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The Forever Purge (2021)
The Forever Purge (2021)
2021 | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
6
6.0 (12 Ratings)
Movie Rating
At this point, we all know what we're getting when a new Purge film shuffles it's way into the harsh light of day. Lots of shooting, CGI blood spatters, characters looking super serious as their protective shutters roll over the windows and doors of their houses, and some vague message about society and the state of America. All of this is present and correct for the latest installment of this ever popular franchise, and to be quite honest, it's entertaining as hell. It may be predictable, it may be on the nose with what it's trying to say, but it pulls off some genuinely tense action scenes (there's one extended long shot in particular, later on in the runtime, that looks incredible), shakes up the formula by showing us what a Purge night may look like from the viewpoint of immigrants, and delivers a film that not only portrays America descending into absolute chaos, but does a good job at making it feel legit.
The Forever Purge is hardly breaking new ground, but still manages to feel somewhat fresh in a horror series that is 5 films deep. It's also a decent recovery after the last film seriously stumbled. All in all, a popcorn movie that will surely be a bucket of bloody fun if you leave your brain at the door.
  
The Water King's Bride (The Descendants #2)
The Water King's Bride (The Descendants #2)
T.E. Ridener | 2022 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE WATER KING'S BRIDE is the second book in The Descendants series and follows directly on from book one, so I definitely recommend you read that first!

Heidi and Isaiah have stopped their constant bickering from book one as they both realise they have feelings for the other. That has to take a backseat though, as Heidi is desperate to find her father and missing people. We meet a multitude of new characters and reunite with some old ones, although whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.

As with book one, this is just as fast-paced and it is full of action. Whilst it fits with the story, I would like to see more about the characters, their backgrounds, the world they live in. Sometimes, it feels as though it's a spin-off from another series, one that explains about TimeKeepers, etc.

Saying that, this was a brilliant addition to the series that kept my attention and had me turning the pages. A fantastic story and I can't wait to see what happens next.

** 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!
  
Resolve And Retribution
Resolve And Retribution
Michael W. Holman | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is an incredibly in-depth tale, which doesn't make much sense to start with. As the story progresses though, and you get more information on who Tabitha is and what she can do, it starts to make more sense.

Ben is a boy at the start of this book, and in his fifties by the end. I think this is one of the rare occasions when I have read about the main character ageing in such a way. It certainly made for a nice change, although it did get a bit confusing when the age changed with no notice or warning given.

There is action and suspense here, as well as courage, friendship and loyalty. The English that is spoken is from a few centuries ago. With a detailed backstory, you get the whole thing - beginning, middle, and end (of this book). It does end on a minor cliffhanger, so fair warning.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone who wants to read something to get their teeth into and likes vampires with a difference.

* 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!
Jan 17, 2016
  
Loving the Enemy (7 Forbidden Arts #0)
Loving the Enemy (7 Forbidden Arts #0)
Charmaine Pauls | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lily is on the streets of South Africa when we first meet her, not knowing the story behind how she ended up there. Jacob comes along as her saviour, but is he really, or just a wolf in sheep's clothing?

The chemistry is there between these two from the start, but Jacob does a good job of restraining himself. Jacob is most definitely an alpha male, and Lily, although she comes across as incredibly naive, almost ditzy in places, she is the perfect match for him.

This is one helluva fast-paced, action-filled, and steamy in places, book that will delight and enthral you from start to finish. There is an introduction to a group of people that will fill out the paranormal side of things, I'm sure.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. However, the tiny blood-thirsty part of me was hoping for Lily to get her own back against her father and step-brother. I guess I will just have to wait and see if she shows up in further books.

* 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!
Jan 23, 2016
  
Alpha Shaman (Bad Oak Boys #2)
Alpha Shaman (Bad Oak Boys #2)
Erin M. Leaf | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Josh thinks that he is human, although he is aware of the werewolf gene in his family. However, when he starts having strange dreams and shedding fur, he admits he might be in trouble. He rings Ryan (his brother) who sends out a Shaman who will help him. When Josh and Gerwulf first meet, the wolves both agree that they have found their mates, although the human halves still need convincing. Evil is on the way though, so they may not have as much time as they would like.

This is the first of the Bad Oak Boys that I have read, although I didn't feel that it negatively impacted my enjoyment in any way. Alpha Shaman is full of action, romance, and yes, even grief. I could understand Gerwulf's hang-ups from his past and liked how he worked through them, with Josh's help. Josh and Gerwulf are both excellent characters, well-rounded and with their own quirks.

I have enjoyed this story, and am now looking forward to reading Rock Star Baby, which is book one in this series.

* 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!
Feb 11, 2016
  
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OK, call me shallow, but I have to admit that reading about a tattooed man, with long hair, into bikes, makes the story a lot easier to read. I love The Blood Rose series, but this book was outstanding. I love how although the Mastyrs are important, it is their Blood Roses who are coming into their own. Each is different, each bringing just what is needed, I think they are all magnificent but I will admit to loving Olivia's attitude! She rocks!!

As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.

Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely recommended.

* 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!
Feb 28, 2016
  
Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8)
Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8)
Setta Jay | 2016 | Erotica, Paranormal, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sacha is the second female to get her mate (Brianne and Vane) and she gets a fully-fledged God in Hades. She is lying in a coma when he realises, so he does the only thing a God can do, and wakes her up! Drake is none too chuffed with this turn of events and it is down to P to try and explain the importance of why Sacha needs to choose for herself.

Can I just say, I loved Hades! Even since I watched Disney's Hercules with my daughters, I couldn't help but see Hades like this in my mind! Let me just say though, that Setta Jay's Hades is nothing like this! He is gorgeous, caring, proactive, and yes, just a little bit arrogant. He is a God though, so give him a break.

Sacha and Hades make the perfect couple. He is understanding of her and tries to help with her recovery. Sacha rounds Hades out and smooths his arrogant edges. Love them.

Hot, sexy, funny, action-packed - Divine Ecstasy is a fantastic addition to the Guardians of the Realms series, and I can't wait for P's book and Sirena's!!!

* 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!
Mar 7, 2016
  
The Wicked (Mythology #2)
The Wicked (Mythology #2)
Helen Boswell | 2013 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second book in the Mythology series continues pretty much where book one finished. Micah and Hope are together, but Micah is having to fight his instincts every step of the way, which has an impact on how he and Hope are. She is supportive in every sense, but she can't fight every battle for him. Things are not easy for them both though, either at school or in their personal lives. They both have choices to make and things to do, which will lead them in differing ways. Will they be able to work this through?

This is a full-on and action-packed book. Although I enjoyed it, it didn't have as much impact on me as the first one, I think because it is quite fragmented into which story is currently being told. Don't get me wrong, I understand that this is the way it needs to be to cover everything and to get the story told, I'm just not a big fan of separate storylines within one.

This is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. The storyline was smooth (within each particular story) and culminated together nicely at the end. A good addition to the series, and I'm still looking forward to continuing Micah and Hope's story.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016
  
BT
Beyond the Mountain (Faes Captive 4)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
24 of 220
Kindle
Beyond the Mountain ( Faes Captive 4)
By Lily Archer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Betrayal has taken Taylor far beyond my reach. I can feel the bond stretched and twisted until it’s on the verge of snapping. But I will find her. She is mine as I am hers, and nothing will stop me from recovering my queen. I will always come for her. If she is hurt, I will heal her. If she is scared, I will wrap my arms around her, my embrace her safe harbor. And as for the ones who took her? I will destroy them all. Crossing the frozen heart of winter will be their final mistake. My fury will end the king beyond the mountain, and I will return to the winter realm with my queen by my side. A solid plan. One that would have worked. But when I reach the Gray Mountains, nothing is as it seems, and my mate faces a danger from the most insidious of foes—herself.
Lily's Note: Beyond the Mountain concludes Leander and Taylor's primary romance arc, but they will appear in future books. Book 5 begins Gareth and Beth's story.

Well it all happens in this one!! The best one yet and I absolutely love Taylor’s new look! Packed with action and I loved catching up with these characters.
  
Yosemite
Yosemite
Sandy Dengler | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hiding in the Wilderness of Yosemite
Jack Prester’s latest assignment is to take three CPA’s into the wilderness around Yosemite and hide them from the assassins after them so they can be witnesses at an upcoming trial. Jack’s dad thinks it is doomed to fail, and with a new baby, the stakes for Jack are high. But his agrees, with his parents and Ev staying nearby to provide support if needed. Will he be able to keep everyone alive for two weeks?

It's been almost ten years since I read the previous book in the series, but I quickly slipped back into his world, and it was wonderful connecting with the characters again. Because we get the story from multiple points of view, we get to see the tourist spots as well as the area Jack is traveling. This also allows the tension to rise as we keep reading. This isn’t a high-octane thriller with tons of action, but it was impossible to put down since I had to know how it would turn out. I did feel like a couple of minor things weren’t tied up with a nice bow, but I’m being nitpicky here. On the whole, I loved getting to spend time with Jack again, and I can’t wait to crack open the next in the series.