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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Flesh and Blood (DI Amy Winter #4) in Books
May 5, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Not until reading the 4th book in Caroline Mitchell's DI Amy Winter series did I figure out how to read the series without losing sleep. I started reading it first thing in the morning. Her novels are brilliantly written police procedurals, full of exciting characters and backstories, that are hard to put down.
As with the prior three installments, Flesh and Blood, focuses on Amy Winter's professional life and personal life. This time her team is tasked with investigating a wave of apparent suicides at several seaside resorts. The main reason her team travels to Clacton is it is Winter's boss’s, DCI Donovan, a prior partner who is the latest apparent suicide victim.
After the team's last case and ensuing news coverage, their profile has gone up, and they are under the microscope by the press, public, and their higherups. Their presence and help are not welcomed in Clacton, but Amy, as usual, plows on and is determined to find the truth...no matter where or who they need to investigate.
Mitchell has established a well-formed world around DI WInter's childhood, biological and adoptive parents, work, and personal life. It would be remiss to not read the series from the beginning.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Not until reading the 4th book in Caroline Mitchell's DI Amy Winter series did I figure out how to read the series without losing sleep. I started reading it first thing in the morning. Her novels are brilliantly written police procedurals, full of exciting characters and backstories, that are hard to put down.
As with the prior three installments, Flesh and Blood, focuses on Amy Winter's professional life and personal life. This time her team is tasked with investigating a wave of apparent suicides at several seaside resorts. The main reason her team travels to Clacton is it is Winter's boss’s, DCI Donovan, a prior partner who is the latest apparent suicide victim.
After the team's last case and ensuing news coverage, their profile has gone up, and they are under the microscope by the press, public, and their higherups. Their presence and help are not welcomed in Clacton, but Amy, as usual, plows on and is determined to find the truth...no matter where or who they need to investigate.
Mitchell has established a well-formed world around DI WInter's childhood, biological and adoptive parents, work, and personal life. It would be remiss to not read the series from the beginning.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Winter in Paradise in Books
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 5, 2019)
Great, engaging read
This was such a good book. I found it to be totally engrossing. It was a compelling read: dramatic in some places and fun and engaging in others. As always, Hilderbrand has a way of reeling you in. Her characters are so real and fully formed. I could feel Irene's pain and shock; Baker and Cash's disbelief; and the horror of those on the island, who lost someone they loved, as well.
Maybe it's just the part of me who loves a good soap opera, but I was totally swept up in the drama of this novel. I felt completely transported into the world of the Steeles and St. John island. While I'll have to wait a while for the next book in this series (more on that in a bit), I enjoyed this book so much that it had me tracking down Hilderbrand's Winter series, so I could continue reading her work. I have the first three books (of four), so I will be digging into those soon. Not since I read a book by Liane Moriarty and then read her entire catalog, have I felt so into an author at the moment.
And speaking of this series, there's definitely a cliffhanger at the end. Be prepared. I'm quite excited to read the next book and see where the Steele family and all their drama and intrigue takes us. Such unlikely partnerships form in this one; there's an exciting love triangle; there are interesting island characters--it's such a fun book.
Overall, this is a great read. It's engaging, and heartbreaking at times and sweet and funny at others. I loved the characters and felt totally caught up in the story. I am very much looking forward to book #2 (if not the wait for it!).
Maybe it's just the part of me who loves a good soap opera, but I was totally swept up in the drama of this novel. I felt completely transported into the world of the Steeles and St. John island. While I'll have to wait a while for the next book in this series (more on that in a bit), I enjoyed this book so much that it had me tracking down Hilderbrand's Winter series, so I could continue reading her work. I have the first three books (of four), so I will be digging into those soon. Not since I read a book by Liane Moriarty and then read her entire catalog, have I felt so into an author at the moment.
And speaking of this series, there's definitely a cliffhanger at the end. Be prepared. I'm quite excited to read the next book and see where the Steele family and all their drama and intrigue takes us. Such unlikely partnerships form in this one; there's an exciting love triangle; there are interesting island characters--it's such a fun book.
Overall, this is a great read. It's engaging, and heartbreaking at times and sweet and funny at others. I loved the characters and felt totally caught up in the story. I am very much looking forward to book #2 (if not the wait for it!).
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Raiventon (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #2) in Books
Aug 9, 2021
RAIVENTON is the second book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series and we move onto Raina and Kevin. They have been married for years but don't have what you might call a conventional marriage!
Kevin has his team and is with them a lot of the time. During his absence, Raina has been striking out on her own, trying to get out from under her father's thumb. Unfortunately, her naivety brings about her downfall, with the not-so-nice Shield Guardian Enbrackon 'helping' her along.
Wow, this series just keeps getting better! I'm sorry Kat and Sean, but it's true! Whilst I loved your book, this one edges it. Maybe because I'm now used to this world. Maybe it's because I really, REALLY, don't like Enbrackon and loved him not getting his way. Maybe it's seeing Kevin and Raina fall in love and her finally being able to show her strengths. I don't know. All I do know is I read this book from beginning to end, losing myself in their world.
The intrigue continues and I am loving every word. Kevin, Mason, Sean, and Katria may be a team when they go on a mission, but they have a team already at home, and I am loving the additions to it with each story.
A fantastic story set in a world I am loving. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, or the series, and I really can't wait for book 3. Bring it on!
** 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!
Kevin has his team and is with them a lot of the time. During his absence, Raina has been striking out on her own, trying to get out from under her father's thumb. Unfortunately, her naivety brings about her downfall, with the not-so-nice Shield Guardian Enbrackon 'helping' her along.
Wow, this series just keeps getting better! I'm sorry Kat and Sean, but it's true! Whilst I loved your book, this one edges it. Maybe because I'm now used to this world. Maybe it's because I really, REALLY, don't like Enbrackon and loved him not getting his way. Maybe it's seeing Kevin and Raina fall in love and her finally being able to show her strengths. I don't know. All I do know is I read this book from beginning to end, losing myself in their world.
The intrigue continues and I am loving every word. Kevin, Mason, Sean, and Katria may be a team when they go on a mission, but they have a team already at home, and I am loving the additions to it with each story.
A fantastic story set in a world I am loving. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, or the series, and I really can't wait for book 3. Bring it on!
** 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!
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Bad Moon Rising (The Crown's Wolves #1) in Books
Nov 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
BAD MOON RISING is the first book in The Crown's Wolves series, and let's start with the fact that the Crown is a complete douche with (probably) criminal ties to a syndicate.
Okay, moving on. Nova wakes with no memory of who or what she is. She just has a name tattooed on her wrist, plus a mobile that keeps giving her instructions. She follows the instructions (possibly the only time in the book) and finds Roman. Then the story really gets going as people blow up and we enter a world of lycanthropes and magic.
Now, stick with me here because this may not sound good, but this was a confusing book. There is SO much going on and the reader has no idea about any of it. This is normal though for the first book in the series. There is always a lot of world-building to do, but there is a LOT in here. Bad Moon Rising hosts a number of characters, some dead, that you will learn about, plus lifestyles, weaknesses, etc.
Don't think you will walk away knowing what's going on though. Oh, no! This is not a book for those who like everything tied with a neat bow at the end. This series is only just getting started and you will be left with more questions than answers.
A great book though with an individual storyline and take on the paranormal world, and one I can't wait to continue.
** 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!
Nov 8, 2021
Okay, moving on. Nova wakes with no memory of who or what she is. She just has a name tattooed on her wrist, plus a mobile that keeps giving her instructions. She follows the instructions (possibly the only time in the book) and finds Roman. Then the story really gets going as people blow up and we enter a world of lycanthropes and magic.
Now, stick with me here because this may not sound good, but this was a confusing book. There is SO much going on and the reader has no idea about any of it. This is normal though for the first book in the series. There is always a lot of world-building to do, but there is a LOT in here. Bad Moon Rising hosts a number of characters, some dead, that you will learn about, plus lifestyles, weaknesses, etc.
Don't think you will walk away knowing what's going on though. Oh, no! This is not a book for those who like everything tied with a neat bow at the end. This series is only just getting started and you will be left with more questions than answers.
A great book though with an individual storyline and take on the paranormal world, and one I can't wait to continue.
** 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!
Nov 8, 2021
CKD (37 KP) rated Heads You Win in Books
Dec 7, 2018
WOW! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I totally would.
First, thanks to St. Martins Press for sending me an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Second, I loved, loved, loved this book! I first started reading Jeffrey Archer's book in the early 90s when my husband introduced me to the Kane and Abel series. After reading that series, I was hooked on his writing style and the stories. I've read pretty much every single one of them. This one was one of his best. If you read the Clifton Chronicles, you may remember that Harry Clifton is a writer and he "wrote" "Heads You Win". This book, like all of his others, get you hooked almost immediately and don't stop until the last word. This tells the story of Alex and his mother, Elena. They escape Leningrad by flipping a coin to determine whether they head to London or New York. Upon their arrival (I'm not divulging where they end up), the story continues playing out their lives in their new home.
Fabulous book....down to the last sentence.
First, thanks to St. Martins Press for sending me an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Second, I loved, loved, loved this book! I first started reading Jeffrey Archer's book in the early 90s when my husband introduced me to the Kane and Abel series. After reading that series, I was hooked on his writing style and the stories. I've read pretty much every single one of them. This one was one of his best. If you read the Clifton Chronicles, you may remember that Harry Clifton is a writer and he "wrote" "Heads You Win". This book, like all of his others, get you hooked almost immediately and don't stop until the last word. This tells the story of Alex and his mother, Elena. They escape Leningrad by flipping a coin to determine whether they head to London or New York. Upon their arrival (I'm not divulging where they end up), the story continues playing out their lives in their new home.
Fabulous book....down to the last sentence.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Darling Descent (Confessional #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kenna is looking for a mentor she can't travel far so is stuck on campus. The dark Dr. Dayton Merino the university psychiatrist, who seems very familiar to Kenna but he's hiding something and she is determined to find out who's hiding behind the mask.
This is the first book in the confessional series. This story is completely captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed the constant suspense and tension between both of the main characters. I was a little shocked by the last confession by Dayton I don't want to give too much away as you will find out when you read it.
This is a very intense storyline with a lot of action, I want to say, but not always physical, mental would possibly be more accurate with them both playing games with each other.
I sincerely enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
** 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. *
Kenna is looking for a mentor she can't travel far so is stuck on campus. The dark Dr. Dayton Merino the university psychiatrist, who seems very familiar to Kenna but he's hiding something and she is determined to find out who's hiding behind the mask.
This is the first book in the confessional series. This story is completely captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed the constant suspense and tension between both of the main characters. I was a little shocked by the last confession by Dayton I don't want to give too much away as you will find out when you read it.
This is a very intense storyline with a lot of action, I want to say, but not always physical, mental would possibly be more accurate with them both playing games with each other.
I sincerely enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
** 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. *
Before I started this book, I had never read any of the other books in this series. What grabbed me was the blurb and a lot of recommendations from my friends.
Eddie Flynn is a defence lawyer, good at what he does, he has made a name for himself, whilst annoying the NYPD. When Robert Solomon gets arrested for murder, Flynn gets an invite to be on the defence team. With all the evidence stacked up against Robert, Flynn knows he has a fight in court. But the further Flynn investigates, he quickly comes to realise that it is not a simple case of murder.
From the start, you know that Joshua Kane was a master of his work. Everything he did was planned to the finest detail. He was one of the cleverest serial killers I have read about and I did have an admiration for him.
The story swaps between Flynn and Kane’s story, there is no confusion as Kane is in 3rd POV. This helped the story flow and you learn about the characters in detail. This story is fast paced and the tension builds throughout. I do not read many courtroom dramas but I found this intriguing, even down to the jury selection and after I found out what they have to go through to get selected, I admired Joshua more.
When I am reading thrillers I like to guess where the story was going, but with this story, I was wrong in every case. The story was well plotted and there was a lot of detail to the story. Even if you have not read the others in the series, you do not miss out on any of the stories as this can be read as a stand-alone and for me a good introduction to this author’s work. An intriguing plot and a must for thriller lovers and you will get to find out why thirteen as there are only twelve on the jury.
Eddie Flynn is a defence lawyer, good at what he does, he has made a name for himself, whilst annoying the NYPD. When Robert Solomon gets arrested for murder, Flynn gets an invite to be on the defence team. With all the evidence stacked up against Robert, Flynn knows he has a fight in court. But the further Flynn investigates, he quickly comes to realise that it is not a simple case of murder.
From the start, you know that Joshua Kane was a master of his work. Everything he did was planned to the finest detail. He was one of the cleverest serial killers I have read about and I did have an admiration for him.
The story swaps between Flynn and Kane’s story, there is no confusion as Kane is in 3rd POV. This helped the story flow and you learn about the characters in detail. This story is fast paced and the tension builds throughout. I do not read many courtroom dramas but I found this intriguing, even down to the jury selection and after I found out what they have to go through to get selected, I admired Joshua more.
When I am reading thrillers I like to guess where the story was going, but with this story, I was wrong in every case. The story was well plotted and there was a lot of detail to the story. Even if you have not read the others in the series, you do not miss out on any of the stories as this can be read as a stand-alone and for me a good introduction to this author’s work. An intriguing plot and a must for thriller lovers and you will get to find out why thirteen as there are only twelve on the jury.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated The Protector (Fire's Edge #4) in Books
Dec 14, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
THE PROTECTOR is the fourth book in the Fire's Edge series, but some of the characters cross over from the Inferno Rising series. I haven't read any of the previous Fire's Edge stories, but I have read Inferno Rising. This meant I was able to follow the story quite easily although, that being said, I do want to read the others, simply because I loved how Ms. Owen puts together her stories.
Levi has wanted Lyndi since the first time he saw her, much to his confusion. His dragon laid claim to her, even though dragons can only have human mates... can't they? Lyndi is fascinated by the gold dragon and wants to hate him because she knows as a female-born dragon, she can offer him nothing. For two hundred years, these two have been dancing around each other, but now Levi has been ordered to return to the Gold Clan and may never see Lyndi again. This proves just the thing to spur them both on.
This is a fast-paced and intricate book, with plenty going on and not just between Levi and Lyndi. There are orphans, wars, clans, rogues... and not all of it I understood. This is simply my lack of knowledge of the previous books, not any problem with the storytelling of this one.
There was one part where I was glad I hadn't read any of the others because it tore me to pieces anyway. Such a brave green dragon and I'm not saying more than that!
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending. I really, REALLY want to read the others now. So, if you'll excuse me, I have books to buy... 😁
* 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 14, 2020
Levi has wanted Lyndi since the first time he saw her, much to his confusion. His dragon laid claim to her, even though dragons can only have human mates... can't they? Lyndi is fascinated by the gold dragon and wants to hate him because she knows as a female-born dragon, she can offer him nothing. For two hundred years, these two have been dancing around each other, but now Levi has been ordered to return to the Gold Clan and may never see Lyndi again. This proves just the thing to spur them both on.
This is a fast-paced and intricate book, with plenty going on and not just between Levi and Lyndi. There are orphans, wars, clans, rogues... and not all of it I understood. This is simply my lack of knowledge of the previous books, not any problem with the storytelling of this one.
There was one part where I was glad I hadn't read any of the others because it tore me to pieces anyway. Such a brave green dragon and I'm not saying more than that!
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending. I really, REALLY want to read the others now. So, if you'll excuse me, I have books to buy... 😁
* 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 14, 2020
Debbiereadsbook (1569 KP) rated Part of Her Plan (Cupid's Cafe #5) in Books
Jul 21, 2021
not an easy read, but a bloody good one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have no idea what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't this!
Jenny and Lydia have real life problems. Both are recovering from their respective addictions (or not, as the case may be) and this book focuses on that, more than the romance, and I really LOVED that. All too often these topics get brushed under the carpet and here, they are front and centre.
Lydia has a plan, to get her own apartment, and then be on her own. Meeting with Jenny again should not waver her from her plan. She's doing well, and is committed to get to the end. Jenny, on the other hand, isn't doing so well and the place in the sober living house SHOULD be her ticket to get to be with her brother again. But Jenny's recovery isn't going to plan, and one single mistake might ruin them both.
At one point, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. I started it, and it took a downward turn (I thought) and I contemplated leaving it. But something made me carry on and I am so bloody glad I did!
Yes, it's not an easy read. it certainly isn't a fluffy romance that you can breeze through, but it IS a bloody good book! It shows the struggles, the real life struggles that people face. How people spiral downwards, how they hit the bottom and try to get back up. How the deal with their addiction (in this case drugs and alcohol) and what they do when faced with what might possibly be their last chance.
Jenny and Lydia are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other, and other than the issues with their addictions, the romance side of things moves along slow, at first, but then speeds up, and slows down again. I loved that it wasn't explicit. There is steam and passion a-plenty, but the detailed sex scenes are not here, and I truly think had they been, I would not have liked this book as much!
I've not read anything by this author before, nor any of the previous books in this series, I don't think you need to, to enjoy this one. I might go back and read them!
But please, be aware of the subject matter: drug abuse and alcohol abuse mostly. Some people might not be able to read this because of triggers.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I have no idea what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't this!
Jenny and Lydia have real life problems. Both are recovering from their respective addictions (or not, as the case may be) and this book focuses on that, more than the romance, and I really LOVED that. All too often these topics get brushed under the carpet and here, they are front and centre.
Lydia has a plan, to get her own apartment, and then be on her own. Meeting with Jenny again should not waver her from her plan. She's doing well, and is committed to get to the end. Jenny, on the other hand, isn't doing so well and the place in the sober living house SHOULD be her ticket to get to be with her brother again. But Jenny's recovery isn't going to plan, and one single mistake might ruin them both.
At one point, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. I started it, and it took a downward turn (I thought) and I contemplated leaving it. But something made me carry on and I am so bloody glad I did!
Yes, it's not an easy read. it certainly isn't a fluffy romance that you can breeze through, but it IS a bloody good book! It shows the struggles, the real life struggles that people face. How people spiral downwards, how they hit the bottom and try to get back up. How the deal with their addiction (in this case drugs and alcohol) and what they do when faced with what might possibly be their last chance.
Jenny and Lydia are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other, and other than the issues with their addictions, the romance side of things moves along slow, at first, but then speeds up, and slows down again. I loved that it wasn't explicit. There is steam and passion a-plenty, but the detailed sex scenes are not here, and I truly think had they been, I would not have liked this book as much!
I've not read anything by this author before, nor any of the previous books in this series, I don't think you need to, to enjoy this one. I might go back and read them!
But please, be aware of the subject matter: drug abuse and alcohol abuse mostly. Some people might not be able to read this because of triggers.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1569 KP) rated Seduced by the Handyman (Cougars & Cubs #2) in Books
Apr 28, 2021
cute read, but not one for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Cougars & Cubs series, but it is not necessary to have read book one to enjoy this one.
As much as it pains me to say so, I found this a nice read. Ya'll know how much I hate using that word, but it's stuck with me for 2 days since I finished the book, and I can't shift it!
I liked that both Cate and Mitch have a say. I liked that Mitch does what he does to keep Cate's job safe, and they can continue their relationship.
I liked the heat level. It's not scorching, by any means, but it a pleasant heat, like sitting in the April sunshine. Not too much, but enough to feel the sun, you know??
I liked that both Cate and Mitch's friends were positive about their relationship.
I liked that there really isn't any great angst, and no break up/make up.
What's here is well written, and it reads well.
I liked it!
But something about it doesn't quite work, and I have no idea what.
a GOOD 3 stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Cougars & Cubs series, but it is not necessary to have read book one to enjoy this one.
As much as it pains me to say so, I found this a nice read. Ya'll know how much I hate using that word, but it's stuck with me for 2 days since I finished the book, and I can't shift it!
I liked that both Cate and Mitch have a say. I liked that Mitch does what he does to keep Cate's job safe, and they can continue their relationship.
I liked the heat level. It's not scorching, by any means, but it a pleasant heat, like sitting in the April sunshine. Not too much, but enough to feel the sun, you know??
I liked that both Cate and Mitch's friends were positive about their relationship.
I liked that there really isn't any great angst, and no break up/make up.
What's here is well written, and it reads well.
I liked it!
But something about it doesn't quite work, and I have no idea what.
a GOOD 3 stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere