HAPPILY EVER AFTER discussion
WHAT ARE YOU READING THESE DAYS?
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What are you reading these days?
I have finished my 2024 year in review on Goodreads. Here is the link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Very impressive, Pam, congratulations! Thanks for sharing :-)
Ramla Zareen wrote: "PamG wrote: "I have finished my 2024 year in review on Goodreads. Here is the link:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Very impressive, Pam, congratulations! Thanks for sharing :-)"
Thanks, Ramla!
Here is my 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review of A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado:Read in Dec. but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
FBI Thriller
Book 3 in the Daniela Vega series
Featuring an FBI codebreaker following a killer's cryptic clues across the country.
Twists, tension, suspense & violence.
Solid plot. Good characterization. Excellent world-building.
Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh:Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Police Procedural
The next book in the Bree Taggert series
Deception, exotic animals, police investigation, and a little romance
The plot has twists and turns. The world-building is well-done and the characterization is excellent.
Here is my 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review of The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha:Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"Locked Room" (Private Island off the coast of Scotland)
Mysteries, and Family Drama
Significant Inheritance at stake
It was a fascinating and twisty look at family dynamics and secrets between members of a wealthy but dysfunctional family.
Here is my 4.0 review of Edge of the Moon by Rebecca York:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Combines Police Procedural, Fantasy, and Romance
Set in and around Rockville, Maryland
A demon, a black arts purveyor, a werewolf, and much more......
My last romance of the year was actually a reread--as if I had all the reading time in the world!--of Hard and Fast by Mari Carr from her Italian Stallions series. I love Gage and Penny. (This series actually has several entries I love to reread/skim through now and then for great stories, couples/throuples, and HEAs.) -- Love Mari Carr's books and series! I haven't read one yet enjoyed (book or series!) that I haven't.
My last new-to-me romance for 2024 was Hidden Away by Golden Angel, part of her Masters of Marquis series. I have not done a written review and don't know if I will.
This is book 7 in an ongoing series I have not read. Though I usually don't read series out of order, the description of the story hooked me. Not having read the previous stories, however, did not really hinder the reading of this other than maybe being privy to Brian & Rea's earlier assignations and "knowing" the other characters better. The two are best man and maid of honor--respectively, of course--in the wedding of their friends. The wedding couple is holding a Jack and Jill destination wedding shower, an island getaway. Both Brian and Rea are attending stag--all others are coupled up. While Rea is drawn to Brian, she doesn't feel she can give him what he wants, what he really needs. She plans on avoiding him as much as possible while still having fun with their group of friends. Brian feels Rea is the woman for him and he'd prove it if she'd only give him a real chance.
When her bungalow floods and can't be repaired, she winds of staying with Brian. What happens on the island...
Anyway... I kind of wish the story were as interesting as the description. It wasn't terrible, 2.50 (rolled up because it was better than a 2 rating, just not really a 3), and would not keep me from reading others in the series (or the author's other series)--though I'd go into them with lower expectations at this point.
Here is my 4.18 rounded to 4 stars review of Chain Reaction by James Byrne:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thriller / Terrorist Attack
Book 3 in the Dez Limerick series
Twisty, fast-paced, and engrossing
Interesting concept of a "gatekeeper"
Protagonist that tends to avoid guns
Here is my 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review of Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romantic Suspense,
Private Investigation with a paranormal twist and romance
This story captivated me in the first chapter and gained momentum as the twists and turns unfolded. It’s also well-plotted with characters that had flaws, but who worked to overcome them. There are some surprising moments in the plot that added to enjoyment and the world-building is well-done. Full of action, investigation, paranormal experiences, and more, this book was hard to put down.
I finished some days ago a regency mystery-romance but I wouldn't suggest it to mystery readers, it's more suitable for those who like romances with passionate scenes.Unfortunately I like mysteries and I expected a better job by the author.
An Affair at Christmastide: a Mary and Bright novel
by Sandra SookooMY REVIEW HERE :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 2.88 rounded to 3 stars review of A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western Historyhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
History
12 Battles that changed the course of Western history
Well-researched, Verbose, History didn't come to life, A lot of the author's views
Here is my 3.38 rounded to 3 stars review of Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Debut Novel
Cozy Mystery
Well-plotted, Suspenseful, Heart-wrenching at times
The pacing was off at times and there was some repetition.
The author managed to give great insight into Misty’s and Joe’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others as well as the challenges and difficulties they faced from others.
Here is my 4.06 rounded to 4 star review of Dead Money by Jakob Kerr:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Twisty and twisted crime thriller
Technology start-up world and a look at venture capitalists
Fascinating and engrossing
Murder mystery and investigation
Full of secrets
The ending was a wake-up call that makes you wonder what’s next. Will this become a series? It has the potential.
Cozy mystery set in 1923 England, written by a contemporary author but in a "Golden Age" style.The Twelve Saints of Christmas
by Karen Baugh MenuhinHere is my 4 stars review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review of Head Cases by John McMahon:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
FBI investigation
Serial Killer
Compelling plot, excellent characterization, unique characters
Good pacing, solid procedural details with some twists
This year I decided to shake up my reading habits a bit—only a bit, mind you—and joined a couple of new challenges. One is a New Year Challenge that lasts until the end of February. The other is a Finish/Catch up-the-Series Challenge, which lasts the entire year. Both accept books from any genre (YAY!), so I’ve been reading pretty much what I want with a bent toward catching up series if I can—and I have a lot of romance series started/TBRed.Since the first of the year the happily-ever-afters I’ve read…
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* Amy's Redemption by B.J. Wane
* Because of You by Mari Carr | Just Because series
* Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar | Holiday Hotties series
* Sterling Clay by L.B. Dunbar | Sterling Falls series
* Run, Little Rabbitt by Jenika Snow
I’ve just loaded a bunch of Jenika Snows on one of my readers. How fast I get through them depends on which reader is near me when I feel like reading. :o)
Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crime Thriller/ Private Investigation/A little Romance
Great characterization
Compelling story
Family Drama
Here is my 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review of The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mystery, Police Procedural
Isolated Setting
Great World-building
Plenty of Atmosphere
Several surprises along the way
Here is my 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review of Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mystery, Suspense, and Atmosphere
Great, complex characterization
Multiple mysteries
Excellent world-building
Entertaining
Off-the-grid sanctuary town
Here is my 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review of Robert B. Parker's Buried Secrets by Christopher Farnsworth:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crime Thriller / Police Procedural
22nd book in the Jess Stone series
First book in the series written by this author
Riveting mystery
Strong, flawed, and capable protagonist,
Good pacing
Solid plot
Historical mystery set in Elizabethan era. Book #1 in a series, though readable as a standalone.
A Murder By Any Name
by Suzanne M. WolfeI enjoyed it very much, here is my 5 star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review of The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Horror/Supernatural Suspense
5th and final book in the Gravekeeper series
Tense, Dark, Fast-paced, Full of Danger, Solid Plot
Strong, Flawed, Capable Female Protagonist
On another discussion board, Heather L wrote: "Karen — Sounds like a couple of fun challenges to help you catch up on series. Unfortunately, GR on longer allows you to hyperlink to external sites, you can only post the website..."I didn't realize the links to my challenges weren't working. The challenges are on GoodReads. The hyperlinks are to the main GR pages that link to the challenges so I don't know why they're blocking. :o(
My Cozy Mystery Challenge page, Cruisin Through the Cozies group:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
New Year's challenge page, Cozy Mystery Corner group, Challenges:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Series Challenge page Happily Ever After group, Challenges:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Here's hoping these work
Here is my 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review of A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Horror / Historical Fiction / Mystery
Full of Suspense, Horror, and Drama
2 timelines - 1901 and 2023
Atmospheric
Several triggers
Violence, assault, retribution, trauma
Folklore
A few surprises along the way
Here is my 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review of Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sixth and final book in the Morgan Dane series
Crime thriller, private investigation, romantic suspense
Missing adult, great characterization, family drama, found family, love
Entertaining and compelling, great characterization, solid series
Here is my 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review of A Tiny Piece of Blue: A Novel by Charlotte Whitney:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Historical Fiction with a mystery as a sub-plot
Heart-wrenching and heartwarming
Hope, Redemption, Struggle for survival, much more
Great characterization and world-building
1934 - Calhoun County, MI
Mod
Read in Dec. but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
FBI Thriller
Book 3 in the Daniela Vega series..."
This sounds good. I'll try to read it soon. Thanks for the review :-)
PamG wrote: "Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh:
Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Police Procedural
The next book in the Bree Taggert series..."
This series is on my TBR list. Looking forward to reading it :-)
PamG wrote: "Here is my 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review of Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sixth and final book in the Morgan Dane series..."
I'm so glad you enjoyed this series. I did too when I read it :-)
I'm currently reading the Cold Ridge Series by Carla Neggers. It qualifies for the two Reading Challenges I'm participating in:
1) Deadly Author of the Month Challenge in the Tall, Dark & Deadly group
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
2) Series Challenge in the Happily Ever After group
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Thanks, Ramla! We have a lot of series that we both enjoy. I've only read a couple of books by Carla Neggers, but I want to read more.
Book #8 in Crispin Guest medieval mysteries.The Silence of Stones
by Jeri WestersonHere is my 4.5 stars ( rounded up to 5 ) review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Books mentioned in this topic
Remain (other topics)My Evil Mother (other topics)
Innocence Road (other topics)
One Last Kill (other topics)
The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nicholas Sparks (other topics)Laura Griffin (other topics)
Fiona Leitch (other topics)
Paige Tyler (other topics)
Todd Hagopian (other topics)
More...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paranormal Romantic Suspense / Supernature Suspense
Latest book in the Dark series
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was satisfactory, but also set up possibilities for future books. The author does a great job of characterization, world-building and building atmosphere.