Jane Litte's Blog, page 36

REVIEW: A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel by KJ Charles

Readers please note: some spoilers for The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen follow.

Dear KJ Charles,

I read and loved the first book in the Doomsday series, The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen earlier this year and looked forward with anticipation to the second book (and alas the last from what I can tell) A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel. The first book was set in 1810, this one in 1823. While it is possible to read the second book as a stand alone, it does contain spoilers for the...

Review: The Body in the Back Garden (Crescent Cove Mystery) by Mark Waddell

In this queer cozy series debut perfect for fans of Ellen Byron and Ellery Adams, Luke Tremblay is about to discover that Crescent Cove has more than its fair share of secrets…and some might be deadlier than others.

Crescent Cove, a small hamlet on Vancouver Island, is the last place out-of-work investigative journalist Luke Tremblay ever wanted to see again. He used to spend summers here, until his family learned that he was gay and rejected him. Now, following his aunt’s sudden death, he’s inh...

Jayne’s September Children’s Books Reading List

Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals by Lisa Papp

When Madeline Finn attends the Blessing of the Animals with Bonnie and Star, she learns that everyone has a gift inside, which they can share with the world. And one way that Madeline Finn can share her blessing is with the animals at her local shelter.

It’s a special day! Madeline Finn is taking Bonnie and Star to the Blessing of the Animals. When they arrive, they see dogs and cats. There’s even a goat!

Madeline Finn watches closely a...

REVIEW: The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans

Some would call River Rydell a “chosen one”: born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. It’s not like anyone actually believes River can do these things, so the way River sees it, it’s best to just ignore anything Otherwoods-related.

But The Otherwoods won’t be ignored any longer.

When River’s only friend (and crush) Avery is dragged into The Otherwoods, River has no c...

REVIEW: Chenneville by Paulette Jiles

Consumed with grief, driven by vengeance, a man undertakes an unrelenting odyssey across the lawless post–Civil War frontier seeking redemption in this fearless novel from the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of News of the World.

Union soldier John Chenneville suffered a traumatic head wound in battle. His recovery took the better part of a year as he struggled to regain his senses and mobility. By the time he returned home, the Civil War was over, but tragedy awaited. Joh...

Review: Magic Burning (Carnival of Mysteries) by Kaje Harper

 

Allan:

I haven’t been out with a guy in the last two years. Partly because I’m a gay elementary-school teacher in a fairly small, conservative town. Partly because I’m a sorcerer, and dating ordinary humans only leads to trouble. Sleeping with one though? That’s doable, so when my birdbrained familiar Sunny lines up a tall, muscular firefighter for me, I’m not going to say no. Just once, though. Maybe twice. I don’t need more trouble in my life.

Jason

I don’t regret moving back to my hometown...

REVIEW: Mammoths at the Gates (The Singing Hills Cycle Book 4) by Nghi Vo

The wandering Cleric Chih returns home to the Singing Hills Abbey for the first time in almost three years, to be met with both joy and sorrow. Their mentor, Cleric Thien, has died, and rests among the archivists and storytellers of the storied abbey. But not everyone is prepared to leave them to their rest.

Because Cleric Thien was once the patriarch of Coh clan of Northern Bell Pass–and now their granddaughters have arrived on the backs of royal mammoths, demanding their grandfather’s body f...

REVIEW: To Infinity and Beyond by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lindsey Nyx Walker

Linked to a special mini season of the award-winning StarTalk podcast, this enlightening illustrated narrative by the world’s most celebrated astrophysicist explains the universe from the solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor.

No one can make the mysteries of the universe more comprehensible and fun than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Drawing on mythology, history, and literature—alongside his trademark wit and charm—Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker ...

Jayne’s Tor Originals Reading List

Knowledgeable Creatures by Christopher Rowe

A dog detective is hired by a female human to investigate a murder that she committed. But of course, all is not as it seems in this strange, mysterious world rendered wonderfully by speculative fiction author Christopher Rowe.

Review

A dog detective? A confused possible murderer? What …?? I didn’t know what to expect when I began this short story but I ended up really enjoying it. It’s written in a “hard-boiled detective” style – that is if the dete...

Review: The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie

The heart of Alastair Harding’s life is his duty. Becoming the first gay chief of the Metropolitan police has required certain sacrifices, but Alastair made them willingly. If his life now lacks human connections, he can’t exactly complain—and it’s a little too late for regrets.

Jay Fieldhouse knows all about sacrifice, too. Brought to London for his own safety by witness protection, Jay’s grassroots charity works day and night to save vulnerable kids from a life of crime. But getting close to ...