Search
Search results
Rachel King (13 KP) rated On the Prowl (Alpha & Omega, #0.5) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The first story, Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs, is an off-shoot of her Mercy Thompson series. This story focuses on a much-abused female werewolf in Chicago, Anna. The Merrick's son, Charles, comes to end the abuse and inadvertedly rescues her when he discovers that she is a rare Omega werewolf. Despite the short length of the story, Briggs still writes an exceptional story with unique characters and an intriguing plot. I look forward to reading the next full-length book in this new series, Cry Wolf (Alpha and Omega, Book 1).
The second story, Inhuman by Eileen Wilks, takes place in the middle of her Lupi series, but focuses on a woman, Kai, who can see thoughts. She has a secret relationship with her neighbor Nathan, who is not human, and this developments into some interesting events when he strives to protect her from a killer. Though this story ended with a "to be continued," I am intrigued enough that I want the next book, Night Season (The World of the Lupi, Book 4).
The third story, Buying Trouble by Karen Chance, features a minor character in the Dorina Basarab series, Claire. Claire believes she is a "null," a person that nullifies magic within a certain radius. When she discovers that she is to be sold like a slave, a very sexy Lord of the Fey decides to rescue her. The chemistry between Claire and him is far beyond magnetic and has some very interesting consequences for Claire. I was a bit disappointed that Claire does not get any full-length novels, as her story has great potential.
The final story, Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny, is heavy in erotic material and light on plot. The story takes someplace in the middle of the Monere series and resembles Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series in many ways. Though Bishop's writing is superior, there is some uniqueness to this series, such as the use of moon imagery. I may check out the first novel, Mona Lisa Awakening (Monere: Children of the Moon, Book 1).
I like reading anthologies not only to get some extra morsels from my favorite authors, but also to be introduced to new authors without having to commit to an entire full-length novel. While Briggs story was certainly the best of the bunch, the other stories were good reads, and I was glad to be introduced to their styles and stories.
The second story, Inhuman by Eileen Wilks, takes place in the middle of her Lupi series, but focuses on a woman, Kai, who can see thoughts. She has a secret relationship with her neighbor Nathan, who is not human, and this developments into some interesting events when he strives to protect her from a killer. Though this story ended with a "to be continued," I am intrigued enough that I want the next book, Night Season (The World of the Lupi, Book 4).
The third story, Buying Trouble by Karen Chance, features a minor character in the Dorina Basarab series, Claire. Claire believes she is a "null," a person that nullifies magic within a certain radius. When she discovers that she is to be sold like a slave, a very sexy Lord of the Fey decides to rescue her. The chemistry between Claire and him is far beyond magnetic and has some very interesting consequences for Claire. I was a bit disappointed that Claire does not get any full-length novels, as her story has great potential.
The final story, Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny, is heavy in erotic material and light on plot. The story takes someplace in the middle of the Monere series and resembles Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series in many ways. Though Bishop's writing is superior, there is some uniqueness to this series, such as the use of moon imagery. I may check out the first novel, Mona Lisa Awakening (Monere: Children of the Moon, Book 1).
I like reading anthologies not only to get some extra morsels from my favorite authors, but also to be introduced to new authors without having to commit to an entire full-length novel. While Briggs story was certainly the best of the bunch, the other stories were good reads, and I was glad to be introduced to their styles and stories.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated The First Secret (Hidden Portals Trilogy #2) in Books
May 24, 2019
The First Secret (Hidden Portals Trilogy #2) by Maya Daniels
The First Secret is the second book in the Hidden Portals Trilogy, and there is no second-book-slump with this little beauty.
This is Fern and Iris' story, and we are able to catch up with Raphael and Artemis too. I love Iris, and have done from book one. She is sassy, has an attitude, and isn't afraid to stand up for herself against 'others'. Fern fights his attraction to Iris, fearing her to be the same as Lazarus. It takes a while, and some 'advice' from others, plus a near death experience before he realises he is an ass. And don't we all love it when that happens?!
Once again, this story is complete by itself, but it does lead you nicely to the next book. As with all Maya Daniels books, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I love her world-building, and the characters are just amazing. I am loving this series, and have no hesitation in recommending both the book and the series.
* 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 Fern and Iris' story, and we are able to catch up with Raphael and Artemis too. I love Iris, and have done from book one. She is sassy, has an attitude, and isn't afraid to stand up for herself against 'others'. Fern fights his attraction to Iris, fearing her to be the same as Lazarus. It takes a while, and some 'advice' from others, plus a near death experience before he realises he is an ass. And don't we all love it when that happens?!
Once again, this story is complete by itself, but it does lead you nicely to the next book. As with all Maya Daniels books, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I love her world-building, and the characters are just amazing. I am loving this series, and have no hesitation in recommending both the book and the series.
* 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!
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Three Dark Crowns in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I've rated this book 3 stars since I couldnt give it a mid range 2.5 stars. But it was a mid range 2.5 book. I HATED the beginning of this book. There was so much .. what the heck is happening .. happening in this book that I hated every second of it. I hate books with maps (not saying I hate all of them, there are a few that I like) but there was such a world being spun that I felt lost from the very beginning.
It took me until 3/4 of the way through the book to get a true feel of the world, and I just don't feel like that's a makings of a nice world - however, once that point hit in the book I felt like there was something there that I was enjoying, probably the darkness of it. However, did I enjoy it enough to carry on with the series, I'm unsure.
My favourite character by far was Kat - especially the end, though the very very last line of the book has me questioning life, so perhaps I'd change my mind about things - and continue on with the series to see where things are taken. Though if there's more tradition and whatnot crap to read I don't think I'd keep going after a few pages.. boy was that boring...........................................
It took me until 3/4 of the way through the book to get a true feel of the world, and I just don't feel like that's a makings of a nice world - however, once that point hit in the book I felt like there was something there that I was enjoying, probably the darkness of it. However, did I enjoy it enough to carry on with the series, I'm unsure.
My favourite character by far was Kat - especially the end, though the very very last line of the book has me questioning life, so perhaps I'd change my mind about things - and continue on with the series to see where things are taken. Though if there's more tradition and whatnot crap to read I don't think I'd keep going after a few pages.. boy was that boring...........................................
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Broken Girl vs Fix-It Boy (Forever Love #2) in Books
Oct 21, 2019
Broken Girl vs Fix-It Boy is the second book in the Forever Love series, and is a continuation from their first book.
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Bianca, this book details the struggles Harper is facing, with how her grief is affecting her ways the others don't really see as they are too busy trying to sort out their own feelings. Tane and Harper's road is definitely a bumpy one but I am hoping they will work things out together. As for Bianca, I really can't wait for her story. I'm still not a big fan of Stacy, but I can see she is trying. She just needs to realise (which I think she has at the end of this book) that Bianca is a different person. I also can't wait for Stacy to open her eyes, but that's another story.
This is a touching, emotional book that is excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. An excellent addition to the series that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Bianca, this book details the struggles Harper is facing, with how her grief is affecting her ways the others don't really see as they are too busy trying to sort out their own feelings. Tane and Harper's road is definitely a bumpy one but I am hoping they will work things out together. As for Bianca, I really can't wait for her story. I'm still not a big fan of Stacy, but I can see she is trying. She just needs to realise (which I think she has at the end of this book) that Bianca is a different person. I also can't wait for Stacy to open her eyes, but that's another story.
This is a touching, emotional book that is excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. An excellent addition to the series that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Endless Mercy (The Treasures of Nome, #2) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
I totally enjoyed this story! It is my first time reading a book by both Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse writing together (I have read them separately!). It is the second book in their Treasures of Nome series, and I believe it can be read as a standalone since I personally did not read the first book and I was not lost in this one.
I thought that both authors brought so much to this story and that it flowed just like a story should. Immersing you in with details, emotions, and best of all relatable characters. Endless Mercy is about what its name implies; God’s endless mercy on us and how we are called to show that same mercy time and time again. The characters were realistic, and I liked their thought processes and communications in this book. I also truly enjoyed the setting of Alaska (I mean come on, it’s ALASKA), the small-town community, and the emphasis on family always being there for you through the thick and thin. A great book that I enjoyed, I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series (and going back to read the first!).
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I thought that both authors brought so much to this story and that it flowed just like a story should. Immersing you in with details, emotions, and best of all relatable characters. Endless Mercy is about what its name implies; God’s endless mercy on us and how we are called to show that same mercy time and time again. The characters were realistic, and I liked their thought processes and communications in this book. I also truly enjoyed the setting of Alaska (I mean come on, it’s ALASKA), the small-town community, and the emphasis on family always being there for you through the thick and thin. A great book that I enjoyed, I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series (and going back to read the first!).
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated The Blood King (Inferno Rising #2) in Books
Aug 11, 2020
The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising series and we continue with Skylar and Ladon's story. I would definitely suggest you read this as a series as parts of this story pertain to book one. Also, you would miss out on Brand and Kasia's brilliant story if you didn't read book one!
Abigail Owen has managed to write a story that focuses on the main characters whilst also giving you updates on those you already know, plus giving new information on characters yet to share their story. This is, without any doubt, Skylar and Ladon's book and yet we're kept up to date with Kasia and move forward with Angelika and Meira - whose books I CANNOT WAIT FOR!!!
The settings and individual characters remain absolutely brilliant. I loved how this story wove together Sky and Ladon, highlighting how good they are for each other even though neither of them expected it. The story moves along at a fair pace and the overall story arc is just getting more interesting!
A fun, hot, and gripping book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Abigail Owen has managed to write a story that focuses on the main characters whilst also giving you updates on those you already know, plus giving new information on characters yet to share their story. This is, without any doubt, Skylar and Ladon's book and yet we're kept up to date with Kasia and move forward with Angelika and Meira - whose books I CANNOT WAIT FOR!!!
The settings and individual characters remain absolutely brilliant. I loved how this story wove together Sky and Ladon, highlighting how good they are for each other even though neither of them expected it. The story moves along at a fair pace and the overall story arc is just getting more interesting!
A fun, hot, and gripping book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Pieces of You (Missing Pieces #1) in Books
May 26, 2020
Pieces of You is the first book in the Missing Pieces series and, let me tell you, N.R. Walker does not pull any punches here. No sirree. This is a gentle book with only remembered steam which, once you read it, makes perfect sense. It is an emotional book. I think I read most of it with a lump in my throat but whenever Justin said something or couldn't remember Dallas, it grew a little bit larger!
The writing is smooth and the contemporary setting all too believable. The supporting characters provide a bit of light relief whilst providing a back-up system to Dallas. There is not a single superfluous scene or character in this book. Everyone and everything has been placed for a reason.
This is the first book in the series so you only get a HFN ending. It finishes on a bright, hopeful note though so that's something. Who knows what the future holds for Dallas and Justin. It won't be easy no matter what but I seriously can't wait to continue their fabulous story. Highly recommended by me.
* 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 writing is smooth and the contemporary setting all too believable. The supporting characters provide a bit of light relief whilst providing a back-up system to Dallas. There is not a single superfluous scene or character in this book. Everyone and everything has been placed for a reason.
This is the first book in the series so you only get a HFN ending. It finishes on a bright, hopeful note though so that's something. Who knows what the future holds for Dallas and Justin. It won't be easy no matter what but I seriously can't wait to continue their fabulous story. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Seekers (Amish Cooking Class, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
I absolutely love Wanda Brunstetter and her work. I was so excited to get the chance to read and review this book, her first in the Amish Cooking Class series. Setting down to read it, I knew I would be in for fun, but just how much, I had no idea! This book is filled with laughter, romance, faith, hope, inspiration and lots of gut cooking!
Ms. Brunstetter once again creates a novel filled with heart warming characters, plot lines that keep you hooked and messages woven that will leave you thinking and reflecting long after the book is closed. All the characters within this novel face a different challenge in their lives, but through faith and coming together to cook, Ms. Brunstetter sends us on a ride that leaves us smiling at these characters that have come to try and learn to cook.
This is beyond a 5 star book. It's the first of the series, and I'm already wishing I had book 2, The Blessing. If you are looking for a fast paced, inspirational book about the simple life, look no further than this fabulous book. As a bonus, you'll get some great recipes from the teacher in the book! Yum! Bravo, once again, Ms. Brunstetter. Bravo.<a href="http://cafinatedread.com/2017/03/13/barbour-review-crew-review-the-seekers-by-wanda-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Ms. Brunstetter once again creates a novel filled with heart warming characters, plot lines that keep you hooked and messages woven that will leave you thinking and reflecting long after the book is closed. All the characters within this novel face a different challenge in their lives, but through faith and coming together to cook, Ms. Brunstetter sends us on a ride that leaves us smiling at these characters that have come to try and learn to cook.
This is beyond a 5 star book. It's the first of the series, and I'm already wishing I had book 2, The Blessing. If you are looking for a fast paced, inspirational book about the simple life, look no further than this fabulous book. As a bonus, you'll get some great recipes from the teacher in the book! Yum! Bravo, once again, Ms. Brunstetter. Bravo.<a href="http://cafinatedread.com/2017/03/13/barbour-review-crew-review-the-seekers-by-wanda-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Harp's Voice (Harp's Song, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the first book leaves off. Cassie Shine doesn't miss a beat on this book. She continues the story of Harp with even more emotion, and heart wrenching detail than the first book in the series.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Never an Amish Bride in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Ever heard the saying once you read one you have read them all? Well, that is what my husband told me when he saw that I was reading an Amish book. He said, “How many differences can you see in the Amish, isn’t the point that the Amish are plain, as in nothing ever happens with them?”. I dropped my book. Case in point, Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London.
This book is the first in a series and I loved the introduction to all the characters. This Never an Amish Bride is different and intriguing. I loved Ophelia London’ s character variations, their emotions were realistic and not over-dramatized, and the conflicts were believable. Both Lucas and Esther were engaging characters that I loved reading about. Ophelia London engaged my emotions in this book and appealed to my heart.
The main themes of this book are Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness. Ophelia London did a great job of showing those themes through the eyes of her characters. I particularly liked how Lucas handled the trials he went through; I wish I could handle situations as well as him.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative characters, the interesting storyline, and for making me look forward to the next book in the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This book is the first in a series and I loved the introduction to all the characters. This Never an Amish Bride is different and intriguing. I loved Ophelia London’ s character variations, their emotions were realistic and not over-dramatized, and the conflicts were believable. Both Lucas and Esther were engaging characters that I loved reading about. Ophelia London engaged my emotions in this book and appealed to my heart.
The main themes of this book are Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness. Ophelia London did a great job of showing those themes through the eyes of her characters. I particularly liked how Lucas handled the trials he went through; I wish I could handle situations as well as him.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative characters, the interesting storyline, and for making me look forward to the next book in the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.