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Merissa (12894 KP) rated Midnight Redemption (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #6) in Books
Apr 21, 2020
Midnight Redemption is the finale of the Bonded by Blood series and you are in for an explosive, non-stop-action read!
Although you could read this as a standalone, I do believe you would get the most out of it if you do read it as a series. After all, characters and previous lives are mentioned (some in great detail) so I think it would help to know just what is going on and who is who!
Anyway, things have changed a lot since the last book. Broderick buried himself in a crypt, thinking he was doing the right thing. Anthony has been carrying on with the business. Davina thought her mum was insane and said mum ended up in a mental hospital. Phew! And into that numerous characters from other books including the Norse Wolves (yey!!!!) and there really is so much going on.
This is one helluva finale! One I have waited for and am NOT disappointed in the result. The only thing I would say is that because of the previous lives mentioned I sometimes got confused. All that means though is that I will be re-reading this as a complete series now it is complete - to get the full enjoyment, you understand!
Midnight Eclipse is still my favourite in the series but this one comes a close second. Absolutely 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!
Although you could read this as a standalone, I do believe you would get the most out of it if you do read it as a series. After all, characters and previous lives are mentioned (some in great detail) so I think it would help to know just what is going on and who is who!
Anyway, things have changed a lot since the last book. Broderick buried himself in a crypt, thinking he was doing the right thing. Anthony has been carrying on with the business. Davina thought her mum was insane and said mum ended up in a mental hospital. Phew! And into that numerous characters from other books including the Norse Wolves (yey!!!!) and there really is so much going on.
This is one helluva finale! One I have waited for and am NOT disappointed in the result. The only thing I would say is that because of the previous lives mentioned I sometimes got confused. All that means though is that I will be re-reading this as a complete series now it is complete - to get the full enjoyment, you understand!
Midnight Eclipse is still my favourite in the series but this one comes a close second. Absolutely 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Nacho Average Murder in Books
Jul 2, 2020
Vacation with Murder
Robbie Jordan is taking a well-deserved vacation and heading back to Santa Barbara for her high school reunion. This is the first time she’s been back since her mother died, and it is definitely a struggle for her even before she hears a rumor that her mother might not have died from natural causes. When someone else dies under similar circumstances, Robbie can’t help but investigate. Will she learn the truth before she has to return home?
Vacation books can be tricky to pull off while satisfying fans. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work. I enjoyed seeing a different side of Robbie as she interacted with her old friends, and I did like the new characters. However, I missed the series regulars. The plot wasn’t as strong as it could have been, although things were wrapped up by the time we reached the end. I enjoyed spotting the parallels between where Robbie stayed and her own place back in Indiana. Instead of my normal breakfast food cravings while reading this book, I was left craving Mexican food, which I didn’t mind in the least. The recipes at the end will help everyone with that. As a fan of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone mysteries, I enjoyed the references to that series in this book. If you are a fan of the Country Store Mysteries, you’ll still want to pick up this book. But if you are new to the series, back up and read the earlier entries in the series.
Vacation books can be tricky to pull off while satisfying fans. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work. I enjoyed seeing a different side of Robbie as she interacted with her old friends, and I did like the new characters. However, I missed the series regulars. The plot wasn’t as strong as it could have been, although things were wrapped up by the time we reached the end. I enjoyed spotting the parallels between where Robbie stayed and her own place back in Indiana. Instead of my normal breakfast food cravings while reading this book, I was left craving Mexican food, which I didn’t mind in the least. The recipes at the end will help everyone with that. As a fan of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone mysteries, I enjoyed the references to that series in this book. If you are a fan of the Country Store Mysteries, you’ll still want to pick up this book. But if you are new to the series, back up and read the earlier entries in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Bronzed Betrayals in Books
Feb 13, 2021 (Updated Feb 13, 2021)
The Unexpected Body in Laurel’s Room
Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes are enjoying a night out together. Well, that might be an exaggeration since they are at a party they aren’t enjoying. However, it provides the perfect cover for an art recovery that the two have planned. That recovery doesn’t go as planned, but the night really spins out of control when Laurel returns to her hotel room to find a dead body. She knows the victim, but who killed the person? Are they trying to frame Laurel?
As always with this series, I have to warn you not to jump in here. There are so many ongoing plot threads that you won’t fully appreciate what happens here if you do – not to mention the twists that will be spoiled from earlier books. Fans of the series will be very happy with this book. There is plenty of action to keep them glued to the page, and the advancement we get on the ongoing stories is satisfying. All this while providing us with a beginning, middle, and end to the story told here. I went into the book thinking that this was the final book of the series, but clearly that won’t be the case with the plot threads that were left open and the cliffhanger we get. Meanwhile, the characters are showing some maturity, which I enjoyed. When you are in the mood for a cozy caper, I highly recommend this series. If you are already a fan, you’ll enjoy this chapter in Laurel’s story.
As always with this series, I have to warn you not to jump in here. There are so many ongoing plot threads that you won’t fully appreciate what happens here if you do – not to mention the twists that will be spoiled from earlier books. Fans of the series will be very happy with this book. There is plenty of action to keep them glued to the page, and the advancement we get on the ongoing stories is satisfying. All this while providing us with a beginning, middle, and end to the story told here. I went into the book thinking that this was the final book of the series, but clearly that won’t be the case with the plot threads that were left open and the cliffhanger we get. Meanwhile, the characters are showing some maturity, which I enjoyed. When you are in the mood for a cozy caper, I highly recommend this series. If you are already a fan, you’ll enjoy this chapter in Laurel’s story.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Fighting Faete (Beyond The Veil #5) in Books
Nov 20, 2023
Fighting Faete is the fifth book in the Beyond The Veil series, and this series shows no signs of slacking. Each story is wonderful as a standalone, but together, they are brilliant. Kat is the Beta, and as such she knows very few men that are more dominant than her, and even less that she would like to mate with. She pits herself against bigger, tougher opponents, just to see if she will find someone more dominant. What she doesn't know is she already has her mates, and they are JUST as dominant. Kat needs to figure out how to have a relationship WITH them, and they need to figure out how to deal with someone as strong and sassy as Kat is.
This story is a welcome addition to the series. I've wanted Kat's story ever since she ran from Aeron and Alak. Before they get together is laugh-out-loud funny, but once they get together, the sparks fly even more. Well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, Fighting Faete is an action-packed story, with highs and lows and surprises. The pacing is smooth, with no jarring at any time. A great addition to the series, and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 11, 2018
This story is a welcome addition to the series. I've wanted Kat's story ever since she ran from Aeron and Alak. Before they get together is laugh-out-loud funny, but once they get together, the sparks fly even more. Well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, Fighting Faete is an action-packed story, with highs and lows and surprises. The pacing is smooth, with no jarring at any time. A great addition to the series, and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 11, 2018
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dead Man's Hand in Books
Nov 29, 2023 (Updated Nov 29, 2023)
The Chip in the Dead Man’s Hand
The cold, snowy weather that Flat Skunk, California is having this January doesn’t hide a dead body, especially since the body is found hanging in front of one of the stores in town. While it would be easy to rule it an obvious suicide, the sheriff finds evidence that leads him to believe it is murder. Naturally, Connor Westphal sees the chance to get a big news story for her paper, but she can’t get a handle on the story. What is the meaning of the chip from the nearby Indian casino found in the victim’s hand? Or does the victim’s drug dealing have anything to do with his death?
This book didn't have quite the feel of the other books in the series, and some of the regulars were absent or weren't around much. Having said that, I did still enjoy seeing Connor one last time. She makes an interesting and strong main character. I also enjoyed getting to see more of her service dog. The plot was strong and I didn't see the ending coming at all. I enjoyed seeing how things had changed for deaf people even in the short time between when the series started and this book, which came out in 2007. There is much more foul language than is typical for a cozy. This is the final book in the series, and I really liked where Connor wound up. I'm sure that other fans of the series will be happy as well.
This book didn't have quite the feel of the other books in the series, and some of the regulars were absent or weren't around much. Having said that, I did still enjoy seeing Connor one last time. She makes an interesting and strong main character. I also enjoyed getting to see more of her service dog. The plot was strong and I didn't see the ending coming at all. I enjoyed seeing how things had changed for deaf people even in the short time between when the series started and this book, which came out in 2007. There is much more foul language than is typical for a cozy. This is the final book in the series, and I really liked where Connor wound up. I'm sure that other fans of the series will be happy as well.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jun 5, 2022
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Notes of Unspoken Words (Ruined & Relinquished #1) in Books
Oct 26, 2023
NOTES OF UNSPOKEN WORDS is the first book in the Ruined & Relinquished series, although some characters from a different series also have cameos.
In this one, Casper and Reed are step-brothers who are in love with each other, although both will deny it. This leads to a traumatic relationship for both of them. When they're on the way home from a tour, Sunshiney Reed rescues a man from the street. Grumpy Casper decides to stay at Reed's home until he knows the man, Elic, can be trusted. Elic turns out to be the catalyst needed to make Casper and Reed realise just what they've got together, and how Elic can be included in that.
This story was easy to read with wonderful characters. I have to say, Cas and his protective streak was by far my favourite. His grumpiness was for a reason and I loved how he was portrayed.
One thing - if you haven't read the other series (Three Ties) as I haven't, you may get confused about all the different brothers involved and the different triads they're in. There must be something in the water!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to continue with this 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!
Oct 26, 2023
In this one, Casper and Reed are step-brothers who are in love with each other, although both will deny it. This leads to a traumatic relationship for both of them. When they're on the way home from a tour, Sunshiney Reed rescues a man from the street. Grumpy Casper decides to stay at Reed's home until he knows the man, Elic, can be trusted. Elic turns out to be the catalyst needed to make Casper and Reed realise just what they've got together, and how Elic can be included in that.
This story was easy to read with wonderful characters. I have to say, Cas and his protective streak was by far my favourite. His grumpiness was for a reason and I loved how he was portrayed.
One thing - if you haven't read the other series (Three Ties) as I haven't, you may get confused about all the different brothers involved and the different triads they're in. There must be something in the water!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to continue with this 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!
Oct 26, 2023
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Tight Quarters (Out of Uniform #6) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Tight Quarters (Out of Uniform #6) by Annabeth Albert
Tight Quarters is the sixth book in the Out of Uniform series, and if M/M Romance mixed in with a Military scenario does it for you, then you really need to check out this series.
In this book, we reunite with Bacon (and yep, that is his real name!). He is none too happy because he has been stuck with babysitting duty for an embedded journalist, one he actually admires and knows is gay. Bacon himself is Pan, and I loved him for it. Now, Bacon has a history, and is a SEAL. Bryant is a gay journalist. Whatever could go wrong?
This is a book of two halves - the first part being with Spencer embedded and them both fighting their attraction. The second is when Spencer is no longer in the team, and they give up fighting. I honestly can't tell you which half I prefer! For differing reasons, both parts are fantastic, and definitely make up the whole.
With stories that need to be written, but jobs that need to be protected, these two face a horrible decision that left me crossing my fingers and hoping for a happy ending. No knowledge of the American Military is needed as Ms. Albert gives out enough information for it all to make sense, without disclosing any secrets.
I keep thinking to myself that this series can't go on for much longer. How many different military stories can one author do? And then Ms. Albert comes out with something new, something refreshing and unique that makes me fall in love with her characters all over again. How many is too many? I don't have the answer to that, but I do know I definitely need more in this series. Absolutely and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
In this book, we reunite with Bacon (and yep, that is his real name!). He is none too happy because he has been stuck with babysitting duty for an embedded journalist, one he actually admires and knows is gay. Bacon himself is Pan, and I loved him for it. Now, Bacon has a history, and is a SEAL. Bryant is a gay journalist. Whatever could go wrong?
This is a book of two halves - the first part being with Spencer embedded and them both fighting their attraction. The second is when Spencer is no longer in the team, and they give up fighting. I honestly can't tell you which half I prefer! For differing reasons, both parts are fantastic, and definitely make up the whole.
With stories that need to be written, but jobs that need to be protected, these two face a horrible decision that left me crossing my fingers and hoping for a happy ending. No knowledge of the American Military is needed as Ms. Albert gives out enough information for it all to make sense, without disclosing any secrets.
I keep thinking to myself that this series can't go on for much longer. How many different military stories can one author do? And then Ms. Albert comes out with something new, something refreshing and unique that makes me fall in love with her characters all over again. How many is too many? I don't have the answer to that, but I do know I definitely need more in this series. Absolutely and 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Nursery (The Bayou Hauntings #3) in Books
May 22, 2019
A house that sat empty for fifty years as its dead owner instructed. A locked room with no key. A single father with eight-year-old twin girls. A nursery from long, long ago that no child ever played in. There are eerie things going on at The Arbors in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Architect Jordan Blanchard is joined by his friend Callie and Landry Drake to learn the secrets of a domineering matriarch whose two husbands died in bizarre ways. They explore the house as someone watches from a hidden place high above. The Nursery, the third book in the series, will keep you up late at night wondering what’s behind the next door, what lies beyond the mirror and who hides and waits at The Arbors.
The Nursery by Bill Thompson is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
This is the third book in the series and I wasn’t aware of that when I started this but it did not hamper me one bit in reading this one. The author gives you little bits on the background as you go along so it was very easy to pick up on.
This is not your typical haunted house story. There is a nice ghost and malevolent ghost, hidden bodies, a child’s grave where one did not belong, and travels through a mirror to other dimensions. And that doesn’t even touch the real-life evil that’s stalking the family’s every move. This is a different type of ghost story.
I love the location settings and the whole premise behind this series of paranormal interweaved with the characters lives.
I want to say so much more but I don’t want to give anything away. This book has so much going for it and I am definitely getting the previous books and following this author. This book had me right from the start and I hope there are more to come in this series.
The Nursery by Bill Thompson is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
This is the third book in the series and I wasn’t aware of that when I started this but it did not hamper me one bit in reading this one. The author gives you little bits on the background as you go along so it was very easy to pick up on.
This is not your typical haunted house story. There is a nice ghost and malevolent ghost, hidden bodies, a child’s grave where one did not belong, and travels through a mirror to other dimensions. And that doesn’t even touch the real-life evil that’s stalking the family’s every move. This is a different type of ghost story.
I love the location settings and the whole premise behind this series of paranormal interweaved with the characters lives.
I want to say so much more but I don’t want to give anything away. This book has so much going for it and I am definitely getting the previous books and following this author. This book had me right from the start and I hope there are more to come in this series.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated The Impassioned Choice (Etherya's Earth #5) in Books
Mar 28, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)
THE IMPASSIONED CHOICE is the fifth book in the Etherya's Earth series and is the one that broke me! I've loved every book in the series so far, but this one may just be my favourite.
Heden is the youngest brother and the one who has hidden any pain behind jokes. He is the one who feels as though he doesn't quite fit in, although you'd never know it. Finding spyware on his servers leads him to Sofia, someone who was out for vengeance but had a change of heart when she realised innocent people, including children, would be hurt by her actions.
Oh, man! Be still my beating heart! And bear with me as I try to explain without giving any spoilers. All of the couples so far have been destined to be together. We knew it from the first page. And so were Heden and Sofia. But the odds really are stacked against them. Everyone looks at the problems from one direction. Now, I know why they did! My brain went the other way, but I just couldn't comprehend it, so I returned to the way they were going. And that's all I'm saying! If you want to figure out just what I'm waffling on about, read it!!!
My eyes were constantly leaking from about 90% onwards. I did get a break when Miranda and Ken saved me by finding some lost scrolls, allowing me to get my breath back. But my eyes were soon leaking again. So be warned.
An absolutely brilliant addition to the series that I have loved. I really can't recommend both this book, and the series, highly enough.
** 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 28, 2022
Heden is the youngest brother and the one who has hidden any pain behind jokes. He is the one who feels as though he doesn't quite fit in, although you'd never know it. Finding spyware on his servers leads him to Sofia, someone who was out for vengeance but had a change of heart when she realised innocent people, including children, would be hurt by her actions.
Oh, man! Be still my beating heart! And bear with me as I try to explain without giving any spoilers. All of the couples so far have been destined to be together. We knew it from the first page. And so were Heden and Sofia. But the odds really are stacked against them. Everyone looks at the problems from one direction. Now, I know why they did! My brain went the other way, but I just couldn't comprehend it, so I returned to the way they were going. And that's all I'm saying! If you want to figure out just what I'm waffling on about, read it!!!
My eyes were constantly leaking from about 90% onwards. I did get a break when Miranda and Ken saved me by finding some lost scrolls, allowing me to get my breath back. But my eyes were soon leaking again. So be warned.
An absolutely brilliant addition to the series that I have loved. I really can't recommend both this book, and the series, highly enough.
** 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 28, 2022