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Sonnets for an Old Century
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“Now we have a SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY to call our own, a work whose scope and insights begin to...
The Story of Us by Quinn XCII
Album
The Story Of Us is the debut album from Detroit-bred vocalist/songwriter Quinn XCII. The album if...
The Art of Dying
Peter Fenwick and Elizabeth Fenwick
8.0
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Book
The Art of Dying is a contemporary version of the medieval Ars Moriendi--a manual on how to achieve...
Death paranormal
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Ripped (Mars Fitness #1) in Books
Jan 22, 2025
EDIT: I requested this book and had completely forgotten that I'd already read it, but the blurb still pulled me in, so that was good. Even though I could remember the story once I started, I was still loving the read, as the emotions and circumstances kept me turning the pages.
I'm so happy I have re-read this and can honestly say all my previous comments still stand. A great way to start a series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
RIPPED is both the first book in the Mars Fitness series and also the first book by this author I have read. Let me start by saying I want more! Both of the series and by this author.
Connor's world is upended when he walks in on his boyfriend and best friend after getting home from a spin class. No, they're not 'doing the do' but it's pretty obvious anyway. Distraught, he ends up back at the gym and collapses on Sawyer and Donnie. Whilst this is a pretty quick start to Donnie and Connor's relationship, it is also not rushed. Both of them feel attraction immediately, but they also both have issues they want to work through.
One thing I absolutely adored was that Connor's family was dysfunctional! It made a nice change from a cookie-cutter family where, even if there's a disagreement, it's sorted out with minimum fuss. I'm sorry but not all families are like that! The other thing that got me was when Donnie was talking to Roger and his parents. So emotional and perfectly written. Grief isn't linear and it doesn't always make sense. I loved Roger's presence in this story, comfort and encouragement instead of power and threats, even if he is dead.
A great read that I couldn't put down. I want to see more of Connor and Donnie and I'm really hoping they turn up in Sawyer's book, which comes 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2023
Jan 22, 2025
I'm so happy I have re-read this and can honestly say all my previous comments still stand. A great way to start a series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
RIPPED is both the first book in the Mars Fitness series and also the first book by this author I have read. Let me start by saying I want more! Both of the series and by this author.
Connor's world is upended when he walks in on his boyfriend and best friend after getting home from a spin class. No, they're not 'doing the do' but it's pretty obvious anyway. Distraught, he ends up back at the gym and collapses on Sawyer and Donnie. Whilst this is a pretty quick start to Donnie and Connor's relationship, it is also not rushed. Both of them feel attraction immediately, but they also both have issues they want to work through.
One thing I absolutely adored was that Connor's family was dysfunctional! It made a nice change from a cookie-cutter family where, even if there's a disagreement, it's sorted out with minimum fuss. I'm sorry but not all families are like that! The other thing that got me was when Donnie was talking to Roger and his parents. So emotional and perfectly written. Grief isn't linear and it doesn't always make sense. I loved Roger's presence in this story, comfort and encouragement instead of power and threats, even if he is dead.
A great read that I couldn't put down. I want to see more of Connor and Donnie and I'm really hoping they turn up in Sawyer's book, which comes 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 28, 2023
Jan 22, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Force Majeure in Books
Apr 15, 2025
I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated His Mate by Allegiance (Lunetti Pack #3) in Books
Jul 12, 2025
steamy and deadly!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Lunetti Pack series, and I would recommend that you books one, His Mate by Venegeance and book two, His Mate by Resistance before this one. A personal rec, is all.
I enjoyed book one, I loved book 2, but I LOVED this one!
Emilio knew that Rocco was his mate the minute they met. That kinda put his plans out, since his new husband was going to meet an unfortunate end and now his wolf would not let that happen. Rocca creeps under Emmy skin and fur and while they down and dirty quite quickly, I loved that Emmy was NOT going to bite Rocco and Rocco used his magic to bind his puppy. I loved that Rocco called Emmy puppy from the very beginning and not once did Emmy tell him to stop it!
I loved that Rocco really SAW Emmy, you know? As a witch, he didn't get the mating urge quite as bad as the shifters did, but he knew that Emmy was special, and his feelings developing super speedy was another reason that he knew.
Super smexy, and steamy! Loved that they went all in, but no biting! Rcco's power was amazing, with the wind and things and I loved that Emmy's wolf responded to that power.
Violent, too. Emilio is, after all, an assassin. But given what happens here, I think it's needed on page. Loved how Rocco responded to Emilio's trade.
Emotional, as well. Emmy is dealing with some deep emotions, after his father did what he did. And he fights Rocco all the way because of that. But once Rocco knows WHY Emmy is fighting, he understands and goes all out to make sure his puppy knows Rocco will always stand by him, and never against him.
Epilogue gives us who is next and I look forward to that one, given as Rafe and Adri have a long history!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Lunetti Pack series, and I would recommend that you books one, His Mate by Venegeance and book two, His Mate by Resistance before this one. A personal rec, is all.
I enjoyed book one, I loved book 2, but I LOVED this one!
Emilio knew that Rocco was his mate the minute they met. That kinda put his plans out, since his new husband was going to meet an unfortunate end and now his wolf would not let that happen. Rocca creeps under Emmy skin and fur and while they down and dirty quite quickly, I loved that Emmy was NOT going to bite Rocco and Rocco used his magic to bind his puppy. I loved that Rocco called Emmy puppy from the very beginning and not once did Emmy tell him to stop it!
I loved that Rocco really SAW Emmy, you know? As a witch, he didn't get the mating urge quite as bad as the shifters did, but he knew that Emmy was special, and his feelings developing super speedy was another reason that he knew.
Super smexy, and steamy! Loved that they went all in, but no biting! Rcco's power was amazing, with the wind and things and I loved that Emmy's wolf responded to that power.
Violent, too. Emilio is, after all, an assassin. But given what happens here, I think it's needed on page. Loved how Rocco responded to Emilio's trade.
Emotional, as well. Emmy is dealing with some deep emotions, after his father did what he did. And he fights Rocco all the way because of that. But once Rocco knows WHY Emmy is fighting, he understands and goes all out to make sure his puppy knows Rocco will always stand by him, and never against him.
Epilogue gives us who is next and I look forward to that one, given as Rafe and Adri have a long history!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Soul of Ash: Revised Edition (Death's Embrace #2) in Books
Apr 18, 2026
Im invested in these people!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Death's Embrace series and it CANNOT be read as a stand alone, you must read Heart of Dust First.
I said in my review for that book, that I couldn't give it 5 stars, because we only got to hear from Doran. And guess what?? Here, we get Nathaniel too!! Hence the 5 stars!
Because I loved this too! It is a tad more policitical, and it takes a bit more reading. I had to concentrate more, in places, to follow the story line and what was happening but that's not a bad thing for me!
I loved that we heard from Nathaniel. I loved we got a bit more about him and his upbringing and his history and most importantly, his feelings and emotions. We get more of what he did and what's going on with this bloody plant that everyone seems to what and what it will do to Nathaniel, eventually.
There was a conversation about Tsa Lein, and some of that went over my head, the references were subtle and I didn't get them all but it's only a comment I nned to make, rather than a complaint. And I'm not entirely sure what Samuel has to do with anything and it's driving me NUTS that I can't!
Things are moving fast making the mines safe, but not fast enough for some, hence the political issues that are in this book. And I do feel for Grace at points. She needs to be strong, but she really is still young, and a widow. And someone wants her gone.
Which leads us nicely into the next book! There is a bit at the end of this one, chapter one of Throne of Lies and it lays out what's coming, what you SEE coming here. I didn't read it though, I want to wait!
I am fully and totally invested in Doran, Nathaniel, Grace and Tsa Lein. I can't see where it's all going and I both love and hate that I can't!
5 full and very black dusted stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Death's Embrace series and it CANNOT be read as a stand alone, you must read Heart of Dust First.
I said in my review for that book, that I couldn't give it 5 stars, because we only got to hear from Doran. And guess what?? Here, we get Nathaniel too!! Hence the 5 stars!
Because I loved this too! It is a tad more policitical, and it takes a bit more reading. I had to concentrate more, in places, to follow the story line and what was happening but that's not a bad thing for me!
I loved that we heard from Nathaniel. I loved we got a bit more about him and his upbringing and his history and most importantly, his feelings and emotions. We get more of what he did and what's going on with this bloody plant that everyone seems to what and what it will do to Nathaniel, eventually.
There was a conversation about Tsa Lein, and some of that went over my head, the references were subtle and I didn't get them all but it's only a comment I nned to make, rather than a complaint. And I'm not entirely sure what Samuel has to do with anything and it's driving me NUTS that I can't!
Things are moving fast making the mines safe, but not fast enough for some, hence the political issues that are in this book. And I do feel for Grace at points. She needs to be strong, but she really is still young, and a widow. And someone wants her gone.
Which leads us nicely into the next book! There is a bit at the end of this one, chapter one of Throne of Lies and it lays out what's coming, what you SEE coming here. I didn't read it though, I want to wait!
I am fully and totally invested in Doran, Nathaniel, Grace and Tsa Lein. I can't see where it's all going and I both love and hate that I can't!
5 full and very black dusted stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Taste the Dark ( Elwood Legacy book 1) in Books
Mar 2, 2022
38 of 230
Kindle
Taste the Dark ( Elwood Legacy book 1)
By Nicola Rose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I never meant to fall for another bad boy... let alone two.
My name is Jess. I don't know what I am, with my random magical outbursts, but I do know that getting tangled up with deliciously deadly vampire brothers is going to get me in trouble.
There’s Zac — brooding and mesmerizing. Tormented by an ancient legacy he refuses to fulfill. Fighting the darkness within, balancing on the line between light and dark, living in the grey of morality. Drawn to my blood with ravenous need thanks to a fated sanguine bond.
Then there’s Alex —disarmingly playful, evil wrapped up in a pretty package. Zero boundaries. Takes what he wants, when he wants. Crawling under my skin like an unwelcome itch that I need to scratch.
Never one to shy from adventure, I find myself right in the middle of their century-long feud. Zac’s touch feels like the very thing I’ve spent my life chasing. But if he’s so right for me, what is this haunting desire that burns inside for Alex?
With everyone against us, from the ruthless vampire government, vampire hunters, and even our own friends — will I even come out of this alive? Just how far will my insatiable appetite for all things dark and dangerous take me?
2 vampire brothers at war enter a human girl and a new toy to fight over! Sound familiar? The big difference between them and this was Jess and omg she is one sassy,bitchy,slutty, crazy bitch and absolutely brilliant! I did wander at half way whether the story was going down a road of whinny relationship crap but nope! It was pulled back. I always measure a book on how it makes me feel at the time and this had me caught up in all the emotions at one point or another. One of the better vampire books I’ve read in a while. If you’re looking for smutty vampire action this is the book for you.
Kindle
Taste the Dark ( Elwood Legacy book 1)
By Nicola Rose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I never meant to fall for another bad boy... let alone two.
My name is Jess. I don't know what I am, with my random magical outbursts, but I do know that getting tangled up with deliciously deadly vampire brothers is going to get me in trouble.
There’s Zac — brooding and mesmerizing. Tormented by an ancient legacy he refuses to fulfill. Fighting the darkness within, balancing on the line between light and dark, living in the grey of morality. Drawn to my blood with ravenous need thanks to a fated sanguine bond.
Then there’s Alex —disarmingly playful, evil wrapped up in a pretty package. Zero boundaries. Takes what he wants, when he wants. Crawling under my skin like an unwelcome itch that I need to scratch.
Never one to shy from adventure, I find myself right in the middle of their century-long feud. Zac’s touch feels like the very thing I’ve spent my life chasing. But if he’s so right for me, what is this haunting desire that burns inside for Alex?
With everyone against us, from the ruthless vampire government, vampire hunters, and even our own friends — will I even come out of this alive? Just how far will my insatiable appetite for all things dark and dangerous take me?
2 vampire brothers at war enter a human girl and a new toy to fight over! Sound familiar? The big difference between them and this was Jess and omg she is one sassy,bitchy,slutty, crazy bitch and absolutely brilliant! I did wander at half way whether the story was going down a road of whinny relationship crap but nope! It was pulled back. I always measure a book on how it makes me feel at the time and this had me caught up in all the emotions at one point or another. One of the better vampire books I’ve read in a while. If you’re looking for smutty vampire action this is the book for you.
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Legacies (BBS #4) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is the fourth and final (so far) book in this series and what a journey it has been. I have been with Regina from the very start and hoped for a 'happy'ish ending for her. With everything that has gone on previously, I wasn't sure if a happy ending would be in the cards.
Let me tell you, the whole series builds up to the Big Battle climax - not just this book. The evil dudes that have been causing trouble from the start, are still causing trouble, only it is now even deadlier than before. The Pack and Prides need to figure out how to move this forward, to become a single cohesive unit, that can face the oncoming battle and have some chance of winning.
Now, unlike the other books, this doesn't come with a cliffhanger ending. Instead, it all ties up nicely whilst still leaving me with hope of a new story! I will say, at one point, I was getting a tad concerned about where the story was going. I won't go into details, suffice it to say that I've discovered my thinking is more Lykous than Tau (to begin with). How it all came to be though was just so right. I can't give you anything else than that but trust me, when you read these books, my cryptic comments will make sense but I really, REALLY, don't want to give anything away to spoil your enjoyment.
I will say that this book had me in tears... AGAIN! Not only was I ugly crying for the last book, but this one got me too. All I will say Wendi and Deborah really know how to tie your emotions to a character, so if they get hurt, you hurt too.
This is one of the most intriguing, interesting, complex, and fascinating series I've read. If you like an alternate take on things, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series. In fact, I really can't recommend it highly enough!
* 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!
Sep 30, 2015
Let me tell you, the whole series builds up to the Big Battle climax - not just this book. The evil dudes that have been causing trouble from the start, are still causing trouble, only it is now even deadlier than before. The Pack and Prides need to figure out how to move this forward, to become a single cohesive unit, that can face the oncoming battle and have some chance of winning.
Now, unlike the other books, this doesn't come with a cliffhanger ending. Instead, it all ties up nicely whilst still leaving me with hope of a new story! I will say, at one point, I was getting a tad concerned about where the story was going. I won't go into details, suffice it to say that I've discovered my thinking is more Lykous than Tau (to begin with). How it all came to be though was just so right. I can't give you anything else than that but trust me, when you read these books, my cryptic comments will make sense but I really, REALLY, don't want to give anything away to spoil your enjoyment.
I will say that this book had me in tears... AGAIN! Not only was I ugly crying for the last book, but this one got me too. All I will say Wendi and Deborah really know how to tie your emotions to a character, so if they get hurt, you hurt too.
This is one of the most intriguing, interesting, complex, and fascinating series I've read. If you like an alternate take on things, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series. In fact, I really can't recommend it highly enough!
* 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!
Sep 30, 2015