Search

Search only in certain items:

Get Frosted (Christmas Falls #3)
Get Frosted (Christmas Falls #3)
Amy Aislin | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GET FROSTED is the third book in the multi-author series, Christmas Falls. This time we have the managers of the two pubs - Frosty's and Rudolph's. They have known each other for years as Rudy was Mik's brother's best friend. They had a rivalry that was blown out of proportion to keep them both in the spotlight when they played hockey. Rudy is the one who has always moved around. Mik is the one with deep roots in Christmas Falls.

Although I enjoyed the story, it didn't press as many buttons as the previous books have. I also can't agree with them being 'forced' to work together. No one forced anything. Although this is billed as low angst, I actually would have preferred a little more angst! It felt as though the storyline about Rudy possibly leaving was almost lost amidst the pregnant sister-in-law and the birthday granny.

On the whole, I enjoyed this story and did enjoy being back in Christmas Falls. It just didn't work as well for me as the others have. I have no hesitation in recommending it for all those who love a low-angst seasonal 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 15, 2023
  
Silver Wood Coven: The Complete Series
Silver Wood Coven: The Complete Series
Hazel Hunter | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely love this boxed set from Hazel Hunter. She writes an amazing novella/short story, but having the opportunity to read them all back-to-back, makes for a more complete experience for me, (plus, I'm not too good with cliffhangers!).

This set tells the story of Summer, who has been living rough in Central Park for the last six months, with no previous memories of who she is or how she got there. Michael is a Templar that has been watching her, supposedly to make sure that she doesn't hurt any humans, but more because he feels a deep connection to her. Because she is a witch, he telephones Troy, a warlock with whom he has a long and tumultuous relationship. And so we start...

This is exceedingly well-written, with multiple points of view so that you get the complete picture. The 'big bad' is well hidden until the penultimate book when I figured it out, but I thought that it was still brilliant! The relationship between Summer, Michael, and Troy is heartfelt and touching. With amazing supporting characters, this is a story that will grip and enchant you, right up to the climax and epilogue. Definitely recommended.

* 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 31, 2016
  
In a New York Minute
In a New York Minute
Felice Stevens | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a standalone with a couple of cameos but nothing that would confuse you. It is a sweet and tender story of grown-up problems and mature responses. I simply adored this story from start to finish.

Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.

Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.

A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!

** 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 22, 2023
  
40x40

Merissa (12339 KP) rated Unexpected by Felice Stevens in Books

Jun 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)  
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Felice Stevens | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNEXPECTED is a standalone novel about two men who bring to life the 'opposites attract' saying. Both of them have been hurt badly in their pasts but have reacted and coped with it in very different ways. Their story is about how they bring together these two opposing sides and make it work.

Walker seemed to be this brash, outgoing character, only interested in a good time, whilst Colin was more buttoned-up, throwing himself into his work to get over his heartache. As the story progresses, you realise (as they do) that these characters have more in common than they first originally thought.

I also really liked the supporting characters - Jimmy, especially. However, the actions of Alan and Dustin made me shake my head. Best friends know how to push their friends, but making them go on something so completely not what Colin liked... Hmm.

Walker is convinced he doesn't want a relationship until Colin comes along. Colin is convinced he isn't good enough until Walker comes along. Both support and help each other, bringing laughter and love back into their lives.

A feel-good story with some steamy moments and plenty of laughter. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
  
40x40

Merissa (12339 KP) rated FUBAR (Life Sucks #5) in Books

Mar 29, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)  
FUBAR (Life Sucks #5)
FUBAR (Life Sucks #5)
Elise Faber | 2022 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FUBAR is the fifth book in the Life Sucks series and we continue Maggie's story, who we met in Clusterf*ck. She is suffering with her pregnancy, afraid to take medication in case it hurts the baby, plus a whole host of other worries. And then there's Carter. He was attracted to Maggie from the get-go but the timing wasn't right. It's not entirely right now, but he's not waiting any longer.

This was a great straight-shooting story where miscommunication doesn't really happen. Not between our main two, anyway. Carter wants to be there for Maggie but doesn't always appreciate it when the tables are turned. He does admit to his caveman tendencies though, which made it funny. Add in the ex-boyfriend and the parents who abandoned Maggie when she was only little, and you have an action-packed story.

FUBAR is fast-paced but flows smoothly. The characters are all well-rounded, and some are known from previous stories. Martha is my favourite character of all, and I would love to see more of her.

A great 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!
Mar 28, 2022
  
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
1998 | Hip-hop, Rhythm And Blues, Soul

Tell Him by Lauryn Hill

(0 Ratings)

Track

"I think I was about 12 or 13 when I first heard Miseducation. A sense of identity was such a big thing I was looking for growing up, because of being the only black girl in my year, my family being this mixed-race family in the middle of Scotland. I did really love growing up there – it gave me a lot of peace growing up in the countryside – but at the same time, part of my identity as a black woman was realised when I heard that album. ""I learnt so much about being a black woman from Lauryn Hill and through her music: who I was, why my hair was like this, how to deal with it. I’ve grown with the album, and even now, when I listen to it – I think I’m older than she was when she wrote it – I feel like there’s all those lessons to be learnt. ""The biggest lesson I learnt from Lauryn Hill as a musician is that you don’t always have to be going extra with your voice! Prior to her I’d listened to all the divas: Aretha, and Whitney, and Mariah. I thought the whole goal of being a singer was to go as high and as loud as possible! Listening to Lauryn, I really learnt about how the tone of your voice can be just as powerful as any tricks you can do with it. ""When I heard 'Tell Him', the track was so stripped. It’s just a live drum loop and her voice on topic, with maybe two backing vocals. They’re doing such beautiful harmonies – I think it was a really big lesson in simplicity and bringing out the soul of who you are through your voice without having to do anything fancy. ""The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was just so raw. I love how she mixed in spirituality with her cultural perceptions and with romance. She showed that you don’t have to take one topic – it was a really full-bodied expression from a woman. I just love that album, and that song is my favourite. ""As a singer and a musician growing up, there’ve been a lot of powerful women that have really led my journey. I also really love hip-hop, I love lyric, so anywhere I can find intelligent lyricism I love. There’s something about a woman’s voice telling an honest story that can really catch my ears. I think I’ve inherited that from my Dad, because he was so in love with the divas and these voices and passed his love down on to me. Strong, independent, and quite outspoken through their music – those are the type of women that would inspire me"

Source
  
TP
Totally Psychic
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I loved Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin it was a lovely story.

In this story, the main character, Paloma Ferrer, is from a family of psychics. Her Abuela is famous for it. The story goes through how Paloma navigates through her new psychic abilities, which was very interesting. She ends up causing a lot of trouble throughout the story that she eventually learns from these mistakes.

There are five rules to follow that go along with her new abilities. Number one is that she must not force contact with any spirits because it can open up a portal to negative energy. Number two is that she must never talk to evil spirits because they can stick around and follow you everywhere. Number three, she must never ask how the specific spirit died. Number four, she must never repeat everything the spirit tells her. Some things are best left alone. She breaks this rule and learns the hard way her consequences for her actions. Number five, these readings are supposed to help heal the spirits and their realitive/friends. They aren't meant to damage them. Paloma learns the hard way when she breaks this one as well.

Before she moves her, Abuela gives her a gift to help with her psychic abilities. This gift includes: a mirror, blessed candles, a Book of Flowers, and a notebook. The notebook is meant for writing down any thoughts and visions Paloma has that is related to her abilities. The book of Flowers is information passed down from the ancestors before her about her specific ability. The candles are meant for protection and to close the portals. The special mirror is for her to help communicate with spirits and her family. All these objects play an important role in the story.

All of Paloma's family have special psychic abilities. Paloma is a flower medium, and her younger sister is able to record ghosts on videos through her phone. Their Abuela is a famous psychic while their Abuelito is a chef. Their Father is a chef and mother a florist. Their mom runs a shop out of her van. Their uncle Esteban is a numerologist, aunt Rose, an Astrologist, cousin Geraldo, an object reader, and cousin Dania, a culinary Clairvoyant. Their Aunt Maria is a dream analyst, and Uncle Julian and Uncle Raul are empaths and animal Psychics. All of their abilities play a part in the story and are quite interesting. My favorite would probably be Aunt Rosa's ability of being an Astrologist.

The plot and character development of this book is very well written. My favorite of the spirits has got to be Dustin and Oreo that scene of when he met Oreo was so cute. One character I disliked was Willows grandpa it was not ok/right for him to be so pushy towards Paloma sharing the family secret. Also, in some parts Paloma was in the right while others her mom was. In my opinion Paloma should have listened to her gut and never used the ouija board that led to so much trouble.

I really love the cover of the book it fits the story perfectly. If you love books that contain magic, definitely give this book a try.
  
Searching For Gertrude
Searching For Gertrude
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Searching for Gertrude take you on a hunt to find a girl of a young man love. Will he find this true love he lost. The young man is German and he has some issues with his government.

We learn about the laws that are going down in Germany at the beginning of Hitler Resign. The Nazi believed that Germans were not allowed to marry Jews. Will Rulfoff find this love or will Rudolf get his answers by searching for the girl he fell in love with when he was young. Things to go down hill when his love of his life family must move away to Turkey. He is determined to find her.

He goes undercover for his government even though he does not follow or like this government laws and ideas. As a German consulate there are a few surprises along the way will he go against or follow this government as he is now working for them. Find out by reading.

Rosalyn is an American Jew who come to Turkey to be a Nanny. Rudolf stumbles upon her in his search for Gertrude and ask her for help. Does she help him or not you will need to read the story to know for sure.

Rosalyn come to Turkey for her own reason as well. There is twist and turns throughout the book. Will Rosalyn do as she came to do in Turkey. The author does a wonderful job with the plot. I could not put it down and the fact, that she shows the time and era and history behind what going on in Turkey. Is Turkey with Nazi or they Nurteral during the War. If you are a historical fiction reader or just like learn some facts about history. This book is a good one to pick up. Want to learn more about Germany or Nazi Germany and other surrounding areas or Turkey in the 1930’s.