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drops_everything_and_reads's Reviews (1.2k)
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
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!!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
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!
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.
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.
I really enjoyed the third book in the series, especially the time loop aspect!
I think so many people would love a second chance to do something over, but obviously, it can't happen in real life so living vicariously through Sirena as she is re-lives the month of October and uses the opportunity to make different decisions, and seize opportunities. I did like, though, that it didn't completely change who she was as a person; she still had a specific goal in mind which, at times, she had to find the balance of constantly working towards that goal or take some time to have some fun, especially with Gus. Of course, taking that time to have fun is actually what helps her achieve her goals, even if they look a bit different than at the beginning.
Gus was an interesting guy; he's been through some major life changes in order to do what he wants, but he still seems to be holding back as he lives his life as a former reality star. I thought Gus and Sirena were could partners to one another - challenging, supporting, balancing.
another great read from Celestine Martin!
Thanks to Forever for the eARC. all opinions are my own.
I think so many people would love a second chance to do something over, but obviously, it can't happen in real life so living vicariously through Sirena as she is re-lives the month of October and uses the opportunity to make different decisions, and seize opportunities. I did like, though, that it didn't completely change who she was as a person; she still had a specific goal in mind which, at times, she had to find the balance of constantly working towards that goal or take some time to have some fun, especially with Gus. Of course, taking that time to have fun is actually what helps her achieve her goals, even if they look a bit different than at the beginning.
Gus was an interesting guy; he's been through some major life changes in order to do what he wants, but he still seems to be holding back as he lives his life as a former reality star. I thought Gus and Sirena were could partners to one another - challenging, supporting, balancing.
another great read from Celestine Martin!
Thanks to Forever for the eARC. all opinions are my own.
Thanks to @sourcebookscasa I was able to read an eARC of @fayedelacour upcoming book, A Lady’s Guide to London, pubbing April 15, 2025
It’s the second in the Lucky Ladies of London series, and focuses on Della, who owns and operates a gambling hell for ladies with her bestie, Jane, the FMC in The Lady He Lost.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved how unexpected it was wrt having a MMC who is married - but long separated - and is definitely on the fringes of “polite” society, as well as a FMC who has her own business, and seeks to live life on her own terms.
The I bring was, IMO, perfect for the two MCs. It’s a messy conclusion but one that makes sense for them.
There’s some side characters we spend time with and whom I hope get their own stories! I will definitely be reading more books by Faye as she continues her publishing career!
If you like the vibes of Lindsay Lovise’s Never Gamble Your Heart, Laura Lee Guhrke’s Lady Scandal or Amalie Howard’s The Worst Duke in London, then I suggest you add A Lady’s Guide to your TBR.
It’s the second in the Lucky Ladies of London series, and focuses on Della, who owns and operates a gambling hell for ladies with her bestie, Jane, the FMC in The Lady He Lost.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved how unexpected it was wrt having a MMC who is married - but long separated - and is definitely on the fringes of “polite” society, as well as a FMC who has her own business, and seeks to live life on her own terms.
The I bring was, IMO, perfect for the two MCs. It’s a messy conclusion but one that makes sense for them.
There’s some side characters we spend time with and whom I hope get their own stories! I will definitely be reading more books by Faye as she continues her publishing career!
If you like the vibes of Lindsay Lovise’s Never Gamble Your Heart, Laura Lee Guhrke’s Lady Scandal or Amalie Howard’s The Worst Duke in London, then I suggest you add A Lady’s Guide to your TBR.
I love that the book is set in Mumbai, India; it’s a nice change of pace from the many books set in the USA. Accordingly, in the audiobook, the narrator would use Indian accents for some of the characters which was fun to hear.
The story itself was great. Jia is an aspiring matchmaker who, herself, is looking for love while also trying to matchmaker other people. Jaiman owns a pub and has been in love with Jia for years but has put that notion aside, thinking she’s not interested.
I love how each MC is so well developed; there is vulnerability, emotion, confidence, and uncertainty. the pressure to succeed while also staying true to their ambitions. I enjoyed how Jia and Jaiman kept being pushed together, and the attraction and chemistry was obvious.
I’m definitely going to pick up the author’s second book
The story itself was great. Jia is an aspiring matchmaker who, herself, is looking for love while also trying to matchmaker other people. Jaiman owns a pub and has been in love with Jia for years but has put that notion aside, thinking she’s not interested.
I love how each MC is so well developed; there is vulnerability, emotion, confidence, and uncertainty. the pressure to succeed while also staying true to their ambitions. I enjoyed how Jia and Jaiman kept being pushed together, and the attraction and chemistry was obvious.
I’m definitely going to pick up the author’s second book
ARC review of A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal, book two in the Queen’s Deadly Damsels series by Darcy McGuire!
Thanks to @theboldbookclub I received an early ebook of the book and then I read it and loved it but bc my executive functioning sucks, it’s taken me way too long to post a review BUT HERE I AM NOW!!!
We have a wallflower who is desperate to escape an arranged marriage negotiated by an evil stepmother and we have a war vet who keeps to himself and isn’t really the most popular guy in London society.
So what is a desperate woman - Millie - gonna do? Well, create a scandal, render herself unmarriageable and continue working for Queen Vicky with her friends so they can take down some nasty criminals. She didn’t account for the scandalous kiss with Major General Beaufort Drake being so delectable nor that he would be of the gallant variety and offer to marry her.
But our friend Drake is also investigating the same nasty criminals but for the Prime Minister. And then Millie and Drake, her family and their friends and guests are alllllll together for a week for a wedding house party where they hope to reveal the culprit(s).
And of course Millie and Drake kiss, bang, and find themselves falling in love AS TWO PEOPLE INVESTIGATING CRIMES TOGETHER ARE WONT TO DO IN A ROMANCE BOOK.
I’m loving this series. It has everything I enjoy in a historical romance with a mystery. I’m hooked.
Thanks to @theboldbookclub I received an early ebook of the book and then I read it and loved it but bc my executive functioning sucks, it’s taken me way too long to post a review BUT HERE I AM NOW!!!
We have a wallflower who is desperate to escape an arranged marriage negotiated by an evil stepmother and we have a war vet who keeps to himself and isn’t really the most popular guy in London society.
So what is a desperate woman - Millie - gonna do? Well, create a scandal, render herself unmarriageable and continue working for Queen Vicky with her friends so they can take down some nasty criminals. She didn’t account for the scandalous kiss with Major General Beaufort Drake being so delectable nor that he would be of the gallant variety and offer to marry her.
But our friend Drake is also investigating the same nasty criminals but for the Prime Minister. And then Millie and Drake, her family and their friends and guests are alllllll together for a week for a wedding house party where they hope to reveal the culprit(s).
And of course Millie and Drake kiss, bang, and find themselves falling in love AS TWO PEOPLE INVESTIGATING CRIMES TOGETHER ARE WONT TO DO IN A ROMANCE BOOK.
I’m loving this series. It has everything I enjoy in a historical romance with a mystery. I’m hooked.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My mystery book reading binge continues! This time with It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant.
It pubbed last July from Berkley and I’m annoyed with myself that I didn’t read it sooner!
How much did I like this book? Well, I immediately looked up when book two comes out because it’s a series! Yay!
FYI, book two is The Game is Afoot and pubs July 8, 2025.
The MC, Mavis, is very relatable: a single mother, working a job she doesn’t love, tries to avoid the other “perfect” moms at the school drop-off, and constantly feels the pressure to Do It All and Do It Perfectly.
She inadvertently gets caught up in investigating the disappearance of the school principal after witnessing some sketchy behaviour from the president of the PTA.
Her partner in sleuthing is the good looking school psychologist who makes her feel things….
This is a pretty light-hearted mystery, and there’s a secondary mystery that allowed for some misdirection. I had a suspicion about the character who is the main culprit early on so I wasn’t surprised when I was proven correct, but the motive was definitely interesting. And I liked that there was nuance and things weren’t all wrapped up neatly.
The book doesn’t focus solely on the mystery, but also how Mavis navigates her life as a single mom to a young daughter, living with her father (who is a delight), a job where she feels unappreciated, her relationship with her daughter’s father, friendships, and more.
I’m thrilled this is a series!
It pubbed last July from Berkley and I’m annoyed with myself that I didn’t read it sooner!
How much did I like this book? Well, I immediately looked up when book two comes out because it’s a series! Yay!
FYI, book two is The Game is Afoot and pubs July 8, 2025.
The MC, Mavis, is very relatable: a single mother, working a job she doesn’t love, tries to avoid the other “perfect” moms at the school drop-off, and constantly feels the pressure to Do It All and Do It Perfectly.
She inadvertently gets caught up in investigating the disappearance of the school principal after witnessing some sketchy behaviour from the president of the PTA.
Her partner in sleuthing is the good looking school psychologist who makes her feel things….
This is a pretty light-hearted mystery, and there’s a secondary mystery that allowed for some misdirection. I had a suspicion about the character who is the main culprit early on so I wasn’t surprised when I was proven correct, but the motive was definitely interesting. And I liked that there was nuance and things weren’t all wrapped up neatly.
The book doesn’t focus solely on the mystery, but also how Mavis navigates her life as a single mom to a young daughter, living with her father (who is a delight), a job where she feels unappreciated, her relationship with her daughter’s father, friendships, and more.
I’m thrilled this is a series!
I think the writing of the book is fantastic, but I just found that the storyline just wasn't for me. I paused my reading of the book at around 35% and just didn't feel compelled to pick it up again. I think it was a bit too dark for me.
I do love that the author wrote about a region of the US - Appalachia - that is often overlooked and underestimated.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read. I have no doubt that there will be fans of the book!
I do love that the author wrote about a region of the US - Appalachia - that is often overlooked and underestimated.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read. I have no doubt that there will be fans of the book!