Dirty dancing (well kinda - two dances with the same dude), witty dialogue, urgent letters and creepy stalking vibe creates some action and tension inDirty dancing (well kinda - two dances with the same dude), witty dialogue, urgent letters and creepy stalking vibe creates some action and tension in this regency themed piece.
Also, looking for love (and independence) versus looking for appropriate matches plays heavy in this story.
Within is an amusing discussion on lady authors.
If this story reflected some of Jane's life, I can see why it would have been hard to write....more
Curses schmurses. I liked the play with the paranormal and Jane Austen-ish storytelling.
In general, I found this to be a gentle gothic themed storyCurses schmurses. I liked the play with the paranormal and Jane Austen-ish storytelling.
In general, I found this to be a gentle gothic themed story with Austen favorites Catherine and Henry in the starring roles.
There are a couple dark moments that includes a surprising encounter in the woods. And, another surprise at the end of the book made for a "Oh, hmmm" moment....more
Wonderful start to a series of zombie cute. Instead of horror brain eating zombies, I encountered a low level slow paced zombie with a mystery.
WithWonderful start to a series of zombie cute. Instead of horror brain eating zombies, I encountered a low level slow paced zombie with a mystery.
With charming illustrations and an endearing protagonist this story pulled me in for an adventure which includes making friends, learning family history and dealing with zombies....more
The 14th book in the series, Dead If You Don't, is the second book I have read in this series. And while I missed out on some history of the mainThe 14th book in the series, Dead If You Don't, is the second book I have read in this series. And while I missed out on some history of the main players, I did not feel lost in the story. This is a treat to those who like Roy Grace and his investigative team.
The story is told in a multi-player mode with multi-perspectives and brief insights into each person (including the people at fault) - all pretty much unlikable sorts.
There is a touch of the Albanian immigrant experience.
The thriller aspect is heavier than the mystery. So, the suspense lies in finding out whether or not things get resolved and how it all goes down....more
CTHULHU struck me as a weird and mysterious name. I wondered what and why it is referenced in the scifi genre. This graphic novel is a great way to beCTHULHU struck me as a weird and mysterious name. I wondered what and why it is referenced in the scifi genre. This graphic novel is a great way to be introduced to the Cthulhu phenomenon. I am now more curious to read the original story.
The introduction gives some insight on the background and inspiration of H.P. Lovecraft's story.
The illustrations are spot on to get the vibe of the time periods in the story....more
I got sucked into this dystopian world and its orderly ways that are in for questioning and major change per the protagonist of the tale.
This storyI got sucked into this dystopian world and its orderly ways that are in for questioning and major change per the protagonist of the tale.
This story gives an overview and brief history of its world. Just enough for curiosity to grab a hold in order to find out what befalls the characters.
Loved the likable characters with their friendships and budding romantic interests....more
This mix of mystery and romance led me into the art world and introduced art heists. Loved the feature of Vermeer as he tops my list of favoriteThis mix of mystery and romance led me into the art world and introduced art heists. Loved the feature of Vermeer as he tops my list of favorite artists.
As the protagonist is not a detective, it was interesting to see how she went about uncovering the mystery with her resources and skills.
There is an FBI connection who is a friend from college days and with sparks of romance that crackle when they interact - makes for a great start for further adventures with the two....more
Perfectly Misunderstood is the fourth book in a series but works fine as a standalone. It is a perfect addition to the series and had me smiling andPerfectly Misunderstood is the fourth book in a series but works fine as a standalone. It is a perfect addition to the series and had me smiling and chuckling throughout the whole reading session.
The play with dialogue in slang, emoji and Spanish was fun, fast and at times hilariously cute.
The main characters and others that surround them are likable which creates a comfy kind of read....more
With plenty of ballroom dancing scenes, walks in the woods, amusing banter and a kiss (or two), this new series is off to a delightful start.
I lovedWith plenty of ballroom dancing scenes, walks in the woods, amusing banter and a kiss (or two), this new series is off to a delightful start.
I loved the lively spirit of the main character, Prudence. Her strong will to do what she loves, writing, sure got her into some funny situations. Her romantic heart and how it plays out throughout the story is also endearing....more
This is a peek into a Fundamentalist Mormon community that exposes the unsavory side. Different perspectives are presented with its cast ofThis is a peek into a Fundamentalist Mormon community that exposes the unsavory side. Different perspectives are presented with its cast of characters. The two main young adult characters spark an eventual change with their youth and strength.
This story generates thoughts on cults and their leaders....more
This story sweeps you up into an Indian family drama with a melancholy tinge. It was interesting to learn about various ways of life in BombayThis story sweeps you up into an Indian family drama with a melancholy tinge. It was interesting to learn about various ways of life in Bombay especially in regards to street living....more
Whimsical mashup of Alice in Wonderland and Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy. Imagine Alice's adventure down the rabbit hole with a companion - her dad, Mr.Whimsical mashup of Alice in Wonderland and Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy. Imagine Alice's adventure down the rabbit hole with a companion - her dad, Mr. Darcy (of Pride and Prejudice). Quite a romp!
Mostly an Alice story that is bookended with scenes of life with the Darcy's (post P&P)....more
Love's ups and downs amongst the paparazzi and celebrities. It was interesting to learn about some of the inside scoop of what it may be like to be onLove's ups and downs amongst the paparazzi and celebrities. It was interesting to learn about some of the inside scoop of what it may be like to be on the periphery of the "it" crowd and to actually be in it as well.
This couple learn and navigate their unique relationship with the issues they each have to deal with....more
This story starts with a slow build up with an unlikable (to me) main character, Mary Rose. But then a mystery is presented and that kicks it intoThis story starts with a slow build up with an unlikable (to me) main character, Mary Rose. But then a mystery is presented and that kicks it into gear for me.
A good proportion of speculation, doubts and creepy playout to create the right ambiance for this suspenseful read....more
This amusing light horror read captured the amusement park setting with the added element of monsters on the loose. Although I wanted a little more onThis amusing light horror read captured the amusement park setting with the added element of monsters on the loose. Although I wanted a little more on the why's and how's of it....more
This first book in a series is an introduction into a magical world by way of a girl who finds out that she has a bit of magic in her - possibly moreThis first book in a series is an introduction into a magical world by way of a girl who finds out that she has a bit of magic in her - possibly more than expected (ahem). She learns about the possibilities of her abilities after being enrolled in a magic school.
Came across one fun creature called a "notical" which is a little itty-bitty that like to read. ...more
At the start you can feel that something is off. Although the story is told with a first person perspective by the main character, Paul. There is aAt the start you can feel that something is off. Although the story is told with a first person perspective by the main character, Paul. There is a disconnect and little is revealed within the first few chapters. Then slowly crumbles of Paul's life gain clarity.
Because Paul feels like a shady character he starts off as an unlikable sort. But this mystery is what pulled me into the story - wanting to know the "real" Paul.
The story gets darker and darker as the best day ever goes from morning to the wee hours of the following morning which left me with a shiver and a whew!...more
Loved this sweet romance and how it blossoms and grows. The chemistry between the two is evident at the start and gets a kick start with a major highLoved this sweet romance and how it blossoms and grows. The chemistry between the two is evident at the start and gets a kick start with a major high school event.
Like the first book in this series, the story includes some sports action. In this case golf was highlighted. But miniature golf actually comes into play.
Along with the main couple and their cute interactions is a second couple (best friends of the main couple) which is just as fun to follow. ...more