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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2570 KP) rated Murder at Chateau sur Mer in Books
Mar 7, 2026 (Updated Mar 7, 2026)
Was This Murder Political?
It’s July of 1897, and Emma is covering a polo match when she witnesses a strange scene – a young woman with a less than stellar reputation is insisting that she must talk to Senator Wetmore’s wife. The next morning, Emma is summoned to the Wetmore’s residence - Chateau sur Mer. The young woman from the day before is lying dead in their entry way. Emma has developed a reputation based on her past exploits, and Mrs. Wetmore wants Emma to investigate so that the whiff of scandal won’t haunt her family forever. But what is the victim’s connection to the wealthy family?
The book does a good job of putting us back in Emma’s world while also setting up the mystery. While there are great twists, I did feel a few things were rushed at the climax. Still, everything did make sense. I appreciated the updates we got on Emma and the other regulars, both real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, I love how the two types rub elbows seamlessly. In fact, I was surprised to learn a couple I thought pure invention were real. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to find out the facts that support this fiction. As always, the summer setting gave me some relaxed vibes, and I felt like I was transported back in time. If you are looking for a fun historical series, this is one to check out.
The book does a good job of putting us back in Emma’s world while also setting up the mystery. While there are great twists, I did feel a few things were rushed at the climax. Still, everything did make sense. I appreciated the updates we got on Emma and the other regulars, both real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, I love how the two types rub elbows seamlessly. In fact, I was surprised to learn a couple I thought pure invention were real. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to find out the facts that support this fiction. As always, the summer setting gave me some relaxed vibes, and I felt like I was transported back in time. If you are looking for a fun historical series, this is one to check out.
Curious Cameron (Secret Lives of Hot Twinks #1)
8.0
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I married my best friend. My gay best friend. I’ve flunked out of art college. I have a fresh...
Contemporary MM Erotica Romance Military BDSM
Merissa (14009 KP) rated Moonbound Bonds (Wild Divide #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2026
MOONBOUND BONDS is the first book in the Wild Divide series, BUT it is preceded by A Silence of Shadows (Whisperbound #1) and Moonbound Lies (Wild Divide #0.5). I didn't know and haven't read either of them, so I did feel as though I'd dropped into a story already half written.
It begins with Sable plotting her escape from Varro, the bond now broken due to Harken's bite. It's not necessarily that she doesn't want to be bonded to Harken, but more so that she's just spent the last thirteen years bonded against her will to Varro. So she tries to run, Sable and her little fox familiar, Trouble. They don't make it very far, but Harken is there to save the day.
Although their story starts partway through, I was gripped by the ongoing crisis and the characters that move it along so perfectly. Sable and Harken are perfect for each other. Sassy and overprotective - and I'll let you figure out which half is which!
I am loving this story and the characters, and can't wait to see more of them as Sable and Harken's story continues. A great read that I definitely recommend, but I do wish I'd read the others first.
** 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!
Apr 16, 2026
It begins with Sable plotting her escape from Varro, the bond now broken due to Harken's bite. It's not necessarily that she doesn't want to be bonded to Harken, but more so that she's just spent the last thirteen years bonded against her will to Varro. So she tries to run, Sable and her little fox familiar, Trouble. They don't make it very far, but Harken is there to save the day.
Although their story starts partway through, I was gripped by the ongoing crisis and the characters that move it along so perfectly. Sable and Harken are perfect for each other. Sassy and overprotective - and I'll let you figure out which half is which!
I am loving this story and the characters, and can't wait to see more of them as Sable and Harken's story continues. A great read that I definitely recommend, but I do wish I'd read the others first.
** 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!
Apr 16, 2026
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Mark (Detective Louise Blackwell #4) in Books
Nov 7, 2021
Having not read any of the previous books in this series, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but what I got was a very engaging and enthralling story.
I don't think you have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this but I recognise that there is a lot of history that is missing, particularly when it comes to the difficulties DI Blackwell has with her superior, however, I feel the author provides enough of the back-story to get you up to speed.
DI Blackwell is an interesting and complex character; she has her issues (who doesn't!) but her determination, strength and fortitude shines through in this multi-threaded story. The cast of supporting characters are equally as good and all have their place and their own stories. As I said, this is a multi-threaded story but the underlying plot is the branding attacks which ultimately turns into murder. Told from both DI Blackwell's and the killer's point of view, this provides a comprehensive view of the case and into the mind and motivations of the killer.
With scenes of peril, descriptions of violence and body modification that some may find difficult, and brimming with suspense and a host of suspects, this is a book that's easy to get your teeth into and I need to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I don't think you have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this but I recognise that there is a lot of history that is missing, particularly when it comes to the difficulties DI Blackwell has with her superior, however, I feel the author provides enough of the back-story to get you up to speed.
DI Blackwell is an interesting and complex character; she has her issues (who doesn't!) but her determination, strength and fortitude shines through in this multi-threaded story. The cast of supporting characters are equally as good and all have their place and their own stories. As I said, this is a multi-threaded story but the underlying plot is the branding attacks which ultimately turns into murder. Told from both DI Blackwell's and the killer's point of view, this provides a comprehensive view of the case and into the mind and motivations of the killer.
With scenes of peril, descriptions of violence and body modification that some may find difficult, and brimming with suspense and a host of suspects, this is a book that's easy to get your teeth into and I need to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Pocket Wife in Books
Nov 4, 2021
182 of 250
Book
The Pocket Wife
By Susan Crawford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A stylish psychological thriller with the compelling intrigue of The Silent Wife and Turn of Mind and the white-knuckle pacing of Before I Go to Sleep—in which a woman suffering from bipolar disorder cannot remember if she murdered her friend.
Dana Catrell is shocked when her neighbor Celia is brutally murdered. To Dana’s horror, she was the last person to see Celia alive. Suffering from mania, the result of her bipolar disorder, she has troubling holes in her memory, including what happened on the afternoon of Celia’s death.
Her husband’s odd behavior and the probing of Detective Jack Moss create further complications as she searches for answers. The closer she comes to piecing together the shards of her broken memory, the more Dana falls apart. Is there a murderer lurking inside her . . . or is there one out there in the shadows of reality, waiting to strike again?
A story of marriage, murder, and madness, The Pocket Wife explores the world through the foggy lens of a woman on the edge.
I just didn’t click with it. It started out ok but I just got so bored it became a chore to read. I didn’t get a good representation of Bipolar disorder either as some one who has Bipolar it just didn’t feel authentic.
Book
The Pocket Wife
By Susan Crawford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A stylish psychological thriller with the compelling intrigue of The Silent Wife and Turn of Mind and the white-knuckle pacing of Before I Go to Sleep—in which a woman suffering from bipolar disorder cannot remember if she murdered her friend.
Dana Catrell is shocked when her neighbor Celia is brutally murdered. To Dana’s horror, she was the last person to see Celia alive. Suffering from mania, the result of her bipolar disorder, she has troubling holes in her memory, including what happened on the afternoon of Celia’s death.
Her husband’s odd behavior and the probing of Detective Jack Moss create further complications as she searches for answers. The closer she comes to piecing together the shards of her broken memory, the more Dana falls apart. Is there a murderer lurking inside her . . . or is there one out there in the shadows of reality, waiting to strike again?
A story of marriage, murder, and madness, The Pocket Wife explores the world through the foggy lens of a woman on the edge.
I just didn’t click with it. It started out ok but I just got so bored it became a chore to read. I didn’t get a good representation of Bipolar disorder either as some one who has Bipolar it just didn’t feel authentic.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2570 KP) rated A Dish to Die for in Books
Aug 10, 2022
Murder on a Neighboring Key
Even when you live in paradise, you need a break. That’s why Hayley Snow is taking a few hours with her friend Eric and their dogs and heading to a beach on one of the nearby islands. However, the day takes a sad turn when Hayley’s dog finds a dead body half buried in the sand. The man was G.G. Garcia, a Key West developer who had a bad reputation. The local police think there is something suspicious about his death, and Hayley gets pulled into the investigation. Will she figure out what really happened?
I’ve fallen in love with Key West thanks to this series, and I was happy to be back. Sadly, the mystery was very weak. Even the characters got frustrated by their lack of progress throughout the book. Plus, the victim was a little too evil, with a few things that felt thrown in just to make other characters feel virtuous. The book gets a little dark and edgy for a cozy as well. Finally, there’s a subplot that comes across as half-baked, the characters involved definitely deserved better. On the other hand, I really did enjoy the location and the series regulars. Nathan, Hayley’s husband, gets some good development thanks to a visit from his estranged father. If you are new to the series, this isn’t the book for you, but fans will enjoy catching up with the characters.
I’ve fallen in love with Key West thanks to this series, and I was happy to be back. Sadly, the mystery was very weak. Even the characters got frustrated by their lack of progress throughout the book. Plus, the victim was a little too evil, with a few things that felt thrown in just to make other characters feel virtuous. The book gets a little dark and edgy for a cozy as well. Finally, there’s a subplot that comes across as half-baked, the characters involved definitely deserved better. On the other hand, I really did enjoy the location and the series regulars. Nathan, Hayley’s husband, gets some good development thanks to a visit from his estranged father. If you are new to the series, this isn’t the book for you, but fans will enjoy catching up with the characters.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rage: Redemption ( Odin’s Wolves book 1) in Books
Jun 15, 2022
108 of 230
Kindle
Rage: Redemption ( Odin’s Wolves MC book 1)
By Candi Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rage, half-wolf, half-god, all badass is a skilled warrior and SGT at Arms for Odin’s Wolves MC. Rage never expected to love again after losing his wife and child a century ago, but when an ancient evil arises, and he meets Desiré everything changes.
Desiré is running from her monster of an ex, who killed her family, and now wants her son. She will do anything to save her little boy and when she lands in White Horse, OK and meets Rage, she starts to have hope.
Can Desiré and Rage learn to believe in love again?
Well I kinda really enjoyed that! Was it perfect maybe not but I found myself unable to put it down which is why it’s now 1:35am. This is why I give books 5⭐️’s if you get that feel good I don’t want to put this book down unfinished then I’m my opinion it’s a 5 star book. It does have to be a perfect book!
So this one his ticks a few boxes for me: hot shifters ✅ magic ✅ Norse mythology a huge ✅ and some spice✅.
This is Odins Wolves on motorcycles what more could you want? Lots of fantasticical creatures too. I’m looking forward to more.
Kindle
Rage: Redemption ( Odin’s Wolves MC book 1)
By Candi Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rage, half-wolf, half-god, all badass is a skilled warrior and SGT at Arms for Odin’s Wolves MC. Rage never expected to love again after losing his wife and child a century ago, but when an ancient evil arises, and he meets Desiré everything changes.
Desiré is running from her monster of an ex, who killed her family, and now wants her son. She will do anything to save her little boy and when she lands in White Horse, OK and meets Rage, she starts to have hope.
Can Desiré and Rage learn to believe in love again?
Well I kinda really enjoyed that! Was it perfect maybe not but I found myself unable to put it down which is why it’s now 1:35am. This is why I give books 5⭐️’s if you get that feel good I don’t want to put this book down unfinished then I’m my opinion it’s a 5 star book. It does have to be a perfect book!
So this one his ticks a few boxes for me: hot shifters ✅ magic ✅ Norse mythology a huge ✅ and some spice✅.
This is Odins Wolves on motorcycles what more could you want? Lots of fantasticical creatures too. I’m looking forward to more.
Merissa (14009 KP) rated A Bright Celestial Sea by Chani Lynn Feener in Books
Jun 27, 2022
A BRIGHT CELESTIAL SEA is a standalone that could easily be the first in a series.
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (14009 KP) rated Alpha (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #4) in Books
Oct 4, 2022
ALPHA is the fourth book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and London and Brody get their time to shine. I definitely recommend you read this in order as the overall story arc goes from book one and I feel you would miss out on some of the finer details if you don't.
Brody and London are both Alphas of their packs, and an archaic law says two alphas can't be mated. So both of them act as though it's just a bit of fun when everyone else knows it's not. As their relationship as friends and lovers is already long established, you don't get a lot in the way of their relationship changing or growing.
The overall arc moves along at a fair rate of knots in this edition, almost overshadowing the story between Brody and London in places. All of it was important and relevant, mind you. I just felt as though Brody and London's personal connection got lost in the mix even though they were the key players in the story.
A great addition to the series and I definitely recommend it, on the proviso that you read the others first!
** 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!
Brody and London are both Alphas of their packs, and an archaic law says two alphas can't be mated. So both of them act as though it's just a bit of fun when everyone else knows it's not. As their relationship as friends and lovers is already long established, you don't get a lot in the way of their relationship changing or growing.
The overall arc moves along at a fair rate of knots in this edition, almost overshadowing the story between Brody and London in places. All of it was important and relevant, mind you. I just felt as though Brody and London's personal connection got lost in the mix even though they were the key players in the story.
A great addition to the series and I definitely recommend it, on the proviso that you read the others first!
** 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 (14009 KP) rated The Dragon Berserker's Mate (Bad Dragon's Bride, #2) in Books
Jan 10, 2023
THE DRAGON BERSERKER'S MATE is the second book in the Bad Dragon's Bride series and it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read book one but found I could easily follow this story. And what a story it was!
Hazel is down on her luck, at home with her stepdad, and needs to escape before things get even worse. She will agree to anything if it means she is free of him and debt-free - even if it means marrying a dragon. The only trouble is, the one she wants is not the one she is expected to marry.
Jay is slowly killing himself as he tries to lock down his dragon. But once he meets Hazel, he realises he will do anything for her, just to see her smile or hear her laugh. And maybe, just maybe, his dragon feels the same.
This was a tale of epic proportions and I loved every word. The writing is so descriptive, every scene was clear to see. There are lots of one-liners in here that just made it even better. The pacing is fast but you never feel as though you are being rushed.
An excellent story with amazing characters that I definitely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hazel is down on her luck, at home with her stepdad, and needs to escape before things get even worse. She will agree to anything if it means she is free of him and debt-free - even if it means marrying a dragon. The only trouble is, the one she wants is not the one she is expected to marry.
Jay is slowly killing himself as he tries to lock down his dragon. But once he meets Hazel, he realises he will do anything for her, just to see her smile or hear her laugh. And maybe, just maybe, his dragon feels the same.
This was a tale of epic proportions and I loved every word. The writing is so descriptive, every scene was clear to see. There are lots of one-liners in here that just made it even better. The pacing is fast but you never feel as though you are being rushed.
An excellent story with amazing characters that I definitely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!