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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 14, 2022 (Updated Nov 14, 2022)
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3) in Books
Mar 20, 2023
RUNNING FROM DARKNESS is the third book in the Dark River Stone Collective series, and it starts off with a horrible subject, so read the trigger warning!
Conall and Calliope end up in Belton, asking for a favour, to save Calliope. She is in a bad way but Kyle and Nutty are there to help, even if Linc and Mason aren't. Once they turn up, Conall knows they will help him, in every way they can, which is a good thing when the police are wanting to question him.
I have to say, I have no qualms about what Conall did, or how Mason plays with the truth on his behalf. Earl deserved everything thing that came his way. I only hope to find out for sure in future books that karma paid him a visit!
The relationship between Conall and Kyle was never going to be easy and I have to admire Kyle's tenacity. Although the two of them together were hot, it was actually the easy relationship between Kyle, Conall, and Calliope that I loved. That girl is something else!
This was a great addition to the series and I loved being back with the Dark Angels. And it just goes to show - sometimes, just sometimes, running is the right thing to do, especially when you're running to the light. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Conall and Calliope end up in Belton, asking for a favour, to save Calliope. She is in a bad way but Kyle and Nutty are there to help, even if Linc and Mason aren't. Once they turn up, Conall knows they will help him, in every way they can, which is a good thing when the police are wanting to question him.
I have to say, I have no qualms about what Conall did, or how Mason plays with the truth on his behalf. Earl deserved everything thing that came his way. I only hope to find out for sure in future books that karma paid him a visit!
The relationship between Conall and Kyle was never going to be easy and I have to admire Kyle's tenacity. Although the two of them together were hot, it was actually the easy relationship between Kyle, Conall, and Calliope that I loved. That girl is something else!
This was a great addition to the series and I loved being back with the Dark Angels. And it just goes to show - sometimes, just sometimes, running is the right thing to do, especially when you're running to the light. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated City of Betrayal in Books
Dec 6, 2023
Observing the War of the Roses
It's August of 1920, and the fight to ratify the nineteenth amendment giving women the right to vote has come down to Tennessee. Everyone thinks that, among the states that haven’t voted on it yet, the best chance to pass it will be here. Elizabeth Bates and her mother-in-law have been asked to go to Tennessee and help with the lobbying of state representatives to get it passed. Gideon joins them as well. When the three arrive, they quickly see the see of various color roses, those for and against ratification. But can they do anything to make a difference in the vote?
Normally, I love this author’s books, so I picked this book up without paying too much attention to what it was about. However, this one didn’t live up to her usual standards. I have a feeling she was so fascinated by the real life stuff she uncovered while doing research she tried to fit it all into a novel. The problem is the result reads more like a history book than a novel, and Elizabeth and the others get involved in mini episodes without having an overall plot to drive us other than will the amendment get passed or not. Several supporting characters show up for cameos, and even the three main characters feel flat. If you are a fan of the author, know what to expect going in. If you are new to her, don’t judge her by this book, but pick up some of her other books and you’ll get caught up in them.
Normally, I love this author’s books, so I picked this book up without paying too much attention to what it was about. However, this one didn’t live up to her usual standards. I have a feeling she was so fascinated by the real life stuff she uncovered while doing research she tried to fit it all into a novel. The problem is the result reads more like a history book than a novel, and Elizabeth and the others get involved in mini episodes without having an overall plot to drive us other than will the amendment get passed or not. Several supporting characters show up for cameos, and even the three main characters feel flat. If you are a fan of the author, know what to expect going in. If you are new to her, don’t judge her by this book, but pick up some of her other books and you’ll get caught up in them.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Codename Villanelle (Killing Eve #1) in Books
Jan 16, 2022
Having read this book previously, I knew that I was going to enjoy it whilst refreshing my memory to continue the series, but I forgot just how much I enjoyed it the first time around.
I love the Killing Eve TV show that is based on the books and that’s what drew me to the books in the first place, but I find that these are so much better (as is usually the way when things are adapted for TV series or films). The book goes into so much more depth about who Villanelle is and who she was before she became the lethal assassin that we now know her as.
Villanelle has quite a few flashbacks of her previous life which gives us the insight into how she came to be and how she came to choose her new name. I find it fascinating reading through her flashbacks as it shows you exactly what shaped her growing up and that becoming an assassin actually saved her from a worse fate.
We also meet Eve and follow her through a number of cases before she settles on a female assassin that is killing people who don’t seem to be connected. Towards the end of the book we meet her full team, who I think will play a prominent part in the sequel book.
I’m so glad that I decided to refresh my memory by reading this book again before starting on the second in the series. Luke Jenning’s writing flows beautifully that I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting.
I love the Killing Eve TV show that is based on the books and that’s what drew me to the books in the first place, but I find that these are so much better (as is usually the way when things are adapted for TV series or films). The book goes into so much more depth about who Villanelle is and who she was before she became the lethal assassin that we now know her as.
Villanelle has quite a few flashbacks of her previous life which gives us the insight into how she came to be and how she came to choose her new name. I find it fascinating reading through her flashbacks as it shows you exactly what shaped her growing up and that becoming an assassin actually saved her from a worse fate.
We also meet Eve and follow her through a number of cases before she settles on a female assassin that is killing people who don’t seem to be connected. Towards the end of the book we meet her full team, who I think will play a prominent part in the sequel book.
I’m so glad that I decided to refresh my memory by reading this book again before starting on the second in the series. Luke Jenning’s writing flows beautifully that I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Last Girl To Die in Books
Aug 29, 2022
I have read one of Helen Field's books from the DI Callanach series (One For Sorrow) and it was absolutely brilliant so I thought I'd be on to a winner with The Last Girl to Die and whilst it's not as good as One For Sorrow, it's still a great read. This is a standalone so no worries about missing out on anything.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Bayou Book Thief in Books
Jun 13, 2022
Stealing Books Should be Punished, but Maybe Not by Death
Ricki James-Diaz is looking to start over in New Orleans, and her interest in opening a vintage cookbook store is a perfect match for the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. As she gets to know her new coworkers, she quickly realizes just how much of a grump Franklin Finbloch is. Still, the man isn’t fired until he is caught trying to steal from Ricki’s new gift shop. Then his body turns up in what Ricki thought was a trunk of books donated to Bon Vee. With the suspicion falling on people Ricki was beginning to consider friends, she jumps in to figure out what really happened. Will she solve the case?
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Tor (The Hawks #4) in Books
Nov 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
TOR is the fourth book in The Hawks series, and you really do need to read the other books first. Not only is there an overall story arc but the stories are just so d*mn good!!!
Tor and Keeley have both been hurt by the people in their lives. And in a sort of similar way, although they have reacted differently. Keeley always wants to run, and Tor never thinks that anyone will stay. Be prepared, because these two broke my heart!
Tor's pain about killed me, I'll be honest here. I felt his pain, his lockdown on his feelings, that all-encompassing numbness. And I really hoped Keeley would break through it. But then Keeley has her own pain, her own numbness, which means these two have trouble communicating, which leads to misunderstandings. What I loved though, is that even though they both get things wrong, they realise that (sometimes with a bit of help!) and work to try and put things right.
Each book in this series wins my heart, every time! And it leaves me wanting the next one immediately! Next one being Reece. I'm going to stock up on tissues because, after this one, I think I'm going to need them. Do you know what? I'll cope. Bring it on!
Sheer brilliance and 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!
Nov 30, 2021
Tor and Keeley have both been hurt by the people in their lives. And in a sort of similar way, although they have reacted differently. Keeley always wants to run, and Tor never thinks that anyone will stay. Be prepared, because these two broke my heart!
Tor's pain about killed me, I'll be honest here. I felt his pain, his lockdown on his feelings, that all-encompassing numbness. And I really hoped Keeley would break through it. But then Keeley has her own pain, her own numbness, which means these two have trouble communicating, which leads to misunderstandings. What I loved though, is that even though they both get things wrong, they realise that (sometimes with a bit of help!) and work to try and put things right.
Each book in this series wins my heart, every time! And it leaves me wanting the next one immediately! Next one being Reece. I'm going to stock up on tissues because, after this one, I think I'm going to need them. Do you know what? I'll cope. Bring it on!
Sheer brilliance and 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!
Nov 30, 2021
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Crossing The Line (KTS #2) in Books
Mar 22, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
CROSSING THE LINE is the second book in the KTS series, and I would really recommend you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone. You 'could' but it does have an overall story arc, and besides, book one is amazing.
Ollie and Linc are both doctors, both dedicated to saving lives. Ollie has an attraction to Linc, but he shot her down in flames, so she has hidden it behind sarcasm. Linc has finally reached a place where he feels okay to tell her about what happened, and why he reacted that way but, unfortunately for him, they both get blown up before he can tell Ollie his story.
*Sigh* I loved Linc. After all, how many women WOULDN'T want a man who pays attention? I could understand his reasoning, and so could Ollie. And that's part of what draws me into these books. There is drama and angst, but none of it is unnecessary, and all of it moves the story along.
The story arc moves along nicely, and I must say, Daniel has more lives than a cat! I am loving where this is taking me, and I can't wait to read more. The action is smoothly paced, and we get to see Ava and Dan from book one too. This definitely leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2021
Ollie and Linc are both doctors, both dedicated to saving lives. Ollie has an attraction to Linc, but he shot her down in flames, so she has hidden it behind sarcasm. Linc has finally reached a place where he feels okay to tell her about what happened, and why he reacted that way but, unfortunately for him, they both get blown up before he can tell Ollie his story.
*Sigh* I loved Linc. After all, how many women WOULDN'T want a man who pays attention? I could understand his reasoning, and so could Ollie. And that's part of what draws me into these books. There is drama and angst, but none of it is unnecessary, and all of it moves the story along.
The story arc moves along nicely, and I must say, Daniel has more lives than a cat! I am loving where this is taking me, and I can't wait to read more. The action is smoothly paced, and we get to see Ava and Dan from book one too. This definitely leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 22, 2021
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Bad Best Friend (Billionaire's Club #14) in Books
Mar 1, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
BAD BEST FRIEND is the fourteenth book in the Billionaire's Club series, and we meet Cora and Rafe. Now, as you may recall, I started this series at book thirteen, so there's a pretty good chance that the couples mentioned have their own stories that I haven't read. That didn't impact me in any way though.
Cora is the baby of the family, over-protected by her brothers and their best friend to try to make up for the death of her father when she was too young to remember him. She had dreams about Rafe but it obviously wasn't meant to be. That is until he moves in and realises she is a woman and all grown up.
I really felt for Cora in this. She took a lot that I don't think I could have. And Teresa was spot on with her prediction. Rafe is a good guy and I do understand where he was coming from. It just didn't fit with the picture I got in my head from the blurb.
Told from both Cora and Rafe's perspectives, this was an easy read that flowed well. The pacing was spot on and there were a few steamy moments.
Another great read from Elise Faber and recommended by me. Now, I really must get those books on the backlist!
** 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!
Mar 1, 2022
Cora is the baby of the family, over-protected by her brothers and their best friend to try to make up for the death of her father when she was too young to remember him. She had dreams about Rafe but it obviously wasn't meant to be. That is until he moves in and realises she is a woman and all grown up.
I really felt for Cora in this. She took a lot that I don't think I could have. And Teresa was spot on with her prediction. Rafe is a good guy and I do understand where he was coming from. It just didn't fit with the picture I got in my head from the blurb.
Told from both Cora and Rafe's perspectives, this was an easy read that flowed well. The pacing was spot on and there were a few steamy moments.
Another great read from Elise Faber and recommended by me. Now, I really must get those books on the backlist!
** 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!
Mar 1, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1481 KP) rated Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice in Books
Dec 13, 2024
It's cute and sweet and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere