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The Key to Circus-Mom Highway
Book
In an attempt to secure an unexpected inheritance—and hopefully find a few answers—two estranged...
Contemporary Fiction Family Dramedy
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Gypsy Origins ( All the Pretty Monsters book3) in Books
Sep 24, 2022
172 of 230
Kindle
Gypsy Origins ( All The Pretty Monsters book 3)
By Kristy cunning
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm like a snowball rolling downhill.
That's the first thing that pops into my mind when I try to explain my life. I don't know exactly "what'"I am, but I do know who I am. At least...I did.
Sometimes life sends things your way that upend everything you thought you knew, and then slings you in another direction without any sort of harness or warning.
Sometimes it drops someone like me off in the path of four wildly different monsters, who all used to be best friends, but now sort of hate each other and compete over absolutely everything, including...me.
Life would be easier if I wasn't already attached to those four monsters, but they occasionally let their guard down around me, and I get a glimpse of what has to stay hidden under all those snowball layers, since they already rolled downhill a long time ago.
I'm tired of losing people I care about. I'm tired of searching aimlessly for answers. I'm tired of not having the right questions to ask.
I do like this series. I really like the characters and storyline. The only one thing with this one was there was so much more information thrown at you and sometimes didn’t come across so clear so you had backtrack and reread a few bits. Saying that I do like the new developments and she finally tells them to man up and do what they should be doing. Looking forward to what comes next! Warning though this ends on a cliffhanger!
Kindle
Gypsy Origins ( All The Pretty Monsters book 3)
By Kristy cunning
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm like a snowball rolling downhill.
That's the first thing that pops into my mind when I try to explain my life. I don't know exactly "what'"I am, but I do know who I am. At least...I did.
Sometimes life sends things your way that upend everything you thought you knew, and then slings you in another direction without any sort of harness or warning.
Sometimes it drops someone like me off in the path of four wildly different monsters, who all used to be best friends, but now sort of hate each other and compete over absolutely everything, including...me.
Life would be easier if I wasn't already attached to those four monsters, but they occasionally let their guard down around me, and I get a glimpse of what has to stay hidden under all those snowball layers, since they already rolled downhill a long time ago.
I'm tired of losing people I care about. I'm tired of searching aimlessly for answers. I'm tired of not having the right questions to ask.
I do like this series. I really like the characters and storyline. The only one thing with this one was there was so much more information thrown at you and sometimes didn’t come across so clear so you had backtrack and reread a few bits. Saying that I do like the new developments and she finally tells them to man up and do what they should be doing. Looking forward to what comes next! Warning though this ends on a cliffhanger!
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Druid's Moon in Books
Sep 20, 2022
A fresh spin on an old classic.
DRUID'S MOON is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, set in Cornwall and an archaeological dig that finds a manuscript that may have more answers than questions. As an archaeologist, will Lyne believe the superstitions and coincidences, or will she side with logic?
This was an interesting and well-told story that flowed nicely for the majority of the book. There were some points that felt a bit disjointed, where we move from one scene or time to another without notice. There were also characters and situations that weren't explained fully and so felt redundant. I would have preferred a bit more background on the families (especially Lyne's) and how they all tied in with the curse. I don't know if there is a second book to come but I would also love to know more about the mysterious Council and what their involvement was.
Saying that though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Frederick and his fight with the Beast, and how it affected him. I was unsure if Lady Cockerel was the Mistress for quite some time before it became clear to me.
On the whole, this was a fresh spin on an old classic. I think it shows lots of potential and I look forward to reading more by this author. Recommended by me for all Fairytale Retelling fans.
** 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 was an interesting and well-told story that flowed nicely for the majority of the book. There were some points that felt a bit disjointed, where we move from one scene or time to another without notice. There were also characters and situations that weren't explained fully and so felt redundant. I would have preferred a bit more background on the families (especially Lyne's) and how they all tied in with the curse. I don't know if there is a second book to come but I would also love to know more about the mysterious Council and what their involvement was.
Saying that though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Frederick and his fight with the Beast, and how it affected him. I was unsure if Lady Cockerel was the Mistress for quite some time before it became clear to me.
On the whole, this was a fresh spin on an old classic. I think it shows lots of potential and I look forward to reading more by this author. Recommended by me for all Fairytale Retelling fans.
** 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 Last Truehart
Book
1898, Geelong, Victoria. Stella Truehart is all alone in the world. Her good-for-nothing husband has...
Merissa (12914 KP) rated The Murderess Must Die in Books
Sep 3, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
THE MURDERESS MUST DIE is a fictional telling of a true crime. Most of the main characters are from newspaper articles of the time and pieced together to make a story.
Was Mattie Place insane? Or a madly jealous stepmother? Or was she someone who had just reached her limit? We will never know for sure, but the author brings her to life and raises questions. As the first woman to be killed by the electric chair, she has some notoriety but has never had a voice.
Told from multiple perspectives, I wasn't sure, to begin with just who was who, apart from Mattie, but as the story continued, the other players slotted into place and showed how a story can be changed by the omission of facts, or just by being told a certain way.
I found this story to be absolutely captivating and loved the last entry by Mr Knittle. The questions 'he' raised were good ones and it does make you wonder if it had been any different if those answers had been found.
I love true crime and I love stories based upon true crime. This one kept my attention and got me thinking, which is always a good thing in my book. A fascinating read that kept me turning the pages and one 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 3, 2021
Was Mattie Place insane? Or a madly jealous stepmother? Or was she someone who had just reached her limit? We will never know for sure, but the author brings her to life and raises questions. As the first woman to be killed by the electric chair, she has some notoriety but has never had a voice.
Told from multiple perspectives, I wasn't sure, to begin with just who was who, apart from Mattie, but as the story continued, the other players slotted into place and showed how a story can be changed by the omission of facts, or just by being told a certain way.
I found this story to be absolutely captivating and loved the last entry by Mr Knittle. The questions 'he' raised were good ones and it does make you wonder if it had been any different if those answers had been found.
I love true crime and I love stories based upon true crime. This one kept my attention and got me thinking, which is always a good thing in my book. A fascinating read that kept me turning the pages and one 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 3, 2021
The Girl's Last Cry (Detective Lexi Bennett #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The girl lies on the dark ground, one arm flung out as if she is still looking for someone to help...
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Blood Pact (Youkai Bloodlines #2) in Books
May 7, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
BLOOD PACT is the second book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, and we start off with Hiro. He is a geisha, taken in from the street, and now a man of renown because of his voice. When a local thug takes offence at Hiro entertaining a samurai; Hiro's world is torn apart.
This isn't a romance story, per se. It is diving into the world of the mythological, fantastical, and horrible. Hide would do anything for Hiro, apart from showing it! And Hiro has enough heart for both of them. Even Asagi recognises that. Yes, they are in here too, but I don't think life has treated them kindly since last we met. I do so want a HEA for them, back with their maker.
Although this is book two, as Hiro puts it, this is only the beginning. I love where the story is going, plus the character development and supporting cast. You end up with more questions than answers, and it's just perfect for this series. This book is long enough to sink your teeth into (!), and is perfectly paced, giving you action and then a time of rest. Diving into cultural mythology is a bonus for me.
A fantastic addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me. I can't wait to see what happens next.
** 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!
May 7, 2021
This isn't a romance story, per se. It is diving into the world of the mythological, fantastical, and horrible. Hide would do anything for Hiro, apart from showing it! And Hiro has enough heart for both of them. Even Asagi recognises that. Yes, they are in here too, but I don't think life has treated them kindly since last we met. I do so want a HEA for them, back with their maker.
Although this is book two, as Hiro puts it, this is only the beginning. I love where the story is going, plus the character development and supporting cast. You end up with more questions than answers, and it's just perfect for this series. This book is long enough to sink your teeth into (!), and is perfectly paced, giving you action and then a time of rest. Diving into cultural mythology is a bonus for me.
A fantastic addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me. I can't wait to see what happens next.
** 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!
May 7, 2021
Relight My Fire
10.0
Rate It
Book
Some comebacks can be murder . . . Stella is enjoying life as an almost student, or at least she...
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Far From Camelot (Far From #2) in Books
Mar 18, 2024
FAR FROM CAMELOT is the second book in the Far From series but can be read as a standalone.
Set in contemporary times, it features Merlin living in NYC, owning a bookshop, and having one friend, Willow. His quiet life is disrupted when Mordred and his band, Dethrone the Queen, come to town. Merlin hates Mordred for killing Arthur - what he sees as his biggest failure as a friend. Mordred hates Merlin because of how he stood by and enabled Arthur's own particular brand of fatherhood. So you can imagine, when these two get together, the sparks fly, and I'm not talking glittery rainbow sparkles either.
I was completely enraptured by this book and struggled to put it down. Both MCs are in pain and hurting, and neither of them expects to find love, especially not with each other. Their path isn't smooth and it wouldn't work for everyone, but it worked for them. Both of them are also protective and possessive about the other.
I loved how it took most of the book before they returned to Camelot. I really enjoyed that because the story was actually about those two and them working it out, rather than expecting Camelot to have all the answers. (view spoiler)
If you like dark romance with hurt and pain as standard, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. Loved 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 16, 2024
Set in contemporary times, it features Merlin living in NYC, owning a bookshop, and having one friend, Willow. His quiet life is disrupted when Mordred and his band, Dethrone the Queen, come to town. Merlin hates Mordred for killing Arthur - what he sees as his biggest failure as a friend. Mordred hates Merlin because of how he stood by and enabled Arthur's own particular brand of fatherhood. So you can imagine, when these two get together, the sparks fly, and I'm not talking glittery rainbow sparkles either.
I was completely enraptured by this book and struggled to put it down. Both MCs are in pain and hurting, and neither of them expects to find love, especially not with each other. Their path isn't smooth and it wouldn't work for everyone, but it worked for them. Both of them are also protective and possessive about the other.
I loved how it took most of the book before they returned to Camelot. I really enjoyed that because the story was actually about those two and them working it out, rather than expecting Camelot to have all the answers. (view spoiler)
If you like dark romance with hurt and pain as standard, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. Loved 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 16, 2024
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Camping with the Boss (Pride Summer Camp 2025) in Books
Jun 30, 2025
CAMPING WITH THE BOSS is part of the Pride Summer Camp 2025 series and can be read as a standalone.
Whilst this is a romance, it is also a mystery, all wrapped up nicely with a company retreat, and a little Daddy bow on the top. Canyon and River are struggling to keep their house and their car. River works for Wade Darian and has set up a retreat, but then he disappears. Wade is none too impressed, and Canyon ends up filling River's shoes. BUT there's more going on than just Wade and Canyon getting jiggy with it. Everyone's got secrets. Who will share first?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! There is an abundance of smaller mysteries going on, such as who is stealing the desserts from the break room, and you get answers to all of them. Obviously, the big mystery is who is behind all the drama within the company. The answer to that one, when it came, didn't come as a surprise, but I don't think it was meant to.
I loved Wade and Canyon so much, but I also want to see Ander and Jared have their story. And maybe Jet and River too. You can see where I'm going with this, surely? Suffice it to say, this was a brilliant story with amazing characters that I hope to read more of in the future. Definitely 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!
Jun 30, 2025
Whilst this is a romance, it is also a mystery, all wrapped up nicely with a company retreat, and a little Daddy bow on the top. Canyon and River are struggling to keep their house and their car. River works for Wade Darian and has set up a retreat, but then he disappears. Wade is none too impressed, and Canyon ends up filling River's shoes. BUT there's more going on than just Wade and Canyon getting jiggy with it. Everyone's got secrets. Who will share first?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! There is an abundance of smaller mysteries going on, such as who is stealing the desserts from the break room, and you get answers to all of them. Obviously, the big mystery is who is behind all the drama within the company. The answer to that one, when it came, didn't come as a surprise, but I don't think it was meant to.
I loved Wade and Canyon so much, but I also want to see Ander and Jared have their story. And maybe Jet and River too. You can see where I'm going with this, surely? Suffice it to say, this was a brilliant story with amazing characters that I hope to read more of in the future. Definitely 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!
Jun 30, 2025