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Merissa (12911 KP) rated Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1) in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1) by Felice Stevens
Rescued is the first book in the Rescued Hearts series, and we start off with Jason and Ryder. Jason has just finished with his long-term girlfriend, and Ryder has been alone for a long time, although he has his pitbull, Pearl, to keep him company. Ryder's life hasn't been that great, although he was born with the proverbial silver spoon. You find out just what a first class piece of work his mother is! Watching these two get together was superb. After Jason worked his own stuff out (which I do understand) I really didn't want Ryder to fall back in Jason's arms so quickly. Still, that's just one small point, and certainly did not affect my enjoyment of this story.
Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!
* 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!
Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!
* 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!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #2) in Books
Dec 27, 2018
PS I Still Love You is a continuation of Lara Jean's story from To All The Boys I've Loved Before. It really is a seamless continuation - it picks up almost immediately where the first ends, in the holidays, with Lara Jean pining over Peter.
I didn't like this one as much as the first - the sisters are still here, but Lara Jean doesn't spend as much time worrying over her dynamic with her sisters as she did in the first book. This second book is all about Peter, his ex, and what's going on at school. That's fine - obviously the story needs to evolve and move, but the sisters were such a huge part of the charm of the first book that I really miss them in this one.
A second boy is introduced in this book - John - and to be honest, I like him more than Peter. I know Peter and Lara Jean are really set up as THE couple in this series, but - John's so nice. And Peter's so oblivious.
There's one more book - Always and Forever, Lara Jean - and while I'm sure it won't happen, I'm holding out hope that John will come back in book #3 and win Lara Jean over. I really, really liked him.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
I didn't like this one as much as the first - the sisters are still here, but Lara Jean doesn't spend as much time worrying over her dynamic with her sisters as she did in the first book. This second book is all about Peter, his ex, and what's going on at school. That's fine - obviously the story needs to evolve and move, but the sisters were such a huge part of the charm of the first book that I really miss them in this one.
A second boy is introduced in this book - John - and to be honest, I like him more than Peter. I know Peter and Lara Jean are really set up as THE couple in this series, but - John's so nice. And Peter's so oblivious.
There's one more book - Always and Forever, Lara Jean - and while I'm sure it won't happen, I'm holding out hope that John will come back in book #3 and win Lara Jean over. I really, really liked him.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Thin Air in Books
Jan 22, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2019)
Stand-alone SciFi novel from the author of "Altered Carbon"
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was excited to see Richard K. Morgan was coming out with a new book. I enjoyed both the book and television series of "Altered Carbon". I had a difficult time getting into the book and, if I did not have to finish it, I probably would have stopped about 100 pages in. However, right there is where I started enjoying the book so I am glad I continued.
Hakan Veil is an ex–corporate enforcer equipped with body tech that's enables him to be a killing machine. His former employers dumped him off on Mars and he wants to return to his home planet, Earth. He is given that chance in exchange for babysitting an investigator from Earth, Madison Madekwe. His killing skills and military-grade body tech come in handy as he tries to help unravel the mystery surrounding Madison's investigation.
Veil's interaction with his internal AI is amusing and a big part of why I enjoyed the novel.
Richard K. Morgan's "Thin Air" is his first Science Fiction book published, according to Goodreads, in eight years. While it is in the same universe as "Thirteen", it is a stand-alone novel and you do not need to read it first.
I was excited to see Richard K. Morgan was coming out with a new book. I enjoyed both the book and television series of "Altered Carbon". I had a difficult time getting into the book and, if I did not have to finish it, I probably would have stopped about 100 pages in. However, right there is where I started enjoying the book so I am glad I continued.
Hakan Veil is an ex–corporate enforcer equipped with body tech that's enables him to be a killing machine. His former employers dumped him off on Mars and he wants to return to his home planet, Earth. He is given that chance in exchange for babysitting an investigator from Earth, Madison Madekwe. His killing skills and military-grade body tech come in handy as he tries to help unravel the mystery surrounding Madison's investigation.
Veil's interaction with his internal AI is amusing and a big part of why I enjoyed the novel.
Richard K. Morgan's "Thin Air" is his first Science Fiction book published, according to Goodreads, in eight years. While it is in the same universe as "Thirteen", it is a stand-alone novel and you do not need to read it first.
The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book
Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull
Book
IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A GAME? It s Super-book! The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book is a modern classic:...
sport puzzles
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) in Books
Jun 27, 2019
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) by Maya Daniels
Speak of the Devil is the second book in the Broken Halos series, and we reunite with Hel and Eric. Hel is being held prisoner by Michael, as Eric desperately searches for her. Help comes from an unexpected source, and Hel is freed. Of course, it doesn't stop there, because then it would be a very short book. Instead, Hel starts gaining new powers, Eric has to tune down his monster-mash rage, they have sexy times, oh, and try to find Hector before he loses any further body parts.
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, 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!
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated W is for Wasted (Kinsey Millhone, #23) in Books
Dec 4, 2022
Distracted Plot Wastes Time in This Book
PI Kinsey Millhone is facing a stretch with no clients over the next couple of weeks, which she isn’t quite sure how she will fill. That is, until she gets a phone call from the coroner’s office. A homeless man has died, and the coroner has no idea who he is. The only thing they have to go on is Kinsey’s name and office number. Who might he be? Why did he have Kinsey’s contact information in his pocket?
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Dark Fate (Flame Born #2) in Books
Dec 10, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
DARK FATE is the second book in the Flame Born series and you really need to read these in order for it to make any sense.
It is still twisted, but not as dark, and the lines between 'good' and 'bad' are more blurred than ever. Michael is very confused and I don't blame him. There is so much that goes on and sometimes it is taken from his memory, leaving him not knowing, and me screaming at my Kindle.
We see more of Alexei in this book, along with other characters we met in the previous one. I have the ones I like and the ones I loathe! All of them are incredibly written though.
Being as this is book 2, there is less world-building in it, but the characters continue to develop and grow. The story moves along at a fair pace and will leave you wanting more. I honestly can't wait for the third book to come out!
Absolutely brilliant, once again, and highly 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!
Dec 10, 2021
It is still twisted, but not as dark, and the lines between 'good' and 'bad' are more blurred than ever. Michael is very confused and I don't blame him. There is so much that goes on and sometimes it is taken from his memory, leaving him not knowing, and me screaming at my Kindle.
We see more of Alexei in this book, along with other characters we met in the previous one. I have the ones I like and the ones I loathe! All of them are incredibly written though.
Being as this is book 2, there is less world-building in it, but the characters continue to develop and grow. The story moves along at a fair pace and will leave you wanting more. I honestly can't wait for the third book to come out!
Absolutely brilliant, once again, and highly 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!
Dec 10, 2021
Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Alpha's Daughter (The Wolvers #3) in Books
May 17, 2023
I will start by saying that I was unaware that this was book 3 in the series. It in no way affected my enjoyment of the book (as you can see by the 5-star rating), and at no point did I feel like I had missed out on anything.
This is a perfectly sized book - not too long, but certainly long enough to get your teeth into. One of the things that I loved is that you get everything here - the beginning, middle, climax and epilogue of their story. How fantastic is that? I was not left wanting, indeed, I was completely satisfied by the story of Jazz and Griz.
I won't go into a breakdown of the story, you have the synopsis and other reviews for that. What I will say is that this is exceptionally well-written, with a fast and flowing pace that kept my attention on every word. I connected with all the characters and certainly wept more than a few tears for them. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. Highly 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!
Jan 9, 2016
This is a perfectly sized book - not too long, but certainly long enough to get your teeth into. One of the things that I loved is that you get everything here - the beginning, middle, climax and epilogue of their story. How fantastic is that? I was not left wanting, indeed, I was completely satisfied by the story of Jazz and Griz.
I won't go into a breakdown of the story, you have the synopsis and other reviews for that. What I will say is that this is exceptionally well-written, with a fast and flowing pace that kept my attention on every word. I connected with all the characters and certainly wept more than a few tears for them. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. Highly 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!
Jan 9, 2016
Wow.
Wow. What an ending. I would admit to having my issues with the first 3 books of the series (the cast of characters and locations is just too big from the outset to be able to comfortably remember who/where they all are!), but was generally enjoying it and loved Gwynne's writing style, particularly in action scenes.
There was still a lot of ground to cover in the final book of the series, and it really had to be a pretty epic, pacey tome to address all the plot points and end satisfactorily.
It certainly delivers on the pace. There is barely a chapter where the action isn't thick and fast with plot development and important events or revelations.
And I think Gwynne's storytelling really went up a notch. In numerous places the action was told from different PoV's with punchy short chapters delivering an awesome, rounded description of the action unfolding.
I have some very minor hang-ups about the sheer number of main character deaths in the final quarter of the book but most of these are serving a point and seem necessary.
The battle of good vs evil here has the weight shift a number of times. While in the early stages the clever tactics on the side of good seem to win the day, they are quickly brought back down to earth by the sheer numbers on the side of the bad.
A number of rivalries which have been building over the course of the series come to a climax here, and all are built up with such tension and passion that you are constantly on the edge of your seat longing for the vital sword stroke or arrow, as the action can so often happen suddenly you might not necessarily be expecting it.
Overall, this book has redeemed my minor hang-ups from the earlier books and this may now be amongst my favourite series ever.
There was still a lot of ground to cover in the final book of the series, and it really had to be a pretty epic, pacey tome to address all the plot points and end satisfactorily.
It certainly delivers on the pace. There is barely a chapter where the action isn't thick and fast with plot development and important events or revelations.
And I think Gwynne's storytelling really went up a notch. In numerous places the action was told from different PoV's with punchy short chapters delivering an awesome, rounded description of the action unfolding.
I have some very minor hang-ups about the sheer number of main character deaths in the final quarter of the book but most of these are serving a point and seem necessary.
The battle of good vs evil here has the weight shift a number of times. While in the early stages the clever tactics on the side of good seem to win the day, they are quickly brought back down to earth by the sheer numbers on the side of the bad.
A number of rivalries which have been building over the course of the series come to a climax here, and all are built up with such tension and passion that you are constantly on the edge of your seat longing for the vital sword stroke or arrow, as the action can so often happen suddenly you might not necessarily be expecting it.
Overall, this book has redeemed my minor hang-ups from the earlier books and this may now be amongst my favourite series ever.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Spy Glass (Glass, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I finally got around to finishing this series, and I am glad I did. While the series sometimes seemed to drag on and on, and I often found Opal's character frustrating, she finally figures out her own purpose in life in the final book, as well as ties up all of the loose ends of her life.
Forgiveness seems to be a central theme in this series, but most especially in the final book with Opal's interactions with Devlen's character. While I am still conflicted over their relationship, I tend to take the position that if the main character is happy with it, I'm happy with it, too. Devlen's changes seem to pose the question: Do people really change? We like to believe they do in theory , but when it comes to those who perform the really evil crimes, few people are willing to accept that it's truly possible. Opal actually did finally believe this about Devlen, which makes her a rare individual.
Opal's character can be quite confusing at times - she can be very emotional and reactive, but at the same time she has endured unimaginable circumstances and has made herself into a battle-hardened warrior. How many females today can do what she can - even without the magic included? She has certainly earned the right to make her own decisions - and handle whatever consequences come along.
I loved the two children she picks up along the way, and how they help her to understand her own magical abilities. They bring out the maternal instincts in her, which I always appreciate in literature of this nature. The cult that these two were members of fits the stereotype very well, at times both disgusting me and making me want to jump in and rescue those poor people myself.
The coolest part of the book was when Valek taught Opal how to be a proper spy - it reminded me of the Study series by Maria V. Snyder that I loved so much. Valek is such an enigmatic character that he deserves his own trilogy!
Forgiveness seems to be a central theme in this series, but most especially in the final book with Opal's interactions with Devlen's character. While I am still conflicted over their relationship, I tend to take the position that if the main character is happy with it, I'm happy with it, too. Devlen's changes seem to pose the question: Do people really change? We like to believe they do in theory , but when it comes to those who perform the really evil crimes, few people are willing to accept that it's truly possible. Opal actually did finally believe this about Devlen, which makes her a rare individual.
Opal's character can be quite confusing at times - she can be very emotional and reactive, but at the same time she has endured unimaginable circumstances and has made herself into a battle-hardened warrior. How many females today can do what she can - even without the magic included? She has certainly earned the right to make her own decisions - and handle whatever consequences come along.
I loved the two children she picks up along the way, and how they help her to understand her own magical abilities. They bring out the maternal instincts in her, which I always appreciate in literature of this nature. The cult that these two were members of fits the stereotype very well, at times both disgusting me and making me want to jump in and rescue those poor people myself.
The coolest part of the book was when Valek taught Opal how to be a proper spy - it reminded me of the Study series by Maria V. Snyder that I loved so much. Valek is such an enigmatic character that he deserves his own trilogy!