Search
Search results

ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Last House on Needless Street in Books
Mar 9, 2022
This book is mind-bending, constantly surprising and just plain old phenomenal, really š¤·š¼āāļø Just when I thought that I knew what was going on, something happened to completely throw me off.
Itās also a book with just enough oddness to keep me reading. Usually, a book about missing children would be a big ānoā from me, but I have to admit to being drawn in by the talking, God fearing cat. I mean, how can that not appeal to the reader?
Ted is the main character though. He lives in a rundown house on Needless Street with his talking cat, Olivia, and his daughter Lauren, who visits at the weekends. Heās a reclusive man, who boards up his windows, has spy holes to look into the garden and uses a chest freezer to keep his cat in when heās out. He doesnāt do himself any favours - heās odd.
And so Dee decides that he is the man responsible for the disappearance of her sister. The Police have already discounted him, but she is sure that he fits the profile of a child abductor. She finds a house for sale on Needless Street, moves in and bides her time.
This is hands down, one of the strangest, delightfully off-kilter, most uncomfortable books Iāve read in recent times. I thought I had the ending all sorted out, but there are a fair few twists and turns that will wrong-foot you throughout this frankly brilliant book.
If you enjoy an eccentric, strange, slightly horrifying book, youāll undoubtedly enjoy this. I loved it.
Itās also a book with just enough oddness to keep me reading. Usually, a book about missing children would be a big ānoā from me, but I have to admit to being drawn in by the talking, God fearing cat. I mean, how can that not appeal to the reader?
Ted is the main character though. He lives in a rundown house on Needless Street with his talking cat, Olivia, and his daughter Lauren, who visits at the weekends. Heās a reclusive man, who boards up his windows, has spy holes to look into the garden and uses a chest freezer to keep his cat in when heās out. He doesnāt do himself any favours - heās odd.
And so Dee decides that he is the man responsible for the disappearance of her sister. The Police have already discounted him, but she is sure that he fits the profile of a child abductor. She finds a house for sale on Needless Street, moves in and bides her time.
This is hands down, one of the strangest, delightfully off-kilter, most uncomfortable books Iāve read in recent times. I thought I had the ending all sorted out, but there are a fair few twists and turns that will wrong-foot you throughout this frankly brilliant book.
If you enjoy an eccentric, strange, slightly horrifying book, youāll undoubtedly enjoy this. I loved it.
HT
How To Succeed in Witchcraft
Book
An overachieving teen witch vies for a prestigious scholarship at her elite high school in this...

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas in Books
Apr 15, 2022
Another amazingly funny look at the life of a doctor, but this time over the festive period.
I donāt think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kayās work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff donāt get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes itās the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I donāt know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but Iām so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isnāt too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I canāt wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!
I donāt think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kayās work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff donāt get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes itās the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I donāt know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but Iām so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isnāt too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I canāt wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!

Hazel (2934 KP) rated How to Kill Men and Get Away With It [Audiobook] in Books
Oct 30, 2022
Outrageously funny, wicked and addictive!
Kitty Collins is a social media influencer; totally loaded and with a lifestyle and friends that show it but when she is followed home by a creep that won't take no for an answer and he accidently ends up dead and then it happens again when all she wanted was an apology, Kitty finds herself a new calling ... getting rid of similar despicable men and so begins a riotous journey into the life of Kitty Collins.
I'm not going to pretend that this is a believable story but it is fun and I enjoyed the ride. I found myself giggling like a school girl at totally inappropriate moments and holding my breath with anticipation at others.
The characters are great - not all of them particularly likeable but then I think that's the point; the pace is perfect and the major twist, whilst I half guessed it, was a surprise and that ending ... very satisfying and leaves me wondering if there is more to come from Kitty Collins?
The narrator, Victoria Morrison, was brilliant and captured Kitty's voice as I imagined it perfectly along with all the other characters; she did an excellent job.
Highly entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I was even hoping for a traffic jam so I could keep listening for longer and so I must give a thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It.
Kitty Collins is a social media influencer; totally loaded and with a lifestyle and friends that show it but when she is followed home by a creep that won't take no for an answer and he accidently ends up dead and then it happens again when all she wanted was an apology, Kitty finds herself a new calling ... getting rid of similar despicable men and so begins a riotous journey into the life of Kitty Collins.
I'm not going to pretend that this is a believable story but it is fun and I enjoyed the ride. I found myself giggling like a school girl at totally inappropriate moments and holding my breath with anticipation at others.
The characters are great - not all of them particularly likeable but then I think that's the point; the pace is perfect and the major twist, whilst I half guessed it, was a surprise and that ending ... very satisfying and leaves me wondering if there is more to come from Kitty Collins?
The narrator, Victoria Morrison, was brilliant and captured Kitty's voice as I imagined it perfectly along with all the other characters; she did an excellent job.
Highly entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I was even hoping for a traffic jam so I could keep listening for longer and so I must give a thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It.

Merissa (12934 KP) rated Sink or Swim: Part One (Aria & the Seven Seas, #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2022
Aria's back... and she's TROUBLE!
SINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read those - although I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** 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!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** 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 (12934 KP) rated Dreams Never Seen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #3) in Books
Oct 31, 2023
DREAMS NEVER SEEN is the third novella in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from the previous two, so I would definitely recommend you read those first.
Markus is back in town, and this time, Bella is there for him. This time, it's Lunah who throws the first spanner in the works, simply by being too enthusiastic. That aside, Markus and Bella are both looking forward to being together, making their home their own, and deepening the bond that has forged between them. And here comes the second (and biggest) spanner.
Instead of being at home, Markus, Bella, and Lunah travel to a new land, Thanzia, to find a missing archaeologist. They are interrupted at every turn, whether by a person, a circumstance, or even by travel. They make time though, and phew, it's a hot one!
The story regarding the archaeologist is a sad one, but I loved where it led. The discoveries were wonderful, and I could imagine how others would see them.
As with the previous books in this series, it was over too soon and has definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see where they go and what happens next. Brilliant reading and 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!
Oct 29, 2023
Markus is back in town, and this time, Bella is there for him. This time, it's Lunah who throws the first spanner in the works, simply by being too enthusiastic. That aside, Markus and Bella are both looking forward to being together, making their home their own, and deepening the bond that has forged between them. And here comes the second (and biggest) spanner.
Instead of being at home, Markus, Bella, and Lunah travel to a new land, Thanzia, to find a missing archaeologist. They are interrupted at every turn, whether by a person, a circumstance, or even by travel. They make time though, and phew, it's a hot one!
The story regarding the archaeologist is a sad one, but I loved where it led. The discoveries were wonderful, and I could imagine how others would see them.
As with the previous books in this series, it was over too soon and has definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see where they go and what happens next. Brilliant reading and 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!
Oct 29, 2023

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Generation 18 (Spook Squad, #2) in Books
Mar 20, 2022
50 of 230
Book
Generation 18 (Spook Squad book 2)
By Keri Arthur
āļøāļøāļøāļø
COUNTDOWN TO CRISIS
A serial killer strikes every twelve hours. A vampire takes lives at random. At first glance, these tragic incidents seem unrelated. But Special Investigations Unit agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern trace them both back to a military base known as Hopeworth. Is the murder spree part of a cover-up? And are the vampire killings less by chance and more methodical?
The investigation takes an eerie, personal turn when Sam discovers a connection between herself and the victimsāand a clue to her own mysterious origins. With the violence escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, the stakes are raised and the mission changes from seeking justice to ensuring Sam and Gabrielās own survival. And the one person who seems to hold all the answersāabout Hopeworth, about Samās pastāis a mystery man she isnāt sure she can trust. They share a psychic link through her dreams, and he once saved her life, but he may just be the greatest enemy humankind has ever known.
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. I really like this series although Iām getting so frustrated with Gabriel he needs to deal with his issues! I love the Sam Ryan I really feel for her and the way sheās treated. Hopefully she wonāt be so lonely for too much longer. The thing with Keri Arthur is you just become so immersed into her worlds no Mary what series youāre reading.
Book
Generation 18 (Spook Squad book 2)
By Keri Arthur
āļøāļøāļøāļø
COUNTDOWN TO CRISIS
A serial killer strikes every twelve hours. A vampire takes lives at random. At first glance, these tragic incidents seem unrelated. But Special Investigations Unit agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern trace them both back to a military base known as Hopeworth. Is the murder spree part of a cover-up? And are the vampire killings less by chance and more methodical?
The investigation takes an eerie, personal turn when Sam discovers a connection between herself and the victimsāand a clue to her own mysterious origins. With the violence escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, the stakes are raised and the mission changes from seeking justice to ensuring Sam and Gabrielās own survival. And the one person who seems to hold all the answersāabout Hopeworth, about Samās pastāis a mystery man she isnāt sure she can trust. They share a psychic link through her dreams, and he once saved her life, but he may just be the greatest enemy humankind has ever known.
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. I really like this series although Iām getting so frustrated with Gabriel he needs to deal with his issues! I love the Sam Ryan I really feel for her and the way sheās treated. Hopefully she wonāt be so lonely for too much longer. The thing with Keri Arthur is you just become so immersed into her worlds no Mary what series youāre reading.

Merissa (12934 KP) rated Headshot (Model Love) in Books
Oct 17, 2022
A feel-good, funny, steamy story!
HEADSHOT is a standalone story in the multi-author series, Model Love. I was happily reunited with some of the fellows from J.P. Sayle's Billionaireās Playground series. In this story, Kit and Garfield House are under threat from the new owner, who wants to sell it against his deceased uncle's wishes. Jack has bided his time, not wanting to act upon his feelings for Kit until he knows they are returned. But when Garfield is threatened, he will stop at nothing to save it, and show Kit exactly how he feels at the same time.
These two! There is a slight age gap here, but nothing too bad, 'grandpa'! LOL! What you have is a beautiful story about two men who fight to save what is important to them and so many others AND what they might have together too. It was gorgeous!!!
Nanna was here, causing trouble as always, plus ham candles. Nope, I won't explain, you really have to read it! This was so light-hearted in places and yet the sense of what would be lost if Garfield closed was never downplayed.
This was a feel-good, funny, steamy story that I loved from beginning to end. A brilliant addition both to Model Love and also Billionaire's Playground. 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!
These two! There is a slight age gap here, but nothing too bad, 'grandpa'! LOL! What you have is a beautiful story about two men who fight to save what is important to them and so many others AND what they might have together too. It was gorgeous!!!
Nanna was here, causing trouble as always, plus ham candles. Nope, I won't explain, you really have to read it! This was so light-hearted in places and yet the sense of what would be lost if Garfield closed was never downplayed.
This was a feel-good, funny, steamy story that I loved from beginning to end. A brilliant addition both to Model Love and also Billionaire's Playground. 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!

Merissa (12934 KP) rated Frozen Flowers Fallen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master) in Books
Jan 11, 2023
An intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense that is absolutely brilliant!
FROZEN FLOWERS FALLEN is the first book in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It's a quick read that takes you back to Sziveria where Gen-talents are held so highly.
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. 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!
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. 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!

Merissa (12934 KP) rated Fighting Faete (Beyond The Veil #5) in Books
Nov 20, 2023
Fighting Faete is the fifth book in the Beyond The Veil series, and this series shows no signs of slacking. Each story is wonderful as a standalone, but together, they are brilliant. Kat is the Beta, and as such she knows very few men that are more dominant than her, and even less that she would like to mate with. She pits herself against bigger, tougher opponents, just to see if she will find someone more dominant. What she doesn't know is she already has her mates, and they are JUST as dominant. Kat needs to figure out how to have a relationship WITH them, and they need to figure out how to deal with someone as strong and sassy as Kat is.
This story is a welcome addition to the series. I've wanted Kat's story ever since she ran from Aeron and Alak. Before they get together is laugh-out-loud funny, but once they get together, the sparks fly even more. Well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, Fighting Faete is an action-packed story, with highs and lows and surprises. The pacing is smooth, with no jarring at any time. A great addition to the series, and highly 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!
Apr 11, 2018
This story is a welcome addition to the series. I've wanted Kat's story ever since she ran from Aeron and Alak. Before they get together is laugh-out-loud funny, but once they get together, the sparks fly even more. Well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, Fighting Faete is an action-packed story, with highs and lows and surprises. The pacing is smooth, with no jarring at any time. A great addition to the series, and highly 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!
Apr 11, 2018