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Midge (525 KP) rated The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen in Books
Apr 4, 2019
Well Worth A Read!
This is the second book in a series entitled ‘The Sisters’ Secrets.’ The first one is called ‘The Sisters’ Secrets: Rose’, which I haven’t read, though, whilst not ideal, I don’t think it matters that much if they are read out of sequence. It was still a great book for me and worked fine as a stand-alone read.
The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen has all the required ingredients that make a really fantastic story in its genre: from the mood and undercurrents to the good writing and the experience of love and friendship, not forgetting the feelings of hope and moving on from the past.
There is plenty of romance in this thought-provoking story and lots of lighter moments, but this is not lightweight paranormal dross. It examines issues around family and relationships as well as bereavement and loss.
I recommend this very engaging, if a little short, read to those with a fondness for the Romance and Women’s Fiction genres. There are more secrets to be revealed in the next book of the series ‘The Sisters’ Secrets: Pearl’ and I will be reading that book, too!
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author, Katlyn Duncan for my free ARC of The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #TheSistersSecretsReen
The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen has all the required ingredients that make a really fantastic story in its genre: from the mood and undercurrents to the good writing and the experience of love and friendship, not forgetting the feelings of hope and moving on from the past.
There is plenty of romance in this thought-provoking story and lots of lighter moments, but this is not lightweight paranormal dross. It examines issues around family and relationships as well as bereavement and loss.
I recommend this very engaging, if a little short, read to those with a fondness for the Romance and Women’s Fiction genres. There are more secrets to be revealed in the next book of the series ‘The Sisters’ Secrets: Pearl’ and I will be reading that book, too!
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author, Katlyn Duncan for my free ARC of The Sisters’ Secrets: Reen in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #TheSistersSecretsReen
ClareR (6059 KP) rated The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
This latest book in the Will Trent series is centred around far right extremists (Alt-right, Nazi ideology - there’s a lot of ‘Blood and Soil’ being shouted about). I have to hold my hands up here, and admit that I haven’t read the other 8 books in the series, but that didn’t stop me enjoying this. I LOVED it. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had to wait for each ‘stave’ to be released on The Pigeonhole for 12 days, I would have read it all in a couple of sittings. ‘Gripping’ is not the word to describe this - or rather it IS the word, but I’d add ‘exciting, ‘tense’ and ‘oh blimey, I really ought to breathe now!’.
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Ross (3284 KP) rated A Time of Dread in Books
Jan 16, 2018
Twists were quite obvious from very early on (1 more)
Less action on much smaller scale than previous
A new series following on from the events of The Faithful and the Fallen
*** Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. Typos and formatting issues (of which there were many) have not been reflected in this review ***
The first book in John Gwynne's new series (Of Blood and Bone) comes a little over 100 years after the conclusion of Wrath.
In some senses, and I have seen a number of reviews opining this, this marks the start of a different series, and no prior knowledge of the Banished Lands is needed. I would agree to an extent, though I would imagine a lot of things are taken for granted (the creatures and races of people for one, if not the actual storyline). However, if someone then wants to read the previous series I think a lot of the events of those books has been spoilt, not the overall conclusion but certain little details would be annoying to have spoilt. I would strongly encourage readers to read Malice et all first (though beware of the epic scope and cast of characters from the off).
The story follows three main paths which at times become two. Riv (a trainee warrior) and Bleda (a young ward, stolen from his family at a young age) are living with the "angels" that have broken through to the real world and are training to fight the "demons". Their story serves to chronicle the events of the first series quite neatly, and shows how the angels are not perfect in their role as mankind's guardians. Drem is a trapper living in the wilderness with his father and begins to uncover some unusual signs of dark work afoot. Finally, Sig the giant (a minor character in the first series) also works to eliminate the demons from the world, but does so independently of the angels.
The scope of the story and cast of characters is so much smaller more focused than Gwynne's previous books, which took some getting used to. While I felt the scope of the first series was so epic it was hard work, here it seems like a very different, simpler work. Almost, but not quite, like a step backwards.
As usual, there are twists and turns along the way, not all of which were particularly surprising (sometimes you just know that unless someone's head was cut off, they're going to come back again later!) and I felt they could have been dealt with better.
I felt there was maybe another chunk of the story that could have been added as the final 50 pages rattled along all of a sudden and ended abruptly with more still to tell.
I very much enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next instalment to see where the story goes from here, though I expect it will be a smaller series than TFAF, looking to tie up loose ends.
The first book in John Gwynne's new series (Of Blood and Bone) comes a little over 100 years after the conclusion of Wrath.
In some senses, and I have seen a number of reviews opining this, this marks the start of a different series, and no prior knowledge of the Banished Lands is needed. I would agree to an extent, though I would imagine a lot of things are taken for granted (the creatures and races of people for one, if not the actual storyline). However, if someone then wants to read the previous series I think a lot of the events of those books has been spoilt, not the overall conclusion but certain little details would be annoying to have spoilt. I would strongly encourage readers to read Malice et all first (though beware of the epic scope and cast of characters from the off).
The story follows three main paths which at times become two. Riv (a trainee warrior) and Bleda (a young ward, stolen from his family at a young age) are living with the "angels" that have broken through to the real world and are training to fight the "demons". Their story serves to chronicle the events of the first series quite neatly, and shows how the angels are not perfect in their role as mankind's guardians. Drem is a trapper living in the wilderness with his father and begins to uncover some unusual signs of dark work afoot. Finally, Sig the giant (a minor character in the first series) also works to eliminate the demons from the world, but does so independently of the angels.
The scope of the story and cast of characters is so much smaller more focused than Gwynne's previous books, which took some getting used to. While I felt the scope of the first series was so epic it was hard work, here it seems like a very different, simpler work. Almost, but not quite, like a step backwards.
As usual, there are twists and turns along the way, not all of which were particularly surprising (sometimes you just know that unless someone's head was cut off, they're going to come back again later!) and I felt they could have been dealt with better.
I felt there was maybe another chunk of the story that could have been added as the final 50 pages rattled along all of a sudden and ended abruptly with more still to tell.
I very much enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next instalment to see where the story goes from here, though I expect it will be a smaller series than TFAF, looking to tie up loose ends.
Lenard (726 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jul 4, 2019
The producers behind the X-Men series once again rush to tell one of their best storylines from the comic series. Unfortunately, The Dark Phoenix Saga does not lend itself to a one-off movie. Once again, the people with the money are too afraid to gamble on breaking the story into two or three movies. Imagine It, The Lord of the Rings, or Infinity Gauntlet as just film. You can't because all of them were split up into two or three films and they all made huge profits. Dark Phoenix needed the same care and guidance. Jean Grey was not introduced in this timeline until Apocalypse. We the audience did not have time to get to know her and her backstory so we have no sympathy for her when she is taken over by an alien force or any understanding why she is able to battle within herself. There is no real tension in the relationship between Scott and Jean since they have only been together in our minds for 1 movie even if the movie was set ten years ago. We have not experienced those ten years along side them. Every detail is cobbled together in an effort to jam this story which lasted ten issues in the graphic serial.
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Midnight Redemption (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #6) in Books
Apr 21, 2020
Midnight Redemption is the finale of the Bonded by Blood series and you are in for an explosive, non-stop-action read!
Although you could read this as a standalone, I do believe you would get the most out of it if you do read it as a series. After all, characters and previous lives are mentioned (some in great detail) so I think it would help to know just what is going on and who is who!
Anyway, things have changed a lot since the last book. Broderick buried himself in a crypt, thinking he was doing the right thing. Anthony has been carrying on with the business. Davina thought her mum was insane and said mum ended up in a mental hospital. Phew! And into that numerous characters from other books including the Norse Wolves (yey!!!!) and there really is so much going on.
This is one helluva finale! One I have waited for and am NOT disappointed in the result. The only thing I would say is that because of the previous lives mentioned I sometimes got confused. All that means though is that I will be re-reading this as a complete series now it is complete - to get the full enjoyment, you understand!
Midnight Eclipse is still my favourite in the series but this one comes a close second. Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Although you could read this as a standalone, I do believe you would get the most out of it if you do read it as a series. After all, characters and previous lives are mentioned (some in great detail) so I think it would help to know just what is going on and who is who!
Anyway, things have changed a lot since the last book. Broderick buried himself in a crypt, thinking he was doing the right thing. Anthony has been carrying on with the business. Davina thought her mum was insane and said mum ended up in a mental hospital. Phew! And into that numerous characters from other books including the Norse Wolves (yey!!!!) and there really is so much going on.
This is one helluva finale! One I have waited for and am NOT disappointed in the result. The only thing I would say is that because of the previous lives mentioned I sometimes got confused. All that means though is that I will be re-reading this as a complete series now it is complete - to get the full enjoyment, you understand!
Midnight Eclipse is still my favourite in the series but this one comes a close second. Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Underground (Demon Guard #2) in Books
Dec 23, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
UNDERGROUND is the second book in the Demon Guard series. Raith has been suspended from the school for a week. He is supposed to meet with Chancellor Ward after that time but, you just know, Raith and Nox have enough adventure during that week to last anyone else a lifetime!
The title of the book gives away the main part of this story but there were still twists and turns that captured my interest. Ambry? Oh, dear. I will admit to feeling conflicted here. Disappointed - for sure, but also, slightly happy. I want someone who is Raith's equal and, at the moment, she isn't showing that. I don't know who, if anyone, is but certainly not her. I will keep my mind open and see where Ms Alsop takes me.
Once again, the relationship between Nox and Raith is outstanding and really is what makes this book (and series so far) superb. My heart broke for Raith when he said what he did, and I cheered for Nox's no-nonsense approach and forgiveness.
I've read two books in this series so far and both of them have been 5 stars. If that doesn't tell you something then I don't know what will. No second-book slump for this series. It just leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Dec 23, 2020
The title of the book gives away the main part of this story but there were still twists and turns that captured my interest. Ambry? Oh, dear. I will admit to feeling conflicted here. Disappointed - for sure, but also, slightly happy. I want someone who is Raith's equal and, at the moment, she isn't showing that. I don't know who, if anyone, is but certainly not her. I will keep my mind open and see where Ms Alsop takes me.
Once again, the relationship between Nox and Raith is outstanding and really is what makes this book (and series so far) superb. My heart broke for Raith when he said what he did, and I cheered for Nox's no-nonsense approach and forgiveness.
I've read two books in this series so far and both of them have been 5 stars. If that doesn't tell you something then I don't know what will. No second-book slump for this series. It just leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Dec 23, 2020
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Discovery Moon (Gladstone Shifters #5) in Books
Sep 13, 2022
I was completely swept away in the story...
DISCOVERY MOON is the fifth book in the Gladstone Shifters series and you really need to read this as a series rather than a set of standalones.
Lance has been the nanny for Ben and Evan's pups since they were born and he loves his job. He does dream of having a mate and pups of his own though. Sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for, as Lance does indeed get a mate and pups but, perhaps, not in the way he imagined.
Told from multiple perspectives, you once again get a well-rounded view of Gladstone and their ties with other packs. This one starts off with lots happening in different places but, slowly, it all comes together.
As with every book in this series, I was completely swept away in the story and the characters. I have laughed with them and cried for them. I've been hopeful and distraught, happy and vengeful. Trust me, by the end, I was exhausted!
A brilliant addition to a series I adore! If you like multiple perspectives, intricate personal storylines, mixed up with others, woven together with mastery, then I can highly recommend this book. But, PLEASE, read them in order!
Absolutely and utterly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lance has been the nanny for Ben and Evan's pups since they were born and he loves his job. He does dream of having a mate and pups of his own though. Sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for, as Lance does indeed get a mate and pups but, perhaps, not in the way he imagined.
Told from multiple perspectives, you once again get a well-rounded view of Gladstone and their ties with other packs. This one starts off with lots happening in different places but, slowly, it all comes together.
As with every book in this series, I was completely swept away in the story and the characters. I have laughed with them and cried for them. I've been hopeful and distraught, happy and vengeful. Trust me, by the end, I was exhausted!
A brilliant addition to a series I adore! If you like multiple perspectives, intricate personal storylines, mixed up with others, woven together with mastery, then I can highly recommend this book. But, PLEASE, read them in order!
Absolutely and utterly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Hanged Man (The Bone Field #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Once again, I am not disappointed by one of Simons books. This, the second in this series, is another gritty and exciting read but I would recommend you read the first otherwise I think you will feel a little lost but its not totally essential as there are enough recaps to help you keep up with the story.
The books does contain a lot of violence you have been warned however, it does deal with a particularly distasteful subject and equally distasteful people so you cant expect it to be all warm and fluffy!
I know I have said it before but, I think, one of Simons strengths is the creation of believable characters that you begin to care about DI Ray Mason is one of those however, hes not all sweetness and light as you will see in this book and so begins the struggle in my head about whether I should be rooting for him or not! I cannot question his dedication and drive to bring miscreants to justice however, the way he does it is questionable and, if Im honest, a little OTT.
Private Investigator and former Police Officer Tina Boyd is another returning character she is my all-time favourite female protagonist being loyal, brave, feisty and determined and she delivers on all fronts in this book.
Overall, this book is packed with action throughout; it may not be the complex of story lines in the world but it kept me reading with enthusiasm and going back for more and I definitely look forward to the next in the series.
A big thanks to the publisher (Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The books does contain a lot of violence you have been warned however, it does deal with a particularly distasteful subject and equally distasteful people so you cant expect it to be all warm and fluffy!
I know I have said it before but, I think, one of Simons strengths is the creation of believable characters that you begin to care about DI Ray Mason is one of those however, hes not all sweetness and light as you will see in this book and so begins the struggle in my head about whether I should be rooting for him or not! I cannot question his dedication and drive to bring miscreants to justice however, the way he does it is questionable and, if Im honest, a little OTT.
Private Investigator and former Police Officer Tina Boyd is another returning character she is my all-time favourite female protagonist being loyal, brave, feisty and determined and she delivers on all fronts in this book.
Overall, this book is packed with action throughout; it may not be the complex of story lines in the world but it kept me reading with enthusiasm and going back for more and I definitely look forward to the next in the series.
A big thanks to the publisher (Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1) in Books
Jun 27, 2018
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Destiny is the first book in the Seven Seals series. In this one, we meet Kagan, who has looked after the host of the First Seal for eons. The trouble is, not only does he concern himself over the current host, but he is also getting bored and wants to visit earth. A summons comes, and he arrives on earth, only to find out it wasn't Divinity who summoned him, but the host.
This is a nice, relaxing read, with no particular angst and an easy enough plot to follow. Although this story focuses on Kagan, his other brothers are mentioned. With plenty of brothers - and hosts - I can't wait to see where this series will go next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story.
For a quick, laid-back, paranormal romance, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a nice, relaxing read, with no particular angst and an easy enough plot to follow. Although this story focuses on Kagan, his other brothers are mentioned. With plenty of brothers - and hosts - I can't wait to see where this series will go next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story.
For a quick, laid-back, paranormal romance, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13725 KP) rated Orlin's Fall (Planetary Submissives #2) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Planetary Submissives series which I am thoroughly enjoying. Although this is classed as BDSM, it doesn't really tick that box for me, although that is not a bad thing. Some of the funniest parts of the book are when Orlin is trying to be a 'proper' pet although he has no idea what that entails. Aester also doesn't really want a pet but an equal, and this is definitely a good thing because that's what he gets with Orlin.
There is an amazing amount of world and character-building within this short novella, more than enough to satisfy. There were no grammatical errors here that I noticed.
I loved the ending of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - Zall's Captain - which features a character from book 1.
Definitely recommended if you want a hint of BDSM, sweet yet sexy sci-fi 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!
Dec 8, 2015
There is an amazing amount of world and character-building within this short novella, more than enough to satisfy. There were no grammatical errors here that I noticed.
I loved the ending of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - Zall's Captain - which features a character from book 1.
Definitely recommended if you want a hint of BDSM, sweet yet sexy sci-fi 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!
Dec 8, 2015