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Brae MacKenzie (Romances of Mythic Identity #1)
8.0
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Brae MacKenzie, a successful San Francisco painter, is a woman who seems to have it all but who's...
Contemporary Romance
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Rarely Pure and Never Simple (Variant Configurations #1) by Angel Martinez in Books
Jun 21, 2022 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
RARELY PURE AND NEVER SIMPLE is the first book in the Variant Configurations series and one I definitely want to return to.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where variants are around but not classed as 'normal', Damien is a Locator, but a rare one as he can find people, not things. Blaze, on the other hand, is a Sparker, able to create and use fire. He also tracks people in the old-fashioned way. These two are thrown together to find a large number of missing children, learning to work together as they do so.
Both of these men are damaged in their own ways. They also have their own foibles which are introduced in such a way as to appear nothing out of the ordinary for each of them. My heart broke for Damien as I learnt more about his childhood, and I was so thankful Blaze was there for him.
This is a fast-paced story with brilliant characters, both main and supporting. I found the locations easy to see and accept due to the descriptions given. Going in, I knew it was a slow burn AND the first in a series so I knew there wouldn't be a HEA in here. I did hope for an HFN though!
I am definitely left wanting more from this world, as well as Blaze and Damien. A fantastic read and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 15, 2022
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where variants are around but not classed as 'normal', Damien is a Locator, but a rare one as he can find people, not things. Blaze, on the other hand, is a Sparker, able to create and use fire. He also tracks people in the old-fashioned way. These two are thrown together to find a large number of missing children, learning to work together as they do so.
Both of these men are damaged in their own ways. They also have their own foibles which are introduced in such a way as to appear nothing out of the ordinary for each of them. My heart broke for Damien as I learnt more about his childhood, and I was so thankful Blaze was there for him.
This is a fast-paced story with brilliant characters, both main and supporting. I found the locations easy to see and accept due to the descriptions given. Going in, I knew it was a slow burn AND the first in a series so I knew there wouldn't be a HEA in here. I did hope for an HFN though!
I am definitely left wanting more from this world, as well as Blaze and Damien. A fantastic read and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 15, 2022
Merissa (13770 KP) rated EXSILIUM (Roma Nova Thriller #11) in Books
Mar 20, 2024
EXSILIUM is part of the Roma Nova series. I have read Inceptio but none of the others. I don't feel this impacted my enjoyment of the story or the characters.
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. 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!
Mar 14, 2024
Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen
10.0
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Elizabeth I is one of England's most famous monarchs, whose story as the ‘Virgin Queen’ is well...
Thicker Than Water (Redwater Demons #1)
10.0
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“Hate is learned, hunter. And I see you were a very good student.” “Thanks. I try.” ...
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Ghosting Academy (The Limerent Series #4) in Books
Jan 12, 2026
GHOSTING ACADEMY is the fourth book in The Limerent Series. While the others have mostly stood on their own, I definitely recommend you at least read Bright Midnights before this one, as Amelie once again has a leading role to play.
Her life has changed a lot since her time with Clovis. She now works for the Academy as an operative, using her abilities on their behalf. She lives with other operatives, called a Pod, who are as close as a family, although they are not allowed to talk about their abilities or to ask too many questions.
I was enjoying the book immensely and was overjoyed when Caio made an appearance, but it didn't quite hit the same mark as the others for me, once they were on the island.
Don't get me wrong - the story is a mix of fantasy and science fiction, with old characters playing cameo roles. I loved the mentions of Sarah and seeing Lazlo and Victoria again, BUT it was the Academy itself that lost my interest. It became the Big Bad in such a way as to become almost ridiculous.
Another thing that is different about this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger, so consider yourself warned! There are many threads still loose, and I am desperate to know what happens next.
Ms Delorme is an amazing writer, and I love losing myself in her worlds. I look forward to continuing with this series to find out what happens next.
** 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!
Jan 12, 2026
Her life has changed a lot since her time with Clovis. She now works for the Academy as an operative, using her abilities on their behalf. She lives with other operatives, called a Pod, who are as close as a family, although they are not allowed to talk about their abilities or to ask too many questions.
I was enjoying the book immensely and was overjoyed when Caio made an appearance, but it didn't quite hit the same mark as the others for me, once they were on the island.
Don't get me wrong - the story is a mix of fantasy and science fiction, with old characters playing cameo roles. I loved the mentions of Sarah and seeing Lazlo and Victoria again, BUT it was the Academy itself that lost my interest. It became the Big Bad in such a way as to become almost ridiculous.
Another thing that is different about this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger, so consider yourself warned! There are many threads still loose, and I am desperate to know what happens next.
Ms Delorme is an amazing writer, and I love losing myself in her worlds. I look forward to continuing with this series to find out what happens next.
** 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!
Jan 12, 2026
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Spring Melt in Books
Feb 11, 2026 - 8:54 PM
SPRING MELT is a standalone historical crime story that tells you about Ella and the horrific act forced upon her at 9-years-old. Nineteen years later, three men are being held accountable for the murder of her r@pist. Was it really planned, or did fate play a part?
This was an amazing story that drew me in and kept my attention from the very first chapter. Normally, I wouldn't say anything about being happy with a divorce/separation in the first few pages, but this one I celebrated! Not only that, but I was with Ella every step of the way as she found herself and the peace needed to move on with her life.
The glimpse into the 1920s social system, the job of a lumberjack, plus how if you had money, you could even buy a Not Guilty verdict (if it even got that far!) was so incredibly written, I was completely engrossed.
Ella is surrounded by an amazing supporting cast of characters, including but not limited to the wonderful Will. Hooper, although not around too much, was also a firm favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Maddox, as he made me question what was right and wrong, both morally and legally. The epilogue at the end made my eyes leak in the best way.
Told from multiple perspectives, this was outstanding in every way. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and although I have no personal knowledge of the Adirondacks, I can honestly say I feel as though I've now been there.
** 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!
Feb 11, 2026
This was an amazing story that drew me in and kept my attention from the very first chapter. Normally, I wouldn't say anything about being happy with a divorce/separation in the first few pages, but this one I celebrated! Not only that, but I was with Ella every step of the way as she found herself and the peace needed to move on with her life.
The glimpse into the 1920s social system, the job of a lumberjack, plus how if you had money, you could even buy a Not Guilty verdict (if it even got that far!) was so incredibly written, I was completely engrossed.
Ella is surrounded by an amazing supporting cast of characters, including but not limited to the wonderful Will. Hooper, although not around too much, was also a firm favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Maddox, as he made me question what was right and wrong, both morally and legally. The epilogue at the end made my eyes leak in the best way.
Told from multiple perspectives, this was outstanding in every way. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and although I have no personal knowledge of the Adirondacks, I can honestly say I feel as though I've now been there.
** 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!
Feb 11, 2026
The Whisper Legacy (Pappa Legacy #1)
Book
Curran’s enemies thought he was dead. They were wrong. He thought his past was left on the Voula...
Political Thriller Action Detective Mystery
Sister Rosa's Rebellion (The Meonbridge Chronicles #6)
Book
How can you rescue what you hold most dear, when to do so you must break your vows? 1363. When...
Medieval Historical Fiction
Rachel (48 KP) rated Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1) in Books
May 27, 2017
Absolutely loved it
I absolutely adored this novel, it felt like it was written just for me!
This is the first J.D. Barker I have read but it certainly won't be the last. I will be adding any sequels to my wish list immediately.
Forsaken This novel starts with a reference that any horror lover will recognise immediately. I was slightly confused by this - the dates do not work - but don't worry, all is explained by the end of the book.
The story started slowly and gradually built momentum, like all good stories should. It starts innocently enough with a bad dream of Rachael's, who is married to an author called Thad and nearing the end of her pregnancy of their second child. Eight year old Ashley and Buster the dog complete the family.
I very quickly found myself liking the character's. They are well rounded and believable. All of the conversation between them is natural and background information about them is presented at just the right pace.
I read just under 70% of the book in one sitting. I would have finished it in a day if annoying illness hadn't of made holding my Kindle impossible! It really is that kind of book, you need to keep reading because you need to know what is going to happen next. It managed to surprise me a number of times without resorting to wild twists.
Some of the novel is told through the eyes of a scribe in the 1600's and this adds to the excitement of reading - I both wanted to hear more from him whilst being desperate to get back to the main storyline. His sections are not written in olde English which is a good thing. It's rare for that to work and not become an annoyance.
It is a fast paced story without feeling rushed. I never felt confused about what was going on. Well, actually, that did happen once but was due to it being 5am and me not reading a characters name correctly!
The ending is a cliffhanger of sorts but, as this is #1 of a series, that really is to be expected. I am genuinely excited about reading the next book and I am going to look it up as soon as I finish this review.
I love horror/supernatural books and am constantly searching for 'the perfect' story. I'm not sure if many books could be described as such but this came close.
This is the first J.D. Barker I have read but it certainly won't be the last. I will be adding any sequels to my wish list immediately.
Forsaken This novel starts with a reference that any horror lover will recognise immediately. I was slightly confused by this - the dates do not work - but don't worry, all is explained by the end of the book.
The story started slowly and gradually built momentum, like all good stories should. It starts innocently enough with a bad dream of Rachael's, who is married to an author called Thad and nearing the end of her pregnancy of their second child. Eight year old Ashley and Buster the dog complete the family.
I very quickly found myself liking the character's. They are well rounded and believable. All of the conversation between them is natural and background information about them is presented at just the right pace.
I read just under 70% of the book in one sitting. I would have finished it in a day if annoying illness hadn't of made holding my Kindle impossible! It really is that kind of book, you need to keep reading because you need to know what is going to happen next. It managed to surprise me a number of times without resorting to wild twists.
Some of the novel is told through the eyes of a scribe in the 1600's and this adds to the excitement of reading - I both wanted to hear more from him whilst being desperate to get back to the main storyline. His sections are not written in olde English which is a good thing. It's rare for that to work and not become an annoyance.
It is a fast paced story without feeling rushed. I never felt confused about what was going on. Well, actually, that did happen once but was due to it being 5am and me not reading a characters name correctly!
The ending is a cliffhanger of sorts but, as this is #1 of a series, that really is to be expected. I am genuinely excited about reading the next book and I am going to look it up as soon as I finish this review.
I love horror/supernatural books and am constantly searching for 'the perfect' story. I'm not sure if many books could be described as such but this came close.