Books matching: enjoyable pacing
100 result(s)
- #1
The Prince of Ill Luck by Susan Dexter is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Leith, Prince of the Isles, who is believed to be born demon cursed. Everywhere he goes, disaster follows in his wake. The book narrates his journey of survival, meeting the magical warhorse Valadan, and striking a bargain with Lady Kessallandria to find her mother, a witch, in hopes of lifting his curse. The plot is filled with quests, relationships, fate, magic, humor, and emotional weight, making it an engaging and classic fantasy read.
Leith, the protagonist, is a likeable but hapless character who is cursed with two different color eyes, making him an outcast. Alongside Lady Kess and the charismatic Valadan, he embarks on an adventure filled with challenges and unexpected turns. The writing style of Susan Dexter is praised for creating well-developed characters, judiciously incorporating magic and humor, and crafting a story that is both delightful and engaging.
- #2
"The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding" by Agatha Christie is a collection of short stories featuring her famous detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The title story revolves around a missing ruby meant for a prince's wife, leading Poirot to investigate during a traditional English Christmas at a country house. The stories blend mystery, charm, and holiday themes, providing readers with a mix of intriguing cases and festive settings. The writing style is described as classic Agatha Christie, showcasing her ability to craft well-structured mysteries with unexpected twists and clever solutions.
‘Ah,’ said Mr Jesmond, ‘but Christmas in England is a great institution and I assure you at Kings Lacey you would see it at its best. It’s a wonderful old house, you know. Why, one wing of it dates fr...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #3
Thieves' World is a shared world anthology featuring a collection of short stories by notable science fiction authors, all set in the down-at-heel town of Sanctuary. The stories revolve around morally ambiguous characters inhabiting a rich and seedy fantasy world, with each story told from a different character's point of view. The city of Sanctuary is brought to life through various characters, including thieves, rulers, crime lords, and fortune tellers, creating a network that adds depth to the setting. The writing style is described as direct and flowing, with a touch of chaos in some instances, reminiscent of urban sword and sorcery tales.
“… and I am not,” the Emperor finished. “You belabour the obvious, Kilite. That idealism is my protection. He would no more lead a rebellion against the Emperor—against his brother—than … I would... - #4
'The Middle Moffat' is a heartwarming and humorous book that focuses on Jane Moffat, the middle child in the Moffat family. The story follows Jane's adventures in her beloved hometown, where she navigates through the challenges of not quite fitting in and decides to become the mysterious Middle Moffat. Through a series of delightful and funny events, Jane learns valuable lessons about family, friendship, and finding her place in the world. The book is filled with endearing illustrations and portrays the way a child thinks, making it a charming read for both children and adults.
Clara’s only response to this was a prolonged stare. Then she started to back up the street. She pulled Brud along the sidewalk backward so she could watch Jane. She watched Jane all the way up the st...
(Also, see 97 recommendations for the series The Moffats ) 'Hot Mess' by Lucy Vine follows the life of Ellie, a soon-to-be thirty-year-old dealing with societal expectations and the pressures of dating. The book is described as a hilarious and relatable story, with Ellie being portrayed as a modern-day heroine who navigates through disastrous dates and societal norms. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor, honesty, and relatability that keeps readers entertained and invested in Ellie's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
The plot of 'Hot Mess' revolves around Ellie's experiences as a single woman, her struggles with dating, and her interactions with quirky secondary characters. The book is praised for its light-hearted and humorous tone, with readers enjoying the relatable and entertaining storyline that captures the essence of modern-day relationships and the challenges faced by single women in society.
- #6
"The Case of the Dotty Dowager" by Cathy Ace follows the WISE Enquiries Agency, comprised of four women from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and England, who work together to solve cases. The plot involves a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a body in a Duke's home, with the women detectives using their unique skills and backgrounds to uncover the truth. The writing style is described as full of promise, with a fun plot that introduces readers to interesting historical facts like Waterloo teeth. However, some readers found the delivery method lacking immersion as the story was mostly told rather than shown.
- #7
A Man of Character follows Catherine, a grounded woman in her thirties who inherits a bookstore from her late father. With the help of her friend Eliza, she navigates a world where fictional characters from her stories start to come to life, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and romance. The story blends elements of magic, romance, and friendship, creating a modern-day fairy tale that explores the complexities of relationships and the balance between fantasy and reality.
The book captivates readers with its lighthearted and engaging narrative, weaving together dreamy dates, relatable characters, and a touch of magic that keeps the reader hooked. Through Catherine's journey of finding love and discovering her true desires, Margaret Locke crafts a story that balances whimsy with depth, offering a refreshing take on contemporary romance with a hint of fairy tale charm.
The last thing Catherine wanted to do was talk about men. She didn’t need to think about anything except the bookstore, especially on today of all days. But she’d promised to rehash her roommate Eliza... - #8
Scoring off the Field by Naima Simone is a friends to lovers sports romance that follows the story of Tenny and Dom, who met as kids in the foster system. Dom, a famous quarterback, hires Tenny as his PA, and they develop a close friendship. Tenny has secretly loved Dom for years, but after a drunken confession, Dom relegates her to the friend zone. The book explores their evolving relationship, filled with tension, passion, and personal growth. The writing style is described as quick, fun, and emotional, with a mix of heat and emotions that keep readers engaged till the end.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—her best friend of fifteen years, Dominic Anderson, was fluent in Tenny Speak. And since his attention snapped from the phone in his hand to focus completely on her, treat... - #9
Tam Doan, the protagonist of 'Gouda Friends', finds herself in a series of unfortunate events including catching her boyfriend cheating and losing her favorite cheese. Seeking solace, she turns to her childhood best friend, Josh O'Malley, who helps her navigate through the challenges in her life. As they reunite, sparks fly and their friendship evolves into something deeper. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and balancing work life with undeniable chemistry, all set in the backdrop of Ponto Beach. The writing style of the book is described as charming, heartwarming, and simple, focusing on modern jobs and the importance of relationships.
- #10
'Yours to Keep' follows the story of Sean Kowalski, a military veteran who returns home to his family in Maine. When Emma, in need of a fake fiancé, ropes Sean into her plan, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. As they navigate through the charade, Sean and Emma slowly fall in love, facing doubts and challenges along the way. explores themes of family, love, and making the best out of unexpected situations, with a touch of humor and realistic character dynamics.
The plot of 'Yours to Keep' unfolds with a mix of humor, romance, and family dynamics. Sean and Emma's relationship develops slowly and realistically, leading to heartwarming moments and unexpected twists. The writing style captures the essence of the Kowalski family, portraying them as a close-knit group who stand by each other through thick and thin. offers a light and romantic read, with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
(Also, see 19 recommendations for the series Kowalski Family )