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Merissa (13956 KP) rated Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4) in Books
May 18, 2025
Warlord's Prize is the fourth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, and is a standalone story featuring Emi, the leader of her village, and Kazuul, the Warlord oni who runs everything.
As with the previous books in this series that I have read, it starts with dub con and a public claiming as Kazuul takes Emi. She is not just a body for him though, and her mind surprises him. So much so, that she actually becomes part of the council meetings. Through her, changes are implemented, production goes up, and humans become happier. Good thing all round, right?
Wrong! The Emperor of the oni is none too pleased that his half-brother is doing better at this ruling business than he is. Especially once Emi defies his attempt to take her away from Kazuul. This leads to assassination attempts, plus a personal tragedy.
I found this to be a gentler story than the previous one I had read, although still full of action. And yes, as with my previous review, there is lots of repetition here too. BUT, saying that, either I'm more used to it now or it wasn't as much, because it definitely didn't disrupt my reading flow like the last one did.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series and hope to continue it, as well as reading other stories by this author. Definitely recommended by me if you like your books with a dark edge.
** 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 18, 2025
As with the previous books in this series that I have read, it starts with dub con and a public claiming as Kazuul takes Emi. She is not just a body for him though, and her mind surprises him. So much so, that she actually becomes part of the council meetings. Through her, changes are implemented, production goes up, and humans become happier. Good thing all round, right?
Wrong! The Emperor of the oni is none too pleased that his half-brother is doing better at this ruling business than he is. Especially once Emi defies his attempt to take her away from Kazuul. This leads to assassination attempts, plus a personal tragedy.
I found this to be a gentler story than the previous one I had read, although still full of action. And yes, as with my previous review, there is lots of repetition here too. BUT, saying that, either I'm more used to it now or it wasn't as much, because it definitely didn't disrupt my reading flow like the last one did.
I am thoroughly enjoying the series and hope to continue it, as well as reading other stories by this author. Definitely recommended by me if you like your books with a dark edge.
** 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 18, 2025
Merissa (13956 KP) rated The Bear's Broken Omega (Grizzly Ridge #3) in Books
Dec 4, 2025
THE BEAR'S BROKEN OMEGA is the third book in the Grizzly Ridge series, and is about Zander, sheriff of Grizzly Ridge and bear shifter, and Reid, a traumatised for more than one reason warlock. You don't have to have read the other two, but I think it helps, if only for background.
Reid was abused as a child, starts rebelling and spreading his wings, and is forced into a mating that he never wanted, and is abused once more. So when I say he has trust issues, trust me. He does, and with fair reason. Zander is the sheriff and doesn't expect to find his mate in the middle of a battle, but there you go. He understands that Reid needs treating gently and tries to give him space, while also showing that he can be trusted and relied upon.
This is a slow-burn of a story, made more complicated for the main characters when they realise Reid is pregnant with his captor's baby. My heart broke for him, even as I cheered him on. I loved how he made Zander work for his affection, and I loved even more how Zander completely understood and didn't play games in return.
There are hints for at least two more books in the series - Garrett and Kit, and Nathaniel and George. I honestly can't wait to read these.
This series is full of hurt and trauma, while showing that the love of the right man/shifter isn't all that you need, but it goes one helluva long way to making your world right again. Definitely recommended!
** 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!
Dec 4, 2025
Reid was abused as a child, starts rebelling and spreading his wings, and is forced into a mating that he never wanted, and is abused once more. So when I say he has trust issues, trust me. He does, and with fair reason. Zander is the sheriff and doesn't expect to find his mate in the middle of a battle, but there you go. He understands that Reid needs treating gently and tries to give him space, while also showing that he can be trusted and relied upon.
This is a slow-burn of a story, made more complicated for the main characters when they realise Reid is pregnant with his captor's baby. My heart broke for him, even as I cheered him on. I loved how he made Zander work for his affection, and I loved even more how Zander completely understood and didn't play games in return.
There are hints for at least two more books in the series - Garrett and Kit, and Nathaniel and George. I honestly can't wait to read these.
This series is full of hurt and trauma, while showing that the love of the right man/shifter isn't all that you need, but it goes one helluva long way to making your world right again. Definitely recommended!
** 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!
Dec 4, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1735 KP) rated Defending What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #5) in Books
Jul 10, 2025
saved the best for last!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Here's the thing, right?? This is book 5 in this series, and they all follow a very similar plot, but are slightly different. I enjoyed books 1-4, and rated them all 4 stars.
But this one?? I have no idea Mr Chance did differently here, but it really is the STAND OUT of the series! He really saved the best for last.
You knew something was going to happen with the sleeze who Charlotte was supposed to marry, but then that other thing?? Came right out of nowhere! Loved being thrown for a loop.
Charlotte and Asher have chemistry, explosive chemistry, right from the start, well they all do, these books but I found Charlotte and Asher were HOTTER than the others. It might just be me, I dunno, seemed way more steamier and smexier but I loved that it was!
Asher took a bit of getting used to: he likes to catalogue a good deal every time he enters a new space, and that is on page. Took a little bit but I did enjoy that part of his personality.
I don't know if I mentioned it in my other reviews, but these books are first person/present tense/multi POV. Now, if you follow my reviews, you'll know I don't particularly enjoy books written like this. I loved these though! Weird, huh?
Anyway, this is the last book in the series, and I am deeply upset that there are no more! Well, there is a short after this, and I hope there will be more. I would love to catch up with them all in the future!
5 full and shiny saved, you really did save the best for last!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Here's the thing, right?? This is book 5 in this series, and they all follow a very similar plot, but are slightly different. I enjoyed books 1-4, and rated them all 4 stars.
But this one?? I have no idea Mr Chance did differently here, but it really is the STAND OUT of the series! He really saved the best for last.
You knew something was going to happen with the sleeze who Charlotte was supposed to marry, but then that other thing?? Came right out of nowhere! Loved being thrown for a loop.
Charlotte and Asher have chemistry, explosive chemistry, right from the start, well they all do, these books but I found Charlotte and Asher were HOTTER than the others. It might just be me, I dunno, seemed way more steamier and smexier but I loved that it was!
Asher took a bit of getting used to: he likes to catalogue a good deal every time he enters a new space, and that is on page. Took a little bit but I did enjoy that part of his personality.
I don't know if I mentioned it in my other reviews, but these books are first person/present tense/multi POV. Now, if you follow my reviews, you'll know I don't particularly enjoy books written like this. I loved these though! Weird, huh?
Anyway, this is the last book in the series, and I am deeply upset that there are no more! Well, there is a short after this, and I hope there will be more. I would love to catch up with them all in the future!
5 full and shiny saved, you really did save the best for last!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Erika (17789 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches - Season 1 in TV
Apr 6, 2019 (Updated Apr 6, 2019)
I am a huge fan of this books series, it's one of my favorites. I debated not watching this series because I had heard from one of my good friends that the first episode was super lame, and then I saw the reviews...But, I bit the bullet and signed up for the free week of Shudder... The US distribution of this series was beyond irritating.
I felt like the series tried to appeal to both people who didn't read the books, and the ones that did, and I don't really think it worked. There were weird, unnecessary changes from the book, that didn't even really make sense... Marcus can't sire? Since when? Dude had a vampire army at one point... Normally, I try to distance the comparison between books and the adaptation, but you had to read the books to fill in the blanks.
The series is beautifully shot, but then we get to the corn factor. This show was SO LAME and CORNY, but I kind of liked it. I watched it all last evening, and ripped on it endlessly with one of my friends, but I still enjoyed it. I laughed out loud at how bad/corny certain moments were.
I do have to completely rip on Teresa Palmer, homegirl is not a good actress. It was a very Twilight performance, like others have mentioned, the open mouth breathing bothers the F out of me. Her American accent wasn't right, seriously, she said the word vampire like Sookie from True Blood.
I'm also wondering why Matthew Goode took the role of Matthew, it was super confusing to me when he was first announced. At the very least, he's nice to look at, and this made me want to go watch Chasing Liberty.
Overall, this was hilariously lame, but I'll still watch the next series, and probably will watch it again in the background before my free week ends.
I felt like the series tried to appeal to both people who didn't read the books, and the ones that did, and I don't really think it worked. There were weird, unnecessary changes from the book, that didn't even really make sense... Marcus can't sire? Since when? Dude had a vampire army at one point... Normally, I try to distance the comparison between books and the adaptation, but you had to read the books to fill in the blanks.
The series is beautifully shot, but then we get to the corn factor. This show was SO LAME and CORNY, but I kind of liked it. I watched it all last evening, and ripped on it endlessly with one of my friends, but I still enjoyed it. I laughed out loud at how bad/corny certain moments were.
I do have to completely rip on Teresa Palmer, homegirl is not a good actress. It was a very Twilight performance, like others have mentioned, the open mouth breathing bothers the F out of me. Her American accent wasn't right, seriously, she said the word vampire like Sookie from True Blood.
I'm also wondering why Matthew Goode took the role of Matthew, it was super confusing to me when he was first announced. At the very least, he's nice to look at, and this made me want to go watch Chasing Liberty.
Overall, this was hilariously lame, but I'll still watch the next series, and probably will watch it again in the background before my free week ends.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Program (The Program, #1) 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'd been wanting to read this book for a long time now. The blurb really caught my attention (especially as I've suffered with major depression in the past), so when I got the chance to buy a book, this one was my choice. Luckily, it was a super fantastic read!
I like the title of this book. I like how it's really plain and simple, yet, it works. The title very much suits the book as it's pretty straight-forward about what the book's going to be about.
I like the cover for The Program. All teenagers who enter the program are made to wear yellow lemon colored scrubs. I like how it shows the uniforms.
The world building is superb! Everything is explained fantastically throughout the book. Young makes it easy to believe that one day there will be a "cure" for depression and teen suicide. There's only one bit in the world building towards the end of the book that kind of made me question its reliability. I don't want to give away spoilers though, and this could just be me over thinking things.
The pacing is spot on. From the very first sentence, this book had me hooked. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. To say I devoured this book would be an understatement.
The plot was super interesting. Teens are being taken to The Program once they become depressed. Apparently, teen suicide is contagious and an epidemic, so the only cure is The Program where memories are erased. When Sloane's boyfriend, James, gets taken into The Program, it's not long before Sloane becomes depressed and is taken in as well. Will James and Sloane remember each other or will their memories be totally erased? I thought the plot was very original, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Some of the scenes in The Program reminded me of The Matrix. I believe this book could be read as a standalone since there wasn't a major cliff hanger, but I think it'd be better read as a series.
I loved the characters! I loved how Sloane came across as just a normal teenage girl who had been through a traumatic experience. I felt that her vulnerability made her even more lovable. I also really liked James. I loved how he wanted to protect Sloane from everything. It was very evident how much James and Sloane loved each other. The only character I didn't really care for was Realm. It's not that he wasn't well written because he was. It was just that I never really felt like I could trust Realm. There's just something about him.
The dialogue was fantastic and fit in well with a young adult novel. I loved reading the dialogue between Sloane and James the best. There are innocent mentions of sex although not many. There's also some swearing and some violence, but nothing over the top.
Overall, The Program by Suzanne Young is an original story that has fantastic world building, great characters, and hits close to home. I've already bought the next book in the series.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who are after a book with an original story line and want a thrilling read.
(I purchased this book in paperback format through Amazon with my own money. I was not required to review this book).
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long time now. The blurb really caught my attention (especially as I've suffered with major depression in the past), so when I got the chance to buy a book, this one was my choice. Luckily, it was a super fantastic read!
I like the title of this book. I like how it's really plain and simple, yet, it works. The title very much suits the book as it's pretty straight-forward about what the book's going to be about.
I like the cover for The Program. All teenagers who enter the program are made to wear yellow lemon colored scrubs. I like how it shows the uniforms.
The world building is superb! Everything is explained fantastically throughout the book. Young makes it easy to believe that one day there will be a "cure" for depression and teen suicide. There's only one bit in the world building towards the end of the book that kind of made me question its reliability. I don't want to give away spoilers though, and this could just be me over thinking things.
The pacing is spot on. From the very first sentence, this book had me hooked. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. To say I devoured this book would be an understatement.
The plot was super interesting. Teens are being taken to The Program once they become depressed. Apparently, teen suicide is contagious and an epidemic, so the only cure is The Program where memories are erased. When Sloane's boyfriend, James, gets taken into The Program, it's not long before Sloane becomes depressed and is taken in as well. Will James and Sloane remember each other or will their memories be totally erased? I thought the plot was very original, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Some of the scenes in The Program reminded me of The Matrix. I believe this book could be read as a standalone since there wasn't a major cliff hanger, but I think it'd be better read as a series.
I loved the characters! I loved how Sloane came across as just a normal teenage girl who had been through a traumatic experience. I felt that her vulnerability made her even more lovable. I also really liked James. I loved how he wanted to protect Sloane from everything. It was very evident how much James and Sloane loved each other. The only character I didn't really care for was Realm. It's not that he wasn't well written because he was. It was just that I never really felt like I could trust Realm. There's just something about him.
The dialogue was fantastic and fit in well with a young adult novel. I loved reading the dialogue between Sloane and James the best. There are innocent mentions of sex although not many. There's also some swearing and some violence, but nothing over the top.
Overall, The Program by Suzanne Young is an original story that has fantastic world building, great characters, and hits close to home. I've already bought the next book in the series.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who are after a book with an original story line and want a thrilling read.
(I purchased this book in paperback format through Amazon with my own money. I was not required to review this book).
Merissa (13956 KP) rated Darkness Rising (Chateau Seductions 0.5) in Books
Nov 7, 2017
Darkness Rising (Chateau Seductions 0.5) by Lisa Carlisle
Darkness Rising is a short prequel to the Chateau Seductions series. We meet Antoine for the first time, and see how his life changed from being a gargoyle sculpter, to becoming a gargoyle/vampire hybrid recluse, owning a chateau and helping artists.
This isn't a long book, but it definitely helps to give you an insight into the enigmatic owner of the chateau. You are with him through the years as he says goodbye to his family and learns how to cope by himself. Two characters are introduced who will play a big part in the next book, Dark Velvet. We meet Cameron in dire circumstances and see how his friendship with Antoine grows. And we meet Savannah, who Antoine is immediately attracted to, but always want to help with her poetry.
For a quick dip into the Chateau Seductions world, then I can definitely recommend reading this short prequel. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This isn't a long book, but it definitely helps to give you an insight into the enigmatic owner of the chateau. You are with him through the years as he says goodbye to his family and learns how to cope by himself. Two characters are introduced who will play a big part in the next book, Dark Velvet. We meet Cameron in dire circumstances and see how his friendship with Antoine grows. And we meet Savannah, who Antoine is immediately attracted to, but always want to help with her poetry.
For a quick dip into the Chateau Seductions world, then I can definitely recommend reading this short prequel. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sue (5 KP) rated Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Lethal Licorice is the 2nd book in the delightful new Amish Candy Shop Murder series by author Amanda Flower.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Jessica Cashen (1 KP) rated Unraveled in Books
May 16, 2018
Fantastic read. Well written, with a great plot and characters. This book is fast paced, with a lot of twists and turns. I was engrossed from start to finish. Unraveled is the conclusion of the Perfected series, which picks up a shortly after the conclusion of the second book. Ella and Penn are now a part of the resistance, Missy is in the hands of Penn's father, the Congressman. Ella is determined not only to save Missy, but also to shut down NuPet for good. The resistance has a traitor among them, foiling them at every turn. Ella and Penn are being framed for bombings. Things are not as easy for Ella and her friends in this book, and they will really have to fight for their freedom and what is right. Ella is even more courageous and ballsy in this book, as she dedicates herself to her mission. Ella still makes some very foolish decisions, but she is able to work her way through them towards her goals. The storylines from earlier books are wrapped up well in this conclusion. If you enjoyed the first two books, you will definitely want to read this finale.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Treacherous Trails (Gold Country Cowboys #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Another fantastic, captivating, cowboy novella from the talented hands of the wonderful Dana Mentink. She takes suspense and swoon worthy cowboys, a touch of romance and lots of inspiring messages and wraps them up in an unforgettable plot line.
Ms. Mentink’s Ella and Owen are beautifully chiseled into characters that will steal your heart instantly. I loved their story. Watching Owen and Ella come to terms with not only their feelings for each other, but also with who’s behind framing Ella, was an intense ride! I love when a book will do that to you!
This second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series is definitely one that I recommend with a high flying 4 star praise. This book will keep you up late, turning page after page, biting nail after nail, as you fly through the book to get to the last page and see how the story ends. You’ll be dying for more from this talented author! I can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Ms. Mentink!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Mentink’s Ella and Owen are beautifully chiseled into characters that will steal your heart instantly. I loved their story. Watching Owen and Ella come to terms with not only their feelings for each other, but also with who’s behind framing Ella, was an intense ride! I love when a book will do that to you!
This second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series is definitely one that I recommend with a high flying 4 star praise. This book will keep you up late, turning page after page, biting nail after nail, as you fly through the book to get to the last page and see how the story ends. You’ll be dying for more from this talented author! I can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Ms. Mentink!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Note: A CSI Eddie Collins Short Story in Books
Jun 5, 2019
The Note is a short, fast, fun read written by Andrew Barrett, which features Eddie Collins a Crime Scene Investigator who has a few problems of his own to solve.
When Eddie discovers someone is out to kill him, he adds the death threats to the rest of his pile and sets out to avoid being killed. He has no idea who wants him dead, or when it will happen so he spends the next few hours cautious and paranoid wondering who his killer might be and when he will strike.
Andrew Barrett’s The Note is actually the first book featuring Eddie Collins and the first book I’ve read by this author. With a great plot, a fun, humorous writing style and a clever twist in the tale, I’m definitely intrigued to read more of this series: four of which are full length novels.
A short, sharp and surprising storyline, I literally flew through this book. I highly recommend to all crime fans! I want more!
With thanks to Bloodhound Books and Andrew Barrett for my digital copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.
When Eddie discovers someone is out to kill him, he adds the death threats to the rest of his pile and sets out to avoid being killed. He has no idea who wants him dead, or when it will happen so he spends the next few hours cautious and paranoid wondering who his killer might be and when he will strike.
Andrew Barrett’s The Note is actually the first book featuring Eddie Collins and the first book I’ve read by this author. With a great plot, a fun, humorous writing style and a clever twist in the tale, I’m definitely intrigued to read more of this series: four of which are full length novels.
A short, sharp and surprising storyline, I literally flew through this book. I highly recommend to all crime fans! I want more!
With thanks to Bloodhound Books and Andrew Barrett for my digital copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.