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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Lost (Jonah Colley #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
Oh my goodness!! This is one of my reads of 2021; it grabbed me round the neck from page 1 and didn't let go right to the very end.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Black Hearted (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded #2) in Books
Oct 23, 2023
BLACK HEARTED is the second book in the Black Knights Inc: Reloaded series. I haven't read the first book in this series but I don't feel as though it impacted me greatly, although I do believe it would have been better if I had read it.
Sam thinks of Hannah as the thirteen-year-old little sister to his ex-girlfriend, not realising that she is now twenty-nine, with thoughts and dreams of her own. It doesn't help that most of those dreams revolve around Sam, the childhood crush she never grew out of. Hannah walks away at one time (presumably after the first book finishes) but some time down the line, she needs Sam's help. Hannah has been framed and is classed as a traitor. She goes to the one person she knows will help her.
I found this story to be both fast-paced and also slow-burn, as the multitude of events and miscommunications built up. Told from the third person, you hear from Sam and Hannah, but I loved the snippets from Eliza and Fisher. And the poetry quotes were exceedingly well chosen.
A story filled with terrorism, hacking, love, and miscommunication. If these things float your boat, then I can definitely recommend it.
** 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!
Oct 23, 2023
Sam thinks of Hannah as the thirteen-year-old little sister to his ex-girlfriend, not realising that she is now twenty-nine, with thoughts and dreams of her own. It doesn't help that most of those dreams revolve around Sam, the childhood crush she never grew out of. Hannah walks away at one time (presumably after the first book finishes) but some time down the line, she needs Sam's help. Hannah has been framed and is classed as a traitor. She goes to the one person she knows will help her.
I found this story to be both fast-paced and also slow-burn, as the multitude of events and miscommunications built up. Told from the third person, you hear from Sam and Hannah, but I loved the snippets from Eliza and Fisher. And the poetry quotes were exceedingly well chosen.
A story filled with terrorism, hacking, love, and miscommunication. If these things float your boat, then I can definitely recommend it.
** 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!
Oct 23, 2023
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Outlaw Witch (Enchanted Bargains #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2023
OUTLAW WITCH is the first book in the Enchanted Bargains series and it's a slow-burn, action-packed urban fantasy why choose story.
The FMC, Silver, is living on the outskirts of town, where no one really wants to be, with her found family. She has a terrible sense of direction which is how she meets Zeph, the first of the MMCs. Roscoe, the second MMC, "rescues" her from a fire. They both want her to help their friend, Fabian, who is under a blood curse and the third MMC. Throw in someone who knows who she was and it's non-stop.
I loved the set-up of this book, showing the different groups, as well as the different personalities. I would have preferred to know more about Zeph and Roscoe, as well as Rook, Ember, etc. but I guess you can't have everything in one book. I also want to see more of Silver's magic. It didn't feel as though she actually used much of it here. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book.
The ending is a doozy. Cliffhanger Alert!!! It will definitely leave you wanting more. A great start to a new series, and one I look forward to continuing. 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 14, 2023
The FMC, Silver, is living on the outskirts of town, where no one really wants to be, with her found family. She has a terrible sense of direction which is how she meets Zeph, the first of the MMCs. Roscoe, the second MMC, "rescues" her from a fire. They both want her to help their friend, Fabian, who is under a blood curse and the third MMC. Throw in someone who knows who she was and it's non-stop.
I loved the set-up of this book, showing the different groups, as well as the different personalities. I would have preferred to know more about Zeph and Roscoe, as well as Rook, Ember, etc. but I guess you can't have everything in one book. I also want to see more of Silver's magic. It didn't feel as though she actually used much of it here. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book.
The ending is a doozy. Cliffhanger Alert!!! It will definitely leave you wanting more. A great start to a new series, and one I look forward to continuing. 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 14, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Broken Heart Attack in Books
Oct 24, 2022
Deadly Theater
When Kellan Ayrwick attends a dress rehearsal of King Lear with Nana D. and her friends, he expects the deaths to stay on stage. But not too long into the second act, he realizes that Gwendolyn Paddington isn’t asleep on his shoulder, but she’s passed away. Gwendolyn had been saying someone in her family was trying to kill her. Is that true? If so, can Kellan figure out who did it?
When you have a book with characters as dysfunctional as the Paddington family, it always makes me appreciate my own family. But it also makes for a great mystery plot, and that’s the case again here. There are plenty of twists along the way to catching the killer at the end. While some of the characters can be over the top, we care about enough of them, including Kellan, to keep us invested in the book. I did feel like the humor was hit and miss for me here. Sometimes, the character’s teasing worked, and other times it felt like they were picking on Kellan more than actually teasing him. Unfortunately, there were some timeline issues and a red herring that felt like it jumped quite a bit. Both could have been resolved with a good editor. There are several sub-plots involving Kellan and his family. While they veered a little more into soap opera territory than is typical for the books I read, they have me hooked and I can’t wait to make time for the next book to find out what happens.
When you have a book with characters as dysfunctional as the Paddington family, it always makes me appreciate my own family. But it also makes for a great mystery plot, and that’s the case again here. There are plenty of twists along the way to catching the killer at the end. While some of the characters can be over the top, we care about enough of them, including Kellan, to keep us invested in the book. I did feel like the humor was hit and miss for me here. Sometimes, the character’s teasing worked, and other times it felt like they were picking on Kellan more than actually teasing him. Unfortunately, there were some timeline issues and a red herring that felt like it jumped quite a bit. Both could have been resolved with a good editor. There are several sub-plots involving Kellan and his family. While they veered a little more into soap opera territory than is typical for the books I read, they have me hooked and I can’t wait to make time for the next book to find out what happens.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Vital Found ( Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2) in Books
Dec 28, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
215 of 250
Kindle
Vital Found (The Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2)
By Kaydence Snow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Bradford Hills feels more like home than any other place Evelyn Maynard and her mother lived while on the run. But with everyone reeling from the violent clash between Variants and humans, her new home doesn't feel safe any more.
Navigating four increasingly complicated supernatural bonds in secret doesn't help. Ethan and Josh can't keep their hands off her. Tyler is supportive, but continues to keep her at arm's length. Alec has both saved and destroyed her yet seems oblivious to the turmoil he's caused.
As tensions between Variants and humans continue to escalate, dark and dangerous secrets keep creating seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Who's kidnapping Vitals?
What was Evelyn's mom running from?
Will it ever be safe for Evelyn to go public with her true identity?
More deadly answers are coming, whether she's ready for them or not.
It was good!! This is the second book and mainly concentrated on Evelyn’s relationship with each of the men in her bond and getting them so they were all synced up! She’s trying to deal with this as well as finding a friend, finding out more about her mother which also reveals who her father was! Then dealing with betrayal on top of it all. Lots going on to keep you interested plus we finally get those scenes that have caused so much sexual frustration between the group. Highly recommended.
Kindle
Vital Found (The Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2)
By Kaydence Snow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Bradford Hills feels more like home than any other place Evelyn Maynard and her mother lived while on the run. But with everyone reeling from the violent clash between Variants and humans, her new home doesn't feel safe any more.
Navigating four increasingly complicated supernatural bonds in secret doesn't help. Ethan and Josh can't keep their hands off her. Tyler is supportive, but continues to keep her at arm's length. Alec has both saved and destroyed her yet seems oblivious to the turmoil he's caused.
As tensions between Variants and humans continue to escalate, dark and dangerous secrets keep creating seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Who's kidnapping Vitals?
What was Evelyn's mom running from?
Will it ever be safe for Evelyn to go public with her true identity?
More deadly answers are coming, whether she's ready for them or not.
It was good!! This is the second book and mainly concentrated on Evelyn’s relationship with each of the men in her bond and getting them so they were all synced up! She’s trying to deal with this as well as finding a friend, finding out more about her mother which also reveals who her father was! Then dealing with betrayal on top of it all. Lots going on to keep you interested plus we finally get those scenes that have caused so much sexual frustration between the group. Highly recommended.
She’s the One Who Won’t Behave (The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters, #6)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Gypsum, the sixth of seven sisters, has always been a rebel. Yet no one thought she would go so far...
Historical Fantasy
Merissa (13422 KP) rated The Scent of a Storm in Books
Dec 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
THE SCENT OF A STORM is the second book by this author I have read and gave me the same authentic feel I got from the first. This is based upon real events that made it into the history books.
One thing that seems easy to forget is not everyone in Germany thought Hitler was doing the right thing; not everyone belonged to the SS. This book paints the picture of what it was like for those who tried to live as best they could before they were unwillingly drawn into the middle of events that would change their lives forever.
The hardships told in this book sound like fiction; terrible, horrible fiction, which makes it even harder to understand when you realise circumstances like those mentioned were 'normal'.
Whilst the whole book is brilliantly written, I preferred it when Annie and Werner were young, even though the conditions were heartbreaking. When it changed to the more recent time, I felt like I'd lost something. That is the way of war, I guess. I just wanted more than I received.
For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, especially if you are interested in the German perspective, then this is definitely one for your bookshelves. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Dec 8, 2021
One thing that seems easy to forget is not everyone in Germany thought Hitler was doing the right thing; not everyone belonged to the SS. This book paints the picture of what it was like for those who tried to live as best they could before they were unwillingly drawn into the middle of events that would change their lives forever.
The hardships told in this book sound like fiction; terrible, horrible fiction, which makes it even harder to understand when you realise circumstances like those mentioned were 'normal'.
Whilst the whole book is brilliantly written, I preferred it when Annie and Werner were young, even though the conditions were heartbreaking. When it changed to the more recent time, I felt like I'd lost something. That is the way of war, I guess. I just wanted more than I received.
For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, especially if you are interested in the German perspective, then this is definitely one for your bookshelves. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Dec 8, 2021
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Crashed (Gold Hockey #12) in Books
Jul 28, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
CRASHED is the twelfth book in the Gold Hockey series but you can read it as a standalone as I have.
Fanny is single and happy to be so after she has spent ten years trying to piece her heart back together. It feels broken all over again when the man she has been trying to forget comes back into her life. Brandon has more regrets about Fanny than he knows what to do with, but one thing is sure. He loves her and wants her back.
This is another winner for Elise Faber. Not only does she have a couple of fantastic characters in Fanny and Brandon, but the story itself sweeps you off your feet. My heart broke for Fanny as she remembered, and the reader found out, just what had happened to hurt her so badly. But then it also broke for Brandon, for forgetting so much. The other characters support them and move the story forward.
I was able to read this as a standalone although I am now left wanting ALL the others, including Scar and Kaydon's story which is due next! Fanny and Brandon have made me smile, laugh, and feel sorrow, so it's only right that I recommend you have all the feels I did! 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!
Jul 28, 2021
Fanny is single and happy to be so after she has spent ten years trying to piece her heart back together. It feels broken all over again when the man she has been trying to forget comes back into her life. Brandon has more regrets about Fanny than he knows what to do with, but one thing is sure. He loves her and wants her back.
This is another winner for Elise Faber. Not only does she have a couple of fantastic characters in Fanny and Brandon, but the story itself sweeps you off your feet. My heart broke for Fanny as she remembered, and the reader found out, just what had happened to hurt her so badly. But then it also broke for Brandon, for forgetting so much. The other characters support them and move the story forward.
I was able to read this as a standalone although I am now left wanting ALL the others, including Scar and Kaydon's story which is due next! Fanny and Brandon have made me smile, laugh, and feel sorrow, so it's only right that I recommend you have all the feels I did! 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!
Jul 28, 2021
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Overland in Books
Mar 31, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
OVERLAND is a compelling story about a woman whose actions come back to bite her. Not that she did anything wrong, but it had far-reaching consequences that never occurred to her.
It is very well-written, with the scenes between Skyla and the children particularly heart-rending. The big bad is just that - bad, through and through. The same as Edmond, he just had no redeeming qualities at all. Although the reader was supposed to want Skyla and Troy to get together at the end, it was just a bit too easy. If Edmond had been a bit more involved, I believe it would have added a bit more to the story, rather than him being a two-bit cartoon character.
Saying that, the whole story takes you along at a fair pace, with suspense and horror/disgust in equal measure. Part of me is sad that Bjorn got off so easy, but then I also think it was the perfect ending.
Although this says it is romantic suspense, I don't feel that it is. The romance part of it is definitely secondary to the thriller side, just a mention before and after the main event.
A great read 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2021
It is very well-written, with the scenes between Skyla and the children particularly heart-rending. The big bad is just that - bad, through and through. The same as Edmond, he just had no redeeming qualities at all. Although the reader was supposed to want Skyla and Troy to get together at the end, it was just a bit too easy. If Edmond had been a bit more involved, I believe it would have added a bit more to the story, rather than him being a two-bit cartoon character.
Saying that, the whole story takes you along at a fair pace, with suspense and horror/disgust in equal measure. Part of me is sad that Bjorn got off so easy, but then I also think it was the perfect ending.
Although this says it is romantic suspense, I don't feel that it is. The romance part of it is definitely secondary to the thriller side, just a mention before and after the main event.
A great read 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2021
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Riding The Edge (KTS #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
RIDING THE EDGE is the first book in the KTS series, and we start off with one helluva story! Dan and Ava had a 'moment' two years ago. Okay, the moment lasted for a week, but nothing since then as Ava firmly pulled up the drawbridge and made sure Dan couldn't climb her walls. Unfortunately for her, Dan is as stubborn as they come, and plays a long game, as he continues to worship her from afar. Add into that betrayal, families gone wrong, action, and all other sorts of craziness, and you've got a story to keep you enticed!
I love how Elise Faber writes. Her style is smooth and will keep you on the edge of your seat in all the right places. This is a slow-burn romance as it simply wouldn't work in the circumstances for anything else. And I loved that. I loved how she played it out, keeping them - and me - wondering what would happen next.
Although this is classed as book one, I do feel like I need Laila and Ryker's story, plus what's the down-low on Daniel? Honestly, I need more! And that, my friends, is the sign of a brilliant author and a greedy reader.
The last chapter leads you nicely onto the next book, which I cannot wait to read. If you like slow-burn romance with plenty of sass, then I can absolutely recommend this book, and I'm sure the whole series!
* Verified purchase from Amazon.com on 9th March 2021. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2021
I love how Elise Faber writes. Her style is smooth and will keep you on the edge of your seat in all the right places. This is a slow-burn romance as it simply wouldn't work in the circumstances for anything else. And I loved that. I loved how she played it out, keeping them - and me - wondering what would happen next.
Although this is classed as book one, I do feel like I need Laila and Ryker's story, plus what's the down-low on Daniel? Honestly, I need more! And that, my friends, is the sign of a brilliant author and a greedy reader.
The last chapter leads you nicely onto the next book, which I cannot wait to read. If you like slow-burn romance with plenty of sass, then I can absolutely recommend this book, and I'm sure the whole series!
* Verified purchase from Amazon.com on 9th March 2021. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2021