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Hazel (2934 KP) rated From The Ashes (DI Eve Hunter #3) in Books
Jul 24, 2022
I have read the first two books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them so was itching to get my sticky little fingers on this the latest instalment and I wasn't disappointed. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others in the series , as this can be read as a standalone quite well although I would recommend you do so.
Once again, we are treated to an excellent and gripping story which although deals with a difficult subject, does so without being over-the-top. An arson attack on a children's home results in the death of a young boy and DI Hunter and her team are quickly mired in the investigation. What was he doing there and are there further dark secrets to be unearthed?
Meanwhile, whilst on his way to work, DI Hunter's colleague, DC Scott Ferguson, witnesses a car accident where a young man is seriously injured. Scott promises the young man he will be there for him but this takes him away from the arson investigation and creates tension within the team. What is it about the young man that has affected him so much?
I raced through this book; I was totally hooked from the start. I really enjoyed the gradual unveiling of secrets which had me wondering what was going to happen next and definitely kept me guessing as to who the arsonist was. The chemistry and loyalty DI Hunter and her team have with each other felt believable and natural; the characters are strong and credible and the pace was just right for me.
All in all, a really good book and a great addition to the series and I have to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read From The Ashes and sharing my thoughts.
Once again, we are treated to an excellent and gripping story which although deals with a difficult subject, does so without being over-the-top. An arson attack on a children's home results in the death of a young boy and DI Hunter and her team are quickly mired in the investigation. What was he doing there and are there further dark secrets to be unearthed?
Meanwhile, whilst on his way to work, DI Hunter's colleague, DC Scott Ferguson, witnesses a car accident where a young man is seriously injured. Scott promises the young man he will be there for him but this takes him away from the arson investigation and creates tension within the team. What is it about the young man that has affected him so much?
I raced through this book; I was totally hooked from the start. I really enjoyed the gradual unveiling of secrets which had me wondering what was going to happen next and definitely kept me guessing as to who the arsonist was. The chemistry and loyalty DI Hunter and her team have with each other felt believable and natural; the characters are strong and credible and the pace was just right for me.
All in all, a really good book and a great addition to the series and I have to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read From The Ashes and sharing my thoughts.
A Little Christmas: Blake
10.0
Rate It
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Can a Christmas miracle make Blake’s secret dream come true? Blake has no one. His boyfriend...
Contemporary MM Romance Seasonal Age Play
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Moving On in Books
Jan 2, 2023
A perfectly paced story with a great storyline.
MOVING ON is a standalone story that tells the story of Sean and Tristan. Both these guys have baggage from their pasts that they carry with them wherever they go, and neither is prepared to trust anyone or anything to move on.
Both of their backstories are heartbreaking for different reasons. When they spoke about first times, I was completely with Tristan and his reaction to Sean's story. The thing I love about Felice Stevens' books are, although they are fiction, they are also completely believable. Nothing seems far-fetched, which can be both a good and a bad thing.
These two have a slow-burn until it's not. Tristan is very prickly and Sean works hard to get by that, to be his friend, and wanting nothing in return. I loved that Sean was someone who wants to live outside the box, whereas Tristan preferred order instead of chaos. They balanced each other out perfectly. Sean did tend to fly off the handle at times, and Tristan would keep things close to his chest. I wanted to slap both of them!
A perfectly paced story with a great storyline, this didn't quite push all the buttons and I have no idea why. Everything about it was just what I wanted but I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. If Goodreads did half stars, this would be a 4.5. Instead, I'm rounding it up.
A brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Both of their backstories are heartbreaking for different reasons. When they spoke about first times, I was completely with Tristan and his reaction to Sean's story. The thing I love about Felice Stevens' books are, although they are fiction, they are also completely believable. Nothing seems far-fetched, which can be both a good and a bad thing.
These two have a slow-burn until it's not. Tristan is very prickly and Sean works hard to get by that, to be his friend, and wanting nothing in return. I loved that Sean was someone who wants to live outside the box, whereas Tristan preferred order instead of chaos. They balanced each other out perfectly. Sean did tend to fly off the handle at times, and Tristan would keep things close to his chest. I wanted to slap both of them!
A perfectly paced story with a great storyline, this didn't quite push all the buttons and I have no idea why. Everything about it was just what I wanted but I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. If Goodreads did half stars, this would be a 4.5. Instead, I'm rounding it up.
A brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Lady Who Cried Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #6) in Books
Apr 16, 2022
If you are looking for murder or mystery to enjoy, Lauren Carr will not disappoint. I read almost all of her books. Her books will have you lured in for more than you are expecting. Each book or audiobook can be read as a standalone though you can read them in series. This one is about a girl who wants to be a celebrity but will see get it all and easy money. Will she get it all, or will she pay the price?
There seem to be more secrets and murders than one person can handle. We meet a mother who thinks her daughter has stood abducted. The daughter shows up at a press conference and has set up her mother. Her mother is angry and does some things and changes her will. Whatever happens to her daughter Khole?
David does not want to stand up once more, so he does the interviewer something by checking it out. But do they listen to him when he wants to make sure it is not a setup to make it a circus of the Spenser police department?
Does David find Khole killed and cut up? Who had done it and why? What is Khole's big announcement about what she would tell the interview? We seem to be working with David and Mac and Cameron and Joshua. The team appears to be paired up and works out who the killer is? Guess who gets pulled into these are their girlfriends. You will not guess who is behind all the murders. This one ended up having me guessing until the end. I still did not know who it was up to until the end.
There seem to be more secrets and murders than one person can handle. We meet a mother who thinks her daughter has stood abducted. The daughter shows up at a press conference and has set up her mother. Her mother is angry and does some things and changes her will. Whatever happens to her daughter Khole?
David does not want to stand up once more, so he does the interviewer something by checking it out. But do they listen to him when he wants to make sure it is not a setup to make it a circus of the Spenser police department?
Does David find Khole killed and cut up? Who had done it and why? What is Khole's big announcement about what she would tell the interview? We seem to be working with David and Mac and Cameron and Joshua. The team appears to be paired up and works out who the killer is? Guess who gets pulled into these are their girlfriends. You will not guess who is behind all the murders. This one ended up having me guessing until the end. I still did not know who it was up to until the end.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated A Wedding and A Killing (Mac Faraday Mystery #8) in Books
Apr 22, 2022
If you are looking for a book that will spice up the beginning of your book or story. Well, “A Wedding and a Killing” is a good one that does just that. Mac and his lady decide to get married in the Spencer Church.
It starts once Gnarly jumps out of the car, runs, and barks at the door, which everyone invited to the wedding for Mac and Archie. They realize that Gnarly will not stop barking to get their attention.
Gnarly seems to be trying to get their attention. When no one is paying attention, He will not leave that door. Once someone goes to the door and opens it, Gnarly finds a dead body. It gets chaotic and brings everyone from the church’s sanctuary as Mac and Archie seem in an argument over Gnarly being there. It seems to bring action when they find a murder occurred.
Who would kill a man with no enemies? Who volunteers for the church. When Gnarly finds a dead body, it brings Mac to team up with David and dives into the investigation. But how long will it take? How long will Mac have to wait to get married to Archie? We seem to get more murders and twists and turns. What happens when Ruth and her daughter get brought in. Will Ruth be framed for murder and her husband? Who killed Jason Fairbanks. We seem to have two cases that interlope, and Mac wants to help and defend Ruth.
Once you start reading Lauren Carr’s books, you will want more of them. You can read any of her books in any order and as a standalone. You will want to read more by finding one of her books or audiobooks. Great for any mystery fan, murder mystery, or even thriller fan.
It starts once Gnarly jumps out of the car, runs, and barks at the door, which everyone invited to the wedding for Mac and Archie. They realize that Gnarly will not stop barking to get their attention.
Gnarly seems to be trying to get their attention. When no one is paying attention, He will not leave that door. Once someone goes to the door and opens it, Gnarly finds a dead body. It gets chaotic and brings everyone from the church’s sanctuary as Mac and Archie seem in an argument over Gnarly being there. It seems to bring action when they find a murder occurred.
Who would kill a man with no enemies? Who volunteers for the church. When Gnarly finds a dead body, it brings Mac to team up with David and dives into the investigation. But how long will it take? How long will Mac have to wait to get married to Archie? We seem to get more murders and twists and turns. What happens when Ruth and her daughter get brought in. Will Ruth be framed for murder and her husband? Who killed Jason Fairbanks. We seem to have two cases that interlope, and Mac wants to help and defend Ruth.
Once you start reading Lauren Carr’s books, you will want more of them. You can read any of her books in any order and as a standalone. You will want to read more by finding one of her books or audiobooks. Great for any mystery fan, murder mystery, or even thriller fan.
Reigniting Chase
Book
An unexpected collaboration between two authors that's hot enough to spark a fire... Chase ...
Contemporary MM Romance
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Blowout (Breakers Hockey #6) in Books
Jan 4, 2023
I was lost in their story and loved every word.
BLOWOUT is the sixth book in the Breakers series but you could read it as a standalone. Both characters are mentioned in previous books but you don't NEED to have read those to fully appreciate this story.
Cas was a player - until Jules came into his life. Now, he wants her but won't go past the boundaries she has set. Jules has too much going on in her life to put up with a playboy! Her son needs her and she needs work to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. But Cas - very gently - breaks down her defences. And what horrible way does he do that? By caring. By putting her first. By treating her the way he believes she should be treated. Oh, man!
I felt for both Cas and Jules in this. Yes, Cas is in a better position financially, but emotionally, he's just as hurt as Jules. It is by being together, by opening themselves to each other, that these two work so well. No lies, no games (not conscious ones, anyway,) just two people trying to figure out what everyone else seems to already know.
The pacing was perfect and I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down. I was lost in their story and loved every word. A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me. Now, I just need to wait for Theo's story!
** 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!
Cas was a player - until Jules came into his life. Now, he wants her but won't go past the boundaries she has set. Jules has too much going on in her life to put up with a playboy! Her son needs her and she needs work to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. But Cas - very gently - breaks down her defences. And what horrible way does he do that? By caring. By putting her first. By treating her the way he believes she should be treated. Oh, man!
I felt for both Cas and Jules in this. Yes, Cas is in a better position financially, but emotionally, he's just as hurt as Jules. It is by being together, by opening themselves to each other, that these two work so well. No lies, no games (not conscious ones, anyway,) just two people trying to figure out what everyone else seems to already know.
The pacing was perfect and I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down. I was lost in their story and loved every word. A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me. Now, I just need to wait for Theo's story!
** 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!
New Nebraska Lessons
10.0
Rate It
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She’s the only human on campus. Four paranormal guys all want a taste. But now a killer might beat...
Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Light From The Grave in Books
Nov 6, 2023
LIGHT FROM THE GRAVE is a standalone paranormal with an element of romance. I say element as, for me, it wasn't the main part of the story. That was the realisation of Dylan's new powers and what he had to do with them. Dylan goes from small-town, Ohio to Charleston. From his home where he has friends, to a new place with family - who are odd, to say the least. He has to master his powers before he can open the family grimoire, renew the wards, and save them all. No pressure!
Keller is the loaded weapon of the coven, and you learn more about his abilities as the story progresses. He has an apprentice, Raven, who doesn't like Dylan to start with, for reasons that are both clear and understandable. As for the other characters, well, I would say those in Charleston are morally grey at best.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I was never 100% sure of most of the characters! It is very fast-paced, but the descriptions are clear and concise. As for the romance side of things - I just never felt it between Keller and Dylan. Yes, the fascination, the attraction, but not love.
And the ending? That seemed a little out of place somehow. Logically, it makes sense because of who Dylan was/is and the home he had. Emotionally, it just didn't feel right to me.
This is a great read that held my attention and I definitely 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!
Nov 3, 2023
Keller is the loaded weapon of the coven, and you learn more about his abilities as the story progresses. He has an apprentice, Raven, who doesn't like Dylan to start with, for reasons that are both clear and understandable. As for the other characters, well, I would say those in Charleston are morally grey at best.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I was never 100% sure of most of the characters! It is very fast-paced, but the descriptions are clear and concise. As for the romance side of things - I just never felt it between Keller and Dylan. Yes, the fascination, the attraction, but not love.
And the ending? That seemed a little out of place somehow. Logically, it makes sense because of who Dylan was/is and the home he had. Emotionally, it just didn't feel right to me.
This is a great read that held my attention and I definitely 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!
Nov 3, 2023
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Stray (Outcast Mates #3) in Books
Sep 1, 2022
Leonas is a panther shifter who hates water. Can Jeno show him the pleasures of it?
STRAY is the third book in the Outcast Mates series, and I would highly recommend you read it as such, rather than a standalone.
I had said previously that I wanted Leonas' story and I'm happy to say, I got it. He meets a young vampire called Jeno, who has a troubled history with opium addiction. Ivaz thought he'd got rid of the nasty goblin but, instead, it just looks like he moved to a different town. The town where The Twig and Berries reside. That puts it on Leonas' radar, and he, in turn, brings Sebastian and Dominus back into the story.
I found this story to be delightful but it just didn't quite tick all the boxes for me. There were parts I loved - Leonas' hate of baths, for example - that I thought were brilliant, but there were also other parts that frustrated me. Jeno's lack of anger with Leonas was one. Yes, I agree there's no need for unnecessary angst but this WAS NECESSARY!!!!! Leonas didn't give him a chance to explain and basically kicked him out when he was needed the most. I expected at least five minutes of anger but there was nothing. This was more insta than the others and I missed the slow-burn feeling I got with the previous couples.
This is a great addition to the series and I'm really glad I've read it. I highly recommend the series, and have no hesitation in recommending this book as part of that.
** 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!
I had said previously that I wanted Leonas' story and I'm happy to say, I got it. He meets a young vampire called Jeno, who has a troubled history with opium addiction. Ivaz thought he'd got rid of the nasty goblin but, instead, it just looks like he moved to a different town. The town where The Twig and Berries reside. That puts it on Leonas' radar, and he, in turn, brings Sebastian and Dominus back into the story.
I found this story to be delightful but it just didn't quite tick all the boxes for me. There were parts I loved - Leonas' hate of baths, for example - that I thought were brilliant, but there were also other parts that frustrated me. Jeno's lack of anger with Leonas was one. Yes, I agree there's no need for unnecessary angst but this WAS NECESSARY!!!!! Leonas didn't give him a chance to explain and basically kicked him out when he was needed the most. I expected at least five minutes of anger but there was nothing. This was more insta than the others and I missed the slow-burn feeling I got with the previous couples.
This is a great addition to the series and I'm really glad I've read it. I highly recommend the series, and have no hesitation in recommending this book as part of that.
** 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!