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Merissa (14120 KP) rated The Dragon's Rose (Grym Hollow #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2024
THE DRAGON'S ROSE is the first book in the Grym Hollow series and I want all of them... now!
We start in a contemporary setting as Rose leaves the hospital where her sister has just given birth. Not long after, she is whisked away to another world and The Dragon's Keep. Not only is she there because of a bargain made, but also to marry the King - a little tidbit she doesn't know until just before the happy occasion!
Malix and Rose are a perfect pair. She is feisty and sassy. She has dealt with her own loss and so cares for others. She is also unafraid to go toe-to-toe with her husband when he's acting like a jerk! Malix is fighting to keep his kingdom safe but is intrigued by the human woman who stands up to him. He is protective and will always do his best.
This was an outstanding story that I devoured in one sitting. It is full of emotions that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. My heart broke for Caliban, even as he found healing with Rose. It perfectly blends danger, humour, love, betrayal, romance, and steam.
The dragons' battle may be over but the war hasn't been won. We move on to the wolves next and I can't wait!!! HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 23, 2024
We start in a contemporary setting as Rose leaves the hospital where her sister has just given birth. Not long after, she is whisked away to another world and The Dragon's Keep. Not only is she there because of a bargain made, but also to marry the King - a little tidbit she doesn't know until just before the happy occasion!
Malix and Rose are a perfect pair. She is feisty and sassy. She has dealt with her own loss and so cares for others. She is also unafraid to go toe-to-toe with her husband when he's acting like a jerk! Malix is fighting to keep his kingdom safe but is intrigued by the human woman who stands up to him. He is protective and will always do his best.
This was an outstanding story that I devoured in one sitting. It is full of emotions that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. My heart broke for Caliban, even as he found healing with Rose. It perfectly blends danger, humour, love, betrayal, romance, and steam.
The dragons' battle may be over but the war hasn't been won. We move on to the wolves next and I can't wait!!! HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 23, 2024
Merissa (14120 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3) in Books
Apr 28, 2025
a bit slower burn, but very good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
An Impossible Mate (Strength of the Pack #1)
8.0
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The line between order and chaos, heartbreak and happily ever after, has never been thinner… or...
MM Paranormal Romance
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated Shadows of the Missing ( A Chris Matheson Mystery #5) in Books
May 5, 2026
Lauren Carr does it again. Pulling out all the stops for a hidden secret family disappearance. How the siblings react and what happened years later. This book brought tears to my eyes a few times. I love what a plot. I loved it. The plots, twists, and turns were always a surprise, keeping you guessing to the end.
We met Helen in her 5th-grade classroom as she waited for school to be out and had to go home with her mother and siblings.
We also meet Helen's best friend, Stacey. We know her mother pulled in, but did she return to take Helen and her siblings home?
We get a glance at Chris and a few helpers, including his daughters, by Nikki, who is helping out.
When Chris spots his wife after she pulls in, he is in the barn.
As they review the cold case Doris has received, they are looking up information. Just before dinner is ready. Somebody came up to the house, and it seems that they forgot to close the security gate.
Who could this person in the company be?
Kassie seems to drop by out of nowhere, and why? Why would she bring up her father or think she might have found him? Then bring up her mother's disappearance, and think she was abducted by someone named Pee Wee Herman?
The Geezer Squad gets more info and another cold case. Could Lady in Barrel be connected to two missing parents? Are Helen's parents another cold case unrelated to the one the Geezer Squad is working on? Or is it?
We met Helen in her 5th-grade classroom as she waited for school to be out and had to go home with her mother and siblings.
We also meet Helen's best friend, Stacey. We know her mother pulled in, but did she return to take Helen and her siblings home?
We get a glance at Chris and a few helpers, including his daughters, by Nikki, who is helping out.
When Chris spots his wife after she pulls in, he is in the barn.
As they review the cold case Doris has received, they are looking up information. Just before dinner is ready. Somebody came up to the house, and it seems that they forgot to close the security gate.
Who could this person in the company be?
Kassie seems to drop by out of nowhere, and why? Why would she bring up her father or think she might have found him? Then bring up her mother's disappearance, and think she was abducted by someone named Pee Wee Herman?
The Geezer Squad gets more info and another cold case. Could Lady in Barrel be connected to two missing parents? Are Helen's parents another cold case unrelated to the one the Geezer Squad is working on? Or is it?
Merissa (14120 KP) rated Lord Frederick's Return in Books
Aug 29, 2025
LORD FREDERICK'S RETURN is a standalone novel, although with links to different books, that details the differences between India and England when Frederick returns to English shores after a long absence.
You don't see much of his time there, but then the title tells you it's not set in India! What you do see is enough to know about his life there and the reasons he has for returning to England. The uncertainties he faces are understandable enough, and it made perfect sense for him to visit someone who was in the same position.
This was a very genteel story, with plenty of historical details, rules, and regulations that helped to emphasise how different things are now. I wish I could say it was all different, but some attitudes seem to be the same, no matter where you live.
Frederick and Susannah are both well-written characters, although I have to say Ruperta steals every scene she is in. Frederick's close family, or most of it, are lovely, but there's always one or two. I would have liked to have known a little more about the newfound family and if anything came of their machinations, but that may just be me being greedy.
It finished with a delightful ending that I wasn't ready for! I do hope these characters will appear in future books, even as cameos. A great story that I definitely recommend.
** 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 29, 2025
You don't see much of his time there, but then the title tells you it's not set in India! What you do see is enough to know about his life there and the reasons he has for returning to England. The uncertainties he faces are understandable enough, and it made perfect sense for him to visit someone who was in the same position.
This was a very genteel story, with plenty of historical details, rules, and regulations that helped to emphasise how different things are now. I wish I could say it was all different, but some attitudes seem to be the same, no matter where you live.
Frederick and Susannah are both well-written characters, although I have to say Ruperta steals every scene she is in. Frederick's close family, or most of it, are lovely, but there's always one or two. I would have liked to have known a little more about the newfound family and if anything came of their machinations, but that may just be me being greedy.
It finished with a delightful ending that I wasn't ready for! I do hope these characters will appear in future books, even as cameos. A great story that I definitely recommend.
** 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 29, 2025
Melting His Grumpy Heart
10.0
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Gruff and grumpy meets sunshine and smiles. Stranded in a lonely farmhouse, sparks flare then...
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters #1) in Books
Jan 27, 2026
couldn't see where this was going!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Once in a while, a review request comes through that is a little out of my normal reads, and the blurb piqued my interest. This is one of those times!
Kate is left a house, and she runs to it, after her love life is left in tatters. As a historian, she can work from home, so moving to Cornwall is no real hardship. That the house has a ghost, however, is another matter. And just what is up with her new neighbour, Tom?
For a long time, I couldn't see where this was going, with the ghost, the diary, the connection between them and Tom's extended family, I really couldn't and I do LOVE being kept on my toes! I really did not see how it was going to come together, and when it did?? So not what I was expecting.
It's well written, the spooky bits come across wonderfully and the blossoming romance is very much faded to black. Not totally clean, but it's all behind closed doors.
BUT
Only Kate has a say and I would love to have heard from Tom at key points along the way. I always want to hear from everyone but I think here, it's needed.
I've not read anything by this author before, I might look at her back list! This is what I love MOST about reviewing: finding new-to-me authors with back lists.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Once in a while, a review request comes through that is a little out of my normal reads, and the blurb piqued my interest. This is one of those times!
Kate is left a house, and she runs to it, after her love life is left in tatters. As a historian, she can work from home, so moving to Cornwall is no real hardship. That the house has a ghost, however, is another matter. And just what is up with her new neighbour, Tom?
For a long time, I couldn't see where this was going, with the ghost, the diary, the connection between them and Tom's extended family, I really couldn't and I do LOVE being kept on my toes! I really did not see how it was going to come together, and when it did?? So not what I was expecting.
It's well written, the spooky bits come across wonderfully and the blossoming romance is very much faded to black. Not totally clean, but it's all behind closed doors.
BUT
Only Kate has a say and I would love to have heard from Tom at key points along the way. I always want to hear from everyone but I think here, it's needed.
I've not read anything by this author before, I might look at her back list! This is what I love MOST about reviewing: finding new-to-me authors with back lists.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14120 KP) rated Next Door Protector (Hot as Sin #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2025
NEXT DOOR PROTECTOR is the third book in the Hot as Sin series, featuring firefighters from the same unit. You don't need to have read the others to get this one. If you haven't read a Kitty O'Bliss book before, then you need to know they are short and hot, without much of a backstory.
Alexandra is a dancer who has been stalked for the past three years, moving countless times, but he always finds her. She isolates herself from everyone, not trusting anyone or wanting anyone to get close. Until Jake bangs on her door after deciding she is his. He has decided she is his to protect and claim and he won't take no for an answer. Sounds to me like Alexandra now has two stalkers!
This short story is told completely from Jake's perspective and is incredibly fast-paced. I expected to read more about the stalker, but that would have made it a longer book. Instead, everything is pretty much sorted without any danger or suspense.
While I enjoyed the second book in the series, this one was just too out there for me, especially with just how stalkerish and caveman-like Jake was, and there were some errors in the last chapter that jolted my reading. This is a hot read if that's what you're looking for.
** 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!
Apr 16, 2025
Alexandra is a dancer who has been stalked for the past three years, moving countless times, but he always finds her. She isolates herself from everyone, not trusting anyone or wanting anyone to get close. Until Jake bangs on her door after deciding she is his. He has decided she is his to protect and claim and he won't take no for an answer. Sounds to me like Alexandra now has two stalkers!
This short story is told completely from Jake's perspective and is incredibly fast-paced. I expected to read more about the stalker, but that would have made it a longer book. Instead, everything is pretty much sorted without any danger or suspense.
While I enjoyed the second book in the series, this one was just too out there for me, especially with just how stalkerish and caveman-like Jake was, and there were some errors in the last chapter that jolted my reading. This is a hot read if that's what you're looking for.
** 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!
Apr 16, 2025
Merissa (14120 KP) rated Immortal Beginnings (Etherya's Earth #4.5) in Books
Sep 5, 2022
Well-written, well-paced, loving, kind, tender, and HOT!
IMMORTAL BEGINNINGS takes place after Evie has beaten Crimeous. Dragos was a Deamon in the war, fighting as a soldier in a war he didn't agree with but had no choice in. Raina is the widow of a Vampyre who died in that war. She moved home due to the memories and found herself living next to Dragos.
This is so sweet! Seriously! Dragos is... oh, I just want to give him a hug! And then maybe climb him like a tree. If there's something I love it's a man who is manly and also tender and loving. Dragos is all of the above. Raina has her concerns, which are all completely understandable, but Dragos is there to help her work through them.
I don't like novellas. I'm greedy and always want more. This is no exception. So why the five stars? Because it's too good not to. I may want more - more backstory, more current events, more hope for the future (although the epilogue is pretty damn good) - more everything but that is no reason to not give five stars where they are due. Everything that is here is well-written, well-paced, loving, kind, tender, HOT!
This was a fantastic addition to the series and I have no hesitation in recommending it - even if it is 'only' a novella! 😉
** 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 so sweet! Seriously! Dragos is... oh, I just want to give him a hug! And then maybe climb him like a tree. If there's something I love it's a man who is manly and also tender and loving. Dragos is all of the above. Raina has her concerns, which are all completely understandable, but Dragos is there to help her work through them.
I don't like novellas. I'm greedy and always want more. This is no exception. So why the five stars? Because it's too good not to. I may want more - more backstory, more current events, more hope for the future (although the epilogue is pretty damn good) - more everything but that is no reason to not give five stars where they are due. Everything that is here is well-written, well-paced, loving, kind, tender, HOT!
This was a fantastic addition to the series and I have no hesitation in recommending it - even if it is 'only' a novella! 😉
** 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!