Lisa Unger has been a fave for years, and with this new short story, I remember why. Suspenseful. Dramatic. Dark. Add in some futuristic technology anLisa Unger has been a fave for years, and with this new short story, I remember why. Suspenseful. Dramatic. Dark. Add in some futuristic technology and a potentially psycho-ish plot, who knows what's really behind the doll's eyes. I wish this were longer because it really captured my attention. It could've easily been a full-length novel....more
Loved it - up until the ending, as usual. Perhaps it's just me. Was completely enamored with the background setting and plot of Shari Lapena's An UnwaLoved it - up until the ending, as usual. Perhaps it's just me. Was completely enamored with the background setting and plot of Shari Lapena's An Unwanted Guest, where a snowstorm wrecks havoc in NY's Hudson Valley during winter. Travelers arrive at a B&B, seemingly disconnected. The owner and his son are hiding a secret. Power is cut. Someone dies... and then the murder spree continues. All connected? Various motives and killers? Quite strange. Kept flipping the pages and thought I figured it out, but then from nowhere comes a fact not revealed at all, and then it abruptly ends when the police name the killer and a little twist is revealed at the end. Disappointing, so I had to pull a fifth star. But up until then, oh so good....more
Wow! This was an excellent book - Someone We Know my Shari Lapena covers the domestic drama with a fantastic first half of the book. Compelling and adWow! This was an excellent book - Someone We Know my Shari Lapena covers the domestic drama with a fantastic first half of the book. Compelling and addictive, I found myself intrigued with the writing style and multi-character POV to figure out who killed a neighbor. Lots of options, and it kept me focused, until there became too many supposed affairs and hidden secrets, so I couldn't go all the way to 5 stars. But still - really strong plotting....more
The 2nd installment in the Spires series by Alexis Hall is a novella that brings together a 30-year-old who's depressed since a break-up and a hunky gThe 2nd installment in the Spires series by Alexis Hall is a novella that brings together a 30-year-old who's depressed since a break-up and a hunky gov't worker trying to stop a flood in their small village. Fun, romantic, and light... enjoyed the background setting and story....more
Glitterland, written by Alexis Hall, is the first romcom in their Spires series, a loosely connected grouping of books focused on m4m (generally) relaGlitterland, written by Alexis Hall, is the first romcom in their Spires series, a loosely connected grouping of books focused on m4m (generally) relationships, as it also covers other aspects of diversity, gender, and representation. Often taking a more sexual line, the books may not be for everyone but they do provide realistic (and sometimes exaggerated) portrayals of different personalities of friends and acquaintances I've met over the years. I read the fourth book in the series and decided to give them all a chance. In this installment, the protagonist doesn't like interacting with people often but has found himself uber attracted to a guy he met at a club/party. I enjoyed their courtship/romance but the written phonetic version of one character's accent made it super hard because I kept getting pulled out of the story to translate the words, tho most were easy. Otherwise, I enjoyed it and will move on to the second one....more
Alexis Hall has become a go-to for quirky and sentimental m4m romcoms with a twist. Sometimes the characters are easy to connect to, others they are nAlexis Hall has become a go-to for quirky and sentimental m4m romcoms with a twist. Sometimes the characters are easy to connect to, others they are not. Pansies, the 4th in his Spires series, presents a former school bully and his victim who reconnect years later. One recognizes the other, but not until they sleep together does the second realize who his liaison really is. Fen and Alfie have several rows but find a way to fall for one another, and it's a lovely romance... but there's a lot wrong at the core. Perhaps messy like real relationships? I enjoyed the friends and family members in this one more than the two lovers coming together. But I will eagerly await book 5 and 6 in the series, already committed by the author, revolving around side characters from prior books....more
I do adore a well-written M4M romcom, especially when they take place outside the US. I find the ones in the US are often over-done, and in Jack StranI do adore a well-written M4M romcom, especially when they take place outside the US. I find the ones in the US are often over-done, and in Jack Strange's debut (unless the author is masquerading behind the personality), Wales is center stage. Ah the accents, lovely small countryside villages, and a quaint bookstore in need of some support. So many great things, a few not so believable, but an all-around cast with lots to love. In particular, the main character is a doll, and he balances the loss of his father with a desire to succeed. I wish we saw them in scenes together. Flashforward to the future, I'm immediately rooting for Noah to win his heart. But in truth.... I felt like there was some missing points to close up on, so I couldn't go the full 5 stars. I'll definitely read the 2nd book from the author, as his recent articles seem to hint he has a two-book deal. Shall we team up?...more
Evie Woods, author of The Lost Bookshop, is a new find for me recently. I previously read her latest novel, The Story Collector, and decided to returnEvie Woods, author of The Lost Bookshop, is a new find for me recently. I previously read her latest novel, The Story Collector, and decided to return to some of her earlier works. Part fantasy (light, in that something magical seems to happen but perhaps it's just in your imagination), part historical fiction, the characters and setting shine in the story. Set apart by nearly a century, two women suffer terrible losses and try to find a path forward. In some respects, they succeed. In others, they are haunted for the remainder of the life, most likely. I enjoyed the plot but felt one woman's story was incomplete and I prefer tighter connections between the past and the present. It also ended rather abruptly for my taste, but still enjoyable overall....more
Deborah J. Benoit, a brand new author to me, showed up in NetGalley earlier this summer, and I love murder mysteries and gardening, so it appeared to Deborah J. Benoit, a brand new author to me, showed up in NetGalley earlier this summer, and I love murder mysteries and gardening, so it appeared to be a solid fit. Overall, I enjoyed the setting and getting to know a new cast of characters. Balancing the protagonist's personal mystery with that of the victim's made for a good dual-purpose storyline. I struggled a bit to keep some of the characters straight, and it felt a little too cardboard in some places, but it came together nicely in the end with a few things left open for future installments. I'll read the second to see if it cements the series for me....more
NetGalley had a new author release last month with P.J. Nelson's Booked for Murder, an amateur sleuth series set in the south. Madeline, a mid 30s (wiNetGalley had a new author release last month with P.J. Nelson's Booked for Murder, an amateur sleuth series set in the south. Madeline, a mid 30s (with premature graying hair) returns to take over her late aunt's book store only to discover someone else wants to keep her away. Fires. Murder. Drugs. Lots of darkness for a cozy but handled well. I like Madeline a lot, and the story has been set up with a balanced supporting cast. I won't share much as its the first book, so you never know if one of them turns out to be the villain. I like how things are set up for a possible romantic triangle, a mentor relationship, and a connection to the local liberal arts college. For such a small town, there is a lot of drama, I will say, but that's what makes for a good read....more
The Story Collector, a charming historical fiction novel written by Evie Gaughan, showed up on my NetGalley feed and immediately captured by interest.The Story Collector, a charming historical fiction novel written by Evie Gaughan, showed up on my NetGalley feed and immediately captured by interest. Ireland. Secrets. A curse. Love. Death. Drama. Books. Everything I need in my reading! From the elaborately woven descriptions of the magic with fairies (minor fantasy element) to the divine local stories of all the villagers, every chapter offered something new. Created a wonderful imaginary space to transport temporarily to, and left me excited about the adventures of love for both the main characters, one in the past and one in the present. I always prefer a tightly sealed happy ending, but you will not find that here. Love escapes some. Truth comes hurdling forward. Things settle, but I wanted some more. Definitely intrigued my reading urges, so I'll check out more from the author....more
Alexis Hall, author of many LBGTQ romcoms, is a good writer who usually contains a steady grasp on balancing plot, culture, and theme. Often, I enjoy Alexis Hall, author of many LBGTQ romcoms, is a good writer who usually contains a steady grasp on balancing plot, culture, and theme. Often, I enjoy them a great deal, as with Ten Things That Never Happened. Sometimes, the characters are too outspoken or dramatic in his novels, which makes the story difficult to read. Unfortunately, this was one of those. I did not like Paris nor Tariq, mostly because they were just too dramatic and needy. I completely understand having anxieties and feeling pressure from society, but focusing on it as the central theme of a book where it becomes repetitive and arduous is painful. Not nearly as painful as having those anxieties, I'm sure, and my review here is not about people being too over the top in reality, but reading about it is not an enjoyable experience for me when it's less about the issues and more about the intense focus on being a difficult and frustrating, generally combative individual. The way they speak to each other is too rude.... questioning each other's motives, thinking whatever they want and not listening to each other's true intentions... way too indulgent. When Hall crosses into that territory, I'm done. But since the plot was kicking bakers off week by week, it held my attention enough to still enjoy parts of the book, like all the delectable bakes. Given those reasons alone, I will definitely read the third one!...more
I always look forward to the next book in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta books. As time moves forward, the technology and time period in the settinI always look forward to the next book in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta books. As time moves forward, the technology and time period in the setting match reality, given all the references today 2023/4 world events. In this installment, a familiar villain may have returned, but a former Scarpetta lover also surfaces and dies in a grim manner. Mostly about Kay with less focus on Lucy, Marino and Benton, I found myself keen to follow just the protagonist for a few hundred pages. Loved the clues dropped all throughout the book about the ending, and I am very curious to see what happens in the future now that things seem to have come to a definitive conclusion (again!). Give me more!...more
I've watched cooking and baking competitions since before they became popular. I very much enjoy the Great British Baking Show. Always up for a great I've watched cooking and baking competitions since before they became popular. I very much enjoy the Great British Baking Show. Always up for a great story with an LBGTQ focus. Been eagerly catching up on Alexis Hall's backlog of books. Loved a few other stories like this one, so I knew it would work out! Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake was delightful, scrumptious, and poignant. Drew me in immediately... didn't love all the characters but liked Rosaline tons. One by one, the contestants get sent home (better than other books I mostly read where one by one a killer picks them off). We knew it would come down to Rosaline, Alain, and someone else. I was surprised it didn't go the traditional route, but in the end, everything came back together. Well worth the read!...more
Frost Claim is the first full-length novel in the Demons of Frosteria series written by Candace Robinson and Elle Beaumont. I read their intro short sFrost Claim is the first full-length novel in the Demons of Frosteria series written by Candace Robinson and Elle Beaumont. I read their intro short story earlier this year, and it was intriguing. But this book takes on its own life and presents a thrilling young adult adventure / fantasy / supernatural experience for readers of all ages. Blooming with that angsty teenage love where a young college girl wants to have some fun but also be careful with her friends at a costume party. When she meets someone who appears to be wearing a furry costume, she's intrigued, but then she falls asleep before anything happens between them. Except she later finds him again and something shocking and scary happens - is he a monster, she wonders? What's really going on... then the story flips, and we learn all about the world he comes from, including what he's trying to do to stop the demons taking over children's minds and bodies. Loved the relationship between the two protagonists, and the writing is seamless and lyrical. The drama is perfect for the setting and age of the characters, but there is also an impressive maturity when the truth comes out. Our heroine doesn't fall to pieces - she accepts who the beast is and wonders how to deal with it. A breath of fresh air, and I'm hooked. Can't wait for the second one!...more
Great way to smash together two cultural phenomena where Alice in Wonderland fans experience what happens when vampires show up in their world. TorridGreat way to smash together two cultural phenomena where Alice in Wonderland fans experience what happens when vampires show up in their world. Torrid romance. Monstrous sexual appetites. Unexpected connections. Fun writing style that merges together seamlessly. I enjoy trying something new with this series each and every time....more
I've been reading Candace Robinson's books since she began writing 5+ years ago... between dark fantasy, young adult fiction, and intense dramas, she'I've been reading Candace Robinson's books since she began writing 5+ years ago... between dark fantasy, young adult fiction, and intense dramas, she's a versatile and remarkable artist. I've read a few of the short stories contained in this collection, These Vicious Thorns: Tales of the Lovely Grim, but she's outdone herself by interweaving them with a new thread, where Thorna falls in love with a human in a book store. She transforms before meeting him, worried he won't love her for who she really is. Back home, she's a bit of monster to some, yet there is a tenderness to her. I enjoyed rereading a few of the shorts and a novella, and then I met a whole new set of characters that will stay in my memory. Great work!...more
Short stories in between novels always make for entertaining reading, especially when you need a sample from a dark and delightful one. Candace RobinsShort stories in between novels always make for entertaining reading, especially when you need a sample from a dark and delightful one. Candace Robinson knows how to draw her readers in with memorable characters and divinely savage beasts. From sirens who beckon others to death and witches who learn the truth about their kind, both tales provide darkness, drama, and debacles. Easy to read in 30 minutes; shows exactly the type of solid writing and clever storytelling you'll get from Robinson, and will leave you wanting more....more
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