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Magic Spark (Enchanted, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MAGIC SPARK Enchanted: Book One Sara Dobie Bauer Em Shotwell Wendy Sparrow

Four Stars

This book was fun to read. I enjoyed all three stories. The authors gave a unique twist to true love and the HEA. Out of the three I enjoyed SARA DOBIE BAUER Destiny's Dark Light the most. The author gave us something different when it came to witches and prophecy. You would definitely want to continue the next book. I did enjoy the other stories the characters all had flaws and were a little crazy. I would like to explore more from these authors. Wendy Sparrow’s When A DemiGod Courts Death was well written and a enjoyable short story. The author gives you a different spin on God and human children. Needing a match to stay alive. The lines were funny and flowed without too much pause. I would like to read a full story. The book that had me like what is happening was These Roots Run Deep. The characters had me a little upset because of the lies and all the neediness. The main character wanted this man to stay and went to great lengths to make that happen. I didn’t like her personality or how she used her family to get what she wanted. No woman should have to feel like they only way he will stay is if you put him under a spell. If he halfway out the door let him leave. You deserve better.
  
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Untamed (Uninhibited, #1)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
<i>Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. </i>

I was a little dubious reading this little serial as I've not read anything by the author before and I generally don't read 5 star reviews because of personal choices.

Going into <i>Untamed </i> I was pleasantly surprised by the way it was written. I had expected it to be a quick serial number with little going on and a quick steamy sex scene but there was plenty happening in this serial.

Dr Cari Dunn is a celebrity architect with a stalker. A pretty crazy stalker as stalkers are want to be. The network she does a TV show for hires a bodyguard to protect her - queue Jasper. A sinfully hot male with an alpha streak - just how I like my males!

As it's a pretty short price of writing everything meshes together nicely with a wickedly good sex scene and a great cliffhanger that leaves the series open for the next instalment which is released a week after this one.

I think the one big thing that put me off a bit was the mention of Christian Grey. Those are two words that will put me off any book but thankfully he was only mentioned once in passing.

We'll see where the next part takes us in this ride.
  
Hank Brodt Holocaust Memoirs: A Candle and a Promise
Hank Brodt Holocaust Memoirs: A Candle and a Promise
Deborah Donnelly | 2017 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
For me, it is always incredibly sad to read holocaust memoirs or any memoirs related to concentration camps. The amount of suffering it has brought to the innocent people, it is hard to comprehend.

The description of this book is pretty accurate. This book is a story of a poor polish- Jewish boy called Hank, and how he survived the Holocaust. The story starts with Hank’s childhood to post survival activities. After being taken to the concentration camp, Hank did not stay for long in one place, he was transported many times to different camps, and he shared the events he had to endure and people he met.

The book is accompanied by plenty of photos of different events, different concentration camps which Hank was transported to, and also pictures of Hank’s family. I loved the short chapters, and I finished this memoir in one sitting. For me it was gripping and I really wanted to find out what happened next after each chapter. So, to conclude, I am very happy that Hank had a chance to survive and shared his experiences with all the readers. It was a horrible period in human history, and I believe that it should not be left forgotten. So, if you into WWII books, give this book a go, it is a chilling read, filled with pain and sorrow, but it shows, that even in the worst of times, some people can still keep their kindness.
  
*Copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"

I could tell this was going to be a hot read from the first chapter when Frankie was fantasising about Jake–Steamy!–and I wasn’t wrong.

You get to see from both Frankie’s and Jake’s POV, which is an advantage when Jake is described as being a serious, moody guy by Frankie. But then seeing from Jake’s POV just why he’s behaving like that balances it out and it switches between every so often.

The first sex scene between the pair took up a fair bit of the book but it also contains an intriguing plotline. Who was Frankie’s stalker and why were they stalking her? Unfortunately we don’t find out in this one but I hope the author is well on her way to finishing a second book in the series so we can.

I liked it but I also feel slightly cheated since we didn’t find out who was behind the attacks against Frankie. I’m left with more questions than answer but at the same time I’m happy that Jake and Frankie got a happy ending as they are both really likeable characters and deserve some happiness after what they’ve both been through.

Short and sweet. I will certainly read the next in the series when it comes out.
  
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen
Alison Weir | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
8.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
186 of 250
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.

Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.

She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.

This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?


I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
  
The House of Ashes
The House of Ashes
Stuart Neville | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am ashamed to say that I haven't read anything by Stuart Neville for years ... I have no excuse other than I must have had my head stuck in the sand or developed short-term amnesia because I forgot how much I enjoyed reading his words.

This is a sad and tragic story told from the perspective of two women, Sara and Mary, and from two timelines, the present and sixty years ago, with all 'action' taking place on an isolated farm in Northern Ireland.

This is not a story full of joy or happiness but rather there is an overwhelming sense of darkness and sadness with a foreboding undertone from start to finish that is intense and certainly keeps you on edge. Having said that, it is also a story of strength, survival and hope amidst a backdrop of abuse, control and gaslighting.

I admit this isn't a story for everyone and I can't say I enjoyed it given the nature of its content, however, it was an excellent read that had me hooked and took me through so many emotions that many books don't do nowadays that I can only recommend it to others who enjoy dark, psychological thrillers with a little of the supernatural thrown in to enhance the overall feel of the book.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
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Merissa (12660 KP) rated Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James #2) in Books

Nov 16, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)  
Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James #2)
Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James #2)
N.R. Walker | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Now, you may remember that I fell in love with Julian and Malachi in DEAREST MILTON JAMES, which I declared a Mary Poppins book - practically perfect in every way! Let me tell you that this one is no different. DEAREST MALACHI KEOGH is simply outstanding. There's a whole lot packed into this novella, and I devoured every single word.

Malachi and Julian have been together for four years, and Julian wants to propose BUT he wants it to be as special as Malachi is. *Hint* that's a lot!! The whole gang gets involved and what you get is something totally sweet and completely hot at the same time.

My word, but I love these two. I could read them forever, seriously. Told from Julian's perspective, you feel everything. His nerves, his hope, his love. I love Malachi's reactions. He is still fabulous but now doesn't have his hair dyed (shame!).

For a short but sweet seasonal story, this one was fantastic. I loved it, and the characters were like old friends. I really hope this isn't the end of the mailroom. I enjoy myself far too much there.

Do I recommend it? Erm, maybe just a little WHOLE LOT!!! 😍

** 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!
Nov 16, 2021
  
Silver Wood Coven: The Complete Series
Silver Wood Coven: The Complete Series
Hazel Hunter | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely love this boxed set from Hazel Hunter. She writes an amazing novella/short story, but having the opportunity to read them all back-to-back, makes for a more complete experience for me, (plus, I'm not too good with cliffhangers!).

This set tells the story of Summer, who has been living rough in Central Park for the last six months, with no previous memories of who she is or how she got there. Michael is a Templar that has been watching her, supposedly to make sure that she doesn't hurt any humans, but more because he feels a deep connection to her. Because she is a witch, he telephones Troy, a warlock with whom he has a long and tumultuous relationship. And so we start...

This is exceedingly well-written, with multiple points of view so that you get the complete picture. The 'big bad' is well hidden until the penultimate book when I figured it out, but I thought that it was still brilliant! The relationship between Summer, Michael, and Troy is heartfelt and touching. With amazing supporting characters, this is a story that will grip and enchant you, right up to the climax and epilogue. 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!
Jan 31, 2016
  
Best Buddies: What&#039;s in a Name?
Best Buddies: What's in a Name?
Mother Melania | 2022 | Children
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you looking for a cute picture book for your child or children? I may have found one on a homeless person and a little dog. It is called Best Buddies: What's in a Name? It is a short introduction about a homeless person and finding a stray dog. What will they become as they start to bond? Bob decides on a name to call the dog he encounters.

This dog has found a Bob. What is the name for naming a dog? Will he be called Rover or Scruffy or something completely different? You will need to read the book to find out what the name of the dog will be called. Bob seems to struggle one naming his new cute homeless dog.

Children will learn about homelessness and caring for a dog in this sweet, adorable introduction to this book. The pictures are done quite well and are colorful. It is more of an introduction to the series of the main two characters than anything. We are introduced to Bob briefly and to Luke, but this book deals with figuring out what to name the cute little homeless dog Bob found.

What adventures will it hold for them as the stories go on? Children will find this book easy to read and understand as well. Parents will enjoy seeing their children learn about homelessness and other teachable moments. Children may even learn about kindness as well.
  
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Merissa (12660 KP) rated Two Souls United (Etherya's Earth #5.5) in Books

Apr 4, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)  
Two Souls United (Etherya&#039;s Earth #5.5)
Two Souls United (Etherya's Earth #5.5)
Rebecca Hefner | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TWO SOULS UNITED is a short and sweet novella that fills the gap between books 5 and 6 and tells of the courtship between Glarys and Sam.

Glarys has been looking after the Royals for years but time has moved on, and they now have their own lives and families away from the Mansion. Glarys liked Sam when she first spoke to him at Latimus and Lila's bonding ceremony but she thought he was only speaking to her to be nice. Sam wanted to be more than nice but when he suggested they meet up, Glarys suggested he bring Jack. Sam took this to mean she wasn't interested and years passed.

Even during this novella, you not only catch up on the others but also see two deamon attacks by Bakari, which keeps the whole series moving along nicely. It moves along at a fast pace, giving you the story and not lingering over certain acts or thoughts for too long.

For a novella, you get a lot of story -- from romance to PTSD, from deamon attacks to a spa day. Definitely recommended by me, but PLEASE read it in order or you'll get spoilers.

** 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!
Mar 31, 2022