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Merissa (12374 KP) rated Stone Heart (The Compelled Chronicles #1) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the first of the Compelled Chronicles and it starts with a bang! Dani is starting a new school and although she is nervous, it is not because of the usual new school reasons. The reason Dani is nervous is because she seems to have this ability that draws members of the opposite sex to her, before either making them head for the hills or become a stalker. She has no idea what's going on or why this happens, but she has learned how to live with it. The first boy she meets, Caine, seems immune to her 'charms' and Dani hopes that she has found herself the first male friend she has had in a long time. However, meeting Caine is something that starts off her journey into the unknown where she will have to fight the paranormal, and her life will be threatened simply 'because'.
This is a gripping and thrilling first instalment that ends on an amazing cliffhanger! Full of mystery and action, you are left with questions unanswered. I won't put the questions out here, you'll need to read the book for yourself, but I will say that you will immediately want to know more. Excellent start and definitely recommended.
* 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 26, 2015
This is a gripping and thrilling first instalment that ends on an amazing cliffhanger! Full of mystery and action, you are left with questions unanswered. I won't put the questions out here, you'll need to read the book for yourself, but I will say that you will immediately want to know more. Excellent start and definitely recommended.
* 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 26, 2015
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Lost Ones (Detective Jackie Cooke #1) in Books
Jun 21, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
Oh my goodness ... what a cracker of an opener to a new series!
There is so much to like about this book - the characters, the plot, the pace, the twists, the back-stories, the inventiveness of the murders, the writing style - pretty much all of it to be honest which made this a particularly hard book to put down. Luckily, I was on holiday so didn't have the usual work and life distractions so was able to devour the pages at my leisure.
Jackie is a strong, female character; she might be heavily pregnant, the mother of twin boys, with a musician for a husband, her mother living in her basement and a boss that clearly doesn't like her but she doesn't let these hold her back or prevent her and her team from investigating what is a horrific set of murders.
The book is packed full of tension, secrets, lies and the twists and turns and the scenes of peril just keep coming. A warning here though, the descriptions of the murders are quite graphic so if you don't like to read that sort of thing, you might want to skip over those bits.
My verdict - an excellent new series to get my teeth into and I can't wait to see what happens next with Jackie and her team and I must give my thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Lost Ones and to share my thoughts.
There is so much to like about this book - the characters, the plot, the pace, the twists, the back-stories, the inventiveness of the murders, the writing style - pretty much all of it to be honest which made this a particularly hard book to put down. Luckily, I was on holiday so didn't have the usual work and life distractions so was able to devour the pages at my leisure.
Jackie is a strong, female character; she might be heavily pregnant, the mother of twin boys, with a musician for a husband, her mother living in her basement and a boss that clearly doesn't like her but she doesn't let these hold her back or prevent her and her team from investigating what is a horrific set of murders.
The book is packed full of tension, secrets, lies and the twists and turns and the scenes of peril just keep coming. A warning here though, the descriptions of the murders are quite graphic so if you don't like to read that sort of thing, you might want to skip over those bits.
My verdict - an excellent new series to get my teeth into and I can't wait to see what happens next with Jackie and her team and I must give my thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Lost Ones and to share my thoughts.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Requiem ( Remington Carter book 2) in Books
Jun 21, 2022
111 of 230
Kindle
Requiem (Remington Carte book 2)
By Emma Cole
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
My name is Remington Reese Carter, and I’ve had a really bad day. It should have been an excellent day, after the prior evening spent with Elliot McAdams.
The experience had been amazing, but then the front door of Eli’s place opened, along with the biggest can of worms ever. I mean, really, what were the chances that not one, not two, but all three boys—well, now men, I suppose—that I ever loved, or thought to love, would all live together? And that Eli would live there as well? All. Together.
My mind couldn’t fathom it.
So I did what any self-respecting girl would do when confronted with four guys she has a major thing for. I ran. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have, either. I went straight to my best friend for some serious girl time.
Oh dear I hate going lower than 3⭐️ ratings but this really started to get boring half way through it was a little repetitive too. It did pick up in the last few chapters but not enough to go up to 3⭐️. Yes we did find out more of what happened but these things were spread out over too many chapters and the stuff with her dad ect was left to the odd mention. I kinda needed more.
Kindle
Requiem (Remington Carte book 2)
By Emma Cole
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
My name is Remington Reese Carter, and I’ve had a really bad day. It should have been an excellent day, after the prior evening spent with Elliot McAdams.
The experience had been amazing, but then the front door of Eli’s place opened, along with the biggest can of worms ever. I mean, really, what were the chances that not one, not two, but all three boys—well, now men, I suppose—that I ever loved, or thought to love, would all live together? And that Eli would live there as well? All. Together.
My mind couldn’t fathom it.
So I did what any self-respecting girl would do when confronted with four guys she has a major thing for. I ran. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have, either. I went straight to my best friend for some serious girl time.
Oh dear I hate going lower than 3⭐️ ratings but this really started to get boring half way through it was a little repetitive too. It did pick up in the last few chapters but not enough to go up to 3⭐️. Yes we did find out more of what happened but these things were spread out over too many chapters and the stuff with her dad ect was left to the odd mention. I kinda needed more.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Night Watch (DS Max Craigie #3) in Books
Sep 4, 2022
I have read the first 2 in this series and absolutely loved them so I was a bit worried that Mr Lancaster wouldn't be able to match them however, I have to say that he has exceeded my expectations because this is an absolute cracker.
DS Max Craigie and his team are a small but formidable group; their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I have found myself becoming rather attached to them. Max's boss, DI Ross Fraser, provided me much amusement and laugh out loud moments which helped to lighten what is a dark story of what appears to be vigilante justice with a strong suspicion that the perpetrator is a serving police officer. When he is found dead of an apparent suicide, Max and his team are convinced it was murder but how and who is responsible and who will be next?
Once again, this is a gritty, fast paced and absorbing police procedural with an engrossing plot with great twists and excellent characters and although it can be read as a standalone quite successfully, I would highly recommend reading the first 2 in the series not only because it will help with getting to know the characters but also because they are damn fine books!
Bravo Mr Lancaster, you have a fan here and I can't wait to read the next and I must thank HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Night Watch.
DS Max Craigie and his team are a small but formidable group; their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I have found myself becoming rather attached to them. Max's boss, DI Ross Fraser, provided me much amusement and laugh out loud moments which helped to lighten what is a dark story of what appears to be vigilante justice with a strong suspicion that the perpetrator is a serving police officer. When he is found dead of an apparent suicide, Max and his team are convinced it was murder but how and who is responsible and who will be next?
Once again, this is a gritty, fast paced and absorbing police procedural with an engrossing plot with great twists and excellent characters and although it can be read as a standalone quite successfully, I would highly recommend reading the first 2 in the series not only because it will help with getting to know the characters but also because they are damn fine books!
Bravo Mr Lancaster, you have a fan here and I can't wait to read the next and I must thank HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Night Watch.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Those People Next Door [Audiobook] in Books
Feb 5, 2023
![Those People Next Door [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/ace/be1b0c79-fb0f-4df3-8ef5-1dfcb9f41ace.jpg?m=1675610582)
This is a tense story of how one seemingly innocuous action can spiral out of control resulting in tragedy and heartache.
Salma, Bill and Zain move into their new home in the hopes of making a fresh start. The move has stretched them financially but they are determined to make the best of things and when they are invited to a barbecue in order to get to know their neighbours, things appear to be going well. However, when Zain's banner is removed from their front garden and dumped on their lawn by their neighbour, Tom, things quickly start to escalate culminating in a horrendous incident which leaves on of the characters in a coma and another standing trial for attempted murder.
This a really tense and, sadly, believable story of how misunderstandings, intolerance and lies can ruin lives. The characters aren't particularly likeable and this did mean that I actually didn't care what the outcome was for any of them but I did enjoy getting there and the twists and turns along the way!
The narrator, Tania Rodrigues, was excellent and really brought the story to life.
I have never read or listened to anything by Kia Abdullah before but I will certainly be keeping my beady eyes and ears open in the future and I must thank HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Those People Next Door.
Salma, Bill and Zain move into their new home in the hopes of making a fresh start. The move has stretched them financially but they are determined to make the best of things and when they are invited to a barbecue in order to get to know their neighbours, things appear to be going well. However, when Zain's banner is removed from their front garden and dumped on their lawn by their neighbour, Tom, things quickly start to escalate culminating in a horrendous incident which leaves on of the characters in a coma and another standing trial for attempted murder.
This a really tense and, sadly, believable story of how misunderstandings, intolerance and lies can ruin lives. The characters aren't particularly likeable and this did mean that I actually didn't care what the outcome was for any of them but I did enjoy getting there and the twists and turns along the way!
The narrator, Tania Rodrigues, was excellent and really brought the story to life.
I have never read or listened to anything by Kia Abdullah before but I will certainly be keeping my beady eyes and ears open in the future and I must thank HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Those People Next Door.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Dead of Winter in Books
Feb 13, 2023
I have enjoyed a number of Stuart MacBride's books before; I enjoy his writing style, his dark sense of humour, twisty plots and excellent characters - The Dead of Winter is no different and I loved it.
DI Victoria Montgomery-Porter (also known as Bigtoria but don't let her hear you call her that!) and her underling, DC Edward Reekie are tasked with transporting a dying prisoner to spend his final days in the village of Glenfarach a 'special' village where ex-prisoners live when they can't be released back into full freedom. A straight-forward job I hear you say however it turns into anything but when a resident is found tortured to death and no one can get in or out as the weather closes in.
Full of dark humour, violence, gore and unsavoury characters along with a fast paced plot full of twists and turns, this was a book I really enjoyed. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, moments that make you wince and several "no way" moments that had me swiping my screen at a great rate of knots desperate to find out how it was all going to end but also not wanting it to.
It's all a bit crackers and not particularly plausible but I loved it from start to finish and I must thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Dead of Winter.
DI Victoria Montgomery-Porter (also known as Bigtoria but don't let her hear you call her that!) and her underling, DC Edward Reekie are tasked with transporting a dying prisoner to spend his final days in the village of Glenfarach a 'special' village where ex-prisoners live when they can't be released back into full freedom. A straight-forward job I hear you say however it turns into anything but when a resident is found tortured to death and no one can get in or out as the weather closes in.
Full of dark humour, violence, gore and unsavoury characters along with a fast paced plot full of twists and turns, this was a book I really enjoyed. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, moments that make you wince and several "no way" moments that had me swiping my screen at a great rate of knots desperate to find out how it was all going to end but also not wanting it to.
It's all a bit crackers and not particularly plausible but I loved it from start to finish and I must thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Dead of Winter.
Merissa (12374 KP) rated The Dragon Berserker's Mate (Bad Dragon's Bride, #2) in Books
Jan 10, 2023
THE DRAGON BERSERKER'S MATE is the second book in the Bad Dragon's Bride series and it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read book one but found I could easily follow this story. And what a story it was!
Hazel is down on her luck, at home with her stepdad, and needs to escape before things get even worse. She will agree to anything if it means she is free of him and debt-free - even if it means marrying a dragon. The only trouble is, the one she wants is not the one she is expected to marry.
Jay is slowly killing himself as he tries to lock down his dragon. But once he meets Hazel, he realises he will do anything for her, just to see her smile or hear her laugh. And maybe, just maybe, his dragon feels the same.
This was a tale of epic proportions and I loved every word. The writing is so descriptive, every scene was clear to see. There are lots of one-liners in here that just made it even better. The pacing is fast but you never feel as though you are being rushed.
An excellent story with amazing characters that I 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hazel is down on her luck, at home with her stepdad, and needs to escape before things get even worse. She will agree to anything if it means she is free of him and debt-free - even if it means marrying a dragon. The only trouble is, the one she wants is not the one she is expected to marry.
Jay is slowly killing himself as he tries to lock down his dragon. But once he meets Hazel, he realises he will do anything for her, just to see her smile or hear her laugh. And maybe, just maybe, his dragon feels the same.
This was a tale of epic proportions and I loved every word. The writing is so descriptive, every scene was clear to see. There are lots of one-liners in here that just made it even better. The pacing is fast but you never feel as though you are being rushed.
An excellent story with amazing characters that I 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12374 KP) rated Guarding Reese in Books
Oct 3, 2023
Guarding Reese is a story by R.S. McCoy, in the Wings of the Wicked anthology. In it, we meet Cass, a guardian angel who has had to spend nine years away from his charge. Reese has worked his way through five other guardians, but no one seems to work. Cass is given the chance to work with Reese again, and he follows his heart to the one who has held it since the first moment they met.
This book is a paradox - it is both steamy and sexy, whilst also fading to black. The passion between Reese and Cass is full-on and full of emotion. I was hoping for that ending, but I wasn't sure I would get it. R.S. McCoy managed to keep me on tenterhooks throughout.
This is an excellent story, being well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing is smooth, and the characters well rounded. I would love to know if this is part of a series, as I would love for Vin and Alexander to have their stories too!
If you like reading about hot and sexy angels or ripped musicians who know what they want, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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 8, 2019
This book is a paradox - it is both steamy and sexy, whilst also fading to black. The passion between Reese and Cass is full-on and full of emotion. I was hoping for that ending, but I wasn't sure I would get it. R.S. McCoy managed to keep me on tenterhooks throughout.
This is an excellent story, being well written, and with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing is smooth, and the characters well rounded. I would love to know if this is part of a series, as I would love for Vin and Alexander to have their stories too!
If you like reading about hot and sexy angels or ripped musicians who know what they want, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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 8, 2019
ClareR (5784 KP) rated Double Blind in Books
Jul 28, 2023
I really enjoyed Double Blind, not least because of Benedict Cumberbatch’s excellent narration on the audiobook!
There’s a lot packed in to this book: mental health, love, bravery, illness, fear, adoption, climate change, genetics, inheritance and technology (there might be more, but this is off the top of my head!). These are all pretty meaty themes, but I think they were all addressed with sensitivity, and nothing seemed contrived - even though one of the characters was ridiculously rich!
There’s a fair bit of internal dialogue going on, but it’s all relevant to the story itself, and I feel it was easier to listen to than it might have been to read. In fact, this book seemed to go by really quickly - I thoroughly enjoyed it, and listened to it whenever I could.
The characters were all very likeable: Lucy has a brain tumour, and after the initial shock she takes the news very well. She works for an American called Hunter Sterling, a tycoon and hedonist. He takes a lot of drugs.
Francis is a conservationist on an estate, and he meets Olivia, a biologist. Her father is a psychoanalyst who works with schizophrenics (amongst others), in particular a man called Sebastian. His deeper connections emerge in the story.
All of these people and themes are woven into a beautifully written book. I loved it, and it looks as though I have another authors backlist to investigate!
There’s a lot packed in to this book: mental health, love, bravery, illness, fear, adoption, climate change, genetics, inheritance and technology (there might be more, but this is off the top of my head!). These are all pretty meaty themes, but I think they were all addressed with sensitivity, and nothing seemed contrived - even though one of the characters was ridiculously rich!
There’s a fair bit of internal dialogue going on, but it’s all relevant to the story itself, and I feel it was easier to listen to than it might have been to read. In fact, this book seemed to go by really quickly - I thoroughly enjoyed it, and listened to it whenever I could.
The characters were all very likeable: Lucy has a brain tumour, and after the initial shock she takes the news very well. She works for an American called Hunter Sterling, a tycoon and hedonist. He takes a lot of drugs.
Francis is a conservationist on an estate, and he meets Olivia, a biologist. Her father is a psychoanalyst who works with schizophrenics (amongst others), in particular a man called Sebastian. His deeper connections emerge in the story.
All of these people and themes are woven into a beautifully written book. I loved it, and it looks as though I have another authors backlist to investigate!
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated A Christmas in the Alps in Books
Jan 2, 2022
A Christmas in the Alps is a lovely and enjoyable story set for Christmas. You will find yourself wanting to find out more about the two main characters exploring France. This book is set during and takes place mainly in France around Christmas.
We meet Simone while she is cleaning out her great grandma's house. Her friend found a letter and read it to Simone. The letter starts Simone on her journey to discover her great-grandma's treasure and heritage. Will she find more than that? Will she overcome her flying fear? She meets Kyle during her flight from Seattle to France.
This story is doing a bit of genealogy and a bit of romance. So far, it is excellent. It looks like Simone has made at least two friends. There seems to be a mystery going on as well at this point. Is Leon's Aunt related to Simone's Great-grandma, or does she know anything about her Great Grandpa rescued during WW2?
Will Kyle and Simone find love with each other? Will Simone find the true treasure and family? There seems to be a family feud or a rift in a relationship. Can Simone find a solution and fix the relationship with her great aunt? To this end, you will want to read more from this author. Melody Carlson will bring you in to enjoy the culture of her lovely books and Christmas books. This one is no different.
We meet Simone while she is cleaning out her great grandma's house. Her friend found a letter and read it to Simone. The letter starts Simone on her journey to discover her great-grandma's treasure and heritage. Will she find more than that? Will she overcome her flying fear? She meets Kyle during her flight from Seattle to France.
This story is doing a bit of genealogy and a bit of romance. So far, it is excellent. It looks like Simone has made at least two friends. There seems to be a mystery going on as well at this point. Is Leon's Aunt related to Simone's Great-grandma, or does she know anything about her Great Grandpa rescued during WW2?
Will Kyle and Simone find love with each other? Will Simone find the true treasure and family? There seems to be a family feud or a rift in a relationship. Can Simone find a solution and fix the relationship with her great aunt? To this end, you will want to read more from this author. Melody Carlson will bring you in to enjoy the culture of her lovely books and Christmas books. This one is no different.