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Books You're on the Fence About - 2025
I finished reading
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Two books from the Guardian Cats series by Nic Minnella- paranormal middle-grade fantasy. I liked the first book better, but both deliver to some extent. Good for young cat-lovers who also enjoy horror. Book One: The Cat Who Chased Ghosts: A Feline-Fueled Middle Grade Mystery with a Supernatural Twist
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book Two: Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kept – Y. Euny Hong – 3***
Judith Lee is descended from a Korean royal family and is used to the privileges of her status. But when her family cuts her off after she graduates, she is at a loss for how to pay off her many debts. Then she’s introduced to the madame of a house of high-society girls who are in-demand courtesans. Social satire is not my favorite genre, but there were some episodes I found quite entertaining. Not sure Jude learned anything from the experience; she still relied on men to save her from troubles of her own making.
LINK to my full review
The Saint is a curious little story by Antonia White from the book Strangers. Reading her bio on Goodreads, I could imagine her as one of these imaginative, slightly frenzied, Catholic schoolgirls.
My review of The Saint, a story from the collection
Follow Me To Africa
does a good job of setting the scene. But I was less than impressed with the story. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for Outback Midwives: The Midwife and the Millionaire / Harry St Clair: Rogue or Doctor? / The Doctor's Surprise Bride by Fiona McArthur
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some middle-grade and YA graphic novels for your consideration. All were mid-range for me.1. Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
A middle-grade story. Worked decently but the stereotypes created some big red flags.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Again for middle graders, highlighting the struggles of a large family. Decent enough, but the depth was missing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen
A YA story. Missed out on one important danger element, but has some nice themes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf
A collection of cryptid stories from South-East Asia aiming at middle-graders. Unfortunately, this was more about the kids than the cryptids, though there were a few gems too.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
A literary fiction that turns into commercial fiction in the final quarter or so. I liked it but didn't love it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rosh ~catching up slowly~ wrote: "Writers & Lovers by Lily KingA literary fiction that turns into commercial fiction in the final quarter or so. I liked it but ..."
Interesting - it's one I've been wondering about.
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Interesting - it's one I've been wondering about"It wasn't on my agenda originally. But a GR friend mentioned that Heart the Lover had a connection to this, that's why I tried it before opening the ARC.
My review for Final Descent
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for
We Fell Aparthttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heart the Lover by Lily King
I am a bit of an outlier for this anticipated title, but the male leads and the overdramatic final section didn't work for me. It has a surprise connection to Writers & Lovers
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
No Road Home - John Fram - (Texas)
Genera: LGBTQ/televangelists/Mystery/Thriller
4★
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: Homophobia
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Orphanland by Lauren Fischer
A middle-grade mystery covering some really dark themes. Was a mixed experience for me, but I am again an outlier.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Last One Out by Jane Harper didn't quite work for me, but 2/3 of reviewers have rated it highly, so you should read it and make up your own minds. review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished Things That Break Us
. The cover is a beauty! The story...I'm not the reader for it. My thoughts: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished
(Play Dead) By Coben, Harlan (Author) Mass Market Paperbound on 28-Sep-2010 by Harlan Coben.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review of Lord of the Bears by Kimber White:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paranormal romantic suspense
1st book in the Wild Ridge Bears series
Decent characterization for a short novel.
I wanted a little more world-building around the magic / psychic aspects.
Entertaining, suspenseful, a couple of steamy scenes
I'm kicking off the week with
Player Elimination by Shelly Jones. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu – Michael Stanley – 3***
Book two in the mystery series featuring Detective David “Kubu” Bengu of Botswana begins when a Zimbabwean teacher, Goodluck Tinubu, is found murdered at the wilderness resort camp where he was vacationing. Things quickly get complicated, but Kubu is up to the task. I really like this series. It’s a hard-hitting police procedural, but there is some room for enjoying life, especially Kubu’s love of food.
LINK to my full review
Touch Me Gently - J.R. Loveless - (Montana)
Genera: M/M Romance/Ranchers
3★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My second book this week was
This Way to Murder by Shelley Shearer. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Holy City
held promise but needed a better editor. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review of Rebel of the Bears by Kimber White:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paranormal Romantic Suspense
3rd book in the Wild Ridge Bears series
Mainly set in Ann Arbor, MI
Fated Mates / Instant attraction
Plenty of danger, suspense, and action
A couple of steamy scenes
Mod
The Bridge Between Friends by Norma Curtishttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I’m an outlier on The Last of Earth
as it never engaged me the way it did others. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is my 3.21 rounded to 3 stars review of Delayed Admission by Heather Renee:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
YA Fantasy
1st book in the Shadow Veil Academy Series
Good premise, descriptive writing, wanted a little more character development in this first book and more details on the supernatural world
Jumps time-frames frequents - weeks or months with no warning and without a great explanation
Likeable main character, engaging writing, suspenseful
Grief, secrets, lies, friendship, romance, and danger abound
It Happened One Summer – Tessa Bailey – 2**
A moderately entertaining light-and-fluffy read. The relationships are ridiculous. The characters are stereotypes. I did not like Piper at all, though her sister Hannah is a peach. I did rather like sea captain Brendan (who spends most of the book in lust), and his “relief skipper,” Fox. But really, I read these books just for the sex scenes. And for the possibility of a great metaphor for orgasm.
LINK to my full review
Here is my 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review of Curse of the Bears by Kimber White:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paranormal Romantic Suspense
4th book in the Wild Ridge Bears Series
Mainly set in and near Digby, OH
Fated Mates / Instant attraction
Plenty of Danger, Suspense, and Action
A couple of steamy scenes
Under the Neon Lights- Arriel Vinson - (Indiana)
Genera: YA novel
4★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tartufo
has its fill of quirky characters and scenes, but needed better editing to pick up the pace. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friends Sharing Book Love
Books mentioned in this topic
The Storm (other topics)Wild Card (other topics)
The War Rings (other topics)
Tartufo (other topics)
Under the Neon Lights (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Karina Halle (other topics)Joanne Austen Brown (other topics)
Emma Babbington (other topics)
Kimber White (other topics)
Sandi Wallace (other topics)
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...