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Merissa (13398 KP) rated Bad at Being Good in Books
Dec 4, 2023
BAD AT BEING GOOD is a standalone story about friendship, loss, and how people deal with grief in their own ways. It is also about love, and how that can impact your life in ways you don't expect.
My heart went out to Benji from the very beginning. He has so much to deal with, at such a young age. I loved that Kellan was there for him... until he wasn't. And Milo, oh, Milo. He is such a sweetie. Also dealing with a lot, not the least of which was Benji ghosting him for a year, but he still has hope and tenacity.
I loved how this book shows how different people deal with grief. There isn't one-size-fits-all situation, and some of the ways aren't the healthiest, but there was hope by the end.
While giving you the lows, it also gave me the highs - seeing Benji and Milo develop their relationship with each other, and the steamy moments that brought, as well as their relationships with others in their lives.
There wasn't a single moment when I wasn't hooked by this story. 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!
Nov 29, 2023
My heart went out to Benji from the very beginning. He has so much to deal with, at such a young age. I loved that Kellan was there for him... until he wasn't. And Milo, oh, Milo. He is such a sweetie. Also dealing with a lot, not the least of which was Benji ghosting him for a year, but he still has hope and tenacity.
I loved how this book shows how different people deal with grief. There isn't one-size-fits-all situation, and some of the ways aren't the healthiest, but there was hope by the end.
While giving you the lows, it also gave me the highs - seeing Benji and Milo develop their relationship with each other, and the steamy moments that brought, as well as their relationships with others in their lives.
There wasn't a single moment when I wasn't hooked by this story. 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!
Nov 29, 2023
I loved this! We meet Mia at a pet bereavement group - but her cat, Pigeon, is alive and well. She lives with her husband, his son and her beloved house cat. Oh, and the ex-wife comes and goes as she pleases with her own key!
Mia’s life is very regimented, and this is apparent in every aspect. Especially work. She works for a socialite jewellery maker, who seems to have no business sense and asks Daddy for money for the business all the time.
And then everything seems to start going wrong at the same time, and Mia makes a lot of questionable, yet understandable, decisions.
There’s some graphic sex scenes (not a problem for me, but fair warning, as some of my fellow readers on The Pigeonhole didn’t appreciate them), and scenes where Mia struggles with her mental health, culminating in suicidal thoughts.
On the outside, Mia is all business and appears to be emotionally detached. On the inside, it’s clearly a maelstrom of feelings which are mainly caused by a terrible childhood and a stupid husband (I couldn’t think of a more appropriate word, and he is stupid).
I’ve read a couple of Dawn’s books now, and I should stop being so surprised at how thoughtful, emotional and funny they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I’m no cat lady (dogs all the way - but I do like cats too, so perhaps I’m a bit of both).
Mia’s life is very regimented, and this is apparent in every aspect. Especially work. She works for a socialite jewellery maker, who seems to have no business sense and asks Daddy for money for the business all the time.
And then everything seems to start going wrong at the same time, and Mia makes a lot of questionable, yet understandable, decisions.
There’s some graphic sex scenes (not a problem for me, but fair warning, as some of my fellow readers on The Pigeonhole didn’t appreciate them), and scenes where Mia struggles with her mental health, culminating in suicidal thoughts.
On the outside, Mia is all business and appears to be emotionally detached. On the inside, it’s clearly a maelstrom of feelings which are mainly caused by a terrible childhood and a stupid husband (I couldn’t think of a more appropriate word, and he is stupid).
I’ve read a couple of Dawn’s books now, and I should stop being so surprised at how thoughtful, emotional and funny they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I’m no cat lady (dogs all the way - but I do like cats too, so perhaps I’m a bit of both).
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Death by Hot Cocoa in Books
Nov 8, 2022
Escape from a Killer
Krissy Hancock has been talked into doing a Christmas themed escape room by her friend Rita. The game starts out with the participants being placed in separate rooms, but when they all meet up in the second room, they find the body of their host, Lewis, lying in a pool of spilled hot cocoa. Is Krissy locked in a room with a killer? Can she figure out the clues to the crime and the clues to escaping the room?
Since it had been so long since I read the first book, I really didn’t remember much about the characters in the series, but that is okay because almost the entire story takes place at the escape room. With Krissy trapped in a room with all the suspects, it is easy to get to know them. I hadn’t tried any escape rooms yet when I read this story, but I appreciated how this modern trend was used to update the locked room staple of the mystery genre. It was well done with the clues to both parts of the mystery layered in to the events. This one definitely kept me turning the pages.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Since it had been so long since I read the first book, I really didn’t remember much about the characters in the series, but that is okay because almost the entire story takes place at the escape room. With Krissy trapped in a room with all the suspects, it is easy to get to know them. I hadn’t tried any escape rooms yet when I read this story, but I appreciated how this modern trend was used to update the locked room staple of the mystery genre. It was well done with the clues to both parts of the mystery layered in to the events. This one definitely kept me turning the pages.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated The Scout (Legends Of Pern Coen: Fated #2) in Books
May 23, 2023
THE SCOUT is the second book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we continue with Bran and Seren's story. OH. MY. WORD!!! There is no middle book dip with this story! Instead, there are twists aplenty and an ending that will leave you gasping. It is SO good!
Bran and Seren are a wonderful couple and I love how their story progresses. I won't be sharing any spoilers, don't worry, but I will say that a lot goes on for them - some good, some not so good. Domhnall is still hanging around and going down in my estimation more and more. As for Aengus, my guess was correct but he is being played and it is breaking my heart. Alannah, I had such high hopes for but it seems she has been corrupted by Fianna. What will the future hold for Bran and Seren, as well as Alannah and Aengus?
This story will take you along, leading you on a merry dance as you read through the pages, completely immersed in the story. It is a very emotional read, especially that ending. I honestly can't wait for the third and final instalment. Absolutely fantastic and 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!
May 23, 2023
Bran and Seren are a wonderful couple and I love how their story progresses. I won't be sharing any spoilers, don't worry, but I will say that a lot goes on for them - some good, some not so good. Domhnall is still hanging around and going down in my estimation more and more. As for Aengus, my guess was correct but he is being played and it is breaking my heart. Alannah, I had such high hopes for but it seems she has been corrupted by Fianna. What will the future hold for Bran and Seren, as well as Alannah and Aengus?
This story will take you along, leading you on a merry dance as you read through the pages, completely immersed in the story. It is a very emotional read, especially that ending. I honestly can't wait for the third and final instalment. Absolutely fantastic and 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!
May 23, 2023
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Greed (Seven Princes of Sin #4) in Books
May 31, 2023
GREED is the fourth book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and more than one person meets their mate in this one!
Isabel and her two sons, Brandon and Will, were left with nothing when her husband died. He had used all her money and given everything to his mistress. Then she finds out her apartment is being condemned and they will have nowhere to live. With no other options, she goes to Club Greed to see if they can help. The help she receives is nothing like she expected and everything like she needed.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It is dark, in places, which just makes you appreciate the softer moments even more. Michael... gah, I can't wait to see what happens to him. He really is a piece of work. Well, they all are, but you know what I mean!
The overall story arc continues to move along and Lucifer remains an enigma. I would highly recommend you start from the beginning and work your way through, just to ensure you don't miss anything. GREED is a great addition to the series and is 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!
Feb 1, 2023
Isabel and her two sons, Brandon and Will, were left with nothing when her husband died. He had used all her money and given everything to his mistress. Then she finds out her apartment is being condemned and they will have nowhere to live. With no other options, she goes to Club Greed to see if they can help. The help she receives is nothing like she expected and everything like she needed.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It is dark, in places, which just makes you appreciate the softer moments even more. Michael... gah, I can't wait to see what happens to him. He really is a piece of work. Well, they all are, but you know what I mean!
The overall story arc continues to move along and Lucifer remains an enigma. I would highly recommend you start from the beginning and work your way through, just to ensure you don't miss anything. GREED is a great addition to the series and is 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!
Feb 1, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Knot Ready for Murder in Books
Mar 9, 2024
A Hitch on the Way to Get Hitched
Martha Rose has finally agreed to marry her long-suffering fiancé, but Crusher has a shock for her. He’s just learned that a marriage he thought was annulled decades ago never was. Even worse, his wife is coming to LA to visit. When Hadas arrives, she quickly makes it obvious that she is not going to let Crusher go easily. But then she is kidnapped. Can Martha figure out what is going on? Or is Crusher now a widower?
The previously unmentioned spouse is a trope I hate for being too much like a soap opera, but once we get past that, this proves to be a good mystery. There are plenty of surprises along the way to a great climax. While we do get a new over the top character here, the rest of the cast have been toned down some, which I appreciated. On the other hand, I wish we’d seen more of some of them, especially since this is the final book in the series. Fans who have read the entire series will be delighted with the final chapter, which sends the characters out well. As always, I enjoyed seeing towns I recognized pop up, but I really enjoyed seeing a local pizza place show up. I’ll miss spending time with these characters, but I was smiling when I set the book down.
The previously unmentioned spouse is a trope I hate for being too much like a soap opera, but once we get past that, this proves to be a good mystery. There are plenty of surprises along the way to a great climax. While we do get a new over the top character here, the rest of the cast have been toned down some, which I appreciated. On the other hand, I wish we’d seen more of some of them, especially since this is the final book in the series. Fans who have read the entire series will be delighted with the final chapter, which sends the characters out well. As always, I enjoyed seeing towns I recognized pop up, but I really enjoyed seeing a local pizza place show up. I’ll miss spending time with these characters, but I was smiling when I set the book down.
David McK (3623 KP) rated Mickey7 (Mickey7, #1) in Books
May 18, 2025
The Ship of Theseus.
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
A given (any) football team.
Triggers Broom. (from Only Fools and Horses)
And now this
They're all pretty much the same question: at what point does a given object become something different, when it's components are all gradually replaced over time?
I remember seeing a trailer for the movie based on this (said movie: Mickey 17) back in the early parts of 2025 and, whilst I thought it looked intriguing, never really felt like it was one I *had* to watch.
I've heard said movies gets bad reviews.
This, however, seemed to get good reviews and, when I saw it on sale on Kindle for something like 99pence, thought I might as well give it a shot.
I did enjoy it, which is mostly told from the snarky point of view of Mickey 7 himself: an expendable on a remote colony, whose job it is to do all those tricky nasty things that lead to his death, before being cloned with all of his memories intact - or, that is, all of his memories up to the point of his last 'upload'.
Believing that is what has happened on his latest mission, a new body is cloned: Mickey8, with memories up until about a fortnight before latest mission.
But Mickey7 survives and makes it back to base, where he then has to keep the fact that there are two of him about secret as this form of self-duplication is a serious no-no ...
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Heart of a Wolf (Viking Wolves #1) in Books
May 23, 2025
HEART OF A WOLF is the first book in the Viking Wolves series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book.
In this one, Kieran is visiting Iceland with his friend, Amanda, after finding his boyfriend cheating. After being given a beautiful carved wolf statue, he is whisked away to another time, where werewolves and fated mates are real. Will Kieran stay with Wulfric or will he return to his own time?
Paranormal and fated mates? We're talking insta-love then, right? Wrong! Wulfric feels a pull to Kieran but it's not insta-love and I loved that! As for Kieran, well, he's just a pathetic human so he won't have any idea anyway. These two together were amazing. I loved how Wulfric did small things for Kieran without making a big fuss, including cooking and training.
The inclusion of Norse mythology made this a great read, and I loved how the wood of Yggdrasil was used. This story had a multitude of characters I want to know more about and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
A great read and 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!
Jan 17, 2025
In this one, Kieran is visiting Iceland with his friend, Amanda, after finding his boyfriend cheating. After being given a beautiful carved wolf statue, he is whisked away to another time, where werewolves and fated mates are real. Will Kieran stay with Wulfric or will he return to his own time?
Paranormal and fated mates? We're talking insta-love then, right? Wrong! Wulfric feels a pull to Kieran but it's not insta-love and I loved that! As for Kieran, well, he's just a pathetic human so he won't have any idea anyway. These two together were amazing. I loved how Wulfric did small things for Kieran without making a big fuss, including cooking and training.
The inclusion of Norse mythology made this a great read, and I loved how the wood of Yggdrasil was used. This story had a multitude of characters I want to know more about and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
A great read and 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!
Jan 17, 2025
Merissa (13398 KP) rated The Enemy to the Living (The Wild Hunt #2) in Books
Sep 26, 2025
THE ENEMY TO THE LIVING is the second book in The Wild Hunt series, a spin-off from the Monsters of London series. I really recommend you read that series before embarking on this one, as the characters here are dealing with the consequences of what happened there.
This is Quinn and Asher's story. Quinn, we know quite well, but Asher has been a character of mystery up until now. Quinn is dealing with some heavy-duty emotions, which in turn lead to his wolf going AWOL. Asher is doing his job with the Hunt when he spots Quinn in a fighting cage. This seems to wake up all kinds of protective instincts in Asher. Will he be able to help Quinn before the fae take what they feel they are owed?
This was a great addition to the series, with emotions running high from beginning to end. I loved the way both Quinn and Asher provided what the other needed almost instinctively, with no fanfare, but just by being there. The little insights they had about each other were also good to read.
Told from both perspectives, this was a medium-paced, smooth read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Sep 26, 2025
This is Quinn and Asher's story. Quinn, we know quite well, but Asher has been a character of mystery up until now. Quinn is dealing with some heavy-duty emotions, which in turn lead to his wolf going AWOL. Asher is doing his job with the Hunt when he spots Quinn in a fighting cage. This seems to wake up all kinds of protective instincts in Asher. Will he be able to help Quinn before the fae take what they feel they are owed?
This was a great addition to the series, with emotions running high from beginning to end. I loved the way both Quinn and Asher provided what the other needed almost instinctively, with no fanfare, but just by being there. The little insights they had about each other were also good to read.
Told from both perspectives, this was a medium-paced, smooth read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Sep 26, 2025
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2025
BAD IDEA is the first book in the Brooklyn Kings series and we're off to an amazing start!
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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 20, 2025
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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 20, 2025