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Natari (73 KP) rated Brave the Tempest (Cassandra Palmer #9) in Books
Jul 15, 2019 (Updated Aug 1, 2019)
Fun, frisky and full of feminine power!
This book has been such a joy to read. I am a huge fan of Karen Chance and her work and she has really outdone herself with Brave The Tempest. Where some ongoing series can go away from their original plots and start to fill their shine, I have never had that problem with the Cassie Palmer Series. Quite the opposite! The plot grows ever larger. Little hints you would never pick up in the first few books reveal themselves to be groundbreaking twists to a much larger storyline in the later books. This is book none of the series but I can tell I would be as excited to read the 18th book, it's that kind of world that you just have to visit and visit again.
I consumed this book quickly, wherever there was a spare moment between my chores. It is fast paced like the others and I found it difficult to find times to put it down to eat and sleep because I just wanted to keep reading.
Cassie, our main character, has really blossomed and matured. But she's still so human and relatable and I think that is one of the main things I love about the series.
I'm lying. The main things I love are Pritkin and Mircea. Their own lives and how they interact with Cassie has had a dramatic overturn for this book. It's fun, fresh and always leaves you wanting more. The things that happen to Cassie are unbelievable yet the book is written in a way that just makes you think "of course, it is Cassie afterall".
Returning characters from previous books get much more attention and my love for the wider Cassie world really grew with this book. Seeing sides of characters we know and love from sister series like the Dorina Basarab books (greatest stories ever) offer fascinating insight aswell.
So when in book 10 ready? Oh, December 2019. Not long 😃
I consumed this book quickly, wherever there was a spare moment between my chores. It is fast paced like the others and I found it difficult to find times to put it down to eat and sleep because I just wanted to keep reading.
Cassie, our main character, has really blossomed and matured. But she's still so human and relatable and I think that is one of the main things I love about the series.
I'm lying. The main things I love are Pritkin and Mircea. Their own lives and how they interact with Cassie has had a dramatic overturn for this book. It's fun, fresh and always leaves you wanting more. The things that happen to Cassie are unbelievable yet the book is written in a way that just makes you think "of course, it is Cassie afterall".
Returning characters from previous books get much more attention and my love for the wider Cassie world really grew with this book. Seeing sides of characters we know and love from sister series like the Dorina Basarab books (greatest stories ever) offer fascinating insight aswell.
So when in book 10 ready? Oh, December 2019. Not long 😃
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Timber Lake (A Snowy Range Mystery #2) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Timber Lake (A Snowy Range Mystery #2) by Nya Rawlyns
Timber Lake is the second book in the Snowy Range Mystery series, although it can be read as a standalone.
The story starts off with Michael and Sonny (Seamus) bumping into each other at a rodeo. There is instant attraction between them, but apart from a hot kiss, nothing happens. Then they meet again, but this time in a work capacity. Sparks once again fly, but not always in a good way. These two need to learn how to work together in harsh conditions, and maybe how to love together!
This is a very different story to the first. I was expecting it to follow on in some way from book one, but it is a completely separate story. There is a lot of angst in this book, as the two MC's are looking at life and each other in very different ways. Just when you think they are working things out, there is some confusion/disagreement, that sets things off again.
I found this book to be very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The characters are well rounded (whether they annoy you or not!). The descriptions are enough to make picturing the scenes in your mind very easy.
If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, then I can definitely recommend this book/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!
The story starts off with Michael and Sonny (Seamus) bumping into each other at a rodeo. There is instant attraction between them, but apart from a hot kiss, nothing happens. Then they meet again, but this time in a work capacity. Sparks once again fly, but not always in a good way. These two need to learn how to work together in harsh conditions, and maybe how to love together!
This is a very different story to the first. I was expecting it to follow on in some way from book one, but it is a completely separate story. There is a lot of angst in this book, as the two MC's are looking at life and each other in very different ways. Just when you think they are working things out, there is some confusion/disagreement, that sets things off again.
I found this book to be very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. The characters are well rounded (whether they annoy you or not!). The descriptions are enough to make picturing the scenes in your mind very easy.
If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, then I can definitely recommend this book/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!
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Bite of Darkness (Shadow Creek #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Bite of Darkness is the second book in the Shadow Creek series. This time we focus on Vuk, who helped Devon out with a few choice words in book one. In his own story though, it's Vuk who is on the receiving end of advice as he turns into a bit of a jerk when he meets his mate. Now, to be fair, I couldn't exactly blame him. His alpha is ill, receiving a mystery transfusion, vampires are involved, the fae are involve, and no one (including Vuk) just exactly who to trust. Now, as it turns out, the vampires have their own reasons for helping out, which Vuk and Ashly get dragged into the middle of.
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
There is more mystery in this book, in my opinion. You know in book one that the fae wards are failing, but you're not 100% sure why. In this book, you find out more about that, and the politics of the paranormal world, but you are still left with questions unanswered. Apart from Vuk and Ashly, there is something going down with another wolf/vampire pair, but I'm hoping that will be a different story all of their own, and not just snippets given as the overall story arc progresses.
This is part of a series so I would recommend you read it in order for full enjoyment. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1570 KP) rated Dexterity Check (Dungeons and Dating #5) in Books
Feb 23, 2023
I wanted to punch Eli a time or two!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Dungeons and Dating series. While not strictly necessary to have read books one to 4 before this, I strongly recommend that you do. It will give you a better feel of this group of people and their ever expanding found family. I loved all four of the previous books.
And while I liked this one well enough, there was something different about it and I can't put my finger on it and it pains me so that I can't!
I liked Arjun, and I liked Eli, both together and separately. I liked their interactions with the rest of the group. The progression of their relationship went as I expected it to. I loved Arjun's grandmother and how much love there is between those two! I loved how easy Eli fit into to that.
I did not like how Eli kinda strung Arjun along, when he was making a decision about moving, though! I wanted to punch him a time or two.
BUT! I do understand WHY Eli is the way he is. He has been hurt before, and they both went into this clear and up front as to what it was. It's just those pesky feelings doing their thing that throws a spanner in the works!
I enjoyed this; I really did. It's a welcome addition to the series. I just didn't love it as much as the other 4 books.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Dungeons and Dating series. While not strictly necessary to have read books one to 4 before this, I strongly recommend that you do. It will give you a better feel of this group of people and their ever expanding found family. I loved all four of the previous books.
And while I liked this one well enough, there was something different about it and I can't put my finger on it and it pains me so that I can't!
I liked Arjun, and I liked Eli, both together and separately. I liked their interactions with the rest of the group. The progression of their relationship went as I expected it to. I loved Arjun's grandmother and how much love there is between those two! I loved how easy Eli fit into to that.
I did not like how Eli kinda strung Arjun along, when he was making a decision about moving, though! I wanted to punch him a time or two.
BUT! I do understand WHY Eli is the way he is. He has been hurt before, and they both went into this clear and up front as to what it was. It's just those pesky feelings doing their thing that throws a spanner in the works!
I enjoyed this; I really did. It's a welcome addition to the series. I just didn't love it as much as the other 4 books.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fallen Crest High (Fallen Crest High, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
There's something about Tijan's books that leaves me wondering what I've just read. The same thing happened with Broken & Screwed 1 and 2.
That's not to say that's a bad thing. I did like this. There was just so much going on and people getting together with everyone that I kind of lost the plot a little.
Then the Mason and Sam thing just kind of appeared between one page and the next, it might not have done but that's how it seemed to me. They did make quite a nice couple but I didn't quite get Mason a lot of the time.
Logan on the other hand, I loved. He's crazy but he's loyal and protective of his family.
As for everyone else...well, they're kinda not important. Not in the grand scheme of the book. Though I grew to like Nate too.
I guess I'll have to continue the series to find out what will happen next now, too.
There's something about Tijan's books that leaves me wondering what I've just read. The same thing happened with Broken & Screwed 1 and 2.
That's not to say that's a bad thing. I did like this. There was just so much going on and people getting together with everyone that I kind of lost the plot a little.
Then the Mason and Sam thing just kind of appeared between one page and the next, it might not have done but that's how it seemed to me. They did make quite a nice couple but I didn't quite get Mason a lot of the time.
Logan on the other hand, I loved. He's crazy but he's loyal and protective of his family.
As for everyone else...well, they're kinda not important. Not in the grand scheme of the book. Though I grew to like Nate too.
I guess I'll have to continue the series to find out what will happen next now, too.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Nov 8, 2018
Beautifully and cleverly written (3 more)
Amazing cast
Amazing acting
Some good twists
A beautiful well-crafted story
This was a fantastic season. Before watching I was hearing insane hype about this show and it did get me worried. There have been many shows and movies in the past that to me were well overhyped before I watched and did not deliver. Finally the hype is real. This is by far my favourite show of the year.
It is creepy throughout the entire season while having so much emotion and believability with this family that have been through many traumatic experiences and you can see the damage and scarring within each character thanks to their incredible performance. The beautiful writing, the believable acting and eery score all add to a compelling and gripping story all the way to the end.
There are so many twists throughout the entire thing which I did not see coming. By the end, the whole thing felt like a puzzle. Everything connected in a way I never expected. What you thought were completely different things would be connected like puzzle pieces and it made the whole thing work and leave you admiring this beautiful piece of art.
I think it's obvious I can't recommend this enough. I'd love to see more from this. Maybe even make this an anthology series with a new cast and era.
It is creepy throughout the entire season while having so much emotion and believability with this family that have been through many traumatic experiences and you can see the damage and scarring within each character thanks to their incredible performance. The beautiful writing, the believable acting and eery score all add to a compelling and gripping story all the way to the end.
There are so many twists throughout the entire thing which I did not see coming. By the end, the whole thing felt like a puzzle. Everything connected in a way I never expected. What you thought were completely different things would be connected like puzzle pieces and it made the whole thing work and leave you admiring this beautiful piece of art.
I think it's obvious I can't recommend this enough. I'd love to see more from this. Maybe even make this an anthology series with a new cast and era.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated The Flight (Close Proximity #4) in Books
Nov 27, 2018
The Flight (Close Proximity #4) by Erin M. Leaf
The Flight is the fourth novella in the Close Proximity series. This time we meet up with Sebastian, a flight attendant, and Ethan, a musician. Now, you may think this is the normal rockstar romance, but it's not. This story is intricate in a way novellas rarely are. Not only do we see Sebastian as a flight attendant, but also as a young man who has lost his mum. A young man who writes music. And yet we still find out more about him as the story progresses. As for Ethan, tired musician, songwriter, travelling to a charity concert. When these two meet, sparks fly.
I loved this book! It's a novella, and I really wish it wasn't! I could have sat down with this one and read happily for much longer. Instead, I got all the good bits in one easy read, including a perfect HEA for our guys. There is plenty going on, but the pacing is smooth. With good supporting characters, a great storyline, and a couple of smoking hot MCs, this is a story I highly recommend.
* 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!
I loved this book! It's a novella, and I really wish it wasn't! I could have sat down with this one and read happily for much longer. Instead, I got all the good bits in one easy read, including a perfect HEA for our guys. There is plenty going on, but the pacing is smooth. With good supporting characters, a great storyline, and a couple of smoking hot MCs, this is a story I highly recommend.
* 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!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Testaments (The Handmaid's Tale #2) in Books
Nov 8, 2020
An alright but unnecessary sequel
I very much enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale (the book, never seen the series) however I didn't read it and immediately want more. For me it was one of those books that had such a good open ending that a sequel would ruin it. And whilst The Testaments is a decent and enjoyable book at times, I was right in thinking it is an entirely unnecessary sequel.
The Testaments is set over 15 years after the events of the first book, and for me this is the main problem with this story. The ending of The Handmaid's Tale was so open that you'd expect a sequel to at least follow on from this in a way. However it was disappointing to find out that despite a small mention of Offred and a potential implied suggestion of how her life turned out, this book completely avoids any direct resolution of her story. It's not that the story of the three main characters in this book is uninteresting, as it's not. The story in this is at least interesting and enjoyable to a point, especially as we find out more about Gilead. The teenage girls get a tad irritating at times and I do feel like this drags on a lot longer than it needs to (I may have dozed off reading this on a few occasions), but overall the story is good.
It's just that this is not the story I wanted from a sequel, and I didn't want a sequel at all. Whilst overall it's a decent and entertaining read, it is just entirely unnecessary as a sequel.
The Testaments is set over 15 years after the events of the first book, and for me this is the main problem with this story. The ending of The Handmaid's Tale was so open that you'd expect a sequel to at least follow on from this in a way. However it was disappointing to find out that despite a small mention of Offred and a potential implied suggestion of how her life turned out, this book completely avoids any direct resolution of her story. It's not that the story of the three main characters in this book is uninteresting, as it's not. The story in this is at least interesting and enjoyable to a point, especially as we find out more about Gilead. The teenage girls get a tad irritating at times and I do feel like this drags on a lot longer than it needs to (I may have dozed off reading this on a few occasions), but overall the story is good.
It's just that this is not the story I wanted from a sequel, and I didn't want a sequel at all. Whilst overall it's a decent and entertaining read, it is just entirely unnecessary as a sequel.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8) in Books
Jan 2, 2020
Fall Brings Mysteries for Julia
The clambake that Julia Snowden and her family run on their family’s island is just running on weekends through Columbus Day. Unfortunately, tension among the staff seems to be reaching the boiling point. Romances among the staff have been causing issues all season, but Julia was hoping they could make it until the end of the season, and those issues would resolve themselves before the clambake starts up again in the spring. A fist fight as the guests and crew were leaving one days brings things to a head, and leaves Julia in the unfortunate position of firing her boyfriend’s brother. However, a dead body on the island the next morning only makes the situation worse.
There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated ICE (Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Have you ever heard of a dog playing blackjack? I know that I have not, Lauren Carr has brought us a book with another dog. We meet Chris Matheson and his family in this very entertaining book.
They are a mystery every time we turn the page. I would call this a page-turner with a twist and turns with each time you decide to turn the page.
What book club is Elliott trying to get Chris to join? There mysteries and secrets too from the beginning to the end of the book. Do we have a serial killer on the loose? Who after Chis Matheson and why is the town believe that he killed Sandy Lipson and her baby?
Lauren Carr does not disappoint. If you have not read her other books then I suggest you do. ICE is only book one of her newest series. I look at this Sterling and say he may have Gnarly by entertaining you. Gnarly and Sterling should team up and see what they do together.
Will Chris Matheson and his buddies solve the cold case? There seems to be quite a few twists and turns you will not be able to guess some of the crimes.
There are a long of death and crime through this book but that is cause it is crime fiction and a mystery. I would also suggest that you if you are the fan of both or Mystery and have not read Lauren Carr other books.
They are a mystery every time we turn the page. I would call this a page-turner with a twist and turns with each time you decide to turn the page.
What book club is Elliott trying to get Chris to join? There mysteries and secrets too from the beginning to the end of the book. Do we have a serial killer on the loose? Who after Chis Matheson and why is the town believe that he killed Sandy Lipson and her baby?
Lauren Carr does not disappoint. If you have not read her other books then I suggest you do. ICE is only book one of her newest series. I look at this Sterling and say he may have Gnarly by entertaining you. Gnarly and Sterling should team up and see what they do together.
Will Chris Matheson and his buddies solve the cold case? There seems to be quite a few twists and turns you will not be able to guess some of the crimes.
There are a long of death and crime through this book but that is cause it is crime fiction and a mystery. I would also suggest that you if you are the fan of both or Mystery and have not read Lauren Carr other books.