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Books matching: tension and pacing

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    I Kissed an Earl - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    Not the series’ absolute best, but a rollicking, high-stakes romance with genuine character arcs and plenty of charm - great for adventurous romance readers who appreciate a heroine’s journey from naive to gutsy.

    Miss Violet Redmond peered over the top of her fan at the newly minted Earl of Ardmay and issued this verdict to three people: the lovely blonde Hart sisters, Millicent and Amy, who breathlessly hung...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green )

  2. #2

    A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
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    A classic, clever, and atmospheric spy adventure - pivotal for fans of the genre, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

    It is one of those convenient, question-begging aphorisms coined to discredit the unpleasant truth that chance plays an important, if not predominant, part in human affairs. Yet it was not entirely in...

  3. #3

    The Sorceress and the Cygnet - Cygnet by Patricia A. McKillip
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    A haunting, dreamlike journey for those who adore poetic language and layered myths - best for seasoned McKillip fans or readers who don’t mind a little mystery left unsolved.

    He was a child of the horned moon. That much Corleu’s great-gran told him after, pipe between her last few teeth, she washed the mud out of his old man’s hair and stood him between her knees to dry it...

  4. #4

    The Hunt for Red October - Jack Ryan Universe by Tom Clancy
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    A groundbreaking, intricately detailed submarine thriller that defined a genre - best for military, espionage, and Cold War enthusiasts; the tech-heavy style might be daunting for others, but the tension and authenticity are hard to beat.

    Captain First Rank Marko Ramius of the Soviet Navy was dressed for the Arctic conditions normal to the Northern Fleet submarine base at Polyarnyy. Five layers of wool and oilskin enclosed him. A dir...

  5. #5
    Half a Crown
    by: 
    Book 3 in the series:Small Change

    Half a Crown - Small Change by Jo Walton
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    A clever, atmospheric finale to a gripping alternate history trilogy - sometimes bleak, sometimes hopeful, always thought-provoking, though the ending may not land for everyone.

    When she let her voice trail off like that I knew precisely what she meant. I knew it in the pit of my stomach. I had been coming down the stairs to join them in the drawing room when I heard her spea...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Small Change )

  6. #6

    Shoot the Piano Player by David Goodis
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    A melancholy, immersive slice of noir - raw, poetic, and powerfully human. Ideal if you love dark stories with complex characters and aren’t afraid of a little emotional bruising.

    There were no street lamps, no lights at all. It was a narrow street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. From the nearby Delaware a cold wind came lancing in, telling all alley cats they'd b...

  7. #7

    Mary by Nat Cassidy
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    Mary is a wild, unhinged horror romp that’s darkly funny, viscerally weird, and not afraid to get under your skin. It’s a perfect pick if you want your horror unsettling and your heroines complicated. Just beware, it’s not for the faint of heart or those craving tidy endings!


  8. #8

    Two Secret Sins - Scandal in Mayfair by Anna Campbell
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    Two Secret Sins by Anna Campbell tells the passionate and romantic story of Lady Verena Gerard and Lord Eliot Ridley, Viscount Colville. Their relationship begins as an affair; Lady Verena, a widow aiming for freedom after a troubled marriage, becomes Eliot's mistress. Despite the social constraints of Regency-era England, Eliot falls deeply in love with her and ultimately proposes, only for Verena to reject him due to her fears of losing her independence and damaging his reputation. The narrative is rich with emotional conflict as both characters navigate their feelings, misunderstandings, and the intense societal pressures surrounding them.

    The writing style is engaging and heartfelt, with a focus on character development and emotional depth. Readers are drawn into Verena and Eliot's journey from lovers to a more serious connection, marked by real-life challenges and a steamy romance. The combination of historical settings with a focus on the psyche of flawed, relatable characters keeps the story compelling. While some found certain parts a bit slow, the overall sentiment is strong and appreciative of Campbell's ability to blend heart and sensuality in her storytelling.


  9. #9

    The Retreat - Detective Elin Warner by Sarah Pearse
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    'The Retreat' follows Detective Elin Warner as she investigates a series of murders on an island resort. As Elin and her colleague Steed are left to solve the case on their own due to the mainland police being occupied, they uncover a web of dark historical events linked to the island. The plot includes twists and turns, with the characters facing dangerous situations as they try to piece together the mystery amidst stormy conditions.

    The author, Sarah Pearse, uses intense and descriptive writing to convey the characters' emotions and the setting as a character in itself. The story unfolds with multiple sibling relationships and themes of revenge and retribution, ultimately leading to a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Elin Warner )

  10. #10

    Bedding the Bad Boy - Bedding the Bachelors by Virna DePaul
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    In "Bedding the Bad Boy," Max Dalton, a playboy magician in his family's show, finds himself wanting more out of life as his twin brother settles down. When Grace Sinclair, a friend of Max's sister-in-law, seeks his help in finding pleasure, their casual arrangement quickly evolves into something deeper as they both battle with issues from their pasts. The story follows their journey of self-discovery and vulnerability, exploring themes of family, love, and personal growth. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters and the complexities of their relationship, blending romance with introspection and personal development.

    Glancing stage left, he saw Rhys standing in the wings, grinning. Of course, his grin probably had less to do with the crowd’s reaction than it did the woman standing next to him. Melina, Rhys’s wife,...

    (Also, see 22 recommendations for the series Bedding the Bachelors )

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