Note: I read an ARC so hopefully it is edited by publication date but as of now-Chapter 35 of this book completely SPOILS the first-so if you haven’t read it AND you plan to-start there.
If you do, however, you WILL know where this one is headed and although you will feel like you are privy to the secrets of what is really happening, you also WON’T find this book as SHOCKING.
If you haven’t read the first, and don’t plan to-this will rate higher for you, than for me-as it will be more SURPRISING.
The synopsis of this book says MUCH TOO MUCH, and I am not even going to recap it. For the BEST experience with either book-go in blind!
Let’s just say that neither wife is as THRILLED with Paul’s dates as he is! And, these are definitely NOT love stories!
Expected publication date: August 16, 2024
Thank You to Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts! ...more
Had it not been for an invitation from the Publisher, I probably would’ve have scrolled right by this ROM COM with the cartoon cover-it didn’t appeal Had it not been for an invitation from the Publisher, I probably would’ve have scrolled right by this ROM COM with the cartoon cover-it didn’t appeal to me-but now I understand it and although it fits with Lark’s career- it’s a bit misleading! DON’T let it fool you-this is one SPICY ...more
A recently widowed ghost writer is convinced by her agent that a new ghost writing opportunity is just what she 3.5 stars (rounded up for the ending)
A recently widowed ghost writer is convinced by her agent that a new ghost writing opportunity is just what she needs to move past her grief.
Not only will she have the opportunity to write a memoir for Claudia Blackwell-a famous reclusive gothic horror writer, but it comes with an advance in the seven figures, plus a share of the royalties.
But, Grace isn’t so sure that she should accept…
After all, Claudia MIGHT be so good at writing murder with authority because she COULD be a murderess turned authoress, accused of killing two teens and stabbing a seven year old to death when she was only seventeen years old.
We were first introduced to Kat and Lock in “In The Blink Of An Eye”-the author’s debut novel-a MUST READ if you enjoy Police Procedurals! See review:We were first introduced to Kat and Lock in “In The Blink Of An Eye”-the author’s debut novel-a MUST READ if you enjoy Police Procedurals! See review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
DCS Kat Frank is a widowed single mother who trusts her instincts. So, she has her doubts when she is chosen to lead a pilot program called the “Future Policing Unit”which will pair her with an AIDE called Lock (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity).
The pair are initially assigned to “COLD CASES” and given a very small team to work with: DI Rayan Hassan, DI Debbie Browne and Lock’s creator, Professor Okonedo.
It (Lock) has been programmed with algorithms that are free from bias or prejudice of any kind-which will hopefully lead to more “evidence based” decision making during the investigation of a crime. It/He has been designed to be free from racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia or anything else which could influence the direction a case may take.
And, in minutes he can process data that would keep a “human team” busy for a week.
After successfully closing their first “COLD CASE” in book one, the Future Policing Unit is now tackling their first “LIVE” case- that of a man found crucified at the top of Mt. Judd.
It was fun to be reunited with the team, BUT I had a hard time becoming invested in book two.
The debut novel kept me fascinated with the technology of advanced AI, but I guess the novelty somewhat wore off in this sequel. The book followed the same formula as the last, and also included mixed media peppered throughout such as interview transcripts and social media posts.
It just didn’t feel as fresh and original the second time.
And, for some reason, in the first book, DIS Hassan and Browne were always referred to as such, but in this book they were sometimes referred to by title and sometimes by first name-the inconsistency was distracting.
It is definitely a UNIQUE police procedural which will have you pondering what the future may hold, and worth a read-but the sequel didn’t quite live up to the first in the series.
3.5/stars
A big thank you to a special friend who gifted me this signed copy, which I will always cherish. ...more
When “T” is kind enough to let “C” know that he has sent his email to the wrong aValentine’s Day 2014
“One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance”
When “T” is kind enough to let “C” know that he has sent his email to the wrong address, he thanks her and wishes her a happy Valentine’s Day.
But, “C” is the “exception to the rule” so this email exchange isn’t the end, instead becoming an annual tradition, albeit a few rules: no pics, no real names, and nothing too personal-to keep things fun!
But as TEN years go by, they realize that they have actually become friends.
Is 2024 the year that they might finally meet in person?
“Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting and are included with your Amazon Prime subscription.”
I have tried this extremely popular writing duo before, but their writing was too YA for me. But this Valentine’s Day novella, with its two narrators reading aloud the annual emails was an almost perfect “meet cute” despite some YA dialogue, and it was definitely one of my favorites in this delightful holiday series! ...more
This is the second Amazon Original novella that I have read that is part of “The Improbable Meet-Cute” series which was released just in time f3.5 ⭐️
This is the second Amazon Original novella that I have read that is part of “The Improbable Meet-Cute” series which was released just in time for Valentine’s Day.
These short stories are about finding love when and where you least expect it, and the collection was penned by some of your favorite romance authors. Each can be read or listened to in one sitting.
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Audrey Love is used to being the girl a guy kisses-just before he meets “THE ONE”.
She is serving as “best man” for her best friend, Rhett, and in charge of his bachelor party, the night before his wedding.
So, what happened LAST NIGHT to make Rhett become a RUNAWAY GROOM?
I’m never approved for this author’s books, so as I eagerly await publication day for “Just For the Summer” on April 2nd, it was nice to be able to reI’m never approved for this author’s books, so as I eagerly await publication day for “Just For the Summer” on April 2nd, it was nice to be able to read this Amazon Original, which is part of “The Improbable Meet-Cute” series which was released just in time for Valentine’s Day.
These short stories are about finding love when and where you least expect it, and the collection was penned by some of your favorite romance authors. Each can be read or listened to in one sitting.
Abby is a favorite of mine because she ALWAYS manages to make me laugh, and cry-even when she only has 61 pages to work with! Oh, and did I mention-there are always dogs! ...more
John Marrs is back with his latest book, set in the same universe as “The One”, “The Marriage Act”, and “The Passengers” .
In this World, the U.K.’s poJohn Marrs is back with his latest book, set in the same universe as “The One”, “The Marriage Act”, and “The Passengers” .
In this World, the U.K.’s population is soaring, creating overcrowded cities and an economy where a growing number of people can no longer afford to start families, let alone raise them.
But for those DESPERATE to experience parenthood, there is an alternative-
A company for “Virtual Children” has created an interactive REALITY TV show which will stream 24/7 as it pits five couples and one single father against each other, as they raise a “Virtual Child “ programmed by AI.
For the sake of the show, the children will age at an accelerated rate from birth to the age of eighteen- condensed into a nine-month time period-Month 1️⃣ Newborn stage, Month 2️⃣ Nine months old, Month 3️⃣ Two years old, Month 4️⃣ Five years old, Month 5️⃣ Eight Years old, Month 6️⃣ Twelve years old, Month 7️⃣ Fourteen years old, Month 8️⃣ Sixteen years old, Month 9️⃣ Eighteen years old.
Parents will strap on virtual reality headsets, and haptic suits which will allow them to interact with their virtual children in the Metaverse, and feel everything a biological parent would.
And, of course, what would a reality TV show be without viewers who will VOTE on who is parenting the best, and who should be eliminated each month.
Viewers who see something they approve of can award red hearts ❤️ to the parents-but if they see parenting that they disagree with-you can send black hearts instead! ...more
Detective Constable Becky Greene has just gathered up the mail that needs to be taken up to CID when she notices * A Seasonal Christmas Read for 2023*
Detective Constable Becky Greene has just gathered up the mail that needs to be taken up to CID when she notices the large square envelope addressed “To A Detective Who Knows What To Do”.
Curious, she slices open the envelope but when she finds an Advent Calendar inside, which contains actual crime scene photos behind each door-she knows it isn’t a prank.
Could a serial killer be announcing in no uncertain terms that he has literally gotten away with murder for the last twenty years? And, why now, at Christmas time?
With 4 doors missing photos, Detectives Carmine and Greene know that there is no time to waste, if they want to prevent more holiday heartache for celebrating families.
After recently reading and enjoying “The Party Season” and realizing that it was book two of the Detectives Carmine and Greene Christmas Police Procedural series, I knew I needed to backtrack and read this one, and it didn’t disappoint!
The author writes these stories in a way that purposefully keeps us as the reader, a step ahead of the detectives but at 55% there was suddenly a (WOW!!) moment that had my jaw dropping open!
And, the last 20% had some nail biting, heart thumping moments too!
The first two books set up a possible third, and I DO HOPE, I will be reading it next Christmas! (2024)
A fun buddy read with Ceecee and Susan-be sure to watch for their (always) amazing reviews to see if they enjoyed this one as much as I did!...more