b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite's reviews
678 reviews

This is the 28th Kay Scarpetta book and of course the 28th for me by Patricia Cornwell. As this series has progressed, it has gone from a police/mortuary procedural to a science fiction crime fantasy genre. It has changed quite a lot and yet the style of writing is ever the same.

The whole book is so action packed that the story from go to whoa takes a little bit of time in the sense of days or weeks. Having said that, we open the story with a phone call to Dr Scarpetta informing her of the bad news of the death of her friend, she leaves to get to the scene straight away and it's at the 30% mark when she actually gets to the scene. So much back story and filling in of details.

As normal, there is nothing happy or delightful in the interactions of Kay and her family and the tragic and sordid tales of all of their history are a bit thick to wade through. The science element just leads me to believe that Lucy is a God and nothing else, because she can do everything and anything her mind can conjure up. A bit trying if you are in the mood for something lighthearted but as usual, Patricia Cornwell is the queen of the dramatic scenes. 

Thank you to Netgalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC

This book set during regency times is action packed, information packed and while reading, you feel like you are actually there! It is the smasher sequel to The Persephone Code and delves deeper into the characters and relationships introduced to us in the beginning novel.

The characters are extremely likable and very human, given that their flaws are wide open for anyone to read and they do yet do not get their happily ever after. I'm glad that the complex relationship between Dora and Jacob isn't happily stuffed into a matchbox and tied with a bow in the first couple of books but rather, ready at any moment to have the match struck and have chaos reign. Authors that do that also have to create more and more drama to befall the couple but with our dashing heroes, it is almost a modern relationship and one that readers can relate to, not coasting along with smooth sailing the whole time. I love Dora's feisty and independent spirit and Jacob's understanding and loyal nature.

The plot in the book is an absolute whirlwind of historically accurate culture, happenings and facts. I didn't know half of the things that happened in the books despite being very well read on regency times. Most regency books are based around the Ton and marriage mart though. I loved the glimpse into international interest within the books and the peek into many different secret societies. I fear that if Julia Golding doesn't go after characters in the Freemasons next, there will be disappointment!
I had no idea about 'Lord Elgin's Marbles' or the dispute between countries for the claim to ancient artifacts. I had to do a lot of Googling while reading, as a matter of interest, and was delighted at the sheer amount of real and accurate information woven through the pages.

I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Netgalley, Julia Golding and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Marco Bucci has written an insightful, step by step way of honing your talents in drawing. I was a bit nervous to dig into this as all of the beautiful illustrations look top notch and very hard to do. As I read and absorbed the lessons I found it an easy read and began practicing bit by bit. He really takes each chapter and goes in depth with the learning and yet breaks it down into manageable chunks at the same time. He covers topics such as shapes, form and space and also covers character poses, shading and lighting and colour. The activities and assignments at the end of the chapter are really good and think focussing on those first would be good for beginners. More experienced artists could use this book as a reference book, going to the chapter they need, but it can also be read from start to finish while your skills improve.
Thank you to Netgalley, Rockport Publishers and Marco Bucci for allowing me to read the ARC. All opinions are my own.

First of all, love the fact that Dr Melissa Dymond cares about her audience's comfort levels to offer a spicy version and a tamer, sweet one. That way more people can enjoy the story at their level of affection. I read the spicy version and it isn't overly spicy at all but she writes those scenes exceptionally well. This is my first read from the author and I was extremely impressed. I read it as a stand alone which is absolutely doable, even though it is the second book in the series.

This book defies what a standard rom-com does as well. While I expected some of the cliches, as in a big argument ending in cold shoulders and misunderstandings, these characters were mature enough to realise how each other was feeling and overcome it without the drama. I loved the mature way the characters didn't end up going down the same old drama for drama's sake route. Very refreshing!
There was also a mystery to be solved and I'm happy to say that I picked who it was from a very early chapter. It didn't ruin it for me though as I was thinking that I must be wrong with all the twists and turns in the book.

The dual POV and dual romantic story lines worked well with each other, one a confirmed relationship and one a blossoming one. The Jenny and Dean one was my favourite as I loved that cheeky Jenny was very human with her vices, curves and insecurities, and appreciated that her insecurities didn't string along for ages throughout the book too.

The pictures throughout the book were fantastic and gave the reader something to base the characters looks on as they read. I also thought the link to an additional scene was really cool too and I stopped reading the book to read that scene first. I think those were the 'Easter Eggs' that are referred to in the blurb. If they aren't then maybe I didn't get the actual EE's as this is my first read and wouldn't have recognised any characters from previous books.

Gwen is a kickass woman in her own right and I appreciate that she kept her work, her personality and her name despite being with someone so famous. The downside of fame is highlighted in this book and it is a very modern take on what it can be like for celebrities unfortunately.

 Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC

This was my first read from Tobie Carter and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It was based on the enemies to lovers trope and had some of the wittiest banter and juiciest spice that I have read in a while. I really enjoyed both of the main characters along with their supporting cast and loved the community feel of the book. Andi's parents and brother got quite a lot of shade from me in different parts of the story for different reasons and I was delighted in Rita and Holly.
The occurrence that turned these lovers into enemies was so much better than a 'misunderstanding' of a lot of books. It was real and human and very relatable.
The banter, sarcasm and insults thrown between Andi and Win were definitely the highlight. I love Andi's sass and Winchester's cheek. 
Being a novella, it was very easy to read in one sitting and it really left me wanting to seek out more of Tobie's work.
Thanks so much to Luna Literary Management and Tobie Carter for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This novella was my introduction to the Weather Court Gem Series. I couldn't quite work out whether it was aimed at young adults or adults and I think it could be both if it weren't for the explicit sex scenes. 
It was a story full of heart (excuse the pun!) and the character development was beautiful. I found it to be a mix of The Hunger Games and Fourth Wing with people being chosen by the villagers to protect their villages at all costs and based in an old stone school for months with a dire outcome if they failed.
This was my first read of this author and I am quite delighted in the beautiful writing flow and descriptions of characters. I found strong relationships, tragic pasts, friendships based on care and love and a romance at the heart of the book.
I'd like to thank Luna Literary Management, and K. C. Silver for my introduction to the series and the opportunity to read this ARC

The latest Agatha Raisin book is jam packed with riddles, mysteries to solve and villains galore. Having read every single book in this series, I can honestly say that this is one of the best ones I have read. R. W. Green really captures the personalities of M.C. Beaton's characters and continues their stories beautifully.

This book sees Agatha with a myriad of cases and an event extravaganza to organise. She riddles a mystery from the 1600s, investigates a string of burglaries, ponders a murder, gets sent a few death threats, escapes from a few kidnap attempts and suffers from a broken heart all while researching the antiques market. 

We see all the characters we know and love make an appearance from Gustav to Roy, Mrs Bloxby to Inspector Wilkes, Charles, James and of course her version of the Scooby Gang (The Raisinettes?!). Her community rallies around her in support and you can see the amazing characters brought together.

I love Agatha as a character as she is the ultimate golden-hearted grump. I loved hearing her catchphrase (Snakes and Bast-ards) come into play a few times too. This is such a funny book and I found myself laughing out loud in response to the wit and charades that Agatha gets up to.

Listening to Agatha Raisin is such a treat because Penelope Keith voices her so beautifully. I believe that the audio books of this series are even better than the books themselves because of the personality oozing through in every word.

All in all, 5 stars from me and I cannot wait before the next one comes out!
I would love to thank Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing and R. W. Green for keeping the amazing M. C. Beaton's work alive and allowing me to listen to the latest book as an ARC. All opinions are my own.

The blurb of this book got me hooked and I was interested to see that it was a very short book as well. Easy enough to get through in one sitting.
The first chapter although very short was interesting as well, as Elara didn't play nice with others as was apparent from the conversation with her boss. The short chapters in dual POV was a theme running throughout the entire book.
I'm sorry to say that this was all just too rushed to have any depth. I didn't feel like I knew the characters at all and while they went from step to step with each other, I was left with a "you just met each other 5 minutes ago' vibe.
There wasn't a lot of detail or description of people or places and the only scenes that were at the proper pace was the spice ones which were pretty good until the last one. Not for me.
The plot went from 6 hours later to a conversation, to a day later and then the courier came in a foreign country to deliver something that ordinary citizens would be waiting days for, to the next day and so on.
This would make a good episode for a TV show where we already know the 2 characters and their history and the set up and the whole thing is over in 40 minutes minus ads.

 Thank you to Lindsey Nicole and Luna Literary for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.