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Merissa (12363 KP) rated Broken Souls (Primani #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series although it can be read as a standalone. I have already read book 1 but none other until now.
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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!
Jul 27, 2015
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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!
Jul 27, 2015
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Embrace the Passion (The Blood Rose #4) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Blood Rose series, and I would recommend that you read these in order for the full impact. Although each story could be read as a standalone (sort of), there is a general overall arc which makes more sense if you've read them all. Also, it's a wonderful series so there is no reason not to.
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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!
Nov 8, 2015
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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!
Nov 8, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2275 KP) rated Dark Horse in Books
May 4, 2022 (Updated May 4, 2022)
Always Bet on Orphan X
Evan Smoak’s latest client is giving him pause. Evan prefers to help the innocent who have gotten in over their heads. The call he’s taken is from Aragon Urrea, the kingpin of a major drug operation in South Texas. Evan initially hangs up on Aragon, but decides to help him because of his request. Aragon’s daughter was kidnapped from her eighteenth birthday party by a rival drug cartel, and Aragon needs someone to get her back without starting a drug war. It isn’t long before Evan realizes just how bad the rival gang is. But can he find a way to fulfill his mission without compromising who he is trying to become?
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Clues to You (Love in the Comptons #3) in Books
Sep 19, 2023
CLUES TO YOU is the third book in the Love in the Comptons series but can be read as a standalone, although previous characters are mentioned in passing.
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** 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!
Sep 5, 2023
Now, straight into this one...
I don't usually do mysteries. Not at all. You can keep your Poirots and Marples. They just don't interest me at all. BUT Kate and Max? Sign me up! I loved this sleuthing duo and their gentle romance.
There is a lot to this book. Not only do you have the characters' real lives and backgrounds to deal with, but you also have the murder-mystery weekend too, where no one is as they seem. Well, apart from Merryman himself, that is. And - here's the thing - I was engrossed in both parts! I loved the whodunnit side and seeing Kate and Max work together, once their misunderstandings were gone. I also loved seeing them as themselves, dealing with others - some good, some not so good (I'm looking at you, Paul!), and generally finding out what they had in common.
Love in the Comptons is a series that just keeps on getting better. I loved this book from beginning to end - which did surprise me. The writing is THAT good! So take it from me, someone who doesn't do mysteries, this book will grip you from beginning to end! Highly recommended.
** 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!
Sep 5, 2023
Merissa (12363 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Heavens Aground (Treble and the Lost Boys #2) in Books
Oct 18, 2018
Heavens Aground (Treble and the Lost Boys #2) by G.R. Lyons
Heavens Aground is the second book in the Treble and the Lost Boys series, and it is Ryley's turn. We met Ryley in book one, and although he was (and is) cheating on Vic, there is still something about him. Of course, he's also a big pain in the posterior, but as you learn more about his story, SOME of his behaviour becomes almost reasonable. The one thing I haven't liked about him was his constant cheating, but I am pleased to report that does change.
This is an intricate storyline, with hidden memories holding Ryley back. However, although hints are given throughout the book, you never quite know for sure until it is laid out for you. Along with Ryley, you have two very strong characters in Vic and Asher. Vic, of course, played a part in book one, but Asher is new to this book. He is the perfect foil for Ryley, even if he is very laid back!!!
All in all, I loved how this story was told, and I honestly can't wait for book 3 - Vic's story. I want to know what's going on with Cam, and can't remember if it went into detail in book 1, so I may just have to re-read to see ;)
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this book was brilliantly written, with a strong character base and equally strong world building. There is no second book dip with this one, and I highly recommend it.
* 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 is an intricate storyline, with hidden memories holding Ryley back. However, although hints are given throughout the book, you never quite know for sure until it is laid out for you. Along with Ryley, you have two very strong characters in Vic and Asher. Vic, of course, played a part in book one, but Asher is new to this book. He is the perfect foil for Ryley, even if he is very laid back!!!
All in all, I loved how this story was told, and I honestly can't wait for book 3 - Vic's story. I want to know what's going on with Cam, and can't remember if it went into detail in book 1, so I may just have to re-read to see ;)
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this book was brilliantly written, with a strong character base and equally strong world building. There is no second book dip with this one, and I highly recommend it.
* 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!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Necromancer's Prison in Books
Aug 19, 2019
Daring adventure with realistic teens
**I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I will admit I was a little hesitant to read this book. Science fiction and I have a love-hate relationship. I tend to get bored if the book is too logical, so it's always a gamble for me. Luckily, this book was right up my alley. It's science fiction that verges on the cusp of fantasy. It's logical, but it doesn't get bogged down by too much logic which I appreciated.
The Necromancer's Prison is a daring adventure book that is sure to keep you turning the page. I loved seeing the interaction between the main characters, and I loved the bickering & comradery they had as well. Each character was there for a reason, and I liked that they acted like teenagers. They had a great connection to each other, and even as an adult, I could connect with them.
Something else that I loved about this book is the plot and how fast-paced it was. Once I got into the story, I devoured it. The plot was intricate and engaging. It also had some twists & turns, which kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. Though I will admit, the present tense threw me for a loop. It took me a bit to get into the book, but once I got into the meat of the book, I enjoyed it.
All in all, this book left me satisfied, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a quick-paced science fiction that verges on fantasy.
I will admit I was a little hesitant to read this book. Science fiction and I have a love-hate relationship. I tend to get bored if the book is too logical, so it's always a gamble for me. Luckily, this book was right up my alley. It's science fiction that verges on the cusp of fantasy. It's logical, but it doesn't get bogged down by too much logic which I appreciated.
The Necromancer's Prison is a daring adventure book that is sure to keep you turning the page. I loved seeing the interaction between the main characters, and I loved the bickering & comradery they had as well. Each character was there for a reason, and I liked that they acted like teenagers. They had a great connection to each other, and even as an adult, I could connect with them.
Something else that I loved about this book is the plot and how fast-paced it was. Once I got into the story, I devoured it. The plot was intricate and engaging. It also had some twists & turns, which kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. Though I will admit, the present tense threw me for a loop. It took me a bit to get into the book, but once I got into the meat of the book, I enjoyed it.
All in all, this book left me satisfied, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a quick-paced science fiction that verges on fantasy.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Wicked Night (A Warrior's Promise #1) in Books
Aug 7, 2020
Wicked Night is the first book in The Warrior's Promise series and we meet Gwen, who is half vampire. Although she comes from a wealthy family, she is not the usual spoilt little rich girl. Wicked is in line to be the next King and has agreed to take Gwen as his charge as a favour to her father (who we don't get to meet in this book.)
Gwen is a good character for the most part. She doesn't allow unnecessary miscommunication to blow out of proportion (too much) but she is a hot-head and allows her anger to run away with her at times. Wicked wants Gwen but doesn't want to act on it, which means he is stupid until he sorts it out!
This is a long book which is good because it allows you to delve into the characters' lives. However, I would say there are parts where this book could be tightened up. Some parts seem repetitive and, for saying it is a long book, Gwen hasn't even gone through her change when the book finishes. It will be interesting to see if things 'speed up' a bit in the next book without losing any of the quality.
This storyline did remind me of the Black Dagger Brotherhood which is not a bad thing, just an observation. All in all, this was a very enjoyable book and I can't wait to see what happens next.
* 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!
Gwen is a good character for the most part. She doesn't allow unnecessary miscommunication to blow out of proportion (too much) but she is a hot-head and allows her anger to run away with her at times. Wicked wants Gwen but doesn't want to act on it, which means he is stupid until he sorts it out!
This is a long book which is good because it allows you to delve into the characters' lives. However, I would say there are parts where this book could be tightened up. Some parts seem repetitive and, for saying it is a long book, Gwen hasn't even gone through her change when the book finishes. It will be interesting to see if things 'speed up' a bit in the next book without losing any of the quality.
This storyline did remind me of the Black Dagger Brotherhood which is not a bad thing, just an observation. All in all, this was a very enjoyable book and I can't wait to see what happens next.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1321 KP) rated Ginger Snapping All The Way (Love In Mission City #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2024
the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Volume 3 in Books
May 25, 2018
I had a lot of fun with this book.
Contains spoilers, click to show
*DOES contain at least ONE spoiler*
This book was pretty decent. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hadn't already watched the series or read the original comic books simply because the three different stories are written by different people, and they wrote these stories with different time periods in mind.
For instance, the first story is meant to take place near the beginning of the series when Buffy and Angel are still in that "honeymoon" phase of their relationship. Then, when the second story opens, Buffy and Angel are mortal enemies and Buffy is trying to consider how exactly she's going to bring herself to kill him. In the third story, Buffy and Angel are all snuggly again.
So, if someone who had never watched the series simply picked this book up on a whim to read it, I think they would find it very hard and confusing to read. But the storylines were good, and the characterization of the characters was great. I could just hear some of the lines coming from the mouths of Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz.
Individually, the second story was probably the best. It had an entirely original storyline (within the framework of the overall series, that is) that was just really involved and really well-done. I really loved that one. The first one was good, as well. I was less fond of the third and final story because parts of it were very similar to other Buffy episodes/comics already available AND because some of thing things that happened (like Angel actually deciding to kill Willow to save Buffy) just were NOT realistic. Of the three, the last one was definitely the weakest.
However, the anthology was still a nice addition to anyone who loves Buffy.
This book was pretty decent. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hadn't already watched the series or read the original comic books simply because the three different stories are written by different people, and they wrote these stories with different time periods in mind.
For instance, the first story is meant to take place near the beginning of the series when Buffy and Angel are still in that "honeymoon" phase of their relationship. Then, when the second story opens, Buffy and Angel are mortal enemies and Buffy is trying to consider how exactly she's going to bring herself to kill him. In the third story, Buffy and Angel are all snuggly again.
So, if someone who had never watched the series simply picked this book up on a whim to read it, I think they would find it very hard and confusing to read. But the storylines were good, and the characterization of the characters was great. I could just hear some of the lines coming from the mouths of Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz.
Individually, the second story was probably the best. It had an entirely original storyline (within the framework of the overall series, that is) that was just really involved and really well-done. I really loved that one. The first one was good, as well. I was less fond of the third and final story because parts of it were very similar to other Buffy episodes/comics already available AND because some of thing things that happened (like Angel actually deciding to kill Willow to save Buffy) just were NOT realistic. Of the three, the last one was definitely the weakest.
However, the anthology was still a nice addition to anyone who loves Buffy.