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The Recruit: Book 1
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The first title in the number one bestselling CHERUB series! James hits rock bottom before he's...
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Quantum (Red Rock Alien Mail Order Brides #1) in Books
May 8, 2021
Quantum is the first book in a new science fiction romance series by Erin Kellison. The story is fast-paced and full of information on how the galaxy actually works, and what some of the species look like. There is a lot to take in, but it is definitely worth it.
Raider has stolen a Quantum Stone. Using this stone in a wormhole enables time to move backwards. He wants to sell the stone to past to buy himself a future, for reasons that you find out as you move along the story. Sophia is on a mission - to find her missing brother. She will do just about anything to find him, but when she opens a can of worms, she definitely gets more than she bargained for, especially when she finds out there is more to her brother than she realised.
Very well written, with a smooth flow to the story, like I've already mentioned it is fast-paced, but this is in no way a bad thing.With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to reading further on in the series.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Raider has stolen a Quantum Stone. Using this stone in a wormhole enables time to move backwards. He wants to sell the stone to past to buy himself a future, for reasons that you find out as you move along the story. Sophia is on a mission - to find her missing brother. She will do just about anything to find him, but when she opens a can of worms, she definitely gets more than she bargained for, especially when she finds out there is more to her brother than she realised.
Very well written, with a smooth flow to the story, like I've already mentioned it is fast-paced, but this is in no way a bad thing.With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended by me, and I'm looking forward to reading further on in the series.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated For Batter or Worse in Books
May 10, 2021
A Baker’s Dozen of Delight
Mel and Joe’s wedding day is fast approaching. For their reception, they’ve picked the resort where Oz has landed the job of head pastry chef. However, things are not going well for Oz there as the head chef is proving to be an egomaniac. One day, Mel and Angie witness a very public fight between Oz and the head chef. Then, a couple of days later, Mel and Joe find Oz bending over the dead body of the chef. Mel doesn’t need anything else on her to do list, but can she figure out who the killer is before she walks down the aisle?
If you were worried that Oz was leaving the series after the events of the previous book, this proves that he will still very much be part of the series. He gets some interesting character growth, in fact. The rest of the gang is all present, and I enjoyed laughing at their antics as they worked to solve the case. The mystery is filled with plenty of suspects and red herrings, and I only began to figure things out right before Mel put it all together. I loved the final chapter. If the book makes you hungry, you’ll be happy with the four recipes at the end. Once again, fans will devour this book and be ready for Mel’s next adventure.
If you were worried that Oz was leaving the series after the events of the previous book, this proves that he will still very much be part of the series. He gets some interesting character growth, in fact. The rest of the gang is all present, and I enjoyed laughing at their antics as they worked to solve the case. The mystery is filled with plenty of suspects and red herrings, and I only began to figure things out right before Mel put it all together. I loved the final chapter. If the book makes you hungry, you’ll be happy with the four recipes at the end. Once again, fans will devour this book and be ready for Mel’s next adventure.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Hidden Gypsy Magic (A Witch’s Journey #3) in Books
Oct 27, 2020
According to Goodreads, Hidden Gypsy Magic is the third book in the Witch's Journey series and is a connection between the author's Lobster Cove series and this one. This made for some confusion as characters and events were mentioned that I had no prior knowledge of.
Brock and Gwen both have Hidden Gypsy Magic (hence the title) but this story takes you along as they find out just how that affects Brock. Gwen already knows about hers and uses it most days at the Sanctuary. Brock is in for some surprises when he takes Gwen to his family cabin and also when he buys a home in Salem.
This was an interesting story with a good twist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. I loved how the painting featured and changed in the story. This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on - from poachers to heiresses who want our main male - so you need to pay attention to exactly what is going on and when.
Steamy in some places but not so it overtakes the story, this was a read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
* 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!
Brock and Gwen both have Hidden Gypsy Magic (hence the title) but this story takes you along as they find out just how that affects Brock. Gwen already knows about hers and uses it most days at the Sanctuary. Brock is in for some surprises when he takes Gwen to his family cabin and also when he buys a home in Salem.
This was an interesting story with a good twist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. I loved how the painting featured and changed in the story. This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on - from poachers to heiresses who want our main male - so you need to pay attention to exactly what is going on and when.
Steamy in some places but not so it overtakes the story, this was a read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
* 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!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Leopard (Harry Hole #8) (Oslo Sequence #6) in Books
Aug 2, 2020
Good, but drawn out
I do love Harry Hole and as a character he's brilliant, flawed and alcoholic yet always pursuing the truth and justice. I do think though that some of Jo Nesbo's stories featuring Harry are a little farfetched and drawn out, and sadly this is one of them.
The plot on this is actually very intriguing and full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and apart from some of the more farfetched elements, this is actually a very good thriller. The problem is it's a bit drawn out and could have been condensed a lot more, it just seemed unnecessarily long. This also seemed to have an issue with the timeline, it seemed to jump from one location to another and it made me feel a little confused. Also as much as I love Harry, he seems to do the same things in nearly every book I've read recently - leaves Norway, returns for a case he doesn't want but gets sucked in, then leaves Norway again afterwards. The better stories in the Hole series are the ones where he doesn't leave Norway at all and sadly this book is a bit half and half.
Overall this is pretty good but not flawless. It's definitely not the best book in the Harry Hole series, but neither is it anywhere near the worst.
The plot on this is actually very intriguing and full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and apart from some of the more farfetched elements, this is actually a very good thriller. The problem is it's a bit drawn out and could have been condensed a lot more, it just seemed unnecessarily long. This also seemed to have an issue with the timeline, it seemed to jump from one location to another and it made me feel a little confused. Also as much as I love Harry, he seems to do the same things in nearly every book I've read recently - leaves Norway, returns for a case he doesn't want but gets sucked in, then leaves Norway again afterwards. The better stories in the Hole series are the ones where he doesn't leave Norway at all and sadly this book is a bit half and half.
Overall this is pretty good but not flawless. It's definitely not the best book in the Harry Hole series, but neither is it anywhere near the worst.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Black Hand (Infernal Regions for the Unprepared #1) in Books
Sep 30, 2020
Black Hand is the first book in the Infernal Regions for the Unprepared series and we meet up with Brooklyn, Dominic, and Alice. Brooklyn and Dominic are (apparently) natural enemies and Alice is just a mere human but she is more than capable of holding her own against these two!
Wow! Okay, where do I start? Okay, first of all, you might think there is less action in this one but, trust me, it works. I absolutely loved the fact that although the pacing is still fast, there is time to stop and breathe and appreciate the connection between Brooklyn and Dominic. Also, that gave me time to feel the full impact of Veronica!!
The world- and scene-building are exceptional, giving the reader a nicely rounded view of Brooklyn's world and how different she feels. The emotions are vivid and I was caught up on every word.
This is an amazing start to a new series. I am a fan of Maya Daniels and have enjoyed everything she has written but, this one? Off the freakin' charts!!!! Loved every word. Absolutely and utterly 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!
Wow! Okay, where do I start? Okay, first of all, you might think there is less action in this one but, trust me, it works. I absolutely loved the fact that although the pacing is still fast, there is time to stop and breathe and appreciate the connection between Brooklyn and Dominic. Also, that gave me time to feel the full impact of Veronica!!
The world- and scene-building are exceptional, giving the reader a nicely rounded view of Brooklyn's world and how different she feels. The emotions are vivid and I was caught up on every word.
This is an amazing start to a new series. I am a fan of Maya Daniels and have enjoyed everything she has written but, this one? Off the freakin' charts!!!! Loved every word. Absolutely and utterly 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated The Secrets We Keep in Books
Feb 7, 2024
When Secrets Lead to Murder
Betty Ahern has just gotten her PI license, and she has a new case, as well. Private Christopher Lake was raised as an orphan, but he’s started to wonder what really happened to his parents. With only a St. Christopher medal as a clue, Betty sets out to see what she can learn. She’s just making progress when someone connected with the case dies. Can she figure out what is happening before Christopher ships out again?
I’ve enjoyed this series set in Buffalo during World War II, and this was another great entry. Even before the murder happened, I was hooked by what Betty was learning. Things only got more interesting the further I got into the book, until I reached the great climax. There are some timeline issues, but they are mostly annoying and don’t impact the story itself. Betty is really growing as an investigator, and it was nice to watch her follow some small clues in this book. The suspects are sharp, and I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again. There is a sub-plot that flows from the previous book in the series, and a few references to past stories, but nothing that is truly a spoiler. If you are interested in this time period, you’ll enjoy these books. If you are already a fan, you’ll enjoy this latest entry.
I’ve enjoyed this series set in Buffalo during World War II, and this was another great entry. Even before the murder happened, I was hooked by what Betty was learning. Things only got more interesting the further I got into the book, until I reached the great climax. There are some timeline issues, but they are mostly annoying and don’t impact the story itself. Betty is really growing as an investigator, and it was nice to watch her follow some small clues in this book. The suspects are sharp, and I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again. There is a sub-plot that flows from the previous book in the series, and a few references to past stories, but nothing that is truly a spoiler. If you are interested in this time period, you’ll enjoy these books. If you are already a fan, you’ll enjoy this latest entry.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Kaleidoscope in Books
May 11, 2024 (Updated May 11, 2024)
Once Again, a Kaleidoscope of Stories Lacking Focus
As with the first book featuring Madame Karitska, we get several stories that weave in and out of each other. Sometimes, they touch. Sometimes they only take up a chapter. Madame Karitska winds up in the possession of some diamonds when she runs into an old friend on a train. She helps a wife whose husband is interested in a nearby commune. A man who is deathly ill comes to her for help. She even helps a government official who is afraid some home grown terrorists might be at work.
Fans of the first book will be happy to hear that the format of the plot didn’t change much. Sadly, for me, that means it didn’t work as well as I would have liked. The way the stories wander around and in and out of each other without any clear beginning or climax frustrates me. One of them ends very anticlimactically. On the other hand, I do enjoy the charming characters and I liked spending time with them again. As with the author’s Mrs. Pollifax series, the characters haven’t really aged even thought it was roundly 25 years between books and both take place in their present. As a fan of the author, I’m not sorry I read this book, but I won’t be reading this series again any time soon.
Fans of the first book will be happy to hear that the format of the plot didn’t change much. Sadly, for me, that means it didn’t work as well as I would have liked. The way the stories wander around and in and out of each other without any clear beginning or climax frustrates me. One of them ends very anticlimactically. On the other hand, I do enjoy the charming characters and I liked spending time with them again. As with the author’s Mrs. Pollifax series, the characters haven’t really aged even thought it was roundly 25 years between books and both take place in their present. As a fan of the author, I’m not sorry I read this book, but I won’t be reading this series again any time soon.
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Immersion Play (Leather and Lattes #1) in Books
May 30, 2024
IMMERSION PLAY is the first book in the Leather and Lattes series, a spin-off from Dungeons and Dating, but you don't need to have read those to enjoy this one.
Micah, vanilla as they come, broke off his so-called relationship and disappeared to San Francisco in the middle of the night. Parker is the Daddy Dom who is determined to never fall in love, due to the heartbreak that follows when one of them inevitably dies. The connection between these two is electric from the beginning, as Parker realises he may have found the boy perfect for him, and Micah realises he isn't as vanilla as he always thought.
Not only do you get a great story between Micah and Parker, but you also get a Found Family, with snippets of their backstories. It looks like this series is going to be another winner for this author, and I can't wait to read them!
Full of connections, love, s3x, and steam aplenty, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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 23, 2024
Micah, vanilla as they come, broke off his so-called relationship and disappeared to San Francisco in the middle of the night. Parker is the Daddy Dom who is determined to never fall in love, due to the heartbreak that follows when one of them inevitably dies. The connection between these two is electric from the beginning, as Parker realises he may have found the boy perfect for him, and Micah realises he isn't as vanilla as he always thought.
Not only do you get a great story between Micah and Parker, but you also get a Found Family, with snippets of their backstories. It looks like this series is going to be another winner for this author, and I can't wait to read them!
Full of connections, love, s3x, and steam aplenty, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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 23, 2024
Merissa (14024 KP) rated Fallen (Everwood Falls #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2024
FALLEN is the second book in the Everwood Falls series, and this time we follow Lucien and Isabel as they navigate Lucien's curse and Isabel's lack of memories. She is also dealing with her own problems, such as a stalker who is trying to kill her.
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024