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Merissa (13353 KP) rated Kelvin (Tangled Tentacles #5) in Books
Dec 20, 2022
KELVIN is the final book in the Tangled Tentacles series and brings to a close this amazing series. Kelvin and Magnus (or FBI Guy) finally meet in person and realise they are fated mates. No fuss, no panic, just straight-up acceptance and happiness. I loved that, I really did. They don't allow their new bond to stand in the way of those they are trying to help though. By searching for others, they find Marvin. Be prepared for your heart to melt!
Wow! Just... wow!!! That's how I felt after I'd finished reading this. The overlying arc, the one that I've followed since Alexi, is now finished - in a way I never saw coming and that I love even more for that. All of the mates and their partners feature in this book which also helped with the general feeling of closure. There is also one moment in there that made my eyes leak. It's when Magnus is remembering his sister, with Kelvin by his side in the pool. There were a few scenes or sentences (usually by Marvin) that made me fill up. That scene? Broke me down. So emotional and perfect.
What I can't wait for, though, is the continuation. That epilogue!!! Man, it about killed me. I NEED MORE!!!
This pair of authors are simply outstanding - writing unusual and intricate stories with a skill second to none. I have loved the whole series and HIGHLY RECOMMEND every single one of them. What a way to end this series and to still leave you wanting more!
** 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!
Wow! Just... wow!!! That's how I felt after I'd finished reading this. The overlying arc, the one that I've followed since Alexi, is now finished - in a way I never saw coming and that I love even more for that. All of the mates and their partners feature in this book which also helped with the general feeling of closure. There is also one moment in there that made my eyes leak. It's when Magnus is remembering his sister, with Kelvin by his side in the pool. There were a few scenes or sentences (usually by Marvin) that made me fill up. That scene? Broke me down. So emotional and perfect.
What I can't wait for, though, is the continuation. That epilogue!!! Man, it about killed me. I NEED MORE!!!
This pair of authors are simply outstanding - writing unusual and intricate stories with a skill second to none. I have loved the whole series and HIGHLY RECOMMEND every single one of them. What a way to end this series and to still leave you wanting more!
** 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!
Merissa (13353 KP) rated Endless (The Awakening Series #3) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
This is the third (and final) book in this series which has knocked my socks off from the very beginning. This, for me, is a complete 5-star series that hasn't been 'let down' by any weak or weaker books. It starts off strong, carries on strong and then finishes with such a wallop, you'll be left breathless. Unfortunately for me, it isn't Endless and did indeed come to a conclusion. A most satisfactory one too, may I just add.
Selene still has choices to make but she doesn't really have time to breathe, let alone think about things that, although important, are not quite as important as actually trying to stay alive. This book is non-stop action. What will Selene do? What choices will she make? And will this war ever come to an end without someone we know and love dying?
You will find all this and so much more in the conclusion to The Awakening Series. I loved how the story all tied together at the end and explanations are given for things that Selene (and the reader) had questioned. You are not left with any uncertainties but with satisfaction instead. The only problem I had was that I reached the end, couldn't believe it, so went back a few pages on my Kindle. Reached the end, still couldn't believe it so actually did it a third time. THAT is how much I didn't want this series to end. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended to all.
* 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!
September 1, 2016
Selene still has choices to make but she doesn't really have time to breathe, let alone think about things that, although important, are not quite as important as actually trying to stay alive. This book is non-stop action. What will Selene do? What choices will she make? And will this war ever come to an end without someone we know and love dying?
You will find all this and so much more in the conclusion to The Awakening Series. I loved how the story all tied together at the end and explanations are given for things that Selene (and the reader) had questioned. You are not left with any uncertainties but with satisfaction instead. The only problem I had was that I reached the end, couldn't believe it, so went back a few pages on my Kindle. Reached the end, still couldn't believe it so actually did it a third time. THAT is how much I didn't want this series to end. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended to all.
* 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!
September 1, 2016
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Feb 22, 2023
Merissa (13353 KP) rated Thanatos (Guardians of Hades #8) in Books
Jun 16, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
THANATOS is the eighth book in the Guardians of Hades series and the final one of this series... I think! There is mention of them returning (which I can't wait for) but whether it will be a separate series or not, well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Calindria has been thought dead for six centuries, and the woman she is now is very different from the girl she once was. She has a power over nature, and a power over death, both of them out of control. She needs time and peace to learn to control them, not so easy when you're in a very dodgy realm trying to escape with your life. Luckily for her, Thanatos is on hand to help, although he also comes with his own issues.
This was a brilliant book. I was hooked from the very first page. Calindria is a great character, being both soft and hard when necessary. My heart broke for Thanatos' history, and I'm glad they were both able to work through it. The pacing is perfect - not too fast or slow. Instead, you are whisked away on an adventure with some steamy moments.
The world-building in this story also deserves a mention. It was so descriptively written, it felt real when they were talking about having certain powers dampened or completely gone.
A fantastic end to this series while still leaving me wanting more. I do think it should be titled Calindria though, not Thanatos! LOL Absolutely brilliant, 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!
Jun 16, 2021
Calindria has been thought dead for six centuries, and the woman she is now is very different from the girl she once was. She has a power over nature, and a power over death, both of them out of control. She needs time and peace to learn to control them, not so easy when you're in a very dodgy realm trying to escape with your life. Luckily for her, Thanatos is on hand to help, although he also comes with his own issues.
This was a brilliant book. I was hooked from the very first page. Calindria is a great character, being both soft and hard when necessary. My heart broke for Thanatos' history, and I'm glad they were both able to work through it. The pacing is perfect - not too fast or slow. Instead, you are whisked away on an adventure with some steamy moments.
The world-building in this story also deserves a mention. It was so descriptively written, it felt real when they were talking about having certain powers dampened or completely gone.
A fantastic end to this series while still leaving me wanting more. I do think it should be titled Calindria though, not Thanatos! LOL Absolutely brilliant, 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!
Jun 16, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1546 KP) rated Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5) in Books
May 1, 2025
I liked that we heard from Evie, Aodhan and Munix
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Stones of Iona series, and I think *I* maybe should have read them first. I'll try to explain.
Evie has met Aodhan before, but we don't get a full recap here. I felt it was kind of glossed over: they met in Egypt, Aodhan gave Evie a stone, says to call when she needs him, and then promptly disappears. I would have liked a much more detailed recap, especially as this book is a sort of starting point to join the series, if you haven't before.
And I think that's my biggest thing. I asked if I needed to read the other books first, and was told that it wasn't strictly necessary. But I would say, you DO need to read them. There is a huge back up cast and I wasn't fully able to place everyone, and fill in a mental timeline for everything.
The world building was good, but I still missed something. I wasn't able to fit the bits and pieces together to get a full picture.
All that aside, I did like this book. It's fast paced and I liked that we heard from Evie, Aodhan and Munix, the bad guy (sorta!)
It's dark and deadly in places, the romance is a bit of the sweet side, and not very explicit.
This is the first I've read of this author, I'd like to read something else, not this series, but a series from the beginning, so I can fully appreciate the world building and the writer's skill.
3 good stars, but only because I felt I missed a lot by not reading the others.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Stones of Iona series, and I think *I* maybe should have read them first. I'll try to explain.
Evie has met Aodhan before, but we don't get a full recap here. I felt it was kind of glossed over: they met in Egypt, Aodhan gave Evie a stone, says to call when she needs him, and then promptly disappears. I would have liked a much more detailed recap, especially as this book is a sort of starting point to join the series, if you haven't before.
And I think that's my biggest thing. I asked if I needed to read the other books first, and was told that it wasn't strictly necessary. But I would say, you DO need to read them. There is a huge back up cast and I wasn't fully able to place everyone, and fill in a mental timeline for everything.
The world building was good, but I still missed something. I wasn't able to fit the bits and pieces together to get a full picture.
All that aside, I did like this book. It's fast paced and I liked that we heard from Evie, Aodhan and Munix, the bad guy (sorta!)
It's dark and deadly in places, the romance is a bit of the sweet side, and not very explicit.
This is the first I've read of this author, I'd like to read something else, not this series, but a series from the beginning, so I can fully appreciate the world building and the writer's skill.
3 good stars, but only because I felt I missed a lot by not reading the others.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated From the Shadows in Books
May 22, 2019
A stunning, atmospheric police procedural set against the grit of Inverness and the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands, this is the first book in the DI Monica Kennedy series.
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again.
A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in this starkly beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case wont begin and end with this one death.
Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients whose last correspondence was a single ambiguous text message; Nichol Morgan has been missing for seven days.
As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
From the Shadows is the first book in the Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy series by G R Halliday and it is a promising start to what will hopefully be one a successful and long running police procedural series.
The story is set in the Scottish Highlands and uses its' setting well to add atmosphere to the book.
I really enjoyed the story and the twists and turns of the plot.
It's quite a dark story but I liked that and wasn't sure who the killer was until close to the end.
I was thoroughly engrossed whilst reading the book and could not put it down.
Definitely recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Vintage for a copy of this book.
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again.
A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in this starkly beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case wont begin and end with this one death.
Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients whose last correspondence was a single ambiguous text message; Nichol Morgan has been missing for seven days.
As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
From the Shadows is the first book in the Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy series by G R Halliday and it is a promising start to what will hopefully be one a successful and long running police procedural series.
The story is set in the Scottish Highlands and uses its' setting well to add atmosphere to the book.
I really enjoyed the story and the twists and turns of the plot.
It's quite a dark story but I liked that and wasn't sure who the killer was until close to the end.
I was thoroughly engrossed whilst reading the book and could not put it down.
Definitely recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Vintage for a copy of this book.
Merissa (13353 KP) rated Beautifully Burned (The Dreamcaster Series #2) in Books
Jun 19, 2018
Beautifully Burned (The Dreamcaster Series #2) by C.J. Burright
Beautifully Burned is the second book in The Dreamcaster series, and we reunite with Dax. He still has his bond with Kalila, but is fed up of Black's attempts to kill him, and get rid of the bond. Mel has a vision which sends him to Ella's side, but he is confused as he doesn't think she is a Dreamcaster at all. Of course, he doesn't know about the adder stones gifted to her by her grandmother.
There is a slight twist to this one, as Izzy is one of her regular customers. He shows his 'normal' side when Kalila shows up, reminding the reader of just how dangerous he can be.
Dax and Ella have a hard path to tread, and it doesn't look good for them to begin with. With more nightmares and situations to deal with, this book will have you gripped to the pages. It is a fresh and exciting take on the paranormal genre, and I am loving everything. I can't wait to read more about Zaire, but then I also really want Izzy and Mel to get together!
This is a fantastic series so far, and this book is also of the highest quality - with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, and the action was enough to make you catch your breath. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
There is a slight twist to this one, as Izzy is one of her regular customers. He shows his 'normal' side when Kalila shows up, reminding the reader of just how dangerous he can be.
Dax and Ella have a hard path to tread, and it doesn't look good for them to begin with. With more nightmares and situations to deal with, this book will have you gripped to the pages. It is a fresh and exciting take on the paranormal genre, and I am loving everything. I can't wait to read more about Zaire, but then I also really want Izzy and Mel to get together!
This is a fantastic series so far, and this book is also of the highest quality - with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, and the action was enough to make you catch your breath. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated A Whole New World in Books
Oct 11, 2018
I've been wanting to read the Twisted Tales series for quite some time, and finally requested the first book. To be honest, I'm not thrilled. Aladdin was never my favorite Disney movie, though, so it might just be unfortunate that it's the first book in the series. I'll probably still try the rest.
The book actually sticks pretty closely to the Disney movie in descriptions, characters, and setting. Everyone looks like their Disney movie counterparts. I had to check the inside cover to find that the book is indeed an official Disney product. There's no way they'd get away with it, otherwise; it'd be blatant copyright infringement, and Disney is rather strict about that.
Basically, the book takes the script of Aladdin and asks one question - what if Aladdin really did give Jafar the lamp instead of keeping it when he got stuck in the cave? We know what Jafar does with the lamp eventually, but what if he had it first, before Aladdin? A lot of the plot is familiar - Jasmine and her tiger, the hourglass with people stuck inside of it, the Sultan playing with his toys. It's really interesting to see the plot elements deconstructed and put back together in new ways.
I'm not sure whether I like this plot or the movie plot more; I never had strong feelings about Aladdin so I'm probably not the best judge.
It's alright. If you're a fan of Aladdin you might like it more than I did. I'm withholding judgment of the entire series until I read a few more, though.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The book actually sticks pretty closely to the Disney movie in descriptions, characters, and setting. Everyone looks like their Disney movie counterparts. I had to check the inside cover to find that the book is indeed an official Disney product. There's no way they'd get away with it, otherwise; it'd be blatant copyright infringement, and Disney is rather strict about that.
Basically, the book takes the script of Aladdin and asks one question - what if Aladdin really did give Jafar the lamp instead of keeping it when he got stuck in the cave? We know what Jafar does with the lamp eventually, but what if he had it first, before Aladdin? A lot of the plot is familiar - Jasmine and her tiger, the hourglass with people stuck inside of it, the Sultan playing with his toys. It's really interesting to see the plot elements deconstructed and put back together in new ways.
I'm not sure whether I like this plot or the movie plot more; I never had strong feelings about Aladdin so I'm probably not the best judge.
It's alright. If you're a fan of Aladdin you might like it more than I did. I'm withholding judgment of the entire series until I read a few more, though.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Merissa (13353 KP) rated Touch of Magic (Charmed Matchmaker #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2020
TOUCH OF MAGIC is the debut novel by Jules Featherstone and features an established Reverse Harem set up with hedgewitch Nya as the main female character. She is trying to reestablish her career after something went horribly wrong but it is harder than she realises.
When I started this book, I ended up looking to see if there was a book (or two) prior to this one that I had missed. Although this is the first book in the series, it doesn't read that way. I do like how they are all set up and happy but I did find myself missing the original romances. I mean, you do find out how each of them met and in what order, etc., but it did make me wonder why?
The world-building is good, with just enough details given so you know that paranormals are now openly living among 'normal' humans but some have a hard time with it. There is some character development for each of the characters but mainly for Logan as he is the main male in this story. The pacing of this story is smooth, with plenty of action taking place in and out of the sheets. Sometimes this helps to move the story along, sometimes it's just for fun.
This is the start of the series and it leaves me intrigued enough to want to carry on with this series. Definitely recommended by me. Sweet, sensual, and steamy - all in one.
* 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!
When I started this book, I ended up looking to see if there was a book (or two) prior to this one that I had missed. Although this is the first book in the series, it doesn't read that way. I do like how they are all set up and happy but I did find myself missing the original romances. I mean, you do find out how each of them met and in what order, etc., but it did make me wonder why?
The world-building is good, with just enough details given so you know that paranormals are now openly living among 'normal' humans but some have a hard time with it. There is some character development for each of the characters but mainly for Logan as he is the main male in this story. The pacing of this story is smooth, with plenty of action taking place in and out of the sheets. Sometimes this helps to move the story along, sometimes it's just for fun.
This is the start of the series and it leaves me intrigued enough to want to carry on with this series. Definitely recommended by me. Sweet, sensual, and steamy - all in one.
* 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 (2432 KP) rated Mercy River in Books
Jul 4, 2021
Helping a Friend Gets Van into Trouble
A middle of the night phone call sends Van Shaw to the small town of Mercy River, Oregon. The call had come from fellow former Army Ranger Leo Pak, and Leo has been arrested for a murder in the community. Van thinks Leo is innocent, but Leo won’t answer Van’s questions about what happened. Meanwhile, the town is the site of an event for current and former Ranger, so the population is swelling this weekend. Will that help or hurt Van’s efforts to clear his friend?
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.