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It may not be completely fair, but most of my ratings include how I feel about the grammar - if there are several punctuation errors, mispelled words, and other mistakes. Because of the grammatical errors in the majority of the Consequences series, these books did not receive the star rating I would have preferred to give them. Consequences and Truth both received 3 stars, but can become a 3.5 rating with corrections. Convicted I gave 3.5 stars, but could easily be 4 stars after editing. Revealed earned 4 stars from me - the grammar, punctuation and spelling were much, much better, therefore this was the highest rating I will give it. Beyond the Consequences was only given 3 stars.
Below I have included my separate reviews for each book.

Truth: I'll be perfectly honest. I've become so familiar with reading from the first person perspective, it's a little difficult to fully immerse myself in a story written in third person; partly because the point of views change so quickly, sometimes without warning, and there are so many, it's hard to keep up with. In Truth, we read (in third person) through Claire's, Tony's, Harry's, Phil's, Sophia's, Derek's, Nathaniel's, Marie's, and Catherine's point of view. In fact, there may even be one or two I'm forgetting. The point is, it was kind of hard to concentrate, especially when the POV changed without any real consistency. However, despite this and some easy to overlook, but not completely dismissed, grammatical errors, I truly enjoyed Truth. I read Consequences over a year ago and have been desperate to find out how the story continues. The first book left me appalled, disgusted, and just as determined to seek revenge as Claire. However, this book left me completely shocked. There were so many twists and turns, so many events that I was in no way prepared for - I loved it. Aleatha kept me on my toes and I couldn't have predicted anything that happened. Of course, my one real worry is that Claire took Tony back. I told myself that, if one were to pretend the events in Consequences didn't occur, Tony's attempts to rekindle his marriage with Claire would be sweet. However, I can't just forget those things happened. Tony hit her, he isolated her, he kidnapped her and controlled every aspect of her life, he manipulated her and abused her more ways than physically. He raped her. In candor, the first of his several sins could probably be overlooked if he were completely and totally dedicated to not only making it up to Claire, but to making sure those moments never occurred again. However, I absolutely cannot get over the fact that he raped her, repeatedly. Something like that can't, and shouldn't, be forgiven. In the first book, I assumed he had successfully brainwashed her into believe she loved him, so I could forgive her for forgiving him. But in Truth, she was able to step away and realize just how much power she could wield over him, yet she fell right back into his arms. I look forward to reading from Tony's point of view to see whether or not I can be persuaded to agree with Claire and her love for him. Until then, I will continue to have my reservations.

Convicted: Man, what a roller coaster! Romig kept me guessing throughout the whole book and, honestly, worried about how everything would turn out. I had my fears from the beginning - with each new chapter, they grew and grew. I actually caught myself hoping Claire would get the happily ever after she so desperately wanted, even if that included Tony. In reality, I still find it hard to chew that the fact Tony raped her could actually be overlooked. However, there is this magical sense of self-preservation called "suspension of belief", which allows us readers to, well, suspend our beliefs to morally accept something from a book that we most certainly wouldn't in real life. I even found myself cheering the couple on, completely forgetting about the past, only to be reminded and question myself. Whether it's absurd for me to have eventually made peace with Claire's decision to love and forgive Tony for his trangressions, that's what happened. Despite the typical grammatical and punctuation errors dotted throughout the book, I rated Convicted with 3.5 stars instead of 3, because I was truly enthralled from beginning to end. It was a worthy read and, as usual, I'm a little sad to be officially parted with Claire and Tony (if you don't include Tony's POV books), but I'm happy with the way their story ended.

Beyond the Consequences: The grammar matched that of Revealed - much improved from the first 3 Consequences books - but I felt incredibly bored throughout most of it. I felt like it was being dragged out; if Aleatha had made it so Patricia and Rudolf were working together, I believe it would have made this story shorter and, therefore, more enjoyable.
  
Catch a Tiger by the Tail (THIRDS #6)
Catch a Tiger by the Tail (THIRDS #6)
Charlie Cochet | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Catch a Tiger by the Tail (THIRDS #6) by Charlie Cochet
Catch A Tiger By The Tail is Calvin and Hobbs' story! They've been best friends for years, making sure they have each other's back. Calvin has known that he loved Ethan for a long time now, but Ethan has issues to work through, one of which being that he really doesn't like change. One of the best bits of this book was when Ethan was telling Calvin about what happened with Dr Shultzon, and how the 'good' doctor said he was broken. I think I actually heard my heart break in two at that point! However, Calvin soon put a band-aid on it with his response. He really does know Ethan better than Ethan knows himself. However, Calvin also needs to place his trust in his partner a bit more, to realise that he can't protect Ethan from everything, and that Ethan can actually cope with more than Calvin realises.

This book is all about Calvin and Ethan, but we get regular appearances from the rest of Destructive Delta, plus Ethan's brothers. There is one bit involving a character that I have loved to loathe up until the part where I read his 'why'. Now, everyone has a reason for how they act, but this one...? This one slayed me. And now I can't loathe him anymore! Instead, I'm turning those feelings towards Dr Shultzon!!!

Incredible writing once again, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, plus a horrible cliffhanger that will leave you wanting to pounce on the next book immediately. Which, if you'll excuse me, I'm just about to do! Highly recommended by me.

* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The One (The Selection, #3)
The One (The Selection, #3)
Kiera Cass | 2014 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.4 (23 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The One</i> is the third book in <i>The Selection</i> series by Kiera Cass. With only four girls remaining, the competition to become Prince Maxon’s bride is nearing its conclusion. Being from a lower caste, America is the least unlikely girl in the whole of the selection to have made it this far. But although sometimes his intentions are confusing, it appears Maxon is in love with her. As the title suggests this will be the book where Maxon makes his important decision, but will America be the one?

Of the three books, <i>The One</i> is the most interesting by far. Although the key storyline is about the selection itself, there is more interaction with other aspects of the story. The southern rebels are getting even more violent as they determine to overthrow the king, however America learns a lot more about the northern rebels, including something extremely surprising, which makes them seem a lot less threatening than they previously were.

With America as the narrator, readers can suspect which girl will be chosen as princess, however there are still some things that could completely change the competition. For example the relationship between America and her former boyfriend, Aspen; also the hatred King Clarkson has for America.

The will they, won’t they questions plague the readers from beginning until its dramatic conclusion. The shocking ending could move readers to tears, proving just how gripping the story actually is.

With its happy, sad ending <i>The One</i> is a brilliant continuation of the young adult dystopian romance. Although the selection has come to an end, there is still so much the reader wants to know, making the next book, <i>The Heir</i>, a top priority to read.
  
How to Chain Your Dragons
How to Chain Your Dragons
Ellie Horn | 2025 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HOW TO CHAIN YOUR DRAGONS appears to be a standalone, but could so easily be the first in a new series. In fact, I hope it is as I really want to see more of these Raptor Drakes and their True Mate fated females.

Jaz has learned how to fly under the radar as far as the Drakes, who run her part of 'town', are concerned. Unfortunately, that doesn't work for her half-brother or Kurt, his best friend. Females are in short supply, and Kurt has decided Jaz is his, whether she likes it or not. Luckily for her, their finding out she hasn't been tagged properly (yes, you read that right) means that she also gets injected with something that has an unexpected effect. During this time, she has met two of the three Raptor brothers, who will change her life.

This was a page-turner for me, and I loved every moment. The three Raptors - Zyair, Xandros, and Rhodes - were completely separate characters and personalities, making it easy to distinguish between the three. Jaz and Yani also had a wonderful relationship that thrived. This is not a galaxy for the weak, though, as some nasty characters are about. Those Manticores? Shudder!

Anyway, their story takes time to tell, and that just made it better. There are hot and spicy times, but they fit with the story and aren't just there for gratuitous pleasure! Jaz is no pushover, and if she does roll over, it's on her terms.

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and a world I hope to return to. 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!
May 26, 2025
  
Entangled Beta (Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse #2)
Entangled Beta (Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse #2)
Cassie Lein, Bre Rose | 2025 | Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
ENTANGLED BETA is the second book in the Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse series. I haven't read the first, but would definitely recommend it as there were parts that I didn't fully understand. It didn't have a massive impact on my enjoyment of this story, but I think it would help if you knew more.

The first thing that I loved is that Sasha is a Beta. Too often, they're forgotten, or only mentioned as hard workers. Sasha is not someone to overlook, or if you do, it's at your own cost! She is multi-faceted, happy with stabbing the bad guys, or making sure her omega is safe. Whatever you need, Sasha will make sure you have it.

As for the guys, Levi is the one who was introduced first, followed by Stone, and then Flynn. Each of them brings a special something to the story, and it wouldn't be the same without them. Stone is my favourite and my heart broke for him over and over, while he also made me laugh.

The story was well-paced, being neither too fast nor too slow, and a mixture of character- and plot-led, and this is where I think that prior knowledge would have been handy to have. Saying that, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story and would continue with the series going forward. I want to read the first book in the series now! 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!
Apr 24, 2025