Another adventure for 12 year old Florian and his bestie Margaret, two wonderfully smart kids who help solve various cases for the FBI as consu4 Stars
Another adventure for 12 year old Florian and his bestie Margaret, two wonderfully smart kids who help solve various cases for the FBI as consultants for the Special Projects Team. When their mentor Marcus is accused of treason, these two are determined to do what’s necessary to exonerate him.
I’ve said it before. The strength of this series is the friendship between Florian and Margaret. They’re loyal, smart, resourceful, and of course imperfect. However, they epitomize what resilience and support is, never wavering when it comes to the other. Tie that all to battling Russian spies, avoiding CIA and NSA interference, and enlisting the help of a foreign mafia boss, and you have a great conclusion to a trilogy that’s all about found family and not judging others by their looks or age.
Obviously, I enjoyed my time with Florian and company, as any association or semblance of a Sherlock-ian story greatly appeals, and I look forward to exploring more of Ponti’s works in the future!
Special shoutout to Laura for bringing this charming series to my attention!
The final Bergman book was the proverbial icing on the cake!
Looking back, Viggo has been the more interesting brother. Saddled with ADHD, 5 Rare Stars
The final Bergman book was the proverbial icing on the cake!
Looking back, Viggo has been the more interesting brother. Saddled with ADHD, he’s outwardly the prankster, the guy who’s annoying in his meddling ways, the sibling who’s unable to stick with one thing for very long, but when he finally fulfills his dream of opening a romance themed bookstore, one sees Viggo for who he is - devoted, caring, the first to help anyone who needs it, and one who hides behind his exuberant facade, not wanting to show his loneliness and desire to truly be understood and seen.
I absolutely adored the fact that Viggo is an unapologetic romance reader, and it shows in everything he does and believes in, loving the shoutout to the many tropes and issues we have about this genre that often consumes our waking hours. Viggo is more than self aware of his situation and where he is in life. All around him, his family has found their soulmates and are living their best lives and though he’s ecstatic for them, he feels a hollow painful emptiness that he’s the last man standing.
Of course, Viggo has certain expectations of how his true love will manifest, referencing the many love stories he’s read over the years, but life at the moment has other plans for him, and that’s Talulah Clarke - cynical and reserved, a person who doesn’t believe in anything sentimental and is certain that a happy-ever-after absolutely does not apply to her nor does it exist in real life. Despite Viggo’s immense attraction to Talulah, he knows this carefully contained woman doesn’t jive with what he thinks he wants.
Liese consistently succeeds at the push/pull of her characters, the intense lust, and the issues they each personally face that make them unique. This was a fabulous grumpy sunshine, close proximity, opposites attract with snarky banter, palpable UST, and top notch spice (probably the smexiet of the series, just so you know). Whether it was planned or not, I’m really glad that Liese chose Viggo to be the last Bergman to get their happy ending. His wanting and needing that epic love for himself was sublimely the penultimate send off to this highly enjoyable series. Viggo didn’t lower his expectations but evolved them, and growth and change makes the world go round amiright? And on the other hand, Talulah’s transformation due to being loved properly by Viggo was equally pitch perfect - to be vulnerable, to let go and trust, to finally be at the receiving end of something so wonderful, you only had to open yourself up to it just a tiny teeny bit.
Overall, this is my very long winded way of saying that this series has created a devoted fan. I appreciate Liese’s insights into the unknown and frequently, the uncomfortable, things that are hard to look at, let alone endure, and gives them a stage to shine where many times, it’s hidden in shame or fear. We are all human, with faults, foibles, and quirky quirks, and we all deserve the very best. Liese gives these imaginary, but oh so real, characters the jumping point to embrace their differences while being loved for them as well, and I highly encourage you to go forth and experience this series for yourself!
Though I haven’t seen every iteration of Star Trek out there, I’m still hard core Next Generation and more recently, Picard, Discovery, and S3.5 Stars
Though I haven’t seen every iteration of Star Trek out there, I’m still hard core Next Generation and more recently, Picard, Discovery, and Strange New Worlds.
Admittedly, I’m not as entrenched with these characters as there’s only 20 episodes to fall back on, but I love seeing the earlier renditions of Spock and Uhura, and Captain Pike is fast becoming a favorite character as his actions and beliefs truly deserve the loyalty he has from his crew.
I’m not going to go into all the details of the plot because it is quite extensively convoluted. What I will say is that I liked how this played on everyone’s strengths (though I wish we had way more La’an), how it made reference to Discovery’s angsty painful story arc, and I especially loved seeing Hemmer again.
Obviously, I enjoyed this “episode” for the Enterprise crew, hoping that subsequent books will bring more of an emotional oomph as seen in “A Quality of Mercy” or “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” or of course, the crazy scary cliffhanger that was “Hegemony”.
Overall, be reassured that this is typical Star Trek, morally conflicted, galaxy-in-peril high stakes with plenty of hard core science tossed with some good ole action that I’m confident most fans will enjoy!...more
This starts off with Win and Bo having a phenomenal one night stand. However, in4.5 Warm Fuzzies Stars!
I pretty much loved everything about this book.
This starts off with Win and Bo having a phenomenal one night stand. However, in order to protect their fragile hearts they both convey they’re not looking for anything more, and they amicably part ways. Luckily, fate has another plan for them as an accidental pregnancy occurs, and they’re “forced” back into each other’s lives.
What ensues is a wonderful discovery of how perfect a couple they truly are. Each has their own personal disability (small hand for Win and missing limb for Bo) and their own angsty past full of loneliness and abandonment, but instead of focusing on their deficiencies, they truly bolster the other up. Win is strong and pragmatic but vulnerable as well, stuck in a rut that she can’t seem to climb out of. She gains confidence and feels treasured by Bo’s unwavering support, something that she hasn’t ever had in a partner before. In turn, Bo is the kindest, most generous, protective person ever. He’s sexy nerdy, with his own insecurities that make his struggle strongly felt.
Bonam Young succeeds more than other authors by giving Win and Bo authentic hangups (she has the same disability as Win) with just enough quirkiness to make them stand out, their individual voices and personalities playing off each other like a perfect duet. I was constantly smiling and laughing throughout this book despite the oh so tender hurt comfort (tears may have been shed) about the weighty topics of mortality and physical challenges, and it was a delight seeing these two move from their one night stand to friends to family to lovers.
This book literally has it all - banter, fabulous friends, found family, and silly fun to offset the pain. If you want a poignant, natural progression of love, interspersed with hilarious humor, and feel good feels PLUS some spice, then come on over and discover this gem for yourself!...more
Showcasing Qi’ra, Han Solo’s close confidant while growing up a poor scrum rat in the bowels of Correlia, this story reflects on their time scr4 Stars
Showcasing Qi’ra, Han Solo’s close confidant while growing up a poor scrum rat in the bowels of Correlia, this story reflects on their time scraping by with spying, stealing, doing whatever’s necessary to be at the top of the food chain of the underlings serving the sewer worm Lady Proxima. This starts immediately after Han escapes and is forced to leave Qi’ra behind, an act that painfully makes her realize that she can no longer afford to depend on another for her livelihood or survival ever again. Only she can steer her life towards something possibly better.
Exploit or be exploited. Betray or be betrayed. Kill or be killed. That is Qi’ra’s new and necessary mantra and sadly, she’s not wrong. I do urge one to read Most Wanted first, as it and the movie Solo, lend insight to Han and Qi’ra’s relationship, what they went through together, and the fallout when separated. This fills in the gaps as to how Qi’ra came to be a member of the powerful crime syndicate Crimson Dawn, the eventual trusted lieutenant of the ruthless Dryden Vos, and most likely, indispensable to Darth Maul.
Truly, I feel this did an excellent job at exploring this character thoroughly - her trauma, her struggles, and her continuous contemplation of the good memories of Han that got her through the tough times. Honestly, I didn't admire nor agree with Qi’ra’s choices as they often become cutthroat and unemotionally efficient. However, she can’t show any hesitation when it comes to Dryden Vos’s agenda and ultimately, the mysterious person he reports to.
Overall, unlike Doctor Aphra, I still came out liking Qi’ra despite some uncomfortable and unsavory actions, a testament to this author’s skills in writing a sympathetic character. This was a win in and amongst my various Star Wars reads, and I would not say no to more stories of Qi’ra’s past, present, or future.
A highly enjoyable off-kilter story of revenge and mayhem, this presents an intriguing spin to the protagonists who are animal representations,4 Stars
A highly enjoyable off-kilter story of revenge and mayhem, this presents an intriguing spin to the protagonists who are animal representations, making their unique characteristics fit a human construct.
Reminiscent of The Magnificent Seven this is a no holds barred story of a reticent demanding mouse captain, recruiting his old gang of soldiers for one last hurrah to give a deadly response to a long ago betrayal.
Despite cute furries, this is obviously no bedtime story to tell the kids. With its fast pace and witty repartee, the characters are quite vivid, the violence impressive, the conclusion vindictively appropriate and equally tragic.
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want pla4 Stars
I’m going to agree with everyone else who loved this.
Realistic. Hardcore. Compelling.
This is where a cop story is done right, when you want plausible and it’s delivered.
Take one jaded detective who’s always been on the right side of justice, one who has been met with corruption and roadblocks over and over and goes about taking down a criminal drug ring that goes all the way to the top by any way possible. If that means brushing against, and sometimes stepping over the line to justify the means, then so be it.
Drop in a newly promoted rookie to be his partner, one who’s been not so secretly tasked to “spy” on him by Internal Affairs, and you’ve got quite the sticky situation.
Not surprisingly, these two don’t hit it off at all, but when things get dangerous and more informants end up dead, the pressure to bring down the bad guys reaches a breaking point and they can’t afford to not trust each other.
No eye rolling here. I applaud the gritty seriousness of not only their working relationship but each of these men have their own personal problems that present plenty of other challenges to their complicated dynamic. Add some really well done UST and smexy, a very nice age gap, and a delicious enemies to lovers set up, and this was oh so satisfying especially when these two give into their unwanted but too hard to resist desires. Mmmmmmm.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, this fact should only make you want to read this more!! Go now! Don’t wait! I for one, look forward to what’s next in store for these guys!!...more
An unassuming book that turned out to be quite the find!
As per the blurb, Emmy Ryder has been recently traumatized by a horse accident wh4 Easy Stars!
An unassuming book that turned out to be quite the find!
As per the blurb, Emmy Ryder has been recently traumatized by a horse accident while doing what she does best - barrel riding. She’s so shaken that she hasn’t been able to get back on a horse in months and defeatedly returns home to lick her wounds and figure out what to do next in her life. What Emmy doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to the resident bad boy Luke Brooks who is now a responsible respectable bar owner. Luke and Emmy have always antagonistically noticed the other in their periphery as Luke was basically raised by the Ryder patriarch, but the difference in their ages and life paths/goals never really truly crossed. Until now.
This had the makings of what I enjoy the most out of romance. *A plucky heroine who is relatable and doesn't have any TSTL moments. *A sexy hero who’s confident, take charge, protective and possessive, *A palpable buildup with a nicely explicit follow through with a side of dirty talk.
Again, this was a fabulous easy read with a great supporting cast, sexy fun, and good hurt comfort and healing for both Emmy and Luke. So, if you want a cowboy/cowgirl vibe, falling for your brother's best friend, annoyance to lust to love, with some yummy spice to whet your whistle then this will surely satisfy!...more
Binti is the only one from her tribe who has left the planet, shirking her traditional duty to marry well and take over her father’s profession3 Stars
Binti is the only one from her tribe who has left the planet, shirking her traditional duty to marry well and take over her father’s profession. She’s looking forward to some adventure regarding her time at university, however, a gruesome adventure unfortunately finds her.
Overall, the concepts are intriguing and the premise promising, but I was given whiplash with the inconsistent tone ranging from rebellion to new experience to horror, ending on a feel good harmony of peace and acceptance while glossing over the repercussions and fallout of a war between enemy races.
If you’re looking for a science fiction steeped story interlaced with African tribal overtones, mathematical mysticism, and the idea of an intergalactic school for the gifted, then this might entice. Just be aware that you might feel unsettled and dissatisfied after reading this....more
This installment features Ziggy, the youngest of the Bergman brood who is all grown up now. Ziggy’s fed up4 Stars
Another win with the Bergman Family!
This installment features Ziggy, the youngest of the Bergman brood who is all grown up now. Ziggy’s fed up with everyone handling her with care, and she’s ready to be seen as a capable adult who knows her own mind and who doesn’t need to be coddled anymore. What she needs is an image makeover, and Ziggy has the perfect plan to accomplish that. Pretend to be friends with her brother’s BFF - the baddest bad boy out there and in return, he can repair his reputation by being seen with her.
Sebastian is the ultimate hedonistic player who has basically burned every bridge to cover his broken self worth and past hurts. His only saving grace is hockey, but when an injury sidelines him due to his reckless behavior, he realizes that he’ll have to change or lose the only thing that’s keeping him afloat. Sebastian considers that Ziggy’s ridiculous proposal just might be the answer, and he very reluctantly, grumpily agrees to the farce.
So of course, what starts out with Ziggy and Sebastian pretending to be friends for public and personal relations, changes to true friendship, and it will come as no surprise that those (never) platonic feelings transform into more. Ziggy finds her voice and exerts her will, and Sebastian wants to be and do better, not only for himself, but for the woman he’s falling for.
I will say that this is the most sedate entry of the series. Don’t fret. There’s attraction, there’s yearning, there’s banter and hurt comfort with great Bergman family vibes, but unlike the other books, the zing was a lot less, and I kinda sorta missed it.
Overall, Liese always does varied representation well (anxiety, chronic illness, neurodivergence), and there’s absolutely nothing blatantly wrong with this installment, hence the obvious 4 Stars. However, for me, it just didn’t have the emotional ooomph like the others, but regardless, this is a great grumpy sunshine, fake relationship, friends to lovers, falling for your brother’s best friend romance with no 3rd act breakup.
I read this for a challenge, and I admit I had absolutely zero expectations.
No one is more surprised than me that this was such an a4 Surprising Stars
I read this for a challenge, and I admit I had absolutely zero expectations.
No one is more surprised than me that this was such an appealing story. Perhaps I’ve officially turned into a sap or my brain chemistry has altered significantly, but this sedate, quaint tale of a woman finally free to be herself but can’t quite drum up the momentum to do so, won me over.
Evvie hasn’t told a soul that she was leaving her emotionally abusive husband right before he died in an accident, and for over the last year she’s basically been wallowing in guilt as everyone thinks she’s been in some serious mourning. When her bestie Andy asks if his childhood friend Dean can take refuge in the apartment off the side of her house, she acquiesces but doesn't know what to expect from this professional athlete who has lost his baseball pitching prowess.
I would say there are thousands of books out there that tell of two souls trying to heal, bumble their way through it a bit, and come out the other side wiser and a lot happier. What really stands out here are the conversations, the dialogue between all the characters. It is subtle but funny, quirky, to the point, and truthful. It’s also in the descriptions of small town life, of the personal daily details of Evvie and Dean that lent insight and comfort. It drew me in and made me want to stay and listen.
Yes, I was impatient for Evvie to work through her trauma and to move on and truly be happy, but apparently, one can’t rush these sorts of things. For the most part, both she and sexy Dean handle their hang ups like adults and the evolution of their healing, their friendship, and eventually, their romantic feelings were gratifyingly real.
This probably sounds absolutely boring to many but honestly, Holmes created a really satisfying story showing Evvie and Dean moving on from life’s struggles independently so they could be together. Of course, this has a bit of a wrench with Evvie’s focus on others at the detriment of herself. It wouldn't be a typical literary-y MF without it, right? However, again, I wasn’t expecting much, but this slyly insinuated itself, and what I got instead was a well written story with that rare maturity (and very little aggravation), and these days, you have no idea how much that means to this reader....more
Ok. I can see how divisive this book is to readers, and I totally agree.
There are so many red flags in this, both big and small, far and wid3.5 Stars
Ok. I can see how divisive this book is to readers, and I totally agree.
There are so many red flags in this, both big and small, far and wide, and mainly centering on the FMC Kristen. She is a piece of work in the best and worst ways which is a testament to Jimenez’s writing that allows this reader to overlook a lot. Believe you me, there is a laundry list of things to side eye and cringe at and be disappointed in, and the multitude of other reviews will fill you in on all the specific details.
Having said that, and despite my desire to slap Kristen a bazillion times, Jimenez truly delivers on the fun banter, the delicious UST, and the absolute wonderful heartthrob that is Josh.
Again, just know that this book has all sorts of potential triggers so beware and don’t be fooled by that innocuous cute cover. This is an emotional train wreck. Granted, the writing is top notch excellence that spurred me to read this in 24 hours, but still, a complete and utter emotional train wreck....more
Not surprisingly, Rebel Wilson has gone through a lot, and she reveals her nonconformist ways that ultimately influenced her success. Some will3 Stars
Not surprisingly, Rebel Wilson has gone through a lot, and she reveals her nonconformist ways that ultimately influenced her success. Some will find this inspiring. Some will find this admirable. I definitely think all memoirs of the rich and famous show where their drive and ambition come from, and this was no different in illuminating that.
Admittedly, I was expecting a lot of humorous insight and stories from Rebel which didn’t really happen. However, I’m happy for her for finally feeling comfortable with herself and triumphing over her inner angst. Overall, I feel mostly ambivalent towards her despite knowing all that she went through. Fans should be reassured though that Rebel’s offbeat unique personality shines through which is easily reflected in her works and this story....more
Seriously, this kid is the poster child of resilience, resourcefulness, and smarts, all tied up with a heart of gol4 Stars
Florian Bates does it again!
Seriously, this kid is the poster child of resilience, resourcefulness, and smarts, all tied up with a heart of gold.
This time around, secret FBI consultants Florian and bestie Margaret go undercover at a private school to find out who's been playing pranks. Normally, this would not fall in the FBI’s jurisdiction, but it just so happens that the President of the United State’s daughter is a possible suspect, or is she a possible target?
This remains pretty solid in reality. The mystery and twists were interesting, and the adults’ actions and reactions were reasonable (minus the implausible part of letting tweens join in chasing down a missing person). However, those are just very small niggles for a really strong series with great life lessons.
Overall, I love the message of embracing your differences and being proud of who you are by focusing on your strengths. This encourages confidence and courage especially when going outside one’s comfort zone or confronting a bully, and the friendship between Florian and Margaret is a top selling point. It is the small things that all add up to tell an engaging story, and Ponti delivers on all fronts!
A dark interesting commentary on the inner struggle we all have with the less than savory aspects of ourselves, and one man’s unsuccessful at3.5 Stars
A dark interesting commentary on the inner struggle we all have with the less than savory aspects of ourselves, and one man’s unsuccessful attempt at trying to excise that truth....more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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