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Light From The Grave
Light From The Grave
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LIGHT FROM THE GRAVE is a standalone paranormal with an element of romance. I say element as, for me, it wasn't the main part of the story. That was the realisation of Dylan's new powers and what he had to do with them. Dylan goes from small-town, Ohio to Charleston. From his home where he has friends, to a new place with family - who are odd, to say the least. He has to master his powers before he can open the family grimoire, renew the wards, and save them all. No pressure!

Keller is the loaded weapon of the coven, and you learn more about his abilities as the story progresses. He has an apprentice, Raven, who doesn't like Dylan to start with, for reasons that are both clear and understandable. As for the other characters, well, I would say those in Charleston are morally grey at best.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I was never 100% sure of most of the characters! It is very fast-paced, but the descriptions are clear and concise. As for the romance side of things - I just never felt it between Keller and Dylan. Yes, the fascination, the attraction, but not love.

And the ending? That seemed a little out of place somehow. Logically, it makes sense because of who Dylan was/is and the home he had. Emotionally, it just didn't feel right to me.

This is a great read that held my attention and I definitely recommend 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 3, 2023
  
Stray (Outcast Mates #3)
Stray (Outcast Mates #3)
Lee Colgin | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Leonas is a panther shifter who hates water. Can Jeno show him the pleasures of it?
STRAY is the third book in the Outcast Mates series, and I would highly recommend you read it as such, rather than a standalone.

I had said previously that I wanted Leonas' story and I'm happy to say, I got it. He meets a young vampire called Jeno, who has a troubled history with opium addiction. Ivaz thought he'd got rid of the nasty goblin but, instead, it just looks like he moved to a different town. The town where The Twig and Berries reside. That puts it on Leonas' radar, and he, in turn, brings Sebastian and Dominus back into the story.

I found this story to be delightful but it just didn't quite tick all the boxes for me. There were parts I loved - Leonas' hate of baths, for example - that I thought were brilliant, but there were also other parts that frustrated me. Jeno's lack of anger with Leonas was one. Yes, I agree there's no need for unnecessary angst but this WAS NECESSARY!!!!! Leonas didn't give him a chance to explain and basically kicked him out when he was needed the most. I expected at least five minutes of anger but there was nothing. This was more insta than the others and I missed the slow-burn feeling I got with the previous couples.

This is a great addition to the series and I'm really glad I've read it. I highly recommend the series, and have no hesitation in recommending this book as part of that.

** 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 Founder (A Broken World #4)
The Founder (A Broken World #4)
Dean Murray | 2017 | Dystopia, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Founder is the fourth book in the Broken World series, but this book takes you on a different route than the previous three. In this one, Skye is by herself, not knowing if she will ever see Brennan again. Instead of running away from the enclave, she is running towards it. She is searching for her mother and will do whatever it takes to get answers. This book certainly has a different dynamic to the others - don't get me wrong, I love Skye. It was just a bit strange to only hear about her and not Brennan too. Instead, Skye manages to get a small group of friends, none of whom know who she really is, whilst she is searching for her mother.

This is one heck of a book, with more twists and turns than a maize maze! There were some parts that were quite technical, but my husband was fascinated when I read them out to him, so I guess it's just not my strong point! Instead, I found the interpersonal relationships intriguing, especially when one of Skye's creche-mates turns up.

This is part of a series, so it does you no good to read this as a standalone. You need to have read the others for it to make sense. However, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pace and integrity of the characters are just what I have come to expect from Dean Murray. Ending on a cliffhanger, it will definitely leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 3, 2017
  
40x40

Merissa (13942 KP) rated Switched in Books

Jun 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
Switched
Switched
N.R. Walker | 2016 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
SWITCHED is a standalone story that tells you how Israel was switched at birth, the trials and tribulations he's faced and is still facing, plus the friendships that have helped him through dark days.

Not only do you get a solidly written piece of work, but you also see the inner dynamics not only of Iz's family but also his friends. I was on tenterhooks for him and Sam to get together, and am so thankful for Donna's words of advice that gave him the push he needed. I was so prepared to hate Iz's family and yet, I couldn't. Not once I knew their story too. I loved that!

I was completely hooked by this story, totally enthralled. I read it in one sitting, not prepared to let anything get in my way. ALL of the characters in here are wonderful, and I would love to see more of Connor, Jamie, and Millsy! The Spongebob Squarepants part killed me as my youngest has just been binge-watching this so I had the song in my head.

Oh, man! If I have one piece of advice for you, it would be this - don't read this book if you are feeling emotional. It is gorgeous, fun, sexy, and so many goddamned feelings!!! 'Ignore my tears, I'm a crier!' Honestly? I'm struggling here to put into words how this book made me feel.

Do I recommend it? What the *** do you think?! 😍

** 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 29, 2021
  
40x40

Merissa (13942 KP) rated Leveling The Field (KTS #3) in Books

Jun 14, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
Leveling The Field (KTS #3)
Leveling The Field (KTS #3)
Elise Faber | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LEVELING THE FIELD is the third book in the KTS series, and once again, I am recommending you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone, as there is an overall story arc you will need to follow.

Jesse is strong and confident until it comes down to herself and then those nasty, niggling doubts surface. She longs for the fantasy of having someone love her for her, but the one she wants only sees her as a friend. Leo IS Jesse's friend but she is so much more than that to him. He feels he is not good enough for her! I loved Hannah and Lily's solution to this!

Oh, man! What a story! I loved the arc and where it is going. My heart was in my mouth for the teams when they were in a pickle 😉 I really want to know just who is behind everything and see them get their just desserts. What I love about Ms Faber's writing style though is that you get pulled into the technicalities, the big bad, whilst still being so invested in the love story being played out before you. Neither side suffers as the story continues, making it perfect.

The pacing is perfect, the romance delightful, and the steamy moments are HOT. All in all, this was a brilliant read that I highly recommend. Now I'm impatient for Hannah and Lily's story.

** 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 14, 2021
  
The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con (Farthingdale Ranch #2)
The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con (Farthingdale Ranch #2)
Jackie North | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE BLACKSMITH AND THE EX-CON is the second book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, although you can read it as a standalone as I have.

Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.

There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.

I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.

This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!

** 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!
May 25, 2021