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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Somebody’s Daughter (Detective Natalie Ward #7) by Carol Wyer in Books
Aug 24, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Somebody's Daughter is the 7th book in Carol Wyer's Detective Natalie Ward series. If you have read my reviews of her earlier works, you know I enjoy her series. Somebody's Daughter is no exception.
This time, significant changes have shaken up and changed the dynamics of the team. Detective Natalie Ward has been promoted to DCI and Lucy Carmichael is now the DI for the team.
The new team's first case finds Natalie not sitting behind the desk as much as she should. But would anyone expect anything else from her? At first, the killings seem unrelated, and Lucy is unsure if it is even one murderer or two. The bodies pile up, and the team begins to doubt themselves and feel pressure from the top to close the case.
Wyer's police procedurals are well-written with relatable characters. She focuses on solving the crime but also on the police team's interactions with each other and with their home life. By now, they are so familiar they feel like old friends.
No future books are listed on Goodreads, but Wyer recently tweeted she completed the first draft of her 25th novel! Of course, I will be on the lookout for it.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/20 and updated on 8/24/20.
Somebody's Daughter is the 7th book in Carol Wyer's Detective Natalie Ward series. If you have read my reviews of her earlier works, you know I enjoy her series. Somebody's Daughter is no exception.
This time, significant changes have shaken up and changed the dynamics of the team. Detective Natalie Ward has been promoted to DCI and Lucy Carmichael is now the DI for the team.
The new team's first case finds Natalie not sitting behind the desk as much as she should. But would anyone expect anything else from her? At first, the killings seem unrelated, and Lucy is unsure if it is even one murderer or two. The bodies pile up, and the team begins to doubt themselves and feel pressure from the top to close the case.
Wyer's police procedurals are well-written with relatable characters. She focuses on solving the crime but also on the police team's interactions with each other and with their home life. By now, they are so familiar they feel like old friends.
No future books are listed on Goodreads, but Wyer recently tweeted she completed the first draft of her 25th novel! Of course, I will be on the lookout for it.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/20 and updated on 8/24/20.
Playing For Keeps (Hot Jocks #1)
9.0
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I've never been so stupid in my entire life. Elise Parrish, my teammate's incredibly sweet and...
White Stag (Permafrost, #1)
8.2
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The first book in a brutally stunning series where a young girl finds herself becoming more monster...
Young adult fantasy Book series Female lead
Monumental Book but Average Entry
It seems like a normal case. In fact, if it weren’t for the fact that the South LA bureau is too busy, Harry and his partner would never have taken on the case. The owner of a convenience store has been shot and killed. Because the owner is Asian, Bosch quickly calls in the Asian Crime Unit, and the trail seems to lead to the Chinese triad. But that’s when things get personal, and Bosch finds himself heading to Hong Kong on a personal mission. Will he succeed? Will that impact his case at home?
Normally, I love Michael Connelly’s books, but this one felt a bit forced. The initial set up in Los Angeles was good, and as we traveled to Hong Kong, I was all in. Maybe it was the fact that I knew how the portions in Hong Kong would end, but I started to get frustrated there. While I bought the trail that Bosch followed, I felt that Bosch was too over the top in his arrogant behavior. I kept wanting him to slow down and listen to the advice others were giving him. The end of the book contains some twists that I might have bought elsewhere, but here, they felt completely forced into the story. Of course, even subpar Connelly is still worth reading; it just isn’t his strongest. Fans of the series will want to read this one since it will impact Bosch’s life for the rest of the series.
Normally, I love Michael Connelly’s books, but this one felt a bit forced. The initial set up in Los Angeles was good, and as we traveled to Hong Kong, I was all in. Maybe it was the fact that I knew how the portions in Hong Kong would end, but I started to get frustrated there. While I bought the trail that Bosch followed, I felt that Bosch was too over the top in his arrogant behavior. I kept wanting him to slow down and listen to the advice others were giving him. The end of the book contains some twists that I might have bought elsewhere, but here, they felt completely forced into the story. Of course, even subpar Connelly is still worth reading; it just isn’t his strongest. Fans of the series will want to read this one since it will impact Bosch’s life for the rest of the series.
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Braided Dimensions (Braided Dimensions #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2024
BRAIDED DIMENSIONS is the first book in the series of the same name. We meet Kay, an ex-professor now working in a job she dislikes. She is a loner and drifting. One Halloween, she goes out and enjoys herself. When she decides to have her own garden patch, she meets the same people and now has her own little group. On her way home from the Halloween night out, something strange happens to her, leading her down a rabbit hole into ancient Wales.
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 15, 2024
One thing I need to mention first... it is SO good to read something set in Wales rather than Ireland! I have nothing against Ireland, but there are other Celtic countries out there, although you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
This was an enjoyable story that took place both in the present and the past. I love the group of friends Kay has. It is full of paganism and mysticism, although written as both specialised and general day-to-day knowledge. The blending of the two lives is well-written, giving the reader Kay's sense of confusion as she tries to understand what is happening.
This is definitely a series so be prepared to be left with questions at the end, which will leave you wanting 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 15, 2024
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Fighting the Lure (Fighting for Love) in Books
Jan 19, 2024 (Updated Jan 19, 2024)
FIGHTING THE LURE is part of the multi-author Fighting for Love series, and I am in love and want more!
Sam left home ten years ago, leaving her parents and younger sister behind. When she tried to contact Nina, she was shut down. So Sam disappeared out of their lives, leaving a younger Ames wondering where her crush had gone. Time moves on and Ames moves to a new city and a new gym, and wouldn't you just know it...
Hot and intense - I loved every word, every thought, and every scene. The connection between Ames and Sam is instantaneous. Sparks fly, my friend, think fireworks. BUT it wasn't all about getting hot and heavy. There was so much more to these two. They connected on every level, not just the physical.
So many characters that I enjoyed reading about, and I'm really hoping Brooks and Emmit have their own stories. I may just have to check out the other books in this series! I also hope Nina gets her HEA! I think she deserves one after being lied to for all these years. Plus, she lives so far away from Ames now! 😄
A great read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Another jewel in Katherine McIntyre's crown!
** 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!
Jan 15, 2024
Sam left home ten years ago, leaving her parents and younger sister behind. When she tried to contact Nina, she was shut down. So Sam disappeared out of their lives, leaving a younger Ames wondering where her crush had gone. Time moves on and Ames moves to a new city and a new gym, and wouldn't you just know it...
Hot and intense - I loved every word, every thought, and every scene. The connection between Ames and Sam is instantaneous. Sparks fly, my friend, think fireworks. BUT it wasn't all about getting hot and heavy. There was so much more to these two. They connected on every level, not just the physical.
So many characters that I enjoyed reading about, and I'm really hoping Brooks and Emmit have their own stories. I may just have to check out the other books in this series! I also hope Nina gets her HEA! I think she deserves one after being lied to for all these years. Plus, she lives so far away from Ames now! 😄
A great read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Another jewel in Katherine McIntyre's crown!
** 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!
Jan 15, 2024
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Lord of Whispered Shadows (The Demon Reflected #1) in Books
Dec 13, 2025
LORD OF WHISPERED SHADOWS is the first book in The Demon Reflected series, set in a historical fantasy setting, where demons and mages are known about.
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. 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!
Dec 11, 2025
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. 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!
Dec 11, 2025
Us Against the World (Roseden U #1)
8.0
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Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team? For Roseden...
Contemporary TransM/M Romance
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2650 KP) rated Under Lock and Skeleton Key in Books
Oct 3, 2022 (Updated Oct 3, 2022)
The Body in the Sealed Off Room
After her career as a magician in Las Vegas ended in a near fatal accident, Tempest Raj has returned home to her family. That includes time with her father’s construction business, which creates hidden rooms, secret staircases, etc., for his clients. Tempest is on hand at his newest job site when they discover a room that appears to have been sealed for decades. However, when they open it, a body falls out, and Tempest recognizes the victim. So, how did the victim get there? And who killed her?
This series is going to focus on locked-room mysteries, and it starts out with a good one. I enjoyed the dual puzzles of who did it and how the body got into the locked room. The beginning of the book was a little rough. While we don’t get a complete data dump with back story, there is a lot of material here, and the constant teasing of it was almost as bad. Still, as the book progressed, it got better, and the parts that aren’t completely resolved here will make great fodder for future books. Tempest is a great main character, and I quickly grew to love her family and friends, including a character imported from another of this author’s series. The magic and hidden room aspect gave this book a bit of a middle grade mystery vibe, which I completely loved. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Tempest next.
This series is going to focus on locked-room mysteries, and it starts out with a good one. I enjoyed the dual puzzles of who did it and how the body got into the locked room. The beginning of the book was a little rough. While we don’t get a complete data dump with back story, there is a lot of material here, and the constant teasing of it was almost as bad. Still, as the book progressed, it got better, and the parts that aren’t completely resolved here will make great fodder for future books. Tempest is a great main character, and I quickly grew to love her family and friends, including a character imported from another of this author’s series. The magic and hidden room aspect gave this book a bit of a middle grade mystery vibe, which I completely loved. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Tempest next.
