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Stone Heart (The Compelled Chronicles #1)
Stone Heart (The Compelled Chronicles #1)
Dean Murray | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the first of the Compelled Chronicles and it starts with a bang! Dani is starting a new school and although she is nervous, it is not because of the usual new school reasons. The reason Dani is nervous is because she seems to have this ability that draws members of the opposite sex to her, before either making them head for the hills or become a stalker. She has no idea what's going on or why this happens, but she has learned how to live with it. The first boy she meets, Caine, seems immune to her 'charms' and Dani hopes that she has found herself the first male friend she has had in a long time. However, meeting Caine is something that starts off her journey into the unknown where she will have to fight the paranormal, and her life will be threatened simply 'because'.

This is a gripping and thrilling first instalment that ends on an amazing cliffhanger! Full of mystery and action, you are left with questions unanswered. I won't put the questions out here, you'll need to read the book for yourself, but I will say that you will immediately want to know more. Excellent start and definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 26, 2015
  
Luck of the Draw
Luck of the Draw
Addison Albright | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LUCK OF THE DRAW is a light fantasy novella about warring kingdoms and arranged marriages to help seal the peace treaty. Obren is happy with male or female partners, but when he finds out who he is to marry, he has reservations. After all, he did kill the prince's previous partner on the battlefield! But it was war and maybe Dukan has his own secrets.

This was a great read that I read in one sitting. The characters were well-fleshed out given it was a novella, and the world-building made complete sense. I was happy with how the arranged marriages worked out as no one felt forced apart from the situation. Obren and Dukan, obviously, were my favourites and I loved the interplay between them as they took the time to learn about each other.

I would love to return to this world and learn more about the marriages and the kingdoms they live in. And if we managed to catch up with Obren and Dukan, then so much the better!

A brilliant novella that I thoroughly enjoyed, although I would have obviously loved it to be longer! A great read and definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 24, 2023
  
A Hint of Frost (Araneae Nation #1)
A Hint of Frost (Araneae Nation #1)
Hailey Edwards | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
4 of 220
Kindle
A Hint of Frost ( Araneae Nation 1)
By Hailey Edwards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.

Born the youngest son of an impoverished maven, the only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but their fondness for the flesh of fellow Araneaeans makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.

Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north, to Erania. Determined to survive, Lourdes will discover whether she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

I really love this story and I like the idea of this species that give spider spinning vibes. It’s an easy read and an easy story to follow a really pleasant read. Also Rhys yes please.
  
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Merissa (13508 KP) rated Toxic B!tch in Books

Sep 10, 2025  
Toxic B!tch
Toxic B!tch
Cassie Lein | 2025 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TOXIC B!TCH is a standalone featuring a morally grey FEMALE character! Yep, you heard me. How many male characters have I read? This is the only one I can think of where it's the female, and let me tell you... I loved it!

Malik is such a teddy bear - sweet and naive, yet very conscious of his weight. As far as Indigo is concerned, he is everything she never knew she needed, and she is VERY protective of him. Although, to be fair, her idea of protection are slightly different to mine! 😆 I didn't cry about what happened though. Malik didn't deserve the treatment he received from someone else.

I thought this was brilliantly written - dark, deadly, delightfully crazy, and yet a body positive story too. The one thing I absolutely adored was the interplay between Indigo and Malik - even before he found out all about her. She is feisty and sassy, with no filter, and he is there for it. He loves that she doesn't play games, and she is just what he needs too.

Another hit by this author that I read in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 10, 2025