Search

Search only in certain items:

The Guardians (Gargoyles Den #1)
The Guardians (Gargoyles Den #1)
Lisa Barry | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You just have to love a book about gargoyles! There are few of them about and I do enjoy them. This one is slightly different which makes it all the more enjoyable. Sloane sees colours around people and also understands what those colours mean. She has learnt not to speak to anyone about this as she fears being put away in an institute.

Through happenings and occurrences, she finds a group of people who not only accept her for who she is but also recognise and appreciate the talent she has. However, things are not all sunshine yellow as Guardians are going missing. Different aspects of this book all tie together to give a thrilling ride and satisfying conclusion.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is that it is action/adventure with a hint of romance. Really, the romance is only alluded to and really does play second fiddle to the main story.

I loved the ending, complete with Liam's choice, which I thoroughly understood and approved of! Can't wait to read more in this series. Definitely recommended.

* 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!
Nov 15, 2015
  
CW
Conjure Women
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
102 of 235
Book
Conjure Women
By Afia Atakora
⭐️⭐️⭐️

The pale-skinned, black-eyed baby is a bad omen. That’s one thing the people on the old plantation are sure of. The other is that Miss Rue – midwife, healer, crafter of curses – will know what to do.

But for once Rue doesn’t know. Times have changed since her mother Miss May Belle held the power to influence the life and death of her fellow slaves. Freedom has come. The master’s Big House lies in ruins. But this new world brings new dangers, and Rue’s old magic may be no match for them.

When sickness sweeps across her tight-knit community, Rue finds herself the focus of suspicion. What secrets does she keep amidst the charred remains of the Big House? Which spells has she conjured to threaten their children? And why is she so wary of the charismatic preacher man who promises to save them all?

Rue understands fear. It has shaped her life and her mother’s before her. And now she knows she must face her fears – and her ghosts – to find a new way forward for herself and her people.

I liked it but it didn’t completely grab me I lost my way a little in the middle. The story and telling we’re really interesting. I just couldn’t pick back up from where it lost me.
  
The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
Julia Quinn | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Humor & Comedy, Romance
8
7.9 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first one but I did find that I could guess what was going to happen from the first few chapters, although I did sometimes second guess myself!
Although it was easy to guess what was going to happen, it did not stop me from frantically reading on and wanting to know what was going to happen next between Anthony and Miss Sheffield. And when things finally slotted into place as much as it was expected it did still make me smile.
This book touches on some slightly more serious issues - the death of a parent and the fears that come with that. But it does deal with them in such a good way, that although it is a focus on a lot of the book, it doesn’t impose on the love story and only adds to your love and admiration of the characters.
I have found Julia Quinn’s writing so easy to read and I can’t help but want more once I have finished a book, and I am glad that there are more to this series. Although the ending wasn’t a surprise, at some points I definitely didn’t see it coming and thought that I must be wrong. Beautifully written, and I’m still guessing at the identity of Lady Whistledown two books in!
  
Heart of the Hunter  (Dragon Chalice, #1)
8
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
195 of 230
Kindle
Heart of the Hunter ( Dragon Chalice book 1)
By Tina St.John (Lara Adrian)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Ariana of Clairmont would risk anything to save her kidnapped brother, a quest she knows is fraught with peril. Her only ally is Braedon le Chasseur, a formidable knight with a mysterious past, whose scarred face and brooding nature mask a soul filled with pain. Ariana fears this dangerous man and the secrets he strives to conceal - but Braedon's touch is pure seduction, his kiss a potent lure that tempts her into a passion she is powerless to resist.

Once known as The Hunter, now haunted by a dark legacy he struggles to deny, Braedon lives in a world of shadow and isolation - until he is thrust together with an innocent beauty in need of his protection. Embarking on a journey that will lead them to a legendary treasure, Braedon will be forced to confront old enemies and the stunning secret of his true nature - or risk losing Ariana and the only happiness he has ever known. . . .

I really enjoyed this book. It was historical romance with a bit of magic thrown in. It was spicy in a hot romantic way. I love Lara Adrian she never fails to bring us a good love story with the type of villains you hate forever. Recommended!
  
Mr Collins in Love
Mr Collins in Love
Lee Welch | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MR COLLINS IN LOVE is a genteel story that begins a few months before the better-known story of Pride and Prejudice. In here, we learn more about Mr Collins and his patroness, Lady Catherine. He is not one of the nicest characters in P&P, so I was a little dubious about reading this.

I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!

Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

** 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!
Aug 1, 2025