Friday Mini Reviews #108: Ben Aaronovitch, Eloisa James & Tiffany Reisz



A Rare Book of Cunning Device (Peter Grant #5.6)

free on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads
Somewhere amongst the shadowy stacks and the many basements of the British library, something is very much amiss - and we're not talking late returns here. Is it a ghost, or something much worse? PC Peter Grant really isn't looking forward to finding out....
 
Audible US/UK
 
7/10
 
It's a tiny short story, one of Peter Grant's numerous errands, I picked up for free on audio. It's fun and it even manages to replicate a rich background of British library, among stacks of which Peter and a designated to the task librarian are hunting weird mechanical spiders. Enjoyed it.
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Это повесть - малютка, описывающая одну из многочисленных ежедневных задач, стоящих перед Питером Грантом. Автору, несмотря на краткость истории, удалось передать красоту и величественность Британской библиотеки, среди полок которой Питер вместе с коллегой-библиотекарем охотится на странных механических пауков.
 
 
 The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James (Fairy Tales #3)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads

Destiny will be decided between the sheets in this all-new tale of The Princess and the Pea.

For Olivia Lytton, betrothal to the Duke of Canterwick—hardly a Prince Charming—feels more like a curse than a happily-ever-after. At least his noble status will help her sister, Georgiana, secure an engagement with the brooding, handsome Tarquin, Duke of Sconce, a perfect match for her in every way . . . every way but one. Tarquin has fallen in love with Olivia. Quin never puts passion before reason. And reason says that Georgiana is his ideal bride. But the sensual, fiery, strong-willed Olivia ignites an unknown longing in him—a desire they are both powerless to resist. When a scandalous affair begins, they risk losing everything—Olivia's engagement, her sister's friendship, and their own fragile love. Only one thing can save them—and it awaits in the bedroom, where a magnificent mattress holds life-changing answers to the greatest romantic riddle of all.
 
Audible US | Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | Book Depository
 
7/10
 
Okay, it started great, witty, sparkling and fun. I loved Olivia, her hapless intended, her reserved sister and of course Quinn, the main hero. But then, it turned into a hot mess. The weird seduction and especially the bizarre French adventure read like they were written by a different person. I don't know what happened but I did not like it.
                                                          * * *
Ну, началась книга весело, с задором и искорками. Мне нравились здесь все: и язвительная Оливия и ее рассудительная сестра, ее простачок-жених и конечно же главный герой, Куин. Потом произошло нелепое сооблазнение и карикатурное французское приключение в стиле Блакаддэра, и у меня было такое впечатление, что я читала двух разных авторов. Не лучшая работа автора.
 


Mischief by Tiffany Reisz (The Original Sinners #8.6)

kindle freebie

Synopsis from Goodreads
When Nora's young lover Nico admits he's always wanted to celebrate a real American Halloween, she summons him to Halloween Town, USA—a.k.a. Salem, Massachusetts—for two nights of nothing but candy, sex, and mischief.

If necessary, they can skip the candy.


Amazon kindle US/UK

8/10

Oooh, it was lovely! Nico, you naughty boy! I freaking adored this novella, it was snarkalicious, hot and peppery. A pure Halloween treat.
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Милейшая короткая история! Нико, какой же ты хулиган! Ну жутко понравилось... язвительно, горячо и с перчиком. Настоящая конфетка на Хэллоуин.