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Midnight Conquest (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #1)
Midnight Conquest (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #1)
Arial Burnz | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the first book in the Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles. It is a paranormal romance/suspense, with a historical setting; rather than a historical romance with a paranormal twist. This is a distinction to be aware of as it MAY make a difference to a hardcore historical fan!

This story tells the tale of Broderick and Davina, how they meet, what impact on each others' lives they have or will have, tells of the fears they fight, and the enemies who plot against them. There will be an overall story arc running through this series, as the epilogue tells us when Cordelia once again makes an appearance.

With an engaging storyline, excellent world and character building, plus a smoothly paced plot that builds to a thrilling climax, this story is a wonderful start that nonetheless will leave you wanting to know more. Definitely recommended.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
  
The Theory of Happily Ever After
The Theory of Happily Ever After
8
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scientist, Dr. Maggie Magguire's life has been turned upside down. Recently dumped by her fiancee, the author of a book on happiness. Maggie spends her days sitting on her sofa eating gelato and watching romance movies until her friends come to the rescue and book her as a guest speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise to Mexico.

Maggie fears she is unqualified because she can't find happiness herself. Then she runs into a handsome stranger who insists that smart women can't be happy, this makes Maggie determined to prove him wrong.

I enjoyed this book, it was fun, witty and full of suspense. The characters were believable and interesting.
The writer proves that if we listen to God and follow our hearts, happiness will follow.

This is a wonderful book that is hard to put down.
  
40x40

Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Amélie (2001) in Movies

Mar 3, 2020 (Updated Mar 3, 2020)  
Amélie (2001)
Amélie (2001)
2001 | Comedy, Drama, International
The colour palette (2 more)
The humour
The romance
Where to start in one of the most perfect films ever realised? The photography and colours are an artwork enough to make this a classic. Then there is the music of Yann Tiersen, so French, so romantic, so tinged with sadness in just the right way. It is a love story. But a love story about fear and shyness; about moments of melting and regret. A film about people and their history and passion, and failures. A film about the heart beating against all odds. A nostalgic film, but a very modern one too (in 2001); a feminist film, with a powerful message against looking backward too much! We can’t help but feel every melancholy cry of Amélie’s wonderful soul as she looks for love and fears it may never appear. If your eyes are dry at the end, then you are broken.
  
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
  
The Sweetheart Quest (Sweetheart Escapes)
The Sweetheart Quest (Sweetheart Escapes)
Jacy Braegan | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SWEETHEART QUEST is part of the multi-author Sweetheart Escapes series. I enjoyed seeing cameos from characters in some of the other stories as I read about Trevor and Rhodes.

This is a quick read, with the pacing the same. It all happens VERY fast. The whole time of Rhodes and Trevor being together (apart from the epilogue) takes place over two weeks. The first weekend is when they meet, followed by two weeks of being grumpy whilst apart. Saying that, I did enjoy it.

I could understand where both Trevor and Rhodes were coming from, with their fears and concerns about the future, but I would have liked to have seen more about how they would work together to resolve said issues.

All in all, a sweet and fast romance that I recommend.

** 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!
Sep 18, 2023
  
The Hunter's Moon (The Secret Warrior #1)
The Hunter's Moon (The Secret Warrior #1)
Beth Trissel | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Hunter's Moon is a young adult paranormal romance that starts with Morgan and her brother, Jimmy, on the run from mobsters who are trying to kill them. They shouldn't have been found as they are in the Witness Protection Program, but hey, they were. The reasons for this become clear as the book progresses.

This is a smooth-flowing book where the seventeen-year-old main female is thrust into the world of the paranormal, not knowing a single thing about it. Her ten-year-old brother is a delight to read about and certainly deserves the nickname of Batboy. Her doubts and fears about what is to come are completely relevant, and not out of character. The supporting characters are mainly a quiet bunch, with the spotlight on Okema, Miriam and Hawthorne. That being said, this is a series with a whole bunch of potential and I can't wait to read more. Definitely recommended for all fans of YA/Paranormal.

* 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!
Feb 5, 2016
  
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Xenia Manasseh is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with Kenyan roots. Not too long ago, she released a bittersweet R&B tune, entitled, “Don’t Go”, produced by Ayo n Keyz.

“Staring at your picture hanging on the wall thinking of our last encounter. Wasn’t ready for the fall. Wondering when you’ll get here, I wanna talk it out. If you’ll just be patient with me, we can work it out.” – lyrics

‘Don’t Go’ tells an interesting tale of a single young woman who regrets telling her ex-beau to depart from their problematic relationship.

But after some time alone, she realizes that he’s the only guy who truly gets her. Therefore, she wants him back and doesn’t want him to leave anymore.

Later, she admits that she can’t remember what was said that put them in a bad place, but apologizes for the part she played in their looming breakup.

Even though her heart is in the right place, she fears that it might be too late to rekindle the flames of their dying romance.

‘Don’t Go’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/xenia-manasseh-dont-go/
  
The second book in the Orion Circle series is just as action-packed as the first book. I will admit to the beginning taking me by surprise but I loved how it was written, with the characters of Kacie and Logan being immediately recognisable and flowing to the forefront of my mind, even though it is a while since I have read the first book in this series, Tortured Souls.

This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.

Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Brink of Eternity (Guardians of Ascension #2.5)
Brink of Eternity (Guardians of Ascension #2.5)
Caris Roane | 2011 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I managed to confuse myself a bit with this book because I have recently read Awakening (Rapture's Edge #1) and managed to completely miss the following Reader's Advisory - "Awakening is a paranormal romance novel, a vampire romance with a fantasy edge, of the Rapture’s Edge Series. The series is preceded by two related books: BRINK OF ETERNITY and THE DARKENING. RAPTURE’S EDGE is part of the Guardians of Ascension Saga!"

So starting this book, I immediately travelled back in time to before Rachel and Duncan got together, as Elise and Gideon try to figure out just what it is that's going on with them, dealing with death vampires and going through Elise's ascension.

This book is full of intensity and action, both between the sheets and out of it. Elise is a feisty character who knows what she wants and how to get it. The only difficulty she has is figuring out if someone can be by her side or if she will continue to walk alone. Elise and Gideon have already had a relationship which ended by mutual consent, but they both still feel the attraction. Secrets and personal fears though have a way of getting involved and in the way as they try to figure out what is going on between them.

The characters in this book are all wonderfully written and it was actually really good to read about them in a different context, even if it was from an earlier time than what I had already read. Definitely recommended.

* 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!
Jul 14, 2015
  
A Most Noble Heir
A Most Noble Heir
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Such a fun and unique story! Tensions are high as we begin this story and don't release until the end. I just had to know how it was all going to work out. Hannah has severe insecurities, and although relatable, a couple times I thought I was going to have to purse whomp her. Nolan...while sweet and charming, was a bit pig-headed on a couple of occasions. Watching Hannah and Nolan work through their insecurities and fears was real and heartbreaking. But I love, LOVE, how the author infuses the situation with GOD! It is truly amazing what can happen when we let HIM lead us, heal us, and strengthen us.

Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?

Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.

I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.