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Merissa (14003 KP) rated Beautiful Mistakes (Second Chances #3) in Books
Aug 25, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
BEAUTIFUL MISTAKES is the third book in the Second Chances series and we finally get all the details on the two squabbling children who have made their feelings towards each other known in the previous two stories!
We all know it's a case of forbidden attraction between Wolf and Spencer, but here, we actually find out their childhood backstories as well more recent happenings between them.
Now, Spencer hasn't been my favourite 'friend' in this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable he is in this. He and Wolf have similar backgrounds in some ways, but whereas one goes one way, the other goes another. Make sense? It will do, trust me.
This is a slow burn - after all, it's been years since they were at college together - but hold onto your hats, because when it gets on, IT GETS ON!!!
A great ending to the series with an added bonus scene (if you can get it - my Paperwhite didn't like it for some reason, so I can't comment on specifics). A fun read with lots of emotions covering a multitude of events, this is absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 25, 2021
We all know it's a case of forbidden attraction between Wolf and Spencer, but here, we actually find out their childhood backstories as well more recent happenings between them.
Now, Spencer hasn't been my favourite 'friend' in this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable he is in this. He and Wolf have similar backgrounds in some ways, but whereas one goes one way, the other goes another. Make sense? It will do, trust me.
This is a slow burn - after all, it's been years since they were at college together - but hold onto your hats, because when it gets on, IT GETS ON!!!
A great ending to the series with an added bonus scene (if you can get it - my Paperwhite didn't like it for some reason, so I can't comment on specifics). A fun read with lots of emotions covering a multitude of events, this is absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 25, 2021
Merissa (14003 KP) rated Full Moon in Leo in Books
Dec 15, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
FULL MOON IN LEO is a standalone novel with the potential to become a series if the other characters speak up. In this story, we meet with Cole, a guy who's done time but for all good reasons (once you actually find out what they are), and Jesse, a trans guy who prefers they/them pronouns, who runs a charming apothecary in Jewel.
Cole has trust issues and is constantly fighting with his family. The only one he doesn't is his aunt, which is how he ends up in Jewel. There, he meets old friends and new and falls - quite literally - for Jesse. Jesse is on the spectrum and very rarely allows himself to like anyone, but Cole gets under his skin in a good way.
The apothecary setting for this novel is great, but you don't really see much more than that, just general descriptions. The pacing is good for the most part but can feel both slow and rushed in places. I would love to know more about Tara and Monica, both of whom have more than a few rough edges.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable read with a seasonal theme. If that's what you're looking for, then I can definitely recommend 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!
Dec 15, 2020
Cole has trust issues and is constantly fighting with his family. The only one he doesn't is his aunt, which is how he ends up in Jewel. There, he meets old friends and new and falls - quite literally - for Jesse. Jesse is on the spectrum and very rarely allows himself to like anyone, but Cole gets under his skin in a good way.
The apothecary setting for this novel is great, but you don't really see much more than that, just general descriptions. The pacing is good for the most part but can feel both slow and rushed in places. I would love to know more about Tara and Monica, both of whom have more than a few rough edges.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable read with a seasonal theme. If that's what you're looking for, then I can definitely recommend 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!
Dec 15, 2020
Merissa (14003 KP) rated Secret Origins (The Courtless Fae #1) in Books
Aug 17, 2023
Secret Origins is the first book in The Courtless Fae series and runs along the same timeline as Ignited, the sixth and final book in the Daywalker series. Personally, I would recommend you read that series first as it will give you a better idea about the different characters and what makes them tick. You will also see Myst with Frankie which is always worth a read.
You learn more about Myst from the start of this book. She has a persona she puts forward for everyone, and even falls for it herself at times. She pushes people away, not wanting to care for anyone. Unfortunately for her, some people sneak past her walls. From the other books, it is obvious that Myst and Fenrir have a history together but now we learn just what that history was. No wonder Myst pushed him away. Fenrir has a lot to do to make up to Myst and to get her to trust him again.
As with all of Maya Daniels' books, it is full of snarky humour and action. There are new characters to meet as we learn about Myst's past that I can't wait to meet again. A brilliant start to a new series and 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 26, 2020
You learn more about Myst from the start of this book. She has a persona she puts forward for everyone, and even falls for it herself at times. She pushes people away, not wanting to care for anyone. Unfortunately for her, some people sneak past her walls. From the other books, it is obvious that Myst and Fenrir have a history together but now we learn just what that history was. No wonder Myst pushed him away. Fenrir has a lot to do to make up to Myst and to get her to trust him again.
As with all of Maya Daniels' books, it is full of snarky humour and action. There are new characters to meet as we learn about Myst's past that I can't wait to meet again. A brilliant start to a new series and 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 26, 2020
Black Hearted (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded #2)
8.0
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He’s everything she ever wanted. She’s everything he never knew he needed. Can she convince him...
Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense
Blood Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy, #5)
8.0
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Will the hunted become the hunter before it’s over? Everyone thinks Mabe Marlow is a total...
Urban Fantasy Romance
Restored: A Second Chance Romance (Chance Brothers #2)
8.0
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She was left behind eight years ago. Now he wants her back. Can a broken elopement become a...
Adult Contemporary Romance
Star-Crossed Negotiations
10.0
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In the Nexxus system, water is a scarce commodity. Vice Ambassador Kieran Phaetal has been given the...
Science Fiction Romance
Merissa (14003 KP) rated Exploration (The Gifted #2) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This series is getting better and better! The first book introduced some amazing characters and situations. Exploration builds on those and gives you so much more.
Kate is hurting from Nick's disappearance, Nick is hurting from leaving Kate - so will these two ever get together? Robert and Co certainly hope so, even though it hurts them to see how low Kate is feeling. However, amongst all of this, you find out that there are yet more players involved, as well as new characters to meet.
Now, I will be honest here, and say that I did get a bit confused about just whose motivation was what as there seemed to be numerous branches suddenly appearing, each with their own agendas. If you stick with it though, it does become clear and at the same time, everything that you have been led to believe gets turned on its head. This book is guaranteed to keep you on your toes and make sure you don't skim-read. If you do, you'll get lost. Instead, take your time and savour every word, every moment and every plot line and character. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this book has definitely left me wanting more, and I can't wait for book 3 to come out. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2016
Kate is hurting from Nick's disappearance, Nick is hurting from leaving Kate - so will these two ever get together? Robert and Co certainly hope so, even though it hurts them to see how low Kate is feeling. However, amongst all of this, you find out that there are yet more players involved, as well as new characters to meet.
Now, I will be honest here, and say that I did get a bit confused about just whose motivation was what as there seemed to be numerous branches suddenly appearing, each with their own agendas. If you stick with it though, it does become clear and at the same time, everything that you have been led to believe gets turned on its head. This book is guaranteed to keep you on your toes and make sure you don't skim-read. If you do, you'll get lost. Instead, take your time and savour every word, every moment and every plot line and character. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this book has definitely left me wanting more, and I can't wait for book 3 to come out. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2016
KittyMiku (138 KP) rated Spiral Of Needs in Books
May 23, 2019
This book over all was fairly good to read. It is definitely a romance novel with a bit of action and all of the drama. It is centered around a werewolf pack and mostly around Ally and Derren. I think what I enjoyed the most about it is how it portrayed how jealous and vengeful people can be when getting into relationships or when their significant other is threatened or hurt. Everyone likes to feel that their lover cares deeply enough to do anything for them when the time calls for it. However, that isn't always the case and in this particular book, you are able to see how possessive and protective people can be, even if their past creates obstacles they have to overcome to find they truly love and accept another.
The past haunts everyone in one way or another and creates a defense mechanism to help us cope. So in Derren's case of not wanting to trust anyone and being loyal to a fault when you earn his trust didn't come as a surprised. After all, trust is a valuable quality that is easily broken. But to watch him struggle at first with trusting Ally due to something one her kind had done to him in the past, was quite splendid. It allowed the reader to see how its not a group of people sharing a trait but the individuals that can hurt how the outlook on a particular group of people can negatively affect us. Even though in this case it was all paranormal traits, it is easy to see and understand where this comes from. People are always judging others by their skin color or position or whatever because of someone else sharing that quality had done something to them personally. This is a huge problem and some people never fully get over the fact it was the individual who was a complete jerk of whatever (for the lack of better words) and not the group of people who share that quality. An example would be gamers. They are often considered lazy, lacking social qualities and short tempered. While most games have some of these qualities, it should be noted that those aren't to define every gamer and those who have these issues also have redeeming qualities as well. So to say anyone who plays games for massive amount of time to have all those qualities and are bad fits because one gamer may have yelled, hurt, ignored, or whatever the case is towards you, is a terrible be thing. In Spiral of Need, it was pleasant to see and watch how one person can change someone's mind on a particular problem a certain category of people fall into, is amazing and makes you wonder if this will happen in your life. Will you be the one to help people see that your category of people aren't all bad? I know my husband, who is a gamer, did that for me, just as Ally, a Seer, did for Derren.
I, also, enjoyed how even though the book had some XXX Rated scenes, it was also very much about building relationships with unlikely characters who was thought to be a problem and coming together to protect one another. Not many of our communities and societies can say that these days. It was amazing to see someone considered to be an outsider at the beginning develop a lasting friendship and place in a pack or community because of her own moral compass making her due things that she felt was only the right thing to do. I personally feel, this book addressed problems we face everyday in our world while keeping it from hitting to close to home to make it uncomfortable. It showed some of the most important qualities that all relationships, no matter the kind (examples being friendships, partnerships, etc.) needed to keep them healthy and how it can be harmful when others view someone as a threat of a problem to be eliminated. With every addressed in this book, I would say I was pleased at how smoothly is ran.
I would rate this book 4 stars out of 5 stars simply because I longed for a little more conflict but loved how it addressed issues and solved the problems it did have residing in the pages. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good werewolf love story.
The past haunts everyone in one way or another and creates a defense mechanism to help us cope. So in Derren's case of not wanting to trust anyone and being loyal to a fault when you earn his trust didn't come as a surprised. After all, trust is a valuable quality that is easily broken. But to watch him struggle at first with trusting Ally due to something one her kind had done to him in the past, was quite splendid. It allowed the reader to see how its not a group of people sharing a trait but the individuals that can hurt how the outlook on a particular group of people can negatively affect us. Even though in this case it was all paranormal traits, it is easy to see and understand where this comes from. People are always judging others by their skin color or position or whatever because of someone else sharing that quality had done something to them personally. This is a huge problem and some people never fully get over the fact it was the individual who was a complete jerk of whatever (for the lack of better words) and not the group of people who share that quality. An example would be gamers. They are often considered lazy, lacking social qualities and short tempered. While most games have some of these qualities, it should be noted that those aren't to define every gamer and those who have these issues also have redeeming qualities as well. So to say anyone who plays games for massive amount of time to have all those qualities and are bad fits because one gamer may have yelled, hurt, ignored, or whatever the case is towards you, is a terrible be thing. In Spiral of Need, it was pleasant to see and watch how one person can change someone's mind on a particular problem a certain category of people fall into, is amazing and makes you wonder if this will happen in your life. Will you be the one to help people see that your category of people aren't all bad? I know my husband, who is a gamer, did that for me, just as Ally, a Seer, did for Derren.
I, also, enjoyed how even though the book had some XXX Rated scenes, it was also very much about building relationships with unlikely characters who was thought to be a problem and coming together to protect one another. Not many of our communities and societies can say that these days. It was amazing to see someone considered to be an outsider at the beginning develop a lasting friendship and place in a pack or community because of her own moral compass making her due things that she felt was only the right thing to do. I personally feel, this book addressed problems we face everyday in our world while keeping it from hitting to close to home to make it uncomfortable. It showed some of the most important qualities that all relationships, no matter the kind (examples being friendships, partnerships, etc.) needed to keep them healthy and how it can be harmful when others view someone as a threat of a problem to be eliminated. With every addressed in this book, I would say I was pleased at how smoothly is ran.
I would rate this book 4 stars out of 5 stars simply because I longed for a little more conflict but loved how it addressed issues and solved the problems it did have residing in the pages. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good werewolf love story.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Trust Me, I'm a Doctor in Tabletop Games
Oct 13, 2020
Did you know that in olden days doctors and traveling alchemist frauds would prescribe cocaine for various illnesses and maladies? It’s true. Also were you aware that fecal transfusions could cure a multitude of sicknesses? You know, taking feces from one person and injecting it into the intestines of another can cure LOTS of bad stuff. Like excessively odorous gas expelations. Well, that one may or may not be true, but if you think you can sell that cure to your friends, you are ready to play Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.
In Trust Me, I’m a Doctor (which I guess I will just call Trust Me from here on out) players will be taking the mantles of traveling salespeople hawking their wares or old timey doctors prescribing ridiculous cures for what ails their patients. Players will be using the tried and true model of Apples to Apples with a twist to throw out their cure to the patient and hope their solution earns the vote from the patient as the best of the lot. The player with the most earned Ailments cards at the end of the game will be the winning shyster or quack this side of the Mississippi!
To setup, each player will receive a hand of Cure cards. A first patient is decided, who will flip the top card of the Ailments deck. The game can now begin in earnest. Or Earnest, if that’s the persona the patient wishes to take.
On the Ailment card will be the particular malady and one or more icons pertaining to the cures that can be played upon it. The non-patients now must choose a Cure card containing a matching icon to the Ailment and begin preparing their pitch. Once all players have submitted their Cures face-down, each quack will then explain to the patient why they must choose their particular Cure by convincing them of its success rate and process. The patient then chooses the best Cure, and the winning player will collect the Ailment card as a VP. Once the game is over the player with the most VP Ailment cards is the winner!
Components. This game is a bunch of cards. That’s it. Even the rules are printed on the backs of two cards (so really it’s one card if the rules had been printed on front and back). The cards are good quality, and I appreciate the thematic art on each card. The one issue I have with the components is the choice of font for the title of each card. I get that the game is trying to convey that old timey feeling, but the font makes each card a little different and sometimes too scrunched up for my tastes. Other than that, I dig everything else. Oh, the inside of the box is even printed, much like the Tiny Epic games. Cool decision there.
So do I enjoy this one? You know, I do. I don’t have Snake Oil, but this is similar in that you’re trying to sell your opponents on choosing your card. So, if you’re a good salesperson then you will do super well here. Unfortunately for me my father-in-law is a retired car salesman so he mops the floor with us. But I mean, check out the example in the photo above. To cure Cannibalism an appropriately played card is POWERFUL LAXATIVES. Seriously? Poop out your desire to eat other people? I mean, if you have the sales skills to pull that one off, well I applaud you. Obviously the best answer goes something like this, “The power of prayer heals all. Even your taste for others.”
Now, I just gave you a pretty PG-rated response to something that could go VERY R-rated VERY quickly. Please note: this game is NSFW and I wouldn’t play it with anyone under 18 even though the box says 12+. There are some touchy cards in there that I wouldn’t want to upset little Bobby with at family game night. All in all this is a good little game to get the party started or to break in new gamers. The Apples to Apples mechanics work well and there is enough ridiculousness to make everyone laugh, or even chortle. So check this one out if you need a little card game that will get people in the mood to game, with hints of adult-ness and impossibility thrown in for good measure. And don’t forget to suggest leeches for your game-mates that don’t enjoy this. They suck the grumpiness right outta you.
In Trust Me, I’m a Doctor (which I guess I will just call Trust Me from here on out) players will be taking the mantles of traveling salespeople hawking their wares or old timey doctors prescribing ridiculous cures for what ails their patients. Players will be using the tried and true model of Apples to Apples with a twist to throw out their cure to the patient and hope their solution earns the vote from the patient as the best of the lot. The player with the most earned Ailments cards at the end of the game will be the winning shyster or quack this side of the Mississippi!
To setup, each player will receive a hand of Cure cards. A first patient is decided, who will flip the top card of the Ailments deck. The game can now begin in earnest. Or Earnest, if that’s the persona the patient wishes to take.
On the Ailment card will be the particular malady and one or more icons pertaining to the cures that can be played upon it. The non-patients now must choose a Cure card containing a matching icon to the Ailment and begin preparing their pitch. Once all players have submitted their Cures face-down, each quack will then explain to the patient why they must choose their particular Cure by convincing them of its success rate and process. The patient then chooses the best Cure, and the winning player will collect the Ailment card as a VP. Once the game is over the player with the most VP Ailment cards is the winner!
Components. This game is a bunch of cards. That’s it. Even the rules are printed on the backs of two cards (so really it’s one card if the rules had been printed on front and back). The cards are good quality, and I appreciate the thematic art on each card. The one issue I have with the components is the choice of font for the title of each card. I get that the game is trying to convey that old timey feeling, but the font makes each card a little different and sometimes too scrunched up for my tastes. Other than that, I dig everything else. Oh, the inside of the box is even printed, much like the Tiny Epic games. Cool decision there.
So do I enjoy this one? You know, I do. I don’t have Snake Oil, but this is similar in that you’re trying to sell your opponents on choosing your card. So, if you’re a good salesperson then you will do super well here. Unfortunately for me my father-in-law is a retired car salesman so he mops the floor with us. But I mean, check out the example in the photo above. To cure Cannibalism an appropriately played card is POWERFUL LAXATIVES. Seriously? Poop out your desire to eat other people? I mean, if you have the sales skills to pull that one off, well I applaud you. Obviously the best answer goes something like this, “The power of prayer heals all. Even your taste for others.”
Now, I just gave you a pretty PG-rated response to something that could go VERY R-rated VERY quickly. Please note: this game is NSFW and I wouldn’t play it with anyone under 18 even though the box says 12+. There are some touchy cards in there that I wouldn’t want to upset little Bobby with at family game night. All in all this is a good little game to get the party started or to break in new gamers. The Apples to Apples mechanics work well and there is enough ridiculousness to make everyone laugh, or even chortle. So check this one out if you need a little card game that will get people in the mood to game, with hints of adult-ness and impossibility thrown in for good measure. And don’t forget to suggest leeches for your game-mates that don’t enjoy this. They suck the grumpiness right outta you.
