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Merissa (13860 KP) rated His Secret Omega in Books
Nov 11, 2025
HIS SECRET OMEGA is a standalone story that had previously been released as His Secret Alpha. That one was sweet, cute, and steamy. This one has been rewritten, expanded to novel-length, and is a whole lot darker. And I thoroughly enjoyed them both!
Sky and Kian have a 'complicated' relationship - as in, Sky had a crush, didn't think anything had come of it, and needed to get over it. Kian, on the other hand, doesn't see situations and relationships in the same way most people do. He has claimed Sky, although Sky doesn't know it, and has decided now is the time to let him know.
This is a dark romance, so be prepared for some triggering scenes, right from the beginning. If you have triggers, this may not be the book for you. Personally, I liked the back-and-forth between Kian and Sky. I also liked how Sky was bigger than average, easy to get along with, and wasn't shy about calling Kian out when needed.
I did feel as though this was part of a series, though, and I wonder about the books for the other characters mentioned. Maybe this was a spin-off, maybe it's planned to be added to a series, I don't know.
I'm glad I read both the novella and this one. As already said, I enjoyed both and have no hesitation in recommending both of them too. Just ensure you're getting the right one for you!
** 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!
Nov 11, 2025
Sky and Kian have a 'complicated' relationship - as in, Sky had a crush, didn't think anything had come of it, and needed to get over it. Kian, on the other hand, doesn't see situations and relationships in the same way most people do. He has claimed Sky, although Sky doesn't know it, and has decided now is the time to let him know.
This is a dark romance, so be prepared for some triggering scenes, right from the beginning. If you have triggers, this may not be the book for you. Personally, I liked the back-and-forth between Kian and Sky. I also liked how Sky was bigger than average, easy to get along with, and wasn't shy about calling Kian out when needed.
I did feel as though this was part of a series, though, and I wonder about the books for the other characters mentioned. Maybe this was a spin-off, maybe it's planned to be added to a series, I don't know.
I'm glad I read both the novella and this one. As already said, I enjoyed both and have no hesitation in recommending both of them too. Just ensure you're getting the right one for you!
** 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!
Nov 11, 2025
Justin Young recommended track Who Are You? by Void in Side B by Void in Music (curated)
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Seventh Decimate : The Great Gods War Book One in Books
Jan 22, 2018
The main character (2 more)
The storyline
Everything else
1 dimensional short story that goes on too long
*** Disclosure: I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
I haven't previously read any of Donaldson's work, though my Dad's unwieldy omnibus edition of the First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever has been in my pile for some time now.
The storyline follows Prince Bifalt journeying to find the sorcery that can undo his country's current plight (they appear to have lost all magical abilities, key to staying in their generations old battle with neighbours). It starts off in the moments before battle, with the prince teaching his comrades about the history of the battle in a very hard to believe section of "here's the backstory but isn't it good that I wove it into the dialogue". We are introduced to his brothers at arms and each of their quirks and peccadillos, which turns out to be a waste as they pretty much all die within the next 100 pages, whether they like horses or are womanisers or not.
The opening action is very gripping and filled me with hope for the book to follow, as Bifalt and his companions lead a special mission to assassinate the enemy's sorcerers with their previously unreleased rifles.
Thereafter the action pretty much dries up. What follows on Bifalt's quest is a nonsense 200 pages of journey through the back country with a thoroughly detestable character who suspects everyone except those who actually have a reason to be his enemy.
After days in the desert, he meets a nonsensical caravan of misfits that he manages to ostracise himself from by being himself.
What follows is a tedious nonsense of journey, discussion, treachery, intrigue and just general nonsense.
Donaldson has an annoying habit of occasionally following a line of dialogue with "What he meant was" to show what the prince is actually trying to ask but didn't. This gets very annoying very quickly.
The conclusion of the story can only be described as relief that it is over, no great revelations, no climactic sequence or discovery, just "that's that sorted then now send to publishers".
Having recently read a number of fantasy books told from numerous viewpoints and covering really epic storylines, to come to such a linear, one dimensional tossed away story as this from someone who is supposed to be one of the greats of the genre, it really was an incredible disappointment.
I shan't be reading the second or third books of the trilogy, and Thomas Covenant has just slipped down my pile a bit.
I haven't previously read any of Donaldson's work, though my Dad's unwieldy omnibus edition of the First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever has been in my pile for some time now.
The storyline follows Prince Bifalt journeying to find the sorcery that can undo his country's current plight (they appear to have lost all magical abilities, key to staying in their generations old battle with neighbours). It starts off in the moments before battle, with the prince teaching his comrades about the history of the battle in a very hard to believe section of "here's the backstory but isn't it good that I wove it into the dialogue". We are introduced to his brothers at arms and each of their quirks and peccadillos, which turns out to be a waste as they pretty much all die within the next 100 pages, whether they like horses or are womanisers or not.
The opening action is very gripping and filled me with hope for the book to follow, as Bifalt and his companions lead a special mission to assassinate the enemy's sorcerers with their previously unreleased rifles.
Thereafter the action pretty much dries up. What follows on Bifalt's quest is a nonsense 200 pages of journey through the back country with a thoroughly detestable character who suspects everyone except those who actually have a reason to be his enemy.
After days in the desert, he meets a nonsensical caravan of misfits that he manages to ostracise himself from by being himself.
What follows is a tedious nonsense of journey, discussion, treachery, intrigue and just general nonsense.
Donaldson has an annoying habit of occasionally following a line of dialogue with "What he meant was" to show what the prince is actually trying to ask but didn't. This gets very annoying very quickly.
The conclusion of the story can only be described as relief that it is over, no great revelations, no climactic sequence or discovery, just "that's that sorted then now send to publishers".
Having recently read a number of fantasy books told from numerous viewpoints and covering really epic storylines, to come to such a linear, one dimensional tossed away story as this from someone who is supposed to be one of the greats of the genre, it really was an incredible disappointment.
I shan't be reading the second or third books of the trilogy, and Thomas Covenant has just slipped down my pile a bit.
Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated Half Bound (Helheim Wolf Pack Tale #5) in Books
Apr 13, 2021
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Helheim Wolf Pack series, the last book and you do NEED to have read the other books before this one. This one pulls everything together but not everything important is recapped.
I found this one a much darker read than the others. The others are graphic and explicit but I thought this one was so much MORE. The violence Vivian expends to get what she wants is described in great detail, what she does and what she has others do. This is the only reason I gave it. . .oh . . no. . .wait, there is ANOTHER reason. Let me try that again! This is ONE of the reasons I gave it 4 stars. Oh but she does get her comeuppance, she really does!
Saxon is captured and Casey allows herself to be taken, on the condition Saxon is freed. Yeah, right, we did not see that one being double-crossed by Vivian! Vivian breaks Casey, she really does, physically and emotionally. It's painful reading, not just the physical stuff, but when Casey comes to terms with what Vivian does to her, what it means for her future, what it means she can never be. And then. . .not yet. . .I'll say soon.
Across the other side of the story, Brax, who left Rhett a while ago because he was addicted to Indi's bite, has to fetch a new pack member who affects him, and his wolf, deeply. But Andrea is damaged, both inside and out, and she doesn't think anyone will want her now her abusive ex has marked her as he did. Besides, all men are gonna hurt her, so she steers clear. When said ex gets too close, Brax and Drae bond, and when they do? Oh it's so beautiful, their bonding, it really is. Said ex also gets his comeuppance, but not quite how I thought he would!
Back to what Vivian does to break Casey emotionally. This is the other reason I gave it 4 stars. Casey loves Saxon and he loves her. But they never really got to tell each other that. After Casey gets free, I'm not surprised she has the thoughts she does. And then there was that "Besides. . . ." when Vivian was gloating! So now my mind is racing and I want answers! At least I know the questions this time!
A very fitting end, and one that spawns another series about Casey and her brothers. I hope to get my hands on them too.
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Helheim Wolf Pack series, the last book and you do NEED to have read the other books before this one. This one pulls everything together but not everything important is recapped.
I found this one a much darker read than the others. The others are graphic and explicit but I thought this one was so much MORE. The violence Vivian expends to get what she wants is described in great detail, what she does and what she has others do. This is the only reason I gave it. . .oh . . no. . .wait, there is ANOTHER reason. Let me try that again! This is ONE of the reasons I gave it 4 stars. Oh but she does get her comeuppance, she really does!
Saxon is captured and Casey allows herself to be taken, on the condition Saxon is freed. Yeah, right, we did not see that one being double-crossed by Vivian! Vivian breaks Casey, she really does, physically and emotionally. It's painful reading, not just the physical stuff, but when Casey comes to terms with what Vivian does to her, what it means for her future, what it means she can never be. And then. . .not yet. . .I'll say soon.
Across the other side of the story, Brax, who left Rhett a while ago because he was addicted to Indi's bite, has to fetch a new pack member who affects him, and his wolf, deeply. But Andrea is damaged, both inside and out, and she doesn't think anyone will want her now her abusive ex has marked her as he did. Besides, all men are gonna hurt her, so she steers clear. When said ex gets too close, Brax and Drae bond, and when they do? Oh it's so beautiful, their bonding, it really is. Said ex also gets his comeuppance, but not quite how I thought he would!
Back to what Vivian does to break Casey emotionally. This is the other reason I gave it 4 stars. Casey loves Saxon and he loves her. But they never really got to tell each other that. After Casey gets free, I'm not surprised she has the thoughts she does. And then there was that "Besides. . . ." when Vivian was gloating! So now my mind is racing and I want answers! At least I know the questions this time!
A very fitting end, and one that spawns another series about Casey and her brothers. I hope to get my hands on them too.
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13860 KP) rated Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) by Charlie Cochet
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is the last book (so far) in the THIRDS series, and you do need to read the other books in the series to get the complete picture. It is in previous books that we have learned about the Hobbs family, about Hudson's relationship with Nina, and how Therians view the whole being marked phenomenon.
Now, I will admit to being torn going into this book. I like Hudson - the sexy, nerdy doctor who has helped Dex and Sloane without question. Okay, so maybe with some questions, but he still helped. BUT you then get the Hudson that is constantly pulling Seb to him, only to push him away again. I understand the story of how it happened, and I understand the guilt behind it. I also understand the bonding that is there between mates. What I don't understand is how Seb could carry on wanting Hudson with how he was behaving. Nina had it right with what she said to Hudson, but it was a few years too late in my opinion. I will also admit to getting slightly fed up with the 'poor me' Hudson routine.
On the whole though, this book manages to tie up some loose ends whilst leaving you with plenty of questions going forward. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I found the pacing very smooth, with peaks of action in amongst the talking. This book is still a welcome addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I will admit to being torn going into this book. I like Hudson - the sexy, nerdy doctor who has helped Dex and Sloane without question. Okay, so maybe with some questions, but he still helped. BUT you then get the Hudson that is constantly pulling Seb to him, only to push him away again. I understand the story of how it happened, and I understand the guilt behind it. I also understand the bonding that is there between mates. What I don't understand is how Seb could carry on wanting Hudson with how he was behaving. Nina had it right with what she said to Hudson, but it was a few years too late in my opinion. I will also admit to getting slightly fed up with the 'poor me' Hudson routine.
On the whole though, this book manages to tie up some loose ends whilst leaving you with plenty of questions going forward. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I found the pacing very smooth, with peaks of action in amongst the talking. This book is still a welcome addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Vanishing Point (Nikki Boyd Files #4) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
This is my second Nikki Boyd novel and I loved it every bit as much as the last one I read. Ms. Harris is a talented author who knows what to bring to her readers. She blends the heart pounding suspense, the breathtaking twists and the epic chills that make up a perfect suspense novel. The characters she throws into the story really bring it to life, making it play out more like a movie on the big screen than simply a thrilling novel.
Nikki, Garrett and Jordan come together in a wonderfully researched, well thought out novel. This is the back story of Nikki's sister Sarah and what happened to her. Each page turn truly captivated me, wrapping me up in the investigation and the shivering suspense that goes on behind the lines of duty. Throw in to the mix a little romance between two characters, God's unending glory and it rounds it out beautifully.
Ms. Harris takes a topic that isn't easily handled, the disappearance of a loved one, and creates a carefully woven, intricately pieced novel. This book is beyond 5 star worthy, and is one that will be at the top of my recommendation list for many months to come. This book will take you on a highest of high roller coaster ride, twist your gut, squeeze your heart, and the sudden stop at the end.....well, just grab a copy of this book now to see what I'm talking about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Nikki, Garrett and Jordan come together in a wonderfully researched, well thought out novel. This is the back story of Nikki's sister Sarah and what happened to her. Each page turn truly captivated me, wrapping me up in the investigation and the shivering suspense that goes on behind the lines of duty. Throw in to the mix a little romance between two characters, God's unending glory and it rounds it out beautifully.
Ms. Harris takes a topic that isn't easily handled, the disappearance of a loved one, and creates a carefully woven, intricately pieced novel. This book is beyond 5 star worthy, and is one that will be at the top of my recommendation list for many months to come. This book will take you on a highest of high roller coaster ride, twist your gut, squeeze your heart, and the sudden stop at the end.....well, just grab a copy of this book now to see what I'm talking about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I adored this book.
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Porpoise in Books
Oct 30, 2019
Could have been so special
The Porpoise is a difficult book to review. It is indeed an accomplished piece of work, well written, engaging and very clever. It's just a little schizophrenic. The Porpoise is the name of a boat. Well not a boat, various boats throughout time. The book begins set in modern times with a plane crash leaving a very rich man with a daughter and no mother where an unhealthy relationship begins. This is a great engrossing story, brave and strong and you become completely invested in the story and characters and just as one of them boards a boat called the porpoise it becomes a retelling of the ancient story of Pericles, a story Shakespeare also retold, and its Shakespeare's retelling that in combined in future and past. Confused? You may be. And again, his retelling of Pericles set in ancient times is expertly done, bold, extravagant and inspired. It is just that, what happened to the girl from the plane crash, and now where has Pericles daughter got to...and...and...?
I have read all three of Haddon's novels, and he is a great storyteller and this novel just feels like an opportunity missed. It's not that it's badly done, and I am sure the critics adored it but in terms of being absorbed and invested in characters that just disappear as we disappear back in time and never really giving you the meat to any of their adventures to digest, it is a little like having a gourmet meal but not filling your tummy up enough to leave your stomach satisfied.
I have read all three of Haddon's novels, and he is a great storyteller and this novel just feels like an opportunity missed. It's not that it's badly done, and I am sure the critics adored it but in terms of being absorbed and invested in characters that just disappear as we disappear back in time and never really giving you the meat to any of their adventures to digest, it is a little like having a gourmet meal but not filling your tummy up enough to leave your stomach satisfied.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Hidden (Shadowed Wings #1) in Books
Nov 11, 2020
188 of 200
Kindle
The Hidden (Shadowed Wings Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
am a latent wolf shifter.
Or so I thought.
Then life as I knew it changed in a flash—or more accurately, an electrocution.
I’ve woken up in a strange place, surrounded by strange people who hate me. They’re in the middle of a war, and I look like I belong on the wrong side of it.
If that’s not enough to qualify as a really bad day, I now have wings and a strange animal to figure out, because it turns out that there’s not a damn latent thing about me.
If I want to live, I have to prove that I’m not the spy I’m accused of being. Then I need to figure out how the fuck to get back home before all hell breaks loose. Too bad my animal has zero interest in working with me unless it has to do with the two hot assholes that lead this rebel group.
I’m on my own, in a place I’ve never even heard of, with threats I don’t know how to defeat. And lucky me, I might as well have a rotisserie chicken living inside of me for all the help my newly discovered gryphon is.
Perfect. Just fucking perfect.
Well I’ve never read a Gryphon shifter books before and I really enjoyed it. I can see where Falon could possibly become unlikable but I thought she was brilliant just on the edge of sassy but not too much that it’s over done! The men need some work the Neanderthals!! Looking forward to seeing what the Avowed bring!
Kindle
The Hidden (Shadowed Wings Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
am a latent wolf shifter.
Or so I thought.
Then life as I knew it changed in a flash—or more accurately, an electrocution.
I’ve woken up in a strange place, surrounded by strange people who hate me. They’re in the middle of a war, and I look like I belong on the wrong side of it.
If that’s not enough to qualify as a really bad day, I now have wings and a strange animal to figure out, because it turns out that there’s not a damn latent thing about me.
If I want to live, I have to prove that I’m not the spy I’m accused of being. Then I need to figure out how the fuck to get back home before all hell breaks loose. Too bad my animal has zero interest in working with me unless it has to do with the two hot assholes that lead this rebel group.
I’m on my own, in a place I’ve never even heard of, with threats I don’t know how to defeat. And lucky me, I might as well have a rotisserie chicken living inside of me for all the help my newly discovered gryphon is.
Perfect. Just fucking perfect.
Well I’ve never read a Gryphon shifter books before and I really enjoyed it. I can see where Falon could possibly become unlikable but I thought she was brilliant just on the edge of sassy but not too much that it’s over done! The men need some work the Neanderthals!! Looking forward to seeing what the Avowed bring!
Merissa (13860 KP) rated The Bandalore (Pitch & Sickle #1) in Books
Sep 21, 2022
THE BANDALORE is the first book in the Pitch & Sickle series. It begins with Silas dying and coming back to life in a coffin, and no, he's not a vampire. He isn't sure what he is now and has no idea who he was before. His memory of his previous life has disappeared, leaving him uncertain in a world full of uncertainties.
This is slow-burn - so slow there is no romance at all in this first book. That isn't an issue as I can see there is so much to this world, I am happy to take in all the details first and then move on to the romance.
Silas and Tobias are two very different souls. Silas is trusting, caring, and almost naïve. Tobias is obnoxious, and harsh, with a rather bitter view of the world. Is it justified? I think so, but I still have so much more to learn about his past.
I loved the addition of Black Annis being as I'm Leicestershire born and bred! It was very descriptive but remained true to the myths and legends surrounding her.
An intriguing start to a series where nothing is as it seems and you can't even trust the 'good' guys - if they are indeed good. I can't wait to continue with this series and see where it goes from here. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is slow-burn - so slow there is no romance at all in this first book. That isn't an issue as I can see there is so much to this world, I am happy to take in all the details first and then move on to the romance.
Silas and Tobias are two very different souls. Silas is trusting, caring, and almost naïve. Tobias is obnoxious, and harsh, with a rather bitter view of the world. Is it justified? I think so, but I still have so much more to learn about his past.
I loved the addition of Black Annis being as I'm Leicestershire born and bred! It was very descriptive but remained true to the myths and legends surrounding her.
An intriguing start to a series where nothing is as it seems and you can't even trust the 'good' guys - if they are indeed good. I can't wait to continue with this series and see where it goes from here. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!