Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated A Peculiar Combination in Books
Aug 24, 2023 (Updated Aug 24, 2023)
A Winning Combination
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell and her uncle supplement their income as locksmiths with the occasional burglary. London in 1940 is ripe with opportunities, but after one late night robbery, they are caught and given a choice – jail or helping Major Ramsey. Ramsey needs someone to break into a safe to retrieve some sensitive documents. Ellie reluctantly agrees, but when she and Ramsey arrives, they are surprised by what they find. As things spiral out of control, can Ellie still help?
When I first heard about this series, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. Obviously, there is a lot of set up needed, but the book moves through it quickly, creating characters along the way. The characters are all sharp from the beginning but become more interesting as the book progresses. We also get Ellie’s history is small doses, which sets up some storylines I can’t wait to read more about. I saw a couple twists coming a few pages early, but every time something happened, I was more drawn into the story. I was expecting a strong romantic sub-plot, but I wasn’t expecting the beginning of a love triangle. The period came to life, and I appreciated that this really couldn’t have taken place at any other point in history. I’ll definitely be back for more, and if you enjoy historical mysteries, you’ll be glad you picked this one up as well.
When I first heard about this series, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. Obviously, there is a lot of set up needed, but the book moves through it quickly, creating characters along the way. The characters are all sharp from the beginning but become more interesting as the book progresses. We also get Ellie’s history is small doses, which sets up some storylines I can’t wait to read more about. I saw a couple twists coming a few pages early, but every time something happened, I was more drawn into the story. I was expecting a strong romantic sub-plot, but I wasn’t expecting the beginning of a love triangle. The period came to life, and I appreciated that this really couldn’t have taken place at any other point in history. I’ll definitely be back for more, and if you enjoy historical mysteries, you’ll be glad you picked this one up as well.
Black Hearted (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
He’s everything she ever wanted. She’s everything he never knew he needed. Can she convince him...
Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Mar 1, 2023
Merissa (13378 KP) rated Naked Choke (More Than A Cowboy #1) in Books
May 23, 2023
I will start this review by stating that it takes something to get me to read and review Contemporary. I don't know why, but I'm more Paranormal or Fantasy. However, something about this synopsis caught my eye and I decided to give it a go. I am very glad that I did!
To start with, Emory is in her late 30s and has all the doubts that go with that, especially when she is out in the field for the first time in a long time. Stuck talking to someone she has absolutely no interest in, she is more than happy when the man who caught her eye before, comes to her rescue.
On the surface, Gray and Emory probably don't make the most obvious couple. However, I loved their every interaction as they melded together in more ways than one. They completed each other perfectly, which set my sappy heart racing!
Fast-paced, romantic, hot, and with a dash of mystery and suspense thrown in, this is one contemporary novel that hooked me from the first page, much to my surprise and delight. I will definitely be reading more of Vanessa Vale's work - just in the name of research, of course 😉
Absolutely and definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 24, 2016
To start with, Emory is in her late 30s and has all the doubts that go with that, especially when she is out in the field for the first time in a long time. Stuck talking to someone she has absolutely no interest in, she is more than happy when the man who caught her eye before, comes to her rescue.
On the surface, Gray and Emory probably don't make the most obvious couple. However, I loved their every interaction as they melded together in more ways than one. They completed each other perfectly, which set my sappy heart racing!
Fast-paced, romantic, hot, and with a dash of mystery and suspense thrown in, this is one contemporary novel that hooked me from the first page, much to my surprise and delight. I will definitely be reading more of Vanessa Vale's work - just in the name of research, of course 😉
Absolutely and definitely recommended.
* 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!
Feb 24, 2016
Merissa (13378 KP) rated Crave (Exiled #2) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Exiled series, and it was with trepidation that I started to read it. I had assumed (correctly) that we would start Crave's tale with the scene at the end of book 1, and I REALLY didn't want my heart mangled again from the first few pages. Well, I was out of luck with that, because immediately I was drawn back into the world of the Exiled and was traumatised by Carnal's death all over again! However, this time, we also viewed it from Crave's perspective, so we know what he was thinking.
Crave has been tortured for many years and it has fractured his mind (understandably). It remains to be seen if he will recover - both physically and mentally - enough to regain his place in the Exiled community and as Dandy's Promise. Normally, this would almost be guaranteed, but knowing how Victoria Danann likes to keep you on tenterhooks, you can be sure of nothing!
Exceedingly well written, with in-depth characters and situations, this is guaranteed to satisfy. With a MAHOOSIVE romantic gesture that had me in tears, this is everything you could wish for in a Paranormal Romance. Looking forward to Charming's story. Highly recommended.
* 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!
May 20, 2016
Crave has been tortured for many years and it has fractured his mind (understandably). It remains to be seen if he will recover - both physically and mentally - enough to regain his place in the Exiled community and as Dandy's Promise. Normally, this would almost be guaranteed, but knowing how Victoria Danann likes to keep you on tenterhooks, you can be sure of nothing!
Exceedingly well written, with in-depth characters and situations, this is guaranteed to satisfy. With a MAHOOSIVE romantic gesture that had me in tears, this is everything you could wish for in a Paranormal Romance. Looking forward to Charming's story. Highly recommended.
* 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!
May 20, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3) in Books
Jun 17, 2023
78 of 235
Kindle
Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3)
By Nicola Claire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Qualified physician? A menace to society? The next Chief Surgeon?
Returning to life in the Antipodes has not gone quite as expected for Dr Anna Cassidy; an axe hangs over her head. With no sign of her nemesis in Auckland City, Anna finds herself holding her breath.
But a gruesome surprise awaiting her in her home surgery one morning changes all of that.
Puppet policeman? Blind protector? Steadfast husband?
For Inspector Andrew Kelly, however, the subsequent murders are very personal indeed. As a ghost from his past haunts his present and threatens his future, he must first find the truth amongst the lies before he can end his misery.
But this killer wants their pound of flesh.
When the bodies pile up, and the heartless are identified, can Andrew protect the one woman he loves? Or will the murderer have the last laugh and crush his heart forever?
A gritty, twisted, and authentic Victorian romantic suspense, sure to rip you apart... just like old Jack.
This was the best one of the trilogy and perfect ending! I have enjoyed this series so much it’s the time period I love and has a Jack the Ripper link as well as the most amazing female characters just a really good series. The 5 star review is well warranted for the whole series too. I really enjoy Nicola Claire’s writing style.
Kindle
Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3)
By Nicola Claire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Qualified physician? A menace to society? The next Chief Surgeon?
Returning to life in the Antipodes has not gone quite as expected for Dr Anna Cassidy; an axe hangs over her head. With no sign of her nemesis in Auckland City, Anna finds herself holding her breath.
But a gruesome surprise awaiting her in her home surgery one morning changes all of that.
Puppet policeman? Blind protector? Steadfast husband?
For Inspector Andrew Kelly, however, the subsequent murders are very personal indeed. As a ghost from his past haunts his present and threatens his future, he must first find the truth amongst the lies before he can end his misery.
But this killer wants their pound of flesh.
When the bodies pile up, and the heartless are identified, can Andrew protect the one woman he loves? Or will the murderer have the last laugh and crush his heart forever?
A gritty, twisted, and authentic Victorian romantic suspense, sure to rip you apart... just like old Jack.
This was the best one of the trilogy and perfect ending! I have enjoyed this series so much it’s the time period I love and has a Jack the Ripper link as well as the most amazing female characters just a really good series. The 5 star review is well warranted for the whole series too. I really enjoy Nicola Claire’s writing style.
Shadowman (Shadow #3)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Erin Kellison’s Shadow series darkens with this evocative and gripping romance between a fae lord...
Urban Fantasy Romance
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 (13378 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
Fighting Fate (Monsters of London #3.5)
9.0
Rate It
Book
One night. That’s all I do. I won’t change that for a werewolf, no matter how adorable he might...
MM Paranormal Romance