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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Hidden in Smoke in Books
May 1, 2025 (Updated May 1, 2025)
Searching the Smoke for the Truth
West Hollywood has been rocked by a series of arsons in one night. The arsonist hit multiple apartment buildings by setting fire to a car in a car port. Just as Sharpe and Waler are beginning to piece some key clues together, a major fire impacts the city. Will this new fire distract them? Or will they be able to solve it as well?
There is a strong secondary plot as well that includes some major spoilers for the first book in the series. I didn’t like that storyline because it slowed things down with flashbacks and introduced some politics that hit wrong, especially after events in the last couple of months. On the other hand, I enjoyed the main storyline and all the great twists along the way. The characters are good but flat, and the male teenage humor doesn’t help them. There are some other laughs and great banter. I also enjoyed some scenes that were set close to me. Fans will enjoy this book, but I do wish it were stronger.
There is a strong secondary plot as well that includes some major spoilers for the first book in the series. I didn’t like that storyline because it slowed things down with flashbacks and introduced some politics that hit wrong, especially after events in the last couple of months. On the other hand, I enjoyed the main storyline and all the great twists along the way. The characters are good but flat, and the male teenage humor doesn’t help them. There are some other laughs and great banter. I also enjoyed some scenes that were set close to me. Fans will enjoy this book, but I do wish it were stronger.
If you really want to know how I feel about Ragwort, just to say that I requested it on NetGalley, then immediately pre-ordered it on Kindle so that not only did I guarantee myself a copy, but the publisher also sent me cut scenes from the previous book, Gorse.
Totally worth it.
This is as jam packed with Cornish folk and magic as Gorse was, and after the disaster at the end of Gorse, the inhabitants of Mirecoombe are looking for something to believe in: the Old Ways, the Church…or the new name in town. The Mother. Just who is she anyway?
Th new Vicar is wonderful (let’s just say he’s open minded), Nancy is still learning the ropes as Keeper and missing Pet terribly. And then there’s the arrival of Nancy’s grandmother - and everything that comes after.
I’m being vague, and for good reason. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the final book in this series (if that’s what it’s going to be!!).
Totally worth it.
This is as jam packed with Cornish folk and magic as Gorse was, and after the disaster at the end of Gorse, the inhabitants of Mirecoombe are looking for something to believe in: the Old Ways, the Church…or the new name in town. The Mother. Just who is she anyway?
Th new Vicar is wonderful (let’s just say he’s open minded), Nancy is still learning the ropes as Keeper and missing Pet terribly. And then there’s the arrival of Nancy’s grandmother - and everything that comes after.
I’m being vague, and for good reason. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the final book in this series (if that’s what it’s going to be!!).
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Egg Drop Dead in Books
Apr 11, 2025 (Updated Apr 11, 2025)
Catering to a Killer
Lana Lee has decided to expand her family’s restaurant into catering, and their first gig is for family friend Donna Feng. But the party ends when Donna’s nanny is found floating in the pool. While the police look at Donna, Lana finds evidence that it might actually tie to Donna’s past. But how could that tie in to this murder?
Donna and her past were plot points for the first book in this series, so if you haven’t read that book, know there are spoilers here. I was actually happy to see this come up again with enough background to refresh my memory. There are some good clues, although I’m not sure the villain’s actions at the end made perfect sense. Still, I was hooked on the suspenseful climax. Many of the regulars took a backseat, which was good in the case of Lana’s family. But we got some great new characters, one of which I hope pops up again. This series is getting stronger as it goes along. Fans who are behind will enjoy this entry.
Donna and her past were plot points for the first book in this series, so if you haven’t read that book, know there are spoilers here. I was actually happy to see this come up again with enough background to refresh my memory. There are some good clues, although I’m not sure the villain’s actions at the end made perfect sense. Still, I was hooked on the suspenseful climax. Many of the regulars took a backseat, which was good in the case of Lana’s family. But we got some great new characters, one of which I hope pops up again. This series is getting stronger as it goes along. Fans who are behind will enjoy this entry.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Her Dark Angel (Her Angel: Bound Warriors #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The start of a new series by Felicity Heaton and what a start. Apollyon is still faithfully doing his duty and yet wants to be free from 'the fires of hell' and feel the sun on his wings again. Serenity has had a bad break-up from her cheating boyfriend and wants revenge, she wants him to feel as bad as she does. Both her heart and her words call out and Apollyon answers. I've got to say that if I was looking for revenge on an ex in this way then I would certainly hope for someone like Apollyon to drop into my life!
This is only a novella so the storyline is fast-paced so that everything is in place before it finishes. I can see this series being another hit for Felicity Heaton and am looking forward to reading more.
* 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!
July 29, 2016
This is only a novella so the storyline is fast-paced so that everything is in place before it finishes. I can see this series being another hit for Felicity Heaton and am looking forward to reading more.
* 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!
July 29, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) created a post
May 1, 2023
Merissa (14024 KP) rated The Fire King's Daughter (The Descendants #1) in Books
Oct 7, 2022
THE FIRE KING'S DAUGHTER is the first in The Descendants series and we start with Heidi and Isaiah. Both of them are heirs to the throne, of the Fire and Ice thrones respectively, but they are sent to Earth to protect them from the war that is currently raging. Isaiah finds his feet quickly enough, but Heidi struggles.
This was a quick read that draws you in, giving out information about the kingdoms, the monarchies, Heidi, Isaiah, plus others, as and when needed rather than being an info-dump. There is a possible romantic connection here between Heidi and Isaiah that I look forward to reading more about. Let's just say... they have potential!
This story is only just starting and you are left with a cliffhanger, so fair warning! A great start to a series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a quick read that draws you in, giving out information about the kingdoms, the monarchies, Heidi, Isaiah, plus others, as and when needed rather than being an info-dump. There is a possible romantic connection here between Heidi and Isaiah that I look forward to reading more about. Let's just say... they have potential!
This story is only just starting and you are left with a cliffhanger, so fair warning! A great start to a series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4)
10.0
Rate It
Book
She's sleeping with him. She lied to him. She loves him. Can she destroy him? Tough and...
Adult Paranormal Romance
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Reborn (Hollow City Coven #6) in Books
May 23, 2023
Gillian and Shayne have made it out of Tenebris, only to find Mathias under attack. Apparently, he has been for the whole amount of time that they were in Tenebris. Help arrives in the form of a coven master and a friend. Things are not as they seem to be though, and Gillian, Shayne, and Mathias are drawn deeper into intrigue that they have no control over. They need to do something but are unsure of what.
This is an explosive and twisted ending to this series, which has been full of turns the whole way through. There is so much more to this than just hot sex, although, trust me, that is more than good too. 😉
The perfect ending to a fantastic series, each novella is the perfect length for a quick and steamy read, full of enjoyment and adventure. 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!
Feb 24, 2016
This is an explosive and twisted ending to this series, which has been full of turns the whole way through. There is so much more to this than just hot sex, although, trust me, that is more than good too. 😉
The perfect ending to a fantastic series, each novella is the perfect length for a quick and steamy read, full of enjoyment and adventure. 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!
Feb 24, 2016
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Playing the Witch's Game (Keepers of the Veil #3) in Books
May 30, 2023
Jen is desperate to get on a TV show, even though everyone is telling her that it's a bad idea. She just can't understand why they are being like this. She sends a spell out for a fake boyfriend to help her on the show but gets more than she bargained for when Nikolai shows up. With hexes, a necromancer, murder and a TV survival show to contend with, Jen and Nikolai will have to dig deep to survive this.
I am really liking the Keepers of the Veil series! Full of action, humour and sass, there is something here for everyone. The connection between Jen and Nikolai is simply steaming, although neither of them will admit to it being real. A wonderful addition to the series, and yet I am still wanting more! Definitely 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!
Mar 21, 2016
I am really liking the Keepers of the Veil series! Full of action, humour and sass, there is something here for everyone. The connection between Jen and Nikolai is simply steaming, although neither of them will admit to it being real. A wonderful addition to the series, and yet I am still wanting more! Definitely 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!
Mar 21, 2016
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Twelfth Grade Kills (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, #5) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-twelfth-grade-kills-by-heather-brewer.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 4.5
It's been awhile since I last read the series (read: last year) so I'm pretty vague on details (I know. It's sad that my memory details are so vague. On an awesomous vampire series. But I know enough where I can at least know almost all of what's going on the last one :)) on the finale. And now that I've read the series, I think I see why my friend actually gushes over the series (imagine my poor ears after hearing it in Book Battle 24/7 last year - well, not exactly 24/7).
I suggest you know what you're doing if you're reading Twelfth Grade Kills because you definitely don't want to end up in the sorry hole with this kid (read: me. Not that I skip books. I honestly don't. Because if I do, it's my mom's random library book choices fault). The book simply has too much going on that if you're reading from the series backwards, I'm suggesting you go back and read from Eighth Grade Bites and onward (not that anyone would read backwards in a series). Or if you're not paying attention to what you're reading, you'll be missing out on a LOT so do yourself a favor and pay attention. ^_^
After reading Eleventh Grade Burns over the summer, I just HAD to read the last book due to it's killing cliff-hanger. But the thing is, I got thrown off at the end. I'm still going "Say What?" and pondering over what happened as I'm typing this. I mean, you don't usually see a cliff-hanger on the finale of books... do you? Chances of it happening are rare, lol (at least in my knowledge of reading. Even those with spin-offs don't seem to have it... do they?). There's always a happily ever after and so on. In this case though, there may be a happy ending, but be prepared to be thrown off.
What I really hate though? Practically everyone dies. Which I find disappointing. Dx (No more awesome cookies and frosting fights??? ;( )
The one thing I find epically funny is the fact vampires don't sparkle (read: be prepared for some meme(s)). Edward Cullen would disagree. On the good side though? Professor Snape agrees. So, in no offense to Twilight peeps (oh hey. Just because I'm not a fan of Twilight doesn't mean I bash it. I just found the quote funny and it well... reminded me of Twlight. Yes, I'm asking for mercy of the tomato throwing).
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTrufQilgqQ/UQHUwxlSdpI/AAAAAAAAA60/T0RB6OMYRqY/s200/Snape+Vampire+Funny.jpg"; width="290" height="180"/>
Caption: They're fairiesss O_O
It might be a risk to my health, but I kinda agree (yes, a risk to my health... but I might be exaggerating a bit over there). So if you're looking for a series in which no one is a sparkling fairy vampire, I suggest you should check this series out. Because apparently, I think I need to grab some kleenex before the computer erupts on fire (that would be BAD). And then go gush to my friend mentioned above some day. (By the way, why another awful cliff-hanger? I only have so many hands. But at least I can get The Slayer Chronicles from the school library soon :D.)
Original Rating: 4.5
It's been awhile since I last read the series (read: last year) so I'm pretty vague on details (I know. It's sad that my memory details are so vague. On an awesomous vampire series. But I know enough where I can at least know almost all of what's going on the last one :)) on the finale. And now that I've read the series, I think I see why my friend actually gushes over the series (imagine my poor ears after hearing it in Book Battle 24/7 last year - well, not exactly 24/7).
I suggest you know what you're doing if you're reading Twelfth Grade Kills because you definitely don't want to end up in the sorry hole with this kid (read: me. Not that I skip books. I honestly don't. Because if I do, it's my mom's random library book choices fault). The book simply has too much going on that if you're reading from the series backwards, I'm suggesting you go back and read from Eighth Grade Bites and onward (not that anyone would read backwards in a series). Or if you're not paying attention to what you're reading, you'll be missing out on a LOT so do yourself a favor and pay attention. ^_^
After reading Eleventh Grade Burns over the summer, I just HAD to read the last book due to it's killing cliff-hanger. But the thing is, I got thrown off at the end. I'm still going "Say What?" and pondering over what happened as I'm typing this. I mean, you don't usually see a cliff-hanger on the finale of books... do you? Chances of it happening are rare, lol (at least in my knowledge of reading. Even those with spin-offs don't seem to have it... do they?). There's always a happily ever after and so on. In this case though, there may be a happy ending, but be prepared to be thrown off.
What I really hate though? Practically everyone dies. Which I find disappointing. Dx (No more awesome cookies and frosting fights??? ;( )
The one thing I find epically funny is the fact vampires don't sparkle (read: be prepared for some meme(s)). Edward Cullen would disagree. On the good side though? Professor Snape agrees. So, in no offense to Twilight peeps (oh hey. Just because I'm not a fan of Twilight doesn't mean I bash it. I just found the quote funny and it well... reminded me of Twlight. Yes, I'm asking for mercy of the tomato throwing).
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTrufQilgqQ/UQHUwxlSdpI/AAAAAAAAA60/T0RB6OMYRqY/s200/Snape+Vampire+Funny.jpg"; width="290" height="180"/>
Caption: They're fairiesss O_O
It might be a risk to my health, but I kinda agree (yes, a risk to my health... but I might be exaggerating a bit over there). So if you're looking for a series in which no one is a sparkling fairy vampire, I suggest you should check this series out. Because apparently, I think I need to grab some kleenex before the computer erupts on fire (that would be BAD). And then go gush to my friend mentioned above some day. (By the way, why another awful cliff-hanger? I only have so many hands. But at least I can get The Slayer Chronicles from the school library soon :D.)