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Cards Against Humanity
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Tabletop Game Watch
"A party game for horrible people." Play begins with a judge, known as the "Card Czar", choosing...
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Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Renovated (Chance Brothers #1) in Books
Sep 12, 2021
Im invested in these people, and this is only book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Marisa needs funds to save her grandmother's building. Working with Levi and his brothers on a network renovation show, shouldn't be too hard, right? But the contract has a no sex clause, and the attraction between them is getting hotter by the second. Plus, there is the minor issue of totally redoing the plans for this renovation, within the time scale and budget already agreed. Piece of cake, right?
Oh! I've just made a discovery! This book is the first of this author, and I have to say, she proper nailed it!
I really liked this. It sprung some things at me I didn't see coming, but after, I saw the clues. I just didn't put them together fast enough!
I liked that the attraction between Marisa and Levi is scorching right from the start, and they are both fully aware that the clause in their network could cost them both this job and future ones, but they still give in to it. I loved that Levi was very quickly willing to admit he wants so much more, at least to himself. Marisa was slower, but when you know WHY, it makes a lot of sense.
It's that WHY that I've filed this on my "darker/grittier" shelf. Marisa past is not an easy read, but the full description is needed to get the point across. You need to know what happened to Marisa when she was just 13 years old, to see the woman she has become today, and what she does for others.
I loved Marisa's group of friends, and I loved Levi's brothers. I'm assuming that this series will be about either/or group finding love, given as Levi's brother and the producer of the show they are working on, are in the next book.
I'm invested in these people, and this is only book one. Keep 'em coming, please!
a steamy, but emotional, 4 star read!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Marisa needs funds to save her grandmother's building. Working with Levi and his brothers on a network renovation show, shouldn't be too hard, right? But the contract has a no sex clause, and the attraction between them is getting hotter by the second. Plus, there is the minor issue of totally redoing the plans for this renovation, within the time scale and budget already agreed. Piece of cake, right?
Oh! I've just made a discovery! This book is the first of this author, and I have to say, she proper nailed it!
I really liked this. It sprung some things at me I didn't see coming, but after, I saw the clues. I just didn't put them together fast enough!
I liked that the attraction between Marisa and Levi is scorching right from the start, and they are both fully aware that the clause in their network could cost them both this job and future ones, but they still give in to it. I loved that Levi was very quickly willing to admit he wants so much more, at least to himself. Marisa was slower, but when you know WHY, it makes a lot of sense.
It's that WHY that I've filed this on my "darker/grittier" shelf. Marisa past is not an easy read, but the full description is needed to get the point across. You need to know what happened to Marisa when she was just 13 years old, to see the woman she has become today, and what she does for others.
I loved Marisa's group of friends, and I loved Levi's brothers. I'm assuming that this series will be about either/or group finding love, given as Levi's brother and the producer of the show they are working on, are in the next book.
I'm invested in these people, and this is only book one. Keep 'em coming, please!
a steamy, but emotional, 4 star read!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sucker Punch (Anita Blake #27) in Books
Sep 12, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
149 of 250
Book
Sucker Punch ( Anita Blake book 27)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
My name is Anita Blake and I thought nothing could surprise me. But what if the wrong man is about to be executed?
When a fellow U.S. Marshal flies me in on an emergency consult, I know time is running short. Evidence is mounting against a young wereleopard who stands accused of killing his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible.
In this tiny Michigan town, the pressure from the cops is escalating, the victim's family want retribution and a warrant of execution is already under way. But something feels off about the murder - the evidence doesn't add up.
With the locals up in arms and their fear of supernatural beings growing, I must race to uncover the truth. I cannot let the authorities kill an innocent man. But what if I'm already too late?
Now that was an Anita Blake book!! Thank god!! The case was intriguing I even enjoyed the relationship/ sex stuff granted there wasn’t much but the scenes LKH wrote were just brilliant and fitting to the situation. This is what I needed to keep me wanting more from Anita! Olaf has completely creeped me the fuck out. I mean he has sort of humanised in a way and I think that’s more unsettling than the psychopath I’m praying to god that he gets a bullet soon. I absolutely adore her conversation with Micah he will always be my fav and I love the way LKH talks about him too. Edward and Anitas relationship was cemented even more in this I know they have saved each other numerous times but this one meant more also the fact he may now be one of the physical monsters! I’m genuinely so happy with this book and positive about the next. Thank you Mrs Hamilton!! Ooooo I nearly missed Nicky how I’ll never know that lion is just amazing and I love we got to see and hear him in this book.
Book
Sucker Punch ( Anita Blake book 27)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
My name is Anita Blake and I thought nothing could surprise me. But what if the wrong man is about to be executed?
When a fellow U.S. Marshal flies me in on an emergency consult, I know time is running short. Evidence is mounting against a young wereleopard who stands accused of killing his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible.
In this tiny Michigan town, the pressure from the cops is escalating, the victim's family want retribution and a warrant of execution is already under way. But something feels off about the murder - the evidence doesn't add up.
With the locals up in arms and their fear of supernatural beings growing, I must race to uncover the truth. I cannot let the authorities kill an innocent man. But what if I'm already too late?
Now that was an Anita Blake book!! Thank god!! The case was intriguing I even enjoyed the relationship/ sex stuff granted there wasn’t much but the scenes LKH wrote were just brilliant and fitting to the situation. This is what I needed to keep me wanting more from Anita! Olaf has completely creeped me the fuck out. I mean he has sort of humanised in a way and I think that’s more unsettling than the psychopath I’m praying to god that he gets a bullet soon. I absolutely adore her conversation with Micah he will always be my fav and I love the way LKH talks about him too. Edward and Anitas relationship was cemented even more in this I know they have saved each other numerous times but this one meant more also the fact he may now be one of the physical monsters! I’m genuinely so happy with this book and positive about the next. Thank you Mrs Hamilton!! Ooooo I nearly missed Nicky how I’ll never know that lion is just amazing and I love we got to see and hear him in this book.
I like nothing better than being the unseen observer of a family (in a book, anyway!), and Free Love gives the reader plenty to be looking at.
Phyllis is a typical 1950’s/ 60’s housewife, but is she happy in her role as a housewife? She says yes, but I’d guess not, because when the son of a friend comes for dinner, Phyllis ends up making a pass at him, and then becomes obsessed - to the point that she finds out where he lives, goes to return a shirt that he had to change out of and ends up in bed with him. Then she just doesn’t go home.
Phyllis discovers the liberating 1960’s right at the end of the decade (1967), and shrugs off the responsibilities of motherhood and of being Roger’s wife. Instead she moves in with Nicky, has sex all the time and does whatever she wants to.
It felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion. I could empathise with Phyllis’ need for freedom: her previous life in the suburbs was stifled and grey. I felt sad for her 16 year old daughter Colette, who is essentially dumped by her mother and left with a father who isn’t coping. It’s almost as if Colette becomes the adult, and her mother the carefree teenager.
I enjoyed the 1960’s setting and the contrasts of old and new. The whole story is told from a non-judgemental point of view. That’s left up to the reader to decide, and believe me, this really did prove how scarily judgemental I can be! There’s something to be said about a middle-class woman who decides to live in a filthy bedsit, expecting others who live in it to enjoy their freedom as much as she does (with her cushion of inherited money).
The plot twist at the end was a jaw dropper!
I loved this though. It might not sound like it, but I do love to hate my characters (although that’s a harsh word for the characters in this book, I think). If you feel the same way about unlikeable characters, then this could be the book for you too!
Phyllis is a typical 1950’s/ 60’s housewife, but is she happy in her role as a housewife? She says yes, but I’d guess not, because when the son of a friend comes for dinner, Phyllis ends up making a pass at him, and then becomes obsessed - to the point that she finds out where he lives, goes to return a shirt that he had to change out of and ends up in bed with him. Then she just doesn’t go home.
Phyllis discovers the liberating 1960’s right at the end of the decade (1967), and shrugs off the responsibilities of motherhood and of being Roger’s wife. Instead she moves in with Nicky, has sex all the time and does whatever she wants to.
It felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion. I could empathise with Phyllis’ need for freedom: her previous life in the suburbs was stifled and grey. I felt sad for her 16 year old daughter Colette, who is essentially dumped by her mother and left with a father who isn’t coping. It’s almost as if Colette becomes the adult, and her mother the carefree teenager.
I enjoyed the 1960’s setting and the contrasts of old and new. The whole story is told from a non-judgemental point of view. That’s left up to the reader to decide, and believe me, this really did prove how scarily judgemental I can be! There’s something to be said about a middle-class woman who decides to live in a filthy bedsit, expecting others who live in it to enjoy their freedom as much as she does (with her cushion of inherited money).
The plot twist at the end was a jaw dropper!
I loved this though. It might not sound like it, but I do love to hate my characters (although that’s a harsh word for the characters in this book, I think). If you feel the same way about unlikeable characters, then this could be the book for you too!
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Maxim (Fueled By Lust #6) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
This is the sixth book in the series and by now, Maxim has established himself as the joker of the pack. He really should know, though, that this mating business isn't all about fun and laughter although this does indeed play a big part in Celeste's books. This book actually goes a fair way before Maxim makes an entrance but it is necessary to learn about Skylar, who she is, and how she thinks, but we don't learn all about her right then. We learn snippets along with Maxim as the story progresses. She's had it tough (understatement) but is still surviving. She is comfortable with who she is but is no wilting wallflower. She is feisty, with a wicked sense of humour and prepared to stand up for herself and those under her protection. Basically, a perfect match for Maxim!
This is a fast-paced book (or maybe it was the speed that I was reading as I simply could not put it down!) with an incredible storyline that involves spoilt, little rich men, psychic abilities, and even the gods. There is never a dull moment and plenty of laughter along the way.
I love the relationship that Maxim has with his brothers and this is evident in the book. The relationship between Maxim and Skylar is both fast and slow. The attraction is instant (as Maxim finds out in the airport) but the rest of it, with love and trust being the biggies, takes time to develop. I loved the explanation given by Skylar about insta-love!
This book has it all for me - action, adventure, a hot alpha male, a smart and feisty female, and sex that scorches the pages. The only trouble I have is leaving the Insedi behind. I feel the need to re-read every one of these books again and I don't say that about every book I read!
* 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!
December 19, 2018
This is a fast-paced book (or maybe it was the speed that I was reading as I simply could not put it down!) with an incredible storyline that involves spoilt, little rich men, psychic abilities, and even the gods. There is never a dull moment and plenty of laughter along the way.
I love the relationship that Maxim has with his brothers and this is evident in the book. The relationship between Maxim and Skylar is both fast and slow. The attraction is instant (as Maxim finds out in the airport) but the rest of it, with love and trust being the biggies, takes time to develop. I loved the explanation given by Skylar about insta-love!
This book has it all for me - action, adventure, a hot alpha male, a smart and feisty female, and sex that scorches the pages. The only trouble I have is leaving the Insedi behind. I feel the need to re-read every one of these books again and I don't say that about every book I read!
* 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!
December 19, 2018
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Echoes of her Soul ( Soul Tenders book 2) in Books
Aug 23, 2022
152 of 230
Kindle
Echoes of her Soul (Soul Tenders book 2)
By Serena Lindahl
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Megreria is a Kingdom built upon order. Each citizen receives an assigned House based on a test of their skills and an assigned Soul Match, the other piece of their soul as seen by the mysterious Soul Tenders.
A week ago, Kiarra didn’t believe in Soul Matches and she couldn’t master any ability well enough to test into a House. When her beloved brother becomes a Soul Tender, the traumatic experience begins a chain of events which will challenge everything she has ever thought or believed. Kiarra has five Soul Matches and a Fate much greater than any House occupation. As she struggles to navigate the attention of five different men, she must also adjust to her new role in the Kingdom of Megreria. When she and her matches discover a diary written by a long dead ancestor, Kiarra realizes there is more at stake than just her own destiny. Her path will affect not only the future of their Kingdom, but other Kingdoms as well.
Join Kiarra, Mason, Ian, Sebastian, Clay and Reed as they discover their history, grow their soul bonds, and struggle to defeat an evil force intent on destroying everything and everyone they love.
It was ok! So the first book I admired the strength in the story and how they didn’t rush the main character into mad sex scenes with her 5 chosen men (although we are only about a week or two in lol) Then in this one we have 50% of the book all angsty and sexual tension, to so many discussions and then a full on orgy!! I mean full on. I was grateful for the not over analysing of it after but it then left 2 chapters of the remaining story and action to develop which felt so rushed. Now I understand why the author needed to develop the characters relationship but it seemed drawn out a touch. Overall it was an ok book but I just wasn’t feeling overly happy with it by the end.
Kindle
Echoes of her Soul (Soul Tenders book 2)
By Serena Lindahl
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Megreria is a Kingdom built upon order. Each citizen receives an assigned House based on a test of their skills and an assigned Soul Match, the other piece of their soul as seen by the mysterious Soul Tenders.
A week ago, Kiarra didn’t believe in Soul Matches and she couldn’t master any ability well enough to test into a House. When her beloved brother becomes a Soul Tender, the traumatic experience begins a chain of events which will challenge everything she has ever thought or believed. Kiarra has five Soul Matches and a Fate much greater than any House occupation. As she struggles to navigate the attention of five different men, she must also adjust to her new role in the Kingdom of Megreria. When she and her matches discover a diary written by a long dead ancestor, Kiarra realizes there is more at stake than just her own destiny. Her path will affect not only the future of their Kingdom, but other Kingdoms as well.
Join Kiarra, Mason, Ian, Sebastian, Clay and Reed as they discover their history, grow their soul bonds, and struggle to defeat an evil force intent on destroying everything and everyone they love.
It was ok! So the first book I admired the strength in the story and how they didn’t rush the main character into mad sex scenes with her 5 chosen men (although we are only about a week or two in lol) Then in this one we have 50% of the book all angsty and sexual tension, to so many discussions and then a full on orgy!! I mean full on. I was grateful for the not over analysing of it after but it then left 2 chapters of the remaining story and action to develop which felt so rushed. Now I understand why the author needed to develop the characters relationship but it seemed drawn out a touch. Overall it was an ok book but I just wasn’t feeling overly happy with it by the end.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1) in Books
Sep 11, 2023
125 of 235
Kindle
Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1)
By Michelle Heard
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m warned that Carter Hayes is heartless.
He’s part of the screw crew.
He’ll just use you and leave you.
He’s ruthless and always gets what he wants.
Just look for the trail of broken hearts and dreamy sighs, and you’ll find him.
“Hot as sin, Carter.”
I don’t have time to fall head over heels for any guy. Besides, he’d never notice someone like me. I have a three-step plan. Get through college. Get a job. Get my sister out of the hell hole I left her in. That’s all I have time for.
That’s until I hear of the betting pool the guys started. Whoever screws me first gets the money. The moment Carter looks at me, I know it’s only because of the bet.
I tell myself our first kiss is only for show.
I hate my heart for falling for his irresistible charm.
For one foolish moment, I actually want him to be my first earth-shattering love. All it takes for me to give in is a little attention, a cocky smile, and a fake promise of a happily-ever-after.
When I’m surrounded by crumpled sheets and the smell of sex, I realize I let him have me for four hundred dollars.
To save what little pride I have left, I pretend it didn’t mean anything, that he’s just one last screw before we all leave college.
I’ve spent the last four years lying to myself. When I’m ready to take the final step of my plan, and save my sister, guess who walks through my front door?
I actually ended up liking this! The first couple of chapters I thought were a bit ropey the “ Screw Crew” and yes that’s what they called the women they slept with was a bit ridiculous but then again these were boys! But as it developed I actually thought it was a good quick read. It was a sweet ending too I’m not much one for romance.
Kindle
Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1)
By Michelle Heard
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m warned that Carter Hayes is heartless.
He’s part of the screw crew.
He’ll just use you and leave you.
He’s ruthless and always gets what he wants.
Just look for the trail of broken hearts and dreamy sighs, and you’ll find him.
“Hot as sin, Carter.”
I don’t have time to fall head over heels for any guy. Besides, he’d never notice someone like me. I have a three-step plan. Get through college. Get a job. Get my sister out of the hell hole I left her in. That’s all I have time for.
That’s until I hear of the betting pool the guys started. Whoever screws me first gets the money. The moment Carter looks at me, I know it’s only because of the bet.
I tell myself our first kiss is only for show.
I hate my heart for falling for his irresistible charm.
For one foolish moment, I actually want him to be my first earth-shattering love. All it takes for me to give in is a little attention, a cocky smile, and a fake promise of a happily-ever-after.
When I’m surrounded by crumpled sheets and the smell of sex, I realize I let him have me for four hundred dollars.
To save what little pride I have left, I pretend it didn’t mean anything, that he’s just one last screw before we all leave college.
I’ve spent the last four years lying to myself. When I’m ready to take the final step of my plan, and save my sister, guess who walks through my front door?
I actually ended up liking this! The first couple of chapters I thought were a bit ropey the “ Screw Crew” and yes that’s what they called the women they slept with was a bit ridiculous but then again these were boys! But as it developed I actually thought it was a good quick read. It was a sweet ending too I’m not much one for romance.
ClareR (5674 KP) rated The Wolves of Winter in Books
Mar 11, 2022
I keep doing this. Reading books about pandemics during a pandemic, and then scaring the living daylights out of myself. Thank goodness I’d read Justin Cronin’s The Passage trilogy pre-Covid, because that would really have had me battening down the hatches!
This is about a different flu-like virus, but the mortality rate is far higher than Covid. And then nuclear bombs are also involved, so it’s a pretty full-on start to this remarkable book.
The sensible people move north. In this case, they move to the Yukon, where the virus is less virulent and people can hunt and trap their food. Lynn McBride lives here with what’s left of her family. They’ve carved out a life for themselves and live in relative safety in the barren, white landscape. But they can’t keep everyone away, and soothe outside world starts to encroach in the form of a loner called Jax, and a frankly scary group of people who are intent on seeing the end of the virus, no matter the human cost.
I loved the descriptions of the landscape - I do tend to love a book set in frozen landscapes (Arctic, Antarctic, just somewhere plain cold!), which is odd really, because I can’t think of a worse place to live. It’s a morbid fascination, I suppose. And the descriptions in this book of the cold, the landscape and the difficulties of living there are so evocative. People surviving against the odds always a winning theme.
It wasn’t until I sat down to write this, that I found out that the book was YA. Honestly, it hadn’t even crossed my mind. Ok, there’s no sex, but in my opinion it just seemed too cold anyway 🤷🏼♀️. The main protagonist is in her late teens, and there is a sexual assault and some shooting/ bloodshed. There’s a very cute dog though (also a winning formula for me).
So if you’re feeling brave and like a post-apocalyptic story, you may well fancy reading this. I do wonder if there will be a follow up, because I’d love to know what happens after the final page (it does seem open to that). I’d definitely read it!
This is about a different flu-like virus, but the mortality rate is far higher than Covid. And then nuclear bombs are also involved, so it’s a pretty full-on start to this remarkable book.
The sensible people move north. In this case, they move to the Yukon, where the virus is less virulent and people can hunt and trap their food. Lynn McBride lives here with what’s left of her family. They’ve carved out a life for themselves and live in relative safety in the barren, white landscape. But they can’t keep everyone away, and soothe outside world starts to encroach in the form of a loner called Jax, and a frankly scary group of people who are intent on seeing the end of the virus, no matter the human cost.
I loved the descriptions of the landscape - I do tend to love a book set in frozen landscapes (Arctic, Antarctic, just somewhere plain cold!), which is odd really, because I can’t think of a worse place to live. It’s a morbid fascination, I suppose. And the descriptions in this book of the cold, the landscape and the difficulties of living there are so evocative. People surviving against the odds always a winning theme.
It wasn’t until I sat down to write this, that I found out that the book was YA. Honestly, it hadn’t even crossed my mind. Ok, there’s no sex, but in my opinion it just seemed too cold anyway 🤷🏼♀️. The main protagonist is in her late teens, and there is a sexual assault and some shooting/ bloodshed. There’s a very cute dog though (also a winning formula for me).
So if you’re feeling brave and like a post-apocalyptic story, you may well fancy reading this. I do wonder if there will be a follow up, because I’d love to know what happens after the final page (it does seem open to that). I’d definitely read it!
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Wilde Moon (Wildeward Academy #5) in Books
Dec 6, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
WILDE MOON is the fifth and final book in the Wildeward Academy series (so far; I'm holding out hope for more) and we start where we finished -- with Victoria and her Coterie in London, plenty to prove and so many opportunities to do so, whether they want to or not.
My word! Hold onto your hats, folks, because you're in for a bumpy ride. And please take a deep breath as you're going to need it! This book doesn't stop! You know how in some books, you have moments of action, followed by moments of rest? Yeah, well, that doesn't happen here. It's all-go from the very beginning. And although I felt worn out afterwards, I wouldn't change a single moment.
Achoris is the 'main guy' in this book but, don't worry, you'll get plenty of the others too, plus some action with all of them. Phew! It's hot in here. There is no chance of confusing these guys either. They are so individual and make their voices heard amongst the tumult of Victoria's crazy life.
There are plenty of loose ends to tie up in this novel, and Ms Blythe does so admirably. And she kept me waiting until near the end but then... MY PLEAS HAVE BEEN HEARD!!!! The Lodge returns! I'm so happy with the way things turned out. The Coterie gets larger but the inner circle remains as is, although the bonds are tighter once Achoris accepts he may not know everything after all.
What a finale! I loved every word and really didn't want it to finish, but I'm glad it has, in the way it has, if that makes sense?! This was an outstanding series with quirks and individuality in a genre that can become almost boring.
This author is definitely on my go-to list, and I highly recommend this book and this series but, please, start from the beginning and lose yourself in a world of blood, sex, and magic.
** 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!
Dec 6, 2021
My word! Hold onto your hats, folks, because you're in for a bumpy ride. And please take a deep breath as you're going to need it! This book doesn't stop! You know how in some books, you have moments of action, followed by moments of rest? Yeah, well, that doesn't happen here. It's all-go from the very beginning. And although I felt worn out afterwards, I wouldn't change a single moment.
Achoris is the 'main guy' in this book but, don't worry, you'll get plenty of the others too, plus some action with all of them. Phew! It's hot in here. There is no chance of confusing these guys either. They are so individual and make their voices heard amongst the tumult of Victoria's crazy life.
There are plenty of loose ends to tie up in this novel, and Ms Blythe does so admirably. And she kept me waiting until near the end but then... MY PLEAS HAVE BEEN HEARD!!!! The Lodge returns! I'm so happy with the way things turned out. The Coterie gets larger but the inner circle remains as is, although the bonds are tighter once Achoris accepts he may not know everything after all.
What a finale! I loved every word and really didn't want it to finish, but I'm glad it has, in the way it has, if that makes sense?! This was an outstanding series with quirks and individuality in a genre that can become almost boring.
This author is definitely on my go-to list, and I highly recommend this book and this series but, please, start from the beginning and lose yourself in a world of blood, sex, and magic.
** 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!
Dec 6, 2021