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The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series)
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Germany, 1934. Surrounded by beautiful wedding china, we share our first dinner alone as husband and...
Merissa (12699 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
Merissa (12699 KP) rated On the 2 in Books
Aug 2, 2023
ON THE 2 is a standalone story set in New York that features some characters from previous books. You don't need to have read those to get the benefit, but I did so love seeing them and remembering their stories!
Nash is closed-off and straight-laced, working with numbers because they make sense and won't lie or betray him. Ethan is friendly and outgoing; working in a department store, he needs to be approachable. These two meet on the 2, a subway train that they both take from home to work.
One of the things guaranteed by a Felice Stevens book is the characters will be relatable. Whether because they're the grumpy or the sunshine, there will be something there that you read and laugh out loud with, from either doing the same thing yourself or knowing someone else who has done it. Neither Ethan nor Nash have the best family lives but they make the best with what they've got, in the way they know. I absolutely adored the slow burn with these two, as both of them try to figure the other one out.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how the difficulties they faced weren't just swept away in a wonderful wave of love. They worked it out and got to where they needed to be by communicating and working together. Nash speaks to Oscar, and Ethan speaks to Julia - both of them choosing kindness. Two more fantastic scenes!
A great book that I loved and have no hesitation in HIGHLY 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!
Aug 2, 2023
Nash is closed-off and straight-laced, working with numbers because they make sense and won't lie or betray him. Ethan is friendly and outgoing; working in a department store, he needs to be approachable. These two meet on the 2, a subway train that they both take from home to work.
One of the things guaranteed by a Felice Stevens book is the characters will be relatable. Whether because they're the grumpy or the sunshine, there will be something there that you read and laugh out loud with, from either doing the same thing yourself or knowing someone else who has done it. Neither Ethan nor Nash have the best family lives but they make the best with what they've got, in the way they know. I absolutely adored the slow burn with these two, as both of them try to figure the other one out.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how the difficulties they faced weren't just swept away in a wonderful wave of love. They worked it out and got to where they needed to be by communicating and working together. Nash speaks to Oscar, and Ethan speaks to Julia - both of them choosing kindness. Two more fantastic scenes!
A great book that I loved and have no hesitation in HIGHLY 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!
Aug 2, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tattered Realm book 1) in Books
Sep 7, 2022
161 of 230
Kindle
The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tatteted Realm book 1)
By Kova Killian
⭐️⭐️
When the Knight in shining armor needs saving, you send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
"It's tragic how something so beautiful has been twisted into something so fearful."
Cree has been on the run from the Dread behemoth King since she was a child for crimes her mother committed.
Crimes. . .
Her mother didn’t mean to.
Cree never thought she would fall for one of the knights that stalk her. . . let alone the captain that protects the king. But she did.
And now he’s cursed.
To keep them both safe, she hides in the realm behind The Mirror.
Humans are strange creatures, but in her short year in their realm, they have time and time again shown their kindness.
Too bad the Hunter finds her. And now her human friend, who has no idea how to protect herself, is in danger of the King and his knights.
At least she found a counter curse for her knight. . . maybe.
So what do you do when the knight in shining armor needs saving? You send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
This book holds so much potential! The premise was good, the characters were good and it really is something I’d like to see developed. But the whole thing was so rushed you just fumbled through each chapter wondering what the hell. I just couldn’t push past how rushed it was which is such a shame. It also left a lot to guess work to I mean a 40ft Wolf??? Was that her sarcasm?? Or maybe it’s really late and I should sleep!
Kindle
The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tatteted Realm book 1)
By Kova Killian
⭐️⭐️
When the Knight in shining armor needs saving, you send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
"It's tragic how something so beautiful has been twisted into something so fearful."
Cree has been on the run from the Dread behemoth King since she was a child for crimes her mother committed.
Crimes. . .
Her mother didn’t mean to.
Cree never thought she would fall for one of the knights that stalk her. . . let alone the captain that protects the king. But she did.
And now he’s cursed.
To keep them both safe, she hides in the realm behind The Mirror.
Humans are strange creatures, but in her short year in their realm, they have time and time again shown their kindness.
Too bad the Hunter finds her. And now her human friend, who has no idea how to protect herself, is in danger of the King and his knights.
At least she found a counter curse for her knight. . . maybe.
So what do you do when the knight in shining armor needs saving? You send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
This book holds so much potential! The premise was good, the characters were good and it really is something I’d like to see developed. But the whole thing was so rushed you just fumbled through each chapter wondering what the hell. I just couldn’t push past how rushed it was which is such a shame. It also left a lot to guess work to I mean a 40ft Wolf??? Was that her sarcasm?? Or maybe it’s really late and I should sleep!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Battlemage in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Battlemage was so exciting. It held on tight and didn’t let go. I was hooked from the very first few sentences from the first chapter and from there it just got better. It was everything I’d hoped it would be. It had an exciting, well thought-out plot, complex and interesting characters, good writing, great humor, and amazing war-time magic. It had an interesting (subtle) religious and political commentary running through it that added dimension to the world. It made it more real. And it had a character that I had to really think about, really pay attention to, to figure out his true identity! I love that. I love a book that makes me think, and that surprises me.
I love good-guy/bad-guy magic. Magic that can take you to higher levels of selflessness and servant-hood and kindness, and that same magic can be used to pull you and everyone around you into filth and degradation. The Source is so powerful that, if used in the wrong hands, can completely break and ruin a person. And we see that in the battlemages. That’s my favorite kind of magic.
The narration was very good. Addis created a perfect voice for the personalities of the characters. He has superb accents and articulation, spoke clearly at a good pace, and took a book that was at 100% great and made it 200% great (which is exactly what the narrator should do! Add to the experience, not take away from it.)
The only thing about Battlemage I thought was slightly lacking was the very end. It was a little abrupt and open. Open in a good way, meaning it immediately demands a sequel. But I felt like the author was like “Hah! It’s over! bwahahahah!” rather than the kind of gentile ease away that leaves the reader feeling satisfied but still excited for what is to come. However I was still highly satisfied with the story, would totally read/listen to it again, and recommend it to anyone 18+.
I love good-guy/bad-guy magic. Magic that can take you to higher levels of selflessness and servant-hood and kindness, and that same magic can be used to pull you and everyone around you into filth and degradation. The Source is so powerful that, if used in the wrong hands, can completely break and ruin a person. And we see that in the battlemages. That’s my favorite kind of magic.
The narration was very good. Addis created a perfect voice for the personalities of the characters. He has superb accents and articulation, spoke clearly at a good pace, and took a book that was at 100% great and made it 200% great (which is exactly what the narrator should do! Add to the experience, not take away from it.)
The only thing about Battlemage I thought was slightly lacking was the very end. It was a little abrupt and open. Open in a good way, meaning it immediately demands a sequel. But I felt like the author was like “Hah! It’s over! bwahahahah!” rather than the kind of gentile ease away that leaves the reader feeling satisfied but still excited for what is to come. However I was still highly satisfied with the story, would totally read/listen to it again, and recommend it to anyone 18+.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated My Name Is Venus Black in Books
May 29, 2018
Totally not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed My Name is Venus Black. I really liked most of the characters, I loved that this was set in the 80s as my childhood was as well, and I'm a big fan of books that show fractured lives can have hope to become whole again.
Venus Black did a bad thing and she's probably going to pay for it, for the rest of her life. The choices she made will interwine, spread, and eventually affect so many other people's lives - including a whole slew of complete strangers. People will talk about her for a long time and she will always have her decisions hanging over her.
I loved how the story unfolded, skipping and summarizing mundane spans of life, and POV from one character to another. I especially loved Leo's point of view, Venus' little brother who is a developmentally disabled child struggling since Venus, his most favorite person, did this bad thing. I enjoyed his descriptive feelings: "The cello makes a yellow sound" - and anger is red. The simplicity in which he views the world is sad, but also a bit refreshing. I thought the space and solar system references throughout were a fun addition to the story as well.
The story proves that being a parent is just as difficult as being a kid in this world, and there is kindness in lots of people that comes out in different ways, and family isn't always who shares your blood, but who shares your love. There is also evil in the world that sometimes isn't always as cut and dry as most believe.
I had some issues with some parts of the story.- they were a bit unbelieveable and I wanted more detail - but I tried to let them go and just enjoy the story and all it's twist and turns. Overall I'm really glad I took a chance and read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Venus Black did a bad thing and she's probably going to pay for it, for the rest of her life. The choices she made will interwine, spread, and eventually affect so many other people's lives - including a whole slew of complete strangers. People will talk about her for a long time and she will always have her decisions hanging over her.
I loved how the story unfolded, skipping and summarizing mundane spans of life, and POV from one character to another. I especially loved Leo's point of view, Venus' little brother who is a developmentally disabled child struggling since Venus, his most favorite person, did this bad thing. I enjoyed his descriptive feelings: "The cello makes a yellow sound" - and anger is red. The simplicity in which he views the world is sad, but also a bit refreshing. I thought the space and solar system references throughout were a fun addition to the story as well.
The story proves that being a parent is just as difficult as being a kid in this world, and there is kindness in lots of people that comes out in different ways, and family isn't always who shares your blood, but who shares your love. There is also evil in the world that sometimes isn't always as cut and dry as most believe.
I had some issues with some parts of the story.- they were a bit unbelieveable and I wanted more detail - but I tried to let them go and just enjoy the story and all it's twist and turns. Overall I'm really glad I took a chance and read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Necole (36 KP) rated The Boy at the Keyhole in Books
Oct 25, 2018
Powers of persuasion in this thriller of a read. A fast paced page turner that kept you guessing and trying to figure out what exactly happened to Samuel's mom and who is Ruth truly. Your hurt tugged for poor Samuel, a 9 year old orphan in a way because his dad passed away and then in the middle of the night his mom disappears without saying goodbye. Ruth, the housekeeper says Samuel's mom left to go to America to help fix the financial situation the family is under, however throughout the book skepticism in the mind of some of the characters and you the reader make this an irresistible read as you try and figure out what happened exactly.
Samuels' heart is aching for his mother's return and in general just wants love and kindness from someone. Ruth takes him in as a caregiver when Samuel's mom leaves and his Uncle Felix and grandfather don't seem to care what happens to the boy …. or that is what we are told!!! Is this really true or is it a lie to keep the boy under the eyes and watch of Ruth. Ruth doesn't like Samuel to stray too far and keeps him close. What are Ruth's true intentions? Others are coming up with their own theories and telling Samuel their thoughts and stories, so Samuel's mind is manipulated and conjuring thoughts and ideas because of persuasion. But can you blame him, he is only a 9 year old boy. What is everyone telling him, is Ruth manipulative, how will this story unfold, will answers be given and what will become of Samuel?
I gave this book a 3 because I loved it, kept my attention, but I kept waiting for a climax, waiting for answers that never came and the ending just confused me and fell flat. Definitely a great read if you like thrillers and mysteries that keep you guessing and have manipulation in the mix, however will you be as confused and disappointed at the end as I was?
Samuels' heart is aching for his mother's return and in general just wants love and kindness from someone. Ruth takes him in as a caregiver when Samuel's mom leaves and his Uncle Felix and grandfather don't seem to care what happens to the boy …. or that is what we are told!!! Is this really true or is it a lie to keep the boy under the eyes and watch of Ruth. Ruth doesn't like Samuel to stray too far and keeps him close. What are Ruth's true intentions? Others are coming up with their own theories and telling Samuel their thoughts and stories, so Samuel's mind is manipulated and conjuring thoughts and ideas because of persuasion. But can you blame him, he is only a 9 year old boy. What is everyone telling him, is Ruth manipulative, how will this story unfold, will answers be given and what will become of Samuel?
I gave this book a 3 because I loved it, kept my attention, but I kept waiting for a climax, waiting for answers that never came and the ending just confused me and fell flat. Definitely a great read if you like thrillers and mysteries that keep you guessing and have manipulation in the mix, however will you be as confused and disappointed at the end as I was?
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Running Plain Sight & Other Stories in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Running in Plain Sight is a collection of short stories by author Charles Butts. The book is named after the first story in the collection. The first story tells the life story of Leander Sills JR. When he was ten years old tragedy struck, and he was forced to go on the run. The story gives glimpses into the rest of his life as he deals with hardship, kindness, and forgiveness. These are themes that are carried over into the other three stories: If All Minds Are Clear, Home Follows, and A Balanced Imbalance. Each is centered on the life of a man who is struggling with his own mistakes or the mistakes of others but grows and finds peace in life. Beginning with Running in Pain Sight was an excellent choice for the first story in the collection because not only does it do a wonderful job of setting the themes in the collection, but that story, in particular, has an incredibly strong and powerful hook from the very beginning.
What I found most captivating about each of these stories were the characters. Both the main characters and the characters around them are flawed people, otherwise known as real people. No one is perfect in these stories, but that makes them easier to be sympatric to. What makes them strong characters is that they take responsibility for their actions. Even though the short stories really only give us glimpses into the lives of the characters that live within them, their flaws and character growth make them deeply developed characters.
Charles R. Butts Jr. published this collection in 2017 and published his first book, For Only A Season in 2016. These stories are quick reads but beautiful and powerful stories. Butts’s writing style is easy and often conversational as you are in the heads of the main characters. However, the simplicity makes the voices stronger, and the meaning of the stories shine through. I greatly enjoyed reading these stories and would highly recommend them.
What I found most captivating about each of these stories were the characters. Both the main characters and the characters around them are flawed people, otherwise known as real people. No one is perfect in these stories, but that makes them easier to be sympatric to. What makes them strong characters is that they take responsibility for their actions. Even though the short stories really only give us glimpses into the lives of the characters that live within them, their flaws and character growth make them deeply developed characters.
Charles R. Butts Jr. published this collection in 2017 and published his first book, For Only A Season in 2016. These stories are quick reads but beautiful and powerful stories. Butts’s writing style is easy and often conversational as you are in the heads of the main characters. However, the simplicity makes the voices stronger, and the meaning of the stories shine through. I greatly enjoyed reading these stories and would highly recommend them.
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