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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dakota Burn (Leine Basso #8) in Books
Sep 27, 2019
Excellent and a must-read series
I seem to have run out of superlatives to describe this series of books by D.V. Berkom and containing the awesome Leine Basso so will just say it's another fantastic read and a must-read addition to anyone's bookshelf be it a physical one or electronic.
With an extremely disturbing but, tragically, all too realistic story line, this book contains subject matter which is distasteful and abhorrent to the majority of the "normal" population however, it is treated with respect and restraint by the author.
Excellent and believable characters litter this book from the goodies to the villains with Derek being a particular favourite of mine along with Jinn who gets better and better with each outing. The setting amongst the bleakness of an oil town in North Dakota is perfect and adds to the atmosphere and darkness of the subject matter.
Full of action and a fair amount of violence, this book is written at a quick pace which had me devouring it at every opportunity with the only complaint I have being that I finished it too quickly!
Another hit for me and I have no hesitation in recommending any of them in the series; you don't particularly need to read them in sequence but I would certainly advise that you do in order to get the most out of the characters and to have a greater understanding of their motivations and thought processes.
I must thank the author for sending me a copy in return for a honest and unbiased review - I can't wait for the next one.
With an extremely disturbing but, tragically, all too realistic story line, this book contains subject matter which is distasteful and abhorrent to the majority of the "normal" population however, it is treated with respect and restraint by the author.
Excellent and believable characters litter this book from the goodies to the villains with Derek being a particular favourite of mine along with Jinn who gets better and better with each outing. The setting amongst the bleakness of an oil town in North Dakota is perfect and adds to the atmosphere and darkness of the subject matter.
Full of action and a fair amount of violence, this book is written at a quick pace which had me devouring it at every opportunity with the only complaint I have being that I finished it too quickly!
Another hit for me and I have no hesitation in recommending any of them in the series; you don't particularly need to read them in sequence but I would certainly advise that you do in order to get the most out of the characters and to have a greater understanding of their motivations and thought processes.
I must thank the author for sending me a copy in return for a honest and unbiased review - I can't wait for the next one.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Union (Torsere #2) in Books
Sep 4, 2020
Union is the second book in the Torsere series and we return to Nykin and Ryneq as they prepare for Cerylea's marriage to Morkryn, prince of the Elves. This is a series with an overall story arc so I would absolutely recommend you read them in order so it all makes sense.
The action this time takes place in Alel with the Elves and we get to see what a magical place they live in. We also reunite with Faelon and Avelor and find out more about the bond between Fimor, Faelon, and Nykin. It's not just love in the air as Seran is still out for blood, this time recruiting a dark witch to make things more complicated.
I loved returning to this world. I still adore Nykin and Ryneq and love how they have their responsibilities before each other but it doesn't stop them from enjoying themselves whenever possible! They are both learning to live with each other and what compromises need to be made. Ryneq is trying to keep a lid on his jealousy and possessiveness but it's not always easy. Nykin is making more of an effort to see things from Ryneq's perspective and seeing how things aren't as easy as he thought, if you are Consort or King of the Realm!
This series continues to delight and I really can't wait for the final in this amazing trilogy!
* 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!
The action this time takes place in Alel with the Elves and we get to see what a magical place they live in. We also reunite with Faelon and Avelor and find out more about the bond between Fimor, Faelon, and Nykin. It's not just love in the air as Seran is still out for blood, this time recruiting a dark witch to make things more complicated.
I loved returning to this world. I still adore Nykin and Ryneq and love how they have their responsibilities before each other but it doesn't stop them from enjoying themselves whenever possible! They are both learning to live with each other and what compromises need to be made. Ryneq is trying to keep a lid on his jealousy and possessiveness but it's not always easy. Nykin is making more of an effort to see things from Ryneq's perspective and seeing how things aren't as easy as he thought, if you are Consort or King of the Realm!
This series continues to delight and I really can't wait for the final in this amazing trilogy!
* 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 (12854 KP) rated Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1) in Books
May 11, 2020
Dark is the first book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and it introduces us to a world where shifters and vampires are not the best of friends, where you can be turned by sex or a bite, and where the thunderstorms are FIERCE!
The story itself is a simple one. Unrequited love, up-and-coming band, kidnappings, stalkers, silver addiction, did I say simple? The world-building is fulfilling enough as it is set in contemporary Texas (as you might have guessed from the series title!). Although I have never been, it was easy enough to 'see' this world.
If I had any complaints, I would mention the transitions in some of the scenes. A couple of times, I was confused between what was actually happening and what had already happened but was being remembered. Another time was right at the start. Was Hayden speaking to Ellie in the car or was she remembering the conversation?
Told from the first perspective from both Hayden and Ethan, this was a fast-paced story with plenty of action to balance out the blooming second-chance romance between our two main characters. I would love to know more about Ethan's brothers as I wasn't sure at the end just what was happening but that's probably just me.
A great start to a new series by a new-to-me author but one that I hope to continue with. 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!
The story itself is a simple one. Unrequited love, up-and-coming band, kidnappings, stalkers, silver addiction, did I say simple? The world-building is fulfilling enough as it is set in contemporary Texas (as you might have guessed from the series title!). Although I have never been, it was easy enough to 'see' this world.
If I had any complaints, I would mention the transitions in some of the scenes. A couple of times, I was confused between what was actually happening and what had already happened but was being remembered. Another time was right at the start. Was Hayden speaking to Ellie in the car or was she remembering the conversation?
Told from the first perspective from both Hayden and Ethan, this was a fast-paced story with plenty of action to balance out the blooming second-chance romance between our two main characters. I would love to know more about Ethan's brothers as I wasn't sure at the end just what was happening but that's probably just me.
A great start to a new series by a new-to-me author but one that I hope to continue with. 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated An Almost Purrfect Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2022
Who Committed Murder on an Alaskan Cruise?
A cruise to Alaska isn’t Frankie’s idea of a vacation, but when her best friend, Penny, decides to get married in the middle of a cruise, she goes along, especially since she’s the maid of honor. The first night, Frankie watches the entertainment, which includes a cat trainer. She surprised to find one of the cats outside her door the next morning transmitting some weird messages that only begin to make sense when she finds the dead body of the trainer on the lifeboat below her cabin. Can she convince anyone that he was murdered?
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Blind Side in Books
Nov 22, 2022 (Updated Nov 22, 2022)
Did a Frog Contest Jump Start a Murder?
It’s time for the annual frog jumping contest in nearby Angel’s Camp, and this year it seems to be a hotbed of controversy. A group is protesting the mistreatment of animals, and the reigning champ’s top entry turns up dead. He accuses Miah Mercer of the sabotage, but Connor Westphal is certain that her part time employee is innocent. However, the stakes are raised when Connor finds a bunch of dead frogs and a dead body in the creek near the contest grounds. Can she figure out what is going on?
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated The Blessing Way (Leaphorn & Chee, #1) in Books
Nov 22, 2023
Interesting Debut
Anthropology professor Bergen McKee is going to spend the summer on the Navajo Reservation working on his book on witches in the Navajo culture. That means reconnecting with his college friend Joe Leaphorn, who is a Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant. Leaphorn is trying to track down a young man who is hiding on the reservation, and he uses taking McKee around to try to learn the man’s location. Then the young man turns up dead miles from here Leaphorn thought he was. Meanwhile, McKee finds danger he never imagined while conducting his research. Is everything connected?
I’d been interested in starting this series for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. It took a bit to get fully immersed in the book, especially since it didn’t unfold like I thought it would. McKee is more of the main character and the better developed of the two, although I did like Leaphorn and want to learn more about him. The plot also seemed a little disjointed at first, although it came into focus before too much time had passed. Once I did get invested, I was truly hooked with plenty of suspense to keep me interested. I enjoyed learning a bit more about Navajo culture. While definitely a cross between a police procedural and a thriller, it still doesn’t have much of the content I would associate with the genres. The book came out in 1970, so keep that in mind when you go to start it. I’m glad I finally started the series, and I’m looking forward to getting to know Leaphorn better as the series goes along.
I’d been interested in starting this series for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. It took a bit to get fully immersed in the book, especially since it didn’t unfold like I thought it would. McKee is more of the main character and the better developed of the two, although I did like Leaphorn and want to learn more about him. The plot also seemed a little disjointed at first, although it came into focus before too much time had passed. Once I did get invested, I was truly hooked with plenty of suspense to keep me interested. I enjoyed learning a bit more about Navajo culture. While definitely a cross between a police procedural and a thriller, it still doesn’t have much of the content I would associate with the genres. The book came out in 1970, so keep that in mind when you go to start it. I’m glad I finally started the series, and I’m looking forward to getting to know Leaphorn better as the series goes along.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Keras (Guardians of Hades #7) in Books
Dec 8, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
KERAS is the seventh book in the Guardians of Hades series and the final one of the brothers to get his story. This doesn't mean the series is at the end though, oh no. There is a missing sister, don't forget, and Thanatos is just the god to go look for her.
Keras has been the ultimate grouch in all the previous books, being especially hard on Marek whenever Enyo paid him a visit with information. He takes his title as Lord of Darkness very seriously. In his story though, you find out that he struggles on a daily basis with the very real darkness. He even takes (highly addictive) pills that he got from dear old dad to combat it.
Enyo has been a recurring character throughout the series and now we find out just what happened between Keras and her. I found her character to be slightly confusing as she is a goddess of war, but comes across as being almost wallflower-like in some regards and strong in others.
Between the two of them are a multitude of misunderstandings, some of which I didn't get myself. These get swept aside though once the action kicks in because, believe me, you don't have time to breathe once it does.
A full-on, climatic, steamy ending to the brothers. Now I can't wait for the sister! 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!
Dec 8, 2020
Keras has been the ultimate grouch in all the previous books, being especially hard on Marek whenever Enyo paid him a visit with information. He takes his title as Lord of Darkness very seriously. In his story though, you find out that he struggles on a daily basis with the very real darkness. He even takes (highly addictive) pills that he got from dear old dad to combat it.
Enyo has been a recurring character throughout the series and now we find out just what happened between Keras and her. I found her character to be slightly confusing as she is a goddess of war, but comes across as being almost wallflower-like in some regards and strong in others.
Between the two of them are a multitude of misunderstandings, some of which I didn't get myself. These get swept aside though once the action kicks in because, believe me, you don't have time to breathe once it does.
A full-on, climatic, steamy ending to the brothers. Now I can't wait for the sister! 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!
Dec 8, 2020
David McK (3557 KP) rated Peace Talks (The Dresden Files, #16) in Books
Mar 23, 2022
It was, what something like 5 years? 6? Between the release of the last book in the series (Skin Game) and this.
Long enough for me to go back and re-read the entire thing from scratch, anyway.
I'd also seen several reviews (on Amazon, mainly) bemoaning the fact that this is more like half a book: first impressions, upon receiving it, where that they were right: this was roughly half the size of that previous novel.
Having said that, there was also an argument to be made that those later novels (from around Changes onward) had themselves become too bloated, unlike the earlier entries in the series when Harry was (mainly) a detective.
Now that I've finished reading this, I can see where some of those reviews were coming from: more than any other I can think of in the series, this definitely sets up the next (Battle Ground, cutting off just as it 'tees up' the conflict to come and how the supernatural community is going to react to it.
After having conspicuously being absent in the previous, this also see's the return of Thomas Raith (and his sister Lara), both of whom play a large role in the proceeding within this, as does Harry's mentor Ebenezer McCoy, with the concept of family coming to the fore.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.
Do I feel slightly cheated by the fact that it sets up but doesn't resolve the conflict to come, meaning I would have to buy the next book?
Also yes.
(I was going to anyway, having made it - and mainly enjoying them - this far)
Long enough for me to go back and re-read the entire thing from scratch, anyway.
I'd also seen several reviews (on Amazon, mainly) bemoaning the fact that this is more like half a book: first impressions, upon receiving it, where that they were right: this was roughly half the size of that previous novel.
Having said that, there was also an argument to be made that those later novels (from around Changes onward) had themselves become too bloated, unlike the earlier entries in the series when Harry was (mainly) a detective.
Now that I've finished reading this, I can see where some of those reviews were coming from: more than any other I can think of in the series, this definitely sets up the next (Battle Ground, cutting off just as it 'tees up' the conflict to come and how the supernatural community is going to react to it.
After having conspicuously being absent in the previous, this also see's the return of Thomas Raith (and his sister Lara), both of whom play a large role in the proceeding within this, as does Harry's mentor Ebenezer McCoy, with the concept of family coming to the fore.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.
Do I feel slightly cheated by the fact that it sets up but doesn't resolve the conflict to come, meaning I would have to buy the next book?
Also yes.
(I was going to anyway, having made it - and mainly enjoying them - this far)
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Deceived by Desire (Roaring Rogues #2) in Books
Oct 13, 2022
DECEIVED BY DESIRE is the second book in the Roaring Rogues series, and features Nash, who is currently beating himself up for the wrongs he thinks he has done. On a coach to Scotland, he is intrigued by a miss wearing hideous hats - complete with veils - who persists in speaking to him even when he doesn't want her to. What follows is a lovely story filled with humour and sexy times, as well as a dash of danger, as Laney tries to figure out her future as Nash bemoans his past.
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely 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!
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely 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!
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Collar Me (My Kinky Housemate #3) by Colette Davison in Books
May 18, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
COLLAR ME is the third book in the My Kinky Housemate series and definitely best read as part of the series, although you could read it as a standalone.
We've already met both Theo and Preston but now it's their time to shine. Preston swoops in like a superhero when Theo's trainer dumps him just before a show. Preston knows nothing about being a trainer but, for Theo, will do whatever it takes. Theo thinks the world of Preston but mistakenly thinks that Preston only sees him as a little brother. So hold onto your hats when Preston puts him straight!
I think I may have more than a handful of cavities after reading this one. They are cute/adorable/all the warm and fuzzy words. I would class this as low-angst as Theo does have to deal with some harassment but has the full support of Preston and his housemates. It's pretty clear who's doing it, but that isn't the main point. It is also hot, hot, hot! Theo's fantasy? Phew! Down, boy! And the thing I loved about it most of all is that it wasn't without 'issues'. Not that Theo seemed disappointed about more practice! Nor was Preston, for that matter.
I am loving this series. Hendrix is the house brat but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for his story. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 13 2022
We've already met both Theo and Preston but now it's their time to shine. Preston swoops in like a superhero when Theo's trainer dumps him just before a show. Preston knows nothing about being a trainer but, for Theo, will do whatever it takes. Theo thinks the world of Preston but mistakenly thinks that Preston only sees him as a little brother. So hold onto your hats when Preston puts him straight!
I think I may have more than a handful of cavities after reading this one. They are cute/adorable/all the warm and fuzzy words. I would class this as low-angst as Theo does have to deal with some harassment but has the full support of Preston and his housemates. It's pretty clear who's doing it, but that isn't the main point. It is also hot, hot, hot! Theo's fantasy? Phew! Down, boy! And the thing I loved about it most of all is that it wasn't without 'issues'. Not that Theo seemed disappointed about more practice! Nor was Preston, for that matter.
I am loving this series. Hendrix is the house brat but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for his story. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 13 2022