Make It Up to You by Lucy Keeling is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A thoroughly modern romance!
Sophie takes her online make-up tutorials seriously. HowMake It Up to You by Lucy Keeling is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A thoroughly modern romance!
Sophie takes her online make-up tutorials seriously. However, her viewer-ship numbers, hits and follows have hit a plateau. She needs to do something to freshen up her videos before her enterprise spirals downward.
When her friend, Pam, suggests she work with her brother, Marcus, to create a garden backdrop for her videos, Sophie is reluctant. But Marcus also needs a little exposure for his business, so it seems like a win-win situation. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, for starters, the two mix like oil and water. Despite that, they are deeply attracted to each other. Then Marcus inadvertently finds himself on camera making a big impression on Sophie’s audience, stealing a little bit of her thunder. This is NOT what Sophie had in mind to boost her numbers!!
As anyone who has tried their hand at making a little profit from YouTube videos or from blogging can attest to, it’s not all fun and games. Just like anything else, to make it profitable, one must put some work into it. Sophie has a hard time getting people to take her work seriously, though. Marcus is not aware of how much effort Sophie puts into her tutorials and how fragile her occupation can be.
After a bit of a rocky start, the two eventually wind up working well together… in more ways than one. However, Sophie isn’t sure if she wants Marcus to be a part of her personal life AND her professional life, as well.
This is a fun madcap romantic comedy with a timely premise. The characterizations are well drawn, if a bit hyper and shallow at times. However, that leaves plenty of room for character growth. The momentum is a little uneven, lagging in some places and a bit too frenetic in others. It is also mildly fluffy, without a lot of serious depth- which is not a criticism, just an observation- since we all need a break from heavy reading at times.
However, the author did a great job of capturing this time frame in a young adult’s life, the friendships they have, the parental expectations and pressures, as well the stress of carving out one’s own niche in a highly competitive and ever evolving climate. The chemistry between Sophie and Marcus is stormy, but hot and steamy. The story is hilarious at times and is definitely a mood enhancer!
Overall, this is a light, sexy romp fans of contemporary romance and Rom-Coms will love! 3.5 rounded up...more
Reaching for a Star by Kathryn Freeman is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
Captivating and delightful!!
Michael Tennant, a fabulously popular singer, who aReaching for a Star by Kathryn Freeman is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
Captivating and delightful!!
Michael Tennant, a fabulously popular singer, who also happens to be pretty easy on the eyes, is about to set off on a world tour. To promote the tour, he’s been roped into participating in a reality television show, in which a professional musician is teamed with an amateur. His job will be to teach his partner how to sing. He really, really doesn’t want to do the show in the first place, but once he hears Jessie sing...Oy!
Jessie Simmons has hoped for passion and excitement in her life and relationships. When she is nudged into auditioning for a reality show, she is floored when she finds herself partnered with her fantasy crush, Michael Tennant!!! What could be more exciting than that?
However, the new partnership hits a sour note when it turns out Michael’s private persona is a far cry from his public one.
This is such a great set-up! Michael is guarded and sheltered, his life structured by his 'ice queen' personal assistant. Jessie comes along and shakes things up, but despite their feelings, the two come from completely different worlds, making it nearly impossible to make the budding romance work in the long term.
The characterizations are spot-on and the dialogue is crisp and sharp. The author did a great job of imagining all the various challenges a couple in this unique situation might face and made it all come life in a light and easy atmosphere. Michael is so arrogant at times- or was it really awkwardness? He is forever saying the wrong thing- but his loneliness is palpable. I just wanted to hug him. Jessie is a scene stealer, though, and I loved her spunk and the way she refused to be intimidated... Especially by the ice queen!
This is a wonderful, well-rounded romance, balancing a bit of mature angst with humor, family, friendship and a truly delightful HEA!!...more
Assigned- Even if you don't enjoy women's fiction or contemporary romance- this book is one everyone should read. Realistic, but not heavy or depressiAssigned- Even if you don't enjoy women's fiction or contemporary romance- this book is one everyone should read. Realistic, but not heavy or depressing. Humor and laughter are the best medicine and the lovely romance is as inspirational as Millie!!
Cheers to all the previvors and survivors out there!!
All the Water in the World by Karen Raney is a 2019 Scribner publication.
Heart-rending, but eloquent, study of mother/daughter relationships
Maddie, oAll the Water in the World by Karen Raney is a 2019 Scribner publication.
Heart-rending, but eloquent, study of mother/daughter relationships
Maddie, only sixteen years old has been diagnosed with cancer. Her mother, Eve, raised her alone after her father announced he didn’t want children…. Well, not with Eve, at any rate. At her grandfather’s suggestion, Maddie decides to reach out to her father, Antonio, earlier than she had intended, and the two begin a secretive email correspondence. Meanwhile, Maddie does what most sixteen -year old girls do- gossip with her friends, fall in love, and test and probe the mysterious depths of her relationship with Eve.
Meanwhile, Eve relates her struggles with Maddie’s illness, as we glimpse the circle of support the two receive from Eve’s parents, her partner, Robin, Maddie’s friends and her boyfriend, Jack. Yet, Maddie’s contact with Antonio will have an impact she never could have anticipated- not necessarily for her, but for Eve.
The story uses the alternate narrative format, giving Maddie and Eve a chance to tell their story from their own unique perspectives. Maddie’s voice is clear, her courage unshakable, as she takes as much control over her life as she is able.
Her cancer diagnosis is at the center of the choices she makes, some of which are questionable, but understandable. The same can be said of Eve, who also makes choices she might not have if circumstances were different. I didn’t agree with Maddie or Eve when it came to their decision making skills sometimes, but while it is so very easy to judge, or to get on one’s preachy little soapbox, one never knows how they might respond if they were living within this set of circumstances.
The story is full of tender, but potent moments, often laced with humor, and is more than a little bittersweet. Life throws us unfair curve balls and as Maddie and Eve discover, the only thing we can do is give it our best effort, grab the moments we have and make the best of them.
This story embodies all the various parts of life and living- family and friends, love, pain, mistakes, grief, and forgiveness. This a beautifully written, thought provoking story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Overall, this is an impressive debut novel by Karen Raney!
You never know what you are going to get when you start reading a memoir, but it is always hard to write a review fInteresting, but lackluster memoir
You never know what you are going to get when you start reading a memoir, but it is always hard to write a review for one you feel a little underwhelmed or disappointed with.
So, fans of Debbie Harry, those who will brook no criticism of her, maybe you’ll want to skip this review. I can seem judgmental, more so with a memoir than with a biography written by a third party or a ghost writer.
That’s not really my intent, but I’ve been told I come off sounding that way. Still, these are my personal thoughts and I’m going to be straight up honest about them.
I desperately wanted to like this book. I couldn’t wait for my library to get a copy, so I listened to the audio on Scribd without the benefit of having a digital or print book to complement it- something I rarely do.
At first, I enjoyed listening to Debbie's narration. Being from Texas I don’t get to hear accents like hers too often, and she narrated the book with such an unusual cadence, I was mesmerized by her voice for a while.
But by the second full day of audio, her tone seemed flat and impersonal with little or no emotion or inflection. I really struggled to stay focused on it at times.
As to the format and organization, Debbie gets off to a good start, talking about her childhood, her road to success, and the atmosphere in New York during the seventies, which was bursting with creativity and artistry, but was also a dark, dangerous, terrifying city that was going broke.
Out of this tough environment punk and new wave carved out a fitting niche. Forget corporate rock and bloated songs showcasing guitar and drum solos! As a result, readers will soon learn the one thing Debbie DOESN’T do is gentrification.
Unfortunately, after getting off to such a good start, Debbie occasionally lost her train of thought, and her tight chronological format unraveled, and she started to insert odd little antidotes and wandering off course, playing around with timelines, which is something that rarely works for me with a biography or memoir.
As to my personal views-
I always liked Blondie. The music was catchy with a crossover appeal and I thought Debbie Harry was the perfect front person for the group. I can’t say I was a super fan and up until now I knew very little about Debbie from a personal standpoint. I had heard she had a drug addiction, but other than that I couldn’t have told one other thing about her.
As such, much of what was revealed in her memoir was news to me and I did find her background to be quite interesting. She did reveal one very shocking detail in her life that left me feeling shaken and was the most harrowing moment in the book. (I’m not talking about her alleged encounter with a serial killer- although she does mention that episode in the book)
Excepting that one intensely personal and brave revelation, Debbie remained aloof for the most part. While I realize she plays up her sex appeal, and that is a big part of her stage persona, I was a bit surprised by her strong reliance on her outer appearance, and how, despite believing her music was cutting edge, and that she was standing up to men, and for herself, through her music, she placed a very heavy emphasis on her looks and sex kitten persona rather than on her talent. I was disappointed by that and wish she had relayed a stronger stance against the misogyny in the male dominated and controlled music business. In fact, she went out of her way to avoid that subject, explaining that she just put up with it and got on with what she needed to do- which is a cycle we are desperately trying to break.
I suppose she’s still holding fast to her public image and mystique, and maybe she feels like it is still her bread and butter, so she didn't want to shatter that image.
But, that air of mystery leads me to another qualm about the book. A good memoir gives readers an intimate look at the person and is not just about naming names- which Debbie did a lot of – or an oral history of facts and events.
Unfortunately, Debbie skimmed over some of the things I think people are most interested in knowing. Details!! We want to know about Chris Klein- not just that there was a relationship- but what came between them- what broke them up. Tell us about the drug addiction in a way that perhaps suggests a little regret or remorse- some hint of the agony she must have endured to get clean. None of those intimacies are here and I’m wondering if perhaps Debbie was not really all that interested in giving us a prolonged peek behind the curtain, which leads me to believe that she may have been better off going with an authorized biography instead.
All of that said, Debbie Harry is an icon, and although I didn’t get much of a feel for who she is, deep down, I still love her music and was glad I had the chance to learn a bit more about her history.
Those who are very dedicated fans, or were much more involved in the punk scene, and are far more familiar with the atmosphere of that time and place, may not glean anything new from this memoir, but I’m sure the trip down memory lane will be worth your time.
Although I was a little underwhelmed by the book, and I may have made it sound worse than it really was, I’m still glad I read it. There are plenty of interesting, juicy bits of information, lots of sex and drugs, and it was fun to hear Debbie talk about her hair colors and fashion styles over the years. Her work as an actress was far more accomplished than I realized and I enjoyed hearing about her movies, although I don’t think I’ve seen anything she played in. I think Debbie has lived quite a colorful life and deserves her place in music history and as a pop culture icon.
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is a 2019 Penguin Books publication.
A stirring and bittersweet coming of age story!
Jake is a bit difThe Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is a 2019 Penguin Books publication.
A stirring and bittersweet coming of age story!
Jake is a bit different from other kids his age. But, he’s nowhere near as eccentric as his lovable Uncle Calvin. Calvin owns an occult shop and has a hotline for UFO sightings or other paranormal occurrences. Naturally, he knows all about the local ghostly legends. So, when Jake makes a couple of new friends, Calvin invites them to join his ‘Saturday Night Ghost Club”.
Jake feels like he’s a part of a special group and enjoys spending time with Calvin. However, there is an underlying sense of unease as one begins to suspect there is more to Calvin’s ghost stories than a few good thrills and chills.
Jake narrates this story, as an adult, reciting his adventures through the eye lens of his twelve- year old self. Jakes occupation often urges him to ponder the many mysteries of the mind, especially where our memories are concerned.
When it comes to horror or the paranormal, ghost stories, which I hope are making a comeback, are always a favorite of mine. I also love the local legends each town seems to have, and here in my neck of the woods we have one famous enough to make it into a few ghost -story books.
So, I thought this part of the story was fun, because I may have gone on a few paranormal investigations myself in the early eighties- although I was little older than Jake. We usually ended up scaring ourselves to death more than anything else. So, this story does stir up one’s feelings of nostalgia.
Niagara Falls, though I've never been there, seems like an awesome setting for this short story, creating just the right tone and atmosphere for a good ghost story, while exposing a darker, secret part of the location we don’t typically consider.
I think many people can recall that time in our youth when a part of us desperately wanted to hold onto the innocence of our childhood, while simultaneously longing to prove our maturity, to understand the unspoken and still hidden mysteries of adulthood. It’s a wistful feeling, saying goodbye to one’s childhood as we step over the threshold and take our first tentative steps towards adulthood.
Jake, who has already taken a few lumps in life, learns a bit sooner, and in a more personal way, just how dark the world can be. The summer of his twelfth year understandably stands out in Jake's memory- so much so it most assuredly propelled him towards his ultimate career choice, as he devotes his life to learning and correcting the vast mystery and complexities of the human brain.
His recollections are vivid, and his tone is as introspective as it is retrospective. Although sadness and helplessness lie just underneath the surface, Jake's fond sentimentality often creeps into his voice as his recollections surge to life.
Because I was unfamiliar with this author, I had to do a little research to see what else he may have written. I was very surprised to learn the author also writes under the name “Nick Cutter’. Looking at those books, it is obvious this story certainly is not his usual style. Just goes to show how versatile he can be and how far he could take his talent, if he chooses to.
The Lying Room by Nicci French is a 2019 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
Superb, thought-provoking thriller!
This is the first book released aftThe Lying Room by Nicci French is a 2019 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
Superb, thought-provoking thriller!
This is the first book released after the popular Frieda Klein series. Shaking off the haze of bittersweet feelings at having to say goodbye to those characters, I’m now ready to tackle a new stand- alone effort by this dynamic writing duo.
Neve’s marriage is in a rut, her family and social life is routine and predictable, although the problems with her daughter are still at the forefront of her mind. However, when she and her boss, Saul Stevenson, begin spending time together, it leads to an affair, one that quickens Neve, making her feel alive and desired for the first time in a long while. It’s all thrilling and exciting, until she receives a text message from her lover instructing her to meet up with him. When she arrives at his place, she finds Saul dead- having been beaten to death with a hammer.
With no time for proper mourning, Neve, immediately jumps into action, cleaning the place up from top to bottom hoping to wipe away any trace of her affair with Saul. She must protect her family, especially her troubled daughter, at all costs.
However, once the investigation into Saul’s death begins, Neve discovers more about her dead lover than she ever wanted to know. Not only that, Saul’s widow has reached out to her, announcing she is positive Saul was having an affair with someone at the office, asking Neve to help her find out who it was.
All of this has Neve’s nerves at a breaking point. But, when the detective working the case latches on to Neve, showing up at the most inopportune moments to ask her more questions, Neve’s lies build into a precarious house of cards.
Shocking revelations come to light about her friends, colleagues, her own family, and maybe even about Neve herself as the mystery of who killed Saul deepens. Yet the one thing Neve never considered in her all- consuming obsession to keep her affair hidden from her family and the police, is that she too might be in danger…
This is a dark, twisty thriller which takes so many little curves and travels down so many different avenues, I could never figure out who killed Saul or what direction the story would take me. The first part of the book is almost darkly humorous as Neve is constantly trying to keep her cool as nearly everyone comes to her with their confessions. She becomes so paranoid and on edge, she begins to suspect anyone and everyone in her orbit of having a motive to kill Saul- or out to get her, as well.
However, as the story approached the last quarter of the book, a much darker tone emerges, one that makes the reader very nervous on Neve’s behalf.
The atmosphere and the suspense are so taut, I was practically squirming in my chair from start to finish. However, I also found the book to be very thought provoking. How well do we really know those closest to us? The story could also serve as a type of character study, as Neve, a person who is basically honest, a person so dependable, people feel comfortable confiding in her, takes one selfish misstep, which leads to another and another. Her actions reap repercussions and regrets she never could have anticipated, which is nearly always how these things turn out- murder or no. I couldn’t help but think of the old maxim about tangled webs and deception.
There is one small weakness in the story, as I found the motive a bit tepid, but in the long run, perhaps the strength of the motive didn’t matter so much, as the psychology behind Neve’s responses to her circumstances are at the forefront of the novel.
The moral to the story is strong and pointed- one everyone should keep in mind if temptation ever comes knocking on your door!
My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
Several weeks ago, this book popped up on my radar by way of Book RiotMy Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
Several weeks ago, this book popped up on my radar by way of Book Riot. I seem to be on a true crime kick lately, so I checked the book out from the cloud library. Although it hardly lives up to the gushing hype, the story still left me shaking my head, not so much in disbelief that someone would fall for such a scam, but at the unconscionable behavior of people who deliberately set out to con someone.
In this case, I think Anna cased out the group of people in Rachel’s orbit and picked her out of the lineup to be her target. She read Rachel like a book, I’m sorry to say. While some may have the urge to roll their eyes at Rachel’s gullibility, the sad truth is, anyone, at any given time, in a multitude of ways can fall prey to a con or a scam. The best and the brightest amongst us have been victims of clever con artist, so it is important to avoid victim blaming.
That said, I will admit I found Rachel’s personality to be superficial and couldn’t help but notice she had absolutely no problem riding on Anna’s coattails while she was paying all the bills. Just saying. I think her friendship with the ‘German heiress’ was heady and up until the moment things went awry, she was enjoying all the perks handed to her.
I also think Rachel was desperate to hold on to that friendship, even though I think deep down she knew she’d been taken for a ride. She just didn’t want to admit she’d been played- which, of course, is understandable. Still, she allowed things to drag on entirely too long, and most of us would have thrown in the towel and threatened legal action long before Rachel finally caved.
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But, enough of my psychobabble analysis. The book is a very quick read and Rachel stays on topic, only detailing the time in her life when she was involved with Anna. Watching Anna operate is infuriating. She was quite convincing, especially if one took her at face value, never questioning her story. It seems Rachel wasn’t the only one to believe Anna’s story.
What Rachel went through was nerve wracking and horrendous. She was the victim of a crime and eventually, she brought the fake heiress down. Good on her.
Rachel seems to have gotten herself sorted out and her life is back on track. She claims she got woke, and changed her way of thinking. Sadly, we all learn that lesson in life at some point, and Rachel is hardly unique it that.
This experience may have helped Rachel mature a bit without leaving her completely cynical. She still strikes me as a person who has some growing up to do and is perhaps a bit defensive. I’m not sure is she grew much stronger, as she did downplay her own egotism while writing this book, but she did find the courage to address her naivete and chagrin. Writing this book was probably cathartic for that bruised ego.
Still, I’m happy Rachel realizes she has a lot to be thankful for, and I’m glad she exposed a grifter and stopped her from taking advantage of other people. While I didn’t find Rachel to be a sympathetic ‘character’, if you will, she did help to bring down a criminal- and she works for my favorite magazine- Vanity Fair- so there is that.
To be clear, despite having said more about Rachel in this review than Anna, Anna is the real bad person in all this, and we should not forget that. I’m glad she is behind bars and we do have Rachel to thank for that.
A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White is a 2015 Montlake publication.
I won a copy of ‘The Dark Bones’, the second book in this series, so I thought it migA Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White is a 2015 Montlake publication.
I won a copy of ‘The Dark Bones’, the second book in this series, so I thought it might be a good idea to back track and read this first book in the series, although I see there has been a rather large time gap between installments.
All the same, I’m glad I discovered this author!
Sarah Baker was the lone survivor of the Watt Lake Killer. Twelve years later, after losing everything she held dear and still battling PTSD, Sarah changed her name to Olivia, and found a modicum of solace working at the Broken Bar Ranch.
However, the ranch owner is dying, leaving Olivia's future and that of the ranch, in limbo.
Believing she is making the right decision, Olivia contacts Cole McDonough, one the ranch heirs, to inform him of his father’s ill health. Although Cole hasn’t spoken to his father in years, he flies home knowing there won’t be a fatted calf awaiting his return.
Meanwhile, a former cop who worked the Watt Lake case is convinced the wrong man was sent to prison and is desperately hoping to solve the case before it’s too late.
While this is a very graphic and tense thriller, the story has plenty of depth, especially when it comes to family dynamics, with a nice romantic element, as well. There are several different threads running at once, but at no time did the story feel too busy.
The relationship with Cole and his father, along with the greedy ploys to control the ranch adds drama, the relationship between the cop and his daughter, Tori, is poignant and very bittersweet, and the romance between Cole and Olivia is well-done and realistic.
However, Olivia is being stalked by someone, hinting that the Watt Lake Killer is still out there. The suspense builds at an unbearable pace, and the atmosphere becomes taut and riveting as the final showdown brings us face to face with a clever and diabolical serial killer and all the pending threads are woven together seamlessly.
This genre has really suffered a downward slide in recent years and I usually wind up feeling very frustrated by it. It is so nice to find an author who understands the genre, and knows how to write romantic suspense the way it should be written.
Now I’m really looking forward to reading the second installment!!
Jane Eyre: Manga Classic by Charlotte Bronte and Stacy King is a 2016 UDON Entertainment publication.
If are reading this review on Goodreads, then yoJane Eyre: Manga Classic by Charlotte Bronte and Stacy King is a 2016 UDON Entertainment publication.
If are reading this review on Goodreads, then you can tell from my profile pic/avatar that I’m a huge fan of Jane Eyre. So, with my developing interest in Manga/Comics/Graphic Novels, choosing this book was a no- brainer for me.
Yet, at the same time, I might have been taking a risk, since the story is one my favorites. What if the graphics didn’t live up to my expectations or what if the story was restructured in a way that disappointed me? Well, I need not have worried. Stacy King has been the illustrator for several other Manga Classics and has always done a wonderful job of formatting these beloved stories into the Manga format. This one was no exception.
I’ve read Jane Eyre several times, have seen several movie adaptations, as well, but reading it with these vivid illustrations truly brings the story to life in a way anyone can appreciate and enjoy.
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I won’t rehash the plot, as it is familiar to most everyone. I will say that this book is part of the reason I developed a love for Gothic fiction and is one of the reasons why it holds a special place in my heart.
So, enjoying this story again, in a new format has been a real treat. The artist did an amazing job with the characters’ facial expressions and period clothing, while adhering to the unique Manga art form. Although, I must admit, Jane isn’t really all that plain, in this book- she’s simply adorable!! The book is structured in such a way the reader is truly engaged and the story flows at a nice fresh pace.
Overall, this is another outstanding addition to the Manga Classics library.
A Bride for Glenmore by Sarah Morgan and Haruhi Sakura (Illustrator) is a 2018 Harlequin/ SB Creative publication.
I read the original Harlequin MedicA Bride for Glenmore by Sarah Morgan and Haruhi Sakura (Illustrator) is a 2018 Harlequin/ SB Creative publication.
I read the original Harlequin Medical release of this book not all that long ago. I really like Sarah Morgan and am pleased with the direction her career has taken. It’s so fun to watch an author’s blossom. It is also fun to see one of Sarah’s books released as a Manga.
The story is centered around the small community of Glenmore and the medical dramas they encounter, ranging from minor incidents to serious issues. Dr. Logan MacNeil has decided he needs a little additional help during the summer months.
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Dr. Ethan Walker is hired and Logan’s sister, Kyla, a nurse, helps the new doctor familiarize himself with the clinic. At first Ethan’s big city attitude is annoying, but the more time he spends with Kyla, the closer they become. However, Ethan his harboring an explosive secret, one that could change the way Kyla feels about him. Not only that, their budding romance can’t deepen into anything too serious because Ethan has no plans to stick around Glenmore Island once the summer is over.
This is a wonderful medical romance with a very surprising twist I never saw coming, when I read the original story this Manga is based on.
Now, however, since I already knew what the big secret was, the fun was in seeing the story come to life through the fabulous artwork. The illustrator captured the characters and the scenery quite well.
A Quest of Dreams by Debra Dier is a 2019 publication. (Originally published in 1994)
High Adventure, Steamy Romance!
Kate Whitmore and her father areA Quest of Dreams by Debra Dier is a 2019 publication. (Originally published in 1994)
High Adventure, Steamy Romance!
Kate Whitmore and her father are in search of the lost city of Atlantis. To help them navigate the dangerous Brazilian jungle, Kate attempts to hire Devlin McCain, who is highly skeptical about their quest. Still, the possible reward is hard to pass up. However, he is very unhappy that Kate is traveling into danger with her father. Kate, on the other hand, has centered her entire life around her work, and is determined to prove her mettle.
The journey will be a long one, filled with physical dangers, and more than a little intrigue, but Kate’s heart is also in jeopardy as she fights off her unexpected and undeniable attraction to the mulish Devlin McCain.
But, with others on the trail of the lost city and the promised treasures hidden there, Devlin and Kate will have to work together to see their dreams realized, whether they like or trust one another or not!
This is one of those books that takes me back to a time when historical romance was imaginative and creative and not always stuck in Regency England. (Plus, maybe we weren't so hung up on extreme realism, either.) This book has a bit of everything in it. Suspense, adventure, action, intrigue, mystery, paranormal elements and of course, a sizzling romance. The cast was a little larger than I’m comfortable with, but I was able to follow along with only a minor amount of confusion.
The story moves fast and there is a lot going on, but the unusual plot challenged me and kept me fully engaged.
I’d squeeze more historical romance novels into my reading schedule if they had this much imagination.
4 stars
*Note: Full disclosure: This book was written back in 1994. The author has reissued this book and a handful of her other books in digital format, and updated the cover art. I was delighted to discover I had three of Debra’s older paperbacks in my paperback collection and they are in near mint condition. How fun!!
On occasion one could tell this book was not written recently, but overall this story stands the test of time. In fact, Kate's character and the attitude of her father fits right in with today's modern messages of empowered women and the men who support their efforts. So maybe the author was a little ahead of her time. If you enjoy historical romance, I hope you will give this author a try....more
Rachel Rising Vol. 1- The Shadow of Death by Terry Moore is a 2012 publication.
This series is going to be awesome!
This series in available with 'comRachel Rising Vol. 1- The Shadow of Death by Terry Moore is a 2012 publication.
This series is going to be awesome!
This series in available with 'comiXology' unlimited, so I decided to check out the first volume going in completely blind.
Rachel wakes up in a shallow grave, realizing someone had tried to kill her. Clawing her way out, she goes in search of a killer.
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Part mystery, part supernatural horror, this black and white comic hooked me immediately. I loved dark, macabre atmosphere, the humor, and the depth of the story, which had an almost hypnotic effect on me. [image]
The supernatural investigation kept me reader guessing, wondering about witches and the un-dead. The philosophical discussions about life and death are absorbing adding another layer to the story.
Unlike nearly everyone else who read graphic novels, I have not read any of Terry Moore’s other series. I must say, this is most excited I’ve been about a graphic novel series, since I began taste testing them a few months back.
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This story is very creepy, with the artwork carrying the bulk of the load, magnifying the feeling of unease and suspense beautifully. I’m hooked!
Elvis in Vegas: How the King Reinvented the Vegas Show by Richard Zoglin is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
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A wildly entertaining and juicyElvis in Vegas: How the King Reinvented the Vegas Show by Richard Zoglin is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
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A wildly entertaining and juicy piece of pop culture history!!
Elvis truly resonated with my mother’s generation, back in the fifties and sixties, but not so much with me. He was before my time, and frankly, I just couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I didn’t see in him, what legions of fans apparently did.
For decades, I sneered when someone mentioned Elvis as a pioneer of rock and roll. I thought he was vastly overrated and felt that if a title, such as ‘The King of Rock and Roll’, must be applied, Chuck Berry was far more deserving of it than Elvis.
However, these days, Elvis seems to slip further and further from our mainstream consciousness- unless you happen to be in Las Vegas, that is. Even now Elvis remains a mainstay in Sin City. In fact, very recently an Elvis impersonator performed the wedding ceremony for a popular ‘It’ couple, which made the rounds on social media.
It was the first time I’d thought of Elvis in years.
Elvis is synonymous with Vegas and the big theatrical stage show that became the norm once he set up a residency there. For many, however, it also signifies Elvis’s downfall- the place where he became a parody of himself, becoming bloated and out of shape and dependent on drugs, going through the motions with no enthusiasm.
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While it is true that Elvis became bored and restless, and fell prey to his own celebrity and gaudiness, Richard Zoglin shows us a different side of that coin-
The author takes readers on a fascinating journey back to Vegas’ beginnings, through the age of mob -controlled casinos, the peak of night club performances, the ups and downs of the entertainment mecca, and through Elvis’s tenure as Vegas’ top draw.
I never realized what a big impact Elvis had on Vegas. I guess I never really thought about how his show transformed the city and the future of all other popular shows and spectacular stage performances since then.
If not for Elvis, I’m not sure what path Vegas may have traveled down, but I don’t think it would have flourished in the same way.
For the record, this is not another Elvis biography, nor is it a dry history of Vegas. While some familiar ground is covered, this book is more of an analysis of how the city and its entertainment venues changed and adjusted over time, and how it evolved into the entertainment epicenter it is today.
It also offers up many titillating details about major Vegas acts, like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. These are lesser known, and less flattering stories about the nightclub acts, some of which would certainly raise eyebrows today. It is also a nostalgic journey. I’d forgotten about some of the performers mentioned in this book and do remember how popular they were.
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I’d also forgotten how Howard Hughes took over Vegas for a time, shoving the mob out of the way. It was a bit weird to hear people like Florence Henderson and Paul Anka lament the lack of mob protection. When the mob was running things- Vegas was a safe place!! Wow!
The author spent a bit too much time with Frank Sinatra. I realize he was the name most associated with Vegas before Elvis stepped into his shoes, and for some, his legacy is still steeped in Vegas lore. But I did grow a bit weary of Frank, wishing we could hurry up and move on into new territory.
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Vegas went through an identity crisis a time or two, especially as rock music began to become a dominant force, pushing crooners like Frank Sinatra to the sidelines. No rock performer or group wanted to play Vegas. It just wasn’t cool. It was where one ended up in their twilight years. But in many ways Elvis changed all that.
Shows like Cirque du Soleil and performers like Celine Dion owe Elvis a debt of gratitude. Without him and his elaborate stage shows, it is unlikely that Vegas would be what it is today.
Trust me, one doesn’t need to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys history or pop culture. The author has written a dazzling Vegas showcase giving Elvis a bit of overdue credit, and this time I must concur- he was a pioneer after all- a Vegas pioneer, and this time he earned the respect. So, let’s hand it to him. Elvis changed Vegas, gave it a new lease on life, one the city continues to benefit from, and will for some time to come.
Assigned- I'm going to give this one the benefit of the doubt, especially since it looks to be so well received. Ideally, one doesn't start with book Assigned- I'm going to give this one the benefit of the doubt, especially since it looks to be so well received. Ideally, one doesn't start with book four in a high fantasy series. I'd have read the first three before reading this one if I'd had time before the deadline, but sadly, I don't. However, I was still able to grasp the gist of it for the most part. 3.5 rounded up. ...more
The Body on the Beach by Simon Brett is a 2000 Berkley publication.
This is the first in book in the long running ‘Fethering’ Mystery series.
Carole iThe Body on the Beach by Simon Brett is a 2000 Berkley publication.
This is the first in book in the long running ‘Fethering’ Mystery series.
Carole is walking her dog when she discovers a dead body on the beach. After reporting the crime, Carole is furious at the way she was treated by the police. She is also out of sorts because of her new neighbor, Jude. Carole likes her quiet, ordered life and Jude’s presence is bound to be a disruption.
But, much to her surprise, Carole finds herself intrigued by Jude, and discovers she is easy to confide in, although Jude doesn’t really reciprocate in the way Carole would like. The pair decides to investigate the suspicious death on their own, and discover they have a knack for detective work.
The village and all the quirky characters from the local pub add drama, humor, and excitement to the story as the mystery deepens once the ladies uncover more information. They eventually link together a rather complex set of circumstances, and slowly narrow down the suspects in a most disorganized, but effective manner.
This series came to my attention through Netgalley and Berkley publishing. I did not realize, when I was approved for 'The Liar in the Library', that it was part of a very long running series. So, before I tackled a book that deep into the thick of things, I decided to at least read the first few books in the series to get a better feel for the characters. I’m glad I decided to do that, since I have the distinct impression many the characters introduced here will become recurring ones and will develop more fully as the series continues.
As with most ‘first in a series’ mysteries, a lot of time is spent on time and place, and with the introduction of characters. The author created a nice, rich atmosphere in Feathering. It feels like an ideal backdrop for these characters. It’s a charming seaside village, but apparently it harbors a great many secrets and a bit of a sinister undertone.
Carole is an introverted type, while Jude is more gregarious. Jude remains a bit of an enigma, while Carole becomes more sociable. They certainly make an odd duo, but it works.
The mystery plot is a tad busy and messy, but it was the first case for these amateur detectives so I’m sure as they gain more experience they will get much better at playing detectives.
Overall, a solid beginning of the series and I look forward to visiting the quaint village of Feathering again soon.
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero is a 2017 Doubleday Books publication.
The title of this book caught my eye a while back and I knew I’d have to investigMeddling Kids by Edgar Cantero is a 2017 Doubleday Books publication.
The title of this book caught my eye a while back and I knew I’d have to investigate and see for myself how this book paralleled with the Scooby Doo cartoons. Since I’m a huge fan of the classic Scooby Doo show I was confident I’d find this satirical twist on the ‘meddling kids’ right up my alley.
The book took off on solid footing, but the further along I got, the more convoluted the story became. The humor was originally biting and was funny on occasion, but even that wore thin early on. I really wanted to like this one, but it turned out not to be a good fit.
I struggled to finish the book, which felt like a thousand page tome instead of a little over three hundred pages long. I didn’t think I’d ever get to the end of it. Although I stuck it out, I wish I’d cut my losses early on. This one wasn’t for me. I'll stick with my traditional Scooby Doo cartoons- and yes, I still watch them.
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