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Merissa (14030 KP) rated Markov (Tangled Tentacles #4) in Books
Sep 30, 2022
Did my heart break? Oh, just a little!
MARKOV is the fourth book in the Tangled Tentacles series and follows Markov and Cassius through their trials and tribulations to find the happiness due to fated mates.
Oh, man. I knew this one was going to be a doozy! You know, when I started this series, I was immediately taken into their world; seeing and sympathising with these last-on-earth Kraken shifters. Their back story was so sad and I loved it when Alexi found his mate. Since then, I've stayed with them and thoroughly enjoyed each story - some a little more than others, sure - but still loving every moment. It was obvious there was something going on between Cassius and Markov but we had no details as to what or why. We get ALL the details here and they are worth waiting for!
This pair of authors know exactly how to tug on my heartstrings. They always manage it, even when I'm expecting it. I won't go into details (spoilers, don't you know!) but I will say I was gripped by every word, every scene. Todd and Kelvin are the ones who are there for Markov in this book, and I'm really hoping Alexi and Victor will pull their heads from their behinds and realise what they are doing to the family.
The overall story arc moves on but we still don't know the full picture. It is Kelvin's story next, with his FBI guy, and the epilogue is a full-on teaser. I can't wait to read his story.
This is a fantastic addition to a series I am loving. 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!
Oh, man. I knew this one was going to be a doozy! You know, when I started this series, I was immediately taken into their world; seeing and sympathising with these last-on-earth Kraken shifters. Their back story was so sad and I loved it when Alexi found his mate. Since then, I've stayed with them and thoroughly enjoyed each story - some a little more than others, sure - but still loving every moment. It was obvious there was something going on between Cassius and Markov but we had no details as to what or why. We get ALL the details here and they are worth waiting for!
This pair of authors know exactly how to tug on my heartstrings. They always manage it, even when I'm expecting it. I won't go into details (spoilers, don't you know!) but I will say I was gripped by every word, every scene. Todd and Kelvin are the ones who are there for Markov in this book, and I'm really hoping Alexi and Victor will pull their heads from their behinds and realise what they are doing to the family.
The overall story arc moves on but we still don't know the full picture. It is Kelvin's story next, with his FBI guy, and the epilogue is a full-on teaser. I can't wait to read his story.
This is a fantastic addition to a series I am loving. 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 (14030 KP) rated By the Red Moonlight (Moonlight Prophecies #1) in Books
Oct 6, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)
BY THE RED MOONLIGHT is the first book in the Moonlight Prophecies series and, oh boy, I think we're in for a treat. Amanda Meuwissen is fast becoming a one-click author for me. She is able to give me a story rich in detail with unique details, and a cast of characters second to none.
Now, being as this paranormal, you might assume that insta-love and fated mates are involved. Well, nope. You'd be wrong. Insta-lust is involved but, hey, you don't have to read paranormal to get that! Bash is trying to form an alliance with a neighbouring pack, purely business/sex, with no love involved. Ethan throws a spanner in the works with that by being turned into a vampire. He's very strong but very different from the other vampires, and the pull between Bash and Ethan is incredible.
I was wary and hopeful going into this one. I knew there was a sort of triangle (which isn't my favourite) but I really hoped it would be sorted fairly early on. It was and it wasn't, and I won't say more than that!
There are so many great characters in here, and shifters/magic I've not seen used before. The Rat King? Oh man, absolutely brilliant! *kisses fingers like a French chef*
After reading this, I'm feeling very greedy and want stories for ALL the characters. In fact, I feel like Gollum, I wants them; I needs them!
A brilliant start to the series, set in a world that is both fantastical and believable, that will leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 6, 2021
Now, being as this paranormal, you might assume that insta-love and fated mates are involved. Well, nope. You'd be wrong. Insta-lust is involved but, hey, you don't have to read paranormal to get that! Bash is trying to form an alliance with a neighbouring pack, purely business/sex, with no love involved. Ethan throws a spanner in the works with that by being turned into a vampire. He's very strong but very different from the other vampires, and the pull between Bash and Ethan is incredible.
I was wary and hopeful going into this one. I knew there was a sort of triangle (which isn't my favourite) but I really hoped it would be sorted fairly early on. It was and it wasn't, and I won't say more than that!
There are so many great characters in here, and shifters/magic I've not seen used before. The Rat King? Oh man, absolutely brilliant! *kisses fingers like a French chef*
After reading this, I'm feeling very greedy and want stories for ALL the characters. In fact, I feel like Gollum, I wants them; I needs them!
A brilliant start to the series, set in a world that is both fantastical and believable, that will leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 6, 2021
Averlon (Trident Cove #1)
8.0
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Slave to a feared pirate captain, Faolan Davenport dreams of escape. Fate answers his plea in the...
High Fantasy Romance MM Omegaverse
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Todd (Tangled Tentacles #3) by JP Sayle & Lisa Oliver in Books
Jun 14, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
TODD is the third book in the Tangled Tentacles series and follows Victor's story. The epilogue gave us a glimpse at Todd and his mates, and they didn't make a good first impression, put it that way!
Lucas and Ki are both dragons, both knowing the other was their fated mate but unable to claim each other until they found their first. With their clan politics as well, it wasn't easy. As their stories became known, my heart really broke for Ki. He definitely had the raw end of the deal growing up, and did go along with Lucas, no matter what Lucas thought!
After their disastrous first meeting with Todd, things did settle down, but I didn't exactly feel the three of them together. I did and I didn't, and it's driving me crazy. There was something unidentifiable for me within their dynamic that just didn't seem 'right'.
The other brothers play their parts in this story, and I did like Todd standing up to Alexi and Victor. Todd's shows of physical strength throughout the story were very well-written and a brilliant reminder of the fact no one ever said the Omega was weak!
The pace is certainly faster than in previous books, with different settings and characters. The epilogue leads us to Markov and Cassius. I can't wait to see where that one takes me! Part of it, I think I've got. It's how it will all tie in I don't know, but I do know Ms Sayle and Ms Oliver will get me there in style.
A brilliant addition to the series and 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!
Jun 8, 2022
Lucas and Ki are both dragons, both knowing the other was their fated mate but unable to claim each other until they found their first. With their clan politics as well, it wasn't easy. As their stories became known, my heart really broke for Ki. He definitely had the raw end of the deal growing up, and did go along with Lucas, no matter what Lucas thought!
After their disastrous first meeting with Todd, things did settle down, but I didn't exactly feel the three of them together. I did and I didn't, and it's driving me crazy. There was something unidentifiable for me within their dynamic that just didn't seem 'right'.
The other brothers play their parts in this story, and I did like Todd standing up to Alexi and Victor. Todd's shows of physical strength throughout the story were very well-written and a brilliant reminder of the fact no one ever said the Omega was weak!
The pace is certainly faster than in previous books, with different settings and characters. The epilogue leads us to Markov and Cassius. I can't wait to see where that one takes me! Part of it, I think I've got. It's how it will all tie in I don't know, but I do know Ms Sayle and Ms Oliver will get me there in style.
A brilliant addition to the series and 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!
Jun 8, 2022
The Bringer of Wrath (The King & Alpha #2)
8.0
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Shifter and Vampire True Mates story. Alek’s older brother, Justice—the Alpha Zenith—was...
MM Paranormal Romance Vampires Shifters
Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
9.0
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Caitlyn Myers is determined to make a living from her magic candy—just as soon as she perfects the...
Fantasy Romance Menage Why Choose
Merissa (14030 KP) rated A Ballooning Display (Bucket List Buddies #3) in Books
May 19, 2026
A BALLOONING DISPLAY is the third book in the Bucket List Buddies series. You don't have to have read the other books to fully enjoy this one, but I would still recommend it, simply so you don't miss out on some great reads.
Ernest owns a flower farm that is doing pretty well for itself. The one fly in the ointment is Pierre, a slimy dude if ever there was one. Pierre was only with Ernest for the money, and when that didn't happen in the way he wanted, he was out of there, but only after hurtful words were said, and stealing Ernest's car.
Toby wants to find his mate. He knows how happy Morty and Hector are, and now Lionel and Brad, too. Although he's a bird, he wants to go in a hot air balloon. Pierre is the owner and pilot of the hot air balloon and ignores both the police notice and the advice given by other passengers to land in one of Ernest's fields, throwing Toby out of the basket.
What follows is a great story about fated mates, karma, and a rampaging elephant. Can I just say how much I loved that scene!!! Ernest and Toby are so good for each other, and Toby's friends and family are certainly not backwards in coming forward and accepting Ernest into the fold. It did make me laugh when Ernest hid in the shed, though. I've wanted to do the same myself when family reunions get a bit much!
One thing that I hope happens soon is that Pierre gets what's coming to him. I've never known anyone who deserves it more!
Sven and Remy have their say at the beginning and end once more. I'm really hoping we get their story soon. But then Niall also needs his story. And Rick. Oh, you know what I mean! This is just a wonderful series that is lighthearted and oh so endearing. 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!
May 19, 2026
Ernest owns a flower farm that is doing pretty well for itself. The one fly in the ointment is Pierre, a slimy dude if ever there was one. Pierre was only with Ernest for the money, and when that didn't happen in the way he wanted, he was out of there, but only after hurtful words were said, and stealing Ernest's car.
Toby wants to find his mate. He knows how happy Morty and Hector are, and now Lionel and Brad, too. Although he's a bird, he wants to go in a hot air balloon. Pierre is the owner and pilot of the hot air balloon and ignores both the police notice and the advice given by other passengers to land in one of Ernest's fields, throwing Toby out of the basket.
What follows is a great story about fated mates, karma, and a rampaging elephant. Can I just say how much I loved that scene!!! Ernest and Toby are so good for each other, and Toby's friends and family are certainly not backwards in coming forward and accepting Ernest into the fold. It did make me laugh when Ernest hid in the shed, though. I've wanted to do the same myself when family reunions get a bit much!
One thing that I hope happens soon is that Pierre gets what's coming to him. I've never known anyone who deserves it more!
Sven and Remy have their say at the beginning and end once more. I'm really hoping we get their story soon. But then Niall also needs his story. And Rick. Oh, you know what I mean! This is just a wonderful series that is lighthearted and oh so endearing. 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!
May 19, 2026
Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2)
10.0
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Running from my past seemed like a good idea at the time. Too bad it’s about to catch up to me. ...
Menage (MMM) Paranormal Romance
The Very Merry Omega
8.0
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Zachary: I wasn’t one for big crowds, or any social situation really. That’s one of the reasons...
Contemporary Omegaverse MM Romance Seasonal
Debbiereadsbook (1772 KP) rated The Omega Assassin (Wolves of the Five Kingdoms #3) in Books
Oct 30, 2025
well played with the wolf twist!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Wolves of the Five Kingdoms series, and you don't need to have read the others before this one. Helpful, but not necessary.
Casteel shifted into a silver wolf when he was scared by a snake. He is then plunged into a life he never wanted. Nero is sent to kill the one who claims to be the silver wolf of prophecy. But when their eyes connect across the courtyard, Something in Casteel's eyes make him falter and then both men are drawn into a world of power and politics that might well cost them both their lives.
I loved book 1, gave it five stars. Book 2 got four but I read it on KU and didn't write a review. This book I found to be on a par with book 3.
Casteel doesn't want this life, the High Priest Doran using all sorts of ways to "persuade" the silver wolf out. It's clear until much later in the book WHY he wants to wolf, but he makes it very clear he wants the wolf under his power. Nero offers Casteel a way out, and CAsteel would have taken it, he really would but Nero ends up being his mate and then there is all sorts of back stabbing and double crossing and I wasn't sure which was way up sometimes!
It's quite a bit darker, I think, than the other two books. Casteel suffers badly at the hands of Doran and Nero has suffered fighting for the rebellion. Once Doran grabs power, it's very clear he is not concerned about the people of this land, just what he can get out of them and he will do whatever he wants.
Not especially explicit, for a fated mates/werewolf/paranormal book but I loved that it wasn't.
What this book is about is more than the smex between these two. It's about dealing with the hand that fate dealt you, and doing what you need to do to free your people from under a madman. Even if that might get you killed.
Just a note, very well played with the wolf! Never saw that coming!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Wolves of the Five Kingdoms series, and you don't need to have read the others before this one. Helpful, but not necessary.
Casteel shifted into a silver wolf when he was scared by a snake. He is then plunged into a life he never wanted. Nero is sent to kill the one who claims to be the silver wolf of prophecy. But when their eyes connect across the courtyard, Something in Casteel's eyes make him falter and then both men are drawn into a world of power and politics that might well cost them both their lives.
I loved book 1, gave it five stars. Book 2 got four but I read it on KU and didn't write a review. This book I found to be on a par with book 3.
Casteel doesn't want this life, the High Priest Doran using all sorts of ways to "persuade" the silver wolf out. It's clear until much later in the book WHY he wants to wolf, but he makes it very clear he wants the wolf under his power. Nero offers Casteel a way out, and CAsteel would have taken it, he really would but Nero ends up being his mate and then there is all sorts of back stabbing and double crossing and I wasn't sure which was way up sometimes!
It's quite a bit darker, I think, than the other two books. Casteel suffers badly at the hands of Doran and Nero has suffered fighting for the rebellion. Once Doran grabs power, it's very clear he is not concerned about the people of this land, just what he can get out of them and he will do whatever he wants.
Not especially explicit, for a fated mates/werewolf/paranormal book but I loved that it wasn't.
What this book is about is more than the smex between these two. It's about dealing with the hand that fate dealt you, and doing what you need to do to free your people from under a madman. Even if that might get you killed.
Just a note, very well played with the wolf! Never saw that coming!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere