Merissa (13585 KP) rated Redemption (The Revelation, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
"Oh. My. God. Randi, you are awesome!" Okay, so I may have just stolen that from her books but the truth still stands. This series is one I found by accident but I have never been happier! The books are simply outstanding and everything about them is just perfect for me - from the covers down to the nitty-gritty of editing and grammar. I am a long-term fan of both Randi and The Revelation Series so I warn you now that I will be squealing like a fangirl. But anyway, onto Redemption itself.
If you want a book that you can pick up and put down again without any problems then you need to WALK AWAY!! These books will get under your skin, the characters within the pages you will love, then hate, then love again as Randi plays with your emotions. She is a wicked author ;)
Redemption will take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. You start with major, almost catatonic depression, then anger, then hope, then love, happiness, friendship - need I go on? There is a gamut of emotional highs and lows in this book and it's not just from the main characters. Smaller characters that have just had a supporting role up to now get their chance to shine. We learn more about everyone and meet new allies too. We meet old allies and feel our heart break all over again. Did I mention this book is emotional?
I love the way that Randi writes - she draws you into the story and it enfolds you. The characters get under your skin until they feel like friends/enemies or even frenemies. Whichever, you know them! They are not just words on a page.
This is a series of five books and as such they are not standalones. Randi has got the art of the ending down to a 'T' and she kills me every time! So far, I have issued a kleenex warning with both her previous books and this one is no different. The ending took me by surprise and left me reeling. I can honestly say that I finished the book, shook my head and went back to re-read the last chapter because I just couldn't bear for the book to be finished.
I am now impatiently waiting for books 4 and 5 and once I have my grubby paws on them, I will be re-reading this whole series back to back. A fantastic, hot, witty, smexy Paranormal Romance that will draw you in and not let you go. I can't recommend this highly enough!
Debbiereadsbook (1614 KP) rated Ravens and Ruin (Brodyr Alarch #5) in Books
Oct 8, 2025
This is book 5 in the Brodyr Alarch series. It's not necessary to read the previous books, nor the prequel, but I think it will give you a much better picture about these people and the world they live in.
Ewan is the youngest brother cursed, he serves as Harri's general. Crossing paths with Lowri, a healer of the old ways, sets off a chain of events that neither saw coming.
As I was reading this, I could see, really SEE the things Ms Sheppard writes about. Descriptions of people and places, that sort of thing. The skill has been great in other books I gave books 1-3 5 stars but slipped to 4 for book 4) but in THIS book?? The skill shines, bright and hot and throughout the whole book.
Ewan and Lowri are perfect for each other. Ewan can see Lowri's skill as a warrior as well as a healer. She is head strong and is not afraid to question Ewan.
Lowri can see what's beneath Ewan's outer prickly shell. She lets him have his brooding moments, and his time talking to the stones, but she stands beside him, quietly giving him her strength.
There is a line in the book I highlighted. I never highlight anything! It captures Ewan and Lowri's relationship perfectly.
The fire between them never burned high, but it never died.
I found this one a bit darker in places, but not sure why, I just felt, much like Ewan and Lowri felt, the land was off. Not a bad thing, at all! You know me, and my book brain, it needs to get feelings out when it can actually voice them, and it feels this was darker.
Still, totally clean. I will stand by what I said in each of the others, I'm loving that they are. It's not about that in these books. It's about two people, facing the things that are thrown at them, in each and every way, together.
And the things that are thrown at Ewan and Lowri are less physical things and more emotional and testing their faith in the old gods.
Branwen, who is Lowri's god and Arianrhod, who looks over all the brothers, are the gods here.
There is just one brother left, Gerallt. He was the brother who kept a swan wing instead of an arm when their curse was lifted. I've been waiting for his story for so long, and I will wait patiently (or maybe not so patiently!) for his story. I am keen to get into his mind about why he kept it.
As with all these books, they are loosely based around The Brothers Grimm tales, and given a Welsh twist. This one is The White Snake. I don't know that story, so I cannot say how true or how far apart these tales are, but Ms Sheppard absolutely NAILED the telling of this story!
Best one so far!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
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Merissa (13585 KP) rated Embrace the Wind (The Blood Rose #7) in Books
May 24, 2023
As with the other books, the Mastyr and the Blood Rose have their own obstacles to overcome, as well as whatever Marghetta is currently throwing at them. One of the things that make this series so interesting is that each couple has their own problems, it's not the same old reasons regurgitated for a new title.
Well written, with a smooth pace, leading up to a climactic battle at the end, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Steamy and sensuous, as well as action-packed, this is an excellent addition to the series. Already looking forward to Ian and Regan's story. 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!
Feb 28, 2016