon Daddy (Black Claw Dragons, #1)]]> 52787421 the child I carried.
I’ve had years to get over him, and I’ve tried.
But the second I see him again my heart lurches -- and it’s like all that time evaporates.
I still burn for him, even though I know it’s a bad idea.

I try to remind myself about the bad things:
his possessiveness,
his quick temper,
but -- he’s different now.
More mature.
Protective.
Settled.

And hiding something...
Something bigger than the child we share...

Allowing him back into my heart could crush me -- but I’ve never felt safer
than when I’m in his arms.
Can I really have the man I love for good?
Or will our past mistakes keep us from a happy future?
]]> 204 Roxie Ray Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3.2 stars

Nice little read. Of course, expect the worldbuilding to be delivered in an info dump kind of way, but I took it all in my stride as it fit the light atmosphere of the story. However, don't expect angst, whatever the blurb may suggest. The author chose to go on the path of 'we deal with our issues in an adult and calm way' and 'once everything is explained, everything is okay'. That's certainly one way to go but after the teasing blurb, as an angst enthusiast, I do feel a bit disappointed. I actually felt that the H's explanations on why he disappeared and kept away were very wholesome. Not exciting or emotionally-provoking, but sedately plausible.

I however disliked at the beginning how everyone in the dragon clan, including the H himself, first reaction was, 'how could she have hidden your child from you?!?' - which of course makes no sense when (a) they disappeared overnight without a message or explanation to the h, and without a forwarding address, and (b) they never actively tracked her down. ]]> 4.08 2020 Her Dragon Daddy (Black Claw Dragons, #1)
author: Roxie Ray
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.2 stars

Nice little read. Of course, expect the worldbuilding to be delivered in an info dump kind of way, but I took it all in my stride as it fit the light atmosphere of the story. However, don't expect angst, whatever the blurb may suggest. The author chose to go on the path of 'we deal with our issues in an adult and calm way' and 'once everything is explained, everything is okay'. That's certainly one way to go but after the teasing blurb, as an angst enthusiast, I do feel a bit disappointed. I actually felt that the H's explanations on why he disappeared and kept away were very wholesome. Not exciting or emotionally-provoking, but sedately plausible.

I however disliked at the beginning how everyone in the dragon clan, including the H himself, first reaction was, 'how could she have hidden your child from you?!?' - which of course makes no sense when (a) they disappeared overnight without a message or explanation to the h, and without a forwarding address, and (b) they never actively tracked her down.
]]> <![CDATA[The Eyes of Horus (The Ennead Book 1)]]> 209320866 A Mortal. A God. A quest to save the Duat. If only their hearts don’t get in the way.

Charlotte Fletcher is a British academic trying to impress the world with her new discovery. Little does she know, her life is about to be turned upside down by the Egyptian gods of old who want the discovery for themselves.

For centuries, Horus has been a part of the Ennead. A group of gods working to thwart the god Set and restore the gateway to the Duat. When he stumbles across a charming woman with no idea of the magnitude of her discovery, it’s up to him to keep her out of harm’s way. But will his heart become entangled with a mortal he can never be with?]]> 177 Caitlin Floyd Grisette 2 story-letdown 2 stars

I was excited when I started this book because what's not to love? Egyptian mythology, a love story with a mortal, an epic mission to accomplish... Except that the idea ended up being better than the execution. Unfortunately ]]> 4.16 The Eyes of Horus (The Ennead Book 1)
author: Caitlin Floyd
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/25
date added: 2025/02/25
shelves: story-letdown
review:

2 stars

I was excited when I started this book because what's not to love? Egyptian mythology, a love story with a mortal, an epic mission to accomplish... Except that the idea ended up being better than the execution. Unfortunately
]]> <![CDATA[The Wild Wolf's Rejected Mate (The Five Packs, #5)]]> 221606181 My mate called me weak and walked away.

Annie

I try not to think about mating the wild wolf from the Last Pack. It happened. He left. The witch sorted me out and life kept going.

I’m anxious all the time—every moment of every day—but I’m not worried about him. He hates me, and he’s not coming back. He made that perfectly clear.

I should have worried.

After all, everyone like me knows the first rule of anxiety—if you don’t worry about something, it will happen.

And the mate who left me is now trespassing on my pack’s territory, and this time, when I run, he chases.

Justus

My mate is damaged.

She’s beautiful, but she smells wrong, and she’s messed up like all the other wolves who pretend to be human.

Our mating was a disaster. I left her, but I couldn’t keep away.

And now—things have changed. I can’t keep my distance anymore, but she’s still as skittish as a rabbit.

She thinks I’m a monster, and catching her isn’t enough�

I have to figure out how to make her stay.

The Wild Wolf’s Rejected Mate is a shifter romance about fated mates finding their way back to each other. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. Intended for adult readers only.
]]> 328 Cate C. Wells Grisette 4 3.6 stars

Another CCW! Yes! It's been a long time, but exploring further the world building for her shifter universe never gets old. This one ties directly to Book 1, and I even went back to read passages to refresh my memory. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was not the best in the series but there were many things to love about it. Random thoughts:

]]> 4.07 2024 The Wild Wolf's Rejected Mate (The Five Packs, #5)
author: Cate C. Wells
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/24
date added: 2025/02/25
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, men-who-love-deeply
review:

3.6 stars

Another CCW! Yes! It's been a long time, but exploring further the world building for her shifter universe never gets old. This one ties directly to Book 1, and I even went back to read passages to refresh my memory. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was not the best in the series but there were many things to love about it. Random thoughts:


]]> <![CDATA[The Stone Wolf's Rejected Mate (The Five Packs #4.5)]]> 203745181 I wanted him more than anything, but he wasn’t meant for me.

Life in North Border is hard, but I don’t mind as long as I can steal a few moments alone with Clay Pulley at the end of the work day.

He’s not my mate. If he were, our kisses would have triggered my heat by now.

I know this can’t last, but it’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever had. I’m holding on tight to every single second.

But then we’re caught together, and he declares in front of everyone that I don’t belong to him.

I’m destroyed.

As for him?

Well, turns out—he’s wrong.

And he’s in for the fight of his life.

The Stone Wolf’s Rejected Mate is a companion novella set in the Five Packs world. It can be read as a standalone. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. Intended for adult readers only.
]]> 156 Cate C. Wells 1959144189 Grisette 4 my-kind-of-romance 4 stars

I was surprised and grateful when I found out that CCW had released this novella. And I was saving the pleasure to read it at the most opportune moment. CCW does not deceive as usual. Her writing flowed beautifully as she spun yet another meaningful instalment in this series. The romance between Wrenlee and Clay was very pure and cute, even as they went through very harsh moments. A worthy addition to the series!

What I particularly liked is the deepening of the lore of Five Packs. North Border pack proved to be as shitty and backwards as the other packs, so much that Quarry Pack seemed utterly modern and progressive in comparison. The cameo appearances from Una, Killian and their pack were very welcome and they all fit to thicken the overarching plot that will set the future direction of the series. And as always, whenever Abertha appears, there is delight and thrill. There is certainly a big climatic clash brewing in the future and I can't wait!]]> 4.03 2023 The Stone Wolf's Rejected Mate (The Five Packs #4.5)
author: Cate C. Wells
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/03
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

4 stars

I was surprised and grateful when I found out that CCW had released this novella. And I was saving the pleasure to read it at the most opportune moment. CCW does not deceive as usual. Her writing flowed beautifully as she spun yet another meaningful instalment in this series. The romance between Wrenlee and Clay was very pure and cute, even as they went through very harsh moments. A worthy addition to the series!

What I particularly liked is the deepening of the lore of Five Packs. North Border pack proved to be as shitty and backwards as the other packs, so much that Quarry Pack seemed utterly modern and progressive in comparison. The cameo appearances from Una, Killian and their pack were very welcome and they all fit to thicken the overarching plot that will set the future direction of the series. And as always, whenever Abertha appears, there is delight and thrill. There is certainly a big climatic clash brewing in the future and I can't wait!
]]> <![CDATA[Her Wicked Marquess (Sinful Wallflowers, #2)]]> 53271782
When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas Ives climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss FitzWilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.

Nicholas Ives, Marquess of Rothbury has purposefully cultivated a reputation as the most ruthless, unprincipled libertine, all so he can slip beneath the guards of those whose vile actions caused him to lose the only girl he's ever loved. Despite his intrigue, Nicolas is determined to ignore the deceitful and enticing Miss FitzWilliam. However, his enemies are drawing close, and he soon discovers he must keep her closer to protect her. Nonetheless, she rouses a soul-burning passion within him, causing him to question who will protect her from his devilish wiles.

]]> 361 Stacy Reid Grisette 3 2.5 stars

This is my first SR book after hearing many recommendations. Well, I am divided. For the excellent original plot and characterisation, I would have rated it an easy 4+stars. However, I had much difficulty to read and enjoy the writing style. It took me 4 days of laborious reading. The writing was professional but somehow too wordy and heavy (at times repetitive with the quotes and the inner monologues) for my tastes. If I had to rate based on the writing style alone, it would be a 2 stars. Hence, it ends up at a 3 GR star rating.

Miscellaneous points:

]]> 4.41 2020 Her Wicked Marquess (Sinful Wallflowers, #2)
author: Stacy Reid
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

2.5 stars

This is my first SR book after hearing many recommendations. Well, I am divided. For the excellent original plot and characterisation, I would have rated it an easy 4+stars. However, I had much difficulty to read and enjoy the writing style. It took me 4 days of laborious reading. The writing was professional but somehow too wordy and heavy (at times repetitive with the quotes and the inner monologues) for my tastes. If I had to rate based on the writing style alone, it would be a 2 stars. Hence, it ends up at a 3 GR star rating.

Miscellaneous points:


]]> <![CDATA[Whose Body? (Lord Peter Wimsey, #1)]]> 18006728
Lord Peter Wimsey spends his days tracking down rare books, and his nights hunting killers. Though the Great War has left his nerves frayed with shellshock, Wimsey continues to be London’s greatest sleuth—and he’s about to encounter his oddest case yet.

A strange corpse has appeared in a suburban architect’s bathroom, stark naked save for an incongruous pince-nez. When Wimsey arrives on the scene, he is confronted with a once-in-a-lifetime puzzle. The police suspect that the bathtub’s owner is the murderer, but Wimsey’s investigation quickly reveals that the case is much stranger than anyone could have predicted.

Published in 1923, during detective fiction’s golden age, Whose Body? introduced a character and a series that would make Dorothy L. Sayers famous. To this day, Lord Peter remains one of his genre’s most beloved and brilliant characters.

* This ebook features an illustrated biography of Dorothy L. Sayers, including rare images from the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College.]]> 132 Dorothy L. Sayers Grisette 3 3.4 stars

� [Re-read project #12 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I read this one years ago (almost 10 years to the date!) and beside the manner in which the body in the title was discovered, I did not recall the puzzle solution at all. So I was ripe was for a re-read. And I can say now that re-reading it was a real interesting experience.

Just like my memory of Peter Wimsey, he was indeed both easy to dislike and love. As quoted from the book:

He talked the most fatuous nonsense, certainly, but in a disconcerting way.


Yes, Peter Wimsey comes so often as snobbish, overbearing and so digressive... but also has a relaxed and cheerful disposition that at the same time disconcerts and endears him to me. And that's precisely the genius of the character. He may appear as a nerve-challenging dilettante but what a sharp mind he has! Which leads solid credence to his sleuthing hobby imho.

One big snag for me: the writing style. It was real tough to read, but then that's totally DLS's style. I remember that after being brought up with Agatha Christie's style of detective fiction and later discovering Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I was set on exploring the other Queens of Crime of the Golden Age of crime fiction. And that's how I discovered DLS. I was discountenanced of course by the jarring difference in style. As I said, the writing style was really difficult to get into, but persevering some, her main character of Lord Peter Wimsey slowly fleshes up. And during this re-read, I really found the puzzle solution smart and square. Very well done on that part DLS! The ending dragged a bit but again that's DLS/ Wimsey style.

All in all, a book worth reading if only for the nice puzzle.]]> 3.66 1923 Whose Body? (Lord Peter Wimsey, #1)
author: Dorothy L. Sayers
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.66
book published: 1923
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/18
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.4 stars

� [Re-read project #12 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I read this one years ago (almost 10 years to the date!) and beside the manner in which the body in the title was discovered, I did not recall the puzzle solution at all. So I was ripe was for a re-read. And I can say now that re-reading it was a real interesting experience.

Just like my memory of Peter Wimsey, he was indeed both easy to dislike and love. As quoted from the book:

He talked the most fatuous nonsense, certainly, but in a disconcerting way.


Yes, Peter Wimsey comes so often as snobbish, overbearing and so digressive... but also has a relaxed and cheerful disposition that at the same time disconcerts and endears him to me. And that's precisely the genius of the character. He may appear as a nerve-challenging dilettante but what a sharp mind he has! Which leads solid credence to his sleuthing hobby imho.

One big snag for me: the writing style. It was real tough to read, but then that's totally DLS's style. I remember that after being brought up with Agatha Christie's style of detective fiction and later discovering Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I was set on exploring the other Queens of Crime of the Golden Age of crime fiction. And that's how I discovered DLS. I was discountenanced of course by the jarring difference in style. As I said, the writing style was really difficult to get into, but persevering some, her main character of Lord Peter Wimsey slowly fleshes up. And during this re-read, I really found the puzzle solution smart and square. Very well done on that part DLS! The ending dragged a bit but again that's DLS/ Wimsey style.

All in all, a book worth reading if only for the nice puzzle.
]]> <![CDATA[The Body in the Library (Miss Marple, #3)]]> 6478919 The iconic Miss Marple must investigate the case of a girl found dead in Agatha Christie’s classic mystery, The Body in the Library

It’s seven in the morning. The Bantrys wake to find the body of a young woman in their library. She is wearing an evening dress and heavy makeup, which is now smeared across her cheeks. But who is she? How did she get there? And what is the connection with another dead girl, whose charred remains are later discovered in an abandoned quarry?

The respectable Bantrys invite Miss Marple into their home to investigate. Amid rumors of scandal, she baits a clever trap to catch a ruthless killer.

]]> 272 Agatha Christie Grisette 4 4.3 stars

� [Re-read project #11 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 3 to 4 GR stars]
==================

]]> 4.03 1942 The Body in the Library (Miss Marple, #3)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1942
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4.3 stars

� [Re-read project #11 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 3 to 4 GR stars]
==================


]]> The Dragon Queen (Death #4) 218284384 Talon says the most horrible thing—that he doesn’t expect to survive the war.

It’s an outcome I don’t want to consider. My whole life has been an endless reign of suffering until I found him. He was the one who caused this misery—but he’s also the one that healed it. Happiness is a terrifying joy, because once you have it, all you can think about is the moment you lose it.

It’s been decades since Talon has been to the Southern Isles, the place that had been his home for most of his life. Ethan says the place has changed, that the citizens are locked inside the kingdoms, that sailors can’t get into port without an inspection, that the people are starving from a mysterious plague.

Before the battle can commence, we need to know what we’re up against, so I volunteer to enter the castle as a maid and report everything I know. I’m not there for a week when I see that Barron is exactly the swine that Talon says he is. It’s there that I discover a horrid list of truths.

It’s there that I discover the Southern Isles has been destroyed by a dictator—and Barron is already prepared for war—because he knows exactly who the Death King is.
]]> 432 Penelope Barsetti Grisette 5 my-kind-of-romance 4.3 stars

Wow! What a journey! Not always an easy ride, but I enjoyed this serial and its 4 books.

Most of this 4th book was a bit too mired in despair feelings (for a good �), but at the same time, the writing was so powerful and vivid that it felt realistic and coherent. I so appreciate that the story did not lose its internal logic as it ran to its conclusion. There were some unpolished plot points imho e.g. why 20 years is kept being mentioned instead of the rightful 30 years timeline beats me!; after all that has been established in previous books, the lack of Inferno storyline was a bit jarring imho; etc. But overall, it worked well.

What uplifted the story ultimately from its morose mindspace was really the last twists I never saw coming! Omg, what twists ]]> 4.37 The Dragon Queen (Death #4)
author: Penelope Barsetti
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.3 stars

Wow! What a journey! Not always an easy ride, but I enjoyed this serial and its 4 books.

Most of this 4th book was a bit too mired in despair feelings (for a good �), but at the same time, the writing was so powerful and vivid that it felt realistic and coherent. I so appreciate that the story did not lose its internal logic as it ran to its conclusion. There were some unpolished plot points imho e.g. why 20 years is kept being mentioned instead of the rightful 30 years timeline beats me!; after all that has been established in previous books, the lack of Inferno storyline was a bit jarring imho; etc. But overall, it worked well.

What uplifted the story ultimately from its morose mindspace was really the last twists I never saw coming! Omg, what twists
]]> The Dragon King (Death #3) 217366227 I’ve been abandoned by every man in my life—except for one.

He arrived at the outskirts of Riviana Star just in time, and not only saved me, but the people I’ve come to consider my own. He pledged to be at my side always—and made me make the same promise in return. My heart can’t hold onto the anger and resentment a moment longer—not when I want this man for the rest of my life.

Queen Eldinar and the elves are far more suspicious of him than they ever were of me, but they offer him what he wants—the location of the dragons—if he does something for them in return. A war is coming in their forest—an attack by the dark elves that want to evade the Realm of Caelum—and they want the Death King to defeat them.

The relationship between us has changed, an invisible rope tied in many knots binding us together. I’ve pledged my life to help him with his cause, to avenge the family that was so ruthlessly taken from him, not just because I want to free the dragons—but because I want him to have peace. He’s given that to me—and I want to give him the same.

A secret locked in the depth of my heart, I know my feelings for Talon are far beyond the physical. I can feel his soul next to mine when we’re together. When I picture life after the war, I’m not Queen of Scorpion Valley or the Northern Kingdoms—but Queen Rothschild of the Southern Isles.

But there’s something between us that Talon refuses to share. Something I can’t see—but something I can feel every time we touch. A distance that only flourishes rather than withers. A secret so heavy it sinks us in the middle of the sea.]]> 436 Penelope Barsetti Grisette 4 my-kind-of-romance 4 stars

Third book in the serial. The plot is still thickening in a very coherent and enjoyable way. I really admire PB's writing mastery in spinning such a rich story that is able to go the distance without losing credibility. And the way she is able to clearly express the complicated views of each character simply yet powerfully, is just wow.

I enjoyed this book but somewhere along the way I was a teeny bit tired with some of the push and pull (not just between Talon and Calista, but with the elves, with Macabre etc). These were needed of course to push the story into its final book, but I still got a bit depressed. Possibly it's because I am reading this back to back. I will be taking a short break of one book before going in the finale.

Trivia point: reading back to back has the advantage of detecting repetitions that need editing. I already realised it in Book 2, but it was very flagrant in Book 3 that some good editing was needed to smooth out some kinks in the plot. E.g. having Calista asking anew what is the use of Black Diamonds when she already asked and received the explanation in Book 1! Unless the aim was to make Calista a forgetful, with low attention span, character ]]> 4.27 The Dragon King (Death #3)
author: Penelope Barsetti
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/04
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

4 stars

Third book in the serial. The plot is still thickening in a very coherent and enjoyable way. I really admire PB's writing mastery in spinning such a rich story that is able to go the distance without losing credibility. And the way she is able to clearly express the complicated views of each character simply yet powerfully, is just wow.

I enjoyed this book but somewhere along the way I was a teeny bit tired with some of the push and pull (not just between Talon and Calista, but with the elves, with Macabre etc). These were needed of course to push the story into its final book, but I still got a bit depressed. Possibly it's because I am reading this back to back. I will be taking a short break of one book before going in the finale.

Trivia point: reading back to back has the advantage of detecting repetitions that need editing. I already realised it in Book 2, but it was very flagrant in Book 3 that some good editing was needed to smooth out some kinks in the plot. E.g. having Calista asking anew what is the use of Black Diamonds when she already asked and received the explanation in Book 1! Unless the aim was to make Calista a forgetful, with low attention span, character
]]> Blood of Dragons (Death #2) 217366435 The Death King betrayed me—so I did the same to him.

My time in Talon’s captivity has complicated my feelings. He’s more than a monster that conquered innocent people for his own means. He carries a lethal wound no one can see, a justification for his cruelty. But I have wounds too—wounds that he caused. My entire miserable existence is because of him—a cruelty he will never understand even though he should understand it most.

Inferno, the powerful red dragon that’s fused his soul with mine, and I have agreed that the Death King must be exiled. We travel north to Riviana Star, the forest home of the elves and my father’s brother, Ezra. I assumed I would be welcomed with open arms—but I’m treated with only suspicion by Queen Eldinar. She grants me asylum in her forest because I’ve agreed to be their ally against the Death King� but begrudgingly.

Even when I’m in the presence of the elves, I drown in solitude. I’m the only one of my kind besides my uncle, but his reception of me isn’t warm like I hoped. Commander Luxe takes an interest in me, but my heart still yearns for a man it should hate. And that’s when he appears—The Death King—in Riviana Star.

But not in the flesh.

The Death King is far more powerful than I ever imagined—and I’ve made him my greatest enemy.


Trigger Contains dark themes including rape and pregnancy loss.]]> 420 Penelope Barsetti Grisette 5 4.5 stars

I'm so glad I stuck with this serial, because Book 2 is everything I wished for after Book 1: extensive backstory (TW: the Prologues in this book are quite harrowing to read, esp. Prologue III); logical character development; smart, engaging and organically developped plot arc with so many complex shades of grey; intense and tantalising clash of wills between Talon and Calista (they give new definition to 'it's complicated'); beautiful, vivid and sensitive writing style. The chemistry between Talon and Calista was still sexy but rightfully low focused.

I am smelling epicness in the horizon!


P.S. Trivial details I know, [spoilers removed].

-----

My review for Book 1: here

My review for Book 3: here

My review for Book 4: here]]> 4.31 Blood of Dragons (Death #2)
author: Penelope Barsetti
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

4.5 stars

I'm so glad I stuck with this serial, because Book 2 is everything I wished for after Book 1: extensive backstory (TW: the Prologues in this book are quite harrowing to read, esp. Prologue III); logical character development; smart, engaging and organically developped plot arc with so many complex shades of grey; intense and tantalising clash of wills between Talon and Calista (they give new definition to 'it's complicated'); beautiful, vivid and sensitive writing style. The chemistry between Talon and Calista was still sexy but rightfully low focused.

I am smelling epicness in the horizon!


P.S. Trivial details I know, [spoilers removed].

-----

My review for Book 1: here

My review for Book 3: here

My review for Book 4: here
]]> The Death King (Death, #1) 214694022
With a mighty black dragon and the ability to command the dead, he raised an army of our fallen soldiers to fight for him—and conquered us in the night. My father, King Laurier of Scorpion Valley, couldn’t stop him. I tried to flee but came face to face with the man in black armor, the man who looked more like a god than a human. Instead of killing me, he chose to show me mercy…but it didn’t feel like mercy.

Not when the next ten years of my life are spent as a slave in the Arid Sands, digging for Black Diamonds from sunrise to sunset. I'm also the personal slave of General Titan—a man who has grown obsessed with me. The work under the hot sun is unbearable—but I prefer it to his company any day. I’ve never tried to escape because there’s nowhere to run in the desert, but all of that changes when I hear the news�that the Death King is coming.

I sneak out in the middle of the night to steal his dragon, but that backfires in my face�because you can’t steal a dragon. Khazmuda is no mindless beast. He can speak directly into my mind and hear my thoughts in return. The Death King is about to kill me, but Khazmuda changes his mind�because I have the gift.

The ability to speak with dragons.

The Death King spares my life once again and takes me back to his castle. He has no idea who I am, has no idea what he did to my family ten years ago. He asks me to fight for his cause—but he won’t tell me exactly what that cause is. And then he tells me he wants more from me…desires me more than any other because, like him, I have the gift.

I can’t deny he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, with eyes black like midnight, a jawline as sharp as his dragon’s talons, the height of a mountain, and shoulders as broad as a stream. But no amount of attraction will ever change the fact that he destroyed my life. The answer is no—and it’ll always be no.

But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer.

Trigger Contains dark themes including rape and suicide.]]> 418 Penelope Barsetti Grisette 4 my-kind-of-romance 3.6 stars

I have a certain taste for romantasy (though weirdly enough, I have so far never had the urge to read the most popular of the genre), but to commit to actually read a story spanning over 4 books? Quite a tall order honestly. So I started this saga timidly with some apprehension at getting bored or worse, being put off by the themes. Trigger wise, it is worth highlighting that there are some hard themes on page, inc. rape of a main character. However, it is not graphically told but YMMV obviously.

Well, well, I will say that this 1st book is promising. What attracts me to the romantasy genre is the worldbuilding, the overarching quest, the epic romance, the angsty tension and the steamy encounters. In this saga, all of these elements are present. However, in the first two third of the book, I was a bit overwhelmed by the lack of details on the quest at hand and the over-focus on Talon's lusty pursuit of skittish-feisty Calista. Yes, the sex scenes were steamy and the sexual chemistry tantalising, but at length, I started to question whether I was actually reading a soft erotic romance instead of a romantasy. The book redeemed itself substantially with the last third where some secrets are at last revealed and some bad ass action take place. Without this part, I was well on the way to round down my rating.

I am guessing that since the story is meant to be unveiled over 4 books, the author took the time to get over the lust scenes in details in the first book to establish the initial dynamics between Talon and Calista, but that in the rest of the books lower focus on those will be applied to allow for character development, a deepening of their relationship and get the quest on full throttle. At least this is my hope.


P.S. My favourite moments were every conversation they had with Khazmuda �

-----

My review for Book 2: here

My review for Book 3: here

My review for Book 4: here]]> 3.93 The Death King (Death, #1)
author: Penelope Barsetti
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.6 stars

I have a certain taste for romantasy (though weirdly enough, I have so far never had the urge to read the most popular of the genre), but to commit to actually read a story spanning over 4 books? Quite a tall order honestly. So I started this saga timidly with some apprehension at getting bored or worse, being put off by the themes. Trigger wise, it is worth highlighting that there are some hard themes on page, inc. rape of a main character. However, it is not graphically told but YMMV obviously.

Well, well, I will say that this 1st book is promising. What attracts me to the romantasy genre is the worldbuilding, the overarching quest, the epic romance, the angsty tension and the steamy encounters. In this saga, all of these elements are present. However, in the first two third of the book, I was a bit overwhelmed by the lack of details on the quest at hand and the over-focus on Talon's lusty pursuit of skittish-feisty Calista. Yes, the sex scenes were steamy and the sexual chemistry tantalising, but at length, I started to question whether I was actually reading a soft erotic romance instead of a romantasy. The book redeemed itself substantially with the last third where some secrets are at last revealed and some bad ass action take place. Without this part, I was well on the way to round down my rating.

I am guessing that since the story is meant to be unveiled over 4 books, the author took the time to get over the lust scenes in details in the first book to establish the initial dynamics between Talon and Calista, but that in the rest of the books lower focus on those will be applied to allow for character development, a deepening of their relationship and get the quest on full throttle. At least this is my hope.


P.S. My favourite moments were every conversation they had with Khazmuda �

-----

My review for Book 2: here

My review for Book 3: here

My review for Book 4: here
]]> <![CDATA[The Postscript Murders (Harbinder Kaur #2)]]> 49012512 The ultimate gripping murder mystery for winter nights, from the bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries'Witty and charming' The Times 'This super-readable thriller will have you hooked' SunThe death of a ninety-year-old woman with a heart condition should absolutely not be suspicious. DS Harbinder Kaur certainly sees nothing to concern her in carer Natalka's account of Peggy Smith's death. But when Natalka reveals that Peggy lied about her heart condition and that she had been sure someone was following her...And that Peggy Smith had been a 'murder consultant' who plotted deaths for authors, and knew more about murder than anyone has any right to...And when clearing out Peggy's flat ends in Natalka being held at gunpoint by a masked figure...Well then DS Harbinder Kaur thinks that maybe there is no such thing as an unsuspicious death after all.From the sleepy seaside town of Shoreham to the granite streets of Aberdeen, The Postscript Murders is a literary mystery for fans of Anthony Horowitz, Agatha Christie and anyone who's ever wondered just how authors think up such realistic crimes...*Discover what readers are saying about The Postscript Murders'Great story, wonderful characters' 5* Reader Review'Brilliant reading, great fun' 5* Reader Review'Kept you guessing right to the end' 5* Reader Review'A joy to read' 5* Reader Review'A really enjoyable and entertaining novel' 5* Reader Review]]> 368 Elly Griffiths 1787477665 Grisette 3 3.5 stars

� [Re-read project #9 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 4 to 3 GR stars]

Well, I know I read this one, but 4 years down the line, I could not remember the plot. Once, I started reading the characters and the settings came back little by little but I still could not remember the ending. And so, I was glad to be able to re-read it with 'fresh eyes and mind' and this time around, write a review about my experience.

Things I liked

]]> 4.15 2020 The Postscript Murders (Harbinder Kaur #2)
author: Elly Griffiths
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.5 stars

� [Re-read project #9 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating changed from 4 to 3 GR stars]

Well, I know I read this one, but 4 years down the line, I could not remember the plot. Once, I started reading the characters and the settings came back little by little but I still could not remember the ending. And so, I was glad to be able to re-read it with 'fresh eyes and mind' and this time around, write a review about my experience.

Things I liked


]]> <![CDATA[Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr, #14)]]> 40786920 The death of a fiendish nobleman strikes close to home as Sebastian St. Cyr is tasked with finding the killer to save his young cousin from persecution in this riveting new historical mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Why Kill the Innocent....

When the handsome but dissolute young gentleman Lord Ashworth is found brutally murdered, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is called in by Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy to help catch the killer. Just seven months before, Sebastian had suspected Ashworth of aiding one of his longtime friends and companions in the kidnapping and murder of a string of vulnerable street children. But Sebastian was never able to prove Ashworth's complicity. Nor was he able to prevent his troubled, headstrong young niece Stephanie from entering into a disastrous marriage with the dangerous nobleman.

Stephanie has survived the difficult birth of twin sons. But Sebastian soon discovers that her marriage has quickly degenerated into a sham. Ashworth abandoned his pregnant bride at his father's Park Street mansion and has continued living an essentially bachelor existence. And mounting evidence--ranging from a small bloody handprint to a woman's silk stocking--suggests that Ashworth's killer was a woman. Sebastian is tasked with unraveling the shocking nest of secrets surrounding Ashworth's life to keep Stephanie from being punished for his death.]]> 349 C.S. Harris 0399585664 Grisette 4 4.2 stars

I enjoyed this 14th instalment very much, as the storytelling was very smooth and swift, thus making the reading easy and captivating. CSH is really an expert at threading complex layers to her St. Cyr plots. I liked the puzzle in this one, and the twists kept me surprised until the end. In a way, the end was pure poetic justice with [spoilers removed]!

I was real surprised by the reveal that [spoilers removed] - it felt like a retcon element but at the same time, it did add yet dark layers to the story. I wonder if we will see her more in future books and if that bit will be further revisited.

It might be conjecture on my part, but I do think that Cousin Victoria killed Hero's mother through poison (re: Book 12) in order to take her place. I only wonder whether it was done with Jarvis' blessing and whether this angle will ever be explored in the series, with karma visiting Victoria (possibly via Hero's hands!). I do hope it will be. Also, by the same perspective, I suspect that [spoilers removed].

Still loving that series, can't wait to read more, but I need to start pacing myself because there are not many books left to catch up ]]> 4.25 2019 Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr, #14)
author: C.S. Harris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4.2 stars

I enjoyed this 14th instalment very much, as the storytelling was very smooth and swift, thus making the reading easy and captivating. CSH is really an expert at threading complex layers to her St. Cyr plots. I liked the puzzle in this one, and the twists kept me surprised until the end. In a way, the end was pure poetic justice with [spoilers removed]!

I was real surprised by the reveal that [spoilers removed] - it felt like a retcon element but at the same time, it did add yet dark layers to the story. I wonder if we will see her more in future books and if that bit will be further revisited.

It might be conjecture on my part, but I do think that Cousin Victoria killed Hero's mother through poison (re: Book 12) in order to take her place. I only wonder whether it was done with Jarvis' blessing and whether this angle will ever be explored in the series, with karma visiting Victoria (possibly via Hero's hands!). I do hope it will be. Also, by the same perspective, I suspect that [spoilers removed].

Still loving that series, can't wait to read more, but I need to start pacing myself because there are not many books left to catch up
]]> <![CDATA[Why Kill the Innocent (Sebastian St. Cyr, #13)]]> 35834052 A brutal murder draws Sebastian St. Cyr into the web of the royal court, where intrigue abounds and betrayal awaits.

London, 1814.

As a cruel winter holds the city in its icy grip, the bloody body of a beautiful young musician is found half-buried in a snowdrift. Jane Ambrose's ties to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the Prince Regent and heir presumptive to the throne, panic the palace, which moves quickly to shut down any investigation into the death of the talented pianist. But Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero refuse to allow Jane's murderer to escape justice.

Untangling the secrets of Jane's world leads Sebastian into a maze of dangerous treachery where each player has his or her own unsavory agenda and no one can be trusted. As the Thames freezes over and the people of London pour onto the ice for a Frost Fair, Sebastian and Hero find their investigation circling back to the palace and building to a chilling crescendo of deceit and death...]]> 345 C.S. Harris 039958563X Grisette 4 4 stars

This is my last book of 2024 and I am glad it is a St. Cyr since I had such a great time going through the series this year.

It was a good instalment. CSH was on top form with her history research and the seamless way in which she mingled in her fiction. The description of the harsh winter of 1813-1814 along with the political intrigue at the time were all so vividly described. At this point, though the Regency social reality was indeed very bleak, getting back into the world built by CSH with her characters felt like coming home.

The puzzle itself was interesting, though as usual Sebastian's 'go with the flow' investigatory style kept things moving slowly in circles for about � of the book. A fact even lampshaded by Hero ]]> 4.36 2018 Why Kill the Innocent (Sebastian St. Cyr, #13)
author: C.S. Harris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/30
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4 stars

This is my last book of 2024 and I am glad it is a St. Cyr since I had such a great time going through the series this year.

It was a good instalment. CSH was on top form with her history research and the seamless way in which she mingled in her fiction. The description of the harsh winter of 1813-1814 along with the political intrigue at the time were all so vividly described. At this point, though the Regency social reality was indeed very bleak, getting back into the world built by CSH with her characters felt like coming home.

The puzzle itself was interesting, though as usual Sebastian's 'go with the flow' investigatory style kept things moving slowly in circles for about � of the book. A fact even lampshaded by Hero
]]> <![CDATA[The Anatomist's Wife (Lady Darby Mystery, #1)]]> 17247324
Kiera wants to put her past aside, but when one of the house guests is murdered, her brother-in-law asks her to utilize her knowledge of human anatomy to aid the insufferable Sebastian Gage—a fellow guest with some experience as an inquiry agent. While Gage is clearly more competent than she first assumed, Kiera isn’t about to let her guard down as accusations and rumors swirl.

When Kiera and Gage’s search leads them to even more gruesome discoveries, a series of disturbing notes urges Lady Darby to give up the inquiry. But Kiera is determined to both protect her family and prove her innocence, even as she risks becoming the next victim…]]> 357 Anna Lee Huber 1101612320 Grisette 3 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3 stars

Hmm... I am a bit disappointed. I wanted to enjoy this from the get-go but I found the whole reading experience laborious, what with the too long inner monologues from the sole 1st person POV of Lady Darby and general over descriptions (I wanted better pacing and more dialogues instead!). I do think the 1st person narrative was a disservice to the book as Lady Darby did not come across to me as a likeable person. Also, for me, [spoilers removed]. Additionally, while Kiera's character background was more or less well explored, the other characters were not given much flesh.

On the plus side, though the investigation conduct from our duo did not impress me much, I actually found the puzzle solution reveal much more satisfactory. The culprit's motive and actions felt logical and powerfully solid. And I liked the Historical note at the end, I always appreciate it when authors do their homework.

I still want to believe that all the elements I did not like are tantamount to growing pains because it was only the first book of the series. I have often not liked first books from new sleuth series only to appreciate the next books better. So hopefully, this will be the case here as well. As such, I will definitively read the next book.]]> 4.17 2012 The Anatomist's Wife (Lady Darby Mystery, #1)
author: Anna Lee Huber
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/30
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3 stars

Hmm... I am a bit disappointed. I wanted to enjoy this from the get-go but I found the whole reading experience laborious, what with the too long inner monologues from the sole 1st person POV of Lady Darby and general over descriptions (I wanted better pacing and more dialogues instead!). I do think the 1st person narrative was a disservice to the book as Lady Darby did not come across to me as a likeable person. Also, for me, [spoilers removed]. Additionally, while Kiera's character background was more or less well explored, the other characters were not given much flesh.

On the plus side, though the investigation conduct from our duo did not impress me much, I actually found the puzzle solution reveal much more satisfactory. The culprit's motive and actions felt logical and powerfully solid. And I liked the Historical note at the end, I always appreciate it when authors do their homework.

I still want to believe that all the elements I did not like are tantamount to growing pains because it was only the first book of the series. I have often not liked first books from new sleuth series only to appreciate the next books better. So hopefully, this will be the case here as well. As such, I will definitively read the next book.
]]> <![CDATA[Heroux and Odette (The Vampires Series #2)]]> 218692290
He called her name out every night after he fed and released with me.

He made it clear he was only with me to find out where his beloved was.

Despite this living with Heroux was better than living with my family.

Then things began to change and everything went to hell�. And I had to escape, never thinking anyone would care. He did.]]> 293 GroveltoHEA Grisette 5 4.8 stars

N.B.: for such stories, I feel the need to preface my review by highlighting that all my reviews are my honest take on how the story read for me. Any of my remarks are thus addressed to the fictional frame of a given story, inc. its characterisation, world bulding and narrative style as I experienced them as a reader.

WATTPAD link to original story (only website authorised to publish it):

Notable TW: Multiple graphical torture/ physical violence scenes, paranormal elements (main characters are vampires living hidden in our contemporary society)

This is to date, my favourite GroveltoHEA story. For so many reasons! First, such wonderful and exciting tropes ([spoilers removed]), and all so well written. Second, the feels in this one were on the omg level, and I gladly cried ugly in many places. Heroux's pov was especially so poignantly written that his remorse came across as genuine and painful. Third, the grovel was royally done - a textbook perfect example on how a character needs to grovel, both in words and actions ]]> 4.01 Heroux and Odette (The Vampires Series #2)
author: GroveltoHEA
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.01
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, men-who-love-deeply, heart-squeeze
review:

4.8 stars

N.B.: for such stories, I feel the need to preface my review by highlighting that all my reviews are my honest take on how the story read for me. Any of my remarks are thus addressed to the fictional frame of a given story, inc. its characterisation, world bulding and narrative style as I experienced them as a reader.

WATTPAD link to original story (only website authorised to publish it):

Notable TW: Multiple graphical torture/ physical violence scenes, paranormal elements (main characters are vampires living hidden in our contemporary society)

This is to date, my favourite GroveltoHEA story. For so many reasons! First, such wonderful and exciting tropes ([spoilers removed]), and all so well written. Second, the feels in this one were on the omg level, and I gladly cried ugly in many places. Heroux's pov was especially so poignantly written that his remorse came across as genuine and painful. Third, the grovel was royally done - a textbook perfect example on how a character needs to grovel, both in words and actions
]]> The Maid (Molly the Maid, #1) 57690123 A charmingly eccentric hotel maid discovers a guest murdered in his bed. Solving the mystery will turn her once orderly world upside down in this utterly original debut.

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misinterprets the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has had to navigate life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is turned on its head the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself very dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.]]> 385 Nita Prose Grisette 3 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3.5 stars

This book had been sitting on my TBR for ages. I recall when I first tried it, the tone of the first lines threw me off and I closed the book fast. This time, I beared with it better. In fact, I even found much sympathy for the character of Molly. She was at times infuriating with her candidness but yet endearing, esp. when she spoke about her Gran. I had tears in my eyes on those parts. I also liked the grand hotel atmosphere, it reminded me a bit of a favourite movies, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

However, I found the first half of the book too slow. I knew the death of Mr Black was fishy but the book made me wait for the other shoe to drop too much. It got better when the shoe actually dropped in the second half. But by the end, there were some elements which disconcerted me, e.g. [spoilers removed] As a result, Molly's character seemed at times illogical and plot-contrived uneven, at times painfully so candid, but at other times, uncharacteristically sharp and purposeful.

I will still try the next books because I liked Molly but that first book was kind of underwhelming. And for those that might wonder, this book is not actually a sleuthing book by an astute maid, it's more like a very light thriller where the central character is quite not all that it seems.


P.S.1 I get the Wilbur part, but [spoilers removed]

P.S.2 It's fine that Molly grew up on Columbo but for her own sake someone needs to introduce her to the Law & Order universe ]]> 4.03 2022 The Maid (Molly the Maid, #1)
author: Nita Prose
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

This book had been sitting on my TBR for ages. I recall when I first tried it, the tone of the first lines threw me off and I closed the book fast. This time, I beared with it better. In fact, I even found much sympathy for the character of Molly. She was at times infuriating with her candidness but yet endearing, esp. when she spoke about her Gran. I had tears in my eyes on those parts. I also liked the grand hotel atmosphere, it reminded me a bit of a favourite movies, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

However, I found the first half of the book too slow. I knew the death of Mr Black was fishy but the book made me wait for the other shoe to drop too much. It got better when the shoe actually dropped in the second half. But by the end, there were some elements which disconcerted me, e.g. [spoilers removed] As a result, Molly's character seemed at times illogical and plot-contrived uneven, at times painfully so candid, but at other times, uncharacteristically sharp and purposeful.

I will still try the next books because I liked Molly but that first book was kind of underwhelming. And for those that might wonder, this book is not actually a sleuthing book by an astute maid, it's more like a very light thriller where the central character is quite not all that it seems.


P.S.1 I get the Wilbur part, but [spoilers removed]

P.S.2 It's fine that Molly grew up on Columbo but for her own sake someone needs to introduce her to the Law & Order universe
]]> <![CDATA[Five Little Pigs (Hercule Poirot, #25)]]> 55213456 In Agatha Christie’s classic, Five Little Pigs, beloved detective Hercule Poirot races to solve a case from out of the past.

Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, but just like the nursery rhyme, there were five other “little pigs� who could have done it: Philip Blake (the stockbroker), who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist), who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcée), who had her roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess), who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister), who cried all the way home.

Sixteen years later, Caroline’s daughter is determined to prove her mother’s innocence, and Poirot just can’t get that nursery rhyme out of his mind.

]]> 290 Agatha Christie Grisette 5 4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #8 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 4.31 1942 Five Little Pigs (Hercule Poirot, #25)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1942
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #8 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> <![CDATA[His Forsaken Bride (Vawdrey Brothers, #2)]]> 39344917 There is just one slim chance to avoid this fate, one person of prominence at court who she knows has the ear of the King. Oswald Vawdrey, the man who cruelly jilted her when she was a starry-eyed fifteen year old with a head full of romantic dreams.
Fen swallows her pride and rides to the King’s court at Aphrany to beg for Lord Vawdrey’s intercession. But Lord Vawdrey is not the charming boy she remembers, and he has no interest in halting her divorce. Instead, he has quite different plans for his former intended bride.
Fenella is about to discover there is more to Oswald Vawdrey than meets the eye. And she may not be quite so forsaken as she once thought�

This is a stand-alone full length novel of over 150,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.
]]> 617 Alice Coldbreath Grisette 4 3.5 stars

I find myself becoming a great fan of AC's stories. I have been aware that many of her books were set in medieval-like settings and have for a long time hesitated before starting one because I did not think I would like these settings. Verdict? Well, I liked this plot a lot. It was original and unexpected. And I found the main characters, Fenella and Oswald very sympathetic with decent character layers. And their romance quite sweet, inc. Fenella's endearing candidness and Oswald's thrilling possessiveness.

This book did have some snags (e.g. characters are announced to do something but then do the opposite, the timeline and whys/hows their first betrothal was cancelled, plus the coins, plus the other betrothals remain unclear to me - I think a good editor would have helped smooth these details) and it was quite a big book, but overall, I got engrossed in the world building and did not find the time passing. I will certainly look into further stories in this Karadok universe, starting with the Vawdrey brothers.

P.S. I don't know how to feel that by the end of the book, Oswald [spoilers removed]]]> 4.10 2018 His Forsaken Bride (Vawdrey Brothers, #2)
author: Alice Coldbreath
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

I find myself becoming a great fan of AC's stories. I have been aware that many of her books were set in medieval-like settings and have for a long time hesitated before starting one because I did not think I would like these settings. Verdict? Well, I liked this plot a lot. It was original and unexpected. And I found the main characters, Fenella and Oswald very sympathetic with decent character layers. And their romance quite sweet, inc. Fenella's endearing candidness and Oswald's thrilling possessiveness.

This book did have some snags (e.g. characters are announced to do something but then do the opposite, the timeline and whys/hows their first betrothal was cancelled, plus the coins, plus the other betrothals remain unclear to me - I think a good editor would have helped smooth these details) and it was quite a big book, but overall, I got engrossed in the world building and did not find the time passing. I will certainly look into further stories in this Karadok universe, starting with the Vawdrey brothers.

P.S. I don't know how to feel that by the end of the book, Oswald [spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)]]> 1885731 332 J.K. Rowling 0747549559 Grisette 5 4.5 stars

� [Re-read project #1 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

It has now been over 20 years since I fell into HP's world. It was quite by accident as it was at the insistence of a college friend that I started to read the series. How regretful I was then to not have succumbed to the hype earlier ]]> 4.52 1997 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.52
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4.5 stars

� [Re-read project #1 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

It has now been over 20 years since I fell into HP's world. It was quite by accident as it was at the insistence of a college friend that I started to read the series. How regretful I was then to not have succumbed to the hype earlier
]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)]]> 331562
]]> 366 J.K. Rowling 0747549605 Grisette 4 4.2 stars

� [Re-read project #2 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

From memory, I knew that this 2nd instalment of the series had never been amongst my favs. And this re-read confirms it.

This was not due to the writing quality, as JKR remained on top form for this book. It was more down to my personal appreciation of the plot. While I enjoyed how the threads of this story were very rich and delved still deeper in Potter lore (and I positively read with baited breath the last 30% of the book - brilliant plotting!!), the first half of the plot had too much injustice poured onto Harry to my tastes. The poor boy had to face unfair suspicions all due to the 'well meaning' moves of other characters (like Dobby, Colin, Lockhart etc). These students/ magic people can be so gullible, judgy fools due to their fears! I know this will be a recurrent theme (with even greater injustice) in future books but it still did not sit well with me.

Other misc. points:

]]> 4.38 1998 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.38
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4.2 stars

� [Re-read project #2 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

From memory, I knew that this 2nd instalment of the series had never been amongst my favs. And this re-read confirms it.

This was not due to the writing quality, as JKR remained on top form for this book. It was more down to my personal appreciation of the plot. While I enjoyed how the threads of this story were very rich and delved still deeper in Potter lore (and I positively read with baited breath the last 30% of the book - brilliant plotting!!), the first half of the plot had too much injustice poured onto Harry to my tastes. The poor boy had to face unfair suspicions all due to the 'well meaning' moves of other characters (like Dobby, Colin, Lockhart etc). These students/ magic people can be so gullible, judgy fools due to their fears! I know this will be a recurrent theme (with even greater injustice) in future books but it still did not sit well with me.

Other misc. points:


]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)]]> 954838 468 J.K. Rowling 0747549508 Grisette 5 4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #3 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

Bloody brilliantly rich plot. Total *chef's kiss*. Read for me as fresh as it was years ago.

In fact, this 3rd instalment was my first ever HP book I read, more than 20 years ago. All thanks to my friend S. who insisted I read it and lent me this one and Book 4. I recall how dubious I was but doubts all evaporated as soon as I hit the first pages. I recall reading both in the space of days, and losing sleep time to finish them. And then rushing to buy my own set of books (at the time only the first 4 ones were published) and reading Books 1 and 2 out of order.

Now, 20 odd years later, I am glad that my enjoyment for this book is still intact. JKR surpassed herself with this book. We are now really in deep, deep HP lore, and with so many crumbs of exciting things to come. Her storytelling tone and the story's swift pacing were simply terrific and addictive. This book might be my favourite of the series.


P.S.1 I know with hindsight reading I am supposed to read between the lines and find the silver lining in Snape's behaviour, but in this book he acted really like a wilfully dense, biased, nasty POS. He ought to stop navel gazing and sulking someday ]]> 4.63 1999 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.63
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #3 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

Bloody brilliantly rich plot. Total *chef's kiss*. Read for me as fresh as it was years ago.

In fact, this 3rd instalment was my first ever HP book I read, more than 20 years ago. All thanks to my friend S. who insisted I read it and lent me this one and Book 4. I recall how dubious I was but doubts all evaporated as soon as I hit the first pages. I recall reading both in the space of days, and losing sleep time to finish them. And then rushing to buy my own set of books (at the time only the first 4 ones were published) and reading Books 1 and 2 out of order.

Now, 20 odd years later, I am glad that my enjoyment for this book is still intact. JKR surpassed herself with this book. We are now really in deep, deep HP lore, and with so many crumbs of exciting things to come. Her storytelling tone and the story's swift pacing were simply terrific and addictive. This book might be my favourite of the series.


P.S.1 I know with hindsight reading I am supposed to read between the lines and find the silver lining in Snape's behaviour, but in this book he acted really like a wilfully dense, biased, nasty POS. He ought to stop navel gazing and sulking someday
]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]> 41113760 --back cover]]> 796 J.K. Rowling 0747554420 Grisette 5 4.6 stars

� [Re-read project #4 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I always remember this book as the bridging book in the series where Harry leaves behind his childhood innocence and plunges (literally!) into the grim realities of the world of adults. My re-read confirmed that dichotomy, that 'parting of ways' where this instalment kicked off almost as the most normal of years for Harry yet, only to end in absolute horror.

And JKR was a real smart storyteller in that. Comparing this book to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the contrast in the storytelling tone is evident. We have indeed graduated from the light, fairytale-ish narrative where even mortal danger read as fun, to much more deep and nuanced prose, where though the fine wit characterising the world of Harry is still present, the veil on the not-so-pretty things has nevertheless been ripped away with little compunction and mercy. Which is again terrificly smart on JKR's part to raise the bar that way on a narrative perspective for the series (and give it thereby powerful and solid raison d'être), but also echoes magnificently the transition into adulthood we all go through in RL (albeit not always featuring events as Harry faced - because, damn that graveyard scene indeed packed a huge punch ]]> 4.69 2000 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.69
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4.6 stars

� [Re-read project #4 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I always remember this book as the bridging book in the series where Harry leaves behind his childhood innocence and plunges (literally!) into the grim realities of the world of adults. My re-read confirmed that dichotomy, that 'parting of ways' where this instalment kicked off almost as the most normal of years for Harry yet, only to end in absolute horror.

And JKR was a real smart storyteller in that. Comparing this book to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the contrast in the storytelling tone is evident. We have indeed graduated from the light, fairytale-ish narrative where even mortal danger read as fun, to much more deep and nuanced prose, where though the fine wit characterising the world of Harry is still present, the veil on the not-so-pretty things has nevertheless been ripped away with little compunction and mercy. Which is again terrificly smart on JKR's part to raise the bar that way on a narrative perspective for the series (and give it thereby powerful and solid raison d'être), but also echoes magnificently the transition into adulthood we all go through in RL (albeit not always featuring events as Harry faced - because, damn that graveyard scene indeed packed a huge punch
]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)]]> 1213852
Harry has had enough. He is beginning to think he must do something, anything, to change his situation, when the summer holidays come to an end in a very dramatic fashion. What Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his world upside down...]]> 956 J.K. Rowling 0747570728 Grisette 4 4 stars

� [Re-read project #5 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

Well, well... that was a tough read as expected. This instalment remains for me a 'necessary evil'. Not in terms of quality (which remains excellent). But in the sense of being my least favourite book of the series but yet, essential reading to push the series arc into its final twists. Incidentally, I think that this is first book in the series that cannot be read as a standalone as its tone and complex plotting does require foreknowledge from the previous books.

The story unfurled in Book 5 was of course brilliantly done but I again found myself not totally enjoying it. It's entirely a Me thing. It was a really big book, the longest of the series, and there were a mountain of elements and twists in it. But the heavy atmosphere floating through it was really hard on my nerves. Angry, frustrated Harry was stifling (I get why, but it made me morose). Add to that the lies, suspicions and injustice, that Absolute Evil Umbridge Woman and the heavy, 'well meaning' silence (mistakenly so) of adults, the read was smothering and so melancoholic for me. A necessary evil like I said.

Miscellaneous points:

]]> 4.46 2003 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4 stars

� [Re-read project #5 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

Well, well... that was a tough read as expected. This instalment remains for me a 'necessary evil'. Not in terms of quality (which remains excellent). But in the sense of being my least favourite book of the series but yet, essential reading to push the series arc into its final twists. Incidentally, I think that this is first book in the series that cannot be read as a standalone as its tone and complex plotting does require foreknowledge from the previous books.

The story unfurled in Book 5 was of course brilliantly done but I again found myself not totally enjoying it. It's entirely a Me thing. It was a really big book, the longest of the series, and there were a mountain of elements and twists in it. But the heavy atmosphere floating through it was really hard on my nerves. Angry, frustrated Harry was stifling (I get why, but it made me morose). Add to that the lies, suspicions and injustice, that Absolute Evil Umbridge Woman and the heavy, 'well meaning' silence (mistakenly so) of adults, the read was smothering and so melancoholic for me. A necessary evil like I said.

Miscellaneous points:


]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)]]> 93124
]]> 607 J.K. Rowling 0747581088 Grisette 5 4.5 stars

� [Re-read project #6 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

After the choking read that was Book 5, reading this one felt very much like taking well-deserved oxygen. Of course, with the dark creeping at the edges.

The tone of this book was so deceptive. It was almost like being back to the good old days where Hogwarts was normally run and school time and worries still formed a great part of the lives of our main characters. Thus, a good two third of the narrative encompassed Harry's quite sloppy sleuthing after Draco (albeit, he is only 16 and being gaslighted by adults around him) and trips down memory lane of Voldy's past. But this was only the calm before the storm, because goodness, the last third of the book felt like a rain of uppercuts with all the terrible twists coming one after the other. JKR's plotting of the series arc was again masterfully clever and gripping, well paving the way for the explosive finale in Book 7.

Miscellaneous points:

]]> 4.56 2005 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics
review:

4.5 stars

� [Re-read project #6 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

After the choking read that was Book 5, reading this one felt very much like taking well-deserved oxygen. Of course, with the dark creeping at the edges.

The tone of this book was so deceptive. It was almost like being back to the good old days where Hogwarts was normally run and school time and worries still formed a great part of the lives of our main characters. Thus, a good two third of the narrative encompassed Harry's quite sloppy sleuthing after Draco (albeit, he is only 16 and being gaslighted by adults around him) and trips down memory lane of Voldy's past. But this was only the calm before the storm, because goodness, the last third of the book felt like a rain of uppercuts with all the terrible twists coming one after the other. JKR's plotting of the series arc was again masterfully clever and gripping, well paving the way for the explosive finale in Book 7.

Miscellaneous points:


]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)]]> 820343
]]> 607 J.K. Rowling 0747591059 Grisette 5 4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #7 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I did it! 16 days, 7 books! Woot!

My current reader preferences usually groans at non-standalone stories that ends on cliffies and drags over duets or trilogies. Imagine now that Harry's stories has 7 books! But here lies the talent of JKR: the ability to spin a solid, rich story that justifiably spanned over 7 books. None of those lags, contrived plotting that stretch a thin original idea, and unsatisfying thread resolutions that kill trilogies and the like. Nope, JKR tied it all with a big bow. So thank you JKR! Your magic still worked for me after all these years!

Of course, there were so many losses in this book that made me teary. But then the whole book had that taste of bittersweet despite the HEA. That's the mark of great epic stories where you hate to leave their world.

There were very brilliant plot twists that made so much sense and which I enjoyed anew. Dumbledore specially was an amazing chessmaster and I loved how by the end Harry's comprehension of the principles of his world matured so much. Though, I will admit on stumping against one plot thread: the Hallows. They made for very interesting plot twist and side quest, but were knowledge of them and time devoted to them essential to how Harry vanquished Voldy? From my perspective no, esp. on this careful re-read, because it all came down to wandlore knowledge and the nobility of certain acts that yielded powerful, elementary magic. Unless I am missing something, because after an intense 16 days, my head is kind of full ]]> 4.64 2007 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-classics, heart-squeeze
review:

4.7 stars

� [Re-read project #7 of 2025, 1st proper review, rating maintained]

I did it! 16 days, 7 books! Woot!

My current reader preferences usually groans at non-standalone stories that ends on cliffies and drags over duets or trilogies. Imagine now that Harry's stories has 7 books! But here lies the talent of JKR: the ability to spin a solid, rich story that justifiably spanned over 7 books. None of those lags, contrived plotting that stretch a thin original idea, and unsatisfying thread resolutions that kill trilogies and the like. Nope, JKR tied it all with a big bow. So thank you JKR! Your magic still worked for me after all these years!

Of course, there were so many losses in this book that made me teary. But then the whole book had that taste of bittersweet despite the HEA. That's the mark of great epic stories where you hate to leave their world.

There were very brilliant plot twists that made so much sense and which I enjoyed anew. Dumbledore specially was an amazing chessmaster and I loved how by the end Harry's comprehension of the principles of his world matured so much. Though, I will admit on stumping against one plot thread: the Hallows. They made for very interesting plot twist and side quest, but were knowledge of them and time devoted to them essential to how Harry vanquished Voldy? From my perspective no, esp. on this careful re-read, because it all came down to wandlore knowledge and the nobility of certain acts that yielded powerful, elementary magic. Unless I am missing something, because after an intense 16 days, my head is kind of full
]]> 2024 on ŷ 195342176 2024 on ŷ should make an interesting and varied catalogue of books to inspire other readers in 2025.

For those of you who don't like to add titles you haven't actually 'read', you can place 2024 on ŷ on an 'exclusive' shelf. Exclusive shelves don't have to be listed under 'to read', 'currently reading' or 'read'. To create one, go to 'edit bookshelves' on your 'My Books' page, create a shelf name such as 'review-of-the year' and tick the 'exclusive' box. Your previous and future 'reviews of the year' can be collected together on this dedicated shelf.

Concept created by Fionnuala Lirsdottir.
Description: Fionnuala Lirsdottir
Cover art: Paul Cézanne, The House with the Cracked Walls, 1892-1894
Cover choice and graphics by Jayson]]> Various Grisette 5 Yet another reading year successfully gone! Yay me ]]> 4.15 2024 2024 on ŷ
author: Various
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves:
review:

Yet another reading year successfully gone! Yay me
]]> <![CDATA[Evil Under the Sun (Hercule Poirot, #24)]]> 6506771
Ever since Arlena's arrival the air had been thick with sexual tension. Each of the guests had a motive to kill her. But Hercule Poirot suspects that this apparent 'crime of passion' conceals something much more evil.]]> 289 Agatha Christie Grisette 4 4 stars

� [Re-read project #7 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 4.11 1941 Evil Under the Sun (Hercule Poirot, #24)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1941
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2024/12/30
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4 stars

� [Re-read project #7 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> Endless Night 12166717 One of Agatha Christie’s personal favorites, Endless Night is a critically acclaimed classic crime thriller from the beloved queen of mystery.

When penniless Michael Rogers discovers the beautiful house at Gypsy’s Acre and then meets the heiress Ellie, it seems that all his dreams have come true at once. But he ignores an old woman’s warning of an ancient curse, and evil begins to stir in paradise. As Michael soon learns: Gypsy’s Acre is the place where fatal “accidents� happen.

]]> 292 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3.5 stars

==================

]]> 3.93 1967 Endless Night
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1967
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

==================


]]> Untimely You 31209090 steamy contemporary romance standalone novel!

I will forever punish myself for the past. The reminder of my failures slaps me in the face every single day. Happiness is something I’ll never know again. My life is orderly and organized. Emotions are kept compartmentalized, or else functioning is impossible. It’s a self-imposed prison, but it’s necessary. I deserve this life. Love, though, ignores all rules. Throws a messy, irritating, beautiful woman right in my face. Taunts me with the hope that maybe I could bask in one sliver of her blinding light. I can’t ignore her even though I try. This can’t happen between us. I don’t deserve her. She needs someone who can love her fully and without restrictions. I’m not that man. Love doesn’t care. Love changes everything. And the timing couldn’t be worse.]]> 265 K. Webster Grisette 5 4.5 stars

Wow, what a lovely book! This is only my second KW but I really love her vivid and easy writing style - she is a born storyteller!

The story was both poignant and light, the characters and their actions felt real in many places. I loved the sensitivity and sensibility infused in this delicate plot. Being KW, there were also some risqué parts, but she does balance it all so well, steamy action with funny moments, heartbreaking scenes with great character growth. Bravo KW, and thank you!

]]> 4.02 2016 Untimely You
author: K. Webster
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/26
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: heart-squeeze, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.5 stars

Wow, what a lovely book! This is only my second KW but I really love her vivid and easy writing style - she is a born storyteller!

The story was both poignant and light, the characters and their actions felt real in many places. I loved the sensitivity and sensibility infused in this delicate plot. Being KW, there were also some risqué parts, but she does balance it all so well, steamy action with funny moments, heartbreaking scenes with great character growth. Bravo KW, and thank you!


]]> <![CDATA[A Disappearance in Drury Lane (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, #8)]]> 18521543
As Captain Gabriel Lacey prepares to leave for his upcoming wedding, he's interrupted by his former neighbor, Marianne Simmons, concerned about an actress friend of hers who's gone missing. Lacey agrees to help look for the actress, little realizing that the search will bring him up against dangerous men who think nothing of abduction and blackmail, or indeed of sending incendiary devices to the innocent.

Lacey's compassion tells him to help the actress who is in true danger, but his personal life is changing, and his time for investigation is frequently and frustratingly interrupted. He is also commanded to assist Bow Street in bringing down James Denis, a criminal with whom Lacey now has complicated ties, or risk hanging with him.

The search for the actress takes Lacey from the assembly rooms of the upper classes to behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, where he finds darkness in all corners. Lacey's life and honor are constantly challenged as his circumstances change, and he realizes he can follow no code but his own.

Book 8 in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries. This is a full-length novel of 80,000 words, twenty-four chapters.]]> 300 Ashley Gardner 0986023892 Grisette 3 my-kind-of-detective-thriller 3.5 stars

Another Lacey completed, and this one was kind of seasonally appropriate too.

I enjoyed the beginning, Lacey felt fresh and the story direction interesting. Then, I snoozed a bit as the plot veered towards some mundane happenings. My interest picked again at the middle point (I did not see that twist coming!) and held good to the end. However, the motives of the culprits felt a bit underwhelming imho. Not a bad Lacey, but I needed less uneven pacing. So it's a 3 GR stars for me.

Looks like some of the events in this book will continue in the next book, and I will be there for it!]]> 4.30 2013 A Disappearance in Drury Lane (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, #8)
author: Ashley Gardner
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/25
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

Another Lacey completed, and this one was kind of seasonally appropriate too.

I enjoyed the beginning, Lacey felt fresh and the story direction interesting. Then, I snoozed a bit as the plot veered towards some mundane happenings. My interest picked again at the middle point (I did not see that twist coming!) and held good to the end. However, the motives of the culprits felt a bit underwhelming imho. Not a bad Lacey, but I needed less uneven pacing. So it's a 3 GR stars for me.

Looks like some of the events in this book will continue in the next book, and I will be there for it!
]]> <![CDATA[Breaker (Death Seekers MC Book 1)]]> 199699148
Riley Greyson’s life falls to pieces when she finds out her brother owes a huge debt to a vicious MC. Then fate drops a rugged and inked biker on her lap. He’s nothing like the men she’s dated before. Getting further mixed up in his world would only bring her pain and regret. But in Breaker’s rough embrace, Riley feels safe. She feels loved. Breaker’s willing to burn the world down, if it means claiming her as his.]]> 83 Winter Sloane 0369509153 Grisette 3 3 stars

Another very short read, just what I needed.

This one is a very low stake MC romance, with insta sweet love and with decent writing style. Still OTT in many places (my favourite: [spoilers removed]]]> 3.84 Breaker (Death Seekers MC Book 1)
author: Winter Sloane
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3 stars

Another very short read, just what I needed.

This one is a very low stake MC romance, with insta sweet love and with decent writing style. Still OTT in many places (my favourite: [spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[Relentless Surrender (Surrender #4)]]> 174619948 Stubborn and feisty as hell, she’s going to fight me every step of the way.
What she doesn’t understand is, I’m a Marine� and we never back down.
If we see a target we want� we take it.
It’s as simple as that.
And I want her.
Badly.

If you like intense chemistry, a military Hero, and feisty heroine, then scroll up and one click now. ]]> 101 Zoe Blake Grisette 3 3.5 stars

I was looking for a short, no stress read. And this book totally fit the bill.

The H was so OTT outrageous as a caveman-Alpha-Marine, right from the first pages (honestly, he would have been a walking red flag in RL, ]]> 3.88 Relentless Surrender (Surrender #4)
author: Zoe Blake
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, smut-mostly
review:

3.5 stars

I was looking for a short, no stress read. And this book totally fit the bill.

The H was so OTT outrageous as a caveman-Alpha-Marine, right from the first pages (honestly, he would have been a walking red flag in RL,
]]> <![CDATA[The Horde King of Shadow (Hordes of the Elthika #1)]]> 221647505 The fearsome creature came from across Drukkar’s Sea…and there was a rider on its back.

As a scholar in Dothik’s library, Klara has spent her life trying to understand the strange dreams that have plagued her since she was a child—visions of dragons and a world with no written record. Rejected by her royal bloodline after her mother’s death, Klara hides her chilling secret, knowing her rare magic could get her killed.

But when a dragon suddenly appears in Dothik, those dreams become a monstrous reality.

Sarkin Dirak’zar, king of the Sarrothian horde, cares only about finding heartstones—the dwindling power source for their revered dragons. Ice-cold and merciless, the last thing Sarkin wants is a wife, especially a weak and unwanted princess who likely won’t last one night on dragonback. Yet the key to acquiring heartstones lies in Klara’s visions, and so he gives her a cruel marry him to save her people� or let Dothik burn.

Her first duty as queen? Claim a dragon of her own. What’s even more alarming is that unexpected desire begins to simmer with her beguiling but guarded husband...even though his barbed cage of a heart is only meant to keep her away.]]> 421 Zoey Draven Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3.25 stars

It's no great secret that I am a great fan of ZD, esp. her Horde Kings of Dakkar series and I grieved along with others when the series ended. So I was very excited when I learned that she was planning a new series in the Dakkar universe but in the future.

Verdict? I liked it, it has potential but I found the reading laborious. Mainly because the new worldbuilding was quite complex and we didn't get the answers to the mountain of questions I had early on. By the end, I did get a better idea of the hows and whys of Karak, but by then, it was a bit too late. The lack of forthcoming answers during the read detracted me repeatedly from following the actual plot of the book. The romance was sweet (I liked both leads), though I got the feel that it took a backseat to the 'bonding trial' plot.

I get that it is not easy to introduce a new frame of worldbuilding. So essentially, what I experienced with this new series were teething issues that I am sure will get better in the next book. If I may make a humble suggestion, I think a world map would help greatly in understanding how Karak is organised - I was pretty much confused with all the territories'/ villages'/ continents' names thrown about without much an immediate explanation on what they were (most were eventually clarified but late in the game) but their positioning against rival nations was totally murky for me.

In final, I will definitely follow this new series because I do enjoy ZD's style.


P.S. The one bit I was really disappointed with, was [spoilers removed].]]> 4.39 2024 The Horde King of Shadow (Hordes of the Elthika #1)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2024/12/22
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.25 stars

It's no great secret that I am a great fan of ZD, esp. her Horde Kings of Dakkar series and I grieved along with others when the series ended. So I was very excited when I learned that she was planning a new series in the Dakkar universe but in the future.

Verdict? I liked it, it has potential but I found the reading laborious. Mainly because the new worldbuilding was quite complex and we didn't get the answers to the mountain of questions I had early on. By the end, I did get a better idea of the hows and whys of Karak, but by then, it was a bit too late. The lack of forthcoming answers during the read detracted me repeatedly from following the actual plot of the book. The romance was sweet (I liked both leads), though I got the feel that it took a backseat to the 'bonding trial' plot.

I get that it is not easy to introduce a new frame of worldbuilding. So essentially, what I experienced with this new series were teething issues that I am sure will get better in the next book. If I may make a humble suggestion, I think a world map would help greatly in understanding how Karak is organised - I was pretty much confused with all the territories'/ villages'/ continents' names thrown about without much an immediate explanation on what they were (most were eventually clarified but late in the game) but their positioning against rival nations was totally murky for me.

In final, I will definitely follow this new series because I do enjoy ZD's style.


P.S. The one bit I was really disappointed with, was [spoilers removed].
]]> The Rake (Davenport, #2) 13093895 A man's past doesn't have to map his fate, especially when a woman holds the key to his destiny in this timeless novel by New York Times bestselling author and legend in historical romance Mary Jo Putney...

Disinherited and disgraced, Reginald Davenport's prospects cried for a dire end. But fate has given him one last chance at redemption—by taking his rightful place as the heir of Strickland, his lost ancestral estate. Davenport knows his way around women, yet nothing prepares him for his shocking encounter with Lady Alys Weston.

Masquerading as a man in order to obtain a position as estate manager of Strickland, Alys fled a world filled with mistrust and betrayal. She was finished with men—until Strickland's restored owner awakens a passion she thought she would never feel. A passion that will doom or save them both...if only they can overcome their pasts.]]> 417 Mary Jo Putney 1420127942 Grisette 4 4 stars

This year I have read more HR books than I ever did before. But I know that I have been woefully behind in reading classics of the genre. And so with this book, I am happy that I have read, and enjoyed, one of these.

The writing style of MJP was simply stupendous. Vibrant, vivid and with so much heart. It was a real delight to read the rich maturity of her pen. Rarely, have I seen such natural talent in prose that instantly and effortlessly captured the reader into the deep layers of the story.

And what a story! Her lead characters, Reggie and Alys almost broke through the pages with how real and complex they were. They had such substance and I couldn't but be intensely invested in how they healed their personal traumas. MJP handled their character development so perfectly.

So why not 5 stars? Because while the story was infinitely rich, I found that it was more a healing type of story that priviledged the characters' personal development over the actual romance. Sure, the romance was there well threaded into the plot, but still it read more like the story of Reggie and the story of Alys than the story of Reggie and Alys. In a way, their romance was done in a more sedate and mature way that fit the ages of their characters. Theirs was passion of the transcendal type rather than of the swooning type. It did fit them well. But personally, I would have enjoyed a little touch of romantic frivolousness.

P.S. I liked the Epilogue but I think Reggie and Alys' HEA deserved limelight a little further into their future, inc. their family life.]]> 4.17 1989 The Rake (Davenport, #2)
author: Mary Jo Putney
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1989
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/17
date added: 2024/12/17
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4 stars

This year I have read more HR books than I ever did before. But I know that I have been woefully behind in reading classics of the genre. And so with this book, I am happy that I have read, and enjoyed, one of these.

The writing style of MJP was simply stupendous. Vibrant, vivid and with so much heart. It was a real delight to read the rich maturity of her pen. Rarely, have I seen such natural talent in prose that instantly and effortlessly captured the reader into the deep layers of the story.

And what a story! Her lead characters, Reggie and Alys almost broke through the pages with how real and complex they were. They had such substance and I couldn't but be intensely invested in how they healed their personal traumas. MJP handled their character development so perfectly.

So why not 5 stars? Because while the story was infinitely rich, I found that it was more a healing type of story that priviledged the characters' personal development over the actual romance. Sure, the romance was there well threaded into the plot, but still it read more like the story of Reggie and the story of Alys than the story of Reggie and Alys. In a way, their romance was done in a more sedate and mature way that fit the ages of their characters. Theirs was passion of the transcendal type rather than of the swooning type. It did fit them well. But personally, I would have enjoyed a little touch of romantic frivolousness.

P.S. I liked the Epilogue but I think Reggie and Alys' HEA deserved limelight a little further into their future, inc. their family life.
]]> Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3) 60618028
Gorgeous, cocky, and fast on his way to becoming a hotshot doctor, Josh Chen has never met a woman he couldn't charm - except for Jules f**king Ambrose.

The beautiful redhead has been a thorn in his side since they met, but she also consumes his thoughts in a way no woman ever has.

When their animosity explodes into one unforgettable night, he proposes a solution that'll get her out of his system once and for all: an enemies with benefits arrangement with simple rules.

No jealousy.
No strings attached.
And absolutely no falling in love.

***

Outgoing and ambitious, Jules Ambrose is a former party girl who's focused on one thing: passing the attorney's bar exam.

The last thing she needs is to get involved with a doctor who puts the SUFFER in insufferable . . . no matter how good-looking he is.

But the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes there's more than meets the eye to the man she's hated for so long.

Her best friend's brother.
Her nemesis.
And her only salvation.

Theirs is a match made in hell, and when the demons from their past catch up with them, they're faced with truths that could either save them . . . or destroy everything they've worked for.

Twisted Hate is a steamy enemies with benefits/enemies to lovers romance. It's book three in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.

Warning: It contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for 18+]]> 515 Ana Huang 0349434328 Grisette 3 story-letdown 3.3 stars

Okay, I read this one because I was promised a cruel Hero. In final, I saw where his cruel words happened, but I am very ambivalent on the feels I got for this story. This is my second AH book, and I am finding I am not her target readership. It was not a bad book, but it will not be a memorable one. Here is why in a nutshell:

]]> 3.97 2022 Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3)
author: Ana Huang
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: story-letdown
review:

3.3 stars

Okay, I read this one because I was promised a cruel Hero. In final, I saw where his cruel words happened, but I am very ambivalent on the feels I got for this story. This is my second AH book, and I am finding I am not her target readership. It was not a bad book, but it will not be a memorable one. Here is why in a nutshell:


]]> <![CDATA[Slightly Dangerous (Bedwyn Saga, #6)]]> 6297035 400 Mary Balogh Grisette 5 4.5 stars

I dived into this one because there was a deluge of recommendations on FB that this book was an absolute classic must read. I was a bit dubious upon reading the blurb but still decided to jump in. And in final, I do not regret it because I can see why this book shined for so many readers. It was not an easy book to love because MB's excellent prose with its firmly-entrenched historical romance voice can nevertheless seem stuffy to read, the moreso over the many pages of this big book. But, if you allow yourself to be touched by the magic of her pen, as I did, then, it can only become a beloved read.

MB's pen in this book was honestly just *chef's kiss*. So deep, rich and complex, with the right doses of wit. Her characters, main and secondary, were so vibrant with tangible layers. Her Wulfric was not easy to love but I really fell for him by the end of the book. Her Christine was fresh and just lovable. And their chemistry... not only steamy, but real, full of feelings and so dazzling.

I did not fail to see her homage throughout the plot to Pride and Prejudice mainly, and but also to Sense and Sensibility. And I loved it. It was impossible to not see the paralells between Wulfric and Christine's courtship woes and the ones of Darcy and Elizabeth, but MB outdid herself in twisting all the tropes into her very own original story in grand style. And to top it off in stride with palpable passion and sensuality that were amiss from the chaste Pride and Prejudice. Kudos really, MB!

]]> 4.44 Slightly Dangerous (Bedwyn Saga, #6)
author: Mary Balogh
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/13
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration, men-who-love-deeply
review:

4.5 stars

I dived into this one because there was a deluge of recommendations on FB that this book was an absolute classic must read. I was a bit dubious upon reading the blurb but still decided to jump in. And in final, I do not regret it because I can see why this book shined for so many readers. It was not an easy book to love because MB's excellent prose with its firmly-entrenched historical romance voice can nevertheless seem stuffy to read, the moreso over the many pages of this big book. But, if you allow yourself to be touched by the magic of her pen, as I did, then, it can only become a beloved read.

MB's pen in this book was honestly just *chef's kiss*. So deep, rich and complex, with the right doses of wit. Her characters, main and secondary, were so vibrant with tangible layers. Her Wulfric was not easy to love but I really fell for him by the end of the book. Her Christine was fresh and just lovable. And their chemistry... not only steamy, but real, full of feelings and so dazzling.

I did not fail to see her homage throughout the plot to Pride and Prejudice mainly, and but also to Sense and Sensibility. And I loved it. It was impossible to not see the paralells between Wulfric and Christine's courtship woes and the ones of Darcy and Elizabeth, but MB outdid herself in twisting all the tropes into her very own original story in grand style. And to top it off in stride with palpable passion and sensuality that were amiss from the chaste Pride and Prejudice. Kudos really, MB!


]]> <![CDATA[King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)]]> 62994279 She's his opposite in every way...and the greatest temptation he's ever known.

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm...except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.

King of Pride is a steamy opposite attract, forbidden billionaire romance. It's book two in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.

Contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for mature readers only. ]]> 358 Ana Huang Grisette 3 story-letdown 3.3 stars

This is my first Ana Huang (at last!) and... I have mixed feelings. Since I had a hard time to get into the book but was in a better disposition thereafter, let me list out the less stellar aspects first and finish with the better ones.

So-so aspects

]]> 3.92 2023 King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)
author: Ana Huang
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/19
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves: story-letdown
review:

3.3 stars

This is my first Ana Huang (at last!) and... I have mixed feelings. Since I had a hard time to get into the book but was in a better disposition thereafter, let me list out the less stellar aspects first and finish with the better ones.

So-so aspects


]]> The Luckiest Lady in London 18753879 From the superbly gifted Sherry Thomas comes this beautifully written romance about a marriage of convenience that turns inconveniently passionate...

Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is The Ideal Gentleman, a man all men want to be and all women want to possess. Even Felix himself almost believes this golden image. But underneath is a damaged soul soothed only by public adulation.

Louisa Cantwell needs to marry well to support her sisters. She does not, however, want Lord Wrenworth--though he seems inexplicably interested in her. She mistrusts his outward perfection, and the praise he garners everywhere he goes. Still, when he is the only man to propose at the end of the London season, she reluctantly accepts.

Louisa does not understand her husband's mysterious purposes, but she cannot deny the pleasure her body takes in his touch. Nor can she deny the pull this magnetic man exerts upon her. But does she dare to fall in love with a man so full of dark secrets, any one of which could devastate her, if she were to get any closer?]]> 304 Sherry Thomas 1101631112 Grisette 4 4.3 stars

O.M.G! There are so many thoughts and feelings that this book evoked in me and I have been oscillating hard on how to rate it. My summarised thoughts (as I will try to ]]> 3.94 2013 The Luckiest Lady in London
author: Sherry Thomas
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/26
date added: 2024/12/13
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.3 stars

O.M.G! There are so many thoughts and feelings that this book evoked in me and I have been oscillating hard on how to rate it. My summarised thoughts (as I will try to
]]> <![CDATA[Waiting for Forever (Hope Valley #8)]]> 54164550
Danika Parrish had been the nerdy girl growing up. The girl who sat in her window, watching the boy across the street, and secretly longing for the day when he might notice her. When that day finally came, she was convinced all her dreams had come true. But after giving her everything she’d ever hoped for, he’d ripped it all away with a handful of words.

Leo’s made a lot of mistakes in his life, but the one he regrets most is hurting Danika. For the first time in his life, he knows what it feels like to love someone, to truly be happy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. He’s determined to prove to her that he’s worth a second chance. That he’s the forever she’s been waiting all her life for.]]> 282 Jessica Prince Grisette 3 3.5 stars

I actually did it! I finished a JP book! Because, full confession, I started this book years before but did not finish it because there was that one element that displeased me. The same happened for many other books of hers that I tried, where it started out fab and then that one glitch that turned me away. Now, years later, with my bigger girls pants on, I thought it was high time to revisit the story and see if I felt the same. Verdict? Pretty much felt the same - the story had many good parts but again there was that one pernicky plot point that tanked my enjoyment a bit. But, on the positive side, I finished it and I have a review.


What I enjoyed

]]> 4.42 2020 Waiting for Forever (Hope Valley #8)
author: Jessica Prince
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/10
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

3.5 stars

I actually did it! I finished a JP book! Because, full confession, I started this book years before but did not finish it because there was that one element that displeased me. The same happened for many other books of hers that I tried, where it started out fab and then that one glitch that turned me away. Now, years later, with my bigger girls pants on, I thought it was high time to revisit the story and see if I felt the same. Verdict? Pretty much felt the same - the story had many good parts but again there was that one pernicky plot point that tanked my enjoyment a bit. But, on the positive side, I finished it and I have a review.


What I enjoyed


]]> <![CDATA[Limitless (Sons of the Underground, #2)]]> 63066252 339 Terri Anne Browning Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3.5 stars

Just finished this one, and I feel underwhelmed. The betrayal drama was on point and hit deliciously hard in many places but the grovel part was duh. Not only the H remained a controlling, unrepentant Alpha-hole who still by the end of the book had not apologised properly (even his sorry had to be prompted by the h ]]> 4.31 2023 Limitless (Sons of the Underground, #2)
author: Terri Anne Browning
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/10
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

Just finished this one, and I feel underwhelmed. The betrayal drama was on point and hit deliciously hard in many places but the grovel part was duh. Not only the H remained a controlling, unrepentant Alpha-hole who still by the end of the book had not apologised properly (even his sorry had to be prompted by the h
]]> <![CDATA[His Tesoro (Empire of Royals, #1)]]> 212470837 I’ve always dreamed of romance, but this wedding is strictly business.

SOFIYA

I’ve spent years hidden away to protect my father from the shame of having a defective daughter. The head of the Bratva can’t be associated with weakness—and to him, that’s all I am.

That is, until a marriage alliance gives him the opportunity to finally be rid of me.

As I head down the aisle towards my mysterious husband, I hope I’m moving towards love and freedom. But Matteo makes it clear he wants nothing to do with me.

I wish I could return his coldness, but the dangerous Don sets my body ablaze whenever he’s near.

MATTEO

My life has been defined by betrayal.

A family traitor murdered my parents, and I’ve carried their blood on my hands all these years. I learned long ago not to open my heart.

As head of the Five Families, I’ve always controlled my city, but with enemies rising up on all sides, a marriage alliance is my only way forward. Except, my bride is not what I expected—and now she’s consuming my every thought.

But when my trust is shattered again, I’ll go to any means necessary to protect the Family.

His Tesoro is a spicy, dual first-person POV Mafia Romance with an age gap, arranged marriage, disabled heroine, and jealous/possessive hero. This book is a standalone that ends in a HEA. See Author’s Note at the beginning of the book for full content warnings.]]> 396 Emilia Rossi Grisette 3 my-kind-of-romance 3.5 stars

I saw many recommendations for this book and since I was game for a Mafia Romance, I thought why not.

The first third of the story and the writing style drew me in. I cheered that ER did not hesitate to tackle a heroine with a disability with verve and sensitivity. It consoled me a bit after the ugly debacle that shot down brutally another plot with a heroine in a wheelchair from a well-known Mafia Romance author. Her Sofiya and Matteo were written with such charm that I was immensely enjoying their budding romance. At that point the book was a solid 4 stars.

Once they actually had sex (steamy btw!), I got slightly bored by their bordering diabetic happiness. Some plot tightening would have helped to better manage that part of the story pacing and keep the reader's attention fresh.

Then, I got a welcomed jolt in the last third, when the 'betrayal' plot kicked in. The angst was starting to feel real good until the rest of the story bypassed that to focus on the mafia plot endangering our leads ]]> 3.84 2024 His Tesoro (Empire of Royals, #1)
author: Emilia Rossi
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/03
shelves: my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

I saw many recommendations for this book and since I was game for a Mafia Romance, I thought why not.

The first third of the story and the writing style drew me in. I cheered that ER did not hesitate to tackle a heroine with a disability with verve and sensitivity. It consoled me a bit after the ugly debacle that shot down brutally another plot with a heroine in a wheelchair from a well-known Mafia Romance author. Her Sofiya and Matteo were written with such charm that I was immensely enjoying their budding romance. At that point the book was a solid 4 stars.

Once they actually had sex (steamy btw!), I got slightly bored by their bordering diabetic happiness. Some plot tightening would have helped to better manage that part of the story pacing and keep the reader's attention fresh.

Then, I got a welcomed jolt in the last third, when the 'betrayal' plot kicked in. The angst was starting to feel real good until the rest of the story bypassed that to focus on the mafia plot endangering our leads
]]> <![CDATA[Jealous Convict (Jealous & Possessive Book 1)]]> 210055972 The plan was simple and straightforward.

Interview a prisoner for my term paper in the safety of my father’s office.

Only problem?

A prison riot just broke out . And I’m trapped with a jealous convict with feral eyes and possessive hands.

Monroe Gage swears he’ll lay down his life to protect me from the hardened criminals hunting the warden's virgin daughter.

Oh, and he’s also vowed to do wicked things to me. As long as I promise him forever.

Am I insane to agree? ]]> 135 BJ Mann Grisette 3 smut-mostly 3 stars

A naive girl enters a supermax prison and provokes a massive riot? Sure, why not?

Short read, good smut - a palate cleanser of sorts between bigger books. Features a very J/P Hero (very, to the point of not allowing her outside to the view of others ]]> 3.75 Jealous Convict (Jealous & Possessive Book 1)
author: BJ Mann
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/01
shelves: smut-mostly
review:

3 stars

A naive girl enters a supermax prison and provokes a massive riot? Sure, why not?

Short read, good smut - a palate cleanser of sorts between bigger books. Features a very J/P Hero (very, to the point of not allowing her outside to the view of others
]]> Aine 63109537
When Aine is sent into the woods for her crimes, she accepts she'll be met with death.

The beasts are known to kill any human that wanders into their territory, their razor-sharp teeth ripping through flesh and bone with practiced ease.

Aine knows she'll be no different from all the others who have been executed before her, and when she's forced into the woods by her own people, it doesn't take long for the beasts to attack.

What she doesn't expect is for them to take the shape of humans and spare her, and even more, for one to claim her as his own.

Trigger warnings for this book can be found ]]> 436 Invi Wright Grisette 4 3.75 stars

A quite good book, worth reading. An original take on shifter / fated mates romance. A bit too long story, could have used some strategic trimming for better story pacing (esp. the first half). But the difficult romance between Aine and Damien was quite well done with a very rich plot and complex backstories, effective drama and angst (inc. OW drama and danger scenes - TW: Torture), use of decent psychology to explain the leads' actions/feelings and a great redemption arc.

Damien was such a big jerk at the start of the story and we get to feel all the cruelty he throws at Aine. He redeems himself well and believably. Aine was at times a bit too withdrawn as a character but she showed great heart and was very smart and perceptive. Their chemistry was sizzling and their romantic development captivating to read.

Where this book could have been epic, imho, hinges on two main points:

]]> 3.83 Aine
author: Invi Wright
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/11/30
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

3.75 stars

A quite good book, worth reading. An original take on shifter / fated mates romance. A bit too long story, could have used some strategic trimming for better story pacing (esp. the first half). But the difficult romance between Aine and Damien was quite well done with a very rich plot and complex backstories, effective drama and angst (inc. OW drama and danger scenes - TW: Torture), use of decent psychology to explain the leads' actions/feelings and a great redemption arc.

Damien was such a big jerk at the start of the story and we get to feel all the cruelty he throws at Aine. He redeems himself well and believably. Aine was at times a bit too withdrawn as a character but she showed great heart and was very smart and perceptive. Their chemistry was sizzling and their romantic development captivating to read.

Where this book could have been epic, imho, hinges on two main points:


]]> His at Night 8369620
Elissande Edgerton is a desperate woman, a virtual prisoner in the home of her tyrannical uncle. Only through marriage can she claim the freedom she craves. But how to catch the perfect man?

Lord Vere is used to baiting irresistible traps. As a secret agent for the government, he’s tracked down some of the most devious criminals in London, all the while maintaining his cover as one of Society’s most harmless—and idiotic—bachelors. But nothing can prepare him for the scandal of being ensnared by Elissande.

Forced into a marriage of convenience, Elissande and Vere are each about to discover that they’re not the only one with a hidden agenda. With seduction their only weapon—and a dark secret from the past endangering both their lives—can they learn to trust each other even as they surrender to a passion that won’t be denied?


From the Paperback edition.]]> 434 Sherry Thomas Grisette 3 3.5 stars

I was real excited to read this book because this original plot started with a deliciously hilarious bang. However, in final, I have mixed feelings. There were high notes in parts of the plot, the writing style shined in many places, the richness of the plot was evident... but the romance itself kind of took the backseat in face of all the intrigue that had to be unraveled.

I believed that Vere and Elissande indeed fell in love against all odds, but I would have preferred if the romantic development had been to the forefront of the story. That there was more focus on how the antagonism that Vere felt initially towards Elissande bloomed into actual trust and deep love. That it was shown how his resentment towards her supposed preference for Freddie was reframed into believing that she was only attracted to him. It was there, between the lines, perhaps too much so for my taste.

This book had a lot going on and I enjoyed it. But more time for romance would have elevated it imho. Still, if you want to read a fresh take on HR, then ST's style is a must.]]> 3.92 2010 His at Night
author: Sherry Thomas
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.5 stars

I was real excited to read this book because this original plot started with a deliciously hilarious bang. However, in final, I have mixed feelings. There were high notes in parts of the plot, the writing style shined in many places, the richness of the plot was evident... but the romance itself kind of took the backseat in face of all the intrigue that had to be unraveled.

I believed that Vere and Elissande indeed fell in love against all odds, but I would have preferred if the romantic development had been to the forefront of the story. That there was more focus on how the antagonism that Vere felt initially towards Elissande bloomed into actual trust and deep love. That it was shown how his resentment towards her supposed preference for Freddie was reframed into believing that she was only attracted to him. It was there, between the lines, perhaps too much so for my taste.

This book had a lot going on and I enjoyed it. But more time for romance would have elevated it imho. Still, if you want to read a fresh take on HR, then ST's style is a must.
]]> <![CDATA[One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Hercule Poirot, #23)]]> 6473205
Even the great detective Hercule Poirot harbored a deep and abiding fear of the dentist, so it was with some trepidation that he arrived at the celebrated Dr. Morley’s surgery for a dental examination. But what neither of them knew was that only hours later Poirot would be back to examine the dentist, found dead in his own surgery.

Turning to the other patients for answers, Poirot finds other, darker, questions.…]]> 224 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 2.5 stars

� [Re-read project #9 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 4.03 1940 One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Hercule Poirot, #23)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1940
rating: 3
read at: 2024/08/01
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

2.5 stars

� [Re-read project #9 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> <![CDATA[Undeniably Asher (The Colloway Brothers #2)]]> 26870545 454 K.L. Kreig Grisette 3 story-letdown 2.5 stars

I feel I may be doing this book an injustice because possibly it's a case of wrong book at the wrong time.

I will be honest: I could only finish this book because I skim-read it. It still took me some 7hrs+ over 4 days to do that. I found that the plot dragged too much, with too much inner monologues and not enough moving ahead. It felt like a snoozefest most of the time.

Plus, I think that the whole romance kind of fell through for me because some part of me could not connect with the supposed initial chemistry between the leads. Don't get me wrong. Their relationship was decently written and plotted. But I had a hard time to accept that they suddenly found themselves so deeply and quickly in love (and apparently the powerful-once-in-a-lifetime-kind-of-love) eight years after they met and with rare interactions between them in the intervening years ([spoilers removed]]]> 4.49 2015 Undeniably Asher (The Colloway Brothers #2)
author: K.L. Kreig
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/23
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: story-letdown
review:

2.5 stars

I feel I may be doing this book an injustice because possibly it's a case of wrong book at the wrong time.

I will be honest: I could only finish this book because I skim-read it. It still took me some 7hrs+ over 4 days to do that. I found that the plot dragged too much, with too much inner monologues and not enough moving ahead. It felt like a snoozefest most of the time.

Plus, I think that the whole romance kind of fell through for me because some part of me could not connect with the supposed initial chemistry between the leads. Don't get me wrong. Their relationship was decently written and plotted. But I had a hard time to accept that they suddenly found themselves so deeply and quickly in love (and apparently the powerful-once-in-a-lifetime-kind-of-love) eight years after they met and with rare interactions between them in the intervening years ([spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[Death at the Sign of the Rook (Jackson Brodie #6)]]> 203229869
In his sleepy Yorkshire town, ex-detective Jackson Brodie is staving off boredom and malaise. His only case is the seemingly tedious matter of a stolen painting. But Jackson soon uncovers a string of unsolved art thefts that lead him down a dizzying spiral of disguise and deceit to Burton Makepeace, a formerly magnificent estate now partially converted into a hotel hosting Murder Mystery weekends.

As paying guests, impecunious aristocrats and old friends collide, we are treated to Atkinson’s most charming and fiendishly clever mystery yet, one that pays homage to the masters of the genre—from Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to the modern era of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building.]]> 307 Kate Atkinson 0385548001 Grisette 3 3.5 stars

I picked this book essentially because the title was intriguing and the first chapters had a certain flair to them. Now, having read it whole, I have some mixed feelings about it. And yes, this is my first read from this author and in this series. Though it being the 6th instalment, for me, it read as a standalone and I did not feel like I missed any essential storyline by not reading first the previous books.

I liked the wry British humour in the writing. The writing style was very competent and skillful. However, it also tended to deliberately digress into side details that in final bore no probant link to the main plot. I say deliberately because I think the style was meant to bring about a quirky kind of reading experience and also to add rich layers of atmosphere to the world building. On both of those counts, I find that the book was successful. However, it also added a heaviness to the plot pacing that I did not wholly enjoy. Imagine that the first 50% of the book was essentially digressions into the lives of different characters and I started to wonder when we would get into the meat of things. I kept reading because it was well written but I was at times bored when the prose digress tortuously. I wonder whether the previous books have the same narrative style.

On the main plot itself, Jackson Brodie perplexed me as a detective. He obviously had brains but the whole book was basically him accepting a find-a-person case only to find him instead investigating all the discrepancies in his employers' story. The final reveal succeeded to agreeably surprise me on many levels. However, I also felt let down by the lack of actual sleuthing by Jackson Brodie to arrive at the solution of the puzzle. I mean, his presence at the scene of the reveal was coincidental at best and he probably would not have arrived at the solution if the perpetrator had not overtly told him all the details. And so, by the end, this book felt more like reading a smart, tricky tale than a real detective story.

As a side note, I liked the secondary characters. They really added colour to the world building. I especially liked the twist concerning Ben and Reggie (even if I was quite dismayed when the book suddenly turned into an absurd comedy during Ben's stint as majordomo).

Will I read the previous books? I hesitate, but maybe I will try just another one to see whether the narrative style was unique to this book or not.]]> 3.94 2024 Death at the Sign of the Rook (Jackson Brodie #6)
author: Kate Atkinson
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/19
date added: 2024/11/19
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

I picked this book essentially because the title was intriguing and the first chapters had a certain flair to them. Now, having read it whole, I have some mixed feelings about it. And yes, this is my first read from this author and in this series. Though it being the 6th instalment, for me, it read as a standalone and I did not feel like I missed any essential storyline by not reading first the previous books.

I liked the wry British humour in the writing. The writing style was very competent and skillful. However, it also tended to deliberately digress into side details that in final bore no probant link to the main plot. I say deliberately because I think the style was meant to bring about a quirky kind of reading experience and also to add rich layers of atmosphere to the world building. On both of those counts, I find that the book was successful. However, it also added a heaviness to the plot pacing that I did not wholly enjoy. Imagine that the first 50% of the book was essentially digressions into the lives of different characters and I started to wonder when we would get into the meat of things. I kept reading because it was well written but I was at times bored when the prose digress tortuously. I wonder whether the previous books have the same narrative style.

On the main plot itself, Jackson Brodie perplexed me as a detective. He obviously had brains but the whole book was basically him accepting a find-a-person case only to find him instead investigating all the discrepancies in his employers' story. The final reveal succeeded to agreeably surprise me on many levels. However, I also felt let down by the lack of actual sleuthing by Jackson Brodie to arrive at the solution of the puzzle. I mean, his presence at the scene of the reveal was coincidental at best and he probably would not have arrived at the solution if the perpetrator had not overtly told him all the details. And so, by the end, this book felt more like reading a smart, tricky tale than a real detective story.

As a side note, I liked the secondary characters. They really added colour to the world building. I especially liked the twist concerning Ben and Reggie (even if I was quite dismayed when the book suddenly turned into an absurd comedy during Ben's stint as majordomo).

Will I read the previous books? I hesitate, but maybe I will try just another one to see whether the narrative style was unique to this book or not.
]]> <![CDATA[Highland Vow (The Murrays Book 4)]]> 19015998 Ten years ago, young Elspeth Murray rescued a wounded young knight and lost her heart forever. Now a stunning beauty and gifted healer, she is reunited with Cormac Armstrong when he saves her from an unwanted suitor. But Cormac is promised to another, a woman who has blinded him to her ruthlessness. Now Elspeth must battle against the odds to claim a man and a love she will not be denied.

Cormac is stunned by the desire Elspeth’s kiss awakens—and cannot resist the temptation she offers. A man of honor, he is torn by his pledge to another and his growing need for Elspeth. Blinded by duty and indecision, he is unaware that he is a pawn in a clever and deadly trap from which Elspeth is desperate to save him. But by the time he understands her gift of selfless devotion will it be too late to claim this perfect love?

Includes An Excerpt Of Hannah Howell’s Upcoming Highland Romance, Highland Lover!

]]> 354 Hannah Howell 1420134310 Grisette 4 4 stars

After seeing many recs for this one for years, I finally got round to reading it. I had some difficulty to get into the story, mainly because of the old Scots terminology and the uneven pacing of the plot, but I was soon caught up with the drama and I ended up enjoying it. And even if some repetitive ideas leaden the pace, the writing had some very beautiful and sensible lines. I also enjoyed the layer of humour and wit that was infused in the prose.

Elspeth was an admirable heroine (so mature, even when she was only 9!) and had the will of a lioness to deal with such a stubborn (and slow!) Cormac. I am not entirely convinced he would have set Isabel aside had he not witnessed her treachery, but oh well, with his openness to admit his wrongs I was willing to try to believe him. I enjoyed him going down on his hands and knees to grovel even if I could have done without the manly reluctance to it (I get that the latter was period relevant though) - I am such a sucker for grovel scenes like this ]]> 4.46 2006 Highland Vow (The Murrays Book 4)
author: Hannah Howell
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/17
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4 stars

After seeing many recs for this one for years, I finally got round to reading it. I had some difficulty to get into the story, mainly because of the old Scots terminology and the uneven pacing of the plot, but I was soon caught up with the drama and I ended up enjoying it. And even if some repetitive ideas leaden the pace, the writing had some very beautiful and sensible lines. I also enjoyed the layer of humour and wit that was infused in the prose.

Elspeth was an admirable heroine (so mature, even when she was only 9!) and had the will of a lioness to deal with such a stubborn (and slow!) Cormac. I am not entirely convinced he would have set Isabel aside had he not witnessed her treachery, but oh well, with his openness to admit his wrongs I was willing to try to believe him. I enjoyed him going down on his hands and knees to grovel even if I could have done without the manly reluctance to it (I get that the latter was period relevant though) - I am such a sucker for grovel scenes like this
]]> Love Potion for the Alpha 24238629
Jorah Mallon-Garth, medieval warrior and Alpha of the Varkash wolf pack seeks a human bride who will do his bidding...

Lady Isolde Merrell is pretty but altogether too plump to be noticed when her beautiful younger sister is around. In desperation she douses herself with a lust potion to snare the attentions of returning warrior Jorah Mallon-Garth who has just completed three years soldiering for the Crown. Suddenly she finds herself wedded and bedded by the Alpha male of the Varkash pack and bound for the Winterlands!

Jorah is tired of battle and vows to find a biddable human wife to take home with him. Once they arrive he is determined to impose order on his troublesome wolf-pack. Isolde’s curvaceous charms have him panting with need from the start. Her lush, warm body promises him things he has never even dreamed of possessing, a true mate of his heart. But his new bride proves to have hidden mettle as she challenges him on his long-held beliefs and soon has his pack realising she truly is their Alpha’s mate! Even if he still needs convincing she is equal to the task�

Please be warned this is a full length, hot BBW romance novel featuring a werewolf Alpha with steamy situations and strong explicit language. If you prefer things on the tamer side this is probably not the novel for you.

(Please be aware this was previously available under the title "Lust Potion for the Alpha")


]]> 225 Alice Coldbreath Grisette 5 4.5 stars

I loved this one! It read like a cute fairy tale. I loved the romantasy-medieval world building and every character had charm. The romance between Isolde and Jorah was really well carried off by AC � - there was sweet angst, smoky steam, sigh worthy declarations, cute misunderstandings... And special nod to Uncle Cedric ]]> 3.77 2014 Love Potion for the Alpha
author: Alice Coldbreath
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/12
date added: 2024/11/12
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

4.5 stars

I loved this one! It read like a cute fairy tale. I loved the romantasy-medieval world building and every character had charm. The romance between Isolde and Jorah was really well carried off by AC � - there was sweet angst, smoky steam, sigh worthy declarations, cute misunderstandings... And special nod to Uncle Cedric
]]> The Scandal of Rose 215079188
The arrangement with Moore suits her perfectly. He’s generous and caring, a fantastic lover. Best of all, she’ll soon have enough money saved to secure her future independence for good.

Except Rose has made a terrible mistake.

She’s fallen in love with him.

And now he’s betrothed to someone else.]]> 171 Joanna Shupe Grisette 4 3.5 stars

I came to it because of this cute cover, I stayed because the plot was interesting and I was taken by surprise with how much I ended up enjoying this novella.

Now, to be clear, the story is in two parts. There is a very cliffy Prologue, then under Part 1 we jump back weeks before covering where essentially the h, Rose pursues the H, Moore and they embark on an affair of sorts and then we have Part 2 which is where big drama happens. I did not care much for Part 1 because the suddeness of the erotica parts and the characterisation was a bit unsettling.

But Part 2, omg, Part 2 was wow! Excellent angst ]]> 3.90 2024 The Scandal of Rose
author: Joanna Shupe
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/10
date added: 2024/11/10
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

3.5 stars

I came to it because of this cute cover, I stayed because the plot was interesting and I was taken by surprise with how much I ended up enjoying this novella.

Now, to be clear, the story is in two parts. There is a very cliffy Prologue, then under Part 1 we jump back weeks before covering where essentially the h, Rose pursues the H, Moore and they embark on an affair of sorts and then we have Part 2 which is where big drama happens. I did not care much for Part 1 because the suddeness of the erotica parts and the characterisation was a bit unsettling.

But Part 2, omg, Part 2 was wow! Excellent angst
]]> Until You 214727951
Twice betrayed by women he loved, Nicholas Leighton is no longer the gullible young fool he was in his youth. Having grown cold and cynical, as well as older and wiser, he has vowed to never again allow another woman to affect him emotionally, for he has learned his lessons and learned them well. So, when the breathtakingly lovely Ashleigh St. John suddenly and unexpectedly enters his life, as well as his home, he is determined to keep the alluring interloper at an emotional and physical distance. Unfortunately, he quickly discovers that some things are easier said than done.

Reckless and daring, Ashleigh St. John is an unconventional young lady with the heart of a hopeless romantic. When she meets Nicholas Leighton she knows she has met the man of her dreams, but unfortunately, the man of her dreams seems bound and determined to keep her at a distance, hiding behind a self-erected wall of cool detachment and calculated indifference. Willing to do almost anything to break through the intractable barriers that guard his heart, she will willingly surrender her innocence, and time and again risk her ravaged heart to ultimately win his trust, and more importantly, his love.

The Reformed Rakes Series:

Book 1 - Until You (Nicholas)
Book 2 - You, and Only You (Alex)
Book 3 - When Only a Rake Will Do (Brendon)

(Although these books are part of a series, they can each be read as stand alone novels.)]]> 324 Jennifer McNare Grisette 4 3.7 stars

Recommendations for this book have long been floating around and I am glad that I finally took the plunge. Overall, I liked as it had many good things going. However, there were also some imperfections.

The bases and mechanics of the angsty tension between Ashleigh and Nicholas were on point. JMN obviously has a real knack at finding these little plot triggers that were conducive to high dramatics between the main couple. However, despite the delicious theoretical drama in place, on the feels side, I did not wholly experience the emotional side of the angst. Personally (because maybe my romantic heart is by now a bit too old and jaded to be candid), I think it was because of the particular writing style. It was well written but was also problematic for me on some levels:

]]> 3.92 2012 Until You
author: Jennifer McNare
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/09
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

3.7 stars

Recommendations for this book have long been floating around and I am glad that I finally took the plunge. Overall, I liked as it had many good things going. However, there were also some imperfections.

The bases and mechanics of the angsty tension between Ashleigh and Nicholas were on point. JMN obviously has a real knack at finding these little plot triggers that were conducive to high dramatics between the main couple. However, despite the delicious theoretical drama in place, on the feels side, I did not wholly experience the emotional side of the angst. Personally (because maybe my romantic heart is by now a bit too old and jaded to be candid), I think it was because of the particular writing style. It was well written but was also problematic for me on some levels:


]]> <![CDATA[Where the Dead Lie (Sebastian St. Cyr, #12)]]> 30363074 London, 1813

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is no stranger to the dark side of the city, but he's never seen anything like this: the brutalized body of a 15-year-old boy dumped into a makeshift grave on the grounds of an abandoned factory. One of London's many homeless children, Benji Thatcher was abducted and tortured before his murder—and his younger sister is still missing. Few in authority care about a street urchin's fate, but Sebastian refuses to let this killer go unpunished.

Uncovering a disturbing pattern of missing children, Sebastian is drawn into a shadowy, sadistic world. As he follows a grim trail that leads from the writings of the debauched Marquis de Sade to the city's most notorious brothels, he comes to a horrifying realization: Someone from society's upper echelon is preying upon the city's most vulnerable. And though dark, powerful forces are moving against him, Sebastian will risk his reputation and his life to keep more innocents from harm.]]> 352 C.S. Harris 0698167902 Grisette 4 4.2 stars

This 12th instalment surprised me by the freshness of its plot - CSH succeeded in making this series not lose any steam, bravo! It was a very heavy subject but one which CSH handled very well and sensitively via Sebastian's tangible emotions. As usual, during the investigation's conduct Sebastian tended to pounce a little too hard into tenuous avenues by virtue of 'his instincts', but he did surprise me time and again when engaging in some brilliant line of inquiry. All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward on how the pending plot threads will get resolved in future books.

Concerning the sub-plot involving Hero, [spoilers removed].]]> 4.29 2017 Where the Dead Lie (Sebastian St. Cyr, #12)
author: C.S. Harris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/05
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4.2 stars

This 12th instalment surprised me by the freshness of its plot - CSH succeeded in making this series not lose any steam, bravo! It was a very heavy subject but one which CSH handled very well and sensitively via Sebastian's tangible emotions. As usual, during the investigation's conduct Sebastian tended to pounce a little too hard into tenuous avenues by virtue of 'his instincts', but he did surprise me time and again when engaging in some brilliant line of inquiry. All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward on how the pending plot threads will get resolved in future books.

Concerning the sub-plot involving Hero, [spoilers removed].
]]> <![CDATA[At Bertram's Hotel (Miss Marple, #11)]]> 6579050
An old-fashioned London hotel is not quite as reputable as it makes out to be.�

When Miss Marple comes up from the country for a holiday in London, she finds what she’s looking for at Bertram’s Hotel: traditional decor, impeccable service, and an unmistakable atmosphere of danger behind the highly-polished veneer.

Yet, not even Miss Marple can foresee the violent chain of events set in motion when an eccentric guest makes his way to the airport on the wrong day.…]]> 320 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 3.5 stars

� [Re-read project #11 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 3.97 1965 At Bertram's Hotel (Miss Marple, #11)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1965
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/02
date added: 2024/11/02
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.5 stars

� [Re-read project #11 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> The Pact 123216414 Their partnership would be no more than a business transaction, but what’s the point in holding out for love when it had granted her no guarantees in the past?
Maybe they could make a marriage work. Maybe. One thing is for certain: with the wounds of loss heavy on their souls and the fact that he’s given up on finding the big L again, friendship would be all they’d have.
Love would never enter their picture. Ever. Not even for a moment.
Right?]]> 581 Suzanne Wright Grisette 2 2.5 stars

I loved SW's writing in The Wicked in Me which was a wacky and delicious fantasy story, and so I was quite geared up to get into this CR book with such an interesting premise (re: MOC with a twist). Unfortunately, try as I did, I did not end up enjoying it. Here is why, plus some points I did like:

]]> 4.04 2023 The Pact
author: Suzanne Wright
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2024/10/31
date added: 2024/11/02
shelves: story-letdown, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

2.5 stars

I loved SW's writing in The Wicked in Me which was a wacky and delicious fantasy story, and so I was quite geared up to get into this CR book with such an interesting premise (re: MOC with a twist). Unfortunately, try as I did, I did not end up enjoying it. Here is why, plus some points I did like:


]]> <![CDATA[When Falcons Fall (Sebastian St. Cyr, #11)]]> 25807248 Ayleswick-on-Teme, England, 1813. Sebastian has come to this seemingly peaceful Shropshire village to honor a slain friend and to learn more about his own ancestry. But when the body of a lovely widow is found on the banks of the River Teme, a bottle of laudanum at her side, the village’s inexperienced new magistrate turns to St. Cyr for help. Almost immediately Sebastian realizes that Emma Chance did not take her own life, but it is less easy to discern exactly how she died, and why. He and wife Hero soon discover that Emma was hiding both her true identity and her real reasons for traveling to Ayleswick.
Also troubling are the machinations of Lucien Bonaparte, the estranged brother of French Emperor Napoleon; held captive under the British government’s watchful eye, the younger Bonaparte is restless, ambitious, and treacherous.
Sebastian’s investigation takes on new urgency when he discovers that Emma was not the first, or even the second, beautiful young woman in the village to die under suspicious circumstances. Home to the eerie ruins of an ancient monastery, Ayleswick reveals itself to be a dark and dangerous place of secrets that have festered among the villagers for decades—and a violent past that may be connected to Sebastian’s own unsettling origins. And as he faces his most diabolical opponent ever, he is forced to consider what malevolence he’s willing to embrace in order to destroy a killer.]]> 386 C.S. Harris Grisette 4 4.2 stars

This 11th instalment felt markedly different from all the previous investigations. Probably because it was entirely out of London and Sebastian did not rely on any of his known resources. In final, I liked the change. Bereft of the London atmosphere, the story felt somehow deeper. Sebastian even came across as a much better sleuth than ever before, priviledging his brains over action heroics.

I won't complain about the leisurely pace of the story because it fit the country thematic. Also previously, the fast and repetitive round of interviewees that Sebastian liked to proceed with had often irritated me - not so here, as the investigation pace occurred organically and logically. I also enjoyed the wealth of historic facts that CSH cleverly mixed with the plot. Some readers will likely yawn at that abundance of history lessons, but I for one, learned so much about the historical context that I wasn't aware before. Concerning the puzzle itself, it was quite well done - long, but it made sense and all my questions were answered.

My only gripe concerns the gross error in the timeline mentioned in the book. [spoilers removed] Such inconsistencies across a series seriously aggravates me and I can't understand how editors never picked it out!]]> 4.41 2016 When Falcons Fall (Sebastian St. Cyr, #11)
author: C.S. Harris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/23
date added: 2024/10/23
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4.2 stars

This 11th instalment felt markedly different from all the previous investigations. Probably because it was entirely out of London and Sebastian did not rely on any of his known resources. In final, I liked the change. Bereft of the London atmosphere, the story felt somehow deeper. Sebastian even came across as a much better sleuth than ever before, priviledging his brains over action heroics.

I won't complain about the leisurely pace of the story because it fit the country thematic. Also previously, the fast and repetitive round of interviewees that Sebastian liked to proceed with had often irritated me - not so here, as the investigation pace occurred organically and logically. I also enjoyed the wealth of historic facts that CSH cleverly mixed with the plot. Some readers will likely yawn at that abundance of history lessons, but I for one, learned so much about the historical context that I wasn't aware before. Concerning the puzzle itself, it was quite well done - long, but it made sense and all my questions were answered.

My only gripe concerns the gross error in the timeline mentioned in the book. [spoilers removed] Such inconsistencies across a series seriously aggravates me and I can't understand how editors never picked it out!
]]> <![CDATA[A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple, #10)]]> 6320145 In this exclusive authorized edition from the Queen of Mystery, the delightful Miss Marple is ensnared in A Caribbean Mystery when a retired military man sparks her curiosity with a photograph and a strange story of a murderer.

As Miss Marple sat basking in the Caribbean sunshine, she felt mildly discontented with life. True, the warmth eased her rheumatism, but here in paradise nothing ever happened.

Eventually, her interest was aroused by an old soldier’s yarn about a murderer he had known. Infuriatingly, just as he was about to show her a snapshot of this acquaintance, the Major was suddenly interrupted. A diversion that was to prove fatal.

]]> 272 Agatha Christie Grisette 4 4 stars

� [Re-read project #10 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================

]]> 4.14 1964 A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple, #10)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1964
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/20
date added: 2024/10/20
shelves: my-kind-of-detective-thriller, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4 stars

� [Re-read project #10 of 2024, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
==================


]]> Torrid (Judgement series, #2) 217041094
Liberty

Thing is, my Mama D never had a one-night stand with an older man who never told her his last name and left behind a souvenir that was gonna be life changing � but I had.

My life had started as a fairytale, then morphed into a nightmare by the time I was ten years old. From the moment I’d been kicked out at eighteen, I had found a way to survive. Anything was better than the home I’d left behind. At some point, everyone gets a break, right? You would think so, but fate keeps tossing things at me, trying to see how much I can take.
Looks like it won because I’m stuck right back where I started. Living in my sister’s house, who hates me, with the clock ticking until I’m homeless again.

Liam

It was time I settled down. Found a woman I could grow old with because, let’s face it, I was so close to fifty I could reach out and touch it. The daughter I hadn’t got to raise was now in my life. Grown, married, with two little boys. I wanted to be someone she could be proud of and respect. I recently started dating a doctor, she was gorgeous, smart, and independent. It all looked good when you checked off the list. My daughter couldn’t wait to meet her. I wished like hell I felt something for her. A spark, a pull, anything at this point would do.

Then, one night, when I’m leaving her bedroom, I see a familiar face looking back at me from the other end of the hallway. The sexy bartender I should have left alone six weeks ago and couldn’t get out of my head shouldn’t be here. But she is. Which means she’s the doctor’s spoiled, selfish brat of a younger sister. This was not going to end well.]]> 295 Abbi Glines Grisette 4 4.2 stars

First off, this book would have never landed in my TBR pile if I hadn't received a hot recommendation from my friend Nikki. So thank you dear, because I went in blind and I really enjoyed this one ]]> 4.31 2024 Torrid (Judgement series, #2)
author: Abbi Glines
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/18
date added: 2024/10/19
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, heart-squeeze
review:

4.2 stars

First off, this book would have never landed in my TBR pile if I hadn't received a hot recommendation from my friend Nikki. So thank you dear, because I went in blind and I really enjoyed this one
]]> Owen (Storm Enterprises, #3) 198626832 OWEN
BOOK 3 STORM ENTERPRISES

Owen
I’ve always wanted her, to protect her.
Laya Kavanagh: sinful, seductive, passionate� and my best friend’s little sister.
Unattainable in every sense.
She deserves better than me. A manipulator, a monster.
I’ll always protect her, even from myself.
After pushing her as far away as humanly possible, my hell becomes a reality.
She’s married, pregnant, and living her dream life.
But what if she discovered it was all a fantasy, a charade masking the epitome of the devil in disguise?
What if she needs me to protect her?
I’ll claim her and her baby, make them both mine. Just how they always should have been.
Because Laya is my everything, now I have to prove it.

Laya
Owen James Stevens, a dark broody man covered in ink, was my everything.
I’ve watched him from afar, drooled over him from a distance, and when I came of age, I handed myself to him on a silver platter.
Only, my heart was broken, and I was tossed to the curb.
I moved on with my life, creating a dream.
But it’s a charade. Because beneath the surface of my new life lies an underbelly of darkness.
When evil strikes, I run.
Owen Stevens isn’t just my crush, he’s my soulmate.
My protector.
And when I need him the most, he claims me.
But to what cost?

*This book contains tropes and content some may not be comfortable with. Please author website for further details.]]> 320 B.J. Alpha Grisette 2 story-letdown 2 stars

Well, well, well. Hmm... BJA's books have often been recommended for their absolute spice factor and I always wanted to try one. After much dilly-dallying, I finally decided to try this one based on the fact that there is a supposed angsty betrayal scene in it. Verdict? I am putting this book and probably this author in my 'Not For Me' box.

On the plus side, there were funny kinks galore that made me giggle by their absolute OTT-ness ([spoilers removed]]]> 4.06 Owen (Storm Enterprises, #3)
author: B.J. Alpha
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/10/17
date added: 2024/10/17
shelves: story-letdown
review:

2 stars

Well, well, well. Hmm... BJA's books have often been recommended for their absolute spice factor and I always wanted to try one. After much dilly-dallying, I finally decided to try this one based on the fact that there is a supposed angsty betrayal scene in it. Verdict? I am putting this book and probably this author in my 'Not For Me' box.

On the plus side, there were funny kinks galore that made me giggle by their absolute OTT-ness ([spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Lady Sherlock #6)]]> 58897785 Charlotte Holmes comes face to face with her enemy when Moriarty turns to her in his hour of need, in the USA Today bestselling series set in Victorian England.

A most unexpected client shows up at Charlotte Holmes's doorstep: Moriarty himself. Moriarty fears that tragedy has befallen his daughter and wants Charlotte to find out the truth.

Charlotte and Mrs. Watson travel to a remote community of occult practitioners where Moriarty's daughter was last seen, a place full of lies and liars. Meanwhile, Charlotte's sister Livia tries to make sense of a mysterious message from her beau Mr. Marbleton. And Charlotte's longtime friend and ally Lord Ingram at last turns his seductive prowess on Charlotte--or is it the other way around?

But the more secrets Charlotte unravels about Miss Moriarty's disappearance, the more she wonders why Moriarty has entrusted this delicate matter to her of all people. Is it merely to test Charlotte's skills as an investigator, or has the man of shadows trapped her in a nest of vipers?]]> 313 Sherry Thomas 1631280376 Grisette 5 4.6 stars

Suffice to say I have been refraining myself for a long time before finally ceding and indulging with this 6th instalment. If I listened to greedy me, I would be reading the next two immediately after ]]> 4.21 2021 Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Lady Sherlock #6)
author: Sherry Thomas
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/14
date added: 2024/10/14
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4.6 stars

Suffice to say I have been refraining myself for a long time before finally ceding and indulging with this 6th instalment. If I listened to greedy me, I would be reading the next two immediately after
]]> <![CDATA[The Duke's Inconvenient Bride (Unconventional Brides, #1)]]> 203862380 A jilted duke. A shy wallflower. A marriage of convenience that neither of them wants.

When Lady Emma Carlisle’s twin sister jilts the wealthy and influential Duke of Ashford, their distraught parents pressure shy Lady Emma to marry the duke in her sister’s place, dashing her hopes of a love match.

Lady Emma is determined to make the best of the situation, but her new husband is cold, aloof, and wants nothing to do with her. In his quieter moments, she catches glimpses of a thoughtful and intelligent man she’d like to know better, if only he weren’t determined to keep her at a distance.

Lady Emma is willing to offer the duke her heart, but she knows there’s every chance he’ll break it. After all, why would the handsomest man in the ton fall for his second best bride?

If you love the glamor of Bridgerton or the drama of Downton Abbey, then The Duke's Inconvenient Bride is your next must-read book.]]> 337 Jayne Rivers 1738603970 Grisette 3 3.5 stars

The author says it herself, she writes feel good stories. And this story sure feels like that. The romance plot of this book had very good bones and the characters were sympathetic. Quite sweet. However, I felt the writing style, while decent, was a bit too descriptive in a too sedate way, making the story flow feel perhaps a smidgen wooden. Also, there were tiny elements here and there that felt period wrong. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read and will likely check out more from this author.


P.S. I love that cover!]]> 3.98 The Duke's Inconvenient Bride (Unconventional Brides, #1)
author: Jayne Rivers
name: Grisette
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/10
date added: 2024/10/10
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

3.5 stars

The author says it herself, she writes feel good stories. And this story sure feels like that. The romance plot of this book had very good bones and the characters were sympathetic. Quite sweet. However, I felt the writing style, while decent, was a bit too descriptive in a too sedate way, making the story flow feel perhaps a smidgen wooden. Also, there were tiny elements here and there that felt period wrong. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read and will likely check out more from this author.


P.S. I love that cover!
]]> <![CDATA[Cat Among the Pigeons (Hercule Poirot, #36)]]> 6251571 256 Agatha Christie Grisette 3 3.5 stars

==================

]]> 4.21 1959 Cat Among the Pigeons (Hercule Poirot, #36)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1959
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2024/10/08
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

3.5 stars

==================


]]> <![CDATA[A Foolish Flirtation (Reversal of Fortune #1)]]> 219206262 She only ever caught one gentleman’s fancy, the dishonorable Jeremy Vance who made her head spin as he singled her out for attention at the balls and assemblies. Her worldly chaperone warned her he was making a May game of her, but Emmeline had not heeded her warning. Consequently, her dreams were dashed, when at the close of the season, Jeremy announced his engagement to another.
Ten years later, their paths cross again in Bath. Emmeline is older and wiser, and a good deal poorer, and Jeremy is divorced. There is absolutely no chance of him making a fool of her again with his shocking offer of marriage. Is there?

A Foolish Flirtation is a stand alone romance set in Victorian England. It is over 130,000 words long. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.]]> 511 Alice Coldbreath Grisette 5 4.5 stars

My very first Alice Coldbreath! And not my last one ]]> 4.35 2024 A Foolish Flirtation (Reversal of Fortune #1)
author: Alice Coldbreath
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/10/07
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, heart-squeeze, my-kind-of-romance
review:

4.5 stars

My very first Alice Coldbreath! And not my last one
]]> <![CDATA[The Scandal of the Season (Unconventional Ladies, #1)]]> 56099195
Lady Serena Tyndall has never been less than the perfect lady, of sterling character and reputation...until the day the marquess that polite society calls a demon arrives at her home and demands her for his mistress, leveraging her father’s debts to secure her acquiescence. Worse still, her father—hardly the model of fatherly devotion—agrees to sacrifice her to save himself.

But the marquess has no interest in making her his mistress in truth, so together they strike a bargain: Grey will use Serena’s perceived disgrace as a weapon against her father, and in return for her compliance, he will leave her a wealthy woman when their association ends. While Serena contends with her changed place in society, she learns to appreciate her newfound freedom from the strictures of societal conventions. With no reputation to protect, she is free to pursue her own interests, free to skirt the bounds of acceptable behavior…perhaps free to fall in love with an unsuitable marquess, who—despite the circumstances of their meeting—has given her everything she never knew she wanted.]]> 258 Aydra Richards Grisette 3 3.5 stars

This book would really benefit if ½ star ratings were allowed on GR. I admired the quality of AR's writing. Rich, meaningful, well thought, sensible and elegant. She obviously did her research and when she wrote this romance it was not just with romance in mind, but also with a profound social commentary on the status of 1800s women. And I can only applaud AR for this.

Serena was an utterly charming heroine, and she was largely responsible for my continuing with the story. Because while I grew to appreciate Grey, it was not a given with the way he treated Serena as an object in the beginning. AR's pen was very smart in developping their relationship in layers.

But I am a contrary reader. As much as I admired the way AR took the time and care to develop her characters, at the same time, I felt very overwhelmed by the abundance of inner monologues. Moreso when the general mood of the book was greyish. I am always one to champion psychological development in a book, but for once, I found it too much with the repetition of feelings. It made for a slow, molasses pace reading. Most probably it was a me thing though: I loved the plot and the characters but the reading pace was not ideal. For this reason, I will round down.]]> 4.01 2020 The Scandal of the Season (Unconventional Ladies, #1)
author: Aydra Richards
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/10/03
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-romance
review:

3.5 stars

This book would really benefit if ½ star ratings were allowed on GR. I admired the quality of AR's writing. Rich, meaningful, well thought, sensible and elegant. She obviously did her research and when she wrote this romance it was not just with romance in mind, but also with a profound social commentary on the status of 1800s women. And I can only applaud AR for this.

Serena was an utterly charming heroine, and she was largely responsible for my continuing with the story. Because while I grew to appreciate Grey, it was not a given with the way he treated Serena as an object in the beginning. AR's pen was very smart in developping their relationship in layers.

But I am a contrary reader. As much as I admired the way AR took the time and care to develop her characters, at the same time, I felt very overwhelmed by the abundance of inner monologues. Moreso when the general mood of the book was greyish. I am always one to champion psychological development in a book, but for once, I found it too much with the repetition of feelings. It made for a slow, molasses pace reading. Most probably it was a me thing though: I loved the plot and the characters but the reading pace was not ideal. For this reason, I will round down.
]]> <![CDATA[Who Buries the Dead (Sebastian St. Cyr, #10)]]> 18590094 The grisly murder of a West Indies slave owner and the reappearance of a dangerous enemy from Sebastian St. Cyr’s past combine to put C. S. Harris’s “troubled but compelling antihero� (Booklist) to the ultimate test in this taut, thrilling mystery.

London, 1813. The vicious decapitation of Stanley Preston, a wealthy, socially ambitious plantation owner, at Bloody Bridge draws Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, into a macabre and increasingly perilous investigation. The discovery near the body of an aged lead coffin strap bearing the inscription “King Charles, 1648� suggests a link between this killing and the beheading of the deposed seventeenth-century Stuart monarch. Equally troubling, the victim’s kinship to the current Home Secretary draws the notice of Sebastian’s powerful father-in-law, Lord Jarvis, who will exploit any means to pursue his own clandestine ends.

Working in concert with his fiercely independent wife, Hero, Sebastian finds his inquiries taking him from the wretched back alleys of Fish Street Hill to the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair as he amasses a list of suspects who range from an eccentric Chelsea curiosity collector to the brother of an unassuming but brilliantly observant spinster named Jane Austen.

But as one brutal murder follows another, it is the connection between the victims and ruthless former army officer Sinclair, Lord Oliphant, that dramatically raises the stakes. Once, Oliphant nearly destroyed Sebastian in a horrific wartime act of carnage and betrayal. Now the vindictive former colonel might well pose a threat not only to Sebastian but to everything—and everyone—Sebastian holds most dear.]]> 386 C.S. Harris Grisette 4 4.2 stars

A very good instalment in the series. Again, a delicious mystery entwined with historical facts (though the real motive of the murders ended being very plebeian) along with more deepening of the personal story of the St. Cyrs. I was very pleasantly surprised to have Miss Jane Austen incorporated as a character.

I liked this one better than Why Kings Confess because although Sebastian still had to conduct multiple rounds of the suspects, somehow the more sedate pacing of the investigation helped in making the development of these enquiries seem logical and organic. It looks like the next book will bear a marked personal angle, which of course I am impatient to get to.]]> 4.25 2015 Who Buries the Dead (Sebastian St. Cyr, #10)
author: C.S. Harris
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/29
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves: 3rd-pers-narration, my-kind-of-detective-thriller
review:

4.2 stars

A very good instalment in the series. Again, a delicious mystery entwined with historical facts (though the real motive of the murders ended being very plebeian) along with more deepening of the personal story of the St. Cyrs. I was very pleasantly surprised to have Miss Jane Austen incorporated as a character.

I liked this one better than Why Kings Confess because although Sebastian still had to conduct multiple rounds of the suspects, somehow the more sedate pacing of the investigation helped in making the development of these enquiries seem logical and organic. It looks like the next book will bear a marked personal angle, which of course I am impatient to get to.
]]> Surrendering to Hunt 60122634 They're tough, tenacious, and sometimes tormented; they're the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills.

The last thing lawman Hunt Wilde ever dreamed he’d do was fall hard for a purple-haired troublemaker like Cyn Wilson. While Hunt believes in law and order, Cyn lives life fast and loose—with fast cars and wild nights. But when Cyn’s sister disappears, she surprisingly turns to him for help. Never let it be said that a Wilde man turned down a woman in distress—and on a mission.

It takes a lot for Cyn to swallow her pride and ask Hunt for anything. The man never gives her a break and is always staring at her with those perceptive eyes. But beneath Cyn’s tough exterior beats a heart as wide and beautiful as Wyoming itself—and soon she finds herself surrendering to the overpowering attraction simmering between them and partnering with him in the search for her missing sister.

She won’t rest until she learns the truth, even if that means putting herself in harm’s way. And when Hunt discovers how much danger Cyn is in because of him, he’s even more determined to take down the man who would take her out of Hunt’s life—forever.]]> 379 Jennifer Ryan 0063094630 Grisette 4 4 stars

I enjoyed this a lot more than I would have thought. The book was long but the writing and plot flowed nicely along and so made for a comfortable read. In a way, this was not a typical romance for me. I never expected to read a sweet country romance laced tightly with a saddening domestic abuse crime. But the author did it all with grace and heart. Sure, sceptic me at one point raised an eyebrow at the probability of being able to fall deep in love while bearing the angst of having the wheareabouts of your sister and her baby unknown under the most worrying circumstances (and most probably murdered). But let's say that the gentle writing helped me a lot to suspend any disbelief.

The romance between Hunt and Cyn fell so naturally in place. The crime circumstances beside, they came together with no conflict at all, always so understanding of each other, and with communications always flowing free between them. Again, this could have raised my eyebrow high, but I just allowed my cynicism to wash away. Hunt was the perfect man: supportive, solid, caring, loving, without ever being patronising and smothering. I liked Cyn too: she was the epitome of the self-confident, independent and courageous girl who loved with all her heart. At times, a tad too sweet, but the angst-free romance felt good for the soul.

The one part of the book that annoyed me a bit was the way all convos in the book were extended. Most of the time, a comment would get repeated, in different words, making all discussions seem long and never ending. It does reflect real life convos I guess, e.g. when you spend 15 mins saying goodbye to your bff on the phone. But in a book, when this keeps happening for every convo, it gets a little bit tedious. At least from my perspective.

Verdict: To read for some kind-hearted romance, oozing with cozy and feel good sweetness.

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Random thoughts and unanswered questions:

]]> 4.40 2022 Surrendering to Hunt
author: Jennifer Ryan
name: Grisette
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/12/18
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: my-kind-of-romance, 3rd-pers-narration
review:

4 stars

I enjoyed this a lot more than I would have thought. The book was long but the writing and plot flowed nicely along and so made for a comfortable read. In a way, this was not a typical romance for me. I never expected to read a sweet country romance laced tightly with a saddening domestic abuse crime. But the author did it all with grace and heart. Sure, sceptic me at one point raised an eyebrow at the probability of being able to fall deep in love while bearing the angst of having the wheareabouts of your sister and her baby unknown under the most worrying circumstances (and most probably murdered). But let's say that the gentle writing helped me a lot to suspend any disbelief.

The romance between Hunt and Cyn fell so naturally in place. The crime circumstances beside, they came together with no conflict at all, always so understanding of each other, and with communications always flowing free between them. Again, this could have raised my eyebrow high, but I just allowed my cynicism to wash away. Hunt was the perfect man: supportive, solid, caring, loving, without ever being patronising and smothering. I liked Cyn too: she was the epitome of the self-confident, independent and courageous girl who loved with all her heart. At times, a tad too sweet, but the angst-free romance felt good for the soul.

The one part of the book that annoyed me a bit was the way all convos in the book were extended. Most of the time, a comment would get repeated, in different words, making all discussions seem long and never ending. It does reflect real life convos I guess, e.g. when you spend 15 mins saying goodbye to your bff on the phone. But in a book, when this keeps happening for every convo, it gets a little bit tedious. At least from my perspective.

Verdict: To read for some kind-hearted romance, oozing with cozy and feel good sweetness.

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Random thoughts and unanswered questions:


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