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Merissa (13765 KP) rated Yes, Forever (Yes, Forever #1-5) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
This is the story of John and Benji. John suffers from a mental illness, a chemical imbalance which causes depression. Benji has just moved in with his granddad due to his previous relationship breaking down. These two have instant chemistry but have their own road bumps to sort out before things smooth out.
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Three of a Kind in Books
Jun 7, 2023
Zane is a young man, still underage to drink, and has escaped from a short but damaging 'relationship'. He is beaten up, with no money, and a run-down truck, but he keeps going. He has to find something to live for. What finds him, or rather, WHO finds him is Butch. Butch is currently working two jobs but still finds the time to help someone stuck at the side of the road. Zane goes home with Butch and is introduced to Butch's partner, Randy.
The part that I enjoyed about this book is that all three characters are completely different from each other. With their own sets of foibles, these three find ways to complement each other, without it being hard work.
An easy-going, easy-flowing story, this isn't all fluffy and light as Zane's full story comes out. I am glad that he was able to work through things, with Butch and Randy's help. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, this is an enjoyable read. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Apr 26, 2016
The part that I enjoyed about this book is that all three characters are completely different from each other. With their own sets of foibles, these three find ways to complement each other, without it being hard work.
An easy-going, easy-flowing story, this isn't all fluffy and light as Zane's full story comes out. I am glad that he was able to work through things, with Butch and Randy's help. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, this is an enjoyable read. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Apr 26, 2016
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Fool Her Once in Books
Feb 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
FOOL HER ONCE is the story of Jenna and her investigative capabilities. She put them to use when she was younger, but events spiralled out of her control. Upset by the result, she left her job and concentrated her abilities elsewhere. Fast forward to the present, and it looks like her past is coming back to haunt her.
Told from the perspectives of Jenna and Zach, it is immediately apparent that things aren't what Jenna thought they were. The whole story unravels slowly, with teasers and titbits there to keep your interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed her investigation even as I was shouting at her to connect the dots! I do wish more reasons had been given about the relationship with her daughter. There seemed to be no reason for it - unless I missed something - and Zach was stirring the pot.
A great read, Fool Her Once is a Domestic Thriller sure to keep you enthralled.
** 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 21, 2022
Told from the perspectives of Jenna and Zach, it is immediately apparent that things aren't what Jenna thought they were. The whole story unravels slowly, with teasers and titbits there to keep your interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed her investigation even as I was shouting at her to connect the dots! I do wish more reasons had been given about the relationship with her daughter. There seemed to be no reason for it - unless I missed something - and Zach was stirring the pot.
A great read, Fool Her Once is a Domestic Thriller sure to keep you enthralled.
** 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 21, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Of Hoaxes and Homicide in Books
Jan 31, 2024
Dear Miss Hermion, Will You Join a Cult?
It’s been a few months since we last checked in on half-sisters Violet and Sephora Manville, and they are finding themselves a bit bored after the excitement of solving their first murder. That changes when Violet’s alter ego, advice columnist Miss Hermione, receives a letter from a distraught mother whose daughter has run off and joined a cult. When Violet starts to investigate, she realizes that she knows someone in the group. Violet goes undercover in the cult right before a murder happens. Can she figure out what is going on?
I enjoyed the first, and this was another good entry. We get the story most from Violet’s first-person point of view, but we occasionally transfer to Sephora’s. These breaks are always obvious, and they are also used to good effect to advance the story. The plot could have used a bit more, but there are still some good twists, and I was engaged the entire time. Part of that is because of the characters, who I enjoyed. I also liked seeing both Violet and Sephora not only grow, but grow their relationship as well. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
I enjoyed the first, and this was another good entry. We get the story most from Violet’s first-person point of view, but we occasionally transfer to Sephora’s. These breaks are always obvious, and they are also used to good effect to advance the story. The plot could have used a bit more, but there are still some good twists, and I was engaged the entire time. Part of that is because of the characters, who I enjoyed. I also liked seeing both Violet and Sephora not only grow, but grow their relationship as well. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Dani Capello Shadows of Men
Book
"An endearing queer couple uplifts this romantic, unique, and occasionally violent tale." - Kirkus...
LGBTQ+ Coming of age literary
High Risk: A Strong Woman Medical Romance
Book
One overworked lady doctor has found the perfect guy. He's smoking hot, a fabulous dancer, and...
Romantic suspense multicultural romance action adventure romance medical romance
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Passing Through Purgatory (Passing Through Cafe #1) in Books
Jun 10, 2025
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
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
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Into The Churn in Books
Apr 4, 2024
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 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
ClareR (6062 KP) rated The Tarot Reader of Versailles in Books
Jul 8, 2025
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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated A Grave Deception in Books
Dec 10, 2025
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.
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.