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Merissa (13194 KP) rated A Very Witchy Yuletide in Books
Nov 5, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a seasonal standalone romance that involves Pagans. It isn't all about paganism and rituals. If you are looking for that then I can suggest a multitude of other books but this isn't one of them. Saying that, I enjoyed how it was incorporated into the story. It is something they feel/do every day but the Sabbats are special, as are Naming Days, etc.
Eeva and Sawyer were young star-crossed lovers - neither of them prepared to make that first step and both of them feeling let down by the other. Five years later, they get a second chance.
This is a warm and low-angst story that will melt your heart on a cold winter night. Eeva and Sawyer have a great supporting cast, including Sol who was adorable.
The descriptions are very well done and the pacing is perfect for the story. All in all, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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 5, 2020
Eeva and Sawyer were young star-crossed lovers - neither of them prepared to make that first step and both of them feeling let down by the other. Five years later, they get a second chance.
This is a warm and low-angst story that will melt your heart on a cold winter night. Eeva and Sawyer have a great supporting cast, including Sol who was adorable.
The descriptions are very well done and the pacing is perfect for the story. All in all, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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 5, 2020
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Forever Ink (Tewsbury Daddies #2) in Books
Nov 24, 2023
FOREVER INK is the second book in the Tewsbury Daddies series, and we follow Rhys and Simon as they prepare for their first Christmas together. Rhys only has bad memories of Christmas, so Simon is determined to make it one to remember for him. But Simon doesn't know about Rhys' own surprise he has planned!
There is a lot that goes on in this story. You not only catch up with Rhys and Simon, but you also have interactions with Simon's dad, Rhys' grandad, Mouse, Cal, and Cullen, as well as a character from book one that Rhys would rather forget. There is a lot of background-building for future books, which is great, but I do feel it took the edge off Rhys and Simon. So much time is spent with others that I found myself missing the connection and playtime between Rhys and Simon.
I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series. 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!
Nov 22, 2023
There is a lot that goes on in this story. You not only catch up with Rhys and Simon, but you also have interactions with Simon's dad, Rhys' grandad, Mouse, Cal, and Cullen, as well as a character from book one that Rhys would rather forget. There is a lot of background-building for future books, which is great, but I do feel it took the edge off Rhys and Simon. So much time is spent with others that I found myself missing the connection and playtime between Rhys and Simon.
I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series. 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!
Nov 22, 2023
Tamara Wagner (3 KP) rated An Anonymous Girl in Books
Jan 3, 2022
Split Narration Format (1 more)
Engaging Plot
Yet Another Great Psychological Thriller
Contains spoilers, click to show
“An Anonymous Girl” is the newest book written by the authors of the prior bestseller “The Wife Between Us”, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. The book follows the stories of two people, a young woman named Jessica, a makeup artist, who enters a psychological study, and the prominent psychiatrist who runs the study, Dr Lydia Shields.
Written in a split narration format, the story unfolds from the perspectives of both characters simultaneously, allowing you to be immersed in the inner workings of both minds, pulling you into their world, and making you feel their emotions. It pulls you into the uncertainty and fear of a participant lured into a dangerous place unknowingly, and the rage, despair, and hope of a psychiatrist who has been betrayed and seeks retribution.
Guilt and fear can be powerful motivators, and “An Anonymous Girl” plays on that narrative quite well. A book full of twists and turns, it definitely lures you in. It is hard to put down, and leaves you wanting more. I would recommend picking it up and giving it a Good Read!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced readers copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Written in a split narration format, the story unfolds from the perspectives of both characters simultaneously, allowing you to be immersed in the inner workings of both minds, pulling you into their world, and making you feel their emotions. It pulls you into the uncertainty and fear of a participant lured into a dangerous place unknowingly, and the rage, despair, and hope of a psychiatrist who has been betrayed and seeks retribution.
Guilt and fear can be powerful motivators, and “An Anonymous Girl” plays on that narrative quite well. A book full of twists and turns, it definitely lures you in. It is hard to put down, and leaves you wanting more. I would recommend picking it up and giving it a Good Read!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced readers copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Say you Swear in Books
Mar 1, 2023
24 of 235
Kindle
Say you Swear
By Meagan Brandy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
If she isn't mine in the end, I'll still be hers.
It's torture, but it's true...
My brothers best friend broke my heart, but what happens when his new teammate wants to put it back together?
For years, I've dreamt of what college life could bring and while some things changed, there was always one constant.
It didn't matter how wild I allowed my imagination to run, it always led me to the same place in the end.
It led me to him.
My future was clear, and he was it.
Until suddenly, he wasn't.
Now there's a new man in my life, one who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, and what he wants ... is me.
They say first loves last forever.
What about the second?
I don’t normally really enjoy the college romance books unless there is some sort of supernatural element. But this is definitely a book I think I needed to read it was just such a well written enjoyable read it’s definitely one I don’t regret picking up. The characters were likeable the story was decent. I’m an emotional reader to so this made me feel good while reading.
Kindle
Say you Swear
By Meagan Brandy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
If she isn't mine in the end, I'll still be hers.
It's torture, but it's true...
My brothers best friend broke my heart, but what happens when his new teammate wants to put it back together?
For years, I've dreamt of what college life could bring and while some things changed, there was always one constant.
It didn't matter how wild I allowed my imagination to run, it always led me to the same place in the end.
It led me to him.
My future was clear, and he was it.
Until suddenly, he wasn't.
Now there's a new man in my life, one who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, and what he wants ... is me.
They say first loves last forever.
What about the second?
I don’t normally really enjoy the college romance books unless there is some sort of supernatural element. But this is definitely a book I think I needed to read it was just such a well written enjoyable read it’s definitely one I don’t regret picking up. The characters were likeable the story was decent. I’m an emotional reader to so this made me feel good while reading.
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Lair of Dreams (The Diviners, #2) in Books
May 20, 2023
This is an epic book that is based in 1920's New York, and everything you can associate with that - including flappers, parties and racism, to name but a few. A sleeping sickness is sweeping New York, starting off in Chinatown. It is up to Evie and a cast of characters to figure out what is happening and how to stop it.
This is the second book in the series and as such I would recommend reading book 1, The Diviners. I haven't and will admit to feeling slightly lost when the characters would think about or discuss what had happened before. The characters are all well-established with their own quirks and foibles by the time this book starts, so it did take a while to actually feel like I knew these people. Personally, my favourite characters were Ling and Henry, and the friendship that developed between them.
A dark, gothic and creepy book that may give you shivers, definitely recommended if you are on the lookout for something a bit different.
* 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 15, 2016
This is the second book in the series and as such I would recommend reading book 1, The Diviners. I haven't and will admit to feeling slightly lost when the characters would think about or discuss what had happened before. The characters are all well-established with their own quirks and foibles by the time this book starts, so it did take a while to actually feel like I knew these people. Personally, my favourite characters were Ling and Henry, and the friendship that developed between them.
A dark, gothic and creepy book that may give you shivers, definitely recommended if you are on the lookout for something a bit different.
* 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 15, 2016
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6) in Books
May 28, 2023
What a series!
Jasper runs the tabletop tavern with his close friends and has no intention of letting anybody else in he likes it that way. Matt has gone through yet another breakup and is feeling unlovable what is wrong with him why is he not good enough for any woman? Jasper helps him on his journey of healing but could there be more to it?
I have absolutely loved this series from start to finish! The warmth, emotion, turmoil, love, and everything in between is gripping. There are so many issues dealt with and they are done so in a sensitive heartwarming way. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I would advise reading all of the books as each character has a different story to tell it's easy to see why they support each other so fondly.
Jasper's story is heartbreaking but I'm so happy he has his family to help him get through it even though at times like some of us do we can get quite nasty when we're hurting or unable to process certain things.
It has been such a pleasure reading and learning about each of these characters realizing that no matter what you don't need to feel shame. Thank you Katherine you've done an amazing job.
Jasper runs the tabletop tavern with his close friends and has no intention of letting anybody else in he likes it that way. Matt has gone through yet another breakup and is feeling unlovable what is wrong with him why is he not good enough for any woman? Jasper helps him on his journey of healing but could there be more to it?
I have absolutely loved this series from start to finish! The warmth, emotion, turmoil, love, and everything in between is gripping. There are so many issues dealt with and they are done so in a sensitive heartwarming way. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I would advise reading all of the books as each character has a different story to tell it's easy to see why they support each other so fondly.
Jasper's story is heartbreaking but I'm so happy he has his family to help him get through it even though at times like some of us do we can get quite nasty when we're hurting or unable to process certain things.
It has been such a pleasure reading and learning about each of these characters realizing that no matter what you don't need to feel shame. Thank you Katherine you've done an amazing job.
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Aiden is a 12-year-old Prime, who doesn't fit in with his peers because he has two gifts. Most Primes only have one. Being a Prime isn't all fun and games, and death is a very real probability. There are usually twelve in a coterie, but in Aidan's, there is only him and two others. The other coteries don't like him as they fear his multiple gifts. However, things are about to happen that will involve other people with other abilities.
This was a wonderful and gripping story, with in-depth descriptions of the various abilities and what the people look like. The rivalry jumps off the page at you, and you will feel how unfair it may be! With an overall series arc that only gets told towards the end of the book, this is a science fiction novel to enjoy, which will immerse you in the story and leave you wanting more.
With more to each character than originally meets the eye, this is a science fiction novel I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jun 10, 2016
This was a wonderful and gripping story, with in-depth descriptions of the various abilities and what the people look like. The rivalry jumps off the page at you, and you will feel how unfair it may be! With an overall series arc that only gets told towards the end of the book, this is a science fiction novel to enjoy, which will immerse you in the story and leave you wanting more.
With more to each character than originally meets the eye, this is a science fiction novel I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jun 10, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Luminous Republic in Books
Jan 21, 2024
15 of 220
Book
A Luminous Rebublic
By Andres Barba
⭐️⭐️⭐️
One day, the children begin to show up in the subtropical town of San Crist�bal. Aged between nine and thirteen, the children are covered in dirt and hungry. They beg food, commit small acts of vandalism, play games that don't seem to have any rules, and communicate with each other in a strange language. No one knows where they come from or where they disappear to each night. And then, they rob a supermarket and stab two adults, bringing fear to the town. Thus begins a fearsome and thrilling modern morality tale that retraces the lines between good and evil, the civilised and the wild, and drags our assumptions about childhood and innocence out into the light.
This is a strange little story of 32 children who mystery turn up in a subtropical town in called San Cristobel. These children have come from nowhere and they disappear just as quickly. These children cause mayhem round the town. Things take a turn when In a supermarket raid people end up dead and then the “normal” children start to disappear too. I’m not sure still how I actually feel after finishing it very odd.
Book
A Luminous Rebublic
By Andres Barba
⭐️⭐️⭐️
One day, the children begin to show up in the subtropical town of San Crist�bal. Aged between nine and thirteen, the children are covered in dirt and hungry. They beg food, commit small acts of vandalism, play games that don't seem to have any rules, and communicate with each other in a strange language. No one knows where they come from or where they disappear to each night. And then, they rob a supermarket and stab two adults, bringing fear to the town. Thus begins a fearsome and thrilling modern morality tale that retraces the lines between good and evil, the civilised and the wild, and drags our assumptions about childhood and innocence out into the light.
This is a strange little story of 32 children who mystery turn up in a subtropical town in called San Cristobel. These children have come from nowhere and they disappear just as quickly. These children cause mayhem round the town. Things take a turn when In a supermarket raid people end up dead and then the “normal” children start to disappear too. I’m not sure still how I actually feel after finishing it very odd.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) in Books
Dec 26, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2024)
16 of 220
Kindle
Reread
Hush, Hush (book 1)
By Becca Fitzpatrick
⭐️⭐️
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
This is a reread for me as it was so long ago when I first read it. It was ok but not as good as I thought it was the first time round.
Kindle
Reread
Hush, Hush (book 1)
By Becca Fitzpatrick
⭐️⭐️
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
This is a reread for me as it was so long ago when I first read it. It was ok but not as good as I thought it was the first time round.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Knot of This World in Books
Jan 13, 2024
Is Martha’s Friend Joining a Cult?
Martha Rose’s friend Birdie Watson is back in town with news. She and her new husband are selling everything to join a spiritualist commune in nearby Ojai. Martha is concerned for her friend’s safety, especially when she learns that several people have gone missing. When Martha goes with Birdie and some other mutual friends to check it out, they wind up finding the leader dead. What had Birdie gotten them into?
While spiritualism isn’t new to the series, this is the strongest it’s ever been as an element. That didn’t make me happy, although Martha is as skeptical as I am, which helped. It also helped that the plot is driven by Martha’s investigation, and we got several good twists along the way. While the ending does explain everything for us, I did feel like it was weaker than it could have been. Also weak are some of the supporting players we’ve met along the way who could really use some development. Still, I do like them and love Martha and her fiancé. I enjoyed the Southern California setting as always. Plus there are some quilting tips at the end. I have one more book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading about Martha’s final case soon.
While spiritualism isn’t new to the series, this is the strongest it’s ever been as an element. That didn’t make me happy, although Martha is as skeptical as I am, which helped. It also helped that the plot is driven by Martha’s investigation, and we got several good twists along the way. While the ending does explain everything for us, I did feel like it was weaker than it could have been. Also weak are some of the supporting players we’ve met along the way who could really use some development. Still, I do like them and love Martha and her fiancé. I enjoyed the Southern California setting as always. Plus there are some quilting tips at the end. I have one more book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading about Martha’s final case soon.