Otago Boys' High School

66,329 pages read and 4,814 team points

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Maria Z

25,506 pts

(17,147 pages read)

Keeper of Secrets

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

Typical historical romance with the trope involving a debutante and her guardian. There was a secondary plot - which I'm all for. The storytelling makes this my favourite series by this author.
A Treacherous Bastard

By Tammy Andresen

2 stars

This was the last book in the series, so was good in that it tied up loose ends. It was also a two-fer - there were two stories covered, though one of them was the main focus. The latter meant it was a little like a novella rather than a novel, which wasn't what I signed up fo.
Lose Weight & Get Fit

By Tom Kerridge

4 stars

I re-read this one now to get some ideas for school lunches. I've gotten bored of my chicken salad, and there are quite a recipes in this book that will travel well. We'll see how long my motivation to make something different on a Sunday night lasts!
A Wretched Rake

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

A solid romance with a subplot that continues the story arc of the series. I'm unlikely to read it again - this was the sort of book you read just to find out what happens to the overarching storyline - but enjoyed it overall.
A Scandalous Scot

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

I found this book a little ho-hum - if I could, I would have given it 2.5 half stars. It builds on the previous book in the series (which seemed little more than an introduction to the next round of lead male characters) in a series story arc with a new villain. The most positive thing I can think of is that it was an improvement on the book prior.
A Masquerade With a Marquess

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

A good subplot to go along with the romance aspect. I've rounded up (I'd probably give it three and a half stars) because this is the one I'll most likely re-read in the series so far.
A Deal With a Duke

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

This was the book I was most drawn to in this particular series, but found it a bit ho-hum. The story flows well, the characters are decently developed, and the plot is pretty typical. A solid historical romance, but probably not one I'll re-read.
A Rendezvous With a Rake

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

A solid plot and sound characters - I think this might be my favourite in the series so far. Four stars as this is the one I'll most likely re-read.
John Donne

By John Hayward

0 stars

This book was a collection of John Donne's works with a forward (written in the 1950s-60s). I found it amongst the books from my mother-in-law and read it on a whim. To be honest, I found reading them too much of a slog - because this is likely due to my own shortcomings (I bet those in Donne's own time understood him!), I've chosen not to give a rating. Definitely read along with some Coles notes......
A Bargain with a Beast

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

A solid historical romance, but one I'm unlikely to read again.
A Score with a Scoundrel

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

An enjoyable read the added more to the overall story arc of the series. The title doesn't really match the plot - there's no score to settle between the two main characters - but it was a solid historical romance nonetheless.
A Romp with a Rogue

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

An enjoyable historical romance the builds the storyline for this series of novels. However, the subplot was a bit on the silly side, so I doubt I'll end up re-reading this one.
Legenda: The real women behind the myths that shaped Europe

By Janina Ramirez

4 stars

Initially, I was in two minds when I saw this book - the premise was interesting, but I'd found another of her books strange to read. However, I'm glad I picked it up as I found it to be quite enjoyable. The author weaves together the stories of two historical figures, one medieval and one from the 19th Century. Each chapter focuses on a particular region in Europe. I found it really interesting to learn more about these figures, some well-known, from history.
A Bet with a Baron

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

Another enjoyable historical romance by this author. Unusually, the lead female character is less sheltered than the hero having grown up in a rougher situation. All in all, a good read.
Marquess of Fortune

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

A solid historical romance along the same lines as other books by this author.
The Viscount to Avoid

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

The (most likely?) final book in this series. This one was a romantic twist on the Rapunzel story. A solid way to tie up all the loose ends from the rest of the series.
The Perfect Fit: Creating and altering basic sewing patterns for tops, sleeves, skirts, and pants

By Teresa Gilewska

4 stars

The only thing that stops me giving it five stars is that I'm yet to test it! Great diagrams and explanations that (I hope!) will make even more sense when I start drafting my own patterns. I've tried drafting my own patterns, and I'm hoping this will help with the $!@*show that occurred the last time.....
The Baron to Break

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

A short romance novel that didn't feel like a short book. The plot and subplot were nicely paced and the characters solidly done. All in all a good read.
The Earl Who Escaped

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

This romance novel in the All That Glitters series is the author's take on Cinderella. Enjoyable, but not something I'm likely to re-read.
What To Expect When You're Dead: An ancient tour of death and the afterlife

By Robert Garland

3 stars

An interesting concept for a book. I found it difficult to read in parts. The middle few chapters captured my interest, but I found the initial and final chapters were a bit of a slog to get through - I suspect the intro chapters because I was getting used to the author's style.
The Duke Who Dared

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

I have to admit that I was going to skip reading this one (and series) based on the blurb, but got interested when reading a prequel in another. Again, I'd probably rate this 3.5 stars - an enjoyable yarn, but not something I'd probably read again.
Romancing the Rake

By Tammy Andresen

4 stars

This book was actually a collection of seven books - a complete series by the author. If I could, I would have rated it three and a half stars (but am rounding appropriately!) - an enjoyable series that I'd be willing to read again, but not up there as a 'must read'. A solid series that focuses on the main characters in each book without a subplot.
A Lass to Love

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars

A (very) short novella. Solid story, but the length isn't my preference.
The Reluctant Countess

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

I have to admit, the book's blurb didn't sell me on it. However, I (unexpectedly) enjoyed the story. While the dialogue wasn't as witty and writing not as polished as her other novels (I suspect this may have been her first one), the subplot was resolved less speedily and in a more satisfactory way. A good read.
Brother of Darkness

By Wendy Vella

3 stars
Lost: The Love of a Lord

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars
Wanted: An Earl for Hire

By Tammy Andresen

3 stars
Brother of Sin

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

A (slightly) less feel-good romance than her others, and with less witty banter. However, the focus is on characters in this series and said characters seem more developed (which I like). Would I re-read the book? Probably not. Am I going to read the second and third book (when the latter comes out) to find out what happens to the characters? Absolutely!
How To Train Your Sewing Machine

By Rehana Begum

5 stars

As the title suggests, a how-to guide to using and servicing your sewing machine. The instructions were clear, easy to understand, and came with pictures. There's also 6 projects included to practice skills - the scrunchie one would have been useful about a year ago! I think I'm also going to be roped into making aprons for my boys for when they're in the kitchen with their dad.....
The Rebellious Rake

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

This was the book in the series I found the most interesting based on the blurb. As with her other books, it was a light romance with witty one-liners and a strong female character.
Dark Renaissance. The dangerous times and fatal genius of Shakespeare's greatest rival, Christopher Marlowe.

By Stephen Greenblatt

5 stars

If you're interested in Christopher 'Kit' Marlowe's life and work, this is the book for you. It doubles as a biography and, thanks to the extensive list of notes at the back, introduction to what we know of this enigmatic playwright and poet. I found the start a bit slower and had to pause between chapters to plod through it. However, once past the first 4-5 chapters, it was quite fast-paced - perhaps the author is echoing the trajectory of Marlowe's life? I think I would have gotten more out of it if I was familiar with Marlowe's work, but found the author quoted and interpreted parts extensively (reminding me of Year 12 and Year 13 English in high school). It's inspired me to look up Marlowe's Doctor Faustus (which my other half found among his mum's books), his poems, and to find out what he contributed to Shakespeare's work - what higher compliment can be paid to a non-fiction book than that it will lead to further reading?
An Imperfect Gentleman

By Wendy Vella

2 stars

A solid romance where the plot wasn't quite to my taste.
The Disgraced Debutante

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would based on the blurb. The subplot was solid, and the paranormal skills weren't turned into a huge deal.
Do You Want to Start a Scandal

By Tessa Dare

5 stars

I was checking publication dates for an upcoming book by this author, and was hit by the urge to re-read this. A fun, light-hearted romance - just what I needed while not feeling 100%.
The Devil's Deception

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

The last book in the series, it ties up a range of loose ends. One of those is why a character running through the previous books behaves in the fashion he does. Incidentally, this is in the series that follows the Deville siblings, but neither is a Deville - I suspect this is because the author wanted to tell the story of said character running through the rest of the series! A solid, escapist romance novel.
Jean Genius

By Janelle Hanna

4 stars

This book is a resource/guide to "repair, restyle and repurpose" denim. It contains a set of instructions (with pictures) to do exactly that. The order of projects are repairing denim to still function as jeans, turning them into other forms of clothing (i.e., skirt), and finally turning them into something new (like a patchwork denim clutch or bag). Personally, I'm intending to use the instructions to create a denim skirt next time the inseam is too ripped to repair!
Unmasked By A Devil

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

An enemies-to-lovers romance, this was the one in the series I liked the most based on the blurb. The story was enjoyable and tied up loose ends from earlier books in the series.
Surrender To A Devil

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

A solid romance novel. Not quite very good, but the resolution of the sub-plot made it better than average - more like 3.5 stars.
The Meteorites: Encounters with outer space and deep time

By Helen Gordon

4 stars

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical after reading the introduction - it was a little too lyrical for me, and I wasn't convinced that I'd enjoy the book. However, I was intrigued by the topics the author discussed. Who knew that some meteorites (a very few!) have been identified as originating from the moon or Mars? A great book to start with if you're interested in meteorites.
Protected By A Devil

By Wendy Vella

3 stars
Rescued By A Devil

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

I have to admit, I was a bit 'ho-hum' based on the blurb - however, I was far more taken with the story than I thought I'd be. The sub plot wasn't resolved as quickly and tidily as in other books by this author, which was the main reason I enjoyed it. Like her other romance novels, a pleasant, escapist read.
This Way Up. When maps go wrong (and why it matters)

By Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman

4 stars

An interesting book on (funnily enough) mistakes on maps. The authors discuss 16 different map mistakes in an entertaining way. There were a couple of chapters that used the facts to create an account of the event (e.g., the fake podcast transcript) - I would have liked a blurb/section following it that explained the facts. However, this didn't dull my enjoyment of the book. Definitely a good read!
Seduced By A Devil

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

This is the first book in a series that follows the Deville brothers and cousins. The former were introduced in a book from an earlier series that told the story of their sister. As with the majority of her other books, the subplot was resolved abruptly, yet it was still a light, enjoyable read.
Detecting Danger

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

The last book in the Sinclair and Raven series. Because of this, it finished off the subplot woven into the latter half of the series around the original event that brought the two families together. I found this anticlimactic. However, I found that the subplot was perhaps better resolved than many of the previous books in the series. As with the rest, an enjoyable, light read.
A Guide to Australian Rocks, Fossils and Landscapes

By Russell Ferrett

5 stars

I enjoyed reading a similar book on NZ landforms, so when hubby saw this on his recent jaunt to Aussie he picked it up for me as a Christmas present. The author does a good job summarising how 221 different geological sites were formed. An interesting read, it's going to be part travel guide for our next trip. A great pick by my other half!
Defending Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars
Courting Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

After a brief interlude, the series is back to following the siblings in the 'original' family. This one was in much the same vein as the others, with a few more hints regarding the legend around the two families involved. A light, enjoyable read.
Guarding Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars
Rocked and Ruptured: Geological faults in New Zealand

By Jefley J. Aitken

3 stars

A deeper (subduction?) give into faults and earthquakes in New Zealand. The first few chapters provide some good background info in a relatively easy to understand way while the later chapters tend to delve into more technical aspects. Reasons for the relevance of geology and its divisions is eloquently given - perhaps our current Government should read this book as they set up the curriculum for schools! I quite enjoyed the witty asides provided by the author too. All in all, a good though technical read.
Tempting Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars
The Rise and Fall of the Southern Alps

By Glen Coates

5 stars

An easy-to-understand book on (unsurprisingly) the formation of the Southern Alps. This includes a fantastic summary of the basement rocks of New Zealand as well as key concepts such as weathering and erosion. The diagrams help to explain the ideas covered. A fantastic book for anyone with an interest in New Zealand's geology.
Vision of Danger

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

Like the rest of the series, one of the main characters is a Sinclair - however, this time it's a cousin. Because the younger siblings of the original quartet are so much younger, this one felt a bit like it was filling in time. I also got the sense that I'd missed something - the hero appears in the earlier books, but the story begins with him recovering from war (which wasn't mentioned earlier). Despite this, it was still an enjoyable 'fluffy' read.
Scent Of Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

Another enjoyable read in a series following siblings with enhanced senses. I found the dialogue between the main characters wittier in this one, which I quite liked. As with the other books in the series, I found the sub-plot wrapped up rather quickly, and was almost anticlimactic. All in all, a quick, fun book.
Touched By Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

An enjoyable historical romance with a touch of 'enhanced senses'. This tells the story of the eldest sister, who has taste as hers. I liked the presence of the secondary plot, but it was wrapped up quickly.
Sensing Danger

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

I don't normally like my historical romance mixed with anything paranormal, but I didn't mind this one. The series follows a set of siblings who have enhanced senses, ostensibly developed since the 1300s when they were tasked with protecting a duke's family. You guessed it - this book, the first in the series, is about a romance between said duke and one of the sisters. It also contains a subplot central to the story, that I suspect will be picked up by later books in the series. All in all, an enjoyable read.
Lords Of Night Street collection

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

A collection of four romance novellas that tell the tales of a group of friends. The subplot revolves around a mystery each hero solves thanks to the investigation agency they started after returning from war with France. A light, enjoyable read.
Regency Rakes Collection

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

Three books in one - my favourite kind! This trilogy of romance novels tells the tales of a group of friends (well, two friends and one of their brother-in-laws). I have to admit that the second story, Rescued By A Viscount, was my pick of the bunch, in no small part due to the strong female lead. A good read.
Stone & Sky

By Ben Aaronovitch

4 stars

This book picks up two years after the previous one - either there's been a lack of Falcon cases, or Peter's river-goddess partner and twin daughters have been keeping him out of trouble! I enjoyed the story with the usual cast of magical characters. However, as with earlier books, it's a little dense and relies on remembering the plots twists and turns from previous books. A good urban-fantasy read.
The Lady's Forbidden Love

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

This was the last book in the series. An enjoyable romance to read.
The Greatest Nobodies of History

By Adrian Bliss

4 stars

An interesting take on history. As the title implies, historical events are told from an obscure viewpoint - for example, the Emu War in the 1930s (yes, that's a real thing) from the daily log of the emu's general. The stories are based on fact. Definitely worth a read if you're into history.
The Lady's Dangerous Love

By Wendy Vella

3 stars
The Lady Seals Her Fate

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

This is the fifth book in a seven-book series. A solid romance with a small side-plot.
The Lady Plays Her Ace

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

The fourth book in the series. The first three told the stories of a trio of sisters while this talks about their sister in law. Enjoyable, but not quite as good as the original trilogy.
Provecho! Real Mexican food at home

By Daniella Guevara Munoz

4 stars

A book hubby picked up on his recent travels to Adelaide. It claims to cover how to make authentic Mexican food rather than the Tex-Mex you can commonly find online - this was backed up by those in the know! I'll know more once we (i.e., hubby!) tries some recipes from it, but it looks pretty good.
Lady in Distress

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

Third in the series, I didn't think it was as good as the first, but still found it entertaining. The author does a solid job of introducing the couple for the next book too.
Lady in Demand

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

A light-hearted historical romance.
Mistletoe and the Marquess

By Wendy Vella

3 stars

Short but entertaining historical romance. A good way to relax and unwind before bed!
Lady In Disguise

By Wendy Vella

4 stars

A historical romance with an interesting subplot - my favourite kind! The usual tropes were nicely done, and the happy ending was guaranteed. A good example of the genre by a Kiwi author.
A Truly Perfect Gentleman

By Grace Burrowes

4 stars
My Own True Duchess

By Grace Burrowes

4 stars

An enjoyable historical romance - enough to inspire me to pick up the next book in the series.
Central Rocks. A guide to the geology and landscapes of Central Otago.

By Daphne Lee and Jane Forsyth

4 stars

Does what it says on the tin - it's a guide to the geology of Central Otago with possible tours. Very niche, but a great resource for the amateur (Otago) geologist!

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Otago Boys' High School

66,329 pages read and 4,814 team points

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