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The Other Woman
The Other Woman
Sandie Jones | 2018 | Thriller
8
8.3 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????

This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …
  
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace
Mindy Mejia | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
7
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Defying all odds, ten years after a father and son wandered into the hundreds of miles of woods and water, comprise northern Minnesota's aptly named Boundary Waters, the son emerges from the wild not only alive but changed, violent, and withdrawn.

Winding up in the mental hospital where former patient turned assistant language therapist Maya Stark works, when Maya first meets nineteen-year-old Lucas Blackthorn, he lashes out, nearly choking Maya to death in a horrific assault.

The only person with whom he's shared any meaningful interaction (good or bad), the unflappable Maya is sent to speak with Lucas again, only for the two to build a strong connection as Mindy Mejia's book continues and we realize that both are harboring some serious secrets.

The definition of a page-turner from the start, while initially Leave No Trace's intensely vivid sentences fly right by, as the book moves from thriller to psychological mystery, it loses a good deal of suspense.

Slowing things down in the middle of the work which could've used some tightening up, while it's fairly easy to see how the two characters are connected on the surface, as Maya risks everything to help Lucas and learn more, Mejia's book picks right back up, leading to an if not altogether surprising than at least satisfying conclusion.

A terrific character-driven storyteller, while Mejia takes awhile to return to the pace of Trace's opening chapters, readers looking for mysterious psychological tale set against the atmospheric (and metaphorical) backdrop of such a beautiful but dangerous stretch of land and sea should pick this one up.

Note: I received an ARC of the title through Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
  
Man (Seven Forbidden Arts, #9)
Man (Seven Forbidden Arts, #9)
Charmaine Pauls | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Man, oh Man, what to say about this - the bittersweet finale to the Seven Forbidden Arts series. In this instalment, we finally get some hands on knowledge of Cain, the enigmatic leader. He is getting closer to Godfrey, and now has Godfrey's wife in his sights - quite literally. However, Olivia isn't what he was expecting, and she calls to him in ways long forgotten.

The whole crew is here, with twists and turns still coming. This is no 'take it slow' finale, no way. It's full of action, tense, with nail-biting suspense right to the very end. It was lovely catching up with all the previous couples, and seeing how they were getting on with their lives. But make no mistake, this edition is all about Cain, Olivia, and Godfrey. Yeesh, that man has creeped me out for 8 books so far, and continues to do so in this one!

I don't do spoilers, but I will say two things. First one, is 'Pegs'. First reaction - ouch! Second reaction - who knew?! 😇 And the second thing, I won't say who, but I will say tears. Even knowing what I know now, it still makes me tear up.

Have I intrigued you? I certainly hope so! This book is an amazing climax to a fascinating concept, that has kept my interest and enjoyment from the first page of the first book, to the final page of this book. Absolutely outstanding! The whole series is a 5-star read as far as I am concerned.

Absolutely, most definitely, and indubitably, 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!
  
TS
Trelloran Seduction
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Trelloran Seduction is the first book in The Making of a Goddess series. It deals with a harsh environment that not all readers will enjoy. Not only are vampires involved, but women are 'sacrificed' on their 30th birthday, and their brain fluid taken from their bodies. Not only that, but a rape culture by Church is in full swing, only they call it 'Cleansing'. Add into the mix a nymph who can shapechange at will, who has been held captive for hundreds of years, and brainwashed into doing her duty to the priests who rape her, impregnate her, and then, once she gives birth, her babies are given to the vampires as food. Like I say, this is NOT suited to all readers!

However, the very things that make this book quite a dark one to read, also offer the hope of light. Two characters come together, both hurt and traumatised by their pasts. You see them slowly start to trust each other, to understand each other. Now, of course, it's not all love and light. This is a dark book, after all, and betrayal comes when you least expect it and from a direction that although known, you think is a red herring. It's not, and it hurts all the more because of that!

This is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. This part of the story is nicely concluded, whilst leaving you with an opening to the next book. With plenty of action and suspense, this is a brilliant book that certainly kept my attention throughout. 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!
  
Prophecy (1979)
Prophecy (1979)
1979 | Horror, Sci-Fi
The best rabid pig cat bear movie I've seen in a while!
Within the wilderness of Maine, local Native Americans are having trouble with a large logging over the destruction of their forests and some recent crimes which have gone unsolved. The Environmental Protection Agency is brought in to assess the situation and provide a possible solution.

As the people get to know each other, it is revealed the natives are also having problems including random sicknesses and abnormal births. It is also discovered wildlife in the area is erratic including an extremely large salmon and a tadpole as big as a full grown frog. The plant operator insists all protocols are being followed and no harmful chemicals are being released by the plant.

Further study reveals mercury is the culprit for all the local problems including the animal and human deformities and the mysterious ailment sweeping the village. There has always been local legend of the Katahdin which the natives also believe is possessing the spirit of a mutated bear which roams the forest.

The two opposing forces must band together and try and stop the mutant beast before it is too late!

I wasn't expecting much from this film I found on Prime, but was pleasantly surprised. You can certainly tell it is low budget, but that did not take away from the suspense, the creature effects and the bloody kills. The pacing was even throughout with few dull spots or stalls in the action. The sprawling Maine tree filled landscapes as well as the gorgeous river beltway added majesty to the look of the film and provided a remarkable setting.

Very entertaining.
  
Breaking the Mold is the second book in the Grey Eyes series and is set in a different town, with different characters (mainly). This book is darker than the first, with a creepy, psychotic powerlifter who thinks he can have what - and who - he wants as just one of the 'bad guys'. Olivia has always been a Daddy's Girl, but things are changing and she can no longer adhere to his rulings completely. Luckily for Olivia, her mother is on her side, and helps her every which way she can. Alex is the gentle but strong hero, who wants nothing more than to reconnect with Olivia after 10 years apart. Will she be the same girl his memories show him, or not. Will she even remember him?

This book is exceptionally well written, with a storyline that drags you in and won't let go. Violence is a part of the story, and it wouldn't be the same without it. It is there by design and is not gratuitous. With mystery and suspense, this book will keep you on your toes. It is pretty obvious just who the other 'bad guys' are, but the how and whys remain unknown until you read further along.

With a similar cliff-hanger ending, this book is a complete story in itself, whilst whetting your appetite for the next book. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Barrier and loved Malakai and Lily as characters; there was something about this book, that indefinable 'something' that just pips it to the post for me. A well deserved 5-stars and a need for the next book along. Highly recommended by me.

* I received this book from YA Reads in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
FF
Fight for Me (Captivated, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fight For Me continues with Kat and Gabriel. They were given a choice of whether to move to a hybrid compound which they could never leave, or stay in the 'real' world where they would be constantly looking over their shoulders. Before they can make the decision for themselves, the choice is taken away from them with the knowledge that Liliana (Iris' sister) is now after them. It's not just them that go though, but Sarah, Dawson, Piper, and co. Things are certainly different in the compound and Kat has to face up to some things being different than what she is used to.

This book is more in one place that Captivate Me which just makes it more intense as the drama is concentrated into one space. Kat and Gabe have been through so much, and it hasn't ended yet as Dawson plants a seed of doubt in Kat's mind. Gabe doesn't help his situation by disappearing, although he doesn't actually know what Kat has been told. This just reinforces the notion that actions can be taken the wrong way, even if they are innocent, if trust is an issue and doubts have been raised.

I won't give anything away about anything else in the story, but suffice it to say, things are not as they seem. Full of drama and suspense, Fight For Me is a wonderful addition to the Captivated series. Extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was an amazing read and I can't wait to continue with this series.

* I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Oversight (The Community #2)
Oversight (The Community #2)
Santino Hassell | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oversight is the second book in The Community series, and you do have to read book one to fully understand what is going on as events that happened in Insight are constantly referenced. The story this time focuses on Holden. He is the owner/manager of Evolution, the LGBT club that featured in book one. The fall out from those events are still going on, but Holden is doing his best with what he has. His father turns up (and caring and emotional are NOT words I would use to describe him!) and basically gives Holden to a babysitter. Six is someone Holden remembers from his youth, but it is hard to equate the two as Six has changed - or been changed - so much.

Once again, the story is full of mystery and suspense. I think I know who one of the mystery characters is, and now I just need to wait to see if I am correct! We also reacquainted ourselves with Trent and Nate, who continue to be favourites of mine. This story is excellently written, with major character development, especially in Holden. I didn't much like him in the first book, but saw a different side to him in this one. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, so I would not hesitate to recommend this book.

One difference to book one though is no epilogue for our main characters Instead, it ends with things very much in the air, which will definitely leave you wanting more!

* 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!
  
A Peaceful Coastal Town...Threatened by a Storm of Secrets

It's 1916 when newspaper woman Anna McDowell learns her estranged father has suffered a

stroke. Deciding it's time to repair

bridges, Anna packs up her precocious adolescent daughter

and heads for her hometown in Sunset Cove, Oregon.

Although much has changed since the turn of the century, some things haven’t. Anna finds the

the staff of her father’s paper not exactly eager to welcome a woman into the editor-in-chief role, but

her father insists he wants her at the helm. Anna is quickly pulled into the charming town and

her

new position... but just as quickly learns this seaside getaway harbors some dark and dangerous


secrets.

With Oregon’s new statewide prohibition in effect, crime has crept along the seacoast and

invaded even idyllic Sunset Cove. Anna only meant to get to know her father again over the

summer, but instead she finds herself rooting out the biggest story the town has ever seen

And trying to keep her daughter safe from it all.



My Thoughts: This well-written story takes us to the seashore in Oregon during the prohibition period. Anna returns home to visit her estranged father to make amends for a disagreement that happened years ago. During this visit home, she discovers that something just isn't quite right around town. Using her investigative news reporting skills she intends to find out.


This is a wonderful summertime read! It's always nice to read about the ocean and beaches in the summer, and this one is perfect. It's full of mystery and suspense; it doesn't focus on romance. This is a book about forgiveness, healing relationships and starting over. I enjoyed Melody Carlson's writing and how she developed her characters. It was a very enjoyable read.
  
The Good Girl
The Good Girl
Mary Kubica | 2015 | Thriller
10
7.6 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read a numerous of books this year. Books I have either read all the way to the end, or admittedly, not.

I have to be honest, had I saw this book in a store, I probably wouldn't have picked it up.

This, is by no means, to say I wouldn't like it. When I go into a book store I tend to know what I am looking for; history, art, architecture, poetry, film writing...
Anything that would inspire me in my current project of writing.

As it were, my ma' grabbed this book-amongst many others-and I took a shine to this book immediately. If someone asks me what sort of books do you like, I cannot give specific responses because I don't particular have a favourite theme/genre. Although I do not tend to read; Si-Fi, Horror, Adventure, or any sort of magical/mythical books, as one may place Harry Potter into?
So, when I read the back of this book, I was very intrigued.
It left you with...how does this person know that, and why?

I am, as many people know, a slow reader. If I rush a book I do not fully understand what took place, or the certain details you may need to remember. However, with this book, I looked forward to bed time, when I can jump into my bed, get all cosy on these incoming cool nights and read this book.

All the characters, baring one, I took a shine to.

This is a fast-paced suspense thriller that leaves you wanting to know more and more.

My favourite book of the year, without a doubt.

I will sure be looking for more of Mary Kubica's books