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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Spy School: Project X in Books
Oct 6, 2022 (Updated Oct 6, 2022)
Target: Ben Ripley
Any student will tell you that finals is a stressful time, but it is even more so at Spy School. After all, not only do you have to pass your classes, but failing could lead to serious pain. Ben Ripley has something extra to worry about since he’s been summoned to the principal’s office. Fortunately, he is running a little late since, while he is on the way, the principal’s office explodes. Another attack confirms it – assassins have targeted Ben. Fortunately, Ben’s friend, Erica Hale, knows exactly who is behind it. Unfortunately, that means a trip to find and confront this villain with danger around every corner. Will Ben make it?
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Dominic and the Dolphin (Land and Sea: A Shifter Series, #3) in Books
Oct 3, 2023
DOMINIC AND THE DOLPHIN is the third book in the Land and Sea: A Shifter Series but the first one I have read. In no way did this affect my enjoyment of the story, apart from now wanting to go back and read the first two as well.
I love Shifter books and if they have Mpreg in there, all the better. But what I got with this was unexpected! And I loved that. You see, usually in Shifter books, if there is a fated mate, it's BOOM, all hands on deck. But not with this one. Oh no! Instead, the author had me laughing out loud as these two have no idea they're fated PLUS they enjoy snarking at each other.
Add to that a hint of danger for both of them (in different ways), friends you can count on, new found family, plus the most amazing pregnancy/nesting/birth scenes I have read.
I loved every word of this story and am so glad I took the chance on it, even knowing it was the third in a series. 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!
Oct 3, 2023
I love Shifter books and if they have Mpreg in there, all the better. But what I got with this was unexpected! And I loved that. You see, usually in Shifter books, if there is a fated mate, it's BOOM, all hands on deck. But not with this one. Oh no! Instead, the author had me laughing out loud as these two have no idea they're fated PLUS they enjoy snarking at each other.
Add to that a hint of danger for both of them (in different ways), friends you can count on, new found family, plus the most amazing pregnancy/nesting/birth scenes I have read.
I loved every word of this story and am so glad I took the chance on it, even knowing it was the third in a series. 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!
Oct 3, 2023
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Fate and Switch (Weavers Of The Ether #3) in Books
Jul 7, 2023
FATE AND SWITCH is the third book in the Weavers of the Ether series and the second one in Wren's story. I would definitely recommend you read this as a series so you get the full benefit of the story and all the behind-the-scenes machinations.
Wren is doing her best to help people alongside Etienne but she is asked to do something that makes her a little uncomfortable. And throw into the mix the fact she has a new mate - maybe - who doesn't want her, and it gets more complicated than she wants.
Orion, Killan, and Etienne are still brilliant characters, the same as Alaric is - once you get to know him. Unfortunately for me, I didn't see as much of him as I wanted as his story was overshadowed by Madame and her tricks. Their courtship was mentioned over a couple of pages but I would have liked to have seen it.
Still a great story and I'm happy Wren (and her bear) got their HEA. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books, hopefully. Definitely 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!
Jul 7, 2023
Wren is doing her best to help people alongside Etienne but she is asked to do something that makes her a little uncomfortable. And throw into the mix the fact she has a new mate - maybe - who doesn't want her, and it gets more complicated than she wants.
Orion, Killan, and Etienne are still brilliant characters, the same as Alaric is - once you get to know him. Unfortunately for me, I didn't see as much of him as I wanted as his story was overshadowed by Madame and her tricks. Their courtship was mentioned over a couple of pages but I would have liked to have seen it.
Still a great story and I'm happy Wren (and her bear) got their HEA. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books, hopefully. Definitely 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!
Jul 7, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club in Books
Jun 16, 2022
What Happened to Martha?
After surviving cancer, Rarity Cole moves to Sedona, Arizona, and opens a bookstore. One of her ideas for connecting with the community is to start a book club for other cancer survivors. However, when Martha, one of the members, misses a meeting, Rarity becomes concerned. Can she and the other members figure out what happened to Martha?
I’ve been meaning to read one of Lynn Cahoon’s books for years, and I figured the start of a new series was a great time to do just that. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I did find the characters’ motivation for investigating the crime weak. On the other hand, I really liked the four main characters. The rest of the cast could be stronger, but that will come as the series progresses, right? I did find a few unfortunate errors in the book that should have been caught with good editing – a timeline issue and something setup that was dropped. I did get pulled into the plot. I pegged the killer a little early, but I didn’t have the motive figured out until Rarity put it together. I completely enjoyed the setting and I’m ready to go visit Sedona. The cancer survivor hook was good as well. I’ll definitely be back to visit these characters again.
I’ve been meaning to read one of Lynn Cahoon’s books for years, and I figured the start of a new series was a great time to do just that. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I did find the characters’ motivation for investigating the crime weak. On the other hand, I really liked the four main characters. The rest of the cast could be stronger, but that will come as the series progresses, right? I did find a few unfortunate errors in the book that should have been caught with good editing – a timeline issue and something setup that was dropped. I did get pulled into the plot. I pegged the killer a little early, but I didn’t have the motive figured out until Rarity put it together. I completely enjoyed the setting and I’m ready to go visit Sedona. The cancer survivor hook was good as well. I’ll definitely be back to visit these characters again.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Wicked (Mythology #2) in Books
May 31, 2023
The second book in the Mythology series continues pretty much where book one finished. Micah and Hope are together, but Micah is having to fight his instincts every step of the way, which has an impact on how he and Hope are. She is supportive in every sense, but she can't fight every battle for him. Things are not easy for them both though, either at school or in their personal lives. They both have choices to make and things to do, which will lead them in differing ways. Will they be able to work this through?
This is a full-on and action-packed book. Although I enjoyed it, it didn't have as much impact on me as the first one, I think because it is quite fragmented into which story is currently being told. Don't get me wrong, I understand that this is the way it needs to be to cover everything and to get the story told, I'm just not a big fan of separate storylines within one.
This is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. The storyline was smooth (within each particular story) and culminated together nicely at the end. A good addition to the series, and I'm still looking forward to continuing Micah and Hope's story.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016
This is a full-on and action-packed book. Although I enjoyed it, it didn't have as much impact on me as the first one, I think because it is quite fragmented into which story is currently being told. Don't get me wrong, I understand that this is the way it needs to be to cover everything and to get the story told, I'm just not a big fan of separate storylines within one.
This is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. The storyline was smooth (within each particular story) and culminated together nicely at the end. A good addition to the series, and I'm still looking forward to continuing Micah and Hope's story.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Us Against the World (Roseden U #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
US AGAINST THE WORLD is the first book in the Roseden U series and we start off with Theo and Owen.
Theo is trans and has had his own problems dealing with people who don't understand what that means and is so only starting his time at Roseden for the Fall Term. Owen is a Junior and on the Lacrosse team. These two meet when Theo goes to the bookshop for his school supplies.
I loved these two. So perfect for each other. Shy and strong, both of them fully prepared to communicate so there are no stupid misunderstandings. They are fully supported by a great cast too - Harv, Brent, Misha... I'm hoping we see more of them, especially Harv as it seems he has a story to tell.
This story was perfectly paced, with no slumps, just a continuous flow that kept the story moving. The problems were well written and not blown out of proportion, which gave them the gravitas they deserved.
A brilliant start to a new series I'm looking forward to continuing. 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!
Feb 1, 2022
Theo is trans and has had his own problems dealing with people who don't understand what that means and is so only starting his time at Roseden for the Fall Term. Owen is a Junior and on the Lacrosse team. These two meet when Theo goes to the bookshop for his school supplies.
I loved these two. So perfect for each other. Shy and strong, both of them fully prepared to communicate so there are no stupid misunderstandings. They are fully supported by a great cast too - Harv, Brent, Misha... I'm hoping we see more of them, especially Harv as it seems he has a story to tell.
This story was perfectly paced, with no slumps, just a continuous flow that kept the story moving. The problems were well written and not blown out of proportion, which gave them the gravitas they deserved.
A brilliant start to a new series I'm looking forward to continuing. 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!
Feb 1, 2022
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Seth (Highland Gargoyles #4) in Books
Sep 27, 2017
Seth (Highland Gargoyles #4) by Lisa Carlisle
Seth is the fourth book in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we concentrate on how the beta of the pack is feeling now that Raina has chosen someone else. Seth feels he can't stay with the pack, and one day finds himself in a situation where he can carry on forward, or turn back to the pack. As he's already spoken to Ian about his decision, he moves forward, but finds difficulties that he wasn't expecting. He is helped along the way by Hailey, who does the best she can to help him. Not only that, but being with her helps Seth to regain his equilibrium. Both Hailey and Seth have lots to learn about the other, and to figure out where they are going next.
This was a lovely, quick, read that had me engrossed from the very first word. The depth of Seth's feelings when he is on the Island comes across loud and clear, making the reason for his choices completely believable. Luckily for Seth, Hailey is very laid back, taking everything about him in her stride. It's a good job she didn't react like her father, or we could have had a whole new story.
This book was very well written, with a smooth pace, and no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I would recommend that you read this as part of the series, simply because you might miss out on some wonderful stories, and also I think you need a little background on what Seth's expectations were, to help understand how he was feeling.
A great addition to the series, and definitely 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!
This was a lovely, quick, read that had me engrossed from the very first word. The depth of Seth's feelings when he is on the Island comes across loud and clear, making the reason for his choices completely believable. Luckily for Seth, Hailey is very laid back, taking everything about him in her stride. It's a good job she didn't react like her father, or we could have had a whole new story.
This book was very well written, with a smooth pace, and no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I would recommend that you read this as part of the series, simply because you might miss out on some wonderful stories, and also I think you need a little background on what Seth's expectations were, to help understand how he was feeling.
A great addition to the series, and definitely 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!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Song of Home: A Novel of the Swing Era (Pearl Spence #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A Song of Home is the third novel in the Pearl Spence series In this novel we find Pearl living in Bliss with her father and Ray, leaving the thoughts of Red River Oklahoma and her mama far behind her.
Pearl settles into a new routine of school, helping Aunt Carrie at the farm, hanging out with Ray or getting lost in a good book and then Opal shows her how to dance. But things change when Mama comes home unexpectedly and pregnant! It isn’t the happy return that Pearl had wished for.
This is a delightful story of the great depression and the swing era. In this novel deals with a couple of issues; one is forgiveness and the other is the racial conflict that was happening at that time.
This book teaches us to reach out with love and to treat others as we would want to be treated; whether we are poor, the color of our skin or the choices we have made in life.
The author has an ability to bring the characters to life and make you feel like you are right there amongst the characters. Ms. Finkbeiner has done a brilliant job bringing the characters to life. I love how she writes the story through Pearl's eyes and makes us realize that our actions have consequences, our children watch what we do and how we react.
A very good book and a great ending to this series. This novel can be read alone by itself, but I highly recommend that the whole series be read.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Pearl settles into a new routine of school, helping Aunt Carrie at the farm, hanging out with Ray or getting lost in a good book and then Opal shows her how to dance. But things change when Mama comes home unexpectedly and pregnant! It isn’t the happy return that Pearl had wished for.
This is a delightful story of the great depression and the swing era. In this novel deals with a couple of issues; one is forgiveness and the other is the racial conflict that was happening at that time.
This book teaches us to reach out with love and to treat others as we would want to be treated; whether we are poor, the color of our skin or the choices we have made in life.
The author has an ability to bring the characters to life and make you feel like you are right there amongst the characters. Ms. Finkbeiner has done a brilliant job bringing the characters to life. I love how she writes the story through Pearl's eyes and makes us realize that our actions have consequences, our children watch what we do and how we react.
A very good book and a great ending to this series. This novel can be read alone by itself, but I highly recommend that the whole series be read.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Stir of Shadows in Books
Jun 17, 2018
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Here it is, book six in the never-ending Legend of Rhyme series by Jaime Lee Mann. Stir of Shadows takes readers back to the magical land of Coraira, reuniting everyone with the twins Asher and Ariana, the mermaid Teagan and all of their friends. Once again, the magical land is in trouble and all the characters are impacted in some way.
As with every book in this series, there are new characters introduced into the story – perhaps too many. And, of course, each individual has their own story to be told. The narrative is constantly switching between locations, often leaving the reader hanging with unresolved issues. Thankfully, the author separates these sections with short poems that sum up the general gist of the book as it progresses.
The Legend of Rhyme series feels overdone and the storyline in Stir of Shadows seemed to be snatching at straws, trying to piece something together. There are so many characters to keep track of, some who disappear for a while only to be reintroduced as if they had never been away.
There was no sense of danger or action in this instalment. Problems arose, only to be solved moments later. Unlike previous books where readers were overwhelmed with foreboding, the scenes were over and done within no time at all. The book, however, to give it its due, is fast-paced; I read it in less than two hours.
Perhaps it is not the storyline or authorship that is the problem, it could be my age. I am 26, whereas, Legend of Rhyme is targeted at people half that. There is little for an adult reader to latch onto and enjoy before it is snatched away by an easy solution.
Nonetheless, Jaime Lee Mann is great at ending her books on a cliffhanger. Stir of Shadows may not be anything to rave over, but I certainly want to know what happens next!
Here it is, book six in the never-ending Legend of Rhyme series by Jaime Lee Mann. Stir of Shadows takes readers back to the magical land of Coraira, reuniting everyone with the twins Asher and Ariana, the mermaid Teagan and all of their friends. Once again, the magical land is in trouble and all the characters are impacted in some way.
As with every book in this series, there are new characters introduced into the story – perhaps too many. And, of course, each individual has their own story to be told. The narrative is constantly switching between locations, often leaving the reader hanging with unresolved issues. Thankfully, the author separates these sections with short poems that sum up the general gist of the book as it progresses.
The Legend of Rhyme series feels overdone and the storyline in Stir of Shadows seemed to be snatching at straws, trying to piece something together. There are so many characters to keep track of, some who disappear for a while only to be reintroduced as if they had never been away.
There was no sense of danger or action in this instalment. Problems arose, only to be solved moments later. Unlike previous books where readers were overwhelmed with foreboding, the scenes were over and done within no time at all. The book, however, to give it its due, is fast-paced; I read it in less than two hours.
Perhaps it is not the storyline or authorship that is the problem, it could be my age. I am 26, whereas, Legend of Rhyme is targeted at people half that. There is little for an adult reader to latch onto and enjoy before it is snatched away by an easy solution.
Nonetheless, Jaime Lee Mann is great at ending her books on a cliffhanger. Stir of Shadows may not be anything to rave over, but I certainly want to know what happens next!
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated Why I Trust You in Books
Jun 24, 2018 (Updated Jun 24, 2018)
Why I Trust You by Colette Davison is the third book in the Why I series. You can find our reviews for Why I Left You and Why I Need You by following the links. Each one can be read as a stand-alone and is loosely tied together by recurring characters.
I started reading the Why I series from the very beginning and have followed Colette throughout the series. I fell in love with her writing from the first page. Each book is an amazing work of art and her latest release - Why I Trust You - did not disappoint. In fact, while I love the first two books, this book goes above and beyond. It has to be my absolute favorite - and that says quite a bit.
Martin is a computer developer who is on a mission to find the best graphic artist for his latest game that he’s crating. An overachiever who turns everything he makes into gold has quite the high standards for the person he hires. Ryan is an artist who is in an abusive relationship but wants to get out of it. He wows Martin with his art designs for the game that’s being developed. Both men have trust issues from their past.
There is so much I can say about this book. It’s sweet, sexy, hot and loving. So many feelings that this story draws out of you! There are times when I actually found myself laughing out loud and other times when I wanted to beat the living daylights out of Ryan’s ex, Zane. The story grabs you by the arm, draws you right in, and refuses to let you go until the very last sentence.It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with characters who are working toward bettering themselves and overcoming obstacles.
I’m a complete and total #TeamMartin and #TeamRyan fan! Thank you Colette! (less) [edit]
Mar 31, 2018 [edi
I started reading the Why I series from the very beginning and have followed Colette throughout the series. I fell in love with her writing from the first page. Each book is an amazing work of art and her latest release - Why I Trust You - did not disappoint. In fact, while I love the first two books, this book goes above and beyond. It has to be my absolute favorite - and that says quite a bit.
Martin is a computer developer who is on a mission to find the best graphic artist for his latest game that he’s crating. An overachiever who turns everything he makes into gold has quite the high standards for the person he hires. Ryan is an artist who is in an abusive relationship but wants to get out of it. He wows Martin with his art designs for the game that’s being developed. Both men have trust issues from their past.
There is so much I can say about this book. It’s sweet, sexy, hot and loving. So many feelings that this story draws out of you! There are times when I actually found myself laughing out loud and other times when I wanted to beat the living daylights out of Ryan’s ex, Zane. The story grabs you by the arm, draws you right in, and refuses to let you go until the very last sentence.It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with characters who are working toward bettering themselves and overcoming obstacles.
I’m a complete and total #TeamMartin and #TeamRyan fan! Thank you Colette! (less) [edit]
Mar 31, 2018 [edi