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Merissa (13100 KP) rated Marked (Reflections, #11) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
I love this series, I simply have to say that. It started with Broken and I have been lost in the Sanctuary pack's lives ever since. So it is very rare for you to find a bad review for one of these books and this one is no different. So be prepared to hear me gush!
Adri's time with Alec has never been smooth and carefree, not even at the beginning but Adri is now showing just the inner strength that Alec always knew she had. This book is more about Adri than Alec due to circumstances beyond his control, things that have been hinted at in the previous books. But Adri's shines! Okay, so maybe shine is too strong a word. She is exhausted most of the time, pressured all of the time, stressed out 99% of the time, and yet she still functions - she still fights - she still deals with anyone and everyone. This girl has got guts. She also finds out that she has an ability that she had never dreamed of (pardon the pun) and feels that she is actually able to do something one on one for a change. This leads to a culmination of events that brought tears to my eyes even as I was reading on as fast as I was able to find out what happened next.
This book, as well as the whole series, is very emotional and you can't help but to connect with the characters and face their struggles alongside them. Once again, an absolute stunner from Mr Murray that you will not regret adding to your collection.
* 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!
August 12, 2016
Adri's time with Alec has never been smooth and carefree, not even at the beginning but Adri is now showing just the inner strength that Alec always knew she had. This book is more about Adri than Alec due to circumstances beyond his control, things that have been hinted at in the previous books. But Adri's shines! Okay, so maybe shine is too strong a word. She is exhausted most of the time, pressured all of the time, stressed out 99% of the time, and yet she still functions - she still fights - she still deals with anyone and everyone. This girl has got guts. She also finds out that she has an ability that she had never dreamed of (pardon the pun) and feels that she is actually able to do something one on one for a change. This leads to a culmination of events that brought tears to my eyes even as I was reading on as fast as I was able to find out what happened next.
This book, as well as the whole series, is very emotional and you can't help but to connect with the characters and face their struggles alongside them. Once again, an absolute stunner from Mr Murray that you will not regret adding to your collection.
* 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!
August 12, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Pale Immortal (Land of the Dead 1) in Books
Oct 24, 2023
157 of 235
Kindle
Pale Immortal ( Land of the Dead 1)
By Anne Frasier
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The legend:
A hundred years ago, in what is now called Old Tuonela, a killer known as the Pale Immortal walked the streets. When darkness fell children were rushed inside, doors and windows locked up tight. Some claimed the Pale Immortal bathed in blood, and that blood flooded the streets until the ground became saturated.
Even after the Pale Immortal's reign of terror ended, people were afraid. His death had come too late.
Many claimed the ground was cursed, and so a mass exodus took place. Every single person relocated to a new development five miles from the old one. A better location, they claimed. And prettier. On a bluff overlooking the river. Why had anyone settled at the old place, in such a dark valley?
Let's pretend Old Tuonela doesn't exist. Let's pretend we always lived here, in the new place.
Even though a hundred years has passed, many locals still like to pretend Old Tuonela isn't just beyond the outskirts of town where the softly rolling hills end abruptly, the valleys become dark and deep, and the roads turn back on themselves.
Look closely through the trees and you might see it on the other side of the Tuonela River.
This was different and kept me thinking all the way through about whether it was supernatural or not and if I’m perfectly honest I’m still not sure. The premise is really interesting and I a little confusing in the middle. But overall a really decent read. I do know I need to visit this place though it’s definitely drawn me in.
Kindle
Pale Immortal ( Land of the Dead 1)
By Anne Frasier
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The legend:
A hundred years ago, in what is now called Old Tuonela, a killer known as the Pale Immortal walked the streets. When darkness fell children were rushed inside, doors and windows locked up tight. Some claimed the Pale Immortal bathed in blood, and that blood flooded the streets until the ground became saturated.
Even after the Pale Immortal's reign of terror ended, people were afraid. His death had come too late.
Many claimed the ground was cursed, and so a mass exodus took place. Every single person relocated to a new development five miles from the old one. A better location, they claimed. And prettier. On a bluff overlooking the river. Why had anyone settled at the old place, in such a dark valley?
Let's pretend Old Tuonela doesn't exist. Let's pretend we always lived here, in the new place.
Even though a hundred years has passed, many locals still like to pretend Old Tuonela isn't just beyond the outskirts of town where the softly rolling hills end abruptly, the valleys become dark and deep, and the roads turn back on themselves.
Look closely through the trees and you might see it on the other side of the Tuonela River.
This was different and kept me thinking all the way through about whether it was supernatural or not and if I’m perfectly honest I’m still not sure. The premise is really interesting and I a little confusing in the middle. But overall a really decent read. I do know I need to visit this place though it’s definitely drawn me in.
Kinsey and Me: Stories
7.0
Rate It
Book
My name is Kinsey Millhone. I'm a private investigator, licensed, bonded, insured; white, female,...
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Delilah & Dallas (The Heartwood Series #1) in Books
Jun 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
SMITH'S CORNER: DELILAH & DALLAS is the first book in the Heartwood series. Delilah is young but with a mature head on her shoulders. She knows what she wants to do and isn't afraid to work hard to get it. Dallas is older and has played the field, but when Delilah arrives on the scene, his playboy days are over, his eyes and heart are now Delilah's if only he can convince her to take a chance on him.
This was a great story that took the unusual turn of knowing who the stalker was but waiting for him to be caught. I loved that as it didn't detract from the main story, but also kept you on your toes for the next time he would turn up.
There were a couple of minor issues that I didn't understand, but that in no way detracted from the story. It's definitely a case of it's me, not the story! I loved all the brothers and hope we get all of them. Layla and Levi are up next, but I have high hopes for Ash and Alora, Stone and Storm, Holden and Harper, but no idea yet about Fox, and I really REALLY want his story. Of course, these may not be the official couples, but are the ones I have in my head!
With a smooth pace throughout, this story definitely kept my attention. With some steamy moments, along with banter between the brothers, the pages turned themselves.
Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue the series.
** 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!
Jun 17, 2021
This was a great story that took the unusual turn of knowing who the stalker was but waiting for him to be caught. I loved that as it didn't detract from the main story, but also kept you on your toes for the next time he would turn up.
There were a couple of minor issues that I didn't understand, but that in no way detracted from the story. It's definitely a case of it's me, not the story! I loved all the brothers and hope we get all of them. Layla and Levi are up next, but I have high hopes for Ash and Alora, Stone and Storm, Holden and Harper, but no idea yet about Fox, and I really REALLY want his story. Of course, these may not be the official couples, but are the ones I have in my head!
With a smooth pace throughout, this story definitely kept my attention. With some steamy moments, along with banter between the brothers, the pages turned themselves.
Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue the series.
** 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!
Jun 17, 2021
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Night of the Vampire (Deathless Night - Into the Dark #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE is the first book in the Deathless Night - Into the Dark series. Killian is a vampire, the leader of a coven... sort of. Bless him, Killian is desperate for companionship but has gone about it the wrong way. His best friend now only tolerates him. All that is by the by though as they try to save another member, a little sister figure to them, Kenya. Killian thinks she has been cursed by the witches. He finds out there is a new witch in town and tries to convince her to help Kenya before the witches can turn her against him. Only trouble is, Lizzy is the niece of the High Priestess so things just took a complicated turn...
This is the start of a series, so there is a lot left unknown. Killian and Lizzy get their HFN, but I can only keep my fingers crossed for the long term! Something is targeting the vampires, something the witches don't want to be involved with.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzy and Killian's story, especially how she made him work! I am hoping she will work with the witches in future books to develop her skill, as I think she will need it for whoever set fire to her apartment.
I also can't wait for Alex and Kenya's story, plus I'm hoping we get some more information on the overall story arc.
A brilliant introduction to the series that has left me wanting far more than what I got! Bring on book 2!
* 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!
Jan 8, 2021
This is the start of a series, so there is a lot left unknown. Killian and Lizzy get their HFN, but I can only keep my fingers crossed for the long term! Something is targeting the vampires, something the witches don't want to be involved with.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lizzy and Killian's story, especially how she made him work! I am hoping she will work with the witches in future books to develop her skill, as I think she will need it for whoever set fire to her apartment.
I also can't wait for Alex and Kenya's story, plus I'm hoping we get some more information on the overall story arc.
A brilliant introduction to the series that has left me wanting far more than what I got! Bring on book 2!
* 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!
Jan 8, 2021
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Alex (Alex #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2024
ALEX is the first book in the same-titled series and we stay with him as we learn about how his life was, how it is now, and what he is going through.
Alex is a complex character - at times appearing like a small boy - which is no real surprise considering what he has been through. Jane is seven years older than him and has been by his side since he first came to her house, rescued by her dad. He is also a divisive character - some people like him, but a lot don't. Creg, Brad, and Dr Bennett, to name some. Alex also has friends in Angie, Justin, Becca, and Ben, the local police chief. It's a good job too, as he gets into situations that look bad for him.
If anything could go wrong for Alex, it did. He is kidnapped multiple times, gets attacked, tortured (again), assaulted, knifed, and shot at! I would be a nervous wreck. There was so much going on in this story, I sometimes forgot what the main storyline actually was, especially with so many characters, including some who just appear and seem to have no real purpose to the story.
On the whole, this was a gripping book with brilliant (albeit horrible) descriptions, but I was left wanting more that I hope will be covered in future books in the series - more about Alex, his past, and how he deals with his visions and migraines in the future.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2024
Alex is a complex character - at times appearing like a small boy - which is no real surprise considering what he has been through. Jane is seven years older than him and has been by his side since he first came to her house, rescued by her dad. He is also a divisive character - some people like him, but a lot don't. Creg, Brad, and Dr Bennett, to name some. Alex also has friends in Angie, Justin, Becca, and Ben, the local police chief. It's a good job too, as he gets into situations that look bad for him.
If anything could go wrong for Alex, it did. He is kidnapped multiple times, gets attacked, tortured (again), assaulted, knifed, and shot at! I would be a nervous wreck. There was so much going on in this story, I sometimes forgot what the main storyline actually was, especially with so many characters, including some who just appear and seem to have no real purpose to the story.
On the whole, this was a gripping book with brilliant (albeit horrible) descriptions, but I was left wanting more that I hope will be covered in future books in the series - more about Alex, his past, and how he deals with his visions and migraines in the future.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1475 KP) rated Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1) in Books
Dec 26, 2023
so close to 5 stars but I needed the guys too!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
One thing, and one thing alone stopped this book getting 5 stars. Well, maybe 2, but the second thing is just me being greedy, but I'm allowed, right??
So that thing? Single person point of view. Only Ari has a say, in the first person. Now, I always want to hear from everyone, but I think HERE, in this case, I am fully justified in wanting to hear from Magnus, the vampire; Gareth, the yeti; Gabe and Lucien, the gargoyles and Rivak, but I'm not telling you what he is, it takes time for the full reveal and you do need that suspense! But it was Rivak that I needed to hear from the most. When he tells of why he holds himself back, you understand but I needed to hear from HIM, you know?
There are other points that I need to make, but I don't think these affect my star rating. The rival clan thing was never fully explained. And I would have loved more about that way this clan of 5 came to be, their history.
It's clear that Ari's two friends, Cami and Lyssa, have a story with their own clan. I hope I get to read them!
So, the other thing that's just me being greedy?? It's very much Ari and HER mates. I would have loved that they were ALL mates, you know?? Obviously, not Gabe and Lucien, since they are twins, but I would have loved some contact between the monsters as well as Ari, you know?? Greedy, like I said!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
One thing, and one thing alone stopped this book getting 5 stars. Well, maybe 2, but the second thing is just me being greedy, but I'm allowed, right??
So that thing? Single person point of view. Only Ari has a say, in the first person. Now, I always want to hear from everyone, but I think HERE, in this case, I am fully justified in wanting to hear from Magnus, the vampire; Gareth, the yeti; Gabe and Lucien, the gargoyles and Rivak, but I'm not telling you what he is, it takes time for the full reveal and you do need that suspense! But it was Rivak that I needed to hear from the most. When he tells of why he holds himself back, you understand but I needed to hear from HIM, you know?
There are other points that I need to make, but I don't think these affect my star rating. The rival clan thing was never fully explained. And I would have loved more about that way this clan of 5 came to be, their history.
It's clear that Ari's two friends, Cami and Lyssa, have a story with their own clan. I hope I get to read them!
So, the other thing that's just me being greedy?? It's very much Ari and HER mates. I would have loved that they were ALL mates, you know?? Obviously, not Gabe and Lucien, since they are twins, but I would have loved some contact between the monsters as well as Ari, you know?? Greedy, like I said!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Shadow's Claim (Prime Omegaverse #3) in Books
May 2, 2025
SHADOW'S CLAIM is the third book in the Prime Omegaverse series and this one takes place in the Shadow region - surprise!
Nova is an omega who hides her scent by chemical means, knowing if she is discovered, it means either being claimed or being sent to a breeding facility - neither of which sound like much fun. Kael is an enforcer with a bad reputation that is well deserved, who has had Nova in his sights for a while now. However, when her chemical suppressants fail, everything changes.
I enjoyed the world-building in this story and would like to see where the story arc is going. BUT I would suggest another run through by an editor. There were way too many repeated paragraphs, descriptions, and specific words. I lost count of how many times this was used in the story, but basically, every use of the words tongue and c0ck was preceded by prehensile. Every. Single. Time! So, yes, although the story was a good one, the repetition of certain words, where he was putting his hands, where her marks were, how he stroked her cheek in a gentle caress that was different to how they had first met... it took some of the enjoyment of the story away for me.
Also, this is a dark romance with Dub-Con, so if this is a trigger, please be warned.
A great ending that suggests plenty more to come. Plus, I hope we get to know Nimara and Briar in more detail. If you like dark romance and can cope with repetition, then I recommend this story.
** 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!
May 2, 2025
Nova is an omega who hides her scent by chemical means, knowing if she is discovered, it means either being claimed or being sent to a breeding facility - neither of which sound like much fun. Kael is an enforcer with a bad reputation that is well deserved, who has had Nova in his sights for a while now. However, when her chemical suppressants fail, everything changes.
I enjoyed the world-building in this story and would like to see where the story arc is going. BUT I would suggest another run through by an editor. There were way too many repeated paragraphs, descriptions, and specific words. I lost count of how many times this was used in the story, but basically, every use of the words tongue and c0ck was preceded by prehensile. Every. Single. Time! So, yes, although the story was a good one, the repetition of certain words, where he was putting his hands, where her marks were, how he stroked her cheek in a gentle caress that was different to how they had first met... it took some of the enjoyment of the story away for me.
Also, this is a dark romance with Dub-Con, so if this is a trigger, please be warned.
A great ending that suggests plenty more to come. Plus, I hope we get to know Nimara and Briar in more detail. If you like dark romance and can cope with repetition, then I recommend this story.
** 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!
May 2, 2025
Jdate - Jewish Dating App!
Dating, Lifestyle and Social Networking
3.5
Rate It
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Jdate is the leading Jewish dating site for single Jewish men and women looking to make a great...
Beautiful well-written story with lovely characters
In 2017, Abby Zimet is struggling. Things are tough at home--her parents can barely stand to be in the same room together. Plus, Abby and her girlfriend, Linh, broke up in June. Abby thought it would only be temporary, but now school has started, and here they are: still friends, still broken up. Abby can't seem to concentrate on school or her senior project. That is until she discovers 1950s lesbian pulp fiction. In particular, a book called "Women of the Twilight Realm." Abby becomes obsessed with the author, who wrote under the name Marian Love. If Abby can somehow track down Marian, maybe life won't be so bad after all. Cut to 1955, where eighteen-year-old Janet Jones is in love with her best friend, Marie. It's a huge secret: one that could destroy their lives and that of their families. Marie is trying to get her security clearance with the State Department, after all. But when Janet finds a book at the bus station by an author called Dolores Wood, which features women falling in love with women, she starts to realize she isn't alone. And Janet, an aspiring writer, begins to wonder if there's more out there than the life that's always been planned for her.
"Janet had never understood, not until she turned the thin brown pages of Dolores Wood's novel, that other girls might feel the way she did. That a world existed outside the one she'd always known."
I loved this book so incredibly much that I can't even really explain it. It was captivating and beautiful and tragic and just appealed to me on so many levels. I have always been interested in lesbian pulp fiction since doing a project on it for a Queer Studies class in college, so it was so fascinating to read about Abby's research within the pages of this novel.
Talley effortlessly weaves so many narratives within this one that it sort of leaves you breathless at times. We have Abby's narrative, Janet's narrative, and then excerpts from the book by Marian Love that Abby grows to love so much, "Women of the Twilight Realm." The parallels are really striking between Abby and Janet, as each are discovering lesbian pulp fiction in their own era and using it to grow and learn about themselves.
Even more, we see how much things have changed between the 1950s and 2017. It's horrifying to see what Janet (and the entire gay community) had to endure, and the book really serves to educate on how terrible things were then. While I knew bits and pieces about the Lavender Scare, its ties to our actual characters here really brings it home. I have to say, I just adored Janet. She seems so incredibly real, and I just fell for her and her incredible strength and bravery. I think she will remain one of my favorite characters in lesbian fiction (and all fiction) for all time.
As for Abby, I really liked her too, although in some of her sections, I was more captivated by her research than her story. Still, she presents a poignant tale of a young bisexual trying to find herself, and I appreciated the diverse set of characters with whom she surrounds herself. Abby and her friends stand in stark contrast to Janet in their sexual freedoms, but, in many ways, they aren't so different at heart.
"That was the best part of being in love. The way it set the rest of the world on mute."
I just really really loved this book. It has so much of what I love--lesbians, diverse characters, passionate and realistic storylines, well-done research, literary references and ties. Reading Janet and Abby's stories took me back to a time when I wasn't yet out and when I had first come out--when the world wasn't yet so forgiving (not that it always is, but things were pretty different even 15+ years ago). I remember how much comfort books provided me, how wonderful it was to realize I wasn't alone in the world. I love how well this book shows that fact, and how the books-within-the book are almost their own characters.
Overall, I can't recommend this one enough. It's just a beautiful, well-written story, and, to top it off, it's informative to boot. The characters are lovely, the story is amazing, and it really leaves you feeling a bit awed. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
"Janet had never understood, not until she turned the thin brown pages of Dolores Wood's novel, that other girls might feel the way she did. That a world existed outside the one she'd always known."
I loved this book so incredibly much that I can't even really explain it. It was captivating and beautiful and tragic and just appealed to me on so many levels. I have always been interested in lesbian pulp fiction since doing a project on it for a Queer Studies class in college, so it was so fascinating to read about Abby's research within the pages of this novel.
Talley effortlessly weaves so many narratives within this one that it sort of leaves you breathless at times. We have Abby's narrative, Janet's narrative, and then excerpts from the book by Marian Love that Abby grows to love so much, "Women of the Twilight Realm." The parallels are really striking between Abby and Janet, as each are discovering lesbian pulp fiction in their own era and using it to grow and learn about themselves.
Even more, we see how much things have changed between the 1950s and 2017. It's horrifying to see what Janet (and the entire gay community) had to endure, and the book really serves to educate on how terrible things were then. While I knew bits and pieces about the Lavender Scare, its ties to our actual characters here really brings it home. I have to say, I just adored Janet. She seems so incredibly real, and I just fell for her and her incredible strength and bravery. I think she will remain one of my favorite characters in lesbian fiction (and all fiction) for all time.
As for Abby, I really liked her too, although in some of her sections, I was more captivated by her research than her story. Still, she presents a poignant tale of a young bisexual trying to find herself, and I appreciated the diverse set of characters with whom she surrounds herself. Abby and her friends stand in stark contrast to Janet in their sexual freedoms, but, in many ways, they aren't so different at heart.
"That was the best part of being in love. The way it set the rest of the world on mute."
I just really really loved this book. It has so much of what I love--lesbians, diverse characters, passionate and realistic storylines, well-done research, literary references and ties. Reading Janet and Abby's stories took me back to a time when I wasn't yet out and when I had first come out--when the world wasn't yet so forgiving (not that it always is, but things were pretty different even 15+ years ago). I remember how much comfort books provided me, how wonderful it was to realize I wasn't alone in the world. I love how well this book shows that fact, and how the books-within-the book are almost their own characters.
Overall, I can't recommend this one enough. It's just a beautiful, well-written story, and, to top it off, it's informative to boot. The characters are lovely, the story is amazing, and it really leaves you feeling a bit awed. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).