Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2)
Book
Lex can’t stand Theo. Theo thinks Lex is a dick. Except one dating app mishap is about to bring...
Contemporary MM Romance
The Wizard's Ward (Vale #1)
Book
In the world of Vale, the King of the Elves lives in fear of an ancient prophecy. 'Only a gray blood...
Young Adult Fantasy
Corpse Thief (Joshua Hawke #1)
Book
PART ONE of the searing new thriller featuring Joshua Hawke; Criminal, Informant, Body Snatcher,...
The Successor (Tales of Pern Coen)
Book
A loyal warrior of the Ri of Ceffyl, Torin has no choice but to do the Ri's bidding when he's sent...
Epic Fantasy Romance
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Du Lac Chronicles (The Du Lac Chronicles #1) by Mary Anne Yarde in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)
Full of action, chases, betrayal and mystery, this is a wonderful story that will keep you on your toes as you try to figure out just who will do what next.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that Alden and Annis both change their minds so often, it gets both hard to follow and also a tad monotonous. Basically, both of them love each other, neither thinks they are good enough, and both try to do 'the right thing' - even to the detriment of their own feelings. This is just a small part of the larger story though, so it doesn't distract too much.
All in all, this was an epic historical saga with well-rounded characters and situations. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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 20, 2016
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Dragon's Rose (Grym Hollow #1) in 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
Under the Paper Moon
Book
Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this intrigue-filled debut, as two former...
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Barrel Proof in Books
Jul 6, 2017
Oh my! This book, this series! I have loved every single book (even when Aidan was acting like a jerk). Nothing is said or done without reason, and they all become clear in this edition. Any loose ends are tied up, some in ways that I never envisaged. The story is fast-paced but very smooth. With both Jamie and Aidan at odds, plus Mel and Danny, there is lot angst in this book, so the sexy times are not as numerous. However, this didn't negatively impact the story in any way. In fact, it would have been odd to do it any other way.
Heart-breaking and heart-fulfilling, this book is the perfect finale to the series, and Layla Reyne now has a brand new reader completely addicted to her work. Without a doubt, absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Crown of Midnight in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Having won the title of King's Champion, Celaena must do the King's bidding or risk the lives of her friends. Despite having trained at the Assassin's Keep and being called Adarlaine's Assassin, Celaena is reluctant to kill the King's enemies and instead comes up with a plan. She spends the majority of the book embroiled in a plot to end the King's rule, as she tries to obtain information that she can give to the King with the hopes of shortening her contract as his Champion.
This book takes you on a much more emotional journey with romance, betrayal, an unexpected (and brutal) character death, and a big reveal in its final pages. The characters are developed more in this novel and we also learn more about their histories. It was nice to see the development so that the characters felt more like real people with unique events that shaped them as people.
While there is continued mention of places other than Adarlaine, the story does not journey beyond the capital and continue to world-build, yet. The author mainly focuses on weaving in plot points that will later be incredibly important to the story.
Overall, the writing feels a little more mature than her previous book which at times came across as juvenile. The story ends in such a way that you immediately need to read the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this series to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy books.
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Here We Lie in Books
Jun 24, 2018
Told in an alternating first-person perspective between Megan and Lauren, Here We Lie is a powerful and relevant story about friendship, betrayal, political scandal, and abuse. I enjoyed everything about it, from the back-and-forth jumps between past and present to the incredible growth of both the main characters. The narrative is fast-paced and compelling, and the ending is beautiful and inspiring. With the rise of the #MeToo movement in the present-day world, Paula Treick DeBoard’s incredibly timely latest novel is sure to spark plenty of conversation about sexual abuse victims and perpetrators, motivation for reform and accountability, and at the very least food for thought.