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Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen
10.0
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Elizabeth I is one of England's most famous monarchs, whose story as the ‘Virgin Queen’ is well...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1) in Books
Apr 30, 2024
79 of 220
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Festive Trees And Mistletoe (Hope Valley Christmas #3) in Books
Dec 9, 2025
FESTIVE TREES AND MISTLETOE is the perfectly named book three in the Hope Valley Christmas series. You don't have to read the other books before this one, although I'm sure you'll want to.
Pete is the one who lives in Hope Valley, well, Charnwell actually. He runs a Christmas Tree Farm and Garden Centre with his sister, Sadie. Charlie was spending time over Christmas and New Year in the village pub when he got dumped. Pete and Charlie meet on New Year's Eve, when both of them end up outside, unwilling to witness all the happy couples around them bringing in the New Year. There is a spark of attraction, but Charlie has literally just been dumped, so nothing happens. Not until the next December anyway...
This is a cosy read, full of Christmas cheer, and two men who really belong together, but decide they are going to be 'just friends'. You can imagine how well that works out, but they do have a couple of little speed bumps along the way. Both of these guys are wonderful, but Pete is seriously a 'good guy' in the best way possible. Throw in a hot lumberjack vibe too, and all is good in the world!
I loved that this was mostly low angst, with just the usual quandaries and worries that every new relationship brings when you live in two different places. Cooper and Jax also made my heart melt!
All in all, this was a brilliant Christmas read, that is slow-burn but high heat. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
** 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!
Dec 9, 2025
Pete is the one who lives in Hope Valley, well, Charnwell actually. He runs a Christmas Tree Farm and Garden Centre with his sister, Sadie. Charlie was spending time over Christmas and New Year in the village pub when he got dumped. Pete and Charlie meet on New Year's Eve, when both of them end up outside, unwilling to witness all the happy couples around them bringing in the New Year. There is a spark of attraction, but Charlie has literally just been dumped, so nothing happens. Not until the next December anyway...
This is a cosy read, full of Christmas cheer, and two men who really belong together, but decide they are going to be 'just friends'. You can imagine how well that works out, but they do have a couple of little speed bumps along the way. Both of these guys are wonderful, but Pete is seriously a 'good guy' in the best way possible. Throw in a hot lumberjack vibe too, and all is good in the world!
I loved that this was mostly low angst, with just the usual quandaries and worries that every new relationship brings when you live in two different places. Cooper and Jax also made my heart melt!
All in all, this was a brilliant Christmas read, that is slow-burn but high heat. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
** 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!
Dec 9, 2025
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Sweetest Blood in Books
Feb 10, 2026
SWEETEST BLOOD is a standalone paranormal romance between a witch and a vampire. Throw in a cursed sister and an evil coven, and there you have it.
This is a long book, and I'll be honest, I wondered how it could fill the book. But it does, and in such a way that you don't even notice the pages skipping by. I loved how Felix was a feeder and how he ended up with Severin, but I also loved how he was honest with Sev from the beginning. He is a saucy little minx, constantly teasing and pushing Severin's boundaries in the most perfect way. As for Severin himself, well, he's my favourite character of them all. He is cool, calm, and collected... until one of those he considers a friend or family is threatened.
Not only do Felix and Severin find their mates, but so do a multitude of others (don't worry, I won't name names!), so you get an all-for-one kind of story. I would say this is a surprisingly low angst story, considering the evil coven, etc., that is both a slow burn and fated mates insta-lust. Felix and Severin don't rush into a relationship (for reasons), but when they do, hold onto your hats, because it steams up pretty quickly!
The first book by this author I have read, and if their other books are like this, then it won't be my last. HIGHLY 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!
Feb 10, 2026
This is a long book, and I'll be honest, I wondered how it could fill the book. But it does, and in such a way that you don't even notice the pages skipping by. I loved how Felix was a feeder and how he ended up with Severin, but I also loved how he was honest with Sev from the beginning. He is a saucy little minx, constantly teasing and pushing Severin's boundaries in the most perfect way. As for Severin himself, well, he's my favourite character of them all. He is cool, calm, and collected... until one of those he considers a friend or family is threatened.
Not only do Felix and Severin find their mates, but so do a multitude of others (don't worry, I won't name names!), so you get an all-for-one kind of story. I would say this is a surprisingly low angst story, considering the evil coven, etc., that is both a slow burn and fated mates insta-lust. Felix and Severin don't rush into a relationship (for reasons), but when they do, hold onto your hats, because it steams up pretty quickly!
The first book by this author I have read, and if their other books are like this, then it won't be my last. HIGHLY 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!
Feb 10, 2026
ClareR (6256 KP) rated Sun of Blood and Ruin in Books
Mar 10, 2024
It’s not often I have something negative to say about a book (you may have noticed), because I really try to choose books that I know I’ll enjoy. After all, who wants to read something they don’t enjoy? I did have high hopes that Sun of Blood and Ruin would be so much more. I was excited that this book was using Mesoamerican mythology and a bit of Mexican history, something I know nothing about.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated So Close ( Blacklist 1) in Books
Apr 26, 2024
77 of 220
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.
Book
So close ( Blacklist 1)
By Sylvia Day
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The one you believe isn't always the one you can trust...
Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.
Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.
Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.
Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.
This was different to what I expected. First of all I think I’ve been starved of news from the Crosses and it was nice to catch up on them a little. This is was messed up family all being played by a devious mother trying to control her sons. Amy is completely vindictive and horrid but is it a product of what these men and the mother in law from hell have done or is she naturally that way? When you read this and learn about Lily I wasn’t expecting the answer and yes I had a WTF moment! The book was good and I did enjoy it but I think the last 10 chapters are what made me give it 4⭐️ instead of 3.
Entangled (Dark Faeverse #3)
7.0
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Virgin mind, fertile body, desperate king. Dr. Maya Nakamura has always lived in her sister's...
Erotica Fantasy Omegaverse Dub Con Non Con Dark
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Lady of Lincoln (The Nicola de la Haye Series #1) in Books
May 8, 2026
LADY OF LINCOLN is the first book in the Nicola de la Haye series, and her story begins when she is still just a child herself. She sees her older sister marry and wants to marry for love, but her father has chosen a suitable husband for her. Gerard is the character I fell in love with the minute he said he wouldn't ever force a woman's hand, although his reasons are heartbreaking. Unfortunately for Gerard, Nicola is swept off her feet by Fitz, a man closer to her age who needs her inheritance. Nicola and Gerard remain friends, and she and Fitz actually find love, although their love isn't without its ups and downs.
Most of the story is told by Nicola, although Fitz and Gerard both have their say too. I loved how Nicola cared for her people and was clever enough to have stock in multiple places. Fitz, I didn't like at the beginning, but he grew on me. He made some bad choices, but proved himself by the end.
There is a lot going on in this book, not only Nicola's story, but also the rebellion against King Henry by his sons, led by his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Parts of this made my head spin, with many names and titles being used, and I thought I was well-read in medieval history!
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to continue with Nicola's story. Definitely recommended to any medieval history fans.
** 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!
May 8, 2026
Most of the story is told by Nicola, although Fitz and Gerard both have their say too. I loved how Nicola cared for her people and was clever enough to have stock in multiple places. Fitz, I didn't like at the beginning, but he grew on me. He made some bad choices, but proved himself by the end.
There is a lot going on in this book, not only Nicola's story, but also the rebellion against King Henry by his sons, led by his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Parts of this made my head spin, with many names and titles being used, and I thought I was well-read in medieval history!
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to continue with Nicola's story. Definitely recommended to any medieval history fans.
** 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!
May 8, 2026
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits in Books
Jan 29, 2025
I started this book and am so far in—it's just getting started. I have already met three of the characters, and I can not wait to see what happens to all of them.
It looks like one of the Bailer sisters is after Mr.Bates. But Mr. Bates seems to like and enjoy Miss Fannie. He seems not to be interested in a certain Belier sister. Miss Fannie is quite excited about the baking contest and enters it every year. Will she win it this year? She seems excited once more, given that she wants to advertise it in her area and around the other towns to help bring folks to enter and enjoy the contest.
We get introduced to a few more characters, one of which is Melissa. Iva seems worried and isn't sure if she can tell Fannie her worries, though she comes in to get sewing supplies. What's up with Iva and her family? What was Melissa doing, and was she checking on contestants to enter the baking contest?
We get more interesting, and there are twists and turns. Will Mr. Bates and Frannie solve the missing connections or even the red envelope mystery? There seems to be a bit of romance, or is it friendship between Foster and Fannie? What is really going on that Foster and Fannie can not seem to find all the missing contestants? Where did that all go? Was there foul play, or did they just forget to when the loss?
Will Jeb get his attention from his dad, or will he be ignored? All contestants learn a few lessons along the way. However, they are all different for each one. The authors do an excellent writing job, making this so much fun to read, and you want to turn the pages as you read.
It looks like one of the Bailer sisters is after Mr.Bates. But Mr. Bates seems to like and enjoy Miss Fannie. He seems not to be interested in a certain Belier sister. Miss Fannie is quite excited about the baking contest and enters it every year. Will she win it this year? She seems excited once more, given that she wants to advertise it in her area and around the other towns to help bring folks to enter and enjoy the contest.
We get introduced to a few more characters, one of which is Melissa. Iva seems worried and isn't sure if she can tell Fannie her worries, though she comes in to get sewing supplies. What's up with Iva and her family? What was Melissa doing, and was she checking on contestants to enter the baking contest?
We get more interesting, and there are twists and turns. Will Mr. Bates and Frannie solve the missing connections or even the red envelope mystery? There seems to be a bit of romance, or is it friendship between Foster and Fannie? What is really going on that Foster and Fannie can not seem to find all the missing contestants? Where did that all go? Was there foul play, or did they just forget to when the loss?
Will Jeb get his attention from his dad, or will he be ignored? All contestants learn a few lessons along the way. However, they are all different for each one. The authors do an excellent writing job, making this so much fun to read, and you want to turn the pages as you read.
To Tempt A Troubled Earl (Regency Rossingley #1)
8.0
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A chancer and a rogue, Kit Angel is down on his luck. Presenting himself at Rossingley Hall in the...
Historical MM Regency Romance Enemies to Lovers Hurt / Comfort