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Chris

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  • 19
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What the Hell did I read?

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-13-25

Note: A 3 star review from me isn't bad, it means I liked it, it just wasn't a favorite or something I would call Great. The main character is self absorbed. And a little bit nutty. She wants to fall in love with a serial killer. She's such a shallow person, you won't like her. But it IS interesting. I would read another book by this author.

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Very atmospheric. It's like Hawaii in a book. :)

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-27-25

This is kind of a fun, cozy mystery combined with a beach read. I liked the main character and all her friends. But the best part is it made me feel likeI was in Hawaii. This would make a good movie.

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Some parts of it were great, some parts dragged

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-15-25

I originally started this book 2 times before, and put it away to read something else. The 3rd time, I went back to the very beginning because it had been so long, I forgot parts of it. When it comes to historic details, and giving you a sense of place and atmosphere, Outlander is one of the best. You really do get a sense you are in 1700's Scotland. So, Bravo to Diana Gibaldon for that part, she nailed it! Also, I like Clair. She was brave, smart and sassy. My favorite parts were when her WW2 combat nurse side comes through and she orders the men around! She was very comfortable barking out orders. I loved that about her! And Jamie is different from most romantic hero's I read. He's a traditional man. (of course) I liked that he was a virgin at marriage, and his vows meant everything to him. So as a couple, I really liked them. But now for the more negative side: Because this is book is so long, parts dragged for me. The good thing is, if you keep with it, the storyline with move on to something else shortly. But that is also the sloppy thing too. It seemed more like a 'this happened to me, and then that happened to me, and some of this stuff happened to me' story vs. a novel with a true plot that was headed somewhere exact toward the end, it just seemed to muddle through here and there, and a few adventures and now the end. Ta-Da! Also I hate the rapey stuff. It was too detailed and too much for my comfort. But in the end, I think this is a good read and worth the time. Narrator is excellent.

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Needs to be a movie!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-30-25

This book was so cute and fun. I love that normal people were used as the main characters. (Billionaires heroes is just a no for me. I tend to hate that trend) I love that the male was named Mikey. And he wore sweats and T-shirts. And he was just such a great guy! And June was so likable, sweet, and smart and brave. I even loved the side characters. They were all great. (Heh, Heh, Pickles!!!) I listened to this at work and the night flew by as I was busy reading about what Mikey and June were up to. Also the narrators are awesome. More! We want more of these two narrators, they are so genuine and talented. Thank You for this book.

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Cute, Fun, Office Romance

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-24-25

I bought this on sale, and I didn't think I would like this one too much. Mostly because in a romance I tend to need more of a plot line to follow than will they or won't they get together. But surprise, surprise I actually really enjoyed this book. I liked the two main characters and the plot pacing went by quickly enough. This is what I call a fun, cozy romance. I will probably reread it one day.

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A heavy hitting and thought provoking novel

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-19-25

This book is not about Vietnam, but the Vietnam War plays throughout the book. My father is a Vietnam Vet, so this book made me feel some discomfort while reading it. That will not be the case for most people though, But if you fought in Vietnam or had a Dad that fought over there like me, be aware that parts of this book will bring up feelings.

That said, This book is a powerful story, So much was put into writing these characters. I really felt like I was part of this 1970's world. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be reading his other books soon.

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This book is so good!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-10-25

I love Dennis Lehane's stories. He often writes a kind Noir-ish fiction set in Boston. Noir usually means morally compromised protagonists, gritty city life, bleak outlook on human nature, etc. And I am a huge fan of Noir Fiction. Listen to what Author Dennis Lehane says about the genre


“In Greek tragedy, they fall from great heights. In noir, they fall from the curb.”
― Dennis Lehane

And in Small Mercies, fall from the curb they do. I was just transported to this time and place, I loved reading about the characters,, I didn't want to stop reading the book. But now that it's over,... I am sad, because I can guarantee the next book I read won't be anywhere near as good as this one. That happens sometimes when you read a really great book, you end up having a problem latching onto the next novel. Anyways, read this book. It deals with Racism, so be aware there will be many offensive characters in the book. It didn't bother me none, but I don't get offended easily either, so keep that in mind.

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I really like Clair Kent's Kindled series

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-23-25

This was a fun little addition to Claire Kent's Kindled series. And I did enjoy reading it. I wanted Cal to be punished for his actions at times, but i have to admit, their meet up is a bit unconventional, so maybe I should be more understanding. I like books 1 & 2 better, but this one is doable. I read it pretty quickly and plan on picking up book 4 whenever it's released.

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It was Okay. Kinda blah though

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-02-25

I think the synopsis of the story sounded really interesting. And this wasn't a really bad book, it just wasn't that good or interesting. Ariel plucked at my nerves on how she looked down on her mother for staying married to her abusive father, but then Ariel herself stays around taking handouts from the guy in the form of a place to live, a cushy job, etc.

I will say that Ariel is a lot more forgiving to her boyfriends than I am, I wouldn't want a guy that lied to me that much, reasons be damned!! I just wanted to kick Drew, The writing wasn't bad, it wasn't the best, but it was passable ( I draw the line at bad writing) This book was so-so, nothing to love or rave about, but better than a 1 or 2 star book.

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Heartfelt Story, loved the Tova Character

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-27-24

Not the kind of book I normally picked up, but I heard such good things about it, I was curious to try. It's what I call a little slice of life story, where you follow a few characters as they try to make it in this world. This one is more unique because one of the characters is an Octopus. I think the writing is good, the story decent enough. I don't think it's as great as others have been claiming, but as I said, this is not my normal type of book, Literary Fiction. I read a lot of thrillers and mysteries. But it was enjoyable enough.

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