A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker

July 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment


A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker
Publisher: Knopf Books
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

From the best-selling author of Longbourn, a remarkable imagining of Samuel Beckett’s wartime experiences. In 1939 Paris, the ground rumbles with the footfall of Nazi soldiers marching along the Champs-Élysées, and a young, unknown writer, recently arrived from Ireland to make his mark, smokes one last cigarette with his lover before the city they know is torn apart. Soon he will put them both in mortal danger by joining the Resistance.

Through the years that follow, we are witness to the workings of a uniquely brilliant mind struggling to create a language to express a shattered world. A story of survival and determination, of spies and artists, passion and danger, A Country Road, A Tree is a portrait of the extremes of human experience alchemized into one man’s timeless art.

Was this book rather academic? I have waffled back and forth about that question. It has been a topic of discussion many times. In my opinion, there are two ways to read this book. One is as merely a story, which is what I did. It is an interesting tale of a writer and his girlfriend leading a somewhat Bohemian lifestyle in Europe. Its setting in the European countries during the tough war years of WW2 describes the hardships many of the people in those countries lived with.

However, being the curious person that I am, seeing James Joyce as a character in the book made me do a little research. During that research, I found that this is really not just historical fiction as it is classified, but rather a sort of fictional biographical picture of Samuel Beckett’s life and his time in France during the occupation. This somehow made me feel differently about the book. Was I supposed to just enjoy it as a story or was I supposed to learn more about Beckett? Maybe it doesn’t matter.

It may be that my previous ramblings are what made this book read somewhat slow at the beginning for me. It sped up and flowed quite smoothly as I continued to read. In fact, it became that story I was talking about in the first paragraph. A well-written story of a young man with writer’s block and a young girl wanting very much to help him, both living with a couple trying to make it through the occupation. Jo Baker seems to be an author who is able to write so that the frightening times, the hunger, and the cold and uncertainty, are vividly felt.

Jo Baker has other publications, one has more than 3000 reviews on Amazon. I think everything she has written is worth checking out.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Various Distractions by AE Lister

July 13, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Various Distractions by AE Lister
Persuasions, Book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When life is perfect, you know it’s gonna throw you a curveball…or four.

Nic and Vincent have been riding the high of a new romantic relationship that works so well they are on the verge of officially moving in together—but then the distractions begin. Their friend Daphne needs a temporary dungeon space, and Nic’s basement seems the perfect solution. Vincent’s gay seventeen-year-old cousin, Taylor, needs a safe refuge from his uber-religious parents. When Vincent suffers an unexpected injury, Nic asks Daphne to suggest someone to help with domestic duties around the house.

These combined circumstances lead to a less-than-ideal home life for Vincent and Nic, who struggle to find alone time. But life has a way of giving people what they need, and the arrival of Matteo to help with chores around the house sets into motion an opportunity the three must decide to follow to its logical conclusion or abandon in order to maintain the emotional safety of all the participants.

Emotional, sensational and heartwarming…all while being hot.

I’ve never read anything by AE Lister and I don’t know why, but I’m glad I remedied that. This was a fantastic story. The writing flowed well, the characters were engaging, and I couldn’t put it down.

Nic’s a Dom and wants a sub, but Nic’s leery. There’s something that could tear this relationship apart. Vincent is just what Nic needs, but they have to accept themselves and the past to move forward. It’s a hot story, but full of tenderness and determination, too. The characters are gender-fluid and that helped make this more engaging.

I highly recommend this book and hope you’re willing to take a chance on it, too. I’m glad I did.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Paws For Christmas by Anna Swann

July 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Paws For Christmas by Anna Swann
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Emily Saint-Claire has one Christmas wish: to take a few weeks off from her demanding job as co-CEO of Bow-Wow Enterprises, an international nonprofit organization that matches rescue dogs with people who need rescuing. She is just hours away from hopping into the car with her pup, Gracie, and driving to her parents’ home in the mountains when a series of disasters strike.

First, a text from her ex. Next, a humiliating TV interview, in which she tearfully reveals she wants a new job. And the worst blow of all: A surprise work assignment that will take her to the picturesque country of Marisol to cover the prestigious Royal International Canine Invitation dog show. Yes, it’s a dream assignment, but she’s exhausted and homesick.

Emily cancels her vacation plans and reluctantly flies to Marisol, convinced Christmas is ruined. But is it?

When she meets a disheveled stranger, she assumes he’s a freelance photographer. Wrong. He’s the prince of Marisol. Emily is beyond embarrassed, but the prince is intrigued and extends a gracious apology—she must be his guest at the palace, where she can work without interruption.

Yet, instead of peace and quiet, Emily finds happy chaos, thanks to frequent visits by the widowed prince’s two curious children and their shoe-munching dog. Increasingly, she finds herself anticipating their visits. And increasingly, she finds herself attracted to Prince Alexander, who shares her love for animals. In a season of surprises, Emily learns that love comes when we least expect it.

This was a really cute book. I was in the mood to read a Christmas story in the summer heat and this one satisfied my craving. While the synopsis reveals most of the story it’s still worth the time to read the story in action. The effort that was put forward in developing the cast of characters was impressive.

The reader is presented with the opportunity to get to know the heroine, Emily, long before the hero, Alexander is ever introduced. Emily is a woman who works too hard and wants more than just work in her life. A reality all too real for many women in today’s world. It’s a struggle to find that happy balance. I bonded with Emily immediately as we share a love for dogs.

I got a giggle when Emily did finally meet Alexander in a mistaken identity scene. It was a pleasure to turn the pages as their romance budded and bloomed until the last page with a happily-ever-after love.

Alexander was kind, generous and compassionate. It was relaxing to read his pursuit of Emily. Together they were entertaining especially when Emily was learning to dance. The chemistry between them was sensual and irresistible.

This was my first Anna Swann romance book, and I would consider another book by her. I treasured the inspirational message that was threaded through out the story that “sometimes life’s biggest disappointments lead to its greatest joys.” Anna Swann wrote that quote in her “Dear Reader” note in the beginning of the story. It makes me think of Garth Brooks’ song “Unanswered Prayers” where he sings “Cuz some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”.

Paws for Christmas left me feeling full of hope and joy. Definitely pick this book up if you are craving a holiday romance.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Runner by Thom Collins

July 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Runner by Thom Collins
Success, book 3
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An Olympic hero faces his longest run – to make up for the past.

Alex Schaefer is a sports journalist and commentator at the top of his game. He hosts a successful weekly podcast has just written the biography of a world class football player. With his career on an upward trajectory, Alex has never been busier. There is no time in his life for love or romance.

Ethan Bower was used to success. As a British sprinter, he won a host of silver and gold medals at the Olympics, European and Commonwealth championships, and spent over a decade at the top. Persistent injuries brought Ethan’s career to an abrupt halt in his mid-thirties. Now he has to start over again. Trying to get his foot in the door of athletics commentary and presenting isn’t easy.

Ethan and Alex have history. Eight years ago, at the height of Ethan’s success, Alex was chosen to ghost write his autobiography. An experience they would both rather forget. Ethan hated what Alex wrote about him; a fact he’s made very public. When Ethan attends the launch of Alex’s latest book, they meet again for the first time in years and something becomes apparent to both of them – they have each improved with age. Now in their thirties, they are older and more mature.

Can they put the past behind them and their ambitions for the future to take a chance on each other now?

Enemies to lovers…what can be better?

I knew when I picked up this book that it would sizzle, but it’d also have a certain polish to it. I’ve read other books by Thom Collins and have loved them. This one was no different. The characters were engaging and the story really shined. I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved how the author made this about running, but not overpoweringly so. Alex and Ethan have history. They’ve got some not so fun history that they have to deal with. I liked how the author made that enemy chemistry become something more. The author let the characters find their way to their eventual HEA. I loved it.

Alex has misconceptions about Ethan and Ethan isn’t fond of Alex. It’s a well-worn trope, but it was written well and with the added heat, it’s a great read. I hope you try this book, too. I’m heading out to find the others in the Success series.

Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Angel by LJ Ross

July 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Angel by LJ Ross
Publisher: Dark Skies Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

He’ll make you his angel, but first you have to die…

After a turbulent time, DCI Ryan’s life is finally returning to normal and he’s looking forward to spending an uneventful Easter bank holiday weekend with his fiancée.

Then, on Good Friday morning he is called out to a crime scene at one of the largest cemeteries in Newcastle. The body of a redheaded woman has been found buried in a shallow grave and the killer has given her wings, like an angel.

Soon, another woman is found at a different cemetery, followed quickly by another. Panic spreads like wildfire as a new serial killer is born, and Ryan’s band of detectives must work around the clock to unmask him before he can strike again.

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.

The fourth installment of the DCI Ryan series is an excellent full length novel and I feel it can definitely be read as a standalone mystery. While some insight is given into the mind and reasonings behind the killer right from the first few pages, I was pleased that there was still enough mystery and shadows around the identity of the killer to keep me guessing and invested well into the story. I also really enjoyed trying to figure out before DCI Ryan’s team whether his case dove-tailed with MacKenzie’s case or whether they weren’t linked by anything other than coincidence.

I do admit that I feel a large part of my interest and emotional investment into DCI Ryan’s team was due to having read the previous stories in this series. That said, I believe the easy and enjoyable writing style that LJ Ross has would lend itself to readers getting attached to the characters, especially as they work together through hard cases and difficult situations. The plotline and murder-mystery aspect to this book I feel is definitely self-contained. Aside from a few brief references to the previous cases this book centers around a new killer with new victims and reasonings, which I feel means readers who have not read the first three books of the series should not find themselves lost if they start with this book.

Fans and readers should be aware though that the last chapter or so of this book definitely acts as a “lead in” to the next book. I feel it ends on quite a cliff hanger (which I personally really hate in a series, particularly if I haven’t been forewarned and don’t have the next book on hand to continue reading). A major development occurs (not related to this books murder plot) and a major incident with one of the main characters happens all within the last few pages of the book. While I don’t exactly feel like this detracts from the book, I do hope this isn’t a frequent occurrence in upcoming books in the series.

With a well-drawn cast of main characters who I have really come to enjoy, and a very strong murder mystery plot I feel this book has a good level of tension and conflict. I found the mystery to be strongly written and suspenseful, the potential for danger to one character in particular was realistic without being overwhelming.

Overall, I found this to be a good addition to the series and I absolutely will be reading the next in the series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle / Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers

July 4, 2022 By Leave a Comment


From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle / Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle

Soak up the Floridian sun with Susan Carlisle’s latest Harlequin Medical Romance as two surgeons try to resist their greatest temptation: each other!

Rule number one? Forget their fling
If only it was that easy! Pioneering transplant surgeon Lily Evans is always cool under pressure. So why does the idea of working with ex-fling Max James have her so hot under the collar? Max is just passing through Florida, after all, and maintaining a professional relationship is top of their agenda. Yet Lily’s sensible head is being overruled by her unusually reckless heart as she begins to fall for more than just Max’s roguish charms…

Secret from Their LA Night by Julie Danvers

It started with one night…
…and led to a nine-month secret!
Dr. Emily Archer would rather be anywhere than Los Angeles! Arriving to offer her sports medicine expertise to an international dance team, she’s immediately confronted by the memories of her turbulent childhood in the spotlight. Fortunately, on her first night, she finds the perfect distraction—charismatic Dr. Daniel Labarr. Neither can resist when instant passion takes over… And neither realize that their passion has been life changing!

Two great stories to warm the heart.

I love a good romance and these two stories deliver. I already knew I liked Susan Carlisle’s books and now I’ve discovered Julie Danvers. Both books made me happy, left me satisfied and I can’t recommend these enough.

In Susan Carlisle’s From Florida Fling to Forever, Dr Lily and Dr Max have a fling. They should work out and be together, but that’s too easy. I liked how the author wrote the twists and turns for this couple and had me rooting for them right away. They’re both likable characters and easy to envision. I also felt like I was there in the sweltering Florida heat. Kudos.

In Julie Danvers’ Secret from Their LA Night, Dr Emily and Dr Daniel have a one-night stand that results in a pregnancy. I liked that Emily is flawed. She’s been through a lot and wants someone to take care of her. Is that Daniel? Well, this is a one-night stand and those don’t always work out. Now throw in the pregnancy. Things get sticky, but also adorable. I rooted for these two, too. I liked the way the author wrote the characters and will look for more by this author.

If you want something great for a couple afternoons of reading and packed with heart, then this is the pair of books for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

My Dawg Koa by Kelly Brakenhoff

July 1, 2022 By Leave a Comment


My Dawg Koa by Kelly Brakenhoff
Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series, #3
Publisher: Emerald Prairie Press
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Deaf friends Duke and Koa are the same, but they are also different.

Duke the Deaf Dog learns about similarities and differences between friends and families. A fun, engaging way to teach children that best friends share common interests. Their houses may look different, and their parents may have different rules and expectations, but Duke finds one thing families share no matter what: LOVE.

Kindness is the key to everything.

Duke and Koa’s friendship made me smile. Both of them were used to how their parents ran things and were occasionally surprised by the different types of rules that exist in other households. It made me smile to see how they adjusted to these moments and how their habits rubbed off on each other. They were both wonderful friends to each other, too. What could be better than that?

I did find myself wishing the narrator had spent a little more time developing the plot. Yes, it was important to explain how someone who is deaf knows when someone is knocking at the door or wakes up at a specific time in the morning, but I thought it was just as important to give a few more examples of how Duke and Koa evolved as a result of their friendship. Had this happened, I would have happily gone for a full five-star rating.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that showed how Duke and Koa’s families had adjusted their homes to be more accommodating of the deaf folks – or dogs! – who lived there. I live with someone who is hard of hearing, and we’ve used some of these accommodations in our home! Different solutions are sometimes necessary for people who are completely deaf versus those who can hear certain sounds but not other ones, so it was nice to see such a wide range of options here. I’d happily recommend it to everyone I know who has hearing loss or who loves someone who does.

This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone work.

My Dawg Koa was a heartwarming slice of life.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

The House at Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths

July 1, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The House at Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths
Publisher: Quercus
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Just back from maternity leave, forensic archeologist Ruth is finding it hard to juggle motherhood and work when she is called in to investigate human bones that have surfaced on a remote Norfolk beach. The presence of DCI Harry Nelson, the married father of her daughter, does not help. The bones, six men with their arms bound, turn out to date back to World War II, a desperate time on this stretch of coastland.

As Ruth and Nelson investigate, Home Guard veteran Archie Whitcliffe reveals the existence of a secret the old soldiers have vowed to protect with their lives. But then Archie is killed and a German journalist arrives, asking questions about Operation Lucifer, a plan to stop a German invasion, and a possible British war crime. What was Operation Lucifer? And who is prepared to kill to keep its secret?

Dr Ruth Galloway is learning how to juggle a newborn baby daughter and her work as a Forensic Archaeologist. When sand erosion unearths a number of skeletons buried from the World War 2 era her path once again collides with DCI Nelson. Can Ruth and Nelson find answers to this puzzle, but also find their way to a new equilibrium with their very complicated relationship.

I’ve been really enjoying this series. A delightful mixture of archaeology and modern mystery I fight the author has an excellent way of blending the past and present. I also have been really excited about the very non-traditional professional – and complicated personal – relationship between Ruth and Nelson. Nelson is a happily married man and I find it so refreshing and different that there is such an interesting professional relationship and odd friendship between Ruth and Nelson. I feel the complications between Ruth and Nelson are extremely well handled and personally I really enjoy the delicate balance they are both aiming for. I find this so interesting and refreshing to read and the very non-traditional-ness of the whole situation really keeps me coming back for more.

I feel that readers could fairly easily pick this book up and read it as a standalone. The connections between Ruth and Nelson are very well explained – though I do feel it would be sensible for readers to go back to the first book and not start with this, the third. A deeper understanding of this would enrich the readers enjoyment of the book I feel, and the two previous cases are mentioned a few times in passing. That said this book can absolutely be read – and enjoyed, I feel – if it’s read by itself. There is a strong cast of secondary characters and I enjoy the other layers they add both to the story and the situation as a whole.

The mystery was interesting and somewhat slower paced in the first half of the book. The personal and emotional relationships were explored in a bit of depth in the first half of the book, but the mystery and complexity of the plot takes comes to the fore in the latter half of the book and while I don’t feel this could be slotted as an “action” type of mystery the plot and murder mystery aspects definitely ramp up in the second half of the book. I feel readers who enjoy both character-based stories and police procedural style of murder mysteries will each enjoy this book. I also really enjoyed the glimpses into archaeology and the more historical aspects to the story as well and found this really rounded out the book in a delightful and different way.

With complicated and interesting characters, a number of emotional storylines mingled very well with a historical/archaeological plot and a more traditional murder mystery plot this is a wonderfully layered and richly interesting book I feel should appeal to a wide range of readers. An excellent series and one I am eagerly anticipating the next installment to. Recommended.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

No Easy Catch by Jaqueline Snowe

June 30, 2022 By Leave a Comment


No Easy Catch by Jaqueline Snowe
Cleat Chasers, Book 4
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A jock and a party girl teaming up—makes total sense, right? Actually, maybe…

Ambar Henderson is a senior communications major who has no idea what she wants to do in life. She spends most of her time working on her blog after gaining a lot of readers with a story she wrote junior year and…never followed up on. The last thing she expects is an angry jock accusing her of involvement in a scam that could shake the college to its foundations.

Jeff Maddow should be focused on his senior season of baseball and not the suspicious activity happening on the team. It’s his time to shine and get drafted, but after seeing incriminating evidence, he can’t not investigate. And his first lead is the campus blogger…who’s related to a name in the document he saw.

Ambar’s been coasting, writing about campus fashion and hook-ups rather than politics and economics, but when Jeff shows up at her place spouting wild accusations, she agrees to help him just to prove the stubborn athlete wrong.

Long nights, impassioned arguments, close quarters…both Jeff and Ambar find opposites more than attract when things heat up.

Two people who, on paper, shouldn’t out, but in the real world…they’re perfect for each other.

I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one fit the bill. Ambar isn’t exactly trying hard in college. She’d rather do her thing her way. Blogging and having a good time. Then there’s Jeff. He needs to do well and isn’t about to let a scandal or Ambar get in his way.

Right? Wrong.

I love the way these two characters clashed and rooted for them. Ms. Snowe has written a great story that flowed well, and I couldn’t put down. This is the fourth book in the series, but I don’t think I missed anything by picking up right here. I’ll be looking for the other books, though, as this one oozed with chemistry.

If you’re looking for a sizzling book for the weekend, with great characters, college life and baseball, then this is the one for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Hothouse Bloom by Hannah Morse

June 28, 2022 By 1 Comment


Hothouse Bloom by Hannah Morse
Ramsbury Estate Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical. Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Noah Tenbey’s body and soul were torn asunder during a cavalry charge at the battle of Waterloo. A year later he’s still suffering. Fearful, his family calls in Dr. James Byrd from London, who not only helps Noah with his injuries, he also brings Noah’s heart back to life. But what life can James, the bastard son of an Earl, and Noah have together when all of society doesn’t see them as they truly are? Will they find a way to keep their love blooming, or will it wither on the vine?

Their love is forbidden, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have it.

I love a hot historical m/m story and this one fit the bill. The writing is good, and the story moves along at a good pace. I felt for each of the characters and wanted to see them get their happy ending. It was satisfying.

James is a physician who wants to heal. He also wants Noah. He’s tender, sweet and ready to be there for Noah. He knows they can’t have the traditional happy ending others have, but is that what they need? Noah has been injured in battle and he’s not only physically wounded, but emotionally as well. He’s hurting and it’s James’s tenderness that just might be the tonic he needs.

I got emotionally wrapped up in this story and I’m glad I read it. I’ll be looking for more from this author. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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