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Merissa (13681 KP) rated Oleander (Poison Garden #1) in Books
May 27, 2022
OLEANDER is the first book in the new Poison Garden series. I did have to double-check it was the first book though, as I kept feeling as though I had missed something. Saying that, the concept of the world - with witches, seers, and shepherds - was explained brilliantly, giving me the hierarchies of said sections without giving it as an info dump.
This is first and foremost a mystery that just happens to be set in a world where magic exists and the main culprits somehow happen to be connected to magic. I won't say anymore as I don't give out spoilers.
Eli is not only confused about her role in the seer community but also about which man she likes. Obviously, as a reader, I had my own preference but it took her quite some time to figure out which one she liked and, even then, it was because of someone else telling her who he was.
If you like character-led paranormal mystery, with a slow-burn romance simmering in the background, then this may be the book for you! I enjoyed it; I'm just not sure if I will continue with the series.
** 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!
This is first and foremost a mystery that just happens to be set in a world where magic exists and the main culprits somehow happen to be connected to magic. I won't say anymore as I don't give out spoilers.
Eli is not only confused about her role in the seer community but also about which man she likes. Obviously, as a reader, I had my own preference but it took her quite some time to figure out which one she liked and, even then, it was because of someone else telling her who he was.
If you like character-led paranormal mystery, with a slow-burn romance simmering in the background, then this may be the book for you! I enjoyed it; I'm just not sure if I will continue with the series.
** 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!
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Bound & Teased in Books
May 17, 2023
Ry and Jed had an unusual upbringing and this may have had an effect on how they live their lives. Does it really matter? Not if you are enjoying this book! This is just part of the backstory that you learn about as the book develops. You will also learn about why and how Katie left, why she has returned, what her relationship with her father is like, and also how cool her gran is.
There is a lot of action in this book and lots of games played. Part of the realisation that Katie has to make is the difference between pleasure for 'you' and pleasure for 'only me'. Ry and Jed want her to feel pleasure, they get their pleasure from that. Things Katie has seen have given her a jaundiced view so it is something that she works on. They push Katie's boundaries, but they also respect her safewords.
Well written, with plenty of steaminess, and a dash of mystery, this book delivers just what it says in the synopsis. If you don't like ménage or BDSM, then I can pretty much guarantee you won't like this book. If you do like them, then I would have no hesitation in recommending this one for you to try.
* 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!
Jan 15, 2016
There is a lot of action in this book and lots of games played. Part of the realisation that Katie has to make is the difference between pleasure for 'you' and pleasure for 'only me'. Ry and Jed want her to feel pleasure, they get their pleasure from that. Things Katie has seen have given her a jaundiced view so it is something that she works on. They push Katie's boundaries, but they also respect her safewords.
Well written, with plenty of steaminess, and a dash of mystery, this book delivers just what it says in the synopsis. If you don't like ménage or BDSM, then I can pretty much guarantee you won't like this book. If you do like them, then I would have no hesitation in recommending this one for you to try.
* 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!
Jan 15, 2016
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Wish (Indigo Dreams #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2023)
This is the story of Indigo, a sixteen-year-old girl who dreams of being a ballet dancer. Having taken ballet lessons for years, she understands that it isn't something that will just happen without a lot of hard work. However, she is struggling at the present due to family circumstances. Wish tells her story, about the circumstances and decisions made that set her on the path to her future.
This was very well-written with characters that were believable and fully dimensional. The storyline was well-paced and continued to hold my interest throughout. The romance between Jesse and Indigo actually takes a back seat in the story behind the ballet which makes a nice change in a Young Adult book. You never know which way things will go until you get there. This is not just some "everything is peachy" fluffy book, it is a book that deals with a serious subject, alcoholism, in a very realistic way and shows how it impacts not only the drinker but friends and family too.
This is a very different book that is well worth the time it takes to read. I would like to read more about Indigo and her dreams. 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!
Jan 12, 2015
This was very well-written with characters that were believable and fully dimensional. The storyline was well-paced and continued to hold my interest throughout. The romance between Jesse and Indigo actually takes a back seat in the story behind the ballet which makes a nice change in a Young Adult book. You never know which way things will go until you get there. This is not just some "everything is peachy" fluffy book, it is a book that deals with a serious subject, alcoholism, in a very realistic way and shows how it impacts not only the drinker but friends and family too.
This is a very different book that is well worth the time it takes to read. I would like to read more about Indigo and her dreams. 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!
Jan 12, 2015
Merissa (13681 KP) rated A Kitten For Daddy: Pride Pet Play in Books
Jun 9, 2023
A KITTEN FOR DADDY is part of the Pride Pet Play series featuring different authors. I have read and enjoyed this author's works previously but something about this one just didn't push all the buttons for me.
We have Kolly, a shy, flexible kitten who wants to be looked after, not just have a hook-up. And then there's Boston, who wants more and doesn't think he'll get it. Boston helps Kolly when he is in a situation completely out of his comfort zone and it quickly moves on from there.
These two are hot in the bedroom but I would have liked more of a connection between them at other times. Some of the things Boston send were just... strange, to me. And I really disliked how he kept telling Kolly how he always did this with "his boys." Surely, if you're trying for a relationship, the last thing you do is constantly bring up those from your past. For me, this is definitely more about pet play than age play. Boston wanted a kitten, not a boy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story, just not one of my favourites. I'm sure it will tick boxes for plenty of others though.
** 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!
Jun 9, 2023
We have Kolly, a shy, flexible kitten who wants to be looked after, not just have a hook-up. And then there's Boston, who wants more and doesn't think he'll get it. Boston helps Kolly when he is in a situation completely out of his comfort zone and it quickly moves on from there.
These two are hot in the bedroom but I would have liked more of a connection between them at other times. Some of the things Boston send were just... strange, to me. And I really disliked how he kept telling Kolly how he always did this with "his boys." Surely, if you're trying for a relationship, the last thing you do is constantly bring up those from your past. For me, this is definitely more about pet play than age play. Boston wanted a kitten, not a boy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story, just not one of my favourites. I'm sure it will tick boxes for plenty of others though.
** 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!
Jun 9, 2023
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Unexpected by Felice Stevens in Books
Jun 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)
UNEXPECTED is a standalone novel about two men who bring to life the 'opposites attract' saying. Both of them have been hurt badly in their pasts but have reacted and coped with it in very different ways. Their story is about how they bring together these two opposing sides and make it work.
Walker seemed to be this brash, outgoing character, only interested in a good time, whilst Colin was more buttoned-up, throwing himself into his work to get over his heartache. As the story progresses, you realise (as they do) that these characters have more in common than they first originally thought.
I also really liked the supporting characters - Jimmy, especially. However, the actions of Alan and Dustin made me shake my head. Best friends know how to push their friends, but making them go on something so completely not what Colin liked... Hmm.
Walker is convinced he doesn't want a relationship until Colin comes along. Colin is convinced he isn't good enough until Walker comes along. Both support and help each other, bringing laughter and love back into their lives.
A feel-good story with some steamy moments and plenty of laughter. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
Walker seemed to be this brash, outgoing character, only interested in a good time, whilst Colin was more buttoned-up, throwing himself into his work to get over his heartache. As the story progresses, you realise (as they do) that these characters have more in common than they first originally thought.
I also really liked the supporting characters - Jimmy, especially. However, the actions of Alan and Dustin made me shake my head. Best friends know how to push their friends, but making them go on something so completely not what Colin liked... Hmm.
Walker is convinced he doesn't want a relationship until Colin comes along. Colin is convinced he isn't good enough until Walker comes along. Both support and help each other, bringing laughter and love back into their lives.
A feel-good story with some steamy moments and plenty of laughter. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4) in Books
Feb 8, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
WAKING UP LOST continues the Adirondack Spirit series with Mehitable's son, Noah. He can't move as fast as his brother, Moses; nor can he see ghosts. What he does do is travel whilst asleep. And I deliberately use that phrase as there is no way he could walk!
He doesn't have it easy in that the girl he likes has been 'claimed' by the town bully, whose sister has set her sights on Noah! So Noah gets warned twice - keep away from his girl and keep away from his sister. He tries to, bless him, but Dorcas isn't so easily persuaded. In fact, Noah does everything he can to have a normal life, but his travels make that increasingly difficult.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Noah's tribulations although there was no explanation given for them. Instead, Noah also becomes adept at speaking with ghosts, just like his mum, and they help get him out of some deadly situations.
This is old-worldly and otherworldly, both things that stir my interest. I enjoyed meeting up with old friends and learning about new ones. I found this book to be gripping and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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 8, 2022
He doesn't have it easy in that the girl he likes has been 'claimed' by the town bully, whose sister has set her sights on Noah! So Noah gets warned twice - keep away from his girl and keep away from his sister. He tries to, bless him, but Dorcas isn't so easily persuaded. In fact, Noah does everything he can to have a normal life, but his travels make that increasingly difficult.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Noah's tribulations although there was no explanation given for them. Instead, Noah also becomes adept at speaking with ghosts, just like his mum, and they help get him out of some deadly situations.
This is old-worldly and otherworldly, both things that stir my interest. I enjoyed meeting up with old friends and learning about new ones. I found this book to be gripping and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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 8, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1633 KP) rated Secret Admirer Pact in Books
Feb 23, 2024
kinda cute
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Ollie (A Little Christmas #3) in Books
Dec 13, 2024
FINALLY!!! Finally, I get Ollie and Beckett's story. After teasing me in Cruising Right Into Love and Sweet Haven, I'm so happy! You don't have to have read those stories to enjoy this one, but I have and I did.
Ollie is very sensitive about his weight and tries to hide under layers whenever possible. His best friend is having a cruise wedding though, so there won't be much opportunity to hide. He's been online dating for six months now and is still insecure, feeling that if Beckett actually sees him, he leave. Beckett has seen Ollie and wants him even more, but how is he supposed to make Ollie realise that?
What followed was a sweet, heartwarming, cavity-inducing story that wrapped me up in a warm hug and didn't let go. These two had issues, no doubt, their locations being just one, but when the two of them were together, I didn't stop to think about any of that. They were just so right for each other in every way.
I am so pleased their story has come out and I couldn't be happier for them. A brilliant story, beginning and wrapping up at Christmas, that I can HIGHLY 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!
Dec 12, 2024
Ollie is very sensitive about his weight and tries to hide under layers whenever possible. His best friend is having a cruise wedding though, so there won't be much opportunity to hide. He's been online dating for six months now and is still insecure, feeling that if Beckett actually sees him, he leave. Beckett has seen Ollie and wants him even more, but how is he supposed to make Ollie realise that?
What followed was a sweet, heartwarming, cavity-inducing story that wrapped me up in a warm hug and didn't let go. These two had issues, no doubt, their locations being just one, but when the two of them were together, I didn't stop to think about any of that. They were just so right for each other in every way.
I am so pleased their story has come out and I couldn't be happier for them. A brilliant story, beginning and wrapping up at Christmas, that I can HIGHLY 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!
Dec 12, 2024
Merissa (13681 KP) rated Some Kind of Truth in Books
Apr 19, 2024
SOME KIND OF TRUTH is a dark mystery crime thriller about a reporter on the search for truth. Steve James has gone through his own trauma that is similar to that of the girl on the USB stick he anonymously receives. After receiving the approval of his editor, he goes to small-town USA - Hanover if you want the particulars - to find out just what happened.
This was a good story that had me turning the pages, even as I suspended reality. Steve, and the local journalist helping him, Amy, go around the town and surrounding areas, going into houses, and making discoveries that should have been reported to the police.
There were a few errors that I spotted, just as Lance Corporal Lewis Brenner changing to Lance Corporal Kyle Brenner and Private Lewis Lomax. They weren't enough to spoil my reading but they were noticeable.
Steve was a sympathetic character to begin with, but his constant musings about drink and alcohol became monotonous, even knowing the reasons why he used them as a crutch. He can see things others might miss, although he is not infallible.
A dark and gritty story that I can definitely 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!
Apr 13, 2024
This was a good story that had me turning the pages, even as I suspended reality. Steve, and the local journalist helping him, Amy, go around the town and surrounding areas, going into houses, and making discoveries that should have been reported to the police.
There were a few errors that I spotted, just as Lance Corporal Lewis Brenner changing to Lance Corporal Kyle Brenner and Private Lewis Lomax. They weren't enough to spoil my reading but they were noticeable.
Steve was a sympathetic character to begin with, but his constant musings about drink and alcohol became monotonous, even knowing the reasons why he used them as a crutch. He can see things others might miss, although he is not infallible.
A dark and gritty story that I can definitely 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!
Apr 13, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1633 KP) rated Hallowed & Haunted: A Northbound Novella in Books
Nov 1, 2025
short, but packs a punch!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is set in the Northbound universe but you don't need to have read those books, they are all stand alones. This is only a novella, a short step into this world, and it will give you a beautiful step into Nansen's world, and their writing skill and style.
Sander and Niillas are rivals. But when Sander accepts a drunken dare, Niillas knows he can't let Sander into that house alone. Someone, or something, will need to keep him safe from things that go bump in the night.
This is only short, some 120 pages but it packs quite a punch!
Not everything is laid out for you, and I got more than a few surprises along the way and I loved being kept on my toes!
The romance aspect is minimal, it's more about Sander and Niillas learning about each other, and dealing with what's going on in the house. Niillas knows what it is, but letting Sander in on the secret will mean letting Sander in on a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I loved that Sander wasn't fazed by Niillas, once he knows. I'm being vague, I know but I need to be!
It is only short, as I said but it was brilliantly written and told and I loved it! Thank you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is set in the Northbound universe but you don't need to have read those books, they are all stand alones. This is only a novella, a short step into this world, and it will give you a beautiful step into Nansen's world, and their writing skill and style.
Sander and Niillas are rivals. But when Sander accepts a drunken dare, Niillas knows he can't let Sander into that house alone. Someone, or something, will need to keep him safe from things that go bump in the night.
This is only short, some 120 pages but it packs quite a punch!
Not everything is laid out for you, and I got more than a few surprises along the way and I loved being kept on my toes!
The romance aspect is minimal, it's more about Sander and Niillas learning about each other, and dealing with what's going on in the house. Niillas knows what it is, but letting Sander in on the secret will mean letting Sander in on a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I loved that Sander wasn't fazed by Niillas, once he knows. I'm being vague, I know but I need to be!
It is only short, as I said but it was brilliantly written and told and I loved it! Thank you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere