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Merissa (12911 KP) rated Beyond the Black Mist (The Familiar Curse #2) in Books
Mar 19, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
BEYOND THE BLACK MIST is the second book in The Familiar's Curse series, and we continue with Dante and Juliet's story. Both of them are separated, and in places where they don't want to be. With all the fear and mistrust, how will they ever be together?
You really do need to read book one as this is a series, not a bunch of standalones. We are introduced to new characters, and well as being reunited with old ones. And, I'm afraid to say, Nicholas doesn't get any nicer in this one! Pops, though. Aww, I want one of my own.
Anyway, moving on. For most of the book, Juliet and Dante are working towards being together, and when they do, it's lovely, but not over the top. There is a twist at the end that you may have seen coming. It certainly crossed my mind but then I thought 'no'. LOL Guess I was wrong!
A brilliant continuation of the story, with some major changes in one particular character. I know who I want to end up with her, but I will wait to see. I love being surprised.
Absolutely fantastic, a great addition to the series, and definitely 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!
Mar 19, 2021
You really do need to read book one as this is a series, not a bunch of standalones. We are introduced to new characters, and well as being reunited with old ones. And, I'm afraid to say, Nicholas doesn't get any nicer in this one! Pops, though. Aww, I want one of my own.
Anyway, moving on. For most of the book, Juliet and Dante are working towards being together, and when they do, it's lovely, but not over the top. There is a twist at the end that you may have seen coming. It certainly crossed my mind but then I thought 'no'. LOL Guess I was wrong!
A brilliant continuation of the story, with some major changes in one particular character. I know who I want to end up with her, but I will wait to see. I love being surprised.
Absolutely fantastic, a great addition to the series, and definitely 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!
Mar 19, 2021
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Cross Current (Olympic Cove #4) in Books
Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
CROSS CURRENT is the fourth book in the Olympic Cove series, and we find ourselves back in the war against Thetis. Matt has just finalised his divorce and is having downtime before he returns to his teaching job. So imagine his surprise when three Selkies and a Mer turn up on his doorstep. Oh, and his neighbours are gods, by the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the individuality of having a pentad, and how it worked for them. However, I didn't have as much of a connection with Matt and the others, as I have had in previous books. As I've said, I enjoyed how their relationship worked for them, but being as Matt was with Fionn and Ailith, I don't feel like I knew Duncan or Ceit as much as I wanted to.
This book does move the overall story arc along, but you could also read it as a standalone, as it is pretty much self-explanatory. I think this is a good addition to the series, but it just didn't grab me as much as the others. I still highly recommend it though, and I can't wait for the next book in 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!
Mar 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the individuality of having a pentad, and how it worked for them. However, I didn't have as much of a connection with Matt and the others, as I have had in previous books. As I've said, I enjoyed how their relationship worked for them, but being as Matt was with Fionn and Ailith, I don't feel like I knew Duncan or Ceit as much as I wanted to.
This book does move the overall story arc along, but you could also read it as a standalone, as it is pretty much self-explanatory. I think this is a good addition to the series, but it just didn't grab me as much as the others. I still highly recommend it though, and I can't wait for the next book in 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!
Mar 3, 2021
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Lantern (Danubian #1) in Books
Aug 16, 2023
LANTERN is the first book in the Danubian series, and we head to the future where we have gone back to the Dark Ages.
Wren has always known he would leave the Monastery and his lovers behind at some point, but when that time comes, he finds it harder than expected. Not only that, but the solitude of being high in the mountains with only a dog for company, is more than he can bear. Luckily for him, Uli comes along and it's a healthy dose of insta-love for both of them.
There is a lot of world-building and explanations of the spiritual side in this book, as you would expect from the first book in a series. I was enthralled by the descriptions of how life was, but would have liked more about Wren interacting with the villagers and trying to adjust to his new way of life, rather than his constant lamentations about being lonely. I would also have liked more descriptions of Ev and Soren and their relationship with Uli.
On the whole, though, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to read the next in the series. 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!
Aug 16, 2023
Wren has always known he would leave the Monastery and his lovers behind at some point, but when that time comes, he finds it harder than expected. Not only that, but the solitude of being high in the mountains with only a dog for company, is more than he can bear. Luckily for him, Uli comes along and it's a healthy dose of insta-love for both of them.
There is a lot of world-building and explanations of the spiritual side in this book, as you would expect from the first book in a series. I was enthralled by the descriptions of how life was, but would have liked more about Wren interacting with the villagers and trying to adjust to his new way of life, rather than his constant lamentations about being lonely. I would also have liked more descriptions of Ev and Soren and their relationship with Uli.
On the whole, though, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to read the next in the series. 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!
Aug 16, 2023
Sam (74 KP) rated The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Jerome is a lovely man who has the Baudelaires best interests in mind. Esmé, on the other hand, has the orphans for a style purpose and nothing more. To her, the orphans are expendable items, just something else she will get rid of within an instant if it goes out of fashion.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Barking with the Stars in Books
Apr 13, 2020
A Star is Dead
Pet therapist Caro Lamont is working with the stars and dogs who are part of the Barking with the Stars fundraiser, which is raising money for an organization that provides service dogs to soldiers who have returned from war. The biggest celebrity is Purple, an internationally famous pop star. But a few days before the big event, Purple is found dead. The police suspect foul play and are looking at Caro’s ex-husband. Geoffrey is many things, but a killer is one of them, right?
This series is always fun, and this book is no exception. The plot moves forward well, and Caro keeps digging until she puts things together in the end. I did feel like one plot point got forgotten as the book went forward, but that is a minor complaint. The characters are great. Caro and a few others seem very real, but the rest can be eccentric. They work in the series and provide some fun laughs, especially Betty. The series storylines advance as well, and I enjoyed getting those updates. This is another fun entry in a very fun series.
This series is always fun, and this book is no exception. The plot moves forward well, and Caro keeps digging until she puts things together in the end. I did feel like one plot point got forgotten as the book went forward, but that is a minor complaint. The characters are great. Caro and a few others seem very real, but the rest can be eccentric. They work in the series and provide some fun laughs, especially Betty. The series storylines advance as well, and I enjoyed getting those updates. This is another fun entry in a very fun series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Verse and Vengeance (A Magical Bookshop Mystery #4) in Books
Sep 7, 2021
Weak Plot but Charming Characters
Violet Waverly is upset to see that PI Joel Redding is back in town, and once again staking out Charming Books, trying to learn about the secret of the bookstore. But when he is killed during the first annual Tour de Cascade Springs bike race, she begins to wonder what else he was up to. Will the investigation lead back to Violet’s secret? Why does the bookstore keep putting copies of Walt Whitman’s poetry in her path?
I really enjoyed the third book in the series earlier this year, so I sat down looking forward to this one. Sadly, the mystery disappointed. While there are some developments, the pacing could have been better. Then, in the rush to wrap things up, a major part of the mystery remains unexplained. I don’t normally read paranormal cozies, but I do enjoy the magical essence of this series. We get some additional mythology here, which I appreciated. Likewise, the series characters continue to grow, as do their relationships. Series fans will still enjoy this book even if the mystery could be stronger.
I really enjoyed the third book in the series earlier this year, so I sat down looking forward to this one. Sadly, the mystery disappointed. While there are some developments, the pacing could have been better. Then, in the rush to wrap things up, a major part of the mystery remains unexplained. I don’t normally read paranormal cozies, but I do enjoy the magical essence of this series. We get some additional mythology here, which I appreciated. Likewise, the series characters continue to grow, as do their relationships. Series fans will still enjoy this book even if the mystery could be stronger.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Bridal Girl in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Kim and Nicholas are about to get married. It's seven months until their wedding day and Kim is under a lot of stress with all that has to be done. Not only is she in the middle of planning her wedding, she is also just coming off releasing her first book and is working on the second. As part of her two-book deal with her publisher, she has to have a rough draft of the book in right before her nuptials. Will Kim and Nicholas be able to have the wedding they both dream of, or will the stress of everything going on be too much for them to handle?
Thank you to NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Wedding season is among us. From now through the beginning of fall, finding a ballroom, limousine, or a bakery may prove very difficult.
Bridal Girl is the third book in the Blogger Girl Series. I have not read the other books in the series, but I did purchase them while reading this book. Kim Long is a blogger turned author. With such high success of her blog she decided to go ahead and write a book, the previous books give you details about this journey for Kim. Her first book was recently published and is up for it's second printing run. If Kim can stop looking at all of the negative reviews and focus on what is in front of her, she may be able to get book two out in time.
Luckily for Kim she has Nicholas. Nicholas and Kim are perfect together, they are each other support system. When Kim is overwhelmed with trying to find a dress that not only she will love, but that the rest of her bridal party agrees on too, Nicholas is there to be the shoulder to cry on and even offers to go dress shopping with her.
With ex-girlfriends, pregnancy, writers's block, frenemies, new editors, and life in general, will it all be too much for Kim to handle?
Get this book for your entire bridal party, for your friend getting married this year, for those thinking about writing a book. Heck, get the whole series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Wedding season is among us. From now through the beginning of fall, finding a ballroom, limousine, or a bakery may prove very difficult.
Bridal Girl is the third book in the Blogger Girl Series. I have not read the other books in the series, but I did purchase them while reading this book. Kim Long is a blogger turned author. With such high success of her blog she decided to go ahead and write a book, the previous books give you details about this journey for Kim. Her first book was recently published and is up for it's second printing run. If Kim can stop looking at all of the negative reviews and focus on what is in front of her, she may be able to get book two out in time.
Luckily for Kim she has Nicholas. Nicholas and Kim are perfect together, they are each other support system. When Kim is overwhelmed with trying to find a dress that not only she will love, but that the rest of her bridal party agrees on too, Nicholas is there to be the shoulder to cry on and even offers to go dress shopping with her.
With ex-girlfriends, pregnancy, writers's block, frenemies, new editors, and life in general, will it all be too much for Kim to handle?
Get this book for your entire bridal party, for your friend getting married this year, for those thinking about writing a book. Heck, get the whole series.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated North! or Be Eaten (The WingFeather Saga #2) in Books
Jun 12, 2020
North! Or Be Eaten is the second book of this Wingfeather Saga series. Though we start in Glipwood forest it seems like we get a bit about Tink and Janner and the Igiby family. I would suggest reading book 1 first. Though, I only got book 2. It was just as good without needing to read book 1. Though, I think it would be best if you want to know how and why we start where we do in “North!, or Be Eaten.”
We seem to be following Janner the most throughout the book. Though we get glimpses Tink. It seems that both Tink and Janner are what this book is about. Though the way Igiby family acts will they be able to survive.
What will happen to Janner and Tink and Leeli? Will they be able to stick together. Will they be killed by the Fang of Dang or the Stranders? I got the feeling something is up with their grandfather. Who wants the Igiby grandfather?
Will the sibling embrace their special talent or gifts? Will they allow Fangs and Gnag the nameless and others to betray them. It was an enjoyable read. Though a bit of it made me take a while to read. Once you get into the book it adventure of a ride.
The images that are drawn are wonderful. I love them. The author does a wonderful job of writing the story. I was more surprised at how it ends. There are quite a few twisted and turns throughout the book. Young adults and children will enjoy this book/ series. Good for middle-grade children and up.
The book is really clean and teaches some lessons as well as throughout the book. You would be surprised that this teaches about the importance of family, grace, friendship, trust, and sibling rivalry
We seem to be following Janner the most throughout the book. Though we get glimpses Tink. It seems that both Tink and Janner are what this book is about. Though the way Igiby family acts will they be able to survive.
What will happen to Janner and Tink and Leeli? Will they be able to stick together. Will they be killed by the Fang of Dang or the Stranders? I got the feeling something is up with their grandfather. Who wants the Igiby grandfather?
Will the sibling embrace their special talent or gifts? Will they allow Fangs and Gnag the nameless and others to betray them. It was an enjoyable read. Though a bit of it made me take a while to read. Once you get into the book it adventure of a ride.
The images that are drawn are wonderful. I love them. The author does a wonderful job of writing the story. I was more surprised at how it ends. There are quite a few twisted and turns throughout the book. Young adults and children will enjoy this book/ series. Good for middle-grade children and up.
The book is really clean and teaches some lessons as well as throughout the book. You would be surprised that this teaches about the importance of family, grace, friendship, trust, and sibling rivalry
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Fire in the Rain (Wraidd Elfennol #4) in Books
Aug 27, 2020
Fire in the Rain is the fourth and final book in the Wraidd Elfennol series and brings this fantastical series to a fitting end.
Afon and Necia are a married couple, which makes a nice change, who have been together for five years. They are both Chosen to bring back the balance once more although Necia copes with it easier than Afon does.
Just the same as with Of Land and Sky, time has moved on and we meet the great-grandchildren of Bran and Shyla, Rhosyn and Opal. I love how past characters are brought into the story whilst each story stands by itself, although I would recommend reading them as a series as there is an overall story arc.
This book has a faster pace than the others but it is just as nail-biting in places. Packed full of emotions, this story deals with self-confidence and self-worth as well as other subjects.
This has been a full-on fantasy series that I have thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to all fantasy lovers, especially if you have a love of Welsh mythology.
"The one thing that always remained true, no matter what other change occurred, was the love to be found within the silence of beats of the heart of Wraidd Elfennol."
* 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!
Afon and Necia are a married couple, which makes a nice change, who have been together for five years. They are both Chosen to bring back the balance once more although Necia copes with it easier than Afon does.
Just the same as with Of Land and Sky, time has moved on and we meet the great-grandchildren of Bran and Shyla, Rhosyn and Opal. I love how past characters are brought into the story whilst each story stands by itself, although I would recommend reading them as a series as there is an overall story arc.
This book has a faster pace than the others but it is just as nail-biting in places. Packed full of emotions, this story deals with self-confidence and self-worth as well as other subjects.
This has been a full-on fantasy series that I have thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to all fantasy lovers, especially if you have a love of Welsh mythology.
"The one thing that always remained true, no matter what other change occurred, was the love to be found within the silence of beats of the heart of Wraidd Elfennol."
* 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 (12911 KP) rated The Trail Boss and the Brat (Farthingdale Ranch #6) in Books
Mar 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)
THE TRAIL BOSS AND THE BRAT is the sixth and final book in the Farthingdale Ranch series and we finally get Quint's story.
Quint is set in his ways and tells himself that Brody and Kit are all he needs. Ashley, a poor little rich boy-brat, arrives on the scene to shake that belief. Ashley has lost the only person who believed in him and encouraged him to be his own person. She left him a gift of time at Farthingdale Ranch. He books up but doesn't pay attention to what is required of him, leading to a dangerous situation for him and Quint.
This does allow them time to get to know each other, though. Quint realises there may be more to Ashley than he first thought and soon starts to imagine all the possibilities life may be offering him.
This was a great finale to the series and also offered up an answer to what happened to two characters from a book that links to this series. I loved that part! I'd always wanted to know and thought I never would. I will admit to my eyes leaking at that part!
A great end to a fantastic series. Brilliant stories, one and all, and absolutely 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!
Mar 18, 2022
Quint is set in his ways and tells himself that Brody and Kit are all he needs. Ashley, a poor little rich boy-brat, arrives on the scene to shake that belief. Ashley has lost the only person who believed in him and encouraged him to be his own person. She left him a gift of time at Farthingdale Ranch. He books up but doesn't pay attention to what is required of him, leading to a dangerous situation for him and Quint.
This does allow them time to get to know each other, though. Quint realises there may be more to Ashley than he first thought and soon starts to imagine all the possibilities life may be offering him.
This was a great finale to the series and also offered up an answer to what happened to two characters from a book that links to this series. I loved that part! I'd always wanted to know and thought I never would. I will admit to my eyes leaking at that part!
A great end to a fantastic series. Brilliant stories, one and all, and absolutely 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!
Mar 18, 2022