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MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I adored this book.
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?

Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crimson Shore (Pendergast, #15) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I always look forward to a new Pendergast adventure, and was so excited to read this one! It started out as any mystery might - Agent Pendergast is hired to find out who broke into a lighthouse-turned-residence and made off with the owner's extensive wine collection. He wouldn't normally be bothered with anything so mundane, but there is a rare bottle of wine to be had if he can find the thieves.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Merissa (13000 KP) rated At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert
At Attention is the second book in the Out of Uniform series, and we reunite with Lieutenant Apollo Floros, who we met in Zack and Pike's story. We learn more about his past - how he is a grieving widower with two young twin daughters. He is existing with his life, not living it. When a friend asks him for a favour, he looks for a thousand different ways out of it, before he capitulates ungraciously.
That is the build up to a slow-burning, gut-churning, emotion-packed story that will get you right in the feels. There is no 'bad guy' in this, just a young hopeful man, and an older, grieving one, who just can't move past his pain. I really felt for Dylan, but couldn't bring myself to hate Apollo either, although I did want to whomp him upside the head a few times.
Saying that, there was plenty of heat in here, more than enough to keep me happy! The story didn't suffer for the steamy times though. Everything was in the right place, when it needed to be said or done. Kept on tenterhooks right to the end, I adored this book. I also loved the small cameos from Zack and Pike. So nice to see them still in love.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book, or the series, as I am absolutely loving it.
* 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!
That is the build up to a slow-burning, gut-churning, emotion-packed story that will get you right in the feels. There is no 'bad guy' in this, just a young hopeful man, and an older, grieving one, who just can't move past his pain. I really felt for Dylan, but couldn't bring myself to hate Apollo either, although I did want to whomp him upside the head a few times.
Saying that, there was plenty of heat in here, more than enough to keep me happy! The story didn't suffer for the steamy times though. Everything was in the right place, when it needed to be said or done. Kept on tenterhooks right to the end, I adored this book. I also loved the small cameos from Zack and Pike. So nice to see them still in love.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book, or the series, as I am absolutely loving it.
* 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!

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Wicked Harvest in Books
Oct 18, 2019
Who is Wicked Enough to Kill?
The town of Buttercup, Texas, has decided to host an Oktoberfest event this year. Naturally, farmer Lucy Resnick will have a booth selling wares from her farm, but the kickoff event is at the Sweetwater Brewery, and Lucy is going to be there as just a guest. The brewery is planning to reveal a new recipe at the event, but that reveal doesn’t quite go as planned. However, things take an even worse turn a little while later when Lucy and her boyfriend, Tobias, start to take a brewery tour and instead find a dead body. It is pretty obvious that it was murder, but who did it?
Not only do we have the murder, but we have several sub-plots, so this book is constantly moving and kept my attention the entire time. Things come together for a logical and satisfying conclusion. This series has always had a bit of a paranormal element to it, but it is much stronger here, and I felt the book was a bit weaker since it relied on that more to drive the plot. There’s also a major editing issue, with a scene with Lucy going over clues with a friend before she’s received them. The characters are wonderful as always. Since this is a quick read, we didn’t get a lot of new character development, but I still enjoyed the time with them I had, and the suspects are strong enough to keep us guessing. There are six recipes at the end that sound delicious, too. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing.
Not only do we have the murder, but we have several sub-plots, so this book is constantly moving and kept my attention the entire time. Things come together for a logical and satisfying conclusion. This series has always had a bit of a paranormal element to it, but it is much stronger here, and I felt the book was a bit weaker since it relied on that more to drive the plot. There’s also a major editing issue, with a scene with Lucy going over clues with a friend before she’s received them. The characters are wonderful as always. Since this is a quick read, we didn’t get a lot of new character development, but I still enjoyed the time with them I had, and the suspects are strong enough to keep us guessing. There are six recipes at the end that sound delicious, too. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing.

Merissa (13000 KP) rated Over the Falls (Ryder Bay #1) in Books
Jan 17, 2019
Over the Falls (Ryder Bay #1) by Jordan Ford
Over the Falls is the first book in the Ryder Bay series, and it's one I can't wait to continue. It is full of those extreme feelings you can only get when you are young, plus hardships, and a dash of mystery. I have read 'Dear Diary' and loved the insight into Harley. I'm glad I don't have to wait until book three to find out what happened in her past, and yet I am totally thrilled to find out how she moves forward. I've already found some of it out in this book, but I just know there is so much more to come.
The characters are all extremely well written, whether you like them or not! There is one in particular who I think I know what happened, but don't want to say anything yet, because no doubt Jordan Ford will put a twist on it, and I shall be wrong! ? The situations are all completely believable, the conversations are natural, and the relationships are perfect - whether they are new or have been there for a while.
I devoured this book in one sitting. After I started it, I just couldn't put it down. With a slight cliffhanger ending, it has definitely left me wanting more. I will absolutely be continuing with this series, and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* 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 characters are all extremely well written, whether you like them or not! There is one in particular who I think I know what happened, but don't want to say anything yet, because no doubt Jordan Ford will put a twist on it, and I shall be wrong! ? The situations are all completely believable, the conversations are natural, and the relationships are perfect - whether they are new or have been there for a while.
I devoured this book in one sitting. After I started it, I just couldn't put it down. With a slight cliffhanger ending, it has definitely left me wanting more. I will absolutely be continuing with this series, and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* 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 (13000 KP) rated The Inconvenient Pet (Alien Slave Masters, #5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The Inconvenient Pet is the fifth book in the Alien Slave Master series, and once again follows the non-con/dub-con route. If this isn't your thing, then don't read it, simple as that. If, however, you can cope with that, then you are in for a wonderful series that continues to surprise and surpass as you go along.
With the four previous books, you have had a 'human' slave boy, paired with a Travian Master. In this one, the roles are swapped. Wen, who we have met before, is the Travian slave boy, and Dax, who we've also met before, is the human Master - although he doesn't like being called that!
Wen doesn't really belong in the military, although he has fought hard to earn his place. Dax is with a group of humans and Travians, calling themselves Naturalists, who want to go back to a more primitive way of life, living in harmony with each other. Of course, there is a maggot in most apples, this one is named Burrell. Of course, you also meet new characters who shine. Chloe is one of those for me. She is a strong female, knowing her capabilities, and yet not afraid to ask for help when needed.
The story is fresh, the characters familiar, and it is all well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. 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!
With the four previous books, you have had a 'human' slave boy, paired with a Travian Master. In this one, the roles are swapped. Wen, who we have met before, is the Travian slave boy, and Dax, who we've also met before, is the human Master - although he doesn't like being called that!
Wen doesn't really belong in the military, although he has fought hard to earn his place. Dax is with a group of humans and Travians, calling themselves Naturalists, who want to go back to a more primitive way of life, living in harmony with each other. Of course, there is a maggot in most apples, this one is named Burrell. Of course, you also meet new characters who shine. Chloe is one of those for me. She is a strong female, knowing her capabilities, and yet not afraid to ask for help when needed.
The story is fresh, the characters familiar, and it is all well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. 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!

Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fear For Me (For Me, #2) in Books
Jul 16, 2020
I read the first book in this series a few years ago and it was ok - judging by my review on Goodreads of it - but I wasn't overly in to it. This one has been on my Kindle for a few years now so it's about time I read it.
This starts with the "Bayou Butcher" serial killer - Jon Walker - breaking out of prison and setting out to kill the people who put him there starting with Lauren Chandler, the DA that made sure he went down for life, as well as the judge and those on the jury. In comes Anthony Ross, a Marshall, who tracked Walker down the first time and Lauren's ex.
I was equally drawn into this when they were hunting Walker and freaked out when we had scenes from Walker's POV as he went about killing. The more I read, though, the more I was convinced that Walker wasn't doing everything alone and then it was the mystery of just who Walker was in league with that had me reading. I thought I had it figured out but I was so wrong.
The romance reignited between Lauren and Anthony as neither had really gotten over the other in the five years since they'd parted ways. It was nice to see inside both of their heads and what their feelings were towards the other. I'll be honest. I wasn't that interested in the romance so I skipped the sex scenes in this, totally uninterested.
I don't think I'll be reading the last book in the series. I'm not that into Romantic Suspense anymore.
This starts with the "Bayou Butcher" serial killer - Jon Walker - breaking out of prison and setting out to kill the people who put him there starting with Lauren Chandler, the DA that made sure he went down for life, as well as the judge and those on the jury. In comes Anthony Ross, a Marshall, who tracked Walker down the first time and Lauren's ex.
I was equally drawn into this when they were hunting Walker and freaked out when we had scenes from Walker's POV as he went about killing. The more I read, though, the more I was convinced that Walker wasn't doing everything alone and then it was the mystery of just who Walker was in league with that had me reading. I thought I had it figured out but I was so wrong.
The romance reignited between Lauren and Anthony as neither had really gotten over the other in the five years since they'd parted ways. It was nice to see inside both of their heads and what their feelings were towards the other. I'll be honest. I wasn't that interested in the romance so I skipped the sex scenes in this, totally uninterested.
I don't think I'll be reading the last book in the series. I'm not that into Romantic Suspense anymore.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door in Books
Nov 2, 2020 (Updated Nov 2, 2020)
Is Jane’s Neighbor Crazy?
Jane Darrowfield’s newest client is Megan Larsen, her next door neighbor. Megan is a single, mid-30s lawyer on track to become a partner in her firm. However, she begins to suspect that something might be wrong with her. She’s hearing voices and having blackouts among other symptoms. Either she’s going crazy, or someone is out to make her think she is. Jane quickly comes up with a diagnosis, but then something happens that makes Jane question everything she thought she knew. Is Megan in danger? Or is Jane really living next to a madwoman?
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7) in Books
Jun 4, 2022
98 of 230
Kindle
Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7)
By Katie Evers ( Katie Epstein)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Zombies. Freaking zombies.
Terra knew an apocalypse would hit her one day. Throw in the nightmare of the walking dead and she’s ready to run for the hills. But that wouldn’t be professional. Not when the haunting zombies are the work of a powerful mage who has escaped to Earthside and taken an abandoned mall hostage.
With no choice but to work alongside the US military, Terra and the gang have to hide their gifts and act like the humans. Grady is tactical. He can lead them in. But the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes trying to keep their secret. So dangerous, it might get them all killed. Or eaten.
I absolutely love this series! This is the 8th book and we are getting to see the big guns when it comes to Terra finding all the escapees from a supernatural prison. This had zombies so that right there is a win for me! Now if I’m going to be super picky over 2 things that stress me out with this book 1. Is whoever proof read this didn’t do the best of jobs there are little bits of grammar and mistakes through most of the book and yes I’m being super picky but I don’t know about anyone else but it stalls the reading and knocks me off a little. 2. Is I can never find the author due to all the name changes 😂! Other than that the book and series are just really really good!
Oh and hallelujah Kane finally gives in!!!!!!
Kindle
Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7)
By Katie Evers ( Katie Epstein)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Zombies. Freaking zombies.
Terra knew an apocalypse would hit her one day. Throw in the nightmare of the walking dead and she’s ready to run for the hills. But that wouldn’t be professional. Not when the haunting zombies are the work of a powerful mage who has escaped to Earthside and taken an abandoned mall hostage.
With no choice but to work alongside the US military, Terra and the gang have to hide their gifts and act like the humans. Grady is tactical. He can lead them in. But the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes trying to keep their secret. So dangerous, it might get them all killed. Or eaten.
I absolutely love this series! This is the 8th book and we are getting to see the big guns when it comes to Terra finding all the escapees from a supernatural prison. This had zombies so that right there is a win for me! Now if I’m going to be super picky over 2 things that stress me out with this book 1. Is whoever proof read this didn’t do the best of jobs there are little bits of grammar and mistakes through most of the book and yes I’m being super picky but I don’t know about anyone else but it stalls the reading and knocks me off a little. 2. Is I can never find the author due to all the name changes 😂! Other than that the book and series are just really really good!
Oh and hallelujah Kane finally gives in!!!!!!

Merissa (13000 KP) rated Fighting Fate (Monsters of London #3.5) in Books
Mar 14, 2025
FIGHTING FATE is part of the Monsters of London series and I highly recommend you read those first as most of this one takes place after those events.
We have two very different MCs - Vince, who has declared love off limits, and Dax, who is the cutest cinnamon roll who ever rolled! And when I say Vince has declared love off limits, I mean it. This dude has his heart locked away and only allows himself one-and-done's. That is until Dax! Even then, they have time apart.
This was a great read. Not only did I have the chance to see all of my other pairings and how things are for them after the climax of the other three books, but I also got to spend time with Dax and Vince. There are other characters here that I'm hoping will have their story told at some point too.
Told from both Dax and Vince's perspective, you get a nicely rounded story that was perfectly paced. I don't fully understand why Dax's old pack treated him the way they did and I really wanted an explanation for that. However, I did love how protective of him Vince was.
A great addition to the series that still gave me much-wanted time with Kieran's pack while following the MCs too. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2025
We have two very different MCs - Vince, who has declared love off limits, and Dax, who is the cutest cinnamon roll who ever rolled! And when I say Vince has declared love off limits, I mean it. This dude has his heart locked away and only allows himself one-and-done's. That is until Dax! Even then, they have time apart.
This was a great read. Not only did I have the chance to see all of my other pairings and how things are for them after the climax of the other three books, but I also got to spend time with Dax and Vince. There are other characters here that I'm hoping will have their story told at some point too.
Told from both Dax and Vince's perspective, you get a nicely rounded story that was perfectly paced. I don't fully understand why Dax's old pack treated him the way they did and I really wanted an explanation for that. However, I did love how protective of him Vince was.
A great addition to the series that still gave me much-wanted time with Kieran's pack while following the MCs too. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2025
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) Apr 7, 2019
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) Apr 8, 2019