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Merissa (13555 KP) rated Her Mountain Christmas (Honey Ridge #4) in Books
Nov 17, 2025
HER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS is the fourth book in the Honey Ridge series and, as you may have figured out, takes place at Christmastime.
Ella comes from money, but that has a price tag. When she finds out her parents have basically sold her to a man she can't stand, she leaves the party and leaves her apartment. Unfortunately, as happens when you're running away, she doesn't check the weather forecast and ends up driving in a blizzard. Along comes Jack to the rescue, who warms her up in more ways than one!
This is another cracker of a book from Alyson Archer. It is Christmassy with plenty of snow, but steam aplenty indoors. I loved how Ella knew what she wanted and made no bones about it, whereas Jack was more than happy to give his girl what she wanted, even when she didn't know what that was.
Although Ms Archer writes one helluva steamy scene, my favourite was when Ella stood up to her parents, with Jack by her side. Take that, you snotty pair!!!
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 17, 2025
Ella comes from money, but that has a price tag. When she finds out her parents have basically sold her to a man she can't stand, she leaves the party and leaves her apartment. Unfortunately, as happens when you're running away, she doesn't check the weather forecast and ends up driving in a blizzard. Along comes Jack to the rescue, who warms her up in more ways than one!
This is another cracker of a book from Alyson Archer. It is Christmassy with plenty of snow, but steam aplenty indoors. I loved how Ella knew what she wanted and made no bones about it, whereas Jack was more than happy to give his girl what she wanted, even when she didn't know what that was.
Although Ms Archer writes one helluva steamy scene, my favourite was when Ella stood up to her parents, with Jack by her side. Take that, you snotty pair!!!
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 17, 2025
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Rise of the Iron Moon (Jackelian #3) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
This book looked interesting so I picked it up. I'd not heard of Stephen Hunt or this series but the premise intrigued me.
Although this is the third book of the series and there are plenty of references to events that must take place in the previous books, and despite the writing being immersive rather than explanatory, I found it easy to get into the story.
The world is very interesting. I have read other novels set in a faux Victorian Steampunk-like world but nothing like this. This is like an alternative history, extremely divergeant from ours but with enough similarities that the combination is quite striking.
For example there was a civil war in the past which parliament won, as in the 'real' British history. However all of the royals have been locked up ever since in the Royal Breeding House - kept as figureheads under constant house arrest and threat of execution at the whim of parliament to appease the masses.
There are also countries ruled by thinking, steam driven machines. Others beneath the waves or living strictly by some political principal.
However the world is under threat. All the countries are being slowly invaded from the North by a very aggressive foe. Under attack the land of Jackals itself calls on its heroes to save the day. Purity Blake, one of the inmates of the Royal Breeding House. Molly Templar, writer of penny dreadful science fiction stories and sometimes defender of the land. Coppertracks, a machine life steam man and scientist. Their companions must overcome impossible odds and put aside the enmity between nations to fight off the attackers. Against all the odds, can they succeed?
The book is a little slow to start up, as the characters are introduced in their diverse environments. But slowly the threads are drawn together and each play their part in the fight. And as they begin to weave into the plot the pace quickens. The story twists and turns, always astonishing in its concept and direction.
The outstanding part of this book is the imagination that has gone into it. Nearly everything is completely different from our world and yet it ties together convincingly into a land both of industry and grime, poverty and privilege but also of very real myth and legend.
The ending is a little bit Deus Ex Machina but really this fits in with the tone quite well and at least keeps the pace up in the final pages. There are enough wonderful and fantastic ideas let loose to wander around in this book for several novels.
Definitely a recommended book. I now need to search out the first book - The Court Of The Air - so I can find out what has happened to the characters before.
Although this is the third book of the series and there are plenty of references to events that must take place in the previous books, and despite the writing being immersive rather than explanatory, I found it easy to get into the story.
The world is very interesting. I have read other novels set in a faux Victorian Steampunk-like world but nothing like this. This is like an alternative history, extremely divergeant from ours but with enough similarities that the combination is quite striking.
For example there was a civil war in the past which parliament won, as in the 'real' British history. However all of the royals have been locked up ever since in the Royal Breeding House - kept as figureheads under constant house arrest and threat of execution at the whim of parliament to appease the masses.
There are also countries ruled by thinking, steam driven machines. Others beneath the waves or living strictly by some political principal.
However the world is under threat. All the countries are being slowly invaded from the North by a very aggressive foe. Under attack the land of Jackals itself calls on its heroes to save the day. Purity Blake, one of the inmates of the Royal Breeding House. Molly Templar, writer of penny dreadful science fiction stories and sometimes defender of the land. Coppertracks, a machine life steam man and scientist. Their companions must overcome impossible odds and put aside the enmity between nations to fight off the attackers. Against all the odds, can they succeed?
The book is a little slow to start up, as the characters are introduced in their diverse environments. But slowly the threads are drawn together and each play their part in the fight. And as they begin to weave into the plot the pace quickens. The story twists and turns, always astonishing in its concept and direction.
The outstanding part of this book is the imagination that has gone into it. Nearly everything is completely different from our world and yet it ties together convincingly into a land both of industry and grime, poverty and privilege but also of very real myth and legend.
The ending is a little bit Deus Ex Machina but really this fits in with the tone quite well and at least keeps the pace up in the final pages. There are enough wonderful and fantastic ideas let loose to wander around in this book for several novels.
Definitely a recommended book. I now need to search out the first book - The Court Of The Air - so I can find out what has happened to the characters before.
Trainz Simulator 2
Games and Entertainment
App
Experience being a train driver on a variety of routes throughout the world, choose from a wide...
Crazy Gears
Education and Games
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Are you ready to watch your child kick their learning into high-gear? Crazy Gears is a new-aged...
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Snowed In: Dane and Heath in Books
Mar 1, 2019
Snowed In: Dane and Heath by Rafe Jadison
Heath was happy to stay late and finish off some work with Dane, right up until the majority of people went home due to a snowstorm. Dane is used to the snow in Buffalo, but in D.C., it's a whole new story.
This is a Gay For You (sort of) story, which will make more sense once you hear Dane's side of the story. Heath is gay, and happy that way. He really isn't about to become a straight man's plaything. Luckily for them both, they are able to work out just what they are to each other, and take it from there.
The descriptions in this book are so clear and concise, I got goosebumps even though the sun was streaming in through my window. And in certain sections of the book, there was more than enough steam going on. With a smooth pace and a neat story all wrapped up on a snowstorm bow, I thoroughly enjoyed both the characters and the story itself. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
* 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!
This is a Gay For You (sort of) story, which will make more sense once you hear Dane's side of the story. Heath is gay, and happy that way. He really isn't about to become a straight man's plaything. Luckily for them both, they are able to work out just what they are to each other, and take it from there.
The descriptions in this book are so clear and concise, I got goosebumps even though the sun was streaming in through my window. And in certain sections of the book, there was more than enough steam going on. With a smooth pace and a neat story all wrapped up on a snowstorm bow, I thoroughly enjoyed both the characters and the story itself. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
* 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!
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Venus Trap (Hidden Portals Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2019
Venus Trap (Hidden Portals Trilogy #1) by Maya Daniels
Venus Trap is the first book in the Hidden Portals series, and we start off with a storm, a death, and a mad king. Sounds good, right? Wrong! This is brilliant.
Artemis is a Fae, Raphael is a vampire. We also meet with other Fae, Humans, Witches, Vampires, and Demons are mentioned. So right there, we have different species, all with their own history and thoughts, and pitted against each other. Who is telling the truth? Who will fight with who?
We find out more about Artemis' history as the story progresses, and the reasons she has for feeling the way she does. Raphael has distanced himself from the rest of his race, partly due to his friend, Claude, otherwise known as the mad king.
With intrigue, steam, action, wit, and a strong, sassy female paired with a strong, opinionated male, this book has something for everyone. There were no editing or grammatical errors I noticed, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
With an epic finishing line, this will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Artemis is a Fae, Raphael is a vampire. We also meet with other Fae, Humans, Witches, Vampires, and Demons are mentioned. So right there, we have different species, all with their own history and thoughts, and pitted against each other. Who is telling the truth? Who will fight with who?
We find out more about Artemis' history as the story progresses, and the reasons she has for feeling the way she does. Raphael has distanced himself from the rest of his race, partly due to his friend, Claude, otherwise known as the mad king.
With intrigue, steam, action, wit, and a strong, sassy female paired with a strong, opinionated male, this book has something for everyone. There were no editing or grammatical errors I noticed, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
With an epic finishing line, this will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Taming My Whiskey (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #6) in Books
Nov 19, 2019
TAMING MY WHISKEY is the sixth book in the Whiskey series and finally, we get Dixie's story. She has been there for her brothers and she wants what they have. She wants this perfect, deep love, with roots that go down deep. Unfortunately, the man who raises her temperature is a wanderer, travelling the globe to promote his business (and other reasons).
I love dipping into this world. The Dark Knights and their ladies are always a delight, and Dixie and Jace are no exception. Jace is a strong man, who thinks he has all he needs. He's had his eyes on Dixie for years but hasn't made a move due to her being his friend's little sister. Now she is all grown up (and has been for a while!) and is not prepared to settle for second best in any part of her life.
This was written in the same high-class standard I have come to expect from Melissa Foster, with plenty of quips and snark to keep me amused. Emotions also ride high in this book, from that leaping-off-the-page attraction to the steam that rose from my kindle when they got together.
I adored this story and all the cameos given by the others. I love Melissa Foster's writing, and can't wait to see what comes next. Absolutely recommended by me.
I love dipping into this world. The Dark Knights and their ladies are always a delight, and Dixie and Jace are no exception. Jace is a strong man, who thinks he has all he needs. He's had his eyes on Dixie for years but hasn't made a move due to her being his friend's little sister. Now she is all grown up (and has been for a while!) and is not prepared to settle for second best in any part of her life.
This was written in the same high-class standard I have come to expect from Melissa Foster, with plenty of quips and snark to keep me amused. Emotions also ride high in this book, from that leaping-off-the-page attraction to the steam that rose from my kindle when they got together.
I adored this story and all the cameos given by the others. I love Melissa Foster's writing, and can't wait to see what comes next. Absolutely recommended by me.
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Nevermore (Raven Crawford, #2) in Books
Jan 27, 2020
NEVERMORE is the second book in the Raven Crawford series and we return to Raven as she is still adjusting to what happened at the end of book 1 and the death of the Corvid Queen.
I say that some of the instances in this book are not a surprise, but then I don't think they were intended to be. What you do get is the continuation of the story, with sass and snark in handfuls, steam that melts your Kindle, and a story that just keeps getting better.
I loved how Raven is still at her dead-end job with Mike, not because it's a dead-end job but because she's still got her 'normal' life. She's still trying to pay off Robert's debts and has moved back home. This isn't anyone who has let things go to her head and even more so in this one! We get more of her family in this one, plus some more of the 'bad guys' which, to be honest, just leaves me wanting more.
The writing is on form as always, with the pacing being perfect for the story. The characters just keep on getting better and the story will have you turning the pages, unwilling to stop reading.
For a top-notch Urban Fantasy, I have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series.
I say that some of the instances in this book are not a surprise, but then I don't think they were intended to be. What you do get is the continuation of the story, with sass and snark in handfuls, steam that melts your Kindle, and a story that just keeps getting better.
I loved how Raven is still at her dead-end job with Mike, not because it's a dead-end job but because she's still got her 'normal' life. She's still trying to pay off Robert's debts and has moved back home. This isn't anyone who has let things go to her head and even more so in this one! We get more of her family in this one, plus some more of the 'bad guys' which, to be honest, just leaves me wanting more.
The writing is on form as always, with the pacing being perfect for the story. The characters just keep on getting better and the story will have you turning the pages, unwilling to stop reading.
For a top-notch Urban Fantasy, I have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series.
100 Vehicles for Babies & Toddlers Pro
Education and Book
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Baby 100 Vehicles is an early learning game for babies and pre-school children. Kids are fascinated...
Diesels at Doncaster
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For many people, Doncaster will always be a railway town. Its association with locomotive building...