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Merissa (13583 KP) rated Good Karma (Strong Karma Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I first fell in love with Donya Lynne's characters when I read her All The King's Men series so when I heard she was releasing a contemporary romance novel, I really wanted to read it to see if it could be as good.
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Pulse and Prejudice (The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1)
10.0
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In this thrilling and sensual adaptation of the classic love story, Elizabeth Bennet and the...
Historical Paranormal Romance
Under the Emerald Sky (The Irish Fortune #1)
Book
Escape to 19th century Ireland in the first book in the Irish Fortune Series, a historical fiction...
Historical Fiction Ireland Irish History Great Famine
David McK (3649 KP) rated No Free Lunch (Hal Spacejock #4) in Books
Jan 27, 2023
No Free Lunch.
The fourth in Simon Haynes Hal Spacejock series (following A Robot Named Clunk, Second Course and Just Desserts), and the first where Harriet Walsh (from the author's other 'Peace Force' series) cross-overs with Hal.
As I knew that 'going in', I read the first three Hal Spacejock novels before the four Harriet Walsh novels (Peace Force, Alpha Minor, Sierra Bravo and Foxtrot Hotel) before reading this.
Which, unfortunately, proved to be a mistake as I spent a good portion of this novel - well over the first half! - wondering where Harriet's 'sister' Alice or even some of the other characters (with the notable exception of Bernie) had gone, or even why they weren't mentioned at all!
I only found out later that, whilst set beforehand, the Peace Force novels were actually prequels, written later than this one but set before (think like the Star Wars prequels, compared to the original trilogy).
Once I got past that, uhhh, 'disassociation' - once the action primarily moved off the planet of Dismolle to the neighbouring planet Forzen, things did pick up a tad, with Hal and Harriet (and a hint of romance between them) both getting caught up in a murder mystery whilst investigating the disappearance of a wealthy citizen of that planet.
I don't want to give anything away, but I could definitely see elements of the later seasons of Stargate SG-1 here. If you know, you know!
So, yeah, all-in-all, a pleasant enough read but not one that, for me, matched the earlier novels in the series or even the Peace Force novels.
I'll still probably read more of these.
The fourth in Simon Haynes Hal Spacejock series (following A Robot Named Clunk, Second Course and Just Desserts), and the first where Harriet Walsh (from the author's other 'Peace Force' series) cross-overs with Hal.
As I knew that 'going in', I read the first three Hal Spacejock novels before the four Harriet Walsh novels (Peace Force, Alpha Minor, Sierra Bravo and Foxtrot Hotel) before reading this.
Which, unfortunately, proved to be a mistake as I spent a good portion of this novel - well over the first half! - wondering where Harriet's 'sister' Alice or even some of the other characters (with the notable exception of Bernie) had gone, or even why they weren't mentioned at all!
I only found out later that, whilst set beforehand, the Peace Force novels were actually prequels, written later than this one but set before (think like the Star Wars prequels, compared to the original trilogy).
Once I got past that, uhhh, 'disassociation' - once the action primarily moved off the planet of Dismolle to the neighbouring planet Forzen, things did pick up a tad, with Hal and Harriet (and a hint of romance between them) both getting caught up in a murder mystery whilst investigating the disappearance of a wealthy citizen of that planet.
I don't want to give anything away, but I could definitely see elements of the later seasons of Stargate SG-1 here. If you know, you know!
So, yeah, all-in-all, a pleasant enough read but not one that, for me, matched the earlier novels in the series or even the Peace Force novels.
I'll still probably read more of these.
The Rabbit's Foot (Hartford Manor #3)
Book
1885 North Devon, England Mr Edward Snell was more than a little curious when Robert Fellwood,...
Historical Fiction Family Saga Romance
Love's Not Welcome at the Hotel Cairo
7.0
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Hughie must sell his hotel shares to save his dream. Fabian must persuade him to keep them for same...
Contemporary RomCom MM Romance Slow Burn May to December
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 14, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1608 KP) rated Hidden Rooms in Books
May 3, 2024
4 very VERY good stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian via BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13583 KP) rated His Secret Omega in Books
Nov 11, 2025
HIS SECRET OMEGA is a standalone story that had previously been released as His Secret Alpha. That one was sweet, cute, and steamy. This one has been rewritten, expanded to novel-length, and is a whole lot darker. And I thoroughly enjoyed them both!
Sky and Kian have a 'complicated' relationship - as in, Sky had a crush, didn't think anything had come of it, and needed to get over it. Kian, on the other hand, doesn't see situations and relationships in the same way most people do. He has claimed Sky, although Sky doesn't know it, and has decided now is the time to let him know.
This is a dark romance, so be prepared for some triggering scenes, right from the beginning. If you have triggers, this may not be the book for you. Personally, I liked the back-and-forth between Kian and Sky. I also liked how Sky was bigger than average, easy to get along with, and wasn't shy about calling Kian out when needed.
I did feel as though this was part of a series, though, and I wonder about the books for the other characters mentioned. Maybe this was a spin-off, maybe it's planned to be added to a series, I don't know.
I'm glad I read both the novella and this one. As already said, I enjoyed both and have no hesitation in recommending both of them too. Just ensure you're getting the right one for you!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 11, 2025
Sky and Kian have a 'complicated' relationship - as in, Sky had a crush, didn't think anything had come of it, and needed to get over it. Kian, on the other hand, doesn't see situations and relationships in the same way most people do. He has claimed Sky, although Sky doesn't know it, and has decided now is the time to let him know.
This is a dark romance, so be prepared for some triggering scenes, right from the beginning. If you have triggers, this may not be the book for you. Personally, I liked the back-and-forth between Kian and Sky. I also liked how Sky was bigger than average, easy to get along with, and wasn't shy about calling Kian out when needed.
I did feel as though this was part of a series, though, and I wonder about the books for the other characters mentioned. Maybe this was a spin-off, maybe it's planned to be added to a series, I don't know.
I'm glad I read both the novella and this one. As already said, I enjoyed both and have no hesitation in recommending both of them too. Just ensure you're getting the right one for you!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 11, 2025
Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4)
8.0
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She bargained herself for her people's survival. Now she's claimed by the most powerful oni warlord...
Monster Romance Omegaverse Science Fiction Dub Con Non Con Pregnancy Loss