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One Winter's Kiss
10.0
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One Winter's Kiss is a standalone Beautiful Nightmare Story. She Warmed His Heart. He Cooled Her...
paranormal romance fantasy fantasy romance bookbuzz
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Boy in the Attic (Wartime Holland Book 3) in Books
Aug 28, 2022
Firstly, I must point out that the description I was provided with (above) was not accurate to how the book played out - I'm not sure what happened there but regardless, it's still a really good story and although part of a series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
The Boy in the Attic is a story told from 2 timelines, 2 perspectives and 2 countries.
Ilse's story takes place in Holland during World War II. The Nazi's have put a halt to her studies to become a doctor and she is living with her parents. Food is scarce and it's a daily battle to find enough to keep them from starving to death. Ilse then receives a request to help out at a hospital and she moves to live with her friend and her parents but what she discovers and the choices she makes, puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Anna's story is based in the UK in the early 2000's. Her father has just past away and whilst sorting through his affairs, discovers he was adopted and his origins are in Holland. Anna sets out to find out more.
I found the dual timelines worked really well although I admit to being more emotionally attached to Ilse's story. Both characters are well developed and I found myself completely immersed in both their stories and desperate to find out how Ilse and Anna were connected.
I found Ilse's story captivating, Anna's not as much but they worked well together and I did feel connected and invested in both their stories to the end.
This is a story of heartbreak and tragedy but also one of discovery and survival and one I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction stories that are set in this period. This one uses the author's own family history to give a believable feel to this story.
Thanks go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Boy in the Attic and share my views.
The Boy in the Attic is a story told from 2 timelines, 2 perspectives and 2 countries.
Ilse's story takes place in Holland during World War II. The Nazi's have put a halt to her studies to become a doctor and she is living with her parents. Food is scarce and it's a daily battle to find enough to keep them from starving to death. Ilse then receives a request to help out at a hospital and she moves to live with her friend and her parents but what she discovers and the choices she makes, puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Anna's story is based in the UK in the early 2000's. Her father has just past away and whilst sorting through his affairs, discovers he was adopted and his origins are in Holland. Anna sets out to find out more.
I found the dual timelines worked really well although I admit to being more emotionally attached to Ilse's story. Both characters are well developed and I found myself completely immersed in both their stories and desperate to find out how Ilse and Anna were connected.
I found Ilse's story captivating, Anna's not as much but they worked well together and I did feel connected and invested in both their stories to the end.
This is a story of heartbreak and tragedy but also one of discovery and survival and one I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction stories that are set in this period. This one uses the author's own family history to give a believable feel to this story.
Thanks go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Boy in the Attic and share my views.
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Sexted by Santa (Thrust Into Love #4) in Books
Nov 18, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
SEXTED BY SANTA is the fourth book in the Thrust Into Love series and could easily be read as a standalone as the connection is the college, not the people.
Oh, man. Where to start? Maybe with the Found Family, which is something I always love? Or maybe with the grumpy, grinch-like main character who also warms up? Or maybe I go with the amazing amount of research done into Type 1 Diabetes? I don't know. All of the above.
Having my own Found Family; this is a trope I love. It has been proven to me over and over that they can step up when your biological family won't. It doesn't always mean it's straightforward though, as Hugh so brilliantly demonstrates.
As for the main characters, Christian never had it easy, from the time he was named! And Jaxson, bless his heart. He became a single parent at a young age, determined to do the right thing. And, for the most part, he succeeds admirably. Yes, he's over-protective, but so would I be! I adored how these two were together, so capable and supportive of each other, yet so hot my Kindle was steaming.
And yes, that research definitely deserves a mention! I honestly had no idea it was so involved. Absolutely heartbreaking that you can do all the right things and some outside force can make it go wrong! Luckily for me, this author believes in happy endings so all was well in the end. I was worried!!!
Put all of this together and you get a stonking book that is so much more than 'just' a Christmas story. It's about love, hope, and learning to live again. Absolutely fantastic 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!
Nov 18, 2021
Oh, man. Where to start? Maybe with the Found Family, which is something I always love? Or maybe with the grumpy, grinch-like main character who also warms up? Or maybe I go with the amazing amount of research done into Type 1 Diabetes? I don't know. All of the above.
Having my own Found Family; this is a trope I love. It has been proven to me over and over that they can step up when your biological family won't. It doesn't always mean it's straightforward though, as Hugh so brilliantly demonstrates.
As for the main characters, Christian never had it easy, from the time he was named! And Jaxson, bless his heart. He became a single parent at a young age, determined to do the right thing. And, for the most part, he succeeds admirably. Yes, he's over-protective, but so would I be! I adored how these two were together, so capable and supportive of each other, yet so hot my Kindle was steaming.
And yes, that research definitely deserves a mention! I honestly had no idea it was so involved. Absolutely heartbreaking that you can do all the right things and some outside force can make it go wrong! Luckily for me, this author believes in happy endings so all was well in the end. I was worried!!!
Put all of this together and you get a stonking book that is so much more than 'just' a Christmas story. It's about love, hope, and learning to live again. Absolutely fantastic 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!
Nov 18, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Night Prince in Books
Nov 3, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
NIGHT PRINCE is currently a standalone but I am desperately hoping Ms Stevens will return to the Fold in the near future as there are so many characters I want to see happy endings for!
Massimo is banished from his father's kingdom to the human world, where he spends decades/centuries learning how to fit in. During that time, he keeps himself to himself, with only Claudio finding him and keeping him company. All that changes when Damion bursts into his life. But then other changes happen, and Massimo is pulled back into the Fold. Will Damion be with him, or will his fears overtake him?
Massimo and Damion are fantastic characters, that spark off each other in a multitude of ways. It is hot and steamy in the bedroom, but their relationship is so much more than that. The Guardians are not prepared to take any nonsense from either of them, and I love how they changed to English when they knew Damion was awake.
There are a whole host of supporting characters that I need stories for. And one of the couples is already married! Oh, and they're dead too. Now, I sort of figured something would happen, but not what did, which blindsided me. Or maybe it was the tears in my eyes? Whatever. What I am trying to say is that this story sweeps you along in the arms of multiple characters.
Paranormal? Check. Romance? Check. Emotional? Check. Sassy and steamy? Check. Yep, it sounds like a Felice Stevens book to me, and as such, do you honestly think I'm NOT going to recommend it?!
I loved this book but, PLEASE, for the love of all that's holy, PLEASE return to the Fold!!!! I need more.
** 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!
Nov 3, 2021
Massimo is banished from his father's kingdom to the human world, where he spends decades/centuries learning how to fit in. During that time, he keeps himself to himself, with only Claudio finding him and keeping him company. All that changes when Damion bursts into his life. But then other changes happen, and Massimo is pulled back into the Fold. Will Damion be with him, or will his fears overtake him?
Massimo and Damion are fantastic characters, that spark off each other in a multitude of ways. It is hot and steamy in the bedroom, but their relationship is so much more than that. The Guardians are not prepared to take any nonsense from either of them, and I love how they changed to English when they knew Damion was awake.
There are a whole host of supporting characters that I need stories for. And one of the couples is already married! Oh, and they're dead too. Now, I sort of figured something would happen, but not what did, which blindsided me. Or maybe it was the tears in my eyes? Whatever. What I am trying to say is that this story sweeps you along in the arms of multiple characters.
Paranormal? Check. Romance? Check. Emotional? Check. Sassy and steamy? Check. Yep, it sounds like a Felice Stevens book to me, and as such, do you honestly think I'm NOT going to recommend it?!
I loved this book but, PLEASE, for the love of all that's holy, PLEASE return to the Fold!!!! I need more.
** 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!
Nov 3, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Courting Mr. Cutthroat (Campy Romances #3) in Books
Sep 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
COURTING MR. CUTTHROAT is the third book in the Campy Romances series, although each book can be read as a standalone.
Cutter is the youngest of three brothers who all appear to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. However, although they had everything money could buy, they didn't have a mother or father that cared for them. Luckily, each of them had a nanny who stepped into the mother's role. The father though? Well, two were lucky, but Cutter wasn't. He got the reputation as the bad boy, the black sheep. Was it deserved? Possibly.
Luckily for him, Gemma was his stalwart friend, with him throughout everything. She even understands when he ups and leaves without saying goodbye. But things are different now. Cutter is a hotshot artist, back in town for a while. Gemma is a lawyer. Can they rekindle what they had? Or maybe the question is, should they?
This is an easy-to-read contemporary romance in a small town where memories are long and grudges are held onto. The heat is on between Cutter and Gemma, but it is not clear if Cutter will allow himself to fall. I loved reading more about their past relationship, and how Gemma is mature enough to call out his sh*t when he's acting stupidly.
I loved how this story unfolded, with all the snippets of what happens to various characters. The polar bear was sad though, simply because it's unfortunately too true. The relationship between the brothers grew and made me smile every time they were together.
A steamy, feel-good story 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!
Sep 21, 2021
Cutter is the youngest of three brothers who all appear to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. However, although they had everything money could buy, they didn't have a mother or father that cared for them. Luckily, each of them had a nanny who stepped into the mother's role. The father though? Well, two were lucky, but Cutter wasn't. He got the reputation as the bad boy, the black sheep. Was it deserved? Possibly.
Luckily for him, Gemma was his stalwart friend, with him throughout everything. She even understands when he ups and leaves without saying goodbye. But things are different now. Cutter is a hotshot artist, back in town for a while. Gemma is a lawyer. Can they rekindle what they had? Or maybe the question is, should they?
This is an easy-to-read contemporary romance in a small town where memories are long and grudges are held onto. The heat is on between Cutter and Gemma, but it is not clear if Cutter will allow himself to fall. I loved reading more about their past relationship, and how Gemma is mature enough to call out his sh*t when he's acting stupidly.
I loved how this story unfolded, with all the snippets of what happens to various characters. The polar bear was sad though, simply because it's unfortunately too true. The relationship between the brothers grew and made me smile every time they were together.
A steamy, feel-good story 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!
Sep 21, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Idriel's Children (Odriel's Heirs #2) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
IDRIEL'S CHILDREN is the second book in the Odriel's Heirs series although you could read it as a standalone, I would recommend you read the series.
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! 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!
Jul 29, 2021
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! 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!
Jul 29, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Matched By My Rival (Thrust Into Love #2) in Books
Jul 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
MATCHED BY MY RIVAL is the second book in the Thrust Into Love series and this time we follow Simon, the accident-prone footballer mentioned in book one.
Bless him, he's had a rough go of it. Everything he ever wanted in life, thrown away in one fit of temper. He's certainly paid for it. And Parker, the one to fill Simon's shoes, the one in the middle of all the kerfuffle, the one who doesn't want to play but is weighed down by expectations. Oh, these two.
I honestly thought nothing could beat Cooper and Trace. I mean, come on, those guys were perfect!!! But... so are Simon and Parker. I LOVED how they were two different people - the real-life versions, plus the online ones. I thought it was so well-written as it played out, and I adored how they slowly came together in real life too.
This is certainly steamy and I loved every word. It changes from aggression-filled lust to something WAY more than that. And it works. It really does! Simon and Parker brought condensation to my Kindle screen and I couldn't get enough of their story.
This is the second in the series, but you don't have to have read book one. Of course, I'm recommending you do because that was a 5-star read for me too, and Cooper and Trace are magnificent! So, yeah, you could read it as a standalone, but the question is, why would you want to?
A superb addition to the series and another jewel in the crown of D.J. Jamison. Absolutely and utterly 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 8, 2021
Bless him, he's had a rough go of it. Everything he ever wanted in life, thrown away in one fit of temper. He's certainly paid for it. And Parker, the one to fill Simon's shoes, the one in the middle of all the kerfuffle, the one who doesn't want to play but is weighed down by expectations. Oh, these two.
I honestly thought nothing could beat Cooper and Trace. I mean, come on, those guys were perfect!!! But... so are Simon and Parker. I LOVED how they were two different people - the real-life versions, plus the online ones. I thought it was so well-written as it played out, and I adored how they slowly came together in real life too.
This is certainly steamy and I loved every word. It changes from aggression-filled lust to something WAY more than that. And it works. It really does! Simon and Parker brought condensation to my Kindle screen and I couldn't get enough of their story.
This is the second in the series, but you don't have to have read book one. Of course, I'm recommending you do because that was a 5-star read for me too, and Cooper and Trace are magnificent! So, yeah, you could read it as a standalone, but the question is, why would you want to?
A superb addition to the series and another jewel in the crown of D.J. Jamison. Absolutely and utterly 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 8, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Hers, Times Two (Hers #4) in Books
Jun 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
HERS, TIMES TWO is the fourth book in this series, and although you could read it as a standalone, the question would be WHY? There are three brilliant books before this one that help set up the scene/worlds so why limit yourself to just one?
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** 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!
Jun 17, 2021
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** 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!
Jun 17, 2021
Tentacles Rock (Tinsel and Tentacles)
8.0
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A tentacled waiter. A grumpy musician. A song that brings them together. Nereus I arrived in...
Rockstar Paranormal MM Romance
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Shadow Fall (Shadow #2) in Books
Dec 8, 2023
SHADOW FALL is the second book in the Shadow series, continuing two years after Shadow Bound. While it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend you read it as part of a series.
In the last book, Custo died to give his best friend and Talia time to escape. During the torture that preceded his death, he found out that there was a traitor in the midst. It remains on his mind once he gets to heaven, and he finds himself desperate to return to Earth.
Annabella is a ballet dancer who is about to have her first time as a Prima, dancing the role of Giselle. She becomes so focused on her role, she opens a pathway to Earth from the Otherworld. A wolf has her in his sights and wants her for his mate. On his way back to Earth, Custo spots Annabella and the wolf and wants to save her, as well as Adam and Talia.
This was a twisted tale with some amazing descriptions, especially the Giselle parts. There were some parts I found a little confusing though, such as Annabella eating in the Otherworld. Consequences to someone else were mentioned once but never again, and I have no idea what would happen to her because of what she did.
Although I enjoyed the story, it didn't quite hit the same mark as Shadow Bound did, and I can't really tell you why. If I did half-stars, this would be a 3.5-star read. I am still looking forward to continuing with the series though, and finding out where Kathleen has gone to!
** 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!
Dec 4, 2023
In the last book, Custo died to give his best friend and Talia time to escape. During the torture that preceded his death, he found out that there was a traitor in the midst. It remains on his mind once he gets to heaven, and he finds himself desperate to return to Earth.
Annabella is a ballet dancer who is about to have her first time as a Prima, dancing the role of Giselle. She becomes so focused on her role, she opens a pathway to Earth from the Otherworld. A wolf has her in his sights and wants her for his mate. On his way back to Earth, Custo spots Annabella and the wolf and wants to save her, as well as Adam and Talia.
This was a twisted tale with some amazing descriptions, especially the Giselle parts. There were some parts I found a little confusing though, such as Annabella eating in the Otherworld. Consequences to someone else were mentioned once but never again, and I have no idea what would happen to her because of what she did.
Although I enjoyed the story, it didn't quite hit the same mark as Shadow Bound did, and I can't really tell you why. If I did half-stars, this would be a 3.5-star read. I am still looking forward to continuing with the series though, and finding out where Kathleen has gone to!
** 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!
Dec 4, 2023