Nora Roberts - True Betrayals

In this bestselling tale of deceit, murder, and romance, Kelsey Byden is shocked when she hears from her supposedly dead mother-and discovers she's really been in prison for murder.' to 'Kelsey Byden is still reeling from her husband's affair - and going through a divorce - when a letter arrives that shakes her to the core. It is from her mother, Naomi, whom Kelsey thought long dead. When she discovers the truth - that her mother is alive and has just been released from prison - Kelsey journeys to Naomi's horse farm, and the two start the fragile process of getting to know each other. It is there that she meets Gabe Slater, a handsome gambler who sets off a powerful reaction in her. But their newfound relationship will set in motion a shocking series of events that puts Naomi's future - and Kelsey and Gabe's very lives - at risk.

Comment: Nora Roberts is probably the author whose work I've read the most. I mean, I've read practically all of her work and the books I haven't read are unread because I want to have some to read from time to time. This month I've read the second single title of the year and in 2019 I'm planning on reading one of her trilogies. Since she is such a prolific writer, it's an average I can keep...

In this story we meet Kelsey Byden, a young woman who discovers her mother is alive after all, after a life of thinking she had been dead. Even more surprising is that in some of the years Kelsey lost with having a mother, hers had been in jail for murder. Now, a letter trying to reconnect them makes Kelsey finally meet her mother and those she has surrounded herself with. Among them is Gabriel Slater, a man she thinks is with her mother but who she can't help be attracted to.

When things are finally explained, Kelsey is relieved for several reasons and she can't also help but enjoying the time she's spending at her mother's place and being near the horses and everything related to their care.

However, problems start to happen and it seems someone is bent on seeing Kelsey's mother fail...

Any reader of fiction could immediately tell this story was written in past decades (1995) because several details point to it. I found it interesting to notice such details.

At the same time, any fan of mrs Roberts' writing would recognize her trademark "voice" and appreciate the story for what is is, a simple story but filled with many characterization rich details.

The plot of this story isn't complicated, it's very family oriented, meaning that it's very focused on family bonds, something the author has used often in her books but that in the recent years has turned into something almost "mechanic"like in terms of how we see it. I mean that in her current books, any bond between characters, any detail almost seems to be included in a very planned way, and not because those people could really exist and behave like that. I do have the feeling her stories, despite still very good, have turned into "perfection" molds and I miss the real emotion behind thing, not just a rehearsed sequence of events.

In this book, it was nice to see more simpler situations and explanations but stronger little details. Kelsey is a determined woman but she has many flaws and I liked her more for it, because she is someone readers can relate to. I especially liked how unsure she was, about what she wanted to do with her life. Of course she discovers it but that's not the point.

Her romance with Gabriel is to be expected. He was also the type of hero readers of this author have gotten used to. He has flaws too but she is genuine, he is decent and confident in what he wants and what he needs to do. The romance was cute, although I must say the transition from "we are dancing around each other" to "forever love" wasn't as smooth as I imagined and it felt it happened too quickly.

There's a sort of mystery plot involved as well, about a crime committed, about certain issues related to the world of horses and races... I found this subject interesting, nothing I'd devour but it was nice. The guilty person is someone we know pretty soon but there are still some surprises but I'd say this is not the usual mystery or suspense plot often found in these types of book (romantic suspense).

One of the biggest issues is how Kelsey and her mother Naomi connect and become familiar with one another. I can understand the subtlety of some scenes and it does feel like they took time to know one another, then there are other secondary family situations to solve, to deal with... this emotional side of things was well done I think, it's wasn't rushed but it wasn't as cold as one might see in real life..it's always good to have hope and see good things happen.

All in all, a good enough romance by this author. Not close to being a favorite but cohesive and entertaining.

Grade: 7/10

Amy E. Reichert - The Simplicity of Cider

Focused and unassuming fifth generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother’s attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.
Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance—or fate—led them straight to Sanna’s orchard.
Isaac’s helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna’s father is injured in an accident. As Sanna’s formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places—friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac—until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.

Comment: A few years ago, I've read and loved the debut book by this author and I got really curious about her writing. After she wrote a couple more books, I decided to get them and try to revive my likeness for the writing but sadly I'm starting to believe the first book was a one hit wonder for me.  I mean, this one was not bad, but it was not fantastic either, for me.

In this story we meet the Lunds, father and daughter Sanna, who own a orchard and they have a business with the apples and cider making.

Sanna is a very bitter woman because of how her mother abandoned her, her father and brother. It seems Sanna only lives for her routines and cider making but things change when her father decides to hire Isaac Banks ans his small son Sebastian as temporary help in the orchard.

Isaac is still trying to find a way to tell Sebastian his mother (Isaac's ex) has died and to be distracted by orchard's work seems a good, healthy way to  be with his son while he still can be happy.

However, between problems with the orchard and the slow developing attraction between Sanna and Isaac, is there any way things can be simple again?

As I've said, this was not a bad book. I particularly liked to learn some things about cider making - even if I never manage to remember the details - and also the fact this was a story that reads easily, the writing is fluid. If one were to put all the main details together, there's plenty to make this a successful story but then there other aspects I remember not being as smoothly included in the story...

The basis for this story is Sanna and her attitude towards life. I suppose one of the "lessons" we could gain here is that, as it happens with apples and cider making, everything has a process and we should adapt, we should learn from what goes wrong but not get stuck, otherwise we stagnate and nothing improves. Sanna is the embodiment of this, she is in her early thirties and she has a stagnated life, even if she loves her cider so much. I kind of understand where Sanna is and to be really honest, I felt a little in sync with her behavior... it's a lot easier to just rely on our routine's than put ourselves out there.

Sanna has some emotional wounds to heal and she is also obstinate enough to not see some difficulties in her father's life and their orchard. This change with the arrival of Isaac and his son and I happy enough to see Isaac could be a good guy for Sanna and her relationship with Sebastian was believable, she said she didn't like kids at first so her growing care for the boy was cute to watch. Her relationship with Isaac was more gradual and, in a way, not as romantic or strong as I imagined. Things between seemed to be too easy in how they just accepted it but I'd like to have seen a little more sexual tension or attraction scenes between them.

Part of the problem is Isaac and his wishes to give his son a last summer to remember before telling he doesn't have a mother anymore. I understand this but it felt a little silly and the way this subject was solved proves that, considering Sebastian's reaction.

Another situation that complicates everything at the orchard are the financial problems since Sanna has no head for business deals and her father hasn't got the money anymore to pay the bank. The solution for this is quite modern and believable but, of course, quite convenient too.

I think this novel has good elements but they don't always feel cohesive to me. Too many emotional wounds to heal, too many complicated situations, too much angst to solve (and only at the end), not enough romantic scenes, Sanna is very obstinate in her ways, I liked how she learned to accept help and communicate but...she wasn't always easy to root for. 

I'd say this novel could have been better but there's some pacing that could have been improved to help with the cohesion and, therefore, the "feel" of this book.

Grade: 7/10

Mhairi McFarlane - It's Not Me, It's You

Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.
When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault.
When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.
And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame…
From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.

Comment: I got interested in this book in 2016 but I can't remember where was it listed/recommended/mentioned that I felt I had to add it to my TBR. Anyway, I bought it months ago and finally decided to start it but I admit I didn't have may expectations about it, which probably was helped because I barely looked at reviews about the book.

In this book, we have the story of Delia Moss that, when the story begins, proposes to her long time boyfriend and moments later receives a text message from her boyfriend, but realizes he sent it to the other woman. 

This starts an emotional journey for Delia, for she starts questioning her life until that moment, and especially how much she can trust this man who hid something like this for so long. 

To be able to think, she leaves her town of Newcastle to London, where she is staying with a friend. In London, Delia tries to find a job so she can be occupied and not too much into her friend's debt and she gets hired by a PR guy and things seem to not go that badly until this other guy, Adam - who claims to be a reporter - starts blackmailing her about her boss after a disastrous coffee meeting. What has Delia got herself into?

One of the labels of this book is "chick lit" which means we can immediately start having pre conceived ideas about what it must be like but let me tell you that despite fitting that category well, it was quite entertaining and not as silly as chick lit often can be.

Basically, this is the story of a woman who dedicated many of her emotional years to a man and discovers he was cheating. As common place as this is, of course it acts as a cathartic way for Delia to change and broaden her horizons.

At the same time Delia moves to London for a while, to be away from her boyfriend, to think about everything, she recalls her teenage love for comics and especially her own creation, a super heroine called Fox who also had a real fox as a sidekick. I liked how the author incorporated this detail in the story and of course it's to be expected some parallelism with Delia's own life. In my edition there were also some pages with the cartoon scenes as well and that was quite cute. I assume all editions have this...

The plot isn't complicated but Delia obviously lets herself into situations which can be a little awkward and until a certain point, "wrong". Part of the goal is for Delia to learn, to improve while she deals with these situations and in this aspect, I think the author has managed to impress on me a good point. There's also this apparent comic side of this but I confess I didn't find everything to be that funny... or maybe it was the fact I've missed some impact because some jokes include slang and cultural details that I don't recognize. But I did laugh at some things, so yes, the book definitely has this funny side too.

There's romance, of course. I must say I found the lessons Delia was learning, especially emotionally, to be quite serious and I liked how I was able to connect with her, even when she was being sillier or acting opposite of what I'd do in her shoes. The romance isn't obvious until a certain moment in the story but after that it can be a little predictable. I still think that the author inserted a tone in this part (the romance doubts, I mean) which added veracity to Delia's struggles. The HEA is believable but at the same time, a little too perfect.

I admit I missed the point of the title regarding the story. But, nevertheless, I can understand why it can resonate with readers/people in terms of explaining some "reborn self worth" or not feeling guilty about a situation not in one's control.

There are some issues when it comes to the execution, some details that I can only see being there to fit a need later on the plot and not for real necessity but overall, this was entertaining, this was a light read with some serious content and I did want to keep turning the pages, so... good enough for me.

Grade: 7/10

TBR Challenge: Karen Rose - Death Is Not Enough

In his work as a defense attorney in Baltimore, Thorne has always been noble to a fault—specializing in helping young people in trouble in an attempt to atone for those he couldn't save when he himself was younger. He plays the part of the bachelor well, but secretly holds a flame for his best friend and business partner, Gwyn Weaver, a woman struggling to overcome her own demons. After four years, he thinks he might finally be ready to confess his feelings, come what may.
But his plans are derailed when he wakes up in bed with a dead woman, with no recollection of how he got there. Whoever is trying to frame Thorne is about to lead him down the rabbit hole of his past, something he thought he outran long ago—which means Thorne must figure out who's been keeping track of him, how much they know, and how far they'll go to bring him down... 

Comment: It's October already (why does it seem time is moving faster as we get older?) and this month, Wendy has nominated the Paranormal or Romantic Suspense theme. 

This is vague enough that anyone can have plenty of books to choose from but for me it can be quite complicated. 

I have lots of paranormal but most of them romance, not suspense. And I have some suspense novels but not that romantic. 

After debating on some titles which could be good or not so good, I just gave up and picked the latest book by Karen Rose, one of the masters of romantic suspense, that had arrived very recently in the mail.

In this recent novel, we finally have the tale of Thomas Thorne, a secondary character, slightly mysterious, who we have known since a few books ago and who sometimes offers some type of help.

Thorne has been set up and was caught in bed with a woman who has recently been murdered but, thankfully, his friend Gwyn is the one to find him and she has the presence of mind to take pictures before calling the police and 911, so that the battalion of friends who will be involved in helping Thorne prove his innocence have reason to do so.

Things still look bad, though, and the case is linked to Thorne's past and others he knew back then. Ad the attempts on Thorne's business and friend's lives escalate, can Thorne both find the strength to rely on all his friends and finally admit to Gwyn how he really feels about her?

I've read some reviews on this book and for lifelong fans, this is another good installment in the series with connected characters. For others, things take too long to happen and it's too confusing to keep track of the cast.

I must say the books by Karen Rose are read as stand alone but they cannot be fully appreciated if not read in order. There are too many details, related situations, things we should be aware of previously, that better give the reader a grasp on why certain situations happen in each new book.

This said, I do agree with the fact the story is quite lengthy. But for me, the problem is definitely not on the immense secondary cast because I really love this aspect of mrs Rose's novels. To see almost all the characters in the core work together, help one another, to have glimpses of their domestic lives, of things they think about... for me this is amazing.

The villain's POV, however, I keep saying this in relation to all books by this author, is so unnecessary! Some of the things we know from the bad guy's POV can easily be discovered another way or by him, that's not the issue. But why spend to many pages in his head, realizing he can have good or bad reasons for his actions or, even worse, seeing how disturbed he is. I'd cut off the villain's parts or reduce them to a bare minimum.

The mystery and the investigation to prove Thorne's innocence is very interesting, the author does hit on several points I think everyone would consider if they were in the same situation but I must say almost all friends in this core of characters work in or for or in relation to police situations/scenarios. Of course some procedures would feel a little easier for these characters to solve or think about. Still, when the reasons behind all the trouble are discovered, some things didn't seem to be as important but maybe that's just my impression.

As for the romantic part in this romantic suspense novel... that was certainly a let down.

Gwyn and Thorne are a classic friends to lovers trope happening but I can't just accept they have had romantic thoughts about one another and never let it be known... if in previous books where they would show up this had been very obvious... the way things happened, if felt sudden and unrealistic. Besides, both of them have baggage, Gwyn especially... in such a stressful situation, for them to also deal with those emotional scars, it felt too convenient. 

I am glad they are happy and more so because their group of friends and family is solid, but the couple alone...not really buying it.

All in all, this was a good installment. Apart from the bad guys, it feels like spending time with friends and I do love this aspect. I could read Karen Rose's books for this aspect alone.

The next book is set in a different town but the main female character is linked to all these so... I anticipate only good things!

Grade: 7/10

Amanda Quick - Don't Look Back

As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.” Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals--were she still alive, that is. 
Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” is a a most unconventional method--and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....

Comment: Just a short comment about this second installment in the Lake/march trilogy by Amanda Quick. I've read the first book last month and it was a story that didn't being any surprises when it came to writing style. Since this author is very consistent in her writing, I knew I'd like this one as well...

In this second story we keep on following the adventures of Lavinia Lake and Tobias March as they get more and more comfortable with one another, both in their professional arrangement and in the developing personal relationship they have started.

In this story the two team up again to investigate the murder of the wife of an old friend of Lavinia. During the investigation, suspicion also falls on Lavinia's friend, and Tobias is adamant he won't let Lavinia put herself in danger to help her friend who, according to Tobias, looks at her as not just a friend...

However, things get even more complicated when rumors about the dead woman reveal she wasn't as innocent as she appeared. Will the investigators uncover the secrets behind apparently unrelated situations which turn out to be the opposed of what everyone thought?

As I've said, this was a story I expected to read easily and I was proven right. I think the author has succeeded in finding her style and she sticks to it, whether it's her historical novels or her other genres. In this book, this is very evident and it was quite satisfying to expect a certain type of plot/story and seeing it being delivered.

I liked this story overall, but mostly for the details and the advance in the romantic entanglements.

The murder plot wasn't as difficult to follow as one can imagine and most of the elements connected to it were basic. It was still fun to see what would happen next, of course. I especially liked how some things were assumed to be developed a certain way in terms of investigation but then we discover those details weren't as important and vice-versa. I see why the author adds so many investigation clues - after all the plot is based on that - but in my POV, the real attraction is the characterization of everyone.

I really like how the relationship between Lavinia and Tobias is being presented. Although, I must say that sometimes their behavior seems to be a little too modern-like, even if that doesn't remove any of the interest in reading things about them.

Their relationship goes slowly but of course we can know they like one another a lot more than they admit and even the small interactions they share through the day are clues regarding the feelings between them. I can imagine things will finally be made solid in the last story but it's quite amusing too, how others work together to let them share moments and to realize they are well matched.

In fact, the secondary characters are key players in the story for they allow many interesting situations to happen. There is a certain emphasis on two other secondary couples and all mixed up, it feels like these people are part of everyone's lives and I do like when authors take the time to add domesticity and surroundings to things, it makes them feel more realistic in a way.

I'm quite curious to see how the trilogy ends.

Grade: 7/10

John Wiltshire - Aleksey's Kingdom

Doctor Nikolai Hartmann escaped the Hesse-Davian dungeons. He fled civilized Europe to come to the vast wilderness of the New World, where he carved out a home in which he could love openly and without censure—Aleksey’s Kingdom. However, there is an irritating green-eyed, dark-haired flaw in his new paradise. A king and a general, Aleksey has no intention of wasting his life away in a remote forest. When he agrees to accompany a group of soldiers to a distant outpost to discover why it has been mysteriously abandoned, Nikolai has no choice but to tag along.
While traveling through the wilderness with their new companions, it does not take Nikolai and Aleksey long to realise that far from mounting a rescue operation, they are merely unwitting pawns in a far more sinister conspiracy. But their enemies have badly miscalculated by threatening anything Nikolai loves. In this merciless place of towering trees, where water plummets beyond the human ability to comprehend, Nikolai must unleash the unfettered savagery of his true nature to save Aleksey. 

Comment: After enjoying A Royal Affair by this author I decided to try this one as well, to see if it would be as engaging as the other was. I'm happy to say that it is, and also a page turner. However, I did expect a little more...

In this sequel, we learn that Nikolai and Aleksey, the couple that met and fell in love in the first book is now on American land and are living together in a place where no one is around to see how much they mean to one another. However, Aleksey is curious and he has made contact with a group in the military colony nearby. Apparently he told them he was living with his doctor and promised to go with a group to investigate the disappearance of another group, as well as helping a new family settling in there. What everyone didn't expect is for doctor Nikolai to be as young and able as he is... especially because there is something weird about the family traveling with them to the outpost.

From the narrative told by Nikolai we get to understand the plot around them is a lot creepier than we could imagine...

Once again, this is a story told in the first person, by Nikolai. We know from the start he and Aleksey have helped in a mission to discover the truth behind some people missing and Nikolai does mention many times things were dire and it's fortunate they survived. This means when the story is being told to the reader, the mission is already over and both our protagonists were in it and survived. But the tale Nikolai tells is quite creepy and filed with innuendo about weird situations which, of course, acts as a tool to captivate us to keep reading.

This is, indeed, a creepy tale. I was not expecting that because the other story has its darker moments but nothing scary. This one has some scenes which can be quite suggestive in that regard. I wouldn't call it "horror" but here and there... so basically the whole tone of the plot is like this, as if we are suppose to dread something because it will be a bad outcome. The end does reveal quite a crazy explanation - not that easy to accept but it makes sense, considering this is essentially an historical novel with all its scientific and society short comes and untruths - but for me the biggest issue was another. 

The thing is, Nikolai is certainly a reliable narrator but he has this style of saying very often things like "if only we knew what would happen" or "I should have listened to my senses" which I can understand act as a dramatic tool to grab out attention to future scenes. However, this "tool" is used too often and I started to be more annoyed than curious. The problem is that Nikolai would say that and added to the tone of mystery things would be almost achieved but... the scenes didn't happen immediately (to catch the reader unaware, I bet), so the expectation grows and it takes too long for something to be proven. I found this repetitive in tactic but not as well achieved as it could.

On the other hand, the creepy factor was well done. The plot behind all the issues is clever although I'd say that are some elements which I didn't think the author managed to explain as well, for instance what was the meaning of some clues and why couldn't someone just investigate better before but, oh well. The fact only our heroes survived the mission is too perfect but understandable, I suppose.

There is also the element of romance. It's very good to see our protagonists act in love, still have a strong bond at many levels and sometimes discuss their feelings and expectations. I would say, however, the emphasis on their physical relationship wasn't necessary, if one notes the type of plot in hand. Was it that necessary they would reaffirm their love and feelings by having sex with people nearby who wouldn't accept them and would turn on them so easily? Was it smart they were losing focus on while a situation they couldn't control was happening around them? Again, oh well.

All in all, this was quite and adventure. There are several details in this story which can be quite strong if one thinks about the narrative and in particular a certain kid... but I'm glad the plot was at least captivating even if some elements weren't as well illustrated as they could.

Nevertheless, a great read.

Grade: 7/10

Alyssa Everett - A Tryst With Trouble

Lady Barbara Jeffords is certain her little sister didn't murder the footman, no matter how it looks…and no matter what the Marquess of Beningbrough—Ben—might say. She can scarcely help it if his cousin is the only other suspect. In fact, she wants nothing to do with ruggedly handsome Ben; he reminds her of all the insensitive clods who passed her over.
For years Ben has been dogged by painful gossip about his father's rumored homosexuality. His gruff shell hides a passionate nature, and he's also fiercely loyal—which is why he'll never let the clever and beguiling Lady Barbara pin a murder on his cousin.
Sparks fly as the two compete to defend their loved ones. But as strange new clues emerge that neither can decipher alone, they have no choice but to compare notes and sleuth in tandem. A tenuous bond develops that soon faces its toughest challenge when Ben himself becomes a suspect…

Comment: After reading some positive comments about the plots of this author, I've decided to add one to my reading list and this happened back in January 2016. Now, almost three years after, I finally picked it to see if it would be another author to follow.

In this story we meet Barbara Jeffords, a striking lady who wants to help her younger sister Helen stay way from the accusations of murder after a footman is discovered dead in their house. There is also Teddy, her sister's fiancé, who swears on Helen's honor she has nothing to do with it.

Also in the house is the marquess of Benningbrough known as "Ben", Teddy's cousin, and he thinks Teddy shouldn't marry into this family. He particularly clashes with Barbara because she is opinionated and isn't scared of arguing with him.

Both Barbara and Ben have some heavy feelings regarding who they are to world but joining forces to discover what really happened with the footman will force them to spend some time together and they realize there is a lot in common between them.

I didn't have many expectations about this story so I can say I was positively surprised by several details. I was not, however, with what I see as a lack of balance between the character's attitudes and behavior and the tone of the story which was meant to be more serious than comic or "light" as we can expect from certain authors. Since this was a new author for me, I could sort of see past that for the most time but it is a detail I wasn't able to "ignore".

The main segment of the plot revolves around the mystery of the dead footman and who might be the culprit. As the story develops we discover more and more about the protagonists and their relationship develops. Several more things happen as well which are part of the investigation but mostly, the confusion comes from some external issues - mostly related to the family members of those not in question - and also because of the protagonist's self doubt. At one point I was also a little annoyed the author has decided to make Ben dismiss Barbara because he thought he "wouldn't be good enough for her" or something alike. This tactic is often used to create antagonism where none was required and the way it happened here wasn't very smooth in my opinion. 

Of course that in the end every secret is uncovered and the HEA is deserved. The main villain isn't that difficult to know, since the clues are rather obvious. 

The romance is interesting because it starts with a sort of enemies to lovers trope with some opposites attract in the middle, and these are two of my favorite tropes in romance novels. Generally speaking, this was well achieved and I was glad about the way Barbara and Ben discussed but slowly started to trust things to the other, almost unaware of that but gradually with more importance. This led to some of my favorite scenes in the story but at the same time there was a certain issue...

This is a story about a murder and proving someone is innocent. The tone is expected to be serious because nothing about the author's work nor other clues would point out to comedy. However, here and there, the characters would act a certain way which I found to be a little too silly (and not in a funny way). This was mostly about the two of them and their reactions to things other other said or did. Having doubts is always complicated but didn't we have much proof they were clever, rational people? Some things didn't add up, were sort of silly.

The secondary characters were well depicted but for instance, Helen, such a key point in the whole plot was certainly not someone I'd care about and this almost made me feel the reasons Barbara had to help her weren't that valid. But, alas, Barbara is a good enough heroine. Ben's father was also very interesting and the explanations he provided for his situation ended up being too superficial. After so much supposed angst, the serious conversations I expected weren't that elucidative as I hoped.

All in all, a good story, several issues I'd change or didn't think were amazing... I'll try another one by this author to compare, but this just barely went above average to me.

Grade: 7/10

Elizabeth Vaughan - Dagger-Star

She is a mercenary trained in the ways of war and the blade--nothing more. A woman known only as Red Gloves has come to the land of Palins in search of work. What she finds, however, is the torched fields and razed farms of a land defiled.
If you see her without the gloves, run... This is all Josiah knows about the mysterious woman--until he catches a glimpse of the dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free his people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror.
ut she is more dangerous when following her heart... Red doesn't believe in gods. Nevertheless, she finds herself drawn into the rebellion--not by the prophecy or the chance to win the throne, but by the pain of untold loss in Josiah's eyes... 

Comment: This was the last book I've read in the month of September. I didn't plan on reading it but it's one of those that has been in the pile for a long time (since 2010...) and I decided to jump in. I knew the author has another series which is more popular - according to goodreads, this is a sort of spin off - but what made me buy this book all those years ago was the promise of a good fantasy romance, even if it's labeled paranormal. I'm glad to say that to me this one has survived the passage of time albeit I recognize some less interesting elements.

This is a fantasy story and it starts when two friends, Red Gloves and Bethral, arrive at night at a place asking to stay because it's raining a lot and there doesn't seem to be anything else close by. In there they meet Josiah, a solitary man who has some animals with him but lives in a very humble house.

Very quickly, however, Josiah makes an impression on Red and she thought about him as a good way to spend the time when he suddenly sees a birthmark she has and starts saying she is a Chosen, a person the kingdom's prophecies have always claimed would be the rightful ruler.

From then on, Red sees herself in the middle of an assault team, more or less guided by her, to get back the throne of the kingdom where they are.

There are many secrets both Josiah and Red have but as time goes by and challenges appear in their way, the stronger their relationship gets... but can Red rule the kingdom with such a cursed man with her?

As I've said before about other books, this has been in the pile for years and when I added them to my reading list I had all kinds of expectations. I was quite dedicated to the idea of fantasy romance, mostly to see how people with different characteristics would match and would deal with one another in a romantic context. This has led me to some disappointments because some just weren't that great (which would have happened at any time I would read them) and others because they inferred one thing and delivered another (these can be frustrating and are usually focused on details I'd rather not spend so much time with).

This said, I think Dagger-Star is a well achieved story and has many elements I loved reading about. I especially like the idea of the premise and the overall execution: two strangers discover they are a match while uncovering personal secrets and sharing a common goal of getting a kingdom back to life.

By reading some comments, I suppose because this is a spin of, there are some situations which almost feel like the reader should know some things already. I don't think this is so obvious that ruins the reading experience but I admit it made me not as comfortable with the settings and world building. These details are rich and part of the story of course but...it does feel as if something is missing, that it could have even better.

I won't go into spoilers about the secrets we learn as the plot moves along but there is a reason why Red Gloves has her name. When I discovered why it was a huge let down. Not that her reason to have the gloves isn't a good one (especially psychologically) but it was so pointless.

As for Josiah's secrets, these are not as secret but he still thinks of some as a detail he should hide and his reasons made more sense. It was nice, of course, to see that each other regarded the other as someone worthy and special and their bonding was very cute. 

I just think that Red Gloves has a personality I wasn't always fond of. I like she is loyal, brave, has worth of her own, knows her strengths and limits but the way she approached Josiah initially isn't a behavior I appreciate in heroines. I just like heroines who are sort of vulnerable in the emotional level and Red is that but she acted s if not and I just can't really like her that much while thinking about those first scenes.

As for Josiah, he was also emotionally depressed but he recovered and I liked his character more than I did Red's. There's an HEA, as one can imagine, for them and it's sweet. I suppose the next two installments of the trilogy spin-off might mention what happens to them but I don't know if I'll read them in the near future...

All in all, this was an interesting read, with all the usual ingredients such as a task to accomplish, a villain to fight (and I'm very glad the villain didn't have center stage) and the heroes obviously achieve their goal at the end. Some scenes seem off, as if they didn't have to be there but how could we get certain information? I'm not that annoyed to be honest and I think it does meet its goal in terms of romance and fantasy. I just think that, compared with som many new stories, stronger on the world building and the complexity of relationships and characters, this was good but not as much as it could.

Grade: 7/10

Kazuo Ishiguro - Never Let Me Go

Kazuo Ishiguro has been acclaimed in the Sunday Times for 'extending the possibilities of fiction. In Never Let Me Go he has fashioned another remarkable story - a story of love, loss and hidden truths - that takes its place among his finest work.
Kathy, Ruth and Tommy were pupils at Hailsham - an idyllic establishment situated deep in the English countryside. The children there were tenderly sheltered from the outside world, brought up to believe they were special, and that their personal welfare was crucial. But for what reason were they really there?
It is only years later that Kathy, now aged thirty-one, finally allows herself to yield to the pull of memory. What unfolds is the haunting story of how Kathy, Ruth and Tommy slowly come to face the truth about their seemingly happy childhoods - and about their futures.

Comment: When I saw this book available at my local library I decided to bring it with me because I remember reading somewhere it was a good one and since I had only read one book by the author I imagined it would be a good time to read another and compare how much I liked the style or if the other title I've read had been only an exception.

This is a disturbing story about an idyllic internal college for "special" children in England during a time we get to understand is a "possible" alternate world had things gone differently somehow. 

The story is told from the perspective of Kathy, the narrator and she tells us her story as a retrospective which means everything she says has already happened. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the tale, the truth is a lot more terrifying than one could imagine after all the pieces of the puzzle are put together.

This book is labeled in many different ways but to me I'd say this is fiction and that's it. 

However, another description is alternate reality/dystopian and that could fit it as well. 

I don't think I can write a lot about this without spoilers but the story is always a mystery to us until the end. There are obvious clues and hints here and there but I must say, after all the promising, after a sort of expectation the climax is a bit of a let down. I can understand the author's idea but... not the best execution and style.

Kathy is the narrator and she tells us things that have happened. This writing style has it's good details but overall the talking about something we hae no control of can be very frustrating and rather pointless. This tactic does allow us to get to know many details that unless the action was now on it, it would be too difficult to get with the same sad tone.

But Kathy is a very pragmatic character and her voice is more resigned than sad. I still felt sorry for her and those she knew from school but her tale could have been a lot more dramatic (in a good way).

The school hides a secret which isn't difficult to understand but after all the promising clues and crescendo of issues, does it reach apeak we wouldn't be able to imagine any other way?

No.

It's rather disappointing in that regard, what a great potential lost.

I can see why the author prefers to focus on the characters' personal lives and not the concept of the school itself since it obviously hides something shocking. It's supposed to make us even more horrified about what is going on. But, sincerely, all things considered, besides the idea of it, the scenes themselves are too hidden or unimportant to the plot on hand: I think the idea is too disturbing to contemplate but it would have been even harder to accept, the impact would have been perfection on out views if the characters had learned along with the reader.

The way things happen, I can't help thinking, if they knew about their fate and the school's secret so soon, why haven't they done differently? Why haven't they changed their lives somehow? How is it fate plays such a part but so avoidable considering some knowledge we get the students are intelligent? I can't understand this notion of just accepting their fate since this is still a contemporary story and they are not prisoners their whole lives.

This is one of those books that only reading can we have an opinion and there is a lot to debate but in trying to be subtle and lyric at times, I think the author let go of too much potential and that is quite a pity on what could have been outstanding. For me, it was good but not great but I'll probably will read more by the author.

Grade: 7/10

Two novellas by Jennifer Ashley

Comment: I've recently read two novellas by author Jennifer Ashley. These two novellas are included in the Shifters Unbound series, which already reached its 11th installment.

These two novellas are described as being 7.25 and 7.5, so they can be read between books 7 and 8 for chronological order but as always, the stories can be read as standalone. In terms of plot they make sense on their own. Of course, though, some elements are better understood with previous knowledge, which means they are not the best starting point and there's a lot to be gained by reading in order.

I'm a little behind on this series but I do have plans to keep reading and hopefully future stories are as engaging as some I've read. I sure hope, though, the author creates more romantic love stories instead of just assuming we know they will happen anyway...

Just to inform those not familiar, the series is set in a world where Shifters of different types co-exist with humans but are considered "less" and aren't treated well for most people. However, they hare stronger and captivating which is why they have collars that supposedly control their more violent urges. They also have their own rules and communities and, obviously, mates even if sometimes those mates are human.

Lion Eyes is novella 7.25

In this story we have Seamus story, he is a very timid character and not that mentioned, to the point I confess he wasn't memorable to me. 

The plot of this story focuses on his attempt to protect a young cub in his care but there seems to be some issue with a murder and he is a suspect. Bree is a shifter groupie, which means, a woman who likes shifters and wants to be with them and knows things about them most people wouldn't even care about. Somehow Bree ends up helping Seamus proving he is innocent and they discover they are mates.

The plot of this story wasn't as interesting to me, it's quite repetitive compering to others and to top it, the romance was very weak. I can understand the need for quick resolutions in novellas but there wasn't a single aspect of their relationship I'd define as romantic except the obvious HEA. It was a little disappointing, all things in mind.

Grade: 5/10

Bad Wolf is novella 7.5

In this story we have Broderick as the main character, he is a wolf and takes care of his family and is an enforcer of sorts. He has a special care for Joanne (a mentioned character now getting protagonists status) but they just didn't seem to agree on considering themselves mates. Things change when a situation related to a Guardian sword comes up and Joanne offers some help. 

I liked this story enough because the plot was very different from the usual and, for a small sized story, it offered a lot in terms of pace and plot development. It was also nice to see situations not only related to shifters (like the computer talk and the fae details).

I also liked the romance felt a little different with them not just accepting nor simply ignoring their feelings. Of course it was too fast, considering the lack of evidence in previous stories about where they were in terms of relationship but overall, this was a successful one for me.

Grade: 7/10

Hazel Gaynor - The Cottingley Secret

The author of The Girl Who Came Home turns the clock back one hundred years to a time when two young girls from Cottingley, Yorkshire, convinced the world that they had done the impossible and photographed fairies in their garden. Now, in her newest novel, international bestseller Hazel Gaynor reimagines their story.
1917… It was inexplicable, impossible, but it had to be true—didn’t it? When two young cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright from Cottingley, England, claim to have photographed fairies at the bottom of the garden, their parents are astonished. But when one of the great novelists of the time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, becomes convinced of the photographs’ authenticity, the girls become a national sensation, their discovery offering hope to those longing for something to believe in amid a world ravaged by war. Frances and Elsie will hide their secret for many decades. But Frances longs for the truth to be told.
One hundred years later… When Olivia Kavanagh finds an old manuscript in her late grandfather’s bookshop she becomes fascinated by the story it tells of two young girls who mystified the world. But it is the discovery of an old photograph that leads her to realize how the fairy girls’ lives intertwine with hers, connecting past to present, and blurring her understanding of what is real and what is imagined. As she begins to understand why a nation once believed in fairies, can Olivia find a way to believe in herself? 

Comment: Since I've liked another book by this author around two years ago, I've decided to read more of her work and that is how I've come to try this title as well.

In this dual time story, we follow two stories that are somewhat connected.

In the past story (1917) we have a strange plot featuring two cousins who seem to see fairies and they take a picture of them which later on becomes famous even if there are rumors that maybe the picture is not as real as many believed.

In the present story we follow Olivia, a young woman with some negative experiences in her life who inherits a bookshop and cottage in Ireland and she investigates some documents while dealing with is happening in her personal life.

How are both stories connected and why is Olivia know learning all this?

I liked this story but I must say, comparing to the other one I've read, it felt slightly weaker.

This is a dual timed story and we follow two stories simultaneously which are also connected somehow.

The story set in the past seems to be based on a real fact, the Cottingley fairies, something I confess I had never heard of before. The author uses it as the main theme to start of this plot. Apparently two girls in 1917 took a picture with fairies and many people believed it to be real until they were older and confessed how everything happened.

As usual, I tend to prefer one of the stories in this type of books. I think the past story was OK and interesting, considering the base for it, but to be honest I don't think it was as well done as it could. I can understand why the author decided to stick to a certain tone, especially if the details were based on real facts and it would have been too weird to stay too far from that. But although the fictional parts were well thought, I still think everything was a little too artificially done, almost as if we couldn't have it any other way. I just think this part wasn't as engaging to me as it could.

This obviously means I preferred the present time story. In here we follow Olivia, a woman who returns to Ireland to take care of her grandfather's bookshop and cottage after he dies. I liked this part better because I feel the emotions portrayed were stronger and better explained too. I could visualize Olivia and her issues with her doubts about her incoming marriage, her doubts about what her fiancé feels about her, her fears of losing her grandparents' cottage and bookshop. I did like her inner journey towards becoming a different and more confident woman. 

I also liked how her issues were dealt with and how the author used several well placed details here and there to better give us the idea of her evolution in the story.

How the two plots are connected isn't such a brilliant idea (it's no secret that a character from the past is part of Olivia's family) so there's no incredible secret here to grab the reader's attention. The value of this story is precisely the beauty of the prose and he situations surrounding the main characters.

This means that, to me, the story lost some impact it could have had and in terms of enjoyment, it was OK but not as amazing as it could. It was a good reading experience but not great.

Nevertheless, this was a good enough plot to follow and I liked how the end wasn't too sugary nor filled with miracles. I think the author did a good job letting things seem controlled which give us the impression there's a certain tone to keep up with what is happening.

Still, I'd have liked an even more emphasis on the contemporary story or, at least, in how the connection of the stories mattered, because I felt it wasn't just a huge deal. But still an entertaining story for certain.

Grade: 7/10

Gail Carriger - Romancing the Werewolf

Biffy, newly minted Alpha of the London Pack, is not having a good Christmas. His Beta abandoned him, his werewolves object to his curtain choices, and someone keeps leaving babies on his doorstep.
Professor Randolph Lyall returns home to London after twenty years abroad, afraid of what he might find. With his pack in chaos and his Alpha in crisis, it will take all his Beta efficiency to set everything to rights. Perhaps, in the process, he may even determine how to mend his own heart.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a charming love story set in her popular steampunk Parasolverse. Featuring the long-awaited reunion between everyone’s favorite quietly capable Beta and the werewolf Alpha dandy who let him slip away.
This sweet romance is full of unexpected babysitting, holiday decorations, and no small amount of pining. Look for surprise appearances from popular side characters and the occasional strategic application of italics.

Comment: This novella is part of the world created by Gail Carriger, which started with the full length novel Soulless. I've loved that series although some of her other ones weren't as impressive to me. I had hopes this novella in a beloved "universe" would be amazing too.

In this story, Biffy is the new alpha of London's werewolves but he feels he's not dealing with things as easily as he once imagined. His having trouble to find his place in all this but he still tries, despite some issues he can't seem to control. 

However, after an absence of twenty years, Professor Lyall finally returns home so he can become the Beta the pack needs. He feels maybe his coming back might not turn out to be what he wants, which is to go back to where things were before he left but his position in the pack can't be dismissed. 

If only Biffy were the same person he was the first and only time they were together all those years ago...

I got interested in this book because it featured two characters I liked a lot in the original series. Fans of the Parasol Protectorate certainly are able to recognize Lyall and Biffy as recurrent characters from that series. Their paths are incredible to follow in that overall arc story so for those who haven't read the mentioned series, perhaps they should read that first, it does add a lot of meaning to some situations we have in this novella.

Still, in terms of plot, of course this is still readable and makes sense even without having read the previous stories. But for new readers, maybe some details won't make as much sense.

The plot itself is very simple since it addresses the new relationships between pack members after Lyall's return and a secondary issue which makes things move along, namely the strange finding of babies at the steps of the pack's house.

It's not difficult to follow this story nor is it complicated to imagine where it goes in terms of romance. I still think something more could have been done about the plot but it offered the necessary elements to be understood.

The writing is the classical Gail Carriger, very formal and wordy at times, in a very peculiar but funny way.

It's rather obvious the romance is the key element here. I was so anxious while reading the original series where they appeared and to think their story might not have a resolution - because their connection seemed quite amazing even if not really contemplating the "mates" notion. I think this novella isn't enough and I think a full length book would have explored some situations even better, like how much of a couple they can be in front of others and all that. 

There are several details mentioned while they talk and part of me did like the subtlety of their looks and longing but it would be amazing to have fireworks somehow, to better validate the strength of their feelings. I miss more romantic scenes besides the inferring we do while reading between the lines or following inner thoughts.

At the end of things, I just feel glad this story exists. It's not as perfect as I hoped for but Biffy and Lyall do seem a matching couple and I feel glad they found happiness with each other and are well accepted by their friends.

Grade: 7/10

Kay Springsteen, Kim Bowman - A Lot Like a Lady

Ladies’ maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn’t nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who’s completely out of reach.
Graeme "Grey" Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he’s a man who is not easily fooled...except when he tries to convince himself he's not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

Comment: I decided to add this book to my TBR last year because it promised a story featuring a exchange of roles between a maid and a lady and I usually like these sort of stories especially if the outcome has a little angst and a sweet romance at the same time.

In this switch of roles novel, maid Juliet goes to London to act as Annabelle, the daughter of a duchess and her close friend. Annabelle is supposed to go to London for social engagements but she is still not very fond of her stepbrother, the current duke. In her place goes Juliet who has not much knowledge of being a lady but who will try her best to convince others she is Annabelle and still enjoying something that wouldn't be in her reach.

The duke of Wyndham, Grey, initially is doubtful but quickly realizes the young lady now in his house is not his stepsister. Trying to see how far the imposter goes, he says nothing but quickly sees himself in a complicated situation, since the "lady" is everything he has ever wanted and his feelings are stronger than he could imagine...

I liked this story for the most part. It was cute, it had cute scenes (while suspending disbelief quite a lot regarding social rules) and the HEA romantic. I liked how the story developed and how the situations were played to enhance certain feelings in the characters. Of course the main issues are precisely the way things happen, it's just too unlikely but if one can put that aside, this can feel like a very sweet story.

The plot is what we would expect from this type of trope where people from different stations trade places. The conflicts arising from Juliet not knowing how to properly behave among aristocrats or in specific situations  are something we still would want to see but of course she manages to add her personality to mix and everything is suddenly funny or excusable. This detail can make or break this type of story but thankfully Juliet was a very sweet girl.

I just think the plot had to rely a lot on expectations and unlikely behaviors of certain people in positions to challenge everything (like Grey), otherwise it wouldn't work.

The romance is a mix of romantic scenes and complicated situation which are supposed to show us how opposed the protagonists are but how well matched they also are. There are moments where it does feel a little too obvious but in the end it works pretty well.

There are some conflicts between them, which only brings their romance to a point where it could only go one way. The angst amps up too but I think some scenes between the moment the characters reach the peak of the scheme and the HEA drag something and that could have easily been avoided. I understand why this tactic was used but... not that necessary.

There's a whole cast of secondary characters and some play an interesting part and add to the impact of the situation. But some are obviously there to just fit a role and I think some scenes are exaggerated. There's also a slight comedy side to a certain group but I can't say I always thought that. I suppose the authors had to create situations that wouldn't just explain and simplify what is obviously a case of lack of conversation stopping the story from being quickly solved.

The story still leaves a little detail to be explained but I assume it's concluded in the following story. I'm not certain I would want to read it though, since it features a character not very likable in this one.

I must wonder about the lack of highlights on the social status since it's an obvious theme here. There are mentioning, inner monologues about it but except one or two moments, it's barely a thing. I would have liked it to be a little more discussed overall.

All things considered, this was not such a bad story, I had fun reading and I cared about what was happening tot he characters but after imagining a stronger story I think this wasn't as great as my imagination. Still, a cute story and mostly likable characters too.

Grade: 7/10

Agatha Christie - Ordeal by Innocence

Recovering from amnesia, Dr. Arthur Calgary discovers that he alone could have provided an alibi in a scandalous murder trial. It ended in the conviction of Jacko Argyle. The victim was Jacko's own mother, and to make matters worse, he died in prison. But the young man's innocence means that someone else killed the Argyle matriarch, and would certainly kill again to remain in the shadows. Shaded in the moral ambiguity of murder, the provocative psychological puzzler of guilt, vengeance, and blood secrets is among Agatha Christie's personal favorites.

Comment: Just a shorter comment about this title by Agatha Christe, an author I quite appreciate. This book is one of those where the investigation isn't led by any specific character (like the Hercule Poirot collection or Miss Marple) but we still have quite an intrigue.

In this story we follow the story of a family whose matriarch was murdered. For a long time, everyone thought the killer had been her youngest son, Jacko. However, when the story begins, we realize there was a witness giving the killer an alibi but now Jacko is dead and his family feels knowing this only brings out problems. The reality is that, since Jacko is dead, it can only mean the real killer is someone else in the family as they were the only ones in contact with the victim the day she died...

I liked this story because the intrigue was well done, although when it comes to complexity, there are books that are stronger in that regard. When the mystery is solved, it's quite easy and obvious, unlike others where the plot took unexpected turns.

As always, the fun part is the character analysis. All characters have a bit of motivation for the crime and for not having done it. The real killer has a more psychological reason to kill than financial - very often the reason why a death happens - but it's fascinating to imagine how someone can be led by several reasons to the point of actually committing the crime.

We, the reader, are taken through many rel clues and red herrings but there is always some little detail that just can't make it too obvious.

The relationship between the characters is an element on itself. The man behind all the changes recovers from an accident which didn't allow him to testify on time, much less in a way that would exonerate Jacko even if everyone liked he was considered guilty since he just fit that role well. But of course we know appearances can be deceiving.

We also have many clues about the characters' personal lives and choices. I think the author was an amazing characterizer and her characters always seemed very complex, especially if we aren't supposed to think much of them. I do like these mysteries for their deceiving simplicity and old school settings, not unlike some weird contemporary stories that exaggerate everything.

All things considered, not my favorite (nor her best I'd say) but still very entertaining.

I'm looking for to read more of Agatha Christie books besides the ones I already read and thankfully she has a great collection.

Grade: 7/10