Search
Search results
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Taken (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #7) in Books
Sep 19, 2025
TAKEN is the seventh and final book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series, and I absolutely recommend you read the others first. This is not a standalone, and you will likely be confused by the number of characters, as well as the overarching arc of the series.
Now, I read book 6 a while ago, so forgive me if I can't remember just how Fallon and Cal met. However, when we catch up with them, they are still at the 'nothing can happen between us' stage. Fallon is a strong character, caught between her job as a Tracer and her six-year-old son, Jonah. The worlds collide when Jonah is kidnapped by Rossi. At the same time, President Payne's daughter is also attacked, leaving Fallon once again torn as she tries to do everything.
Told from both Cal and Fallon's perspectives, you get a full picture of what's going on both between them and the bigger picture with Rossi. Some of it is hard reading, especially when talking about children being kidnapped and abused. I can't really say the ending surprised me, as I've been waiting for it for a few books now. Still, it was a gripping and exciting read.
An epilogue gives a nice finale, although I was confused with all the names of the children, as not all of whom have been met previously.
So long as you start at the beginning, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
** 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!
Sep 19, 2025
Now, I read book 6 a while ago, so forgive me if I can't remember just how Fallon and Cal met. However, when we catch up with them, they are still at the 'nothing can happen between us' stage. Fallon is a strong character, caught between her job as a Tracer and her six-year-old son, Jonah. The worlds collide when Jonah is kidnapped by Rossi. At the same time, President Payne's daughter is also attacked, leaving Fallon once again torn as she tries to do everything.
Told from both Cal and Fallon's perspectives, you get a full picture of what's going on both between them and the bigger picture with Rossi. Some of it is hard reading, especially when talking about children being kidnapped and abused. I can't really say the ending surprised me, as I've been waiting for it for a few books now. Still, it was a gripping and exciting read.
An epilogue gives a nice finale, although I was confused with all the names of the children, as not all of whom have been met previously.
So long as you start at the beginning, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
** 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!
Sep 19, 2025
Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Selkie's Mate (Waves of Fate #2) in Books
Feb 4, 2026 (Updated Feb 4, 2026)
THE SELKIE'S MATE is the second book in the Waves of Fate series, and I would definitely recommend you read these in order. If you didn't like Cody in Gregory and Daniel's book, I can pretty much guarantee you won't like him in here!
We begin at Gregory and Daniel's wedding, where Winston hears Henri speak for the first time. If you've read book one, you will know that is how Selkies find their mates - through the sound of their mate's voice. In one respect, the courtship between Winston and Henri isn't nearly as complicated as Gregory and Daniel. On the other hand, it's a whole lot more involved and emotional. We're talking a stalker, the loss of an unborn baby, and someone not entirely sane.
I can see it going one of two ways with Cody. Either he will find redemption in the form of his own mate, down a long and rocky road. Or he will become the Big Bad. I am here to find out which way it will go!!!
I loved how the Selkies speak slightly formally, due to their long lives. I also love the relationships between both the main characters and the supporting ones who have either had their story told, or will have it told in the future (fingers crossed!) I did love his Selkie though, so that's one redeeming feature he has.
A great addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait to see who comes next. 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 4, 2026
We begin at Gregory and Daniel's wedding, where Winston hears Henri speak for the first time. If you've read book one, you will know that is how Selkies find their mates - through the sound of their mate's voice. In one respect, the courtship between Winston and Henri isn't nearly as complicated as Gregory and Daniel. On the other hand, it's a whole lot more involved and emotional. We're talking a stalker, the loss of an unborn baby, and someone not entirely sane.
I can see it going one of two ways with Cody. Either he will find redemption in the form of his own mate, down a long and rocky road. Or he will become the Big Bad. I am here to find out which way it will go!!!
I loved how the Selkies speak slightly formally, due to their long lives. I also love the relationships between both the main characters and the supporting ones who have either had their story told, or will have it told in the future (fingers crossed!) I did love his Selkie though, so that's one redeeming feature he has.
A great addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait to see who comes next. 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 4, 2026
Debbiereadsbook (1780 KP) rated Protecting What's Mine (Men Of Maddox Security #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2025
fast intense read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Festive Fugitive (Murder and Mistletoe #3) in Books
Oct 31, 2025
FESTIVE FUGITIVE is the third book in the Murder and Mistletoe series, but you can read it as a standalone, as I have. It is listed as a dark romance, so please take note of that if you have any triggers.
The story begins with Cesar asking his 'boss' for a final tattoo - that sounds okay, right? Well, it turns out, he gets a tattoo to celebrate the best job of the year, and his boss has been delaying it for two years. Oh, and I guess I should mention that his boss is also his sort-of adopted father, who has trained and tortured him to become a sociopathic assassin! When said boss is killed by someone pushed to their very limits, Cesar decides that the skinny, surely-soon-to-be-captured killer is his new boss, and helps him out every way he can. Let the fun begin.
This was a quick and easy read, surprisingly cute and fluffy in amidst all the murder and violence, with s3x on pretty much every page once Cesar and Eli get together. They become each other's safe space in a world where they haven't had that in far too long. Now, if I'm talking reality (which I'm not!), then their relationship is probably toxic as hell, but they are so happy in their little murder bubble, so why not!
My first festive book of the year, 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 31, 2025
The story begins with Cesar asking his 'boss' for a final tattoo - that sounds okay, right? Well, it turns out, he gets a tattoo to celebrate the best job of the year, and his boss has been delaying it for two years. Oh, and I guess I should mention that his boss is also his sort-of adopted father, who has trained and tortured him to become a sociopathic assassin! When said boss is killed by someone pushed to their very limits, Cesar decides that the skinny, surely-soon-to-be-captured killer is his new boss, and helps him out every way he can. Let the fun begin.
This was a quick and easy read, surprisingly cute and fluffy in amidst all the murder and violence, with s3x on pretty much every page once Cesar and Eli get together. They become each other's safe space in a world where they haven't had that in far too long. Now, if I'm talking reality (which I'm not!), then their relationship is probably toxic as hell, but they are so happy in their little murder bubble, so why not!
My first festive book of the year, 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 31, 2025
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Solomon's Sieve (Knights of Black Swan #7) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This book starts with a speed date from hell and someone talking to you from the afterlife - I kid you not! Only Victoria Danann could bring those things together and make it work in such a way that it seems absolutely 'normal'.
Being back with the Black Swan is always a pleasure and this book is no different. After six previous books, there is a sense of familiarity with how characters will react, what they will say, what their body language will tell you.
The one thing I will say about this book - and it is also the reason I am only giving 4 stars instead of the usual 5 to Victoria - is that it is such a busy book! There are a lot of things going on so you will need to read carefully. For example, you have the Sol/Farnsworth story, Raif and Mercy, B Team being brought back from retirement, Z Team having their babysitting mission, and Rosie having her sabbatical. Unfortunately for me, it felt like there was so much going on that I missed out on parts. I would have loved for Raif and Mercy to have their own story, linked with Farnsworth's search. I felt like they were only in the book for a couple of scenes and now they're together.
This is my only 'niggle' with the book and of course, I can still highly recommend this series as one of the best paranormal romances that I have read. These books are definitely keepers and are to be kept, cherished and re-read for years to come.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 6, 2016
Being back with the Black Swan is always a pleasure and this book is no different. After six previous books, there is a sense of familiarity with how characters will react, what they will say, what their body language will tell you.
The one thing I will say about this book - and it is also the reason I am only giving 4 stars instead of the usual 5 to Victoria - is that it is such a busy book! There are a lot of things going on so you will need to read carefully. For example, you have the Sol/Farnsworth story, Raif and Mercy, B Team being brought back from retirement, Z Team having their babysitting mission, and Rosie having her sabbatical. Unfortunately for me, it felt like there was so much going on that I missed out on parts. I would have loved for Raif and Mercy to have their own story, linked with Farnsworth's search. I felt like they were only in the book for a couple of scenes and now they're together.
This is my only 'niggle' with the book and of course, I can still highly recommend this series as one of the best paranormal romances that I have read. These books are definitely keepers and are to be kept, cherished and re-read for years to come.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 6, 2016
Fix Up (Patch Up #2)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Saying “I love you'' doesn’t erase the old scars and fears. "I love you to insanity. I'm not...
Contemporary Romance
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Jaws (1975) in Movies
Apr 20, 2022
When you think of classic blockbusters, or classic horror, or classic creature features, Jaws is surely a title that will spring to mind. A true masterpiece of cinema that manages to fit and excel in all of the above categories.
Spielberg completely changed how films were planned and released with what is widely considered to be the first summer blockbuster, and all these years later, it's still an effective rollercoaster ride.
The opening scene is utterly harrowing without a drop of blood to be seen, and sets the tone in a dramatic and iconic manner. After some efficient character introductions, we're straight into one of the most anxiety inducing scenes in cinema history, as Chief Brody sits on a packed beach, scanning the shore for danger. The constant barrage of characters interrupting his line of view and talking at him, over him, over eachother, it's almost unbearable, and is paid off with a truly horrifying moment. It's one of many scenes in Jaws that flaunts some masterful editing.
The second half of the film is essentially the three leads - Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss - all jostling to chew up the scenery. The chemistry between all of them is wonderful, from the thrilling chase of hunting the shark, to them kicking back, trading scar stories and singing shanties, to Quints incredible monologue, to the infamous Ahab-esque climax. It's a joy to watch unfold.
The shark itself has a tendency to look a little goofy by todays standards, but an incredible feat for the time.
Jaws is held in such high regard for a reason. It's a film that truly thrills, scares, and delights its audience in equal measure, and still stands tall almost 50 years later. One of the best of all time.
Spielberg completely changed how films were planned and released with what is widely considered to be the first summer blockbuster, and all these years later, it's still an effective rollercoaster ride.
The opening scene is utterly harrowing without a drop of blood to be seen, and sets the tone in a dramatic and iconic manner. After some efficient character introductions, we're straight into one of the most anxiety inducing scenes in cinema history, as Chief Brody sits on a packed beach, scanning the shore for danger. The constant barrage of characters interrupting his line of view and talking at him, over him, over eachother, it's almost unbearable, and is paid off with a truly horrifying moment. It's one of many scenes in Jaws that flaunts some masterful editing.
The second half of the film is essentially the three leads - Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss - all jostling to chew up the scenery. The chemistry between all of them is wonderful, from the thrilling chase of hunting the shark, to them kicking back, trading scar stories and singing shanties, to Quints incredible monologue, to the infamous Ahab-esque climax. It's a joy to watch unfold.
The shark itself has a tendency to look a little goofy by todays standards, but an incredible feat for the time.
Jaws is held in such high regard for a reason. It's a film that truly thrills, scares, and delights its audience in equal measure, and still stands tall almost 50 years later. One of the best of all time.
Where to begin with this book? Well, first off, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was lost in the story whilst I read - it’s very ‘all-consuming’. The main reason for that is that it’s completely out there! It’s unpredictable. I tried to think of another couple of words to go with that, but I can’t get any better than ‘unpredictable’ to be honest.
The pandemic of teenage suicides is disturbing, and reflects their despair at the state of the world left for them by previous generations. Parents with money think that they can prevent their childs’ suicide and cure their anxiety throwing money and anti-depressants at the ‘problem’, and sending them to an Anxiety Abatement Centre - and that’s how Simon meets the Prophet and Louise. And that’s where the quest begins.
It turns out that adults are responsible for more than Climate Change. You can add child abuse and big Pharma into the mix as well. And then there’s the political state of the country, where no party is any better than the other, and what’s more, they’re interchangeable. There was a lot of head nodding going on as I read.
And Noah Hawley breaks the 4th wall as he talks directly to the reader, talking about his thought process in writing the novel.
This book is a huge exaggeration of the state of the world, at the same time as it’s not. I hope it doesn’t come to the things that happen in Anthem, but we’ve seen snapshots of it on the news already.
It’s just the right level of crazy, believable, unbelievable, mind-blowing fiction that keeps me well-entertained. I know Noah Hawley is a screen writer, and I can see this as a film - hey, I’d watch it.
The pandemic of teenage suicides is disturbing, and reflects their despair at the state of the world left for them by previous generations. Parents with money think that they can prevent their childs’ suicide and cure their anxiety throwing money and anti-depressants at the ‘problem’, and sending them to an Anxiety Abatement Centre - and that’s how Simon meets the Prophet and Louise. And that’s where the quest begins.
It turns out that adults are responsible for more than Climate Change. You can add child abuse and big Pharma into the mix as well. And then there’s the political state of the country, where no party is any better than the other, and what’s more, they’re interchangeable. There was a lot of head nodding going on as I read.
And Noah Hawley breaks the 4th wall as he talks directly to the reader, talking about his thought process in writing the novel.
This book is a huge exaggeration of the state of the world, at the same time as it’s not. I hope it doesn’t come to the things that happen in Anthem, but we’ve seen snapshots of it on the news already.
It’s just the right level of crazy, believable, unbelievable, mind-blowing fiction that keeps me well-entertained. I know Noah Hawley is a screen writer, and I can see this as a film - hey, I’d watch it.
Round Up the Usual Peacocks
9.0
Rate It
Book
New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews first introduced us to Meg Langslow as a...
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Shot Across the Bow (Deep Six #5) in Books
Nov 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
SHOT ACROSS THE BOW is the fifth book in the Deep Six series and is the turn of Romeo and Mia. Romeo - as you can tell by the nickname - is a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy, whereas he thinks Mia has relationship written all over her. So, they both put each other in the dreaded #FriendZone, even though that's not where either of them wants to be.
If one good thing could come out of a plane crash, it's that it got them talking and stopped skirting around the edges. Once a certain conversation happens, all bets are off as to what will happen next. They both have a lot of emotional trauma and baggage to work through.
Doc and Cami meet for the first time in this book and the sharp-edged banter starts, which I think will continue all the way through their book. We don't see much of any of the others, and nothing at all of Wolf and Chrissy from book four.
There's not much at all of the historical story to this one, so I didn't get as much as I wanted, but that's probably just me. The mystery side of it didn't really grab me either as I thought it was quite obvious who was behind it, and what the reasons were.
On the whole, this was a steamy read with lots of sexual tension to begin with. I enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 29, 2021
If one good thing could come out of a plane crash, it's that it got them talking and stopped skirting around the edges. Once a certain conversation happens, all bets are off as to what will happen next. They both have a lot of emotional trauma and baggage to work through.
Doc and Cami meet for the first time in this book and the sharp-edged banter starts, which I think will continue all the way through their book. We don't see much of any of the others, and nothing at all of Wolf and Chrissy from book four.
There's not much at all of the historical story to this one, so I didn't get as much as I wanted, but that's probably just me. The mystery side of it didn't really grab me either as I thought it was quite obvious who was behind it, and what the reasons were.
On the whole, this was a steamy read with lots of sexual tension to begin with. I enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 29, 2021