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drops_everything_and_reads's reviews
1189 reviews
Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan
3.0
I really wanted to like the book, but I found it a bit too cheesy and insta-lovey for me. The premise is very clever and it was fun to see how it was explained how Griffin ended up as a statue, and then his exploring modern life once freed.
I struggled to empathize with Emily, as it felt like her happiness really depended on having a man love her.
The ending wrapped things up in a way that suited the story line.
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
I struggled to empathize with Emily, as it felt like her happiness really depended on having a man love her.
The ending wrapped things up in a way that suited the story line.
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
A Terribly Nasty Business by Julia Seales
5.0
After quickly reading and LOVING the first book in the series, A Most Agreeable Murder, I was incredibly excited to read A Terribly Nasty Business and I absolutely was not disappointed.
This series has the elements I love in mystery books: historical, strong female lead character who doesn't quite fit societal norms, a hint of romance, and engaging mystery. This series takes it up a notch and adds eccentricity in its characters and storyline, throws in some hints that a sibling is a werewolf, and tops it off with great humour that is engaging and delightful.
Beatrice is a wonderful character - a young woman finding her way in the world, now living in London and having to lead a bit of a double life: one of a young debutante 'seeking' a husband (to make her mother's dreams come true) and also as a private investigator, now in partnership with Inspector Drake. The world's collide when Beatrice and Drake are tasked with solving a murder that took place amongst an elite social circle in London.
As they begin to investigate, Beatrice has to deal with the ongoing pressure from her mother, the misogyny of the older men in the society group, another murder, and the attentions of one Sir Huxley.
From start to end, this book kept my attention, had me laughing, and trying to figure out whodunnit alongside Beatrice and Drake. A very satisfying conclusion that also sets up for more books in the series. I will happily be reading the third book.
Thanks so much to Random House for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
This series has the elements I love in mystery books: historical, strong female lead character who doesn't quite fit societal norms, a hint of romance, and engaging mystery. This series takes it up a notch and adds eccentricity in its characters and storyline, throws in some hints that a sibling is a werewolf, and tops it off with great humour that is engaging and delightful.
Beatrice is a wonderful character - a young woman finding her way in the world, now living in London and having to lead a bit of a double life: one of a young debutante 'seeking' a husband (to make her mother's dreams come true) and also as a private investigator, now in partnership with Inspector Drake. The world's collide when Beatrice and Drake are tasked with solving a murder that took place amongst an elite social circle in London.
As they begin to investigate, Beatrice has to deal with the ongoing pressure from her mother, the misogyny of the older men in the society group, another murder, and the attentions of one Sir Huxley.
From start to end, this book kept my attention, had me laughing, and trying to figure out whodunnit alongside Beatrice and Drake. A very satisfying conclusion that also sets up for more books in the series. I will happily be reading the third book.
Thanks so much to Random House for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
4.0
Reading this book reminded me of the movie Pleasantville, starring Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire. As I love that movie, it is definitely a compliment!
This is a lovely story about finding oneself after feeling so lost, metaphorically and then, to get into the town, literally. Eloraton is a fictional town of the book series beloved by Eileen, a book series that has provided comfort, joy, and perhaps even escape from the real world over the years. It also ends up being the place where Eileen (Elsy) can find herself again after a miserable couple of years of feeling directionless.
The cast of characters (in a very meta way) are engaging and also perhaps feeling a bit lost, too, as the author of the book passed away prior to writing what was expected to be the concluding book of the series.
Also lost, in many ways, is Anderson, who was not a character in the books. Finding out who he is and why he is in Eloraton is heartbreaking as he is on his own journey but is perhaps also scared of moving forward.
The ending is heartwrenching but beautiful. I enjoined how Elsy found herself, found her direction, and then pursued it, regardless of whether Anders was going to be with her or not. She was no longer going to hold herself back. of course, the HEA was beautiful and really emphasized that Elsy's and Anders's relationship represented new chapters (pun intended) for both of them.
Ashley Poston is fantastic at writing magical realism and this book is no exception.
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
This is a lovely story about finding oneself after feeling so lost, metaphorically and then, to get into the town, literally. Eloraton is a fictional town of the book series beloved by Eileen, a book series that has provided comfort, joy, and perhaps even escape from the real world over the years. It also ends up being the place where Eileen (Elsy) can find herself again after a miserable couple of years of feeling directionless.
The cast of characters (in a very meta way) are engaging and also perhaps feeling a bit lost, too, as the author of the book passed away prior to writing what was expected to be the concluding book of the series.
Also lost, in many ways, is Anderson, who was not a character in the books. Finding out who he is and why he is in Eloraton is heartbreaking as he is on his own journey but is perhaps also scared of moving forward.
The ending is heartwrenching but beautiful. I enjoined how Elsy found herself, found her direction, and then pursued it, regardless of whether Anders was going to be with her or not. She was no longer going to hold herself back. of course, the HEA was beautiful and really emphasized that Elsy's and Anders's relationship represented new chapters (pun intended) for both of them.
Ashley Poston is fantastic at writing magical realism and this book is no exception.
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A delightful cozy read!
This book is like if the Great British Bake-off met Kimberly Lemming's Mead Mishaps world, but with a lot more baking and a lot less spiciness.
It reads as a new adult book, with the FMC, Arleta, a human in her early 20s, on a journey to really find herself, her confidence, her path in life, and love.
The main characters we spend time with in the book - Arleta, the Orcs who are her surrogate dads, Theo, Doli, and Jez, make for a wonderful group of friends and over the course of the book, found family.
The book does touch on some heavier subjects, including racism (or would it be specism?) as Arleta, as a non-magical human, is often looked down upon as compared to all the other magical species around her. While we don't necessarily see the perpetrators of discrimination brought to justice, we do see how it affects Arleta.
As the first book in the series, I will keep reading. It makes for a calming read on a rainy day. If only I had Doli's ability to make tea on the spot...
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
This book is like if the Great British Bake-off met Kimberly Lemming's Mead Mishaps world, but with a lot more baking and a lot less spiciness.
It reads as a new adult book, with the FMC, Arleta, a human in her early 20s, on a journey to really find herself, her confidence, her path in life, and love.
The main characters we spend time with in the book - Arleta, the Orcs who are her surrogate dads, Theo, Doli, and Jez, make for a wonderful group of friends and over the course of the book, found family.
The book does touch on some heavier subjects, including racism (or would it be specism?) as Arleta, as a non-magical human, is often looked down upon as compared to all the other magical species around her. While we don't necessarily see the perpetrators of discrimination brought to justice, we do see how it affects Arleta.
As the first book in the series, I will keep reading. It makes for a calming read on a rainy day. If only I had Doli's ability to make tea on the spot...
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom
1.5
Thanks to Forever for an eARC; all opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this book but I just... didn't. I felt like Max wanted Delia to fail and then when she didn't, he was all "I will save you." he lied to her about who he was, led her on and then expected her to trust him (which he did) and it just didn't do it for me. He just seemed like not a great guy.
I really wanted to like this book but I just... didn't. I felt like Max wanted Delia to fail and then when she didn't, he was all "I will save you." he lied to her about who he was, led her on and then expected her to trust him (which he did) and it just didn't do it for me. He just seemed like not a great guy.
A Pernicious Fabrication by Lynn Messina
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Thanks to the author for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
I would seriously love to know how Lynn Ora up with the ideas for the books in this series, and the companion Verity Lark series, because they are so interesting and creative and detailed and I love it all.
In this one, Beatrice is getting ready to remove to the country estate and continues to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a huge manor, finds out that a friend has gone ahead and issued invitations to a house party at said manor without telling Beatrice, and also needs to investigate, at the behest of London’s notorious criminal mastermind, the murder of her husband’s cousin.
And of course, she must find time to relax in her office of rout cake enjoyment.
In addition to murder, there’s forgeries and theft and so much more.
If you enjoy the Veronica Speedwell series, I highly recommend trying out this series!
I would seriously love to know how Lynn Ora up with the ideas for the books in this series, and the companion Verity Lark series, because they are so interesting and creative and detailed and I love it all.
In this one, Beatrice is getting ready to remove to the country estate and continues to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a huge manor, finds out that a friend has gone ahead and issued invitations to a house party at said manor without telling Beatrice, and also needs to investigate, at the behest of London’s notorious criminal mastermind, the murder of her husband’s cousin.
And of course, she must find time to relax in her office of rout cake enjoyment.
In addition to murder, there’s forgeries and theft and so much more.
If you enjoy the Veronica Speedwell series, I highly recommend trying out this series!
The Story That Wouldn't Die: A Mystery by Christina Estes
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
I was a big fan of Christina's first book in this series and really appreciated all of the details, the layers, and the character development. The second book in the series is, in my opinion, even better. There's a lot more character development with Jolene as we get more glimmers of her past (foster kid, raised by her grandmother) and the impact that has left on her - the vulnerability, the trauma - and how she copes with it (hint: not great).
Jolene throws all of herself into her work, often at the expense of her well-being, and creating friendships. She holds herself back from forming too tight of bonds with people - whether co-workers or her neighbour, Norma, and its starting to bite her in the butt, a bit. She doesn't trust easily, is skeptical, and at times, this works against her in trying to do her job.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book, especially with the personal connection as Jolene meets one of the victims not too long before they are killed and it clearly rattles her and she's determined to get justice.
Something Christina does so well, I think because she is a reporter, is incorporates the clues into all of the details she includes in the book. This makes me pay much closer attention because I don't know what could be a clue and what is simply an observation. It all matters.
I admit I was thrown off by who the culprit was - it really did surprise me but it made so much sense!!!
The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger as to what Jolene will do next and I'm excited!!
I was a big fan of Christina's first book in this series and really appreciated all of the details, the layers, and the character development. The second book in the series is, in my opinion, even better. There's a lot more character development with Jolene as we get more glimmers of her past (foster kid, raised by her grandmother) and the impact that has left on her - the vulnerability, the trauma - and how she copes with it (hint: not great).
Jolene throws all of herself into her work, often at the expense of her well-being, and creating friendships. She holds herself back from forming too tight of bonds with people - whether co-workers or her neighbour, Norma, and its starting to bite her in the butt, a bit. She doesn't trust easily, is skeptical, and at times, this works against her in trying to do her job.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book, especially with the personal connection as Jolene meets one of the victims not too long before they are killed and it clearly rattles her and she's determined to get justice.
Something Christina does so well, I think because she is a reporter, is incorporates the clues into all of the details she includes in the book. This makes me pay much closer attention because I don't know what could be a clue and what is simply an observation. It all matters.
I admit I was thrown off by who the culprit was - it really did surprise me but it made so much sense!!!
The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger as to what Jolene will do next and I'm excited!!
The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea by C.L. Miller
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Thanks to Atria for the eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
An absolutely fantastic second instalment in this newer series!!
One thing I think the author does exceptionally well is the "jumping heads" while also utilizing first person POV for only one character - Freya. This keeps Freya as the main character, but allows us to get the different perspectives of other characters, if only for a short period of time. It lets us get into the motivations of others, building sympathy for some and intrigue for others.
The mystery itself is detailed and layered, and not always as it seems, which we see via Freya's point of view as the original reason for being on the cruise (to get a painting back) becomes just a small mystery in a bigger scheme.
I found that when I got to the big conclusion of whodunnit, it was a long on ramp and then a sudden rapid closure. The follow-up of what happened to the culprit(s) was very quick - just a few paragraphs - and it felt abrupt. I would have liked to have seen it drawn out a bit so that it didn't feel like it ended so quickly and also to savour all of the work put into building the mystery, Freya and others figuring out what was happening, etc.
I really liked the very end, with five of the characters coming together and setting the stage for a group of antique hunters (I hope!) - people who have chosen to trust each other in pursuit of justice.
I will happily keep reading this series!
An absolutely fantastic second instalment in this newer series!!
One thing I think the author does exceptionally well is the "jumping heads" while also utilizing first person POV for only one character - Freya. This keeps Freya as the main character, but allows us to get the different perspectives of other characters, if only for a short period of time. It lets us get into the motivations of others, building sympathy for some and intrigue for others.
The mystery itself is detailed and layered, and not always as it seems, which we see via Freya's point of view as the original reason for being on the cruise (to get a painting back) becomes just a small mystery in a bigger scheme.
I found that when I got to the big conclusion of whodunnit, it was a long on ramp and then a sudden rapid closure. The follow-up of what happened to the culprit(s) was very quick - just a few paragraphs - and it felt abrupt. I would have liked to have seen it drawn out a bit so that it didn't feel like it ended so quickly and also to savour all of the work put into building the mystery, Freya and others figuring out what was happening, etc.
I really liked the very end, with five of the characters coming together and setting the stage for a group of antique hunters (I hope!) - people who have chosen to trust each other in pursuit of justice.
I will happily keep reading this series!
Fan Service by Rosie Danan
5.0
Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.
I binge-read this book as I could not put it down. It's absolutely brilliant. I think some people could read it at a very superficial level (hot actor who played werewolf now is a werewolf) or take a more in-depth read of it about things like loneliness, and belonging, and feeling like an imposter, and social acceptance, and all of that. I appreciated that it can be a fun read but also that more layered read that can be thought-provoking.
I think there's something so fun that can happen when an author really leans into the "what if" and then sets some parameters for the universe they have created. In this instance, it was brilliant how Rosie created parameters for the rules of being a werewolf because of the tv show as well as the online forum with fan fiction. Speaking of, this book is a huge homage to fandoms and online forums and fan fiction and the communities that are created. I don't know if they exist to the same extent as they did 10-20 years ago, but I think so many millennials who were into the fandoms will see themselves in this story and appreciate how Rosie celebrates it.
Absolutely brilliant. Another winner from Rosie Danan.
I binge-read this book as I could not put it down. It's absolutely brilliant. I think some people could read it at a very superficial level (hot actor who played werewolf now is a werewolf) or take a more in-depth read of it about things like loneliness, and belonging, and feeling like an imposter, and social acceptance, and all of that. I appreciated that it can be a fun read but also that more layered read that can be thought-provoking.
I think there's something so fun that can happen when an author really leans into the "what if" and then sets some parameters for the universe they have created. In this instance, it was brilliant how Rosie created parameters for the rules of being a werewolf because of the tv show as well as the online forum with fan fiction. Speaking of, this book is a huge homage to fandoms and online forums and fan fiction and the communities that are created. I don't know if they exist to the same extent as they did 10-20 years ago, but I think so many millennials who were into the fandoms will see themselves in this story and appreciate how Rosie celebrates it.
Absolutely brilliant. Another winner from Rosie Danan.
Never Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay Lovise
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and am so excited to read more!
I loved how the first book, Never Blow a Kiss, introduced us to Frankie, but didn't give away too much as to what her storyline would be but had enough information to intrigue me.
Frankie is brilliant at math, and not as brilliant of being an 'appropriate' governess but nonetheless, that is her job and she gets a job working for notorious gambling hell owner, Jasper Jones, who may have knowledge of where her missing sister could be, as he has taken guardianship of his fifteen year old niece.
Frankie and Jasper find they have a lot more in common (including an attraction to one another) and start to work together to find Frankie's sister. Of course, if they happen to act on their attraction once or twice, well, that's just wonderful.
A great book from Lindsay and I think will be enjoyed by many fans of historical romance books.
Thanks to Forever for an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
I loved how the first book, Never Blow a Kiss, introduced us to Frankie, but didn't give away too much as to what her storyline would be but had enough information to intrigue me.
Frankie is brilliant at math, and not as brilliant of being an 'appropriate' governess but nonetheless, that is her job and she gets a job working for notorious gambling hell owner, Jasper Jones, who may have knowledge of where her missing sister could be, as he has taken guardianship of his fifteen year old niece.
Frankie and Jasper find they have a lot more in common (including an attraction to one another) and start to work together to find Frankie's sister. Of course, if they happen to act on their attraction once or twice, well, that's just wonderful.
A great book from Lindsay and I think will be enjoyed by many fans of historical romance books.
Thanks to Forever for an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.