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Merissa (13725 KP) rated A Tale of Two Kingdoms (Knights of Black Swan #6) in Books
Apr 3, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The story of star-crossed lovers has been around for a while and if asked, most people would say that Romeo & Juliet is the most famous one. Well think again because Duff and Aelsong are about to take that crown! This story has been a long time coming as we met Duff and Aelsong in Book 2 (The Witch's Dream) but it is well worth the wait. Duff has decided that he has waited long enough and makes a plan to ensure that he and Aelsong are together. He enlists the help of some friends, new and old and along the way you get a glimpse of what the royal lives are like for both the Fae and the Elves. Are they really that different? How do you fight prejudice that is so ingrained no one can actually remember why it all started in the first place?
This is a romance primarily but it also deals with issues like prejudice, history, war and even all of the above in one family! This book does not disappoint on any level and the standard of Victoria Danann's writing just keeps on getting better. No, this isn't as long as the others and NO this definitely doesn't affect the quality. It just meant that I was able to sit and read this in one sitting with no interfering habits, like sleeping, getting in the way!
This is part of a series and I would highly recommend that you read them in order. As a taster, the first book - The Familiar Stranger - is FREE. Get this one, take a deep breath, enter another dimension and never look back.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 10, 2021
This is a romance primarily but it also deals with issues like prejudice, history, war and even all of the above in one family! This book does not disappoint on any level and the standard of Victoria Danann's writing just keeps on getting better. No, this isn't as long as the others and NO this definitely doesn't affect the quality. It just meant that I was able to sit and read this in one sitting with no interfering habits, like sleeping, getting in the way!
This is part of a series and I would highly recommend that you read them in order. As a taster, the first book - The Familiar Stranger - is FREE. Get this one, take a deep breath, enter another dimension and never look back.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 10, 2021
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Hunted by a Jaguar (Eternal Mates #4) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
Iolanthe is a 3000-year-old elf with a brother who we know and love. She has escaped from the "confines of home" when told that she would be marrying a male of her parents' choosing after she reached her 1000th birthday but hadn't yet found her fated mate. She frequently goes on treasure hunts and also manages to get herself in - and out - of scrapes.
Kyter is the owner of Underworld, a nightclub in London where fae and 'other' are welcomed. He makes a journey back to the village of his birth due to tragic circumstances and finds himself on a path that will intersect with Iolanthe's. They are both after an artefact and neither of them is in it just for fun.
As this book unfolded, I was convinced it was a solid 4-star. After all, Vail is the one who has stolen my heart and I honestly thought that no one could compare! I have to say that Kyter came close though. He is a flawed male who reacts with instinct instead of sense when he realises that Iolanthe is his fated female. However, he is also man/jaguar enough to realise his mistake and work to put it right, even if it means laying himself on the line. Kyter was sneaky in weaving himself into my affections but I wouldn't want it any other way.
A fast-paced and well-written book that has enough action in it to keep you on the edge of your seat along with passion that flows off the page. Once again, I have no hesitation in recommending this to all fans of Paranormal Romance!
* 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!
September 12, 2016
Kyter is the owner of Underworld, a nightclub in London where fae and 'other' are welcomed. He makes a journey back to the village of his birth due to tragic circumstances and finds himself on a path that will intersect with Iolanthe's. They are both after an artefact and neither of them is in it just for fun.
As this book unfolded, I was convinced it was a solid 4-star. After all, Vail is the one who has stolen my heart and I honestly thought that no one could compare! I have to say that Kyter came close though. He is a flawed male who reacts with instinct instead of sense when he realises that Iolanthe is his fated female. However, he is also man/jaguar enough to realise his mistake and work to put it right, even if it means laying himself on the line. Kyter was sneaky in weaving himself into my affections but I wouldn't want it any other way.
A fast-paced and well-written book that has enough action in it to keep you on the edge of your seat along with passion that flows off the page. Once again, I have no hesitation in recommending this to all fans of Paranormal Romance!
* 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!
September 12, 2016
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
8.0
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Connor, a powerful vampire serving as a Border Patrol Officer for his corrupt world, falls for a...
Adult Paranormal Romance
New Nebraska Lessons
10.0
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She’s the only human on campus. Four paranormal guys all want a taste. But now a killer might beat...
Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance
Merissa (13725 KP) rated New Nebraska Lessons in Books
Nov 6, 2023
NEW NEBRASKA LESSONS is the first book in a series of standalones, all set in the same world. Even knowing they are standalones, I really hope we catch up with Ceci and her group of men.
She is the janitor at a University, getting lessons and lodging in return for her work, whilst also looking after her ailing mother. She is also the only human there, which means fun times. One by one, she attracts the attention of four different breeds - a bear shifter, a wolf shifter, a fae prince, and a vampire. Her mother disappears and a serial killer is on the loose. Talk about it all going on!
What I loved about it is that however hard the story got, with the concern over her mum, and the grisly murders, the one thing that Ceci didn't have to worry about was the devotion of her men. I LOVED THAT!!! No unnecessary arguments or miscommunications. It was effortless and flowed perfectly. Even with the complications Osric had, it still worked. He wasn't left out and his voice was as strong as the others.
Usually when reading a RH/why choose romance, I have my own personal favourite. Not this time. I love each and every one of them, which is why I'm hoping for a sneaky cameo here or there.
Lots of different characters that I want stories for now, first and foremost being Vesta and Finnian. A brilliant book that I couldn't put down. 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!
Nov 6, 2023
She is the janitor at a University, getting lessons and lodging in return for her work, whilst also looking after her ailing mother. She is also the only human there, which means fun times. One by one, she attracts the attention of four different breeds - a bear shifter, a wolf shifter, a fae prince, and a vampire. Her mother disappears and a serial killer is on the loose. Talk about it all going on!
What I loved about it is that however hard the story got, with the concern over her mum, and the grisly murders, the one thing that Ceci didn't have to worry about was the devotion of her men. I LOVED THAT!!! No unnecessary arguments or miscommunications. It was effortless and flowed perfectly. Even with the complications Osric had, it still worked. He wasn't left out and his voice was as strong as the others.
Usually when reading a RH/why choose romance, I have my own personal favourite. Not this time. I love each and every one of them, which is why I'm hoping for a sneaky cameo here or there.
Lots of different characters that I want stories for now, first and foremost being Vesta and Finnian. A brilliant book that I couldn't put down. 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!
Nov 6, 2023
Shadow Fall (Shadow #2)
8.0
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Dark magic, danger, and romance entwine when a hunter from the fae shadowlands crosses into the...
Urban Fantasy Romance Suspense
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Curses and Chaos (Arcane Souls World: The Lost Witch #1) in Books
May 30, 2023
CURSES AND CHAOS is the first book in The Lost Witch series, which is a spin-off from The Wrong Witch. I would suggest you do read that series as this one runs concurrently with the last book in that series but from the perspective of Fiona and Theo. Personally, I loved that as I got to see the events through different eyes.
Anyway, back to this one. Fiona is the best friend of Wren and will do anything to get her back from the Fae Realm, including killing twelve witches. Theo is the older brother of Nico, Wren's husband, and Second to the Alpha of the Acosta Pack. Theo has his issues with witches and doesn't hide them. Fiona knows he hates her and accepts it; she's got bigger things on her mind.
I am so glad Fiona got her story told, even if this is just the beginning! I loved how Theo and Fiona's relationship changed without them both fully realising it. And one thing I absolutely adored? There is no "I love you's" in this book! Oh, don't get me wrong, the possessiveness of the wolf is all there, but their relationship will need longer than one book to reach that stage! I'm all over that. I can't wait to see what comes next and how they react to it.
Fiona is sweetness and spice with a whole lot of sass. Theo is Mr Grumpy Pants (with reason) with a darkness that suits Fiona. I love this pair and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this brilliant start to their story.
** 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!
May 29, 2023
Anyway, back to this one. Fiona is the best friend of Wren and will do anything to get her back from the Fae Realm, including killing twelve witches. Theo is the older brother of Nico, Wren's husband, and Second to the Alpha of the Acosta Pack. Theo has his issues with witches and doesn't hide them. Fiona knows he hates her and accepts it; she's got bigger things on her mind.
I am so glad Fiona got her story told, even if this is just the beginning! I loved how Theo and Fiona's relationship changed without them both fully realising it. And one thing I absolutely adored? There is no "I love you's" in this book! Oh, don't get me wrong, the possessiveness of the wolf is all there, but their relationship will need longer than one book to reach that stage! I'm all over that. I can't wait to see what comes next and how they react to it.
Fiona is sweetness and spice with a whole lot of sass. Theo is Mr Grumpy Pants (with reason) with a darkness that suits Fiona. I love this pair and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this brilliant start to their story.
** 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!
May 29, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2) in Books
May 13, 2024
95 of 220
Kindle
Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2)
By Gwen DeMarco
⭐️⭐️⭐️
After defeating a Fae fanatic set on closing the portal between earth and the magic realm, things are looking up for Sophie Feegle. She can finally relax, drink whiskey at her favorite ogre pub, and get back to the autopsy assistant job she loves. Maybe she’ll even go on a romantic date with a certain sexy fox shifter.
Yeah, right. Things never seem to work out quite the way Sophie wants.
When Sophie recognizes the body on her autopsy table from a dream, her world is shaken again. As more bodies end up in the morgue, Sophie realizes a serial killer is hunting San Francisco’s Mythicals. But why? And why does Sophie see the victims in her dreams?
Hot on the trail of the killer, Sophie and her crew encounter Mythicals with strange powers. But as they wade through these dangerous waters, the question becomes: are Sophie and her friends the hunters, or are they the ones being hunted?
Welcome back to Sophie’s San Francisco, where being in a serial killer’s sights may be new but being odd is still the norm.
There are a few things I really like about this series. First the main character Sophie is brilliant she is sassy and funny, second the different shifters and creatures is so varied I just love finding more with each book and the last thing is the writing it’s so easy so when you want a break from the hard stuff this is some relief. Although I enjoyed this book I didn’t like it as much as book one and it seemed a little rushed towards the end. But if you love a good fantasy book this is a good one.
Kindle
Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2)
By Gwen DeMarco
⭐️⭐️⭐️
After defeating a Fae fanatic set on closing the portal between earth and the magic realm, things are looking up for Sophie Feegle. She can finally relax, drink whiskey at her favorite ogre pub, and get back to the autopsy assistant job she loves. Maybe she’ll even go on a romantic date with a certain sexy fox shifter.
Yeah, right. Things never seem to work out quite the way Sophie wants.
When Sophie recognizes the body on her autopsy table from a dream, her world is shaken again. As more bodies end up in the morgue, Sophie realizes a serial killer is hunting San Francisco’s Mythicals. But why? And why does Sophie see the victims in her dreams?
Hot on the trail of the killer, Sophie and her crew encounter Mythicals with strange powers. But as they wade through these dangerous waters, the question becomes: are Sophie and her friends the hunters, or are they the ones being hunted?
Welcome back to Sophie’s San Francisco, where being in a serial killer’s sights may be new but being odd is still the norm.
There are a few things I really like about this series. First the main character Sophie is brilliant she is sassy and funny, second the different shifters and creatures is so varied I just love finding more with each book and the last thing is the writing it’s so easy so when you want a break from the hard stuff this is some relief. Although I enjoyed this book I didn’t like it as much as book one and it seemed a little rushed towards the end. But if you love a good fantasy book this is a good one.
Merissa (13725 KP) rated My Minotaur Daddy (Tales of the Arcane #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2025
MY MINOTAUR DADDY is the first book in the Tales of the Arcane series, featuring Skylar Larkspur, a guildless fae, and Hiero, a minotaur halfling. Both men feel like they don't fit in, for their own reasons, but perhaps they are perfect for each other, if only they could trust in what they have.
This was a sweet and spicy, low-angst story that I read in one sitting. I loved the banter between them and how, although each was wary of the other, they both accepted the whole of who they were. There was no "you need to change this." Just an acknowledgement of what had happened in the past, and hope for the future.
Of course, even in a low-angst story, there are still sh!tty characters to contend with. And here we have Cedrych, Skylar's ex, and his mother. Both are complete ar$eholes, but hey, they're royalty, so they get away with it.
The next book is about Cedrych, but I'm afraid I just can't bring myself to read it. I love a good redemption story, and I'm sure I would enjoy it if I did actually read it, but he really is the biggest brat of them all, which doesn't do much for me at all. I prefer boys like Skylar, who have a hint of brattiness but are needy for cuddles.
Skylar and Hiero's story was a wonderful read that I was completely hooked by. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 15, 2025
This was a sweet and spicy, low-angst story that I read in one sitting. I loved the banter between them and how, although each was wary of the other, they both accepted the whole of who they were. There was no "you need to change this." Just an acknowledgement of what had happened in the past, and hope for the future.
Of course, even in a low-angst story, there are still sh!tty characters to contend with. And here we have Cedrych, Skylar's ex, and his mother. Both are complete ar$eholes, but hey, they're royalty, so they get away with it.
The next book is about Cedrych, but I'm afraid I just can't bring myself to read it. I love a good redemption story, and I'm sure I would enjoy it if I did actually read it, but he really is the biggest brat of them all, which doesn't do much for me at all. I prefer boys like Skylar, who have a hint of brattiness but are needy for cuddles.
Skylar and Hiero's story was a wonderful read that I was completely hooked by. 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!
Oct 15, 2025
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Bloodrush (The Scarlet Star Trilogy #1) in Books
Nov 8, 2019
It is hard to describe this book purely because it appears to try to do too much.
It is set in an alternate universe where much is familiar but some things are very different.
It is a western, mostly set in an frontier town in Wyoming with the usual cast of restless townspeople, lone prospectors and ruthless land owners.
It is a fantasy involving faeries and magick
Yet in Galley's capable hands these elements are moulded into a seamless and thrilling story. All the different aspects fit together neatly and consistently producing a terrific platform for the characters and plot.
The main character is 13 year old Tonmerion Hark (known as Merion), son of the Prime Lord (think Prime Minister) of an alternate version of Victorian Britain. When his father is murdered by assailants unknown he is sent to his last remaining relative - an aunt living in Wyoming. Travelling with him is is best friend, a faerie called Rhin who is a fugitive from the rest of the Fae. Desperate to get back to London to find his father's killer and rescue his inheritance, Merion is instead drawn into conflict and underhand dealings in the small town of Fell Falls where is aunt is the undertaker.
The alternate universe is particularly striking. Very nearly everything is familiar but with important differences. The biggest of these is clearly that creatures such as the Fae exist (even if few people have ever seen one) but other changes include the natives of America, the Shohari, not being quite human and a lot of clever differences in London that really make it clear what kind of world Merion inhabits. The magick is also well thought out with a lot of thought and imagination given to its mechanics and its implications.
Galley's writing is a joy. It is clear and concise yet conveys the scene to the reader with impressive ease. The hot sun and gritty sand of the desert feel very real indeed. The characters are very well described and a great deal of care has been taken to express them. These are not cardboard cliches, which would have been easy. Merion is the hero but at heart is still a 13 year old boy, a boy who is impetuous and complains how life is unfair. All through the book there is a subtle undercurrent of wry humour.
What this whole book reminded me of - both in the writing and in the almost but not quite like our world setting - was a slightly darker Terry Pratchett. That is not an exaggeration, This book really is up there with the very best Discworld books in terms of story and inventiveness. It is darker in tone than anything Pratchett would write and not quite as laugh out loud funny in places but it is damn close.
The story itself unfolds at a fast pace - which is good because there is a lot to get through with several plots running intertwined through the narrative and sparking off each other as they twist and turn through every reveal. The final showdown is suitably climactic and the prose as well as the magick crackles off the page in a breathless rush towards the final chapter.
I do like to balance my reviews with maybe some small point that counts against the book but I really can't think of one for Bloodrush. It simply is a magnificent piece of work. You may not have known you wanted a alternate reality fantasy western but once you have read this you will wonder where the next one is coming from.
Very very highly recommended and the 5 star rating was easy to give.
Rated: Strong language so not for the youngest of young adults
It is set in an alternate universe where much is familiar but some things are very different.
It is a western, mostly set in an frontier town in Wyoming with the usual cast of restless townspeople, lone prospectors and ruthless land owners.
It is a fantasy involving faeries and magick
Yet in Galley's capable hands these elements are moulded into a seamless and thrilling story. All the different aspects fit together neatly and consistently producing a terrific platform for the characters and plot.
The main character is 13 year old Tonmerion Hark (known as Merion), son of the Prime Lord (think Prime Minister) of an alternate version of Victorian Britain. When his father is murdered by assailants unknown he is sent to his last remaining relative - an aunt living in Wyoming. Travelling with him is is best friend, a faerie called Rhin who is a fugitive from the rest of the Fae. Desperate to get back to London to find his father's killer and rescue his inheritance, Merion is instead drawn into conflict and underhand dealings in the small town of Fell Falls where is aunt is the undertaker.
The alternate universe is particularly striking. Very nearly everything is familiar but with important differences. The biggest of these is clearly that creatures such as the Fae exist (even if few people have ever seen one) but other changes include the natives of America, the Shohari, not being quite human and a lot of clever differences in London that really make it clear what kind of world Merion inhabits. The magick is also well thought out with a lot of thought and imagination given to its mechanics and its implications.
Galley's writing is a joy. It is clear and concise yet conveys the scene to the reader with impressive ease. The hot sun and gritty sand of the desert feel very real indeed. The characters are very well described and a great deal of care has been taken to express them. These are not cardboard cliches, which would have been easy. Merion is the hero but at heart is still a 13 year old boy, a boy who is impetuous and complains how life is unfair. All through the book there is a subtle undercurrent of wry humour.
What this whole book reminded me of - both in the writing and in the almost but not quite like our world setting - was a slightly darker Terry Pratchett. That is not an exaggeration, This book really is up there with the very best Discworld books in terms of story and inventiveness. It is darker in tone than anything Pratchett would write and not quite as laugh out loud funny in places but it is damn close.
The story itself unfolds at a fast pace - which is good because there is a lot to get through with several plots running intertwined through the narrative and sparking off each other as they twist and turn through every reveal. The final showdown is suitably climactic and the prose as well as the magick crackles off the page in a breathless rush towards the final chapter.
I do like to balance my reviews with maybe some small point that counts against the book but I really can't think of one for Bloodrush. It simply is a magnificent piece of work. You may not have known you wanted a alternate reality fantasy western but once you have read this you will wonder where the next one is coming from.
Very very highly recommended and the 5 star rating was easy to give.
Rated: Strong language so not for the youngest of young adults