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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Enemy Red (Mark of Lycos #1) in Books
May 29, 2023
Fenris is a young pup, he's only 25-years-old, and now his uncle, the Alpha of the Silver Clan, intends to find him and his twin brother mates. Fenris is none too happy with this, so runs off. He finds himself far from home, in a situation unexpected, that calls on his protective and mating instincts, against all odds. Pulled into a tangled web, with doubts over who to believe, Fenris has to do what he thinks is right - both for himself and for the wolf he wants to claim as his own.
This is a fast-paced novella that covers a lot of ground with the story. Fenris' twin, Anson, is mentioned in passing so I hope that we will hear more about him in the future. Well written and with smooth pacing, this story will take you along with it as it reaches the conclusion. With overall questions left (nothing major though), this part of the story wraps up nicely, whilst leaving you wanting to know more.
Definitely recommended.
* 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 15, 2016
This is a fast-paced novella that covers a lot of ground with the story. Fenris' twin, Anson, is mentioned in passing so I hope that we will hear more about him in the future. Well written and with smooth pacing, this story will take you along with it as it reaches the conclusion. With overall questions left (nothing major though), this part of the story wraps up nicely, whilst leaving you wanting to know more.
Definitely recommended.
* 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 15, 2016
David McK (3600 KP) rated The War Prince (Warrior #3) in Books
May 30, 2023
I think I'd posted previously that I'd heard (read) that Simon Scarrow and Tj Andrews 'Warrior' series of e-book novellas was to be a series of five.
If so, we're now at the halfway point.
(The previous entries being The King in Rome and The Druid's Lair).
We're also now past Caratacus' childhood and teenage years, with the protagonist hearing recounting how his training at the hands of the Druids came to an end when he was summoned home in order to participate in an assembly of tribes in an attempt over the, uhhh, 'ownership' of Lhandain.
Whilst all concerned do, initially (pre assembly), agree to abide by the resolution reached by the Druid High Council, this soon falls by the wayside when it is discovered that those on the council are just as venal and corrupt as any other (with Caratacus, as he recounts the tale, laying the blame squarely on Rome).
I'll continue reading these - I do also have to say, I'm intrigued by the 'modern day' (well, modern day to the historian in Nero's Empire who is documenting the story, not modern day to us) opening and closing of each novella - is he bringing unwelcome attention to himself?
If so, we're now at the halfway point.
(The previous entries being The King in Rome and The Druid's Lair).
We're also now past Caratacus' childhood and teenage years, with the protagonist hearing recounting how his training at the hands of the Druids came to an end when he was summoned home in order to participate in an assembly of tribes in an attempt over the, uhhh, 'ownership' of Lhandain.
Whilst all concerned do, initially (pre assembly), agree to abide by the resolution reached by the Druid High Council, this soon falls by the wayside when it is discovered that those on the council are just as venal and corrupt as any other (with Caratacus, as he recounts the tale, laying the blame squarely on Rome).
I'll continue reading these - I do also have to say, I'm intrigued by the 'modern day' (well, modern day to the historian in Nero's Empire who is documenting the story, not modern day to us) opening and closing of each novella - is he bringing unwelcome attention to himself?
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Twice Seduced (Sanctuary Coven #1) in Books
May 31, 2023
Heather is a non-practising Wiccan who uses her ability to see auras to help her in her career as a school counsellor. She is dating Lucas Carré, who she feels safe with as he has a green aura. What she doesn't realise is that he is a Magus Corps officer, and can change the colour of his aura at will. When she receives a summons to her sister's coven in Aspen, Lucas goes with her and then the fun begins.
This is a typical steamy novella, the type that Hazel Hunter excels in. The reason I have only given 3-stars is because there is a whole lot of stuff going on - so far there are at least three separate stories that have yet to intertwine and become a cohesive story. HOWEVER, knowing Hazel Hunter's various coven series, I have the utmost faith that this will become an intricate and fascinating story.
A good start to a new series that shows definite promise.
* 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 28, 2016
This is a typical steamy novella, the type that Hazel Hunter excels in. The reason I have only given 3-stars is because there is a whole lot of stuff going on - so far there are at least three separate stories that have yet to intertwine and become a cohesive story. HOWEVER, knowing Hazel Hunter's various coven series, I have the utmost faith that this will become an intricate and fascinating story.
A good start to a new series that shows definite promise.
* 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 28, 2016
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies in Books
Jan 4, 2024
Star Crash
Jaine is visiting her parents in Florida for the holiday. In between watching her cat being spoiled rotten and her dad try to get his horrid gold Christmas tree set up, Jaine attends the community's Christmas play. At the end, the leading man is supposed to float off the stage, but instead he falls to his death. Considering he was a horrid womanizer, the suspects are plentiful. But who actually wanted him dead?
Outside of e-mail exchanges in every book, this is the first time we've met Jaine's parents, and I got quite a hoot out of meeting them. The series is comic in nature, and that comedy continues here. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The story was mostly populated with people we haven't met before, but they all seemed real enough to make me care about the outcome.
Do note that this is a novella, originally about 100 pages. Keep that in mind when you sit down to read it.
Also note that this was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder, so check that you haven’t read it already.
But if you haven’t picked up this story yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Outside of e-mail exchanges in every book, this is the first time we've met Jaine's parents, and I got quite a hoot out of meeting them. The series is comic in nature, and that comedy continues here. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The story was mostly populated with people we haven't met before, but they all seemed real enough to make me care about the outcome.
Do note that this is a novella, originally about 100 pages. Keep that in mind when you sit down to read it.
Also note that this was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder, so check that you haven’t read it already.
But if you haven’t picked up this story yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated A Voyage of Vengeance in Books
Aug 5, 2024
Sailing with a Killer
Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier is thrilled to be joining the maiden voyage of Rose of the Sea, a luxury vessel. The voyage is also a birthday celebration for one of her friends, Lady Carriena, the future ruler of Isla DeLacqua. But Jax is surprised to find that her fellow passengers are an odd assortment of people, more for the political gain of her friend’s duchy than a true celebration. Then the weird things start happening. Can Jax figure out what is going on?
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasn’t long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasn’t long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
Merissa (13194 KP) rated The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks (The Lost Arts #2.5) in Books
Aug 22, 2025
THE LOST ART OF WOODWORKING AND TAKING RISKS is a short side character novella in The Lost Arts series, featuring Chamis and Bennan, who we met in book 2. This delightful addition gives us more details about their romance and how they moved forward in both their lives and the romance.
The thing I loved about this one was that Chamis and Bennan are total opposites from the outside, which they acknowledge in the story. One is a shy introvert, and one is a flirty extrovert. NEITHER of them wanted the other to change. How wonderful is that?! There is no way I can say which character I loved the most, as they were both absolutely gorgeous on the inside.
Definitely less steam in this book, which completely fitted the narrative. I loved seeing their romance through their eyes, but the teasers for book 3 have about killed me. I need it NOW!!! A great addition and definitely 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!
Aug 22, 2025
The thing I loved about this one was that Chamis and Bennan are total opposites from the outside, which they acknowledge in the story. One is a shy introvert, and one is a flirty extrovert. NEITHER of them wanted the other to change. How wonderful is that?! There is no way I can say which character I loved the most, as they were both absolutely gorgeous on the inside.
Definitely less steam in this book, which completely fitted the narrative. I loved seeing their romance through their eyes, but the teasers for book 3 have about killed me. I need it NOW!!! A great addition and definitely 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!
Aug 22, 2025
ClareR (5950 KP) rated The River Has Roots in Books
Mar 11, 2025
I have deep love for a fairy tale - especially the ones that border on the macabre.
The River Has Roots is a beautiful tale of two sisters who live on the border of Arcadia (Faerie), and sing to the Willow trees twice a day in tribute to the men they once were.
The sisters are very close: Ysabel and Esther, and they always want to be together. But of course, as in all good fairytales, a man throws a spanner in the works.
The River Has Roots is a novella and honestly, if El-Mohtar wrote this as a full length novel or decided to write more such stories, I would be all in. The writing is beautiful - full on fairytale style at its best.
This gave me “The Twa Sisters” vibes, equally as tragic, but not exactly the same - you’re not getting an exact retelling. This is a story in its own right.
The Lino-cut illustrations (Kathleen Neely) throughout the book were perfect for the story, too.
There was a bonus story at the end, “John Hollowback and the Witch”, and it was a rather pleasant surprise - a fabulous cautionary tale.
This is a must-read for my fellow fairytale fans!
The River Has Roots is a beautiful tale of two sisters who live on the border of Arcadia (Faerie), and sing to the Willow trees twice a day in tribute to the men they once were.
The sisters are very close: Ysabel and Esther, and they always want to be together. But of course, as in all good fairytales, a man throws a spanner in the works.
The River Has Roots is a novella and honestly, if El-Mohtar wrote this as a full length novel or decided to write more such stories, I would be all in. The writing is beautiful - full on fairytale style at its best.
This gave me “The Twa Sisters” vibes, equally as tragic, but not exactly the same - you’re not getting an exact retelling. This is a story in its own right.
The Lino-cut illustrations (Kathleen Neely) throughout the book were perfect for the story, too.
There was a bonus story at the end, “John Hollowback and the Witch”, and it was a rather pleasant surprise - a fabulous cautionary tale.
This is a must-read for my fellow fairytale fans!
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Daddy Marc's Gem (Club Sensations #2) in Books
Apr 4, 2025
DADDY MARC'S GEM is the second novella in the Club Sensations series. Marc is a therapist and a Daddy, but a lonely one as he hasn't found his boy. Foster is an antiques dealer/restorer without a shop, in a place where he doesn't know anyone and was isolated before being dumped.
I loved how these two met and how it grew naturally. Foster has questions and needs answers before deciding - which is fair enough, in my opinion. Foster is also a sweetheart who has been dumped on by too many people and needs the love and affection Marc is more than happy to bestow on him.
Tate's story (Born Daddy) is mentioned during a conversation between Marc and Zane, who also makes an appearance with Ryan while Ty is only mentioned, so you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one.
A short read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot and spicy in places; loving, tender, and protective in others. 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 26, 2025
I loved how these two met and how it grew naturally. Foster has questions and needs answers before deciding - which is fair enough, in my opinion. Foster is also a sweetheart who has been dumped on by too many people and needs the love and affection Marc is more than happy to bestow on him.
Tate's story (Born Daddy) is mentioned during a conversation between Marc and Zane, who also makes an appearance with Ryan while Ty is only mentioned, so you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one.
A short read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot and spicy in places; loving, tender, and protective in others. 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 26, 2025
Broken Heart Questioned (Bella and the Beast Master #5)
10.0
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Solving this mystery could cost Bella and Markus everything… After being away longer than he...
Mystery Novella Paranormal Romance Post Apocalyptic