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Merissa (14020 KP) rated Dark Fate (Flame Born #2) in Books

Dec 10, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)  
Dark Fate (Flame Born #2)
Dark Fate (Flame Born #2)
Kat Silver | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
DARK FATE is the second book in the Flame Born series and you really need to read these in order for it to make any sense.

It is still twisted, but not as dark, and the lines between 'good' and 'bad' are more blurred than ever. Michael is very confused and I don't blame him. There is so much that goes on and sometimes it is taken from his memory, leaving him not knowing, and me screaming at my Kindle.

We see more of Alexei in this book, along with other characters we met in the previous one. I have the ones I like and the ones I loathe! All of them are incredibly written though.

Being as this is book 2, there is less world-building in it, but the characters continue to develop and grow. The story moves along at a fair pace and will leave you wanting more. I honestly can't wait for the third book to come out!

Absolutely brilliant, once again, 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!
Dec 10, 2021
  
40x40

Merissa (14020 KP) rated Return of the Runaway Bride in Books

Jul 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)  
Return of the Runaway Bride
Return of the Runaway Bride
Nancy Fraser | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE is part of the Last Chance Beach Romance series but can also be read as a standalone. In this one, Emily left Chase at the altar five years ago but has now returned to try and mend bridges. Not only is it time, but she also needs to let her friends and family know what she's been up to as her novel is being made into a movie, and no one knows.

This is a well-paced novel that not only gives the reader what is going on now, but also allows them to catch up on what happened five years ago, and why. There is a good group of characters, both main and supporting, that help to move the storyline along.

The only problem I found was that sometimes the time would jump from one sentence to another. I found this to be slightly jolting but became accustomed to it as the author's writing style.

A great summer story about second-chance romance and 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!
Jul 21, 2021
  
101 of 235
Kindle
Daring Provocation ( Shadow Veil Academy 3)
By Heather Renee
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sometimes patience isn't a virtue.

Facing off with Malina didn't go quite how Raegan hoped, but she isn't one to give up easily. Now, she's back at school and more than eager to do whatever is necessary in order to protect those she loves most.

When a team is assembled and training begins in class, Raegan and Enzo grow closer than ever, but their happily-ever-after isn't within their grasp just yet. As one obstacle after another appears in their path, it will take ever bit of patience Raegan doesn't have in order to make it through.

With the final showdown drawing near, their team travels to New Orleans in hopes of keeping the battle away from school, but even then, the collateral damage might be more than any of them could have ever predicted. With more than one life at risk, Raegan will be forced to make choices she might never be able to recover from.

I do think this was the weakest of the 3 and didn’t really get me excited until the end. Although I did enjoy it I found most of it quite predictable. The series on a whole was really good especially for those that like dragon shifters which are a weakness of mine 😂
  
Unlit ( Kingdoms of Earth and Air book 1)
Unlit ( Kingdoms of Earth and Air book 1)
Keri Arthur | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
1 of 230
Book
Unlit ( Kingdoms of Earth and Air book 1)
By Keri Arthur

Though classified as having no magic, Neve March can hear the whispers of the wind and sometimes even control her. But it’s a secret she must hold close if she wishes to continue as Nightwatch—the soldiers who guard Winterborne against those who roam the wastelands and feast on human flesh.

When Neve investigates a faint SOS signal, she not only unearths a woman close to death, but a plot involving an ancient enemy long thought dead.

In an effort to expose those behind the plot, Neve goes undercover amongst Winterborne’s elite—a dangerous step that could expose her secret and rip away all that she holds dear.

The trail of treachery leads her from Winterborne’s golden halls to the heart of the enemy’s hive, and it will shake her belief of not only who she is, but also what she is.

Keri Arthur at her best!! I don’t know how this one slipped by me. The characters and world building were what we have come to expect from her and the story kept you interested from beginning to end. I do like Neve she certainly kicks ass just like all Keri’s female characters. Highly recommended especially for fans of Keri Arthur!
  
The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)
Julia Quinn | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Humor & Comedy, Romance
8
7.9 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first one but I did find that I could guess what was going to happen from the first few chapters, although I did sometimes second guess myself!
Although it was easy to guess what was going to happen, it did not stop me from frantically reading on and wanting to know what was going to happen next between Anthony and Miss Sheffield. And when things finally slotted into place as much as it was expected it did still make me smile.
This book touches on some slightly more serious issues - the death of a parent and the fears that come with that. But it does deal with them in such a good way, that although it is a focus on a lot of the book, it doesn’t impose on the love story and only adds to your love and admiration of the characters.
I have found Julia Quinn’s writing so easy to read and I can’t help but want more once I have finished a book, and I am glad that there are more to this series. Although the ending wasn’t a surprise, at some points I definitely didn’t see it coming and thought that I must be wrong. Beautifully written, and I’m still guessing at the identity of Lady Whistledown two books in!
  
The Water King's Bride (The Descendants #2)
The Water King's Bride (The Descendants #2)
T.E. Ridener | 2022 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE WATER KING'S BRIDE is the second book in The Descendants series and follows directly on from book one, so I definitely recommend you read that first!

Heidi and Isaiah have stopped their constant bickering from book one as they both realise they have feelings for the other. That has to take a backseat though, as Heidi is desperate to find her father and missing people. We meet a multitude of new characters and reunite with some old ones, although whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.

As with book one, this is just as fast-paced and it is full of action. Whilst it fits with the story, I would like to see more about the characters, their backgrounds, the world they live in. Sometimes, it feels as though it's a spin-off from another series, one that explains about TimeKeepers, etc.

Saying that, this was a brilliant addition to the series that kept my attention and had me turning the pages. A fantastic story and I can't wait to see what happens next.

** 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!
  
Lilac Skully and the Haunted House
Lilac Skully and the Haunted House
Amy Cesari | 2017 | Children, Mystery, Paranormal
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lilac is a character you can't help but root for.
I don't often comment on covers, but I've got to start this by saying I love the cover for Lilac Skully and the Haunted House. The house is definitely suitably creepy, and the color choice for the sky is absolutely gorgeous. I did pick it up just to look at the cover more than once before it made it’s way to the top of my to-read pile. And at only 168 pages, when I finally did pick it up to read, it was a book that I flew through. Obviously it’ll take the intended age range a bit longer to read than it did for me, but I can’t imagine it being a slow go for anyone. It’s well-written and nicely paced. The story hits the ground running.

I liked Lilac Skully and the Haunted House. Lilac reminded, at least vaguely, of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. Not as crazy, mind you, but with the blonde hair, the big eyes, and the outcast status, it was hard for her not to feel a little familiar. This was a good thing, as it enabled me to immediately connect with the character a little more quickly than I might have normally. The fact that Lilac was scared of ghosts was perfect. Young readers will definitely be able to empathize with the little girl who does all the sensible things to avoid running into them. Who in their right mind would want to go into a haunted basement, right?

The set up is fairly typical of a kid’s book. A single parent family, with the father additionally and conveniently absent for the majority of the book. The adults that are in the picture for Lilac Skully and the Haunted House are bumbling, sometimes up to no good, and ridiculously easily fooled. Nothing new to see, but still entertaining to read. The formula works for a reason, even if we do celebrate times when things veer from the norm. In this case, it allowed Lilac to participate in some Home Alone-esque shenanigans that had me grinning.

It’s obvious the author has more adventures for Lilac Skully planned (seven, to be exact), and I think she will swiftly gain a loyal fanbase. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House was easy to read, and featured a little girl with a lot of heart. I enjoyed watching Lilac learn that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the people you least expect can become your best friends.

Overall, a very good read for young readers who want something with ghosts, but not something ‘too scary’. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House worth picking up, and something you can let them read on their own, or read with you each evening.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.