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Merissa (13931 KP) rated Divergent in Books
May 29, 2023
I will admit to being late to this party - not only are all three books out (and have been for a while) but the films are also out too. Not only that, but I have seen the first film, so I was unsure of what I would be reading. Would the book have more information than the book? Would it be vastly different? Would I enjoy it as much?
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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 13, 2016
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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 13, 2016
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2528 KP) rated Mulled to Death in Books
Oct 21, 2021
Parker’s Valentine’s Getaway Hits a Murderous Snag
Parker Valentine and her boyfriend Reid are planning a romantic Valentine’s weekend trip to a ski resort. Parker is hoping to take a few minutes to sell the resort on her mulled wine, and is star struck when the owner, Olympic gold medalist Annmarie Bauer, sits in on the meeting. But the next morning, Parker is nearby when Annmarie has a deadly skiing accident. Parker saw some things that make her question whether it was an accident or not, and as she begins poking around, strange things happen to her. Can she figure out what is really going on?
Having enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was looking forward to checking in with Parker again. I did feel that Parker’s motive for looking into this as much as she did was weak until late in the book and the plot relied a bit too much on events over investigation, but overall, this was a good mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Parker and Reid are joined by another couple, Parker’s brother Liam and her best friend Sage, who have recently started dating. These four characters are the core of the series to me, and I loved seeing how they developed here. As always, the books are written in first person present tense. I love how the author works in tidbits about wine making as metaphors for what Parker is going through. We get three delicious sounding recipes and suggested wine pairings at the end. Fans of the series will have fun with the newest in this series.
Having enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was looking forward to checking in with Parker again. I did feel that Parker’s motive for looking into this as much as she did was weak until late in the book and the plot relied a bit too much on events over investigation, but overall, this was a good mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Parker and Reid are joined by another couple, Parker’s brother Liam and her best friend Sage, who have recently started dating. These four characters are the core of the series to me, and I loved seeing how they developed here. As always, the books are written in first person present tense. I love how the author works in tidbits about wine making as metaphors for what Parker is going through. We get three delicious sounding recipes and suggested wine pairings at the end. Fans of the series will have fun with the newest in this series.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated The Ranch Hand and the Single Dad (Farthingdale Ranch #3) in Books
Jul 27, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE RANCH HAND AND THE SINGLE DAD is the third book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, and I would recommend you read them as a series simply because of how wonderful these stories are.
Austin has been put through the wringer by his delight of an ex-wife, and he has to cope with not having full custody of his daughter. He is unsure of who he is or what he wants, but he finds peace at Farthingdale Ranch due to his friendship with Clay.
Clay thinks that one-night stands are all he needs and doesn't always say what he wants. With the help and encouragement of Austin, Clay realises that life could be so much more than just a hookup.
This was a brilliant low-angst read with a slow-burn romance that filled me to the brim with warm fuzzies. I loved seeing the previous couples and seeing how their romances were going whilst still enjoying the spotlight on the main pair. And, of course, using recycled wisdom is some of the best advice you can give or receive!
A fantastic addition to the series, I would still recommend you read this as a series to ensure you don't miss out on any of the previous couples. For now, though, I can highly recommend Austin and Clay's story.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2021
Austin has been put through the wringer by his delight of an ex-wife, and he has to cope with not having full custody of his daughter. He is unsure of who he is or what he wants, but he finds peace at Farthingdale Ranch due to his friendship with Clay.
Clay thinks that one-night stands are all he needs and doesn't always say what he wants. With the help and encouragement of Austin, Clay realises that life could be so much more than just a hookup.
This was a brilliant low-angst read with a slow-burn romance that filled me to the brim with warm fuzzies. I loved seeing the previous couples and seeing how their romances were going whilst still enjoying the spotlight on the main pair. And, of course, using recycled wisdom is some of the best advice you can give or receive!
A fantastic addition to the series, I would still recommend you read this as a series to ensure you don't miss out on any of the previous couples. For now, though, I can highly recommend Austin and Clay's story.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2021
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Highlander Redeemed (Guardians of the Targe, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is the third in the series, and it definitely shows. I did not know that it was part of a series until I started reading it, but I wish I had. While it is not necessary to read the first two to understand or enjoy Highlander Redeemed, I found myself wondering more often than not about what I had missed out on.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Her Scottish Rogue (The Rebels, Rakes, and Rogues Series) in Books
May 17, 2023
This is a story of mistaken identity, historical style. Wren is abducted whilst out searching for some greens for the Inn where she works. It turns out that she has been mistaken for someone called Lady Anne, and no one believes her when she denies being Anne, but Wren. Beck has come to England at the request of his father, but longs to return to Scotland. Through mishaps and mistakes alike, these two end up married, whilst Wren has to figure out how to make Beck realise that she is not Anne, play a game to restore honour to his father's name, and dodge a murderer.
This is an easy-going story that flows well and will carry you along with absolutely no problems. I actually was more intrigued by Baron, a secondary character in this book, than I was by Beck and Wren. Not because of any fault or failing in their characters, but I just liked how he kept me on my toes. I thought that we would find out who Macey Lacey was in this book, but I now realise that there is at least one other book in this series, so I will have to wait.
Definitely recommended for all fans of a historical romance, with females not afraid to stand up for what they believe in!
* 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!
Jan 7, 2016
This is an easy-going story that flows well and will carry you along with absolutely no problems. I actually was more intrigued by Baron, a secondary character in this book, than I was by Beck and Wren. Not because of any fault or failing in their characters, but I just liked how he kept me on my toes. I thought that we would find out who Macey Lacey was in this book, but I now realise that there is at least one other book in this series, so I will have to wait.
Definitely recommended for all fans of a historical romance, with females not afraid to stand up for what they believe in!
* 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!
Jan 7, 2016
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Twelve (The MORE Trilogy, #3) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
Well honestly, IÕm running out of positive things to say about these books without repeating myself multiple times. This is, without a doubt, one of the best series I have ever had the privilege of reading.
As with the other books, the transition is seamless from one book too the next. The skill of Ms Franklin in telling her tale is absolutely sublime and makes reading an absolute pleasure.
This, the third installment of the series, has phenomenal pace and passion throughout. It just oozes from the page in giant wonderfulness. The twists and turns from the very start of this story leave you with incredible whiplash as you try to figure out whoÕs who, whoÕs good and whoÕs playing a double role. IÕve rarely encountered a book which has you experiencing so many different emotions all at once, and itÕs just excellent.
Be warned if you do read this, the last 20% is literally impossible to put down. Even though I was falling asleep and utterly exhausted, I honestly could not stop reading. I actually slapped myself to stay awake and pinched my cheeks to make myself wake up. IÕm one of these grumpy guts if I donÕt get sleep, so itÕs very rare anything keeps me awake, but by jove this book did it (last one that managed that was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).
The revelations in this story came thick and fast, especially the final one (no spoilers here, but be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor!) and I honestly did not want the story to end. In another first for a long while, I had an immense feeling of emptiness when I finished the book, and even now, several weeks after having finished it find myself missing Caleb and Ava. I need a spin offÉ.. please? ;)
Simply put, this was absolutely stupendous writing from the very start of the series and Franklin definitely does her plot and characters justice with this final installment. I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough, and the series as a whole are firmly wedged on my favourites list, even ousting other popular ones such as Potter and True Blood to the top spot. And yes, itÕs 5 stars, but in all honesty, IÕd gladly give as many as I could because quite frankly, this book deserves every star in the sky! Well done Ms Franklin, this is phenomenal writing and I doff my cap to your amazing skills!
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
As with the other books, the transition is seamless from one book too the next. The skill of Ms Franklin in telling her tale is absolutely sublime and makes reading an absolute pleasure.
This, the third installment of the series, has phenomenal pace and passion throughout. It just oozes from the page in giant wonderfulness. The twists and turns from the very start of this story leave you with incredible whiplash as you try to figure out whoÕs who, whoÕs good and whoÕs playing a double role. IÕve rarely encountered a book which has you experiencing so many different emotions all at once, and itÕs just excellent.
Be warned if you do read this, the last 20% is literally impossible to put down. Even though I was falling asleep and utterly exhausted, I honestly could not stop reading. I actually slapped myself to stay awake and pinched my cheeks to make myself wake up. IÕm one of these grumpy guts if I donÕt get sleep, so itÕs very rare anything keeps me awake, but by jove this book did it (last one that managed that was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).
The revelations in this story came thick and fast, especially the final one (no spoilers here, but be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor!) and I honestly did not want the story to end. In another first for a long while, I had an immense feeling of emptiness when I finished the book, and even now, several weeks after having finished it find myself missing Caleb and Ava. I need a spin offÉ.. please? ;)
Simply put, this was absolutely stupendous writing from the very start of the series and Franklin definitely does her plot and characters justice with this final installment. I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough, and the series as a whole are firmly wedged on my favourites list, even ousting other popular ones such as Potter and True Blood to the top spot. And yes, itÕs 5 stars, but in all honesty, IÕd gladly give as many as I could because quite frankly, this book deserves every star in the sky! Well done Ms Franklin, this is phenomenal writing and I doff my cap to your amazing skills!
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Cherished (Beholder #3) in Books
May 14, 2021
Cherished is the third book in the Beholder series, and we start with Elea back home on Brannock Farm and trying once again to fit in with her neighbours. She has Phillipe with her this time though, and he tries to smooth things along as best he can. Phillipe has wanted things to change between himself and Elea, but she still sees him as her brother being as her heart still belongs to Rowan, even after everything. Of course, things happen that send Elea back to Rowan, where they find out just who exactly is working against them this time.
I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.
This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely 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!
I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.
This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely 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 (13931 KP) rated Awakening (Rapture's Edge #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Before I start, I need to say that this series is preceded by two related books: BRINK OF ETERNITY and THE DARKENING. RAPTURE’S EDGE is part of the Guardians of Ascension Saga!
However, I haven't read any of those prior to starting this book although I sure as hell want to read them now! This is not due to any plot holes or confusion in this book, it just sounds like such a great place, I want more.
This is an in-depth and full-of-action story that mainly revolves around Duncan and Rachel. There is a lot going on and you also need to understand that they are going through a mating bond which throws a caveman into the mix too. With psychotic women, strange powers and at least six Earths that I read about, this story has it all. I loved that the main two in this book had a history together, it wasn't just insta-love! That is always a bonus for me. So many other characters that intrigue and enchant though. One such character is Endelle - now I can't say that she's enchanting but I did love her attitude and her honesty. I can't wait to read more about her.
A thoroughly enjoyable start to the series which will definitely leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jul 7, 2015
However, I haven't read any of those prior to starting this book although I sure as hell want to read them now! This is not due to any plot holes or confusion in this book, it just sounds like such a great place, I want more.
This is an in-depth and full-of-action story that mainly revolves around Duncan and Rachel. There is a lot going on and you also need to understand that they are going through a mating bond which throws a caveman into the mix too. With psychotic women, strange powers and at least six Earths that I read about, this story has it all. I loved that the main two in this book had a history together, it wasn't just insta-love! That is always a bonus for me. So many other characters that intrigue and enchant though. One such character is Endelle - now I can't say that she's enchanting but I did love her attitude and her honesty. I can't wait to read more about her.
A thoroughly enjoyable start to the series which will definitely leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jul 7, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shadow Study (The Chronicles of Ixia #7) in Books
Jun 11, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
102 of 200
Book
Shadow Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 4)
By Maria Snyder
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.
Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.
As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.
This is the first one in this series I’ve struggled with! Usually I devour her books in one or two days this took 4 days not like me at all!! I knew from that first chapter the whole reason she lost her magic and it drove me crazy. Not sure some of Valek’s chapters were needed but I loved janco and Ari’s I did miss those two!! Nice to catch up with Opal and clan and it was still a very good read think It’s more a personal opinion on how I wanted this book to go. I’m not surprised about the commander and I worry about Valek confronting him! I enjoyed the last 10 chapters a lot more than the first 23!
Book
Shadow Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 4)
By Maria Snyder
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.
Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.
As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.
This is the first one in this series I’ve struggled with! Usually I devour her books in one or two days this took 4 days not like me at all!! I knew from that first chapter the whole reason she lost her magic and it drove me crazy. Not sure some of Valek’s chapters were needed but I loved janco and Ari’s I did miss those two!! Nice to catch up with Opal and clan and it was still a very good read think It’s more a personal opinion on how I wanted this book to go. I’m not surprised about the commander and I worry about Valek confronting him! I enjoyed the last 10 chapters a lot more than the first 23!
This Charming Man
10.0
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Vampires do not exist. Everyone knows this. So it's particularly annoying when they start popping up...
Urban fantasy Vampires Crime supernatural