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Debbiereadsbook (1764 KP) rated The Game (Charleston Condors #2) in Books
Aug 15, 2023
loved Beck and Micah!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Charleston Condors, The Star is book one. While I don't think it's strictly necessary that you read that book first, it will probably help you see what Beck was like, before Micah came back into his life. I gave that book 4 stars.
But this one?? I LOVED this book!
We don't get what happened to Beck and Micah a couple of years ago, but you get clues and hints in The Star. And I put those clues and hints together in the wrong way and was way off base.
What DID happen was heartbreaking for Beck, but for Micah too. But it takes time for Micah to tell Beck what happened fully, and it made me cry when he eventually gets it all out.
What I loved the most about this, was how forgiving Beck was, right at the start. Yes, Micah had hurt him and both men were still hurting from that but Beck could see Micah needed a FRIEND more than anything else. And offering Micah that olive branch was the best thing he ever did.
Loved the whole Vegas thing! Granted they were drunk but not so that they didn't know what they were doing. Granted they BOTH thought on waking that they did NOT want to undo what they did. It takes them time to settle into the husband thing but they really do love each other and want to make it work.
I found myself falling out with Beck's mum at one point, but given the outcome of that, she redeemed herself.
I said in my review for the Star that I really linked that there was very little drama. While the history of Beck and Micah is full of drama, once they get back together, there isn't much here either! And I'm loving that.
I also said in The Star that I didn't like the long descriptive passages about the football games. Now, whether it is because I knew they were coming, or not, I don't know, but I found them less difficult to read here. I'm still not a fan, (and will never be!) and I still didn't understand half of those passages, but I didn't find them as many or as difficult.
There were some characters that helped Micah while he and Beck were apart, I'd like to go back and read about Scott and Asa. And Carter (Beck and Micah's team mate) gets the next book. I'm really REALLY looking forward to reading his story. He's a character here, but I have a strong feeling it's all a freaking front and the man is falling apart underneath.
Beck and Micah really are perfect for each other, and I loved their story.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Charleston Condors, The Star is book one. While I don't think it's strictly necessary that you read that book first, it will probably help you see what Beck was like, before Micah came back into his life. I gave that book 4 stars.
But this one?? I LOVED this book!
We don't get what happened to Beck and Micah a couple of years ago, but you get clues and hints in The Star. And I put those clues and hints together in the wrong way and was way off base.
What DID happen was heartbreaking for Beck, but for Micah too. But it takes time for Micah to tell Beck what happened fully, and it made me cry when he eventually gets it all out.
What I loved the most about this, was how forgiving Beck was, right at the start. Yes, Micah had hurt him and both men were still hurting from that but Beck could see Micah needed a FRIEND more than anything else. And offering Micah that olive branch was the best thing he ever did.
Loved the whole Vegas thing! Granted they were drunk but not so that they didn't know what they were doing. Granted they BOTH thought on waking that they did NOT want to undo what they did. It takes them time to settle into the husband thing but they really do love each other and want to make it work.
I found myself falling out with Beck's mum at one point, but given the outcome of that, she redeemed herself.
I said in my review for the Star that I really linked that there was very little drama. While the history of Beck and Micah is full of drama, once they get back together, there isn't much here either! And I'm loving that.
I also said in The Star that I didn't like the long descriptive passages about the football games. Now, whether it is because I knew they were coming, or not, I don't know, but I found them less difficult to read here. I'm still not a fan, (and will never be!) and I still didn't understand half of those passages, but I didn't find them as many or as difficult.
There were some characters that helped Micah while he and Beck were apart, I'd like to go back and read about Scott and Asa. And Carter (Beck and Micah's team mate) gets the next book. I'm really REALLY looking forward to reading his story. He's a character here, but I have a strong feeling it's all a freaking front and the man is falling apart underneath.
Beck and Micah really are perfect for each other, and I loved their story.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) by A.M. Halford
Love or Sacrifice is the third book in the Mages of the Nether series, and we focus on another 'Shield' - this time, it's William. He has appeared aloof, even cold, in previous books but we learn more about him in this one, and realise that it is just because he takes himself and his duty to Daniel and Aiden very seriously. However, he does want more, but is resigned to a lack of love in his life as he always put duty first. When Nevada drops into his life, he wants more, a lot more, but is afraid to move forwards. It takes some words from Daniel before he is prepared to open his heart to Nevada.
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Uprising (The Outliers #2) in Books
May 31, 2018
Uprising (The Outliers #2) by Kate L. Mary
Uprising is the second book in The Outliers series. I thought the first book was amazing, but this one is even better! We reunite with Indra as she starts back at work in the Sovereign city. She feels different now, with the strength that Bodhi encouraged. She is not prepared to go back to being meek and mild, as she was before. Asa is still working for the Sovereign.
This book has so much packed into it, it's quite unbelievable. With action, hope, and heartbreak, there is plenty to keep you turning the pages. There are plenty of twists and turns as Indra works to bring the Outlier tribes together, to beat the Fortis and Sovereign. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the women of the Winta tribe worked together, although you can see the cracks in the seams. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
It does end on one helluva cliffhanger, so fair warning! This is a book where I knew the ending was coming, and it couldn't come quick enough, but I also wanted it to never stop!
This is an excellent addition to the series, and is still rich in detail, with wonderful characters, and an intriguing and gripping storyline. Absolutely recommended by me. Bring on the next!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book has so much packed into it, it's quite unbelievable. With action, hope, and heartbreak, there is plenty to keep you turning the pages. There are plenty of twists and turns as Indra works to bring the Outlier tribes together, to beat the Fortis and Sovereign. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the women of the Winta tribe worked together, although you can see the cracks in the seams. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
It does end on one helluva cliffhanger, so fair warning! This is a book where I knew the ending was coming, and it couldn't come quick enough, but I also wanted it to never stop!
This is an excellent addition to the series, and is still rich in detail, with wonderful characters, and an intriguing and gripping storyline. Absolutely recommended by me. Bring on the next!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Trust Me in Books
Mar 29, 2020
Claustrophobic Game of Cat and Mouse
Mercer Hennessey is a former reporter who is getting over a deep personal loss. Her life is altered when her former editor, Katherine, asks her to cover the Baby Boston trial. Ashlyn Bryant is about to go on trial for the death of her daughter, Tasha Nicole. Mercer is among those who is certain that Ashlyn is guilty, and Katherine is asking Mercer to write a book about the case and the trial. With the way it grabbed headlines, it is certain to be a best seller. Mercer reluctantly agrees, but Ashlyn’s constant claims of innocence begin to get to Mercer. As Mercer delves further into the book, Ashlyn begins to get into her head. What is true? Is Ashlyn guilty?
I had intended to read Hank Phillippi Ryan’s stand-alone suspense novels before now, but I’m glad I picked up this first one. The book starts out a little slowly. Yes, we are getting needed background, but it feels like it could have been shortened a little. However, once things really get going, I was completely hooked. This is a strong psychological suspense story as Mercer is forced to question everything she thinks is true. The almost claustrophobic feeling of this part of the book certainly helps with that. To pull this off, the characters have to be strong, and they absolutely are, making me question what I thought was going on the entire time. Once you start, you’ll have to know how this book ends.
I had intended to read Hank Phillippi Ryan’s stand-alone suspense novels before now, but I’m glad I picked up this first one. The book starts out a little slowly. Yes, we are getting needed background, but it feels like it could have been shortened a little. However, once things really get going, I was completely hooked. This is a strong psychological suspense story as Mercer is forced to question everything she thinks is true. The almost claustrophobic feeling of this part of the book certainly helps with that. To pull this off, the characters have to be strong, and they absolutely are, making me question what I thought was going on the entire time. Once you start, you’ll have to know how this book ends.
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Courtship (Voodoo Butterfly #4) in Books
Aug 7, 2020
Courtship is the fourth and final (so far) book in the Voodoo Butterfly series and, my word, but it ends with a bang!
Madame LaLaurie and Dr Bones are still causing chaos in Sophie's life but now she has a wedding to plan as well as continue her priestess training. Something has to come first - but what? Not only that but Jacques is still ignoring Sophie to the best of his ability and although she understands why, it still hurts.
This book is full of revelations, some obvious, some not. The characters and situations take on a life of their own and you will continue turning pages, not wanting to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
I have loved every book in this series and have made no secret of being #TeamJacques. However, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that Taj is right for Sophie. I still don't quite see it but I'm stubborn like that.
So is this the end? I really hope not. After all, Sophie still has one more wish from Amir and she is not yet Queen. I really, REALLY, hope there is more to come in this series and, you never know, maybe Jacques will tell his story so he can get his HEA!!!
A brilliant book most definitely 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!
Madame LaLaurie and Dr Bones are still causing chaos in Sophie's life but now she has a wedding to plan as well as continue her priestess training. Something has to come first - but what? Not only that but Jacques is still ignoring Sophie to the best of his ability and although she understands why, it still hurts.
This book is full of revelations, some obvious, some not. The characters and situations take on a life of their own and you will continue turning pages, not wanting to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
I have loved every book in this series and have made no secret of being #TeamJacques. However, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that Taj is right for Sophie. I still don't quite see it but I'm stubborn like that.
So is this the end? I really hope not. After all, Sophie still has one more wish from Amir and she is not yet Queen. I really, REALLY, hope there is more to come in this series and, you never know, maybe Jacques will tell his story so he can get his HEA!!!
A brilliant book most definitely 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!
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Vengeance (Werewolf Academy #6) in Books
Jun 11, 2020
Vengeance is the penultimate book in the Werewolf Academy series and it shows no signs of slowing down. After being betrayed, Alex is held by Extremists who want to drain him of his blood. Surprisingly, Drogan is there too and not in the way he wants to be. He is being held against his will as a backup in case Alex doesn't turn. That's right, Drogan is a werewolf too and the reasons given for why he hates them so much are heartbreaking. Doesn't stop me from completely loathing the man but at least I understand more about him now.
On the plus side, Alex has a summer by the sea learning to surf. Okay, so actually he's there to escape Drogan but, you know, silver linings and all that. He learns more about himself and Siale, and what makes him tick and undertake the things he does.
There is nothing too obvious in this book but I can tell it is building up. I know the big climax will come in the next book and I am dreading it as much as I can't wait for it. I've been burnt by Ms. Alsop before! This really is a fantastic series that I am thoroughly enjoying. The characters are likeable, sometimes foolhardy, but always trying their best. Absolutely brilliant.
* 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!
On the plus side, Alex has a summer by the sea learning to surf. Okay, so actually he's there to escape Drogan but, you know, silver linings and all that. He learns more about himself and Siale, and what makes him tick and undertake the things he does.
There is nothing too obvious in this book but I can tell it is building up. I know the big climax will come in the next book and I am dreading it as much as I can't wait for it. I've been burnt by Ms. Alsop before! This really is a fantastic series that I am thoroughly enjoying. The characters are likeable, sometimes foolhardy, but always trying their best. Absolutely brilliant.
* 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!
ClareR (6241 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Oct 12, 2021
The Promise is on the Booker Prize 2021 shortlist, and I can see why. I enjoyed this book immensely - I love the idea of being a fly on the wall of a white South Africans house during and after Apartheid, and this pretty much sold the book to me before I even started reading it. The fact that we only drop in to the lives of this family during times of death and the subsequent funerals was a really interesting angle to take. These were people under a great deal of stress due to the fact that someone in their close family had died - even though they weren’t a close family at all. There are four funerals, each completely different in style, religion (or not) and ways in which they died.
As time moves on, Apartheid ends, Nelson Mandela becomes President. But does life change that much for the Swarts? Do they uphold the promise made at the beginning of the book, as overheard by the youngest daughter when her mother was dying? Laws may change, but do people’s attitudes?
This is a disjointed family: there doesn’t seem to be a single close relationship between any of them. They all seem to be selfish people who resent the new South Africa, as they lose social standing, money, and are directly affected by the rise in crime.
It was a thoroughly engrossing book, and I lost myself in it every time I sat down to read. It’s a really good, character-driven novel. Now to wait and see if it wins!!
As time moves on, Apartheid ends, Nelson Mandela becomes President. But does life change that much for the Swarts? Do they uphold the promise made at the beginning of the book, as overheard by the youngest daughter when her mother was dying? Laws may change, but do people’s attitudes?
This is a disjointed family: there doesn’t seem to be a single close relationship between any of them. They all seem to be selfish people who resent the new South Africa, as they lose social standing, money, and are directly affected by the rise in crime.
It was a thoroughly engrossing book, and I lost myself in it every time I sat down to read. It’s a really good, character-driven novel. Now to wait and see if it wins!!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Life She Wants in Books
Nov 21, 2021
I am a fan of Mel Sherratt's work and always look forward to reading her books but, I have to say, never have I been so confused as I was with this one.
Now, whilst at first this might seem to be a negative, let me reassure you that if you stick with it, everything falls into place very nicely and the confusion was well worth it in the end.
Told from different perspectives over different timelines, this is a complex storyline which deals with various unsavoury but important and contemporary themes; coercive control, domestic abuse and loss. These are hard-hitting subjects but Mel deals with them with respect.
There are a number of characters and all have a part to play but I found I didn't really focus on them that much as I was more interested in the story and how it was going to play out. That's not to say they weren't great characters, far from it, it's just that the story was so engrossing that they felt secondary to me somehow.
Full of secrets, lies and manipulation, this is a book that makes you angry and sympathetic all at the same time. It's definitely one that kept me totally engrossed and I couldn't read fast enough.
With atmosphere, suspense and tension aplenty, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of psychological thrillers and I have to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Now, whilst at first this might seem to be a negative, let me reassure you that if you stick with it, everything falls into place very nicely and the confusion was well worth it in the end.
Told from different perspectives over different timelines, this is a complex storyline which deals with various unsavoury but important and contemporary themes; coercive control, domestic abuse and loss. These are hard-hitting subjects but Mel deals with them with respect.
There are a number of characters and all have a part to play but I found I didn't really focus on them that much as I was more interested in the story and how it was going to play out. That's not to say they weren't great characters, far from it, it's just that the story was so engrossing that they felt secondary to me somehow.
Full of secrets, lies and manipulation, this is a book that makes you angry and sympathetic all at the same time. It's definitely one that kept me totally engrossed and I couldn't read fast enough.
With atmosphere, suspense and tension aplenty, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of psychological thrillers and I have to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Heart of the Fae (The Otherworld #1) in Books
Dec 8, 2017
Heart of the Fae (The Otherworld #1) by Emma Hamm
Heart of the Fae is the first book in The Otherworld series, and we find a world full of Irish Celtic mythology, plus fantasy, which equals a novel of superb quality in my opinion. Sorcha's mother was burnt at the stake for being a witch. Sorcha herself is a midwife, although she longs to be a full-blown healer. She was brought up to respect the Old Ways and the Fae, and follows those teachings to the best of her ability. She lives with her sisters and her father, in the brothel they own. Unfortunately, a plague has swept the land, and has afflicted her father. The good doctor's won't listen to her because she is a woman, even though she has had success in treating the plague and stopping it from spreading. She makes a desperate plea, and is heard, which in turn leads her to cross the sea in search of an island only visible every seven years.
This is an excellent story that grips you from the start. The descriptions of the blood beetle are enough to curl your toes, and therefore it becomes just as important to the reader that Sorcha finds a cure. The author has certainly done her research with regards to Irish mythology, and it certainly shows in this story. Yes, it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but to be honest, that was second to the mythology that I was reading. Descriptive and smoothly paced, this story is full of Fae (both Seelie and UnSeelie), old legends and new stories. There is never a dull moment in this story, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters are all fully developed, and I can't wait to read more about them. I love how they are 'complicated', there isn't a single one that is just "good" or "bad". If I had to say one bad thing about this book, it's that I was NOT ready for it to end. However, it did *sigh* and now I must wait impatiently for book 2!
A fantastic Fantasy that I highly recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an excellent story that grips you from the start. The descriptions of the blood beetle are enough to curl your toes, and therefore it becomes just as important to the reader that Sorcha finds a cure. The author has certainly done her research with regards to Irish mythology, and it certainly shows in this story. Yes, it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but to be honest, that was second to the mythology that I was reading. Descriptive and smoothly paced, this story is full of Fae (both Seelie and UnSeelie), old legends and new stories. There is never a dull moment in this story, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters are all fully developed, and I can't wait to read more about them. I love how they are 'complicated', there isn't a single one that is just "good" or "bad". If I had to say one bad thing about this book, it's that I was NOT ready for it to end. However, it did *sigh* and now I must wait impatiently for book 2!
A fantastic Fantasy that I highly recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (14030 KP) rated Insight (The Community #1) in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Insight (The Community #1) by Santino Hassell
Insight is the first book in The Community series, and we start off with Nate. He lives in a dead-end town, works a dead-end job, comes from a dead-beat family, and is going nowhere fast. However, his life changes when his twin dies. Now, don't get me wrong, there is no big lovefest with these twins - far from it. Theo is a drama queen of the nth degree and isn't above 'playing' for what he wants, no matter the cost to anyone, not even his brother. However, when Theo's death is ruled a suicide, Nate knows something is wrong. How does he know? Because he keeps getting visions in which he IS Theo and even shares his death. That's how he knows. With family drama nipping at his heels, he packs up and heads out to New York. Trent has already spoken with Nate, although Nate can't remember. When he drives past Nate hitchhiking, he can't just leave him, so he doesn't. This leads on to the romance part of the story, although it doesn't over run it. Once they get to NYC, it's full on and fast paced as the story progresses and Nate finds himself in the same danger as Theo.
This is the first book by Santino Hassell that I have read and I was thoroughly engrossed from the very beginning. I really felt for Nate and everything he was, and had been, going through. Trent is the perfect foil for him, and provides back up and sanity as and when Nate needs it. This isn't a romance book, although it has elements of romance within it. Primarily I would say this is a Paranormal Suspense. Either way, the story is gripping, the characters are well rounded (even those you don't particularly like), and you will keep turning those pages. I loved the epilogue that we got, right up until the major cliffhanger that you are left with. For something that is definitely different, I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the first book by Santino Hassell that I have read and I was thoroughly engrossed from the very beginning. I really felt for Nate and everything he was, and had been, going through. Trent is the perfect foil for him, and provides back up and sanity as and when Nate needs it. This isn't a romance book, although it has elements of romance within it. Primarily I would say this is a Paranormal Suspense. Either way, the story is gripping, the characters are well rounded (even those you don't particularly like), and you will keep turning those pages. I loved the epilogue that we got, right up until the major cliffhanger that you are left with. For something that is definitely different, I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!