Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 10/6/2024 + 804 more book reviews

The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Good young adult fantasy and second-chance romance, filled with heart and humor.

The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala is a new young adult romantasy filled with heart and humor. From the very first scene, I was hooked by the main character, her witty sarcasm, sense of what's right, and gutsy attitude. I was a quick conscript to Team Phera.

Phera Ylir Mdana, the titular duchess, is a kick-ass heroine with a sense of humor and a bit of a temper. She is in the neighboring country of Ryene to participate in the "Rounds," a marriage competition with Prince Dominic as the prize. Her real goal, though, is to last long enough and score high enough in the game without winning. She hopes that the results will increase her marriageable status (and value) in the eyes of the parents of her true love, Rocelle Virae - another contestant. She and Rocelle had been on the verge of an engagement when a marriage proposal gone wrong left Rocelle's parents unimpressed and both girls disappointed in the other.

The plot follows the progress of the marriage game, but there is also political intrigue, a fight over Ryene's class system of the elite "Signed" (magic users) and the lower class "Unsigned" (those without magic, a love triangle, and, of course, the second-chance romance. The author's world-building is impressive and immersive, with a fully visualized fantasy world and a well-developed system of magic from the start. The storytelling is engaging, and I laughed out loud at the many gems in the sparkling dialogue. Thank goodness there is mention that this book is the first in a planned series because there is a cliffhanger ending. Hurry, Book Two!

With its engaging main character, robust plot, and rich world-building, I recommend THE DUCHESS OF KOKORA to readers of young adult romantic fantasies.

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John B. (cwousn) - , reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 108 more book reviews

Once again I'm left scratching my head. Why were some of these stories included in a mystery anthology? Most were well written but I didn't think some of them were mysteries. They were short stories. Some had violence and killings but they were not mysteries, at best they could be classed as crime stories. I guess I won't read any more mystery anthologies edited by Pelecanos. Recommended for some of the stories, but not as an anthology of mysteries.

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Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 1145 more book reviews

There are moments when I think I'm done with this series because there are so very many battles and lots and lots of casualties, but it's hard for me to walk away from finding out exactly who Tavi is, how his relationship with Kitai will progress and how all the folk back in Calderon are faring. I think I'm hooked! If you're looking for a long listen with details about tactics this would be a good choice.

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Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 1145 more book reviews

This spicy quick read is an excellent grumpy/sunshine romance. It was impressive to see how Bailey worked type one diabetes into the storyline in a realistic and natural manner. The family and relationship dynamics are spot on, and the secondary characters of Talullah and Burgess will take center stage in the next book, The Au Pair Affair.

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Marcia C. reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 659 more book reviews

In print, detective Vera Stanhope is a whole lot more likeable than she probably would be in person. We see her in her vulnerable, private moments, not just when she is bullying her staff or trying to trick suspects into talking with her.

The book's plot involves an inn full of writers, and having been around hundreds of writers over the years, it didn't ring true to me that this batch were uniformly loud, noisy and showoffy.

Nevertheless, it's an excellent read, well crafted.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 940 more book reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this little book of wisdom about how to approach life. Each chapter is dedicated to a one sentence piece of advice, and the author uses examples from his own life and career as well as anecdotes from those he admires to as examples.

This book also reinforced what I already knew: that I definitely do not have what it takes to be a SEAL!

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Ryan M. (rmadland) reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 68 more book reviews

Not your standard John Grisham legal thriller fare. This is a story of Joe Banning who sets out one day to murder the town's local pastor? From there, Pete takes full responsibility, but will not relay what drove him to commit murder, after all this is a decorated war veteran and successful businessman.

We not only get the story of the trial of Pete Banning, but we get the full backstory of him being in the war and becoming a P.O.W. During the whole time reading, as a reader, I was guessing what drove Pete to murder.

Let's just say, that I thought I had it figured out, but the real reason was a twist in many way and I will leave it at that.

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Audrey A. (Arosea) reviewed on 10/5/2024 + 443 more book reviews

Wonderful steampunk version of Wodehouse's Jeeves with a dash of Doyle's Holmes. Dolley captures PGW's style perfectly and the elements he introduces are enriching the story without distorting the style and the charme of the two stories.

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jjares reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

This is a great recipe book for college students and others. When I'm looking for something easy and fast, this is the cookbook I will refer to. A variety of recipes are available here. There are cooking times, servings, nutritional values, etc. The only deficit is a need for photos of finished products.

There are some small errors, mostly in the back of the book (OATMEAL FOR BREAKFAST, page 106: Where does the oatmeal go?).

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 804 more book reviews

Cayman Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery by Stacy Wilder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Liz and Brad's romantic honeymoon trip to Grand Cayman turns into a busman's holiday.

Cayman Conundrum is the third book in Stacy Wilder's fun and fast-paced cozy series, Liz Adams Mysteries, but readers new to the story shouldn't have any trouble enjoying it as a standalone. (However, you should know that the previous books are cozy mystery gold.) Engaging characters, a puzzling and dangerous mystery, and a romance from the past combine for an entertaining and satisfying story.

Liz and Brad celebrate their nuptials with close friends and family before taking off for a dream honeymoon in the Caribbean only to discover that Tim, their friend who lives on the island, has gone missing. Rather than the romantic and restful interlude they'd planned, the newlyweds find themselves trying to find him.

Ironically, weddings are the most stressful of events. I thought the low-key ceremony, in light of an absent friend, was a lovely choice, and Babs's reception was the biggest surprise ever. Guests Tim and Becky's reception interactions felt true to life. Why is there always a couple like this at weddings?

The couple's island sojourn becomes a working holiday as Liz and Brad work together to find their missing friend. The setting is tantalizing as the couple investigates and enjoys some of the local highlights, including a treasure hunt Tim had intended as a wedding gift. A romantic figure from Liz's past appears to test the newly forged marriage and the emotions that surface are realistic and understandable. The story is fast-paced and compact, with twists coming one after the other. I was immediately drawn back into this series and read the story straight through in one absorbing sitting.

I recommend CAYMAN CONUNDRUM to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy an island setting and fans of the previous books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 940 more book reviews

The Freida books are coming at a fast and furious pace! This one was longer than most of her books and not for the better, at least in my opinion. Her trademark twists and red herrings are there, but the pacing was slower than usual. Was still enjoyable though and a quick read.

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Wayne H. (silverado) reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 28 more book reviews

If you like a mystery that describes every detail like a director giving instructions to actors on a stage, this is the book for you.

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Tegwin F. (teggie) reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 52 more book reviews

Cute book!

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Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 3145 more book reviews

A well written story about family drama and lots of secrets revealed

Not an author I pursue but this was on the bargain table, good purchase was a good story

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Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 486 more book reviews

Vasilisa and her family live in the Russian wilderness. She and her siblings love to sit around the fire and listen to tales of magic, myth, and fairy tales. They live in a time when some still left food to honor the spirits of hearth and home. Vasilisa's mother passes, and her father remarries a woman who does not believe in the old tales and refuses to leave things to spirits. The town and its crops start to fail, and Vasilisa, who has magic in her blood, must become part of myth and fairy tales to save her family.

I read this before I read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and there are some similarities in the main character. Vasilisa, like Feyre, loves her family and fights for them, and they both become part of the fairy tale. I love stories like this, with magic and mythology mixed. Some of the book comes close to a horror-like feeling I enjoyed. It reminded me of a Mike Flanagan TV series.

I wished Vasilisa's stepmother had avoided the evil stepmother trope, but the story would have been very different without her.

If you enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses, you might also like this. It is not as spicy as ACOTAR, but there is some romance.

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Frank F. reviewed on 10/4/2024 + 367 more book reviews

Good story of training and racing donkeys in a high mountain running race.Lots of side stories with the main story line.

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

Jonas Watcher's journey begins with a dramatic twist- a running bag hits him as he plunges into the depths of the water. This unexpected start, reminiscent of classic noir, immediately drew me in. Despite my initial surprise, the rest of the story was a thrilling ride, a perfect treat for fans of noir movies and books.

I gave this book a VG because Jonas was a perfect shot and happened to be an MP in the Army. The story was too perfect for Jonas. However, I read it in a few hours because it was captivating. I can hardly wait to find the next one.

Jonas Watcher
** 1. The Case of the Running Bag (2016)
2. The Case of the Bourbon Street Hustler (2016)
3. The Case of the Jade Dragon (2016)
4. The Case of the Dead Detective (2017)

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

This is one of those stories that is so interesting that I finished it in a few hours. I could not set it aside because the characters were so interesting (and different). I'm obsessed with Gene Poschman's noir mysteries. These stories remind me of the wonderful black-and-white movies of old.

The majority of the book's action unfolds in the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. Jonas Watcher's search for the supposedly deceased Martin Stanton takes him through the French Quarter and the Bayou, a testament to the author's meticulous research. Along the way, Jonas reconnects with an old flame and brings friends from San Francisco. They all get involved with the New Orleans underworld. Fascinating reading!

Jonas Watcher
1. The Case of the Running Bag (2016)
** 2. The Case of the Bourbon Street Hustler (2016)
3. The Case of the Jade Dragon (2016)
4. The Case of the Dead Detective (2017)

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

Jules, a Marquess and a romance author, is stung by the sharp criticism of his latest book by Selina Davenport. He decides to go to her estate and work as a mute gardener. This was a bit over the top but Selina saw through his soft hands and intelligent eyes quickly.

Jules went to the Davenport estate so he could use her as a villain in his next book. However, he was soon smitten with her and changed his plans. This is my first book by this author and I was pleased with the quality of the dialogue and the plot. I had a problem with the quick way the Havershams' problem was resolved -- by Miss Davenport.

Overall, I liked that Jules was a likeable ninny who needed a keeper (as in Selina Davenport). He was easy to step into trouble because he didn't think about the consequences. Miss Davenport was the Queen of Consequences (since she lived and resolved the consequences of her father and older brother's stupid choices). I really liked the ending.


**Wicked Sons Series
** 1) The Devil to Pay
2) Wrecking Belle

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Cathy C. (cathyskye) - , reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 2304 more book reviews

This latest installment of Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 series is a nail-biter. Putting Mattie, Robo, and Cole in the unfamiliar territory of Washington's Olympic Peninsula certainly ratchets the suspense. The mystery is a strong one, too, so strong that I misidentified the bad guy, which doesn't happen often.

But as good as the setting and mystery are, it's the characters that I always come back for in this series, and Gathering Mist is no exception. Of course, there are the wedding and family dynamics to deal with because there just has to be at least one person opposed to Mattie and Cole's wedding, but there's always more.

Mattie and Cole's relationship and the relationships between Mattie and Cole's daughters and their indispensable housekeeper are very important, but I'm always drawn first to Mattie's relationship with Robo. Mizushima does such an excellent job of showing readers what goes into the training of search and rescue dogs and their handlers. Over and over again, this author shows me how indescribably valuable and wonderful these dogs are. But what touches me even more is how the closer Mattie gets to Robo, the harder it is to let him do his job. They get into so many dangerous situations that Mattie is afraid of losing Robo-- and readers certainly can't blame her.

If you enjoy atmospheric, compelling mysteries chockful of wonderful two- and four-legged characters, the Timber Creek K-9 series is one you should read. Due to character development, I would recommend that you begin with the first book, Killing Trail.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

What a fascinating book! Many photos and maps accompanied the text. I am fascinated by genetic studies. Since the Celts did not use written language, we have no written record of them. Thus, genetic studies are the new window to seeing ancient history in a better light.

Children and adults will enjoy this book because it explains Celtic symbols, mythology, and daily life in a highly readable form. The activities at the end of each chapter help ground readers in the important aspects of the Celtic story.

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

I've been reading about Dr. James Carter's dietary research into nutrient-dense recipes. The results of this book's research provide readers with health-focused meals. The focus of this book is the dietary magic of cottage cheese. It is a slow-digesting protein that is a favorite with athletes and dieters. Cottage cheese also shines with calcium, is low in calories, and is a good source of B vitamins and probiotics (for the gut).

The photos are beautiful, with servings, cooking times, nutritional information, etc. There are two bonuses: VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS and GLOBAL FLAVORS (an example is GREEK COTTAGE CHEESE SPANAKOPITA). This is a beautiful book with nutrient-dense recipes.

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Sallie M. (oldrockandroll) - , reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 298 more book reviews

I absolutely loved this book. Interesting facts regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. This is a stand alone book in a series of Luke Daniel books. I really like Luke Daniels and am looking forward to reading more of the Luke Daniels series. Excellent read!!

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jjares reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 3395 more book reviews

Although well-written and interesting, this book crossed the line (for me). The graphic sex was unnecessary and off-putting. I've decided not to read any more of these stories. There are enough writers who do not use gratuitous violence to sell books.

Abby Kane is a stepmother to two children of her deceased husband. She has a live-in mother-in-law to help tend the children while she works. She and her partner go to Detroit to find a serial killer. The wrinkle is that the same MO is used currently to kill people even though a man is sitting in prison for committing earlier crimes with this MO.

I didn't understand how Abby leaped to some of her conclusions in solving the case. However, this is fiction. I had to skip over the gory parts; I didn't find that entertaining. I got the six-book compilation of the first stories of this series. However, I've dumped them because of the graphic nature of this writing.

Abby Kane FBI Thriller â Total of 18
** 1. Corktown (2012)
2. Tenderloin (2013)
3. Russian Hill (2013)
4. Lumpini Park (2014)

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Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 10/3/2024 + 1145 more book reviews

This is a fun and spicy hockey romance with a hero on the verge of retirement and a younger heroine who is trying to be adventurous after a traumatic experience. Characters from Fangirl Down make an appearance. The 12-year-old daughter of the hero is realistic. I enjoyed the dual point of view narration.

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