In February 1897 a New York City lawyer named Bradley Martin and his wife, Cornelia, decided to host a costume ball at the Waldorf Hotel. New York had been staggering economically since a national depression began in 1893, and the Martins conceived of their soiree as a form of trickle-down economics: they would spend lavishly […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/conspicuous-destruction-plunder-brendan-ballou/
At your parents’ your daughtercut angels out of paper plates. Angels have paper wings so they can flyup to God, but no one believes in thatgod anymore. Now god iswhatever Blake said. What would an updated angel look like?Someone screaming TREAT ME BETTER The angels stood on their owneach in a side stretch, a play […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/new-angle-jessica-laser/
El Jacalito wasn’t a bar, exactly, or a concert venue, or a club. Whatever its legal status (it was shut down by the authorities again and again), for twelve years, until it closed in 2016, it provided a haven for nostalgics of Latin rock, one of the few left standing in Mexico City. The one […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/give-me-all-the-power-break-it-all-latin-american-rock/
The act of killing people was once taken so seriously, Phil Klay writes in Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War, that after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a Penitential Ordinance was imposed on Norman knights: “Anyone who knows that he killed a man in the great battle must do penance […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/twenty-years-of-outsourced-war-missionaries-phil-klay/
Military history written for a general audience is a predictable genre. When you purchase a fat biography of a hero of the Napoleonic Wars, you know exactly what to expect: paragraphs about how such-and-such committed his reserves and pushed so-and-so back against the river, paintings of people in gold braid, and above all lots and […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/10/19/field-maneuvers-mikhail-kutuzov/
Wilde Love, the first novel in the Dark Horse Dive Bar by Jennifer Ryan, delivered romance, suspense and hints of romances to come. An addictive, swoon-worthy romance with characters you’ll want to spend time with. Grab a cuppa and see why I enjoyed Lyric & Mason’s romance.
Wilde Love
by Jennifer Ryan
Series: Dark Horse Dive Bar #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
In this first of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan’s new series, The Dark Horse Dive Bar, sassy singer-songwriter Lyric Wilde matches wits with FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn. And when her obsessed fan and Mason’s most wanted criminal targets her, he’s the only man capable of protecting her.
Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, where the Wildes throw one hell of a party and love could be a barstool away!
When Lyric Wilde’s not whipping up the best food in town at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, she’s making a name for herself as a rising singer-songwriter. And if any of her online followers cross the line from friendly to fanatical, well, Lyric figures it goes with the territory—and she can take care of herself. But there’s one fan she wants to get to know better—a silent, sexy biker named Viper. A man who makes her think mine every time she looks at him. But who exactly is “Viper?”
Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has been hiding in plain sight and alone for far too long. And while he fantasizes about a peaceful life with beautiful Lyric by his side, he knows that until his mission—to take down a murder-for-hire network—is accomplished, his dark world is no place for her. But when frightening encounters and threatening text messages from a stalker bent on keeping Lyric all to himself and his most wanted criminal target his sultry songbird, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves…
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Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has grown tired of being away from family and undercover. He has been working the MC case and others for far too long. Plus, his growing attraction to Lyric Wilde, cook and country singer at the Dark Horse Dive Bar is complicating things. Stolen kisses and secret promises can only keep a fella warm for so long.
Lyric Wilde has a thing for Mason, even if she doesn’t really know his name. Despite his reputation and membership in the gang, she sees beneath the surface. She trusts him and his content to wait for answers. In the meantime, a fan shows up at her family’s ranch demanding her time and sending off vibes that warn of danger. Can Mason keep her safe when he has a job to do? I snuggled up with their story and found myself caught up in the tale.
I loved the chemistry and building romance between them. Lyric knows who she is and what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. She is also kind which gets her in trouble with her fan.
Ryan gives us a well-rounded tale with family, town life and hints of stories to come. The suspenseful threads were well done, with some red herrings and buildup. I absolutely loved Mason’s family and cannot wait to learn more about his brothers.
This story is perfect for fans of sizzling, heartfelt romance complete with songs and lyrics to make you melt.
While Wilde Love offers a complete standalone romance, I can already tell you I am looking forward to Hawke’s romance and others.
Amazon | Audible
Wilde Love by Jennifer Ryan delivered a croony-worthy romance with a touch of suspense. #NewRelease #romancenovels #bookreview
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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBride Series. Jennifer writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances. Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/09/wilde-love-by-jennifer-ryan.html
Prepare for a cosmic adventure in Meteor Mags: Permanent Crescent and Other Tales, the ninth installment of Matthew Howard’s exhilarating Meteor Mags series. This time, space pirate Mags is on a mission to save the dying moon, a predicament she unwittingly caused. But what awaits her among the stars promises to surprise even the most seasoned adventurer. From the ocean’s depths to the infinite expanse of space, there’s nowhere Mags and her intrepid crew won’t venture. The universe unfolds with boundless possibilities, blending the extraordinary with the ordinary. In this installment, old friends rejoin the fray for new and daring escapades, all while facing the ever-present threat of monstrous forces roaming the cosmos.
This anthology-style novel brings together six thrilling stories that showcase the indomitable spirit of our favorite space pirate, Mags. Each tale offers a fresh and distinct narrative, ensuring an engaging and quick-paced read. What’s truly impressive is how Matthew Howard effortlessly juggles tone, seamlessly transitioning between seriousness and levity, depending on the story’s needs. While the series may primarily target a male sci-fi audience, I found Meteor Mags enjoyable and entertaining. However, it’s worth noting that some characters, including Mags herself, may occasionally feel two-dimensional. Howard provides insights into their motives and personalities, but it sometimes comes across as somewhat forced. Showing rather than telling readers about their depth could enhance the overall experience. Nonetheless, this minor quibble does not diminish the overall enjoyment of the narrative.
Meteor Mags: Permanent Crescent and Other Tales is a thrilling addition to the series, promising a captivating blend of adventure, intrigue, and cosmic wonder. I eagerly anticipate more thrilling escapades from our beloved space pirate in future installments.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0B721R5TT
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/28/meteor-mags-permanent-crescent-and-other-tales/
In the heart of 1942’s Brooklyn, A.G. Russo introduces readers to the formidable pair, Maeve O’Shaugnessy and Vic Marino, in O’Shaughnessy Investigations Inc: The Cases Nobody Wanted. This duo delves into cases others hesitate to touch, their most challenging being the chilling murder of Lucille Sullivan, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short within the walls of a luxurious apartment.
Though the circumstances surrounding Lucille’s death scream for justice, the police show a surprising lack of interest, propelling Maeve and Vic into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue. As they navigate a world rife with thugs and enigmatic figures, the narrative masterfully pieces together an intricate puzzle of suspense and deception.
Russo paints a vivid historical canvas, transporting readers to a Brooklyn gripped by the aftermath of Pearl Harbor’s attack and the ongoing upheavals of World War II. With numerous men on battlefronts, women like Maeve find themselves stepping into roles beyond domestic confines. Her journey from a secretary, ensnared in societal expectations, to a fierce detective alongside the pragmatic ex-cop Vic is a testament to resilience and partnership.
One of Russo’s strengths is character development, with Maeve emerging as an especially compelling figure. Her tenacity, even in the face of adversity, resonates deeply and adds layers of depth to the narrative.
This neo-noir mystery doesn’t shy away from the realities of its era. Themes of violence, racial tensions, sexism, and more are explored with raw authenticity, sometimes employing language and situations reflective of the times.
Engrossing and evocative, O’Shaughnessy Investigations Inc: The Cases Nobody Wanted is a treat for those yearning for a robust mystery novel that both entertains and challenges. Highly recommended for the discerning mystery aficionado.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0CJ228TXX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/28/oshaughnessy-investigations-inc-the-cases-nobody-wanted/
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey through the pages of River’s Reach by David Scott Richardson, a compelling coming-of-age novel that introduces us to Alex Haugen, a high school student on the cusp of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a long-standing conflict between the Washington State Game Department and local Indian tribes, this captivating story unfolds as Alex stumbles upon a revelation about his father’s involvement in a historic fishing raid at Frank’s Landing. Intrigued and spurred by a thirst for understanding, Alex delves deep into the history of the Nisqually tribe, a journey that raises thought-provoking questions about the narratives that shape our beliefs and values. Along this enlightening path, he forges unlikely friendships that open his eyes to the multifaceted nature of truth.
River’s Reach is an educational and enthralling tapestry that artfully weaves together historical context with themes of environmental conservation and civil rights. As readers become immersed in Alex’s personal odyssey, they are simultaneously drawn into a broader exploration of history, social justice, and cultural complexities. The evolution of Alex’s character is nothing short of commendable, as he evolves from a conforming teenager into an independent thinker. The relationships he forms throughout the narrative add depth and nuance, underscoring the significance of empathy in bridging cultural divides. Through Alex’s journey, the book challenges the notion of birthright and opens the door to new perspectives. While River’s Reach is well-suited for a younger audience, it does contain occasional strong language. However, this minor caveat should not deter readers of all ages from delving into this enriching tale that seamlessly balances entertainment with deep reflection. At its core, the book imparts a valuable lesson: true growth springs from questioning the status quo and discovering our own voices.
River’s Reach by David Scott Richardson, while rich in historical detail, may occasionally veer toward excessive exposition, which can momentarily slow the narrative’s pacing. Nevertheless, the story remains authentic to its characters and their experiences, ensuring a memorable reading experience that will leave its mark on its audience.
Pages : 326 | ASIN : B0CCSSKK73
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/28/rivers-reach-coming-of-age-amid-the-fish-war/
In The Old Man and Me by RC Larlham, we are gracefully ushered into a vivid memoir depicting the authentic tapestry of a bygone era. The narrative recounts the heartfelt stories of the author’s formative years, highlighting the tight-knit bonds shared among siblings and, particularly, between Charles and his father.
Set against the backdrop of a bustling farm, the family’s life unfolds with delightful tales of playful games, familial visits, and communal events that were emblematic of the times. The reader learns about the parents’ professions: a dedicated registered nurse mother and a father whose journey transitioned from business ownership to welding. Intriguingly, Charles’ father, the titular “Old Man,” boasts a past as a boxer, a legacy he bequeaths to his son.
One of the book’s most charming anecdotes is the children’s unbridled joy upon discovering a pony on their new farm, a sentiment mirrored in numerous other escapades they undertake. The narrative is rooted in the mid-20th century, a time when televisions and phones were developing novelties. This era, characterized by more tangible human connections and less screen time, fosters a deep nostalgia in the reader.
Larlham brilliantly captures the quintessence of teenage years, characterized by adventures, mischief, and the occasional misstep. The Old Man emerges as a figure of confidence, daring, and boundless adventure, traits that are palpable in the hunting and boxing tales peppered throughout the book.
Charles and his siblings’ escapades are irresistibly engrossing, conjuring a nostalgic yearning in the reader for those simpler times. The memoir captivates from start to finish. For enthusiasts of nonfiction, particularly biographies that transport one to another era, The Old Man and Me is an unmissable read.
Pages: 340 | ISBN : 1612962513
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/28/the-old-man-and-me/