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Merissa (12051 KP) rated Redesigning Fate (The Revive Series, #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
This book will take you on a stellar journey, not all of it nice, but all of it completely gripping. Marlena left her boyfriend three months ago after things made a turn for the worse. She has made the decision to get her life back under her own control, no one else's. One of the ways in which she does this is to make a major move to a new home, new city, new job. She starts her new job and literally falls for Elias, after she has walked into him! Marlena has a journey of discovery to embark upon as she has to learn to trust herself, and others, which trying to avoid getting hurt, if at all possible.
I loved this book! You get it from the points of view of Marlena and Travis, who, I have to say, is an incredibly well-written villain. I don't like him, not one bit, but he is completely three-dimensional. He is a true brute and I can't abide him. Elias, Sin and Shelby are all intriguing characters and let me just say, I nearly threw my kindle at the wall!! To get so close to finding out their story and then for the book to finish... well, yes!
For those of you that like your stories with a darker edge (like abuse or stalking for example), then I can highly recommend this story. A.M. Wilson reminds me of Alex Grayson for some reason, although I don't know why. Perhaps it is because they've both written exceptional stories in a hard-hitting genre. Whatever the reason, this book rocks!
* 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!
Oct 8, 2015
I loved this book! You get it from the points of view of Marlena and Travis, who, I have to say, is an incredibly well-written villain. I don't like him, not one bit, but he is completely three-dimensional. He is a true brute and I can't abide him. Elias, Sin and Shelby are all intriguing characters and let me just say, I nearly threw my kindle at the wall!! To get so close to finding out their story and then for the book to finish... well, yes!
For those of you that like your stories with a darker edge (like abuse or stalking for example), then I can highly recommend this story. A.M. Wilson reminds me of Alex Grayson for some reason, although I don't know why. Perhaps it is because they've both written exceptional stories in a hard-hitting genre. Whatever the reason, this book rocks!
* 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!
Oct 8, 2015
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
THE FULBOURN is the fifth book in the Pitch & Sickle series and oh, man. Hold on to your seatbelt as you're in for a bumpy ride!!
I said in my review of The Greensward that it was the best one. Well, let me rephrase that. It was the best one up to that point! THE FULBOURN takes Pitch and Silas' story to another level and I loved every single word.
Pitch and Silas are now close to realising just how much the other one means and it is so well-written! Their relationship may seem gruff to some but that is only until they know them. The bonds between the two are there to see and I'm loving it. The slow burn that started them off is now moving to steamy - whenever their lives give them a moment's peace. And sometimes, you just have to make the time!
Not only is their relationship changing, but the overall story arc is moving along swiftly too. You honestly don't get a chance to catch your breath. Filled with characters from previous books, Pitch and Silas are on the hunt for Charlie and Edward. It takes them to London and Cambridgeshire. The descriptions of the asylum are horrific - exactly as they are supposed to be during that time.
Absolutely gripping, I am thoroughly loving every book in this series and have no hesitation in recommending any of them. Just make sure you start at the beginning or you will miss the full effect.
** 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!
Apr 17, 2023
I said in my review of The Greensward that it was the best one. Well, let me rephrase that. It was the best one up to that point! THE FULBOURN takes Pitch and Silas' story to another level and I loved every single word.
Pitch and Silas are now close to realising just how much the other one means and it is so well-written! Their relationship may seem gruff to some but that is only until they know them. The bonds between the two are there to see and I'm loving it. The slow burn that started them off is now moving to steamy - whenever their lives give them a moment's peace. And sometimes, you just have to make the time!
Not only is their relationship changing, but the overall story arc is moving along swiftly too. You honestly don't get a chance to catch your breath. Filled with characters from previous books, Pitch and Silas are on the hunt for Charlie and Edward. It takes them to London and Cambridgeshire. The descriptions of the asylum are horrific - exactly as they are supposed to be during that time.
Absolutely gripping, I am thoroughly loving every book in this series and have no hesitation in recommending any of them. Just make sure you start at the beginning or you will miss the full effect.
** 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!
Apr 17, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1197 KP) rated Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3) in Books
Apr 23, 2023
That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Dark River Stone Collective series. While not strictly necessary, I would recommend you read at least book one, The Light Beneath The Dark. It will give you a better picture of Linc and Mason, as it's their story and they play a large part here. Some references are made to that book, so it might help. BUT book 2, When Darkness Turns To Light, was a far more gripping read. So, you know, just read 'em both!
Conall and Kyle are perfect for each other, right from the start. I loved that Kyle knew he wanted Conall, but he wanted to HELP Conall and his sister Calli first and foremost. That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Because Conall finds her being attacked by their step-father and reacts with violence. Which I totally get and fully approve of, given as Calli is 14. Running to the Dark Angels was the quickest way to get her safe.
I loved that Mason is very . . loose . . with his words, and helps Conall keep Calli safe. Calli will be a force of nature, once she has some time to come to terms with what's happened, she really will. She shows great courage here, and I loved that River kinda attached herself to Calli.
This book doesn't quite bite the way book 2 does, but it bites in a very different way. I still enjoyed it as much as book 1 though, and it is a welcome addition to this series.
Who is next?? I dunno, I don't really care, but I will be reading it!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Dark River Stone Collective series. While not strictly necessary, I would recommend you read at least book one, The Light Beneath The Dark. It will give you a better picture of Linc and Mason, as it's their story and they play a large part here. Some references are made to that book, so it might help. BUT book 2, When Darkness Turns To Light, was a far more gripping read. So, you know, just read 'em both!
Conall and Kyle are perfect for each other, right from the start. I loved that Kyle knew he wanted Conall, but he wanted to HELP Conall and his sister Calli first and foremost. That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Because Conall finds her being attacked by their step-father and reacts with violence. Which I totally get and fully approve of, given as Calli is 14. Running to the Dark Angels was the quickest way to get her safe.
I loved that Mason is very . . loose . . with his words, and helps Conall keep Calli safe. Calli will be a force of nature, once she has some time to come to terms with what's happened, she really will. She shows great courage here, and I loved that River kinda attached herself to Calli.
This book doesn't quite bite the way book 2 does, but it bites in a very different way. I still enjoyed it as much as book 1 though, and it is a welcome addition to this series.
Who is next?? I dunno, I don't really care, but I will be reading it!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Murder on the Home Front
10.0
Rate It
Book
Disrespect, disdain - and dead bodies! It's all in a day's work for WPC Billie Harkness, a...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated From The Ashes (DI Eve Hunter #3) in Books
Jul 24, 2022
I have read the first two books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them so was itching to get my sticky little fingers on this the latest instalment and I wasn't disappointed. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others in the series , as this can be read as a standalone quite well although I would recommend you do so.
Once again, we are treated to an excellent and gripping story which although deals with a difficult subject, does so without being over-the-top. An arson attack on a children's home results in the death of a young boy and DI Hunter and her team are quickly mired in the investigation. What was he doing there and are there further dark secrets to be unearthed?
Meanwhile, whilst on his way to work, DI Hunter's colleague, DC Scott Ferguson, witnesses a car accident where a young man is seriously injured. Scott promises the young man he will be there for him but this takes him away from the arson investigation and creates tension within the team. What is it about the young man that has affected him so much?
I raced through this book; I was totally hooked from the start. I really enjoyed the gradual unveiling of secrets which had me wondering what was going to happen next and definitely kept me guessing as to who the arsonist was. The chemistry and loyalty DI Hunter and her team have with each other felt believable and natural; the characters are strong and credible and the pace was just right for me.
All in all, a really good book and a great addition to the series and I have to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read From The Ashes and sharing my thoughts.
Once again, we are treated to an excellent and gripping story which although deals with a difficult subject, does so without being over-the-top. An arson attack on a children's home results in the death of a young boy and DI Hunter and her team are quickly mired in the investigation. What was he doing there and are there further dark secrets to be unearthed?
Meanwhile, whilst on his way to work, DI Hunter's colleague, DC Scott Ferguson, witnesses a car accident where a young man is seriously injured. Scott promises the young man he will be there for him but this takes him away from the arson investigation and creates tension within the team. What is it about the young man that has affected him so much?
I raced through this book; I was totally hooked from the start. I really enjoyed the gradual unveiling of secrets which had me wondering what was going to happen next and definitely kept me guessing as to who the arsonist was. The chemistry and loyalty DI Hunter and her team have with each other felt believable and natural; the characters are strong and credible and the pace was just right for me.
All in all, a really good book and a great addition to the series and I have to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read From The Ashes and sharing my thoughts.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Kingdoms in Books
Mar 6, 2022
I’m writing this review two weeks after finishing ‘The Kingdoms’, and I realise that I haven’t actually stopped thinking about it (off and on, obviously. I’m not THAT obsessed!). It’s one of those books that has really caught my imagination, and I’m certain that I’ll have to read it again at some point.
Basically (and I warn you: there’s nothing basic about this storyline!), Joe Tournier finds himself at a London train station, and realises that he doesn’t know how he got there, or who he is. A kind stranger takes him to the hospital where he’s diagnosed with amnesia. After a week at an asylum, his owner and his wife come to claim him. His French owner. He is a slave in Londres, which is occupied by the French after they won the Napoleonic Wars. But none of this feels right to him.
A month or so later, he receives a postcard written in illegal English, from a lighthouse in rebel Scotland - written 100 years ago. After gaining his freedom as a slave, Joe becomes an engineer, and is sent to the same lighthouse to make repairs. And that’s all I’ll say, because I really don’t want to spoil the story. I will say that there’s some jumping around in time, and it shows that if you change a small thing in the past, there can be huge ramifications in the future.
I loved the characters, the plot, the setting - just everything about it really appealed to me. I can’t say as I’ve read many books set mainly on boats, naval or otherwise. The rules and the running of the ships were really interesting, and the sea battles were gripping.
It’s a fabulous book, and I’d most definitely recommend it. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the serialisation!
Basically (and I warn you: there’s nothing basic about this storyline!), Joe Tournier finds himself at a London train station, and realises that he doesn’t know how he got there, or who he is. A kind stranger takes him to the hospital where he’s diagnosed with amnesia. After a week at an asylum, his owner and his wife come to claim him. His French owner. He is a slave in Londres, which is occupied by the French after they won the Napoleonic Wars. But none of this feels right to him.
A month or so later, he receives a postcard written in illegal English, from a lighthouse in rebel Scotland - written 100 years ago. After gaining his freedom as a slave, Joe becomes an engineer, and is sent to the same lighthouse to make repairs. And that’s all I’ll say, because I really don’t want to spoil the story. I will say that there’s some jumping around in time, and it shows that if you change a small thing in the past, there can be huge ramifications in the future.
I loved the characters, the plot, the setting - just everything about it really appealed to me. I can’t say as I’ve read many books set mainly on boats, naval or otherwise. The rules and the running of the ships were really interesting, and the sea battles were gripping.
It’s a fabulous book, and I’d most definitely recommend it. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the serialisation!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth #2) in Books
May 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
CAPTURING FATE is the second book in the Fatal Truth series, although it could be read as a standalone. I say could because if you do, you're missing out on another 5-star read!
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ IT!
** 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!
May 13, 2021
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ IT!
** 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!
May 13, 2021
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Good Samaritans [Audiobook] in Books
May 14, 2023
![Good Samaritans [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/8d3/35178302-459f-4b44-a863-84f356c318d3.jpg?m=1684075253)
Oh my word ... what a book ... absolutely brilliant and the best audiobook I have listened to this year so far and, I think, it will take something remarkable to beat it!
This is a very dark, disturbing and extremely gripping story that will draw you in, shake you around and spit you out the other side and all the while you're thinking, what the heck and why am I enjoying this so much?!?
It's all kinds of wrong but so right and deliciously wicked and addictive.
I'm not even going to go into the story - you'll just have to buy it - but what I will say is that the characters are scarily normal which makes them ultra creepy, the story is riveting and there's some great twists that I didn't see coming and the build up of tension is palpable.
There are graphic descriptions of murder, a lot about suicide, mental health and a number of sex scenes (maybe too many if I'm honest and this is my only negative) so if any of these are triggers for you, I would steer clear.
Would I have enjoyed it as much had I read the physical book? I'm not sure if I'm honest because the narrator made all the difference and was absolutely perfect and brilliant. I fell in love with his voice from the beginning ... it was so contradictory to the content of what he was reading that it made the story all the more creepy and disturbing.
I haven't read or listened to any of Will Carver's work before and after listening to Good Samaritans, I won't make that mistake again and I must thank Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Good Samaritans and introducing me to another excellent author.
This is a very dark, disturbing and extremely gripping story that will draw you in, shake you around and spit you out the other side and all the while you're thinking, what the heck and why am I enjoying this so much?!?
It's all kinds of wrong but so right and deliciously wicked and addictive.
I'm not even going to go into the story - you'll just have to buy it - but what I will say is that the characters are scarily normal which makes them ultra creepy, the story is riveting and there's some great twists that I didn't see coming and the build up of tension is palpable.
There are graphic descriptions of murder, a lot about suicide, mental health and a number of sex scenes (maybe too many if I'm honest and this is my only negative) so if any of these are triggers for you, I would steer clear.
Would I have enjoyed it as much had I read the physical book? I'm not sure if I'm honest because the narrator made all the difference and was absolutely perfect and brilliant. I fell in love with his voice from the beginning ... it was so contradictory to the content of what he was reading that it made the story all the more creepy and disturbing.
I haven't read or listened to any of Will Carver's work before and after listening to Good Samaritans, I won't make that mistake again and I must thank Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Good Samaritans and introducing me to another excellent author.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Pretend... (Oxley College #2) in Books
May 30, 2023
I will admit to being slightly confused when I started this, as I haven't read book 1 but I know that Olivia and Logan are together, and I have read book 3, in which Hex and Jordan get together. For some reason, I assumed that this would follow on after Hex and Jordan, but you know what they say about assuming 😉
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. 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!
Mar 18, 2016
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. 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!
Mar 18, 2016
Rogues & Patriots (Nick Crane #2)
Book
In the Depths of Corruption… In the Face of Tyranny… One Man's Quest Begins… Get ready...
PI Thriller