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Merissa (14068 KP) rated Raising Hell: How To Survive The Terrible Twos in Books
Sep 6, 2023
RAISING HELL: HOW TO SURVIVE THE TERRIBLE TWOS really should be read after What To Expect When You're Expecting Something Different as the story continues on from that one.
Eve now has two children - Seraphina and Malak. She is trying her best to rein in Seraphina's erm... let us say evil tendencies! Not so easy when you have a strong-willed child but especially so if they're the antichrist! Thank goodness for Malak. He is a child who just eats and sleeps, giving Eve a little respite. Her world is still crazy, although Lucas does his best when he can.
It is a while since I read the first book so it took me a while to fully get into this one, as events that helped to shape Eve, I couldn't fully remember. The story soon dragged me in, and I was lost within the world created. Some of the events were expected but some weren't!
The imagery you are given in Katie Zaber's stories is just outstanding! The descriptions of Eve's mindscape are so clear. And the emotions come through loud and clear. You can feel her frustrations rolling out through the pages.
It does end on a cliffhanger so fair warning. Plus, I really need to know more about Desmond. A thoroughly enjoyable book that is different to the rest 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2023
Eve now has two children - Seraphina and Malak. She is trying her best to rein in Seraphina's erm... let us say evil tendencies! Not so easy when you have a strong-willed child but especially so if they're the antichrist! Thank goodness for Malak. He is a child who just eats and sleeps, giving Eve a little respite. Her world is still crazy, although Lucas does his best when he can.
It is a while since I read the first book so it took me a while to fully get into this one, as events that helped to shape Eve, I couldn't fully remember. The story soon dragged me in, and I was lost within the world created. Some of the events were expected but some weren't!
The imagery you are given in Katie Zaber's stories is just outstanding! The descriptions of Eve's mindscape are so clear. And the emotions come through loud and clear. You can feel her frustrations rolling out through the pages.
It does end on a cliffhanger so fair warning. Plus, I really need to know more about Desmond. A thoroughly enjoyable book that is different to the rest 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 1, 2023
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Anonymous Alpha (Bangers & Mash #7) in Books
Jun 19, 2023
ANONYMOUS ALPHA is the seventh book in the Bangers & Mash series although I didn't know this when I started reading it. It can absolutely be read as a standalone although I am now curious as to the other couples, some of which I think we met in here.
Anyway, this is Sable and Evan's story. Sable is an Alpha who can be contracted to help with an Omega's heat - all above board, nothing to worry about. Evan is an Omega nearing his heat who hires Sable. He is a pop star nearing the end of his contract with his label and his manager. The manager wants to stick around and isn't afraid of using threats to try and get his own way. Seeing where things are going??
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yes, it was obvious who it was, and obvious where the help was going to come from, but, you know what? None of that spoilt the story! It was steamy and sensual, with Sable giving Evan both freedom to be who he needed to be and the support he wanted. The steamy scenes nearly set fire to my Kindle, so fair warning!
It was smoothly written and character led making this a brilliant story. I'm definitely interested in the next book in the series, but I'm also very interested in the ones that have come before. 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!
Jun 19, 2023
Anyway, this is Sable and Evan's story. Sable is an Alpha who can be contracted to help with an Omega's heat - all above board, nothing to worry about. Evan is an Omega nearing his heat who hires Sable. He is a pop star nearing the end of his contract with his label and his manager. The manager wants to stick around and isn't afraid of using threats to try and get his own way. Seeing where things are going??
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yes, it was obvious who it was, and obvious where the help was going to come from, but, you know what? None of that spoilt the story! It was steamy and sensual, with Sable giving Evan both freedom to be who he needed to be and the support he wanted. The steamy scenes nearly set fire to my Kindle, so fair warning!
It was smoothly written and character led making this a brilliant story. I'm definitely interested in the next book in the series, but I'm also very interested in the ones that have come before. 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!
Jun 19, 2023
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Ballsy (Breakers Hockey #4) by Elise Faber in Books
Apr 26, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
BALLSY is the fourth book in the Breakers Hockey series and we meet Kailey and Connor (Smitty). One is an anxiety-ridden introvert; one is loud and brash. These two will never get on, right?
Wrong! They are two halves of a perfect jigsaw. Both of them need the other, giving them the strength to deal with whatever is going on in their lives. And I loved that. I really did! Because it wasn't all one-sided. Smitty had his issues to deal with, the same as Kailey did. And together, they dealt with it all. Just proving that everyone has something to cope with, even those that are loud and ballsy!
Perfectly paced, Kailey and Smitty's story moves fast. He knows what he wants but won't walk all over Kailey to get it. Once she gets on board - that's it. Game over. Except it's not because there is so much going on. All of which is designed to keep me engrossed and turning the pages.
The storyline with Monica I could see happening, like a train wreck in front of me. Raph's story is next though and I can't wait to read it! I also hope Brandon gets a story though. He may not be part of the Breakers family, but he's had his heart broken too.
A brilliant addition to the series 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!
Apr 22, 2022
Wrong! They are two halves of a perfect jigsaw. Both of them need the other, giving them the strength to deal with whatever is going on in their lives. And I loved that. I really did! Because it wasn't all one-sided. Smitty had his issues to deal with, the same as Kailey did. And together, they dealt with it all. Just proving that everyone has something to cope with, even those that are loud and ballsy!
Perfectly paced, Kailey and Smitty's story moves fast. He knows what he wants but won't walk all over Kailey to get it. Once she gets on board - that's it. Game over. Except it's not because there is so much going on. All of which is designed to keep me engrossed and turning the pages.
The storyline with Monica I could see happening, like a train wreck in front of me. Raph's story is next though and I can't wait to read it! I also hope Brandon gets a story though. He may not be part of the Breakers family, but he's had his heart broken too.
A brilliant addition to the series 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!
Apr 22, 2022
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Uprising (Rebellion #3) in Books
Apr 7, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)
UPRISING is the third book in the Rebellion series, and I think this is the last. The story is wrapped up nicely, giving me exactly the ending I was looking for.
This book focuses on Michael and Isaac, the two enigmatic Alphas from packs seemingly on opposite sides of the war, but looks can be deceiving as we find out. Isaac and Michael were as close as two wolves could be without being bonded. When they decided what they were going to do, it placed them miles apart - both figuratively and literally. Now events have brought them back together, but can they pick up where they left off?
Uprising starts where Defiance finished and the whole host of characters return, including those you love to hate. Some will shock you though, and some you will end up feeling sympathy for. Don't you just love it when an author does that to you?
Just as full of action as the previous two, you get the bigger picture in this as groups start working together. If there was one character I wish I'd heard more from, it would be Baker, but it wasn't his book!
A brilliant end to a fantastic series and absolutely recommended by me, so long as you read it as a series and don't miss out on any of the good bits.
** 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!
Apr 7, 2022
This book focuses on Michael and Isaac, the two enigmatic Alphas from packs seemingly on opposite sides of the war, but looks can be deceiving as we find out. Isaac and Michael were as close as two wolves could be without being bonded. When they decided what they were going to do, it placed them miles apart - both figuratively and literally. Now events have brought them back together, but can they pick up where they left off?
Uprising starts where Defiance finished and the whole host of characters return, including those you love to hate. Some will shock you though, and some you will end up feeling sympathy for. Don't you just love it when an author does that to you?
Just as full of action as the previous two, you get the bigger picture in this as groups start working together. If there was one character I wish I'd heard more from, it would be Baker, but it wasn't his book!
A brilliant end to a fantastic series and absolutely recommended by me, so long as you read it as a series and don't miss out on any of the good bits.
** 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!
Apr 7, 2022
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Lady Bird (2017) in Movies
Nov 27, 2017
Masterpiece
Set in 2002, Lady Bird is a coming of age story for high school senior Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson. The film follows her pursuit of college while growing up in a low-income family. While that is the main plot, Lady Bird is about so much more. Quite frankly, the movie is perfect. I haven't seem a film this memorable since Boyhood.
Trying to find something wrong with this film is like trying to catch a fly while blinking rapidly. Not only does it do everything right, it does it flawlessly. What impresses me the most is this is Greta Gerwig's directorial debut (who also did the screenplay). For someone to hit a homerun like this on their first try is an incredible thing to consider.
I won't go into too much detail here because I want you go into this with as little knowledge of the film as I, but here are a few things I loved about it. At just ninety-three minutes, Lady Bird carries a consistent pace with an ending that is just too perfect for words. It's going to make you laugh out loud. A lot. It will probably make you tear up a bit as well as it's just as much heartbreaking as it is hilarious. The acting, highlighted by Saiorse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf is stellar through and through. Emotions are captured in a way that what you feel you are seeing is something real, not a script. So real it hits home in a way that might surprise you. Finally, this film gets all the little things right. Those small extra mile touches that add a lasting touch to a film.
As cliche as I have to be in this moment, Lady Bird is a masterpiece. That's why I'm giving it a perfect 100.
Trying to find something wrong with this film is like trying to catch a fly while blinking rapidly. Not only does it do everything right, it does it flawlessly. What impresses me the most is this is Greta Gerwig's directorial debut (who also did the screenplay). For someone to hit a homerun like this on their first try is an incredible thing to consider.
I won't go into too much detail here because I want you go into this with as little knowledge of the film as I, but here are a few things I loved about it. At just ninety-three minutes, Lady Bird carries a consistent pace with an ending that is just too perfect for words. It's going to make you laugh out loud. A lot. It will probably make you tear up a bit as well as it's just as much heartbreaking as it is hilarious. The acting, highlighted by Saiorse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf is stellar through and through. Emotions are captured in a way that what you feel you are seeing is something real, not a script. So real it hits home in a way that might surprise you. Finally, this film gets all the little things right. Those small extra mile touches that add a lasting touch to a film.
As cliche as I have to be in this moment, Lady Bird is a masterpiece. That's why I'm giving it a perfect 100.
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated The Good Daughter in Books
Jun 22, 2017
The Good Daughter a big thumbs up,
Now, this was the first book I have read by Karin Slaughter and it was also a very enjoyable experience.
first I will say that The Good Daughter was totally different to what I was expecting but this was so not a bad thing for me.
I'm a sucker for a good psychological thriller, but I also love the drama that comes with a good ole family saga, This story brilliantly combined these two elements giving us an insight into the fallout that comes when horrific tragedy strikes an ordinary family and how these dynamics can spiral, taking on a life of their own through miscommunication and prideful behaviour.
The outcome of this incident echoing down the unfolding decades.
This story describes the events that occur to the Quinn family, resulting in a death and two young teenagers with scars both physically and figuratively for life.
Samantha and Charlotte's lives are about to come full circle when events in their home town bring them along with their father together again.
This was a very easy read, that kept you guessing until the end, the graphic descriptions both pulled you in while equally repelling you with the realness behind the visuals provided.
I'm not easily grossed out but MAN!!! it was way EWW!!! in places.
So, in conclusion, I would definitely give The Good Daughter a big thumbs up, a very intriguing read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy it was thoroughly devoured by me, this is my own personal opinion of this book.
Arc Reviewed By BeckieBookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
first I will say that The Good Daughter was totally different to what I was expecting but this was so not a bad thing for me.
I'm a sucker for a good psychological thriller, but I also love the drama that comes with a good ole family saga, This story brilliantly combined these two elements giving us an insight into the fallout that comes when horrific tragedy strikes an ordinary family and how these dynamics can spiral, taking on a life of their own through miscommunication and prideful behaviour.
The outcome of this incident echoing down the unfolding decades.
This story describes the events that occur to the Quinn family, resulting in a death and two young teenagers with scars both physically and figuratively for life.
Samantha and Charlotte's lives are about to come full circle when events in their home town bring them along with their father together again.
This was a very easy read, that kept you guessing until the end, the graphic descriptions both pulled you in while equally repelling you with the realness behind the visuals provided.
I'm not easily grossed out but MAN!!! it was way EWW!!! in places.
So, in conclusion, I would definitely give The Good Daughter a big thumbs up, a very intriguing read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy it was thoroughly devoured by me, this is my own personal opinion of this book.
Arc Reviewed By BeckieBookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Rise & Fall (THIRDS #4) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Rise & Fall (THIRDS #4) by Charlie Cochet
OMG!!! Rise and Fall continues where Rack and Ruin finished. With both Sloane and Ash injured, and the team in the crosshairs, Sparks takes them off the case. Of course, Dex is none too pleased with that, especially as it was Sloane who got injured. So, he decides that he can't sit back and do nothing, and goes maverick. Now, with the team being more than just a team, it doesn't quite work out the way he thought it would. Also, Sloane is no slouch in the old brain department and figures out what Dex is doing. With more crossing over than Dex realises, Ash is looking out for him and telling Sloane, Austen is reporting both to Seb and Sloane, whilst giving out information to Dex. You get the idea. There is so much going on in this book, and yet there is still time for the relationships. Cael and Ash, Calvin and Hobbs, and now Bradley and Lou too.
What I love about these books is that the overall story arc continues, with plenty of action, twists and turns, and yet there is still 'time' for the couples. We learn more about Ash and Cael, Calvin, Hobbs, and ZZ Top (still laughing about that), and don't forget my favourite couple of all - Sloane and Dex. I really can't say how much I am loving this series, with plenty of moments to make me laugh out loud. I will drop two hints for those who know - white nurse's uniform and Tony and Old Betsy, not forgetting when Tony calls Dex 'Pocahontas'!!!
Can't wait for the next book, and highly recommend this one!
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What I love about these books is that the overall story arc continues, with plenty of action, twists and turns, and yet there is still 'time' for the couples. We learn more about Ash and Cael, Calvin, Hobbs, and ZZ Top (still laughing about that), and don't forget my favourite couple of all - Sloane and Dex. I really can't say how much I am loving this series, with plenty of moments to make me laugh out loud. I will drop two hints for those who know - white nurse's uniform and Tony and Old Betsy, not forgetting when Tony calls Dex 'Pocahontas'!!!
Can't wait for the next book, and highly recommend this one!
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Shots on the Bridge: Police Violence and Cover-Up in the Wake of Katrina in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
[Shots On The Bridge] by [Ronnie Greene] is a good piece of investigative journalism about one of the most notorious events in post-Katrina New Orleans.
As most people I was glued to my TV all throughout Katrina and I remember the news reports of a shoot out on a bridge involving police. As I recall the news reported that it was gangsters and looter shooting at the police. There were many reports of this nature in the confusion following one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. We now know that most of these reports were embellished at best or just down right lies.
[Ronnie Greene] did an excellent job relating the events as they occurred and giving a voice to the victims. The fact that these families were just trying to cross a bridge and came under fire by an overly armed unit of police is disconcerting enough but the fact that the police conspired to cover it up makes it even worse. Although it was wrong I could understand the officers reaction to the call of shots fired given the trauma that they had also been through. It is the cover up and lies that compound the wrongfulness of their actions.
I though [Greene] did a good job but he seems to jump around a bit too much. There is a lack of fluid transitions. Also, I feel his view was very one sided. I know that the police did something horrible but they were victims of Katrina as well and probably should not have been on duty at that point. If the correct relief and support had been provided this whole situation may have been avoided.
[Shots On The Bridge] by [Ronnie Greene] is a good piece of investigative journalism about one of the most notorious events in post-Katrina New Orleans.
As most people I was glued to my TV all throughout Katrina and I remember the news reports of a shoot out on a bridge involving police. As I recall the news reported that it was gangsters and looter shooting at the police. There were many reports of this nature in the confusion following one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. We now know that most of these reports were embellished at best or just down right lies.
[Ronnie Greene] did an excellent job relating the events as they occurred and giving a voice to the victims. The fact that these families were just trying to cross a bridge and came under fire by an overly armed unit of police is disconcerting enough but the fact that the police conspired to cover it up makes it even worse. Although it was wrong I could understand the officers reaction to the call of shots fired given the trauma that they had also been through. It is the cover up and lies that compound the wrongfulness of their actions.
I though [Greene] did a good job but he seems to jump around a bit too much. There is a lack of fluid transitions. Also, I feel his view was very one sided. I know that the police did something horrible but they were victims of Katrina as well and probably should not have been on duty at that point. If the correct relief and support had been provided this whole situation may have been avoided.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Secret of Joy in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Thoughts: This is such a sweet heart-warming story about life and love, and takes the drama of ex-wives and love-sick ladies to a whole new level, giving it life and plausibility at the same time. How did Melissa do it? No idea. But she won me over.
This book asks a lot of questions about marriage, relationships, and love. Does the author answer all the questions? Not really—but she answers the ones that she needs to, and as for others, she lets her readers decide the answers for themselves. THE SECRET OF JOY makes the reader think about what forgiveness really is, what it means to love someone, and the responsibility of loving them.
Characters: Joy was my favorite character. She was a rough-tough-don’t-mess-with-me-you-cant-make-me-cry kinda girl. She held her facade well (most of the time) but when she showed her true colors, she was a gem. Michael, Rebecca’s boyfriend, was a bit of a confusing character. At first I really liked him but as the story went on, I got fed up with him and kept thinking “Rebecca, dump him, please.” I almost cried when Rebecca’s dad died. These characters in this story will beckon you.
Writing: Melissa held me captive with her unique writing style. It was relaxed and smooth, and flowed well, something that could be read aloud without too much problem.
Content: There was only an occasional swear word, and some mention of sex, but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 14+ to anyone craving a light-hearted sit-by-the-fire-with-tea kind of book.
**Thank you to Sarah from Pocketbooks for supplying my review copy!**
This book asks a lot of questions about marriage, relationships, and love. Does the author answer all the questions? Not really—but she answers the ones that she needs to, and as for others, she lets her readers decide the answers for themselves. THE SECRET OF JOY makes the reader think about what forgiveness really is, what it means to love someone, and the responsibility of loving them.
Characters: Joy was my favorite character. She was a rough-tough-don’t-mess-with-me-you-cant-make-me-cry kinda girl. She held her facade well (most of the time) but when she showed her true colors, she was a gem. Michael, Rebecca’s boyfriend, was a bit of a confusing character. At first I really liked him but as the story went on, I got fed up with him and kept thinking “Rebecca, dump him, please.” I almost cried when Rebecca’s dad died. These characters in this story will beckon you.
Writing: Melissa held me captive with her unique writing style. It was relaxed and smooth, and flowed well, something that could be read aloud without too much problem.
Content: There was only an occasional swear word, and some mention of sex, but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 14+ to anyone craving a light-hearted sit-by-the-fire-with-tea kind of book.
**Thank you to Sarah from Pocketbooks for supplying my review copy!**
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated A Love To Remember in Books
May 1, 2018
so desperately wanted to hear from Sam!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Graham takes his dad to the cabin in the woods, because he cannot be on his own anymore. Ravaged by Alzheimer's, his father needs calm, and peace. But Graham can no longer look after his dad and work, so he hires an in-home nurse, Sam. Sam and Graham have met before, after a brief hook-up. Sam wants more, but Graham has to take a step back, and make Sam realise, what's slowly killing his father could very well kill him too.
It's only short, this one, some 85 pages, but Brook manages to get a lot in those 85 pages!
We get the intensity of that initial hook-up. We get all of Graham's fears for his dad. We get all of Graham's emotions trying to keep Sam at arms length, while fighting to pull him close. We get all of GRAHAM.
What we don't get is Sam. Any Sam, at all. And that's the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars, because it is single person point of view. Had Sam had a say, this could well have been a 5 star read, it really could!
It's not overly complicated, just two men falling in love while one tries really hard not to. There is no major breakup/make up, no nutty exes. It has some sexy time, and some emotional times, especially when Graham is fighting with himself to look after dad but having to admit that he really can't.
It really is a lovely, if short, read. Passed an hour, while watching the rain, on a Sunday afternoon.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Graham takes his dad to the cabin in the woods, because he cannot be on his own anymore. Ravaged by Alzheimer's, his father needs calm, and peace. But Graham can no longer look after his dad and work, so he hires an in-home nurse, Sam. Sam and Graham have met before, after a brief hook-up. Sam wants more, but Graham has to take a step back, and make Sam realise, what's slowly killing his father could very well kill him too.
It's only short, this one, some 85 pages, but Brook manages to get a lot in those 85 pages!
We get the intensity of that initial hook-up. We get all of Graham's fears for his dad. We get all of Graham's emotions trying to keep Sam at arms length, while fighting to pull him close. We get all of GRAHAM.
What we don't get is Sam. Any Sam, at all. And that's the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars, because it is single person point of view. Had Sam had a say, this could well have been a 5 star read, it really could!
It's not overly complicated, just two men falling in love while one tries really hard not to. There is no major breakup/make up, no nutty exes. It has some sexy time, and some emotional times, especially when Graham is fighting with himself to look after dad but having to admit that he really can't.
It really is a lovely, if short, read. Passed an hour, while watching the rain, on a Sunday afternoon.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**