Review: A Time For Home

A Time For Home by Alexis Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nick is recovering from a war injury. He is also dealing with the death of his friend Spence and the return to a "normal" life. He goes to Spence's hometown to see his friend Callie and to see if Callie would like to give Mooch a home. Mooch is a dog that saved their life in Afghanistan. Callie was Spence's BFF and inherited his home on his death. Callie is dealing with the loss of her best friend and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She was a contract employee and traveled all over never staying in once place for long. She's trying to decide if she wants to put down roots.
This felt realistic with Nick's PTSD and the struggles with adapting to a "normal" life. I also liked Callie and when Nick (or Lief) where being less than nice, she's call them out on it. This is more of a slow burn romance. What annoyed me was Nick thinking of Callie as "Spence's woman." Callie didn't have the same feelings. I also noticed how Mooch was called "dog" several times by Nick (and I think Callie at least once too). Was annoyed. Y'all named him Mooch, call him that. Or by a nickname (and "dog" didn't come across as a nickname). It wold have been nice for a little compassion/resolution for Austin. Not ignoring what he did, but he was also a victim.
I read this for Romance-opoly BFF's House sun track.

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Review: Caught Dead Handed

Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lee (Maralee) loved back to her hometown to interview for a news reporter for the local TV station. When she arrives for interview, she finds the position has already been filled. She stumbles over a body; who as it turns out was the psychic late night host of supernatural movies and took callers during commercials. The station's owner decides to hire Lee to fill Ariel's position.
I did like Lee and how self aware she was. She's been around the block (having loved and lost her NASCAR racing husband in an auto accident- she was the one driving). She also has abilities that have been suppressed/forgotten about, so she fits right in taking calls. I liked the romance with the detective and there is a good opening for book 2.
I have mixed feelings about the "baddie" (who really wasn't if you consider everything). (view spoiler)[The baddie was Janice, who was born William (Willie). She and her brother George were sexually abused by their mother. It's explained she had multiple personalities and Janice was created to protect Wille. It's mentioned she had sex re-assignment surgery. This is all told by George. None of it is told through Janice's POV. (hide spoiler)]
I read this for Romance-opoly Sleuth Street sun track

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Review: Once and Always

Once and Always by Julia Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*
This was a fun read. Maisa had a habit of speeding when she's driving through Coot Lake MN to visit her uncle. Sam is the one who always pulls her over. This worked because Sam and Maisa had a bit of a prior relationship before the book started. This doesn't rate higher because there were a few continuity errors, Maisa takes some time to warm up to (and she had a TSTL moment). The secondary characters were hilarious too.
I read this for Romance-opoly Lady Lane moon track square.

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Review: The Paris Key

The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Genevieve is going through a divorce after her husband was caught cheating on her. About the same time, her uncle dies leaving her his locksmith shop in Paris. She uses this opportunity to return to Paris and maybe take over his business. She has previously been to Paris to visit her uncle, aunt, and cousin shortly after her mother's death when she was 14.
This mainly told in Genevieve's POV present tense. There are also flashbacks to her mother's visit in 1983 and her visit in 1997. Pasquale (her aunt) also has a chapter dedicated to her POV. Overall this worked to tell the story; each chapter's POV is clearly marked.
I enjoyed reading about Paris and the neighborhoods with the close-knit community. I liked reading a little history of WWII and the Algerian War. I thought it was cool how JB tied the Basques into the story too (with the Embassy bombing). (Boise, ID has a large Basque population).
I would have liked more on locksmithing; it was fascinating reading about the old locks. I did have a hard time connecting with Genevieve and her mother Angela. There is no romance in this one. Angela's secret is easily guessed.
(view spoiler)[Jim is not Genevieve's biological father. A man named Xabier is. He is tied to the Embassy bombing. That's how Angela got the burn on her arm. She tried to stop it. Xabi was Basque whose brother was murdered. (hide spoiler)]
I read this for Romance-opoly Lady Lane sun track square.

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Review: How to Host a Killer Party

How to Host a Killer Party by Penny Warner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Presley is a party planner (I mean event coordinator!) who also has ADHD. She was laid off at her prior job in the psych department at the U of San Fran. She has a habit of diagnosing people. Her mom, who now has dementia, was a successful party planner, so Presley hopes to take up the reins. She gets a chance hosting the mayor's surprise wedding....at Alcatraz. Things don't go as planned and there are 2 dead bodies and Presley is considered a suspect.
I did like this. I was interested and the who-done-it was good, as was the motivations behind it. But, Presley came off as a ditz. Did I mention she has ADHD & she taught psych? Sometimes when a character says something stupid/wrong/pick your poison, it makes them more relate-able. Not so much with Presley. The secondary characters were fun.
Will I read the next and rest in series? Nah. (And did you know Presley was a psych major..... and has ADHD? The reminders constantly got old. Fast.)
I read this for Romance-opoly Sleuth Street moon track

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Evernight

Review:

This was another really good book in this series. Both had appearances in the previous books. Holly is an elemental (human with fae heritage) and controls metal. She's an inventor for the SOS. Will is a sanguis demon (think vampire). In the previous book, both were kidnapped. Holly for her abilities and intelligence, Will as an experiment. Will was given a platinum heart and is now after Holly. I liked the twists and turns. I liked seeing Adam (the founder of the GIM) and look forward to his story which is next. The last book features Holly's "cousin" Sin (St John)- Daisy, Miranda, and Poppy's brother. I read this for Romance-opoly Coffee Shop I'm also using this for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo violet eyes square (Queen Mab).

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2824116/evernight

Alice in Zombieland

Review:

Alice lost her parents and younger sister in a car accident when she was 16 (on her birthday). Her dad saw things that no one else could see. After the accident, she moves in with her grandparents and changes schools.
While Ali went through a horrible time, she was a hard person to really like. I was more annoyed with her and her reaction to Cole. I thought Cole was awful. (But, hey, it's okay 'cause he's a hunter). Just more angst, angst, and more angst. Disappointed.
I read this for the Ripped Bodice's Summer Bingo and will use it for the broken nose square (it was mentioned once). It will also work for violet eyes (Cole's).

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/2824090/alice-in-zombieland