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CD
Coyote Dreams (Walker Papers, #3)
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I never am sure how to evaluate the books in this series, because I understand so little of what is occurring. Joanne is the type of character who lives moment to moment, and still comes out smelling like roses. In the first book, this didn't feel like it would work for me, but now I'm quite used to it. The irony is that what used to surprise me so unexpectedly had quite ceased to have that sort of effect.
The plus side to all of this is that Joanne no longer seems to be fighting her shamanic role as much and is excepting who she is and what she can do. Even her boss seems to be adapting to the idea, which can be quite hilarious at times. The chemistry between them is as visible as lightning, but for some reason neither one wants to act on it, which is frustrating to no end for me.
I was really hopeful through most of the book that the new male element was as good as he seemed, because he was perfect for Joanne in so many ways. The way her life changed on a dime did not seem to phase him, and neither did her shamanic duties. It was like he had this secret knowledge that he knew exactly what she needed, and it was the hottie standing in his shoes. Alas, these things are always too good to be true.
I enjoyed the focus on sleep and dreaming that this book had, it was a more unpredictable element for Joanne to work with and it made her expand her limits and comfort zone. This also allowed her to venture into her boss's mental garden, which was both surprising and exciting and added a new layer to their evolving relationship.
I was not really satisfied with the ending, but the great thing about series is that this still has the potential to change. I look forward to the next book in the series, Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4).
  
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Kaz (232 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale in Books

May 16, 2019  
The Handmaid's Tale
The Handmaid's Tale
Margaret Atwood | 1998 | Essays
8
8.3 (112 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm totally gripped by the television adaptation of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and can't wait for the new season to start.

So I was a bit hesitant to read the novel, it originally was adapted from. The reason for this was because I love the series so much, I thought that maybe I would be disappointed, when I read the novel. There are some differences between the TV programme and the novel but one thing is for sure, both are brilliant and powerful in their own right.

The writing in this novel had impact, but was also beautiful. Whilst this novel wasn’t quite as overtly shocking as the TV programme, the horrors of the repressed society of Gilead and the struggles that Offred and the other Handmaids go through, were still as alarming. I thought the way in which these shocking events were combined with the most beautiful, poetic observations of even the simplest of things, added to the strength of the words on the page and brilliantly contrasted with the more sinister parts of the novel.

Due to the fact that this book is written in the first person, I think I was able to get into this story very quickly and I believed that Offred was a real person, talking to me. I liked the way in which this book flowed seamlessly between the present and the past. You even find out more about Offred, than you do in the TV programme.

Usually I find that when a novel is adapted into a film or television series, the book or the adaptation, is never as quite as good as the other. With ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ however, I think that the book and TV series, compliment each other brilliantly.

 If you are looking for a novel which has strong, powerful female characters, then ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a book you should read.

I couldn’t find fault with this novel and I look forward to reading this again in the future.
  
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Film and stuff (30 KP) May 17, 2019

Check out the film with Robert Duvall. It's very faithful to the book.

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Kaz (232 KP) May 17, 2019

I didn't know it was adapted into a film. I will try and check it out!

RM
Remember Me (Find Me, #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

<i>Remember Me</i> is the second novel in the <i>Find Me</i> thriller series by Romily Bernard. At the end of the first book Wicket Tate thought her problems were over but the teenage computer hacker is quickly caught up in a murder case. Beginning with a body of a woman with the words “Remember Me” carved into her, Wick is blackmailed by a member of the police to secretly investigate the potential suspects. Knowing her remaining family and friends would suffer if she did not comply, Wick gets herself into difficult and dangerous situations. As well as this, Wick is still struggling with previous events in her life making her job all the more harder, especially when certain secrets begin to resurface.

Bernard easily grabs the readers’ attention with the fast paced and developing plot line. Wick Tate is a likeable character whose bravery is admirable. During the story a range of potential outcomes come to mind, and although one of them may be correct, Bernard keeps us in suspense until the very end.

As with most young adult fiction, <i>Remember Me</i> would not be complete without it’s fair share of romance. Wick’s boyfriend, Griff, is against her involvement with the hacking jobs but fails to realize just how trapped she is. This causes friction between the couple, not helped by the behavior of the new guy on the scene, Milo.

Although this is the second book in the series there is enough background information given for new readers to understand what has happened so far. As with all sequels it would be beneficial to have read the preceding book, however it is not essential as this book is enjoyable regardless.

This is a highly recommended book and series, and the author still has a lot more to offer. A third title, <i>Trust Me</i>, should be published next year (2015).
  
The Missing Husband (Hanlon Series #3)
The Missing Husband (Hanlon Series #3)
Alex Coombs | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read the first 2 books in the series featuring the unorthodox, tough and uncompromising DCI Hanlon and having thoroughly enjoyed them, didn't hesitate to choose the third and I wasn't disappointed although I have to admit that I struggled a little to get into this one and I think it's because there are quite a lot of characters and it was quite difficult to keep up however, that soon passed and I was, once again, totally immersed.

I do think that you need to have at least read the first book, The Stolen Child, otherwise you just won't get the full appreciation of the main characters particularly Hanlon and Demirel; having said that, if you haven't, don't let this pass you by as it still works okay as a standalone but you just won't get the whys and wherefores which, I think, makes this series so compelling.

What we have in this book is a plot that starts off seemingly innocuous - a woman comes in to report her missing husband - however, it soon becomes something much more intricate as the book develops. The pace is almost relentless, there are a few points in the book that lets you take a breath from the action which is a welcome relief. There are some pretty unsavoury characters doing equally unsavoury things and therefore, there is quite a bit of violence but nothing you wouldn't expect given the blurb and the subject matter.

As I said, the action is non-stop culminating in a heart-stopping finale in a remote farmhouse when some people definitely get what they deserve whereas others definitely do not and I look forward to finding out what happens next in the fourth instalment.

I would definitely recommend this book and the series to those who love a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred thriller.

Thank you once again to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.

Now for number 4!
  
Calistos (Guardians of Hades #5)
Calistos (Guardians of Hades #5)
Felicity Heaton | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Calistos is the fifth book in the Guardians of Hades series and this time we have the playboy of the series! Bless him, Calistos has some serious issues. Between hiding who he really is from everyone (including his brothers), memory issues, and keeping everyone at a firm distance because he doesn't believe he deserves love, well, this is one helluva story!

Marinda believes she is human and first meets Cal at the ER where she works on reception. Even when he is high on human medicine, Cal recognises something in Mari that makes him want to know her more. As for Marinda, she is fascinated by Cal but thinks he is a junkie so intends to keep her distance. You can guess how that works out.

The connection between Cal and Mari is instantaneous and continues through the book. Mari doesn't like Cal's reputation as a playboy but gets to know him before judging. The action is non-stop in here as Cal tries to understand why the daemons are after Mari. I loved the reason! Let's just say Mari definitely has a split personality.

The other couples play a part in here too, along with a hint of what is to come for Daimon. One of the things I love about these stories is that with each book, it gives me a teaser of what is to come which immediately whets my appetite and makes me want it NOW.

As always, the action scenes are spot-on whilst the sexy scenes steamed up my Kindle. All the characters have more to them than you first see and the layers are peeled off in such a way as to keep you wanting more.

A fantastic addition to the series that I highly recommend.

* 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!
  
Instinct (Werewolf Academy #3)
Instinct (Werewolf Academy #3)
Cheree Alsop | 2014 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Instinct is the third book in the series, and this should definitely be read in order. In fact, to get the best from this series, I would highly recommend you read the Silver series but then that is a favourite of mine so I may be slightly biased!

Alex is still targeted although now it's by the General as the Packs have Drogan. He is going out more with Jaze and the others which seems to help the broken pieces inside of him. If he can help others, he feels useful. It is on one such mission that he is buried alive for a while; trapped in the dark with a young werewolf who is in danger of dying. Alex keeps her alive until they are rescued. It is during this time that he realises Kalia is not The One for him but she is still a very good friend. Now he just has to find a way to let her know without hurting her too much.

I've been wondering when this would happen as it was obvious from his confusion, even before Siale came along, that Kalia wasn't for him. Cassie has found happiness with Tennison so she is able to understand and try to help. I love the lessons from the Professors but I love it even more when Alex goes along on their missions. Only now, it's not just Alex but some of the others too, which makes it even better.

I am loving the overall story arc that I am following and the individual stories within each book. There are new characters to meet, new situations, and new lessons for Alex. One thing I would say, is to make sure you have the next book ready before you finish reading as you will absolutely NEED to continue with the story.

* 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!
  
Shadow Bound (Shadow #1)
Shadow Bound (Shadow #1)
Erin Kellison | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SHADOW BOUND is the first book in the Shadow series, starting off with the Daughter of Death, Talia. Not only that, but you get a nice prologue that tells you about the love between her father and mother, and just what their situation was. I really liked that.

After the prologue, you move forward twenty-six years to find Talia packing for a new job after successfully defending her dissertation. All that changes when two Wraiths force their way into her home and kill her flatmate. Talia goes on the run, successfully hiding for a few months until her luck seems to run out. While this has been going on, Adam has been searching for her. She is the only one so far he has found that mentions 'Shadowman' and he is desperate to find her. He does, in the nick of time, and that's when the fun really starts.

Talia doesn't simply turn into a kick-ass bad-ass b!tch. Nope, she claws her way through her instincts to run and hide, only really coming into her own during the last part of the book. Adam is a bitter, arrogant jerk (with reason) who wants to use Talia at the beginning and, by the end, will do anything to protect her.

This is a fast-paced story that will keep you turning the pages. The world-building was great and really helped to set the scene, not only for this book but also for the others in the series. Talia and Adam are ably supported by a fascinating group of characters that I hope will be in later books. I found it to be a great start to the series and look forward to Custo's story, which is next.

** 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!
Oct 20, 2023
  
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Merissa (12363 KP) rated Matched By My Rival (Thrust Into Love #2) in Books

Jul 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)  
Matched By My Rival (Thrust Into Love #2)
Matched By My Rival (Thrust Into Love #2)
D.J. Jamison | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MATCHED BY MY RIVAL is the second book in the Thrust Into Love series and this time we follow Simon, the accident-prone footballer mentioned in book one.

Bless him, he's had a rough go of it. Everything he ever wanted in life, thrown away in one fit of temper. He's certainly paid for it. And Parker, the one to fill Simon's shoes, the one in the middle of all the kerfuffle, the one who doesn't want to play but is weighed down by expectations. Oh, these two.

I honestly thought nothing could beat Cooper and Trace. I mean, come on, those guys were perfect!!! But... so are Simon and Parker. I LOVED how they were two different people - the real-life versions, plus the online ones. I thought it was so well-written as it played out, and I adored how they slowly came together in real life too.

This is certainly steamy and I loved every word. It changes from aggression-filled lust to something WAY more than that. And it works. It really does! Simon and Parker brought condensation to my Kindle screen and I couldn't get enough of their story.

This is the second in the series, but you don't have to have read book one. Of course, I'm recommending you do because that was a 5-star read for me too, and Cooper and Trace are magnificent! So, yeah, you could read it as a standalone, but the question is, why would you want to?

A superb addition to the series and another jewel in the crown of D.J. Jamison. Absolutely and utterly 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!
Jul 8, 2021
  
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Merissa (12363 KP) rated Hers, Times Two (Hers #4) in Books

Jun 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
Hers, Times Two (Hers #4)
Hers, Times Two (Hers #4)
Anna Adler | 2021 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
HERS, TIMES TWO is the fourth book in this series, and although you could read it as a standalone, the question would be WHY? There are three brilliant books before this one that help set up the scene/worlds so why limit yourself to just one?

Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.

First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.

There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.

There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!

** 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 17, 2021
  
Resting Witch Face (Journals of Forbidden Witchery #1)
Resting Witch Face (Journals of Forbidden Witchery #1)
Maya Daniels | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RESTING WITCH FACE is the first book in the Journals of Forbidden Witchery series and we start a whole new urban fantasy. Hazel is our main character, a witch with no powers, otherwise known as a dud. This doesn't mean she's weak though. She's trained herself, and the enforcers in her coven, and can fight demons without powers. But when her grandmother (who coincidentally runs the coven) starts hiding her from view, Hazel sniffs out a secret. With her best friend Sissily, she needs to figure out what's going on before she is cast out for good.

This was a fantastic start to the series! Hazel is a smart-alec, with a sassy attitude, a short temper, and is fuelled by coffee. There is lots to like about her, especially her grumpiness which hides a lot of things. Sissily is a good friend, who has been there for her throughout but falters a bit at the end. I wasn't too keen on that so I'm hoping she pulls it together. And what would a Maya Daniels book be without a buff hero to fall back on?! River comes with his own secrets and I look forward to learning more about him.

I thought the pacing was perfect in this book. It was fast and full of action but without being frantic. It gave me time to enjoy the story, to immerse myself in it, enjoy Hazel's past, and wonder about her future. Alex and Amber are fantastic supporting characters, and I can't wait to learn more about Shadowborn as I'm sure he's dodgy. No reason, just because! 😉

With secrets aplenty, this is a brilliant start to a series I can't wait to continue. Absolutely 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 4, 2021