A Killing Frost (October Daye, #14) by Seanan McGuire

A Killing Frost (October Daye, #14)
by 

Seanan McGuire (Goodreads Author)

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

Aug 28, 2020  ·  edit

really liked it

bookshelves: 2020, galleys-arcs, netgalley

SYNOPSIS: "When October is informed that Simon Torquill—legally her father, due to Faerie's archaic marriage traditions—must be invited to her wedding or risk the ceremony throwing the Kingdom in the Mists into political turmoil, she finds herself setting out on a quest she was not yet prepared to undertake for the sake of her future.... and the man who represents her family's past."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I have some issues with it. It is plain to see just why this series has gone on as long as it has. The characters are interesting, the action is exciting, and the world that it is set in is intriguing.

I cannot say that October (the main character) has grown all that much. October is still rashly rushing out into dangers unknown with sometimes calamitous results. This time, although the risks are dire, the results were terrific.

I suggest that if this book has piqued your curiosity and you are a first-time reader, you may want to start at the beginning. And this bit of advice brings me to the reason that I had an issue with this book. There are so many secondary and tertiary characters plus discussions of characters that we haven't seen since the beginning. I feel like I need some help in keeping all these people straight. Perhaps a brief synopsis of the characters at the beginning of the future books.

Another issue I had is that there seemed to be a lot of padding this time. But no matter, because not every book is going to hit the 100% mark for everyone all of the time!

As I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this edition of the series, and I am looking forward to more of them.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

The Paris Model: A Novel by Alexandra Joel

 

The Paris Model: A Novel

by 

Alexandra Joel

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

Aug 26, 2020  

really liked it

bookshelves: 2020, galleys-arcs, netgalley

Grace Woods was a real woman, born September 1, 1922, and died April 27, 2013. Her life, or maybe I should say, what was historically accurate, was fascinating. The author lets us know in her notes at the end of the book, how much of this story is true. However, she does leave us dangling a bit, with one section of the book. I can't discuss that section, for that would be spoiling a significant part of the action!

You do have to understand, though, that this book is still a work of fiction. As such, it is a fascinating read that, for me, has some issues. Grace was a very reckless person, and that ruined her for me a little. Though, if she were any less impetuous, there really wouldn't be much of a book.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

The Amish Newcomer by Patrice Lewis

 

The Amish Newcomer

by 

Patrice Lewis

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

Aug 24, 2020    

really liked it

bookshelves: amish-or-religous, 2020, galleys-arcs, netgalley

This book was much different than the usual Amish romance that I am used to. I must admit that I did love it because of that fact. The idea of an Englisher hiding out with the Amish and falling in love with God, the culture, and a man was different for me. You see, I am not a believer, and I enjoy Amish books because of the culture, and any book that 'pushes' religion down my throat is not one I enjoy. This book had a lot to do with questioning faith and came close to pushing but never crossed that line.

The ending was a tad rushed, but you can clearly see why. I also was a little concerned that the author did not find a way to incorporate the criminals into the story, or at least let us know just what happens to them in the end.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and the author.

SYNOPSIS: Can an Englisch city girl ever become one of the Plain People?

She needed a safe place to hide.
Instead she found a place to call home…

Television journalist Leah Porte never imagined her career would end with her witnessing a murder. Now she’s temporarily living among the Amish in witness protection. Instead of feeling alone and adrift, Leah is warmly welcomed by the close-knit community—and Amish bachelor Isaac Sommer. But caught between two very different worlds, choosing love would mean leaving her Englisch life behind forever…

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy, #5) by Ilona Andrews

 

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy, #5)
by 

Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author)

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

💓💓💓💓

Aug 23, 2020  ·  

bookshelves: 2020, dianne-s-2020, galleys-arcs

I have always considered myself one of the Andrew's team top fans. I'm very nearly a 'squee girl'. Rarely; very rarely do I not love and adore one of their books. Unfortunately, with this and the last edition being more teenaged based, I am not a happy camper.

The dissatisfaction I had with the growth (at least at the beginning) of the character's in this book aside, the rest of this book is an exciting, action-filled, plot-driven story. There is a great mystery, and the ending is nearly mind-boggling. I'm not totally thrilled with the sort of cliff-hanger, but with this series, it has come to be expected.

I will be re-reading this book (and series), but it may not end up on my 'comfort reads' shelf like the Kate Daniel's series! We shall see with the next book. I have high hopes, and the Andrews team has never let me down yet!

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS: As Prime magic users, Catalina Baylor and her sisters have extraordinary powers—powers their ruthless grandmother would love to control. Catalina can earn her family some protection working as deputy to the Warden of Texas, overseeing breaches of magic law in the state, but that has risks as well. When House Baylor is under attack and monsters haunt her every step, Catalina is forced to rely on handsome, dangerous Alessandro Sagredo, the Prime who crushed her heart. 

The nightmare that Alessandro has fought since childhood has come roaring back to life, but now Catalina is under threat. Not even his lifelong quest for revenge will stop him from keeping her safe, even if every battle could be his last. Because Catalina won't rest until she stops the use of the illicit, power-granting serum that's tearing their world apart.

 

 

 

 

 

The Comeback by Ella Berman (Goodreads Author)

 

Dianne Socci-Tetro's Reviews > The Comeback

The Comeback
by 

Ella Berman (Goodreads Author)

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

Aug 20, 2020  ·  edit

liked it

bookshelves: 2020, galleys-arcs, dianne-s-2020

Three and a half stars rounded down.

I was looking forward to reading this book. I thought it was going to be unique, but what it was was an awkward jump onto the #MeToo movement train. In the authors' notes, we are told that she didn't start this book until 2017. However, the movement started before that (in 2006), and having already lived through the movement, this book seems flat.

Another issue I had with this book is that the characters are quite shallow, even taking into consideration their ages. I must assume that this is Hollywood and that the author's writing reflects the attitude of Hollywood. I had trouble reaching deep enough inside of myself to find the least little bit of sympathy for Grace, her sister Esme or any of the secondary characters.

I understand that sexually abused people react in a variety of ways, and it is even worse for those who have had it started in adolescence. I wish I could care more about these characters and their plights.

This book did hold my interest enough to keep me reading, even as I was having issues with the story-line.

I see also that this book is getting fantastic reviews and raves from the younger crowd, so perhaps my issue has more to do with my age than with the goings-on in this story.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

Synopsis:A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK! • An empowering, behind-the-scenes novel of a young Hollywood actress and the dark secret she’s ready to confront.

One of Summer 2020’s Most Anticipated Novels
Marie Claire, Bustle, Popsugar, Goodreads, Today Show online, New York Post, Betches, Better Homes & Gardens, Bad on Paper podcast, The Stripe, Shondaland, HuffPost, CNN.com

“This beautifully written and compulsively readable book broke me from my pandemic blockage. It is the perfect summer read.”—Jenna Bush Hager

Grace Turner was one movie away from Hollywood’s A-List. So no one understood why, at the height of her career and on the eve of her first Golden Globe nomination, she disappeared.

Now, one year later, Grace is back in Los Angeles and determined to reclaim her life on her own terms.

So when Grace is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to director Able Yorke—the man who controlled her every move for eight years—she knows there’s only one way she’ll be free of the secret that’s already taken so much from her.

The Comeback is a powerful and provocative story of justice in the #MeToo era—a true page-turner about a young woman finding the strength and power of her voice.

Love Scam by MaryJanice Davidson

The Love Scam
by 

MaryJanice Davidson (Goodreads Author)

Dianne Socci-Tetro's review

Feb 26, 2020  ·  edit

it was amazing

bookshelves: 2020, arc-i-puchased, dianne-s-2020, comfort-books, galleys-arcs, re-read

4.5-----> I am going to say this twice in this review since it seems that people are going to need reminding: I have to say though, that: "this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book."

I will update to a 'true' review just as soon as I read Danger, Sweetheart, and then re-read The Love Scam.  You really don't need to read Danger, Sweetheart first but I want to see if that will change my opinion of this book.

I have to say though, that this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book.  It was a bit of a mess at first until I got into the rhythm and remembered about the trope/cliche issue of the book but it ended up being an excellent mystery with  (what was to me) a shocking conclusion.  I really hope that this is turned into a small series. 

Oh, wait I don't have to write a "real" review LOL! Oh, wait-I already did -but I reserved the right to add to this if my re-read change anything!!!

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

SYNOPSIS: "A sweet and sassy romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.

Rake Tarbell is in trouble. When the fabulously wealthy and carefree bachelor wakes up horribly hungover in Venice, it’s not something that would normally be a problem...except he has no idea how he got there from California. Or who stole his wallet. Or who emptied his bank account of millions. Or who in the world is Lillith, the charming little girl claiming to be his long lost daughter. For the first time in his life, Rake is on his own and throwing Benjamins around aren’t going to solve his problem. Now if only the gorgeous, fun, and free-spirited woman who brought Lillith into his life was willing to help the situation…

Claire Delaney finds Rake’s problems hilarious and is not in the least bit sorry of adding to them by bringing Lillith into the mix. A pretty Midwestern girl with a streak for mischief, Rake is not the kind of man Claire hangs around with. Even if he is drop-dead handsome and charming as all get-out. Even if he needs help and she has all the answers. But if this helps Lillith, she will go out of her way. And with a guy like Rake, she’s willing to bend her rules a bit for some fun. But when adventure-filled days turn to romantic nights as they search for answers, and someone starts following them through the streets of Venice, Claire realizes she's playing more than just a game. And maybe, just maybe, she isn't willing to let go of Rake or Lillith just yet."

Sucker Punch (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #27) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Sucker Punch (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Book 27)

Book 27 of 27: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter  | by Laurell K. Hamilton  | Aug 4, 2020

3.5 stars rounded up. What can I say but that I liked this book, but that I still had issues with it? The mystery was clever and twisty with your ideas of the 'who-dun-it' changing with each chapter. I could almost ignore the cons of this book, but I have to discuss those in all fairness. So here is what I'm going to do, I'm going to list the pros and cons to help you make your own decision. Pros: Excellent mystery. No sex. Unless you count kissing and a sort of girl on girl type action. Interesting, and sometimes sympathetic characters (outside of Anita's usual men and women who were with her). Otto/Olaf -not his usual self, and I see that his 'issues' will most likely be used to further the storylines of future novels. Otto/Olaf almost comes off as the White Knight at the end of this book. Cons: (I only have a few, but they are HUGE!) The repetition of specific conversations was enough to make my eyes roll my eyes so often that I nearly lost them out of my head. At least 100 pages (lol) might have been cut from this book if it were not for the dead horse beatings! We could have more of the mystery and mayhem! I would have been a lot more pleased had we not discussed Anita's sexual preferences ad nauseam. I realize that this was to further a plotline that will most likely be used soon...but we shall see. Does Anita really need that many men and women 'guarding' her? Back to my review - This book is not like the first half of this series, but it leaned in the correct direction. It had a lot more emotion in it that the earlier books did not have. I had stopped reading this series at...oh... maybe book 20 and by the reviews and what I see in this book I'm glad I stopped. But I will say this book has tempted me to pull out my old copies of this series and reread it. This series has just turned into a vampire and were-animal copy of the Merry Gentry series. And with Merry Gentry, at least you knew what you were getting into -with this series not so much! *ARC supplied by the publisher and the author.

SYNOPSIS: "A brutal murder, a suspect in jail, and an execution planned, but what if the wrong person is about to be killed?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

When a fellow U.S. Marshal asks Anita Blake to fly to a tiny community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on an emergency consult, she knows time is running short. When she arrives, there is plenty of proof that a young wereleopard killed his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible. As the mounting evidence points to him, a warrant of execution is already under way.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But something seems off about the murder, and Anita has been asked for her expert opinion on the crime scene. Despite the escalating pressure from local cops and the family’s cries for justice for their dead patriarch, Anita quickly realizes that the evidence doesn't quite add up.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Time is against Anita, as the tight-knit community is up in arms and fear against supernaturals is growing. She races to uncover the truth and determine whether the Marshals have caught the killer or are about to execute an innocent man—all in the name of justice."