Search
Search results
Evvie Drake Starts Over
10.0
Rate It
Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today - "Everything a...
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Complicated (Secrets and Lies #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
As with book 1, Conflicted, the title of this book is absolutely spot on. It IS complicated, with more secrets, lies, twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. I appear to be having a love/hate relationship with these books because there are quite a few moments when I actually dislike what I'm reading but then it can all swing around at the drop of a hat. For myself, the majority of this book is a 3-star read. It's good, just not anything to shake your pom-poms about. But then, the last 10% of the book happened and wow, it was excellent! It blew me out of the water and I had tears, heart pounding and pulse racing issues whilst I read. It was definitely this portion of the book that upped it to a 4-star read for me.
Okay, so a bit about the characters now. Mia - I still can't get to grips with her. I don't particularly like hearing about her which makes the whole thing a bit difficult when it's written the way it is. Ethan - I actually liked him in the first book but I find myself not wanting them to be together more and more. Ethan spends most of this book making Mia feel guilty over lying to him when he is the one doing the same thing and more. You should not have to walk on eggshells around someone you love or be afraid to ask questions. Their relationship isn't healthy and I keep hoping that Mia will end up with Jackson, the playboy, who has an honest friendship with Mia that could turn into something else given the chance. Bri and Trey have their own hurdles to cross in this book but they tend to take the backseat to everything else.
A difficult book to read or review but I can still recommend it. It is certainly controversial enough to make it stand out from the crowd - you can decide if that's a good thing or not for yourself.
* 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 28, 2015
Okay, so a bit about the characters now. Mia - I still can't get to grips with her. I don't particularly like hearing about her which makes the whole thing a bit difficult when it's written the way it is. Ethan - I actually liked him in the first book but I find myself not wanting them to be together more and more. Ethan spends most of this book making Mia feel guilty over lying to him when he is the one doing the same thing and more. You should not have to walk on eggshells around someone you love or be afraid to ask questions. Their relationship isn't healthy and I keep hoping that Mia will end up with Jackson, the playboy, who has an honest friendship with Mia that could turn into something else given the chance. Bri and Trey have their own hurdles to cross in this book but they tend to take the backseat to everything else.
A difficult book to read or review but I can still recommend it. It is certainly controversial enough to make it stand out from the crowd - you can decide if that's a good thing or not for yourself.
* 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 28, 2015
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Made to Submit (La Trattoria Di Amore #3) in Books
Apr 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
MADE TO SUBMIT is the third book in the La Trattoria Di Amore series. Although characters from previous books are mentioned, you don't need to have read them, to get this the fullest enjoyment out of this one.
We start off with Paolo at fifteen. He has a crush on one of the chefs working with his dad, which is one of the things that gives him a clue he's gay. Overhearing a conversation between his crush and someone else talking about BDSM makes him curious enough to look into it. Fast forward a few years, and he's working with his crush... who has no idea who he is. Not only that but he's now married. Paolo is heartbroken, sure that he is in love with Carl. Enter Kaden. He is physically attracted to Paolo but is very wary considering he knows about the crush. And then the story really takes off!
I can't tell you just how much I loved this story (although I'll obviously try!). Paolo and Kaden are so perfect for each other. What one needs, the other provides, without even really thinking about it but just doing it. Due to his past, Kaden needs control. Paolo is desperate to have control taken away from him, in every aspect of his life. These two really made my heart happy.
I'm going to be honest here and say that Carl, who is in book two which I haven't read, doesn't really come across that well. Bless him, I know he's busy with his own life, but is he that wrapped up that he didn't even take a double glance when Paolo started working there? How many Italians with the first name of Paolo does he know? I'm with Kaden all the way.
This was a brilliant story, with a fantastic supporting cast. The only question I have is what is the title of Lenny and Nathan's book? I need to read that one too!!! The pacing was perfect, the characters were wonderful, and the overall story kept my attention from the very beginning.
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!
Apr 30, 2021
We start off with Paolo at fifteen. He has a crush on one of the chefs working with his dad, which is one of the things that gives him a clue he's gay. Overhearing a conversation between his crush and someone else talking about BDSM makes him curious enough to look into it. Fast forward a few years, and he's working with his crush... who has no idea who he is. Not only that but he's now married. Paolo is heartbroken, sure that he is in love with Carl. Enter Kaden. He is physically attracted to Paolo but is very wary considering he knows about the crush. And then the story really takes off!
I can't tell you just how much I loved this story (although I'll obviously try!). Paolo and Kaden are so perfect for each other. What one needs, the other provides, without even really thinking about it but just doing it. Due to his past, Kaden needs control. Paolo is desperate to have control taken away from him, in every aspect of his life. These two really made my heart happy.
I'm going to be honest here and say that Carl, who is in book two which I haven't read, doesn't really come across that well. Bless him, I know he's busy with his own life, but is he that wrapped up that he didn't even take a double glance when Paolo started working there? How many Italians with the first name of Paolo does he know? I'm with Kaden all the way.
This was a brilliant story, with a fantastic supporting cast. The only question I have is what is the title of Lenny and Nathan's book? I need to read that one too!!! The pacing was perfect, the characters were wonderful, and the overall story kept my attention from the very beginning.
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!
Apr 30, 2021
Merissa (13115 KP) rated The Reluctant Savior (Etherya's Earth #4) in Books
Mar 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
THE RELUCTANT SAVIOR is Evie and Kenden's story and is the fourth book in the Etherya's Earth series. Evie is Darkrip and Miranda's sister and one who suffered her father's attention in ways a child never should. Due to this, she fled to the human world and thinks herself beyond redemption. She didn't count on the Slayers though. With both Kenden and Miranda convinced there is good inside her, what will she do?
Now, I took some time to warm up to Evie. Not because she was evil. Nope, I liked that about her. What I didn't like was that she seemed so... blah about the possibility of having good in her. Now, I do realise that with her 'upbringing' thinking of having good inside her would be difficult, but it was like she dismissed it without even considering it. And when she has Darkrip as a brother, even discounting Miranda, then surely, SURELY it was worth consideration.
Anyway, it's a good job she had Kenden as he put up with her mood swings and challenged her too. He is as placid and scheming as ever, so the perfect foil for Evie! He doesn't like it when Evie out-schemes him but then takes pleasure in the fact she has outwitted him. He also makes sure he gets his own way mixed in with Evie's, even when she doesn't like not having it all her own way.
Now, as with all Rebecca Hefner books, you also get some added extras. Some we know from before, some we met briefly, and some we've only seen one side to. So happy for Nolan and Sadie, and I really hope I see more of them. One thing though - TALK TO EACH OTHER!! LOL But we also have Aron and Moira, plus another two I won't talk about! You can read that for yourself.
This novel finishes one part of the story arc whilst giving you a glimpse into the next. And boy, is it a doozy! I can't wait to continue this series and find out what's going to happen next.
Another jewel in the crown of this series and 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!
Mar 15, 2022
Now, I took some time to warm up to Evie. Not because she was evil. Nope, I liked that about her. What I didn't like was that she seemed so... blah about the possibility of having good in her. Now, I do realise that with her 'upbringing' thinking of having good inside her would be difficult, but it was like she dismissed it without even considering it. And when she has Darkrip as a brother, even discounting Miranda, then surely, SURELY it was worth consideration.
Anyway, it's a good job she had Kenden as he put up with her mood swings and challenged her too. He is as placid and scheming as ever, so the perfect foil for Evie! He doesn't like it when Evie out-schemes him but then takes pleasure in the fact she has outwitted him. He also makes sure he gets his own way mixed in with Evie's, even when she doesn't like not having it all her own way.
Now, as with all Rebecca Hefner books, you also get some added extras. Some we know from before, some we met briefly, and some we've only seen one side to. So happy for Nolan and Sadie, and I really hope I see more of them. One thing though - TALK TO EACH OTHER!! LOL But we also have Aron and Moira, plus another two I won't talk about! You can read that for yourself.
This novel finishes one part of the story arc whilst giving you a glimpse into the next. And boy, is it a doozy! I can't wait to continue this series and find out what's going to happen next.
Another jewel in the crown of this series and 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!
Mar 15, 2022
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Silas's Sweetheart (Divergent Omegaverse #4) in Books
Aug 14, 2025
SILAS'S SWEETHEART is the fourth book in the Divergent Omegaverse series. For the majority of this book, it takes place at the same time as Taylin's Temptation and Booker's Bliss. So while I suggest you do read those books first, it isn't 100% necessary. You just might miss little parts of the story, for example, the Omegas in the factory. That had a massive impact on me in the first book, less so in Booker's, and even less in this one.
Silas is the oldest of the brothers and a divergent. He has his concerns about taking over from Derick as the 'face' of Starling, as well as 101 concerns about working with his brothers. Throw in an Omega he met at Hidden Desires and can't get out of his mind, who turns up at his PA, and Silas has it all going on.
There were so many parts to their story that I enjoyed. Ziggy and his relationship with the other PAs, learning to be in a family, Silas learning to trust, to name just a few.
I just couldn't stretch to five stars for a couple of reasons, and let me tell you why. Firstly, the constant bickering between the brothers. Now, I know some families are like this in real life, but for me, it's just plain exhausting, and I found myself skipping over parts where they were acting like immature Alphaholes, instead of the adults they were supposed to be. And secondly, while I enjoyed reading events from Silas and Ziggy's point of view, I felt like it took up too much of their story. They didn't even get to the ranch, something I haven't yet read about, until 70% in. Add those things together, and it's a 4-star read from me.
Maybe I will enjoy the overlap more for the next book, when I haven't read the others so close together? I don't know. What I can say is I did enjoy this story and have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to returning to their world and seeing how the next one falls.
** 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!
Aug 14, 2025
Silas is the oldest of the brothers and a divergent. He has his concerns about taking over from Derick as the 'face' of Starling, as well as 101 concerns about working with his brothers. Throw in an Omega he met at Hidden Desires and can't get out of his mind, who turns up at his PA, and Silas has it all going on.
There were so many parts to their story that I enjoyed. Ziggy and his relationship with the other PAs, learning to be in a family, Silas learning to trust, to name just a few.
I just couldn't stretch to five stars for a couple of reasons, and let me tell you why. Firstly, the constant bickering between the brothers. Now, I know some families are like this in real life, but for me, it's just plain exhausting, and I found myself skipping over parts where they were acting like immature Alphaholes, instead of the adults they were supposed to be. And secondly, while I enjoyed reading events from Silas and Ziggy's point of view, I felt like it took up too much of their story. They didn't even get to the ranch, something I haven't yet read about, until 70% in. Add those things together, and it's a 4-star read from me.
Maybe I will enjoy the overlap more for the next book, when I haven't read the others so close together? I don't know. What I can say is I did enjoy this story and have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to returning to their world and seeing how the next one falls.
** 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!
Aug 14, 2025
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Reap This (Oh So Happy Holidays #1) in Books
Nov 1, 2017
Reap This (Oh So Happy Holidays #1) by Rafe Jadison
Reap This is a novella about Seamus, a witch from Massachusetts, who has been given information that he can't handle right now. So he goes home for the comfort of his family, coincidentally at the same time as Samhain. What he does there gives you the rest of the story, so I'll stop here.
Now, first thing I must say is how refreshing it is to read a book that actually talks about being a witch and Samhain without exaggerating and being over the top. Not only that, but Seamus' reactions to what he has been told are also completely believable. This book is a combination of sorrow and hope. I had tears in my ears in the first quarter of the book as you find out more about Seamus and what is going on with him. Al the way through, you are not sure just how it will end, but you do hold onto the hope that I mentioned before. The letter at the end made me laugh out loud, so you are left with a smile on your face, even if the ending isn't what you expect.
I loved this book, from start to end. Rafe Jadison is a brilliant author who engages with his readers through the words of his stories. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, first thing I must say is how refreshing it is to read a book that actually talks about being a witch and Samhain without exaggerating and being over the top. Not only that, but Seamus' reactions to what he has been told are also completely believable. This book is a combination of sorrow and hope. I had tears in my ears in the first quarter of the book as you find out more about Seamus and what is going on with him. Al the way through, you are not sure just how it will end, but you do hold onto the hope that I mentioned before. The letter at the end made me laugh out loud, so you are left with a smile on your face, even if the ending isn't what you expect.
I loved this book, from start to end. Rafe Jadison is a brilliant author who engages with his readers through the words of his stories. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1) in Books
Nov 24, 2017
Fire Born (The Guardian #1) by Rayanne Haines
Fire Born is the first book in The Guardian series, and we start off with Alex. She is just a normal girl, living a normal life - so of course you know that everything is about to explode into the unknown for her! And it does, but it brings with it a dragon Guardian, who is incredibly sexy! Collum is very old, and has his own opinions on how things should be. Alex throws numerous spanners in the works simply because she has her own opinions, and won't change them 'just because'.
This is an intricate story, guaranteed to keep your interest as you learn, along with Alex, just exactly how her life is about to change. The characters are all three-dimensional and have their own quirks. Mar is a fantastic character and I can't wait to read more about her. Alex and Collum have a HFN ending, with a promise from Collum. (Why can't I read his name without thinking of Golum instead?!?!?)
For a first book, there is enough world-building to satisfy, elemental thrills all the way through, and sexiness by the dozen. A very good start to a series, and I look forward to continuing with the story.
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=25905
This is an intricate story, guaranteed to keep your interest as you learn, along with Alex, just exactly how her life is about to change. The characters are all three-dimensional and have their own quirks. Mar is a fantastic character and I can't wait to read more about her. Alex and Collum have a HFN ending, with a promise from Collum. (Why can't I read his name without thinking of Golum instead?!?!?)
For a first book, there is enough world-building to satisfy, elemental thrills all the way through, and sexiness by the dozen. A very good start to a series, and I look forward to continuing with the story.
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=25905
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, so I had to see what her adult books were like, and she did not disappoint. Eugenie Markham is a shaman, but unlike another shaman series I've read, she knows what she is doing and has been trained at it since she was a child by her step-father. What she never bothered to do in all that time, though, was question who her real dad was or how she could do the things she did - which I found a little unrealistic.
Her latest case forces her into entering the Otherworld for a longer-than-usual stay, which results in a few discoveries about herself, as well as some rather interesting situations with the fey, or gentry. She acquires a sort-of boyfriend in Kiyo, but I prefer her with Dorian, as he challenges her defenses and can match her in strength and abilities.
The prophecy means that just about everything male in the fey world wants to jump her bones, which gets old pretty fast. Rape is a traumatic experience for anyone, but the few close calls that Mead writes with Eugenie seemed to fall short of the mark. Eugenie's fear and defeat were there, but were understated.
On the flip side, I loved how Dorian was able to teach Eugenie about her powers, as well as play a very convenient trick on her at the end - Eugenie may not have liked it, but it was certainly better than the alternative. Now on to Thorn Queen!
Her latest case forces her into entering the Otherworld for a longer-than-usual stay, which results in a few discoveries about herself, as well as some rather interesting situations with the fey, or gentry. She acquires a sort-of boyfriend in Kiyo, but I prefer her with Dorian, as he challenges her defenses and can match her in strength and abilities.
The prophecy means that just about everything male in the fey world wants to jump her bones, which gets old pretty fast. Rape is a traumatic experience for anyone, but the few close calls that Mead writes with Eugenie seemed to fall short of the mark. Eugenie's fear and defeat were there, but were understated.
On the flip side, I loved how Dorian was able to teach Eugenie about her powers, as well as play a very convenient trick on her at the end - Eugenie may not have liked it, but it was certainly better than the alternative. Now on to Thorn Queen!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Store in Books
Apr 9, 2019
In this day and age everyone shops online and The Store has everything you want. The Store is so great, it can even predict what you want or need even before you know you need or want it. But who wants that much invasion into their lives? Jacob and Megan Brandeis intend to get to the core of The Store, to find it's inner workings and write a book to tell the whole world about it. But will The Store prove to be too much for this pair?
When reading this book and learning about The Store, the first thing that comes to mind is Amazon. I know Amazon is tracking me when I see what I was searching on my Facebook feed. An online shop that started selling books, but now you can buy anything from them. This is no Amazon, though, with surveillance cameras and microphones in every home and on every street lamp and sign. There is no privacy from The Store. Will Jacob and Megan be able to expose all inner workings of The Store before it's too late?
James Patterson is one of my favorites, but this book was just okay for me. It did make me think though about what would be next in life. Will drones be polluting the sky to bring us our packages and meals? Will there be a need for us to ever leave our homes and interact with people in person? I would hate for a world like that.
When reading this book and learning about The Store, the first thing that comes to mind is Amazon. I know Amazon is tracking me when I see what I was searching on my Facebook feed. An online shop that started selling books, but now you can buy anything from them. This is no Amazon, though, with surveillance cameras and microphones in every home and on every street lamp and sign. There is no privacy from The Store. Will Jacob and Megan be able to expose all inner workings of The Store before it's too late?
James Patterson is one of my favorites, but this book was just okay for me. It did make me think though about what would be next in life. Will drones be polluting the sky to bring us our packages and meals? Will there be a need for us to ever leave our homes and interact with people in person? I would hate for a world like that.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Legacy in Books
Feb 6, 2018
Great Ending
This books makes up for the downfall and slower pace of the second one in this series. It is high paced, action packed, and the stakes are high. All of this makes for a great YA dystiopian read. Again, the book is easy to read so it is perfect for those who only want to commit a few hours for a book.
What I love about this series is how it raises controversial topic and does not shy away at involving them in the writing for maximum effect. The book allows you to question what is going on along with the characters. Perfect for the developing mind of a teenager and even adults. The ending is good as well with the major plot twist which I won't delve into much. But its good.
As I've already said in my previous reviews so I won't bang on about it too much here, the characters could be improved. They can be bland and predictable. I don't know whether that is just I, being older, cannot relate to the characters as much, or whether the characters are underdeveloped for the world that has been created around them. I'm tempted to go with the latter theory.
Anyway, I recommend this book if you want something a little different to the types of YA dystopians that are out today. This book is not wholly different to the big things now, but it a little different to what is usually on offer for this genre. It has an edge about it that I like.
What I love about this series is how it raises controversial topic and does not shy away at involving them in the writing for maximum effect. The book allows you to question what is going on along with the characters. Perfect for the developing mind of a teenager and even adults. The ending is good as well with the major plot twist which I won't delve into much. But its good.
As I've already said in my previous reviews so I won't bang on about it too much here, the characters could be improved. They can be bland and predictable. I don't know whether that is just I, being older, cannot relate to the characters as much, or whether the characters are underdeveloped for the world that has been created around them. I'm tempted to go with the latter theory.
Anyway, I recommend this book if you want something a little different to the types of YA dystopians that are out today. This book is not wholly different to the big things now, but it a little different to what is usually on offer for this genre. It has an edge about it that I like.