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Saint Death (John Milton #2)
Saint Death (John Milton #2)
Mark Dawson | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a cracker of a quick read and although this is the second in the series, you most definitely can read it as a standalone.

Absolutely jam-packed with action from start to finish and with the main protagonist that you quickly begin to care about despite his dodgy history, this is a great book.

John Milton is ex-army, ex-special forces and ex-government agent - well he wants to be ex-agent but it's not that easy and John has "escaped" to South America. Trying to keep off-the-radar, he finds himself working as a cook in a "restaurant" in Juarez, Mexico when the proverbial hits the fan and John can't stand by watching innocent people get murdered. Unfortunately, his intervention puts him in the line of sight of the cartel and his old bosses whilst trying to avoid corrupt police and the local population who are under the thumb of the cartel.

This is a book that I absolutely raced through, full of action and violence with many scenes of peril, which some may find upsetting, but one which I thoroughly got lost in and I will definitely read more from this author.

Thank you to Welbeck Publishing Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
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Merissa (14037 KP) rated The Willing in Books

Oct 21, 2021  
The Willing
The Willing
Lindsay Lees | 2021 | Dystopia
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE WILLING is a standalone novel in the same vein as The Handmaid's Tale. Gypsy is in a world where women are the rulers but, paradoxically, they pay for that role by not being allowed to say no to whenever men want to have sex with them. No matter who, how many, you get the picture.

This story is told from different perspectives - Gypsy, her sister Sadie, Doctor Gino, and Miles. There are many twists to the story, some of which happen so quickly, with no build-up, that you will be left re-reading the last page or so, just to ensure you haven't missed anything.

The ending is a rather hurried affair. Almost as though there was a rapidly approaching wordcount which couldn't be extended, so everything is put in without much else. Gypsy goes from not saying a word to explaining all, just by having her arms held.

This book has some interesting aspects but, for me, there were too many characters left undeveloped and plot holes for me to fully enjoy it.

** 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!
  
    The Hunter

    The Hunter

    L.J. Shen

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    From USA Today Bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a new, fun, steamy standalone about a notorious...

Something Cryptid This Way Comes (Love in Maplewood #9)
Something Cryptid This Way Comes (Love in Maplewood #9)
Susan Scott Shelley | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
SOMETHING CRYPTID THIS WAY COMES is the ninth book in the Love in Maplewood series and can be read as a standalone.

Bram and Trevor were best friends growing up, until Bram left Maplewood. They have remained long-distance friends and go on holiday together once a year. The only trouble is Trevor thinks a whole lot more of Bram than just Best Friends. And Bram is afraid to rock the boat and lose the friendship. Along comes some Maplewood Matchmakers!

This is a nice story with good pacing and low angst. Trevor and Bram don't wait for the closing act to get their thoughts in gear, giving some nice scenes where they realise who they are to each other. Most of the intimate scenes between them are, well, not fade-to-black exactly, more like fade-to-grey. And when trouble does occur, it is easily sorted with little drama.

And that, I'm afraid, is why I'm giving it 3 stars. It was nice. It didn't thrill me, it didn't sweep me away, and I didn't feel that connected with the main characters. It was just... nice.

** 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!
Jul 11, 2025
  
His Marked Omega (Beguiled Omegas)
His Marked Omega (Beguiled Omegas)
Chani Lynn Feener | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS MARKED OMEGA is the fourth book in the Beguiled Omegas series, although you can read it as a standalone.

Oberon King is known as the Purse of the White Frost, while Fenrir is simply known as Wolf. Fen has lived for many years as a Product of The Wardrobe, and has one final mission before his mistress, Michelle, says he will be claimed as Pack. Of course, you know it's not going to be straightforward!

I loved the back and forth between our two MCs, complete with their cheesy romantic one-liners and the dad jokes. That was balanced by Fenrir's heartbreaking backstory that came out in dribs and drabs. They are ably supported by a host of characters, some of whom I've heard of or met in previous books.

This is a dark romance, so it does come with trigger warnings. Please read to ensure it's safe for you. I personally didn't think it was too bad, but that's me. Use your judgment for your own mental health.

A great read 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!
Feb 23, 2026