I'm bumping this up .5 star because I the semi spice scenes between Sarah and Matthew was really good and written very well.
This takes place in 1920'I'm bumping this up .5 star because I the semi spice scenes between Sarah and Matthew was really good and written very well.
This takes place in 1920's England. Sarah Piper is a young woman looking for work through a temp agency. Alistair Gellis and his partner Matthew Ryder are ghost hunters, so to speak. While Matthew is unable to assist in their most recent case, Alistair seeks out an assistant. Sarah gets the job. Maddy was taken in by the Clare's one night when she appeared at their door, threadbare and caked with mud. They cleaned her up and cared for her. But whatever happen to Maddy got the best of her and she ended her life in the barn. Now she haunts the barn and the Clares. Now Alistair and Sarah are on the case to rid of Maddy's ghost. But Maddy needs to tell her story and she wants revenge. Matthew shows up soon to help with the case. He and Sarah form a bond and this is where the romance takes place.
It was ok. I found myself drifting while listening to the book. Sarah wasn't my favorite character. And the narration didn't help with that....more
I've been thinking about this book for a few days and I'm still not sure how I truly feel about it. I normally love anything Devon McCormack writes. BI've been thinking about this book for a few days and I'm still not sure how I truly feel about it. I normally love anything Devon McCormack writes. But this felt different. And I felt lost the entire time. I kept going back like I may have missed something. This is why it took me so long to read. And I just couldn't bond with the characters.
Luke wants to attend this prestigious college because his Dad attended and he wants to keep that legacy alive. He lost both his parents and was raised by his Godfather. But Luke is met with some bullying right from the start.
Brad and his group of friends, like 3 other guys, have these magical powers. An outside friend of the group brings Luke in to the mix and Brad immediately hates on Luke. Then all of a sudden, Luke, who is straight, is now into Brad because Brad is using his powers of Lust on him?? I'm still confused about that. LOL!
But I feel like the story just drops us into this magical realism universe and we are left to figure out what the heck is going on.
With that said, I didn't not like the story. Brad and Luke were super hot together. This is definitely where Devon's writing shown through for me. And I started to kind of get into it the closer we get to the end. So I am very interested on how the second book will proceed. I'm sure we will be focusing on other characters, but I'm hoping for more world building. And with that, questions answered about this magical universe....more
Not my favorite from Simone St. James, but still an ok read. She will always be an auto read for me. I love how she includes a paranormal aspect to heNot my favorite from Simone St. James, but still an ok read. She will always be an auto read for me. I love how she includes a paranormal aspect to her stories. This one takes place in 1995. Which I was super excited about. But I didn't get that 90's vibe from this story. April and Eddie are just married and are on their way to their Honeymoon when they see a young woman walking on the side of the road. They notice she is hurt and immediately take her to the hospital where she ends up dying. And April and Eddie are now prime suspects to her death. As the couple try to clear their names, they come across dark and supernatural past of that stretch of road. I honestly found the plot to be a little weak and did not really find the story to be as thrilling as I was hoping for. The audio was very good for this book. ...more
Rosie, an author who writes true crime, and Chad, a struggling actor, are barely making ends meet living in New York. Rosie needs this next book to beRosie, an author who writes true crime, and Chad, a struggling actor, are barely making ends meet living in New York. Rosie needs this next book to be good. Even better than her first. Meanwhile, Chad's Uncle Ivan passes away and leaves them his apartment building, The Windermere. This is odd to Rosie because Ivan has a daughter. Why leave it to she and Chad? They were the ones to take care of him in the end, but still. As they move into the apartment building, Rosie just starts to notice odd things. Not only are the neighbors odd, but the doorman is always present. Like he's watching and waiting. Rosie also starts to see things. Is The Windermere haunted? We also get some journal entries from a woman named Willa, who lived at The Windermere in 1963. This was a perfect combo of thrilling and chilling. True rating is 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this. And the audio was great as well....more
I didn't like this book at all. Which I'm very disappointed in. I love The Lost Apothecary. I found myself both confused and bored at the same time. NI didn't like this book at all. Which I'm very disappointed in. I love The Lost Apothecary. I found myself both confused and bored at the same time. Not sure why I didn't DNF.
Lenna appears to be the student of Vaudeline, who is a medium of some sore and does seances. Lenna has also lost her sister, Evi. I was assuming this book would be about Lenna being able to speak with her sister from beyond and find out who her killer was. In a way, it is. But the majority of the book is nothing but what she is learning from Vaudeline and just lots of explaining. I really didn't care. A relationship also forms between these two characters.
Then there is Mr. Morley. He is the Vice President of The London's Seance Society, where there is a men's club. No good things happen in this club. Mr. Morley also know Lenna's sister, Evi. There's a connection with all these characters that builds to the end. But I found it non interesting.
We mostly follow Peyote, who works in Hell. He's made his way up the corporate ladder, so to speak, by getting people to sign thThis was so much fun!
We mostly follow Peyote, who works in Hell. He's made his way up the corporate ladder, so to speak, by getting people to sign their souls to the Devil. We also follow a few people from the Harrison family. Silas (the father), Lily (the mother) and Mickey (the daughter). The Harrison family are a piece of work. But I had the best time following them around. Peyote has somewhat of a past with this family, which is what the story is all about.
I don't want to give too much away, but if you were thinking about reading this book, think no more. Pick it up. You will not regret it. Or listen to it. The audio is fantastic! ...more
I have to admit that I had a good time with this book. I wasn't sure what to expect since I wasn't crazy about his last book. But, this one got me.
We I have to admit that I had a good time with this book. I wasn't sure what to expect since I wasn't crazy about his last book. But, this one got me.
We follow Casey Fletcher. A recently widowed actress who's taking a break from the spot light to properly grieve and pull herself back together so to speak. So she takes refuge at her families house on Lake Green. Casey has also taken to the bottle. Drowning her sorrows in alcohol. She also finds herself very interested in 'the house across the lake' from hers. A famous former model and her husband have recently purchased the pristine house. As she watches from her binoculars, she witnesses strange behaviors from her neighbors. And soon, Katherine, said former model, goes missing.
At first I thought this would be close to The Woman in the Window, but I assure it's not. Yes, Casey is a drunk. And yes, she spies on her neighbors. But it's a very different vibe. And I liked it. To me Casey was like an amateur sleuth who drinks too much. And I thought it was entertaining. It took a turn that I did not see coming.
After sampling the audio, I decided not to listen to this book. I don't think I would have enjoyed as much as I did. ...more
I just finished this book and I'm sitting here trying to figure out my rating. As much as I have loved all of Alice Feeney's books, this one is probabI just finished this book and I'm sitting here trying to figure out my rating. As much as I have loved all of Alice Feeney's books, this one is probably my least favorite. I still enjoyed it. The story reminded me of a good old fashion game of Clue. Our characters are trapped in a house and are being killed off one by one.
Daisy Darker's family are getting together for Nana's eightieth birthday. They haven't seen each other in years. So when the tide comes in and they are cut off from the rest of the world, all their secrets start to come to the surface.
I loved how Nana was a children's book author and we are left with some creepy nursery rhymes throughout the book. But this was probably the slowest burn mystery thriller I've read in a while. That twist at the end though! It got me! Which is why I'm juggling my rating. I think I'm gonna settle on a 3.75 star.
The audio is fantastic as well. Very haunting. Perfect for this story....more
This was so much fun! A group of teenagers with a YouTube channel investigating haunted places and one of them can see and communicate with dead peoplThis was so much fun! A group of teenagers with a YouTube channel investigating haunted places and one of them can see and communicate with dead people? Yes, please!
We follow the Ghost Gang. Chrissy, Chase, Emma and Kiki. Each have their own personality and POV in this story. They want to take their channel to the next level and investigate the most haunted hotel in LA and the story behind another influencer who may have been murdered in said hotel.
Did it have it flaws? Yes. Is it for everyone? No. But I had a blast with this book and thought it was the perfect read to end the spooky season....more
We follow 2 timelines. Shea, in 2017. And Beth, in 1977. We also go back a little into the early 70's as BethAnother great read from Simone St. James!
We follow 2 timelines. Shea, in 2017. And Beth, in 1977. We also go back a little into the early 70's as Beth tells her story. Shea is a true crime blogger by night and a receptionist at a doctor's office by day. Her blog is called The Book of Cold Cases. One of those cold cases is the killings of The Lady Killer. Beth was charged for these crimes in 1977, but was acquitted due to no evidence that these killings were her doing. So when Beth walks into the office where Shea works, Shea takes a chance and ask for an interview. Surprisingly, Beth agrees.
This was an intriguing read. I had no idea where the story was gonna take us. Even as we dive into Beth's back story of where she came from and how she grew up. Shea also has a back story herself. And reasons why she became a true crime blogger. There is also the creepy Greer mansion that Beth grew up in.
Not as good as The Sun Down Motel, but very close. I listened to the audio for this book and really enjoyed it. If you want more on my thoughts, click the link below to watch my reading vlog.
Well that was different! I'd say this is more of a 4.5 star for me.
For the first part of this book, Leeds tells us the story of how he and Layla met.Well that was different! I'd say this is more of a 4.5 star for me.
For the first part of this book, Leeds tells us the story of how he and Layla met. I honestly got a little bored during this time. But things pick up quickly. We also have some timelines. Leeds is telling his story in present time to someone. But we won't know who this someone is tell later in the book.
It's really hard to explain this book without giving anything away. I will say that something traumatic happens and Layla seems to become a different person to Leeds. As the story unfolds, things start to get real interesting. Unexplained things are happening around Leeds and he's determined to figure out what is going on.
I listened to this via audio and highly recommend it. Our narrator has this sexy, haunting voice that really fits the character....more
**Thank you to the author, Aramis Jordan, for gifting me the ARC of this book**
I thought Arian and Fernando were hot together, but after reading this **Thank you to the author, Aramis Jordan, for gifting me the ARC of this book**
I thought Arian and Fernando were hot together, but after reading this book, Kristian and Tarlis lit up the pages. Love Love Love this story!!
This is the second book in a paranormal/fantasy mm romance with some BDSM. And I thoroughly enjoyed every word I read. It's based in the 1700's. Merman are known to seduce sailors with their song and play with them for days. Giving them pleasure after pleasure. It can be read alone, but I highly recommend the first book, Escaping the Merman, to fully enjoy the experience. We vaguely meet Kristian and Tarlis in the first book as well. Tarlis is part of Arian's group of Merman friends. And Kristian is the Captain of Fernando's ship. We get a more detailed story of how the Merman lure in the sailors in the first book, but you get the idea in the beginning of this book. We go back to when the Merman sang there lustful song. And this time we get Kristian and Tarlis's story. I love a good hate to love story and this one doesn't disappoint. Kristian hates and loves what Tarlis did to him while he was captured. So much so, he seeks him out for revenge. But is it really revenge when both he and Tarlis want each other so badly they despise each other.
I won't say anymore, but just know that this story contains lost of hot, panty melting sex. I also felt that the plot and story itself was enjoyable as well. I didn't want to put it down. Dare I say I like it better than the first book. ...more
Loved Loved Loved!! We get a very sexy MM Romance mixed in with some ghostly fun.
Rain is an FBI agent who has just returned to work from psychiatric lLoved Loved Loved!! We get a very sexy MM Romance mixed in with some ghostly fun.
Rain is an FBI agent who has just returned to work from psychiatric leave due to him giving the parents of a deceased child a message from said deceased child. LOL! Rain is a funny character and I had the best time with him.
He is then sent to his home town to help their Department with a cold case. Which means he'll be seeing his ex, Danny. I loved Danny just as much. He knows Rain so much and just rolls with his punches. The sexual tension between the two was exhilarating. They clearly still love each other.
Along with the romance, we get to talk to some ghost through Rain as he tries his hardest to act like they are not there. And keep his secret safe. But in order for Danny and Rain to truly work out, Danny needs to know and accept Rain and his ability. We also get the mystery of the cold case.
This was a win win win for me. I can't wait to see what happens next in Rain's world of ghost....more
Something happen on Halloween night in 1982 that still haunts Amanda to this day. We follow Hannah and Amanda on that faithful night. As well as AmandSomething happen on Halloween night in 1982 that still haunts Amanda to this day. We follow Hannah and Amanda on that faithful night. As well as Amanda in 2016 on Halloween night. I don't want to say too much being this is a very short story. But it's basically a bullying story gone majorly wrong. And I didn't like it. That's about it....more
Loved this book! YA horror, paranormal and LGBTQ! Some of my favorite things in a book!
Jake is one of the few black teens at his high school. He's alsLoved this book! YA horror, paranormal and LGBTQ! Some of my favorite things in a book!
Jake is one of the few black teens at his high school. He's also a medium. And he's gay. Jake has been bullied by this one guy over his time there. On top of that, he has an evil spirit following him around.
Sawyer is our evil entity. He hasn't had the best life growing up either. We go back a little to before he died. Getting his life through his journal entries. Which I loved. Sawyer thinks Jake is a beautiful boy and is following him everywhere. Giving him glimpses of what he's done and how he died.
With the help of his friends and some past relatives, Jake tries to fight off the entity of Sawyer and send him where he needs to go. Hell.
I couldn't stop listening. I was very intrigued with Jake as well as Sawyer. And the narration was excellent.
I had a gut feeling I wasn't going to like this book. His why it stayed on my TBR shelf for so long.
We do follow 2 time lines. One being journal entriI had a gut feeling I wasn't going to like this book. His why it stayed on my TBR shelf for so long.
We do follow 2 time lines. One being journal entries from Ethel Monroe. Starting in 1929. I won't say too much about Ethel as I do believe she is the heart of the story. She is in her late 30's when she meets and marries Dr. William Monroe. They have a baby girl named Margaret. Before baby Margaret is born. They travel to visit some springs known for its magical healing powers.
Back in 2019, Jax hears of her sister, Lexie's drowning. Jax and Lexie loved their Grandmother's pool and was always in it. Lexie more than Jax. As they got older, they drifted apart. When Jax returns home to her Grandmother and the pool they swim in as children, she soon discovers what lies in the depth of the pool.
As promising as this story sounded to me, I was bored most of the time. And very underwhelmed. The audiobook was pretty good. I enjoyed Ethel's journal entries the most....more
A hauntingly, beautiful, tragic live story. Those are the words I can describe what I just read.
We follow Brynn at a time in her life where she is stA hauntingly, beautiful, tragic live story. Those are the words I can describe what I just read.
We follow Brynn at a time in her life where she is still grieving the lost of a loved one and then finds the love of her life. She was recently on a sabbatical from work as a collage professor. Before returning in the Fall, Brynn decides to get away for the summer to a lovely small town where one of her best friends live. There she stays at this Inn where she finds a group of people that will become family. The Inn’s keeper, LuAnn and the chef, Gary. The gay couple, Jason and Gil, who are taking care of Jason’s ex wife, Alice, who has Alzheimer’s and knows things that she shouldn’t. Oh! And the Inn is haunted.
The story is a bit slow. Especially if you are expecting more “haunting”. But trust me, it’s well worth the wait. I was not expecting this story to go where it did.
I did listen via Audible. Xe Sands does a hauntingly, fantastic job at being this book to life. Highly recommend!...more
It was so good to be back with Dex and Sloane and the gang. I have missed those guys so much.
In this new series, Dex and Sloane are taking on bad guyIt was so good to be back with Dex and Sloane and the gang. I have missed those guys so much.
In this new series, Dex and Sloane are taking on bad guys at a whole new level with TIN (Therian Intelligence Network). The bond between them is being tested when they take on a mission to rescue young Therians from the clutches of possibly the cruelest monster they have come across. And Dex has something inside him that is itching to come out.
It was action packed as always. Fun and quirky. And of course super sexy. I'm so ready for more of these guys. And I can't wait to see what Cochet has in store for Dex. ...more
3.5 stars Once again, Grady Hendrix gives us an entertaining read. I loved the concept of the Orsk store being like our very own Ikea. Each chapter sta3.5 stars Once again, Grady Hendrix gives us an entertaining read. I loved the concept of the Orsk store being like our very own Ikea. Each chapter starts us off with a new piece of furniture with a weird name. Like the Brooka. Or the Kjerring. So much fun. I highly recommend the audio. Also very entertaining. Our male narrator gives advertisements for these pieces as furniture at the start of each chapter. And then our female narrator kicks off the story as our leading lady, Amy, tells us about the night she spent in Orsk.
Amy is an employee at Orsk. She doesn't necessarily like her job, but she's dropped out of college and has student loans and rent to pay. So she does her best. She is asked by her manager, along with another trusted employee, to stay the night at the store to see if they can catch whoever has been breaking in and leaving unpleasant things for the employees to clean up every morning. In return, she is to receive a promotion at a new location. But after this night, she may be having second thoughts. Soon weird writings are appearing on the bathroom walls that weren't there just a second ago. After a random seance, the store starts to show its true form, and the evil that is lurking within its walls.