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Merissa (14068 KP) rated Ellie and the King's Pandemonium Candle in Books
Feb 2, 2023
ELLIE AND THE KING'S PANDEMONIUM CANDLE is a standalone book in a world far from our own, where Celestials live with their own rules and boundaries.
Ellie and Gil have been friends forever but it is only when another of Ellie's friends shows interest in Gil that she realises her true feelings. Because of her behaviour though, Gil is engaged to Agatha, leaving Ellie bereft. But then their world changes, with Gil reappearing but wounded, Ellie's panne (father) killed, and the town they live in completely destroyed, together with everyone they know. They are pursued by Kromer, a mad king who wants Ellie.
This story is about growing into yourself, growing into powers, and growing into a relationship. None of that is easy and it all takes work. The focus is on Ellie and Gil for the most part but Kromer does have his role to play. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the ending but I was left with so many unanswered questions. What happened to their world? Do they ever make it back? Did Nola survive? Do they rebuild? How do they rebuild? In other words, I need more stories from this world!
A very different story with its own quirks and foibles, I have no hesitation in definitely recommending it and I really hope for more!
** 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!
Ellie and Gil have been friends forever but it is only when another of Ellie's friends shows interest in Gil that she realises her true feelings. Because of her behaviour though, Gil is engaged to Agatha, leaving Ellie bereft. But then their world changes, with Gil reappearing but wounded, Ellie's panne (father) killed, and the town they live in completely destroyed, together with everyone they know. They are pursued by Kromer, a mad king who wants Ellie.
This story is about growing into yourself, growing into powers, and growing into a relationship. None of that is easy and it all takes work. The focus is on Ellie and Gil for the most part but Kromer does have his role to play. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the ending but I was left with so many unanswered questions. What happened to their world? Do they ever make it back? Did Nola survive? Do they rebuild? How do they rebuild? In other words, I need more stories from this world!
A very different story with its own quirks and foibles, I have no hesitation in definitely recommending it and I really hope for more!
** 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!
The Hunter (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #1)
10.0
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Forced to flee her uncle's palace in the dead of night in order to save her own life, Duchess...
Epic Fantasy Fantasy Romance
![The German Wife [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/8ae/029a04d2-94e9-4a45-b8f5-a8fb3b5768ae.jpg?m=1641746893)
The German Wife [Audiobook]
8.0
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Germany, 1939: Annaliese is a doctor’s wife, living in an elegant grey stone house with ivy...
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Headshot (Model Love) in Books
Oct 17, 2022
A feel-good, funny, steamy story!
HEADSHOT is a standalone story in the multi-author series, Model Love. I was happily reunited with some of the fellows from J.P. Sayle's Billionaire’s Playground series. In this story, Kit and Garfield House are under threat from the new owner, who wants to sell it against his deceased uncle's wishes. Jack has bided his time, not wanting to act upon his feelings for Kit until he knows they are returned. But when Garfield is threatened, he will stop at nothing to save it, and show Kit exactly how he feels at the same time.
These two! There is a slight age gap here, but nothing too bad, 'grandpa'! LOL! What you have is a beautiful story about two men who fight to save what is important to them and so many others AND what they might have together too. It was gorgeous!!!
Nanna was here, causing trouble as always, plus ham candles. Nope, I won't explain, you really have to read it! This was so light-hearted in places and yet the sense of what would be lost if Garfield closed was never downplayed.
This was a feel-good, funny, steamy story that I loved from beginning to end. A brilliant addition both to Model Love and also Billionaire's Playground. 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!
These two! There is a slight age gap here, but nothing too bad, 'grandpa'! LOL! What you have is a beautiful story about two men who fight to save what is important to them and so many others AND what they might have together too. It was gorgeous!!!
Nanna was here, causing trouble as always, plus ham candles. Nope, I won't explain, you really have to read it! This was so light-hearted in places and yet the sense of what would be lost if Garfield closed was never downplayed.
This was a feel-good, funny, steamy story that I loved from beginning to end. A brilliant addition both to Model Love and also Billionaire's Playground. 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!
Vampire for Christmas
8.0
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It was one last mission. Shannon, a demon hunter with the agency, is looking forward to leaving...
Paranormal Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Claw (Esposito County Shifters #4) in Books
May 9, 2023
blinder of a plot twist!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Esposito County Shifters series, but I have not read them all. They can all be read as stand alones.
Angela runs after discovering her abusive boyfriend sells her out to the mob. Something guides her to Esposito County and Matt saves her. There is a familiar scent to Angela that Matt can't place, but he knows one thing: he will do anything to keep her safe, and make her his.
I liked this a lot. It takes a darker edge than Growl (book 3) but plays another blinder of a plot twist for Matt and Angela that I did not see coming!
It's steamy and smexy, yes but this had less of a *MINE* moment that some shifter books have and more of an *I know you, but can't place you* and the feelings for both Matt and Angela creep up on them. Oh, don't get me wrong, Matt has that drive to protect Angela right from the start, but he wasn't sure what it meant. I loved that it takes time, you know? The rapid fall-in-loves books are all well and good, but I especially liked that particular book isn't like that.
I loved that the other shifters in town pulled together to sort out Angela's problem, and I love that Matt asked if he could deal with it personally.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Esposito County Shifters series, but I have not read them all. They can all be read as stand alones.
Angela runs after discovering her abusive boyfriend sells her out to the mob. Something guides her to Esposito County and Matt saves her. There is a familiar scent to Angela that Matt can't place, but he knows one thing: he will do anything to keep her safe, and make her his.
I liked this a lot. It takes a darker edge than Growl (book 3) but plays another blinder of a plot twist for Matt and Angela that I did not see coming!
It's steamy and smexy, yes but this had less of a *MINE* moment that some shifter books have and more of an *I know you, but can't place you* and the feelings for both Matt and Angela creep up on them. Oh, don't get me wrong, Matt has that drive to protect Angela right from the start, but he wasn't sure what it meant. I loved that it takes time, you know? The rapid fall-in-loves books are all well and good, but I especially liked that particular book isn't like that.
I loved that the other shifters in town pulled together to sort out Angela's problem, and I love that Matt asked if he could deal with it personally.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14068 KP) rated The Cowboy and the Hoodlum (Farthingdale Valley #2) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
THE COWBOY AND THE HOODLUM is the second book in the Farthingdale Valley series. Gabe and Blaze are still around but it is the turn of Royce and Jonah to find their happiness.
Oh, man. Where to start? First of all, I liked that Royce was fussy and acknowledged it. I liked that the others saw it too. Jonah is the typical bad boy who, when given the opportunity, finds peace in nature and sees the possibility of a different life. But this story isn't just about Royce and Jonah, it's also about Beck. And, oh boy, he's a character!!! As much as I wanted to dislike him, I could understand his feelings.
Royce is the right man for Jonah, being just what he needs. Having a partner who was loud and obviously disagreed with Jonah's choices wouldn't have worked. Instead, Jonah tries to please Royce just for one of his smiles. Let me just say, Royce is a better character than I am! He was way too easy-going and forgiving in my mind but then, I 'may' be able to hold a grudge, or so I've been told. 😂
Very different and very good. I definitely recommend this or any of the books by this author!
** 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!
Jun 6, 2023
Oh, man. Where to start? First of all, I liked that Royce was fussy and acknowledged it. I liked that the others saw it too. Jonah is the typical bad boy who, when given the opportunity, finds peace in nature and sees the possibility of a different life. But this story isn't just about Royce and Jonah, it's also about Beck. And, oh boy, he's a character!!! As much as I wanted to dislike him, I could understand his feelings.
Royce is the right man for Jonah, being just what he needs. Having a partner who was loud and obviously disagreed with Jonah's choices wouldn't have worked. Instead, Jonah tries to please Royce just for one of his smiles. Let me just say, Royce is a better character than I am! He was way too easy-going and forgiving in my mind but then, I 'may' be able to hold a grudge, or so I've been told. 😂
Very different and very good. I definitely recommend this or any of the books by this author!
** 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!
Jun 6, 2023
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023) in Books
Jun 12, 2023
HANGING WITH DADDY is part of the Pride Pet Play 2023 multi-author series and, to my delight, we return to a character already known - Austin. If you have read A Little Christmas: Terrence then you will know Austin was the one who pushed Warner to help Terrence, cheering them on from the sidelines. Well, now it's his turn and Oh. My. Word!!!
Austin and Gaines are just a perfect couple. Austin is open-minded enough to try things he's never considered before. In this case, being a handler for a very flexible Koala. The scenes with both of them are HOT! The scenes where it's just one give a greater insight into their feelings and emotions, as well as moving the story along. I love Warner and Terrence making an appearance and how Terrence is being drawn into their friendship group. But there's one in that group that I now need a story for - Matty!
I am thoroughly enjoying the Pet Play series and have read some very different stories with different animals. I love the dogs and cats but I have to admit, this koala was so cute! The characteristics, the costumes; I love it all.
No matter how many books I read by this author, I always want more! 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
Austin and Gaines are just a perfect couple. Austin is open-minded enough to try things he's never considered before. In this case, being a handler for a very flexible Koala. The scenes with both of them are HOT! The scenes where it's just one give a greater insight into their feelings and emotions, as well as moving the story along. I love Warner and Terrence making an appearance and how Terrence is being drawn into their friendship group. But there's one in that group that I now need a story for - Matty!
I am thoroughly enjoying the Pet Play series and have read some very different stories with different animals. I love the dogs and cats but I have to admit, this koala was so cute! The characteristics, the costumes; I love it all.
No matter how many books I read by this author, I always want more! 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2023
LOVE POTIONS is the first book in the Warlocks MacGregor series and we are introduced to a whole clan of Scots, soon to be living in Wisconsin. They buy a big house on a hill, but there is a small Victorian property within their boundary that is occupied by Lydia. Her grandmother left her the house when she died, and she runs her business from there, having no intention of leaving. There is insta-lust between the two of them from the very beginning. With outside forces and the clan to contend with, will Lydia cope?
Well, she did, but I didn't. I love this author but I only found this book to be okay. Whether it was the whiplash changes of feelings, to the "I'm looking in his eyes so I can't think," or the multitude of clan members that seemed to roll into one, or even stupid behaviour. It was just too much crazy chaos for me.
The world-building was good, giving the reader insight into how the warlocks 'paid' for their magic. I didn't really see much character-building though. They just... were, and that was that.
If you like Urban Fantasy and/or Rom-Com, then you will probably love this book. For me, I enjoyed it but I won't be continuing with the series.
** 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 5, 2023
Well, she did, but I didn't. I love this author but I only found this book to be okay. Whether it was the whiplash changes of feelings, to the "I'm looking in his eyes so I can't think," or the multitude of clan members that seemed to roll into one, or even stupid behaviour. It was just too much crazy chaos for me.
The world-building was good, giving the reader insight into how the warlocks 'paid' for their magic. I didn't really see much character-building though. They just... were, and that was that.
If you like Urban Fantasy and/or Rom-Com, then you will probably love this book. For me, I enjoyed it but I won't be continuing with the series.
** 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 5, 2023
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Mindfulness Playbook in Books
Dec 23, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Discover how to become healthier, happier, and more resilient with The Mindfulness Playbook by psychology expert Dr Barbara Mariposa. Written with the general public in mind, Mariposa tackles thoughts, feelings and situations that crop up in everyday life and provides effective coping strategies that can be employed anytime, anywhere. Full of inspiring solutions and practical skills, this book advises and supports as readers bring calm and happiness back into their lives. “By engaging with the content of this book, you will learn unique tools and skills that can bring you greater energy, freedom and clarity.”
Mindfulness is about living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By regularly employing mindfulness, life, in theory, should become much simpler. Unfortunately, many people suffer from anxiety and depression; therefore, mindfulness can be a difficult concept to tackle. Mariposa breaks down the book into eight units and explains simple, proven techniques that, with daily practice, anyone can make a habit of using.
Dr Barbara Mariposa developed the Mind Mood Mastery programme and uses many of her ideas from this as the basis of her book. Each unit is broken down into manageable chunks that are easy to interpret and are relevant to the 21st century. Each unit contains a motto, which expresses the theme of the information provided and a task for people to do in their own time. There are also pages containing sections to write answers to questions Mariposa poses throughout the text.
Many of the tools Mariposa introduces can be shortened to acronyms, making them easy for people to remember in moments of anxiety or stress. One example is “BELL- Breathe. Expand. Listen. Look.” By remembering the letters of this power tool, it can be brought to mind in a difficult situation. It reminds the person to take a deep breath, notice what is going on around them, listen to what they can hear, and focus on something they can see. This helps to stop thoughts from spiralling into the past or future and causing lots of anxiety.
The problem with the term “mindfulness” is it has become an overused term and often replaces the word “relaxing”, for example, on colouring books. Dr Mariposa keeps to the scientific definition of the word (a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique) and is sympathetic to the reader, acknowledging that life can be hard and mindfulness can be difficult to maintain.
Within each unit is a section dubbed “The Science Bit”, which, it goes without saying, contains scientific information. Mariposa explains in layman’s terms how the brain works and what causes anxiety and depression. She also demonstrates with diagrams how to rewire the brain and alter thought processes. It is interesting to learn that the brain physically changes shape as mindfulness techniques are practised.
For those who want a simple, easy to follow book about mindfulness, The Mindfulness Playbook is definitely the one to purchase. The balance between science and everyday life is on point, and the language style is appropriate for all readers. Quotes from famous names break up the text into manageable sections and it is easy to dip in and out of the book as needed. Dr Barbara Mariposa has produced a superb self-help guide and, with hope, it will help everyone who reads it.
Discover how to become healthier, happier, and more resilient with The Mindfulness Playbook by psychology expert Dr Barbara Mariposa. Written with the general public in mind, Mariposa tackles thoughts, feelings and situations that crop up in everyday life and provides effective coping strategies that can be employed anytime, anywhere. Full of inspiring solutions and practical skills, this book advises and supports as readers bring calm and happiness back into their lives. “By engaging with the content of this book, you will learn unique tools and skills that can bring you greater energy, freedom and clarity.”
Mindfulness is about living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By regularly employing mindfulness, life, in theory, should become much simpler. Unfortunately, many people suffer from anxiety and depression; therefore, mindfulness can be a difficult concept to tackle. Mariposa breaks down the book into eight units and explains simple, proven techniques that, with daily practice, anyone can make a habit of using.
Dr Barbara Mariposa developed the Mind Mood Mastery programme and uses many of her ideas from this as the basis of her book. Each unit is broken down into manageable chunks that are easy to interpret and are relevant to the 21st century. Each unit contains a motto, which expresses the theme of the information provided and a task for people to do in their own time. There are also pages containing sections to write answers to questions Mariposa poses throughout the text.
Many of the tools Mariposa introduces can be shortened to acronyms, making them easy for people to remember in moments of anxiety or stress. One example is “BELL- Breathe. Expand. Listen. Look.” By remembering the letters of this power tool, it can be brought to mind in a difficult situation. It reminds the person to take a deep breath, notice what is going on around them, listen to what they can hear, and focus on something they can see. This helps to stop thoughts from spiralling into the past or future and causing lots of anxiety.
The problem with the term “mindfulness” is it has become an overused term and often replaces the word “relaxing”, for example, on colouring books. Dr Mariposa keeps to the scientific definition of the word (a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique) and is sympathetic to the reader, acknowledging that life can be hard and mindfulness can be difficult to maintain.
Within each unit is a section dubbed “The Science Bit”, which, it goes without saying, contains scientific information. Mariposa explains in layman’s terms how the brain works and what causes anxiety and depression. She also demonstrates with diagrams how to rewire the brain and alter thought processes. It is interesting to learn that the brain physically changes shape as mindfulness techniques are practised.
For those who want a simple, easy to follow book about mindfulness, The Mindfulness Playbook is definitely the one to purchase. The balance between science and everyday life is on point, and the language style is appropriate for all readers. Quotes from famous names break up the text into manageable sections and it is easy to dip in and out of the book as needed. Dr Barbara Mariposa has produced a superb self-help guide and, with hope, it will help everyone who reads it.