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Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1)
Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1)
Kat Kinney | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dark is the first book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and it introduces us to a world where shifters and vampires are not the best of friends, where you can be turned by sex or a bite, and where the thunderstorms are FIERCE!

The story itself is a simple one. Unrequited love, up-and-coming band, kidnappings, stalkers, silver addiction, did I say simple? The world-building is fulfilling enough as it is set in contemporary Texas (as you might have guessed from the series title!). Although I have never been, it was easy enough to 'see' this world.

If I had any complaints, I would mention the transitions in some of the scenes. A couple of times, I was confused between what was actually happening and what had already happened but was being remembered. Another time was right at the start. Was Hayden speaking to Ellie in the car or was she remembering the conversation?

Told from the first perspective from both Hayden and Ethan, this was a fast-paced story with plenty of action to balance out the blooming second-chance romance between our two main characters. I would love to know more about Ethan's brothers as I wasn't sure at the end just what was happening but that's probably just me.

A great start to a new series by a new-to-me author but one that I hope to continue with. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4)
Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4)
Melissa Foster | 2018 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Brett is the fourth book in the Bad Boys After Dark series, but you can read it as a standalone (as I did), and you won't get lost. The other brothers play a big part in Brett's story, but not enough that you are lost with who is with whom. Brett and Sophie have known each other for a while, as Sophie works for Brett's brother. Since a wedding they both attended, Brett can't get her out of his mind. He is worried though, as he knows Sophie is not looking for just one night, but a long-term relationship. Due to circumstances in his past, Brett is slightly phobic about commitment but decides he needs to take a chance with Sophie.

This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).

There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.

* 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!
Mar 26, 2018
  
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
Martha Dunlop | 2020 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE STARFOLK ARCANA is the first book in the Starfolk Trilogy and we are introduced to a contemporary world where Beth has never felt as though she fitted in, due to her gut feelings and intuition. On her birthday, she goes to a TV show that her friend got tickets for. There, she sees a celebrity, Amelia, who speaks a lot of nonsense but nevertheless manages to sway over the audience apart from Beth. It is also there she meets Jonan for the first time. Life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

I wouldn't call this a romance book, but rather a story with romantic elements. There is a lot of back and forth between Beth and Jonan as they try to work together, past lives and tarot cards notwithstanding. The whole world seems to be under Amelia's spell, and they need to stop it. It is an uphill battle though, as it is easier to give in to fear than to fight it.

Full of twists and turns, you are never completely sure who to trust. I understood Beth's frustration and hope for the general population but I found her blindness to her roommate to be just as irritating for me.

It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which definitely left me wanting more. A great read I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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!
Jul 11, 2022
  
Healing Kiss
Healing Kiss
Amanda Uhl | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEALING KISS is a contemporary romance with paranormal elements. Lilian is able to store energy and use it to heal others, especially those who are quite literally on the same wavelength as her. It is not a finite source though and does have an impact. She returns to Cleveland to save her sister from dying. She has been on the run for the past two years from a dodgy company that wants to use her talents against her will. Tristan is a billionaire with trust issues and a mother who is dying. When these two bump into each other, it sets off events that neither of them could have foreseen.

This was a slow starter for me but once I got into the groove, the rest of the book flew by. There is quite a bit of angst, both in general and between our two main characters. Angelina was made into too big a deal for my liking and I found myself skipping over the scenes with her in them, which is a shame as they help to move the story forwards, but I just found I couldn't help myself!

The build-up to the end and the epilogue were fantastic and I really hope to read Hannah's story. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story with a fresh look at talents and how they work. 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 5, 2023
  
The Dragon's Rose (Grym Hollow #1)
The Dragon's Rose (Grym Hollow #1)
Tati B. Alvarez | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE DRAGON'S ROSE is the first book in the Grym Hollow series and I want all of them... now!

We start in a contemporary setting as Rose leaves the hospital where her sister has just given birth. Not long after, she is whisked away to another world and The Dragon's Keep. Not only is she there because of a bargain made, but also to marry the King - a little tidbit she doesn't know until just before the happy occasion!

Malix and Rose are a perfect pair. She is feisty and sassy. She has dealt with her own loss and so cares for others. She is also unafraid to go toe-to-toe with her husband when he's acting like a jerk! Malix is fighting to keep his kingdom safe but is intrigued by the human woman who stands up to him. He is protective and will always do his best.

This was an outstanding story that I devoured in one sitting. It is full of emotions that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. My heart broke for Caliban, even as he found healing with Rose. It perfectly blends danger, humour, love, betrayal, romance, and steam.

The dragons' battle may be over but the war hasn't been won. We move on to the wolves 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!
Jan 23, 2024
  
Far From Camelot (Far From #2)
Far From Camelot (Far From #2)
Rylee Hale | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FAR FROM CAMELOT is the second book in the Far From series but can be read as a standalone.

Set in contemporary times, it features Merlin living in NYC, owning a bookshop, and having one friend, Willow. His quiet life is disrupted when Mordred and his band, Dethrone the Queen, come to town. Merlin hates Mordred for killing Arthur - what he sees as his biggest failure as a friend. Mordred hates Merlin because of how he stood by and enabled Arthur's own particular brand of fatherhood. So you can imagine, when these two get together, the sparks fly, and I'm not talking glittery rainbow sparkles either.

I was completely enraptured by this book and struggled to put it down. Both MCs are in pain and hurting, and neither of them expects to find love, especially not with each other. Their path isn't smooth and it wouldn't work for everyone, but it worked for them. Both of them are also protective and possessive about the other.

I loved how it took most of the book before they returned to Camelot. I really enjoyed that because the story was actually about those two and them working it out, rather than expecting Camelot to have all the answers. (view spoiler)

If you like dark romance with hurt and pain as standard, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. Loved it!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 16, 2024
  
Fallen Angel
Fallen Angel
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Genre: Contemporary Adult

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.27

My Rating: 2.5

“What do you see when you look into my eyes?” I asked breathlessly and not entirely sure where the question had come from.

“All there is to know,” was his reply. “What do you see when you look into my eyes, Brooke?” he whispered, there was a slight anger to his voice.

I trembled. “An abyss and danger,” was all I could say.


I found Fallen Angel when I was looking for angel/mortal romance novels. Even though Fallen Angel was listed as a mafia romance and not not the supernatural romance I was looking for, I picked it up anyway. And at first it was great.

It immediately started out with a strong love story. Brooke is in the midst of an existential crisis after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend. When she visits her best friend Sam in New York, she ends up meeting billionaire Robert Stone, a handsome CEO who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. To the point of being a jerk about it. But at least he’s self aware about that.

“I’m worried that I might hurt you. I have a knack of doing that when people get too close to me, a defense mechanism, I guess.”

No one pretends Robert is a great boyfriend, which I love. There are too many alpha billionaires out there that are disturbingly abusive while everyone pretends it’s a normal relationship. Not here. Robert’s actually one of the first to admit that he’s not a good boyfriend and he’s never had a real relationship. Which is great. I love flawed heroes. And when Robert does get better at communicating his feelings, it’s worth it.

“I love you, Brooke. You’ll never know just how much because there are no words.”

 

And Brooke is strong enough to handle him. She stands up to Robert when he disses Sam for being gay (which, by the way, I hated a lot. You can be a flawed badass without being a homophobe. Ugh. Major turn-off for me) and when he makes a big deal about her wearing a revealing dress.

“I wore it for you and not for anyone else. If people can see my body, so what? You’re the only one touching it,” I told him.

Brooke’s even a trained kick boxer. She’s incredibly strong and perfect to help Robert get over his past.

Then the story falls flat.

tired-and-bored-boy-sleep-014

After their second fight and make up, the story gets monotonous real fast. A lot of sex scenes– which, to be fair, were actually hot and well-written– and a lot of the mundane stuff. Brooke hanging out with Sam and Scott, Brooke working, Brooke attending one event or another with Robert. The story just dragged. And with the actual story dragging, the amount of comma splices and run-on sentences became more noticeable to me and book was practically unreadable. I had to make myself finish because I had already invested so much time into it.

It’s not like there wasn’t potential for more plot. There’s a jealous ex girlfriend out to steal Robert back and Brooke’s ex boyfriend can’t accept their break up. Brooke takes a troubled teen under her wing and isn’t this supposed to be a mafia romance?

And yet the majority of the middle of the book is sex, clothes, work days, and how great Brooke is for Robert. On top of that, Brooke loses a lot of the strength and independence I saw earlier in the book. In fact, she turned into a love sick teen.

Our souls, so entwined, were part of each other, true soul mates. Not even death would separate us.

marrypoppinsareyouill

To make matters worse, Robert’s criminal background isn’t revealed until three quarters of the way through the story! And since he got out of illegal activities years before he met Brooke, it’s really anticlimactic. Brooke makes a huge deal out of it and almost leaves him because of his past, which makes me dislike her even more. The criminal element actually seems more like an after thought to this so-called mafia romance. I’m really surprised it has such a high rating on Goodreads because I found it pretty disappointing. My rating is 2.5 stars because of the strong beginning, but I definitely won’t be reading any more of the Fallen Angel series.
  
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Merissa (11784 KP) rated Paper Cranes in Books

Jun 19, 2017  
Paper Cranes
Paper Cranes
Jordan Ford | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Paper Cranes by Jordan Ford
Paper Cranes is a fairy tale retelling, taking you away from the contemporary romance/suspense that Jordan Ford has previously published. It starts with a sullen Tristan, who has had his life disrupted due to his parents' divorce. He moves away from his mum and her new boyfriend to stay with his dad, but didn't realise that he would end up looking after him. All seems lost as he sinks deeper into bitterness and sadness. However, when he goes to rescue a lost baseball, he finds more than a ball. He finds the light of his life, and so the adventures begin.

As bad as this may sound, each time I start a new Jordan Ford book I think to myself that I can't possible enjoy it as much as I did "...", and yet each time Jordan Ford proves me wrong. I LOVED this fairy tale retelling, mainly because of the tongue in cheek references to Rapunzel that the characters themselves tease each other with. Seeing the rises and falls that Tristan goes through, the calm acceptance of Helena, the joy, love, and laughter that these two share... it's just wonderful. I also have a re-appreciation for Shakespeare and poetry! Now, this book isn't all sweetness and light, so don't think it is, BUT it does show what can happen if you keep the faith in love, hope, happiness, and fairy tale endings.

Exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.

* 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!
  
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
10
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
Made me cry! Beautiful story.
The Fault in our Stars is an international bestseller by an award winning author John Green. This is John Green’s most loved and heartbreaking story yet which will be hard to beat! If you have not heard about The Fault in our Stars, where have you been hiding? Age does not matter with this five star beautifully written, heart warming, must read story! Do not wait to read this book, bump it up your pile or BUY IT NOW! I will forever praise and highly recommend this book to you all.

I could not put this book down until I had finished it (I was in another world while reading this book). As most of you will know this story has been adapted into a film and if you are a book worm like me, the book has to be read first! I cannot compare this book to the film as I have STILL not managed to watch the film yet! This is the perfect book for you all but specifically for those who enjoy the young adult, drama, death, romance and contemporary genre’s. This has to be on of my favourite books ever by John Green which led me to reading all his other books, I did find The Fault in our Stars a very emotional read so be warned!

This is Hazel’s story, Hazel has terminal cancer and will not expect what is about to happen… When Augustus walks into her life Hazel’s story will be completely re-written. Will they fall in love? Will Augustus show Hazel how beautiful life really is? That is for you to find out not if, but WHEN you read this outstanding story, trust me it will not let you down and will stick in your heart and mind forever! Enjoy, try not to cry!
  
LL
Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was so much fun to read! Quirky and full of romance. I found myself grinning throughout most of the book, as well as giggling quite frequently. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of ups and downs to keep your eyes glued to the page. Alongside the light wit and humour you will find truth and Godly wisdom. Joy has infused this story with so many real emotions that hit pretty close to home. Trust is one of the main themes of this book. Trust in God and not in man. Trust that He will guide our paths and that He has the best plan laid out for us, even if we can't see the end result. Forgiveness is another thread that you can find throughout the book. Forgiving those that have hurt us deeply can be hard. But, if we forgive and let go, place our trust in God to heal us, the result is more beautiful than we could imagine. Written in first and third person with the two main characters, I found it easy to follow along and to feel like I was inside Izze's mind. I love the dynamics between Izze and Miles. Personally, I feel like I am a pretty good mash up of their characters! A bookish person who is a bit (ok a lot) of a nerd with a healthy dose of sarcasm. I can't wait for you to meet them for yourself. I am relatively new to contemporary fiction, but I would highly recommend Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations.
I received a free copy of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.