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Merissa (13782 KP) rated Good Karma (Strong Karma Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I first fell in love with Donya Lynne's characters when I read her All The King's Men series so when I heard she was releasing a contemporary romance novel, I really wanted to read it to see if it could be as good.
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Thawed Fortunes (Guadel Chronicles #2) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This is the second book in a fantastic Fantasy series that is getting better and better. I gave Frozen Prospects 4 out of 5 stars but Thawed Fortunes is definitely worth a 5!
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action-packed, both physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
* 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!
August 11, 2016
The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.
There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.
This book is action-packed, both physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!
A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
* 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!
August 11, 2016
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Everything (Songbird, #3) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
Everything is the third book in the Songbird Series and is about the baby of the 3 - Jody. She was the one who was always bubbly and positive but that changed when she went to college, fell in love with the wrong man, got pregnant and had to put her life on hold. Instead of moving forwards, she finds herself moving back home to her father as she tries to cope with having a young baby whilst being so very young herself.
The thing I loved about this book is that Jody feels sorry for herself at times, but she doesn't wallow in it. Feeling sorry for yourself when things get on top of you - especially when you're dealing with the constant tiredness that comes with a newborn! - is only natural. She has her moment and then tries to think of what she can do to change matters. She's afraid to go it alone but is also prepared to face that fear to make a better life for herself and her daughter.
Leo has his own struggles to deal with and does sort of have an ulterior motive when offering Jody a place to live and a job, but he doesn't act on anything. He gives Jody the space and confidence she needs to stand tall. Of course, the fact that he's completely in love with Angelia is completely irrelevant ;)
This is a wonderful story which can be read as a standalone but I personally would recommend reading the whole series, simply because you're missing out on two other fantastic books if you don't read them.
Highly recommended for all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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!
August 7, 2016
The thing I loved about this book is that Jody feels sorry for herself at times, but she doesn't wallow in it. Feeling sorry for yourself when things get on top of you - especially when you're dealing with the constant tiredness that comes with a newborn! - is only natural. She has her moment and then tries to think of what she can do to change matters. She's afraid to go it alone but is also prepared to face that fear to make a better life for herself and her daughter.
Leo has his own struggles to deal with and does sort of have an ulterior motive when offering Jody a place to live and a job, but he doesn't act on anything. He gives Jody the space and confidence she needs to stand tall. Of course, the fact that he's completely in love with Angelia is completely irrelevant ;)
This is a wonderful story which can be read as a standalone but I personally would recommend reading the whole series, simply because you're missing out on two other fantastic books if you don't read them.
Highly recommended for all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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!
August 7, 2016
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Uncivil Wars (BBS #2) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
As the synopsis states, this starts about six months after Loyalties finishes. Life has sort of settled down for the Pack but that is all about to change. The catalyst for this is Cole as he decides he doesn't want to be without his wife any longer. He sets a ball rolling that will take you on a wild and emotion-packed story. The Pack continues to grow, with new characters like Selene, Jake and Collette, who have their own story to tell. We learn more about Diego and Olivia, their individual and joint pasts, the decisions they have made, and the consequences that still need to be faced.
Although this book is long - in fact, they all are - you will still be left wanting more. You won't realise just how long you've been reading, every interruption will be met with gritted teeth, and every opportunity to read will be grasped.
The book leads up to a big climax that does, however, have a cliffhanger ending. Now before you think that this is a normal battle, just remember how the books are written. It is intense, real, gritty and dirty. It is exactly how you would imagine to be! It will make your heart pound faster, as your breath catches in your throat. Trust me, by the time it actually finishes, you will be glad for a rest, if only to get your pulse back to normal.
Absolutely fantastic, thrilling and emotional, I really can't recommend this 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
Although this book is long - in fact, they all are - you will still be left wanting more. You won't realise just how long you've been reading, every interruption will be met with gritted teeth, and every opportunity to read will be grasped.
The book leads up to a big climax that does, however, have a cliffhanger ending. Now before you think that this is a normal battle, just remember how the books are written. It is intense, real, gritty and dirty. It is exactly how you would imagine to be! It will make your heart pound faster, as your breath catches in your throat. Trust me, by the time it actually finishes, you will be glad for a rest, if only to get your pulse back to normal.
Absolutely fantastic, thrilling and emotional, I really can't recommend this 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
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers [Audiobook] in Books
Apr 16, 2023
![Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/300/2ffa3ab2-a7f9-4edd-8d81-161ea4223300.jpg?m=1681658635)
After initially thinking "oh dear, I'm not going to like this", the more I listened the more I grew to love Vera Wong.
Vera lives on her own after the death of her husband, her son being successful and not in her life quite as much as she would like. Once a thriving tea shop, Vera Wang's World Famous Tea House is now on it's last legs having only one regular customer so when she discovers a dead body in the middle of her shop one morning, she decides it has to be murder and begins to investigate and find out who killed Marshall.
Using her own logic, Vera decides that those who turn up at her shop to ask questions about the body immediately become suspects and she begins to ingratiate herself into their lives using her forthright nature, a little bit of manipulation, fantastic cooking and, if course, tea.
As the story develops, we get to know each of the characters and suspects more so by the end, you don't want any of them to be guilty of murder but one of them must be surely?
This is definitely within the 'cosy mystery' genre and whilst there is little action, I was caught up in the story hook, line and sinker and desperate to know what the ultimate outcome was going to be and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
The narrator was excellent and she totally drew me into the story and into Vera's life. This, for me, was definitely a book to listen to rather than to read myself and I am hopeful that Vera will do more investigating in the future.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Vera lives on her own after the death of her husband, her son being successful and not in her life quite as much as she would like. Once a thriving tea shop, Vera Wang's World Famous Tea House is now on it's last legs having only one regular customer so when she discovers a dead body in the middle of her shop one morning, she decides it has to be murder and begins to investigate and find out who killed Marshall.
Using her own logic, Vera decides that those who turn up at her shop to ask questions about the body immediately become suspects and she begins to ingratiate herself into their lives using her forthright nature, a little bit of manipulation, fantastic cooking and, if course, tea.
As the story develops, we get to know each of the characters and suspects more so by the end, you don't want any of them to be guilty of murder but one of them must be surely?
This is definitely within the 'cosy mystery' genre and whilst there is little action, I was caught up in the story hook, line and sinker and desperate to know what the ultimate outcome was going to be and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
The narrator was excellent and she totally drew me into the story and into Vera's life. This, for me, was definitely a book to listen to rather than to read myself and I am hopeful that Vera will do more investigating in the future.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Phoenix Freed (Phoenix #3) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the bittersweet ending to the Phoenix trilogy. We meet Daughtry and Cody as they are sickeningly (according to un-bonded people) in love, together on a soul level that can't be comprehended by someone not yet bonded. It is a time of quiet, but Daughtry can't relax as she feels like there is still something to come.
Something does come... in the shape of her sister, Alex. To begin with, Daughtry can't remember her, but as she gets memory flashbacks, she understands more and wraps Alex into her life. Alex has had it tough, but she is a survivor. She is also a fantastic character! Yes, she gets hurt by comments and/or actions, but she doesn't just fly off the deep end either. She takes a breath and tries to figure out if her hurt feelings were intentional or not. I loved that!
Along with the story continuing for Daughtry and Cody, we also have stories involving the Dalshie, Alex, John, and Tyler.
WOW, just wow! Phoenix Freed is incredibly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that could distract me. The story flows, the tension builds, there is happiness, there is sadness, and there is horror where your breath catches in your throat.
Although this is the end of this series, I am seriously hoping for some more in the LexTal Chronicles to go alongside Mason and Gabby's story. I don't think I'm quite ready to leave their world yet! Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
July 5, 2016
Something does come... in the shape of her sister, Alex. To begin with, Daughtry can't remember her, but as she gets memory flashbacks, she understands more and wraps Alex into her life. Alex has had it tough, but she is a survivor. She is also a fantastic character! Yes, she gets hurt by comments and/or actions, but she doesn't just fly off the deep end either. She takes a breath and tries to figure out if her hurt feelings were intentional or not. I loved that!
Along with the story continuing for Daughtry and Cody, we also have stories involving the Dalshie, Alex, John, and Tyler.
WOW, just wow! Phoenix Freed is incredibly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that could distract me. The story flows, the tension builds, there is happiness, there is sadness, and there is horror where your breath catches in your throat.
Although this is the end of this series, I am seriously hoping for some more in the LexTal Chronicles to go alongside Mason and Gabby's story. I don't think I'm quite ready to leave their world yet! Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
July 5, 2016
Christmas for Beginners
Book
The latest festive and feel-good Christmas read from Sunday Times bestselling Carole Matthews 'Full...
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated A Lady’s Guide To Fortune Hunting in Books
Nov 13, 2022
A very Bridgerton-esque book, and I loved it just as much as I loved the Bridgertons series.
Kitty Talbot must find a husband, a rich one, or she faces losing her home and her sisters being split up from her. After her father’s death, she has acquired his substantial debt and can no longer put off paying it. After selling most of their belongings, she has nothing left to sell and time is running out. This is when she comes up with a scheme that will solve all: she will go to London and have a season with the ton to find a rich husband to pay off her debts. She asks for the help of her mother’s best friend who insists that she brings along her prettiest sister. Kitty and Cecily set off for London with the hope of fixing all their problems.
Once there, Kitty comes up with various different schemes to catch the eyes of the gentlemen of the ton, such as falling and letting her slipper fly off on a walk just in front of a gentleman by the name of Archie de Lacy, whose sister Cecily went to school with. Kitty thinks this is the answer to all her problems, that is until his older brother Lord Radcliffe comes back from the country and forbids Kitty to marry Archie after seeing straight through her schemes.
The rest of the book has you rooting for Kitty to find her husband, whilst also wanting Kitty and Lord Radcliffe to realise how they truly feel about each other.
This was an easy read, and it was fun to revisit the ton and the Bridgerton era but through the eyes of a different author. I think Sophie Irwin wrote a fantastic book and I look forward to reading her next book!
Kitty Talbot must find a husband, a rich one, or she faces losing her home and her sisters being split up from her. After her father’s death, she has acquired his substantial debt and can no longer put off paying it. After selling most of their belongings, she has nothing left to sell and time is running out. This is when she comes up with a scheme that will solve all: she will go to London and have a season with the ton to find a rich husband to pay off her debts. She asks for the help of her mother’s best friend who insists that she brings along her prettiest sister. Kitty and Cecily set off for London with the hope of fixing all their problems.
Once there, Kitty comes up with various different schemes to catch the eyes of the gentlemen of the ton, such as falling and letting her slipper fly off on a walk just in front of a gentleman by the name of Archie de Lacy, whose sister Cecily went to school with. Kitty thinks this is the answer to all her problems, that is until his older brother Lord Radcliffe comes back from the country and forbids Kitty to marry Archie after seeing straight through her schemes.
The rest of the book has you rooting for Kitty to find her husband, whilst also wanting Kitty and Lord Radcliffe to realise how they truly feel about each other.
This was an easy read, and it was fun to revisit the ton and the Bridgerton era but through the eyes of a different author. I think Sophie Irwin wrote a fantastic book and I look forward to reading her next book!
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Awakened Desires (My Kinky Housemate #5) in Books
Nov 25, 2022
"This story was so touching, romantic, safe, consensual, and incredible."
AWAKENED DESIRES is the fifth book in the My Kinky Housemate series and this time it's the quiet housemate's turn - Rory! We've had snippets of his story in other books but you don't necessarily have to have read them to get this. When his best friend from the past gets in touch, Rory helps him, even though he's nervous about just how they will be together, considering the reasons they fell out of touch.
One thing I will say straight away is that although this book is just as hot in places as the others, the focus is more on the reconnection between Rory and Cal. They both have to put the past behind them (easier said than done) and trust each other to move forward. It was their reconnection that made this story so absolutely perfect.
The rest of the housemates are there to support both Rory and Cal with whatever is thrown at them. Hendrix, oh my heart, he is killing me. I love him so much and can't wait for his story. He was such a sweetheart in this book. I just hope he doesn't have too much angst to deal with before his HEA!
This story was so touching, romantic, safe, consensual, and incredible. I can't say I've had a favourite in this series as I've thoroughly enjoyed each one as I've read it, but I think that may have to change. Let's see if Hendrix can knock them off the top spot!
Absolutely fantastic and 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!
One thing I will say straight away is that although this book is just as hot in places as the others, the focus is more on the reconnection between Rory and Cal. They both have to put the past behind them (easier said than done) and trust each other to move forward. It was their reconnection that made this story so absolutely perfect.
The rest of the housemates are there to support both Rory and Cal with whatever is thrown at them. Hendrix, oh my heart, he is killing me. I love him so much and can't wait for his story. He was such a sweetheart in this book. I just hope he doesn't have too much angst to deal with before his HEA!
This story was so touching, romantic, safe, consensual, and incredible. I can't say I've had a favourite in this series as I've thoroughly enjoyed each one as I've read it, but I think that may have to change. Let's see if Hendrix can knock them off the top spot!
Absolutely fantastic and 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!
Merissa (13782 KP) rated Lust (Seven Princes of Sin #1) in Books
Apr 1, 2022
LUST is the first book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and boy, is this going to be a good one!
Now, before I go any further, please take note of the Trigger Warnings. This is a dark story with some graphic descriptions.
This is Donna and Adam's story. She is sent in to kill him, being as he and his brothers pose a threat to The Saints. However, Adam feels something for her from the beginning, even if he doesn't know what it is. He also recognises her from the surveillance photos he has. He lets her into his life, just to see what her plan is. What he didn't plan on was falling for her though.
I love all of these brothers! Strong, protective, and they value women -- the exact opposite of what Donna has lived with up until now. Each brother is different, which means I can't wait for their stories now!
I love how even though our boys are sons of hell, the real evil comes in the form of humans or those who are supposed to be 'good'.
There were a couple of editing errors that have slipped through the net, but nothing too bad and easy enough to ignore.
If you can deal with dark stories then I suggest you give this one a go. A fantastic start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Just be careful with those trigger warnings.
** 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!
Now, before I go any further, please take note of the Trigger Warnings. This is a dark story with some graphic descriptions.
This is Donna and Adam's story. She is sent in to kill him, being as he and his brothers pose a threat to The Saints. However, Adam feels something for her from the beginning, even if he doesn't know what it is. He also recognises her from the surveillance photos he has. He lets her into his life, just to see what her plan is. What he didn't plan on was falling for her though.
I love all of these brothers! Strong, protective, and they value women -- the exact opposite of what Donna has lived with up until now. Each brother is different, which means I can't wait for their stories now!
I love how even though our boys are sons of hell, the real evil comes in the form of humans or those who are supposed to be 'good'.
There were a couple of editing errors that have slipped through the net, but nothing too bad and easy enough to ignore.
If you can deal with dark stories then I suggest you give this one a go. A fantastic start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Just be careful with those trigger warnings.
** 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!