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Bobby Gillespie recommended Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers in Music (curated)
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Fractured Energy (Energy Series #3) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
The third instalment of the Energy series starts off with Lena still desperately trying to cope without Wilma and pushing everyone away, including Tarek. They are still fighting the good fight and their numbers on Arcus are growing but they find out that things aren't always as they seem which starts the ball rolling on a whole new adventure.
This book simply blew me away. There is every emotion you could possibly think of, including guilt, shame, love and bravery, to name just a few. It has had me laughing out loud on one page, whilst crying on the next. The characters have all gotten under my skin until I actually care about each of them.
This is writing at its best. When an author can make the characters real and make the reader care about what happens to them, I have nothing else to say! The plot is as well-structured as ever and if there were any grammatical errors, I'm afraid I was too engrossed with the story to notice.
This series gets better and better and I can't wait for book 4 to find out if my beaten-up, wreck of a heart will beat again. Highly recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 30, 2015
This book simply blew me away. There is every emotion you could possibly think of, including guilt, shame, love and bravery, to name just a few. It has had me laughing out loud on one page, whilst crying on the next. The characters have all gotten under my skin until I actually care about each of them.
This is writing at its best. When an author can make the characters real and make the reader care about what happens to them, I have nothing else to say! The plot is as well-structured as ever and if there were any grammatical errors, I'm afraid I was too engrossed with the story to notice.
This series gets better and better and I can't wait for book 4 to find out if my beaten-up, wreck of a heart will beat again. Highly recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 30, 2015
Merissa (13878 KP) rated His Mate By Defiance (Lunetti Pack #4) in Books
Mar 11, 2026
HIS MATE BY DEFIANCE is the fourth book in the Lunetti Pack series, and after thirteen years of patiently waiting, Doc Rafe is about to claim his mate.
Rafe and Adri originally met in To Defy His Mate, but you don't need to worry if you haven't read it, as there is a prologue that brings you up to speed. Suffice to say, Rafe knows Adri is his mate, but being a contrary cat means Adri won't admit it and keeps Rafe as far away as he possibly can.
Rafe and Adri make a great pair, and I loved the cat mannerisms that Adri had, as well as him reaching the stage where he didn't care if anyone saw him claim Rafe. I was afraid it would be a little one-sided, but it's not. Adri just needed some time to catch up.
The overarching story continues to move forward, this time dragging Adri along with it. I am interested to know how it will come to a head.
This was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to Marco and Seth's story. 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!
Mar 11, 2026
Rafe and Adri originally met in To Defy His Mate, but you don't need to worry if you haven't read it, as there is a prologue that brings you up to speed. Suffice to say, Rafe knows Adri is his mate, but being a contrary cat means Adri won't admit it and keeps Rafe as far away as he possibly can.
Rafe and Adri make a great pair, and I loved the cat mannerisms that Adri had, as well as him reaching the stage where he didn't care if anyone saw him claim Rafe. I was afraid it would be a little one-sided, but it's not. Adri just needed some time to catch up.
The overarching story continues to move forward, this time dragging Adri along with it. I am interested to know how it will come to a head.
This was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to Marco and Seth's story. 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!
Mar 11, 2026
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Forget You Know Me in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I have to hand it to Jessica Strawser--not sure what's happened to her in her life (ha), but she can come up with some tangled plots. As always with her books, you have to go in expecting more women's fiction than suspense/thriller, and that helps set expectations up front. Still, I have to say, that there are a surprising number of suspects for the black-clad figure who pops up on Liza's web cam. For a suburban neighborhood, it sure is a tangled web of secrets and lies out there!
So I found the plot on this one kind of baffling at first: I think it could have done without Liza and Molly's fight, honestly. Their fighting was awkward and uncomfortable and didn't seem really necessary. But I quickly warmed to Molly and Liza, who were very real characters with flaws and genuine traits. For Liza, much of her life is ruled by her anxiety, while Molly's by her chronic pain. I felt for both of them. Despite being best friends, they are on separate tracks for most of the book, making you wonder where things are going to wind up.
With everyone keeping secrets, telling lies, and basically just being dishonest--both to others and themselves--the book really does keep you guessing about what happened that night. As it does, you're treated to a very realistic look at marriage and friendship. I felt parts of it were overblown and it was a very different sort of read, but I enjoyed it overall. The descriptions and portrayals of Molly and Liza are what really drew me in. 3.5+ stars.
So I found the plot on this one kind of baffling at first: I think it could have done without Liza and Molly's fight, honestly. Their fighting was awkward and uncomfortable and didn't seem really necessary. But I quickly warmed to Molly and Liza, who were very real characters with flaws and genuine traits. For Liza, much of her life is ruled by her anxiety, while Molly's by her chronic pain. I felt for both of them. Despite being best friends, they are on separate tracks for most of the book, making you wonder where things are going to wind up.
With everyone keeping secrets, telling lies, and basically just being dishonest--both to others and themselves--the book really does keep you guessing about what happened that night. As it does, you're treated to a very realistic look at marriage and friendship. I felt parts of it were overblown and it was a very different sort of read, but I enjoyed it overall. The descriptions and portrayals of Molly and Liza are what really drew me in. 3.5+ stars.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Seer (Soulmates #2) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Seer (Soulmates #2) by Erin M. Leaf
Seer is the second book in the Soulmates series, and oh my goodness, this was a good read. We start off with Jeff, mourning his parents and not believing the murder-suicide the police have told him. Then Nick shows up at his door, and confirms without proof that it was murder. This starts a whole chain of events that has Jeff being shot at, potentially blown up, tortured, and held hostage. Oh, and Nick and Jeff find out that not only is Jeff not human, but he is Nick's soulmate too.
Can I just say here how much I am loving this series?! Jeff has had girlfriends in the past, but was never convinced he was 'just' straight. Nick has always been gay, but what these two feel for each other is off the charts. I loved how not only were they soulmates, but they made each other stronger.
This is a fast-paced, full of action both in and out of the sheets, story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. It was a delight to enter this world again, and I adored how Guy and Theo had their cameos. This is not a world I am ready to leave, it is that well-built. The characters are amazing, and I really can't wait to see where Erin M. Leaf goes next. Absolutely recommended.
* 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!
Can I just say here how much I am loving this series?! Jeff has had girlfriends in the past, but was never convinced he was 'just' straight. Nick has always been gay, but what these two feel for each other is off the charts. I loved how not only were they soulmates, but they made each other stronger.
This is a fast-paced, full of action both in and out of the sheets, story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. It was a delight to enter this world again, and I adored how Guy and Theo had their cameos. This is not a world I am ready to leave, it is that well-built. The characters are amazing, and I really can't wait to see where Erin M. Leaf goes next. Absolutely recommended.
* 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!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Tyler Perry's A Fall From Grace (2020) in Movies
Aug 23, 2020
Destroyed By Pacing Among Other Things
After being accused of killing her husband, Grace Waters’ (Crystal Fox) only hope is a public defender trying her first case.
Acting: 3
To say the acting is weak is an understatement. Everything is either overdone or underdone, but nothing in the middle. A shame too as there are some really stellar names on the billing. I have honestly seen better dramatizing out of six-year-olds.
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
Conflict: 7
If it’s one thing I can respect Tyler Perry for, it’s finding a way to incorporate consistent drama. More than most, he gets it. What I mean by that is, he understands that drama never has to be forced, rather you put two conflicting sides in the same scene and the drama will happen naturally. The problem here is that the drama in question wasn’t always interesting or intriguing.
Entertainment Value: 3
Memorability: 0
Pace: 5
Got bored real quick and I try and hold interest in movies even when I have to force it at times. Because there were so many moving parts and a lot of what felt like means to no ends, Also way longer than it needed to be.
Plot: 4
Resolution: 2
Overall: 38
Outside of some mildly interesting conflict and decent characters that were buried by a sticky plot, this movie left a lot to be desired. I tried, I really did. But with a movie so low budget it doesn’t even look presentable on a 4K TV, I have to pass on Tyler Perry’s A Fall From Grace.
Acting: 3
To say the acting is weak is an understatement. Everything is either overdone or underdone, but nothing in the middle. A shame too as there are some really stellar names on the billing. I have honestly seen better dramatizing out of six-year-olds.
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
Conflict: 7
If it’s one thing I can respect Tyler Perry for, it’s finding a way to incorporate consistent drama. More than most, he gets it. What I mean by that is, he understands that drama never has to be forced, rather you put two conflicting sides in the same scene and the drama will happen naturally. The problem here is that the drama in question wasn’t always interesting or intriguing.
Entertainment Value: 3
Memorability: 0
Pace: 5
Got bored real quick and I try and hold interest in movies even when I have to force it at times. Because there were so many moving parts and a lot of what felt like means to no ends, Also way longer than it needed to be.
Plot: 4
Resolution: 2
Overall: 38
Outside of some mildly interesting conflict and decent characters that were buried by a sticky plot, this movie left a lot to be desired. I tried, I really did. But with a movie so low budget it doesn’t even look presentable on a 4K TV, I have to pass on Tyler Perry’s A Fall From Grace.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Had a Great Fall (The Wish Makers #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Desiree has been left in charge by Kaf, leaving her to deal with irate Guides and no clear idea of what to do or how to do it. Dara is there as the youngest Guide but is more interested in spending time with her family. And, Robin, poor Robin, he's the maker of the wish that Dara is in charge of Guiding.
Wow, this book had me in tears! For about the last 25% of the book, I had a massive lump in my throat as Robin did what he thought he had to. Dara was neglectful in her duties but then she didn't really make the choice to be a Guide anyway. I won't give anything about the story away as that would be unfair of me. Suffice it to say, this is another star in the crown of Shawn McGuire's Wish Makers series.
The story and plot line flowed smoothly and seamlessly. The characters grow and develop throughout the book, especially Desiree as she learns to find her own path and make choices that she can live with. There were no grammatical or editing issues that I found.
To get the best out of this series, I would recommend reading them in order. Although each story stands by itself, the characters mentioned and how other characters react are all down to the previous stories. I really can't recommend this series highly enough. I love it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2015
Wow, this book had me in tears! For about the last 25% of the book, I had a massive lump in my throat as Robin did what he thought he had to. Dara was neglectful in her duties but then she didn't really make the choice to be a Guide anyway. I won't give anything about the story away as that would be unfair of me. Suffice it to say, this is another star in the crown of Shawn McGuire's Wish Makers series.
The story and plot line flowed smoothly and seamlessly. The characters grow and develop throughout the book, especially Desiree as she learns to find her own path and make choices that she can live with. There were no grammatical or editing issues that I found.
To get the best out of this series, I would recommend reading them in order. Although each story stands by itself, the characters mentioned and how other characters react are all down to the previous stories. I really can't recommend this series highly enough. I love it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2015
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3) in Books
Mar 20, 2023
RUNNING FROM DARKNESS is the third book in the Dark River Stone Collective series, and it starts off with a horrible subject, so read the trigger warning!
Conall and Calliope end up in Belton, asking for a favour, to save Calliope. She is in a bad way but Kyle and Nutty are there to help, even if Linc and Mason aren't. Once they turn up, Conall knows they will help him, in every way they can, which is a good thing when the police are wanting to question him.
I have to say, I have no qualms about what Conall did, or how Mason plays with the truth on his behalf. Earl deserved everything thing that came his way. I only hope to find out for sure in future books that karma paid him a visit!
The relationship between Conall and Kyle was never going to be easy and I have to admire Kyle's tenacity. Although the two of them together were hot, it was actually the easy relationship between Kyle, Conall, and Calliope that I loved. That girl is something else!
This was a great addition to the series and I loved being back with the Dark Angels. And it just goes to show - sometimes, just sometimes, running is the right thing to do, especially when you're running to the light. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Conall and Calliope end up in Belton, asking for a favour, to save Calliope. She is in a bad way but Kyle and Nutty are there to help, even if Linc and Mason aren't. Once they turn up, Conall knows they will help him, in every way they can, which is a good thing when the police are wanting to question him.
I have to say, I have no qualms about what Conall did, or how Mason plays with the truth on his behalf. Earl deserved everything thing that came his way. I only hope to find out for sure in future books that karma paid him a visit!
The relationship between Conall and Kyle was never going to be easy and I have to admire Kyle's tenacity. Although the two of them together were hot, it was actually the easy relationship between Kyle, Conall, and Calliope that I loved. That girl is something else!
This was a great addition to the series and I loved being back with the Dark Angels. And it just goes to show - sometimes, just sometimes, running is the right thing to do, especially when you're running to the light. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated The Final Hunt in Books
Jun 20, 2022
3 good, but not for me, stars
Independent reviewer for Arcaheolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the second book of Cole's I've read, and I think, the last. I had pretty much the same feeling about this one as I had about the other book I read.
Cameron is mourning her husband and finds a memory stick that sends her life into a tailspin. Finding out your husband is a serial killer is bad enough, but thinking he might not actually be dead and that he implicated her? She knows what she needs to do.
Sometimes, you need a book that has everything laid out for you very early on, and you can see exactly where it's gonna go, what's gonna happen and it veers very little from that long straight road. And I think, that this is such a book.
You put everything together quickly enough, putting all the pieces on the board and watching them do their thing. There was a few minor twists and turns, but none that were total shockers.
I did like the way Cameron dealt with the situation she found herself in, and that little bit at the end that did actually leave me wondering!
I can't say it was a Nice book, because of the subject matter, but it really is a relatively easy read that wiled away a few hours. I'm just sorry it really wasn't one for me.
While it isn't for me, what is here is well written, well delivered and well edited.
3 good, but not for me, stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the second book of Cole's I've read, and I think, the last. I had pretty much the same feeling about this one as I had about the other book I read.
Cameron is mourning her husband and finds a memory stick that sends her life into a tailspin. Finding out your husband is a serial killer is bad enough, but thinking he might not actually be dead and that he implicated her? She knows what she needs to do.
Sometimes, you need a book that has everything laid out for you very early on, and you can see exactly where it's gonna go, what's gonna happen and it veers very little from that long straight road. And I think, that this is such a book.
You put everything together quickly enough, putting all the pieces on the board and watching them do their thing. There was a few minor twists and turns, but none that were total shockers.
I did like the way Cameron dealt with the situation she found herself in, and that little bit at the end that did actually leave me wondering!
I can't say it was a Nice book, because of the subject matter, but it really is a relatively easy read that wiled away a few hours. I'm just sorry it really wasn't one for me.
While it isn't for me, what is here is well written, well delivered and well edited.
3 good, but not for me, stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Crossing The Line (KTS #2) in Books
Mar 22, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
CROSSING THE LINE is the second book in the KTS series, and I would really recommend you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone. You 'could' but it does have an overall story arc, and besides, book one is amazing.
Ollie and Linc are both doctors, both dedicated to saving lives. Ollie has an attraction to Linc, but he shot her down in flames, so she has hidden it behind sarcasm. Linc has finally reached a place where he feels okay to tell her about what happened, and why he reacted that way but, unfortunately for him, they both get blown up before he can tell Ollie his story.
*Sigh* I loved Linc. After all, how many women WOULDN'T want a man who pays attention? I could understand his reasoning, and so could Ollie. And that's part of what draws me into these books. There is drama and angst, but none of it is unnecessary, and all of it moves the story along.
The story arc moves along nicely, and I must say, Daniel has more lives than a cat! I am loving where this is taking me, and I can't wait to read more. The action is smoothly paced, and we get to see Ava and Dan from book one too. This definitely leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Mar 22, 2021
Ollie and Linc are both doctors, both dedicated to saving lives. Ollie has an attraction to Linc, but he shot her down in flames, so she has hidden it behind sarcasm. Linc has finally reached a place where he feels okay to tell her about what happened, and why he reacted that way but, unfortunately for him, they both get blown up before he can tell Ollie his story.
*Sigh* I loved Linc. After all, how many women WOULDN'T want a man who pays attention? I could understand his reasoning, and so could Ollie. And that's part of what draws me into these books. There is drama and angst, but none of it is unnecessary, and all of it moves the story along.
The story arc moves along nicely, and I must say, Daniel has more lives than a cat! I am loving where this is taking me, and I can't wait to read more. The action is smoothly paced, and we get to see Ava and Dan from book one too. This definitely leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Mar 22, 2021