Search

Search only in certain items:

Knits, Knots, and Knives
Knits, Knots, and Knives
Emmie Caldwell | 2022 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Lia Knit Together the Clues from Another Knotty Murder?
Lia Geiger’s normal weekend craft fair is looking a bit different thanks to a Civil War reenactment taking place on the property. She’s looking forward to it, although she quickly learns that there has been a recent power struggle in the group of reenactors. When the smoke on the battle clears, the dead body of Arden Sprouse is discovered. He was the one most responsible for the conflicts in the group. Unfortunately, suspicion has fallen on Lia’s neighbor. Can she figure out what really happened during the battle?

I’ve enjoyed this series because I really like Lia and her immediate family and friends. She is a little older than a typical cozy sleuth, which I appreciate. Her relationship with her daughter is a highlight as well. While the suspects are all strong, I wish we’d had more of a reintroduction to the minor characters who populate Lia’s world. The plot is good. I do wish we had gotten shorter clue recaps, but there were several good twists along the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed some solid sub-plots. The reenactment combined well with the crafting theme. Those who have been enjoying this series will be pleased with the latest entry.
  
Blood Runs Cold (DS Max Craigie #4)
Blood Runs Cold (DS Max Craigie #4)
Neil Lancaster | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow ... just wow!!!

Once again, Mr Lancaster has written an absolute cracker in this brilliant series and whilst this is the fourth, it is quite successful as a standalone however, I would highly recommend you go back and read the other three because it will help with getting to know the main characters but also because they are just really good books!

DS Max Craigie and his team are strong characters that work well as a small but formidable team rooting out corruption within Police Scotland; Mr Lancaster has written them so well that I have found myself becoming really attached to them. Their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I found myself tittering away to myself at times which helped to lighten what is, essentially, a very dark story.

This is a dark, gritty and fast paced police procedural that I was totally and completely absorbed by from the very start. The plot is scarily plausible and realistic with some excellent twists and turns which adds to the intensity.

Highly recommended and I urge everyone to read this excellent series; I can't wait for the next instalment and I must thank HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant Blood Runs Cold.
  
40x40

Merissa (13398 KP) rated Chartreuse in Books

Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Chartreuse
Chartreuse
T.E. Ridener | 2014 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third book of T. E. Ridener's that I have read and I have to admit to this one being my favourite by far.

This is a story about love, through and through. It is about how hard it can be to have any relationship and make it work, let alone when you think the whole town is against you because of some thick-headed bigots. This is a very emotive book, written with great depth of feeling and I'm not ashamed to say that I was in tears at the end. Whether they were good tears or sad tears I'll leave it for you to find out when you read it.

The characters in this book grow into themselves in a way that everyone, regardless of sexuality, can relate to. It is a general part of growing up, of finding out who you are, of what you can do, of experiencing new things like going to a new restaurant or bar for the first time.

Absolutely loved this book and would (and will!) totally recommend 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. *


September 10, 2016
  
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
Blood Flame (Flame #1)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In the first of a new series, we enter the world of the alters - where those that have gone through a paranormal change have to live. Their lives are irrevocably changed in more ways than one. To go back to the human world, you need a passport!

Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.

This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.

An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Aug 21, 2015
  
Jesse's Diner (Hope, #2)
Jesse's Diner (Hope, #2)
Cardeno C | 2015 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a feel-good, sexy, romance novella in the Hope series. Steve and Tanner have known each other for a long time, and Tanner has had a crush on Steve since the very beginning. When he receives a call from Mike, his best friend and Steve's son, saying that he is worried about his dad, Tanner feels like he has to check in on him to make sure he's okay.

There is a revelation from Steve which has the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started. Instead, I was very impressed with Tanner's reaction and subsequent research/knowledge, whatever you want to call it.

I adored this book - every single word. This is a hug-in-a-book, with some incredibly sensual scenes too. And just in case, the story itself isn't enough, the dedication brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. And there are not many dedications that I can say that about!

Highly 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!
Sep 29, 2015
  
Dragon Soul (Dragon Clan #3)
Dragon Soul (Dragon Clan #3)
Diana Green | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I will admit that when I started reading this book, I thought I was on the wrong one! Mainly because the synopsis is all about Valla, but when it starts, it's about Hathos instead. However, this quickly sorts itself out as Valla arrives back home, still searching for that elusive something. When Hathos tells her that he has seen a vision of her accompanying him on a mission to the south, she jumps at the chance.

In Dragon Soul, you mainly get Valla and Vadin, but then you do get parts of Hathos and Oliana too. I loved how this was written, at the slowly developing relationship between the two pairs, even in dire circumstances. Of them all, Vadin has the most difficult journey, but with Valla by his side, he can conquer anything - even his own fears.

Very well written, smooth and well-paced, this is the perfect ending to the Dragon Clan Trilogy. I have been lucky enough to read all three and from my personal experience, can definitely recommend all three.

* 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!
Oct 24, 2015
  
Shifter Woods: Claw (Esposito County Shifters #4)
Shifter Woods: Claw (Esposito County Shifters #4)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
SHIFTER WOODS: CLAW is the fourth book in the Esposito County Shifters series, and this time we have a wolf shifter/human who has never shifted, and the Alpha of the Esposito Wolf Pack. Matt recognises Angela, or at least, she reminds him of someone but can't think of from when. As for Angela, she's just too busy trying to stay out of Bryce's abusive clutches.

Their relationship moves a little slowly as they both learn about each other, including just who Angela is. Once they get it on though, the steam is most definitely there!

Along with Bryce, you also get the ambitious she-wolf who wants the Alpha for herself. Angela deals with that with aplomb, as well as finding long-lost family and settling in with the Pack.

I enjoyed this story and feel like it is a coffee-break book. Anything by Nicola Cameron is guaranteed to be a good read and this is no exception. 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!
Apr 26, 2023