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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Altair (Fueled By Lust #11) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
Altair is the eleventh book in the Fueled by Lust series, and we meet up with Altair (plus two) as they seek to end a drug lord who has threatened their own. They are not the only ones after him though, and paths collide in a cellar. Makenna has her own reasons for wanting the drug lord dead, and she isn't happy with someone else showing up and possibly interfering with her mission. However, once she gets a glimpse of Altair, all bets are off. Not only do you get Altair and Makenna's story, but Elianna shows up too, AND we have Lucian and Maxim on hand as well.
Altair is a shorter book than I am used to in the FBL series, and I have to say, I miss the longer story. I understand why, but still, that's my opinion. There is one heck of a lot that goes on in this book, so hang on tight. Celeste Prater's writing is as smooth as ever, with plenty of steam to see you through, whilst losing nothing of the intricate storyline that holds the series together. Once again, Altair proves that the Insedi fall fast and hard, and it lasts. My man Cato makes a small appearance here, and I am pleased to say that he is still head over heels for Luna. #HappyReader!
This series is like a fine wine, it just gets better the longer it goes on. Okay, so that analogy may have fallen flat at the end, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying! This IS a series though, so I would wholeheartedly recommend starting from the very beginning. Not only will you then understand the complete story, but you will also get the chance to meet the rest of the Insedi and fall in love with all of them. Hands off Cato though - he's mine 😉
Absolutely recommended, and bring on the next one!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2018
Altair is a shorter book than I am used to in the FBL series, and I have to say, I miss the longer story. I understand why, but still, that's my opinion. There is one heck of a lot that goes on in this book, so hang on tight. Celeste Prater's writing is as smooth as ever, with plenty of steam to see you through, whilst losing nothing of the intricate storyline that holds the series together. Once again, Altair proves that the Insedi fall fast and hard, and it lasts. My man Cato makes a small appearance here, and I am pleased to say that he is still head over heels for Luna. #HappyReader!
This series is like a fine wine, it just gets better the longer it goes on. Okay, so that analogy may have fallen flat at the end, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying! This IS a series though, so I would wholeheartedly recommend starting from the very beginning. Not only will you then understand the complete story, but you will also get the chance to meet the rest of the Insedi and fall in love with all of them. Hands off Cato though - he's mine 😉
Absolutely recommended, and bring on the next one!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2018

Merissa (13194 KP) rated Bite of Darkness (Shadow Creek #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Bite of Darkness is the second book in the Shadow Creek series. This time we focus on Vuk, who helped Devon out with a few choice words in book one. In his own story though, it's Vuk who is on the receiving end of advice as he turns into a bit of a jerk when he meets his mate. Now, to be fair, I couldn't exactly blame him. His alpha is ill, receiving a mystery transfusion, vampires are involved, the fae are involve, and no one (including Vuk) just exactly who to trust. Now, as it turns out, the vampires have their own reasons for helping out, which Vuk and Ashly get dragged into the middle of.
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!

Romancing the Null (The Outlier Prophecies #1)
Book
An impossible prophecy. An unlikely partnership. They'll have to work together to prevent a...

Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books
Jun 27, 2017
How I learned to Love Reading
I'll be honest I tend to gush over any Harry Potter book because before this series came into my life I refused to read, so it'll always have a special place in my heart.
Though the first book is brilliant. A child can learn he or she is not limited by this world if they are willing to put an effort towards their dreams and do not allow anyone to hold them back. A child can learn how to treat others and how we put ourselves off can alter how people see us. Most of all, a child enters the world where life seems it will amount to nothing and yet Harry enters a magical world he could never dream of (if we forget about Voldemort).
Most of all, parents can enjoy the book and series with their children. This could be reading it together or simply the parent reflecting back on the story as their young child reads it. There are many discussions to be had as well.
Certainly a book you could read over and over again.
Though the first book is brilliant. A child can learn he or she is not limited by this world if they are willing to put an effort towards their dreams and do not allow anyone to hold them back. A child can learn how to treat others and how we put ourselves off can alter how people see us. Most of all, a child enters the world where life seems it will amount to nothing and yet Harry enters a magical world he could never dream of (if we forget about Voldemort).
Most of all, parents can enjoy the book and series with their children. This could be reading it together or simply the parent reflecting back on the story as their young child reads it. There are many discussions to be had as well.
Certainly a book you could read over and over again.

Merissa (13194 KP) rated Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2018
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) by Evelise Archer
Eldridge's Release is the first book in the Club Rebellion series, but it almost feels like it should be book two. Although Johnson and Issy being together is what gets Eldridge to the Club, I would also love to hear more about them and how they got together.
Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.
With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.
* 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!
Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.
With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.
* 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!

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Curse of the Kissing Cousins (A "Where Are They Now" Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Originally titled WITHOUT MERCY, CURSE OF THE KISSING COUSINS is a good start to the series, even with some flaws. The main character/sleuth/nostalgic reporter, Tilda, is smart and likable, funny and realistic - basically, a solid lead (no pun intended, originally :P). The plot is interesting and for the most part, flowed smoothly; the same could be said about the additional characters. My favorites were fanboy Vincent and the kinda-sorta-cliche gay friend/co-worker, Cooper, who both added a lot to the book. Actually, none of the characters were unnecessary or overdone, from the less-than-perfect roommate to the back-stabber at <i>Entertain Me!</i> to the the lecherous computer geek, all contributed to the book as a whole. However, with all the good the book had, there was just something missing, besides Mercy. I can't quite put my finger on it, but even though I really did enjoy the book, there was just something off. The idea behind this series is really cool and I hope it gets better as it goes along. I look forward to WHO KILLED THE PIN-UP QUEEN?
3.5 stars
3.5 stars

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated For Cheddar or Worse (A Cheese Shop Mystery #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Providence is hosting its first annual Cheese Festival, and several people involved in making and selling cheese are coming together to share ideas on the process. Newlyweds Charlotte and Jordan are excited to be a part of it – until Lara Berry shows up. Lara’s public persona hides a truly nasty person underneath, and she is murdered after telling the rest of the group exactly what she thinks of them. Can Charlotte figure out who actually killed Lara?
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
With the covered bridge festival under way, Charlotte has talked Francine and her husband into a photo shoot to help knock an item off Charlotte’s bucket list. However, when they are almost done, they hear gunshots and see a man run out of a field, slide down under the bridge, and collapse. The man turns out to be Francine’s cousin, and she begins poking around to find out what happened. Can she figure it out?
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated A Killer Kebab (Greek to Me Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
With the restaurant closed for the season and most of her family out of town, Georgie figures now is the perfect time to do some much needed renovations on the restrooms. But Georgie comes back to find a dead body in the rubble of one of the bathrooms. The victim is her divorce lawyer, and the police are quick to arrest a former employee of the restaurant. While Russ is not a nice man, Georgie doesn’t think he’s a killer. But what happened to the victim?
With many of the series regulars out of town, it falls to a minor character from the previous books to step up. That’s not a problem since I really enjoyed getting to know Brenda better. The plot twists in some surprising directions, although I do have a couple of niggles with it. The book ties in some of the on going series plot threads, so it is best to read them in order to fully appreciate this book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-killer-kebab-by-susannah.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
With many of the series regulars out of town, it falls to a minor character from the previous books to step up. That’s not a problem since I really enjoyed getting to know Brenda better. The plot twists in some surprising directions, although I do have a couple of niggles with it. The book ties in some of the on going series plot threads, so it is best to read them in order to fully appreciate this book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-killer-kebab-by-susannah.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Merissa (13194 KP) rated The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) by Erin M. Leaf
The Elevator is the first in the Close Proximity series, which from the looks of this book, is going to be short and steamy reads!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* 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!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* 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!