Search
Search results
Merissa (13169 KP) rated A Sucker For Christmas in Books
Dec 4, 2023
A SUCKER FOR CHRISTMAS is part of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles series and it was brilliant! Simple as that.
Fitch and Shaun have been friends since Fitch was four years old, and they spend every Christmas together. He has one big secret though, that he can't share with Shaun. He has an Octopus animal spirit, but Shaun doesn't like them. This leads to both of them keeping quiet, when they each want the other. This leads Mandy, Shaun's twin sister, to intervene in hilarious ways to get them together.
This was fun and festive, with plenty of steam. I loved Fitch's octopus and the role he played. Every character in here is superb. Mandy is a character with a capital C, and I can't decide if I love her or if she drives me insane. I guess I'm in good company with Fitch and Shaun then!
This was a one-sit read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. 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!
Dec 4, 2023
Fitch and Shaun have been friends since Fitch was four years old, and they spend every Christmas together. He has one big secret though, that he can't share with Shaun. He has an Octopus animal spirit, but Shaun doesn't like them. This leads to both of them keeping quiet, when they each want the other. This leads Mandy, Shaun's twin sister, to intervene in hilarious ways to get them together.
This was fun and festive, with plenty of steam. I loved Fitch's octopus and the role he played. Every character in here is superb. Mandy is a character with a capital C, and I can't decide if I love her or if she drives me insane. I guess I'm in good company with Fitch and Shaun then!
This was a one-sit read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. 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!
Dec 4, 2023
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Prophecy (Demon Guard #1) in Books
Nov 24, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
Cheree Alsop has long been a favourite author of mine and I was delighted to find out she had started another series, Demon Guard. PROPHECY is the first book and we are introduced to a twenty-two-year-old man, Raith, who is older than he should be due to his experiences. He nearly loses his life trying to rescue someone who didn't need rescuing. His life is saved and new abilities are awakened.
This was a brilliant way to start a new series. Both Raith and Nox are instantly relatable and you understand why they both have rescuer complexes. The supporting characters are a fantastic addition but, for me, it is the relationship between Raith and Nox where the book shines.
It isn't often I give book one in a series 5-stars but there is just no other option for this book. With action, sorrow, hope, and NOX!!!! how could I not? This is a world to sink into and I really can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Nov 24, 2020
This was a brilliant way to start a new series. Both Raith and Nox are instantly relatable and you understand why they both have rescuer complexes. The supporting characters are a fantastic addition but, for me, it is the relationship between Raith and Nox where the book shines.
It isn't often I give book one in a series 5-stars but there is just no other option for this book. With action, sorrow, hope, and NOX!!!! how could I not? This is a world to sink into and I really can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Nov 24, 2020
TC
The Charity Shop Detective Agency
8.0
Rate It
Book
A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the...
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Death Wish (Ceruleans #1) in Books
May 24, 2023
This is the first book of the Cerulean series, and as such, it pulls you in gently, giving lots of information and a back story without just being an info dump.
Scarlett's character was immediately likeable, as were Cara and Luke. Jude, you are left questioning - which is the whole purpose of his character! Scarlett is dealing with a personal tragedy, leaving her with unanswered questions that she needs answers to. She decides to spend the summer in her grandparents' old home, trying to give herself both some space and also the answers she wants.
This is a book that definitely builds up, and there is no insta-love or love triangles, which I will be forever grateful for! The story is intriguing and smoothly paced, and the contemporary world setting is both complex and carefree.
Fair warning - this story comes to a close with one major cliffhanger!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more about the Ceruleans. 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 5, 2016
Scarlett's character was immediately likeable, as were Cara and Luke. Jude, you are left questioning - which is the whole purpose of his character! Scarlett is dealing with a personal tragedy, leaving her with unanswered questions that she needs answers to. She decides to spend the summer in her grandparents' old home, trying to give herself both some space and also the answers she wants.
This is a book that definitely builds up, and there is no insta-love or love triangles, which I will be forever grateful for! The story is intriguing and smoothly paced, and the contemporary world setting is both complex and carefree.
Fair warning - this story comes to a close with one major cliffhanger!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more about the Ceruleans. 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 5, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Enemy Red (Mark of Lycos #1) in Books
May 29, 2023
Fenris is a young pup, he's only 25-years-old, and now his uncle, the Alpha of the Silver Clan, intends to find him and his twin brother mates. Fenris is none too happy with this, so runs off. He finds himself far from home, in a situation unexpected, that calls on his protective and mating instincts, against all odds. Pulled into a tangled web, with doubts over who to believe, Fenris has to do what he thinks is right - both for himself and for the wolf he wants to claim as his own.
This is a fast-paced novella that covers a lot of ground with the story. Fenris' twin, Anson, is mentioned in passing so I hope that we will hear more about him in the future. Well written and with smooth pacing, this story will take you along with it as it reaches the conclusion. With overall questions left (nothing major though), this part of the story wraps up nicely, whilst leaving you wanting to know 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 15, 2016
This is a fast-paced novella that covers a lot of ground with the story. Fenris' twin, Anson, is mentioned in passing so I hope that we will hear more about him in the future. Well written and with smooth pacing, this story will take you along with it as it reaches the conclusion. With overall questions left (nothing major though), this part of the story wraps up nicely, whilst leaving you wanting to know 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 15, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Aiden is a 12-year-old Prime, who doesn't fit in with his peers because he has two gifts. Most Primes only have one. Being a Prime isn't all fun and games, and death is a very real probability. There are usually twelve in a coterie, but in Aidan's, there is only him and two others. The other coteries don't like him as they fear his multiple gifts. However, things are about to happen that will involve other people with other abilities.
This was a wonderful and gripping story, with in-depth descriptions of the various abilities and what the people look like. The rivalry jumps off the page at you, and you will feel how unfair it may be! With an overall series arc that only gets told towards the end of the book, this is a science fiction novel to enjoy, which will immerse you in the story and leave you wanting more.
With more to each character than originally meets the eye, this is a science fiction novel I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jun 10, 2016
This was a wonderful and gripping story, with in-depth descriptions of the various abilities and what the people look like. The rivalry jumps off the page at you, and you will feel how unfair it may be! With an overall series arc that only gets told towards the end of the book, this is a science fiction novel to enjoy, which will immerse you in the story and leave you wanting more.
With more to each character than originally meets the eye, this is a science fiction novel I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jun 10, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Seven Hundred Beachfront in Books
Jul 25, 2025
SEVEN HUNDRED BEACHFRONT is a story about a house, if the title didn't clue you in. This is not the usual genre I go for, but the blurb had me intrigued.
It is a cosy read that takes place over a couple of months during the summer, when Bec rents the house while she looks after her five-year-old brother, Bobby. Their summer stay becomes more interesting when the house starts making her opinions known, and both Bobby and Bev are able to understand her.
With a small town cast of supporting characters, there is a love interest in Jeff, the next door neighbour, plus some angst in the most un-mother I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
Told from Bev's perspective throughout, this was a sweet read that I enjoyed. The intimate scenes are either very low spice or fade-to-black. If you want a story with a beach setting while you're sat at the beach, then I can definitely recommend this one.
** 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 25, 2025
It is a cosy read that takes place over a couple of months during the summer, when Bec rents the house while she looks after her five-year-old brother, Bobby. Their summer stay becomes more interesting when the house starts making her opinions known, and both Bobby and Bev are able to understand her.
With a small town cast of supporting characters, there is a love interest in Jeff, the next door neighbour, plus some angst in the most un-mother I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
Told from Bev's perspective throughout, this was a sweet read that I enjoyed. The intimate scenes are either very low spice or fade-to-black. If you want a story with a beach setting while you're sat at the beach, then I can definitely recommend this one.
** 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 25, 2025
TacoDave (3886 KP) rated Lost and Found in Books
Oct 3, 2019
Plot (4 more)
World-Building
Characters
Dialogue
Concept
Small focus (1 more)
Plot coincidences
A smaller-scale story by the master of epic sci-fi
"Lost and Found" is a story about micropowers - small, seemingly useless powers that are almost the opposite of superpowers.
The main character, Ezekiel, can touch something that is lost and sense who and where the owner is. A lost toy on the ground might call out to him, asking to be returned to its five-year-old owner. Or a lost shoe might give him the impulse to track down a businessman. The power sounds useful, but since everyone assumes he is a thief (how else would he know where these items belong?), it is more of a burden than a blessing.
Everything changes when a police officer asks Ezekiel to help find a missing child. Could his "power" actually be useful? Or is it impossible to find a person who is "lost?" That's the main story of the book, and it is an intriguing concept, especially when Ezekiel meets other people with odd micropowers.
After saying all of that, how is the book? It's good! It isn't quite as engaging as some of Card's other books, but only because it is smaller in scale and scope. The Ender saga (which is up to approximately 12 books by now) feels important. The themes, moral dilemmas, and human interactions all have weight to them because of how epic the story is.
"Lost and Found" has a bit of adventure and danger, but it is much more grounded. It is focused on (almost) regular humans living their lives in contemporary times. So it is a touch lighter, a touch simpler than some of Card's other books.
Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end and would love to find out more about micropowers and just how inane they might be. The world-building is good enough to make me crave more.
One last note: the micropowers discussed actually *do* relate to the Ender saga, because they seem to be based (intentionally or not) on philotic rays. The main character can "feel" a connection between lost items and their owners. Another character can "feel" where spiders are. And one can "feel" other peoples' navels. It instantly reminded me of the ansible, the hive queen, and philotic webs. So that's something.
The main character, Ezekiel, can touch something that is lost and sense who and where the owner is. A lost toy on the ground might call out to him, asking to be returned to its five-year-old owner. Or a lost shoe might give him the impulse to track down a businessman. The power sounds useful, but since everyone assumes he is a thief (how else would he know where these items belong?), it is more of a burden than a blessing.
Everything changes when a police officer asks Ezekiel to help find a missing child. Could his "power" actually be useful? Or is it impossible to find a person who is "lost?" That's the main story of the book, and it is an intriguing concept, especially when Ezekiel meets other people with odd micropowers.
After saying all of that, how is the book? It's good! It isn't quite as engaging as some of Card's other books, but only because it is smaller in scale and scope. The Ender saga (which is up to approximately 12 books by now) feels important. The themes, moral dilemmas, and human interactions all have weight to them because of how epic the story is.
"Lost and Found" has a bit of adventure and danger, but it is much more grounded. It is focused on (almost) regular humans living their lives in contemporary times. So it is a touch lighter, a touch simpler than some of Card's other books.
Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end and would love to find out more about micropowers and just how inane they might be. The world-building is good enough to make me crave more.
One last note: the micropowers discussed actually *do* relate to the Ender saga, because they seem to be based (intentionally or not) on philotic rays. The main character can "feel" a connection between lost items and their owners. Another character can "feel" where spiders are. And one can "feel" other peoples' navels. It instantly reminded me of the ansible, the hive queen, and philotic webs. So that's something.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Barefoot Queen in Books
May 10, 2018
Finally, I have finished this book. It has taken me over a month to read it, which is a record for me.
Caridad is a Cuban slave. She is being brought to Spain by her master when he dies on the ship. After arriving in Spain she is given her freedom papers and then she has to try and find a new life for herself in a place where she knows no one. Only in Spain a few days, Caridad meets an old gypsy named Melchor. He brings Caridad home with him to be a companion for his granddaughter, Milagros. But who is she really there to be a companion for. The girls become fast friends. But no longer a slave and far from gypsy, Caridad is not sure exactly how she should or would fit in.
Follow Caridad on her journey through Spain to find all the things she never had; freedom, friends and love.
This book took a long time for me to read. There were days that I didn't even pick the book up. The story as a whole was very interesting and I know a lot more about gypsy law than I ever thought I would. Family is everything to them and they will let nothing come in the way of that. While Milagros and Melchor were welcoming to Caridad from the beginning, it took the rest of the family some time to do the same. They all learned from each other. This book spans over many years and you get to see how Caridad learns to embrace her freedom. There are lots of trials and tribulations for her along the way. How Milagros grows from a love-struck teen to an adult with a daughter to care for. Melchor on the other hand is an old gypsy who really only learned one thing.
This is a very good book with strong characters. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to read.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
Caridad is a Cuban slave. She is being brought to Spain by her master when he dies on the ship. After arriving in Spain she is given her freedom papers and then she has to try and find a new life for herself in a place where she knows no one. Only in Spain a few days, Caridad meets an old gypsy named Melchor. He brings Caridad home with him to be a companion for his granddaughter, Milagros. But who is she really there to be a companion for. The girls become fast friends. But no longer a slave and far from gypsy, Caridad is not sure exactly how she should or would fit in.
Follow Caridad on her journey through Spain to find all the things she never had; freedom, friends and love.
This book took a long time for me to read. There were days that I didn't even pick the book up. The story as a whole was very interesting and I know a lot more about gypsy law than I ever thought I would. Family is everything to them and they will let nothing come in the way of that. While Milagros and Melchor were welcoming to Caridad from the beginning, it took the rest of the family some time to do the same. They all learned from each other. This book spans over many years and you get to see how Caridad learns to embrace her freedom. There are lots of trials and tribulations for her along the way. How Milagros grows from a love-struck teen to an adult with a daughter to care for. Melchor on the other hand is an old gypsy who really only learned one thing.
This is a very good book with strong characters. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to read.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."