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Merissa (14068 KP) rated Lord Frederick's Return in Books
Aug 29, 2025
LORD FREDERICK'S RETURN is a standalone novel, although with links to different books, that details the differences between India and England when Frederick returns to English shores after a long absence.
You don't see much of his time there, but then the title tells you it's not set in India! What you do see is enough to know about his life there and the reasons he has for returning to England. The uncertainties he faces are understandable enough, and it made perfect sense for him to visit someone who was in the same position.
This was a very genteel story, with plenty of historical details, rules, and regulations that helped to emphasise how different things are now. I wish I could say it was all different, but some attitudes seem to be the same, no matter where you live.
Frederick and Susannah are both well-written characters, although I have to say Ruperta steals every scene she is in. Frederick's close family, or most of it, are lovely, but there's always one or two. I would have liked to have known a little more about the newfound family and if anything came of their machinations, but that may just be me being greedy.
It finished with a delightful ending that I wasn't ready for! I do hope these characters will appear in future books, even as cameos. A great story that I definitely 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!
Aug 29, 2025
You don't see much of his time there, but then the title tells you it's not set in India! What you do see is enough to know about his life there and the reasons he has for returning to England. The uncertainties he faces are understandable enough, and it made perfect sense for him to visit someone who was in the same position.
This was a very genteel story, with plenty of historical details, rules, and regulations that helped to emphasise how different things are now. I wish I could say it was all different, but some attitudes seem to be the same, no matter where you live.
Frederick and Susannah are both well-written characters, although I have to say Ruperta steals every scene she is in. Frederick's close family, or most of it, are lovely, but there's always one or two. I would have liked to have known a little more about the newfound family and if anything came of their machinations, but that may just be me being greedy.
It finished with a delightful ending that I wasn't ready for! I do hope these characters will appear in future books, even as cameos. A great story that I definitely 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!
Aug 29, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters #1) in Books
Jan 27, 2026
couldn't see where this was going!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Once in a while, a review request comes through that is a little out of my normal reads, and the blurb piqued my interest. This is one of those times!
Kate is left a house, and she runs to it, after her love life is left in tatters. As a historian, she can work from home, so moving to Cornwall is no real hardship. That the house has a ghost, however, is another matter. And just what is up with her new neighbour, Tom?
For a long time, I couldn't see where this was going, with the ghost, the diary, the connection between them and Tom's extended family, I really couldn't and I do LOVE being kept on my toes! I really did not see how it was going to come together, and when it did?? So not what I was expecting.
It's well written, the spooky bits come across wonderfully and the blossoming romance is very much faded to black. Not totally clean, but it's all behind closed doors.
BUT
Only Kate has a say and I would love to have heard from Tom at key points along the way. I always want to hear from everyone but I think here, it's needed.
I've not read anything by this author before, I might look at her back list! This is what I love MOST about reviewing: finding new-to-me authors with back lists.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Once in a while, a review request comes through that is a little out of my normal reads, and the blurb piqued my interest. This is one of those times!
Kate is left a house, and she runs to it, after her love life is left in tatters. As a historian, she can work from home, so moving to Cornwall is no real hardship. That the house has a ghost, however, is another matter. And just what is up with her new neighbour, Tom?
For a long time, I couldn't see where this was going, with the ghost, the diary, the connection between them and Tom's extended family, I really couldn't and I do LOVE being kept on my toes! I really did not see how it was going to come together, and when it did?? So not what I was expecting.
It's well written, the spooky bits come across wonderfully and the blossoming romance is very much faded to black. Not totally clean, but it's all behind closed doors.
BUT
Only Kate has a say and I would love to have heard from Tom at key points along the way. I always want to hear from everyone but I think here, it's needed.
I've not read anything by this author before, I might look at her back list! This is what I love MOST about reviewing: finding new-to-me authors with back lists.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Hooked On You (EMS Station 1 #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2025
HOOKED ON YOU is the first book in the EMS Station 1 series and we begin with Connor, a paramedic, and Judah, the owner of a yarn shop. Connor suffers from GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) and his co-worker has suggested he learns to knit in order to help with that. Being as she's pregnant, he decides he will knit her a baby blanket. This brings him into contact with Judah and the attraction is there immediately, although Connor thinks he is straight, so there's that.
Both Connor and Judah were brilliant characters and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. I can say I didn't like Seb much though. Yes, he's supposed to be this happy-go-lucky kinda guy but he was also completely clueless and sometimes caused hurt where he didn't mean to but just didn't think.
I really enjoyed this story! It was so well written and I loved how although they both were attracted to each other, their friendship grew first. It felt very natural in the build-up to more, and both of their reactions afterwards made perfect sense. I think 'natural' would be my word for this book because not everything was easy but it wasn't with unnecessary angst either.
A great read by a new-to-me author. I give this book 4.5 stars and 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!
Feb 24, 2025
Both Connor and Judah were brilliant characters and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. I can say I didn't like Seb much though. Yes, he's supposed to be this happy-go-lucky kinda guy but he was also completely clueless and sometimes caused hurt where he didn't mean to but just didn't think.
I really enjoyed this story! It was so well written and I loved how although they both were attracted to each other, their friendship grew first. It felt very natural in the build-up to more, and both of their reactions afterwards made perfect sense. I think 'natural' would be my word for this book because not everything was easy but it wasn't with unnecessary angst either.
A great read by a new-to-me author. I give this book 4.5 stars and 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!
Feb 24, 2025
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Broken Heart Questioned (Bella and the Beast Master #5) in Books
Jul 1, 2025
BROKEN HEART QUESTIONED is the fifth novella in the Bella and the Beast Master series. You will need to read the others in this series to get the full enjoyment, but if it's just the mystery part you're after, then you 'could' read it as a standalone, but seriously - Why?
Markus returns to Bella after being called away for a few months. He has missed her desperately. Bella has also missed him just as much, but she's also had other things on her mind. Such as trying to keep the contents of her stomach from making a reappearance. Not only that, but those d@mned hormones are making life difficult. So maybe it's not the best time to investigate on behalf of someone who has been accused of murdering five women.
Do you know my favourite part of this book? Well, all of it, obviously, but THE favouritest part? Those hormones! Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to read about a pregnancy where everything isn't all sunshine and roses? For some, it is, yes, but not for everyone. So reading about how difficult it can make just day-to-day living was fantastic and something completely relatable.
I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this amazing author, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this series and the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. Simply superb!
** 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!
Jul 1, 2025
Markus returns to Bella after being called away for a few months. He has missed her desperately. Bella has also missed him just as much, but she's also had other things on her mind. Such as trying to keep the contents of her stomach from making a reappearance. Not only that, but those d@mned hormones are making life difficult. So maybe it's not the best time to investigate on behalf of someone who has been accused of murdering five women.
Do you know my favourite part of this book? Well, all of it, obviously, but THE favouritest part? Those hormones! Do you have any idea how wonderful it is to read about a pregnancy where everything isn't all sunshine and roses? For some, it is, yes, but not for everyone. So reading about how difficult it can make just day-to-day living was fantastic and something completely relatable.
I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this amazing author, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this series and the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. Simply superb!
** 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!
Jul 1, 2025
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Composed (The Art of Love #7) in Books
Dec 23, 2025
COMPOSED is the seventh book in The Art of Loving series, and features Nally (Ronald) Hawthorne, the youngest of the bunch, and his BFF, Jude. Nally has just composed the soundtrack to a film and is swept away by all the publicity and social media attention. However, social media is where Jude excels, so he is more than happy to become Nally's agent for a while. There is a fly in the ointment, though, in the shape of a stalker 'fan', who seems to think Nally is his.
I thought this was really well-written, showing just how simple yet complicated a relationship can be between two men who have been lifelong friends, especially when there is a bad relationship example with another friend to get hung up on. And yes, I loved how it was resolved with Tim!
I thought the two of them made for a perfect pair, and both were slightly naive. I'm unsure if it's in a "they're supposed to be like that, because they're aristos" kind of way, or if that's just how I was reading it. That surprised me with Jude, especially with the stalker situation, as I thought he would have been more aware of things, due to his being an influencer.
This was an easy read that had both drama and lighthearted moments. 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!
Dec 23, 2025
I thought this was really well-written, showing just how simple yet complicated a relationship can be between two men who have been lifelong friends, especially when there is a bad relationship example with another friend to get hung up on. And yes, I loved how it was resolved with Tim!
I thought the two of them made for a perfect pair, and both were slightly naive. I'm unsure if it's in a "they're supposed to be like that, because they're aristos" kind of way, or if that's just how I was reading it. That surprised me with Jude, especially with the stalker situation, as I thought he would have been more aware of things, due to his being an influencer.
This was an easy read that had both drama and lighthearted moments. 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!
Dec 23, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Make Them Obey (Pretty Deadly Things #5) in Books
May 16, 2026
doesn't quite hit the spot :-(
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, and you do need to read them in order. Much is not recapped and there is that on-going story arc. I enjoyed those 4 books, thoroughly.
But here's the thing. This one? Not so much, and I've no idea why! My book brain can't figure it out, and it's stressful!
Poe was the bad guy in the previous book. Given how tight knit this group are, it was always going to be something massive to make him switch sides. His sister being kidnapped did that. Poe's jailer sets off all kinds of bells and whistles, and not only the smexy kind. Orchid is hiding something.
This review will be short, cos I don't wanna bash this book, cos I did finish it and I really want to see an end to Seraphina and her trafficking ring!
I loved that Orchid was so dominant with Poe, but she does let her guard down a time or two. I think I saw what she was hiding coming at me, but still.
Given how this ends, it's got to be a happy for now/cliffhanger. I also said that, in my review for Hurt, that Ozzie and Salem's story felt unfinished and it would feel more finished in this book. Well, it doesn't. And there is what ever is going on with Salem's dad to deal with, cos that one has thrown me, completely!
3 good stars, but not sure what is so different!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, and you do need to read them in order. Much is not recapped and there is that on-going story arc. I enjoyed those 4 books, thoroughly.
But here's the thing. This one? Not so much, and I've no idea why! My book brain can't figure it out, and it's stressful!
Poe was the bad guy in the previous book. Given how tight knit this group are, it was always going to be something massive to make him switch sides. His sister being kidnapped did that. Poe's jailer sets off all kinds of bells and whistles, and not only the smexy kind. Orchid is hiding something.
This review will be short, cos I don't wanna bash this book, cos I did finish it and I really want to see an end to Seraphina and her trafficking ring!
I loved that Orchid was so dominant with Poe, but she does let her guard down a time or two. I think I saw what she was hiding coming at me, but still.
Given how this ends, it's got to be a happy for now/cliffhanger. I also said that, in my review for Hurt, that Ozzie and Salem's story felt unfinished and it would feel more finished in this book. Well, it doesn't. And there is what ever is going on with Salem's dad to deal with, cos that one has thrown me, completely!
3 good stars, but not sure what is so different!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Warrior's Heart (Iron Portal, #3) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
I am loving the Iron Portal series and Warrior's Heart is no exception. Vince was taken away abruptly by the army ten years ago, and presumed dead by his family for a long time. Zara was the one left behind that no one knew about but with a present of her own. Both these people have to fight to survive and have their own demons to bear, Vincent's just being more physical. What the 'Doctor' did to him was sickening, and his reasoning for it, although it sort of made sense in a twisted sort of way, absolutely did not excuse what he was doing to the Talents. Zara honed her Talent and used it to 'rescue' items that had been stolen from Cascadia. When she learns that Vincent is alive and can be found, she uses her Talent to rescue him too.
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* 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!
Jul 02, 2015
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* 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!
Jul 02, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Girl from Widow Hills in Books
May 7, 2023
55 of 235
Book
The Girl from Widow Hills
By Megan Miranda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows the story of “the girl from Widow Hills.”
Arden Maynor was just a child when she was swept away while sleepwalking during a terrifying rainstorm and went missing for days. Strangers and friends, neighbors and rescue workers, set up search parties and help vigils, praying for her safe return. Against all odds, she was found, alive, clinging to a storm drain. The girl from Widow Hills was a living miracle. Arden’s mother wrote a book. Fame followed. Fans and fan letters, creeps, and stalkers. And every year, the anniversary. It all became too much. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and disappeared from the public eye.
Now a young woman living hundreds of miles away, Arden goes by Olivia. She’s managed to stay off the radar for the last few years. But with the twentieth anniversary of her rescue approaching, the media will inevitably renew its interest in Arden. Where is she now? Soon Olivia feels like she’s being watched and begins sleepwalking again, like she did long ago, even waking up outside her home. Until late one night, she jolts awake in her yard. At her feet is the corpse of a man she knows—from her previous life, as Arden Maynor.
I actually wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did! The story was really good and was written really well. I wasn’t expecting the end either. It was nice to have not worked out the culprit before the end for a change.
Book
The Girl from Widow Hills
By Megan Miranda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows the story of “the girl from Widow Hills.”
Arden Maynor was just a child when she was swept away while sleepwalking during a terrifying rainstorm and went missing for days. Strangers and friends, neighbors and rescue workers, set up search parties and help vigils, praying for her safe return. Against all odds, she was found, alive, clinging to a storm drain. The girl from Widow Hills was a living miracle. Arden’s mother wrote a book. Fame followed. Fans and fan letters, creeps, and stalkers. And every year, the anniversary. It all became too much. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and disappeared from the public eye.
Now a young woman living hundreds of miles away, Arden goes by Olivia. She’s managed to stay off the radar for the last few years. But with the twentieth anniversary of her rescue approaching, the media will inevitably renew its interest in Arden. Where is she now? Soon Olivia feels like she’s being watched and begins sleepwalking again, like she did long ago, even waking up outside her home. Until late one night, she jolts awake in her yard. At her feet is the corpse of a man she knows—from her previous life, as Arden Maynor.
I actually wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did! The story was really good and was written really well. I wasn’t expecting the end either. It was nice to have not worked out the culprit before the end for a change.
weird and wacky but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Fall to Pieces in Books
Dec 11, 2021
loved the back seat the romance takes!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, I liked it a lot!
Xavier is sent to assess Alexandra's mental capacity to do her job, following the suicide of her detective husband. But things are not as they seem and Xavier and Alex are soon fighting her department as well as a child killer hellbent on driving Alex mad.
This is a dark book. Suicide, child murder and abuse. How cops deal with stress. And I liked that. I liked that it made me think about those things. I have no triggers though, and some readers might not like it.
Both Alex and Xavier have a say, and they have a lot to say about a lot of things! Both of them are suffering from things that happened but while Alex' is (mostly) clear from the start, it takes time to get the whole picture. Xavier's pain is far deeper and we don't get the whole picture there til much later. I like being made to wait.
The romance between Alex and Xavier takes a back seat to the crime aspect of the book and I loved the twist that took. I did think Alex would push Xavier away more than once and, Lord she tries! But Xavier is strong and even though the reasons he comes into Alex' life are beyond his control, keeping her safe is within his control and he will do that.
I liked this, a lot. It's the first I've read of this author, I would like to read more.
4 stars
*same worded review ill appear elsewhere
I liked this book, I liked it a lot!
Xavier is sent to assess Alexandra's mental capacity to do her job, following the suicide of her detective husband. But things are not as they seem and Xavier and Alex are soon fighting her department as well as a child killer hellbent on driving Alex mad.
This is a dark book. Suicide, child murder and abuse. How cops deal with stress. And I liked that. I liked that it made me think about those things. I have no triggers though, and some readers might not like it.
Both Alex and Xavier have a say, and they have a lot to say about a lot of things! Both of them are suffering from things that happened but while Alex' is (mostly) clear from the start, it takes time to get the whole picture. Xavier's pain is far deeper and we don't get the whole picture there til much later. I like being made to wait.
The romance between Alex and Xavier takes a back seat to the crime aspect of the book and I loved the twist that took. I did think Alex would push Xavier away more than once and, Lord she tries! But Xavier is strong and even though the reasons he comes into Alex' life are beyond his control, keeping her safe is within his control and he will do that.
I liked this, a lot. It's the first I've read of this author, I would like to read more.
4 stars
*same worded review ill appear elsewhere