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Frosty Relations (A Witch’s Night Out #2)
Frosty Relations (A Witch’s Night Out #2)
Tara Quan | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book of the Witch's Night Out series although you could quite easily read it as a standalone and you would be absolutely fine. The characters from Book 1 are mentioned but play no active role in this book.

In this story, Jack is not happy as he has lost his best friend to a woman, all the staff have gone home, and it's Christmas Eve. He goes to Mina's office to rant at her, only to discover that she has a date to get ready for. He isn't happy with that idea although he refuses to admit why. Mina has had a crush on Jack for years but has tried to move on, including having a relationship with someone else that didn't work out.

Mina is petite and fragile looking, but she has a backbone of steel. She won't put up with any crap from Jack - or anyone else either! I loved a particular scene in this novella when you learn just how strong Mina is.

This is a quick but hot read, set in a glacial environment, with a male main character who comes across as a real piece of work but is actually a nice guy if he lets himself be. Well-written and smoothly paced, this is another excellent book from Tara Quan. 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!
Dec 15, 2015
  
The Santa Suit
The Santa Suit
Mary Kay Andrews | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ivy Perkins buys a 106-year-old farmhouse, sight unseen, after a divorce. Known as Four Roses Farm, it was once home to Bob and Betty Rae Rose. Bob was famous as the town's Santa Claus, which Ivy learns when she discovers his lovely Santa suit tucked in a closet. In the pocket is a note from a young child, who simply wants her father to return home from the war. The note strikes a chord with Ivy, who finds herself wondering who the child was--and did she ever reunite with her father? Her investigation brings her in contact with the local townspeople, including Ezra, her realtor, neighbor, and handyman; a young woman named Phoebe; and a sweet town elder named Everett. Despite her reluctance to join in the town's many Christmas traditions, Ivy cannot help but be swept up in the small town and its spirit of Christmas.

"You mean, what's a nice, single, big-city girl like me doing in a hick town like Tarburton?"

This was an incredibly adorable, silly, cheesy book (more of a novella really). If you love Christmas movies, you'll find that this is basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. And, as such, it's practically perfect: the snowy setting, a magical Santa suit, and a small town romance. What more could you ask for? Yes, you could pick at plot pieces and motives, but why? This is a quick read and a sweet one. Read in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. 4+ stars.
  
Dreams Never Seen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #3)
Dreams Never Seen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #3)
Sarah Westill | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
DREAMS NEVER SEEN is the third novella in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from the previous two, so I would definitely recommend you read those first.

Markus is back in town, and this time, Bella is there for him. This time, it's Lunah who throws the first spanner in the works, simply by being too enthusiastic. That aside, Markus and Bella are both looking forward to being together, making their home their own, and deepening the bond that has forged between them. And here comes the second (and biggest) spanner.

Instead of being at home, Markus, Bella, and Lunah travel to a new land, Thanzia, to find a missing archaeologist. They are interrupted at every turn, whether by a person, a circumstance, or even by travel. They make time though, and phew, it's a hot one!

The story regarding the archaeologist is a sad one, but I loved where it led. The discoveries were wonderful, and I could imagine how others would see them.

As with the previous books in this series, it was over too soon and has definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see where they go and what happens next. Brilliant reading 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 29, 2023
  
His Rockstar Dom
His Rockstar Dom
Morticia Knight | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS ROCKSTAR DOM is a standalone novella that tells of a well-established rock band, Glitter Kinks, and the musicians that make it up. Most of them are okay (or more than okay) but Sal is causing them BIG problems. Braylin was hired as a guitar tech. Also plays guitar and is a lifelong fan of the band and the lead singer, Zen.

What I loved about this was the communication! It's there - on every page! A couple of misunderstandings are quickly dealt with by talking it out. Wow, consider that! Zen knows what he wants out of the relationship, and Braylin is completely innocent but prepared to be guided by Zen. Zen listens and is prepared to take things slowly, going at Bray's pace. Oh, man! Be still, my beating heart. It was just perfect. The relationship between them was natural and unforced and I loved every word.

It wasn't just the dynamics of Zen and Bray though, it was between Bray and the whole band, the whole on-tour group. They melded and made it perfect.

I love Morticia Knight's books and this is no different. If I had one complaint, it would be that I didn't want it to end!

Hot - Innocent - Perfect! 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!
Nov 14, 2023
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jun 5, 2022  
Do you love you some time travel romantic suspense? If so, check out the STEALING TIME series by KJ Waters. There's also an awesome playlist to accompany the series on my blog. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win an eBook of the novella "Blow" by KJ Waters or signed copies of all three books in the "Stealing Time" series in a swag bag as well as a $25 Amazon gift card.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/06/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-stealing.html

**BOOK 1 SYNOPSIS**
A devastating hurricane. A time travel betrayal. Will Ronnie survive the witch hunt or forever be lost in time?

Stealing Time is the first book in the “breathtakingly original” Stealing Time Series of time travel wrapped in a hurricane. If you like strong-willed modern women and gripping stories that transport you back in time, then you’ll love KJ Water's Books.

As Hurricane Charley churns a path of destruction towards Orlando, Florida, Ronnie Andrews scrambles to prepare for the storm and seeks shelter at her boyfriend’s weather lab. What she finds there is more terrifying than Mother Nature's destruction.

During the peak of the hurricane, Ronnie is hurtled back in time to eighteenth-century London where she is caught in a web of superstition, deception, and lies in a life and death struggle to return to her own time.

Her best friend Steph is thrust into the middle of the hurricane, where it quickly turns into a living nightmare as she is faced with losing everything.
     
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Merissa (11619 KP) rated Reap This Too (Oh So Happy Holidays #2) in Books

Nov 11, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
Reap This Too (Oh So Happy Holidays #2)
Reap This Too (Oh So Happy Holidays #2)
Rafe Jadison | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Reap This Too is the second book in the Oh So Happy Holidays series and this time we meet up with Ian, Seamus' brother. He has been more interested in travelling than learning which colour candle means what but some of the things have stayed with him.

This is a fast-paced novella that takes you from the pyramids in Giza to Boston, just in time for Samhain. Seamus is there, of course, and we even get a cameo from Mine - but not in the way I hoped!!!

I think it would help if you have read book one because previous circumstances are mentioned in that book and it would give you a better idea of their family too. However, you COULD read this as a standalone if you really had to.

The connection between Khnurn and Ian is instantaneous but there is a depth to it that comes from their previous associations. I loved how sneaky Khnurn was toward the end and I'm sure these two have more adventures to tell us.

All in all, this was a great seasonal read with characters I either know and love or have loved getting to know. A great addition to the series and one I highly recommend. I just hope Mr Jadison has another story planned for Seamus and Mine!!!

* 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!
Nov 11, 2020
  
S(
Seraph ( Society book 9)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
176 of 230
Kindle
Seraph ( Society book 9)
By Mason Sabre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Every angel knows that when guarding demons, never, ever leave them alone. Not even for a second …. Amongst the highest ranking in the angelic hierarchy and most revered of all angels, Nina is lucky to be able to call herself one of the Seraphim. She is indeed blessed. Or so she should have been …. Having been tasked with the job of guarding stones in which rogue demons are incarcerated, Nina is decidedly bored. She finds herself wishing for a more exciting life, a more challenging position. She longs to prove herself as a Seraph and earn more respect and veneration. So, when a chaos demon unexpectedly escapes his captivity, Nina takes it upon herself to hunt him down and bring him in on her own. Being subjected to rebuke from the senior ranking Seraphim, or worse, being seen as incompetent, is not an appealing notion. However, as she crosses over into the worldly realm and begins her quest, she discovers things are not as simple as she believed …. If you like fast-paced urban fantasy filled with terrifying demons, powerful angels and dark supernatural forces, then you’ll love the latest novella in Mason Sabre’s Society Series. Immerse yourself in this unusual paranormal world today.

I absolutely love this series! These side stories are so so good! Nina is brilliant I love that we are getting to know the angels now! Definitely a series I’d highly recommend!
  
Fiery Nights Tempted (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #4)
Fiery Nights Tempted (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #4)
Sarah Westill | 2024 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FIERY NIGHTS TEMPTED is the fourth novella in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from the previous two, so I would definitely recommend you read those first.

Things are hotting up between Markus and Bella, and I for one am over the moon for them. I did feel sorry for them at the beginning though. Markus has to return to Ruthenia for a while and leave Bella behind. He also knows she is ovulating, so in his wisdom, he decides they will abstain as he doesn't want Bella to find out if she's pregnant when she's on her own. Yeah, right. Like THAT'S going to happen! Not with these two. Plus, they get a new case that takes them to new places, leaving Bella insecure.

I loved this story! You should be ready to hear that now. I've loved all of them so far. But this one? Whether it's the steam rating or not, or whether it's the mystery side that was brilliant, I don't know. All I know is I was completely engrossed and read it from start to finish in one sitting. And that ending?!!! Gah!!!

Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me! You will be left wanting more though, just saying. 😁

** 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!
Feb 6, 2024
  
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy is a collection of short stories or novellas that delve deeper into the Shadow World. It follows Simon’s time at Shadowhunter Academy but is rife with additional fascinating information. Overall, it is a highly entertaining installment in the Shadowhunter Chronicles and I would definitely recommend that you read it prior to the Dark Artifices series. Please do not read this review if you have not yet read the Infernal Devices or the Mortal Instruments series as there will be plot points mentioned.

The first novella is Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy, where Simon decides that he wants to become a Shadowhunter. After losing his memories, Simon must decide who he wants to be – a mundane that does not remember the Shadow World or a future Shadowhunter that may regain some of his memories. He meets a collection of students, both Shadowhunter and mundane that will be with him for the next two years as they train to become proper Shadowhunters. Although we know these characters for less time than those we’ve grown to love in the other series, they are still likable and well-developed. Over the course of the two years that the novellas take place, each character learns what it means to be a Shadowhunter, to be loyal to their friends, and to not always take the Law at face value (thanks to Simon’s incessant dialogues that Downworlders are not lesser people.) Of course, we’ve loved Simon since we met him in the Mortal Instruments but this was a great series of stories that allowed us to get to know him better (even though he was missing his memories).

The second is The Lost Herondale, in which we learn more about the beliefs of the Shadowhunters. Deserting your fellow Shadowhunters is considered the worst thing that you can do – so the punishment is severe. This novella tells us the story of Tobias Herondale and shows Simon that not every story is as black and white as it may be presented. We also learn that Catarina Loss, Magnus’ friend and current teacher at Shadowhunter Academy, saved Tobias’ child – which means that there may be a lost Herondale in the world. This plot line is mentioned first in the Mortal Instruments and pursued more in the Dark Artifices, so that is one reason why I believe this series of novellas should be read prior to beginning Lady Midnight.

The third is the Whitechapel Fiend, in which Tessa comes to Shadowhunter Academy to teach a lesson. It was lovely to see more of our favourite characters from the Infernal Devices, especially because this was a later period in time than the books so we got a glimpse into their future lives. The fourth is Nothing but Shadows, which chronicles James Herondale’s time at the Academy. It made me miss the Infernal Devices and impatient for the next series that Cassandra Clare will be writing featuring the children we got glimpses of.

The fifth is The Evil We Love and a tale from the time of Valentine’s Circle. The Circle’s history is considered a dark time and infrequently talked about in the series. Most Shadowhunters who were involved are either ashamed of their actions and largely refuse to talk about it, or dead. It’s always fascinating to see what the power and influence of a charismatic leader can get people to do. Simon learns that he knows better than to just go along with the crowd and speaks out against ideas that he doesn’t agree with. It makes him even more likable as a character because I’m sure we all have experienced times when we disagreed with someone we cared about and how difficult it might be not to just follow their lead.

The sixth is Pale Kings and Princes, which creates some foundation for the world we will experience in the Dark Artifices. We learn how Mark and Helen Blackthorn came to be, with their half-faerie lineage. It is a heart-wrenching tale and makes you question the harshness of the Cold Peace. Helen is no longer trusted, and essentially banished, because of her heritage and that action fractures her entire family – as the Blackthorn parents were murdered during the War. Helen was willing to take care of her family, but she was torn away and those kinds of wounds will certainly affect the characters of the Dark Artifices in the future.

The seventh is Bitter of Tongue essentially just reiterates the point that Downworlders are not lesser beings than mundanes or Shadowhunters. We get to see more of the Blackthorn clan, the utterly repulsive treatment of the half-fae children Mark and Helen, and a lovely wedding.
The eighth is The Fiery Trial, in which Simon and Clary are asked to serve at witnesses for Julian and Emma’s parabatai ceremony. The story focuses more on the relationship between Simon and Clary than Julian and Emma but it was nice to see the ceremony. Jace and Alec became parabati prior to the Mortal Instruments, so until now, we had not seen the ceremony performed. It also made Simon and Clary evaluation their own friendship and the depth of their connection.

The ninth is Born to Endless Night and revolves around the beloved Malec, as well as Magnus Banes short tenure at Shadowhunter Academy. The character development shown in this novella was a culmination of Alec’s experiences throughout the Mortal Instruments and how he grew as a person. While not confident and cocky like Jace, he had become secure in his own skin and learned to love (romantically). It was the most normal of the novellas, showing a behind-the-scenes type look into the lives of our favourite Mortal Instruments characters.

The final novella in the collection is Angels Twice Descending in which Simon and the other mundanes of the Academy have their Ascension. Simon must decide whether he is ready to face the risks, to give up his mundane life and embrace the dangers and responsibility of being a Shadowhunter. It was a beautiful wrap up to the series, allowing Simon the time to explore the life he was leaving behind and the family that he was gaining. As I mentioned before, I would highly recommend reading this series of novellas as it only enhances the Shadowhunter experience (and deepens the world).