Take a photo of a barcode or cover
phoenix2's reviews
1267 reviews
Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala
3.0
'Homicide and Halo Halo' is the second book in the 'Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery' series.
I did find this book more enjoyable compared to the first one, probably because we get a deeper dive into the main character's personality and life, as she deals with her trauma and her mother's grief. On the other hand, the lighthearted and heartwarming mood that could be found in the first book was also here, as well as the delicious and mouthwatering food! (extra points for the recipes provided in the end of the book!!)
The mystery, moreover, was intriguing and it was hard to predict who the killer was, especially since the investigation was blended into the pageant storyline.
I did find this book more enjoyable compared to the first one, probably because we get a deeper dive into the main character's personality and life, as she deals with her trauma and her mother's grief. On the other hand, the lighthearted and heartwarming mood that could be found in the first book was also here, as well as the delicious and mouthwatering food! (extra points for the recipes provided in the end of the book!!)
The mystery, moreover, was intriguing and it was hard to predict who the killer was, especially since the investigation was blended into the pageant storyline.
Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case by Violet Marsh
3.0
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Copy!!
'Our Dear Miss H. is on the Case' is a historical, whimsical romance with an academic side story and a short of mystery to be solved by the characters as the prompt storyline.
The plot overall is pretty cute, with the characters being adorable and endearing and having chemistry between them that was aided by the melodrama of their love story. The latter was enjoyable and kind of steamy but never reached a 'boiling point', something that made me question why those scenes were there in the first place. Still, the romance was served feels, so that's that.
Also, the mystery was engaging for some time, though it took the passenger's seat midway through, as the book focused more on the romance.
However, the academic aspect, with the archeological excavations and the love for historical artifacts that Georgiana had, were refreshing to read and an innovative idea for a historical romance of this kind.
Finally, the production of the audiobook was perfect and the narrator did an amazing job!
'Our Dear Miss H. is on the Case' is a historical, whimsical romance with an academic side story and a short of mystery to be solved by the characters as the prompt storyline.
The plot overall is pretty cute, with the characters being adorable and endearing and having chemistry between them that was aided by the melodrama of their love story. The latter was enjoyable and kind of steamy but never reached a 'boiling point', something that made me question why those scenes were there in the first place. Still, the romance was served feels, so that's that.
Also, the mystery was engaging for some time, though it took the passenger's seat midway through, as the book focused more on the romance.
However, the academic aspect, with the archeological excavations and the love for historical artifacts that Georgiana had, were refreshing to read and an innovative idea for a historical romance of this kind.
Finally, the production of the audiobook was perfect and the narrator did an amazing job!
Apartment Women by 구병모, Gu Byeong-mo
3.0
'Apartment Women' is a story about families who come to live together in an apartment complex financed by the government, in a dystopian, sci fi ish story.
The story, first of all, has a slow start, but the ending is worth it, as, in the progress, touches on many matters, like how women are treated in the family sphere, as mothers or even providers.
Overall, not a bad story.
The story, first of all, has a slow start, but the ending is worth it, as, in the progress, touches on many matters, like how women are treated in the family sphere, as mothers or even providers.
Overall, not a bad story.
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett
4.0
'Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales' is the third book of the 'Emily Wilde' series.
This time around, and after a not so enjoyable second book, the story was far more enjoyable and more entertaining, filled with many adventures, a fairy tale atmosphere and cameos of the beloved characters that the audience encountered in the previous books.
Also, and if this is the final book that is, the story wrapped up everything nicely.
This time around, and after a not so enjoyable second book, the story was far more enjoyable and more entertaining, filled with many adventures, a fairy tale atmosphere and cameos of the beloved characters that the audience encountered in the previous books.
Also, and if this is the final book that is, the story wrapped up everything nicely.
A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem by Kristen Bird
3.0
A Big Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!!
'' A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem '' is the first book to the cozy and humourous mystery series 'Dakota Green'.
The story is quite refreshing, without depriving the audience of the well-beloved elements that make a cozy mystery a hit. Also, the family bonds were so sweet, even though it was more of a bittersweet tone.
In addition, the mystery was interesting and nicely woven into the beauty queen pageant.
My only objection was that some things weren't as smoothly solved in the end, probably being left to be solved in the sequels.
Also, I didn't like the hint of romance, as it was too instant.
Finally, the audiobook production and narration were great and enhanced the enjoyment of the book.
'' A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem '' is the first book to the cozy and humourous mystery series 'Dakota Green'.
The story is quite refreshing, without depriving the audience of the well-beloved elements that make a cozy mystery a hit. Also, the family bonds were so sweet, even though it was more of a bittersweet tone.
In addition, the mystery was interesting and nicely woven into the beauty queen pageant.
My only objection was that some things weren't as smoothly solved in the end, probably being left to be solved in the sequels.
Also, I didn't like the hint of romance, as it was too instant.
Finally, the audiobook production and narration were great and enhanced the enjoyment of the book.
The Tides of Time: A Storm Tide Romance by Sarah M. Eden
2.5
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!!
''The Tides of Time'' is the first time travel series that incorporates history with a romantic story full of fantastical elements.
First of all, the author does a great job of creating the perfect atmosphere for the story in addition to the endearing characters. Also, the historical element was well interweaved with the story and learning more about that period was interesting.
On the other hand, the pacing of the story was off. The book probably needed a hundred or so more pages as to the plot to have some breathing space, especially in the final chapters, when everything happened way too quickly. Moreover, the love story suffered from that lack of more pages and it felt forced at some points. But, there was chemistry and they were both really sweet.
Another final note should be made on Lili's ability to speak English, which got pretty elaborate at times, but was quite elementary in others.
''The Tides of Time'' is the first time travel series that incorporates history with a romantic story full of fantastical elements.
First of all, the author does a great job of creating the perfect atmosphere for the story in addition to the endearing characters. Also, the historical element was well interweaved with the story and learning more about that period was interesting.
On the other hand, the pacing of the story was off. The book probably needed a hundred or so more pages as to the plot to have some breathing space, especially in the final chapters, when everything happened way too quickly. Moreover, the love story suffered from that lack of more pages and it felt forced at some points. But, there was chemistry and they were both really sweet.
Another final note should be made on Lili's ability to speak English, which got pretty elaborate at times, but was quite elementary in others.
Carving Shadows Into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
2.0
'Carving Shadows into Gold' is the continuation of the 'Forging Silver into Stars' which is the sequel to the 'Cursebreakers' series.
First of all, I've enjoyed this one better than the first book of the series, but I still found that what I disliked in the first book, I detect them in this one as well. That is to say that the characters were not interesting enough to keep me entertained or engaged, though Tycho was my favourite of them all, as he had some character development and a more complex personality. I also liked some of Callyn's chapters, but her romantic story was rushed and felt forced. As for Jax, I found him boring in this one.
Unfortunately, that meant that I found myself more engaged with the stories of the 'old' characters and they will also be the reason why I'll come back to the series for the third book.
In addition, most of the book is about coming and going between kingdoms, some romance, and most of the action was concentrated on the final chapters, which were the most interesting as well.
Finally, I believe that this book suffered from the long period that it took it to get published, and, as the first book wasn't memorable enough, it was hard to fall back into the story.
First of all, I've enjoyed this one better than the first book of the series, but I still found that what I disliked in the first book, I detect them in this one as well. That is to say that the characters were not interesting enough to keep me entertained or engaged, though Tycho was my favourite of them all, as he had some character development and a more complex personality. I also liked some of Callyn's chapters, but her romantic story was rushed and felt forced. As for Jax, I found him boring in this one.
Unfortunately, that meant that I found myself more engaged with the stories of the 'old' characters and they will also be the reason why I'll come back to the series for the third book.
In addition, most of the book is about coming and going between kingdoms, some romance, and most of the action was concentrated on the final chapters, which were the most interesting as well.
Finally, I believe that this book suffered from the long period that it took it to get published, and, as the first book wasn't memorable enough, it was hard to fall back into the story.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
3.5
'The Rose Bargain' is a fantasy romance with more emphasis on the fantasy element, at least for the first book.
The story has some unoriginal tropes, but the author does a good job of giving them a fresh twist and embedding them nicely with the rest of the plot. The sisterly bond was also a nice touch, giving a more sensitive note to the characters. The main character, moreover, was endearing. The prince, on the other hand, was kind of a stereotypical main love interest with a brooding side. Hence, the romance okay, but the pace was off.
Still, the fantasy element was interesting, and was fun to explore it. The author also gave lush descriptions that enhanced the fantasy element.
The story has some unoriginal tropes, but the author does a good job of giving them a fresh twist and embedding them nicely with the rest of the plot. The sisterly bond was also a nice touch, giving a more sensitive note to the characters. The main character, moreover, was endearing. The prince, on the other hand, was kind of a stereotypical main love interest with a brooding side. Hence, the romance okay, but the pace was off.
Still, the fantasy element was interesting, and was fun to explore it. The author also gave lush descriptions that enhanced the fantasy element.
La lavandería de almas de Marigold by Jungeun Yun
3.5
'The Marigold Mind Laundry' is a fantasy novel with lots of short but heartwarming stories about people and life choices.
I appreciated that the author explored the story of the mind laundry's owner, though I would have liked a bit more background on the lore.
The short stories, in addition, were all interesting and examined many social subjects.
Overall, it is a nice, sunshine book.
I appreciated that the author explored the story of the mind laundry's owner, though I would have liked a bit more background on the lore.
The short stories, in addition, were all interesting and examined many social subjects.
Overall, it is a nice, sunshine book.
Foster by Claire Keegan
3.0
'Foster' is a novella about a child who goes to live with a 'foster' family for a while and there she finally receives attention and love.
The story is quite short and, at least for me, it needed just a few more pages to aid with the emotional connection. Still, the little things the girl and her new family were doing, even their everyday chores, were interesting to follow and it was nice to discover the dynamics of the society through them.
The story is quite short and, at least for me, it needed just a few more pages to aid with the emotional connection. Still, the little things the girl and her new family were doing, even their everyday chores, were interesting to follow and it was nice to discover the dynamics of the society through them.