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Merissa (12854 KP) rated Midnight Romance (Itayu Lake, #5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Midnight Romance is the fifth book in the Itayu Lake series, and we reunite with Ignacio, the demon who has helped previous mated pairs. This time, it's his turn. His mate is a vampire, and he literally falls out of the sky into Ignacio's arms. Whilst Ignacio could have completed the claiming rite that very night, he waits - mainly because Adriano is delirious, and Ignacio refuses to claim his mate unaware.
Not only do these two have the new bond to complete, but they also have Adriano's old lover, Lyle to contend with. Also, the Hunters are back, determined to find out more about the preternaturals that live peacefully on Itayu Lake. We meet two possible (new) pairs that I hope to hear about very soon - Lyle and Kai, and Shaw and Zhuang. The issue with the Hunters still isn't over, so I look forward to reading more in this series.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, although I would also recommend that you start at the beginning, just to get the full impact!
* 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!
Not only do these two have the new bond to complete, but they also have Adriano's old lover, Lyle to contend with. Also, the Hunters are back, determined to find out more about the preternaturals that live peacefully on Itayu Lake. We meet two possible (new) pairs that I hope to hear about very soon - Lyle and Kai, and Shaw and Zhuang. The issue with the Hunters still isn't over, so I look forward to reading more in this series.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, although I would also recommend that you start at the beginning, just to get the full impact!
* 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!
David McK (3557 KP) rated Knights of the Hawk (The Bloody Aftermath of 1066, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I remember a few years back I read a book, before I read the first in this 'Conquest' series [b:Sworn Sword|20684800|Sworn Sword A Novel|James Aitcheson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-6121bf4c1f669098041843ec9650ca19.png|39982373], which told of (some of) the events of 1066 from the English rather than Norman perspective.
Why do I bring that up? Because the main character of that book - Hereward, known today with the sobriquet 'The Wake' - also appears in this, and is indeed a central character in roughly the first half or so.
That part of the book deals with King Guillaime (William, aka (today) 'The Conqueror') campaign to crush the last(?) of the English resistance to his conquest in the fen country, with Tancred (as always) playing a central role in doing so. Following their eventual success, however, and for plot reasons I am not going to go into here, Tancred finds himself on the run from his former Lord, traveling to Dyfflin (Dublin) in pursuit of his lost love, leading to him allying himself with the most unlikely of allies and launching an assault upon a Dane who has holed up in the Northern Isles.
This, I felt, is another great read in the series: I will be picking up the next when it comes out!
Why do I bring that up? Because the main character of that book - Hereward, known today with the sobriquet 'The Wake' - also appears in this, and is indeed a central character in roughly the first half or so.
That part of the book deals with King Guillaime (William, aka (today) 'The Conqueror') campaign to crush the last(?) of the English resistance to his conquest in the fen country, with Tancred (as always) playing a central role in doing so. Following their eventual success, however, and for plot reasons I am not going to go into here, Tancred finds himself on the run from his former Lord, traveling to Dyfflin (Dublin) in pursuit of his lost love, leading to him allying himself with the most unlikely of allies and launching an assault upon a Dane who has holed up in the Northern Isles.
This, I felt, is another great read in the series: I will be picking up the next when it comes out!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Siege and Sacrifice in Books
Dec 12, 2019
A good conclusion
Contains spoilers, click to show
The final part of this trilogy starts with what should be an almighty conflict. The (somewhat damp squib of a) second book in the series ended with the much-feared monster being summoned into the body of the presumed-dead Anon, Sandis' brother. Sadly, this opening scene is short-lived as the heroes scarper and live to fight another day (though admittedly it was always going to be that way!).
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Nevermore (Raven Crawford, #2) in Books
Jan 27, 2020
NEVERMORE is the second book in the Raven Crawford series and we return to Raven as she is still adjusting to what happened at the end of book 1 and the death of the Corvid Queen.
I say that some of the instances in this book are not a surprise, but then I don't think they were intended to be. What you do get is the continuation of the story, with sass and snark in handfuls, steam that melts your Kindle, and a story that just keeps getting better.
I loved how Raven is still at her dead-end job with Mike, not because it's a dead-end job but because she's still got her 'normal' life. She's still trying to pay off Robert's debts and has moved back home. This isn't anyone who has let things go to her head and even more so in this one! We get more of her family in this one, plus some more of the 'bad guys' which, to be honest, just leaves me wanting more.
The writing is on form as always, with the pacing being perfect for the story. The characters just keep on getting better and the story will have you turning the pages, unwilling to stop reading.
For a top-notch Urban Fantasy, I have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series.
I say that some of the instances in this book are not a surprise, but then I don't think they were intended to be. What you do get is the continuation of the story, with sass and snark in handfuls, steam that melts your Kindle, and a story that just keeps getting better.
I loved how Raven is still at her dead-end job with Mike, not because it's a dead-end job but because she's still got her 'normal' life. She's still trying to pay off Robert's debts and has moved back home. This isn't anyone who has let things go to her head and even more so in this one! We get more of her family in this one, plus some more of the 'bad guys' which, to be honest, just leaves me wanting more.
The writing is on form as always, with the pacing being perfect for the story. The characters just keep on getting better and the story will have you turning the pages, unwilling to stop reading.
For a top-notch Urban Fantasy, I have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Secrets Submerged (Isla Emerged #1.5) in Books
May 19, 2021
67 of 250
Kindle
Secrets Submerged ( Isla Emerged book 1.5)
By Deidre Sequeira
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Pain. Deception. Family.
Eleven months ago, Isla became the matriarch of her merfolk kingdom. Unfortunately, transitioning from being an exiled princess to being a queen is tougher than she anticipated. Isla is haunted by the trauma her mistakes have left behind, the sacrifice her father made, and the glimpse Anita gave her at a secret that had been buried for nearly thirty years.
Only Anita and the secret she holds close to her heart can give Isla any measure of closure and make the road ahead clearer for Isla to grow as Queen. But, much like the young mermaid, Anita is wracked by guilt because of her past complacency, the lies she believed, and the damage that was done.
Do they dare risk their friendship—and Isla’s fragile sanity—by exposing a truth that could change everything?
This novella bridges the gap between the series' first book, Isla Emerged, and the full length sequel.
This is the perfect refresher and set up for the next book of the series. After reading book 1 I knew it was going to be good and I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. The author has given you a refresher, some history and made you excited for the next one.
Kindle
Secrets Submerged ( Isla Emerged book 1.5)
By Deidre Sequeira
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Pain. Deception. Family.
Eleven months ago, Isla became the matriarch of her merfolk kingdom. Unfortunately, transitioning from being an exiled princess to being a queen is tougher than she anticipated. Isla is haunted by the trauma her mistakes have left behind, the sacrifice her father made, and the glimpse Anita gave her at a secret that had been buried for nearly thirty years.
Only Anita and the secret she holds close to her heart can give Isla any measure of closure and make the road ahead clearer for Isla to grow as Queen. But, much like the young mermaid, Anita is wracked by guilt because of her past complacency, the lies she believed, and the damage that was done.
Do they dare risk their friendship—and Isla’s fragile sanity—by exposing a truth that could change everything?
This novella bridges the gap between the series' first book, Isla Emerged, and the full length sequel.
This is the perfect refresher and set up for the next book of the series. After reading book 1 I knew it was going to be good and I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed. The author has given you a refresher, some history and made you excited for the next one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Hitting the Books in Books
Jan 8, 2021
Was the Hit and Run a Murder Attempt?
Spring has arrived in Briar Creek, and it’s such a beautiful day that Lindsey Norris can’t help but spend a few minutes looking out the window of the library. However, what she sees is someone hit tennis coach Theresa Huston and then drive off. It sure seemed to Lindsey that the car sped up as it approached the crosswalk. When the investigation points to the library, Lindsey can’t help but get involved. But was this a case of negligent driving? Or was it attempted homicide?
The book does a good job of slipping us back into the world of the series while also setting up the mystery. However, I did feel the pace lagged a bit in the middle before wrapping the major questions up with the climax. A couple things could have been explained better, but they were minor. On the other hand, I loved how the library came into play in the plot. We don’t see as much of the series regulars, but that allows us to really get to know Theresa and those in her life, which I enjoyed. Plus, we get some good development for Lindsey and Sully. The book has the usual classic book discussion questions, craft, and three recipes at the end. Fans will enjoy this book; I know I did.
The book does a good job of slipping us back into the world of the series while also setting up the mystery. However, I did feel the pace lagged a bit in the middle before wrapping the major questions up with the climax. A couple things could have been explained better, but they were minor. On the other hand, I loved how the library came into play in the plot. We don’t see as much of the series regulars, but that allows us to really get to know Theresa and those in her life, which I enjoyed. Plus, we get some good development for Lindsey and Sully. The book has the usual classic book discussion questions, craft, and three recipes at the end. Fans will enjoy this book; I know I did.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Amongst the Chaos in Books
Oct 19, 2020
Amongst the Chaos is a standalone (I think) but could be part of a series. (I hope it is part of a series and I want to more about these guys.) It is also the first book by this author I have read but it won't be the last.
The character building in this book is second to none. It was obvious what was going on between Asher and Chloe but the tense expectation about killed me! It was definitely a case of when and not if. Grayson was a brilliant character who supported Chloe in all ways but wasn't afraid to show his emotions. This was sometimes detrimental to his own cause but he owned it.
Paige and Dom are two brilliant supporting characters, the same as the rest of the 'brothers'. And just because he irritated me, I'd love to know more about Gabe!
This was a great, page-turning story that kept my attention from the very beginning with excellent scene-setting and amazing characters and full of suspense and steam. I loved every moment of this and have no hesitation in recommending 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!
The character building in this book is second to none. It was obvious what was going on between Asher and Chloe but the tense expectation about killed me! It was definitely a case of when and not if. Grayson was a brilliant character who supported Chloe in all ways but wasn't afraid to show his emotions. This was sometimes detrimental to his own cause but he owned it.
Paige and Dom are two brilliant supporting characters, the same as the rest of the 'brothers'. And just because he irritated me, I'd love to know more about Gabe!
This was a great, page-turning story that kept my attention from the very beginning with excellent scene-setting and amazing characters and full of suspense and steam. I loved every moment of this and have no hesitation in recommending 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!
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Forbidden Storm (Storm #2) in Books
Jun 2, 2020
Forbidden Storm is the second book in the Storm series and this time the story is about Kurtis and Lucretia. If you have read book one, you will know Kurtis had hopes for a relationship with Nicole, which Logan was quick to dismiss! Lucretia has her own secrets to hide which impact her past, present, and future.
Theirs is very much a will they/won't they story with plenty of action along the way. I am pleased to see Nikki and Logan still play a part in here although, obviously, not as much. Lucretia's secrets come out and she pays the price in more ways than one. Kurtis is okay but more often than not he will do or say something that annoyed me.
I do love the story development both in this story and the overall story arc. There are plenty of hints about stories to come which definitely leaves me wanting more. The characters continue to grow and adapt as times change.
This was a brilliant addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely recommend it and I look forward to whatever comes 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. *
Theirs is very much a will they/won't they story with plenty of action along the way. I am pleased to see Nikki and Logan still play a part in here although, obviously, not as much. Lucretia's secrets come out and she pays the price in more ways than one. Kurtis is okay but more often than not he will do or say something that annoyed me.
I do love the story development both in this story and the overall story arc. There are plenty of hints about stories to come which definitely leaves me wanting more. The characters continue to grow and adapt as times change.
This was a brilliant addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely recommend it and I look forward to whatever comes 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. *
Where Every Man (Inspector James Given #4)
8.0
Rate It
Book
James Given must investigate another murder in wartime France! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie,...
Historical Fiction World War II France
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Her Druid Desire (The Amber Druid Series #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Love it!!! This is the first full-length novel in the Amber Druid series and is a perfect follow-on from the first Novella (Her Druid Temptation). The storyline is very well written, the plot is consistent throughout, and the characters are well-rounded and continue to develop throughout the book.
There is tension and attraction between the two main characters which also develops as the male lead tries to combine the young woman he sees in front of him with his memory of the young girl and daughter of his employee that he remembers. Nadia is a strong female lead who refuses to kowtow to Drake and has no problem with pushing his boundaries and telling him when he's wrong!
This book had me in tears (in a good way), laughing out loud and completely egging on our main two to get it together. I'm hoping that they will continue to make cameo appearances throughout the series as I would love to know how Nadia continues to develop.
Absolutely brilliant and recommended for anyone who likes Paranormal Romance.
* 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!
July 30, 2016
There is tension and attraction between the two main characters which also develops as the male lead tries to combine the young woman he sees in front of him with his memory of the young girl and daughter of his employee that he remembers. Nadia is a strong female lead who refuses to kowtow to Drake and has no problem with pushing his boundaries and telling him when he's wrong!
This book had me in tears (in a good way), laughing out loud and completely egging on our main two to get it together. I'm hoping that they will continue to make cameo appearances throughout the series as I would love to know how Nadia continues to develop.
Absolutely brilliant and recommended for anyone who likes Paranormal Romance.
* 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!
July 30, 2016