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Merissa (12061 KP) rated Jenelyn's Journey: The Werewolf of Wittlich in Books
Nov 21, 2022
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
JENELYN'S JOURNEY: THE WEREWOLF OF WITTLICH is the first book in the Jenelyn's Journey series and we start off in L.A. with Jenelyn and her parents. Because she is now eighteen, she must start her Journey, following where the Spirits lead. She will start her Journey in Germany, the starting point changing for each person but following as tradition dictates. Luckily for Jenelyn, a German couple who helped her mother on her own Journey, have agreed to let Jenelyn stay with them.
I loved the changes in German and American cultures and traditions, as seen through Jenelyn's eyes. She had a wide-eyed wonder about the architecture, places, and people that I thoroughly enjoyed. She was both naive and street-smart which worked for her. She makes friends and has great relationships with various people in her life, which just makes the goodbyes so much harder! Gretchen and Laszlo were brilliant characters with their own secrets but always supportive of Jenelyn.
I would say this book was a bit heavier on the mystery side than the Spirits. There wasn't as much on the supernatural side as I was expecting, but I still found it interesting, especially with how it all tied together. The book is immersive in Germany, so I expect the same will happen in the next book - I won't say where she's off to next so I don't spoil it for anyone.
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved the changes in German and American cultures and traditions, as seen through Jenelyn's eyes. She had a wide-eyed wonder about the architecture, places, and people that I thoroughly enjoyed. She was both naive and street-smart which worked for her. She makes friends and has great relationships with various people in her life, which just makes the goodbyes so much harder! Gretchen and Laszlo were brilliant characters with their own secrets but always supportive of Jenelyn.
I would say this book was a bit heavier on the mystery side than the Spirits. There wasn't as much on the supernatural side as I was expecting, but I still found it interesting, especially with how it all tied together. The book is immersive in Germany, so I expect the same will happen in the next book - I won't say where she's off to next so I don't spoil it for anyone.
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Ascension (Southern Spirits #7) in Books
Apr 25, 2023
Connor has been the mischievous spirit from Book 1, even when it wasn't the right time or place. So much so, that Sev is very surprised when Connor makes a comment and he is 100% correct about it. It was wonderful to read this part, and I hope that Connor gets the recognition for it, and realises that he doesn't have to be the pesky spirit all the time. Going by the end of the book, he still has that cheeky side but has rounded out other aspects of his personality.
Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed is that Laine, Sev and all the others, are AGING!! Yes, what happens to most people has now caught up to the town of McKinton. Although this is an unexpected twist that usually doesn't appear in books, I really enjoyed this and even enjoyed Connor's stealing of Sev's hair dye and facial creams.
With a supernatural sweet and hot love story, this is perfect for Connor and Ro's happy ending, whilst still leaving it open for more fun and frolics. Don't get me wrong though, this isn't always nice. There is a section about how Ro deals with his mum's death that is hard reading. JD is not a nice person and whilst I wanted him to get his comeuppance, I also understand that it wouldn't have been possible without raking Ro's name through the mud.
A wonderful addition to the series 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!
Nov 16, 2015
Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed is that Laine, Sev and all the others, are AGING!! Yes, what happens to most people has now caught up to the town of McKinton. Although this is an unexpected twist that usually doesn't appear in books, I really enjoyed this and even enjoyed Connor's stealing of Sev's hair dye and facial creams.
With a supernatural sweet and hot love story, this is perfect for Connor and Ro's happy ending, whilst still leaving it open for more fun and frolics. Don't get me wrong though, this isn't always nice. There is a section about how Ro deals with his mum's death that is hard reading. JD is not a nice person and whilst I wanted him to get his comeuppance, I also understand that it wouldn't have been possible without raking Ro's name through the mud.
A wonderful addition to the series 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!
Nov 16, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rafael (Anita Blake book 28) in Books
Jan 31, 2022
19 of 230
Book
Rafael (Anita Blake book 28)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Rafael, king of the wererats, must fight to the death to defend his crown. He wants Anita Blake, one of his closest allies, with him as he faces an opponent unlike any he’s faced before. He will ask Anita to risk everything to be at his side....
But some of the wererats fear that Rafael depends too much on Anita and her ties to the vampires. They believe that there is only room in America for one supernatural king, and Rafael will turn them into nothing more than food for the bloodsuckers.
Among his enemies, a new challenger has arisen who is younger, hungrier, and has dark secrets that could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Rafael will go into the magical heart of his people to find the power and violence that he needs to save them all, or die trying.
Ok so at first I thought oh god here we go again with all the relationship stuff BUT omg I loved it!!!! Rafael has been one of my favourites since book 1 I love him,so getting to know him more in this book was just so special. I loved catching up with Micah too I love that leopard. Anita was back to kicking ass too. Claudia is just brilliant. So much to love in such a short book I loved Anita using powers that we have forgotten she has. I could even stomach Jean Claude and Nathanial in this one as they are not my favourite boys at all unfortunately Asher is still a a massive no for me I would forgive him so fast! Overall the book was really good and finally we get some of the old Anita!
Book
Rafael (Anita Blake book 28)
By Laurell K Hamilton
Rafael, king of the wererats, must fight to the death to defend his crown. He wants Anita Blake, one of his closest allies, with him as he faces an opponent unlike any he’s faced before. He will ask Anita to risk everything to be at his side....
But some of the wererats fear that Rafael depends too much on Anita and her ties to the vampires. They believe that there is only room in America for one supernatural king, and Rafael will turn them into nothing more than food for the bloodsuckers.
Among his enemies, a new challenger has arisen who is younger, hungrier, and has dark secrets that could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Rafael will go into the magical heart of his people to find the power and violence that he needs to save them all, or die trying.
Ok so at first I thought oh god here we go again with all the relationship stuff BUT omg I loved it!!!! Rafael has been one of my favourites since book 1 I love him,so getting to know him more in this book was just so special. I loved catching up with Micah too I love that leopard. Anita was back to kicking ass too. Claudia is just brilliant. So much to love in such a short book I loved Anita using powers that we have forgotten she has. I could even stomach Jean Claude and Nathanial in this one as they are not my favourite boys at all unfortunately Asher is still a a massive no for me I would forgive him so fast! Overall the book was really good and finally we get some of the old Anita!
Gage (Angelbound Offspring #8) by Christina Bauer
Book
Gage runs the L’Griffe, AKA the dragon shifter mafia on Earth. Since the human realm has no...
Young Adult Fantasy Series
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Remembering Tree in Books
Oct 3, 2022
THE REMEMBERING TREE tells a story of magical healing and a belief in God, although it is not overly religious. When Gemma's husband dies, she is left alone, with just her fifteen-year-old daughter. Shortly after, her grandma dies and she is left a home, plus money for renovations, so they move there. Once at Moonstone House, things fall into place and Gemma realises things are not always as they seem.
Although this is listed as supernatural suspense, I would also add romance to that. Whilst not the main part, it does help and support the story move along.
I found this to be a quick and easy read, with the story pretty much going in the direction I thought it would. There are a few coincidences that raised my eyebrows as it seemed rather too easy, but that may just be me.
I was also left with a couple of questions - the main one being why wasn't Gemma named after a jewel? She named her daughter one, and it's what her family was known for, but she wasn't and it never explained why. I wanted to know!
I am probably in the minority here but the last part - the final ending, if you like - didn't do anything for me. In fact, for me, it actually took away from the story. I had enjoyed it up to that point but then felt a little let down.
All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending if you like cosy mysteries with a romantic element.
** 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!
Although this is listed as supernatural suspense, I would also add romance to that. Whilst not the main part, it does help and support the story move along.
I found this to be a quick and easy read, with the story pretty much going in the direction I thought it would. There are a few coincidences that raised my eyebrows as it seemed rather too easy, but that may just be me.
I was also left with a couple of questions - the main one being why wasn't Gemma named after a jewel? She named her daughter one, and it's what her family was known for, but she wasn't and it never explained why. I wanted to know!
I am probably in the minority here but the last part - the final ending, if you like - didn't do anything for me. In fact, for me, it actually took away from the story. I had enjoyed it up to that point but then felt a little let down.
All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending if you like cosy mysteries with a romantic element.
** 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!
Light My Pyre (Everwood Falls #1)
8.7
Rate It
Book
EVERWOOD FALLS… a small supernatural community tucked up in the Colorado Rockies where witches,...
Paranormal Romance Cozy Mystery
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Pale Immortal (Land of the Dead 1) in Books
Oct 24, 2023
157 of 235
Kindle
Pale Immortal ( Land of the Dead 1)
By Anne Frasier
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The legend:
A hundred years ago, in what is now called Old Tuonela, a killer known as the Pale Immortal walked the streets. When darkness fell children were rushed inside, doors and windows locked up tight. Some claimed the Pale Immortal bathed in blood, and that blood flooded the streets until the ground became saturated.
Even after the Pale Immortal's reign of terror ended, people were afraid. His death had come too late.
Many claimed the ground was cursed, and so a mass exodus took place. Every single person relocated to a new development five miles from the old one. A better location, they claimed. And prettier. On a bluff overlooking the river. Why had anyone settled at the old place, in such a dark valley?
Let's pretend Old Tuonela doesn't exist. Let's pretend we always lived here, in the new place.
Even though a hundred years has passed, many locals still like to pretend Old Tuonela isn't just beyond the outskirts of town where the softly rolling hills end abruptly, the valleys become dark and deep, and the roads turn back on themselves.
Look closely through the trees and you might see it on the other side of the Tuonela River.
This was different and kept me thinking all the way through about whether it was supernatural or not and if I’m perfectly honest I’m still not sure. The premise is really interesting and I a little confusing in the middle. But overall a really decent read. I do know I need to visit this place though it’s definitely drawn me in.
Kindle
Pale Immortal ( Land of the Dead 1)
By Anne Frasier
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The legend:
A hundred years ago, in what is now called Old Tuonela, a killer known as the Pale Immortal walked the streets. When darkness fell children were rushed inside, doors and windows locked up tight. Some claimed the Pale Immortal bathed in blood, and that blood flooded the streets until the ground became saturated.
Even after the Pale Immortal's reign of terror ended, people were afraid. His death had come too late.
Many claimed the ground was cursed, and so a mass exodus took place. Every single person relocated to a new development five miles from the old one. A better location, they claimed. And prettier. On a bluff overlooking the river. Why had anyone settled at the old place, in such a dark valley?
Let's pretend Old Tuonela doesn't exist. Let's pretend we always lived here, in the new place.
Even though a hundred years has passed, many locals still like to pretend Old Tuonela isn't just beyond the outskirts of town where the softly rolling hills end abruptly, the valleys become dark and deep, and the roads turn back on themselves.
Look closely through the trees and you might see it on the other side of the Tuonela River.
This was different and kept me thinking all the way through about whether it was supernatural or not and if I’m perfectly honest I’m still not sure. The premise is really interesting and I a little confusing in the middle. But overall a really decent read. I do know I need to visit this place though it’s definitely drawn me in.
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Fortuna Coin in Books
Jan 26, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)
You know how the blurb of a book stirs your interest? And then, if you're really fortunate, the book itself is so much better than anything you could have expected. Well, that was THE FORTUNA COIN for me.
This book is exactly what it says it is about - second chances and domestic violence. It doesn't pretty it up. It's all there, especially in the first few scenes. If you have any kind of triggers wrapped up in domestic violence, please be warned.
We go with Wendy as she time-travels back to the past, the chance to do over her life. She has hard choices to make, and she does them selflessly. It costs her a lot in one way, but she is enriched in another. She makes good friends and has her four daughters, all over again.
I can't say too much without giving away parts of the storyline, but I will say I was completely enthralled. I knew how I wanted Wendy to act, and I hated it when she didn't. But it was all for her reasons, not mine, so I guess it makes sense!
There is so much I want to say but can't, for fear of ruining it for someone else. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is a mixture of supernatural, contemporary, romance, and suspense - all delivered with perfect pacing and tension.
This was a fantastic story that I feel lucky enough to have read, and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it! Just watch out for triggers.
** 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!
Jan 26, 2022
This book is exactly what it says it is about - second chances and domestic violence. It doesn't pretty it up. It's all there, especially in the first few scenes. If you have any kind of triggers wrapped up in domestic violence, please be warned.
We go with Wendy as she time-travels back to the past, the chance to do over her life. She has hard choices to make, and she does them selflessly. It costs her a lot in one way, but she is enriched in another. She makes good friends and has her four daughters, all over again.
I can't say too much without giving away parts of the storyline, but I will say I was completely enthralled. I knew how I wanted Wendy to act, and I hated it when she didn't. But it was all for her reasons, not mine, so I guess it makes sense!
There is so much I want to say but can't, for fear of ruining it for someone else. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down. It is a mixture of supernatural, contemporary, romance, and suspense - all delivered with perfect pacing and tension.
This was a fantastic story that I feel lucky enough to have read, and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it! Just watch out for triggers.
** 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!
Jan 26, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3) in Books
Dec 31, 2022
226 of 230
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the Last Death 1) in Books
Jun 4, 2024
111 of 220
Kindle
It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the last death 1)
By Robyn Peterman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.
Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good.
But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ’they’ are and rip them a new one. One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues.
To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won't stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I'd like to turn back time. Now.
No can do.
Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, apparently.
This was really good. It was witty, funny, heartwarming and sad all at once. A lighthearted read quick read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next one.
Kindle
It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis ( Good to the last death 1)
By Robyn Peterman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.
Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good.
But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ’they’ are and rip them a new one. One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues.
To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won't stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I'd like to turn back time. Now.
No can do.
Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong?
Everything, apparently.
This was really good. It was witty, funny, heartwarming and sad all at once. A lighthearted read quick read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next one.