This took me a long time to read because I kept putting the book down in favor of more light-hearted fiction. For me, the chapters of this book might as well have been separate articles written for different magazines. There really isn't a whole lot of connection between the various chapters. That's part of the reason it was so easy to put aside to read something that did have a cohesive story.
Reviews and Comments
GWM living in Oregon.I used to love books that would really stretch me, but lately I've needed more solace from the books that I read.
My ratings are as follows: * 5 stars: it's truly a great book, and I'll want to re-read it again and again. * 4 stars: it's a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. I'll probably re-read it. * 3 stars: It's a fine book, just not special. I may re-read it if I'm looking to just relax and not have to think, but I would probably pick up a new book instead. * 2 stars: I finished it, but might have given up if I were in a different mood. * 1 star: I didn't enjoy the book and probably didn't finish it. I wouldn't blanketly recommend against it, because it might speak to someone else.
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ApparentParadox finished reading Chocolate by Mort Rosenblum
This took me a long time to read because I kept putting the book down in favor of more light-hearted fiction. For me, the chapters of this book might as well have been separate articles written for different magazines. There really isn't a whole lot of connection between the various chapters. That's part of the reason it was so easy to put aside to read something that did have a cohesive story.
ApparentParadox reviewed What The Hex by Arden Steele (Blackhaven Manor, #11)
Fun story
4 stars
A nice addition to the Blackhaven Manor series.
ApparentParadox finished reading Playing With Jax by J. D. Light (Chosen, #29)
Finished re-reading for the n-th time. I just enjoy this book!
ApparentParadox stopped reading The Librarian of the Haunted Library by Brian Yansky (Strangely Scary Funny, #1)
Just not into it. I don't really see the point to the story. There are some interesting things, but not enough to keep me reading this.
Just not into it. I don't really see the point to the story. There are some interesting things, but not enough to keep me reading this.
ApparentParadox stopped reading Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair (Tap That Brewery, #3)
Just not enjoying this book. I keep putting it aside and not getting back to it. Nothing bad about the book, just not into the characters.
ApparentParadox reviewed Shakespeare by Judi Dench
Nice in spots, but not as good as I had hoped
3 stars
This is really only good for someone who is a huge Judi Dench fan and who also knows a lot about Shakespeare plays. Apparently it started as a series of conversations with Ms. Dench, and then was turned into a book. It was probably better as a series of informal chats. There isn't any real arc or over-all idea to the book. Just a bunch of vignettes.
This is really only good for someone who is a huge Judi Dench fan and who also knows a lot about Shakespeare plays. Apparently it started as a series of conversations with Ms. Dench, and then was turned into a book. It was probably better as a series of informal chats. There isn't any real arc or over-all idea to the book. Just a bunch of vignettes.
ApparentParadox stopped reading Alpha Bait by D.J. Heart

D.J. Heart: Alpha Bait
Too much "consent after the fact" that borders on non-consent.
Too much "consent after the fact" that borders on non-consent.
ApparentParadox reviewed Alpha Bait by D.J. Heart

D.J. Heart: Alpha Bait
Bordering on non-consent
1 star
There are scenes in the book that border on non-consent, and definitely have "consent after the fact" which bothers me. I didn't finish the book for those reasons, but of the stuff that I did read, the character always gave consent after the fact, so maybe would have given informed consent before the activity, but it still bothers me.
There are scenes in the book that border on non-consent, and definitely have "consent after the fact" which bothers me. I didn't finish the book for those reasons, but of the stuff that I did read, the character always gave consent after the fact, so maybe would have given informed consent before the activity, but it still bothers me.
ApparentParadox finished reading A Mage's Guide to Human Familiars by AJ Sherwood (R'iyah Family Archives, #1)
ApparentParadox reviewed Wrong Number, Right Dragon by Lorelei M. Hart (Dial M For Mates, #2)
Quick read, but fun
3 stars
I liked the characters, especially George.
ApparentParadox reviewed Witches, Histories, & Murders by Scarlett Moss (Paisley Island Cozy Mysteries, #1)
I wanted to like this book, but really couldn't
3 stars
I had hopes for this book, but really, it just didn't do it for me. It was pretty choppy with not a good story. Maybe subsequent books in the series will flesh things out, but it's not worth it to me.
I had hopes for this book, but really, it just didn't do it for me. It was pretty choppy with not a good story. Maybe subsequent books in the series will flesh things out, but it's not worth it to me.
ApparentParadox reviewed Murder at Westminster by Magda Alexander
Enjoyable read
3 stars
Content warning I wish that the murder had happened for a different reason -- because the duke had harmed his father.
I like the characters, and how the author is adding depth to some of the characters from the previous novel that didn't have a lot.
ApparentParadox reviewed Eat, Pray, Hex by Tara Lush
Decent read
3 stars
Content warning I did like how the mystery of who killed Billy wasn’t really the important thing in the book.
Not great, but worth spending the time on.
ApparentParadox reviewed (Never) Feed the Crows by Jennifer Cody (Corvin's Crows, #1)
Enjoyable quick read
3 stars
Iʻm not sure Iʻd re-read it, but it was definitely a fun read.




