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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Silver Chain (The Unbreakable Trilogy, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I was offered this it was described as being like 50 Shades of Grey and the Crossfire series. Having liked both of these I thought Id give it a go. In a way it was like them: young girl meets wealthy business man and cant deny the sexual attraction. Unfortunately for me, it didnt quite measure up. It didnt draw me in straight away.
In fact, it took me a while to get into it. That might have been down to Gustavs attitude and the fact he wasnt very good at explaining what he wanted. It put me off a bit, I guess, and I couldnt always understand the attraction. Serena, too, was a bit of a puzzle. The way she reacted sometimes; though that could probably be put down to her age.
After finishing the story Ive been left with some questions. Why wouldnt Gustav kiss her until near the end? Why did he with-hold from having sex with her for so long? What sort of lifestyle were Gustav and his wife involved with before? And why were Serenas parents so horrible to her?
I suppose since this is the first in the trilogy that we will get answers to some of these in the following books. If Im honest, Im not sure if Id be interested in continuing the series, though that ending has most definitely whetted my appetite.
Overall it was a god story that kept me wondering where it was heading but for me, having read 50 Shades and the Crossfire series, it just didnt quite do it for me.
That being said, dont dismiss a book without at least trying it for yourself first.
When I was offered this it was described as being like 50 Shades of Grey and the Crossfire series. Having liked both of these I thought Id give it a go. In a way it was like them: young girl meets wealthy business man and cant deny the sexual attraction. Unfortunately for me, it didnt quite measure up. It didnt draw me in straight away.
In fact, it took me a while to get into it. That might have been down to Gustavs attitude and the fact he wasnt very good at explaining what he wanted. It put me off a bit, I guess, and I couldnt always understand the attraction. Serena, too, was a bit of a puzzle. The way she reacted sometimes; though that could probably be put down to her age.
After finishing the story Ive been left with some questions. Why wouldnt Gustav kiss her until near the end? Why did he with-hold from having sex with her for so long? What sort of lifestyle were Gustav and his wife involved with before? And why were Serenas parents so horrible to her?
I suppose since this is the first in the trilogy that we will get answers to some of these in the following books. If Im honest, Im not sure if Id be interested in continuing the series, though that ending has most definitely whetted my appetite.
Overall it was a god story that kept me wondering where it was heading but for me, having read 50 Shades and the Crossfire series, it just didnt quite do it for me.
That being said, dont dismiss a book without at least trying it for yourself first.
Merissa (11787 KP) rated Pieces of Me (Missing Pieces #2) in Books
Jun 26, 2020
Pieces of Me is the second book in the Missing Pieces series and you need to read book one before you start on this one. It starts where book one finished and is a continuation of Justin's recovery and how Dallas is coping with everything and everyone.
Although this has the same characters and situations in it, the story is different enough to keep my attention. Finding out more about what Dallas has to cope with on the business side, plus what Justin deals with, made this all the more real for me. Life is tough without any 'easy answers' magically appearing. Dallas has to rob Peter to pay Paul and juggle his credit cards too. I loved that part, like I said, making it real.
This was a brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed how Dallas and Justin's story moved along at a steady pace. There is a bit more steam in this one as Justin's body and mind start to remember Dallas.
A fantastic story that has me gripped. Can't wait to continue. 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!
Although this has the same characters and situations in it, the story is different enough to keep my attention. Finding out more about what Dallas has to cope with on the business side, plus what Justin deals with, made this all the more real for me. Life is tough without any 'easy answers' magically appearing. Dallas has to rob Peter to pay Paul and juggle his credit cards too. I loved that part, like I said, making it real.
This was a brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed how Dallas and Justin's story moved along at a steady pace. There is a bit more steam in this one as Justin's body and mind start to remember Dallas.
A fantastic story that has me gripped. Can't wait to continue. 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case (Jayne Frost #1) in Books
Apr 8, 2020
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost’s daughter, Santa Claus’s niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now…private investigator. Sort of.
Needing someone he can trust, her father sends her undercover to Nocturne Falls to find out why employees at the Santa’s Workshop toy store are going missing.
Doing that requires getting to know the town, which leads to interesting encounters with a sexy vampire, an old flame, and an elevator that’s strictly off-limits. The more Jayne finds out, the more questions she has, but the answers lead her deeper into danger.
Will her magic save her? Or will she come up cold?
First of all I don't think I've read anything like this ever! I found it so bizarre at first I really couldn't get my head round Jack frost and uncle Kris 🤣. But once into it I loved it! I think Jayne is brilliant! The whole idea was so refreshing I definitely need to start the Nocturne series too!
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost’s daughter, Santa Claus’s niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now…private investigator. Sort of.
Needing someone he can trust, her father sends her undercover to Nocturne Falls to find out why employees at the Santa’s Workshop toy store are going missing.
Doing that requires getting to know the town, which leads to interesting encounters with a sexy vampire, an old flame, and an elevator that’s strictly off-limits. The more Jayne finds out, the more questions she has, but the answers lead her deeper into danger.
Will her magic save her? Or will she come up cold?
First of all I don't think I've read anything like this ever! I found it so bizarre at first I really couldn't get my head round Jack frost and uncle Kris 🤣. But once into it I loved it! I think Jayne is brilliant! The whole idea was so refreshing I definitely need to start the Nocturne series too!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Magical Midlife Dating ( Levelling Up book 2) in Books
Feb 9, 2022
24 of 230
Kindle
Magical Midlife Dating ( Leveling Up book 2)
By K.F. Breene
She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?
A Wall Street Journal bestseller and Top 3 book in the entire Amazon Kindle store!
The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings.
There's only one problem - she can't figure out how to access them.
Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.
But she could've never predicted who answers her call - he's an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He's also incredibly handsome. And interested.
Maybe flying isn't the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.
Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn't big enough for two.
Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.
I love this series for so many reasons it’s just so funny. Niamh is just hilarious I love her! I love how they call human men and women Dicks and Janes there is just so much to grab onto and each chapter and character brings a smile. It’s so well written I highly recommend it especially if you need a break from those all to serious books.
Kindle
Magical Midlife Dating ( Leveling Up book 2)
By K.F. Breene
She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?
A Wall Street Journal bestseller and Top 3 book in the entire Amazon Kindle store!
The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings.
There's only one problem - she can't figure out how to access them.
Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.
But she could've never predicted who answers her call - he's an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He's also incredibly handsome. And interested.
Maybe flying isn't the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.
Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn't big enough for two.
Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.
I love this series for so many reasons it’s just so funny. Niamh is just hilarious I love her! I love how they call human men and women Dicks and Janes there is just so much to grab onto and each chapter and character brings a smile. It’s so well written I highly recommend it especially if you need a break from those all to serious books.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Crown of Midnight in Books
Aug 25, 2019 (Updated Apr 21, 2024)
73 of 220
Book
Reread
Crown of Midnight ( Throne of Glass 2)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Never trust an assassin.
Celaena's story continues in this second book in the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.
Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become the King's Champion. But she is far from loyal to the crown. Though she goes to great lengths to hide her secret, her deadly charade becomes more difficult when she realises she is not the only one seeking justice. Her search for answers ensnares those closest to her, and no one is safe from suspicion - not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a princess with a rebel heart.
Then, one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie ... and what she is willing to fight for.
This is a reread for me and I loved it more the second time round if that’s at all possible. When rereading a book you see all the bits and think well crap I missed that the first time, also this time despite knowing a certain part was coming it was still emotional. Absolutely love this series.
Book
Reread
Crown of Midnight ( Throne of Glass 2)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Never trust an assassin.
Celaena's story continues in this second book in the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.
Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become the King's Champion. But she is far from loyal to the crown. Though she goes to great lengths to hide her secret, her deadly charade becomes more difficult when she realises she is not the only one seeking justice. Her search for answers ensnares those closest to her, and no one is safe from suspicion - not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a princess with a rebel heart.
Then, one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie ... and what she is willing to fight for.
This is a reread for me and I loved it more the second time round if that’s at all possible. When rereading a book you see all the bits and think well crap I missed that the first time, also this time despite knowing a certain part was coming it was still emotional. Absolutely love this series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Curse Marked ( The Marked series book 1) in Books
Jan 31, 2020
Highly recommended
Contains spoilers, click to show
She doesn’t know anything about herself before the age of thirteen. Even the name she now answers to is not her own, but that isn’t the strangest thing about her.
Anne Smith was found on the steps of a homeless shelter with no memory of her life before that moment and a small tattoo-like mark in the center of her back that has grown and changed with each new moon. It’s been almost fifteen years, and the now the mark covers almost every inch of skin on her back.
With good reason, it’s impossible for her to let anyone in, to let anyone get close. Who would believe that her mark burns itself into her skin every twenty-eight days, leaving it larger than before? But, what if there was not only someone who believes her but has the answers to the questions that she desperately wants to ask? Would she finally be able to let people in?
The mark is almost complete. What will happen when there’s no more room left to grow?
Curse Marked is the first story in a medium-burn reverse harem series. Due to strong language and sexual situations, it is recommended for 18+.
I loved this book! I love the whole story! It's non stop action and so easy to follow and read in a good way. From Emelia finding her Uncle, his boyfriend to learning who she is and what she can do. Finding out her powers are so strong from the Dragon inside and the caster. I love her two mates although we hardly know Ronan yet I'm looking forward to getting to know him.
Finding her mother and the truth hoping she can form sort of relationship with her in future books.
Recommended
Anne Smith was found on the steps of a homeless shelter with no memory of her life before that moment and a small tattoo-like mark in the center of her back that has grown and changed with each new moon. It’s been almost fifteen years, and the now the mark covers almost every inch of skin on her back.
With good reason, it’s impossible for her to let anyone in, to let anyone get close. Who would believe that her mark burns itself into her skin every twenty-eight days, leaving it larger than before? But, what if there was not only someone who believes her but has the answers to the questions that she desperately wants to ask? Would she finally be able to let people in?
The mark is almost complete. What will happen when there’s no more room left to grow?
Curse Marked is the first story in a medium-burn reverse harem series. Due to strong language and sexual situations, it is recommended for 18+.
I loved this book! I love the whole story! It's non stop action and so easy to follow and read in a good way. From Emelia finding her Uncle, his boyfriend to learning who she is and what she can do. Finding out her powers are so strong from the Dragon inside and the caster. I love her two mates although we hardly know Ronan yet I'm looking forward to getting to know him.
Finding her mother and the truth hoping she can form sort of relationship with her in future books.
Recommended
Merissa (11787 KP) rated Sparks (Shock Me, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Look For Me in Books
Apr 9, 2019
DD Warren is trying to find out who has killed the Baez family. Mother, Justine; her boyfriend, Charlie; her youngest daughter, Lola; and her only son, Manny. But there is another child, Roxanna, as well as two dogs, Rosie and Blaze. Where are they? Did Roxanna do this to her family? If so, why? But Roxy was the protector of the family. Her mom is a recovering alcoholic and when she was drinking Roxy made sure her siblings ate and made it to school. When the state took the kids away from Justine for a year, this role for Roxy became more prominent. After that year, the girls were never the same. Did something happen during their year in foster care that could have warranted this kind of violence? Will DD be able to find the person or people responsible for this before more people are killed? Will her new CI, Flora Dane prove to be helpful or detrimental to this case?
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I made the request from NetGalley for this book, I was intrigued by the description and didn't know that this was the 9th book in the series. I don't think that I needed to read the entire series to get into this book, but I'm sure the background on some of the characters would have been helpful. So, I'm definitely going to go back now and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine coming home and finding your whole family dead? Your younger sister clutching your brother in order to protect him from a crazy killer? How do you come back from that? Over the course of a few days Detective DD Warren is trying to find out who could do such a thing to this family. With the help of confidential informant, Flora Dane, will they be able to find the killer as well as find Roxana before it's too late. Who would want to hurt these people? What did they do? So many questions and the answers can't come fast enough, until they all do come crashing into one another in one fell swoop.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I made the request from NetGalley for this book, I was intrigued by the description and didn't know that this was the 9th book in the series. I don't think that I needed to read the entire series to get into this book, but I'm sure the background on some of the characters would have been helpful. So, I'm definitely going to go back now and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine coming home and finding your whole family dead? Your younger sister clutching your brother in order to protect him from a crazy killer? How do you come back from that? Over the course of a few days Detective DD Warren is trying to find out who could do such a thing to this family. With the help of confidential informant, Flora Dane, will they be able to find the killer as well as find Roxana before it's too late. Who would want to hurt these people? What did they do? So many questions and the answers can't come fast enough, until they all do come crashing into one another in one fell swoop.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
Merissa (11787 KP) rated Searching (Dragons of New York, #1) in Books
Nov 4, 2022
SEARCHING is the first book in the Dragons of New York series and is first and foremost a mystery. Bloodless bodies are showing up and Ravenna Drake is linked to each scene by a piece of thread, an email, her name. Ian Chen wants to trust her but until he knows she's not a suspect, he won't do anything.
Told from both Ian and Ravenna's perspectives, it takes you into the story, giving you details about both their lives prior to them meeting. It also tells you how the case is moving along, what they have found, and what still needs answering. Whether you get those answers is another story.
The world-building was descriptive, giving clear examples of prejudice and how living in a world where magic exists might not be accepted by everyone. The pacing is smooth, and the story flows to its natural conclusion. There is a HFN ending with the case unsolved so I am presuming their story will continue on in the next book.
A good start to a series that will leave you with questions unanswered. If you like paranormal mysteries, then I can definitely recommend this one.
** 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!
Told from both Ian and Ravenna's perspectives, it takes you into the story, giving you details about both their lives prior to them meeting. It also tells you how the case is moving along, what they have found, and what still needs answering. Whether you get those answers is another story.
The world-building was descriptive, giving clear examples of prejudice and how living in a world where magic exists might not be accepted by everyone. The pacing is smooth, and the story flows to its natural conclusion. There is a HFN ending with the case unsolved so I am presuming their story will continue on in the next book.
A good start to a series that will leave you with questions unanswered. If you like paranormal mysteries, then I can definitely recommend this one.
** 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Generation 18 (Spook Squad, #2) in Books
Mar 20, 2022
50 of 230
Book
Generation 18 (Spook Squad book 2)
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
COUNTDOWN TO CRISIS
A serial killer strikes every twelve hours. A vampire takes lives at random. At first glance, these tragic incidents seem unrelated. But Special Investigations Unit agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern trace them both back to a military base known as Hopeworth. Is the murder spree part of a cover-up? And are the vampire killings less by chance and more methodical?
The investigation takes an eerie, personal turn when Sam discovers a connection between herself and the victims—and a clue to her own mysterious origins. With the violence escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, the stakes are raised and the mission changes from seeking justice to ensuring Sam and Gabriel’s own survival. And the one person who seems to hold all the answers—about Hopeworth, about Sam’s past—is a mystery man she isn’t sure she can trust. They share a psychic link through her dreams, and he once saved her life, but he may just be the greatest enemy humankind has ever known.
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. I really like this series although I’m getting so frustrated with Gabriel he needs to deal with his issues! I love the Sam Ryan I really feel for her and the way she’s treated. Hopefully she won’t be so lonely for too much longer. The thing with Keri Arthur is you just become so immersed into her worlds no Mary what series you’re reading.
Book
Generation 18 (Spook Squad book 2)
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
COUNTDOWN TO CRISIS
A serial killer strikes every twelve hours. A vampire takes lives at random. At first glance, these tragic incidents seem unrelated. But Special Investigations Unit agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern trace them both back to a military base known as Hopeworth. Is the murder spree part of a cover-up? And are the vampire killings less by chance and more methodical?
The investigation takes an eerie, personal turn when Sam discovers a connection between herself and the victims—and a clue to her own mysterious origins. With the violence escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, the stakes are raised and the mission changes from seeking justice to ensuring Sam and Gabriel’s own survival. And the one person who seems to hold all the answers—about Hopeworth, about Sam’s past—is a mystery man she isn’t sure she can trust. They share a psychic link through her dreams, and he once saved her life, but he may just be the greatest enemy humankind has ever known.
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. I really like this series although I’m getting so frustrated with Gabriel he needs to deal with his issues! I love the Sam Ryan I really feel for her and the way she’s treated. Hopefully she won’t be so lonely for too much longer. The thing with Keri Arthur is you just become so immersed into her worlds no Mary what series you’re reading.