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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Trapped (Reflections, #6) in Books

Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Trapped (Reflections, #6)
Trapped (Reflections, #6)
Dean Murray | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
My feelings were mixed as I started reading this book. On the one hand, I was excited to read about different characters within the same world. On the other hand, I was seriously needing an Alec/Adri fix. Yes... my name is Merissa and I'm a Reflections addict. Ahem, back to the review.
 
This story follows Kristin and Ash as they meet in sort of normal circumstances that quickly go downhill and fast. Kristin is a strong female lead in this book, although she is only human so please bear with her! 😉 Ash is exactly right for her, but I will let him tell his story. Needless to say, I found it completely enthralling, involving yet another late night because I couldn't put it down.

And then, just to complete it, Alec and the Sanctuary pack make an appearance. Wow! Alec is losing it and my heart breaks for him. The scenes are intense with people learning things on all sides, especially Kristin. This story may seem separate at the start but it is completely necessary to fill in the blanks and to see how the pack is coping, from eyes other than Pack eyes.

I think this series just keeps on getting better and better and I can't wait to read the next one and see the Pack dynamic now that Kristin and Ash are part of it. Highly recommended!
 
* 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!
December 19, 2018
  
The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1)
The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1)
Hannah E. Carey | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SHIFTER is the first book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we meet with Bran and Seren. Bran is a shapeshifter, as such, he is sentenced to death by the Ri, who is Seren's father. There is a lack of loving feelings towards his daughter though. Seren helps Bran escape, along with many others, making her a traitor in her father's eyes. When she is kidnapped and ransomed, her father refuses to pay it, leaving Bran - who had found himself with that gang - to make a decision with long-ranging effects.

Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.

This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.

Absolutely fantastic and 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!
Apr 20, 2023
  
Just One Night
Just One Night
Felice Stevens | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish.
JUST ONE NIGHT is a standalone story in the Billionaire & Escort trope. Madden is the billionaire and Asher is the escort. Both of them are confident men, hiding their inner bruised selves from the world. However, both of them also have strong females in their lives. For Mads, it is his older sister; for Asher, his best friend. Both women know exactly what has gone on in the lives of their men and aren't prepared to stand by any longer.

I LOVED THIS STORY! And it's in a genre that usually doesn't do much for me - probably because I'm about as far away from being a billionaire as you can get! There are no unnecessary miscommunications or misunderstandings. Things happen, explanations and reasons given, BOOM, let's sort it out. I can't tell you how refreshing that was. Instead of all that angst, you get two adult men who know what they want, uniting in their feelings for each other, against those who seek to cause damage.

The pacing is smooth, the descriptions vivid, and the characters both lifelike and loveable. The steam is off the charts and I loved how their relationship grew. There is an epilogue that not only gives you everything you want but also left me wanting more from this pair. I did NOT want this book to finish!

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. 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!
  
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ClareR (6054 KP) rated Soul Sisters in Books

Feb 25, 2022  
Soul Sisters
Soul Sisters
Lesley Lokko | 2021 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Soul Sisters by Lesley Lokko is the story of Jen and Kemi. Jen is from a wealthy Sottish family, and Kemi comes to live with them as a child. She is from a political, black South African family, at a time when it was dangerous to be. Kemi has been sent to Edinburgh for her own safety.

Jen and Kemi become ‘soul sisters’, perhaps closer than real sisters would be. Even thought their lives are very different (Kemi becomes a surgeon, Jen works in the art world), they never lose that bond. Until, that is, a man comes between them.

Solam Rhoyi. He’s a black South African financier who wants to go into politics - and he wants to be really successful.

The feelings of Kemi and Solam were conveyed really well, and their need for identity as ‘exile kids’; the political aspect was interesting and it didn’t have too much romance (which is just how I like it: some, but not an overwhelming amount!). Other themes were family, secrets, race and power.

I really enjoyed the background to this story, and the hints as to why Kemi and Jen’s family had such a close bond. I loved the South African setting, and how, as the reader, I got to see a little of what goes on in hospitals and in politics. I wish we’d got to see a little more of the consequences of some of the huge events, both personal and political. There was a bit too much of jumping years ahead for me. Perhaps it would have been better as a duology (as some other reviewers have said). I absolutely would have read it!
  
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Tor (The Hawks #4) in Books

Nov 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)  
Tor (The Hawks #4)
Tor (The Hawks #4)
Jennie Lynn Roberts | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
TOR is the fourth book in The Hawks series, and you really do need to read the other books first. Not only is there an overall story arc but the stories are just so d*mn good!!!

Tor and Keeley have both been hurt by the people in their lives. And in a sort of similar way, although they have reacted differently. Keeley always wants to run, and Tor never thinks that anyone will stay. Be prepared, because these two broke my heart!

Tor's pain about killed me, I'll be honest here. I felt his pain, his lockdown on his feelings, that all-encompassing numbness. And I really hoped Keeley would break through it. But then Keeley has her own pain, her own numbness, which means these two have trouble communicating, which leads to misunderstandings. What I loved though, is that even though they both get things wrong, they realise that (sometimes with a bit of help!) and work to try and put things right.

Each book in this series wins my heart, every time! And it leaves me wanting the next one immediately! Next one being Reece. I'm going to stock up on tissues because, after this one, I think I'm going to need them. Do you know what? I'll cope. Bring it on!

Sheer brilliance and absolutely and utterly 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!
Nov 30, 2021
  
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3) in Books

Oct 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)  
Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3)
Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3)
Kat Kinney | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BOUND is the third book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and this time, it's Topher and West's story.

Oh, man. Where do I start? Do I start with the fantasy geekdom that runs rife through this story? Or maybe with the leaking Omega magic that bound Topher (initially) against his will to West? Or maybe how their feelings have grown but West is still so unsure of being worthy to anyone, let alone Topher? Or maybe I should go out on a limb and talk about family loyalty and what it's like to look for a father and a brother, both of whom have disappeared without a trace?

This is an amazing story that is rich in detail and intricate enough to keep you on your toes. Family is a big theme all the way through, and obviously, it's not always blood family either. Family by bond is a big thing and I LOVE IT!

The overall story arc has moved along, helped no end by this story, and I can't wait to see where it will go next. There are some steamy moments but mainly, it's all about connection.

Bound is a fantastic addition to the series, one that I highly recommend, and I can't wait for Brody and London, who come next. Watch out for sparks!

** 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!
Oct 21, 2021
  
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated This is Not a Horror Movie in Books

Jun 4, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
This is Not a Horror Movie
This is Not a Horror Movie
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
THIS IS NOT A HORROR MOVIE is a gorgeous story of first love and scary happenings.

Emory is a late bloomer and happy to hide behind horror movies and books so he doesn't have to socialise. He has been in the snarky shadow of his twin sister for a long time and doesn't understand the looks he's now getting. Liz helps to put him on the right track, much to his disgust at the thought of girls wanting to make out with him! Enter Connor, the crush Emory had and shows no signs of dissipating.

This was a great story, full of sibling snark, and romance with the boy of his dreams. Luckily for Emory, Connor feels the same way, and seeing these two grow and develop their feelings was a warm and fuzzy moment for me. Connor is very protective, and with good reason, as Emory doesn't appear to realise just when he's in danger. I loved the supernatural element to the story, although the realtor wasn't much of a surprise! I'm also happy about Leland!!! I was worried about him.

I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the sweet times with Connor and Emory, the promise of the future, and the amazing supporting cast that helped them. A great addition to the Sara Dobie Bauer collection, and absolutely 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!
Jun 4, 2021
  
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
Martha Dunlop | 2020 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE STARFOLK ARCANA is the first book in the Starfolk Trilogy and we are introduced to a contemporary world where Beth has never felt as though she fitted in, due to her gut feelings and intuition. On her birthday, she goes to a TV show that her friend got tickets for. There, she sees a celebrity, Amelia, who speaks a lot of nonsense but nevertheless manages to sway over the audience apart from Beth. It is also there she meets Jonan for the first time. Life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

I wouldn't call this a romance book, but rather a story with romantic elements. There is a lot of back and forth between Beth and Jonan as they try to work together, past lives and tarot cards notwithstanding. The whole world seems to be under Amelia's spell, and they need to stop it. It is an uphill battle though, as it is easier to give in to fear than to fight it.

Full of twists and turns, you are never completely sure who to trust. I understood Beth's frustration and hope for the general population but I found her blindness to her roommate to be just as irritating for me.

It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which definitely left me wanting more. A great read I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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 11, 2022