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The Dogon Initiative (The Deniables #1)
7.0
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A group of foreign mercenaries hired as deniable assets by a newly-formed humanitarian division of...
Dragon Blues (Immortal Dragons Book 1)
8.0
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Even immortal dragons can have crazy exes. Belah’s ex is worse than most. Three thousand years...
reverse harem series paranormal fantasy romance fiction
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Heron's Cry in Books
Sep 16, 2021
An excellent, complex character-driven mystery
Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a farm/artist retreat where Dr. Nigel Yeo has been killed. He's found dead in his own daughter's glassblower studio, stabbed with a shard of one of her vases. Dr. Yeo seems like a nice man: adored by his daughter and a public servant, working to help bring understanding between the public trusts. When a second body is found--killed in a similar way--Matthew realizes that he must dig deep into the secrets and lies of his community to find a killer.
I adore this series and the fact that Detective Matthew Venn, our lead, is a gay man. As with all of Cleeves' books, this is an excellent, solid mystery, with an interesting plot and a team whom you can easily become invested in. Each of her characters is well-written, strong, and original. It's so refreshing, honestly, to read a tale without a crazy unreliable narrator but instead one that simply relies on a strong story and excellent characters. There is a slate of people who could be potential suspects, and we also get backstories for our various detectives: Matthew, Ross, and Jen. Everyone is entwined in this small town (and honestly, if I were them, I'd be a bit worried how many people seem to die there! Cabot Cove, anyone?).
This book kept me guessing the entire time, which I love. I was constantly second guessing myself and wondering who killed whom. It was filled with twists, but nothing wild or unbelievable. This is easily becoming one of my new favorite series. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
I adore this series and the fact that Detective Matthew Venn, our lead, is a gay man. As with all of Cleeves' books, this is an excellent, solid mystery, with an interesting plot and a team whom you can easily become invested in. Each of her characters is well-written, strong, and original. It's so refreshing, honestly, to read a tale without a crazy unreliable narrator but instead one that simply relies on a strong story and excellent characters. There is a slate of people who could be potential suspects, and we also get backstories for our various detectives: Matthew, Ross, and Jen. Everyone is entwined in this small town (and honestly, if I were them, I'd be a bit worried how many people seem to die there! Cabot Cove, anyone?).
This book kept me guessing the entire time, which I love. I was constantly second guessing myself and wondering who killed whom. It was filled with twists, but nothing wild or unbelievable. This is easily becoming one of my new favorite series. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated In Another Light in Books
Nov 11, 2021
Phoebe Glassman's life has been on hold for three years, ever since her husband Logan died in a car accident. Phoebe continues to work at the funeral home they co-owned, where she restores dead bodies. Then one day a deceased woman comes in who bares a startling resemblance to Phoebe. Her name is Pauline Steele, and she has a tattoo that Phoebe finds familiar: she once saw it on her late husband's phone. As she investigates further, Phoebe finds a photo of herself in Pauline's belongings, and her world stops. Who is this woman--what is her tie to Phoebe, and to Logan?
"She prefers to remain in limbo, to act as if she too, has died. She walks the earth, but she might as well be a phantom flitting through her life unnoticed, disturbing the air but barely registering her presence."
This excellent read is not quite what I expected--at times it's more emotional and character driven than pure thriller, but it does not matter: it's quite good. I tore through it, and I'm quickly realizing that I really enjoy A.J. Banner's books. They are reliable page turners and typically quite mesmerizing.
IN ANOTHER LIGHT kept me guessing from the beginning. Is Phoebe crazy from grief and simply obsessed with this lookalike woman? Or is there more to it--as she delves into Pauline's life, we truly wonder if we can trust Phoebe, yet you cannot help but root for this broken and grief struck woman. While she does not always make the best decisions, she's a fascinating character. The book balances touching moments with mysterious ones, and there are plenty of twists along the way. I appreciated Banner's deft touch and something different from the usual thriller. 4+ stars.
"She prefers to remain in limbo, to act as if she too, has died. She walks the earth, but she might as well be a phantom flitting through her life unnoticed, disturbing the air but barely registering her presence."
This excellent read is not quite what I expected--at times it's more emotional and character driven than pure thriller, but it does not matter: it's quite good. I tore through it, and I'm quickly realizing that I really enjoy A.J. Banner's books. They are reliable page turners and typically quite mesmerizing.
IN ANOTHER LIGHT kept me guessing from the beginning. Is Phoebe crazy from grief and simply obsessed with this lookalike woman? Or is there more to it--as she delves into Pauline's life, we truly wonder if we can trust Phoebe, yet you cannot help but root for this broken and grief struck woman. While she does not always make the best decisions, she's a fascinating character. The book balances touching moments with mysterious ones, and there are plenty of twists along the way. I appreciated Banner's deft touch and something different from the usual thriller. 4+ stars.
A Plus One for Murder
10.0
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Entrepreneur Emma Westlake is reinventing herself as a hired friend when murder gets in the way in...
Where to begin with this book? Well, first off, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was lost in the story whilst I read - it’s very ‘all-consuming’. The main reason for that is that it’s completely out there! It’s unpredictable. I tried to think of another couple of words to go with that, but I can’t get any better than ‘unpredictable’ to be honest.
The pandemic of teenage suicides is disturbing, and reflects their despair at the state of the world left for them by previous generations. Parents with money think that they can prevent their childs’ suicide and cure their anxiety throwing money and anti-depressants at the ‘problem’, and sending them to an Anxiety Abatement Centre - and that’s how Simon meets the Prophet and Louise. And that’s where the quest begins.
It turns out that adults are responsible for more than Climate Change. You can add child abuse and big Pharma into the mix as well. And then there’s the political state of the country, where no party is any better than the other, and what’s more, they’re interchangeable. There was a lot of head nodding going on as I read.
And Noah Hawley breaks the 4th wall as he talks directly to the reader, talking about his thought process in writing the novel.
This book is a huge exaggeration of the state of the world, at the same time as it’s not. I hope it doesn’t come to the things that happen in Anthem, but we’ve seen snapshots of it on the news already.
It’s just the right level of crazy, believable, unbelievable, mind-blowing fiction that keeps me well-entertained. I know Noah Hawley is a screen writer, and I can see this as a film - hey, I’d watch it.
The pandemic of teenage suicides is disturbing, and reflects their despair at the state of the world left for them by previous generations. Parents with money think that they can prevent their childs’ suicide and cure their anxiety throwing money and anti-depressants at the ‘problem’, and sending them to an Anxiety Abatement Centre - and that’s how Simon meets the Prophet and Louise. And that’s where the quest begins.
It turns out that adults are responsible for more than Climate Change. You can add child abuse and big Pharma into the mix as well. And then there’s the political state of the country, where no party is any better than the other, and what’s more, they’re interchangeable. There was a lot of head nodding going on as I read.
And Noah Hawley breaks the 4th wall as he talks directly to the reader, talking about his thought process in writing the novel.
This book is a huge exaggeration of the state of the world, at the same time as it’s not. I hope it doesn’t come to the things that happen in Anthem, but we’ve seen snapshots of it on the news already.
It’s just the right level of crazy, believable, unbelievable, mind-blowing fiction that keeps me well-entertained. I know Noah Hawley is a screen writer, and I can see this as a film - hey, I’d watch it.
Merissa (13494 KP) rated Requiem (Tales of the Five Realms #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2022
REQUIEM is the first book in the Tales of the Five Realms series and we are immediately introduced to a world where everything is not equal - especially where magic is concerned. Hagar lives in Sera, where only the Elders have magic and everyone else is encouraged to leave. When she does something that could result in prison, the Elders give her the option to go to Magic School in another realm - but only if she spies for them. Of course, she agrees. Not only does it keep her out of prison but it also gives her the chance to control her crazy magic.
This book is full of intricate twists and turns that will keep you guessing as you read it. The author also cleverly gives you a circumstance but downplays it so you forget it, only for its relevance to become plainly obvious at a later date.
The world-building was great but I was hoping for more about the Five Realms themselves. I was left with questions over just who people were and why they invaded other Realms, plus others. I'm sure it will become clear as the story arc continues.
Hagar is a bit of a character - all over the place with her emotions, magic, and love of learning. Then again, she is only supposed to be in her early twenties and I don't know of anyone who had it together at that point!
Requiem was a great start to a new series that I have no hesitation in recommending and will be looking forward to continuing.
** 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!
This book is full of intricate twists and turns that will keep you guessing as you read it. The author also cleverly gives you a circumstance but downplays it so you forget it, only for its relevance to become plainly obvious at a later date.
The world-building was great but I was hoping for more about the Five Realms themselves. I was left with questions over just who people were and why they invaded other Realms, plus others. I'm sure it will become clear as the story arc continues.
Hagar is a bit of a character - all over the place with her emotions, magic, and love of learning. Then again, she is only supposed to be in her early twenties and I don't know of anyone who had it together at that point!
Requiem was a great start to a new series that I have no hesitation in recommending and will be looking forward to continuing.
** 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 (13494 KP) rated Forever Wilde in Aster Valley (Forever Wilde #9) in Books
Nov 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
FOREVER WILDE IN ASTER VALLEY is a crossover from the Marions and the Wildes, giving you a seasonal romance about an introverted only child thrown into a crazy chaotic family situation.
Now, let me say one thing first - I wanted more of Darius and Miller. They seemed to get lost at times amongst all of the others. Saying that!!! Lucy Lennox has managed to perfectly convey all of the differing personalities that come with these two clans.
What I did get of Miller and Darius was superb. I related so much with Miller in so many ways. Maybe that's why I want more, nothing to do with the story itself, just him as a character. Either way, this book gave me laughs and tears, warm fuzzy feelings, and cold hard ones.
Will this put me in the minority if I say I was cheering when Miller let rip with Tilly? Maybe, maybe not. I love her character, but he had valid points, and it made her seem more life-life and not so infallible.
I was convinced this would be a 4-star read even as I got toward the end, but honestly? I can't. Yes, I wanted more, but isn't that a sign of a good book? This is one I read in one sitting, that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. If for no other reason than that, this is a 5-star book for me. I just hope to see Miller and Darius 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 19, 2021
Now, let me say one thing first - I wanted more of Darius and Miller. They seemed to get lost at times amongst all of the others. Saying that!!! Lucy Lennox has managed to perfectly convey all of the differing personalities that come with these two clans.
What I did get of Miller and Darius was superb. I related so much with Miller in so many ways. Maybe that's why I want more, nothing to do with the story itself, just him as a character. Either way, this book gave me laughs and tears, warm fuzzy feelings, and cold hard ones.
Will this put me in the minority if I say I was cheering when Miller let rip with Tilly? Maybe, maybe not. I love her character, but he had valid points, and it made her seem more life-life and not so infallible.
I was convinced this would be a 4-star read even as I got toward the end, but honestly? I can't. Yes, I wanted more, but isn't that a sign of a good book? This is one I read in one sitting, that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. If for no other reason than that, this is a 5-star book for me. I just hope to see Miller and Darius 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 19, 2021
Merissa (13494 KP) rated Lower World (Infernal Regions for the Unprepared #2) in Books
Apr 15, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
LOWER WORLD is the second book in the Infernal Regions for the Unprepared series and remember how I said the first one wasn't too fast-paced? Yeah, well, we're back to the crazy and frantic pace Maya Daniels is known for!
Don't get me wrong, it is still smoking-hot, and I love how Ms Daniels drags you along into her story, but for me, it just lost a bit of 'something' in the pace. Brooklyn and Dominic are heating up and the trust is building, but with all the action going on, I felt like I missed part of that. Alice is a cracker, as always, and I am loving her role in this.
Now, I was warned about the ending of this book, so I was expecting something. Usually, I end up throwing my Kindle away in disgust at the typical cliffhanger endings, but this time, this time I was okay with it. Maybe it's because I was warned, or maybe it's because although I know Brooklyn is in danger, she is too tough to go down easy, PLUS she has her crew coming for her. And then there is the whole question mark about her mum. So, yeah, cliffhanger but one I'm happy with.
I am still loving this series, and can't wait to see where it goes next. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and lie down, get my heart rate down, and be ready to start the world at a normal pace, not superspeed!
* 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!
Apr 15, 2021
Don't get me wrong, it is still smoking-hot, and I love how Ms Daniels drags you along into her story, but for me, it just lost a bit of 'something' in the pace. Brooklyn and Dominic are heating up and the trust is building, but with all the action going on, I felt like I missed part of that. Alice is a cracker, as always, and I am loving her role in this.
Now, I was warned about the ending of this book, so I was expecting something. Usually, I end up throwing my Kindle away in disgust at the typical cliffhanger endings, but this time, this time I was okay with it. Maybe it's because I was warned, or maybe it's because although I know Brooklyn is in danger, she is too tough to go down easy, PLUS she has her crew coming for her. And then there is the whole question mark about her mum. So, yeah, cliffhanger but one I'm happy with.
I am still loving this series, and can't wait to see where it goes next. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and lie down, get my heart rate down, and be ready to start the world at a normal pace, not superspeed!
* 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!
Apr 15, 2021
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2023
12 of 235
kindle
Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3)
By K.F. Breene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessie is well on her way to learning her new life and settling in. The tough alpha, Austin, has joined her team, and she has painstakingly learned to fly. At the moment, life couldn’t get any better.
But it can get a whole lot…more irritating.
Her parents have decided to visit. They don’t know anything about magic, about Jessie’s new digs, or about the crazy crew living in and around Jessie’s house. She must do everything in her power to keep the truth away from them.
Which would be much easier without the unfelt presence lurking within Ivy House’s borders. It seems an enemy has figured out a way to magically bypass Ivy House’s defenses. Jessie is completely exposed.
The real battle, however, won’t be with the incoming force. It will be between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom, each intent on being the most helpful. Mr. Tom might have met his match, and he is not pleased.
Just when things were finally settling down, Jessie is in the thick of it again, and this time, the turmoil is all around her.
This series is so good! It’s so funny and quirky and a joy to read. The characters are you unique and funny you get so invested in what’s happening with them. Jessie and Austin need their head banging together really hard!! The only thing is that bloody room of killer dolls and the house finding it funny letting them put. I will now have nightmares of little killer dolls carrying knives and climbing trees 😂😂😂. Definitely a series to lighten up your reading load.
kindle
Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3)
By K.F. Breene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessie is well on her way to learning her new life and settling in. The tough alpha, Austin, has joined her team, and she has painstakingly learned to fly. At the moment, life couldn’t get any better.
But it can get a whole lot…more irritating.
Her parents have decided to visit. They don’t know anything about magic, about Jessie’s new digs, or about the crazy crew living in and around Jessie’s house. She must do everything in her power to keep the truth away from them.
Which would be much easier without the unfelt presence lurking within Ivy House’s borders. It seems an enemy has figured out a way to magically bypass Ivy House’s defenses. Jessie is completely exposed.
The real battle, however, won’t be with the incoming force. It will be between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom, each intent on being the most helpful. Mr. Tom might have met his match, and he is not pleased.
Just when things were finally settling down, Jessie is in the thick of it again, and this time, the turmoil is all around her.
This series is so good! It’s so funny and quirky and a joy to read. The characters are you unique and funny you get so invested in what’s happening with them. Jessie and Austin need their head banging together really hard!! The only thing is that bloody room of killer dolls and the house finding it funny letting them put. I will now have nightmares of little killer dolls carrying knives and climbing trees 😂😂😂. Definitely a series to lighten up your reading load.