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ClareR (6134 KP) rated We Are Not Like Them in Books
Mar 28, 2022
We Are Not Like Them is a really timely novel about racism in America.
Jen (white) and Riley (black) have grown up together, and are like sisters. Colour has never been an issue between the two of them. But when Jen’s Police Officer husband is involved in the shooting of a black teenaged boy, and Riley is given the job of covering the story as a TV reporter, things become difficult and strained between them. Is their past enough to keep the friendship going? I did wonder on many occasions throughout the book.
Themes include racism, prejudice, white privilege and police brutality. It’s a pretty hard-hitting book, and could be set anywhere in the US at the moment. We have our own issues and institutional racism to deal with in the UK, and it was interesting to see how this panned out. I did think that Riley worried more about Jen. Jen was completely wrapped up in her own problems, using Riley as someone to lean on, whilst not being at all curious about Riley’s feelings on what had happened to the boy. But then, Jen has some pretty huge things going on in her life, too.
I can see this being an ideal book for a book club - so much is going on, there’s so much to unpick.
It’s a powerful novel. Recommended.
Jen (white) and Riley (black) have grown up together, and are like sisters. Colour has never been an issue between the two of them. But when Jen’s Police Officer husband is involved in the shooting of a black teenaged boy, and Riley is given the job of covering the story as a TV reporter, things become difficult and strained between them. Is their past enough to keep the friendship going? I did wonder on many occasions throughout the book.
Themes include racism, prejudice, white privilege and police brutality. It’s a pretty hard-hitting book, and could be set anywhere in the US at the moment. We have our own issues and institutional racism to deal with in the UK, and it was interesting to see how this panned out. I did think that Riley worried more about Jen. Jen was completely wrapped up in her own problems, using Riley as someone to lean on, whilst not being at all curious about Riley’s feelings on what had happened to the boy. But then, Jen has some pretty huge things going on in her life, too.
I can see this being an ideal book for a book club - so much is going on, there’s so much to unpick.
It’s a powerful novel. Recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Child of Fear & Fire in Books
Mar 30, 2022
57 of 230
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3) in Books
Nov 17, 2022
210 of 230
Kindle
Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cinderella may be a duchess, but her life is in tatters.
Orphaned, destitute, and living in a country recovering from a hostile takeover, Cinderella is desperate to save her lands and servants. She is so determined that when terrible taxes are placed upon her, she dons servants' clothes and works like a commoner.
Unfortunately, her sacrifices aren't enough, and she is given one season to pay off her debt. All seems lost, until Cinderella is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich - a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
Though Friedrich shamelessly flirts with her and pesters her at all hours all the day, Cinderella wonders if he is more than he appears to be... and if together they could unite their lands against the bitterness and resentment that threatens to destroy them.
This was my favourite retelling of Cinderella I have read also my Favourite so far in this series. I enjoyed the whole concept when it came to the stepmother and sisters too it was so nice to see a different version of them. I absolutely love this author her books always make me smile.
Kindle
Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cinderella may be a duchess, but her life is in tatters.
Orphaned, destitute, and living in a country recovering from a hostile takeover, Cinderella is desperate to save her lands and servants. She is so determined that when terrible taxes are placed upon her, she dons servants' clothes and works like a commoner.
Unfortunately, her sacrifices aren't enough, and she is given one season to pay off her debt. All seems lost, until Cinderella is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich - a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
Though Friedrich shamelessly flirts with her and pesters her at all hours all the day, Cinderella wonders if he is more than he appears to be... and if together they could unite their lands against the bitterness and resentment that threatens to destroy them.
This was my favourite retelling of Cinderella I have read also my Favourite so far in this series. I enjoyed the whole concept when it came to the stepmother and sisters too it was so nice to see a different version of them. I absolutely love this author her books always make me smile.
Merissa (13952 KP) rated She's the One Who Cares Too Much (War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO CARES TOO MUCH is the second book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we are shown the story from Coral's perspective.
She is the second sister, the one who likes being a teacher and a mother, but then she finds she has a special ability that is both feared and not as all-powerful as first thought. We follow her through her own trials and tribulations as she finds her place in the world, where she thinks of her wishes and dreams, never knowing if they will survive the war to come true.
This book is very different from the first, as it should be. I loved seeing the same events happening through Coral's eyes, giving me a much fuller idea of what was happening.
There are characters I loved, and others I really wasn't sorry to see the back of! I honestly can't wait to read Sulphur's story, which comes next. The ending still felt abrupt, but I was ready for it this time. Now, it just leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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 15, 2021
She is the second sister, the one who likes being a teacher and a mother, but then she finds she has a special ability that is both feared and not as all-powerful as first thought. We follow her through her own trials and tribulations as she finds her place in the world, where she thinks of her wishes and dreams, never knowing if they will survive the war to come true.
This book is very different from the first, as it should be. I loved seeing the same events happening through Coral's eyes, giving me a much fuller idea of what was happening.
There are characters I loved, and others I really wasn't sorry to see the back of! I honestly can't wait to read Sulphur's story, which comes next. The ending still felt abrupt, but I was ready for it this time. Now, it just leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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 15, 2021
Merissa (13952 KP) rated She’s the One Who Won’t Behave (The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters, #6) in Books
Aug 8, 2022 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO WON'T BEHAVE is the penultimate book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we get Gypsum's story, the unwanted 'daughter'.
It can be hard to not fit in or to want something you think is unattainable. This is how Gypsum feels. She has felt unwelcome for most of her life at home and wants nothing more than to be free to choose her own path. This leads her to the reczavy, where she learns sexual freedom is only one of the paths open to her with them.
Not only that, but Gypsum has a brain and isn't afraid to use it, concerned for what lies ahead from the Mongols. She learns all she can, figuring out plans and contingencies before she meets Ryalgar. I do think Gypsum was the most under-estimated sister and loved seeing her 'behind the scenes' actions.
Only one book to go and I really can't wait. This whole series has been a fantastic read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Aug 3, 2022
It can be hard to not fit in or to want something you think is unattainable. This is how Gypsum feels. She has felt unwelcome for most of her life at home and wants nothing more than to be free to choose her own path. This leads her to the reczavy, where she learns sexual freedom is only one of the paths open to her with them.
Not only that, but Gypsum has a brain and isn't afraid to use it, concerned for what lies ahead from the Mongols. She learns all she can, figuring out plans and contingencies before she meets Ryalgar. I do think Gypsum was the most under-estimated sister and loved seeing her 'behind the scenes' actions.
Only one book to go and I really can't wait. This whole series has been a fantastic read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Aug 3, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sirens Desire ( Dark Tides book 3) in Books
Jan 3, 2022
2 of 230
Kindle
Sirens Desire ( Dark k Tides book 3)
By Devyn Quinn
After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can't take the risk - that is, until Mason McKenzie arrives.
Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures - and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison's desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart..
This is the last book in The Dark Tides series and it was overall a good book it didn’t quite blow me away but it concluded the series nicely. The series on a whole was really good following 3 sister who have to deal with people learning their secrets, they go through love loss and betrayal. It’s definitely worth it if you like mermaid centered romance.
Kindle
Sirens Desire ( Dark k Tides book 3)
By Devyn Quinn
After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can't take the risk - that is, until Mason McKenzie arrives.
Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures - and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison's desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart..
This is the last book in The Dark Tides series and it was overall a good book it didn’t quite blow me away but it concluded the series nicely. The series on a whole was really good following 3 sister who have to deal with people learning their secrets, they go through love loss and betrayal. It’s definitely worth it if you like mermaid centered romance.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2536 KP) rated Until Depths Do Us Part in Books
Sep 11, 2024 (Updated Sep 11, 2024)
Sailing Away with a Dead Bride
When her nephew needs a last-minute location for his Thanksgiving wedding, Charlotte reluctantly offers the private residence ship she’s just learned her late husband bought a cabin on. Charlotte and her sister, Jane, aren’t sure about this wedding, but they are trying to be supportive for their nephew. However, their first night at sea, someone kills the bride, and their nephew becomes the obvious suspect. Can the sisters figure out what really happened?
I’d been wanting to try this author’s books for a while, and I’m glad I did. This book handled the tricky job of backstory and mystery set up well, and I was pulled into the story from the beginning. I did feel the interactions with one character got repetitive, but overall, the plot kept me engaged as Charlotte kept finding out more things that might have played into the murder. The solution was perfectly logical when we got there. We met the majority of characters at once, so I had a harder time keeping them all straight, but I did by the end. That doesn’t apply to Charlotte and Jane, who are great main characters. I enjoyed the fantasy of cruising, yet the murder is played seriously. I’m looking forward to booking another cruise with this series soon.
I’d been wanting to try this author’s books for a while, and I’m glad I did. This book handled the tricky job of backstory and mystery set up well, and I was pulled into the story from the beginning. I did feel the interactions with one character got repetitive, but overall, the plot kept me engaged as Charlotte kept finding out more things that might have played into the murder. The solution was perfectly logical when we got there. We met the majority of characters at once, so I had a harder time keeping them all straight, but I did by the end. That doesn’t apply to Charlotte and Jane, who are great main characters. I enjoyed the fantasy of cruising, yet the murder is played seriously. I’m looking forward to booking another cruise with this series soon.
Abolishing the Traditions of Men in the Church
Book
This book shows how the original Hebrews, including the followers of Christ, understood God’s...
religion
Blackmailer’s Delight
8.0
Rate It
Book
Every new romance has its ups and downs… Its bumps in the road… Its blackmail notes… A...
MM Romantic Comedy Forbidden Love Historical Georgian
Merissa (13952 KP) rated The Vampire's Delicious Fae (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala #2) in Books
Mar 24, 2025
THE VAMPIRE'S DELICIOUS FAE is the second book in the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series and, although it says you can read it as a stand-alone, I would recommend you read the other books set in this world. I haven't and although it didn't stop me from enjoying this book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew more about the world.
Anton is our old man, an ancient vampire, whose viramore (fated mate) is Keryth, a nature fae. These two have already met but their meeting didn't end quite the way Anton wanted it to. Two years later and they're still not talking. It takes the intervention of one of Anton's children and one of Keryth's sisters for them to bridge the gap caused by misunderstandings and hurt.
There is plenty of action / danger in here, but Anton, Keryth, and their extended family are more than capable. With a smooth pace and well-written world- and character-building, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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 24, 2025
Anton is our old man, an ancient vampire, whose viramore (fated mate) is Keryth, a nature fae. These two have already met but their meeting didn't end quite the way Anton wanted it to. Two years later and they're still not talking. It takes the intervention of one of Anton's children and one of Keryth's sisters for them to bridge the gap caused by misunderstandings and hurt.
There is plenty of action / danger in here, but Anton, Keryth, and their extended family are more than capable. With a smooth pace and well-written world- and character-building, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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 24, 2025