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Merissa (11721 KP) rated Professional Distance (Thorne and Dash #1) in Books
May 20, 2023
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
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
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Sing, Memory in Books
May 21, 2023
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.
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.
Merissa (11721 KP) rated The Devil's Glove (Salem #1) in Books
May 29, 2023
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
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
Merissa (11721 KP) rated Chance Match (Perfect Match Agency #2) in Books
Jun 14, 2023
CHANCE MATCH is the second book in the Perfect Match Agency series and each book can be read as a standalone. I haven't read either of the other books and this did not affect my enjoyment of this one.
Because enjoy it I did! Kace and Storm are just so squishable together. Yes, Storm is grumpy and Kace is so sweet he'll give you a toothache, but together they're still so squishable!!!
I actually loved the premise of this - an omega who isn't bothered about sex and has had painful heats, searching for love because he doesn't want to be on medication for the rest of his life. And an alpha who doesn't trust omegas and yet can't resist the cinnamon scent!
There is no unnecessary angst here, and I loved that! In fact, there aren't even any characters that give angst, not even a little bit. Such a refreshing change. I really hope Morgan gets his story though as he is a sweetie with a heart of gold and (unfortunately, it seems) a bank balance to match.
If I had any complaint, it would be that I wanted more. The majority of the book is about Kace's heat and I would have liked to have seen them more in 'real' life rather than just in the bedroom. I did like the glimpse at the end which is partly why I'm saying it.
All in all, a hot, sweet, and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 14, 2023
Because enjoy it I did! Kace and Storm are just so squishable together. Yes, Storm is grumpy and Kace is so sweet he'll give you a toothache, but together they're still so squishable!!!
I actually loved the premise of this - an omega who isn't bothered about sex and has had painful heats, searching for love because he doesn't want to be on medication for the rest of his life. And an alpha who doesn't trust omegas and yet can't resist the cinnamon scent!
There is no unnecessary angst here, and I loved that! In fact, there aren't even any characters that give angst, not even a little bit. Such a refreshing change. I really hope Morgan gets his story though as he is a sweetie with a heart of gold and (unfortunately, it seems) a bank balance to match.
If I had any complaint, it would be that I wanted more. The majority of the book is about Kace's heat and I would have liked to have seen them more in 'real' life rather than just in the bedroom. I did like the glimpse at the end which is partly why I'm saying it.
All in all, a hot, sweet, and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 14, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the Last Death 1) in Books
Jun 4, 2024 - 10:57 PM
111 of 220
Kindle
It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the last death 1)
By Robyn Peterman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.
Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good.
But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ’they’ are and rip them a new one. One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues.
To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won't stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I'd like to turn back time. Now.
No can do.
Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, apparently.
This was really good. It was witty, funny, heartwarming and sad all at once. A lighthearted read quick read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next one.
Kindle
It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the last death 1)
By Robyn Peterman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.
Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good.
But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ’they’ are and rip them a new one. One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues.
To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won't stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I'd like to turn back time. Now.
No can do.
Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, apparently.
This was really good. It was witty, funny, heartwarming and sad all at once. A lighthearted read quick read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next one.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1) in Books
Apr 30, 2024
79 of 220
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Lost and the Chosen (The Lost Sentinel, #1) in Books
Jan 19, 2020 (Updated Feb 2, 2024)
21 of 220
Kindle
The Lost & the chosen ( Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My name is Vinna, and I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets.
You would too if you'd experienced some of the weird shit I have: red-eyed monsters chasing me, markings on my body appearing out of nowhere, a strange power that crackles colorfully over my skin from time to time, and don't get me started on the weapons I can conjure up almost out of nowhere.
Lucky for me, I have yet to meet someone whose ass I couldn't kick, inside the ring or out. I put that to the test when I run headfirst into a fight that brings all my secrets, and reality as I know it, crashing down around me.
Now, I'm looking for answers and trying to piece together what the hell is going on. Paranormal is my new way of life. It's not going to be easy, and I'm not exactly welcome.
That is, until I meet the boys, and trust me, they are anything but boyish.
I'm up against elders who think I’m too powerful, a family who views me as a threat, and something lurking in the shadows that's been coming for me my whole life.
There’s not a chance in hell I’m going down without a fight. I’m not lost anymore, and I'm about to show this world exactly what I can do.
For some reason I didn’t finish this the first time round and I don’t know why! This was really good I enjoyed every minute of it! There were a few rocky patches but I really liked it. The story , the characters and setting is just different. Definitely looking forward to more.
Kindle
The Lost & the chosen ( Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My name is Vinna, and I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets.
You would too if you'd experienced some of the weird shit I have: red-eyed monsters chasing me, markings on my body appearing out of nowhere, a strange power that crackles colorfully over my skin from time to time, and don't get me started on the weapons I can conjure up almost out of nowhere.
Lucky for me, I have yet to meet someone whose ass I couldn't kick, inside the ring or out. I put that to the test when I run headfirst into a fight that brings all my secrets, and reality as I know it, crashing down around me.
Now, I'm looking for answers and trying to piece together what the hell is going on. Paranormal is my new way of life. It's not going to be easy, and I'm not exactly welcome.
That is, until I meet the boys, and trust me, they are anything but boyish.
I'm up against elders who think I’m too powerful, a family who views me as a threat, and something lurking in the shadows that's been coming for me my whole life.
There’s not a chance in hell I’m going down without a fight. I’m not lost anymore, and I'm about to show this world exactly what I can do.
For some reason I didn’t finish this the first time round and I don’t know why! This was really good I enjoyed every minute of it! There were a few rocky patches but I really liked it. The story , the characters and setting is just different. Definitely looking forward to more.
Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated A Game of Thrones in Books
Oct 3, 2017
Direwolves (2 more)
Strong women
Dragons
Lannisters (1 more)
Good people die
What other readers have said about this fantasy book when it comes to how great it is is true. A Game of Thrones is an epic tale of good versus evil, men choosing between honor or peace, and women between family or duty. This story sets on different paths, feeding pieces of the plot to you, and slowly comes together in expected and unexpected ways. From each one information is learned on what is coming and what is occurring. You learn of life, death, betrayal, and war. Clues are riddled out at possible outcomes. Truths and lies are spoken.
Why are men missing from the Wall? Was Jon Arryn truly murdered? What is happening in the North? Will the last of House Targaryen come for their birthright? Who will live? Who will die?
Why are men missing from the Wall? Was Jon Arryn truly murdered? What is happening in the North? Will the last of House Targaryen come for their birthright? Who will live? Who will die?
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Alan Partridge: Nomad in Books
Oct 17, 2017
What you'd expect from the hilarious Alan Partridge
This is as hilarious as you'd expect if you're an Alan Partridge fan. The audiobook, however, is so much better as Alan reads it in his own dulcet tones. While I've heard it's not as good as "I, Partridge", if you're reading this first, it matters less.
In this episode of his life, Alan is intent on rambling through parts of Britain in the form of a "journey journal", where he details the people and places he encounters. And mostly complain about his aching feet. Obviously things go horribly wrong.
Alan's rather blunt feelings and tendency to state the obvious comes through in all of the random footnotes. I had to suppress a few laughs on the bus due to some rather amusing moments. A great laid back read.
In this episode of his life, Alan is intent on rambling through parts of Britain in the form of a "journey journal", where he details the people and places he encounters. And mostly complain about his aching feet. Obviously things go horribly wrong.
Alan's rather blunt feelings and tendency to state the obvious comes through in all of the random footnotes. I had to suppress a few laughs on the bus due to some rather amusing moments. A great laid back read.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in Books
Oct 24, 2017 (Updated Oct 24, 2017)
Ridiculously amusing
This has been part of my to-read list since forever. And I can now assuredly say that the meaning of life is 42. It's hilariously silly and outright bonkers.
It begins with the end of the earth (sadly), with a sole survivor Arthur Dent, or that's what we think, until he discovers Trillion, the other survivor. Whisked away on the Heart of Gold ship with his friend Ford Prefect (an alien) and his cousin, they gallivant across the universe attempting to find answers. And thus begins an epic adventure.
So it's not as sophisticated as Arthur C. Clarke's status of science fiction, or Andy Weir's level of technical details, and its not supposed to be. It's light hearted, and fun, as Douglas Adams creates a detailed and splendid look at our insignificant existence in the most humorous way possible.
It begins with the end of the earth (sadly), with a sole survivor Arthur Dent, or that's what we think, until he discovers Trillion, the other survivor. Whisked away on the Heart of Gold ship with his friend Ford Prefect (an alien) and his cousin, they gallivant across the universe attempting to find answers. And thus begins an epic adventure.
So it's not as sophisticated as Arthur C. Clarke's status of science fiction, or Andy Weir's level of technical details, and its not supposed to be. It's light hearted, and fun, as Douglas Adams creates a detailed and splendid look at our insignificant existence in the most humorous way possible.