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Merissa (14056 KP) rated Mr Collins in Love in Books
Aug 1, 2025
MR COLLINS IN LOVE is a genteel story that begins a few months before the better-known story of Pride and Prejudice. In here, we learn more about Mr Collins and his patroness, Lady Catherine. He is not one of the nicest characters in P&P, so I was a little dubious about reading this.
I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!
Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
** 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 1, 2025
I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!
Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
** 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 1, 2025
The third of Bernard Cornwell's 5 so-called 'Sailing Thrillers' (comprising 'Wildtrack', 'Sea Lord', this one, 'Stormchild' and 'Scoundrel'), none of which ever really resonated as much with me - or, presumably, the author himself since the last of these was written in 1992! - as his more famous Sharpe series about a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars, or the Uhtred of Bebbanburg (also sometimes called The Saxon Stories) series, set in and around the time of Alfred the Great.
As with all the other sailing thrillers by the author, this is far more contemporaneous set: here, we're in the late 1980s, early 90s (I believe this was written in 1990), with this being set in and around the Bahamas where - like nearly all of Cornwell's other characters in just about any of his books - the main protagonist is an outcast of sorts: here, by their own choice, turning their back on their rich and famous father to spend their time sailing instead.
Hired by a rich senator for a convalescent cruise for said senator's drug-addict children, what starts out as a simple job soon turns anything but when Nick Breakspear and his small crew run foul of drug smugglers, leading to an action-packed finale - it's just a pity it took so long to actually get there, I felt!
As with all the other sailing thrillers by the author, this is far more contemporaneous set: here, we're in the late 1980s, early 90s (I believe this was written in 1990), with this being set in and around the Bahamas where - like nearly all of Cornwell's other characters in just about any of his books - the main protagonist is an outcast of sorts: here, by their own choice, turning their back on their rich and famous father to spend their time sailing instead.
Hired by a rich senator for a convalescent cruise for said senator's drug-addict children, what starts out as a simple job soon turns anything but when Nick Breakspear and his small crew run foul of drug smugglers, leading to an action-packed finale - it's just a pity it took so long to actually get there, I felt!
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Shadows On His Soul (The Shadows We Survived #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2026
SHADOWS ON HIS SOUL is the first book in The Shadows We Survived series. We begin with Eli joining a support group after being stalked and attacked by his ex, Brad. Skip forward nine months, and he meets Luke in a cafe. Luke overhears Eli saying he wants s3x and offers his services. One thing leads to another, and then pesky emotions get in the way.
Things move at breakneck speed between the two of them, but Eli isn't forthcoming about his past. When Luke wants more from him, Eli reacts badly and tries to distance himself. And this is where you need to suspend belief. I won't say anything else, but it had me constantly shaking my head.
I presume this series will be about the members of the support group, but I'm not 100% sure. I am also presuming that the prologue and epilogue will become clearer as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this book, but there were moments when I wondered what I was reading. On the whole, it was a good read that I can recommend.
** 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!
Mar 31, 2026
Things move at breakneck speed between the two of them, but Eli isn't forthcoming about his past. When Luke wants more from him, Eli reacts badly and tries to distance himself. And this is where you need to suspend belief. I won't say anything else, but it had me constantly shaking my head.
I presume this series will be about the members of the support group, but I'm not 100% sure. I am also presuming that the prologue and epilogue will become clearer as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this book, but there were moments when I wondered what I was reading. On the whole, it was a good read that I can recommend.
** 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!
Mar 31, 2026
Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Spirits of Nature (Spirits of Nature #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Prepare to be taken away and immersed in the lives of Rebecca and Philip (the historical leads) as this story will take you by the heart and pull you in, not letting go until you've finished the last sentence and will leave you wanting more.
This book is set on so many different levels - spiritual; historical; current to name but a few. There is a story that runs parallel as "Darcy" (the current main female) tries to find out about her lineage.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but was intrigued enough to get it and I'm so very glad that I did. This is extremely well written, with a pace that will let you absorb and also leave you breathless. The characters are so incredibly lifelike, the historical ones more so for me at least. And just to warn you, have the kleenex ready! From about 85% of the book I was crying, but whether they were good tears or bad, you will just have to read the book for yourself and find out.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
* 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!
August 11, 2016
This book is set on so many different levels - spiritual; historical; current to name but a few. There is a story that runs parallel as "Darcy" (the current main female) tries to find out about her lineage.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but was intrigued enough to get it and I'm so very glad that I did. This is extremely well written, with a pace that will let you absorb and also leave you breathless. The characters are so incredibly lifelike, the historical ones more so for me at least. And just to warn you, have the kleenex ready! From about 85% of the book I was crying, but whether they were good tears or bad, you will just have to read the book for yourself and find out.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
* 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!
August 11, 2016
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Break My Bones (The Wish Makers #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This is the second book in the Wish Makers series and tells the tale of Crissy. This book was hard to read, to begin with, as the emotion packs a wallop. Hearing Crissy justify what Brad was doing was hard to read about and so too were the reactions of some of those she told.
Seeing both Crissy and Desiree's journey through this book was both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. You understand further some of the reactions that they both have and it helps to put it all together.
One of the best parts about this book was that there is no knight in shining armour (as such) who comes to rescue Crissy and lead her into a glowing sunset with a happy ever after. Lance is there to help her find her own strength and courage, to show her self-defence moves that might help save her life but he is not there to do it all for her.
This is a fantastic book which deals with a very difficult subject. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
July 30, 2016
Seeing both Crissy and Desiree's journey through this book was both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. You understand further some of the reactions that they both have and it helps to put it all together.
One of the best parts about this book was that there is no knight in shining armour (as such) who comes to rescue Crissy and lead her into a glowing sunset with a happy ever after. Lance is there to help her find her own strength and courage, to show her self-defence moves that might help save her life but he is not there to do it all for her.
This is a fantastic book which deals with a very difficult subject. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
July 30, 2016
Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Unknown Sun (Destiny #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This book starts off with a contemporary feel - Moira is a teenage girl trying to get through High School after having two near-death experiences. Everyone else who was with her at the time died, but for some reason, she survived. All that changes one night when someone breaks into her home and attacks her. Thinking that third time lucky for death to come and collect her, instead, she is saved by two winged people, twins who seem to know about her.
This is where the Fantasy part of the novel kicks in as you have good vs. evil, betrayal, the old Gods and new powers and abilities.
There are crossovers between this book and The Immortals which made it interesting. However, I personally found it a tad distracting as my mind would flit back to the other book when a reference was made, but that's just me.
This was well-written and enjoyable. The 'fun' hasn't ended here though, for all that Moira has some of her answers. There is more to come from her, Bel, and Airi and I, for one, am looking forward to reading more about them.
* 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 11, 2015
This is where the Fantasy part of the novel kicks in as you have good vs. evil, betrayal, the old Gods and new powers and abilities.
There are crossovers between this book and The Immortals which made it interesting. However, I personally found it a tad distracting as my mind would flit back to the other book when a reference was made, but that's just me.
This was well-written and enjoyable. The 'fun' hasn't ended here though, for all that Moira has some of her answers. There is more to come from her, Bel, and Airi and I, for one, am looking forward to reading more about them.
* 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 11, 2015
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Hunger (Blood Rose Tales #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This story is about Brianna, a mortal in love with a vampire, and Yolen, a detective vampire on the heels of a drugs kingpin and determined to keep Brianna safe, no matter the cost. Yolen has the potential to become a mastyr vampire but doesn't want it after he saw a friend and his mate get killed immediately after he 'levelled up'. Things are going downhill for Brianna and Yolen as they both want something different but Brianna can't understand why she keeps on pushing. Throw Mastyr Keynes into the mix and we get a hot, fast-paced story.
The characters are well-rounded and old favourites are either mentioned or make cameo appearances. This world becomes more real every time I read about it. The plot is fast-paced and with no holes, although the 'bad guy' is known almost from the start, it's not for the mystery that you read this book. It is romantic and funny, hot and sad.
Definitely recommended for all fans of Caris Roane and if you haven't read anything of hers, then I can highly recommend the Blood Rose series as a starting point.
* 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 31, 2015
The characters are well-rounded and old favourites are either mentioned or make cameo appearances. This world becomes more real every time I read about it. The plot is fast-paced and with no holes, although the 'bad guy' is known almost from the start, it's not for the mystery that you read this book. It is romantic and funny, hot and sad.
Definitely recommended for all fans of Caris Roane and if you haven't read anything of hers, then I can highly recommend the Blood Rose series as a starting point.
* 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 31, 2015
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Possessed (Hollow City Coven #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
Everyone has heard of the lost city of Atlantis, but how many have heard of the last city of Tenebris? Tenebris is part of Wiccan history that has been relegated to myth and legend - which is actually hard to do when you can live for thousands of years. Gillian loves to research and thinks that she has found a clue about where Tenebris actually is. She is determined to find it, but her Coven Master doesn't want her to go alone. She is assigned a 'bodyguard' in the form of Shayne. Sparks fly between the two before they even know each other.
This is a fast-paced romantic novella, with lots of action too. Wiccans have a very real enemy in the shape of Templars. Gillian appears to be more than she actually knows, so how do the Templars know about her already? What do they want her for? You are left with all these questions, but you still feel that you have started an excellent series.
If you like Paranormal Romance, then I can definitely recommend this new series by Hazel Hunter, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2.
* 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 8, 2015
This is a fast-paced romantic novella, with lots of action too. Wiccans have a very real enemy in the shape of Templars. Gillian appears to be more than she actually knows, so how do the Templars know about her already? What do they want her for? You are left with all these questions, but you still feel that you have started an excellent series.
If you like Paranormal Romance, then I can definitely recommend this new series by Hazel Hunter, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2.
* 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 8, 2015
Anne (15130 KP) rated The Beach Trees in Books
Mar 4, 2022
This was a book I received that was personally recommended by the foxedbox and they are amazing at what they do. They are one of the best at getting your information and recommending you some of the best books that are out there.
I loved this book more than I thought I would. It was about a young woman who finds herself suddenly as a guardian to a 5-year-old boy because her friend, his mother, dies from a weak heart/heart problems/defects and how she goes back to her friend's home to honor her friend's wishes.
Along the way, she meets and connects with her friend's family, finds peace with her own family/personal issues and finds some sweet romance too. It takes place in/around New Orleans and mentions some about Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding and what it takes to put roots down and to commit and rebuild after storms in life and such. There's an intriguing story and mystery woven throughout the story between the past and the present and I couldn't get enough of it - I felt as if I was transported there lost in the story sometimes and had a hard time putting it down until it was over.
Now that I'm done reading it, I want to read more - it was SO good!!!
I loved this book more than I thought I would. It was about a young woman who finds herself suddenly as a guardian to a 5-year-old boy because her friend, his mother, dies from a weak heart/heart problems/defects and how she goes back to her friend's home to honor her friend's wishes.
Along the way, she meets and connects with her friend's family, finds peace with her own family/personal issues and finds some sweet romance too. It takes place in/around New Orleans and mentions some about Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding and what it takes to put roots down and to commit and rebuild after storms in life and such. There's an intriguing story and mystery woven throughout the story between the past and the present and I couldn't get enough of it - I felt as if I was transported there lost in the story sometimes and had a hard time putting it down until it was over.
Now that I'm done reading it, I want to read more - it was SO good!!!
Should You Keep A Secret?
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Two women have learned something shocking about their friend’s husband—and revealing it could...