Search
Search results
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Victims (Hanlon Series #4) in Books
Apr 18, 2021
Once again, I am not disappointed with this, the final book in the series featuring the unconventional DCI Hanlon.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Laser Tape Measure
Entertainment
App
1000000+ have been downloaded and used in daily life! Awesome and convient to use! Laser Tape...
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Colorado Flames With A Texas Twist (Colorado Heart #3) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
We're back with the boys of the Wild Bluff ranch and this time it's James who takes the spotlight. He is following - or stalking in his words - Brody, supposedly to make sure that Brody doesn't talk about the ranch but in reality, it is because James is fascinated with him. Brody comes across as a 'clean-cut boy' but has his own secrets to hide.
The one thing that stuck out for me in this book is the introduction to new characters, a new scene and a whole backstory that I know absolutely nothing about. Whilst I can see them having more importance as the story goes on, I have no idea who they are or what they're about right now. The other thing is that 'Mike' is mentioned more than once but from what I could understand, there is more than one 'Mike' character so I have no idea which one was which and who was being spoken about. I guess if you've read the other series, you will know more but I haven't.
On the whole, this was very enjoyable and I liked spending time with Zander, Marshall, Tucker and Billy, as well as James and Brody. Definitely enjoying these reads.
* 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, 2015
The one thing that stuck out for me in this book is the introduction to new characters, a new scene and a whole backstory that I know absolutely nothing about. Whilst I can see them having more importance as the story goes on, I have no idea who they are or what they're about right now. The other thing is that 'Mike' is mentioned more than once but from what I could understand, there is more than one 'Mike' character so I have no idea which one was which and who was being spoken about. I guess if you've read the other series, you will know more but I haven't.
On the whole, this was very enjoyable and I liked spending time with Zander, Marshall, Tucker and Billy, as well as James and Brody. Definitely enjoying these reads.
* 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, 2015
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Breathe (Breakers Hockey #7) in Books
Jul 17, 2023
BREATHE is the seventh book in the Breakers Hockey series and this time it's Theo's turn. He's the playboy of the team, never wanting to settle down. And he has had some major issues with Eva from the very beginning. We now find out why.
Eva and Theo are similar in many ways, and both of them hide their hurt behind walls a mile high. It's only after they've sniped and snarled at each for a while that they begin to realise there might be more between them than just snark. This was a great story showing just how badly family can hurt and also heal.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and its arc, as it moved from enemies, to friends, and then to lovers. Eva and Theo are protective of each other, which I loved. Walker and Dommie have a bit of a sneak story in here. I'm hoping they get to tell their story in full. The pacing is perfect and the little signs of affection - Theo and Eva's love language - is dotted throughout, making this a wonderful read with plenty of emotions.
A great addition to the series and 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!
Jul 14, 2023
Eva and Theo are similar in many ways, and both of them hide their hurt behind walls a mile high. It's only after they've sniped and snarled at each for a while that they begin to realise there might be more between them than just snark. This was a great story showing just how badly family can hurt and also heal.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and its arc, as it moved from enemies, to friends, and then to lovers. Eva and Theo are protective of each other, which I loved. Walker and Dommie have a bit of a sneak story in here. I'm hoping they get to tell their story in full. The pacing is perfect and the little signs of affection - Theo and Eva's love language - is dotted throughout, making this a wonderful read with plenty of emotions.
A great addition to the series and 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!
Jul 14, 2023
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Mine, Body and Soul: Trilogy (The Playroom #1-3) in Books
May 10, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
MINE, BODY AND SOUL is the trilogy that tells Lenny and Nathan's story. I first met them in MADE TO SUBMIT, the third book in the La Trattoria Di Amore series, and I needed more.
My heart went out to both of these down-but-not-out men, and I couldn't wait for them to fit their pieces together to form a whole. There is no rushing in this set, and I loved that! I loved the slow burn, the getting to know each other, the concerns and worries every new relationship has. And let's face it, these two have a couple more worries and concerns than a 'normal' couple would. They are both scarred, internally and externally, and are trying to find their way. And they were given the time to do so! Brilliant.
Not only do we get Lenny and Nathan's stories, but we are also tantalised with new characters, that I now need to know more about too! Isaac and Ferron, and Jake and Bailey, for example.
This was a slow-burn, gorgeous read that I devoured and loved every word. Absolutely 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!
May 10, 2021
My heart went out to both of these down-but-not-out men, and I couldn't wait for them to fit their pieces together to form a whole. There is no rushing in this set, and I loved that! I loved the slow burn, the getting to know each other, the concerns and worries every new relationship has. And let's face it, these two have a couple more worries and concerns than a 'normal' couple would. They are both scarred, internally and externally, and are trying to find their way. And they were given the time to do so! Brilliant.
Not only do we get Lenny and Nathan's stories, but we are also tantalised with new characters, that I now need to know more about too! Isaac and Ferron, and Jake and Bailey, for example.
This was a slow-burn, gorgeous read that I devoured and loved every word. Absolutely 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!
May 10, 2021
Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Trap
8.0
Rate It
Book
There is a human saying that deals with a frying pan and fire… Fire scorches through my dreams,...
Dark Fantasy Romance Shifters Dragons Why Choose
Merissa (13100 KP) rated The Seer (The Secret Tales #3) in Books
Jun 24, 2025
THE SEER is the third book in The Secret Tales series, and we begin with Claire making a speech at the London Society of Antiquarians and getting shot down in flames. Theseus is in the audience and is one of the few members who is actually interested in what she has to say.
What starts off as a list of commonalities - antiquities, friends, class, etc. - quickly becomes something more, and no one is surprised when Claire accompanies Theseus to Greece, as a companion for his sister, of course.
This was a well-written story, with exceptional details and history. I thoroughly enjoyed how Claire and Theo loved each other for who they were, rather than hoping for someone they weren't! Both practical and romantic, this story was a delight to read. I particularly liked the epilogue that brought it to the present day, and the reasoning behind who Cassie chose to work with.
All three sisters are now happily married, but I am happy to say I continued turning the pages once Claire and Theo's story was completed, and I can't wait for the series to continue. 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!
Jun 24, 2025
What starts off as a list of commonalities - antiquities, friends, class, etc. - quickly becomes something more, and no one is surprised when Claire accompanies Theseus to Greece, as a companion for his sister, of course.
This was a well-written story, with exceptional details and history. I thoroughly enjoyed how Claire and Theo loved each other for who they were, rather than hoping for someone they weren't! Both practical and romantic, this story was a delight to read. I particularly liked the epilogue that brought it to the present day, and the reasoning behind who Cassie chose to work with.
All three sisters are now happily married, but I am happy to say I continued turning the pages once Claire and Theo's story was completed, and I can't wait for the series to continue. 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!
Jun 24, 2025
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Golden Braid (Hagenheim, #6) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A classic fairy tale, re-imagined like you would never believe! Experience the story of Rapunzel through new eyes.
Rapunzel is an accomplished artist and can throw a dagger better than anyone, however, she longs to learn how to read. When yet another young man proposes marriage to Rapunzel, Mother Gothel whisks them away to the city of Hagenheim. And her dream of learning to read might actually become a reality. When the handsome knight, Sir Gerek, saves them on the road, her opportunity to learn may be here at last! But Rapunzel has been brought up to fear everyone and everything in life. Especially men, claiming that none can be trusted. Despite this fact, Sir Gerek agrees to teach Rapunzel to read. As the story unfolds, truths are revealed, and everything Rapunzel has come to believe about herself changes. Will she find her "Happily Ever After?" Or will she allow fear to consume her as it does for so many.
The Golden Braid is not your typical "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" re-telling of this classic fairy tale. There are deep truths and weighty lessons that resonate deep within your soul. We have all faced fears.
Have we allowed fear blind us to the truth that our Heavenly Father is protecting us and guiding us? Sometimes bad things happen, and we may never know why. But as children of God we must trust that He knows what He is doing and that He will guide our path. Love is another powerful aspect of this story. That human love, no matter how deep and true, will never be able to satisfy like God's love. While we need earthly love from our family and spouse, we must ultimately cling to the true love our Father love above all others. I had very high expectations for this book and Melanie Dickerson blew them all out of the water! I can not believe I have not read her books before now. I am thrilled to have found her books and am eagerly anticipating reading her next book: A Spy's Devotion.
I received a free digital copy of The Golden Braid from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Rapunzel is an accomplished artist and can throw a dagger better than anyone, however, she longs to learn how to read. When yet another young man proposes marriage to Rapunzel, Mother Gothel whisks them away to the city of Hagenheim. And her dream of learning to read might actually become a reality. When the handsome knight, Sir Gerek, saves them on the road, her opportunity to learn may be here at last! But Rapunzel has been brought up to fear everyone and everything in life. Especially men, claiming that none can be trusted. Despite this fact, Sir Gerek agrees to teach Rapunzel to read. As the story unfolds, truths are revealed, and everything Rapunzel has come to believe about herself changes. Will she find her "Happily Ever After?" Or will she allow fear to consume her as it does for so many.
The Golden Braid is not your typical "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" re-telling of this classic fairy tale. There are deep truths and weighty lessons that resonate deep within your soul. We have all faced fears.
Have we allowed fear blind us to the truth that our Heavenly Father is protecting us and guiding us? Sometimes bad things happen, and we may never know why. But as children of God we must trust that He knows what He is doing and that He will guide our path. Love is another powerful aspect of this story. That human love, no matter how deep and true, will never be able to satisfy like God's love. While we need earthly love from our family and spouse, we must ultimately cling to the true love our Father love above all others. I had very high expectations for this book and Melanie Dickerson blew them all out of the water! I can not believe I have not read her books before now. I am thrilled to have found her books and am eagerly anticipating reading her next book: A Spy's Devotion.
I received a free digital copy of The Golden Braid from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The Leader's Guide to Presenting
Book
Presentations are an inevitable part of a leader's day to day. They are fundamental to delivering...
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Betrayed (House of Night, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Maybe once upon a time I wouldn't be as picky about this book, but this was a disappointment compared to the first. The little things that bothered me in the first book magnified and expanded in this one. The 'Aww, shucks. Little ol' me?' routine and attitude of Zoey is wearing, to say the least. C'mon, give her some flaws or something, nobody is perfect and the false modesty is cloying.
Now the bane of the book (and series thus far)... the 'Twins.' Ugh, need I go on? The authors repeatedly bash the reader over the head with how alike they are but how different they look and how they grew up. Almost every sentence they utter contains the word twin. Such as, 'Twin, I get what you're saying.' 'Twin' this, 'twin' that! WTF? No one speaks like that. Which brings up a whole different issue with the unrealistic dialogue, but I won't get into that. I think the 'Twins' are supposed to add comedic value, but they don't, they're just annoying and I wish they'd die in the vampire transition (horrible of me I know). They're one-dimensional, don't have any depth, and are pointless to the story except for being part of the elements, which they can be replaced I'm sure. We get that they're twins, but not, we get it! We don't have to be hit over the head time and again!!
Now for the basic plot. Not as interesting as the last, but okay. Hated what happened nearer the end and I don't really get why it was done. I could have offered two other alternatives. ;P The three love interests? Overkill to the nth degree. Are we supposed to like Zoey, or hate her? I think it'll be a while until I pick up the next book, if I even do that, but I do wonder what'll happen to you-know-who. (Don't want to give anything away for those who want to read it.)
Now the bane of the book (and series thus far)... the 'Twins.' Ugh, need I go on? The authors repeatedly bash the reader over the head with how alike they are but how different they look and how they grew up. Almost every sentence they utter contains the word twin. Such as, 'Twin, I get what you're saying.' 'Twin' this, 'twin' that! WTF? No one speaks like that. Which brings up a whole different issue with the unrealistic dialogue, but I won't get into that. I think the 'Twins' are supposed to add comedic value, but they don't, they're just annoying and I wish they'd die in the vampire transition (horrible of me I know). They're one-dimensional, don't have any depth, and are pointless to the story except for being part of the elements, which they can be replaced I'm sure. We get that they're twins, but not, we get it! We don't have to be hit over the head time and again!!
Now for the basic plot. Not as interesting as the last, but okay. Hated what happened nearer the end and I don't really get why it was done. I could have offered two other alternatives. ;P The three love interests? Overkill to the nth degree. Are we supposed to like Zoey, or hate her? I think it'll be a while until I pick up the next book, if I even do that, but I do wonder what'll happen to you-know-who. (Don't want to give anything away for those who want to read it.)