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Merissa (13927 KP) rated The Krampus's First Christmas Gift (An MM Monster Christmas #6) in Books
Dec 19, 2025
THE KRAMPUS'S FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFT is the sixth novel in the MM Monster Christmas series, and finishes off the series (I think!).
This is also the one where we find out just what happened to Jasper, and what his mysterious illness is all about. If you've read the prior books, you know Jasper had a fall in the forest and never fully recovered. You find out snippets in both Leo's and Trent's stories, but now you actually get all of it.
You might think, because of the title, that this might be scary or frightening, but what you get is a touch-starved black sheep of the family with a heart of gold. I loved Kraghol from the very beginning, but hearing about his family life and upbringing about broke my heart. I loved how Jasper made no judgments and fought for what-or rather, who-he wanted, right up until he didn't. That was the right thing in my opinion, and I loved how the story continued after that.
Trent's story will always be my favourite out of the bunch, but this one comes a close second. A brilliant story that I read in one sitting, that held my attention from beginning to end. A great series that I 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!
Dec 19, 2025
This is also the one where we find out just what happened to Jasper, and what his mysterious illness is all about. If you've read the prior books, you know Jasper had a fall in the forest and never fully recovered. You find out snippets in both Leo's and Trent's stories, but now you actually get all of it.
You might think, because of the title, that this might be scary or frightening, but what you get is a touch-starved black sheep of the family with a heart of gold. I loved Kraghol from the very beginning, but hearing about his family life and upbringing about broke my heart. I loved how Jasper made no judgments and fought for what-or rather, who-he wanted, right up until he didn't. That was the right thing in my opinion, and I loved how the story continued after that.
Trent's story will always be my favourite out of the bunch, but this one comes a close second. A brilliant story that I read in one sitting, that held my attention from beginning to end. A great series that I 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!
Dec 19, 2025
Merissa (13927 KP) rated Shadowman (Shadow #3) in Books
Jan 29, 2024
Shadowman is the full-length story of Kathleen and Shadowman! It is the third book in the Shadow series and I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this one!
Shadowman will stop at nothing to find Kathleen. He knows she's not in Twilight and since Custo has told him she's not in the Hereafter, then that only leaves Hell. So he builds a gate. It gets opened-just a crack-by Layla but something or someone slips through.
Oh, man, but I loved this story. It was a slow start but built up to an amazing story that kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down. I loved the twists and turns in it, as both Shadowman and Layla figure out just who they are, both to each other and to other people. It is chock full of emotion and the ending is full of action. I had to read it twice, just to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
It feels like the end of the series, but I sincerely hope we return to Segue. There is still so much to see, and I hope to catch up with all my favourite characters too. Absolutely brilliant 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2024
Shadowman will stop at nothing to find Kathleen. He knows she's not in Twilight and since Custo has told him she's not in the Hereafter, then that only leaves Hell. So he builds a gate. It gets opened-just a crack-by Layla but something or someone slips through.
Oh, man, but I loved this story. It was a slow start but built up to an amazing story that kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down. I loved the twists and turns in it, as both Shadowman and Layla figure out just who they are, both to each other and to other people. It is chock full of emotion and the ending is full of action. I had to read it twice, just to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
It feels like the end of the series, but I sincerely hope we return to Segue. There is still so much to see, and I hope to catch up with all my favourite characters too. Absolutely brilliant 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2024
My Masked Shadow (Beautiful Stalkers #3)
10.0
Rate It
Book
I'm in her firewall. She's under my skin. I don’t need to creep down dark alleys to stalk her. ...
Dark Contemporary Stalker Romance Erotica
Winter's Season
Book
London, 1817: a city glittering with wealth and rotting with secrets. In the uneasy years after...
Historical Crime Politics Romance Thriller
Merissa (13927 KP) rated A Heart of Gold and Glass (Secret Fairy Tales #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2026
A HEART OF GOLD AND GLASS is the start of a fantastic new series called Secret Fairy Tales, and we begin with a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
In a kingdom where magic is an everyday occurrence, some magic is more highbrow than others. Hugo can create anything with glass, which is wonderful, but not so highly placed. His mother is desperate for him to marry well, so tells people he can spin straw into gold. This gets him locked up, where a strange man saves him. Prince Everand is the heir to the throne, and fed up with his mother's matchmaking. Together, these two have adventures, find love, stop a war, and reunite families. All in a day's work.
I loved these two. Hugo is humble without being too self-deprecating. Ev is charming and funny, especially when he is head over heels for Hugo. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with Hugo's brothers, and I even liked his mother. She reminded me of Mrs Bennett.
I thought this was a brilliant start to the series. It is sweet and sexy, with great world-building, and plenty of characters I want to see more of. It is Dorian's turn next, and I can't wait. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2026
In a kingdom where magic is an everyday occurrence, some magic is more highbrow than others. Hugo can create anything with glass, which is wonderful, but not so highly placed. His mother is desperate for him to marry well, so tells people he can spin straw into gold. This gets him locked up, where a strange man saves him. Prince Everand is the heir to the throne, and fed up with his mother's matchmaking. Together, these two have adventures, find love, stop a war, and reunite families. All in a day's work.
I loved these two. Hugo is humble without being too self-deprecating. Ev is charming and funny, especially when he is head over heels for Hugo. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with Hugo's brothers, and I even liked his mother. She reminded me of Mrs Bennett.
I thought this was a brilliant start to the series. It is sweet and sexy, with great world-building, and plenty of characters I want to see more of. It is Dorian's turn next, and I can't wait. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2026
Merissa (13927 KP) rated Courting the Dragon Lord (A Royal Arrangement #0) in Books
Mar 27, 2025
COURTING THE DRAGON LORD is the introductory story to the Royal Arrangement series. We learn that the nations have been at war for decades and now they have agreed to a peace treaty, solidified by marriages between the nations. This one is with Prince Ash of Botanial and Lord Barrett of Draconia.
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** 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 27, 2025
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** 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 27, 2025
Merissa (13927 KP) rated Lustful Nights (Peaches #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2025
LUSTFUL NIGHTS is the first book in the Peaches series and features Lennox and Jensen, plus a whole host of other brilliant characters.
Lennox has gone back to school to get his nursing degree. To support that, he works at Peaches as a dancer a few nights a week. Jensen is Lennox's big brother, Nick's, best friend who gets the shock of a lifetime when he sees Lennox dance, especially because it wakes something up inside him.
This is a fun and sassy low angst story between the two of them. The angst comes into how they tell Nick about their relationship. Lennox has had a bad run of relationships in the past, so his friends are concerned when they find out he's dating someone secretly. Jensen, however, is a cutie-patootie who goes full steam ahead for what, or who, he wants. The thing I loved the most is that although the steam comes off the page for these two, you also get the emotional connection. Jensen is everything Lennox needs, and vice versa.
The pacing is very smooth and all the characters are brilliantly written. It is Preston's turn next and I can't wait to see what happens with him. I really hope Jonas plays a part. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me and I can't wait to read 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 4, 2025
Lennox has gone back to school to get his nursing degree. To support that, he works at Peaches as a dancer a few nights a week. Jensen is Lennox's big brother, Nick's, best friend who gets the shock of a lifetime when he sees Lennox dance, especially because it wakes something up inside him.
This is a fun and sassy low angst story between the two of them. The angst comes into how they tell Nick about their relationship. Lennox has had a bad run of relationships in the past, so his friends are concerned when they find out he's dating someone secretly. Jensen, however, is a cutie-patootie who goes full steam ahead for what, or who, he wants. The thing I loved the most is that although the steam comes off the page for these two, you also get the emotional connection. Jensen is everything Lennox needs, and vice versa.
The pacing is very smooth and all the characters are brilliantly written. It is Preston's turn next and I can't wait to see what happens with him. I really hope Jonas plays a part. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me and I can't wait to read 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 4, 2025
Merissa (13927 KP) rated Worth the Wait (Worth It #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2025
WORTH THE WAIT is the first book in the Worth It series, set in the seaside town of Worthbridge. Nathan and Freddie were joined at the hip from a young age, but life wasn't easy, and so their friendship came to an end. Nathan joined the army, and Freddie joined the police force. Skip forward fifteen years, and Nathan has returned to Worthbridge with his son.
If you are looking for a gritty contemporary story, then I can always recommend C.F. White! This one is no different. It is full of emotions and English slang. I can almost hear the accents! There is an ongoing story, but this one wraps up nicely. I am hoping we get to see Freddie, Nathan, and Alfie in future books, as this one pretty much ends just as they get together again.
There is also a great cast of supporting characters that I also hope to see and learn more about. Considering the story, this was fairly low angst between our two MCs, and there is steam when they get together, although it's not soft and tender steam, if you know what I mean.
A great read, a brilliant start to a new series, and one I'm really looking forward to continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2025
If you are looking for a gritty contemporary story, then I can always recommend C.F. White! This one is no different. It is full of emotions and English slang. I can almost hear the accents! There is an ongoing story, but this one wraps up nicely. I am hoping we get to see Freddie, Nathan, and Alfie in future books, as this one pretty much ends just as they get together again.
There is also a great cast of supporting characters that I also hope to see and learn more about. Considering the story, this was fairly low angst between our two MCs, and there is steam when they get together, although it's not soft and tender steam, if you know what I mean.
A great read, a brilliant start to a new series, and one I'm really looking forward to continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2025
Rhythm and Design (Rhythm and Design series #1)
Book
A soulful architect. A gospel-rooted musician. A love built to last. Rhythm & Design: A Platinum...
Adult Contemporary Romance
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Russian Doll in TV
Feb 5, 2019 (Updated Feb 5, 2019)
Natasha Lyonne carries this entire series phenomenally (2 more)
Good, tight script full of quick, witty dialogue
Short and sweet
Death Becomes Her
I watched Netflix's latest series Russian Doll over the past weekend and I loved it. Natasha Lyonne stars as a woman who on the night of her 36th birthday party, is suddenly hit by a car and dies. She then comes to and finds herself again standing in the bathroom in front of the sink back at her birthday party without a scratch. Then after dying a few more times and returning to the same spot in the bathroom, she realises that she is unable to stay dead and is going to be stuck in this loop indefinitely.
I had no clue what to expect going into this one. I was a fan of Natasha Lyonne from her role in Orange Is The New Black and had heard that she had co-wrote this project and even had a hand in directing it. This peaked my curiosity enough to give it a shot, and I'm glad that I did because, (although it is only February,) this is my favourite show of this year so far.
There is of course the presence of the obvious 'Groundhog Day,' trope, but thankfully the show uses this mechanic to it's benefit and manages to tell a fairly unique story based on a pretty unoriginal story-telling device. The show was co-written by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland and the writing is brilliant. The show is comedic in all of the right places while managing to achieve and maintain a more serious tone when it wants to for certain moments, especially towards the end of the series.
Consisting of eight episodes all around 30 minutes in duration, the series moves at an extremely brisk pace and it is a pace that matches the quick dialogue and editing style that the series adopts during many of the death montage sequences. This all gels together to ensure that the show never feels stagnant or dragging in any sense. The score and cinematography are also great and compliment the other aspects of the show very nicely. All of this together is what gives this show it's unique, quirky feel.
Though, none of this would work without having a reliable lead protagonist to tie the whole thing together and Natasha Lyonne pulls off this difficult task flawlessly. I have always enjoyed seeing Lyonne pop up in several projects as a solid supporting actress, but this is the first time that I have seen her in the lead role and she is phenomenal through the entire eight episodes that Russian Doll consists of. Match that with the writing and directing credits that she claims on this series and you realise that we are watching an artist with incredible talent getting to realise her vision through this project and it is a joy to witness the whole thing unfold.
Overall, Russian Doll is a fantastic series that is enjoyable from start to finish. It features brilliant writing, fantastic performances and plenty of laughs. Due to the oddball nature and tone of this wonderful series, I am not sure if I want to see a second season. However, I am very much looking forward to seeing wherever Lyonne goes from here and what she plans to do next, both as an actress and as an auteur.
I had no clue what to expect going into this one. I was a fan of Natasha Lyonne from her role in Orange Is The New Black and had heard that she had co-wrote this project and even had a hand in directing it. This peaked my curiosity enough to give it a shot, and I'm glad that I did because, (although it is only February,) this is my favourite show of this year so far.
There is of course the presence of the obvious 'Groundhog Day,' trope, but thankfully the show uses this mechanic to it's benefit and manages to tell a fairly unique story based on a pretty unoriginal story-telling device. The show was co-written by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland and the writing is brilliant. The show is comedic in all of the right places while managing to achieve and maintain a more serious tone when it wants to for certain moments, especially towards the end of the series.
Consisting of eight episodes all around 30 minutes in duration, the series moves at an extremely brisk pace and it is a pace that matches the quick dialogue and editing style that the series adopts during many of the death montage sequences. This all gels together to ensure that the show never feels stagnant or dragging in any sense. The score and cinematography are also great and compliment the other aspects of the show very nicely. All of this together is what gives this show it's unique, quirky feel.
Though, none of this would work without having a reliable lead protagonist to tie the whole thing together and Natasha Lyonne pulls off this difficult task flawlessly. I have always enjoyed seeing Lyonne pop up in several projects as a solid supporting actress, but this is the first time that I have seen her in the lead role and she is phenomenal through the entire eight episodes that Russian Doll consists of. Match that with the writing and directing credits that she claims on this series and you realise that we are watching an artist with incredible talent getting to realise her vision through this project and it is a joy to witness the whole thing unfold.
Overall, Russian Doll is a fantastic series that is enjoyable from start to finish. It features brilliant writing, fantastic performances and plenty of laughs. Due to the oddball nature and tone of this wonderful series, I am not sure if I want to see a second season. However, I am very much looking forward to seeing wherever Lyonne goes from here and what she plans to do next, both as an actress and as an auteur.