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ClareR (6253 KP) rated The Bones Beneath My Skin in Books
Oct 14, 2025
TJ Klune books are basically my dopamine hit. When life is a bit hectic and I’m having NO fun, then his books are a great place to retreat. It’s not all chilled-out and hugs, this book in particular was action packed! A special girl is trying to escape from some particularly unpleasant people, with the help of an ex-marine and a poor ex-journalist who happens to find the two squatting in his remote cabin.
Art is 10 and a very quirky young lady. She’s written as an inquisitive, outspoken child with a penchant for bacon. Alex, her protector, is quiet, brooding and clearly troubled. Nate spends most of the book being justifiably terrified.
Of course, there is found family at the heart of this thoroughly lovely book. It’s a TJ Klune, after all! I thought the Sci-fi element was a bit of a departure, but all his other themes are still there: found family, acceptance and love.
This is action packed and a fast, intense read - and you can’t knock a bit of sci-fi, can you?! (Well, I can’t anyway!).
Art is 10 and a very quirky young lady. She’s written as an inquisitive, outspoken child with a penchant for bacon. Alex, her protector, is quiet, brooding and clearly troubled. Nate spends most of the book being justifiably terrified.
Of course, there is found family at the heart of this thoroughly lovely book. It’s a TJ Klune, after all! I thought the Sci-fi element was a bit of a departure, but all his other themes are still there: found family, acceptance and love.
This is action packed and a fast, intense read - and you can’t knock a bit of sci-fi, can you?! (Well, I can’t anyway!).
The Key to Deceit
8.0
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The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to...
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Lyric (Love Sync Mates, Season Two) in Books
Feb 22, 2025
LYRIC is part of the Love Sync Mates Season Two series. Lyric/Lyrican is an athlete, the best of the best, but he's in pain and Lyrican has had enough. Jinn has his drink spiked and is left with a feral alpha intent on claiming him, even though he doesn't want it. These two meet when Jinn is fleeing in terror and Lyrican is there to protect him.
This is well-paced but fast and, considering Jinn has a feral stalker, is very low angst. I loved how the dragons and the people were distinctly separate beings while still being one and the same. This is the first book in this series (or the first) that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.
If I had a 'light and fuzzy' shelf, it would take pride of place. A great read that I absolutely recommend.
** 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 22, 2025
This is well-paced but fast and, considering Jinn has a feral stalker, is very low angst. I loved how the dragons and the people were distinctly separate beings while still being one and the same. This is the first book in this series (or the first) that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.
If I had a 'light and fuzzy' shelf, it would take pride of place. A great read that I absolutely recommend.
** 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 22, 2025
ClareR (6253 KP) rated The Sirens in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Well, we all know by now that I like a slow burn, and The Sirens delivers on that. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the Irish sisters being transported to Australia in the 1800’s, and indeed their story prior to this - along with the reason behind the modern day timeline.
Nature, the sea and the landscape of New South Wales all play a major role in this book, and the descriptions were so evocative. As someone who has never been to Australia, I was able to imagine the setting of this story.
The relationship between the sisters is a strange one: the older sister, Jess, seems very disconnected from her younger sister, doesn’t stay in touch, and when Lucy arrives unannounced at her house, Jess isn’t there. The house is in a state, and no-one knows where she is.
I really enjoyed the 1800 timeline: the oppression of the Transportation ship, the sisters, and their ending was *chef’s kiss* (I’m not saying 🤐).
A book of male violence and manipulation, and an interesting way to deal with it! I enjoyed this, but I do think it could be a marmite book (I like marmite).
Nature, the sea and the landscape of New South Wales all play a major role in this book, and the descriptions were so evocative. As someone who has never been to Australia, I was able to imagine the setting of this story.
The relationship between the sisters is a strange one: the older sister, Jess, seems very disconnected from her younger sister, doesn’t stay in touch, and when Lucy arrives unannounced at her house, Jess isn’t there. The house is in a state, and no-one knows where she is.
I really enjoyed the 1800 timeline: the oppression of the Transportation ship, the sisters, and their ending was *chef’s kiss* (I’m not saying 🤐).
A book of male violence and manipulation, and an interesting way to deal with it! I enjoyed this, but I do think it could be a marmite book (I like marmite).
I haven't read anything before about World War II from the German perspective and therefore was very interested to see how this is portrayed from that angle and whilst I found this book definitely provided insight of what it was like from Raffeiner's eyes, from what I have read in other books and seen in documentary's, I'm not sure how much was "missed", "forgotten" or "locked away" as the memories are too painful or too awful to talk about.
This is however a valuable read if you want to get some idea of what it was like for a "simple" German soldier; the vivid descriptions of the hardships of being on the Eastern frontline and how luck played a huge part in his life are well documented and it also gives a really good account of Raffeiner's tough early years growing up and the choices he had to make.
Whilst this isn't what I feel a comprehensive book on this subject, it is an important individual and personal story that is captivating and I need to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is however a valuable read if you want to get some idea of what it was like for a "simple" German soldier; the vivid descriptions of the hardships of being on the Eastern frontline and how luck played a huge part in his life are well documented and it also gives a really good account of Raffeiner's tough early years growing up and the choices he had to make.
Whilst this isn't what I feel a comprehensive book on this subject, it is an important individual and personal story that is captivating and I need to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Gathering Storm (Knights of Black Swan #5) in Books
Apr 3, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Oh my word, where to start? This whole series is one of the best that I have read and is permanently on my Kindle, as well as the 'real' books being bought as and when funds allow!
The characters themselves are wonderful and there are so many aspects to fall in love with - the men and women themselves, the relationships between them, their loyalty, their children, the Knights and Lady, the trainees, the Sovereign - the list goes on. Even in Book 5, this story is still fresh and the characters are still growing. I honestly couldn't say which one is my favourite as they are all magnificent. You meet some new characters in this book in the shape of 'original' vampires and Knights-in-training.
This book is again action packed and will leave you breathless. It made me laugh, it definitely made me cry. I was worried, stressed and tense. All these things are GOOD because it means that I have been drawn into the world that I am reading about.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
* Verified Purchase - September 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 7, 2016
The characters themselves are wonderful and there are so many aspects to fall in love with - the men and women themselves, the relationships between them, their loyalty, their children, the Knights and Lady, the trainees, the Sovereign - the list goes on. Even in Book 5, this story is still fresh and the characters are still growing. I honestly couldn't say which one is my favourite as they are all magnificent. You meet some new characters in this book in the shape of 'original' vampires and Knights-in-training.
This book is again action packed and will leave you breathless. It made me laugh, it definitely made me cry. I was worried, stressed and tense. All these things are GOOD because it means that I have been drawn into the world that I am reading about.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
* Verified Purchase - September 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 7, 2016
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Bittersweet (Faerie Song Trilogy #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
Just like the first book, this one is incredibly fast-paced and full of detail. The triangle that was hinted at in book 1 becomes stronger for a time before fading away to just two, but which two and will it last? This book is full of action and betrayal. It is hard to know who to trust and that is as a reader! I don't think I could cope with it for real.
One thing that I have to say is that it does become disjointed in places - and this is not me saying it due to being interrupted whilst reading because I wasn't - but at times, I did have to go back a page or two, just to see if I had missed something out.
On the whole, though, this is a very well-written, imaginative and descriptive piece of work. Having read books 1 and 2, I stand by my recommendation to all fans of YA Fantasy.
* 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!
July 29, 2016
One thing that I have to say is that it does become disjointed in places - and this is not me saying it due to being interrupted whilst reading because I wasn't - but at times, I did have to go back a page or two, just to see if I had missed something out.
On the whole, though, this is a very well-written, imaginative and descriptive piece of work. Having read books 1 and 2, I stand by my recommendation to all fans of YA Fantasy.
* 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!
July 29, 2016
The Happy Hoofer
8.0
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Book of the Month) Her new autobiography is full of drama... and obviously, from someone so...
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated Brothers and Sisters in Books
Mar 15, 2022
Are you looking for a warm-felt book for your child or children that shows the strong bond created between brothers and sisters? Well, this book “Brothers and Sisters” does just that. It shows it through the eyes of a little boy.
Your child can imagine themselves as the little boy with their siblings as Sisters having a bond with their brother and sister or just their sisters if that is what they have. Or just their brothers if that is all she has, or he has.
Parents will enjoy this book as it shows that siblings fight, but there is also that bond of love for every sibling as they get older. The picture is lovely. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and enjoying myself. I was able to see my cousins with their siblings being somewhat like this. I, at this point, did have some step-siblings and still cherish that.
This book is excellent for parents to have in the family home if they have quite a few children in their household. This book may help with what goes on with siblings, or you may have experience with siblings of your own.
Your child can imagine themselves as the little boy with their siblings as Sisters having a bond with their brother and sister or just their sisters if that is what they have. Or just their brothers if that is all she has, or he has.
Parents will enjoy this book as it shows that siblings fight, but there is also that bond of love for every sibling as they get older. The picture is lovely. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and enjoying myself. I was able to see my cousins with their siblings being somewhat like this. I, at this point, did have some step-siblings and still cherish that.
This book is excellent for parents to have in the family home if they have quite a few children in their household. This book may help with what goes on with siblings, or you may have experience with siblings of your own.
Marian Keyes never fails to disappoint me with her books, and this one is no exception.
Her humour is injected beautifully into this book, whilst still dealing with issues of infidelity, an eating disorder, financial problems and imperfect marriages. All of the issues in the book are dealt with so delicately while also ensuring that the issues should not be taken lightly by the reader.
Marian Keyes always makes sure that her humour is in the book, and there are some ridiculous bits that made me laugh out loud while reading but also some serious parts that reminded you about life and the things other people have to deal with.
I loved the story being about three different marriages in one family as well as their kids and loved that it was from the point of view of seven characters - Jessie, Johnny, Ed, Cara, Liam, Nell and Ferdia. I felt that by the end everyone’s stories were tied up quite nicely… except for Nell and Ferdia! I had hopes that things would work out for them, but I doubt we’ll ever find out unfortunately!
Another amazing Marian Keyes that has been added to my growing collection of her work.
Her humour is injected beautifully into this book, whilst still dealing with issues of infidelity, an eating disorder, financial problems and imperfect marriages. All of the issues in the book are dealt with so delicately while also ensuring that the issues should not be taken lightly by the reader.
Marian Keyes always makes sure that her humour is in the book, and there are some ridiculous bits that made me laugh out loud while reading but also some serious parts that reminded you about life and the things other people have to deal with.
I loved the story being about three different marriages in one family as well as their kids and loved that it was from the point of view of seven characters - Jessie, Johnny, Ed, Cara, Liam, Nell and Ferdia. I felt that by the end everyone’s stories were tied up quite nicely… except for Nell and Ferdia! I had hopes that things would work out for them, but I doubt we’ll ever find out unfortunately!
Another amazing Marian Keyes that has been added to my growing collection of her work.