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Hidden Gypsy Magic (A Witch’s Journey #3)
Hidden Gypsy Magic (A Witch’s Journey #3)
Tena Stetler | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
According to Goodreads, Hidden Gypsy Magic is the third book in the Witch's Journey series and is a connection between the author's Lobster Cove series and this one. This made for some confusion as characters and events were mentioned that I had no prior knowledge of.

Brock and Gwen both have Hidden Gypsy Magic (hence the title) but this story takes you along as they find out just how that affects Brock. Gwen already knows about hers and uses it most days at the Sanctuary. Brock is in for some surprises when he takes Gwen to his family cabin and also when he buys a home in Salem.

This was an interesting story with a good twist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. I loved how the painting featured and changed in the story. This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on - from poachers to heiresses who want our main male - so you need to pay attention to exactly what is going on and when.

Steamy in some places but not so it overtakes the story, this was a read that I enjoyed and can recommend.

* 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!
  
Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Bailey Bradford | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Darren made his appearance as a new waiter in Virginia's cafe. He was extremely skittish and avoided eye contact with pretty much everyone. It's obvious he is on the run, but from what?! In Aftermath we learn his story, and boy, is it a good one. I loved how Darren grew in his self-confidence, once he realised that he actually had people he could call friends, and was helped by Lee. The relationship between these two is hot and romantic.

The other part that I loved about this book is that Connor, our long-term friendly (pesky) spirit, makes a new friend in Stefan. I absolutely adored this side story!

Laine and Severo are the main supporting characters in this book, although Zeke does get a quick mention.

So very well-written, with a smooth storyline and pace. There were no grammatical errors that I found, although as I was completely entranced by this story, I might not have noticed them.

This series is absolutely fantastic and I am thoroughly enjoying every book. I can wholeheartedly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.

* 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 2, 2015
  
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Evelise Archer | 2018 | Contemporary, Erotica, LGBTQ+
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) by Evelise Archer
Eldridge's Release is the first book in the Club Rebellion series, but it almost feels like it should be book two. Although Johnson and Issy being together is what gets Eldridge to the Club, I would also love to hear more about them and how they got together.

Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.

With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.

* 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!
  
Elemental Magick (The Donovan Coven #1)
Elemental Magick (The Donovan Coven #1)
Jacki James | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Elemental Magick is the first book in The Donovan Coven series. We start off with the Grimoire itself as it tries to ensure it becomes Aaron's. There is instant attraction between Malakai and Aaron, quickly followed by proclamations of love and being soul mates. If you don't like insta-love, trust me, you probably won't like this book.

The story itself is fast-paced, quickly moving from one scene to another without a real chance to get to know each character. It flows nicely though, so as long as you're prepared to go with the flow and not dive too deep, you'll be fine. As you might expect, Aaron is a whiz at magic, even though he's a newbie. And at least one of his friends is a latent witch too.

This was a brilliant book, full of action both in and out of the sheets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

* 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!
  
Deathmaker (Dragon Blood, #2)
Deathmaker (Dragon Blood, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of Lindsay Buroker so when she offered me the chance to read this, I jumped at the chance.

It’s part two in her Dragon Blood series and takes place a little time after the first. This one is more like her Emperor’s Edge series with it being heavy on the action and light on the romance, though there is enough to make you happy. It’s more subtle than that of the first, which is what I really like about the authors books.

I grew to like Tolemek/the Deathmaker early on in this, despite him being one of the bad guys, and I think Cas had the same problem. He’s unlike the rest of the pirates she ends up meeting. Tolemek doesn’t like hurting women, unlike some of the others, and over time he softens towards Cas and she gets under his skin. It was all rather sweet reading.

If you’re a fan of the author then you need to read this. If you’ve never read anything by her, why not?
  
The Daughter of The Ice (Age of Rekindling #1)
The Daughter of The Ice (Age of Rekindling #1)
Luís Falcão de Magalhães | 2023 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE DAUGHTER OF THE ICE is the first book in the Legends of Elessia: Age of Rekindling series and I found it helpful, although not necessary, to have read other books in the linked series by this author.

Eregar is one of the main characters of this story, along with others including Erika, Lucius' sister. They are given the task of finding out why people are going missing. Unbeknownst to them, Elaine has risen and is busy making her army with all those missing people.

Now, I'm going to be honest here, I found it a bit puzzling that Elaine, the Daughter, was attacking villages and The Tower when they were in the North and followed her ways. That was just a small matter though and I could look over it as the action leapt off the page.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing where it takes me next. 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!
  
Night of Ash (Odriel's Heirs #2.5)
Night of Ash (Odriel's Heirs #2.5)
Hayley Reese Chow | 2022 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
NIGHT OF ASH is book 2.5 in the Odriel's Heirs series and we catch up with Aza and co as they recover from the last battle but realise the war isn't yet over.

It's not a long book and you will definitely have to have read at least Idriel's Children before this one but, oh man, it packs a wallop! The writing is so good, I was crying over a character I hardly met! Samar Bhalla is there and gone but what an impact he had. And that, my dears, is how good this author's writing is!

Night of Ash bridges the gap between Idriel's Children and Time Orphan, which I honestly can't wait for. Novellas aren't usually my thing but this one makes no apologies. It is bold and full of action, killing me with emotion. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me. Just make sure you read the whole 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. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
A SILVERY MOON is the first book in the Legends of Elessia series and it took me back to the Forgotten Realms and the Dragonlance Chronicles. I only mean this as a compliment as I loved those books.

Lucius is a monster-hunting priest and befriends a mine owner as he travels to Galm to speak with the priest there. Unfortunately, that priest is dead and Lucius is afraid the rest of the town will soon follow.

This was a wonderful old-style fantasy that kept me turning the pages as I got lost in their adventures. The characters are all easily identifiable and have their own quirks and foibles. The pacing kept the story moving along whilst not rushing, giving me a chance to savour what was unfolding before me.

A great start to the series, I look forward to continuing this story and have no hesitation in recommending it.

** 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!
  
Fire Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy #3)
Fire Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy #3)
Gina Kincade, C.D. Gorri | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FIRE WITCH is the third book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and this time, it is Tana's turn. She has always been the snarky one and now we find out why. We also find out just why this group of witches was placed together, instead of in the separate Elemental-based dorms.

This is a quick read so don't expect a multi-layered story. What you get is quick and hot (it is Fire, after all!) Personally, I would have preferred it a little longer to see more build-up to the connection between Brandon and Tana. However, saying that, the story does move along, giving answers to questions you may not have even realised you had.

A great addition to the series and it will definitely leave you wanting more. I would recommend you read these as a series, but each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted.

** 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 29, 2023