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The Third Veil
8.0
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Two halves, one soul… Can Seven find it within her battered heart and fractured soul to trust in...
Adult Fantasy Romance Portal Fantasy Victorian
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Heart of the Warrior (All The King's Men, #2) in Books
Jun 2, 2023
Arion has it all... maybe. He has domineering parents who want what is their version of what is best for him. He has been best friends with Io for many years, but Io is a man-whore homophobic. Then Severin shows up at AKM and all of Arion's pre-set ideals get blown out of the water.
Donya Lynne deals with some serious subjects in this book - peer pressure, familial pressure, coming out, betrayal, one-parent families, and racism to name just a few. It never feels like it is forced in any way though. It is all relevant to the story of Ari and Sev, which makes it all the more poignant.
I loved how Micah got to show off his sagely wisdom, in his own inimitable style; with Trace and Sam there with him every step of the way.
Extremely well-written, packed full of emotion, and certainly no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a book to savour, to devour, and enjoy again and again! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Apr 13, 2016
Donya Lynne deals with some serious subjects in this book - peer pressure, familial pressure, coming out, betrayal, one-parent families, and racism to name just a few. It never feels like it is forced in any way though. It is all relevant to the story of Ari and Sev, which makes it all the more poignant.
I loved how Micah got to show off his sagely wisdom, in his own inimitable style; with Trace and Sam there with him every step of the way.
Extremely well-written, packed full of emotion, and certainly no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a book to savour, to devour, and enjoy again and again! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Apr 13, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Life in Books
Dec 31, 2023
210 of 235
Book
The Life
By Martina Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bailey brothers are gangsters determined to make their mark in the world. Peter and Daniel are chalk and cheese in many ways - Peter's calm exterior belies his ruthless nature, while Daniel's penchant for spectacular violence is legendary - but together they are unstoppable. From the late seventies they rule London's East End and, when their sons join the business, it seems that no one can touch the powerful Baileys. Although it's never easy at the top; there is always someone waiting to take you down - sometimes even those closest to you...Lena Bailey is determined to shield her youngest child Tania from the Life. But when a terrible tragedy occurs, Tania's eyes are opened to their world in a way that forces her to make an irrevocable choice that will determine her future. Martina Cole's gritty and gripping new novel is an unflinching portrait of a family torn apart by violence and betrayal, but ultimately bound by loyalty, by blood, and by a burning desire for revenge...
Another brutal book from Martina this time it’s a full family drama. In all the books she’s written Petey is the one character I was glad to see got what he deserved!
Book
The Life
By Martina Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bailey brothers are gangsters determined to make their mark in the world. Peter and Daniel are chalk and cheese in many ways - Peter's calm exterior belies his ruthless nature, while Daniel's penchant for spectacular violence is legendary - but together they are unstoppable. From the late seventies they rule London's East End and, when their sons join the business, it seems that no one can touch the powerful Baileys. Although it's never easy at the top; there is always someone waiting to take you down - sometimes even those closest to you...Lena Bailey is determined to shield her youngest child Tania from the Life. But when a terrible tragedy occurs, Tania's eyes are opened to their world in a way that forces her to make an irrevocable choice that will determine her future. Martina Cole's gritty and gripping new novel is an unflinching portrait of a family torn apart by violence and betrayal, but ultimately bound by loyalty, by blood, and by a burning desire for revenge...
Another brutal book from Martina this time it’s a full family drama. In all the books she’s written Petey is the one character I was glad to see got what he deserved!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Witness in Books
Feb 10, 2024
25 of 220
Kindle
Witness
By Caroline Mitchell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Rebecca it was a brave decision that led to her freedom from domestic abuse. To Solomon it was the ultimate betrayal.
It’s been ten years since Rebecca’s testimony saw Solomon locked away. Enough time for the nightmares to recede, the nerves to relax; enough time to rebuild her life and put the past behind her.
Then one day a phone rings in her bedroom—but it’s not her phone. Solomon has been in her home, and has a very simple message for her: for each of the ten years he has spent in jail, Rebecca must witness a crime. And, to make matters worse, she has to choose the victims.
Fail to respond and you get hurt. Talk to the police and you die. Ready to play? You have sixty seconds to decide…
As the crimes grow more severe, the victims closer to home, Rebecca is forced to confront a past she had hoped was gone forever.
This was good. Well written and an interesting story that kept you reading. Didn’t get me overly excited but I did enjoy the read. A new author for me. Does contain Domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.
Kindle
Witness
By Caroline Mitchell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Rebecca it was a brave decision that led to her freedom from domestic abuse. To Solomon it was the ultimate betrayal.
It’s been ten years since Rebecca’s testimony saw Solomon locked away. Enough time for the nightmares to recede, the nerves to relax; enough time to rebuild her life and put the past behind her.
Then one day a phone rings in her bedroom—but it’s not her phone. Solomon has been in her home, and has a very simple message for her: for each of the ten years he has spent in jail, Rebecca must witness a crime. And, to make matters worse, she has to choose the victims.
Fail to respond and you get hurt. Talk to the police and you die. Ready to play? You have sixty seconds to decide…
As the crimes grow more severe, the victims closer to home, Rebecca is forced to confront a past she had hoped was gone forever.
This was good. Well written and an interesting story that kept you reading. Didn’t get me overly excited but I did enjoy the read. A new author for me. Does contain Domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.
The Herb Knot
Book
The Hundred Years' War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy … ...
Medieval Historical Fiction
Broken Heart Questioned (Bella and the Beast Master #5)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Solving this mystery could cost Bella and Markus everything… After being away longer than he...
Mystery Novella Paranormal Romance Post Apocalyptic
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Bratva's Vow (Bratva's Undoing #2) in Books
Aug 19, 2025
BRATVA'S VOW is the concluding part of Wren and Maxim's story, although not the end of the series! Phew!!! You really do need to read the first book to fully appreciate this one, so I won't go over the story again, apart from to say that it follows on from the first one.
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** 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 19, 2025
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** 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 19, 2025
Rachel (48 KP) rated The Venetian: This Haunted World: Book 1 in Books
May 27, 2017
A Slow Burn
actually purchased this book by mistake, it's cover is similar to another novel, but I'm glad that I did!
This novel is certainly a slow burn, for the first 20% of it I was highly unimpressed. It felt flimsy and rushed, making it hard to sympathise with the main characters struggles. To be frank - I almost gave up on it. Suddenly, though, the story really kicks in and I read the remainder in one go.
This story is about anger,madness, betrayal and disappointment. It is also about survival, determination and love.
The main stage for the story is an island that is painted so vividly I can almost believe I have been there! The growing suspense and fear is skillfully built to a crescendo, the story woven between different times in just the right way. The ending is very satisfying - not a fairy tale where suddenly everything is perfect but instead a believable end note.
The medical practices described are even more distasteful and repugnant because they actually occurred. In fact a lot were very common sadly.
This would have been a 10/10 review had it not taken so long for the real, meaty story to start. Hopefully others who have purchased this book also continued with it and discovered this gem of a story.
This novel is certainly a slow burn, for the first 20% of it I was highly unimpressed. It felt flimsy and rushed, making it hard to sympathise with the main characters struggles. To be frank - I almost gave up on it. Suddenly, though, the story really kicks in and I read the remainder in one go.
This story is about anger,madness, betrayal and disappointment. It is also about survival, determination and love.
The main stage for the story is an island that is painted so vividly I can almost believe I have been there! The growing suspense and fear is skillfully built to a crescendo, the story woven between different times in just the right way. The ending is very satisfying - not a fairy tale where suddenly everything is perfect but instead a believable end note.
The medical practices described are even more distasteful and repugnant because they actually occurred. In fact a lot were very common sadly.
This would have been a 10/10 review had it not taken so long for the real, meaty story to start. Hopefully others who have purchased this book also continued with it and discovered this gem of a story.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Oh my word! I absolutely adored Carrie Fancett Pagels' work. She is fantabulous with creating her characters in a richly detailed way. The beautiful detail she added to the backdrop of the story really made me feel as though I was on the breathtaking Mackinac Island.
Maude and Ben, and even Jack, quickly stole my heart. Sweet little Jack had me smiling more than once! The betrayal that Maude feels when she sees her "intended" married to another woman, was quickly felt in my heart. But, when she "runs" into Ben, the sparks were there and I loved watching their story unfold.
Ms. Pagels fills this novel with wonderful descriptions to make the story blossom before the reader. The messages from God of forgiveness, hope, faith and love are woven perfectly throughout. This wonderfully chiseled,4 star book kept me turning the pages long into the night and I highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers! The characters, the plot line, the messages will all steal your heart and take you on a whirl wind right through Mackinac Island, leaving you wanting more. Visiting Mackinac Island is now at the top of my bucket list thanks to Ms. Pagels!<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-islandmaudes-mooring-by-carrie-fancett-pagels/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Maude and Ben, and even Jack, quickly stole my heart. Sweet little Jack had me smiling more than once! The betrayal that Maude feels when she sees her "intended" married to another woman, was quickly felt in my heart. But, when she "runs" into Ben, the sparks were there and I loved watching their story unfold.
Ms. Pagels fills this novel with wonderful descriptions to make the story blossom before the reader. The messages from God of forgiveness, hope, faith and love are woven perfectly throughout. This wonderfully chiseled,4 star book kept me turning the pages long into the night and I highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers! The characters, the plot line, the messages will all steal your heart and take you on a whirl wind right through Mackinac Island, leaving you wanting more. Visiting Mackinac Island is now at the top of my bucket list thanks to Ms. Pagels!<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-islandmaudes-mooring-by-carrie-fancett-pagels/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Christine A. (965 KP) rated School Lies in Books
Feb 28, 2019
When I read the description of School Lies by Kimberly G. Giarratano on Goodreads I could not wait to start it. “Guilt, lies, and betrayal–all before first period.” What a great tagline.
Unfortunately I thought the book was just OK, 2 stars using Goodreads’ rating system. There seemed to be a lot left out of the story. It felt as if it was only allowed to be a certain length and much of the story needed to be deleted to fit the length or if this was a second book in a series where I had not read the first book.
I could not relate with the characters and the story felt as if there were gaps in it. I would have stopped reading except the writing was adequate and I did not hate the book. Also, the page was less than 300 pages so I was well into the story and did not have much left before I thought of stopping. The book has a high rating on Goodreads, 4.0, and I would be willing to give Kimberly G. Giarratano a 2nd read but I would not put her at the top of my “authors to try again” list.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/24/19.
Unfortunately I thought the book was just OK, 2 stars using Goodreads’ rating system. There seemed to be a lot left out of the story. It felt as if it was only allowed to be a certain length and much of the story needed to be deleted to fit the length or if this was a second book in a series where I had not read the first book.
I could not relate with the characters and the story felt as if there were gaps in it. I would have stopped reading except the writing was adequate and I did not hate the book. Also, the page was less than 300 pages so I was well into the story and did not have much left before I thought of stopping. The book has a high rating on Goodreads, 4.0, and I would be willing to give Kimberly G. Giarratano a 2nd read but I would not put her at the top of my “authors to try again” list.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/24/19.