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Merissa (13427 KP) rated Journey (The Academy #2) in Books
Jan 5, 2022
JOURNEY is the second book in The Academy series and we continue where book one left off. Jamie is still fighting being a wolf and wants Liam as her safety net. Wren is still protecting her and has made it clear he understands how she is feeling and won't pressure her for anything else.
Of course, this would all be over if Jamie chose Liam for real, so we have the story to go through first. There, you will find parts that may or may not surprise you, that help to fill in the story, as well as leave you with more questions that need answering.
The only downside of this -- for me -- is that is now another possible love triangle in the mix. Although Liam is out of the picture, it appears Alex is taking his place. Now, don't get me wrong, Jamie is a lot better in this book than the first, but I don't understand this "undeniable" attraction she seems to hold for everyone. Personally, I feel it takes something away from her character, to be pulled in every direction.
That being said, there is enough intrigue and mystery to keep most people happy. I am enjoying the changes in the characters as the story progresses and I look forward to continuing with the series.
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!
Of course, this would all be over if Jamie chose Liam for real, so we have the story to go through first. There, you will find parts that may or may not surprise you, that help to fill in the story, as well as leave you with more questions that need answering.
The only downside of this -- for me -- is that is now another possible love triangle in the mix. Although Liam is out of the picture, it appears Alex is taking his place. Now, don't get me wrong, Jamie is a lot better in this book than the first, but I don't understand this "undeniable" attraction she seems to hold for everyone. Personally, I feel it takes something away from her character, to be pulled in every direction.
That being said, there is enough intrigue and mystery to keep most people happy. I am enjoying the changes in the characters as the story progresses and I look forward to continuing with the series.
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!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) in Movies
Mar 3, 2022
The original Independence Day is a beloved sci-fi classic for a lot of people, so I can understand why this arguably unnecessary sequel takes on a lot of disdain and criticism. "Legacy sequels", a term I've heard thrown around a fair bit lately, can be very hit and miss, and Resurgence lands smack bang in the middle. It's not bad, it's not good, it's not Emmerich's best, but it's far from being his worst. It's just kind of there.
On the one hand, it's brimming with corny dialogue, bloated exposition, ridiculous set ups for sequels that will probably never happen, characters that are difficult to care about, and loads of plot points that don't make sense (the alien ship is so big, it has its own gravitational pull, causing mass destruction to Earth upon arrival, but then just fucks off at the end without any further damage)
On the other hand, I was surprised by how commited Jeff Goldblum is to his returning role, and is quite simply a pleasure for the entirety of his screentime, the ultra-destruction that's we're all here to see is visually pleasing and satisfying, there are some genuinely fun set pieces (the alien queen running around the desert fucking shit up is a blast), and it's all self aware enough to not disappear up its own arse.
I personally feel that Resurgence gets an unjustified bad rap. It doesn't need to exist, and is far from perfect, but there's enough here to enjoy. Just be sure to leave your brain at the door.
On the one hand, it's brimming with corny dialogue, bloated exposition, ridiculous set ups for sequels that will probably never happen, characters that are difficult to care about, and loads of plot points that don't make sense (the alien ship is so big, it has its own gravitational pull, causing mass destruction to Earth upon arrival, but then just fucks off at the end without any further damage)
On the other hand, I was surprised by how commited Jeff Goldblum is to his returning role, and is quite simply a pleasure for the entirety of his screentime, the ultra-destruction that's we're all here to see is visually pleasing and satisfying, there are some genuinely fun set pieces (the alien queen running around the desert fucking shit up is a blast), and it's all self aware enough to not disappear up its own arse.
I personally feel that Resurgence gets an unjustified bad rap. It doesn't need to exist, and is far from perfect, but there's enough here to enjoy. Just be sure to leave your brain at the door.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Prince of Frogs (Curse of the Dark Kingdom, #1) in Books
May 8, 2023
THE FROG PRINCE is the first book in the Curse of the Dark Kingdom series and manages to tell you all about how the curse was set in place without overloading you with information all at once. Each of the brothers and sister have to deal with a different curse. Alistair is the one who has turned green and has gills, together with a silver metal mask that has fused with his face.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Alistair, with help from his 2IC, comes to realise that he is more than just his father's weapon and that things aren't just black and white. Evonna has her own trials and tribulations to contend with and I loved how both sides were worked into the story, making you care about the characters.
There is an overall story arc and a HFN ending. You don't get a marriage but I do feel these will continue to grow in the other stories. One thing I loved is that the sister is the one freed first, even though this isn't her story! I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you're a fan of fantasy romance and fairy tale retellings, then I definitely recommend you try this one!
** 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!
May 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Alistair, with help from his 2IC, comes to realise that he is more than just his father's weapon and that things aren't just black and white. Evonna has her own trials and tribulations to contend with and I loved how both sides were worked into the story, making you care about the characters.
There is an overall story arc and a HFN ending. You don't get a marriage but I do feel these will continue to grow in the other stories. One thing I loved is that the sister is the one freed first, even though this isn't her story! I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you're a fan of fantasy romance and fairy tale retellings, then I definitely recommend you try this one!
** 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!
May 8, 2023
Merissa (13427 KP) rated A Vampire Possessed (Deathless Night #3) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is the third book in the series (although I was unaware of that originally) and as such, I do feel like I have missed out on a big chunk of the story. Although this story was pretty much self-contained, there were references made, situations alluded to, and definitely relationships that have happened previously that I had no knowledge of. So, in my opinion, yes - this book could be read as a standalone, but you will benefit more from having read the first two.
Saying that, this is a fast-paced and enjoyable paranormal romance. You have Grace - a witch without seemingly much power, on the run for most of her life. Then you have Aiden - philanderer vampire, happy to go from one to the next without a thought. They are thrown together in unusual circumstances which just take them deeper into demons possessing vampires.
With a supporting cast of wonderful characters, some with their stories already told, some that I would hope still have theirs to come, this story doesn't slack off on its pace, keeping you entertained throughout.
Well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would definitely recommend this book, with the proviso that it might be best to read books one and two first.
* 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!
May 7, 2016
Saying that, this is a fast-paced and enjoyable paranormal romance. You have Grace - a witch without seemingly much power, on the run for most of her life. Then you have Aiden - philanderer vampire, happy to go from one to the next without a thought. They are thrown together in unusual circumstances which just take them deeper into demons possessing vampires.
With a supporting cast of wonderful characters, some with their stories already told, some that I would hope still have theirs to come, this story doesn't slack off on its pace, keeping you entertained throughout.
Well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would definitely recommend this book, with the proviso that it might be best to read books one and two first.
* 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!
May 7, 2016
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Happily Ever After in Books
Jun 29, 2023 (Updated Jun 29, 2023)
Rushed Ending Keeps Me from Being Perfectly Happy with This Book
Lena and Shefin are living in the Blessed City. Everyone is happy and eagerly waiting for the fairy queen ball to take place that day. Something in the back on Lena’s mind is saying that things aren’t right, but she does her best to ignore them since to go against the fairy queens means punishment. But on her way to school that morning, she discovers a book lying on the road that seems to be for her. What could it possibly mean? And where in Jin? Could he be the key to uncovering what is really going on?
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Fiery Nights Tempted (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #4) in Books
Feb 7, 2024
FIERY NIGHTS TEMPTED is the fourth novella in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from the previous two, so I would definitely recommend you read those first.
Things are hotting up between Markus and Bella, and I for one am over the moon for them. I did feel sorry for them at the beginning though. Markus has to return to Ruthenia for a while and leave Bella behind. He also knows she is ovulating, so in his wisdom, he decides they will abstain as he doesn't want Bella to find out if she's pregnant when she's on her own. Yeah, right. Like THAT'S going to happen! Not with these two. Plus, they get a new case that takes them to new places, leaving Bella insecure.
I loved this story! You should be ready to hear that now. I've loved all of them so far. But this one? Whether it's the steam rating or not, or whether it's the mystery side that was brilliant, I don't know. All I know is I was completely engrossed and read it from start to finish in one sitting. And that ending?!!! Gah!!!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me! You will be left wanting more though, just saying. 😁
** 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!
Feb 6, 2024
Things are hotting up between Markus and Bella, and I for one am over the moon for them. I did feel sorry for them at the beginning though. Markus has to return to Ruthenia for a while and leave Bella behind. He also knows she is ovulating, so in his wisdom, he decides they will abstain as he doesn't want Bella to find out if she's pregnant when she's on her own. Yeah, right. Like THAT'S going to happen! Not with these two. Plus, they get a new case that takes them to new places, leaving Bella insecure.
I loved this story! You should be ready to hear that now. I've loved all of them so far. But this one? Whether it's the steam rating or not, or whether it's the mystery side that was brilliant, I don't know. All I know is I was completely engrossed and read it from start to finish in one sitting. And that ending?!!! Gah!!!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me! You will be left wanting more though, just saying. 😁
** 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!
Feb 6, 2024
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2) in Books
Jul 28, 2024
LITTLE & LETHAL is the second book in the Little Paws Haven series, and I feel it would definitely help to have read the first one.
Cosmo is a little who loves colouring in. He also has another side that most don't know about. Nomad and Harley have been mates for years, although Harley was always insistent there was a third out there for them. When they first see Cosmo, all three know, but Cosmo isn't having it. He's been alone for too long to trust anything at face value.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I didn't connect with it as I did with the previous book, and I don't know why. As individuals, there was nothing wrong, and as a group, it all worked, but... there was just something for me that didn't pull me in as I liked.
I am hoping the third book will be about Bash and Romy - after all, Rhino shifters aren't that common, and I always love reading about different shifters.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then I definitely recommend this book. I have never read a bad book by these authors, so I think this may be a case of "It's not you, it's 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!
Jul 19, 2024
Cosmo is a little who loves colouring in. He also has another side that most don't know about. Nomad and Harley have been mates for years, although Harley was always insistent there was a third out there for them. When they first see Cosmo, all three know, but Cosmo isn't having it. He's been alone for too long to trust anything at face value.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I didn't connect with it as I did with the previous book, and I don't know why. As individuals, there was nothing wrong, and as a group, it all worked, but... there was just something for me that didn't pull me in as I liked.
I am hoping the third book will be about Bash and Romy - after all, Rhino shifters aren't that common, and I always love reading about different shifters.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then I definitely recommend this book. I have never read a bad book by these authors, so I think this may be a case of "It's not you, it's 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!
Jul 19, 2024
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Lost Shores of Thonis in Books
Oct 14, 2025
LOST SHORES OF THONIS is a standalone historical mystery with a touch of the supernatural, based on the real lost city of Thonis-Heracleion. Now, I say this is a standalone, but it doesn't feel like it. It feels as though it is the first book in a series, as not everything is explained, finished, or tied up neatly with a pretty little bow.
Told from Azizi's perspective, you find out how she and two others became 'Blessed', what happened to Meryt, and how she finds out the 'truth'. There are a multitude of characters here that aid and abet with Azizi, or are against her. I'll leave it to you to figure out which.
I did struggle with parts of this as Egyptian history isn't one of my fortitudes. Not only that, but the tales of Nubia and the secrets revealed didn't always make much sense to me. However, the mystery of the story itself was intriguing, and I couldn't wait to learn more as each chapter unfolded. I also could have done with an Egyptian translation to figure out the meaning behind certain words, but I made it through.
This was a great read by an author I admire, so I'm definitely happy that I read it, and have no hesitation in recommending 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 13, 2025
Told from Azizi's perspective, you find out how she and two others became 'Blessed', what happened to Meryt, and how she finds out the 'truth'. There are a multitude of characters here that aid and abet with Azizi, or are against her. I'll leave it to you to figure out which.
I did struggle with parts of this as Egyptian history isn't one of my fortitudes. Not only that, but the tales of Nubia and the secrets revealed didn't always make much sense to me. However, the mystery of the story itself was intriguing, and I couldn't wait to learn more as each chapter unfolded. I also could have done with an Egyptian translation to figure out the meaning behind certain words, but I made it through.
This was a great read by an author I admire, so I'm definitely happy that I read it, and have no hesitation in recommending 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 13, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1570 KP) rated Arlo: An MM Age Play Daddy Romance in Books
Aug 4, 2024
Loved This!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ima gush about this book, k? It's my review and I can do that, right??
Cos what this is, is a whole bunch of sweet and smexy; cute and downright angry enducing; cat rescuing and pirate fighting (not literally, mind) and the cutest Lolo ever!
I mean, come on! Thomas needs a boy of his own, and Arlo just needs someone to love him. His parental units have mapped out a life for Arlo that he does not want, but he cannot fight them. Thomas helps him see, really see himself for the first time in his life. And I loved Thomas for Arlo.
I loved how Thomas was able to interpret Arlo talking about the pirates and what that really meant. Loved that, cos at first, I wasn't getting it, and then I had a lightbulb moment!
Loved how, at first, Arlo was adamant that there would be no grown up feelings/stuff. He soon changed his mind, but it was ARLO who moved the goalposts, and no pressure was put on him, at all.
Hated the parental units and how they made Arlo feel.
Loved what Thomas does for Jolly!
I'm gonna wrap up, or I'll go on and on, and a ranting review does not a good review make!
I
LOVED
THIS!
Every time Ms Welch writes these kinds of books, I think it's the best yet, and here we go again! Her best one yet!!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ima gush about this book, k? It's my review and I can do that, right??
Cos what this is, is a whole bunch of sweet and smexy; cute and downright angry enducing; cat rescuing and pirate fighting (not literally, mind) and the cutest Lolo ever!
I mean, come on! Thomas needs a boy of his own, and Arlo just needs someone to love him. His parental units have mapped out a life for Arlo that he does not want, but he cannot fight them. Thomas helps him see, really see himself for the first time in his life. And I loved Thomas for Arlo.
I loved how Thomas was able to interpret Arlo talking about the pirates and what that really meant. Loved that, cos at first, I wasn't getting it, and then I had a lightbulb moment!
Loved how, at first, Arlo was adamant that there would be no grown up feelings/stuff. He soon changed his mind, but it was ARLO who moved the goalposts, and no pressure was put on him, at all.
Hated the parental units and how they made Arlo feel.
Loved what Thomas does for Jolly!
I'm gonna wrap up, or I'll go on and on, and a ranting review does not a good review make!
I
LOVED
THIS!
Every time Ms Welch writes these kinds of books, I think it's the best yet, and here we go again! Her best one yet!!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Waters of Destruction
9.0
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Retired caterer Valerie Corbin investigates a suspicious drowning in this Orchid Isle cozy culinary...