Take a photo of a barcode or cover
clairedrinkstea's Reviews (1.09k)
I "read", well listen to, Molly Harpers books from Audible as I love Amanda Ronconi's narration mixed with Molly Harpers witty and lively writing.
This is the 3rd instalment on the Bluegrass series and highly anticipated for me as Kelsey is such a huge character in the first book, My Bluegrass Baby.
It was great to get the KTC staff back together and see what has become of Sadie and Josh (from My Bluegrass Baby) and Bonnie and Will (from the 2nd instalment Rhythm and Bluegrass). I also loved meeting Kelsey's Lost Boys properly and hope they can be included again somehow... please!! (Geek power!)
A little predictable in places but that in no way deters from the enjoyment of the story as it is a light-hearted read. There is a good amount of humour, snark and self-reflection from Kelsey whose perspective we read from. At times you want the shake Kelsey and Charlie or lock them in a storage cupboard like she did with Sadie and Josh to get them to actually have nan adult conversation... Oh! Wait that does happen!
There are some really good, stand out scenes such as the storage cupboard, the pillow fort and the final scene in Kelsey's apartment.
The 'love triangle' aspect between Kelsey, Charlie and Ranger Luke is not annoying or drawn out. I've put it in quotes because to me it wasn't even a love triangle as Ranger Luke didn't really press anything just let Kelsey know he was available. He was completely respectable and kind to Kelsey when she really needed to know that the male of the species does have some superior genes in its pool since her ex Darrell was such an abusive douche bag and she's trying to figure out Charlie.
Molly Harper should also be paid by the Kentucky tourist board as she does a fantastic job describing the states and I would hop the pond to travel though its myriad of wonders.
Though this may be the third Bluegrass book it does stand alone and I personally don't think the series has to be read in order.
Overall, another good showing by Molly Harper and narration by Amanda Ronconi.
This is the 3rd instalment on the Bluegrass series and highly anticipated for me as Kelsey is such a huge character in the first book, My Bluegrass Baby.
It was great to get the KTC staff back together and see what has become of Sadie and Josh (from My Bluegrass Baby) and Bonnie and Will (from the 2nd instalment Rhythm and Bluegrass). I also loved meeting Kelsey's Lost Boys properly and hope they can be included again somehow... please!! (Geek power!)
A little predictable in places but that in no way deters from the enjoyment of the story as it is a light-hearted read. There is a good amount of humour, snark and self-reflection from Kelsey whose perspective we read from. At times you want the shake Kelsey and Charlie or lock them in a storage cupboard like she did with Sadie and Josh to get them to actually have nan adult conversation... Oh! Wait that does happen!
There are some really good, stand out scenes such as the storage cupboard, the pillow fort and the final scene in Kelsey's apartment.
The 'love triangle' aspect between Kelsey, Charlie and Ranger Luke is not annoying or drawn out. I've put it in quotes because to me it wasn't even a love triangle as Ranger Luke didn't really press anything just let Kelsey know he was available. He was completely respectable and kind to Kelsey when she really needed to know that the male of the species does have some superior genes in its pool since her ex Darrell was such an abusive douche bag and she's trying to figure out Charlie.
Molly Harper should also be paid by the Kentucky tourist board as she does a fantastic job describing the states and I would hop the pond to travel though its myriad of wonders.
Though this may be the third Bluegrass book it does stand alone and I personally don't think the series has to be read in order.
Overall, another good showing by Molly Harper and narration by Amanda Ronconi.
Very interesting and really rather good upon reflection. I listened to the audio version read by William Gaminara.
Kim Newman has wonderful ideas well put forth in Anno Dracula.
The story is set in 1888 and Queen Victoria has married Vlad Tepes (Count Dracula). The story includes familiar characters from 'Dracula' as well as Victorian writers, poets, fictional characters and persons from history however it follows Geneviève Dieudonné (a Vampire) and Charles Beauregard (a 'Warm' Investigator working on behalf of the Diogenes Club) as they look into the Jack the Ripper murders.
Newman's twists and turns with history and familiar literary persons is very well done. He remains faithful to the characters and our understanding of them and slots the changes into the story seamlessly. For example, the Ripper victims are Vampires and the context of their murders and Jacks reasons why makes sense both to Anno Dracula and what we know of the actual events from Whitchapel and the Police investigation. Also how Dracula became the Prince Consort fits with Stokers original text for Vlad's coming to Britain.
We hear from past events such as Van Helsing's journal to flesh out this 'dark kiss' twist on history. Sometimes these flash back sequences became a little confusing or seemed a little long but the story gets back on track. This is possibly due to the audiobook medium, and if read may not be an issue.
Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard are wonderful characters. It takes a little while before they meet face-to-face but it is worth it. They have a good partnership built on respect. Charles understands Geneviève is an old Vampire with knowledge and understanding he does not. Geneviève sees that Charles has emotions and an intelligence worth taking note of. They find something in each other that they both needed.
Main frustration with the book is the ending. Not the events that transpired - those were great! But it's left on a cliffhanger!!
Defiantly worth a go if you're interested in non-sparkly vampires, Victorian set dramas (not a steampunk book but could be well appreciated by those who enjoy them) and a nice murder mystery where it's not who did it but why.
Kim Newman has wonderful ideas well put forth in Anno Dracula.
The story is set in 1888 and Queen Victoria has married Vlad Tepes (Count Dracula). The story includes familiar characters from 'Dracula' as well as Victorian writers, poets, fictional characters and persons from history however it follows Geneviève Dieudonné (a Vampire) and Charles Beauregard (a 'Warm' Investigator working on behalf of the Diogenes Club) as they look into the Jack the Ripper murders.
Newman's twists and turns with history and familiar literary persons is very well done. He remains faithful to the characters and our understanding of them and slots the changes into the story seamlessly. For example, the Ripper victims are Vampires and the context of their murders and Jacks reasons why makes sense both to Anno Dracula and what we know of the actual events from Whitchapel and the Police investigation. Also how Dracula became the Prince Consort fits with Stokers original text for Vlad's coming to Britain.
We hear from past events such as Van Helsing's journal to flesh out this 'dark kiss' twist on history. Sometimes these flash back sequences became a little confusing or seemed a little long but the story gets back on track. This is possibly due to the audiobook medium, and if read may not be an issue.
Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard are wonderful characters. It takes a little while before they meet face-to-face but it is worth it. They have a good partnership built on respect. Charles understands Geneviève is an old Vampire with knowledge and understanding he does not. Geneviève sees that Charles has emotions and an intelligence worth taking note of. They find something in each other that they both needed.
Main frustration with the book is the ending. Not the events that transpired - those were great! But it's left on a cliffhanger!!
Defiantly worth a go if you're interested in non-sparkly vampires, Victorian set dramas (not a steampunk book but could be well appreciated by those who enjoy them) and a nice murder mystery where it's not who did it but why.
I'm so disappointed in this book!
** SPOILERS CONTAINED **
I LOVE the Dark-Hunter series. I mean L-O-V-E it.
I love the Lords of Avalon books.
I thought upon hearing about Son of No One that is was about time Lords of Avalon came back and the premise sounded really good.
The preview of the first chapter with Jo agreeing to be the camera woman for a paranormal investigation show sounded über interesting as it was different to how other non-believers were brought into the Dark-Hunter world and Cade being Welsh was a nice touch.
Unfortunately I found the book so hard to read - I usually read a DH book in hours not days! and I've read the Dark-Hunter series MANY times. I have favourites that I've worn out through re-reading and have read the whole series from start to finish including short stories at least a dozen times. I don't want to re-read this one and I feel awful for that...
Scenes/chapters were jumpy and I sometimes found it hard to track what was going on. Jo and Cade seemed to fall in bed (especially) and love awfully quick which I found strange even with the explanation later in the book not because of why, just they went from zero to 100 too fast without character development points.
I hated the body swap chapters. Truly horrible and awkward to read. Who would honestly wake up in their lovers body and not freak out or ask questions but accept it and then have sex?!?! Jo went from a compete non-believer to "come here buddy I want to sex you up" unnaturally. It feels like Ms Kenyon was trying to re-create some of the Kyrian/Amanda chemistry but missed the mark.
I loved the expansion of Thorn's character and the hints about Karma. I enjoyed seeing Styxx again and how he is adjusting to the modern world and I'm his relationship with Ash. Styxx has quickly become one of my favourite characters as is development and reveal has been so well done. I enjoyed the hints towards the coming of the dragons.
This one just didn't hit the mark. Fingers crossed for the next.
** SPOILERS CONTAINED **
I LOVE the Dark-Hunter series. I mean L-O-V-E it.
I love the Lords of Avalon books.
I thought upon hearing about Son of No One that is was about time Lords of Avalon came back and the premise sounded really good.
The preview of the first chapter with Jo agreeing to be the camera woman for a paranormal investigation show sounded über interesting as it was different to how other non-believers were brought into the Dark-Hunter world and Cade being Welsh was a nice touch.
Unfortunately I found the book so hard to read - I usually read a DH book in hours not days! and I've read the Dark-Hunter series MANY times. I have favourites that I've worn out through re-reading and have read the whole series from start to finish including short stories at least a dozen times. I don't want to re-read this one and I feel awful for that...
Scenes/chapters were jumpy and I sometimes found it hard to track what was going on. Jo and Cade seemed to fall in bed (especially) and love awfully quick which I found strange even with the explanation later in the book not because of why, just they went from zero to 100 too fast without character development points.
I hated the body swap chapters. Truly horrible and awkward to read. Who would honestly wake up in their lovers body and not freak out or ask questions but accept it and then have sex?!?! Jo went from a compete non-believer to "come here buddy I want to sex you up" unnaturally. It feels like Ms Kenyon was trying to re-create some of the Kyrian/Amanda chemistry but missed the mark.
I loved the expansion of Thorn's character and the hints about Karma. I enjoyed seeing Styxx again and how he is adjusting to the modern world and I'm his relationship with Ash. Styxx has quickly become one of my favourite characters as is development and reveal has been so well done. I enjoyed the hints towards the coming of the dragons.
This one just didn't hit the mark. Fingers crossed for the next.
WOW! I LOVE this book!! Eloise James has hit all the right marks for me in this one.
I've picked up her books before because they were always cheap and cheerful reads on Kobo but "When Beauty Tamed the Beast" is the first I've actively made sure I bought because the story really appealed to me and it is worth every penny.
It's been a long time since a Regency Romance has had laugh out load moments for me - Julia Quinn usually hits the mark - this one DELIVERS. Some of my favourite quotes:
"...what's the good of poise if your neckline signals you're a wanton?"
"God Almighty, you're ruined, and you didn't even eat the gingerbread"
"...she had a hell of a bosom. Which is nothing more than a functional mammary gland..."
"I think I like ass. It ha such a round sound."
"That's when I said I'd go to the doctor. 'Cause I ain't been sinning more than is strictly normal"
Linnet may be a physical beauty but she is a diverse character with secret Bluestocking tendencies, dry wit and a zest for life. Pier's is big, gruff and intelligent and under his House M.D. exterior really cares. They have a wonder rapport and it's lovely to see their relationship get deeper. One of my favourite scenes is in the drawing room and they pretend they are at the theatre.
The supporting characters are great too from the Ducklings, Sebastien and Piers parents but my favourite is Purfrock the Butler who has some great sarcastic turns.
I read this book in one sitting and I'm looking forward to reading it again. It truly is a wonderful read and a shining example of Regency Romance done right!
I've picked up her books before because they were always cheap and cheerful reads on Kobo but "When Beauty Tamed the Beast" is the first I've actively made sure I bought because the story really appealed to me and it is worth every penny.
It's been a long time since a Regency Romance has had laugh out load moments for me - Julia Quinn usually hits the mark - this one DELIVERS. Some of my favourite quotes:
"...what's the good of poise if your neckline signals you're a wanton?"
"God Almighty, you're ruined, and you didn't even eat the gingerbread"
"...she had a hell of a bosom. Which is nothing more than a functional mammary gland..."
"I think I like ass. It ha such a round sound."
"That's when I said I'd go to the doctor. 'Cause I ain't been sinning more than is strictly normal"
Linnet may be a physical beauty but she is a diverse character with secret Bluestocking tendencies, dry wit and a zest for life. Pier's is big, gruff and intelligent and under his House M.D. exterior really cares. They have a wonder rapport and it's lovely to see their relationship get deeper. One of my favourite scenes is in the drawing room and they pretend they are at the theatre.
The supporting characters are great too from the Ducklings, Sebastien and Piers parents but my favourite is Purfrock the Butler who has some great sarcastic turns.
I read this book in one sitting and I'm looking forward to reading it again. It truly is a wonderful read and a shining example of Regency Romance done right!
