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Merissa (13710 KP) rated Viking Ink (Tewsbury Daddies #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
VIKING INK is the first book in the Tewsbury Daddies series and is also this author's debut novel, which I find incredibly hard to believe! I loved this story and can't wait to dive back in!
Rhys and Simon fall into a relationship quickly - more quickly than Simon wanted but he is unable to resist Rhys' puppy-dog eyes. There is plenty of talk about their kink and how they want it to progress. Ree does regress quite a way, so if you like your Littles to be more Middles, then this is not the book for you. It also covers some difficult subjects so be aware of that. I thought it was all delicately handled and extremely well-written. The two sides of Rhys did come together so brilliantly, it was easy to see how Simon was bowled over.
Apart from the obvious angst, the relationship itself is low-angst, very sweet and tender, with some steamy moments that worked perfectly. I was left with questions about Liam but nothing was really necessary. I was just being greedy! I am hoping to see more of Rhys and Simon as the series progresses, especially so I can find out how the investigation is coming along. They really need to pay for their crimes!!
Obviously, Mitch and Cal deserve their story, but I also want Doc's as well as Officer Grumpy's. I am really looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next. 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!
April 7, 2023
Rhys and Simon fall into a relationship quickly - more quickly than Simon wanted but he is unable to resist Rhys' puppy-dog eyes. There is plenty of talk about their kink and how they want it to progress. Ree does regress quite a way, so if you like your Littles to be more Middles, then this is not the book for you. It also covers some difficult subjects so be aware of that. I thought it was all delicately handled and extremely well-written. The two sides of Rhys did come together so brilliantly, it was easy to see how Simon was bowled over.
Apart from the obvious angst, the relationship itself is low-angst, very sweet and tender, with some steamy moments that worked perfectly. I was left with questions about Liam but nothing was really necessary. I was just being greedy! I am hoping to see more of Rhys and Simon as the series progresses, especially so I can find out how the investigation is coming along. They really need to pay for their crimes!!
Obviously, Mitch and Cal deserve their story, but I also want Doc's as well as Officer Grumpy's. I am really looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next. 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!
April 7, 2023
A Plus One for Murder
10.0
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Entrepreneur Emma Westlake is reinventing herself as a hired friend when murder gets in the way in...
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated Night of Mysterious Blessings in Books
Nov 6, 2022
Do you have a child or children who are struggling to sleep or relax? Well, maybe “Night of Mysterious Blessings” by Sally Metzger can help calm down through stressful thoughts or worries.
This book brings a bit of God into the story. Though through a twist, many children learn that helps them sleep at night. This mysterious man they all call sandman. This book is relaxing and calm for adults as well as children. I do enjoy that.
This book is about a little boy and his dog. Will the little boy fall asleep, or will he toss and turn all night? Will the mysterious man be able to help him? The pictures are well-designed; I have enjoyed looking at them. They do tell the story. My body was relaxing while reading this book. It seemed to destress me, and the pictures helped as well.
This book may be a good idea for parents to pick up for themselves and their children. Children can learn about a mysterious man called the sandman and about God.
The mysterious man came to help the little boy. He looks like someone that we enjoy in the winter and around the Christmas holiday. I am curious to know if the look is intended that way but for me. He looks all joyous and happy and relaxed. However, he is supposed to be a sandman.
This book is a good bedtime story for children. Parents can read it to them, or young readers that are early readers can read this or learn to read from this book. Maybe your child or children can see what comes from the morning light after a restful night. You could learn about worrying and stressing less from this lovely story. I would like to know if there will be more books or a series.
This book brings a bit of God into the story. Though through a twist, many children learn that helps them sleep at night. This mysterious man they all call sandman. This book is relaxing and calm for adults as well as children. I do enjoy that.
This book is about a little boy and his dog. Will the little boy fall asleep, or will he toss and turn all night? Will the mysterious man be able to help him? The pictures are well-designed; I have enjoyed looking at them. They do tell the story. My body was relaxing while reading this book. It seemed to destress me, and the pictures helped as well.
This book may be a good idea for parents to pick up for themselves and their children. Children can learn about a mysterious man called the sandman and about God.
The mysterious man came to help the little boy. He looks like someone that we enjoy in the winter and around the Christmas holiday. I am curious to know if the look is intended that way but for me. He looks all joyous and happy and relaxed. However, he is supposed to be a sandman.
This book is a good bedtime story for children. Parents can read it to them, or young readers that are early readers can read this or learn to read from this book. Maybe your child or children can see what comes from the morning light after a restful night. You could learn about worrying and stressing less from this lovely story. I would like to know if there will be more books or a series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Project Dogway in Books
Jan 2, 2022
Dogging a Killer
Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is). Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show. However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish. While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife. Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Christmas Cocoa Murder in Books
Nov 8, 2022
Drowning in Hot Chocolate
This story finds Siobhan O’Sullivan, the main character in the popular Irish Village Mysteries, a few weeks from joining the local police department in her small Irish village. Even though she’s not supposed to officially join until after the first of the year, she finds herself getting involved in a case just before Christmas. First, her family’s dog goes missing. Then the intermission entertainment at the holiday panto goes horribly wrong. Paddy O’Shea, the village Santa, has been obsessed over how to top the Santa from the neighboring village, and he’s come up with what he thinks is the perfect way. He’s had a custom-built dunk tank made, and he’s going to challenge people to dunk him in hot chocolate. However, before the show is over, Paddy is found floating face down in the hot chocolate. Who killed Santa?
This was my introduction to the characters, and I did struggle a bit keeping Siobhan’s family straight, and there are some references to things going on in her personal life that I didn’t get. However, these were very minor issues in an overall fun story and easy enough to ignore. As you might have guessed from the description of the story, there is some humor involved in the events, but it does have plenty of serious moments as well. These were balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed getting to know Siobhan and the suspects were all strong enough to be believable as the killer. The plot kept me engaged until we reached the great climax.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
This was my introduction to the characters, and I did struggle a bit keeping Siobhan’s family straight, and there are some references to things going on in her personal life that I didn’t get. However, these were very minor issues in an overall fun story and easy enough to ignore. As you might have guessed from the description of the story, there is some humor involved in the events, but it does have plenty of serious moments as well. These were balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed getting to know Siobhan and the suspects were all strong enough to be believable as the killer. The plot kept me engaged until we reached the great climax.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
David McK (3692 KP) rated The Dark Knight (2008) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019 (Updated Jul 23, 2024)
Summmer 2008: at the time of writing this, now 11 years ago (edit: now 16), and the cinematic landscape was rather different - the MCU was only just starting off (with Iron Man), and superheroes in the cinema were not as commonplace as they are today ( to the best of my memory).
While Christopher No.an had effectively rebooted perhaps DCs most famous character in Batman Begins, that film had (deliberately, IMO) kept the focus pretty much on Bruce Wayne/Batman rather than on his mos famous foes, ending with a deliberate tease of the introduction of the Joker.
And what an introduction he gets in this.
As portrayed by Heath Ledger (whose untimely death no doubt helped stoke the interest for this movie: his last full screen role), this Joker is very different than Jack Nicholson's 1989 portrayal. It's a definite magnetic tour de force from the actor, sure, although (personally) I've never really viewed the character as a Joker so much as as a genius psychopath.
"I'm an agent of chaos" he says at one point. "I'm a dog chasing a car. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it". And that, to me, is what is missing from the character-as-written.
Alongside Ledger, Aaron Eckhart also puts in a brilliant turn as Harvey Dent, completely blowing Tommy Lee Jones portrayal of the same character (in Batman Forever) out of the water. It's a far more realistic interpretation of what drives Dent to become Two-face, with some frightenly realistic effects.
And, finally, it may be a small thing: but in this Batman gets and operates (briefly) out of Gotham city, making his world seem more 'real' as a result.
While Christopher No.an had effectively rebooted perhaps DCs most famous character in Batman Begins, that film had (deliberately, IMO) kept the focus pretty much on Bruce Wayne/Batman rather than on his mos famous foes, ending with a deliberate tease of the introduction of the Joker.
And what an introduction he gets in this.
As portrayed by Heath Ledger (whose untimely death no doubt helped stoke the interest for this movie: his last full screen role), this Joker is very different than Jack Nicholson's 1989 portrayal. It's a definite magnetic tour de force from the actor, sure, although (personally) I've never really viewed the character as a Joker so much as as a genius psychopath.
"I'm an agent of chaos" he says at one point. "I'm a dog chasing a car. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it". And that, to me, is what is missing from the character-as-written.
Alongside Ledger, Aaron Eckhart also puts in a brilliant turn as Harvey Dent, completely blowing Tommy Lee Jones portrayal of the same character (in Batman Forever) out of the water. It's a far more realistic interpretation of what drives Dent to become Two-face, with some frightenly realistic effects.
And, finally, it may be a small thing: but in this Batman gets and operates (briefly) out of Gotham city, making his world seem more 'real' as a result.
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3)
10.0
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Ryan The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I wasn't a soldier, and...
Seasonal Contemporary MM Romance Small Town Romance Hurt/Comfort
Merissa (13710 KP) rated Gideon's Gratitude (Love in Mission City #5) in Books
Jul 18, 2025
GIDEON'S GRATITUDE is the fifth book in the Love in Mission City series, focusing on Gideon and Archer.
Gideon is in daily chronic pain, living alone with his dog, Lucky. He was married and had two children, but after suffering an accident and becoming addicted to painkillers, he was divorced and his children living with his ex, who didn't trust him to be near them.
Archer has bought the plot next to Gideon's home and turns up when he has run away from Vancouver after discharging himself from hospital. He ends up knocking on Gideon's door when a tree crashes on top of his SUV, luckily when he wasn't in it!
This story mainly focuses on Gideon and what he is dealing with - depression and parental alienation are just two things. I can honestly say that both topics are written well. It's nice to lose myself in fiction where these topics are talked about, but have a HEA ending, that unfortunately doesn't always happen in real life.
The relationship between Archer and Gideon takes time, so yes, this is a slow-burn. It wouldn't be right to have it any other way. The moments when they are 'together' together are sweet and sexy, with just enough burn, without taking anything away from either man.
A great addition to the series that can absolutely be read as a standalone, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending 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!
Jul 18, 2025
Gideon is in daily chronic pain, living alone with his dog, Lucky. He was married and had two children, but after suffering an accident and becoming addicted to painkillers, he was divorced and his children living with his ex, who didn't trust him to be near them.
Archer has bought the plot next to Gideon's home and turns up when he has run away from Vancouver after discharging himself from hospital. He ends up knocking on Gideon's door when a tree crashes on top of his SUV, luckily when he wasn't in it!
This story mainly focuses on Gideon and what he is dealing with - depression and parental alienation are just two things. I can honestly say that both topics are written well. It's nice to lose myself in fiction where these topics are talked about, but have a HEA ending, that unfortunately doesn't always happen in real life.
The relationship between Archer and Gideon takes time, so yes, this is a slow-burn. It wouldn't be right to have it any other way. The moments when they are 'together' together are sweet and sexy, with just enough burn, without taking anything away from either man.
A great addition to the series that can absolutely be read as a standalone, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending 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!
Jul 18, 2025
Welcome Home to Murder
8.0
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From author Rosalie Spielman comes a heartfelt cozy mystery that proves sometimes coming home again...
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated My Unfair Lady in Books
Apr 27, 2018
My Unfair Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
Genre: Historical fiction, Historical Romance
Rating: 4/5
Summary (from the back of the book):
HE CREATED THE PERFECT WOMAN… the impoverished Duke of Monchester despises the rich Americans who flock to London, seeking to buy their way into the ranks of the British peerage. So when railroad heiress Summer Wine Lee offers him a king’s ransom if he’ll teach her to become a proper lady, he’s prepared to rebuff her. But when he meets the petite beauty with the knife in her boot, it’s not her fortune he finds impossible to resist…
…FOR THE ARMS OF ANOTHER MAN. Frontier-bred Summer Wine Lee has no interest in winning over London society—it’s the New York bluebloods and her future mother-in-law she’s determined to impress. She knows the cost of smoothing her rough-and-tumble frontier edges will be high. But she never imagined it might cost her her heart…
Review: This book is so cute! The dialogue is lively, the characters are likeable (or in the case of the “bad ones”, hate-able), and the images and descriptions are clear and visible. I loved it by the end of the first chapter.
Summer was my kind of girl. She grinned when things were funny instead of trying to remain indifferent, she wasn’t afraid to show how she felt—but she could also throw a knife, shoot an arrow better than the woman champion of their day, and mount and ride a horse bareback (which I think is so cool!). She has a love for animals—and odd ones at that. She owns a three-legged dog, a dog with four legs but the size of a small horse, a monkey, a pocket-sized puppy, a fox, and a cat with no back legs (it sits in a cart and rolls around the room). She was raised by an Indian (one of those childhood dreams that I never quite left behind…) and he was the one who had taught her all that great stuff. Watching her try to settle into society was hilarious.
MY UNFAIR LADY has a lot of tension in it—both inner turmoil from poor Summer, and also sexual tension between the characters. However, it wasn’t overpowering because was so funny. I found that I laughed just as often as tension was built, so there was a constant, even balance. The end was very exciting, and I found it impossible to put down. Overall, reading this book was a hilarious and wonderful experience, and an unforgettable escape from reality.
Plot: My Fair Lady (the movie) shows a girl who is transformed to a lady, then the man falls in love with her. I love the change that has taken place in MY UNFAIR LADY—The man doesn’t want to change her, because he loves her the way she is. I like this plot better than the first!
Writing: The writing was decent, acceptable, and more readable than a lot of newly published romances. Though it wasn’t Dante, it wasn’t hard to read either.
Content: Refreshingly, there was no language in this book. Summer has her own set of expletives, but they weren’t offensive (“Tarnation!”). As far as sex, let’s just say there were several scenes (pages) in this book that I skipped completely, and just started reading again where the dialogue picked up. I didn’t miss anything important.
Recommendation: Ages 18+ to lovers of Historical fiction, Romance in general, or anyone who loves a girl who can shoot a gun, wield a knife, or use a bow and arrow better than a man!
**Thanks to Danielle at Sourcebooks for supplying my review copy!**
Genre: Historical fiction, Historical Romance
Rating: 4/5
Summary (from the back of the book):
HE CREATED THE PERFECT WOMAN… the impoverished Duke of Monchester despises the rich Americans who flock to London, seeking to buy their way into the ranks of the British peerage. So when railroad heiress Summer Wine Lee offers him a king’s ransom if he’ll teach her to become a proper lady, he’s prepared to rebuff her. But when he meets the petite beauty with the knife in her boot, it’s not her fortune he finds impossible to resist…
…FOR THE ARMS OF ANOTHER MAN. Frontier-bred Summer Wine Lee has no interest in winning over London society—it’s the New York bluebloods and her future mother-in-law she’s determined to impress. She knows the cost of smoothing her rough-and-tumble frontier edges will be high. But she never imagined it might cost her her heart…
Review: This book is so cute! The dialogue is lively, the characters are likeable (or in the case of the “bad ones”, hate-able), and the images and descriptions are clear and visible. I loved it by the end of the first chapter.
Summer was my kind of girl. She grinned when things were funny instead of trying to remain indifferent, she wasn’t afraid to show how she felt—but she could also throw a knife, shoot an arrow better than the woman champion of their day, and mount and ride a horse bareback (which I think is so cool!). She has a love for animals—and odd ones at that. She owns a three-legged dog, a dog with four legs but the size of a small horse, a monkey, a pocket-sized puppy, a fox, and a cat with no back legs (it sits in a cart and rolls around the room). She was raised by an Indian (one of those childhood dreams that I never quite left behind…) and he was the one who had taught her all that great stuff. Watching her try to settle into society was hilarious.
MY UNFAIR LADY has a lot of tension in it—both inner turmoil from poor Summer, and also sexual tension between the characters. However, it wasn’t overpowering because was so funny. I found that I laughed just as often as tension was built, so there was a constant, even balance. The end was very exciting, and I found it impossible to put down. Overall, reading this book was a hilarious and wonderful experience, and an unforgettable escape from reality.
Plot: My Fair Lady (the movie) shows a girl who is transformed to a lady, then the man falls in love with her. I love the change that has taken place in MY UNFAIR LADY—The man doesn’t want to change her, because he loves her the way she is. I like this plot better than the first!
Writing: The writing was decent, acceptable, and more readable than a lot of newly published romances. Though it wasn’t Dante, it wasn’t hard to read either.
Content: Refreshingly, there was no language in this book. Summer has her own set of expletives, but they weren’t offensive (“Tarnation!”). As far as sex, let’s just say there were several scenes (pages) in this book that I skipped completely, and just started reading again where the dialogue picked up. I didn’t miss anything important.
Recommendation: Ages 18+ to lovers of Historical fiction, Romance in general, or anyone who loves a girl who can shoot a gun, wield a knife, or use a bow and arrow better than a man!
**Thanks to Danielle at Sourcebooks for supplying my review copy!**