All He Wants for Christmas by Lisa Plumley is the fourth book in the Kismet, Michigan series but do not let that deter you from enjoying this holiday read as it completely works as a standalone. Small-town charm, children, goldfish and a gooey romance make this a delightful holiday read.
I love a good steampunk novel wrapped in mystery and was delighted to read The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore and the Secret Traps by Kate Maddison. The author suggested and it is true, this will work as a standalone. For me however, I think my connection to the characters would have been stronger had I first read, The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore. Featuring a young cast of characters who meddle in mysteries and dabble in steampunk with a sweet understated romance The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore and the Secret Traps was an engaging tale.
I was very fortunate to receive an advanced finished copy of Symbiont by Mira Grant. It is the second book in her Parasitology series that started as a duology and is now a trilogy!! After the release of Parasite, Grant’s fans demanded more. Fans wanted more details, fleshed-out characters and world building. Grant obliged and I am ever so grateful. Symbiont changed my perception, raised questions, and had me holding my breath as we plunged deeper into this apocalyptic nightmare.
I finally started the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and I chose to begin them on audio. Magic Bites is the first in this wildly successful urban fantasy series. Magic Bites is chock full of dark paranormal creatures. Trust me there are no sparkles here. Raw, gritty with a kick-ass, take no prisoners protagonist Magic Bites offered a good introduction to this twisted world.
I loved Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard series and was excited to begin her Sugar, Georgia series. Sugar’s Twice as Sweet was southern charm and small-town antics at its best. I laughed, swooned and was swept up by this slow-burning romance.
