Search

Search only in certain items:

Into The Churn
Into The Churn
Hayley Reese Chow | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
INTO THE CHURN is the first in a new same-name series by an amazing author. First, she has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in Fantasy, and now, she has done it again in Science Fiction.

The characters of Ezren and Foster are outstanding, quickly drawing you into their story and making you want all the good things for them. Their relationship is quick, but not rushed, and not without its arguments as they are both strong-minded and strong-willed. They are ably supported by a brilliant cast, all with their own unmistakable personalities, who share the pages so well.

From a death-defying race, to sabotage and murder, this story gives you enough to sink your teeth into, whilst leaving you wanting more. I have fallen in love with Belethea and hope to return to her skies soon!

This is high-class Science Fiction that just happens to have young MCs but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 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 22, 2024
  
The Tarot Reader of Versailles
The Tarot Reader of Versailles
Anya Bergman | 2025 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it’s a NetGalley book. But I knew I was never going to be able to read it anytime soon, so I just Xigxagged it! And I’m really glad that I did. When a book is from more than one perspective, it’s good to hear the characters in their “own” voices, I always think. I don’t know if I an even explain the storyline of this one – there’s a lot going on. French Revolution, a tarot card reader (Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand) discovers an Irish woman (Cait) on the streets of Paris who also has extraordinary powers. Lenormand reads futures, Cait sees their pasts. Cait wants to return to Ireland and help free the Irish from the yoke of British rule, and this is how she goes about getting there. There’s a lot of detail about the French Revolution, and Lenormand has a close relationship with those around Marie Antoinette (unfortunately for her). It’s pretty brutal at times, but those were the times in which these people lived. It’s a real adventure story, with magic and sapphic love thrown in to the mix as well. I loved this one – highly recommended!
  
A Grave Deception
A Grave Deception
Connie Berry | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Past and Present
Kate Hamilton has found a murder from centuries ago. An archeological group from a college is working in an area nearby, and they’ve found a very well-preserved body. Kate and Ivor are brought in to investigate the items found with the body. The owner of the property where the find was made is very curious and asks Kate to try to find out who this woman was. But that is complicated when a modern-day murder also takes place. Kate is well positioned to figure out what is happening. Can she piece together clues to solve the modern mystery as well?

The characters are the draw for me with this series, and I enjoyed getting to see Kate and Tom’s relationship continue to evolve. Several of the other regulars were also present, which was nice. The plot did get derailed briefly a time or two for me, but those who enjoy British history and antiques will enjoy those detours more than I did. Overall, the plot kept me engaged and lead to a logical climax. And I learned something about history and antiques along the way. Fans of the series will be delighted with this new entry.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated Harm Not the Earth in Books

May 22, 2026 (Updated May 22, 2026)  
Harm Not the Earth
Harm Not the Earth
Liz Milliron | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder of Environmental Activists
Jim and Sally follow up on a report and find a dead body in their off hours. Since the death is outside of Jim’s normal patrol area, the man who takes on the case doesn’t welcome his help. But Jim becomes even more determined to figure out what is going on when he realizes he knew the victim, having volunteered with his environmental organization. Then a second victim turns up. Sally jumps in to help, hoping to make sure things are resolved before Jim gets into too much trouble. Can they determine what is going on?

Between the title and the victim, I wasn’t surprised when some of the motives hit environmental issues. Fortunately, the author did a good job of portraying the complexities of the issue while still offering other motives. The plot was complex with several strong suspects and twists that kept me engaged until the logical climax. Unfortunately, there were some snags in the timeline, but nothing that truly impacted the solution. It’s nice watching the beginning stages of Jim and Sally’s relationship here. They are continuing to grow as individual characters as well. I’m glad I have the next in the series already since I enjoyed this one.
  
Passing Through Purgatory (Passing Through Cafe #1)
Passing Through Purgatory (Passing Through Cafe #1)
Nik Knight | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
PASSING THROUGH PURGATORY is the first book in the Passing Through Cafe series, and we start with Oliver trying to attend an interview in Greed. Unfortunately for him, a series of errors means he misses the train and doesn't get the job. What he does get is an introduction to the craziest bunch of characters I've yet to meet.

This was chaos from beginning to end, and it had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Plus, seeing Oliver's reaction to Liel was sheer class. Cringeworthy, but classic! They had met before, but Oliver was too drunk to remember. Their relationship moves smoothly, with lots of wooing, which I loved.

This whole bunch deserve books of their own, and I have the second lined up ready to go (Jude and Toni's story). I can't wait to read their story and take a back seat to all the shenanigans that will no doubt go on. A great read that I definitely recommend!

** 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!
Jun 5, 2025
  
Totality (Leading Men #1)
Totality (Leading Men #1)
Tanith Davenport | 2025 | Erotica, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
when we got the full story behind that call. And I cried, I really did.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Azora meets Lorcan, a film star, at an eclipse. What follows is a bit of a whirlwind romance. Azora knows time is ticking, these things never last. But does she really want it to end?

I enjoyed this. It was an easy read, for the most part, with quite low angst on the relationship side. A minor scuffle with an ex, but nothing too dramatic.

The BDSM thing kinda bloomed really quickly but I liked that. Azora knew that Lorcan was in the scene, but she was worried it would be like her ex. There was no real discussion though, about limits and things.

The only real angst, and it was really heavy, was when we got the full story behind that call. And I cried, I really did. That's all I'm going to say, but brace yourself.

Only Azora gets a say. Hearing from Lorcan would have been nice, but I'm not sure it would have stretched m e to 5 stars.

A thoroughly enjoyable 4 solid stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
  
His Forbidden Professor (Forbidden Mafia #2)
His Forbidden Professor (Forbidden Mafia #2)
Silvia Violet | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS FORBIDDEN PROFESSOR is the second book in the Forbidden Mafia series, and this story runs concurrently with His Forbidden Obsession.

I enjoyed the first book, although I did wish I had read the other series too, so I was looking forward to this one. While I still enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first for a couple of reasons.

Alex and Dante don't actually seem to have much of a relationship. Now, don't get me wrong, the spicy scenes are hot, but the emotional connection came in fits and starts. It was either all there or nothing. For me, there wasn't much build-up between the two of them. There were other relationships that either weren't explored (Alex and his father) or seemed almost superfluous to the story. The part near the end with Mitch felt quite disjointed.

Overall, it was a good book, and I'm glad I've read it, but I wouldn't rave about it. I'm looking forward to Rafe's story.

** 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!
Dec 26, 2025