Search
Search results
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Dinner Lady Detectives in Books
Oct 24, 2021
This is, in my humble opinion, a very successful debut and definitely a series that I am looking forward to keeping up with. It is described as "a delightful, quintessentially British cosy mystery" and that's exactly what you get.
Margery and Clementine are dinner ladies, or to give them their official title 'Education Centre Nourishment Consultants' (really? is that what they're called now?!?!?!), and they are an absolute blast. Their relationship absolutely shines through from start to finish, it's beautiful and very authentic feeling.
Margery and Clementine smell a rat when one of their colleagues is found dead in the walk-in freezer of the school kitchen and so begins their unorthodox investigation into her death which results in all manner of escapades. There are some very funny moments (the suspended school ceiling being a particular highlight for me 🤣🤣) amongst a great and engaging plot with excellent characters throughout.
I raced through this book desperate to find out what happened and how it was all going to come together and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest and I am pleased to read on the publisher website that they have acquired the rights to a three-book deal. I think someone needs to snap this up and make a television series - I can so see Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as Margery and Clem, in fact, that's who I was seeing in my head as I was reading it!
Highly recommended for those of you who want a break from all the doom, gloom and violence in many crime fiction books and who don't mind a bit of dark humour.
Thank you so much Canelo and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Margery and Clementine are dinner ladies, or to give them their official title 'Education Centre Nourishment Consultants' (really? is that what they're called now?!?!?!), and they are an absolute blast. Their relationship absolutely shines through from start to finish, it's beautiful and very authentic feeling.
Margery and Clementine smell a rat when one of their colleagues is found dead in the walk-in freezer of the school kitchen and so begins their unorthodox investigation into her death which results in all manner of escapades. There are some very funny moments (the suspended school ceiling being a particular highlight for me 🤣🤣) amongst a great and engaging plot with excellent characters throughout.
I raced through this book desperate to find out what happened and how it was all going to come together and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest and I am pleased to read on the publisher website that they have acquired the rights to a three-book deal. I think someone needs to snap this up and make a television series - I can so see Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as Margery and Clem, in fact, that's who I was seeing in my head as I was reading it!
Highly recommended for those of you who want a break from all the doom, gloom and violence in many crime fiction books and who don't mind a bit of dark humour.
Thank you so much Canelo and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Taken by a Dragon (Eternal Mates #7) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
This is the story of Anais and Loke - a huntress from Archangel and a dragon shifter. During the battle that takes place in book 2, Loke snatches Anais from the battle after he gets a vision of her death. For some reason (we all know what), this is unacceptable to him so off they go. Loke calls Anais his 'little amazon' as he thinks she is fierce and unafraid. Loke is an intelligent, smexy blue dragon man who lives away from the other dragons because he doesn't like the power plays.
This is a brilliant continuation of the Eternal Mates series and I am LOVING that we have a dragon shifter - sorry, Kyter and Cavanagh! There are so many threads that are connected in this book and I really want Taryn and Bleu's story but I am waiting oh so patiently for that one as I know it will be superb!
But anyway, back to this one - the whole story seems to be coming together. We have mentions of Olivia and Loren showing up to help Loke; Sable and Thorne are there, and Kyter, Cavanagh and others all make an appearance. This is definitely a series (for me) to read in order as it makes the small nuances more noticeable and enjoyable. The plot is fast-paced and well-written with humour, heat and decisions to be made and maybe regretted.
Definitely recommended as both a book and the series. Another cracker from Felicity Heaton.
* 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
July 30, 2016
This is a brilliant continuation of the Eternal Mates series and I am LOVING that we have a dragon shifter - sorry, Kyter and Cavanagh! There are so many threads that are connected in this book and I really want Taryn and Bleu's story but I am waiting oh so patiently for that one as I know it will be superb!
But anyway, back to this one - the whole story seems to be coming together. We have mentions of Olivia and Loren showing up to help Loke; Sable and Thorne are there, and Kyter, Cavanagh and others all make an appearance. This is definitely a series (for me) to read in order as it makes the small nuances more noticeable and enjoyable. The plot is fast-paced and well-written with humour, heat and decisions to be made and maybe regretted.
Definitely recommended as both a book and the series. Another cracker from Felicity Heaton.
* 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
July 30, 2016
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Dark Phoenix (Phoenix #2) in Books
May 8, 2023
OMG, I never expected this story to go this way! I will say now that I think I spent far too long actually wanting to whop a character upside his head!
Dark Phoenix pretty much starts where Phoenix Rising left off. Cody and Daughtry are still trying to learn what it's like to be bonded mates, but things aren't going too well given outside circumstances. For example, there is a big shocker that happens about who it was that actually kidnapped Daughtry. This results in Cody being a complete donk and pushing Daughtry away. She is feeling overwhelmed and her feelings of inadequacy are rampant. She also feels very lonely as her friendships with John and Suz take a beating too. Daughtry is so strong in some ways, as Morgan very eloquently said. She has faced so much, been betrayed by so many, and yet still carries on with a pure heart.
Just like with book one, this book has it all - an action-packed climax, enough feels to leave you feeling wrung out, and a big enough dollop of humour that you feel like you just have to carry on. The secrets and mysteries that are revealed in this book are stunning and I personally hope for some more from this series, as I don't feel that I am ready to leave Daughtry and Cody yet. I am hopeful from the way it ended that there will be more to come. Highly 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 17, 2015
Dark Phoenix pretty much starts where Phoenix Rising left off. Cody and Daughtry are still trying to learn what it's like to be bonded mates, but things aren't going too well given outside circumstances. For example, there is a big shocker that happens about who it was that actually kidnapped Daughtry. This results in Cody being a complete donk and pushing Daughtry away. She is feeling overwhelmed and her feelings of inadequacy are rampant. She also feels very lonely as her friendships with John and Suz take a beating too. Daughtry is so strong in some ways, as Morgan very eloquently said. She has faced so much, been betrayed by so many, and yet still carries on with a pure heart.
Just like with book one, this book has it all - an action-packed climax, enough feels to leave you feeling wrung out, and a big enough dollop of humour that you feel like you just have to carry on. The secrets and mysteries that are revealed in this book are stunning and I personally hope for some more from this series, as I don't feel that I am ready to leave Daughtry and Cody yet. I am hopeful from the way it ended that there will be more to come. Highly 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 17, 2015
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Hating Game in Books
Apr 22, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this book as I had seen some reviews where people had loved it and some where people had hated it. I went into it with an open mind and within 18 pages I was laughing at some of the comments Lucy made about Josh.
The typical chick-lit with a touch of humour, it wasn’t hard to guess the outcome of the book, but it was a joyful and funny ride to get there. There were so many moments where I either laughed out loud or snorted because of a comment, making it a good read in my eyes!
I enjoyed the hatred between Lucy and Josh and all of the little “games” that they played in the office to see who could annoy each other first. I did guess where the story was going to end with them quite early on in the book, but I still needed to find out what some of the things meant (like the marks in Josh’s planner) and the journey was fun to undertake with Lucy and Josh.
At first I found Josh extremely unlikeable, but after the paint balling team building day, I grew to like him more and more with his actions. Although I definitely wouldn’t have come to the conclusion that he was shy and that was the reason for his behaviour like Lucy did.
Sally Thorne’s writing was so easy to get lost in, and I found myself having to make myself put the book down to get some sleep but not being able to wait to be able to pick it back up again. I think this might be a go to book to read again and again. I will have to see if Sally Thorne’s other books are just as good!
The typical chick-lit with a touch of humour, it wasn’t hard to guess the outcome of the book, but it was a joyful and funny ride to get there. There were so many moments where I either laughed out loud or snorted because of a comment, making it a good read in my eyes!
I enjoyed the hatred between Lucy and Josh and all of the little “games” that they played in the office to see who could annoy each other first. I did guess where the story was going to end with them quite early on in the book, but I still needed to find out what some of the things meant (like the marks in Josh’s planner) and the journey was fun to undertake with Lucy and Josh.
At first I found Josh extremely unlikeable, but after the paint balling team building day, I grew to like him more and more with his actions. Although I definitely wouldn’t have come to the conclusion that he was shy and that was the reason for his behaviour like Lucy did.
Sally Thorne’s writing was so easy to get lost in, and I found myself having to make myself put the book down to get some sleep but not being able to wait to be able to pick it back up again. I think this might be a go to book to read again and again. I will have to see if Sally Thorne’s other books are just as good!
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
7.5
Rate It
Book
'A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like ...It's an...
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Dearest Milton James in Books
Aug 27, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
DEAREST MILTON JAMES is a Mary Poppins book - practically perfect in every way! We are introduced to a young Malachi (twenty-seven) and a slightly older Julian (thirty-four). Malachi is told by his father that he will be working for Julian for as long as he can hold down his job. His father doesn't think he will last. Malachi doesn't think he will last. So it is a wonderful surprise when he finds he loves his new job, his quirky colleagues, and his hot-as-hell boss.
Oh man, what a story. I loved every word. Malachi is fabulous without being in-your-face flamboyant. Julian is a sweetheart with a wicked sense of humour. The only thing that confused me was right at the beginning. Even knowing that N.R. Walker is an Australian writer; when I read about London and Kings Cross, I automatically went to London, UK. So then I got confused about the price of a stamp, gift cards, etc. It didn't take me long to realise my error and to laugh at myself.
The story has the perfect cast of characters and a heartwarming mystery to solve. Honestly, I just can't point out the bits that I loved, as I would simply be telling you about the whole book. One thing I will say though is thank you for not crushing my hopeful little romantic heart. Instead, you brought tears to my eyes and a huge smile to my face.
This is an absolute corker of a book that I highly recommend. I adored every word.
** 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!
Aug 27, 2021
Oh man, what a story. I loved every word. Malachi is fabulous without being in-your-face flamboyant. Julian is a sweetheart with a wicked sense of humour. The only thing that confused me was right at the beginning. Even knowing that N.R. Walker is an Australian writer; when I read about London and Kings Cross, I automatically went to London, UK. So then I got confused about the price of a stamp, gift cards, etc. It didn't take me long to realise my error and to laugh at myself.
The story has the perfect cast of characters and a heartwarming mystery to solve. Honestly, I just can't point out the bits that I loved, as I would simply be telling you about the whole book. One thing I will say though is thank you for not crushing my hopeful little romantic heart. Instead, you brought tears to my eyes and a huge smile to my face.
This is an absolute corker of a book that I highly recommend. I adored every word.
** 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!
Aug 27, 2021
Merissa (13866 KP) rated The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con (Farthingdale Ranch #2) in Books
May 25, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
THE BLACKSMITH AND THE EX-CON is the second book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, although you can read it as a standalone as I have.
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** 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 25, 2021
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** 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 25, 2021
Himalayan Reset: Navigating Chaos through India, Nepal, and Tibet
Book
A regular guy, a pre-midlife crisis, and four months in the Himalayas - What could possibly go...
Travel Travelogue Memoir Outdoors
Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated The App Trap in Books
Sep 28, 2025
wonderfully funny!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Mr Calley came under my radar as a narrator. He nows writes as well so I had to read this. And I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Here's why.
Danny reminded me so much of myself! For I too, have done the online dating thing and some of these very same scenarios ended up in this book! I could see myself, there in the moment, decidng how to get out of a particular situation, or remembering who I'm speaking to on any given day. I found it quite amusing.
Danny's mum is poorly, and I've been through that too, so that made me sad, to read it again. Not upset, just sad, remembering my mum, and her fight. She went through the online dating with me, and her favourite thing, every day, was a quick call to "see who I was talking to today"! Every. Single. Day!
It is, for a MM book, relatively clean, there is MUCH talk about smex and Danny's brother is amusing in that respect. But there is none really on page.
Mr Calley was at shiMMer this year, and he read a scene (maybe edited, slightly different) from this book, and it was hilarious listening to him. When I got to that scene in this book, I could hear him, you know?? It was fab. I would like to get my hands on the audio version of this too!
BUT
This book is written in British English, with a HUGE amount of British humour and jokes. I can see that some non-British folks might not get it, and will hate it. And that's THEIR loss, cos this is really a wonderfully funny read!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mr Calley came under my radar as a narrator. He nows writes as well so I had to read this. And I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Here's why.
Danny reminded me so much of myself! For I too, have done the online dating thing and some of these very same scenarios ended up in this book! I could see myself, there in the moment, decidng how to get out of a particular situation, or remembering who I'm speaking to on any given day. I found it quite amusing.
Danny's mum is poorly, and I've been through that too, so that made me sad, to read it again. Not upset, just sad, remembering my mum, and her fight. She went through the online dating with me, and her favourite thing, every day, was a quick call to "see who I was talking to today"! Every. Single. Day!
It is, for a MM book, relatively clean, there is MUCH talk about smex and Danny's brother is amusing in that respect. But there is none really on page.
Mr Calley was at shiMMer this year, and he read a scene (maybe edited, slightly different) from this book, and it was hilarious listening to him. When I got to that scene in this book, I could hear him, you know?? It was fab. I would like to get my hands on the audio version of this too!
BUT
This book is written in British English, with a HUGE amount of British humour and jokes. I can see that some non-British folks might not get it, and will hate it. And that's THEIR loss, cos this is really a wonderfully funny read!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere