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Merissa (13419 KP) rated Dress Blues (Recalled to Love #2) in Books
Dec 11, 2017
Dress Blues (Recalled to Love #2) by Lisa Carlisle
Dress Blues is the second novella in the Recalled to Love series, and is a complete standalone from the first. In this one, we meet Vivi who left the military after a devastating injury, and Jack, who has now left the military too but is unsure of what to do now. The sparks flew between these two when they first met, but nothing was allowed to come of it as Vivi was enlisted and Jack was an officer. Now though, they don't have those rules to get in the way, so it's all dependent upon whether they can work it as a couple.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I have to say that Stella stole the show! There is uncertainty in both of them for different reasons, and they will have to overcome those before they can move forwards together. I loved that Jack was pushy for all the right reasons, but could also completely understand where Vivi was coming from. I admired the fact that she admitted the fault, and worked on it to conquer it, rather than letting it beat her.
The story flowed at an even pace, and there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story has the feel-good factor, and is definitely 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I have to say that Stella stole the show! There is uncertainty in both of them for different reasons, and they will have to overcome those before they can move forwards together. I loved that Jack was pushy for all the right reasons, but could also completely understand where Vivi was coming from. I admired the fact that she admitted the fault, and worked on it to conquer it, rather than letting it beat her.
The story flowed at an even pace, and there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story has the feel-good factor, and is definitely 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 (13419 KP) rated Sticks and Stones (The Wish Makers #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The premise of this book is unusual which immediately grabbed my interest. It isn't the same formula re-worded. However, I was still unsure, even after reading the synopsis, about what I would be getting.
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA-friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in its childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
* 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!
September 12, 2016
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA-friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in its childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
* 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!
September 12, 2016
Merissa (13419 KP) rated Notes of Unspoken Words (Ruined & Relinquished #1) in Books
Oct 26, 2023
NOTES OF UNSPOKEN WORDS is the first book in the Ruined & Relinquished series, although some characters from a different series also have cameos.
In this one, Casper and Reed are step-brothers who are in love with each other, although both will deny it. This leads to a traumatic relationship for both of them. When they're on the way home from a tour, Sunshiney Reed rescues a man from the street. Grumpy Casper decides to stay at Reed's home until he knows the man, Elic, can be trusted. Elic turns out to be the catalyst needed to make Casper and Reed realise just what they've got together, and how Elic can be included in that.
This story was easy to read with wonderful characters. I have to say, Cas and his protective streak was by far my favourite. His grumpiness was for a reason and I loved how he was portrayed.
One thing - if you haven't read the other series (Three Ties) as I haven't, you may get confused about all the different brothers involved and the different triads they're in. There must be something in the water!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to continue with this series. 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!
Oct 26, 2023
In this one, Casper and Reed are step-brothers who are in love with each other, although both will deny it. This leads to a traumatic relationship for both of them. When they're on the way home from a tour, Sunshiney Reed rescues a man from the street. Grumpy Casper decides to stay at Reed's home until he knows the man, Elic, can be trusted. Elic turns out to be the catalyst needed to make Casper and Reed realise just what they've got together, and how Elic can be included in that.
This story was easy to read with wonderful characters. I have to say, Cas and his protective streak was by far my favourite. His grumpiness was for a reason and I loved how he was portrayed.
One thing - if you haven't read the other series (Three Ties) as I haven't, you may get confused about all the different brothers involved and the different triads they're in. There must be something in the water!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to continue with this series. 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!
Oct 26, 2023
We Remember D-Day
Frank Shaw and Joan Shaw
Book
"On leaving the plane I can only say I felt very lonely, except that the sky was full of bullets...
Merissa (13419 KP) rated Curvy and the Canid: A Wolf Shifter Fairy Tale Retelling in Books
Jun 12, 2020
Curvy and the Canid is a wolf shifter story set in Sweden involving the Norse gods. From that alone, I wanted to read this story!
Told from multiple points of view and in the present tense, this story explains about Saskia and Einar. She is a BBW in a country where most are 'skinny-minnies' (big generalisation there from me). She is successful in her chosen career but lacks the confidence to go it alone as an artist. Einar is the Missing Duke and we find out his story too. Together, these two have to overcome a curse and prove that true love can heal all wounds.
This is only a novella and yet it packs a punch. I'm not too keen on novellas as I prefer my stories to have a bit more to them. However, I have to say, with this one, the story is all there! There is nothing missing from this tale and each character is fully developed. You get the side characters who obviously aren't as big as the main ones but they are still three-dimensional.
I loved the setting for this story and can only hope we see more of this setting in future books. Einar and Saskia make a great couple, good for each other in so many ways. With sexy times and lots of love, this was a brilliant story and I can't wait to read more.
* 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!
Told from multiple points of view and in the present tense, this story explains about Saskia and Einar. She is a BBW in a country where most are 'skinny-minnies' (big generalisation there from me). She is successful in her chosen career but lacks the confidence to go it alone as an artist. Einar is the Missing Duke and we find out his story too. Together, these two have to overcome a curse and prove that true love can heal all wounds.
This is only a novella and yet it packs a punch. I'm not too keen on novellas as I prefer my stories to have a bit more to them. However, I have to say, with this one, the story is all there! There is nothing missing from this tale and each character is fully developed. You get the side characters who obviously aren't as big as the main ones but they are still three-dimensional.
I loved the setting for this story and can only hope we see more of this setting in future books. Einar and Saskia make a great couple, good for each other in so many ways. With sexy times and lots of love, this was a brilliant story and I can't wait to read more.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Island Detour (Sunrise Island #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2024
throughly enjoyable 4 star read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sophie is accused of doing something she knew she did not do, and is suspended from her teaching post. Taking a job in Florida, helping out a friend, seemed the best thing to do during that time. But she was unprepared for taking a lead role in the school and she was totally unprepared for Max, another teacher at the school, trying to get his environmental institute off the ground. They both have demons to fight, but will they be stronger together?
What I especially liked about this book was the slow burn between Sophie and Max. There was immediate attraction, sure, but Max thinks Sophie has ulterior motives for being at the school and he trusts so rarely. It takes him time to see that Sophie can calm his demons, and he, hers. They both just need to admit, trust and give in to each other.
Both Max and Sophie get a say, and I'm glad they did.
There is passion, heat and love here, but I found the smexy times were very much faded to black and I liked that. I do like the smexy books, sure, but I can also appreciate a fade to black book, if the story is a good one.
And this is a good book! It's a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first by this author. I'd like to read something else, something with a bit more bite.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sophie is accused of doing something she knew she did not do, and is suspended from her teaching post. Taking a job in Florida, helping out a friend, seemed the best thing to do during that time. But she was unprepared for taking a lead role in the school and she was totally unprepared for Max, another teacher at the school, trying to get his environmental institute off the ground. They both have demons to fight, but will they be stronger together?
What I especially liked about this book was the slow burn between Sophie and Max. There was immediate attraction, sure, but Max thinks Sophie has ulterior motives for being at the school and he trusts so rarely. It takes him time to see that Sophie can calm his demons, and he, hers. They both just need to admit, trust and give in to each other.
Both Max and Sophie get a say, and I'm glad they did.
There is passion, heat and love here, but I found the smexy times were very much faded to black and I liked that. I do like the smexy books, sure, but I can also appreciate a fade to black book, if the story is a good one.
And this is a good book! It's a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first by this author. I'd like to read something else, something with a bit more bite.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13419 KP) rated Camping with the Boss (Pride Summer Camp 2025) in Books
Jun 30, 2025
CAMPING WITH THE BOSS is part of the Pride Summer Camp 2025 series and can be read as a standalone.
Whilst this is a romance, it is also a mystery, all wrapped up nicely with a company retreat, and a little Daddy bow on the top. Canyon and River are struggling to keep their house and their car. River works for Wade Darian and has set up a retreat, but then he disappears. Wade is none too impressed, and Canyon ends up filling River's shoes. BUT there's more going on than just Wade and Canyon getting jiggy with it. Everyone's got secrets. Who will share first?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! There is an abundance of smaller mysteries going on, such as who is stealing the desserts from the break room, and you get answers to all of them. Obviously, the big mystery is who is behind all the drama within the company. The answer to that one, when it came, didn't come as a surprise, but I don't think it was meant to.
I loved Wade and Canyon so much, but I also want to see Ander and Jared have their story. And maybe Jet and River too. You can see where I'm going with this, surely? Suffice it to say, this was a brilliant story with amazing characters that I hope to read more of in the future. 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!
Jun 30, 2025
Whilst this is a romance, it is also a mystery, all wrapped up nicely with a company retreat, and a little Daddy bow on the top. Canyon and River are struggling to keep their house and their car. River works for Wade Darian and has set up a retreat, but then he disappears. Wade is none too impressed, and Canyon ends up filling River's shoes. BUT there's more going on than just Wade and Canyon getting jiggy with it. Everyone's got secrets. Who will share first?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! There is an abundance of smaller mysteries going on, such as who is stealing the desserts from the break room, and you get answers to all of them. Obviously, the big mystery is who is behind all the drama within the company. The answer to that one, when it came, didn't come as a surprise, but I don't think it was meant to.
I loved Wade and Canyon so much, but I also want to see Ander and Jared have their story. And maybe Jet and River too. You can see where I'm going with this, surely? Suffice it to say, this was a brilliant story with amazing characters that I hope to read more of in the future. 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!
Jun 30, 2025
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Beyond the Red (Beyond the Red, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
I can be trusted with responsibilities again! the reviewer says as she slowly climbs out of the reviewing hiatus hole.
You're delusional, the hiatus whispers menacingly, just a voice from the dark depths. You've still got a few books from 2016 left! And what about all those books you abandoned reviewing even though you want to review? I still have their souls! And I will have yours!
<b>I'm not going to get out of this, aren't I? 😢</b>
<i>Beyond the Red</i> is one of the last books I read back in 2017 that I haven't gotten around to reviewing yet, and here we are, a year later, with shenanigans but no review yet.
And when I want to write a review, I'm staring at a blank document in Google Drive for hours upon hours wondering what to say.
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Four Things About <i>Beyond the Red</i></b></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">Generally I write a list of either the good or bad (primarily just good. Bad I've been skipping or writing little paragraphs for), but my brain is crying on the forgetfulness of this book, so I'm going to go with generic little things you should be aware of before picking up the book.</div>
<h3><b>There are two perspectives and they are polar opposites</b></h3>
We have a half-blood who loses everything and becomes a slave, and then we have a queen who technically has everything. I thought it was really cool to see Jaes world from two different sides of the spectrum.
<h3><b>I don't think I'm a fan of the language</b></h3>
I don't mind made up languages in a book (within boundaries, of course, because my brain cannot wrap itself around overly complex words sometimes), but <em>Beyond the Reds</em> world language is very similar to ours yet different.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">I know three different ways to break out of this kinduv brace, and everything inside me screams that I use one of them.
I wont feel bad, not for her, not after what she did, and yet I cant fight this fucken ridiculous need to fix this, to hold her until its okay.</blockquote>
Is it <i>meant </i>to be similar? I'm assuming so based on how humans are still around and the Sepharon are very similar to humans in <i>Beyond the Red</i>. <b>Either way, I'm confused.</b> Or I missed something. Who knows. <strong>I've been out of it lately. :/</strong>
<h3><b> </b><b>But the world building is super cool despite language</b></h3>
Jaes world building is well developed, and it's shown constantly throughout the book. And is it just me, or did anyone else think of this as Star Wars just a little? Am I just assuming Star Wars is going to be like this because if so, I'm going into the box of shame. (Lupe, help.)
Now that I look at the ARC I have, it's the blurbs. I blame the blurbs. Help me.
<h3><b>Thankfully, the names aren't complicated</b></h3>
Sometimes books go all out and the characters have strange names that are hard to pronounce, so my brain cries in terror and starts wailing. <i>Beyond the Red</i> has its strange names, but they're not complicated. They're an average of two syllables and my brain won't start tearing itself to shreds figuring out the right pronunciation. Is this right? wonders the reviewer, as she puzzles over all the possible ways to say the name.
Honestly, if you're looking for an adventure on a new planet that's a nod to Mars with not complicated names, <i>Beyond the Red</i> might be perfect for you. If you don't mind the language, that is.
<a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/beyond-red-ava-jae-review/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I can be trusted with responsibilities again! the reviewer says as she slowly climbs out of the reviewing hiatus hole.
You're delusional, the hiatus whispers menacingly, just a voice from the dark depths. You've still got a few books from 2016 left! And what about all those books you abandoned reviewing even though you want to review? I still have their souls! And I will have yours!
<b>I'm not going to get out of this, aren't I? 😢</b>
<i>Beyond the Red</i> is one of the last books I read back in 2017 that I haven't gotten around to reviewing yet, and here we are, a year later, with shenanigans but no review yet.
And when I want to write a review, I'm staring at a blank document in Google Drive for hours upon hours wondering what to say.
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Four Things About <i>Beyond the Red</i></b></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">Generally I write a list of either the good or bad (primarily just good. Bad I've been skipping or writing little paragraphs for), but my brain is crying on the forgetfulness of this book, so I'm going to go with generic little things you should be aware of before picking up the book.</div>
<h3><b>There are two perspectives and they are polar opposites</b></h3>
We have a half-blood who loses everything and becomes a slave, and then we have a queen who technically has everything. I thought it was really cool to see Jaes world from two different sides of the spectrum.
<h3><b>I don't think I'm a fan of the language</b></h3>
I don't mind made up languages in a book (within boundaries, of course, because my brain cannot wrap itself around overly complex words sometimes), but <em>Beyond the Reds</em> world language is very similar to ours yet different.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">I know three different ways to break out of this kinduv brace, and everything inside me screams that I use one of them.
I wont feel bad, not for her, not after what she did, and yet I cant fight this fucken ridiculous need to fix this, to hold her until its okay.</blockquote>
Is it <i>meant </i>to be similar? I'm assuming so based on how humans are still around and the Sepharon are very similar to humans in <i>Beyond the Red</i>. <b>Either way, I'm confused.</b> Or I missed something. Who knows. <strong>I've been out of it lately. :/</strong>
<h3><b> </b><b>But the world building is super cool despite language</b></h3>
Jaes world building is well developed, and it's shown constantly throughout the book. And is it just me, or did anyone else think of this as Star Wars just a little? Am I just assuming Star Wars is going to be like this because if so, I'm going into the box of shame. (Lupe, help.)
Now that I look at the ARC I have, it's the blurbs. I blame the blurbs. Help me.
<h3><b>Thankfully, the names aren't complicated</b></h3>
Sometimes books go all out and the characters have strange names that are hard to pronounce, so my brain cries in terror and starts wailing. <i>Beyond the Red</i> has its strange names, but they're not complicated. They're an average of two syllables and my brain won't start tearing itself to shreds figuring out the right pronunciation. Is this right? wonders the reviewer, as she puzzles over all the possible ways to say the name.
Honestly, if you're looking for an adventure on a new planet that's a nod to Mars with not complicated names, <i>Beyond the Red</i> might be perfect for you. If you don't mind the language, that is.
<a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/beyond-red-ava-jae-review/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated A Stranger on the Beach in Books
Sep 2, 2019
Caroline Stark has been married to her husband, Jason, for 20 years. They have one daughter, Hannah, who is a freshman in college. When Caroline's husband brings his mistress to their housewarming party, Caroline is beside herself. In order to get back at Jason, she decides to have a one-night stand with a local bartender, Aidan, who also just happens to be the stranger who like to stand on the beach and stare at her house for hours. But the events that follow that one night are far more than Caroline bargained for. Even stranger her story and Aidan's story seem completely different. Who is telling the truth? And who will you believe?
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the end. Being a woman I truly felt bad for Caroline and the situation she was in. I think I would lose it, if I found out my husband was having an affair. I don't know if I would go out looking for vindication by doing the same deed.
From the start, I didn't like Aidan, he seemed like one of those guys you say hi to in passing and the next thing you know, he's everywhere you turn. He really creeped me out.
I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I didn't see the twists and turns coming and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Michele Campbell writes books that leave your mind spinning. Pick this one up as soon as you can.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the end. Being a woman I truly felt bad for Caroline and the situation she was in. I think I would lose it, if I found out my husband was having an affair. I don't know if I would go out looking for vindication by doing the same deed.
From the start, I didn't like Aidan, he seemed like one of those guys you say hi to in passing and the next thing you know, he's everywhere you turn. He really creeped me out.
I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I didn't see the twists and turns coming and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Michele Campbell writes books that leave your mind spinning. Pick this one up as soon as you can.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Show No Mercy in Books
Nov 20, 2024
i liked the instanta nd powerful attraction
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for his life with a bleeding stranger in tow.
I liked that this book jumps straight into what is going on with Callum, and that Hector gets pulled in. I wasn't sure it was going to work for me, but it holds up well through the book, that start. It's sort of sets the pace for the book.
I did feel though, at times, that the pace was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quick. I found myself struggling to keep up, things were happening so fast. But it's a relatively short book, 195 pages, and you can only get so much on the page count. I would have just liked a bit of a let up from everything, really. Just to catch my breath!
I would have liked some more of the suspense that is tagged with the book. There is, I felt, none. We know, right from the start, who is doing what they are doing to Callum and Hector.
But there is lots of the passion the book is tagged with, and I liked that the attraction and connection between these two men is powerful and almost instant, but it never ever wavers, not even when they are both faced with such a situation they find themselves in.
Only Hector gets a say though. And really this is the only reason I rounded my 3.5 stars down, rather than up.
3.5 stars, rounded down for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for his life with a bleeding stranger in tow.
I liked that this book jumps straight into what is going on with Callum, and that Hector gets pulled in. I wasn't sure it was going to work for me, but it holds up well through the book, that start. It's sort of sets the pace for the book.
I did feel though, at times, that the pace was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quick. I found myself struggling to keep up, things were happening so fast. But it's a relatively short book, 195 pages, and you can only get so much on the page count. I would have just liked a bit of a let up from everything, really. Just to catch my breath!
I would have liked some more of the suspense that is tagged with the book. There is, I felt, none. We know, right from the start, who is doing what they are doing to Callum and Hector.
But there is lots of the passion the book is tagged with, and I liked that the attraction and connection between these two men is powerful and almost instant, but it never ever wavers, not even when they are both faced with such a situation they find themselves in.
Only Hector gets a say though. And really this is the only reason I rounded my 3.5 stars down, rather than up.
3.5 stars, rounded down for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere