Review: Survivor in Death

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Review: Survivor in DeathSurvivor In Death (In Death, #20) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #20
Published by Berkley Books on February 1, 2005
Genres: Mystery, Futuristic
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: An emotionally powerful book. I’ve read it repeatedly and still enjoy it. The case involving a child survivor brings out new dimensions in the characters and challenges Eve in deeply personal ways. A standout entry that showcases the heart of the series.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to a horrific crime scene where an entire family has been murdered in their sleep – all except for nine-year-old Nixie Swisher. As the only witness and possible target, Nixie must be protected. Eve brings her home, forcing Eve and Roarke to temporarily become guardians while hunting for cold-blooded killers who may return to finish the job.

OPINION: SURVIVOR IN DEATH is one of the books in the series that is important to the character development in the In Death series.

The murder investigation unfolds at a perfect pace. But what elevates this book to something special is how the case impacts Eve on a deeply personal level. Nixie’s situation resonates with Eve’s own childhood trauma, creating moments of genuine emotional power throughout the story.

Eve’s reluctant role as Nixie’s protector forces her outside her comfort zone in ways that reveal new aspects of her character. Her awkward but determined efforts to connect with and protect this traumatized child showcase both her growth throughout the series and her fundamental decency beneath the tough exterior.

Roarke shines in this book as well, naturally stepping into a supportive role for both Eve and Nixie. Their temporary family unit creates touching scenes which echo as the series goes forward, balancing the darkness of the crime with moments of warmth and even humor.

The secondary characters each contribute meaningfully to the story, from Peabody’s steadfast support to Summerset’s unexpected connection with Nixie. The entire cast rallies around this child in ways that highlight the found family that has formed around Eve over the course of the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with the murder of children and family trauma, which may be difficult for some readers.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SURVIVOR IN DEATH is the 20th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Visions in Death

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Review: Visions in DeathVisions in Death (In Death, #19) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #19
Published by Berkley Books on August 3, 2004
Genres: Mystery, Futuristic
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A solid entry in the In Death series that leans more toward the procedural side. While the mystery is well-crafted, the highlight is the development of Eve and Peabody’s relationship.

THE STORY: Eve Dallas investigates a series of brutal murders where women are strangled with a red ribbon, their eyes removed after death. The case takes an unusual turn when a psychic, Celina Sanchez, comes forward with visions of the murders. Initially skeptical, Eve must determine whether Celina’s insights are legitimate and if they can help catch the killer before he strikes again.

OPINION: VISIONS IN DEATH is a good addition to the series, though it focuses more heavily on the crime than character development. The investigation takes center stage in this book, with the serial killer case driving most of the action. Robb crafts a tense, methodical hunt for a particularly disturbing murderer. The procedural elements are well-executed, with Eve’s detective work showcased in detail as she pursues a killer with a specific pattern.

While the case is engrossing, there’s less of the personal growth and relationship development that makes the best books in this series shine. However, the book does deliver in one significant area: the evolution of Eve and Peabody’s relationship. Their dynamic deepens in meaningful ways, revealing the trust and respect that has grown between them. These moments provide the story’s emotional core and are the true highlight of this installment. They also show how far these two have come since Peabody was first introduced to the series.

The introduction of the psychic element adds an interesting dimension to the investigation, challenging Eve’s strictly logical approach.

WORTH MENTIONING: Reading these books years after they were written creates an interesting contrast between Robb’s imagined 2050s technology and our technological development. As we get closer to the timeframe of these books, the technological elements feel less like predictions of the future and more like an alternate timeline—a nostalgic vision of what we once thought the future might be.

CONNECTED BOOKS: VISIONS IN DEATH is the 19th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: A Ruse of Shadows

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Review: A Ruse of ShadowsA Ruse of Shadows (Lady Sherlock, #8) by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #8
Published by Berkley on June 25, 2024
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 368
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION:  This book has a lot of mystery plot which sometimes confuses and overwhelms but has a payoff for those who have followed the series for a while.

THE STORY: Charlotte Holmes finds herself in a precarious position when Lord Bancroft Ashburton, previously imprisoned due to her investigations, forces her to search for his missing lieutenant, Underwood. The situation becomes even more complicated when Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead, and Charlotte emerges as the prime suspect, meeting all three criteria: motive, means, and opportunity. Meanwhile, Charlotte continues her plans to free her sister Livia’s beloved Stephen from Moriarty’s control, all while navigating her evolving relationship with Lord Ingram.

OPINION: This is a good but complex book that tells its story through two timelines: Charlotte’s interrogation in the present and the events leading to Lord Bancroft’s death. The story connects to plot points from earlier books in the series, revealing important information about Moriarty’s organization.

Charlotte stands out as the main character by being different from the original Sherlock Holmes – she has strong emotions and loyalty, though she shows them in her own way. The relationships in the book develop well, especially between Charlotte and Lord Ingram, and Charlotte’s efforts to help her sister Livia be happy. The “found family” aspect adds some warmth to the story.

The main challenge is keeping track of everything. There are many references to past events and characters, which might be hard to follow if you don’t remember the previous books well. While the author explains some background information, you need to pay close attention to follow the plot.

WORTH MENTIONING: The novel includes a helpful dramatis personae at the beginning to help readers keep track of the extensive cast of characters as the plot and relationships become more complex.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A RUSE OF SHADOWS is the eighth book in the Lady Sherlock series. The mystery here is self-contained, but the characters involved and the story draw from prior books in the series and should be read for complete understanding.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Divided in Death

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Review: Divided in DeathDivided in Death (In Death, #18) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #18
Published by Berkley Books on January 26, 2004
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 371
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: A standout entry in the In Death series that delivers both a tricky mystery and a deeply personal, emotional conflict between Eve and Roarke.

THE STORY: When Reva Ewing, a former Secret Service agent and Roarke employee, is found standing over the bodies of her husband and his lover, the case seems straightforward. But as Eve investigates, she uncovers a deeper conspiracy. Even more challenging, evidence surfaces involving Eve’s childhood trauma, leading to a fundamental conflict between Eve and Roarke, which challenges their marriage.

OPINION: This book delves deeply into Eve’s past trauma and the moral complexities of justice versus vengeance, making it an emotionally charged but immensely rewarding read. This series’s best books have an intriguing mystery and reveal complexities and conflicts between Eve and Roarke. This one satisfies both for me.

Although this is the eighteenth book, only a few years have passed since Eve and Roarke met and married. They are still working through their relationship challenges, and I enjoyed seeing them gain a deeper understanding of each other. Their conflict in this book feels genuine and adds depth to their relationship, forcing them to confront fundamental differences in their worldviews.

The mystery itself is solid, with layers of conspiracy and technological intrigue keeping the investigation interesting. However, what makes this book exceptional is the personal stakes—particularly as Eve must deal with new revelations about her past. The way she processes this information while simultaneously managing both the case and her conflict with Roarke showcases her growth as a character.

Secondary characters provide crucial support and perspective, helping to ground Eve and Roarke as they work through their differences. The number of secondary characters keeps growing, and I appreciate their complexity, as I care more about them with each new layer we learn.

WORTH MENTIONING: We learn more about Eve’s past for the first time in a couple of books.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DIVIDED IN DEATH is the 18th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding Eve and Roake’s history) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: My Inconvenient Duke

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Review: My Inconvenient DukeMy Inconvenient Duke (Difficult Dukes, #3) by Loretta Chase
Series: Difficult Dukes #3
on January 21, 2025
Genres: Historical
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION: Chase delivers a nuanced exploration of romance that extends and challenges the traditional romance narrative, examining the complexities of building a lasting partnership. The vibrant characters and authentic portrayal of married life create a beautiful addition to the series.

THE STORY: For years, the Duke of Blackwood has been known as the most sensible of Their Dis-Graces, the notorious trio of dukes whose escapades have scandalized London society. When Alice Ripley, sister to one of his fellow dukes, decides to enter the marriage market out of concern for her family’s future, Blackwood finds himself drawn into her orbit. His stated purpose may be protecting her from unsuitable suitors, but as Alice’s passionate pursuit of justice leads them into one situation after another, he discovers that maintaining his careful distance has become impossible. Their tale unfolds across two timelines, revealing both their path to marriage and the challenges they face in the year that follows.

OPINION: Chase tackles the ambitious task of telling a story that serves multiple narrative purposes while still delivering a satisfying romance. By structuring the novel across two distinct periods, she illuminates not just the thrill of falling in love but the day-to-day reality of living a married life.

The chemistry between Alice and Blackwood manifests in sharp-witted exchanges and unspoken understanding. Their shared history provides depth to their interactions, while their individual growth shows how two people can maintain their distinct personalities while building a life together. Alice stands out as a compelling protagonist whose convictions drive the narrative forward, while Blackwood’s gradual acknowledgment of his feelings unfolds with satisfying inevitability.

Though the novel’s unique structure creates occasional pacing issues, particularly in the transition between its two main sections, the rewards of this unconventional approach outweigh its drawbacks. Chase excels at period detail, weaving historical elements seamlessly into the narrative fabric without sacrificing momentum or emotional impact.

Memorable scenes abound, from intimate moments of realization to grander set pieces involving the entire cast. The author demonstrates particular skill in showing how marriage requires constant negotiation and mutual support, especially when strong personalities and competing loyalties come into play.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book challenged me. The structure of both the book and the relationship does not follow the typical romance story. I really enjoyed how Chase is pushing and remolding the typical romance story to fit this couple’s story.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MY INCONVENIENT DUKE is the third book in the Difficult Dukes series, though its events predate those of the first book. While the central romance reaches a complete resolution from beginning to end, readers will be better served by reading the other two books first as this story completely overlaps the stories of the other books and the background events may be puzzling and even frustrating without the knowledge of what is happening “off screen.”

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: The Proposition

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Review: The PropositionThe Proposition by Judith Ivory
Published by HarperCollins e-books on January 26, 2011
Genres: Historical
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: This older historical romance reminds me of what I love about romance. It is a book about love and yearning with a lot of romance and sexual tension. The highlights are the unconventional hero and slow-burn romance.

THE STORY: In 1890s London, Lady Edwina Bollash, a spinster and philologist, makes an outrageous bet that she can transform Mick Tremore, a Cockney-Cornish rat-catcher, into a convincing viscount for one night at a ball.

OPINION: This book epitomizes what makes historical romance special. Ivory crafts a story that focuses deeply on the developing relationship between the leads, letting their connection build with delicious slowness.

What makes the book particularly special is Mick, our rat-catching hero. Ivory doesn’t try to polish his background – he lives in near squalor with his dog and ferret, speaks in thick Cockney-Cornish dialect, and makes his living in the least genteel way possible. Yet his quick wit and natural charm make him utterly compelling.

The romance between Mick and Winnie develops through their lessons together, creating a perfect vehicle for sexual tension and emotional connection. Their growing attraction feels natural and earned, built through small moments and verbal sparring that crackle with chemistry.

Ivory explores class, identity, and personal transformation in both characters. Mick discovers new possibilities for his life, while Winnie gradually sheds her rigid self-control. Their journey together is both romantic and deeply satisfying.

Winnie is strong and has to find her own agency and find out what she wants. The book is mostly these two together which is simply amazing. There really is something fantastic about a book that respects both leads and emphasizes that both are important to the story.

Though the ending feels somewhat fairy-tale-like and too pat, it suits the overall spirit of the story. At the same time, I took a bit off because I wished that portion had been developed more because it felt a bit tacked on.

WORTH MENTIONING: THE PROPOSITION is a reverse telling of Pygmalion, which had his most famous adaption as the musical My Fair Lady.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PROPOSITION is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Review: Shattering Dawn

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I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: Shattering DawnShattering Dawn (The Lost Night Files Book 3) by Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: The Lost Night Files #3
Published by Berkley on January 7, 2025
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: A satisfying blend of paranormal suspense and romance that successfully concludes the Lost Night Files trilogy, though it leans more heavily on suspense than romance. While I would have enjoyed more romantic moments between Amelia and Gideon, the well-crafted mystery and fascinating paranormal elements make this a satisfying end to the Lost Night Files.

THE STORY: This book, the third and final in the series, follows Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team, as she investigates a mysterious stalker who may be connected to her own haunting past. The story intertwines supernatural elements with romantic suspense, centered around a night of missing memories and unexplained phenomena.

Three years ago, Amelia Rivers and her two friends, Pallas Llewellyn, and Talia March, were lured to the Lucent Springs Hotel under the false premise of job opportunities related to its remodeling. That night changed their lives forever – they lost all memory of what transpired and emerged with paranormal abilities. This shared experience led them to form the Lost Night Files podcast, through which they discovered others with similar stories: some gained enhanced abilities, while others were driven to madness.

Amelia’s particular gift allows her to perceive the night world in a landscape of colors and auras, which she captures through vintage photography equipment. When she becomes aware of a stalker, she uses her ability to photograph their aura before seeking help from private investigator Gideon Sweetwater.

Though skeptical of Amelia’s claims and unsure whether she’s paranoid or running a con, Gideon accepts the case.

OPINION: This final installment of The Lost Night Files trilogy was enjoyable. The book leans heavily into the suspense elements, which might be a slight adjustment for readers who, like me, typically prefer a stronger focus on romance. However, the story is so well-crafted that this didn’t significantly impact my enjoyment.

What really works in this book is how the paranormal elements are woven into both the characters’ personal development and the overall mystery. Amelia’s supernatural abilities with auras and photography give her character interesting quirks, while Gideon’s struggles with his nightmarish dreamscapes add depth to his personality. Like in other books by Krentz featuring paranormal talents, these abilities create an engaging energy that elevates the story beyond a standard suspense novel.

The relationship between Amelia and Gideon develops at a faster pace than in the previous books, and while their chemistry is genuine, the romantic moments are somewhat sparse. They spend most of the book working together to solve the mystery of Amelia’s stalker, which gives their relationship a strong partnership feel. Their mutual acceptance of each other’s paranormal abilities helps build their connection, even if the romantic elements sometimes take a backseat to the action.

The suspense storyline is particularly strong in this installment. The twists and turns are well-plotted and make perfect sense within the story’s framework. Everything connects logically, with the foundation for each revelation carefully laid throughout the narrative. The return to Lucent Springs Hotel adds an extra layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.

As the conclusion to the trilogy, the book does an excellent job of bringing all the plot threads together while maintaining the high stakes established in the earlier books. While I would have enjoyed more romantic scenes between Amelia and Gideon, their relationship still feels authentic and satisfying. The paranormal aspects of the story continue to fascinate, giving both characters interesting challenges to overcome together.

WORTH MENTIONING: Plenty of Easter Eggs for longtime Krentz/Quick/Castle readers. It does not distract new readers, who probably will not even realize that there are references at all.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SHATTERING DAWN is the third book in the Lost Night Files series. The romance is self-contained, and while there is an overarching storyline, a reader could easily catch up and enjoy this as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley so that I could prepare this review before the release date. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

four-half-stars

Review: The Truth About Him

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Review: The Truth About HimThe Truth About Him (Everything I Left Unsaid, #2) by Molly O'Keefe
Series: Everything I Left Unsaid #2
Published by Bantam on November 24, 2015
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 320
Goodreads
two-stars

FINAL DECISION: THE TRUTH ABOUT HIM suffers from the same problems as the first book — too long, too melodramatic, and filled with unnecessary plot complications that detract from what could have been a straightforward and effective romance. By the end, I simply wanted the book to be over.

THE STORY: Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger in EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID, Annie and Dylan must deal with the fallout from their secrets being revealed. As they try to build a real relationship, both their pasts threaten not only their growing connection but their lives.

OPINION: Like the first book, this one started with promise as Annie and Dylan finally meet in person and have to deal with the realities of their deceptions and secrets. However, the story quickly becomes bogged down in excessive plot complications and drama.

The transition from phone relationship to in-person romance could have been fascinating, but instead, we get endless cycles of danger, melodrama, and artificial complications. The author seems determined to throw every possible obstacle at these characters rather than exploring the natural tensions in their situation.

For a book marketed as an erotic romance, the sexual content is surprisingly flat and uninspired. The chemistry that existed in phone conversations in the first book completely dissipates in person, leaving even the intimate scenes feeling tedious rather than passionate.

The pacing remains a serious issue. Scenes drag on far longer than necessary, and subplots about various dangers and threats feel like filler rather than essential story elements. This book, like its predecessor, needed significant editing to tighten the narrative. By the final chapters, I had lost all investment in both the characters and the plot — the tedious pacing and melodrama had worn down any interest I initially had in seeing how their story would resolve.

WORTH MENTIONING: I read this book as part of a read-along or I would not have continued reading. The second part/book was worse than the first because the setup was better than the attempt at the payoff.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE TRUTH ABOUT HIM is the second book in the Everything I Left Unsaid series and must be read after EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID.

STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.

two-stars

Review: Everything I Left Unsaid

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Review: Everything I Left UnsaidEverything I Left Unsaid (Everything I Left Unsaid, #1) by Molly O'Keefe
Series: Everything I Left Unsaid #1
Published by Bantam on October 13, 2015
Genres: Contemporary
Goodreads
two-stars

FINAL DECISION: EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID was too long and would have benefitted from being one book or to be half the length. It was unnecessary for this book to be as long as it was. Lots of melodramatic filler that made it a slog to get through.

THE STORY: Annie McKay answers a ringing phone in her new trailer and finds herself talking to a mysterious man who asks her to watch another person in the trailer park. What starts as a strange request turns into regular phone calls where “Dylan” helps Annie explore her sexuality and escape her past. However, both Annie and Dylan have dangerous secrets that threaten their growing connection.

OPINION: The first part of this book seemed promising. The phone calls between Annie and Dylan were interesting, and I was intrigued by these characters’ stories.

However, as more plot elements pile on, the story loses its way. The simple premise of the beginning gives way to increasingly improbable developments and coincidences. Dylan’s tortured billionaire backstory feels particularly cliché. Even worse, the story drags on and on in parts. Instead of having a compelling book that needed to be broken into two parts, this book could have used significant editing to condense it to one standard-size novel or two novellas.

The ending also frustrated me, as it clearly sets up for the second book rather than providing a satisfying conclusion to this book’s story arcs. While I understand this is part of a series, the lack of resolution to major plot threads felt manipulative. I don’t mind cliffhanger books, but the best ones resolve some things so that there is a reason to actually read the first book.

WORTH MENTIONING: This ends on a cliffhanger that leads directly into the next book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID is the first book in the Everything I Left Unsaid series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.

two-stars

Review: No Ordinary Duchess

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I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: No Ordinary DuchessNo Ordinary Duchess (Greycourt, #3) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Series: Greycourt #3
Published by Forever on December 10, 2024
Genres: Historical
Pages: 325
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed this book for its strong character development and atmospheric setting, though it falls short in advancing the series’ larger mysteries about the secrets between the Greycourt and de Moray families.

THE STORY: Julian Greycourt, heir to the Windemere dukedom, is searching through his libraries for evidence that his uncle murdered his mother while harboring a dangerous secret that could destroy him if revealed. Lady Elspeth de Moray is simultaneously searching the same libraries for an ancient family text related to the wise women’s society, despite the complicated history between their families involving her brother being blamed for the death of Julian’s sister. As they repeatedly cross paths in their respective searches, their initial wariness gives way to an unexpected connection, finding Julian surprisingly easy to talk to despite his cold demeanor. When a snowstorm strands them together at a remote estate without staff, Elspeth’s resourcefulness in cooking and tending fires creates an intimate situation that forces them to confront both their growing attraction and their intertwined family histories.

OPINION: I found myself drawn into the atmospheric connection between Julian and Elspeth as they searched the Windemere libraries – their first meeting’s playful sniffing scene perfectly set the tone for their unique dynamic. I continue to admire how Hoyt creates such distinct, memorable characters, with sunny, capable Elspeth providing a perfect foil to Julian’s icy exterior. I was particularly impressed with Julian’s complexity as a hero, whose cold facade masks both his secret sexual preferences and his deep-seated trauma regarding his mother’s death. I found the romantic elements took an interesting turn with the inclusion of dom/sub dynamics. However, I felt the execution was somewhat uneven compared to Hoyt’s usual deft handling of sensual content. I loved how the private library setting and snowbound scenario created intimate opportunities for character development. Elspeth’s practical capabilities in cooking and maintaining fires added authenticity to their forced proximity. However, while I enjoyed the individual romance, I was disappointed that the book didn’t advance the series’ overarching mysteries more substantially – both the family murder plot and the wise women’s society storyline felt minimal, with the latter element particularly lacking in development.

WORTH MENTIONING: It’s been a long time between books, but I’m glad Hoyt is back and that this series continues.

CONNECTED BOOKS: NO ORDINARY DUCHESS is the third book in the Graycourt series. Although the romance is self-contained, the overarching storylines make this book much better when read as part of the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in preparing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

four-half-stars