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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Library at Mount Char in Books
Feb 19, 2018
Every now and then I see a cover and / or book title so frequently that I decide I have to read it, even if i have only the vaguest idea what it might be about. That was the case with The Library at Mount Char. I'm glad I didn't read any reviews or dig too deep before starting this one, or I might have passed. I don't usually go for excessive violence and gore, but sometimes a story is so well-told that I find it worth cringing through to read it. The Library at Mount Char was definitely worth the cringing!
The characters and situations in this story were so unique and yet believable, that I had a hard time putting the book down. Mr. Hawkins also must have a somewhat twisted sense of humor. I don't know if I was supposed to be laughing, but there is a scene involving a character named Steve and 2 lions that had me chuckling out loud. I was also pleased at how in-the-dark he manages to keep the reader, and how much fun it was figuring out what was actually going on as the story progressed. While I can't say that I was particularly fond of any of the characters, it was hard not to root for Carolyn, at least to a degree, and to cheer as some others finally got their comeuppances. I do hope that there will be a second book coming sometime in the future. While not a cliff-hanger by any means, it does end in such a way that the story could be continued.
If the gore and language don't bother you, I would definitely recommend this one!
Warnings: This book is full of graphic violence and gore including, on occasion, sexual violence. It also includes large quantities of graphic language. It is NOT a kids' book.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The characters and situations in this story were so unique and yet believable, that I had a hard time putting the book down. Mr. Hawkins also must have a somewhat twisted sense of humor. I don't know if I was supposed to be laughing, but there is a scene involving a character named Steve and 2 lions that had me chuckling out loud. I was also pleased at how in-the-dark he manages to keep the reader, and how much fun it was figuring out what was actually going on as the story progressed. While I can't say that I was particularly fond of any of the characters, it was hard not to root for Carolyn, at least to a degree, and to cheer as some others finally got their comeuppances. I do hope that there will be a second book coming sometime in the future. While not a cliff-hanger by any means, it does end in such a way that the story could be continued.
If the gore and language don't bother you, I would definitely recommend this one!
Warnings: This book is full of graphic violence and gore including, on occasion, sexual violence. It also includes large quantities of graphic language. It is NOT a kids' book.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Last House on Needless Street in Books
Nov 4, 2021
Ted is a depressed drunk who lives with his daughter, Lauren, and cat, Olivia. Years ago, a young girl disappeared at a nearby lake and Ted was blamed, but later exonerated by his alibi. Now Dee, the girl's sister is back in town, looking for justice for her little sister. But Ted and his family may still be hiding secrets--and Dee's return threatens to uncover them all.
"Today is the anniversary of Little Girl With Popsicle. It happened by the lake, eleven years ago--she was there, and then she wasn't. So it's already a bad day when I discover that there is a Murderer among us."
This is an incredibly wild read that is both mesmerizing and befuddling, as you never know exactly what is going on. You get Ted's point of view, as well as Dee's and even Olivia the cat's. I spent most of the book coming up with theories and feeling frustrated at times, because I was not sure what was happening! If you are someone who always wants to know what is happening, you may not enjoy this book.
It's definitely best to go in blind, as all the other reviews state, because the twists and turns will take you by surprise. And there are twists galore! When this ended, I realized I probably needed to read the book again, just to completely take in everything that happened. Did I fully enjoy HOUSE? Probably not. But I still feel it was worth the read. It was intricate and fascinating and at the end, when you take in the full depth of what you've read--well, it's pretty awe inspiring. Definitely read the author's note at the end, too. 4+ stars.
"Today is the anniversary of Little Girl With Popsicle. It happened by the lake, eleven years ago--she was there, and then she wasn't. So it's already a bad day when I discover that there is a Murderer among us."
This is an incredibly wild read that is both mesmerizing and befuddling, as you never know exactly what is going on. You get Ted's point of view, as well as Dee's and even Olivia the cat's. I spent most of the book coming up with theories and feeling frustrated at times, because I was not sure what was happening! If you are someone who always wants to know what is happening, you may not enjoy this book.
It's definitely best to go in blind, as all the other reviews state, because the twists and turns will take you by surprise. And there are twists galore! When this ended, I realized I probably needed to read the book again, just to completely take in everything that happened. Did I fully enjoy HOUSE? Probably not. But I still feel it was worth the read. It was intricate and fascinating and at the end, when you take in the full depth of what you've read--well, it's pretty awe inspiring. Definitely read the author's note at the end, too. 4+ stars.
Merissa (13343 KP) rated Ghost of You (Phantoms #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is the third book in the Phantoms Series although it is the first book in it that I have read. This in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book as I was able to completely understand the story, and backstory, without any prior knowledge. What I will say is that I now want to read the first two!
This is a paranormal romance with a high element of creepiness! Phantoms is a paranormal fright show where they go and investigate things that go bump in the night. This one hits close to home though as it is in Sammy's hometown, with a story she heard about all her life, with a personal tragedy thrown in too.
The chemistry between the two main characters jumps off the page at you. I loved how they interacted with each other and every time a nickname was used, I laughed at the same time as I winced in sympathy (except for Firecracker!).
With a twisting and intriguing story that will grip you, even as you get goosebumps, this is one helluva story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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 24, 2015
This is a paranormal romance with a high element of creepiness! Phantoms is a paranormal fright show where they go and investigate things that go bump in the night. This one hits close to home though as it is in Sammy's hometown, with a story she heard about all her life, with a personal tragedy thrown in too.
The chemistry between the two main characters jumps off the page at you. I loved how they interacted with each other and every time a nickname was used, I laughed at the same time as I winced in sympathy (except for Firecracker!).
With a twisting and intriguing story that will grip you, even as you get goosebumps, this is one helluva story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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 24, 2015
Merissa (13343 KP) rated Fireworks at Midnight (A Witch’s Night Out #3) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the third book in the Witch's Night Out series and the best part for me is that each story is individual, whilst following a familiar idea. This way means that you get a fresh story each time, whilst the world and character building can move on from where it last left off. This means that you end up with a rich and detailed world with characters that are three-dimensional and you can relate to, without having a massive back-story or information dump going on.
Sweets and Mikal deserve to be together, they have crushed on each from afar long enough. The time is now to make a move - but who will move first, and what does fate have in store before they can? This is a quick and light-hearted read that will satisfy your need for a steamy coffee break book. Whilst it is the third in a series, I would say it could be read as a standalone, but reading the other two will definitely help give you a more enriched view. Definitely recommended for all fans of paranormal romance.
* 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!
Dec 21, 2015
Sweets and Mikal deserve to be together, they have crushed on each from afar long enough. The time is now to make a move - but who will move first, and what does fate have in store before they can? This is a quick and light-hearted read that will satisfy your need for a steamy coffee break book. Whilst it is the third in a series, I would say it could be read as a standalone, but reading the other two will definitely help give you a more enriched view. Definitely recommended for all fans of paranormal romance.
* 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!
Dec 21, 2015
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Innocent One in Books
Jan 8, 2023
I didn't realise this was a follow on from a previous book (The Guilty One) but I don't think it detracted too much from my reading enjoyment of this, the first book by Lisa Ballantyne I have read.
Eleven year old Sebastian was acquitted of murdering his friend and Daniel Hunter was his solicitor. Fast forward 10 years and Sebastian is studying at Cambridge when one of his tutors is brutally murdered. Sebastian is in the frame and he appoints Daniel as his solicitor once again.
The story focuses on Daniel, the difficulties he is experiencing with his marriage, reconciling a difficult childhood and the fallout from representing Sebastian previously as well as having to deal with the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian's innocence/guilt now.
This was a bit of a slow burn but I thought this worked quite well with this particular story especially as I hadn't read the previous one. There was definitely a growing sense of tension and unease from the start with me wondering where it was going and how it was going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Recommended to mystery thriller lovers and thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Innocent One and for introducing me to another author to look out for in the future.
Eleven year old Sebastian was acquitted of murdering his friend and Daniel Hunter was his solicitor. Fast forward 10 years and Sebastian is studying at Cambridge when one of his tutors is brutally murdered. Sebastian is in the frame and he appoints Daniel as his solicitor once again.
The story focuses on Daniel, the difficulties he is experiencing with his marriage, reconciling a difficult childhood and the fallout from representing Sebastian previously as well as having to deal with the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian's innocence/guilt now.
This was a bit of a slow burn but I thought this worked quite well with this particular story especially as I hadn't read the previous one. There was definitely a growing sense of tension and unease from the start with me wondering where it was going and how it was going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Recommended to mystery thriller lovers and thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Innocent One and for introducing me to another author to look out for in the future.
David McK (3623 KP) rated The Last Roman: Absolution (Last Roman #3) in Books
May 27, 2023
The finale to B.K. Greenwood's 'The Last Roman' trilogy, bringing to a close (?) the story of the immortals Marcus, Isabella and Thomas first started in Exile, and continued in Abyss.
AS before, this is a mix of Highlander meets Jason Bourne (as I read a advert put it), jumping between the 'then' (pieces of the last 2000 years of history) and 'now', as Doyle and Thomas get nearer and nearer to triggering their end-game of the Apocalypse.
Yes, that Apocalypse.
So we've moved even further away from the initial set-up, more and more into the territory that came into prominence towards the end of Exile and more into the realms of the Supernatural (is that even the right word for it?).
Not, I want to make it clear, that that is any way a detriment to the work - I just want to be clear, from the outset, that that is the type of work you will be reading.
I did find this to be better than Abyss, but maybe not quite as good as Exile. I've also hear (read) that there are prequels stories - and, with a range of 2000 years, quite a scope of history for those to be set in - so, while I may read those I'm currently unsure whether I would purchase them or utilise Kindle Unlimited (if they are on that).
AS before, this is a mix of Highlander meets Jason Bourne (as I read a advert put it), jumping between the 'then' (pieces of the last 2000 years of history) and 'now', as Doyle and Thomas get nearer and nearer to triggering their end-game of the Apocalypse.
Yes, that Apocalypse.
So we've moved even further away from the initial set-up, more and more into the territory that came into prominence towards the end of Exile and more into the realms of the Supernatural (is that even the right word for it?).
Not, I want to make it clear, that that is any way a detriment to the work - I just want to be clear, from the outset, that that is the type of work you will be reading.
I did find this to be better than Abyss, but maybe not quite as good as Exile. I've also hear (read) that there are prequels stories - and, with a range of 2000 years, quite a scope of history for those to be set in - so, while I may read those I'm currently unsure whether I would purchase them or utilise Kindle Unlimited (if they are on that).
Merissa (13343 KP) rated Unbar the Barred (Darling Ranch #1) in Books
Aug 25, 2025
UNBAR THE BARRED is a fast-paced prequel novella to begin the Darling Ranch series, a spin-off set in the Divergent Omegaverse. If you have read Silas's Sweetheart, then you will have met Cass and his chicks. Now you have the opportunity to meet Trey, the bar owner and wolf Cass pines after. But they're just FWBs, aren't they?
This novella gives you a little more detail and behind-the-scenes footage of when Silas and his brothers and the PAs were at the Ranch. You see flirty Jupiter, who is all too intuitive. You see a sweet moment with Cass' chickens, Bowie, and Kari. Plus, it seems as though Rue had a thing going on!
I definitely recommend you read at least Silas's Sweetheart, just to get the feel of this world and how it operates. Cass is a divergent, or a shifter who can't shift. As this is a novella, it really is fast-paced, so hold onto your (cowboy) hats. I look forward to returning to Darling Ranch and the Divergent Omegaverse. 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!
Aug 25, 2025
This novella gives you a little more detail and behind-the-scenes footage of when Silas and his brothers and the PAs were at the Ranch. You see flirty Jupiter, who is all too intuitive. You see a sweet moment with Cass' chickens, Bowie, and Kari. Plus, it seems as though Rue had a thing going on!
I definitely recommend you read at least Silas's Sweetheart, just to get the feel of this world and how it operates. Cass is a divergent, or a shifter who can't shift. As this is a novella, it really is fast-paced, so hold onto your (cowboy) hats. I look forward to returning to Darling Ranch and the Divergent Omegaverse. 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!
Aug 25, 2025
Merissa (13343 KP) rated Silver Moon (The Silver #7) in Books
Mar 19, 2020
Silver Moon is the final book in the Silver series, and let me tell you, this book has ripped my heart out, thrown it on the floor, stamped all over it, picked it back up again, only to do it all again, before finally leaving me needing a new series!!!
Things come to a head for Jaze and his pack and he has to make decisions no young adult should have to. I really won't say too much as I don't want to give out any spoilers. All I will say is be careful! Your heart will racing, your mouth dry, as you try to figure out just how he gets out of certain situations. And also, for the last quarter of the book (at least) I was sobbing as I read. Not just crying, oh no. We're talking great big f'ugly crying!!!
There's so much I want to say but I can't without giving away spoilers! I want to talk about certain characters and what they went through and how it made me feel. I want to talk about that spectacular ending that just about killed me. I want to talk about the aftermath which made me cry again. But I can't.
What I will say is this series is simply outstanding. I have loved all of the books in this series for one reason or another. They all fit together perfectly. The writing is unsurpassed. The pacing is smooth. The characters are all lifelike and behave just as you think they should, before they turn around and surprise the living daylights out of you.
This book killed me. I love and hate it so it will be kept and re-read, again and again. So sad to see this series end but it does lead me nicely onto the next series, which now I just HAVE to read.
* 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!
Things come to a head for Jaze and his pack and he has to make decisions no young adult should have to. I really won't say too much as I don't want to give out any spoilers. All I will say is be careful! Your heart will racing, your mouth dry, as you try to figure out just how he gets out of certain situations. And also, for the last quarter of the book (at least) I was sobbing as I read. Not just crying, oh no. We're talking great big f'ugly crying!!!
There's so much I want to say but I can't without giving away spoilers! I want to talk about certain characters and what they went through and how it made me feel. I want to talk about that spectacular ending that just about killed me. I want to talk about the aftermath which made me cry again. But I can't.
What I will say is this series is simply outstanding. I have loved all of the books in this series for one reason or another. They all fit together perfectly. The writing is unsurpassed. The pacing is smooth. The characters are all lifelike and behave just as you think they should, before they turn around and surprise the living daylights out of you.
This book killed me. I love and hate it so it will be kept and re-read, again and again. So sad to see this series end but it does lead me nicely onto the next series, which now I just HAVE to read.
* 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!
BookInspector (124 KP) rated I Heart Hawaii (I Heart Series, Book 8) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Angela, and she is sharing her amusing life story and adventures. I absolutely adored Angela, she is very realistic, down to earth, and the situations she gets herself into made me laugh out loud. I really liked her friends as well. They seem truly one of a kind. The story is told from a single perspective, but it was sufficient for me.
I liked this book from the first chapter, it kept me guessing and intrigued. Even though this book is last in the series, as a first-time reader, I was fully able to understand what was going on and who was who, but I think this book would make more sense for people who read them all and have a better knowledge of all Angela’s adventures in the past. This novel is full of funny situations, and the reader is never left bored. I really liked the research done for this book, as well as a great portrayal of New York. (Do follow Lindsey on Insta, her stories are superb! And she shared her experience from the cat sanctuary in Hawaii, that was mentioned in the book! How awesome is that! ❤ 🐱
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, it is easy to read, fluffy, and made me happy like a hug after a long day at work. 😀 The chapters are medium length, but divided into smaller parts as well, so it didn’t drag to me. The ending of this book is very well deserved and left me very satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, it was an epic finish of the series. It had the well-loved characters, fast pace and lots of silly and funny situations, that made this book a great read. I am going to get the other books in series now, and if you are looking for something to brighten up your day or just a great summer read, this book is definitely a great pick. Please give it a try and I hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy!
I liked this book from the first chapter, it kept me guessing and intrigued. Even though this book is last in the series, as a first-time reader, I was fully able to understand what was going on and who was who, but I think this book would make more sense for people who read them all and have a better knowledge of all Angela’s adventures in the past. This novel is full of funny situations, and the reader is never left bored. I really liked the research done for this book, as well as a great portrayal of New York. (Do follow Lindsey on Insta, her stories are superb! And she shared her experience from the cat sanctuary in Hawaii, that was mentioned in the book! How awesome is that! ❤ 🐱
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, it is easy to read, fluffy, and made me happy like a hug after a long day at work. 😀 The chapters are medium length, but divided into smaller parts as well, so it didn’t drag to me. The ending of this book is very well deserved and left me very satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, it was an epic finish of the series. It had the well-loved characters, fast pace and lots of silly and funny situations, that made this book a great read. I am going to get the other books in series now, and if you are looking for something to brighten up your day or just a great summer read, this book is definitely a great pick. Please give it a try and I hope you will like it as much as I did. Enjoy!