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Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Beyond the Darkness (Basic Instincts #3) in Books
Oct 9, 2025
plot twist I did not see coming!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Basic Instincts series but you don't need to have read the other two books for this to make sense. I've only read book 2, and I loved that book.
And I loved this one too, bar for one thing and I'll come back to that in a mo.
Again, I'd like to commend Collins on a blinder of a twist I did not see coming! I had my doubts, when they were saying who might have been behind it all, but my idea was way, WAY off base and I loved being thrown for a loop!
I really, really do not want to see that film Hudson was in! Sounds gory and violent and not really my thing.
The book is dark and deadly and some of it is on page, but I do think that it is necessary to get the point across.
Some emotional moments, some steamy, but the focus is on the play and the chaos that comes with it.
That thing? But for one solitary chapter, only Hudson has a say. Luke has a chapter and that is the only reason I cannot give this 5 stars! I think if he had no say at all, I might have been tipped over to 5 stars, though! Weird, I know but ya'll know my book feelings!
so, a very VERY good
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Basic Instincts series but you don't need to have read the other two books for this to make sense. I've only read book 2, and I loved that book.
And I loved this one too, bar for one thing and I'll come back to that in a mo.
Again, I'd like to commend Collins on a blinder of a twist I did not see coming! I had my doubts, when they were saying who might have been behind it all, but my idea was way, WAY off base and I loved being thrown for a loop!
I really, really do not want to see that film Hudson was in! Sounds gory and violent and not really my thing.
The book is dark and deadly and some of it is on page, but I do think that it is necessary to get the point across.
Some emotional moments, some steamy, but the focus is on the play and the chaos that comes with it.
That thing? But for one solitary chapter, only Hudson has a say. Luke has a chapter and that is the only reason I cannot give this 5 stars! I think if he had no say at all, I might have been tipped over to 5 stars, though! Weird, I know but ya'll know my book feelings!
so, a very VERY good
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Lord of Whispered Shadows (The Demon Reflected #1) in Books
Dec 13, 2025
LORD OF WHISPERED SHADOWS is the first book in The Demon Reflected series, set in a historical fantasy setting, where demons and mages are known about.
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. Definitely 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!
Dec 11, 2025
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. Definitely 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!
Dec 11, 2025
That Catskill Summer (Lived-In Love #1)
Book
He wrote the book he lived. Now she wants to rewrite the ending. For fans of the 1960s Catskills...
Historical Romance Literary Romance
Brutal Reign (Shadow Heirs #5)
6.0
Rate It
Book
Both of us loved River Jacobsen, and both of us were bound to lose everything if we acted on it. So,...
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Palaces and other Prisons (Part of: Tinsel and Tentacles 3.0) in Books
Nov 23, 2025
my book brain has questions!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Dawson finds himself, and the oil rig he is working on, left high and dry and on an island in the middle of the North Sea. Ul is king of the island. He knows something changed. The water tastes different and just what is that thing? Only one thing for it, some first contact. But then Ul's markings glow when he meets Dawson. Ul does not have time, nor the heart for a mate.
I liked this, I liked it a lot but I am left with questions! So many questions my book brain is screaming at me!
It was not really explained what Ul and his people are. I mean, they are called krakke, so some sort of kraken type being is assumed but not really fully explained.
How did Dawson get poisoned?? We know it was done, and when. But that's it.
It's not overly steamy, it's more about Ul and Dawson getting to know each other. Loved how Ul's people learn languages, even if Dawson talked the hind legs off a donkey while Ul learned how to speak English!
Basically, I think, there was some fleshing out needed BUT I really did enjoy this book and I want to read more of what happens during the Collapse, as the humans call it. All sorts of mythical beings are appearing in the human world and I want to read them!
4 very good, if slightly questioning, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Dawson finds himself, and the oil rig he is working on, left high and dry and on an island in the middle of the North Sea. Ul is king of the island. He knows something changed. The water tastes different and just what is that thing? Only one thing for it, some first contact. But then Ul's markings glow when he meets Dawson. Ul does not have time, nor the heart for a mate.
I liked this, I liked it a lot but I am left with questions! So many questions my book brain is screaming at me!
It was not really explained what Ul and his people are. I mean, they are called krakke, so some sort of kraken type being is assumed but not really fully explained.
How did Dawson get poisoned?? We know it was done, and when. But that's it.
It's not overly steamy, it's more about Ul and Dawson getting to know each other. Loved how Ul's people learn languages, even if Dawson talked the hind legs off a donkey while Ul learned how to speak English!
Basically, I think, there was some fleshing out needed BUT I really did enjoy this book and I want to read more of what happens during the Collapse, as the humans call it. All sorts of mythical beings are appearing in the human world and I want to read them!
4 very good, if slightly questioning, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Rhythm and Design (Rhythm and Design series #1)
Book
A soulful architect. A gospel-rooted musician. A love built to last. Rhythm & Design: A Platinum...
Adult Contemporary Romance
Smith's Corner: Faith & Fox (The Heartwood Series #4)
8.0
Rate It
Book
She’s haunted by her history, but he’s the warm embrace she craves. Can they weather the storm...
Contemporary Romance Erotic
Hunted by a Jaguar (Eternal Mates #4)
10.0
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Book
A jaguar shifter with a dark secret, Kyter has spent his entire life running from his demons. When a...
Paranormal Romance
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Rogue's Passion (Iron Portal #2) in Books
Apr 13, 2023
Asher and Olivia actually make a very good couple, although Asher does come across as a bit of a tool to begin. In his defence, he is injured and worried about his dog... but still. Olivia is traumatised as a bomb has just exploded nearby and people are injured and dying. The ability to control her healing talent is hard at the best of times but in circumstances like this, near impossible.
Due to Asher toning down his attitude, Olivia realises that he isn't actually as bad as she originally thought. Just in time too, as two Army Investigative Unit officers arrive on the scene. An unregistered Healer talent and a Cascadian barbarian would not go down well. Luckily they help each other and are able to leave. Things heat up pretty quickly after that although they both agree that it is only for a week, to begin with. They both have a history that makes them wary of the thought of commitment.
Cameo appearances are made by Neyla and Rickert as well as a few others from Book 1.
Well-written and fast-paced, Olivia and Asher work well and play hard. This is an intense and sometimes steamy novella which carries on perfectly with the Iron Portal series. Definitely recommended and looking forward to the next one.
* 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!
Jun 21, 2015
Due to Asher toning down his attitude, Olivia realises that he isn't actually as bad as she originally thought. Just in time too, as two Army Investigative Unit officers arrive on the scene. An unregistered Healer talent and a Cascadian barbarian would not go down well. Luckily they help each other and are able to leave. Things heat up pretty quickly after that although they both agree that it is only for a week, to begin with. They both have a history that makes them wary of the thought of commitment.
Cameo appearances are made by Neyla and Rickert as well as a few others from Book 1.
Well-written and fast-paced, Olivia and Asher work well and play hard. This is an intense and sometimes steamy novella which carries on perfectly with the Iron Portal series. Definitely recommended and looking forward to the next one.
* 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!
Jun 21, 2015
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a fantasy romance, with some very hot and steamy scenes, that do not overpower the story. The two main characters, Breestlin and Rowan, have loved each for a long time but were separated when their parents found out that they had 'been intimate'. Rowan's path takes a different turn from becoming the knight he expected, whilst Bree has suitor after suitor paraded in front of her. Luckily, she doesn't accept any of them, and her parents don't force the issue (which is good being as they married for love!)
Dagan and Sidonie are excellent characters who really add a certain 'va va voom' to the story. I actually wanted to hear more about Finn, but I'm hoping he will have his story in a later book. Silas is an evil character from the start. Although, for the most part, he is almost crude in his power plays, there is also a sly side to him that makes for a twisted story. All of the characters are well-developed, whether you like them or not, and the world-building is spot-on. Smoothly paced and well-written, this is a fantasy that will delight. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Wildfire, and am hoping it is just as good.
* 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!
Sep 29, 2015
Dagan and Sidonie are excellent characters who really add a certain 'va va voom' to the story. I actually wanted to hear more about Finn, but I'm hoping he will have his story in a later book. Silas is an evil character from the start. Although, for the most part, he is almost crude in his power plays, there is also a sly side to him that makes for a twisted story. All of the characters are well-developed, whether you like them or not, and the world-building is spot-on. Smoothly paced and well-written, this is a fantasy that will delight. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Wildfire, and am hoping it is just as good.
* 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!
Sep 29, 2015