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Merissa (14142 KP) rated Vampire Hunter (Knights of Black Swan #8) in Books
May 17, 2023
This story is mainly told from Ram's point of view, so I hope you can read 'Irish' because that is how the majority is written. You do get extra povs from Liam, Lan, Storm and Kay which was an additional bonus to the story. In my opinion, you do need to have read My Familiar Stranger for you to make the most of this story. I am glad to see that my favourite scene is still in there - toothpick, anyone?
Well-written, and packed full of emotions, events, humour and sadness, this is a fantastic addition to the Black Swan series. This story gives you an extra insight into Ram, who he is and why he acts and says the things he does. I go against the grain in that Ram isn't my favourite Knight - I know, so shoot me! - but this story does make him more likeable to me. I am really glad that I read this book, as I have thoroughly loved the whole series so far, and this just nicely rounds out the book that started it all for me. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 18, 2016
Well-written, and packed full of emotions, events, humour and sadness, this is a fantastic addition to the Black Swan series. This story gives you an extra insight into Ram, who he is and why he acts and says the things he does. I go against the grain in that Ram isn't my favourite Knight - I know, so shoot me! - but this story does make him more likeable to me. I am really glad that I read this book, as I have thoroughly loved the whole series so far, and this just nicely rounds out the book that started it all for me. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 18, 2016
Merissa (14142 KP) rated The Solitary Protector (Etherya's Earth #8) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
THE SOLITARY PROTECTOR is the eighth book in the Etherya's Earth series and we FINALLY get more of Alrec and Kilani!!! I can't believe I've waited this whole time. And now we get their son, Leo, too. Be still my beating heart.
Addie wants to know more about her purple eyes and sets off on a journey. Along the way, she meets Leo. To say these two are opposites would be an understatement at first glance, but once you learn more about them, you realise that they are both different and the same. Delayed gratification and so much hotness! Add to that a dash of heartbreak, hard choices, and a newly-found prophecy and you've got a recipe for a 5-star read!
Another star in the crown of Etherya's Earth, I honestly love this series. The one thing I'd recommend is to read it from the beginning, just so you get the full benefit. After all, these relationships don't just happen, you know. 😉
HIGHLY 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!
Jun 7, 2023
Addie wants to know more about her purple eyes and sets off on a journey. Along the way, she meets Leo. To say these two are opposites would be an understatement at first glance, but once you learn more about them, you realise that they are both different and the same. Delayed gratification and so much hotness! Add to that a dash of heartbreak, hard choices, and a newly-found prophecy and you've got a recipe for a 5-star read!
Another star in the crown of Etherya's Earth, I honestly love this series. The one thing I'd recommend is to read it from the beginning, just so you get the full benefit. After all, these relationships don't just happen, you know. 😉
HIGHLY 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!
Jun 7, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Hidden Beneath in Books
Jun 29, 2023 (Updated Jun 29, 2023)
What Happened to Ginny?
It’s another busy summer for the Snowden Family Clambake, but Julia quickly agrees when her mother, Jacqueline, asks Julia to join her for a memorial for a friend who vanished five years ago. Since it’s been five years, Ginny has been officially declared dead. Something about her disappearance feels off to Jacqueline, so she asks Julia what she can find out. Will Julia find any answers after all this time?
As a long time reader of the series, I enjoyed that this book continued a couple of ongoing storylines. I was satisfied with how things played out in them. As always, the characters are fantastic. I was smiling within pages of starting the book at getting to spend more time with these old friends. The plot spends a little time laying a foundation before it really takes off, but I was hooked the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough by the end. We get five recipes at the end as well. This is a favorite series of mine. If you enjoy it, you’ll be thrilled with the latest entry. If you aren’t yet a fan, pick up a book today, and you’ll get hooked.
As a long time reader of the series, I enjoyed that this book continued a couple of ongoing storylines. I was satisfied with how things played out in them. As always, the characters are fantastic. I was smiling within pages of starting the book at getting to spend more time with these old friends. The plot spends a little time laying a foundation before it really takes off, but I was hooked the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough by the end. We get five recipes at the end as well. This is a favorite series of mine. If you enjoy it, you’ll be thrilled with the latest entry. If you aren’t yet a fan, pick up a book today, and you’ll get hooked.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Treatment (The Program, #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I loved The Program by Suzanne Young, so I had to get The Treatment as soon as it was released to find out what happened to James and Sloane. While I didn't love The Treatment as much as The Program, this was still a good read.
I like the title. It's a good fit for what the books about, and it fits with the first boo in the series.
I like the cover. I like how, to me, it kind of portrays James and Sloane on the run. I had the hardback copy of this book, so when I took off the dust jacket, it had the pill cover which is the treatment.
The world building was done fantastically! I could see each of the scenes in my mind clearly. This time, the setting of the book takes James and Sloane all over the United States.
The pacing was a bit slow for about the first two-thirds of the book, and I was really disappointed. However, I kept reading because I desperately wanted to like this book. Luckily, I was rewarded when the last section of the book picked up pace, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The plot is good. Sloane and James are on the run from the Program after rekindling their romance from before the Program. They meet other rebels who are on the run, and they all try to stay one step ahead of the Program. Sloane is still wondering if she should take the Treatment, which would restore all of her memories, that Realm gave her. The only thing I didn't like about the plot is that it was too mushy when it came to the romance. The first book in the series wasn't as bad as this. Plus, it seemed in this book that James and Sloane were having sex at the end of almost every chapter!
I thought the characters were written really well even if James and Sloane were humping like rabbits all the time! Sloane is still a very strong female character, and in this book, we're introduced to Dallas who is also a very strong female character. Dallas does have some vulnerability though, and I found it very interesting to learn what she was like before the Program. We're also introduced to Cas in this book. Cas was like the comic relief in this book. He would always try to defuse the situation. Realm is back in this book, and I don't really like him. He's not written poorly, but he just grates on my nerves the way he's always trying to make Sloane second guess her love for James. James is very hot-headed in this book. I still do like him as a character, and I can understand why he got angry.
I enjoyed the dialogue especially when Dallas or Cas where involved in the scene. The dialogue felt very natural and fitting for a young adult book. There is some swearing in this book as well as violence. There are some sexual scenes in this book although they aren't graphic.
Overall, The Treatment (The Program #2) by Suzanne Young starts off being slow but picks up during the last third of the book. The characters are still written very well, and the world building is fantastic.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who enjoyed The Program and want to know more about Sloane and James.
I loved The Program by Suzanne Young, so I had to get The Treatment as soon as it was released to find out what happened to James and Sloane. While I didn't love The Treatment as much as The Program, this was still a good read.
I like the title. It's a good fit for what the books about, and it fits with the first boo in the series.
I like the cover. I like how, to me, it kind of portrays James and Sloane on the run. I had the hardback copy of this book, so when I took off the dust jacket, it had the pill cover which is the treatment.
The world building was done fantastically! I could see each of the scenes in my mind clearly. This time, the setting of the book takes James and Sloane all over the United States.
The pacing was a bit slow for about the first two-thirds of the book, and I was really disappointed. However, I kept reading because I desperately wanted to like this book. Luckily, I was rewarded when the last section of the book picked up pace, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The plot is good. Sloane and James are on the run from the Program after rekindling their romance from before the Program. They meet other rebels who are on the run, and they all try to stay one step ahead of the Program. Sloane is still wondering if she should take the Treatment, which would restore all of her memories, that Realm gave her. The only thing I didn't like about the plot is that it was too mushy when it came to the romance. The first book in the series wasn't as bad as this. Plus, it seemed in this book that James and Sloane were having sex at the end of almost every chapter!
I thought the characters were written really well even if James and Sloane were humping like rabbits all the time! Sloane is still a very strong female character, and in this book, we're introduced to Dallas who is also a very strong female character. Dallas does have some vulnerability though, and I found it very interesting to learn what she was like before the Program. We're also introduced to Cas in this book. Cas was like the comic relief in this book. He would always try to defuse the situation. Realm is back in this book, and I don't really like him. He's not written poorly, but he just grates on my nerves the way he's always trying to make Sloane second guess her love for James. James is very hot-headed in this book. I still do like him as a character, and I can understand why he got angry.
I enjoyed the dialogue especially when Dallas or Cas where involved in the scene. The dialogue felt very natural and fitting for a young adult book. There is some swearing in this book as well as violence. There are some sexual scenes in this book although they aren't graphic.
Overall, The Treatment (The Program #2) by Suzanne Young starts off being slow but picks up during the last third of the book. The characters are still written very well, and the world building is fantastic.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who enjoyed The Program and want to know more about Sloane and James.
jmercado (1 KP) rated Gerard's Beauty (Kingdom, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
2nd book in the Kingdom Series.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) in Books
May 25, 2018
Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) by Jessica Coulter Smith
Offered to the Cyborg is the second book in the Cy-Con series, but can be read as a standalone. Shaylee was kidnapped from Earth, and has been used and passed around as a slave since then. Although she has had children, she has never found pleasure in the making of them, due to the pain and humiliation she has endured. So when Wrylack enters the medbay where she is being held, she really has no idea of what is going to happen next as he treats her in a way she is totally unused to.
This is a fast-paced story that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
This is a fast-paced story that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
Dana (24 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I think it was a great set up for what is to come in the rest of the series. Working with a world that is so complex, like this one, is very difficult and requires a lot of world building which I think this book did very well.
The pacing was slow at parts, but even in those moments, it was enjoyable.
The characters were all very interesting and well thought out. I hope that in the next books there is more building on the relationships of the characters and reactions to the consequences of what they had done. I want to learn more about their Peculiarities and how they work as well.
I wish we could get more background on how the mechanics of the Home works, but I think we may get that in the next books.
I loved the integration of the images in with the story. I think it worked very well in this book, something that does not always reign true with all books set up like this.
I was lucky enough to meet Ransom Riggs at Yallwest in 2015 and he is so nice! I am so glad I finally read the book after owning it for a few years!
I would love to pick up the next two books to continue the series! I can't wait to see what they are going to do with the movie as well!
The pacing was slow at parts, but even in those moments, it was enjoyable.
The characters were all very interesting and well thought out. I hope that in the next books there is more building on the relationships of the characters and reactions to the consequences of what they had done. I want to learn more about their Peculiarities and how they work as well.
I wish we could get more background on how the mechanics of the Home works, but I think we may get that in the next books.
I loved the integration of the images in with the story. I think it worked very well in this book, something that does not always reign true with all books set up like this.
I was lucky enough to meet Ransom Riggs at Yallwest in 2015 and he is so nice! I am so glad I finally read the book after owning it for a few years!
I would love to pick up the next two books to continue the series! I can't wait to see what they are going to do with the movie as well!
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Mystic Maples (Deerbourne Inn Series) in Books
Jun 18, 2019
Mystic Maples (Deerbourne Inn Series) by Tena Stetler
Mystic Maples is the first book by Tena Stetler I have read, although it is part of a larger series, Deerbourne Inn, which involves other authors.
In this, Mercy takes a leave of absence from the shop she co-owns with her sister, after a dramatic few months. She ends up at Deerbourne Inn, but due to a mix-up, she is only there for two weeks, rather than the six months she had intended. Along comes Silvanus to save the day.
This was an easy read that didn't really delve too deeply into any of the 'paranormal' elements. We know Mercy is a Earth/Fire witch, but mainly she grows plants. We know Silvanus is a gypsy/fae, but his gypsy side is stronger. There is a magical, time-travelling vardo that takes them back to right a wrong, but once again, this is skimmed over and done with before you can blink.
For myself, this was a lunch-break book - definitely good enough to whisk me away for an hour, but nothing that stays with me after. If you are looking for a light read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
In this, Mercy takes a leave of absence from the shop she co-owns with her sister, after a dramatic few months. She ends up at Deerbourne Inn, but due to a mix-up, she is only there for two weeks, rather than the six months she had intended. Along comes Silvanus to save the day.
This was an easy read that didn't really delve too deeply into any of the 'paranormal' elements. We know Mercy is a Earth/Fire witch, but mainly she grows plants. We know Silvanus is a gypsy/fae, but his gypsy side is stronger. There is a magical, time-travelling vardo that takes them back to right a wrong, but once again, this is skimmed over and done with before you can blink.
For myself, this was a lunch-break book - definitely good enough to whisk me away for an hour, but nothing that stays with me after. If you are looking for a light read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
Merissa (14142 KP) rated The Heart (Ice Dragons Hockey, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The Heart is the second book in the Ice Dragons Hockey series, and we reunite with Alex, aka Simba. Some time has passed since the end of The Code and the Dragons are on a losing streak. Alex calls for a meeting which goes on until early hours of the morning. On his way home, he and Ryan spot a car accident, and Alex is able to save both the baby and her father, although he is injured in the process. Jo is a firefighter on probation and the one who saves Alex.
This is a great story, with a humorous start in the kitchen between Jo and Alex. Jo has her own reasons for not wanting a relationship, the same as Alex does, but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other, and wanting more. There is an air of suspense with this book too as Jo has to deal with different situations all connected by a bomb. With additional stories involving Gooley, and the twins, there is definitely something here for everyone.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a wonderful addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to Gooley's story which is coming next.
* 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!
This is a great story, with a humorous start in the kitchen between Jo and Alex. Jo has her own reasons for not wanting a relationship, the same as Alex does, but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other, and wanting more. There is an air of suspense with this book too as Jo has to deal with different situations all connected by a bomb. With additional stories involving Gooley, and the twins, there is definitely something here for everyone.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a wonderful addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to Gooley's story which is coming next.
* 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!
Charlotte Ozanne (108 KP) rated End Game (Will Robie #5) in Books
Nov 12, 2019
I foolishly bought this book thinking it was a one-off and not tied into a series. After reading three chapters, I decided to Google Baldacci and realised this is actually book number five in the Will Robie series. However, I was enjoying it thus far and was intrigued to see how it would play out. Not having read the first four books did not bother me too much as I am quite sure they are about standalone missions; there are just some continuities in Robie's life, but I got the gist of some things I had missed out on.
This is the first thriller novel I have read and it has intrigued me to read more. Baldacci's writing is very simple (no complicated words and sporadic jargon), which results in a nice relaxing read. The first half of the book excited me more than the latter, the build up and investigation into Blue Man's disappearance interested me more than the fighting action in the latter half. Personally, I thought there were too many characters in the book. It was hard to keep track of everyone and their separate motives; as well as the general "who is that again?".
Having said that, I did enjoy it - it is a good introduction into the crime thriller genre. And I would read more of Baldacci's work. Perhaps I'll start from the very beginning next time though!
This is the first thriller novel I have read and it has intrigued me to read more. Baldacci's writing is very simple (no complicated words and sporadic jargon), which results in a nice relaxing read. The first half of the book excited me more than the latter, the build up and investigation into Blue Man's disappearance interested me more than the fighting action in the latter half. Personally, I thought there were too many characters in the book. It was hard to keep track of everyone and their separate motives; as well as the general "who is that again?".
Having said that, I did enjoy it - it is a good introduction into the crime thriller genre. And I would read more of Baldacci's work. Perhaps I'll start from the very beginning next time though!