Fiction

Review: Anything For You by Kristan Higgins

Posted by

0

  
I love Kristan Higgins’ books – always have. She writes hilarious one-liners that provide comic relief when things get heavy. Higgins writes authentic, deep characters… people I feel like I know, even though they’re fictional. 

Higgins’ Blue Heron series adds beautiful scenery and a vineyard backdrop to the mix. I almost feel like this series is a saga – generations of families, light politics, and family owned businesses play a big role. 

Anything For You is number five in the series. Connor has been in love with Jessica forever, but even after a decade she holds him at arm’s length. Oh the angst, my friends. I mean, you know (hope) there will be a happily ever after, but for so long things are looking grim! I was tense in the shoulders waiting for the other shoe to drop. And drop it did, though not in the way Connor or Jessica or I imagined. 

The love story rocked (in all its angst), the subplot of new employees at O’Rourke’s and the vineyard — totally hilarious, and the recurrence of past characters in cameos was precise, deliberate, and perfectly placed. 

I’m just going to keep on loving these Blue Heron folks. Thanks, KH! 

-calliope

Buy ANYTHING FOR YOU

Review: The Bride Wore Crimson by Adrianne Lee

Posted by

2

  
Well now, I was expecting a girly wedding story… but this wasn’t that! Maybe it’s because I’ve read other Adrianne Lee books that were quirky chick lit. Maybe it’s because I saw the word Wedding. Maybe it’s because I love fluff! Haha. 

Whatever the reason, I was super wrong, folks. This book is a whodunit… and not for the faint of heart.

If you’re into eccentric cozy mysteries, hop on for a ride through Weddingville. You’ll meet the suspicious photographer, the new girl, the off kilter cousin, and the regulars who try to make every bride’s dream come true in their kooky nuptial-destination town. 

-calliope

Buy THE BRIDE WORE CRIMSON

Review: Make Me by Lee Child

Posted by

1

23664710SO happy with this installment. I’ve felt that the last few have been lacking…hell, to be honest, after reading “Personal” I waited a few days after the release date to read this one….I’ve always read Reacher the day of release! Lee Child has been a long time favourite author of mine…I’ve followed Reacher from the very start…but the last few years have really left me feeling that perhaps Child was more interested in politics, Hollywood deals and easy payouts….

This one however! This is an example of what I loved about Reacher…Child wasn’t trying to invent dialogue and make Reacher more likable. Reacher acted exactly how he wanted to…said and did what he felt like doing, and didn’t much care if others didn’t really approve. They could either go along, or they could walk away….as often is the case, others followed along….I admit, Reacher is a type of person that I often wonder about in real life. I mean, he’s kinda stand-offish…his grooming habits might have a bit to be desired…he often takes the hard road, verses the easy way…and he doesn’t want to talk about, he just wants to bash someone’s head in….I should really be appalled by the man….but I’m not….I absolutely love him….

And if you want to know why….read this book….This is Reacher at his Reacher best…

**Spoiler** as for the all the reviews I am seeing now about Reacher settling down now…I wouldn’t bet on it…he’s had relationships in the past….he’s even crossed the country to meet a woman he was intrigued with….but Reacher isn’t the type to settle down…Hell, having a bank account was a sore subject with him…Does anyone REALLY believe he can stay in one place? Have a toothbrush holder? A favourite coffee mug? Pssssffffttttt….pleaseeeeeeeee…….give me a break…..

Until next time…

Urania xx

Buy it now Make Me by Lee Child

Audible Review: Restless Waters by Jessica Park

Posted by

0

01 aud Just when I thought a book couldn’t get any better… Man, oh man! I just finished listening to the audible version and I’m a puddle on the floor. Since I’ve read the story, I knew what was going to happen. But nothing could prepare me for actually hearing this heartbreaking story. Between the super talented narrator’s voice and the beautiful music that was sung throughout, I was overcome with emotions. I tend to get that way when I read anyways, but this was more. It’s hard to describe, but when you actually hear the words, they have more of an impact. In fact, my husband was laughing at me, as the tears fell down my face, more than once last night. I was a mess.

Arielle DeLisle was fantastic as the narrator. She made me forget everything and drew me in. Her voice brought so much emotion, I could feel Sabin’s torment and pain. It gutted me. And then to add Troy’s music and voice in the mix, I was sunk. Totally sunk. He captured Sabin’s emotions perfectly.

I know that Audible members can get 50% off right now, before the holidays. So if you’re on the fence about getting this, trust me. You want to hear this.

~Melpomene

Grab the audible version HERE.

Grab the kindle version HERE. It’s actually free on KU!

Check out my review HERE.

Review: The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Posted by

0

  
Jaffarian’s Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series is ostensibly cute, but actually delves into some pretty heavy social issues. It’s always nice to have some substance, even when you’re expecting a cozy mystery. 

Jeremiah Jones is a former cop, current private investigator, who uses his extra sensory perception to communicate with spirits of dead people. One of those people is Granny Apples, who acts as a fly on the wall to help him catch bad guys. 

In this episode, Jeremiah tries to find a missing woman while helping the homeless, the down and out, and those trying to turn away from the criminal edge of society. 

You’ll read about a caring agency who helps people get back in their feet, a shootout led by drug dealers, a double-cross that almost seems legit, and the first step in healing for a few key characters. 

I enjoyed this gritty look at Southern California. I appreciate the blessings that people bestow upon those in need. Granny’s ghost provides some much needed comic relief, and lightens up an otherwise dark look at life on the streets. 

-calliope

Buy THE GHOST OF MISTLETOE MARY

Review: The Body at the Tower (The Agency #2) by YS Lee

Posted by

0

7507889Even better than the first! Straight on to book number three! I really enjoyed the first Agency book. I was very happy to find myself enjoying this one even more! This installment picks up with Mary a year after we left her. She’s had more training but is still lacking in self-confidence. It’s often hard to remember how young Mary is. When we are reminded, it’s so great to see her try to step up, face her fears, and go forth with more confidence.

I especially like that Mary is more or less disguised as a young lad in this novel. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed novels where the heroine is disguised as a young lad. Why is that? Ha! This story has Mary revisiting a rougher life in London and she is once again plagued with the history of her past. She really seems to want to know more about her family’s history, but at the same time, she is afraid of what this will mean in regards to her future at the Agency and how others react to her. I can’t wait to see how it all pans out.

Of course, It wouldn’t be fun without, James, our hero from the first novel. You can be sure that he shows up in this one….and right from the moment they see one another, it’s perfectly clear that neither James nor Mary have forgotten the other…regardless of the amount of time that has lapsed….

Finally, I must say, since I am new to England (just under 2 years now) that I especially enjoy seeing London as it was 150 years. I’m just as fascinated with the time period and the location as I am with Mary and the Agency. I can’t wait to read the next book. I’ve already bought it and am about to dive right in! No break in-between these books…I can’t wait!!!!!

Until next time…

Urania xx

Buy it now The Body at the Tower by YS Lee

Review: New Orleans Series by Lisa Jackson

Posted by

1

{1544113B-1FFD-4BC7-BAB2-C3439F901A0A}Img400

If you’ve not yet experienced the chilling brilliance that is Lisa Jackson, her New Orleans series is a great place to start.

The series starts out with the unforgettable Hot Blooded  and is currently up to Never Die Alone, just released this past summer.  Is it absolutely necessary to read them in order?  Not really.  But as with all great series, they’re best enjoyed read as they were written.  The character development is outstanding, and part of the thrill is seeing the changes each key player goes through over the years.

Most of the stories take place in New Orleans, of course.  But the crimes do venture outside the area from time to time.  Detectives Bentz and Montoya are as good as you’ll find in any series.  The rapport between them is authentic and compelling, and it doesn’t diminish over the course of the series.  Supporting characters are good as well, although my absolute favorites scenes are still the ones revolving around these two.

And lest you fear that they might become a bit cliche as far as murder goes, no worries!  Each one features a distinctly creepy psychopath to contend with.

Sure, I’ll admit I’m a bit biased because of the setting.  Go figure.  But still, it’s murder mystery at its finest.  Each book leaves you guessing until the very end.

~Thalia

Buy It Now:  New Orleans series bundle

Review and Giveaway: The Best Goodbye by Abbi Glines

Posted by

0

01 good “Oh, Captain, my captain.” Seriously. Swooning.

When I read When You’re Back, a few months ago, I completely fell for Captain. I wasn’t a big fan of some of his actions, but he intrigued me. And then the ending of that book left me with a fierce need for his story. I knew it was going to be good, because deep down he’s a good guy, but I had no idea his story would turn out this way. He may not always seem like it, but his intentions are in the right place, even if they seem like they’re not.

SYNOPSIS
After ten years in the employ of a mysterious crime boss, River “Captain” Kipling is ready to leave his sordid past—and his cover occupation as an upscale restaurateur—behind him. The only thing standing in the way of his “retirement” is his commitment to launch a new restaurant in the resort town of Rosemary Beach. With his sister, Blaire, nearby, Captain can delay his dream of running a humble bar on the waterfront, but the unwanted attentions of his head server, Elle, have him itching to get out.

Until he notices Rose Henderson, the new server at the restaurant. All he knows about the pretty redhead with the cute glasses is that she’s a hardworking single mom from Oklahoma. But there’s something overly familiar about her laugh…something strange about the way she looks at Captain…

I am so happy with this book. I wanted Captain to have someone to love him. I knew there was someone made just for him. It was too bad that life put a few road blocks in his path and making it difficult to live the life he wanted.

Finding out his past, broke my heart. His life turned tragic, years ago, and he’s spent the last 10 years trying to make the world a better place for those who can’t do it themselves. His ways aren’t what you consider “right.” But in my eyes, he was doing a job that many wish they could do but never had the guts to do it. After surviving what he did, he wanted no one else to suffer like that.

“No one touched my soul, Addy. Only you.”

I would say more, but there’s a bit of a turn in this story that makes me both happy and sad. Lies and deception have a way of messing up Captain’s world, but little does know that it’s all about to come out in the open and change his life again.

Abbi has created a world of characters that you wish you were a part of. The way they stand up for each other and drop everything to help each other, is refreshing. I love seeing the past characters come in and out of each book. It’s so good to see how their lives have been. And let me tell you, in this book, we get a snippet of a possible future, and I.CAN’T.WAIT.

~Melpomene

Be sure to go HERE and enter the rafflcopter.

Buy The Best Goodbye: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series)

01 best

Review: Ivory by Tony Park

Posted by

1

  
This is a crazy good pirate adventure! Alex lives on the shores of Mozambique, building a luxury hotel… with a band of friends who have their own agendas. They are a group of pirates, stealing supplies and construction materials whenever they can, until a bigwig with a secret tries HIS hand at piracy. And then the bigwig’s corporate attorney Jane gets all mixed up in the crossfire. Throw in a Chinese crime lord, some Romancing the Stone meets Oceans Eleven, and you’ve got yourself excitement on the high seas. 

I wasn’t sure I’d like this book, but I needed a departure from my usual. I ended up LOVING the characters, the twists, the old-school piracy, the modern criminal aspect, the beachy vibe, the double double cross, and the tiny bit of romance. And I learned quite a bit about the government practice of culling ivory. 

Despite the bad guys outnumbering the good guys, Alex and Jane get what they wanted in the end, and I got a happily ever after. 

-calliope 

Buy IVORY

Review: Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Posted by

0

24431358I loved this book from the very first page until about 60%….then it seemed that the main characters completely did an about-face and traded places. It also seemed to me that the intimacy of the characters with the reader (myself) went away. I no longer felt that I knew anyone. I felt like a complete outsider. Up until that point I felt that I knew the characters and understood their motives. I was able to see them and understand what they were doing. Then suddenly, it was if Kleypas decided to just speed things up and took the shortest route to get to the end. We stopped seeing characters motives and instead were just forced to follow along not really understanding what was going on. I felt like a total outsider. I also thought the way the characters acted in the last part of the novel were totally out of sync with whom they were at the start. The young unsure virgin suddenly became manipulative and a somewhat tease who totally acted the opposite of everything she claimed and said. The male lead, who had speed full fledge ahead suddenly became indecisive and submissive one moment and then forceful the next. Neither one felt true to where they started.

For a book that started out as a really enjoyable read, it ended up finishing as a book I was glad to be done with. Very disappointed. I feel somewhat cheated to be honest…

Until next time…

Urania xx

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Buy it now Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas