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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Ambushed (Dark Reflections #3) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The third book in the Dark Reflections series continues with Adri and Alec's stories as they try to survive in their crazy world.
Adri is learning more about the world that she now lives in, as well as trying to learn how to master her abilities from Taggart. They have to keep on the move as Taggart is always aware of how easy it would be for the Coun'hij to catch up with them. He tries to help Adri learn how to control her abilities but is also giving her the space to decide how and when she will use her powers.
Alec is trying to survive. He is on the lookout both for his father, the Coun'hij and also any vampires or werewolves that might be lurking. Not only that but there are also the packs that are loyal to Coun'hij. So life is pretty busy for him.
This story moves along at an incredible pace and there is a lot of action in this book. The separate lives of Adri and Alec do join together but probably not in the way you were expecting. However, it is just perfect for this story and how it is playing out.
I have enjoyed all of Dean Murray's books, whether they be Reflections or Dark Reflections and can highly recommend them to all. Brilliant writing once more.
* 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!
July 21, 2016
Adri is learning more about the world that she now lives in, as well as trying to learn how to master her abilities from Taggart. They have to keep on the move as Taggart is always aware of how easy it would be for the Coun'hij to catch up with them. He tries to help Adri learn how to control her abilities but is also giving her the space to decide how and when she will use her powers.
Alec is trying to survive. He is on the lookout both for his father, the Coun'hij and also any vampires or werewolves that might be lurking. Not only that but there are also the packs that are loyal to Coun'hij. So life is pretty busy for him.
This story moves along at an incredible pace and there is a lot of action in this book. The separate lives of Adri and Alec do join together but probably not in the way you were expecting. However, it is just perfect for this story and how it is playing out.
I have enjoyed all of Dean Murray's books, whether they be Reflections or Dark Reflections and can highly recommend them to all. Brilliant writing once more.
* 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!
July 21, 2016
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Broken Souls (Primani #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series although it can be read as a standalone. I have already read book 1 but none other until now.
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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 27, 2015
I got a bit confused with the synopsis of this one. I was expecting the story to be set in 1969 as that is how it sounded. As you might have guessed, it's not. It is, however, a fast-paced and intriguing novel as you try to figure out just who is doing what. For the first half of the book, I thought Raine was the demon!
I don't know if it is the copy that I received or not, but I found the timeline and places to be quite jerky and off-putting. One minute, you were here with this happening and in the next sentence, you were somewhere else, with someone else, saying something else with no idea of who was saying what. I'm thinking that I am the only one who feels this way due to the amount of 5-star reviews this book has but for me, I found it quite jolting.
The storyline is good and it is well-edited, with no grammatical errors that I could see. I think this series is going to be one you either love or just don't quite get. I would definitely recommend giving it a go to see which camp you fall in.
* 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 27, 2015
Merissa (13194 KP) rated The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1) in Books
Apr 20, 2023
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
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
Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance #8)
8.0
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Rhys O’Morda finds himself at the mouth of Hell after swearing he would never go back. When the...
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Gluttony (Seven Princes of Sin #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2022
GLUTTONY is the second book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, as with book one, is DARK. There are trigger warnings so please take heed.
Leo, the most laid-back of the Princes, rescued Carrie at the end of Donna and Adam's book and we continue on from there. Carrie is addicted to drugs and thinks nothing of doing tricks to get her fix. Leo is determined to help her beat her addiction and live life as his mate.
This book deals more with Carrie and Leo than it does with the overall story arc but there is still enough to keep it moving along. Trust me, I'd sooner bet on the Princes than on the angels! Carrie has some learning to do, not all of which is her fault. We also see a more intense side to Leo, rather than just being fun and jovial, we see what pushes his buttons.
Adam and Donna do play a part here too, but only at the end. Out of the brothers, we see a couple of them throughout but supporting rather than starring roles. Each of the brothers is fascinating and I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love how the author writes each book, giving the brother the undivided attention they deserve.
A great addition to the series and one 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!
Leo, the most laid-back of the Princes, rescued Carrie at the end of Donna and Adam's book and we continue on from there. Carrie is addicted to drugs and thinks nothing of doing tricks to get her fix. Leo is determined to help her beat her addiction and live life as his mate.
This book deals more with Carrie and Leo than it does with the overall story arc but there is still enough to keep it moving along. Trust me, I'd sooner bet on the Princes than on the angels! Carrie has some learning to do, not all of which is her fault. We also see a more intense side to Leo, rather than just being fun and jovial, we see what pushes his buttons.
Adam and Donna do play a part here too, but only at the end. Out of the brothers, we see a couple of them throughout but supporting rather than starring roles. Each of the brothers is fascinating and I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love how the author writes each book, giving the brother the undivided attention they deserve.
A great addition to the series and one 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Claws for Suspicion in Books
May 4, 2022
Kari’s Life is Upended Before Murder
The shelter that Kari Stuart bought when she won the lottery is finally in great shape. However, all that is threatened when Kari’s ex-husband shows up in town. Charlie Smith arrives baring the news that there was a mistake with their divorce, and they are technically still married. As a result, he is entitled to half Kari’s winnings. Or, he will settle for the land the pet shelter is on. Kari has no interest in giving Charlie anything, so she starts trying to figure out how to get him to go away. Then he dies, and his death looks like murder. The police view Kari as their prime suspect since she is the only one in town with a motive. Can Kari convince them that someone else killed Charlie?
While the ex coming back to town isn’t a new plot element in a cozy mystery, Charlie’s motives and the complications are definitely fresh here. I did feel the plot stalled a bit before Charlie actually died, although it was setting up motives and suspects before it happened. Once it did, Kari followed a logical set of clues to the climax. I always appreciate how well things are laid out when I reach the end of the books in this series. I love Kari’s circle of friends, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The suspects fit wonderfully into the world. Naturally, there’s plenty of animal cuteness here as well. Fans of the series will be happy with this book, and if you haven’t started it yet, you’ll be happy you picked up one of the books.
While the ex coming back to town isn’t a new plot element in a cozy mystery, Charlie’s motives and the complications are definitely fresh here. I did feel the plot stalled a bit before Charlie actually died, although it was setting up motives and suspects before it happened. Once it did, Kari followed a logical set of clues to the climax. I always appreciate how well things are laid out when I reach the end of the books in this series. I love Kari’s circle of friends, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The suspects fit wonderfully into the world. Naturally, there’s plenty of animal cuteness here as well. Fans of the series will be happy with this book, and if you haven’t started it yet, you’ll be happy you picked up one of the books.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Dark Horse in Books
May 4, 2022 (Updated May 4, 2022)
Always Bet on Orphan X
Evan Smoak’s latest client is giving him pause. Evan prefers to help the innocent who have gotten in over their heads. The call he’s taken is from Aragon Urrea, the kingpin of a major drug operation in South Texas. Evan initially hangs up on Aragon, but decides to help him because of his request. Aragon’s daughter was kidnapped from her eighteenth birthday party by a rival drug cartel, and Aragon needs someone to get her back without starting a drug war. It isn’t long before Evan realizes just how bad the rival gang is. But can he find a way to fulfill his mission without compromising who he is trying to become?
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated City of Betrayal in Books
Dec 6, 2023
Observing the War of the Roses
It's August of 1920, and the fight to ratify the nineteenth amendment giving women the right to vote has come down to Tennessee. Everyone thinks that, among the states that haven’t voted on it yet, the best chance to pass it will be here. Elizabeth Bates and her mother-in-law have been asked to go to Tennessee and help with the lobbying of state representatives to get it passed. Gideon joins them as well. When the three arrive, they quickly see the see of various color roses, those for and against ratification. But can they do anything to make a difference in the vote?
Normally, I love this author’s books, so I picked this book up without paying too much attention to what it was about. However, this one didn’t live up to her usual standards. I have a feeling she was so fascinated by the real life stuff she uncovered while doing research she tried to fit it all into a novel. The problem is the result reads more like a history book than a novel, and Elizabeth and the others get involved in mini episodes without having an overall plot to drive us other than will the amendment get passed or not. Several supporting characters show up for cameos, and even the three main characters feel flat. If you are a fan of the author, know what to expect going in. If you are new to her, don’t judge her by this book, but pick up some of her other books and you’ll get caught up in them.
Normally, I love this author’s books, so I picked this book up without paying too much attention to what it was about. However, this one didn’t live up to her usual standards. I have a feeling she was so fascinated by the real life stuff she uncovered while doing research she tried to fit it all into a novel. The problem is the result reads more like a history book than a novel, and Elizabeth and the others get involved in mini episodes without having an overall plot to drive us other than will the amendment get passed or not. Several supporting characters show up for cameos, and even the three main characters feel flat. If you are a fan of the author, know what to expect going in. If you are new to her, don’t judge her by this book, but pick up some of her other books and you’ll get caught up in them.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Caught Off Guard by Beth Laycock in Books
Jun 20, 2022
I needed Tristan and I don't get him.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I think, this book fell in my queue right at the point I needed it to, and I really REALLY liked! Not quite enough to love it, but I will explain why.
Only Lane gets a voice. Yes, yes YES I know I say it often enough, but I am big enough and ugly enough to admit when I might be wrong about this, but I NEEDED Tristan, and I don't get him.
I needed to hear what he thought of Lane, right at the beginning. I needed to know what he was feeling when he kisses Lane that first time. I needed to know what was going through his head when he blanks Lane and I NEEDED, I really NEEDED to know what he was feeling when things are finally sorted with Lane's brother.
I can't word this bit right, without giving anything away, so if this doesn't make sense, I'm sorry!
Things with Lane's brother don't end how I thought they would and (please don't hate me!) I actually loved that they didn't. It was a twist I did not see coming, and I was reading at work, and I must have made a noise cos a customer asked me if I was ok. So, well played there, Ms Laycock, very well played.
Like I said, only Lane gets a say, and that's the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars!
4 really REALLY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I think, this book fell in my queue right at the point I needed it to, and I really REALLY liked! Not quite enough to love it, but I will explain why.
Only Lane gets a voice. Yes, yes YES I know I say it often enough, but I am big enough and ugly enough to admit when I might be wrong about this, but I NEEDED Tristan, and I don't get him.
I needed to hear what he thought of Lane, right at the beginning. I needed to know what he was feeling when he kisses Lane that first time. I needed to know what was going through his head when he blanks Lane and I NEEDED, I really NEEDED to know what he was feeling when things are finally sorted with Lane's brother.
I can't word this bit right, without giving anything away, so if this doesn't make sense, I'm sorry!
Things with Lane's brother don't end how I thought they would and (please don't hate me!) I actually loved that they didn't. It was a twist I did not see coming, and I was reading at work, and I must have made a noise cos a customer asked me if I was ok. So, well played there, Ms Laycock, very well played.
Like I said, only Lane gets a say, and that's the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars!
4 really REALLY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Irish Coffee Murder in Books
Feb 2, 2023 (Updated Feb 2, 2023)
Here's to a Deadly St. Patrick’s Day
Once again, these three authors are teaming up for a holiday themed novella collection. This time, their stories are set around St. Patrick’s Day. In the first story, Leslie Meier’s character, Lucy Stone, is doing a story on four local Irish dancers. Then one of their mother’s is murdered. Next, Lee Hollis’s sleuth, Hayley Powell, gets involved when the headlining comedian for the St. Patrick’s Day show dies after proposing a toast with his Irish coffee. Finally, Barbara Ross’s Julia Snowden is enjoying a stormy St. Patrick’s Day in with friends when they start talking about the local unsolved murder from 150 years ago. Everyone has a theory about who did it, but can Julia figure it out after all this time?
Since these are novellas, each story is roughly 100 pages, giving us a good taste of the series and characters before we move on to the next one. I enjoyed all three of them. I do struggle some with Leslie Meier’s entries in these anthologies, but I enjoyed it overall. On the other hand, I am considering starting Lee Hollis’s books because I continue to enjoy their entries in the series. Barbara Ross’s series is one of my favorites, so it’s is no surprise that I loved her entry. All three stories do feature good characters and an intriguing mystery. Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross include recipes with their stories, so you’ll have several traditional Irish recipes. This is a great book to sit down and enjoy with a mug of Irish coffee.
Since these are novellas, each story is roughly 100 pages, giving us a good taste of the series and characters before we move on to the next one. I enjoyed all three of them. I do struggle some with Leslie Meier’s entries in these anthologies, but I enjoyed it overall. On the other hand, I am considering starting Lee Hollis’s books because I continue to enjoy their entries in the series. Barbara Ross’s series is one of my favorites, so it’s is no surprise that I loved her entry. All three stories do feature good characters and an intriguing mystery. Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross include recipes with their stories, so you’ll have several traditional Irish recipes. This is a great book to sit down and enjoy with a mug of Irish coffee.
