Search
Search results

Merissa (12841 KP) rated Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7) in Books
May 24, 2023
OK, call me shallow, but I have to admit that reading about a tattooed man, with long hair, into bikes, makes the story a lot easier to read. I love The Blood Rose series, but this book was outstanding. I love how although the Mastyrs are important, it is their Blood Roses who are coming into their own. Each is different, each bringing just what is needed, I think they are all magnificent but I will admit to loving Olivia's attitude! She rocks!!
As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.
Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 28, 2016
As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.
Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 28, 2016

Merissa (12841 KP) rated Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8) in Books
May 26, 2023
Sacha is the second female to get her mate (Brianne and Vane) and she gets a fully-fledged God in Hades. She is lying in a coma when he realises, so he does the only thing a God can do, and wakes her up! Drake is none too chuffed with this turn of events and it is down to P to try and explain the importance of why Sacha needs to choose for herself.
Can I just say, I loved Hades! Even since I watched Disney's Hercules with my daughters, I couldn't help but see Hades like this in my mind! Let me just say though, that Setta Jay's Hades is nothing like this! He is gorgeous, caring, proactive, and yes, just a little bit arrogant. He is a God though, so give him a break.
Sacha and Hades make the perfect couple. He is understanding of her and tries to help with her recovery. Sacha rounds Hades out and smooths his arrogant edges. Love them.
Hot, sexy, funny, action-packed - Divine Ecstasy is a fantastic addition to the Guardians of the Realms series, and I can't wait for P's book and Sirena's!!!
* 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 7, 2016
Can I just say, I loved Hades! Even since I watched Disney's Hercules with my daughters, I couldn't help but see Hades like this in my mind! Let me just say though, that Setta Jay's Hades is nothing like this! He is gorgeous, caring, proactive, and yes, just a little bit arrogant. He is a God though, so give him a break.
Sacha and Hades make the perfect couple. He is understanding of her and tries to help with her recovery. Sacha rounds Hades out and smooths his arrogant edges. Love them.
Hot, sexy, funny, action-packed - Divine Ecstasy is a fantastic addition to the Guardians of the Realms series, and I can't wait for P's book and Sirena's!!!
* 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 7, 2016

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Tough Luxe in Books
May 27, 2023
Twists of the Pretzel, but a Bit Empty Overall
Samantha Kidd has landed a new gig as a fashion columnist for the local paper. But she doesn’t expect that to lead to an invitation to visit someone in prison. Pretzel heiress Suzy Kintz was a high school acquaintance of Samantha’s, but a few years after they graduated, Suzy was convicted of killing her husband, and has been in jail ever since. Now, there is new evidence that might exonerate Suzy. Can Samantha figure out what really happened all those years ago?
I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I enjoyed watching Samantha try to piece things together. However, when we hit the end, I was found I was left with too many questions – one I’d had since the beginning and a couple more than came up from the climax. I also found a sub-plot involving Samantha and her husband to be cringe inducing. At least that sub-plot led to some great character growth in Samantha. On the plus side, it is always great to hang out with these characters, and I loved the humor of the book. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to see what Samantha gets up to here. If you are new to the series, you should pick up an earlier book first before you see what happens here.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I enjoyed watching Samantha try to piece things together. However, when we hit the end, I was found I was left with too many questions – one I’d had since the beginning and a couple more than came up from the climax. I also found a sub-plot involving Samantha and her husband to be cringe inducing. At least that sub-plot led to some great character growth in Samantha. On the plus side, it is always great to hang out with these characters, and I loved the humor of the book. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to see what Samantha gets up to here. If you are new to the series, you should pick up an earlier book first before you see what happens here.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Murder at Sea in Books
May 31, 2023 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
Set Sail for Eight Fun – and Deadly – Cruises
For this entry in the Destination Murders short story anthologies, the writers are sending their sleuths on cruises. Of course, no vacation in this series is without a hiccup and dead body or two. From Norway to Italy and Seattle, and from budget cruise lines to luxury yachts, the sleuths must deal with the unexpected when a killer decides that the sea is the perfect time to strike.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I can’t think of one I didn’t like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these author’s novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time you’ve read all eight, you’ve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, you’ll be glad you boarded this anthology.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I can’t think of one I didn’t like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these author’s novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time you’ve read all eight, you’ve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, you’ll be glad you boarded this anthology.

Merissa (12841 KP) rated Out of Focus in Books
Apr 29, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)
OUT OF FOCUS is a short story about two men working behind the scenes in a Welsh theatre. They are opposites in the fact that one is charming and one seems almost dour. There are reasons for it, of course, but they don't come to light immediately.
I loved how we met other characters too, getting a hint into their lives, not just the main characters. Alex and Luke take centre stage though in this low-angst slow-burn-but-not-quite romance. The attraction has been there for a couple of years without either of them acting on it, but once Alex is injured, all bets are off.
As with all of this author's works, I found the small details absolutely brilliant, and really help to make the story one that intrigues and compels you to keep turning the pages.
Although I'm not a huge fan of short stories, this one went down a treat, with all the information I could need, including a perfect epilogue to keep me happy. Absolutely 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!
Apr 22, 2022
I loved how we met other characters too, getting a hint into their lives, not just the main characters. Alex and Luke take centre stage though in this low-angst slow-burn-but-not-quite romance. The attraction has been there for a couple of years without either of them acting on it, but once Alex is injured, all bets are off.
As with all of this author's works, I found the small details absolutely brilliant, and really help to make the story one that intrigues and compels you to keep turning the pages.
Although I'm not a huge fan of short stories, this one went down a treat, with all the information I could need, including a perfect epilogue to keep me happy. Absolutely 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!
Apr 22, 2022

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated DM Me for Murder in Books
Feb 15, 2024
Mega-Influencer’s Murder Leads to Mega Trouble
Murder is the farthest thing from Coco Cline’s mind that Monday morning. Instead, she is thrilled that mega-influencer LaTage wants to use Coco’s company, Center of Attention Consulting, to launch her rebranding. Then Coco arrives at their meeting to find LaTage dead. With the police asking Coco for help understanding the online world that LaTage inhabited, she can’t help but dig just a little deeper. Will she be able to uncover a clue that will lead to the killer?
I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint. Coco and her friends are in top form, and I loved watching their relationships develop. The plot was fantastic with a couple of great twists and many suspects that Coco had to sort through to reach the logical solution. If you’re looking for a warm beach getaway, the setting with definitely appeal to you as well. I love seeing cozy mysteries expanding their themes. However, if you aren’t super into social media, you’ll still understand everything that happens here, and there’s plenty of talking to suspects face to face. Fans will be delighted with this book. If you want a fun, modern cozy, you’ll be glad this series trended to the top of your to be read pile.
I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint. Coco and her friends are in top form, and I loved watching their relationships develop. The plot was fantastic with a couple of great twists and many suspects that Coco had to sort through to reach the logical solution. If you’re looking for a warm beach getaway, the setting with definitely appeal to you as well. I love seeing cozy mysteries expanding their themes. However, if you aren’t super into social media, you’ll still understand everything that happens here, and there’s plenty of talking to suspects face to face. Fans will be delighted with this book. If you want a fun, modern cozy, you’ll be glad this series trended to the top of your to be read pile.

Molten Death
Book
Retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen have come to the Big Island of Hawai'i to treat...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Yosemite in Books
Apr 12, 2024
Hiding in the Wilderness of Yosemite
Jack Prester’s latest assignment is to take three CPA’s into the wilderness around Yosemite and hide them from the assassins after them so they can be witnesses at an upcoming trial. Jack’s dad thinks it is doomed to fail, and with a new baby, the stakes for Jack are high. But his agrees, with his parents and Ev staying nearby to provide support if needed. Will he be able to keep everyone alive for two weeks?
It's been almost ten years since I read the previous book in the series, but I quickly slipped back into his world, and it was wonderful connecting with the characters again. Because we get the story from multiple points of view, we get to see the tourist spots as well as the area Jack is traveling. This also allows the tension to rise as we keep reading. This isn’t a high-octane thriller with tons of action, but it was impossible to put down since I had to know how it would turn out. I did feel like a couple of minor things weren’t tied up with a nice bow, but I’m being nitpicky here. On the whole, I loved getting to spend time with Jack again, and I can’t wait to crack open the next in the series.
It's been almost ten years since I read the previous book in the series, but I quickly slipped back into his world, and it was wonderful connecting with the characters again. Because we get the story from multiple points of view, we get to see the tourist spots as well as the area Jack is traveling. This also allows the tension to rise as we keep reading. This isn’t a high-octane thriller with tons of action, but it was impossible to put down since I had to know how it would turn out. I did feel like a couple of minor things weren’t tied up with a nice bow, but I’m being nitpicky here. On the whole, I loved getting to spend time with Jack again, and I can’t wait to crack open the next in the series.

Embrace the Moon
Book
A tragedy from the past won’t keep country star, Ethan Sawyer, from claiming the woman he loves. ...
paranormal romance romance bookbuzz

Port in a Storm (Sinners #8)
Book
San Francisco SWAT Lieutenant Connor Morgan and Crossroads Gin drummer Forest Ackerman make an odd...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Police