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Merissa (13149 KP) rated Catalyst (Demon Guard #3) in Books
Jan 4, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
CATALYST is the third and final book in the Demon Guard series and I really couldn't wait to find out just what would happen with Raith and Nox!
Yet another faction enters the picture, but Raith and Nox are not prepared to take anything at face value these days. They learn the answers to some questions whilst more arise. Ambry regains consciousness, but I'm still not sure she's the one for Raith. Luckily for me, the main arc of this story was Raith and Nox, not the budding romance, so that worked out perfectly for me.
The finale is breathtaking and perfect for the story so far. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face. I won't say more as you really should read it for yourself.
Full of action and humour between Raith and Nox, plus some heart-rending moments, this was the perfect ending 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 4, 2021
Yet another faction enters the picture, but Raith and Nox are not prepared to take anything at face value these days. They learn the answers to some questions whilst more arise. Ambry regains consciousness, but I'm still not sure she's the one for Raith. Luckily for me, the main arc of this story was Raith and Nox, not the budding romance, so that worked out perfectly for me.
The finale is breathtaking and perfect for the story so far. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face. I won't say more as you really should read it for yourself.
Full of action and humour between Raith and Nox, plus some heart-rending moments, this was the perfect ending 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 4, 2021

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2389 KP) rated Murder at the Breakers in Books
Feb 2, 2024
The Party to Die at
Emma Cross is attending the social event of the year at The Breakers. While she is distantly related to the hosts, the Vanderbilts, she is also covering it as the society reporter. The night ends in tragedy when a man falls to his death in front of Emma. With all the evidence pointing to her brother, Brady, who was up to something that night, Emma starts investigating. Can she find the truth?
This book does a great job balancing the beginning of the plot with the introduction of Emma and her world. The plot was great, and I appreciated that Emma fell for some red herrings before she reached the logical conclusion. The characters are also strong; it was hard to tell if some of them were going to be series regulars or were just suspects for this book. This book is a tad gray and falls closer to traditional than cozy for me, but that’s a minor issue. I also appreciated how the time and place came to life and were used by the author. It’s easy to tell why this series is so popular. I’m looking forward to reading more soon.
This book does a great job balancing the beginning of the plot with the introduction of Emma and her world. The plot was great, and I appreciated that Emma fell for some red herrings before she reached the logical conclusion. The characters are also strong; it was hard to tell if some of them were going to be series regulars or were just suspects for this book. This book is a tad gray and falls closer to traditional than cozy for me, but that’s a minor issue. I also appreciated how the time and place came to life and were used by the author. It’s easy to tell why this series is so popular. I’m looking forward to reading more soon.

Merissa (13149 KP) rated Lyric (Love Sync Mates, Season Two) in Books
Feb 22, 2025
LYRIC is part of the Love Sync Mates Season Two series. Lyric/Lyrican is an athlete, the best of the best, but he's in pain and Lyrican has had enough. Jinn has his drink spiked and is left with a feral alpha intent on claiming him, even though he doesn't want it. These two meet when Jinn is fleeing in terror and Lyrican is there to protect him.
This is well-paced but fast and, considering Jinn has a feral stalker, is very low angst. I loved how the dragons and the people were distinctly separate beings while still being one and the same. This is the first book in this series (or the first) that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.
If I had a 'light and fuzzy' shelf, it would take pride of place. A great read that I absolutely recommend.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2025
This is well-paced but fast and, considering Jinn has a feral stalker, is very low angst. I loved how the dragons and the people were distinctly separate beings while still being one and the same. This is the first book in this series (or the first) that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.
If I had a 'light and fuzzy' shelf, it would take pride of place. A great read that I absolutely recommend.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2025

Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Witch's Legacy (Supernatural Evolvement #0.5) in Books
Nov 28, 2019
The first book in a new series by outstanding young adult author Katrina Cope is something of a big deal. Both her previous series are particular favourites of both mine and my teenage children. Set in the same universe as her Afterlife series, this tells the story of an ancient feud between witches and shapeshifters.
Living in a coven with her mother, Della has to put on a front of cruelty to fit in with the other witches, especially when her mother makes one of her frequent disappearances. One day she accidentally discovers a terrible secret that means that she must go on the run, attempting to survive in a modern world she is unprepared for and with few allies. With the whole might of the coven on her trail she must adapt and find friends to survive.
Once again Cope proves why she is one of the best young adult authors out there. Although the members of the coven do perhaps veer to towards a cackling stereotype at times they do come across and dangerous, evil and threatening. The other characterisation is up to the usual high standard. Della is a very likeable - and sometimes fallible- protagonist and grows as a person throughout her experiences. The other people she meets are also carefully described and have their own distinct personalities and goals.
The plot perhaps isn't complex, dealing as it does with setting the basics for the series to come, but does have a couple of twists if not any major surprises. But the story is always interesting and engaging and the reader will definitely be siding with Della and holding their breath as things get tight.
I very much enjoyed this and so will the young adult audience. 5 stars even though I know very well that every book in the series will just get better and better and I have left myself nowhere to go. But that's been the case with both of Cope's other series.
Living in a coven with her mother, Della has to put on a front of cruelty to fit in with the other witches, especially when her mother makes one of her frequent disappearances. One day she accidentally discovers a terrible secret that means that she must go on the run, attempting to survive in a modern world she is unprepared for and with few allies. With the whole might of the coven on her trail she must adapt and find friends to survive.
Once again Cope proves why she is one of the best young adult authors out there. Although the members of the coven do perhaps veer to towards a cackling stereotype at times they do come across and dangerous, evil and threatening. The other characterisation is up to the usual high standard. Della is a very likeable - and sometimes fallible- protagonist and grows as a person throughout her experiences. The other people she meets are also carefully described and have their own distinct personalities and goals.
The plot perhaps isn't complex, dealing as it does with setting the basics for the series to come, but does have a couple of twists if not any major surprises. But the story is always interesting and engaging and the reader will definitely be siding with Della and holding their breath as things get tight.
I very much enjoyed this and so will the young adult audience. 5 stars even though I know very well that every book in the series will just get better and better and I have left myself nowhere to go. But that's been the case with both of Cope's other series.

TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Samson & Amish Delilah in Books
Feb 24, 2021
I love stories with horses!
I have worked with horses for most of my life and I am always looking for ways to be around them. In this book Thomas Nye shows his love of horses in this book quite well, I love his descriptions of the big draft horses and what they can do. I hope to own a pair of draft horses like them someday too!
Samson and Delilah’s story was an interesting tale and not really what I expected. This book had a couple of firsts for me. One I have never read an Amish book by a male author, and male authors have very different writing styles then females and that makes books interesting. Second, I have never read a book about Sampson and Delilah. Most people don’t write about them, I am not sure why. However, this book is very loosely related to their story, as in if you didn’t know their names to be looking for that specific storyline you probably wouldn’t notice it. I loved the twists in this book and thought It was a great ending to the story… or a possible lead into the next book in the series?
For me, the start of this book was quite slow, and I had a lot of trouble following the story and getting engaged with the characters. There seemed to be a lot of over expressed emotions and things repeated (which is somewhat understandable with the characters reading a book that closely follows what is happening in the book). I was very excited to read this book based off the description; however, the story fell short on what I expected and hoped for. Based on the overall book I give this story a 3 out of 5 stars for the creativity of Thomas Nye in crafting a dual storyline, for the interesting premise, and the great ending… or beginning?
I have worked with horses for most of my life and I am always looking for ways to be around them. In this book Thomas Nye shows his love of horses in this book quite well, I love his descriptions of the big draft horses and what they can do. I hope to own a pair of draft horses like them someday too!
Samson and Delilah’s story was an interesting tale and not really what I expected. This book had a couple of firsts for me. One I have never read an Amish book by a male author, and male authors have very different writing styles then females and that makes books interesting. Second, I have never read a book about Sampson and Delilah. Most people don’t write about them, I am not sure why. However, this book is very loosely related to their story, as in if you didn’t know their names to be looking for that specific storyline you probably wouldn’t notice it. I loved the twists in this book and thought It was a great ending to the story… or a possible lead into the next book in the series?
For me, the start of this book was quite slow, and I had a lot of trouble following the story and getting engaged with the characters. There seemed to be a lot of over expressed emotions and things repeated (which is somewhat understandable with the characters reading a book that closely follows what is happening in the book). I was very excited to read this book based off the description; however, the story fell short on what I expected and hoped for. Based on the overall book I give this story a 3 out of 5 stars for the creativity of Thomas Nye in crafting a dual storyline, for the interesting premise, and the great ending… or beginning?

Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Isaiah's Daughter (Prophets and Kings, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Hold on just one moment, please. *Reflects* Ahem. Okay. Now, I can review this book. This book. What can say about this poignant, stunning novel of epic proportions? I can tell you that this book will pull you in and twist you up inside, as you get to know Hephzibah, or Ishma as she's first known. The pages within this book come to life, the characters moving before you like you are really there, learning of Isaiah, Hephzibah,Yaira,Hezekiah and all the happenings of Jerusalem.
Seeing all that young Ishma went through, really tugged at my heart. Watching her grow with Hezekiah was an experience I won't soon forget. I felt all of Zibah's feelings, all her pain and love for the Father. I cried when Isaiah and his wife adopted Zibah, I cried when Hezekiah and Zibah fell in love, I cried when I reached the end of this amazing novel.
This book is a book of true love. Of sacrificial love. Of a love that will never end, both within family, even if it's not blood family, and the never ending love of our amazing Father above. This story is utterly heartbreaking, yet it's heart-reviving. It is rich in detail, it is throroughly researched, and it's stitched perfectly together like that of a beautiful handmade quilt.
Ms. Andrews has gone beyond 5 stars with this book. This book is so much more than just that. If you want a book that will carry you away to a land, and a time, that we've only read about in the Bible and imagined with our minds and hearts, then this is a book for you. If you want a book that steals your mind, and soul long after you've shut the book, then this is for you. If you want a book that will leave you contemplating all you've learned in Bible study, then please, look no further than the first book in a Biblical series that is sure to be a best seller.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Seeing all that young Ishma went through, really tugged at my heart. Watching her grow with Hezekiah was an experience I won't soon forget. I felt all of Zibah's feelings, all her pain and love for the Father. I cried when Isaiah and his wife adopted Zibah, I cried when Hezekiah and Zibah fell in love, I cried when I reached the end of this amazing novel.
This book is a book of true love. Of sacrificial love. Of a love that will never end, both within family, even if it's not blood family, and the never ending love of our amazing Father above. This story is utterly heartbreaking, yet it's heart-reviving. It is rich in detail, it is throroughly researched, and it's stitched perfectly together like that of a beautiful handmade quilt.
Ms. Andrews has gone beyond 5 stars with this book. This book is so much more than just that. If you want a book that will carry you away to a land, and a time, that we've only read about in the Bible and imagined with our minds and hearts, then this is a book for you. If you want a book that steals your mind, and soul long after you've shut the book, then this is for you. If you want a book that will leave you contemplating all you've learned in Bible study, then please, look no further than the first book in a Biblical series that is sure to be a best seller.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

tonidavis (353 KP) rated Redesigning Fate (The Revive Series, #1) in Books
Jun 30, 2017
SIN!!!!!!!!!!! (3 more)
You will need therapy by the end of this series
Emotional
Heartbreaking
Warning Not For Faint Hearted (1 more)
If you are of squeamish nature do not read.
SIn Mine get another Book Boyfriend
Out of all Indie authors i know there are two that can attack your emotions so brutally and beautifully you will never know to read another book again or just give up and cry in the corner.
There are numerous complex and multi-dimensional characters in Allison books my favorite belongs in this series.
Alexander Sinclair more commonly known as Sin a moody Bar tender who has heart of gold. Even the psychopathic Stalker Travis has something about him has a sexy I know you could kill rape kill and torture me but man your so appealing there's a part of me that don't care.
These books deal with the darkest of real world situation and should you be of a squeamish nature do not read.
There are numerous complex and multi-dimensional characters in Allison books my favorite belongs in this series.
Alexander Sinclair more commonly known as Sin a moody Bar tender who has heart of gold. Even the psychopathic Stalker Travis has something about him has a sexy I know you could kill rape kill and torture me but man your so appealing there's a part of me that don't care.
These books deal with the darkest of real world situation and should you be of a squeamish nature do not read.

Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, #8) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
After my disappointment with the last installment in the Stephanie Plum series, I was happy to see Evanovich bring it in Hard Eight. This book was much more engaging than the last. I couldn't put it down.
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!

Kyera (8 KP) rated The Midnight Star in Books
Feb 1, 2018
We meet up with the ever-charming Adelina one year into her reign. she rules with fear and swift action. The unmarked are given rotten food and harsh punishments. The marked are freed from their owners and given titles, never to be called malfetto again.
I actually believe that I enjoyed the conclusion to this series more than the previous two installments. The ending even had the emotional depth that I was waiting for since the first book. Since Adelina is an anti-hero, the reader usually has a difficult time relating to her and must rely upon secondary characters. Unfortunately, in the first two books there weren't many characters that I connected to. By the third book, I feel that it had changed. You felt the characters' pain when they experienced the death of a fellow.
I can't much else without spoiling the plot, so just go read the series. I definitely recommend it.
I actually believe that I enjoyed the conclusion to this series more than the previous two installments. The ending even had the emotional depth that I was waiting for since the first book. Since Adelina is an anti-hero, the reader usually has a difficult time relating to her and must rely upon secondary characters. Unfortunately, in the first two books there weren't many characters that I connected to. By the third book, I feel that it had changed. You felt the characters' pain when they experienced the death of a fellow.
I can't much else without spoiling the plot, so just go read the series. I definitely recommend it.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2389 KP) rated A Disguise to Die For (Costume Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Margo Tamblyn returns home to help her father with the family costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, in time to put together a bunch of detective costumes for a birthday party. But when the guest of honor is murdered in the kitchen and Margo’s good friend Ebony is the prime suspect, Margo has to put her own detective costume on to find the killer.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
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-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
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-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.