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Merissa (14046 KP) rated Mated in Ink (Love Sync Ink) in Books
Feb 26, 2026
MATED IN INK is part of the Love Sync Ink series, although I haven't read any of the other stories in the series, and I don't feel as though it made any difference to my enjoyment of this one.
This is an omegaverse story, where shifters are secret. Gabe is a human omega, and Mika is a meerkat shifter alpha. Gabe has always been told by his omega father what he should look for in an alpha, and Mika is none of those things. However, Gabe has a magic tattoo that points him in the right direction, and both he and Mika like pushing the boundaries on what should be 'right' or 'expected' of a designation.
Talia, Mika's mum, is an absolute hoot, and I loved how Gabe compared her to the mafia. Gabe's dad took some time to win me over, but it became clear why he acted the way he did. One of the things I enjoyed about this story was that it didn't just end when they got together. Instead, you see how they settle into life together, a wedding, births, and best friends. I'm hoping for a story about Jett and his phoenix!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Feb 26, 2026
This is an omegaverse story, where shifters are secret. Gabe is a human omega, and Mika is a meerkat shifter alpha. Gabe has always been told by his omega father what he should look for in an alpha, and Mika is none of those things. However, Gabe has a magic tattoo that points him in the right direction, and both he and Mika like pushing the boundaries on what should be 'right' or 'expected' of a designation.
Talia, Mika's mum, is an absolute hoot, and I loved how Gabe compared her to the mafia. Gabe's dad took some time to win me over, but it became clear why he acted the way he did. One of the things I enjoyed about this story was that it didn't just end when they got together. Instead, you see how they settle into life together, a wedding, births, and best friends. I'm hoping for a story about Jett and his phoenix!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Feb 26, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated Murder in the Tattoo Parlor in Books
Jul 30, 2025
Murder Leaves a Permanent Mark
Francine and Charlotte have agree to go with Joy to her appointment to get a tattoo. Yes, it’s on Joy’s bucket list, but she’s not so sure she’ll actually follow through. They show up for the late-night appointment only to find the tattoo artist dead. The new police chief wants them to stay far away from the case, but Francine can’t help but start investigating. Her biggest surprise is that none of her friends seems that interested in helping with the case since they all have their own distractions. Can Francine figure out what happened?
I thought this series had concluded years ago, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the authors have self-published a couple of additional entries. I’d forgotten about a storyline that enters the paranormal realm that I wasn’t a fan of, yet I’m curious where it is going in the next in the series. While the plot started well, Francine spends a lot of time going in circles. Parts are obvious early, yet the climax still feels rushed. On the other hand, I still enjoy the characters and liked spending time with them again. I’ll probably pick up the next just to see where the story is going. The authors do have me curious about that.
I thought this series had concluded years ago, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the authors have self-published a couple of additional entries. I’d forgotten about a storyline that enters the paranormal realm that I wasn’t a fan of, yet I’m curious where it is going in the next in the series. While the plot started well, Francine spends a lot of time going in circles. Parts are obvious early, yet the climax still feels rushed. On the other hand, I still enjoy the characters and liked spending time with them again. I’ll probably pick up the next just to see where the story is going. The authors do have me curious about that.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated Locked in Pursuit in Books
Feb 26, 2026 (Updated Feb 26, 2026)
You’ll be Locked into These Pages
It’s been three months since Ellie McDonnell’s last mission with the Major Ramsey, a mission that turned dark. It’s now January of 1941, and Ellie sees an article in the paper about a robbery that feels wrong to her. Something is off, especially when none of her contacts have heard anything about it. Ramsey takes her concern seriously enough to uncover two other odd robberies. The connection? The victims were on a recent flight from Lisbon. What or who was on that plane? Can Ellie and Ramsey get the prize first?
This series has some strong ongoing storylines, so you’ll want to be up to date before you pick up this book. Especially since the early part of the novel spends time on those storylines. That part was a little contemplative for my taste, but things do pick up as the new adventure kicks into high gear. I’m still not a fan of the romantic triangle, but I did enjoy the new story and a character we met along the way. The regulars were charming, too. This book sets up the final book with a couple of cliffhangers, and I really can’t wait to find out what is going to happen next. Fans will enjoy this next chapter in Ellie’s life.
This series has some strong ongoing storylines, so you’ll want to be up to date before you pick up this book. Especially since the early part of the novel spends time on those storylines. That part was a little contemplative for my taste, but things do pick up as the new adventure kicks into high gear. I’m still not a fan of the romantic triangle, but I did enjoy the new story and a character we met along the way. The regulars were charming, too. This book sets up the final book with a couple of cliffhangers, and I really can’t wait to find out what is going to happen next. Fans will enjoy this next chapter in Ellie’s life.
Merissa (14046 KP) rated When You Burn Me (Enchanted Hearts #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2025
WHEN YOU BURN ME is the first book in the Enchanted Hearts series with Sienna and Damon leading the way.
Sienna is a light witch in a small but powerful coven, who is one of the last guardians of a key which keeps a powerful dark witch locked up. Damon is the half-breed son of the prisoner, who is only alive because the dark coven is saving him for his 'mother'. When she is free, she will take his power which will also kill him. Obviously, Damon's none too keen on her being freed.
This was a great story with plenty of side characters to help give it some flavour. One of my favourites was Morrigan, a sassy and sometimes grumpy light witch who can cause death by the simple touch of her hand. One of the characters I didn't like so much was Terra, Sienna's aunt. I kept waiting for her to grow on me but it never happened.
A good start to a new series that I definitely recommend, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
** 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!
Jan 29, 2025
Sienna is a light witch in a small but powerful coven, who is one of the last guardians of a key which keeps a powerful dark witch locked up. Damon is the half-breed son of the prisoner, who is only alive because the dark coven is saving him for his 'mother'. When she is free, she will take his power which will also kill him. Obviously, Damon's none too keen on her being freed.
This was a great story with plenty of side characters to help give it some flavour. One of my favourites was Morrigan, a sassy and sometimes grumpy light witch who can cause death by the simple touch of her hand. One of the characters I didn't like so much was Terra, Sienna's aunt. I kept waiting for her to grow on me but it never happened.
A good start to a new series that I definitely recommend, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
** 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!
Jan 29, 2025
The Demons of Wychwood
7.0
Rate It
Book
London 1860 Felix Lazarus - I suppose you could say I was a voyeur and what I was doing was wrong,...
MM Historical Romance
Merissa (14046 KP) rated The Schoolmaster's Daughter in Books
Apr 24, 2025
THE SCHOOLMASTER'S DAUGHTER is a gentle and genteel story of mistaken identity and the amusing shenanigans that follow.
Julius is neck-deep in debt and has come up with a plan to marry an heiress to get himself out of it. When a friend tells him of an heiress in Bath, far from the London crowd that knows of his predicament, he travels there and tries to win her hand. Unfortunately for him, the woman he presumes is the companion is actually an heiress herself and none too pleased with his plan. So Lydia decides to teach him a lesson, all of which leads to an amusing story of brightly coloured fashion disasters and wayward children.
This story is well-paced and treads lightly on topics such as generational debt, forced elopement, blackmail, and poverty. It made for a great read to see Lydia's feelings of guilt make themselves known once she started to have feelings for Julius. It is a sweet read, with no spice, that perfectly suited the cooked-up scheme between Julius and Lydia.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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 18, 2025
Julius is neck-deep in debt and has come up with a plan to marry an heiress to get himself out of it. When a friend tells him of an heiress in Bath, far from the London crowd that knows of his predicament, he travels there and tries to win her hand. Unfortunately for him, the woman he presumes is the companion is actually an heiress herself and none too pleased with his plan. So Lydia decides to teach him a lesson, all of which leads to an amusing story of brightly coloured fashion disasters and wayward children.
This story is well-paced and treads lightly on topics such as generational debt, forced elopement, blackmail, and poverty. It made for a great read to see Lydia's feelings of guilt make themselves known once she started to have feelings for Julius. It is a sweet read, with no spice, that perfectly suited the cooked-up scheme between Julius and Lydia.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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 18, 2025
The third of Bernard Cornwell's 5 so-called 'Sailing Thrillers' (comprising 'Wildtrack', 'Sea Lord', this one, 'Stormchild' and 'Scoundrel'), none of which ever really resonated as much with me - or, presumably, the author himself since the last of these was written in 1992! - as his more famous Sharpe series about a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars, or the Uhtred of Bebbanburg (also sometimes called The Saxon Stories) series, set in and around the time of Alfred the Great.
As with all the other sailing thrillers by the author, this is far more contemporaneous set: here, we're in the late 1980s, early 90s (I believe this was written in 1990), with this being set in and around the Bahamas where - like nearly all of Cornwell's other characters in just about any of his books - the main protagonist is an outcast of sorts: here, by their own choice, turning their back on their rich and famous father to spend their time sailing instead.
Hired by a rich senator for a convalescent cruise for said senator's drug-addict children, what starts out as a simple job soon turns anything but when Nick Breakspear and his small crew run foul of drug smugglers, leading to an action-packed finale - it's just a pity it took so long to actually get there, I felt!
As with all the other sailing thrillers by the author, this is far more contemporaneous set: here, we're in the late 1980s, early 90s (I believe this was written in 1990), with this being set in and around the Bahamas where - like nearly all of Cornwell's other characters in just about any of his books - the main protagonist is an outcast of sorts: here, by their own choice, turning their back on their rich and famous father to spend their time sailing instead.
Hired by a rich senator for a convalescent cruise for said senator's drug-addict children, what starts out as a simple job soon turns anything but when Nick Breakspear and his small crew run foul of drug smugglers, leading to an action-packed finale - it's just a pity it took so long to actually get there, I felt!
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Wait! (Oxley College #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
This is the third book in the Oxley College series although it can (and was by me) read as a standalone. This in no way disrupted my reading or enjoyment of the story.
This book concentrates on Jordan - a serious ex-rugby player who just wants to study hard and doesn't want any sort of relationship - and Hex - a fun-loving party girl who's hiding her hurt behind a smiling mask. They both have secrets and issues that they are dealing with and it's the way that they deal with them and each other that makes this book such a joy to read.
There is insta-lust between the two of them but they actually take the time to build up their relationship which makes a refreshing change.
This story is very well written and deals with some very hard subjects - binge drinking, the death of a sibling, the effects of words spoken by parents who don't know the child is listening - that sort of thing. None of it is preachy or judgmental but tells Jordan and Hex's story perfectly.
Definitely recommended to all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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 02, 2015
This book concentrates on Jordan - a serious ex-rugby player who just wants to study hard and doesn't want any sort of relationship - and Hex - a fun-loving party girl who's hiding her hurt behind a smiling mask. They both have secrets and issues that they are dealing with and it's the way that they deal with them and each other that makes this book such a joy to read.
There is insta-lust between the two of them but they actually take the time to build up their relationship which makes a refreshing change.
This story is very well written and deals with some very hard subjects - binge drinking, the death of a sibling, the effects of words spoken by parents who don't know the child is listening - that sort of thing. None of it is preachy or judgmental but tells Jordan and Hex's story perfectly.
Definitely recommended to all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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 02, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Night Shift in Books
Sep 17, 2023
131 of 235
Kindle
The Night Shift
By Alex Finlay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s New Year’s Eve 1999. Y2K is expected to end in chaos: planes falling from the sky, elevators plunging to earth, world markets collapsing. A digital apocalypse. None of that happens. But at a Blockbuster Video in New Jersey, four teenagers working late at the store are attacked. Only one inexplicably survives. Police quickly identify a suspect, the boyfriend of one of the victims, who flees and is never seen again.
Fifteen years later, more teenage employees are attacked at an ice cream store in the same town, and again only one makes it out alive.
In the aftermath of the latest crime, three lives intersect: the lone survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive the horrors of her tragedy; the brother of the fugitive accused, who’s convinced the police have the wrong suspect; and FBI agent Sarah Keller who must delve into the secrets of both nights—stirring up memories of teen love and lies—to uncover the truth about murders on the night shift.
I read this in one sitting and thought it was just brilliant. It kept me totally engaged and constantly guessing. It had some pretty nasty characters too which always makes for good reading. Really enjoyed it.
Kindle
The Night Shift
By Alex Finlay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s New Year’s Eve 1999. Y2K is expected to end in chaos: planes falling from the sky, elevators plunging to earth, world markets collapsing. A digital apocalypse. None of that happens. But at a Blockbuster Video in New Jersey, four teenagers working late at the store are attacked. Only one inexplicably survives. Police quickly identify a suspect, the boyfriend of one of the victims, who flees and is never seen again.
Fifteen years later, more teenage employees are attacked at an ice cream store in the same town, and again only one makes it out alive.
In the aftermath of the latest crime, three lives intersect: the lone survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive the horrors of her tragedy; the brother of the fugitive accused, who’s convinced the police have the wrong suspect; and FBI agent Sarah Keller who must delve into the secrets of both nights—stirring up memories of teen love and lies—to uncover the truth about murders on the night shift.
I read this in one sitting and thought it was just brilliant. It kept me totally engaged and constantly guessing. It had some pretty nasty characters too which always makes for good reading. Really enjoyed it.