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David McK (3425 KP) rated Lesser Evil (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendency, #3) in Books
Sep 25, 2022
Final part in Timothy Zahn's newest Thrawn trilogy, which itself acts as a sort of a prequel to his earlier prequel Thrawn trilogy (in which Thrawn joins the Empire), which itself is a prequel - of sorts - to his appearance in the tv show 'Star Wars: Rebels', with the latter most likely a result of his immense popularity since he was first introduced in Zahn's own (now defunct) 'Heir to the Empire' trilogy from the early 1990s.
Anyway - and, as before for this trilogy - this is set 'A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far, far away ...' and finally completes the arc/narrative started in Chaos Rising (and continued on in Greater Good) with the Chiss Ascendency under attack from a shadowy figure who has been pulling the strings all along (now that I type that, sounding a bit like Palpatine (it's not) ) turning the Ascendency against itself and their neighbours also against them at the same time. It's actually only really in the epilogue, where Thrawn and another character discuss the Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire that you really only get a sense of where and when these events happen, which is both the novels greatest strength (it's fresh! it's not beholden to what-has-come-before) and weakness (the setting may be too 'new' for more casual Star Wars fans).
Anyway - and, as before for this trilogy - this is set 'A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far, far away ...' and finally completes the arc/narrative started in Chaos Rising (and continued on in Greater Good) with the Chiss Ascendency under attack from a shadowy figure who has been pulling the strings all along (now that I type that, sounding a bit like Palpatine (it's not) ) turning the Ascendency against itself and their neighbours also against them at the same time. It's actually only really in the epilogue, where Thrawn and another character discuss the Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire that you really only get a sense of where and when these events happen, which is both the novels greatest strength (it's fresh! it's not beholden to what-has-come-before) and weakness (the setting may be too 'new' for more casual Star Wars fans).
Merissa (12061 KP) rated A Little Christmas: Sawyer in Books
Dec 19, 2022
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS: SAWYER is a homage to one of the ultimate Christmas movies - Die Hard! In it, we have Sawyer and Holly, two littles who spend most of their time without their Daddies. Holly doesn't have a permanent one yet, and Sawyer's is a marine, so not with him most of the time. That's all well and good until a family with a grievance take everyone at the Christmas party hostage.
This is definitely one of the more action-packed Little Christmases and, to be plain, it felt as though a little of the connection between the MC's was lost in the action. It is also heavier on the BDSM side than the others I have read. Whilst a thrilling read, it appears the caring/nurturing Daddies are the ones that tick more of the boxes for me. The pacing and the story arc were smooth, giving you time to get to know the supporting characters and what role they play.
This was still a great story and a wonderful addition to the series. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is definitely one of the more action-packed Little Christmases and, to be plain, it felt as though a little of the connection between the MC's was lost in the action. It is also heavier on the BDSM side than the others I have read. Whilst a thrilling read, it appears the caring/nurturing Daddies are the ones that tick more of the boxes for me. The pacing and the story arc were smooth, giving you time to get to know the supporting characters and what role they play.
This was still a great story and a wonderful addition to the series. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2) in Books
Nov 1, 2023
WOLVES ALWAYS BITE is the second book in the Willow Lake Supernaturals series and I was certainly looking forward to this one.
I got more than I bargained for with Jeremy though, I have to admit. He is a great character but, oh man, it's hard sometimes to keep up with him! His mind goes off in a multitude of tangents at any given time!
Adrian is the grounding he needs. The big bad wolf man (Jeremy's words!) is such a softie, although he does hurt Jeremy at one point. I found it understandable and loved his reaction once he realised what he had done.
There is more to Jeremy than meets the eye and I loved his arc. There are a whole host of repeating characters, as well as new ones. I'm hard-pressed to think of which one I need most. I think I'll just sit back and wait for whoever it is and thoroughly enjoy it no matter what!
A great read but I do recommend you read them in order because of repeating characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 1, 2023
I got more than I bargained for with Jeremy though, I have to admit. He is a great character but, oh man, it's hard sometimes to keep up with him! His mind goes off in a multitude of tangents at any given time!
Adrian is the grounding he needs. The big bad wolf man (Jeremy's words!) is such a softie, although he does hurt Jeremy at one point. I found it understandable and loved his reaction once he realised what he had done.
There is more to Jeremy than meets the eye and I loved his arc. There are a whole host of repeating characters, as well as new ones. I'm hard-pressed to think of which one I need most. I think I'll just sit back and wait for whoever it is and thoroughly enjoy it no matter what!
A great read but I do recommend you read them in order because of repeating characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 1, 2023
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Ostin Prince (Isle of Ostin #2) in Books
Aug 6, 2023
THE OSTIN PRINCE is the second book in the Isle of Ostin series. Theo and Pax just want to be left alone, but the press has other ideas. During a skirmish, Theo and Pax are rescued by none other than the cousin Theo used to play with, Arbor. Zeke, who has been staying with Theo and Pax, finds himself entranced by this no-filter Ostin, who thinks he is darkness personified, when all Zeke can see is his light.
The overall story arc moves along nicely in Arbor and Zeke's story, whilst still giving the reader the full enjoyment of their story. Both Zeke and Arbor see themselves one way, but the other sees them completely differently. It was nice seeing a softer side to Arbor, as he is usually the one who runs his mouth off - for comedic effect at times.
The Ostins so far all have a protector side that comes into full force when it involves the ones they care about. I loved seeing this.
A great addition to the series and I look forward to the next book!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 5, 2023
The overall story arc moves along nicely in Arbor and Zeke's story, whilst still giving the reader the full enjoyment of their story. Both Zeke and Arbor see themselves one way, but the other sees them completely differently. It was nice seeing a softer side to Arbor, as he is usually the one who runs his mouth off - for comedic effect at times.
The Ostins so far all have a protector side that comes into full force when it involves the ones they care about. I loved seeing this.
A great addition to the series and I look forward to the next book!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 5, 2023
Morgan Sheppard (926 KP) created a post
Aug 12, 2023
Merissa (12061 KP) rated As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3) in Books
Mar 1, 2023
AS THE SECRETS TURN is the third and final book in this trilogy although there are spin-offs in the making. We start with Madi and Justin on their way to be married. One thing after another makes Madi doubt if it is the right time.
The story is woven nicely from beginning to end, although I did find certain phrases repeated throughout - for example, the colour of her skin against his. Some of the events also seemed a little hard to swallow but they fitted in with the rest of the book. Other happenings were very true to life and made me smile.
I found this book to be a fitting conclusion to Madi and Justin's story, showcasing the hardships and trials Madi has been through and showing her strength and durability, her willingness to fight for those who can't, and how, above all, she is a survivor.
Although you don't have to have read books 1 and 2, I do think it worthwhile to do so, just so you get the full benefit of the complete story arc. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The story is woven nicely from beginning to end, although I did find certain phrases repeated throughout - for example, the colour of her skin against his. Some of the events also seemed a little hard to swallow but they fitted in with the rest of the book. Other happenings were very true to life and made me smile.
I found this book to be a fitting conclusion to Madi and Justin's story, showcasing the hardships and trials Madi has been through and showing her strength and durability, her willingness to fight for those who can't, and how, above all, she is a survivor.
Although you don't have to have read books 1 and 2, I do think it worthwhile to do so, just so you get the full benefit of the complete story arc. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6)
9.0
Rate It
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Final book in the Dirty Series arc. Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Down Down Deep in Books
May 17, 2024
98 of 220
Booksirens ARC
Down Down Deep
By Christina Delay
⭐️⭐️
Did I kill him?
Jesse David, professional travel writer, can’t shake the past she doesn’t remember. With her blackouts growing worse at the approach of her father’s death anniversary, she’s convinced that this trip is her last chance to find answers. But then Momma tags along and brings her special brand of abuse and a suitcase full of secrets.
Gabriel Gutierrez, cruise ship director, doesn’t perform the job—he is the job. For the past two decades, he has avoided his home and the destruction he brought upon his family, yet he cannot escape the heavy anchor of guilt. When Jesse steps on board, old shame renews and compounds as not one, but two deaths rise from troubled waters.
With a clock ticking and lives at stake, Jesse and Gabriel must decide whether the dangerous truth should rise to the surface or remain drowned in the deep.
I don’t know this started off as though I was going to really like it but then I really struggled with it half way through. The ending was ok but something about the whole book just irritated me a little. I’m quite an emotional reader and somehow just didnt evoke any.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Booksirens ARC
Down Down Deep
By Christina Delay
⭐️⭐️
Did I kill him?
Jesse David, professional travel writer, can’t shake the past she doesn’t remember. With her blackouts growing worse at the approach of her father’s death anniversary, she’s convinced that this trip is her last chance to find answers. But then Momma tags along and brings her special brand of abuse and a suitcase full of secrets.
Gabriel Gutierrez, cruise ship director, doesn’t perform the job—he is the job. For the past two decades, he has avoided his home and the destruction he brought upon his family, yet he cannot escape the heavy anchor of guilt. When Jesse steps on board, old shame renews and compounds as not one, but two deaths rise from troubled waters.
With a clock ticking and lives at stake, Jesse and Gabriel must decide whether the dangerous truth should rise to the surface or remain drowned in the deep.
I don’t know this started off as though I was going to really like it but then I really struggled with it half way through. The ending was ok but something about the whole book just irritated me a little. I’m quite an emotional reader and somehow just didnt evoke any.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Beyond the Mountain (Faes Captive 4) in Books
Feb 5, 2024
24 of 220
Kindle
Beyond the Mountain ( Faes Captive 4)
By Lily Archer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Betrayal has taken Taylor far beyond my reach. I can feel the bond stretched and twisted until it’s on the verge of snapping. But I will find her. She is mine as I am hers, and nothing will stop me from recovering my queen. I will always come for her. If she is hurt, I will heal her. If she is scared, I will wrap my arms around her, my embrace her safe harbor. And as for the ones who took her? I will destroy them all. Crossing the frozen heart of winter will be their final mistake. My fury will end the king beyond the mountain, and I will return to the winter realm with my queen by my side. A solid plan. One that would have worked. But when I reach the Gray Mountains, nothing is as it seems, and my mate faces a danger from the most insidious of foes—herself.
Lily's Note: Beyond the Mountain concludes Leander and Taylor's primary romance arc, but they will appear in future books. Book 5 begins Gareth and Beth's story.
Well it all happens in this one!! The best one yet and I absolutely love Taylor’s new look! Packed with action and I loved catching up with these characters.
Kindle
Beyond the Mountain ( Faes Captive 4)
By Lily Archer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Betrayal has taken Taylor far beyond my reach. I can feel the bond stretched and twisted until it’s on the verge of snapping. But I will find her. She is mine as I am hers, and nothing will stop me from recovering my queen. I will always come for her. If she is hurt, I will heal her. If she is scared, I will wrap my arms around her, my embrace her safe harbor. And as for the ones who took her? I will destroy them all. Crossing the frozen heart of winter will be their final mistake. My fury will end the king beyond the mountain, and I will return to the winter realm with my queen by my side. A solid plan. One that would have worked. But when I reach the Gray Mountains, nothing is as it seems, and my mate faces a danger from the most insidious of foes—herself.
Lily's Note: Beyond the Mountain concludes Leander and Taylor's primary romance arc, but they will appear in future books. Book 5 begins Gareth and Beth's story.
Well it all happens in this one!! The best one yet and I absolutely love Taylor’s new look! Packed with action and I loved catching up with these characters.
Too weird for me
The girls of the sorority house are a close-knit--if not particularly happy--group. That is until Margot's death. When she's found dead in the house, it changes things, and each girl must deal with Margot's passing and its aftermath in her own way.
Well, this was a weird one. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. We are introduced to the sorority girls in the first chapter by a "chorus," who tells us who lives in each room and a small bit about each one. Except for Margot's room, we're told; Margot is dead.
Then the following chapters detail a snippet of time in each girls' life. Some chapters may take place before Margot's death; others take place after. I was really glad I was reading a hardcopy, because at the start of each chapter, I had to flip back to that first chapter about all of the girls and find that girl's little paragraph or so blurb that introduced them. I could never keep any of them straight--perhaps because there was so many or maybe because most them didn't really stand out to me.
Because yes: I didn't really love this one. The short bits of time spent with each character make it hard to get attached to anyone. While we are technically following the thread of Margot's death, there's really no arc to the story. The book probably speaks to some higher meaning that I just didn't get. Instead it's a bit disturbing (some of the chapters are really awful), and no one is happy at all, which was really depressing. Sure, some of these dark glimpses into people's lives can be a little oddly fascinating, but honestly, it was often horrifying too. For me, it felt like the book was trying to be literary and clever and it just didn't work for me (or, more likely, I'm just not a good candidate for literary, smart books, ha).
For instance, was this one praising or mocking sororities? I really don't know. Margot's death seemed so pointless, so it certainly didn't seem to be doing the idea of sororities any favors. A lot of the book didn't seem to show the sisterhood in a good light. Yeah, I just didn't get it. I'm not sure exactly why I slogged through it, except that the full details of Margot's death aren't completely revealed until the end. I actually liked Margot the best, but she was dead, and yes, that probably sums up this book the best for me.
Overall, this one was too weird for me. I can do dark, but dark, strange, no real plot, and few characters with any redeemable value--it just didn't work for me. I'm sure it is enjoyable for others, especially those that don't need a real plot arc. And I do feel the need to point out that there's a trigger for self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in this novel.
Well, this was a weird one. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. We are introduced to the sorority girls in the first chapter by a "chorus," who tells us who lives in each room and a small bit about each one. Except for Margot's room, we're told; Margot is dead.
Then the following chapters detail a snippet of time in each girls' life. Some chapters may take place before Margot's death; others take place after. I was really glad I was reading a hardcopy, because at the start of each chapter, I had to flip back to that first chapter about all of the girls and find that girl's little paragraph or so blurb that introduced them. I could never keep any of them straight--perhaps because there was so many or maybe because most them didn't really stand out to me.
Because yes: I didn't really love this one. The short bits of time spent with each character make it hard to get attached to anyone. While we are technically following the thread of Margot's death, there's really no arc to the story. The book probably speaks to some higher meaning that I just didn't get. Instead it's a bit disturbing (some of the chapters are really awful), and no one is happy at all, which was really depressing. Sure, some of these dark glimpses into people's lives can be a little oddly fascinating, but honestly, it was often horrifying too. For me, it felt like the book was trying to be literary and clever and it just didn't work for me (or, more likely, I'm just not a good candidate for literary, smart books, ha).
For instance, was this one praising or mocking sororities? I really don't know. Margot's death seemed so pointless, so it certainly didn't seem to be doing the idea of sororities any favors. A lot of the book didn't seem to show the sisterhood in a good light. Yeah, I just didn't get it. I'm not sure exactly why I slogged through it, except that the full details of Margot's death aren't completely revealed until the end. I actually liked Margot the best, but she was dead, and yes, that probably sums up this book the best for me.
Overall, this one was too weird for me. I can do dark, but dark, strange, no real plot, and few characters with any redeemable value--it just didn't work for me. I'm sure it is enjoyable for others, especially those that don't need a real plot arc. And I do feel the need to point out that there's a trigger for self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in this novel.