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Merissa (12914 KP) rated Bound (Dark Reflections #1) in Books

Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Bound (Dark Reflections #1)
Bound (Dark Reflections #1)
Dean Murray | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As you may be aware, I am a Reflections Fan. I read book one and was drawn in. By book 2 I was completely hooked and just found myself further enthralled with Alec and Adri as the story continued. So I'll admit to being torn about this set. I loved Reflections and wasn't sure if I even wanted to read an alternate storyline. But then my curiosity kicked in and I started reading it. As always with Dean Murray's books, I ended up staying awake a lot longer than I intended as I "just read one more chapter".

The story is certainly darker than the original series, hence the "Dark Reflections" series title. You see familiar faces in unfamiliar conditions and surroundings. Some of the things that happen in Reflections don't or haven't happened here. On the whole, it is a brand new look at the wolf pack of Sanctuary and of the shifter world in general.

I really enjoyed this book, almost against my own desires, and am looking forward to reading more in this series. I think it will be very interesting to find out how Adri and Alec will meet up this time. If you like Reflections, then definitely give Dark Reflections a chance.
 
* 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!
November 19, 2016
  
43 of 230
Kindle
Fae: The Realm of Twilight ( The Riven Wyrde Saga book 2)
By Graham Austin-King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Riven Wyrde saga continues...

The Wyrde is dead and gone, its protection passed into the ether. The fae have been loosed upon the world as they begin their wild hunt, a nightmare from fables and legend made flesh. At Hesk, in the heart of the Barren Isles, Ylsriss must confront a reality she never could have imagined when her son is stolen from her by the fae. Her desperate attempts to reclaim him lead her far from this world and deep into the Realm of Twilight where a still darker truth awaits her. As the Bjornmen invaders drive their way deeper into Anlan, King Pieter refuses to act. Selena is forced to confront him directly as Devin and Obair flee Widdengate and begin a search for answers, seeking help from a woman who may be little more than a memory.

Now this was so much better than book 1. It was non stop following each of the characters journeys. From start to finish I just enjoyed every bit! The world building was just so beautiful and so worth pushing through book one as it all makes sense. If I had one thing that annoyed me was the abrupt ending I mean really? Just stop like that? I guess it on to book 3!!
  
Candy Canes of Christmas Past
Candy Canes of Christmas Past
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder in Lucy’s Past
This story takes us back in time to the first Christmas that Lucy Stone spent in Tinker’s Cove, Maine. Lucy is trying to deal with her husband's project, fixing up their home. So when town librarian Miss Tilly is nice to Lucy, Lucy looks for some way to repay her new friend. And that's how she begins trying to uncover the circumstances surrounding Miss Tilly's mother's death almost 50 years before. Was Mrs. Tilly murdered? If so, how can Lucy find out what happened after all these years.

This story is as much about Lucy's struggles to fit into a new town and live in an old house as it is about the mystery. Lucy and her husband are really struggling, which gives most of this story a darker tone for a cozy. It is also a weak mystery. The solution was very coincidental and almost an after thought compared to the resolution to the other story line. But I liked the characters. They are vivid and seem like people I would love to get to know better. While it didn’t turn out that way, this story lets me see the appeal for those who do like them.

NOTE: This story was originally part of the anthology Candy Cane Murder, so if you’ve read that book, there is no need to pick up this story a second time.
  
Where the Guilty Hide
Where the Guilty Hide
Annette Dashofy | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Home Invasion Leads to Murder
Erie City Police Detective Matthias Honeywell has been called to the site of a second home invasion robbery in a matter of days. The difference here is that the husband managed to escape and go after the thieves. Unfortunately, the next morning, photographer Emma Anderson finds the man’s body in some debris that washed on shore from Lake Erie. The more Honeywell investigates, the more he finds that revolves around Emma. Can he solve the case? Will she be the key to unraveling it?

This is a strong start to a new series. Both Honeywell and Emma come alive quickly for us, partially thanks to their backstories which are slowly given to us without over teasing. The rest of the cast is just as strong. We get the story from both Honeywell’s and Emma’s third person points of view in alternating chapters, so it is always easy to tell when we are switching. And the story is strong. I struggled when I had the put the book down, especially when I hit the page turning climax. (Stupid real life!) Since this is a police procedural, it is darker than the cozies I often read, so know that going in. Those already a fan of the author will be delighted with the new series. If you haven’t started reading her books yet, this is a great place to jump in.
  
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Merissa (12914 KP) rated Chozen Part Two (Headspace #2) in Books

Jan 28, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)  
Chozen Part Two (Headspace #2)
Chozen Part Two (Headspace #2)
JP Sayle, J. Paton | 2021 | Crime, Horror, LGBTQ+, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CHOZEN: PART TWO continues with the story, and it is just as dark and horrible as the first one, if not more so. My heart broke in the first chapter, and I don't think it ever recovered.

This was still told from different perspectives but, for some reason, it didn't feel as manic as before, so I was able to get a good grip on who was speaking and the experiences they had dealt with or were dealing with. You still have no idea who to trust though!

The story comes together slowly, giving you snippets of information as you go along. I will say that I was completely enthralled in this dark, horrific world, and couldn't put it down. The rescue was just the beginning, and even that wasn't without tragedy.

And that ending... perfect. That's all I'm saying.

This is a horrible, horrific book and I thank J. Paton for writing it. Stories such as these do not glamorise anything and unfortunately, the truth behind them can be darker still.

I would recommend this book but only if your mind, stomach, and heart can take it. It really is DARK so please be warned.

** 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!
Jan 28, 2022