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Murder by Natural Causes [Audibook]
Murder by Natural Causes [Audibook]
Helen Erichsen | 2023 | Crime
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Overall, a pretty successful audiobook which was, for me anyway, mostly down to the narrator who was excellent and really brought the characters to life.

The book is told entirely from Cilla's point of view and tells the story of how she got to be who she is and the now. I wouldn't say it is full of action or thrills and spills which, from the synopsis anyway, I did assume would be the case but rather a detailed look into how a child with certain traits can be shaped and moulded to become a successful killer and the cunning and skills she used when plying her trade and which she is now using to try and change her life.

As I said, it's not full of action and whilst there is some suspense, this mainly comes towards the end and this was, for me, a little disappointing - it's a little too slow and lacking in oomph! I did however like getting to know Cilla and whilst at first I found her hard to 'like', she did grow on me in the end.

Overall, a little underwhelming and although I did finish it, I was left with a sense of "was that it?". My thanks go to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Murder by Natural Causes.
  
Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4)
Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4)
Charmaine Pauls | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Maya, as we know from previous books, is one tough cookie. She doesn't have many friends, but those she does have, she holds close and gives her all. So when she finds herself alone on a mission, she isn't bothered because she knows how to take care of herself, and there are very good reasons why her teammates aren't there with her. So you can imagine the shock to her system when she finds herself falling for the very guy that she's there to investigate. Tim has many layers to him (why do I always think of Shrek when I say that!) and you don't find them all out at once. I have to say, that even by the end of the book, I don't think we know all there is to know about Ambassador Fardel!

This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely 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!
Jan 30, 2016
  
Alpha Shaman (Bad Oak Boys #2)
Alpha Shaman (Bad Oak Boys #2)
Erin M. Leaf | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Josh thinks that he is human, although he is aware of the werewolf gene in his family. However, when he starts having strange dreams and shedding fur, he admits he might be in trouble. He rings Ryan (his brother) who sends out a Shaman who will help him. When Josh and Gerwulf first meet, the wolves both agree that they have found their mates, although the human halves still need convincing. Evil is on the way though, so they may not have as much time as they would like.

This is the first of the Bad Oak Boys that I have read, although I didn't feel that it negatively impacted my enjoyment in any way. Alpha Shaman is full of action, romance, and yes, even grief. I could understand Gerwulf's hang-ups from his past and liked how he worked through them, with Josh's help. Josh and Gerwulf are both excellent characters, well-rounded and with their own quirks.

I have enjoyed this story, and am now looking forward to reading Rock Star Baby, which is book one in this series.

* 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!
Feb 11, 2016
  
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7)
Caris Roane | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OK, call me shallow, but I have to admit that reading about a tattooed man, with long hair, into bikes, makes the story a lot easier to read. I love The Blood Rose series, but this book was outstanding. I love how although the Mastyrs are important, it is their Blood Roses who are coming into their own. Each is different, each bringing just what is needed, I think they are all magnificent but I will admit to loving Olivia's attitude! She rocks!!

As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.

Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. Definitely 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!
Feb 28, 2016
  
The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos (Enlighten #1)
The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos (Enlighten #1)
Kristin D. Van Risseghem | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Zoe is best friends with Kieran, they have been together since day dot. So when he suddenly turns into this death-defying badass, she is a bit shocked. No more so than when another hot bod also turns up to help save her. Just what is going on?

Zoe is a brilliant character, with just the right amount of innocence and naivety to carry it off, without becoming the world's most annoying character. She takes what she has to in her stride, with only an occasional flip-out. She also still tries to continue on with her 'normal' life - cart/horse scenario! With Shay and Kieran by her side to help her sort things out, the future is uncertain for Zoe. High potential on the one hand; death and destruction on the other.

With a supporting cast of excellent characters, all with their own personalities and foibles, this book was an entertaining read from start to finish. With plenty of room left for further growth and adventures, this is one series that I will definitely be continuing. Highly recommended for all YA Paranormal fans.

* 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 27, 2016
  
Journey Man (Knights of Black Swan #9)
Journey Man (Knights of Black Swan #9)
Victoria Danann | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rosie and Glen's story started years ago, when Glen was the first word that Rosie spoke. He was her babysitter, friend, and later, lover. However that all changed when Rose gave him an ultimatum - her or the Knights. When Glen tried to explain about how he felt about the Knights, Rosie disappeared. Five years have passed since then, and a lot has happened to both of them. Rosie has to recover from heartache, whilst Glen has become bitter about Rosie, mostly due to the fact that he has suffered more stress and anguish than anyone should.

I thoroughly enjoyed the direction that Victoria Danann took their story. It was heartbreaking to see how Glen was suffering. Even when he is surly, I still think he is brilliant. But here's the thing - I just don't feel the same about Rosie. I've tried, I honestly have. There is something about her that just doesn't do it for me.

With a wonderful storyline and an excellent supporting cast, with cameo appearances from some of my favourite characters, this is a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 7, 2016
  
Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge
Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge
Lizzie Pook | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Maude Horton’s younger sister, Constance, has run away aboard a ship bound for the Arctic and the Northwest Passage. She is killed on the voyage, and Maude is determined to have revenge on the man that she’s sure is responsible for. Constance had kept a diary on board - and everything Maude needs to know is within its pages, even though the admiralty reports that the death was an accident.

Maude is an assistant to her Apothecary grandfather, and she will use whatever it takes to get the truth out of the expedition’s scientist. He is conducting public hanging tours, and Maude joins one of them. I had no idea that there was such a thing! How macabre! Very Victorian, though.

Constance’s diary entries were fascinating - what an experience it must have been, how dangerous (especially for Constance!) and completely different from anything she had ever experienced. Victorian London is described so well, and the hardships of the Arctic, equally so.

Maude’s dedication to her sister is admirable, and it’s refreshing to read about a young woman with so much skill and knowledge. The danger that Maude puts herself in, had me on the edge of my seat!

I listened to this on Xigxag audiobooks, and the narration was excellent. The story was brought to life by the narrator, Genevieve Gaunt.

An adventure-filled, gripping story!