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ClareR (6067 KP) rated Lying Beside You in Books
Oct 2, 2022
Lying Beside You is the third book in the Cyrus Haven series - and I’ll admit now that I haven’t read the first two. It didn’t affect my enjoyment though. There are enough hints at the background that I could understand what was going on and who was who.
Cyrus is a busy forensic psychologist and criminal profiler, and to add more to his load, he has a lodger with a distressing background (which is only hinted at, but that’s all you’ll need), and his brother is due to be released from a secure institution. His brother has lived and been treated there since he murdered the rest of his and Cyrus’ family.
I found it fascinating how Cyrus seemed to be able to forgive his brother for his actions - particularly as he’d learnt from his job how his brother wasn’t in control of himself at the time. On the other hand, he seemed hesitant to have him back out in society and in his house. But he’s designed to it. I liked how it showed how complex his feelings towards his brother were.
And what a nice person Cyrus is generally. His lodger has had a very bad experience (which we don’t find out about in this book). He’s patient and tries to help her, and understands that she needs time and space. He’s a great character actually.
You might get from this that I specifically like the characters in books, and that I just see plot as a nice aside. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong. But this has enough exciting plot to keep the crime fiction fans very happy. It all gets quite frenetic towards the end, and I had no idea who the perpetrator was up to the big reveal.
It’s a great book - many thanks to the Pigeonhole and Michael Robotham.
Cyrus is a busy forensic psychologist and criminal profiler, and to add more to his load, he has a lodger with a distressing background (which is only hinted at, but that’s all you’ll need), and his brother is due to be released from a secure institution. His brother has lived and been treated there since he murdered the rest of his and Cyrus’ family.
I found it fascinating how Cyrus seemed to be able to forgive his brother for his actions - particularly as he’d learnt from his job how his brother wasn’t in control of himself at the time. On the other hand, he seemed hesitant to have him back out in society and in his house. But he’s designed to it. I liked how it showed how complex his feelings towards his brother were.
And what a nice person Cyrus is generally. His lodger has had a very bad experience (which we don’t find out about in this book). He’s patient and tries to help her, and understands that she needs time and space. He’s a great character actually.
You might get from this that I specifically like the characters in books, and that I just see plot as a nice aside. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong. But this has enough exciting plot to keep the crime fiction fans very happy. It all gets quite frenetic towards the end, and I had no idea who the perpetrator was up to the big reveal.
It’s a great book - many thanks to the Pigeonhole and Michael Robotham.
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Ericksen (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria, #5) in Books
Nov 7, 2022
ERICKSEN continues the brilliance that is the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. For the first time, our male protagonist is NOT a Gen-Heir, or Shield Guardian, or any of the other ranks. Instead, Vayden is Gen-Common - in other words "normal." Melody, on the other hand, does have a talent - logic-based as far as she has been told. She has been raised to believe Gen-Common people are basically a waste of space, so it was wonderful to see the changes that occur when she realises how wrong she was. Of course, to believe something that fundamental means her upbringing wouldn't be classed as healthy by any stretch of the imagination, and the contrast between her family and Vayden's was so stark, beautiful in the differences.
The overall story arc continues but you don't need to have read any of the previous books to understand this one. I would recommend you read them simply for the amazing stories they are!
The pacing is wonderful, giving you moments of action coupled with moments of silence, vulnerability, and tenderness. There are moments of steam, but that isn't the main focus of the novel.
I loved seeing Melody grow as a person and as a talent. Vayden stole my heart from the start and just compounded it with every sweet and loving moment. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait for it to continue. Highly recommended by me.
** 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!
The overall story arc continues but you don't need to have read any of the previous books to understand this one. I would recommend you read them simply for the amazing stories they are!
The pacing is wonderful, giving you moments of action coupled with moments of silence, vulnerability, and tenderness. There are moments of steam, but that isn't the main focus of the novel.
I loved seeing Melody grow as a person and as a talent. Vayden stole my heart from the start and just compounded it with every sweet and loving moment. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait for it to continue. Highly recommended by me.
** 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 (13770 KP) rated Seeds of Sorrow (Immortal Realms #1) in Books
Apr 28, 2022
SEEDS OF SORROW is the first book in the Immortal Realms trilogy, and we start with a retelling of Hades and Persephone.
We find ourselves in a world divided into three realms, each brother ruling one. Draven chose to go to Andhera when it was clear it needed someone in charge. Staying there brought about changes expected but not guaranteed. Many years later, he is pulled into his younger brother's -- Zyron -- machinations and ends up with Eden as his unwilling guest for six months. The sparks initially fly between these two until Draven takes a step back. Eden grows into her own person as the turmoil starts within all three realms.
This was a good story that I enjoyed. There are parts of it that I think are unnecessary and parts that I wanted more from. That is just the way of books. A lot of emphases was placed on one Big Bad and I'm not entirely sure why. I don't feel it did much to move the story along, other than to paint Eden in a glowing light. And after her swift exit, it moved on to the next one without much of an ado.
The next book is hinted at the end of this one, with Travion/Poseidon having his story. This was a great retelling that I have no hesitation in recommending, and will definitely be continuing this series if only to see if my questions are answered.
** 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!
We find ourselves in a world divided into three realms, each brother ruling one. Draven chose to go to Andhera when it was clear it needed someone in charge. Staying there brought about changes expected but not guaranteed. Many years later, he is pulled into his younger brother's -- Zyron -- machinations and ends up with Eden as his unwilling guest for six months. The sparks initially fly between these two until Draven takes a step back. Eden grows into her own person as the turmoil starts within all three realms.
This was a good story that I enjoyed. There are parts of it that I think are unnecessary and parts that I wanted more from. That is just the way of books. A lot of emphases was placed on one Big Bad and I'm not entirely sure why. I don't feel it did much to move the story along, other than to paint Eden in a glowing light. And after her swift exit, it moved on to the next one without much of an ado.
The next book is hinted at the end of this one, with Travion/Poseidon having his story. This was a great retelling that I have no hesitation in recommending, and will definitely be continuing this series if only to see if my questions are answered.
** 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!
Round Up the Usual Peacocks
9.0
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New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews first introduced us to Meg Langslow as a...
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Hope (Indigo Dreams #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
In the second book of Indigo Dreams, we are with Indigo as she goes to school in New York. Not only does she have to contend with a roommate that she has nothing in common with, but also strict teachers, self-doubt and an inner core that needs strengthening.
Indigo's character changes throughout this book, as she learns more about herself and sees what she has allowed herself to become. Be warned, there are parts when I didn't like Indigo at all, and I was glad that she and Jesse weren't together as I didn't want him to see her like that! However, through a series of life lessons and help/advice given, Indigo is able to turn that around and become the person she wants to be, rather than one driven by her own fears. And yes, Jesse has a helping hand in this way too.
Grier Cooper in no way glamorises the hard work that goes into being a dancer. The descriptions are raw and real, managing to show the hard work and dedication that is needed. Exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a thoroughly enjoyable second book. I am hoping for more from Indigo, as I really don't want her dreams to end. And, of course, if Jesse could feature some more, I would be very happy. 😉
For anyone with an interest in Young Adult Contemporary Dance stories, then I can highly recommend this book and this series, although I would recommend you read Wish first to get Indigo's full story.
* 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 26, 2016
Indigo's character changes throughout this book, as she learns more about herself and sees what she has allowed herself to become. Be warned, there are parts when I didn't like Indigo at all, and I was glad that she and Jesse weren't together as I didn't want him to see her like that! However, through a series of life lessons and help/advice given, Indigo is able to turn that around and become the person she wants to be, rather than one driven by her own fears. And yes, Jesse has a helping hand in this way too.
Grier Cooper in no way glamorises the hard work that goes into being a dancer. The descriptions are raw and real, managing to show the hard work and dedication that is needed. Exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a thoroughly enjoyable second book. I am hoping for more from Indigo, as I really don't want her dreams to end. And, of course, if Jesse could feature some more, I would be very happy. 😉
For anyone with an interest in Young Adult Contemporary Dance stories, then I can highly recommend this book and this series, although I would recommend you read Wish first to get Indigo's full story.
* 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 26, 2016
ClareR (6067 KP) rated Sun of Blood and Ruin in Books
Mar 10, 2024
It’s not often I have something negative to say about a book (you may have noticed), because I really try to choose books that I know I’ll enjoy. After all, who wants to read something they don’t enjoy? I did have high hopes that Sun of Blood and Ruin would be so much more. I was excited that this book was using Mesoamerican mythology and a bit of Mexican history, something I know nothing about.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1) in Books
Apr 30, 2024
79 of 220
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Puzzle Me a Murder
3.0
Rate It
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The Golden Girls meets puzzle lovers in New York Times bestselling author Roz Noonan's first Pacific...
Debbiereadsbook (1656 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
Merissa (13770 KP) rated The Ultimate Goal (Brooklyn Blades #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2026
THE ULTIMATE GOAL is the first book in the Brooklyn Blades series, and we begin with the captain, Ripley (Rip) Tremaine, and a sports (for now) reporter, Adrian Hunt.
Rip never knew his dad, and his mom died when he was young, so he was brought up alongside his best friend, Neil. There is an 8-year age difference between Rip, Neil, and Neil's younger brother, Adrian - a fact which stopped Rip from noticing him when they were all younger. Adrian's now 28, and trying to make a go of a career that has landed him as an intern to the Sports Desk, even though he wants to do hard news.
This is a sports romance, so be prepared for plenty of ice time and locker time. And I loved it for that! The desire and need for the Blades to win the Stanley Cup comes across loud and clear, even for a non-US person.
There is plenty of action in this story, both on the ice and in the sheets, although they both 'fight' it for a little while, before faking it for Adrian's career, and then finally admitting it is real. I know Denis is the next one, and I'm being honest here, he did himself no favours in this story. I look forward to seeing how his story works out.
Overall, this was a great book that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Jan 29, 2026
Rip never knew his dad, and his mom died when he was young, so he was brought up alongside his best friend, Neil. There is an 8-year age difference between Rip, Neil, and Neil's younger brother, Adrian - a fact which stopped Rip from noticing him when they were all younger. Adrian's now 28, and trying to make a go of a career that has landed him as an intern to the Sports Desk, even though he wants to do hard news.
This is a sports romance, so be prepared for plenty of ice time and locker time. And I loved it for that! The desire and need for the Blades to win the Stanley Cup comes across loud and clear, even for a non-US person.
There is plenty of action in this story, both on the ice and in the sheets, although they both 'fight' it for a little while, before faking it for Adrian's career, and then finally admitting it is real. I know Denis is the next one, and I'm being honest here, he did himself no favours in this story. I look forward to seeing how his story works out.
Overall, this was a great book that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Jan 29, 2026