The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

Rating:

3 Stars

Themes:

Romance, Fantasy, Cozy, Witches, Contemporary, Halloween

Thoughts:

This was a cute and cozy read. I was looking forward to diving back into Graves Glen but wanted to wait till October for the full impact of the Halloween vibes and I’m happy I did. The romance was a more complex one than in many stories going from hate/dislike (one from each party) to confused lust and ending up in a relationship rather than a straightforward courtship which I have noticed threw a few people looking at other reviews but going in knowing that it’s not a standard relationship may have helped. I can also see how some people thought the ending and wrap up of the magic mystery was rushed but from the few cozy mysteries I think it wasn't any more so than any other in the genre and fit well.

Favourite Quote:

"(...) but this was, he was quickly learning, the issue with small towns and families in said small towns - secrets didn’t really exist."

Comments

Shame-Sex Attraction by Lucas Wilson

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Mint and Murder by Carly Winter

Rating: Stars Themes: Short Story, Cosy Mystery Thoughts: Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had to read this book, seeing it was available, after reading Pipers Piping and Puppies last year. I did read it as a standalone (it’s not the first time I’ve read a series out of order and likely won’t be the last) I managed to follow along fine although I’m sure I’d have understood the relationship dynamics better had I read it in the correct order. I found the story great and as for the mystery I was guessing myself right the way through until Sam figured it out. Sam is a strong female main character who feels worth investing in so I may have to go search some more of the Heywood Herbalist series out. I enjoyed seeing Sam interact with her friends as they had great chemistry and it felt real, and also really liked Sam’s interactions with Doug as it added another layer of humanity to her and reality to the town. I would love ...

The War of Sober by Edward Rand

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Addiction, Psychology Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book not just for addicts trying to establish and maintain their sobriety but also psychologists, counsellors and the people working with them. It approaches the experience of addiction from the perspective of going to war and may help those who can’t get along with the 12 steps, contingency management or other forms of therapy traditionally used. It’s also helpful to have Edward detail his own experiences and approaches throughout so it feels less clinical and shows he does know what he’s talking about when he mentions the difficulties so it comes across less patronising than some self-help addiction books. Favourite Quote: "It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. Win or lose, if we are still alive, we must decide to be different today and then make the correct choices today, because friends, ...

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