Harry Dresden is the only professional wizard listed in the Chicago phonebook. He is a private detective, struggling to make ends meet while keeping his city safe from monsters most people believe only exist in fairy tales. Much of his trade deals in locating lost items or people, so it is business as usual when he is hired by a woman to find her missing husband. However, things quickly get complicated when a friend at the Chicago Police Department warns Harry that he himself is the chief suspect in a grisly double murder. Thus begins his entanglement in a series of events that will pit him against a dangerous mob boss, a court of vampires, and one powerful warlock.
Storm Front is the first in Butcher’s Dresden Files series. Fifteen books and several short stories have been written so far, so there is plenty to enjoy if you’re looking for a new fun and heroic blend of urban fantasy and noir mystery. Be forewarned, though: they should definitely be read in order. The audiobook versions are narrated by James Marsters (the actor who played Spike in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series), who does an excellent job of bringing Harry and his compatriots to life.
This was an endearing and lovingly compiled book honoring Anthony Bourdain's legacy in the world of food and culture. Looking through this collection, we see how many lives Bourdain touched with his books, shows, and essays, clearly reaching a number of chefs, restaurant workers, self-proclaimed foodies, and armchair travelers alike. The professional photos on every page were fantastic, capturing Bourdain with many meals spent with every day people from all over the world.
Creating a book for the purpose of displaying how many people were effected by Bourdain was both empowering and bittersweet. It's absolutely wonderful that one man could have such an impact on people's lives, but because of his death we read these testimonies with joy, as well as a heavy heart. This compilation of memories reminded me of just how much Anthony Bourdain will forever be missed.
Tiffy needs a new flat, and preferably one without suspicious mold growing behind the toilet. Leon, a nurse on the night shift, has a flat he’s rarely in and could use some extra cash. Why not rent out the apartment overnight to someone with a regular 9 to 5? Someone like Tiffy? They share a flat. They share a bed. But they’ve never met. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it works for them. Tiffy leaves for work before Leon gets off of his shift, and Leon, in turn, leaves to start his day right before Tiffy comes home for the evening. They leave notes throughout the apartment; Tiffy bakes, Leon occasionally makes dinner and leaves leftovers. They become close, as two people who share a space are bound to do-- even if they’re never in the same place at the same time.
This is, of course, a romance, so the pair do eventually meet. As life throws them curves in the form of manipulative ex-boyfriends, a wrongfully imprisoned brother, sick patients, and demanding clients, Tiffy and Leon learn to lean on each other until they can’t imagine making it through without the other person there.
An emotionally resonant story disguised as a fluffy meet-cute, O’Leary touches on themes of emotional abuse, violence, and gaslighting. And yet, there is humor and light and romance to carry these characters through to a very promising end. Recommended for fans of Marian Keyes or Christina Lauren.
