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Magic Dark, Magic Divine (Warrior of the Divine Sword #1)
Magic Dark, Magic Divine (Warrior of the Divine Sword #1)
A.J. Locke | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MAGIC DARK, MAGIC DIVINE is the first book in the Warrior of the Divine Sword series and, in it, we meet Pennrae who was first alive 300 years ago before she was put into a magical sleep because she broke a contract with a Diviner. She wakes up in a contemporary world, where things have definitely moved on. We meet her eight years down the line when she has managed to get a life put together for herself.

This is a fast-paced story that will keep you on tenterhooks as Pennrae goes from one explosion to another. She finds love and adventure, as well as allies she never expected. It is intricate and twisted which kept my attention from the very start.

Fair warning though - there is one part that had my f'ugly crying! I won't say more, but prepare yourself!

As it is the first book, you get the usual world-building but it is done in a way that is explanatory rather than just an info dump. I found this to be an excellent start of a new series, with a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where it goes next. 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!
Nov 5, 2021
  
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Merissa (12841 KP) rated Wishes for Rohi (Jinn and Tonic #1) in Books

Mar 26, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Wishes for Rohi (Jinn and Tonic #1)
Wishes for Rohi (Jinn and Tonic #1)
K.L. Hiers | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WISHES FOR ROHI is the first book in the Jinn and Tonic series, and we start with Ashley. He is single but longs for a romantic affair, with someone to love him. It is his birthday but even his best friend has forgotten, so he spends most of the evening with a stray cat until his friend remembers and takes him out. There he meets the mysterious Zaire who gives him a night of passion unlike anything before. The morning after though - well, you expect it to be awkward sometimes, but maybe not twin brother turning up saying you are his betrothed awkward. Unfortunately, this is what happens to Ashley, and it looks like he was just a toy for Zaire.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was obvious that Zamir and Ashley shouldn't end up together, but it also looked like they would, even though neither of them wanted it. I was completely enthralled by every word and situation. I loved Nesrina and her down-to-earth abilities and empathy. But for me, the real Queen was Moira! She was brilliant and I loved every scene she was in.

Smoothly written, with characters to enjoy, this is a book I have no hesitation in recommending, and I can't wait to see who is next in this series.

* 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 26, 2021
  
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Merissa (12841 KP) rated Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3) in Books

Mar 25, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3)
Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3)
Colette Davison | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME is the third book in the Offbeat Shifters series, but the first one of Charlie and Austin. Charlie was the unreliable pop Divo, who wouldn't take any nonsense, and Austin was Jesse's dad, who made more than a few mistakes when raising his son. This is their story.

And what a story it is!!! I really enjoyed Jesse and Isaac, I did. But these two, wow! I loved their story. It made me smile, it made me laugh, and it also made me cry. I NEED their happy ending! Part of what I loved though, was seeing Jesse and Isaac with the twins, through Austin's eyes, and seeing how he felt about his past.

This is an incredibly well-written story, that has an open ending designed to leave you hanging on for the next book, which I need, like yesterday! The characters are all amazing, with their own interests and foibles to make them more 'human'. I loved how Charlie bakes when he's stressed! And I do so love a flapjack.

This really is a fantastic addition to the series, and I can't wait for more. It was brilliant seeing Jesse and Isaac again, but now I need to know Austin and Charlie get their HEA!

* 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 25, 2021
  
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Merissa (12841 KP) rated Riding The Edge (KTS #1) in Books

Mar 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Riding The Edge (KTS #1)
Riding The Edge (KTS #1)
Elise Faber | 2020 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RIDING THE EDGE is the first book in the KTS series, and we start off with one helluva story! Dan and Ava had a 'moment' two years ago. Okay, the moment lasted for a week, but nothing since then as Ava firmly pulled up the drawbridge and made sure Dan couldn't climb her walls. Unfortunately for her, Dan is as stubborn as they come, and plays a long game, as he continues to worship her from afar. Add into that betrayal, families gone wrong, action, and all other sorts of craziness, and you've got a story to keep you enticed!

I love how Elise Faber writes. Her style is smooth and will keep you on the edge of your seat in all the right places. This is a slow-burn romance as it simply wouldn't work in the circumstances for anything else. And I loved that. I loved how she played it out, keeping them - and me - wondering what would happen next.

Although this is classed as book one, I do feel like I need Laila and Ryker's story, plus what's the down-low on Daniel? Honestly, I need more! And that, my friends, is the sign of a brilliant author and a greedy reader.

The last chapter leads you nicely onto the next book, which I cannot wait to read. If you like slow-burn romance with plenty of sass, then I can absolutely recommend this book, and I'm sure the whole series!

* Verified purchase from Amazon.com on 9th March 2021. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2021
  
Midnight Savior (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #5)
Midnight Savior (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #5)
Arial Burnz | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Midnight Savior continues Broderick and Davina's story - this time they are in London, in the East End, and Jack the Ripper is about to make an appearance. Arial Burnz has put her usual twist on historical times which just makes it a more intriguing and fascinating story.

Christabelle (Davina) is attacked right at the beginning of the book, and you come to realise just how hard this life is (and has been) for her. You would think that she would jump at the chance of marrying above her class, but something is holding her back. The dreams about a certain Scotsman don't help her either. Theo is a nice character but you already know that he doesn't stand a chance, no matter what Broderick might be saying.

With the prophecy in full swing, Malloren "helping" where she can, Prince Amir and now a spirit witch in the mix, this story does get a bit confusing at times as there are a lot of players, all with different agendas.

Even saying that I can still honestly say that this book was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to distract the reading flow. This is an excellent addition to the series and I look forward to reading more about Broderick and Davina in the next of the series.

* 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 31, 2016
  
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Merissa (12841 KP) rated Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19) in Books

Feb 16, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19)
Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19)
Felicity Heaton | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
INFLAMED BY AN INCUBUS is the nineteenth book in the Eternal Mates series. I haven't read all of them (not yet!) but I have read enough to know this world, and some of the characters mentioned.

This book covers a long time period and, as such, overlaps with some of the other books. This made it a great read as the author definitely didn't drop the ball! We get a fully fleshed-out, intricate story, with different timelines woven together to create a plot hole-free story that kept my interest from beginning to end.

I will say what a horrible curse Drystan gave them! Pure evil. And my heart broke for Fenix. As always though, there are unmated characters mentioned that pull at my interest with the hints dropped. I can't wait for their stories! Plus, it's always a bonus to catch up with other mated pairs, just so I can get my HEA fix of them.

A great addition to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed every word and have no hesitation in recommending it. PLUS, Kissed by a Dark Prince (https://books2read.com/u/bpwdn6) is #FREE right now, so why not grab that and start from the beginning? If you love Paranormal Romance then I can guarantee you'll be hooked!

** 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!
Feb 16, 2022
  
Thrown for a Scoop
Thrown for a Scoop
Dana Mentink | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Is the Solution to an Old Mystery Here in Town?
Upper Sprocket is celebrating its centennial, and Trinidad Jones has created a special freak shake to celebrate the milestone. But before the celebration kicks off, a stranger wanders into her shake shop. He’s a true crime podcaster trying to track down clues on a fifty-year-old case, and he thinks that Trinidad’s soon to be brother-in-law, Doug, might know something about it. Since Doug isn’t good with strangers, Trinidad tries to warn him only to find that the stranger is dead when she arrives. Despite vowing to stay out of it, she can’t help but try to clear Doug. Can she do it?

I was pleased to see the author was self-publishing a fourth book in the series. It does a good job of updating us on the characters while also kicking the story off. We are treated to a well plotted story that kept me guessing until we reached the logical climax. And the characters are as quirky and charming as always. There were some continuity issues early on that felt like things left over from earlier drafts of the book, but once things really got going, I didn’t notice any more of them. This book will definitely make you crave ice cream, and I am curious what was in the breakfast ice cream that is featured in a fun subplot. Fans of this series will scoop up this book. I know I’m glad I did.
  
SB
8
7.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book, and plan to go on to the next book in the series, [b:Web of Lies|6933152|Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1262902266s/6933152.jpg|7164540]. I'm hoping that [a:Jennifer Estep|580315|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1264385515p2/580315.jpg] grows as an author, though, as the foreshadowing regarding the real "big bad" as well as the revelation of a fact important to the main character were both rather clumsily done, in my opinion.

I'm aware of another series by Estep, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/series/44008-bigtime">Bigtime</a>;. I was thinking of reading it, but it was written earlier than the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/series/47271-elemental-assassin">Elemental Assassin</a> series, and now I'm not so sure about whether I want to read it or not. Estep's characters are interesting, but I'm not sure that they're interesting enough to hold me through writing that's less polished than [b:Spider's Bite|6611038|Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, #1)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1254292883s/6611038.jpg|6805023]. Then again, I've certainly read worse. I suppose it all depends on what I happen to have in hand at any given time. I'd be more likely to read it if there were short stories available similar to the ones on Estep's web site that drew me in to this series.

I didn't do reviews for those, but there are three stories that occur chronologically before [b:Spider's Bite|6611038|Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, #1)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1254292883s/6611038.jpg|6805023]: [b:Poison|10869243|Poison (Elemental Assassin #0.5)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|15784488] [b:Web of Deceit|11478192|Web of Deceit (Elemental Assassin #0.75)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16413134] and [b:Spider's Bargain|11478167|Spider's Bargain (Elemental Assassin #0.90)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16413109]. Reading them certainly isn't necessary to enjoy the novel, and it's definitely better to avoid reading [b:Web of Deceit|11478192|Web of Deceit (Elemental Assassin #0.75)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16413134] first. They are good stories, though, and I do recommend that anyone who enjoys Estep's work seek them out in order to enjoy the additional bits of information gained in them. For instance, [b:Spider's Bargain|11478167|Spider's Bargain (Elemental Assassin #0.90)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16413109] is the story of an event that is pivotal to Gin and Caine's relationship, and its consequences are likely to continue echoing through the next few volumes of the series.
  
Law of Attraction
Law of Attraction
N M Silber | 2018 | Contemporary, Romance
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book Review by Cari Mayhew.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and I feel this added to the feel of the story and improved my experience of the book. The narrator spoke in a stunning female American accent but would change voices for the male dialogue parts.

I was enticed by the book's description – a romantic drama between two high-flying Lawyers. I was expecting witty dialogue and real tension between the characters. This book is part of a two-book series and is intended for readers over the age of eighteen.

The central character is criminal defense lawyer Gabrielle, who has crushed on prosecutor Braden in their altercations in the Courtroom for several months. Braden, however, is quite the cad, and is known not have had any serious relationships in quite some time.

One evening the two of them meet in the local bar and a serious flirting session ensues. Despite how much characters lust after each other, Gabrielle has no intention of becoming a mere one night stand, and a succession of dates are negotiated.

Their first date is one to remember. Soon after they boyfriend-girlfriend are meeting each other’s family. But, there are some odd complications, and all does not run smoothly. Braden has a narcissistic ex-girlfriend Marla, who still can’t accept that they’ve broken up. More intriguingly, an old crush of Gabrielle’s, Cam, who took Gabrielle’s virginity, comes back into her life shadowing her law firm, and it turns out he’s Braden’s cousin, who is also the man that another ex of Braden’s once cheated with. Then Gabrielle receives threatening notes telling her to stay away from Braden.
Gabrielle and her friends start plotting to find out who is leaving the notes. They aim to get handwriting samples from the 3 people they suspect, and by some strange coincidence, all 3 are at the same secret underground fantasy party which gets raided, providing handwriting samples in the form of written statements.

Then the first book in the series comes to an end before the note writer is identified. Rather than it being one of the people Gabrielle suspects, I suspect the author aims to provide surprise by making it someone closer to home.

One saucy scene was on a par with Fifty Shades of Grey, but this book is not going to take off like Fifty Shades of Grey did. There was nothing unusual in these scenes other than perhaps the locations.

Whilst the book never bored me, I just didn’t care enough about the characters or plot to want to read the second book in the series.

For more of my reviews, check out www.bookblogbycari.com
  
The Other Side of the Street
The Other Side of the Street
Helen Carey | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a first H. Carey’s book which I read, and definitely not the last one. This novel is fifth in Lavender Road series, and I will read rest of them as soon as will be able to.

In the blurb, Carey highlights two characters – Louise and Jen, but they are not the only ones this book is about. There a lot of characters to choose from, and all of them are incredibly appealing, charismatic, and you need all of them, in order to enjoy this story. I absolutely loved how the author included every single of them in this novel, not leaving out any. I couldn’t decide which one I loved the most, they all have their strengths and qualities, which made this book richer, more interesting and relatable. Another thing which I absolutely loved, was multiple perspectives. I really enjoyed reading, how different characters reacted to some of the situations. I loved getting to know every single character, their problems and achievements, I think that’s why this book simply absorbed me. It was like watching a TV series unfold throughout the pages.

It is quite hard for me to describe the narrative of this book. Through different perspectives, there were a lot of life stories unfolded and told, so the narrative always changed, throwing in different characters feelings and thoughts. Which I found truly fascinating. Carey didn’t leave me bored even for a second, she creatively added turns and twists to the stories, which made me turn page after page. I really liked, that author was addressing difficulties which women were facing during that period, and I enjoyed the way Louise was breaking the stereotypes.

The writing style of this book was very pleasant, easy to read and enjoyable. One thing what I found inconvenient for me was ENSA/ RADA/ ATS etc. I grew up abroad, so I have no idea what they mean, and I am too lazy to google it, so I would have liked a little explanation page at the back, however, not knowing it, didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. The chapters of this book are quite long, but it did not drag to me, because there were a lot of things happening in every chapter, so they flew quite quickly. I really liked the way Carey ended this book, it was unexpected, satisfying, and I will be waiting to find out, what will happen next to all the characters. So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this novel, it has well rounded, exciting, fun characters, and the narrative always keeps changing, that left me hooked and interested till the last page. I really hope Netflix or BBC will make a TV series from Lavender Road books in a near future &#x1f642;