Search
Search results
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Torn (Reflections, #2) in Books
Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Finally, a complete book which tells the story from the other perspective. You find out in this book why Alec reacted in certain situations the way he did. You also find out more about the lives of Alec and his shapeshifter family, the Coun'hij, how his mum became the way she is and more importantly the fight between Alec and Brandon from Alec's point of view. You know, I've read this scene twice now from two different points of view and it still takes my breath away!
This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.
* 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!
August 6, 2016
This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.
* 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!
August 6, 2016
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Dragon's Mate Volume Two: Books 4-7 in Books
Aug 21, 2023
DRAGON'S MATE VOLUME TWO: Books 4-7 gives you exactly that - the next set of books in the series.
We get to read about Anthony and Dimpy, Matty and Dum, Randall and Broadmire, and finally, Joe and Terrund. These four are easy to read with great characters. There wasn't as much world-building in this set, but then, I guess you don't need as much by now.
I will say, I wasn't as into these stories as the first set. It just felt as though it was lacking something. I was really looking forward to both Dimpy and Dum's stories, but I was left wanting more. Saying that, I did still enjoy all of the stories and the characters in there, whether they are ones already paired up or not.
This is a great box set that I enjoyed, especially with the Glimmer teaser at the end! I can't wait to continue with this series and see who else will fall for their mate!
** 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 21, 2023
We get to read about Anthony and Dimpy, Matty and Dum, Randall and Broadmire, and finally, Joe and Terrund. These four are easy to read with great characters. There wasn't as much world-building in this set, but then, I guess you don't need as much by now.
I will say, I wasn't as into these stories as the first set. It just felt as though it was lacking something. I was really looking forward to both Dimpy and Dum's stories, but I was left wanting more. Saying that, I did still enjoy all of the stories and the characters in there, whether they are ones already paired up or not.
This is a great box set that I enjoyed, especially with the Glimmer teaser at the end! I can't wait to continue with this series and see who else will fall for their mate!
** 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 21, 2023
David McK (3600 KP) rated Sharpe's Devil (Sharpe, #21) in Books
Mar 5, 2020
The final (*sniff*) of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, this is set 5 years after the battle of Waterloo (so, in 1820) and sees Richard Sharpe - now happily settled and living with Lucille in Normandy, and his particular friend Patrick Harper (now running a bar in Dublin) off to Chile in a quest to find an old friend (from all the way back in Sharpe's Rifleswho is missing, reported dead - a report his wife refuses to believe.
While at first it seems that the 'pit-stop' in Saint Helena to meet/gawk at the defeated Emperor Napoleon - pretty daring of Cornwell to put such a famous historical personage in the novel! - is just that, this actually later proves to be an essential part of the plot: I'm not going to give anything away by saying how!
Bit sad that the series is finished now; I guess I'm just going to have to go back and (re)read them all again, as I have been doing over the last couple of years!
While at first it seems that the 'pit-stop' in Saint Helena to meet/gawk at the defeated Emperor Napoleon - pretty daring of Cornwell to put such a famous historical personage in the novel! - is just that, this actually later proves to be an essential part of the plot: I'm not going to give anything away by saying how!
Bit sad that the series is finished now; I guess I'm just going to have to go back and (re)read them all again, as I have been doing over the last couple of years!
The Faerie Guardian (Creepy Hollow, #1)
6.0
Rate It
Book
She's fae. He's human. He should never have followed her into the magic realm ... ...
The Early Edition 2
News and Lifestyle
App
The App Store's most beautiful news reader, giving you complete control over the content you see, in...
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake, #3) in Books
May 22, 2019
She cant ignore a cry for help. But in this remote hunting town, its open season.
Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she cant seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isnt an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.
But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already deadher own daughter blamed for the murder. Except thats not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isnt leaving until she finds out who that was.
But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And its poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, its so easy for them to hide
Wolfhunter River, the third book in Caine's Stillhouse Lake series .It is INTENSE and that's putting it mildly.
This is definitely bloody and action-packed with Gwen, Sam and the kids helping to save the day in Wolfhunter. The threat of Melvin is gone, but there is still evil out there. Now it seems that the series may continue with Gwen going in a new direction though it's probable that there will still be more of the fallout from her being the wife of a mass murderer and her still trying to escape her past.
This story was PACKED with twists and turns and shocking, jaw-dropping moments.
I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series. If you haven't read all the books yet, start with Stillhouse Lake. You will need to read the first two books to understand their lives; but not completely necessary to read this one.
I'm already looking forward to #4 it is called Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake Book 4) (21 Jan 2020) according to Amazon.
Highly Recommend reading!!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the opportunity to experience this book in advance of its release.
Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she cant seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isnt an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.
But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already deadher own daughter blamed for the murder. Except thats not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isnt leaving until she finds out who that was.
But it may already be too late. A trap has been set. And its poised to snap shut on everyone Gwen loves. Her stalkers are closing in. And in a town as dark as Wolfhunter, its so easy for them to hide
Wolfhunter River, the third book in Caine's Stillhouse Lake series .It is INTENSE and that's putting it mildly.
This is definitely bloody and action-packed with Gwen, Sam and the kids helping to save the day in Wolfhunter. The threat of Melvin is gone, but there is still evil out there. Now it seems that the series may continue with Gwen going in a new direction though it's probable that there will still be more of the fallout from her being the wife of a mass murderer and her still trying to escape her past.
This story was PACKED with twists and turns and shocking, jaw-dropping moments.
I definitely recommend not only this book, but the whole series. If you haven't read all the books yet, start with Stillhouse Lake. You will need to read the first two books to understand their lives; but not completely necessary to read this one.
I'm already looking forward to #4 it is called Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake Book 4) (21 Jan 2020) according to Amazon.
Highly Recommend reading!!!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer and Rachel Caine for the opportunity to experience this book in advance of its release.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated To Defend a Damaged Duke (Regency Rossingley #2) in Books
Jun 22, 2025
Loved this second instalment!!
Independent Reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Last Song in Books
Apr 27, 2018
My Summary: Ronnie does not want to spend the summer with her dad. Her dad left them three years ago, and she hasn’t really forgiven him for it. She hated him for it so much, that she refused to take his calls, quit playing the piano, and never read the letters he sent her. What is she going to do all summer stuck with a dad she hates in a small town with nothing but sand on every side of her, no clubs, no friends…
When she finds Will, the cutest volley-ball players slash aquarium volunteer in her back yard helping her protect un-hatched sea turtles from being eaten by raccoons, she judged him as not-her-type. She doesn’t expect to find a friend in a jock-rich-perfect-family boy, nor does she expect that this will be the best—most exciting, most scary, most fun, most painful—summer of her lifetime.
My Review: I’m not really sure where to start here, other than I am so utterly pleased with The Last Song, I cannot begin to find words to describe it.
Ronnie, Jonah (her brother), Her dad Steve, Will… all the characters really, were such real characters. I felt everything they felt, I laughed when they laughed, and I (nearly) cried when they cried.
I hate it when books suffer from "happy-land syndrome—" where everything works out just too perfectly that it seems silly. The Last Song seemed to work perfectly, but it didn’t have that plot-manipulated feel to it. It didn’t feel like Sparks was just trying to move the story along and causing things to line up too perfectly to be realistic—it felt like the story was writing itself, and it was perfect. The pacing didn’t feel rushed or slow. It was not a thriller, but I did find myself sitting on the edge of my seat dying to find out what happens. I read it through in two or three days (which is fast for me right now, what with school the way it is!). There are twists, there are surprises—some beautiful, some painful, but all wonderful.
The writing was contemporary. It was easy reading and it wasn’t Dostoevsky, but it wasn’t bad either. The humor was light and witty and sarcastic, sometimes laugh out loud, and more times than I can count my sister would look up from her homework and say “Haley. What is so funny?” The perspective alternated between several different characters, but it wasn’t disorientating. It was all from third person perspective, but I still felt like I could get inside the character’s head.
The end was perfect. That’s all I can really say about it because any information would totally ruin the story. All the loose ends were tied, all the questions were answered, and the ending was open to the future but closed in a wonderful conclusion. Suffice to say I grinned so wide I couldn’t see, and my cheeks are still sore.
Audio Review: Let’s just say that I almost gave up reading The Last Song when I started listening to the audio. Pepper Binkley read Ronnie’s perspective and had a high pitched voice, she read a little too fast (which is rare. Most of the time readers are way too slow), there was no differentiating between voices of characters so you couldn’t tell who was talking, and she seemed up tight and nervous. Scott Sowers read the various men’s perspectives, and he read alright. He was a little slow and his voice took some getting used to but he was otherwise ok. I did get too frustrated to get far in the audio book though. I ended up quitting and reading the paperback. I recommend reading The Last Song over listening to it.
Content: blissfully clean. There was romance between Will and Ronnie, but no sex. It wasn’t needed, either. I feel like the fact that they didn’t sleep together added to the book rather than took away from it. It was also clean of foul language. There was some mention of God and the Bible, but never did it feel like Sparks was preaching.
Recommendation: Ages 14+
When she finds Will, the cutest volley-ball players slash aquarium volunteer in her back yard helping her protect un-hatched sea turtles from being eaten by raccoons, she judged him as not-her-type. She doesn’t expect to find a friend in a jock-rich-perfect-family boy, nor does she expect that this will be the best—most exciting, most scary, most fun, most painful—summer of her lifetime.
My Review: I’m not really sure where to start here, other than I am so utterly pleased with The Last Song, I cannot begin to find words to describe it.
Ronnie, Jonah (her brother), Her dad Steve, Will… all the characters really, were such real characters. I felt everything they felt, I laughed when they laughed, and I (nearly) cried when they cried.
I hate it when books suffer from "happy-land syndrome—" where everything works out just too perfectly that it seems silly. The Last Song seemed to work perfectly, but it didn’t have that plot-manipulated feel to it. It didn’t feel like Sparks was just trying to move the story along and causing things to line up too perfectly to be realistic—it felt like the story was writing itself, and it was perfect. The pacing didn’t feel rushed or slow. It was not a thriller, but I did find myself sitting on the edge of my seat dying to find out what happens. I read it through in two or three days (which is fast for me right now, what with school the way it is!). There are twists, there are surprises—some beautiful, some painful, but all wonderful.
The writing was contemporary. It was easy reading and it wasn’t Dostoevsky, but it wasn’t bad either. The humor was light and witty and sarcastic, sometimes laugh out loud, and more times than I can count my sister would look up from her homework and say “Haley. What is so funny?” The perspective alternated between several different characters, but it wasn’t disorientating. It was all from third person perspective, but I still felt like I could get inside the character’s head.
The end was perfect. That’s all I can really say about it because any information would totally ruin the story. All the loose ends were tied, all the questions were answered, and the ending was open to the future but closed in a wonderful conclusion. Suffice to say I grinned so wide I couldn’t see, and my cheeks are still sore.
Audio Review: Let’s just say that I almost gave up reading The Last Song when I started listening to the audio. Pepper Binkley read Ronnie’s perspective and had a high pitched voice, she read a little too fast (which is rare. Most of the time readers are way too slow), there was no differentiating between voices of characters so you couldn’t tell who was talking, and she seemed up tight and nervous. Scott Sowers read the various men’s perspectives, and he read alright. He was a little slow and his voice took some getting used to but he was otherwise ok. I did get too frustrated to get far in the audio book though. I ended up quitting and reading the paperback. I recommend reading The Last Song over listening to it.
Content: blissfully clean. There was romance between Will and Ronnie, but no sex. It wasn’t needed, either. I feel like the fact that they didn’t sleep together added to the book rather than took away from it. It was also clean of foul language. There was some mention of God and the Bible, but never did it feel like Sparks was preaching.
Recommendation: Ages 14+
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Seeing Death (The Augur #1) in Books
Sep 9, 2025
SEEING DEATH is the first book in The Augur series, and we begin with Bryn on the eve of his 18th birthday. The world has changed from how we know it, and now a gene changes in some people at the exact time they turn eighteen. Bryn thinks he's okay as he just has a headache, but it all goes belly-up when it turns out to be a rare gene. Gunnar is a lupine detective who gets seconded to be Bryn's partner when Bryn finishes his three years of training.
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. 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 9, 2025
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. 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 9, 2025
Mock the Week's Ultimate Panic-buy!
Book
Tired, nervous headache? Stressed out by shopping? Need an affordable, pleasingly sized book that is...