Search
Search results
Will (Almstead Island: Newcomer’s Club #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
What could go right with a social worker Daddy and an injured boy? Will As a social worker on...
Contemporary MM Romance Daddy kink
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated The Library Game in Books
Apr 18, 2025 (Updated Apr 18, 2025)
Murder Strolls into a Library
Tempest Raj and the rest of the team are working on turning a house into a new library in Hidden Creek, this one focused on classic mysteries. While the library isn’t ready to open yet, they are participating in the Summer Stroll program that kicks off in a few days. Their contribution will be an escape room and an interactive mystery play that Tempest wrote with her best friend, Ivy. Naturally, Tempest is there for a dress rehearsal. Unfortunately, it goes horribly wrong with one of the actors turning up dead after a scripted power outage. However, by the time they call the police, the body is gone. Is he really dead? If so, who moved the body?
The case is even more impossible than I was able to work into my teaser, and I had fun watching Tempest lead us to the logical solution. The pacing might have lagged a bit in the middle, but that might be me. It was fantastic to spend time with all the regulars again, and I’m curious where some of the relationships will go from here. The suspects were good, too. We get a delicious sounding recipe for Blackberry Crumble Cobbler and more references to classic mysteries. I really need to find a time to read some of them. This book will work well as an intro/standalone if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series yet. But you’ll want to go back to read them after the fun you’ll have here. Fans will be glad they picked up this book.
The case is even more impossible than I was able to work into my teaser, and I had fun watching Tempest lead us to the logical solution. The pacing might have lagged a bit in the middle, but that might be me. It was fantastic to spend time with all the regulars again, and I’m curious where some of the relationships will go from here. The suspects were good, too. We get a delicious sounding recipe for Blackberry Crumble Cobbler and more references to classic mysteries. I really need to find a time to read some of them. This book will work well as an intro/standalone if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series yet. But you’ll want to go back to read them after the fun you’ll have here. Fans will be glad they picked up this book.
Taken by the Alien Triton King (Abducted by the Ruthless Royal)
8.0
Rate It
Book
One minute, I am studying alien plants. The next, I am thrown over the shoulder of a blue-scaled...
Science Fiction Romance Erotica Novella
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Broken Heart Questioned (Bella and the Beast Master #5) in Books
Jul 1, 2025
BROKEN HEART QUESTIONED is the fifth novella in the Bella and the Beast Master series. You will need to read the others in this series to get the full enjoyment, but if it's just the mystery part you're after, then you 'could' read it as a standalone, but seriously - Why?
Markus returns to Bella after being called away for a few months. He has missed her desperately. Bella has also missed him just as much, but she's also had other things on her mind. Such as trying to keep the contents of her stomach from making a reappearance. Not only that, but those d@mned hormones are making life difficult. So maybe it's not the best time to investigate on behalf of someone who has been accused of murdering five women.
Do you know my favourite part of this book? Well, all of it, obviously, but THE favouritest part? Those hormones! Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to read about a pregnancy where everything isn't all sunshine and roses? For some, it is, yes, but not for everyone. So reading about how difficult it can make just day-to-day living was fantastic and something completely relatable.
I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this amazing author, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this series and the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. Simply superb!
** 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 1, 2025
Markus returns to Bella after being called away for a few months. He has missed her desperately. Bella has also missed him just as much, but she's also had other things on her mind. Such as trying to keep the contents of her stomach from making a reappearance. Not only that, but those d@mned hormones are making life difficult. So maybe it's not the best time to investigate on behalf of someone who has been accused of murdering five women.
Do you know my favourite part of this book? Well, all of it, obviously, but THE favouritest part? Those hormones! Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to read about a pregnancy where everything isn't all sunshine and roses? For some, it is, yes, but not for everyone. So reading about how difficult it can make just day-to-day living was fantastic and something completely relatable.
I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this amazing author, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this series and the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. Simply superb!
** 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 1, 2025
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Omega Captive of the Golden Dragon (Alpha Dragons #3) in Books
Aug 20, 2025
OMEGA CAPTIVE OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON is the third book in the Alpha Dragons series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
It is a sweet, slow-burning story that doesn't start off so well for either of our main characters. At nineteen, Caylen finds out he is a set-omega in a wolf pack, which means he will be sold. Varik, however, has it even worse. He is a golden dragon, who are hunted for their scales. Instead of protecting him, his parents keep him in a cage and forcibly take his scales. This goes on for years, until he is rescued by his brother. It is his brother also also rescues/buys Caylen and brings the two of them together.
This is full of emotions, and my heart broke along with Caylen's at one point in the story. Actually, at more than one point, but you get my meaning. It is steamy in places where it needs to be, but mostly it is about the connection between Caylen, Varik, and Varikan.
Smoothly written with a fast-ish pace, this was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The epilogue was perfect, and I enjoyed the snapshot into their later lives. Although dealing with some not-so-nice topics to begin with, this book gave me the warm fuzzies. 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!
Aug 20, 2025
It is a sweet, slow-burning story that doesn't start off so well for either of our main characters. At nineteen, Caylen finds out he is a set-omega in a wolf pack, which means he will be sold. Varik, however, has it even worse. He is a golden dragon, who are hunted for their scales. Instead of protecting him, his parents keep him in a cage and forcibly take his scales. This goes on for years, until he is rescued by his brother. It is his brother also also rescues/buys Caylen and brings the two of them together.
This is full of emotions, and my heart broke along with Caylen's at one point in the story. Actually, at more than one point, but you get my meaning. It is steamy in places where it needs to be, but mostly it is about the connection between Caylen, Varik, and Varikan.
Smoothly written with a fast-ish pace, this was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The epilogue was perfect, and I enjoyed the snapshot into their later lives. Although dealing with some not-so-nice topics to begin with, this book gave me the warm fuzzies. 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!
Aug 20, 2025
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Demeter Code in Books
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Immortal Girl5 in Books
Apr 4, 2019
Immortal Girl5 by Griffin Stark
Immortal Girl5 is a fast paced short story about five girls who are made immortal to 'save the world'. The introduction to each girl is perfect, and suited to the individual. It felt like we found out more about Skylar than most of the others, but it still seemed to fit.
I did feel like this book raised questions that weren't answered though. For example, who were Alistair and Isabelle? You are under the impression they are 'good', but nothing really backs that up. What actually was the job of the Immortal Girl5, because it seemed like they exacted vengeance and then spent the followings years doing... what? With Joan of Arc, Anne Frank, and Jack the Ripper all making an appearance, I would have liked it to be a bit more in-depth, giving more detail and story to these scenes.
There is also a MASSIVE case on insta-love going on, that managed to make the whole ending confusing. There were plenty of things alluded to, but nothing was made clear. I'm not sure if this is book one in a series, or if it's a standalone. The ending suggests it could go further.
I did enjoy this book, but in my opinion, it could do with a bit... more. A bit more story, a bit more editing and formatting so the differences in times and characters become clearer. I would definitely like to read 'more' from this author, and about these characters.
* 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!
I did feel like this book raised questions that weren't answered though. For example, who were Alistair and Isabelle? You are under the impression they are 'good', but nothing really backs that up. What actually was the job of the Immortal Girl5, because it seemed like they exacted vengeance and then spent the followings years doing... what? With Joan of Arc, Anne Frank, and Jack the Ripper all making an appearance, I would have liked it to be a bit more in-depth, giving more detail and story to these scenes.
There is also a MASSIVE case on insta-love going on, that managed to make the whole ending confusing. There were plenty of things alluded to, but nothing was made clear. I'm not sure if this is book one in a series, or if it's a standalone. The ending suggests it could go further.
I did enjoy this book, but in my opinion, it could do with a bit... more. A bit more story, a bit more editing and formatting so the differences in times and characters become clearer. I would definitely like to read 'more' from this author, and about these characters.
* 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!
Janeeny (200 KP) rated May Day Murder (A Wiccan Wheel Mystery #5) in Books
May 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Keli is an attorney building her own practice, shes also a semi closeted Wiccan. When an ill-fated favour for a friend lands her not only in the middle of a murder investigation, but also a person of interest in the investigation, Keli attempts to clear her name, find the real killer, and save her reputation. Whilst also struggling with her now public identity as a practising Wiccan.
I loved this book!! It was a nice quick read, no complicated texts, although some things, I felt, were a little bit over explained. Saying that it was a good engaging story, the characters were well developed, and I love it when I feel Ive learnt something from a book too. As there was also a nice touch where Hesse gives a few little insights into the life of a practicing Wiccans. As a pagan myself, it was actually quite a joy to read these aspects openly described in the book. I hope that this could also help any non-esoteric types gain a better insight into what Wicca is really all about.
This is the fifth book in a series. I havent actually read any of the other books in the series, so was a little worried that there would be a lot of references that wouldnt make sense, or characters with pre-existing back story. Surprisingly had a good standalone storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed it without needing any prior knowledge of the series. All the characters were well introduced and any references to past events were relevant to the story and had a brief explanation with it.
In fact, I enjoyed this so much, Ive now purchased Midsummer nights mischief (book one in the Wiccan wheel mystery series)
Keli is an attorney building her own practice, shes also a semi closeted Wiccan. When an ill-fated favour for a friend lands her not only in the middle of a murder investigation, but also a person of interest in the investigation, Keli attempts to clear her name, find the real killer, and save her reputation. Whilst also struggling with her now public identity as a practising Wiccan.
I loved this book!! It was a nice quick read, no complicated texts, although some things, I felt, were a little bit over explained. Saying that it was a good engaging story, the characters were well developed, and I love it when I feel Ive learnt something from a book too. As there was also a nice touch where Hesse gives a few little insights into the life of a practicing Wiccans. As a pagan myself, it was actually quite a joy to read these aspects openly described in the book. I hope that this could also help any non-esoteric types gain a better insight into what Wicca is really all about.
This is the fifth book in a series. I havent actually read any of the other books in the series, so was a little worried that there would be a lot of references that wouldnt make sense, or characters with pre-existing back story. Surprisingly had a good standalone storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed it without needing any prior knowledge of the series. All the characters were well introduced and any references to past events were relevant to the story and had a brief explanation with it.
In fact, I enjoyed this so much, Ive now purchased Midsummer nights mischief (book one in the Wiccan wheel mystery series)
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery - Season 1 in TV
May 24, 2019 (Updated May 24, 2019)
Klingons aren't very interesting in this (1 more)
Wired propulsion system makes little sense
Slick action packed adventure
I grew up on Star Trek The Next Generation and was pretty obsessed with it, all those now defunct VHS tapes...sigh. I enjoyed the Original series (in particular Doctor McCoy) but things started to go awry with Deep Space Nine and I struggled to get into it until the later series and the Dominion came into it. Voyager never did a lot for me the Borg made it tolerable at times and I just plain gave up on Enterprise so it’s safe to say I went into watching Discovery without much hope but came out of season 1 pleasantly surprised.
Set before the adventures of the Original series Discovery is a star-ship with a revolutionary propulsion system and set to be a key part in the battle against the Klingons which this series focuses on (the look they went for with the Klingons in this didn’t work for me - too much like a Cornish pasty head.)
Unlike previous incarnations, Discovery doesn't focus around the Captain, instead we focus more on the character of Michael Burnham who’s pretty a smart kick ass type of girl. It’s the characters and the acting in this that really engaged, I don’t think I’ve liked as many of the main cast as this before.
When we start dealing with the Mirror universe (remember goatee Spock in the original series?) this series really got going for me I love the Terran empire and when we meet the Emperor it’s just great.
This series was full of continuing story lines (unlike the more traditional Trek standalone episode formula) and had a lot more action based feel to it. It’s different but enjoyable, looking forward to watching series 2.
Set before the adventures of the Original series Discovery is a star-ship with a revolutionary propulsion system and set to be a key part in the battle against the Klingons which this series focuses on (the look they went for with the Klingons in this didn’t work for me - too much like a Cornish pasty head.)
Unlike previous incarnations, Discovery doesn't focus around the Captain, instead we focus more on the character of Michael Burnham who’s pretty a smart kick ass type of girl. It’s the characters and the acting in this that really engaged, I don’t think I’ve liked as many of the main cast as this before.
When we start dealing with the Mirror universe (remember goatee Spock in the original series?) this series really got going for me I love the Terran empire and when we meet the Emperor it’s just great.
This series was full of continuing story lines (unlike the more traditional Trek standalone episode formula) and had a lot more action based feel to it. It’s different but enjoyable, looking forward to watching series 2.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Carpenter Road in Books
Jun 5, 2019
I first met Leighton Jones in Carpenter Road, N.M. Brown’s second book featuring this character. I have not read the previous story, The Girl on the Bus, but believe me you don’t need to for this one to make sense, as this easily reads as a standalone and is still a very good read.
When by chance Leighton comes across a prostitute kicking up a fuss about her stolen coat that had some money in, and discovers the girl who was seen last seen wearing it has now gone missing, Jones a traffic cop, decides to take it upon himself to investigate if the two are connected.
So what did I think? Detective Jones is such a caring, lovable character, I instantly found myself drawn to him.
Rochelle, the prostitute, is an unlikely sidekick who gets roped into Leighton’s investigations, and she’s also a fantastic character. I was so invested in her part of the story and the danger she’d been inadvertently thrown into. I too, hoped she’d eventually get out of the prostitution racket to achieve her goals and turn her life around, just how she had wished for.
N.M. Brown’s writing really grabbed my attention from the first page, and kept me up all night reading. I especially liked hearing from the serial killer’s point of view. He was so creepy, it really added a new dimension to the story and kept me hooked throughout.
The ending was a bit of a shock. I honestly, didn’t expect to feel a little choked up by a Bloodhound crime book! But there, I said it, N.M. Brown really took me by surprise with that twist!
This is an unputdownable, well-written crime novel that’s distinctive, compelling and memorable!
When by chance Leighton comes across a prostitute kicking up a fuss about her stolen coat that had some money in, and discovers the girl who was seen last seen wearing it has now gone missing, Jones a traffic cop, decides to take it upon himself to investigate if the two are connected.
So what did I think? Detective Jones is such a caring, lovable character, I instantly found myself drawn to him.
Rochelle, the prostitute, is an unlikely sidekick who gets roped into Leighton’s investigations, and she’s also a fantastic character. I was so invested in her part of the story and the danger she’d been inadvertently thrown into. I too, hoped she’d eventually get out of the prostitution racket to achieve her goals and turn her life around, just how she had wished for.
N.M. Brown’s writing really grabbed my attention from the first page, and kept me up all night reading. I especially liked hearing from the serial killer’s point of view. He was so creepy, it really added a new dimension to the story and kept me hooked throughout.
The ending was a bit of a shock. I honestly, didn’t expect to feel a little choked up by a Bloodhound crime book! But there, I said it, N.M. Brown really took me by surprise with that twist!
This is an unputdownable, well-written crime novel that’s distinctive, compelling and memorable!