I liked Rosemary and Rue so much that I went straight out and bought A LOCAL HABITATION as soon as I finished it.
I love the mystery elements, I love...moreI liked Rosemary and Rue so much that I went straight out and bought A LOCAL HABITATION as soon as I finished it.
I love the mystery elements, I love the strong world-building and I totally love the Toby/Tybalt relationship. I mean, it had better be a relationship.(less)
Having read the first of the duology, Exposed: Misbehaving with the Magnate, I was looking forward to meeting Rafe, the brother of the heroine in EXPO...moreHaving read the first of the duology, Exposed: Misbehaving with the Magnate, I was looking forward to meeting Rafe, the brother of the heroine in EXPOSED. I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to Kelly Hunter's books, but again, I loved the chemistry and the banter between the h/h - her writing never fails to make me smile. The big secret was possibly a bit OTT, but this is a M&B after all.(less)
I enjoyed Kelly Hunter's take on this second-chance-at-romance story. Some angst and lots of crazy chemistry between the h/h made the relationship int...moreI enjoyed Kelly Hunter's take on this second-chance-at-romance story. Some angst and lots of crazy chemistry between the h/h made the relationship interesting, and I liked the unusual European vineyard setting.
I think this is being offered as a free read now (at Amazon, anyway) so would definitely recommend picking up!(less)
An unexpectedly good read. I loved the inclusion of Jewish traditions in this story and found them fascinating. Romance-wise, I liked how Seth discove...moreAn unexpectedly good read. I loved the inclusion of Jewish traditions in this story and found them fascinating. Romance-wise, I liked how Seth discovered new things about Lars and I believed in their relationship. A strong ending, and I just want to know what happens next now.(less)
I liked this collection very much - it left me with warm fuzzy feelings (and slightly teary-eyed a couple of times throughout), and I would totally re...moreI liked this collection very much - it left me with warm fuzzy feelings (and slightly teary-eyed a couple of times throughout), and I would totally recommend it for anyone who wants to get into the Christmas mood (yes, I read this in December!).
I remain impressed at how versatile Carla Kelly's writing is - each story was set in a different time period and location - and I loved the medical focus in this collection. I would have liked more to have been made of the family relationship that linked the three stories, but really, that's just me being picky.
This debut book with djinns (one of the rarer paranormal creature sightings in UF) was packed full of fast-paced (if slightly gory) action, and it kep...moreThis debut book with djinns (one of the rarer paranormal creature sightings in UF) was packed full of fast-paced (if slightly gory) action, and it kept my attention throughout.
I found this slightly reminiscent of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden books (or is that because it's a wisecracking male protagonist in a UF book?). While a few things didn't quite work for me (the rather confusing background to the conflicts (I skimmed), (view spoiler)[ Gavyn's rather sudden attachment to Cy (hide spoiler)], and the slightly-too-neat wrap-up (and setup for the next books)), I'd still pick up the next book.(less)
I have a soft spot for academy/boarding school type stories, so was pleasantly surprised to find out this was one. But at the end, I wasn't quite sure...moreI have a soft spot for academy/boarding school type stories, so was pleasantly surprised to find out this was one. But at the end, I wasn't quite sure where the overall story was going and I didn't feel invested in the characters. There wasn't enough pay-off to make me interested in the next book.(less)
A heart-warming story, though be warned, a bit of a tear-jerker. I did feel the climax was a bit of letdown after all the build-up, but a satisfying r...moreA heart-warming story, though be warned, a bit of a tear-jerker. I did feel the climax was a bit of letdown after all the build-up, but a satisfying read overall. The relationship between Keegan and his cousins was hilarious, and I'll be picking up their books. (less)
Not a massively memorable story - I bought it primarily because I was in the mood for Christmas stories. I think the talking-to-animals angle plus Kri...moreNot a massively memorable story - I bought it primarily because I was in the mood for Christmas stories. I think the talking-to-animals angle plus Kris Kringle required a suspension of disbelief that I couldn't quite manage.(less)
This was my first Karina Bliss - I've heard good things about her writing and I ended up really liking this book.
This was a twins/swapped identities s...moreThis was my first Karina Bliss - I've heard good things about her writing and I ended up really liking this book.
This was a twins/swapped identities storyline, which is always fun, and I totally believed in the relationship between Viv and Ross. I have to say I didn't really care for the secondary romance (or should that be the secondary h/h?) in the book.
All in all though, a really good romance and I look forward to reading the other two related books.(less)
I ended up skimming through most of this book, to be honest.
It was an impulse buy, and as with the more recent In Death books I've read, I didn't rea...moreI ended up skimming through most of this book, to be honest.
It was an impulse buy, and as with the more recent In Death books I've read, I didn't really get into the story - it may be that I've read too many of these books and they're all starting to come across as too similar.
I did find it interesting to get to know Morris in more depth (I have to say he was not what I imagined him to be) and yay, Eve gets a new car! Apart from that, Eve was Eve, Roarke was Roarke, etc etc - no earth-shaking developments in this book.
Not a totally original plot device, but the what-happens-when-your-made-up-fiance-turns-up-in-the-flesh setup made me laugh.
I thought Charlotte and G...moreNot a totally original plot device, but the what-happens-when-your-made-up-fiance-turns-up-in-the-flesh setup made me laugh.
I thought Charlotte and Grey played off each other very well, and liked the secondary characters.(less)
I read this during my Kelly Hunter glom, when I made my way through her entire backlist during a couple of weeks (okay, I exaggerate, but only slightl...moreI read this during my Kelly Hunter glom, when I made my way through her entire backlist during a couple of weeks (okay, I exaggerate, but only slightly).
I liked the Hong Kong setting in this one and as always, the chemistry between the hero/heroine worked perfectly. I also liked how she played around with redemption/acceptance themes in this book.(less)
This was an impulse buy, which turned out to be a rather enjoyable historical mystery.
The writing quickly took me back to the British regency era, al...moreThis was an impulse buy, which turned out to be a rather enjoyable historical mystery.
The writing quickly took me back to the British regency era, albeit a slightly alternate-history version, with a protagonist, who, as a "Fallen Woman" now making her way as a private inquiry agent, provides an unusual viewpoint. While I haven't completely warmed to Sarah Tolerance, I have a feeling I will in future books, and hopefully more about her past will be revealed.
I liked the London backdrop very much - being familiar with the places and streets mentioned, I found it fascinating to try and reconcile the Cheapside and Bow Lane as described in the book to their present-day incarnations. As for the mystery, I figured out one twist and was feeling quite smug - until the next one caught me by surprise.
Good read and I would look up the next books in this series - there is potential here.(less)
I'm at a loss as to why something that I would think endearing (possibly?) in a historical romance doesn't translate to contemporary.
In the book, the...moreI'm at a loss as to why something that I would think endearing (possibly?) in a historical romance doesn't translate to contemporary.
In the book, the heroine says/thinks something along the lines of "He loves her (her being the best friend, IIRC) and I love her therefore he is okay" (yes, I'm paraphrasing wildly but it's been a while and I don't have the book to hand). And I sit there and think "naive girl".
Whereas I swear I have read something similar in Julie Garwood's historicals and probably went "Awww...".
So that aside, FIRE AND ICE was okay, nothing special.(less)
A really good collection of Christmas m/m romances - I loved the Josh Lanyon story (second chance romances always get me), the KA Mitchell contributio...moreA really good collection of Christmas m/m romances - I loved the Josh Lanyon story (second chance romances always get me), the KA Mitchell contribution was funny-sweet-romantic, and Harper Fox's story was just different and unusual.
The only one that didn't quite work for me was Ava March's historical - it was a good read, but not a standout.(less)
A collection of short stories that fill in missing parts of the Ranger's Apprentice series history.
I think more so than the other books, this collect...moreA collection of short stories that fill in missing parts of the Ranger's Apprentice series history.
I think more so than the other books, this collection emphasised the divide in male/female roles. (view spoiler)[Also, all the couples end up getting married and having babies... I think I've been spoilt somewhat with, say, Tamora Pierce's YA fantasy books with heroines that break the mould. (hide spoiler)]
Having said that, I'm not the target audience for these books - I'm guessing this would be a hit with younger kids. And they were fun to read.(less)
This is the last book in Ranger's Apprentice series, which have been just plain fun to read. I have to say, though, that the latter books have some sl...moreThis is the last book in Ranger's Apprentice series, which have been just plain fun to read. I have to say, though, that the latter books have some slightly sexist overtones and stereotyping when it comes to male/female roles in society, but that's me with an adult hat on.
As for this book specifically, the POV switches in this book were slightly frustrating - it was very much two different stories in one book, and the book flowed a lot better once Will and Horace actually met up. But as usual, a good adventure.(less)
Will's adventures continue - it's nice to see him growing up and the mentor/father relationship he has with Halt is emphasised in this one. Pretty muc...moreWill's adventures continue - it's nice to see him growing up and the mentor/father relationship he has with Halt is emphasised in this one. Pretty much in the same vein as the previous books - enjoyable, though not memorable.(less)
This had a lot more story than I expected - in a good way! I really liked this book.
The large age gap between the h/h bothered me slightly at first -...moreThis had a lot more story than I expected - in a good way! I really liked this book.
The large age gap between the h/h bothered me slightly at first - or perhaps it was the age of the heroine (16 going on 17) - but I ended up going with it eventually, especially as you see Marian mature throughout the book. I loved the close relationship between Marian and her siblings as well.
A really wonderful Christmas romance - one that leaves you with that feel-good feeling. (less)
A lovely collection of Carla Kelly's previously-published short stories in various Christmas anthologies. Not many authors can do short stories that l...moreA lovely collection of Carla Kelly's previously-published short stories in various Christmas anthologies. Not many authors can do short stories that leave you feeling satisfied, but she appears to have a knack for it. This also reminded me of how much I like her depiction of historical wartime romances - realistic yet romantic. (less)
I was dying to read this after the excerpt in the previous book, Married By Morning, which had Beatrix starting a correspondence under false pretences...moreI was dying to read this after the excerpt in the previous book, Married By Morning, which had Beatrix starting a correspondence under false pretences with the world-weary soldier on the battlefield (all for the very best of reasons, of course) - you just knew that there would be tears.
It was a good read, though it didn't quite meet my (very) high expectations. I loved the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher, and I am a sucker for a wounded hero. I think the PTSD was slightly skimmed over though.
All in all, I'm glad I finished the Hathaways series, and I loved seeing the whole family together one more time - with the hint of changing times ahead.(less)
I read this straight after Tempt Me at Twilight, so it was slightly strange seeing Leo in the role of hero at first, instead of the protective brother...moreI read this straight after Tempt Me at Twilight, so it was slightly strange seeing Leo in the role of hero at first, instead of the protective brother. While the plot and setting was not as unique as in the previous book, the romance was just as satisfying. Though it would have been perhaps more interesting if Cat hadn't been revealed as hiding behind a governess disguise - why does the heroine always have to be a beauty?
Kelly Hunter's characters are very three-dimensional - I was quickly rooting for Cole and Jolie to overcome the past and get their HEA. This romance h...moreKelly Hunter's characters are very three-dimensional - I was quickly rooting for Cole and Jolie to overcome the past and get their HEA. This romance had a small-town feel to it, which I also enjoyed.(less)
Not as fun or engrossing as the previous books, but I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of Will's adventures. I think I would have loved thi...moreNot as fun or engrossing as the previous books, but I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of Will's adventures. I think I would have loved this series had I read this when I was a kid.(less)
This is the only childrens/MG series I read - great storytelling that keeps me turning the pages, though I have to say the writing is a bit clunky at...moreThis is the only childrens/MG series I read - great storytelling that keeps me turning the pages, though I have to say the writing is a bit clunky at times and the plot telegraphed well in advance. Oh, and there is always a scene (or two) that makes me smile. (less)
I forget why I abandoned Lisa Kleypas's Hathaways series midway - I'm glad I returned to it though, as this was really good.
I like the feel-good famil...moreI forget why I abandoned Lisa Kleypas's Hathaways series midway - I'm glad I returned to it though, as this was really good.
I like the feel-good family element to this series, and having Harry be the proprietor of a hotel meant the setting was slightly unusual for a historical. I loved the humour, and Harry and Poppy's relationship just worked for me.
There was a bit of an obvious set-up for the next book - which I already had in my TBR pile, so I didn't mind.(less)
I've heard a lot of good things about Sarah Mayberry's books, and they're not unjustified. Talk about packing a punch - the friends-to-lovers theme is...moreI've heard a lot of good things about Sarah Mayberry's books, and they're not unjustified. Talk about packing a punch - the friends-to-lovers theme is explored in-depth here and in a believable manner. I liked - I'll need to explore her backlist more now.(less)
A fun, light read, but IMO, the book lacked substance and left me somewhat unsatisfied. I continue reading this series because it's such a great conce...moreA fun, light read, but IMO, the book lacked substance and left me somewhat unsatisfied. I continue reading this series because it's such a great concept (secret spy-school for girls!), but I'm not invested. (less)
The final Bennett book, and possibly the only one of the series that can't be read as a standalone - in a way, I'm glad I discovered Kelly Hunter so l...moreThe final Bennett book, and possibly the only one of the series that can't be read as a standalone - in a way, I'm glad I discovered Kelly Hunter so late, as I could read the whole series in one go!
Jianne and Jake's relationship was so intense, yet their story was leavened with the humour that I've come to expect in Kelly Hunter's books. I'm a sucker for marriage-in-trouble plotlines - it's the shared history and what-could-have-beens that always gets me, and this book delivered angst and romance in spades.
As with the previous book, Untameable Rogue, I liked the Singaporean setting and the freshness that it lent the story. The friendly rivalry and banter between the Bennett brothers continued to keep me entertained, and while there was a bit of a Bennett reunion, it was kept to the minimum - which had the opposite effect of me wishing more of the family had turned up!
Normally with category romances, I end up bemoaning their shorter length, but with this one, I thought Kelly Hunter packed so much story into this one and it was the perfect length for Jianne and Jake's romance.
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