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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Project Dogway in Books
Jan 2, 2022
Dogging a Killer
Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is). Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show. However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish. While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife. Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Seat by the Hearth in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Another hit! I can't sing the praises high enough. Mrs. Clipston has brought us Mark's story. I've been waiting patiently (or, those that TRULY know me, know it's not all that patient!) to see what Amy Clipston had in store for Mark and Priscilla. Let me tell you this: she truly had a wonderful story for them. They were absolutely perfect in every way for this moving, heartfelt, gripping addition to the Amish Homestead series.
Mark and Priscilla had to endure an "arranged" marriage but they didn't let that stop them from making the best of it, and learning about one another. Their pasts catch up to them, they learn a lot about what it means to wholly accept oneself, and they learn that there will always be a seat by the hearth for each other to continue their journey in life as not just friends, but as an actual couple.
This book is filled with ups, downs, hope and understanding. Amy Clipston's trademark messages of acceptance and love are woven perfectly through out this incredible journey. God is definitely working on Mark and Priscilla within these pages and I won't soon forget them! They are on my keeper shelf to stay. Mark's play boy ways, and Priscilla's uneasiness are over come by the true love of friendship. Definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this reader's honest opinion! I can't wait for another beautifully chiseled novel from this talented author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Mark and Priscilla had to endure an "arranged" marriage but they didn't let that stop them from making the best of it, and learning about one another. Their pasts catch up to them, they learn a lot about what it means to wholly accept oneself, and they learn that there will always be a seat by the hearth for each other to continue their journey in life as not just friends, but as an actual couple.
This book is filled with ups, downs, hope and understanding. Amy Clipston's trademark messages of acceptance and love are woven perfectly through out this incredible journey. God is definitely working on Mark and Priscilla within these pages and I won't soon forget them! They are on my keeper shelf to stay. Mark's play boy ways, and Priscilla's uneasiness are over come by the true love of friendship. Definitely a 5 star worthy novel in this reader's honest opinion! I can't wait for another beautifully chiseled novel from this talented author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Debbiereadsbook (1780 KP) rated Sweat Connection (Hot Under the Collar #1) in Books
Aug 8, 2023
Quite possibly McIntyre's best work to date!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not rehashing the blurb, and I'm not telling you the story, I'ma just gonna jump straight in!
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK, PEOPLE!
It's so well written, from both Rhys and Cole's POV, in the first person, each chapter headers the change.
It's steamy and smexy (sooooooooooooooooooo smexy!) It's deeply emotional, for both Rhys and Cole and that surprised me, don't ask me why, cos I've no freaking idea! I just expected this to be a light and fluffy book. And it is, but with a heavy side of emotions.
It's sweet and cute, it's so freaking cute. Full of the warm and fuzzies that low/no angst books carry. Full of emotion and love.
Rhys is in a dark place when he comes into contact with Cole, and after that, it's just two guys falling in love! Throw in McIntyre's skill with found families, and extended families, and a 2 yr old called Sammy and you've got, for me, possibly McIntyre's best work yet!
AND this is the first in a new series and I cannot wait for the next one!
I'm making this a relatively short review, I might start ranting and raving, and if I allow myself free reign, you could end up with a 10,000 word review!
I'm putting this on my Masterpiece shelf! I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book and I can't see why anyone wouldn't.
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not rehashing the blurb, and I'm not telling you the story, I'ma just gonna jump straight in!
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK, PEOPLE!
It's so well written, from both Rhys and Cole's POV, in the first person, each chapter headers the change.
It's steamy and smexy (sooooooooooooooooooo smexy!) It's deeply emotional, for both Rhys and Cole and that surprised me, don't ask me why, cos I've no freaking idea! I just expected this to be a light and fluffy book. And it is, but with a heavy side of emotions.
It's sweet and cute, it's so freaking cute. Full of the warm and fuzzies that low/no angst books carry. Full of emotion and love.
Rhys is in a dark place when he comes into contact with Cole, and after that, it's just two guys falling in love! Throw in McIntyre's skill with found families, and extended families, and a 2 yr old called Sammy and you've got, for me, possibly McIntyre's best work yet!
AND this is the first in a new series and I cannot wait for the next one!
I'm making this a relatively short review, I might start ranting and raving, and if I allow myself free reign, you could end up with a 10,000 word review!
I'm putting this on my Masterpiece shelf! I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book and I can't see why anyone wouldn't.
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Craving (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #3)
7.5
Rate It
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The third book in the New York Times bestselling series by L.J. Smith. The Craving is the third...
Merissa (14056 KP) rated A Vampire's Embrace (Blood Rose Time Travel #2) in Books
May 18, 2017
A Vampire's Embrace (Blood Rose Time Travel #2) by Caris Roane
A Vampire's Embrace is the second book in the Blood Rose Time Travel series, and we meet up with Rez and Holly as they become the latest pair that the Invictus target. This world is firmly established, and yet Caris Roane has managed to introduce a new set of rules to their world - that of time-pathing. Only a certain few have this talent, and Holly is one of them. She has been pushed hard by Vojalie but still has things to learn. One thing she doesn't need to learn about though, is Rez. Holly thinks that she knows him, the same as he thinks that he knows her. Both of these are in for the shock of their lives as they realise that the real them is very different from what the other thought.
With a fast pace and steamy situations, it was with delight that I found the softer, more gentle, side of Rez and his quest to find his missing daughter. This was exceedingly well written, with enough angst to make it real, rather than overly dramatic. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would totally recommend not only this book, and the first one is this series, but the whole Blood Rose set. With characters mentioned from previous stories, you will definitely be in for a treat as you enter their world.
* 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!
With a fast pace and steamy situations, it was with delight that I found the softer, more gentle, side of Rez and his quest to find his missing daughter. This was exceedingly well written, with enough angst to make it real, rather than overly dramatic. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would totally recommend not only this book, and the first one is this series, but the whole Blood Rose set. With characters mentioned from previous stories, you will definitely be in for a treat as you enter their world.
* 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!
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles #2) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles, #2)
Knights of Stone: Lachlan is the second book in the Highland Gargoyles series. Lachlan is the eldest of the brothers, and the alpha of their small clan left on the island. This book follows on from the ground-work done in Mason. The triad of Gargoyles, Tree Witches, and Wolves, are finally meeting on neutral ground to try and do what is best for the island as a whole, rather than just their group. Of course, it's not going to happen overnight, but any place needs a starting point. Things get interesting for Lachlan when he meets Raina, at the meeting in her capacity as Beta to the Wolves. The spark is there immediately for both of them, and they both deny it! Neither of them trust, or want, to be with the other. However working together gives them a different perspective on each other, and they are thrown in each other's direction.
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Buzz Blow (Sangre Trilogy #1) in Books
Mar 22, 2018
Buzz & Blow: A M/M Vampire Romance (Sangre Trilogy #1) by Alex Carreras
Buzz & Blow is the first novella in the Sangre Trilogy, and we start off with Niko, a rough and ready type, and Asher, a primpy "ponce" (as described by one the characters). Niko works at Killer Kuts, the barber shop which is situated across the street from Everlasting, where Asher works. The attraction has been between these two for a while, but they have never spoken to each other. Once they do, the ball starts rolling, quickly gathering momentum.
This is a fast-paced novella, with the situation between Asher and Niko happening over a very short amount of time. Of course, when you're a vampire, you kind of know what you want ;) Still, these guys worked pretty fast! Not only do they have time together, but they need to help clear Niko's cousin, Mario, from murder charges. He didn't murder anyone, but he was stupid. He had played close to the fire a few too many times, and this time ended up being burnt. I would love to know if Mario is one of the future couples in this series.
On the whole, it was written well, so long as you can keep up with the speedy pace and plot line. This was a good short story, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26514
This is a fast-paced novella, with the situation between Asher and Niko happening over a very short amount of time. Of course, when you're a vampire, you kind of know what you want ;) Still, these guys worked pretty fast! Not only do they have time together, but they need to help clear Niko's cousin, Mario, from murder charges. He didn't murder anyone, but he was stupid. He had played close to the fire a few too many times, and this time ended up being burnt. I would love to know if Mario is one of the future couples in this series.
On the whole, it was written well, so long as you can keep up with the speedy pace and plot line. This was a good short story, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26514
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Cold Christmas (Antonia Hawkins #4) in Books
May 10, 2020
This is yet another book off my now decreasing "to-be-read" pile and another book that I am left asking myself, why did I leave it so long to read it?
Cold Christmas is the fourth in the Antonia Hawkins series but only the second I have had the pleasure of reading. I read the first in the series, The Advent Killer, and found that to be very satisfying and it has been nice to catch up with DCI Hawkins and her team and although I think this works well as a standalone, in order to appreciate the main characters, I do think reading at least one of the previous books would be a good idea because although you get some of the backstory, you don't truly appreciate or understand DCI Hawkins motivations without previous insight.
From the cover and the title, you might think this would be a Christmas story but you would be wrong ... what we have here is a dark thriller written at good pace with intrigue abound and excellent characters. The method used by the killer to murder his victims is ingenious and not one I have come across before which made a nice change and with a good mix of investigation into this complex case and into the equally complex personal life of DCI Hawkins, this is, once again, a satisfying read ... well, that is until the end ... oh Mr Gunn you are mean!
Despite this, I will be reading more from this author and I want to thank Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Cold Christmas is the fourth in the Antonia Hawkins series but only the second I have had the pleasure of reading. I read the first in the series, The Advent Killer, and found that to be very satisfying and it has been nice to catch up with DCI Hawkins and her team and although I think this works well as a standalone, in order to appreciate the main characters, I do think reading at least one of the previous books would be a good idea because although you get some of the backstory, you don't truly appreciate or understand DCI Hawkins motivations without previous insight.
From the cover and the title, you might think this would be a Christmas story but you would be wrong ... what we have here is a dark thriller written at good pace with intrigue abound and excellent characters. The method used by the killer to murder his victims is ingenious and not one I have come across before which made a nice change and with a good mix of investigation into this complex case and into the equally complex personal life of DCI Hawkins, this is, once again, a satisfying read ... well, that is until the end ... oh Mr Gunn you are mean!
Despite this, I will be reading more from this author and I want to thank Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Embrace the Passion (The Blood Rose #4) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Blood Rose series, and I would recommend that you read these in order for the full impact. Although each story could be read as a standalone (sort of), there is a general overall arc which makes more sense if you've read them all. Also, it's a wonderful series so there is no reason not to.
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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 8, 2015
This is Seth and Lorelei's book - both of whom we have met before. Poor Lorelei has so many different 'strands', it's a wonder she knows who she is! Seth is a loner by nature, but circumstances made him even warier of letting anyone close. So maybe, just maybe, having someone close with so many different 'personalities' is a good thing? For me, that is a resounding YES! as I loved how they interacted with each other. Lorelei teasing Seth to get a reaction. Seth pretending to be grumpy to Lorelei, to make her smile. And I have to say too, that I loved the beginning of the book. To have our main female admit to loving the main male within the first six paragraphs was brilliant.
I loved the depth and storyline of this book. I love this Realm more every time I visit. With some very sexy scenes, as well as more romance than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely one that I can recommend. Loved it!
* 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 8, 2015
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Second Place (Matchmakers #3) in Books
Sep 1, 2017
Second Place (Matchmakers #3) by G.R. Lyons
Second Place is the third and final book in the Matchmakers series - set in a world similar yet different to our own. We finally get to have Danny's story, and find out just what's going on with Eric and Bryan, and it's not at all what I was expecting!
Now, I was a bit worried about this one for a couple of reasons. I don't like reading about cheating per se. If it happened in the past, and the cheater is sorry, and it's relevant to the story, then I don't mind. And I really don't like love triangles. Threesomes/multi-partners are different, but triangles/squares/whatever, I don't do them. So going into this one, I knew that Danny had cheated, and Bryan was with Eric. Red flag warning for me.
I WAS WRONG! Any misconceptions I may have had went flying out the window once I started reading this story. It's angsty, it's heart-breaking, it's not at all what you might think. My admiration for Danny went sky high when he made a promise and kept it, years in the making, and walking through hell too. My heart really went out to him. I will say that I cried at this one. And it was f'ugly crying too. My heart was breaking for Bryan, and yet I still held hope because of Ellidan. So when Bryan goes to someone else, who does have first-hand knowledge of what it's like to lose a husband, I couldn't believe what I was reading. I may or may not have shouted at my kindle at that point, much to my children's confusion.
This is one helluva roller-coaster of a book, that will take you high and drop you down low. We still get to see Chance and Remy, and Shain and Ellidan, who continue to make my day whenever I read about them. Exceptionally well written, with no editing or grammatical errors, this book is an amazing finale to the series. Highly 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 comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I was a bit worried about this one for a couple of reasons. I don't like reading about cheating per se. If it happened in the past, and the cheater is sorry, and it's relevant to the story, then I don't mind. And I really don't like love triangles. Threesomes/multi-partners are different, but triangles/squares/whatever, I don't do them. So going into this one, I knew that Danny had cheated, and Bryan was with Eric. Red flag warning for me.
I WAS WRONG! Any misconceptions I may have had went flying out the window once I started reading this story. It's angsty, it's heart-breaking, it's not at all what you might think. My admiration for Danny went sky high when he made a promise and kept it, years in the making, and walking through hell too. My heart really went out to him. I will say that I cried at this one. And it was f'ugly crying too. My heart was breaking for Bryan, and yet I still held hope because of Ellidan. So when Bryan goes to someone else, who does have first-hand knowledge of what it's like to lose a husband, I couldn't believe what I was reading. I may or may not have shouted at my kindle at that point, much to my children's confusion.
This is one helluva roller-coaster of a book, that will take you high and drop you down low. We still get to see Chance and Remy, and Shain and Ellidan, who continue to make my day whenever I read about them. Exceptionally well written, with no editing or grammatical errors, this book is an amazing finale to the series. Highly 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 comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!