Search
Search results
Merissa (13303 KP) rated The Prince and the Ice King (Gemstone Kingdoms #1) in Books
Aug 6, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE PRINCE AND THE ICE KING starts off a new series where some of the kingdoms are named after gemstones. In this one, we have Emerald - where our prince comes from, and Sapphire - where our frozen king resides. Reardon sets out to rescue his friend who was an unwilling sacrifice to the Frozen Kingdom. He just hopes he isn't too late. When he gets there though, things are not as he thought they would be...
What a fantastic story this was! I loved every word from the very beginning. It hooked me in and I was invested in this story, which not only made it a joy to read but stayed with me when I didn't have the book in my hands.
Jack and Reardon have their differences - and difficulties - but Reardon is not about to let something as small as a kingdom-wide curse affect him. Oh, no! Indeed, he charms the inhabitants of the Frozen Kingdom with his willingness to help and learn.
But it wasn't just Jack and Reardon who helped make this story outstanding. They have a wonderful supporting cast with their own tales to tell. I can't tell you who my favourite was because I simply couldn't choose.
With a smooth pace, action, adventure, betrayal, love, honour, and some steamy moments to melt the ice, this book had everything I could possibly have asked for. I can't wait to continue this series and look forward to reading more by this author.
A magnificent start to the series and a new-to-me author to watch. Absolutely and utterly recommended. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2021
What a fantastic story this was! I loved every word from the very beginning. It hooked me in and I was invested in this story, which not only made it a joy to read but stayed with me when I didn't have the book in my hands.
Jack and Reardon have their differences - and difficulties - but Reardon is not about to let something as small as a kingdom-wide curse affect him. Oh, no! Indeed, he charms the inhabitants of the Frozen Kingdom with his willingness to help and learn.
But it wasn't just Jack and Reardon who helped make this story outstanding. They have a wonderful supporting cast with their own tales to tell. I can't tell you who my favourite was because I simply couldn't choose.
With a smooth pace, action, adventure, betrayal, love, honour, and some steamy moments to melt the ice, this book had everything I could possibly have asked for. I can't wait to continue this series and look forward to reading more by this author.
A magnificent start to the series and a new-to-me author to watch. Absolutely and utterly recommended. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 6, 2021
Centaur Rift (Warrior Hearts Academy #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
I thought I understood the way the world worked. Family was something other people had. Trust was...
Fantasy Romance
Merissa (13303 KP) rated Shadow Guardian (Blood Shadows #1) in Books
Feb 4, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
SHADOW GUARDIAN is the first book in the Blood Shadows trilogy and I may have just found a new trilogy to crush over!!!! We have fated mates, a secret society with secrets galore, the wilds of Wales, betrayal, treachery, druids, and did I mention Wales? It's here, it's all here, and it's bloody brilliant.
I won't even bother doing a run-down of the story. I know I'd miss something out accidentally. This is a fast-paced, intricate and intriguing story that lets you absorb all the details as you go along. I never felt like I was being rushed, but I also couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The characters and world-building are of the extremely high standard I have come to associate with this author but put into a contemporary paranormal setting rather than fantasy. Kay is a strong female protagonist who, yes, has her own battles to overcome, but will fight instead of waiting for rescue. And I adored how she turned Ethan down. (Read it; you'll know the bit I mean.) She let him know exactly how she felt, and how his words had hurt her, and I loved that. Don't get me wrong, I want the HEA but, sometimes - just sometimes - the men need to work a little harder for, you know what I mean?!
All in all, it was an outstanding read that I devoured in one sitting. Sheer brilliance and I can't wait for Zach's story. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!y/i>
Feb 4, 2022
I won't even bother doing a run-down of the story. I know I'd miss something out accidentally. This is a fast-paced, intricate and intriguing story that lets you absorb all the details as you go along. I never felt like I was being rushed, but I also couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The characters and world-building are of the extremely high standard I have come to associate with this author but put into a contemporary paranormal setting rather than fantasy. Kay is a strong female protagonist who, yes, has her own battles to overcome, but will fight instead of waiting for rescue. And I adored how she turned Ethan down. (Read it; you'll know the bit I mean.) She let him know exactly how she felt, and how his words had hurt her, and I loved that. Don't get me wrong, I want the HEA but, sometimes - just sometimes - the men need to work a little harder for, you know what I mean?!
All in all, it was an outstanding read that I devoured in one sitting. Sheer brilliance and I can't wait for Zach's story. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!y/i>
Feb 4, 2022
Merissa (13303 KP) rated The Blood Chain (Indulgence #3) in Books
Jul 4, 2023
THE BLOOD CHAIN is the third book in the Indulgence series and really must be read in order.
Terah and Adom are still in dire straits when the story starts, continuing on from where book 2 finished. Adom has finally realised he is in love with her and will do everything in his power to protect her, even if that means from his own father. They end up in Scold - which tickled me! I loved the names of the streets and the city as well. But even there, things aren't easy for them. So much intrigue and betrayal, more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. It is, quite simply, breathtaking and never a dull moment.
And just, JUST, when you think Adom and Terah will find the answers they're looking for and will be able to fight side by side, something happens. No! Just... NO! I was not ready for that and it needs to be sorted out right now!!! I can't wait until the next book is out to know they are okay. I just can't. And can I just add - I love how Adom understands Terah's moods and nature, the same as she does his. I love how both of them are accepted as they are, without the need for change (which is one of the reasons that ending has killed me!)
Yet another amazing, fantastical addition to the series. Full of action and absolutely astounding in every way. It will definitely leave you wanting more. HIGHLY recommended.
** 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!
Jul 4, 2023
Terah and Adom are still in dire straits when the story starts, continuing on from where book 2 finished. Adom has finally realised he is in love with her and will do everything in his power to protect her, even if that means from his own father. They end up in Scold - which tickled me! I loved the names of the streets and the city as well. But even there, things aren't easy for them. So much intrigue and betrayal, more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. It is, quite simply, breathtaking and never a dull moment.
And just, JUST, when you think Adom and Terah will find the answers they're looking for and will be able to fight side by side, something happens. No! Just... NO! I was not ready for that and it needs to be sorted out right now!!! I can't wait until the next book is out to know they are okay. I just can't. And can I just add - I love how Adom understands Terah's moods and nature, the same as she does his. I love how both of them are accepted as they are, without the need for change (which is one of the reasons that ending has killed me!)
Yet another amazing, fantastical addition to the series. Full of action and absolutely astounding in every way. It will definitely leave you wanting more. HIGHLY recommended.
** 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!
Jul 4, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated So Close ( Blacklist 1) in Books
Apr 26, 2024
77 of 220
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.
Voklane (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria, #8)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Ryan liked the slip that revealed she’d imagined a future with him, though he shouldn’t. Liked...
Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Romance
Rogues & Patriots (Nick Crane #2)
Book
In the Depths of Corruption… In the Face of Tyranny… One Man's Quest Begins… Get ready...
PI Thriller
TheBookMother (105 KP) rated The Memory Keeper's Daughter in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Hauntingly Beautiful
This came into the charity shop I work in and as soon as I read the blurb on the back of the book I knew I had to read it.
A Doctor in a snow storm delivers his twins but one is born with Down Syndrome and he decides there and then to tell his wife that she died. He hands over his daughter to the nurse and asks her to take her to a home. She decides upon seeing the home she cannot possibly leave her here and raises her herself.
The book follows through time the lives of everyone the Doctor and his wife raising there son Paul, and the Nurse Caroline fighting for Phoebe to be accepted and have access to an education and equal opportunities.
It starts of in the 60s and we really get a glimpse into the attitudes of the time towards those with Down Syndrome and at times it is awkward to read at times as you cannot believe that it was like this.
With such a explosive secret being kept and the grief that Norah feels after thinking she has lost a child the family is poisoned and relationships turn toxic and the family dynamic is ripped apart.
We see Phoebe thrive throughout her life with Caroline and also the limitations she faces in her day to day life.
The emotive language the author uses means you do feel Norah's loss, you resent David for his betrayal, you can understand Paul's rebellion and Caroline's guilt.
It is an achingly beautiful book which is dealing with an explosively emotive storyline. I really enjoyed it and it is really hauntingly staying with me even after I've finished as I began to imagine how I would feel and what I would do if I was put in that situation. A really good read, possibly to emotionally charged for a sleep deprived and hormonal mother of two boys, one of which does have medical issues do I could relate somewhat too.
A Doctor in a snow storm delivers his twins but one is born with Down Syndrome and he decides there and then to tell his wife that she died. He hands over his daughter to the nurse and asks her to take her to a home. She decides upon seeing the home she cannot possibly leave her here and raises her herself.
The book follows through time the lives of everyone the Doctor and his wife raising there son Paul, and the Nurse Caroline fighting for Phoebe to be accepted and have access to an education and equal opportunities.
It starts of in the 60s and we really get a glimpse into the attitudes of the time towards those with Down Syndrome and at times it is awkward to read at times as you cannot believe that it was like this.
With such a explosive secret being kept and the grief that Norah feels after thinking she has lost a child the family is poisoned and relationships turn toxic and the family dynamic is ripped apart.
We see Phoebe thrive throughout her life with Caroline and also the limitations she faces in her day to day life.
The emotive language the author uses means you do feel Norah's loss, you resent David for his betrayal, you can understand Paul's rebellion and Caroline's guilt.
It is an achingly beautiful book which is dealing with an explosively emotive storyline. I really enjoyed it and it is really hauntingly staying with me even after I've finished as I began to imagine how I would feel and what I would do if I was put in that situation. A really good read, possibly to emotionally charged for a sleep deprived and hormonal mother of two boys, one of which does have medical issues do I could relate somewhat too.
Debbiereadsbook (1536 KP) rated For You I Fall ( Angels & Misfits #1) in Books
Sep 1, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
As an angel sent to watch over his charges, Dante has many rules. Falling in ove with his charge is one of them. But Seth is such a beautiful person, has such a beautiful soul, Dante can't help himself. When Seth's time comes, Dante will do anything so they can spend eternity together. He never figured on being betrayed, or the strength of the love Seth has for Dante.
*insert sigh*
**insert another sigh**
I'm not really sure what I felt about this book, and I'm struggling to write a coherent review, that makes sense, so bear with me, okay??
I didn't love it, not t all, but I don't think I really LIKED it, either. I certainly did NOT hate it, because if I did, I would not have finished and there would be no review at all.
It's told from both Seth and Dante's point of view, in the third person. It's not overly explicit, just the right amount, I thought, for this book.
It does have some darker undertones and parts of the story are a little graphic in places, but again, I thought just the right level for THIS book.
I did see the betrayal coming at me, and I liked watching it play out the way I thought it would. I did not see how this would resolve itself for Seth and Dante to be together, so that was good to watch unfold. I did like that a certain someone got his just desserts and paid the highest price for his crimes.
I just can't figure out WHY I'm left feeling I don't know what about this book! And you know that pains me so!
Someone will love this book, someone will rant and rave about how awesome it is. Unfortunately, that someone is not me.
So...
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
As an angel sent to watch over his charges, Dante has many rules. Falling in ove with his charge is one of them. But Seth is such a beautiful person, has such a beautiful soul, Dante can't help himself. When Seth's time comes, Dante will do anything so they can spend eternity together. He never figured on being betrayed, or the strength of the love Seth has for Dante.
*insert sigh*
**insert another sigh**
I'm not really sure what I felt about this book, and I'm struggling to write a coherent review, that makes sense, so bear with me, okay??
I didn't love it, not t all, but I don't think I really LIKED it, either. I certainly did NOT hate it, because if I did, I would not have finished and there would be no review at all.
It's told from both Seth and Dante's point of view, in the third person. It's not overly explicit, just the right amount, I thought, for this book.
It does have some darker undertones and parts of the story are a little graphic in places, but again, I thought just the right level for THIS book.
I did see the betrayal coming at me, and I liked watching it play out the way I thought it would. I did not see how this would resolve itself for Seth and Dante to be together, so that was good to watch unfold. I did like that a certain someone got his just desserts and paid the highest price for his crimes.
I just can't figure out WHY I'm left feeling I don't know what about this book! And you know that pains me so!
Someone will love this book, someone will rant and rave about how awesome it is. Unfortunately, that someone is not me.
So...
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Flashback in Books
Jan 1, 2019
Will a Flashback advance the Neverseen's Plans?
As this book opens, Alvar's sentencing for his betrayal is about to happen. The entire Vacker family has assembled in the senate chambers, and Sophie and Keefe have been invited to be there as well. It becomes clear why when the sentence is read, and Alvar is sent to live with his parents and siblings, Sophie's friends Fitz and Biana. Both of Sophie's friends, but Fitz especially, don't trust their older brother and suspect a trick of some sort. But before Alvar's dwelling is even ready for him, Fitz and Sophie are attacked by the Neverseen, barely escaping with their lives. As they spend time recovering, they begin to wonder what their attack means in the group's long term plans. Can they figure it out?
I waited longer than I wished to read this book because I needed to find time to read the 850 pages we get here. I did feel the pacing was a bit off at times, especially early on, but overall this is another strong book. We learn some things that will definitely advance the story in future books, and we get some great twists before we reach the climax. Plus, we are left with some nasty cliffhangers. Flashback comes to mean something else by the end of the book, so don't go into this expecting lots of time spent in the past, although the past does come into play as the book progresses. Once again, the characters are fun, and they provided some great laughs along the way. I felt like this was funnier than the last couple of books have been, and I enjoyed that aspect as well. Fans will definitely be glad they picked up the book. If you aren't a fan yet, it's best to go back to the beginning to fully understand everything that is happening here.
I waited longer than I wished to read this book because I needed to find time to read the 850 pages we get here. I did feel the pacing was a bit off at times, especially early on, but overall this is another strong book. We learn some things that will definitely advance the story in future books, and we get some great twists before we reach the climax. Plus, we are left with some nasty cliffhangers. Flashback comes to mean something else by the end of the book, so don't go into this expecting lots of time spent in the past, although the past does come into play as the book progresses. Once again, the characters are fun, and they provided some great laughs along the way. I felt like this was funnier than the last couple of books have been, and I enjoyed that aspect as well. Fans will definitely be glad they picked up the book. If you aren't a fan yet, it's best to go back to the beginning to fully understand everything that is happening here.