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Merissa (11643 KP) rated Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1) in Books

Oct 28, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)  
Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1)
Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1)
Lucy Lennox | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh, here we go again - another Lucy Lennox book that I want to rave about but can never find the right words! Okay, let me start at the beginning...

HOSTILE TAKEOVER is the warm, funny, steamy, sometimes heartbreaking story of Grey and Ellison. Both of these 'knew' each other when they were younger, although they were from very different walks of life. Appearances aren't everything though, as Grey will discover. When Grey takes over Ellison's father's company, their past comes back to play.

Okay, so it's a given I loved it. But what was it that I loved? Well, for a start, it was Ellison's attitude. Grey pushed him and tried to make his life difficult, but Ellison, he thought he owed Grey so took it, and even managed to turn it around. Brilliant. I adored how both of them just wanted to help people, although Ellison didn't do it by monetary means as he didn't have any! The world needs more of that, especially from billionaires who can afford it!

Their road to happiness is full of stumbling blocks, most of them put there by Grey himself. Oh, Grey, my darling, when will you stop running? This part about killed me, and I found myself reading faster to get past it and to my happy conclusion!

A fantastic start to a series that I will be one-clicking, just like everything else by this amazing author. Read it!!!!

** 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 28, 2021
  
Amends (Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery #2)
Amends (Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery #2)
Carissa Andrews | 2021 | Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
AMENDS is the second book in the Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery series and we continue where book one left off, so I recommend you read that one first.

Diana doesn't want to be the Oracle of Delphi any longer. After all, she has her own life now. Apollo tries to make her see things his way but she resists him all the way. The interaction between these two was hilarious and I loved every word.

Along with Blake and Ren, we are introduced to Kyros. Think crazy grand-dad who only wants what's best for Diana. Diana and crew help a young boy who manages to bring them all together, including Demetri who is still being off with Diana because of the whole Violet Flame debacle.

It didn't take me long to read this book as I was hooked from the outset. I can't wait to see more of Apollo and Diana. And Ren, well, let me just say I love reading about him, but I think he would drive me crazy if I knew him in real life!

The big bad has now been named and I can't wait to see the impact on future stories. Plus, knowing how Diana and co will sort things out. I may be wrong but it looks like there might be a crossover from Diana Hawthorne to the Windhaven Witches in book three, which is something to look forward to.

For a witty, fast-paced supernatural mystery, I can definitely recommend Amends and I can't wait for Immortals.

** 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 29, 2021
  
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Merissa (11643 KP) rated Thorn of Secrets (My Darkest Secret #2) in Books

Jan 25, 2022 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
Thorn of Secrets (My Darkest Secret #2)
Thorn of Secrets (My Darkest Secret #2)
B. Truly | 2022 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THORN OF SECRETS is the second book in the My Darkest Secret series and we return to Madi's life as she tries to continue after the events of book one. And you REALLY need to read that for this one to make any sense.

Both Madi and Justin have someone else, and yet their bond refuses to be broken. They ignore it, or put it under the heading of 'family relations' but it is obvious that isn't what it is, and you read to find out just when they both stop fighting the inevitable.

Madi is determined not to let what happened with Jackson ruin her life. She is in college; Justice is being raised with a loving mom and family on hand to help, and Madi meets a new man, Chauncey, who allows her to feel comfortable.

Once again, told from Madison's perspective, you are with her through every situation, every emotion. As with the first book, this deals with some heavy topics so please be aware if you have any triggers. We reunite with old characters as well as meet new ones. You see Madi in different situations, although her inner core doesn't change.

There were parts of the book that didn't do anything for me - some of which are personal preferences, and some I felt had no bearing on moving the story forward - but overall, I enjoyed the story and felt it to be a good continuation of Madi's story.

** 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 25, 2022
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Sins of Fathers in Books

Dec 11, 2021  
Sins of Fathers
Sins of Fathers
Michael Emmett | 2021 | Biography, Crime, Religion
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am so so disappointed with this book. I was really looking forward to reading something a bit different to what I usually read but I don't think I have ever felt so deflated as I did with this.

I just couldn't get past the author's use of the word "naughty" to describe some pretty horrific and violent behaviour. According to the Collins English Dictionary, naughty is defined as "(esp of children or their behaviour) mischievous or disobedient; bad" and/or "mildly indecent; titillating". To me, that definition does not correlate with fatally stabbing someone and that is just one instance; the word "naughty" is used a lot and I mean, a lot.

Another thing that irked me somewhat was the glamorisation and glorification of a life of crime and violence and I felt the voice of the book was quite childish and there were times when I struggled to keep up with where I was in the timeline.

Having said all of the above, I realise this is Michael's story; it is his life he is writing about ... warts and all ... and therefore he should be forgiven for using the words and language that is the norm for him but, for me, I just couldn't get on with it and therefore struggled to read it.

In the end though, what I took from this book is that anyone can change; it might take a couple of tries but it can happen and those that do, should be applauded because it's easy just to keep doing what you have always known regardless of the hurt and pain it causes you, those you love and those you come into contact with.

My thanks must go to HarperCollins UK / HarperInspire via NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
154 of 230
Kindle
A Path of Darkness and Runes ( The Fallows book 1)
By Marnie L. Norton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Fallow, a hallowed place and sanctuary for the beasts and creatures of the Continent, has been desecrated. The balance between the human and magical world has been ruptured.
Rhona is haunted by memories and revolts against the natures and traditions to which she has been born into. Marrying her betrothed, Elias, being one of them. She is part of a travellers community known as the 'Unwanted'.
When a night time raid, causes her brethren to flee across the Continent in search of safer dwellings; Rhona, along with her brother, Roman, and Elias, cross paths creatures of the Fallow - which sets them on a course of self discovery, redemption and magic.
Rhona must fight the dark forces at work from the Fallow, as well as battle the dark memories which threaten to break her at every turn. Now a pawn in a potential war between the magical folk and humans, Rhona must look past her own trauma to work at hunting the Lycan. Rhona must now put her life on the line to redeem her soul in a life debt against the Trinity, the Maiden, Mother and Crone.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much a I loved this book. One of the easiest 5⭐️ reads of the year. Absolutely brilliant debut novel. I love the characters, the story and the world building. It’s full of creatures and magic and beautifully written. I found this author on TikTok and just loved her content I’m so glad I did. I can not wait for book 2 as I had so many emotions running by the end of this one.
  
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kindle
Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3)
By K.F. Breene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jessie is well on her way to learning her new life and settling in. The tough alpha, Austin, has joined her team, and she has painstakingly learned to fly. At the moment, life couldn’t get any better.

But it can get a whole lot…more irritating.

Her parents have decided to visit. They don’t know anything about magic, about Jessie’s new digs, or about the crazy crew living in and around Jessie’s house. She must do everything in her power to keep the truth away from them.

Which would be much easier without the unfelt presence lurking within Ivy House’s borders. It seems an enemy has figured out a way to magically bypass Ivy House’s defenses. Jessie is completely exposed.

The real battle, however, won’t be with the incoming force. It will be between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom, each intent on being the most helpful. Mr. Tom might have met his match, and he is not pleased.

Just when things were finally settling down, Jessie is in the thick of it again, and this time, the turmoil is all around her.

This series is so good! It’s so funny and quirky and a joy to read. The characters are you unique and funny you get so invested in what’s happening with them. Jessie and Austin need their head banging together really hard!! The only thing is that bloody room of killer dolls and the house finding it funny letting them put. I will now have nightmares of little killer dolls carrying knives and climbing trees 😂😂😂. Definitely a series to lighten up your reading load.
  
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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Ascent (House of Normandy #1) in Books

May 11, 2023 (Updated May 11, 2023)  
Ascent (House of Normandy #1)
Ascent (House of Normandy #1)
Cathie Dunn | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Poppa is in church for service when her village is attacked by the Vikings, she refuses to take things lying down. She stands up for her people and tries to save the men that are being taken as slaves. One thing she is absolutely sure of is she will have nothing to do with these Norse heathens no matter what her father the Count of Bayeux insists, she would rather die! Who would or could ever find themselves loving a savage like them?


This is the story of Poppa and although it is fictional it seems to have a lot of depth to what has been written. There are little bits of history weaved within Poppa's tale and it makes it all the more interesting to read. I have enjoyed reading about the life of a count's daughter and how she deals with raids and her friends being taken as well as the life she knew and how she is able to deal with the hardships and tasks that are sent her way. When I first started reading I thought Poppa was a brat and could see us clashing, as I read further into the book I had more compassion for her and she ended up being my favourite. I could see myself reading other books like this by the same author as she has a flare for pulling you into the story and involving you.


Completely recommended


** 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. *
  
Professional Distance (Thorne and Dash #1)
Professional Distance (Thorne and Dash #1)
Silvia Violet | 2015 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the first story of Thorne and 'Dash', and I will tell you now that I can't wait for book 2! That being said, this book is complete in and of itself, so it will be interesting to see where their story takes them next.

Thorne is 42 years old and a workaholic. Everything is scheduled, even sex, and he has distanced himself from emotion since being badly hurt, and unable to show it. Dash is 22 years old and is working as an escort in order to pay his way through cooking school and become a chef. There is nothing unusual or extraordinary about the basis of this story, but something about how it was written, grabbed me and wouldn't let go!

Thorne can act like an arrogant jerk, and he knows it. Not only will Dash not put up with this behaviour, but he also understands why Thorne is acting this way and knows how to make the situation better. Of course, things aren't plain sailing, and there is the issue of Dash being an escort, as well as twenty years younger than Thorne, to contend with.

What brought this to a 5-star read for me, was the way in which Thorne dealt with his loss and turned his life around. By taking control of his life in a way he wasn't expecting, and laying himself on the line for the one he loves, this is what gave the fifth star from me. I loved the interactions between Dash and Thorne, hot in every sense.

Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for more from Silvia Violet.

* 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 24, 2016
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Sing, Memory in Books

May 21, 2023  
Sing, Memory
Sing, Memory
Makana Eyre | 2023 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read a few books about the Holocaust but Sing, Memory is something quite different.

Focussing on the life of Aleksander Kulisiewicz, a non-Jewish Pole, this tells the story of his life before, during and after World War 2. He was imprisoned in the notorious concentration camp Sachsenhausen and paints a disturbing and vivid picture of the horrors he and other prisoners had to endure from being forced to take part in 'sport', to back-breaking work and endless hours of roll call.

In Sachsenhausen, music and singing were forbidden unless used as a form of punishment however, this didn't stop a secret choir being formed and led by conductor Rosebery d’Arguto, a Polish Jew. Aleksander became friends with Rosebery and as a result of Aleksander's amazing ability to memorise songs, Rosebery asked him to memorise his songs and ensure they are shared with the world after the war.

This became Aleksander's mission - to meticulously memorise songs from all the camp inmates and ensure that he survived so they would not be forgotten. After 6 long years of captivity, Aleksander was free however, his promise to those that did not survive was to become his life's work but also an obsession which, along with the horrendous experiences he endured, affected him and those around him deeply.

Sing, Memory is a detailed story written from meticulous research undertaken by the author with the help of a lot of other people and is a remarkable story of one man's mission to ensure a part of history is told and not forgotten.

Thank you to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Sing, Memory.
  
The Devil's Glove (Salem #1)
The Devil's Glove (Salem #1)
Lucretia Grindle | 2023 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE DEVIL'S GLOVE is the first book in the Salem series and is the start of the tale, beginning and ending before Resolve/Susannah arrives in Salem. She lives with her mother (Rachel/Deliverance) in the Eastward, a small village far away from Boston and their machinations.

Deliverance is a healer, taught by the Native Americans when they lived in The Greening, under Ashawonks' care. They also have their own gift that grows stronger over time. Deliverance and Resolve don't exactly fit in with the village for a number of reasons, including the fact they originally came from Jersey, Deliverance is a healer who deals with life and death, and they are friendly towards the 'savages', to name just a few. As the story unfolds, you meet with numerous characters, both 'good' and 'bad' who may just change your mind as you carry on reading.

There is layer upon layer to this story, each one taking you a little deeper, and I loved that! It is a slow story; giving time to the build-up, to the story and characters, which is sometimes lost in faster-paced novels. There were twists I never saw coming, plus sad things I did. I loved the ending, how it gave closure to this part and yet left me wanting more immediately.

In a world where even knowing how to swim can be enough to be called a witch, delve into the life of Resolve and let her take you back to where it began. 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!
May 24, 2023