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labraden's rating:
Added Mar 01, 2023
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2023
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Maxim Cade meets Lennix Hunter for the first time when she is 17 years old and leading a rally designed to keep Maxim's father from building an oil pipeline across sacred Native American burial grounds. Maxim doesn't believe in what his father is doing and ends up in jail with Lennix and the other protesters. Ten years later Maxim and Lennix meet again in Amsterdam and begin an affair that is doomed from the start because Maxim is heading for Antarctica on a research expedition and Lennix is headed to Oklahoma to work for an up and coming Native American politician. Even though Maxim can't stop thinking about Lennix, he knows that a secret he has been keeping may jeopardize any relationship they might have.
The Kingmaker begins the All the King's Men duology. While the plot is well written, the characters come across as a bit flat and their feelings for one another underwhelming. Some of the choices the protagonists make in the story seem over dramatized and somewhat shallow. The political story line holds some appeal but a lack of interest in the characters makes it difficult to care about what happens to them during the story. Overall, considering all of the hype over The Kingmaker, I expected a much more engrossing book.Maxim Cade meets Lennix Hunter for the first time when she is 17 years old and leading a rally designed to keep Maxim's father from building an oil pipeline across sacred Native American burial grounds. Maxim doesn't believe in what his father is…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2023
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Maxim Cade meets Lennix Hunter for the first time when she is 17 years old and leading a rally designed to keep Maxim's father from building an oil pipeline across sacred Native American burial grounds. Maxim doesn't believe in what his father is doing and ends up in jail with Lennix and the other protesters. Ten years later Maxim and Lennix meet again in Amsterdam and begin an affair that is doomed from the start because Maxim is heading for Antarctica on a research expedition and Lennix is headed to Oklahoma to work for an up and coming Native American politician. Even though Maxim can't stop thinking about Lennix, he knows that a secret he has been keeping may jeopardize any relationship they might have.
The Kingmaker begins the All the King's Men duology. While the plot is well written, the characters come across as a bit flat and their feelings for one another underwhelming. Some of the choices the protagonists make in the story seem over dramatized and somewhat shallow. The political story line holds some appeal but a lack of interest in the characters makes it difficult to care about what happens to them during the story. Overall, considering all of the hype over The Kingmaker, I expected a much more engrossing book.Maxim Cade meets Lennix Hunter for the first time when she is 17 years old and leading a rally designed to keep Maxim's father from building an oil pipeline across sacred Native American burial grounds. Maxim doesn't believe in what his father is…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2023
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The Marines served as a great escape from the GodsAcre doomsday cult where Eric Trask grew up. After it burned to the ground, Eric and his two brothers survived and were taken in by Shaw's Crossing's town sheriff, who cared for them throughout their high school years, but the brothers never lived down the reputation that came from being raised in a cult. When Eric finally asks out Demi Vaughn after years of pining, they begin a relationship that the town's people deem inappropriate, and they do everything they can to keep them apart.
The drama and steam are a bit over the top in Hellion, the novella that serves as the first book in The Hellbound Brotherhood series. Most of the content of this 187 page book is one sensual scene after another, leaving very little room for character or plot development. The idea that this series will focus on a conspiracy is none too subtly introduced, and while the story does end in a cliffhanger, there just isn't enough substance in the book to make reading more of the series desirable. Overall, Hellion may have done more harm than good as an introduction to a new series.The Marines served as a great escape from the GodsAcre doomsday cult where Eric Trask grew up. After it burned to the ground, Eric and his two brothers survived and were taken in by Shaw's Crossing's town sheriff, who cared for them throughout…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2023
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Playboy attorney Jake Becker gets the scare of his life when one of his one-night-stands tells him she has Syphilis. Even though his test comes back negative, Jake decides it might be time to get to know women before he sleeps with them. Around that same time, Jake meets Chelsea McQuaid, when his pocket gets picked by her nephew Rory. He quickly sees that Chelsea is in over her head as she tries to provide a good home for her 6 nieces and nephews after the car crash that killed their parents. With each new incident involving one of the kids, Jake gets more and more tangled in their lives, while finding himself extremely attracted to Chelsea.
Sustained is a fast paced, funny romance that also deals with serious issues surrounding a family in crisis. The story is told from Jake's point of view, giving a unique perspective on the playboy turned family man but leaves the character of Chelsea underdeveloped. The children are hilarious and add just the right tone to this entertaining read, while the supporting characters add layers to the plot. Also, the steamy scenes are well written without being overly graphic. Overall Sustained is an engaging story and a quick read.Playboy attorney Jake Becker gets the scare of his life when one of his one-night-stands tells him she has Syphilis. Even though his test comes back negative, Jake decides it might be time to get to know women before he sleeps with them. Around…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2023
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The column that Lana Parker has been writing for an online news site has been about love and relationships even though she has had several boyfriends who have left her. Her ambition is to write about pop culture, and she is given that chance when her high school sweetheart, Seth Carson comes to town and her boss, Natasha suggests that they compete in a writing contest with the winner getting to write his or her own column for the LA Chronicle. Lana has complicated feelings for Seth, and she knows this contest will only muddy the waters, but she reluctantly agrees in hopes of not only getting her dream job but also getting some emotional closure with Seth.
Just My Type does many things well - a second chance love trope, a personal growth story line, and a high stakes angst. However, several parts of this book don't hit the right notes. The writing competition, that could have included much more humor, comes off as a little sad and inappropriate. The mother/daughter dynamic is underdeveloped, and Lana is a protagonist that seems immature and stubborn. Overall, Just My Type would have been a much better story if it had focused more on the relationship between the main characters.The column that Lana Parker has been writing for an online news site has been about love and relationships even though she has had several boyfriends who have left her. Her ambition is to write about pop culture, and she is given that chance when…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 24, 2023
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Former park ranger, Hunter Osborn bought a house in the wilderness hoping for peace and solitude. He doesn't count on Jodi Bentley purchasing the shack in the woods that looks uninhabitable, but Jodi also has her reasons for wanting to be alone in the wilderness. Like recognizes like, and the more the two get to know each other, the more they realize their similarities. Hunter knows he has to take his time with Jodi, but when a new threat enters their lives, he doesn't have the luxury of waiting and hoping she comes to him for help.
The Dangerous One starts out with a wonderful character study of two damaged individuals finding and slowly learning each other's secrets and breaching the walls they had built. Unfortunately, basically out of nowhere, a villain is introduced that seemly has no motivation for going after Jodi, other than to add a suspense element to the plot. After that, the story become cliched and disappointing. These two characters deserved a better story than this one. Overall, The Dangerous One sets up a terrific romantic suspense story, but then doesn't deliver on that promise.Former park ranger, Hunter Osborn bought a house in the wilderness hoping for peace and solitude. He doesn't count on Jodi Bentley purchasing the shack in the woods that looks uninhabitable, but Jodi also has her reasons for wanting to be alone in…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2023
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Susie Bowen has inherited her namesake aunt's house following her death and intends to fix it up and either sell it or live there. When her ex's best friend, Lars, shows up at her door after being given the assignment to help her find and fix a leak, Susie thinks she must be cursed. As they begin work, Lars finds a divorce decree in her wall stating the date in the future when he and Susie get married and divorced. Susie tries to figure out where the document came from, but at the same time, she and Lars start trusting each other, while finding common ground and enjoying each other's company far more than either thought possible.
There are many positive aspects to End of Story. Susie is an extremely likable and fun protagonist, while being down to earth and open minded. Lars is a bit of a lovable grump who appreciates Susie for who she is. Their romance is a joy to experience. However, there are aspects of this book that remain frustrating. The setup of the story is never paid off other than in a vague reference. Also, the former boyfriend seems like too much of a jerk to have ever been someone to snag Susie's interest. Overall, though, End of Story is an amusing rom-com filled with heart and lots of entertaining moments.Susie Bowen has inherited her namesake aunt's house following her death and intends to fix it up and either sell it or live there. When her ex's best friend, Lars, shows up at her door after being given the assignment to help her find and fix a…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2023
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Harley Spark was thriving as nanny to widower, Gavin Rhodes' daughter, Peyton until the night she almost kissed Gavin, and he moved away. Harley was afraid that her growing feelings for Gavin might have pushed him to leave, but she had no choice but to move on. Now, as she tries to find a place in Spark House, the boutique hotel she owns with her sisters, Harley hopes that someday she will find love and make a family like her sisters have. She is surprised when at a birthday party she is hosting at Spark House, Gavin and Peyton are guests and they tell her that they have moved back to town. She and Peyton form an immediate connection, but it takes Gavin a little longer to find his feelings for Harley.
Make a Wish is a good ending to the Spark House Trilogy. The third sister finally gets her story, and it is filled with emotion. This book ends up being pretty heavy as it deals a lot with grief and loss. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments, but the story would have benefited by having a few more. Also, there is so much time spent on the relationship between Harley and Peyton, that the relationship between Harley and Gavin gets short-changed, leaving the book feeling more like women's fiction than a romance. Overall, however, Make a Wish brings together all of the couples from the trilogy and creates a satisfying conclusion to all of their stories.Harley Spark was thriving as nanny to widower, Gavin Rhodes' daughter, Peyton until the night she almost kissed Gavin, and he moved away. Harley was afraid that her growing feelings for Gavin might have pushed him to leave, but she had no choice…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2023
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Andie Rose has finally gotten the transfer she had been waiting for to Blue Ridge State University where her boyfriend, Conner, has been in attendance for the entire first semester of the school year. Hoping to surprise Conner, Andi doesn't know until she arrives is that he has also transferred to the community college where she attended the semester before. Andie is heartbroken, but makes the best of the situation, knowing that her passion for fixing things for others will help her establish herself on campus, but her new RA, Milo and her roommate, Shay, as well as her tough classes make her realize that finding her place at Blue Ridge State may be more difficult than she thinks.
Begin Again is the YA equivalent of women's fiction with a focus on Andie who is trying to find her place in the world while juggling school and a load of baggage relating to her parents. As with all Emma Lord novels, Begin Again immerses the reader into the life of the protagonist including her thoughts and feelings. This book also adds some unique and fun aspects of college life, connecting to Andie's past that create layers in this well developed plot. The only issue with the story is romance that seems almost like an after-thought. Overall, however, Begin Again is an entertaining YA romantic drama that draws in the reader and doesn't let go until the very end.Andie Rose has finally gotten the transfer she had been waiting for to Blue Ridge State University where her boyfriend, Conner, has been in attendance for the entire first semester of the school year. Hoping to surprise Conner, Andi doesn't know…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2023
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Famous, well-liked actor, Brant Fitzhugh is dead, poisoned during a party given by himself and his wife, renowned actress, Eliza Lane. Either of them could have been the intended victim, but Fitzhugh's body is the one in the morgue. Eve is called in and immediately begins the process of finding suspects and narrowing them down. Clues begin to emerge that point to an incident in Lane's past that led to her becoming the star she is today, making it seem as though she must have been the intended victim of the killing. Attention from the media puts pressure on Eve and Peabody to close this case, but Eve begins to wonder if things are as cut-and-dried as they seem.
Encore in Death takes the reader into the world of theater and movies and examines the lifestyle and personalities of those who succeed in those professions. As always in the In Death series, the procedural aspect of the story as well as the occupations involved are well researched and add authenticity to the plot and characters. There is a bit of a pacing issue as the story slows in the middle, and although the twist is an interesting one, I'm not sure it rings true in this case. Overall, however, Encore in Death is another successful entry in the In Death series.Famous, well-liked actor, Brant Fitzhugh is dead, poisoned during a party given by himself and his wife, renowned actress, Eliza Lane. Either of them could have been the intended victim, but Fitzhugh's body is the one in the morgue. Eve is called…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2023
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Ava Greene is about to get married to the man of her dreams. The only problem is that he doesn't want her to continue her job as a flight attendant. Ava has a love/hate relationship with travel since most of her childhood was spent with parents who were constantly taking her out of school on another adventure, leaving her without friends and the lack of an anchor in her life. When it turns out that she will be working with her nemesis, Jack Stone on her final flight, she wonders what else in her life can go wrong. She isn't all that surprised when their plane has mechanical trouble and gets stuck in an extended layover. What she finds is that Jack isn't what she thought he was and they might have more in common than she ever would have imagined.
The Layover is a cute rom-com with a strong message about figuring out what you want in life and going after it. The characters aren't all that well developed and Ava makes lots of choices that frame her as a bit unlikable, but there are several delightful scenes filled with quirky characters, adding layers that give the story more depth. Overall, The Layover is a light, entertaining story that reads like women's fiction with some romantic elements.Ava Greene is about to get married to the man of her dreams. The only problem is that he doesn't want her to continue her job as a flight attendant. Ava has a love/hate relationship with travel since most of her childhood was spent with parents…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2023
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When Alexa Holland is fired from her job because she confronted Caine Carraway with their shared past, she doesn't know if she will ever work again. In order to smooth things over with Caine, she goes to see him, and he unexpectedly offers her a job as his PA. Even though Caine makes life for Alexa as tough as he can, she manages to slowly win him over until he can no longer resist their growing attraction. However, there is so much history and anger between them, that it isn't long before danger finds them as well.
There is a lot of angst and groveling in Hero, mostly by Caine, who acts and reacts badly throughout most of this book, making him a fairly unlikable character. It would have been more enjoyable if this book had contained both Alex's and Caine's perspectives so the reader would have a better understanding of Caine's choices. The bit of suspense that is added near the end of this book really doesn't fit with the story that is being told. Also, this book has Fifty Shades of Grey vibes which took me out of the story as I was reading it. Overall, Hero is a decent story about a PA and her boss finding love that neither of them really wants.When Alexa Holland is fired from her job because she confronted Caine Carraway with their shared past, she doesn't know if she will ever work again. In order to smooth things over with Caine, she goes to see him, and he unexpectedly offers her a…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2023
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Riley Tatum is the only survivor of an encounter with "The Shark," a poker player who uses women as stakes in his poker games. She has no memory of that time, but when young women are being taken off the streets and killed, their bodies found with playing cards in their pockets, Riley knows that "The Shark" is back. Clay Bowman crossed paths with Riley as her tracking instructor, and she hoped that their one night together would lead to something more, but the time wasn't right as Clay was still dealing with the grief over the death of his wife. Now he is back as a member of Shield Security, helping to investigate the recent murders, and he has no intention of letting Riley slip through his fingers again.
The premise of the serial killer in The Shark is interesting and makes for a good set up for this book and makes for a good mystery, however, it isn't very difficult to figure out who the culprits are by the end of the book. Riley and Clay both have lots of baggage, and we learn a lot about their them from their interactions with the other people in their lives. Their romance is kept on the back burner for most of the story, making this less of a romance and more about the suspense. There is enough here to hold the interest of the reader, but the story is a let down by the end. Overall, The Shark, has a good premise but doesn't really live up to expectation.Riley Tatum is the only survivor of an encounter with "The Shark," a poker player who uses women as stakes in his poker games. She has no memory of that time, but when young women are being taken off the streets and killed, their bodies found with…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2023
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Faith Beasley is not her real name and she has no idea what it is or who she really is. Jacob Night, who runs a security firm called 11th Hour nursed her back to health and made her an important member of his organization, but now his patience is running out. Buried in her lost memories, Faith knows about Jacob's lost brother, Joshua, and he has tried to wait for her to remember, but now it's time for a more aggressive approach. Faith can no longer hide from who she is because someone is out to kill her and Jacob must put the pieces together before it's too late.
Hard Night takes the amnesia trope and adds some layers in this interesting romantic suspense. The story contains a great deal of angst as Faith and Jacob have so much baggage that they can't seem to overcome. There is lots of steam in this book, and it tends to slow down the plot, but it does contribute to the physical connection between the two main characters. Unfortunately, it doesn't really add much to their emotional connection. The most exciting part of the book happens in the last 80 pages with a plethora of action and emotion. Overall, Hard Night is an enjoyable romantic suspense novel that would have benefited from more even pacing.Faith Beasley is not her real name and she has no idea what it is or who she really is. Jacob Night, who runs a security firm called 11th Hour nursed her back to health and made her an important member of his organization, but now his patience is…
State of ShockState of Shock, eBookFirst Family Series, Book 4
by Force, MarieeBook - 2022eBook, 2022
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2023
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When Sam's brother-in-law, Spencer dies from an overdose of fentanyl poisoning from laced Oxycontin pills that he had been taking illegally for pain, she is determined to find the source, taking her into the world of narcotics trafficking. As her sister, Angela, tries to move forward, Sam works with her team and those in her department on the case. While finding and examining new evidence, several of her friends and coworkers suffer problems that make the progress of the investigation move much more slowly than Sam would like, but Sam isn't known as someone who gives up...ever.
State of Shock is one of the most depressing romantic suspense novels I've ever read. It is well written and the plight of opioid addiction is dealt with in auspicious manner, but the amount of tragedies and negative issues in this book make it a difficult read. I have enjoyed the First Family and the Fatal series from the beginning and have always noted very emotional aspects to the stories, but with each new entry, the plot lines seem to be getting more and more distressing. If this trend continues, I'm not sure if I can continue on with the series. Overall, State of Shock is quite a downer in a series that has continued to move in that direction.When Sam's brother-in-law, Spencer dies from an overdose of fentanyl poisoning from laced Oxycontin pills that he had been taking illegally for pain, she is determined to find the source, taking her into the world of narcotics trafficking. As her…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2023
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As Christmas approaches, Sam fears the loss of the twins as their aunt and uncle are suing for custody. Nick continues to try and manage life as the new President while looking for a female candidate to be Vice President. Two cases come across Sam's desk; one involving a woman who was left in her van to die on the street and the other involving the death of the man who released photos of Nick visiting the twin's school during a national crisis. When a shooting in Des Moines, Iowa kills several children, parents, and grandparents on their way to visit Santa, Nick finds a new focus for his young administration.
State of Grace is the second book in the First Family series and signals a significant change in the type of stories that will be told in this series vs the Fatal series. While there are still mysteries to be solved, they definitely take a back seat to the drama unfolding in the lives of the Cappuanos as they manage family life in the White House. All of the characters from the Fatal series are still present, but they are taking on different roles as Sam and Nick's lives change. Some of the day to day minutia that is a part of the Cappuanos' lives becomes a bit tedious as the story progresses, and the mysteries seem a little too easily solved, but overall, State of Grace is an enjoyable second book in this new series.As Christmas approaches, Sam fears the loss of the twins as their aunt and uncle are suing for custody. Nick continues to try and manage life as the new President while looking for a female candidate to be Vice President. Two cases come across Sam's…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2023
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When Breanne Mooreland is left at the alter, she takes the honeymoon by herself, but the honeymoon suite is already occupied by Cooper Scott, an undercover vice cop who is so burned out that he needs a getaway to help him decide what to do with his future. Before they can decide who will stay and who will go, a snowstorm strands them and the dead body of Edward, the manager, is found in the wine cellar. With all of the employees under suspicion and no way to leave, Cooper decides to step in and try to solve the case, but his attraction to Breanne keeps getting in the way.
Get a Clue is a very light romantic suspense with quirky characters and a cute romance. The two leads are very likable, but each is dealing with life altering trauma. Many of their problems, however seem fairly easy for them to overcome. Some of the dialogue in this story is cringe-worthy and the humor forced, taking some of the fun from a plot that is obviously meant to be more of a romance than suspense. Most of the characterization is weak and the mystery is easily solved, but the story does have it's moments and the steamy scenes are well written. Overall, Get a Clue would be enjoyable to read in front of a cozy fire or on a warm beach.When Breanne Mooreland is left at the alter, she takes the honeymoon by herself, but the honeymoon suite is already occupied by Cooper Scott, an undercover vice cop who is so burned out that he needs a getaway to help him decide what to do with his…
Finlay Donovan Jumps the GunFinlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, Book
by Cosimano, ElleBook - 2023Book, 2023
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2023
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Feliks Zhirov is looking for EasyClean, who has been blackmailing him, and Finlay owes Feliks, so he demands that she provide him with a name. Finlay and Vero narrow down the possibilities to a cop, so they decide to go places where they can interact with a number of them socially in hopes that someone will say something incriminating. During their time at a local bar where several cops hang out after work, Finlay runs into Nick. While recovering from his gunshot wound, he is in charge of the Citizens' Police Academy and encourages Finlay and Vero to sign up. They accept with the idea that they may discover who EasyClean is before Feliks' patience runs out.
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is another good entry in the Finlay Donovan series. There are several laugh out loud moments as Finlay and Vero continue to find more trouble. It is easy to root for Finlay as she continues to deal with her writing struggles as well as her on-and-off again relationship with Nick. The main mystery, however, focuses on the identity of EasyClean. Overall, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is an enjoyable read that leaves the audience wanting more.Feliks Zhirov is looking for EasyClean, who has been blackmailing him, and Finlay owes Feliks, so he demands that she provide him with a name. Finlay and Vero narrow down the possibilities to a cop, so they decide to go places where they can…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 04, 2023
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Stevie Bell and her friends are off on another adventure, this time on a one week trip to England where Stevie is planning to see David, her long distance boyfriend. When they arrive, David introduces them to Izzy, and she tells them about a mystery surrounding the death of two of her aunt's friends when they visited an estate not long before their graduation from college. Stevie hoped for an intimate reunion with David, but most of their time is spent on obligations for school and chasing down clues in Izzy's mystery. When Izzy's aunt goes missing, Stevie and her friends must amp up their search for answers, leaving Stevie wondering if she is going to have time to solve the mystery or find any private moments with David.
Nine Liars is an engaging YA mystery/suspense novel with some romance thrown in. Each book in this series has moved the story of Stevie and her friends along, so that now they are nearing the end of high school and must face changes as they approach college. There is a nice parallel between "The Nine," who were dealing with the same kind of changes as they prepared for graduation from college. At the beginning of the book, every other chapter details events from that fateful weekend in 1995 when two of "The Nine" turn up dead. The alternating chapters are about Stevie and her friends' very atmospheric visit to England. Later chapters include the statements made to police. Overall, Nine Liars is a fun story that keeps the reader guessing right up to the very last sentence.Stevie Bell and her friends are off on another adventure, this time on a one week trip to England where Stevie is planning to see David, her long distance boyfriend. When they arrive, David introduces them to Izzy, and she tells them about a…
labraden's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2023
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Louisa Malone had her entire life planned until she has an epiphany during a visit to a Renaissance Faire; she is going nowhere. At that point, she literally chucks her life away by quitting her job and throwing her cell phone into a bucket of water. After that, she joins the new friends she has made on the Ren Faire circuit, helping out wherever she can. Most of the summer, she resists the attentions of playboy, Dex, but when they are forced to live together in a small motor home, good intentions go out the window. Lulu knows that her time at the Ren Faire must end because this isn't her life, but she has no idea what her real life will look like.
The women's fiction aspect of Well Traveled made it tough to believe that this could be a romance with a happy ending, especially since Dex doesn't seem like happy ending material, but the author manages to make it work. Most of the story centers around the Ren Faire circuit and many scenes take place with characters located in locations around each Faire, so conflict is minimal, but somehow the plot continually moves forward anyway. Lulu is well developed since most of the story is from her pov, but there are multiple characters that play background roles, and as a result, we never really get their stories. Overall, however, Well Traveled is a gentle addition to the Ren Faire series and made for a satisfying read.Louisa Malone had her entire life planned until she has an epiphany during a visit to a Renaissance Faire; she is going nowhere. At that point, she literally chucks her life away by quitting her job and throwing her cell phone into a bucket of…
The Fall of NúmenorThe Fall of Númenor, BookAnd Other Tales From the Second Age of Middle-earth
by Tolkien, J. R. R.Book - 2022Book, 2022
labraden's rating:
Added Jan 27, 2023
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The Fall of Numenor includes many writings by J.R.R. Tolkien, regarding the rise and fall of Numenor without adding suppositions or theories and lists them in chronological order. These writings have come from a variety of sources and are cataloged in a way that reads like an historical text. Dates are included making a timeline of Middle-earth history based on Numenor's many rulers. The book ends where The Lord of the Rings begins. The read is enjoyable, but requires thought and contemplation as connections between events are revealed.
The book itself is of high quality with heavy duty paper used to create pages and an attached red ribbon as a bookmark. Print is in black and blue with black speech in red. Also the end papers feature a map of Middle-earth and a dramatic picture showing the fall of Numenor. In addition, several beautiful, full-color bookplates of Alan Lee's work are included throughout the book to supplement the text. Overall, The Fall of Numenor is an entertaining work chronicling an important event in the history of Middle-earth.The Fall of Numenor includes many writings by J.R.R. Tolkien, regarding the rise and fall of Numenor without adding suppositions or theories and lists them in chronological order. These writings have come from a variety of sources and are cataloged…
labraden's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2023
Comment:
Finding Lee Coburn bleeding in her front yard begins a series of dangerous events for Honor Gillette and her four year old daughter, Emily. Coburn is accused of a mass shooting at a warehouse where he worked, but when Coburn tells her that he is an undercover FBI agent, and he was investigating the town and her husband, Honor is determined to make sure that she stays with Coburn long enough to prove Eddie's innocence. However, remaining with Coburn could put her and her daughter in the crosshairs of an evil mastermind known as "The Bookkeeper" and could risk her heart as she gets closer and closer to Coburn.
Lethal is the first and only book in the Lee Coburn series. The characters, plot, and dialogue all make for a very good story even though some of the scenes are a bit over the top and the character of "The Bookkeeper," a little over-dramatic. The romance between Coburn and Honor takes a backseat to the mystery and action, but still holds enough weight for the book to maintain the label of romantic suspense. There isn't an overabundance of character development in this novel, but there is enough to make the protagonists and their relationship interesting for the reader. A moderate twist at the end adds an entertaining conclusion to the story. Overall, Lethal would have been a good beginning to a series that never took off.Finding Lee Coburn bleeding in her front yard begins a series of dangerous events for Honor Gillette and her four year old daughter, Emily. Coburn is accused of a mass shooting at a warehouse where he worked, but when Coburn tells her that he is an…
labraden's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2023
Comment:
Gabriella Starr has left her rambling lifestyle with her orchid obsessed father to work as an MBA in a Boston firm run by brothers Joshua and Titus Reading. When her injured father and her best friend, Lizzie turn up in Boston, Gabriella is happy to see them, but also suspects that their visit may turn into trouble. After discovering that her bosses are having her followed by former police detective, Pete Darrow, who is being followed by his former partner and new D. A. Cameron Yeager, Gabriella turns to Cam in hopes of figuring out what is going on in her firm. As soon as Lizzie begins a relationship with Joshua Reading, Gabriella and Cam can't seem to get away from one another.
A Rare Chance is a ridiculously over the top drama that makes no sense, but still managed to maintain my interest right to the end. The characters in this story make absurd choices and seemingly unrelated plot lines are forced to connect in pointless ways. Even though Gabriella is the protagonist of the story, most of the problems she faces are dealing with things other people in the story have done. Overall, A Rare Chance is a farcical story that I regret reading.Gabriella Starr has left her rambling lifestyle with her orchid obsessed father to work as an MBA in a Boston firm run by brothers Joshua and Titus Reading. When her injured father and her best friend, Lizzie turn up in Boston, Gabriella is happy…
All Systems RedAll Systems Red, Downloadable AudiobookThe Murderbot Diaries, Book 1
by Wells, MarthaDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
labraden's rating:
Added Jan 24, 2023
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Murderbot, as it calls itself, is part of a futuristic society and is currently serving as security for a survey team on a distant planet. Murderbot has figured out how to turn off its governor module and now the only orders it follows are its own. Something strange is going on where Murderbot and its team are trying to gather survey data. An unknown creature has attacked two of Murderbot's team and it barely saves them before bringing them back for medical attention. Murderbot and its team quickly realize that the company that has given them the contract to survey the planet may have left out vital information that they will need to survive. Murderbot has killed before and will do so again if necessary, especially to protect its humans to which it has formed a peculiar attachment.
All Systems Red is a very unique story told from the perspective of a sentient bot that is logical with a sarcastic voice. Murderbot loves its serials and has difficulty with human face-to-face interaction. It isn't supposed to think or feel, but Murderbot excels at both. A very interesting character and story that would have benefited from a little more plot, character, and setting development, but overall, an enjoyable read, which includes an unusual protagonist with a distinctive voice.Murderbot, as it calls itself, is part of a futuristic society and is currently serving as security for a survey team on a distant planet. Murderbot has figured out how to turn off its governor module and now the only orders it follows are its own.…
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