It’s not easy to combine a compelling legal drama with a rom-com and not have it feel like all the worst stereotypes of a Hallmark movie, but Michael Scott Clifton does it with style and a little bit of actual wand-waving in The New Year’s Man.
There’s something bittersweet about discovering a series just as it’s coming to an end. Lift and Let Die is the sixteenth and final installment in Helen Golden’s A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, and while I had no trouble following the mystery as a newcomer, I couldn’t help feeling that I’d arrived rather late to a very entertaining party.
I love a good RomCom. I especially love a good second-chance RomCom, or one featuring lead characters who are past their twenties. Even more, I love a good Christmas RomCom. So when I was offered a review copy of Stuck with You for Christmas by Jen Smith, well, obviously, I said yes.
I’m new to Liz Fenwick’s work, but based on my recent devouring of The Last Christmas, I’ve been missing out on some incredible storytelling.
But while Cole is the central character, this “novel in stories” is really about the women he encounters. Each is distinctly herself. There is no particular type, no interchangeable parade of romantic interests. Hale gives these women agency, personality, and histories of their own, while allowing us to experience Cole’s story through their eyes.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ants! They swarmed in our bathtub last week, but we committed antocide.
Would that make you public ANTemy # one??
Just askin’…
Michele sent me,
Mike
Michele sent me.
Don’t like ants, spiders, roaches or those flying little tiny moths that get into the pantry. Spray away!
Not the time of year for ants in the UK. I agree, though, it takes such a long time to shoo them outdoors individually.
Here today via Michele’s – Hiya!
rashbre
Have you tried using boric acid? It works really well on roaches, and okay on ants. They recommend mixing it with sugar or jelly for ants (putting it outside I assume) so they’ll be attracted to it. The acid is nontoxic for humans and animals, but eats through bug carapace pretty easily. :)
er, nontoxic so long as you don’t actually eat it in quantity. our cats have never bothered with it.
I’m with you on this one! I HATE ants!!! I too am an ant murderer any chance I get. Perhaps I’ll have tshirts made declaring such :)
I’m with you on ants, Melissa. I like to watch them outside but when they come inside the gloves come off. I’ve got all sorts of chemicals for their “enjoyment” and I’m not hesitant about using them!