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Merissa (13931 KP) rated HIS Desire (HIS, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions as part of the blog tour in return for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Die Alone (The Bone Field #3) in Books
Nov 10, 2019
Wow ... just wow!
Wow ... just wow!
What a thrill-a-page that was!
This is the third and final instalment of "The Bone Field" series and what a series it's been. You could read this part as a standalone but I think you would appreciate and have a clearer and better understanding of Ray's motivations if you read the previous books although not essential as Mr Kernick provides adequate snippets so you can easily keep up.
This book is just brilliant; full of action, scenes of peril, violence, tense and tender moments, fast-paced, gripping, well written and easy to read.
DI Ray Mason is a complex and very interesting character and although he may not always follow the rule of law, you find yourself rooting for him and willing him on through his many scrapes, tussles and near misses with the "goodies" and the "baddies".
Tina Boyd is one of my all-time favourite female characters and I loved that she returned for this final outing - more books with Tina as the central character please Mr Kernick 😀
Alastair Sheridan is a fantastic baddie. Politician, murderer, arrogant, full of his own self-importance and a thoroughly repulsive and obnoxious creature ... yes, I say creature because he's not good enough to be called a man, a human being or even an animal! The seething hatred I have for this "thing" oozed from my every pore as I read this book and I couldn't read it fast enough to find out what fate had in store for him.
I feel quite sad that this is the final part and although I realise that to eek it out would dilute the impact and stretch the bounds of reality somewhat but I really, really would like to read more books featuring Ray - maybe a series of stories of his life "on the run" in various countries around the world - I would be the first in line ... hint, hint Mr Kernick 😀
I can't thank Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK via NetGalley enough for my advance copy in return for an honest review; I am very grateful that I was chosen and thank you.
What a thrill-a-page that was!
This is the third and final instalment of "The Bone Field" series and what a series it's been. You could read this part as a standalone but I think you would appreciate and have a clearer and better understanding of Ray's motivations if you read the previous books although not essential as Mr Kernick provides adequate snippets so you can easily keep up.
This book is just brilliant; full of action, scenes of peril, violence, tense and tender moments, fast-paced, gripping, well written and easy to read.
DI Ray Mason is a complex and very interesting character and although he may not always follow the rule of law, you find yourself rooting for him and willing him on through his many scrapes, tussles and near misses with the "goodies" and the "baddies".
Tina Boyd is one of my all-time favourite female characters and I loved that she returned for this final outing - more books with Tina as the central character please Mr Kernick 😀
Alastair Sheridan is a fantastic baddie. Politician, murderer, arrogant, full of his own self-importance and a thoroughly repulsive and obnoxious creature ... yes, I say creature because he's not good enough to be called a man, a human being or even an animal! The seething hatred I have for this "thing" oozed from my every pore as I read this book and I couldn't read it fast enough to find out what fate had in store for him.
I feel quite sad that this is the final part and although I realise that to eek it out would dilute the impact and stretch the bounds of reality somewhat but I really, really would like to read more books featuring Ray - maybe a series of stories of his life "on the run" in various countries around the world - I would be the first in line ... hint, hint Mr Kernick 😀
I can't thank Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK via NetGalley enough for my advance copy in return for an honest review; I am very grateful that I was chosen and thank you.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated The Frights of Fiji ( Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) in Books
Apr 9, 2020
Well, I found a book to fall into during this strange time. That book is The Frights of Figi, it quite a good book. Once you get into it. This book is about a girl that somehow attracts magic into her life. Why this happens I do not know.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #2) in Books
Apr 21, 2020
A Curse of Mayhem is the second book of the series of Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. It is good. I seem to start up once again with Alyssa doing magic. How does she get this magic of hers? This seems interesting that she doing this and her ordinary person.
Do we find that there this person named Errol? Does Alyssa need to do somethings to defeat Errol? What they are you find out as she struggles to control her magic. It seems that she gets herself into trouble. Will her mentors be able to help or even Simon?
This book for me was slow going. It was adventures, but not as exciting as the first book. It is good with is as it is funny with animals that show up out of nowhere. Will Alyssa be able to save her loved ones and her friends?
If you are looking for a good book for your child or children this is good for them. As it teaches confidence in a person, responsibility. This is shown throughout the book. Not all at the same time. It has some fantasy to it. Good for fantasy fans and lovers of fantasy.
Do we find that there this person named Errol? Does Alyssa need to do somethings to defeat Errol? What they are you find out as she struggles to control her magic. It seems that she gets herself into trouble. Will her mentors be able to help or even Simon?
This book for me was slow going. It was adventures, but not as exciting as the first book. It is good with is as it is funny with animals that show up out of nowhere. Will Alyssa be able to save her loved ones and her friends?
If you are looking for a good book for your child or children this is good for them. As it teaches confidence in a person, responsibility. This is shown throughout the book. Not all at the same time. It has some fantasy to it. Good for fantasy fans and lovers of fantasy.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Life Support (Crush #6) in Books
Mar 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
LIFE SUPPORT is the sixth book in the Crush series, although I didn't know this originally. In it, we meet Casey, a paramedic who is being harassed at work, but he doesn't report it because the other person is higher up on the career ladder than he is, and Luke, who is a Fitness Trainer who specialises in self-defence/awareness.
This is a book I would definitely say is NOT standalone. There are so many characters and situations mentioned that I presume are relevant to previous storylines. Not only that, but with the number of characters, I had no idea about who was with whom, when, and how. This made the reading quite difficult as references were constantly made. Throw in Casey and Luke both coming from big families with siblings galore, and I had no idea what was going on!
In the middle of everything else, you can find the story of Casey and Luke, although not as much as I would have liked. They are quick with the 'I love you's', but I never really felt much connection between them. I also would have liked more from Acker as I felt that part was also lost in the mix.
I feel if you have read this series, then you will be delighted by what you read. I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me and left me confused. So prepare yourself for a saga with a huge amount of intermingling storylines and characters.
* 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!
Mar 11, 2021
This is a book I would definitely say is NOT standalone. There are so many characters and situations mentioned that I presume are relevant to previous storylines. Not only that, but with the number of characters, I had no idea about who was with whom, when, and how. This made the reading quite difficult as references were constantly made. Throw in Casey and Luke both coming from big families with siblings galore, and I had no idea what was going on!
In the middle of everything else, you can find the story of Casey and Luke, although not as much as I would have liked. They are quick with the 'I love you's', but I never really felt much connection between them. I also would have liked more from Acker as I felt that part was also lost in the mix.
I feel if you have read this series, then you will be delighted by what you read. I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me and left me confused. So prepare yourself for a saga with a huge amount of intermingling storylines and characters.
* 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!
Mar 11, 2021
Merissa (13931 KP) rated End Game (Brooklyn Kings #2) in Books
May 5, 2025
END GAME is the second book in the Brooklyn Kings series. This time, we meet with Dev and Brody, quarterback and tight end, who have been together since college, and in love for nearly as long. Unfortunately for them, they can't share their love openly and have to keep it secret.
Dev and Brody have a strong relationship, but there is a bit of telling, not showing, with them, as well as time jumps. This detracted from their story for me because I wanted to see them fall in love, see the hardships and trials the separation of being drafted caused them. Instead, I was told about it, and then we hopped, skipped, and jumped to another timeframe.
Brody has a solid relationship with his mom, but doesn't get on too well with his stepfather, Theo. This is simply because he doesn't want to forget his father, but it doesn't really add anything to the story. There is no real angst between Theo and Brody - it just sort of fizzles out. As for Dev's parents, well, the less said about them the better. I thought they were bad when we first met them, but they got even worse, especially when Dev was injured and in hospital.
Even with these niggles, I still enjoyed this book, albeit not as much as book one. The team is a solid group of characters I look forward to seeing more from, although maybe not Zeke. He was a piece of work, for sure.
A good addition to the series and 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 30, 2025
Dev and Brody have a strong relationship, but there is a bit of telling, not showing, with them, as well as time jumps. This detracted from their story for me because I wanted to see them fall in love, see the hardships and trials the separation of being drafted caused them. Instead, I was told about it, and then we hopped, skipped, and jumped to another timeframe.
Brody has a solid relationship with his mom, but doesn't get on too well with his stepfather, Theo. This is simply because he doesn't want to forget his father, but it doesn't really add anything to the story. There is no real angst between Theo and Brody - it just sort of fizzles out. As for Dev's parents, well, the less said about them the better. I thought they were bad when we first met them, but they got even worse, especially when Dev was injured and in hospital.
Even with these niggles, I still enjoyed this book, albeit not as much as book one. The team is a solid group of characters I look forward to seeing more from, although maybe not Zeke. He was a piece of work, for sure.
A good addition to the series and 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 30, 2025
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar #1) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Myron Bolitar is an accomplished sports agent in New York City. He doesn't have very many clients, and the ones he does have aren't very big names. His newest client, Christian Steele has been signed by the Titans this year, but trouble seems to find Christian around every turn. A year ago, his fiancee went missing and now her father has turned up dead. What is the connection of these two incidents? How can Myron help clear Christian's name and find out what happened to Cathy? With the help of Myron's best friend, Win and his ex-girlfriend Jessica, who also happens to be Cathy's sister, they will get to the bottom of this no matter what they have to do, to get to the truth.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.
This book is the first in the Myron Bolitar series. We are introduced to Myron and his cohorts and find out about his background. I enjoy a good series and I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
This was a book that kept my attention the whole time. There are times when listening to an audio book that the story gets lost along the way. But not for this one. I found myself wanting to listen and find out what was going to happen next. I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I can't wait to see what Book 2 in the series has in store.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Twisted Fairy Tales: Little Rude Riding Hood in Books
Mar 26, 2020
Telling of Little Red Riding Hood to help children learn the importance of manners
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I am sure you realize from the title, Twisted Fairy Tales: Little Rude Riding Hood, is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood. Author Jo Franklin and illustrator Chris Jevons are able to produce a children's book that teaches the necessity of good manners.
It is not a long book. Several reviewers noted the book felt rushed. It did feel the main character, Little Rude Riding Hood, learned her lesson quickly. It is this brevity that allows it to be perfect for storytime in schools.
Little Rude Riding Hood heads to her grandmother's house and is rude to everyone she meets along the way. It is no surprise when she learns her lesson in the end and earns the name Little Red Riding Hood. She learns to say please and thank you and stops being rude. Children will enjoy the illustrations and, hopefully, learn their manners from this story.
Twisted Fairy Tales is a series of children's books published by Arcturus Publishing. Others in the series illustrated by Chris Jevons include Twisted Fairy Tales: Snow White and the Seven Robots and Twisted Fairy Tales: The Three Little Narwhals. This is the only book in the series written by Jo Franklin.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/25/20.
I am sure you realize from the title, Twisted Fairy Tales: Little Rude Riding Hood, is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood. Author Jo Franklin and illustrator Chris Jevons are able to produce a children's book that teaches the necessity of good manners.
It is not a long book. Several reviewers noted the book felt rushed. It did feel the main character, Little Rude Riding Hood, learned her lesson quickly. It is this brevity that allows it to be perfect for storytime in schools.
Little Rude Riding Hood heads to her grandmother's house and is rude to everyone she meets along the way. It is no surprise when she learns her lesson in the end and earns the name Little Red Riding Hood. She learns to say please and thank you and stops being rude. Children will enjoy the illustrations and, hopefully, learn their manners from this story.
Twisted Fairy Tales is a series of children's books published by Arcturus Publishing. Others in the series illustrated by Chris Jevons include Twisted Fairy Tales: Snow White and the Seven Robots and Twisted Fairy Tales: The Three Little Narwhals. This is the only book in the series written by Jo Franklin.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/25/20.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Outlaw's Daughter (The Haywire Brides, #3) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
The Outlaws Daughter is the third book in the Haywire Brides Series by Margaret Brownley. It can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the other in this series yet and got along just fine), I will be going back and reading the rest of the books in this series though.
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Twilight Heist (Outlaws #2) in Books
Jan 20, 2023
I want to get lost in their world again.
TWILIGHT HEIST is the second book in the Outlaws series, and we reunite with the honourable thieves! It's been a while since I read book one but within the first page, I was back. Alanna and John sniping at each other, Scar's dry wit, it's all here. This time Tuck and Leo take centre stage.
Both of them had unusual childhoods for whatever reason and both of them admit it has left a mark. Seeing Leo slowly come around to admitting he had feelings for Tuck was just wonderful, almost as good as seeing the surprise from Dan when he heard they had been together more than once.
This book was full of suspense, action, and a few steamy times. I still love Dan and Griff (how could I not?!) but Tuck and Leo are so cute together. I want to squidge them!!!
I am loving this series and can't wait for it to continue. I honestly don't care who comes next, I just want to get lost in their world again. A brilliant addition to the series and highly 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!
Both of them had unusual childhoods for whatever reason and both of them admit it has left a mark. Seeing Leo slowly come around to admitting he had feelings for Tuck was just wonderful, almost as good as seeing the surprise from Dan when he heard they had been together more than once.
This book was full of suspense, action, and a few steamy times. I still love Dan and Griff (how could I not?!) but Tuck and Leo are so cute together. I want to squidge them!!!
I am loving this series and can't wait for it to continue. I honestly don't care who comes next, I just want to get lost in their world again. A brilliant addition to the series and highly 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!