This is a short story and a second chance romance that takes place at a wedding - Ayesha Shett's best friend's wedding. I loved the references to charThis is a short story and a second chance romance that takes place at a wedding - Ayesha Shett's best friend's wedding. I loved the references to characters from Twilight - the bride and groom were Bela and Eddie (Edward), and Eddie's best friend is Emmitt. I admired Ayesha - she had given up attending college when her brother died and returned home to work in their family restaurant, which requires so much work and attention to keep it profitable. This is very far away from the future she had once expected for herself, and then there was the man she had also given up - who, seven years later, has turned up at the wedding. He was also her brother's best friend. To complicate matters, Ayesha learns at the wedding that her mother has invited a potential suitor for her, a gynecologist. There was some humor about that - small talk about his job would definitely be difficult.
While I enjoyed the story, I think it suffered from being a short story. There just wasn't enough time for me to become invested in the characters and the romance. My thanks to the author, Amazon Original Stories, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy before publication.
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This is a short story and a second chance romance that takes place at a wedding - Ayesha Shett's best friend's wedding. I loved the references to characters from Twilight - the bride and groom were Bela and Eddie (Edward), and Eddie's best friend is Emmitt. I admired Ayesha - she had given up attending college when her brother died and returned home to work in their family restaurant, which requires so much work and attention to keep it profitable. This is very far away from the future she had once expected for herself, and then there was the man she had also given up - who, seven years later, has turned up at the wedding. He was also her brother's best friend. To complicate matters, Ayesha learns at the wedding that her mother has invited a potential suitor for her, a gynecologist. There was some humor about that - small talk about his job would definitely be difficult.
While I enjoyed the story, I think it suffered from being a short story. There just wasn't enough time for me to become invested in the characters and the romance. My thanks to the author, Amazon Original Stories, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy before publication....more
I love suspense and mysteries, but usually figure out who-did-what and why fairly quickly. In this book, I had absolutely no idea who the villain was I love suspense and mysteries, but usually figure out who-did-what and why fairly quickly. In this book, I had absolutely no idea who the villain was or their motivation until the end of it. The crimes were horrible, more so because the killer played a game of cat and mouse with the police, feeding them clues to find the next victim - before he or she dies. This book has it all - it is a superbly plotted mashup of horror, suspense, family, police procedure and romance.
I was really surprised to see that this was book 7 in a series. I had no trouble at all in distinguishing the characters and following the story. Thanks to the publisher Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It was my pleasure to read and review it.
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I love suspense and mysteries, but usually figure out who-did-what and why fairly quickly. In this book, I had absolutely no idea who the villain was or their motivation until the end of it. The crimes were horrible, more so because the killer played a game of cat and mouse with the police, feeding them clues to find the next victim - before he or she dies. This book has it all - it is a superbly plotted mashup of horror, suspense, family, police procedure and romance.
I was really surprised to see that this was book 7 in a series. I had no trouble at all in distinguishing the characters and following the story. Thanks to the publisher Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It was my pleasure to read and review it....more
Paris Burke, a barrister, a young man with some Irish blood, takes part in a failed Irish rebellion and feels guilty about the suffering that resultedParis Burke, a barrister, a young man with some Irish blood, takes part in a failed Irish rebellion and feels guilty about the suffering that resulted from it, including for a member of his own family. Paris is not a titled lord, which was a very nice change, and he doesn't live in a mansion. As a matter of fact, they aren a little pressed for space and don't have very many servants. One day near his law office, he mistakes a young woman for the governess he is to interview for his two young and precocious sisters (Daphne and Bellis, known as Bell).
Rosamund is on the run from her brother, her only living relative, who intends for her to marry a man she finds abhorrent. From what she overhears, it is evident that her consent will be forced if needed. She has made it to the Four Courts, intending to seek out a lawyer, when she runs into Paris Burke - who mistakes her for the governess. Rosamund, who is footsore, hungry and has only the clothes on her back, recognizes a lifeline when she sees one. She affirms that she is indeed the governess sent to teach his two sisters. Paris is surprised at this as he is expecting to only interview her, but accepts her at her word. Fortunately. (I was holding my breath for her before she met Paris, since she was alone at dusk in a strange place, friendless and had no money.)
This is an interesting, exciting, and complex story with multiple plot threads that are all woven to a satisfying conclusion. I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters when the Burke family all came together.
A note for other readers: If while reading this book, you desire more information on the historical background, I highly recommend reading the Wikipedia article about the Acts of Union 1800, which also gives information on the Irish rebellion of 1798. I found it made the book - and Paris - much easier to understand and gave me a deeper appreciation of the story. 4 1/2 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this advance reading copy. This is my honest opinion.
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Paris Burke, a barrister, a young man with some Irish blood, takes part in a failed Irish rebellion and feels guilty about the suffering that resulted from it, including for a member of his own family. Paris is not a titled lord, which was a very nice change, and he doesn't live in a mansion. As a matter of fact, they aren a little pressed for space and don't have very many servants. One day near his law office, he mistakes a young woman for the governess he is to interview for his two young and precocious sisters (Daphne and Bellis, known as Bell).
Rosamund is on the run from her brother, her only living relative, who intends for her to marry a man she finds abhorrent. From what she overhears, it is evident that her consent will be forced if needed. She has made it to the Four Courts, intending to seek out a lawyer, when she runs into Paris Burke - who mistakes her for the governess. Rosamund, who is footsore, hungry and has only the clothes on her back, recognizes a lifeline when she sees one. She affirms that she is indeed the governess sent to teach his two sisters. Paris is surprised at this as he is expecting to only interview her, but accepts her at her word. Fortunately. (I was holding my breath for her before she met Paris, since she was alone at dusk in a strange place, friendless and had no money.)
This is an interesting, exciting, and complex story with multiple plot threads that are all woven to a satisfying conclusion. I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters when the Burke family all came together.
A note for other readers: If while reading this book, you desire more information on the historical background, I highly recommend reading the Wikipedia article about the Acts of Union 1800, which also gives information on the Irish rebellion of 1798. I found it made the book - and Paris - much easier to understand and gave me a deeper appreciation of the story. 4 1/2 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this advance reading copy. This is my honest opinion....more
If you like books that are relentlessly suspenseful and heavy with foreboding, then this is the book for you. It borrows elements from several famous If you like books that are relentlessly suspenseful and heavy with foreboding, then this is the book for you. It borrows elements from several famous gothic romances, particularly Jane Eyre. Readers need to know that while characters may have the same or similar names, their positions in this book may be different than in the originals. I was puzzled at first, for example, to see that Helen Burns from Jane Eyre had been the wife of a nobleman in this book.
John Eyre is based on the original character of Jane Eyre. Like Jane, John is alone in the world. While he has plenty of strength and intelligence of his own, he knows his place in society but doesn't seem to rebel against it (unlike Jane). John has been newly employed to be the tutor to two young boys who are wards of the owner of Thornfield Hall. I liked that John was not a swashbuckling hero although he also has plenty of courage, will, and a strong protective instinct.
The other main character is Bertha Mason, who inherited Thornfield Hall from her father. Bertha Rochester reminded me of Edward Rochester as both are strong-willed and passionate. Bertha was also adventurous. After she was left orphaned around 18 months earlier than the beginning of this book, she went on a grand tour with a friend.
The chapters of this book alternate John's present-day experiences at Thornfield with the letters Bertha wrote from abroad to her best friend at home. I was riveted as the two timelines grew closer to converging and the sense of danger grew.
Thanks to the publisher Perfectly Proper Press and Netgalley for an advance reading copy. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.
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If you like books that are relentlessly suspenseful and heavy with foreboding, then this is the book for you. It borrows elements from several famous gothic romances, particularly Jane Eyre. Readers need to know that while characters may have the same or similar names, their positions in this book may be different than in the originals. I was puzzled at first, for example, to see that Helen Burns from Jane Eyre had been the wife of a nobleman in this book.
John Eyre is based on the original character of Jane Eyre. Like Jane, John is alone in the world. While he has plenty of strength and intelligence of his own, he knows his place in society but doesn't seem to rebel against it (unlike Jane). John has been newly employed to be the tutor to two young boys who are wards of the owner of Thornfield Hall. I liked that John was not a swashbuckling hero although he also has plenty of courage, will, and a strong protective instinct.
The other main character is Bertha Mason, who inherited Thornfield Hall from her father. Bertha Rochester reminded me of Edward Rochester as both are strong-willed and passionate. Bertha was also adventurous. After she was left orphaned around 18 months earlier than the beginning of this book, she went on a grand tour with a friend.
The chapters of this book alternate John's present-day experiences at Thornfield with the letters Bertha wrote from abroad to her best friend at home. I was riveted as the two timelines grew closer to converging and the sense of danger grew.
Thanks to the publisher Perfectly Proper Press and Netgalley for an advance reading copy. It was my pleasure to read and review this book....more
I had never read one of these before, and absolutely loved it. It is a collection of first chapters in books not yet published, some by established auI had never read one of these before, and absolutely loved it. It is a collection of first chapters in books not yet published, some by established authors and some by first time authors. While I didn't love every story I found about 5 new authors to follow. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next Buzz Book collection. This is such a great way to introduce romance readers to new books.
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I had never read one of these before, and absolutely loved it. It is a collection of first chapters in books not yet published, some by established authors and some by first time authors. While I didn't love every story I found about 5 new authors to follow. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next Buzz Book collection. This is such a great way to introduce romance readers to new books....more
I had not read any other books in the series, but didn't have much trouble following this story. Behr County in Alabama is home to a lot of non-human I had not read any other books in the series, but didn't have much trouble following this story. Behr County in Alabama is home to a lot of non-human or part-human residents, including the sheriff, Dev Whitsun. Dev does his best to keep crimes involving supernatural residents out of the non-supernatural public eye, which isn't always easy.
Now, shifters have started turning up dead, and Dev has to find the killer. Fortunately he has help - he teams up up with a sexy female demon hunter who came to town because of the murders. This was a fun book to read, with lots of humor, an interesting mystery, and romance.
I received an pre-publication copy of this book from publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read and review it.
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I had not read any other books in the series, but didn't have much trouble following this story. Behr County in Alabama is home to a lot of non-human or part-human residents, including the sheriff, Dev Whitsun. Dev does his best to keep crimes involving supernatural residents out of the non-supernatural public eye, which isn't always easy.
Now, shifters have started turning up dead, and Dev has to find the killer. Fortunately he has help - he teams up up with a sexy female demon hunter who came to town because of the murders. This was a fun book to read, with lots of humor, an interesting mystery, and romance.
I received an pre-publication copy of this book from publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read and review it....more
I enjoyed reading this book so much, as it is funny, intelligent, and has a good developing romance. In the first chapter, I was afraid that the duke I enjoyed reading this book so much, as it is funny, intelligent, and has a good developing romance. In the first chapter, I was afraid that the duke (Alexander) would turn out to be a stuffed shirt. He was so uptight and perfectionist that he was fiddling with the table arrangements rather than leaving it to his staff. Alexander is being urged by his martinet mother to marry to secure the succession. He has about as much enthusiasm for this task as getting a tooth pulled but feels that it is his duty, and Alexander is all about duty - grim though it may be. This year, his annual Christmas Party will also be a bride hunt for him. Alexander is 30 and his prospective brides are around 18 and ... giggly.
Fortunately for Alexander, one of the proper young women present is accompanied by her spinster sister, also aged 30. Miss Cynthia Louise Finch is a young woman who did not 'take' during her own seasons. She is tall, bold, and enjoying being her own true, outspoken, unconventional self as a confirmed spinster. This year, she is attending the Christmas party with her extremely shy cousin Gertie, whose obnoxious father is threatening to marry her off to an old man if she doesn't find a husband very soon - as, at this party. So Cynthia Louise makes a deal with the duke. She will help him find a suitable wife if he in turn will help find her cousin Gertie find a husband to her liking. Alexander has a great deal of power and influence, and they feel that he would be able to persuade Gertie's father to give Gertie more time to find a suitable spouse.
This is the 12th and last book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series which all take place in the village of Cressmouth, where Christmas is celebrated all year long. It's not necessary to have read other books in the series to enjoy this book. I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. These are my own opinions of the book.
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I enjoyed reading this book so much, as it is funny, intelligent, and has a good developing romance. In the first chapter, I was afraid that the duke (Alexander) would turn out to be a stuffed shirt. He was so uptight and perfectionist that he was fiddling with the table arrangements rather than leaving it to his staff. Alexander is being urged by his martinet mother to marry to secure the succession. He has about as much enthusiasm for this task as getting a tooth pulled but feels that it is his duty, and Alexander is all about duty - grim though it may be. This year, his annual Christmas Party will also be a bride hunt for him. Alexander is 30 and his prospective brides are around 18 and ... giggly.
Fortunately for Alexander, one of the proper young women present is accompanied by her spinster sister, also aged 30. Miss Cynthia Louise Finch is a young woman who did not 'take' during her own seasons. She is tall, bold, and enjoying being her own true, outspoken, unconventional self as a confirmed spinster. This year, she is attending the Christmas party with her extremely shy cousin Gertie, whose obnoxious father is threatening to marry her off to an old man if she doesn't find a husband very soon - as, at this party. So Cynthia Louise makes a deal with the duke. She will help him find a suitable wife if he in turn will help find her cousin Gertie find a husband to her liking. Alexander has a great deal of power and influence, and they feel that he would be able to persuade Gertie's father to give Gertie more time to find a suitable spouse.
This is the 12th and last book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series which all take place in the village of Cressmouth, where Christmas is celebrated all year long. It's not necessary to have read other books in the series to enjoy this book. I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. These are my own opinions of the book....more
Once upon a time there were four unwanted children - Justin, Tom, Alex and Neville - who survived hell at a orphanage by forming their own little famiOnce upon a time there were four unwanted children - Justin, Tom, Alex and Neville - who survived hell at a orphanage by forming their own little family. This is Neville's story, book 4 in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the books are excellent and I highly recommend them. I'm a little heartbroken that this is the last book, and can only hope for reunion stories for them.
The four boys, now men, have all gathered for Christmas at Justin's estate in Devon, the first time they have all been together since they were children. Three of the men have met and married their wives. Justin's wife's aunt has also joined them for Christmas, with her new companion. The aunt was not pleased when the companion showed up for her new position with an elderly pug dog, who had belonged to one of her former employees.
Neville received a head injury in a fall from a cliff as a boy, and speaking is a struggle for him. He is self conscious about his disability, and avoids being around strangers. He is painfully aware that people who don't know him may consider him to have less than normal intelligence. Unlike the other boys, he has never left Devon. Neville is training to take the position of steward for Justin but prefers working with animals to doing paperwork. He currently is also caring for a heavily pregnant, wild Dartmouth pony with an injured leg. I loved learning a little about these wild ponies and the conservation efforts that were made for them even in Victorian times.
Clara Hartwright, the companion, is from a family with little money. She had worked previously as a teacher with her mother, but left home to find work as a companion to elderly ladies, halfway between upstairs and downstairs. It is a solitary and insecure life for her, without friends, and her only contact with her family is through letters, and not affectionate ones at that. Most of what she makes goes to help pay her brother's expensive school fees. Clara has a plan for herself, but it depends on her brother finishing his studies and employing her. Then she gets some very troubling news about her brother ....
I had so hoped for Neville to find someone to love and be loved in return, but couldn't see how it would happen. I should have had faith. This is a lovely story about two injured people who have been silenced in different ways and find their voices and courage. Loved it and highly recommend it and the whole series.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed here are mine.
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Once upon a time there were four unwanted children - Justin, Tom, Alex and Neville - who survived hell at a orphanage by forming their own little family. This is Neville's story, book 4 in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the books are excellent and I highly recommend them. I'm a little heartbroken that this is the last book, and can only hope for reunion stories for them.
The four boys, now men, have all gathered for Christmas at Justin's estate in Devon, the first time they have all been together since they were children. Three of the men have met and married their wives. Justin's wife's aunt has also joined them for Christmas, with her new companion. The aunt was not pleased when the companion showed up for her new position with an elderly pug dog, who had belonged to one of her former employees.
Neville received a head injury in a fall from a cliff as a boy, and speaking is a struggle for him. He is self conscious about his disability, and avoids being around strangers. He is painfully aware that people who don't know him may consider him to have less than normal intelligence. Unlike the other boys, he has never left Devon. Neville is training to take the position of steward for Justin but prefers working with animals to doing paperwork. He currently is also caring for a heavily pregnant, wild Dartmouth pony with an injured leg. I loved learning a little about these wild ponies and the conservation efforts that were made for them even in Victorian times.
Clara Hartwright, the companion, is from a family with little money. She had worked previously as a teacher with her mother, but left home to find work as a companion to elderly ladies, halfway between upstairs and downstairs. It is a solitary and insecure life for her, without friends, and her only contact with her family is through letters, and not affectionate ones at that. Most of what she makes goes to help pay her brother's expensive school fees. Clara has a plan for herself, but it depends on her brother finishing his studies and employing her. Then she gets some very troubling news about her brother ....
I had so hoped for Neville to find someone to love and be loved in return, but couldn't see how it would happen. I should have had faith. This is a lovely story about two injured people who have been silenced in different ways and find their voices and courage. Loved it and highly recommend it and the whole series.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed here are mine....more
I loved this book so much, which is the second book in the Sweetness and Light series by Erin Satie. After finishing the second book, I immediately reI loved this book so much, which is the second book in the Sweetness and Light series by Erin Satie. After finishing the second book, I immediately read the first book, which is about Cordelia's friend Bonnie and her marriage. While I don't think it is necessary to read the first book to enjoy the second, reading it did help me to understand the second book better.
Cordelia Kelly is a rather severe young woman of strong principles who has left her home after a disagreement with her parents about her best friend Bonnie. Her parents have shunned Bonnie due to the circumstances of her marriage. Cordelia is making her own way in London, a risky action for a young woman with no wealth of her own or family support. She has a gift for creating beautifully custom-bound books, some with her own artwork, or decorated with gold leaf, or with marbelized facing pages. Cordelia is also a supporter of women's rights, at a time when women lost all power over their persons, their children, and their finances once they married.
Fortunately, Cordelia has a few female friends in London. Olympia was orphaned young and is in the unusual position of being in possession of her fortune. Tess is a young woman of color, an African princess who is the ward of Queen Elizabeth. All of them are of like mind for improving the legal standing of women.
Soon after moving to London, Cordelia meets the Duke of Stroud, a young, massive man who is known for his practical jokes which are pretty hilarious, but who also has a heart for people in difficulties. The book opens when Stroud is hiring a down on their luck marching band to follow two particular ladies (a mother and daughter) whenever they set out to visit his friend, who they are trying to snare for the daughter.
There could not be two more different people than Stroud or Cordelia, but they work so well as a couple, as each sees something that other people miss in the other. This is a gorgeous love story with some serious topics. It was told so well and the settings were so vivid, that I felt as if I'd stepped into that century - a hallmark of the best books. I highly recommend this one and the series.
I'm still wondering about the series name, as these books shine a spotlight on the restrictions put on women, the legal ramifications of marriage for them, and the lifelong consequences of stepping outside the boundary of what was considered proper behavior for unmarried women at that time. There wasn't much sweetness to be found in their legal bondage, although the mutual support that these friends provided for each other was precious and priceless. This book made me recognize how much we owe to the women and men who worked and fought for the rights we take for granted today.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Little Phrase for allowing me to read an advance reader copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
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I loved this book so much, which is the second book in the Sweetness and Light series by Erin Satie. After finishing the second book, I immediately read the first book, which is about Cordelia's friend Bonnie and her marriage. While I don't think it is necessary to read the first book to enjoy the second, reading it did help me to understand the second book better.
Cordelia Kelly is a rather severe young woman of strong principles who has left her home after a disagreement with her parents about her best friend Bonnie. Her parents have shunned Bonnie due to the circumstances of her marriage. Cordelia is making her own way in London, a risky action for a young woman with no wealth of her own or family support. She has a gift for creating beautifully custom-bound books, some with her own artwork, or decorated with gold leaf, or with marbelized facing pages. Cordelia is also a supporter of women's rights, at a time when women lost all power over their persons, their children, and their finances once they married.
Fortunately, Cordelia has a few female friends in London. Olympia was orphaned young and is in the unusual position of being in possession of her fortune. Tess is a young woman of color, an African princess who is the ward of Queen Elizabeth. All of them are of like mind for improving the legal standing of women.
Soon after moving to London, Cordelia meets the Duke of Stroud, a young, massive man who is known for his practical jokes which are pretty hilarious, but who also has a heart for people in difficulties. The book opens when Stroud is hiring a down on their luck marching band to follow two particular ladies (a mother and daughter) whenever they set out to visit his friend, who they are trying to snare for the daughter.
There could not be two more different people than Stroud or Cordelia, but they work so well as a couple, as each sees something that other people miss in the other. This is a gorgeous love story with some serious topics. It was told so well and the settings were so vivid, that I felt as if I'd stepped into that century - a hallmark of the best books. I highly recommend this one and the series.
I'm still wondering about the series name, as these books shine a spotlight on the restrictions put on women, the legal ramifications of marriage for them, and the lifelong consequences of stepping outside the boundary of what was considered proper behavior for unmarried women at that time. There wasn't much sweetness to be found in their legal bondage, although the mutual support that these friends provided for each other was precious and priceless. This book made me recognize how much we owe to the women and men who worked and fought for the rights we take for granted today.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Little Phrase for allowing me to read an advance reader copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review....more
I loved this book! Imagine if instead of Romeo and Juliet's story ending in tragedy, they survive, marry, and (to date) have had seven children. RosalI loved this book! Imagine if instead of Romeo and Juliet's story ending in tragedy, they survive, marry, and (to date) have had seven children. Rosaline, their oldest child, has had quite enough already of children, and with parents who are passionately and embarrassingly in love with each other.
Her parents keep trying to make a match for her, but Rosaline has always found an escape (usually by finding a match for the young man). Now her parents have made (or been forced to make) another match for her ... to a man who has already buried three wives fairly quickly after marriage. When Duke Stephano was found dead during their betrothal celebration, Rosalind wasn't too cut up about it, although she was moved to investigate since people associated with Duke Stephano were also dying or disappearing.
This book is not a romance although I did see hints of a possible romance, and hope that this is a series. I received an e-arc of this book from publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
I've read all of Susie Tate's books and loved every one of them. This is the second book in the Unperfect series, and most of the main characters fromI've read all of Susie Tate's books and loved every one of them. This is the second book in the Unperfect series, and most of the main characters from the first book appear in this one also. I don't think it is necessary to read the first book in order to appreciate this one, but you'll be missing out if you don't. Mia's story in book 1 is unforgettable.
This is Heath and Yazmin's story, who know each other because her brother Max and his sister Verity are partners in an advertising firm. Yazmin (Yaz) is Max's younger sister, and Verity's brother Heath is an emergency doctor. They are all close friends ... except that Heath always makes Yaz feel like she is inferior, not living up to her potential. Unworthy.
Yaz has always been considered to be the flaky one in her family. She wasn't particularly interested in academics and wanted to spend most of her time at the beach - when she wasn't taking yoga classes and running. She *needs* to be in the water, as it is where she feels most at home. She is a competitive windsurfer and teaches it, and also has a studio where she gives yoga and other lessons to adults and children. Her family is somewhat dismissive of her and they don't know much about her activities or her businesses.
Yaz feels that Heath is particularly critical of her and treats her like she is still a teenager. Max does notice that Yaz has grown up - beautifully - but disapproves of her way of life. He considers her flaky. Heath had some early experiences which have made him driven. His profession is emergency doctor. His parents were upper class and he inherited a title and is rich, but none of that - including becoming a doctor - has made him feel really secure. Can these two very different people make a match?
I received a review copy of this book from the author, but also bought my own.
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I've read all of Susie Tate's books and loved every one of them. This is the second book in the Unperfect series, and most of the main characters from the first book appear in this one also. I don't think it is necessary to read the first book in order to appreciate this one, but you'll be missing out if you don't. Mia's story in book 1 is unforgettable.
This is Heath and Yazmin's story, who know each other because her brother Max and his sister Verity are partners in an advertising firm. Yazmin (Yaz) is Max's younger sister, and Verity's brother Heath is an emergency doctor. They are all close friends ... except that Heath always makes Yaz feel like she is inferior, not living up to her potential. Unworthy.
Yaz has always been considered to be the flaky one in her family. She wasn't particularly interested in academics and wanted to spend most of her time at the beach - when she wasn't taking yoga classes and running. She *needs* to be in the water, as it is where she feels most at home. She is a competitive windsurfer and teaches it, and also has a studio where she gives yoga and other lessons to adults and children. Her family is somewhat dismissive of her and they don't know much about her activities or her businesses.
Yaz feels that Heath is particularly critical of her and treats her like she is still a teenager. Max does notice that Yaz has grown up - beautifully - but disapproves of her way of life. He considers her flaky. Heath had some early experiences which have made him driven. His profession is emergency doctor. His parents were upper class and he inherited a title and is rich, but none of that - including becoming a doctor - has made him feel really secure. Can these two very different people make a match?
I received a review copy of this book from the author, but also bought my own....more
This was possibly one of the most surprising stories I've ever read. It starts with a public assassination on a city street in Manhattan. Dani Vega, aThis was possibly one of the most surprising stories I've ever read. It starts with a public assassination on a city street in Manhattan. Dani Vega, an FBI agent, catches the assassin, a man named Gustavo Toro. He turns state's evidence - much to Dani's displeasure - and the two of them team up to find and apprehend a group who are causing prominent figures to be assassinated. Dani is an interesting character. She grew up in a military family and to call her gung ho is an understatement.
While investigating, they fall into the ultimate trap themselves. The trap reminded me strongly of the story of Perseus and the Minotaur, with a side of gladiators fighting to the death in an arena. In this labyrinth, the contestants are given puzzles (by an unknown person) that must be solved to advance to the next level. Failure is death and there will be only one survivor. Toro and Dani agreed to team up to give themselves a better chance and worry about their fight to the death when - if - they are the last two standing. I liked the book a lot and will read more in the series.
I received an e-arc from publisher Thomas & Mercer and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. ...more
I stayed up much too late because I just could not put this book down. I've rarely read a book with so much passion, not just for the romance but for I stayed up much too late because I just could not put this book down. I've rarely read a book with so much passion, not just for the romance but for music. This book would likely appeal to anyone who enjoys reading about creative, talented people. Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne begin as competitors but when they play together - it's magic.
The two of them could not be more different. Gwen is more traditional than Xander both in how and what she plays. Xander is more like a rock star, who takes chances. There is also the mystery of why he'd stopped playing violin and played cello instead. They both play for the Manhattan Pops, where they play popular music with classical instruments. Reading this made me miss my piano, and working behind the scenes in live plays when I was in college.
I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
I really liked Mickey 7 and took a chance on this one. This was my first character (other than ghosts) who lacked a physical body. Unfortunately, it wI really liked Mickey 7 and took a chance on this one. This was my first character (other than ghosts) who lacked a physical body. Unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea, although it was well-written and the character of Mal was particularly well done.
Mal spent most of his time in infospace. He could also inhabit various types of hardware, including drones (which sounded fun as long as your drone wasn't shot). Mal made a bad decision when he dropped out of infospace, right into a war.
The two factions are the Federalists and Humanists. Mal found himself in an active fight, which resulted in Mal getting trapped in a cyborg body after the original occupant died. Unfortunately, the cyborg also had organic parts that began to decay...
I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it....more
This book is about two young adults who meet at a bookstore and become friends and roommates. James works in the bookstore. Rachel is in college and hThis book is about two young adults who meet at a bookstore and become friends and roommates. James works in the bookstore. Rachel is in college and has fallen in love with one of her married professors. Things quickly become complicated, because two of the main characters are not completely heterosexual. I thought the author did an excellent job in showing how painful and complex this time of life can be.
I received an e-arc from the publisher Knopf via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
I loved the author's previous series which involved a young man who had search and rescue dogs, so was thrilled to see that he had started another K-9I loved the author's previous series which involved a young man who had search and rescue dogs, so was thrilled to see that he had started another K-9 series. I lived in a rural community with no leash law and grew up with dogs. Most of ours just showed up.
The two main characters are a brother and sister: Cory has a dog training business, and his sister Crystal is a detective for the Chicago police. Two of Cory's dogs are training in detecting human remains.
Crystal is called to a site where one murder victim is missing. She calls her brother who comes with his dogs, since dogs trained in finding dead bodies - cadaver dogs - are scarce.
The fear is that a serial killer who had become dormant years ago has started again. I wasn't able to guess the killer although there was one place where I thought maybe ... nah, it couldn't be. This is a great book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, and dogs.
I received an e-arc from the publisher Severn House via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
This book is charming, funny, and romantic, and I highly recommend it. Clementine Monroe's life is falling apart. She's lost her job, her boyfriend inThis book is charming, funny, and romantic, and I highly recommend it. Clementine Monroe's life is falling apart. She's lost her job, her boyfriend informed her he was marrying another woman (who is pregnant), and took all of the furniture *and* her cat. She is moving out since she can't afford it alone. Clemmie is feeling a little numb.
Fortunately, her two sisters have come to help her pack what is left in the apartment. I loved the three of them - they were born close together from different mothers. Their philandering father is a rockstar who is still philandering and still performing. Clemmie's mother used to perform but has stopped.
Clemmie pulled herself together with the support of her sisters, found a job, and even went out for an evening where she had a one-night stand, which was very unlike her. It turned out that her one-night stand was the man with whom she would be working. Just a little awkward.
I received an e-arc of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
I couldn't put this book down. This is the story about the Battle of Blair Mountain, a real event that took place during 1920-1921. It was the largestI couldn't put this book down. This is the story about the Battle of Blair Mountain, a real event that took place during 1920-1921. It was the largest armed uprising since the American Civil War and the largest labor uprising in United States history. I was shocked that I had never heard of it. These events are real, as are most of the characters.
The author vividly describes how the miners would walk into the belly of the mine, sometimes not even able to stand up, to get to the coal seam they were working on. Dynamite was also used in the mine, to create tunnels. Those tunnels could collapse, and the men trapped could not always be retrieved. The lack of care for the men working in the mine was astonishing. It was evident that the coal was much more important to the mine bosses than the men.
Most of the miners and their families lived in a large camp near the mountain. Some lived in wooden houses and some in tents. They bought food and clothing from the company stores, their only choice. They were perpetually in debt due to low wages and the high cost of everything they bought.
When the miners tried to organize a union to negotiate for safety, better living conditions, and higher wages, the company fought back, promising to fire any worker who joined the union.
I received an e-arc from the publisher St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. ...more
If you read one book this year, read this one. It is about two rivers - the Thames and the Tigris, and the civilizations near these rivers that flouriIf you read one book this year, read this one. It is about two rivers - the Thames and the Tigris, and the civilizations near these rivers that flourished, decayed, and either disappeared or were reborn. This book spans thousands of years, from ancient Mesopotamia to London in the 19th century to the present day. The characters include ancient kings, a boy with a phenomenal memory born into dire poverty in 1840's London, a girl in 2014 Turkey whose grandmother wants her baptized in an ancient temple, and a woman in 2018 London who lives on a houseboat. Water connects them all.
I received an e-arc of this book from publisher Knopf via Netgalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book. ...more
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne's sister and her husband have died in an accident, and left him with the responsibility of raising their two children. DomiViscount Dominic Kelbourne's sister and her husband have died in an accident, and left him with the responsibility of raising their two children. Dominic decides that he can take care of this problem easily: he will finally marry his carefully chosen bride-to-be (they have been engaged for two years), and she will help him raise the children.
Unfortunately for him, his intended bride disagrees with his plans for her. She has no intention of raising his niece and nephew, whose parentage is uncertain. She quickly marries another man. Dominic then turns his sights on her sister Victoria.
Dominic thought he was doing Torie a favor by asking her to marry him, since she could not read, and there was a fear that her defect could be passed down to her offspring. She painted a lot, but Dominic wasn't impressed by her paintings. Dominic has a lot of surprises coming his way. This is a delightful story where the couple get to know each other after marriage.
I received an e-arc of this book from publisher Avon and Harper Voyager via Netgalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it. ...more
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