Taken is the second book in the Five Fates series, and is Layla and Thaull's story. In this, we find out about Layla's past, and why she refuses to leTaken is the second book in the Five Fates series, and is Layla and Thaull's story. In this, we find out about Layla's past, and why she refuses to let anyone get close. Thaull is part Phantom and without an acknowledged bond to his mate, he will fall victim to the relentless rage that is part of his Phantom heritage.
This book is full of detail, agonising suspense, and steam. Whether Layla is fighting off Wraith, hitting the hay with Thaull, or trying to understand her past, she is definitely not a damsel in distress, much to Thaull's frustration as he tries to keep her in one place!
Very well written, and a wonderful book in the series, this gives you all the answers you need whilst still leaving you wanting the other stories. Definitely recommended and I will be reading more in this series when they become available.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merged review:
Taken is the second book in the Five Fates series, and is Layla and Thaull's story. In this, we find out about Layla's past, and why she refuses to let anyone get close. Thaull is part Phantom and without an acknowledged bond to his mate, he will fall victim to the relentless rage that is part of his Phantom heritage.
This book is full of detail, agonising suspense, and steam. Whether Layla is fighting off Wraith, hitting the hay with Thaull, or trying to understand her past, she is definitely not a damsel in distress, much to Thaull's frustration as he tries to keep her in one place!
Very well written, and a wonderful book in the series, this gives you all the answers you need whilst still leaving you wanting the other stories. Definitely recommended and I will be reading more in this series when they become available.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!...more
BLOOD BOUND is the third book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, and we continue with Hide and Hiro's story, with Asagi, of course!
Hide still can't showBLOOD BOUND is the third book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, and we continue with Hide and Hiro's story, with Asagi, of course!
Hide still can't show Hiro his affection, which leads to a chasm between them that seems as though it can't be breached. Hiro ends up leaving and, in doing so, finds friendship and love with a human, Takanori. Unfortunately, it was doomed from the beginning (human, remember!). Not only that, Taka becomes mortally ill.
Now, I'm going negative first, so be warned. I have no idea if it was my review copy, but none of the chapters gave any indication about who was speaking or even what year it was. This caused me confusion as I tried to figure out just what was going on and when, as we flip from times and characters as the story progresses. Each time it happened, I got kicked out of the story as I scrambled to keep up.
Moving to the positive - you get a beautiful but all-too-short romance with Taka and Hiro. PLUS, and this was a real benefit to me, you get the inside knowledge and history on Hide, Hiro, and even a little on Asagi. This really helped to put into perspective each character, their view of the world, and how they cope with it.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to find out where we go next. Absolutely 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! Jan 19, 2022
Merged review:
BLOOD BOUND is the third book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, and we continue with Hide and Hiro's story, with Asagi, of course!
Hide still can't show Hiro his affection, which leads to a chasm between them that seems as though it can't be breached. Hiro ends up leaving and, in doing so, finds friendship and love with a human, Takanori. Unfortunately, it was doomed from the beginning (human, remember!). Not only that, Taka becomes mortally ill.
Now, I'm going negative first, so be warned. I have no idea if it was my review copy, but none of the chapters gave any indication about who was speaking or even what year it was. This caused me confusion as I tried to figure out just what was going on and when, as we flip from times and characters as the story progresses. Each time it happened, I got kicked out of the story as I scrambled to keep up.
Moving to the positive - you get a beautiful but all-too-short romance with Taka and Hiro. PLUS, and this was a real benefit to me, you get the inside knowledge and history on Hide, Hiro, and even a little on Asagi. This really helped to put into perspective each character, their view of the world, and how they cope with it.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to find out where we go next. Absolutely 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! Jan 19, 2022...more
RHUYIN is the second book in the Sons of Hecate series and the potential is outstanding.
There are a few things about this book that make it hard to reRHUYIN is the second book in the Sons of Hecate series and the potential is outstanding.
There are a few things about this book that make it hard to read - switching from 1st to 3rd in one sentence, for example, or the name of the character changing, or wrong phrasing being used (intense and purposes). And then there is one of the main supporting characters suddenly changing sides with absolutely no forewarning whatsoever and no idea why. I felt as though I'd missed a chunk out and actually went back to re-read it. I would have preferred a little more backstory to Rhuyin, and more of him and Luke together. So far, I know Soma and Mageia bond and it makes them both stronger, but I would like to know more.
BUT, all that aside - and I'll repeat my first sentence - the potential is outstanding. You have a world similar yet different to our own, with positives and negatives in plain sight. The actual story arc is fascinating and I honestly can't wait to read more. The relationships between the characters (and not just those who have bonded) are wonderful to read, as they prove that 'brothers' doesn't always mean by blood.
I can't wait to read Erix's story and see what happens next. I know the part Betts will play but I look forward to seeing her in action. Even with all of the above, I still want to read the continuation of this story, and if that doesn't tell you how good it is, I don't know what will.
** 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! Jun 16, 2024...more
ELEX is the first book in the Sons of Hecate series and it's going to be a good one!
Elex is the son of a king and a slave woman, so doesn't have many ELEX is the first book in the Sons of Hecate series and it's going to be a good one!
Elex is the son of a king and a slave woman, so doesn't have many (if any) rights. Helios is an Illyrian, fighting against Elex's king. Just how are these two supposed to meet?
It's a long story and most of it is with the two of them being in separate places. They both go through hell, getting scars on the inside and out. You spend more time with Elex as he grows up and enters his training than you do with Helios, but the time with Helios is well spent. It is dark, dealing with torture and rape, as well as other sensitive subjects, so please be warned.
This book had the potential to be a 5-star read, even with the amount of world-building and setting up it had to do. What stopped it for me was a problem with the timeline, specifically in chapters 16 and 17. It jumps back and forth in a way that it shouldn't, dropping characters' names before they've even been introduced, caring for 60 Magoians before they've been found, and going out to recon the city and ending right back in the tunnels before going out. It all made sense, it just needed to be in the right order.
Even with that, it was still a great story that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. I can't wait to read the second book.
** 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! Jun 13, 2024...more
FAR FROM CAMELOT is the second book in the Far From series but can be read as a standalone.
Set in contemporary times, it features Merlin living in NYCFAR FROM CAMELOT is the second book in the Far From series but can be read as a standalone.
Set in contemporary times, it features Merlin living in NYC, owning a bookshop, and having one friend, Willow. His quiet life is disrupted when Mordred and his band, Dethrone the Queen, come to town. Merlin hates Mordred for killing Arthur - what he sees as his biggest failure as a friend. Mordred hates Merlin because of how he stood by and enabled Arthur's own particular brand of fatherhood. So you can imagine, when these two get together, the sparks fly, and I'm not talking glittery rainbow sparkles either.
I was completely enraptured by this book and struggled to put it down. Both MCs are in pain and hurting, and neither of them expects to find love, especially not with each other. Their path isn't smooth and it wouldn't work for everyone, but it worked for them. Both of them are also protective and possessive about the other.
I loved how it took most of the book before they returned to Camelot. I really enjoyed that because the story was actually about those two and them working it out, rather than expecting Camelot to have all the answers. (view spoiler)[And Mordred's insight, when he was with Gawain and Arthur about the problem being not that he was Morgan's son but Arthur's, broke my heart. (hide spoiler)]
If you like dark romance with hurt and pain as standard, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one. Loved 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! Mar 16, 2024...more
THE TREASURE OF RIGMORE HOUSE is the third book in the Betwixt the Sea and Shore series, set in 18th-century Scotland, complete with Selkies, Kelpies,THE TREASURE OF RIGMORE HOUSE is the third book in the Betwixt the Sea and Shore series, set in 18th-century Scotland, complete with Selkies, Kelpies, Trows, and Banshees!
We have seen Muireall in the previous two books. We see a different side to the one she usually presents in this story, together with the reasons for her behaviour. And then we have Niall, also known from the first two stories. If he's back in town, then trouble will surely follow... right?
The slow-burn between these two was a delight to read, especially when Muireall lets herself be true to who she really is, rather than who she is expected to be. Both of these characters have a redemption arc for differing reasons, and it was good to see it happen.
It was also good to see Briony and Adaira moving forward with their lives, and how it intermingled with Muireall and Niall's.
A great addition to the series that will both satisfy and leave you wanting more. 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! Mar 19, 2024...more
ABDUCTING ARTEMIS is the start of a new series called House of the Gods that mingles Greek mythology with science fiction.
Artemis is a goddess, marrieABDUCTING ARTEMIS is the start of a new series called House of the Gods that mingles Greek mythology with science fiction.
Artemis is a goddess, married, and has a young child. It seems as though she has everything. What no one knows is her husband, Everius, abuses her in multiple ways and she hasn't seen her daughter for years. She is kidnapped by Regan in a desperate attempt to save his children.
Hold onto your hats, folks, because this is a fast-paced and bumpy ride! Regan and Artemis get it together pretty quickly, so if a huge dollop of insta-love isn't your thing, you may not like it. However, the course of true love doesn't run smoothly, especially when you have an abusive husband and cruel captain to defeat.
The main characters are brilliant and I loved seeing how they reacted to each other and the situations they found themselves in. Hades is a favourite already, so I'm hoping to see more of him in the future.
You may have guessed from the blurb, but this story does cover some dark topics, so be warned if you have any triggers.
I found it to be thoroughly enjoyable 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, 2024...more
HEPHAESTUS is the fifth book in the Mythologay series but the first one I have read.
If you are anyone who knows anything about the Greek Gods, then yoHEPHAESTUS is the fifth book in the Mythologay series but the first one I have read.
If you are anyone who knows anything about the Greek Gods, then you will have some idea who Hephaestus is. In this story, you learn more about his birth, upbringing, and relationship with Hera. And then there is his relationship Hestio, the God of Family and Hearth, to name just a couple of his titles.
The pacing of this book is fairly fast, involving a bit of telling and now showing. This meant I was unable to have as much connection with the characters as I like, especially the main ones. I found this to be a rather gentle read that didn't require too much from me.
One thing I did find a little odd - Priapus. If he was indeed cursed to have an erection at all times but when he actually wanted one, then Hestio was never really in any danger, now was he?!
Anyway, an enjoyable read. ** 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 5, 2023...more
THE SUCCESSOR is a standalone book in the Tales of Pern Coen series and, next to Wraidd Elfennol, Pern Coen is my favourite island to be on.
We leave THE SUCCESSOR is a standalone book in the Tales of Pern Coen series and, next to Wraidd Elfennol, Pern Coen is my favourite island to be on.
We leave the Wolf Clan and move to Ceffyl, the Horse Spirit's home. The villagers are suffering and Geraint isn't at all concerned. He sends his distant cousin, Torin, off to find his ex-wife, Briallen. She has something Geraint wants, and he isn't prepared to accept no as an answer.
I loved this story! Torin and Briallen are perfect together, the warrior and the healer. Their relationship takes time to build and it is all the stronger for it. Cleena, Geraint's current wife, could have just been a simpering fool but, instead, she comes into her own, using her own mind and not just accepting what she is being told. Siarl and Gwyn are the best friends and Maldwyn is the mother figure. And we can't forget the kids, Hywel, Aneirin, and Deidre. All of these characters simply MAKE this book.
I will admit, I wanted Briallen and Torin to have their cottage by the sea but, I'm hoping, they will still have it as a romantic getaway! LOL The ending was absolutely perfect for the story. It certainly made my eyes leak.
Another jewel in the crown of Pern Coen 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Mar 16, 2023...more
IN DEEPER WATER is the second in the Aria and the Seven Seas series and continues where book one left off.
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod butIN DEEPER WATER is the second in the Aria and the Seven Seas series and continues where book one left off.
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod but it isn't as easy as you may think. Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here. Each kingdom is so very different from the previous ones. I love how Aria is herself, no matter what. The other members of her Pod become clear but the road to true love is never smooth, so Aria and her Pod have some work to do before they all get their HEA.
No middle-book slump for this series, no sirree. Instead, we have a story full of action and adventure, with plenty of steam. The relationships within the Pod make it so much more interesting than 'just' an erotic tale.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Can't wait for the finale. ** 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 11, 2022...more
SINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read thSINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read those - although I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more. ** 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 11, 2022...more
SMOKE ON THE WATER is the third book in the Mystic Beach series and features the quiet bass player, David, and sound engineer, Piper. These two are a SMOKE ON THE WATER is the third book in the Mystic Beach series and features the quiet bass player, David, and sound engineer, Piper. These two are a match made in heaven, but the devil is in the details. Those details being someone who thinks he has a claim over Piper already.
Man, everywhere you turn in this book there is a misogynistic jerk just waiting to be put in his place. Luckily for me, Ms Archer does that with aplomb. All in her own good time, of course, but it did happen.
The sparks between David and Piper are apparent from the very beginning but, for varying reasons, Piper asks they keep things on the down low. David isn't too happy about that but - for Piper - he agrees.
The thing I loved about this story is how the focus is on Piper and David. You could read this as a standalone. If you don't though, like me, you get all the little snippets of things that happened in books one and two, but from a different angle. I love that!
The other part I loved was that their social awkwardness disappeared when it was the two of them. They may say the wrong thing to others, but not really to each other. They were understanding of each other and gave encouragement whenever needed.
Hunter and Brighid are a favourite couple, and they now have company in David and Piper. Declan is next and I can't wait. I'm just hoping Rory gets her HEA because her backstory just about killed me! 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Nov 14, 2022...more
THE BANDALORE is the first book in the Pitch & Sickle series. It begins with Silas dying and coming back to life in a coffin, and no, he's not a vampiTHE BANDALORE is the first book in the Pitch & Sickle series. It begins with Silas dying and coming back to life in a coffin, and no, he's not a vampire. He isn't sure what he is now and has no idea who he was before. His memory of his previous life has disappeared, leaving him uncertain in a world full of uncertainties.
This is slow-burn - so slow there is no romance at all in this first book. That isn't an issue as I can see there is so much to this world, I am happy to take in all the details first and then move on to the romance.
Silas and Tobias are two very different souls. Silas is trusting, caring, and almost naïve. Tobias is obnoxious, and harsh, with a rather bitter view of the world. Is it justified? I think so, but I still have so much more to learn about his past.
I loved the addition of Black Annis being as I'm Leicestershire born and bred! It was very descriptive but remained true to the myths and legends surrounding her.
An intriguing start to a series where nothing is as it seems and you can't even trust the 'good' guys - if they are indeed good. I can't wait to continue with this series and see where it goes from here. 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! Sep 21, 2022...more
DAUGHTER OF THE SEA is a sweet romance with a mythological twist, set in North Yorkshire. Effie is widowed young and, on the same night as her husbandDAUGHTER OF THE SEA is a sweet romance with a mythological twist, set in North Yorkshire. Effie is widowed young and, on the same night as her husband dies, she finds a baby washed ashore. Her own son, Jack, is five-months-old, so Effie has milk available for both. She cares for -- and loves -- the little baby whilst continuing with her own life. All that changes when the dad shows up!
There is a hint of a love triangle in here, with both Lachlan and Walter vying for Effie's affection. Of course, you are pretty sure which way it will go, but the author keeps you guessing until the end.
The pacing is smooth and there are lots of details about how women lived, the whole way of life at that time, plus how Effie doesn't fit in or, really, know what she wants. The story is a slow-burn one in that it moves along quite slowly. However, that gives the reader time to fully immerse themselves in the past.
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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! Dec 21, 2021...more
ARIADNE UNRAVELED is a retelling that involves Ariadne (obviously), plus Dionysus, Theseus, Artemis, and so many more.
The story takes various myths anARIADNE UNRAVELED is a retelling that involves Ariadne (obviously), plus Dionysus, Theseus, Artemis, and so many more.
The story takes various myths and legends and weaves them into one epic story that features betrayal, transformation, friendship, loyalty, and love. Instead of the usual Athenian telling of the Minotaur, we hear from the Minoans themselves. We learn how their women knew things about their own bodies that others didn't. We see how the Minoans were a magical, intelligent race that made mistakes just like any other. And woven through is Dionysus as he feels his way and figures out just who he is.
Wow! Just... wow! What a story. So intricate and rich in detail, I was totally immersed in Ariadne's story. I loved hearing about her - both the big picture and also the small, intimate details that made her life. And, yes, I know this is myth, but with how it has been written, I could see myself there and it all seemed real. There were even tears shed at some points, it was that good! The pacing is perfect and the writing style is smooth.
This is the first book by this author I have read, but I can guarantee you it won't be the last. Absolutely brilliant 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Jul 6, 2021...more
Reap This Too is the second book in the Oh So Happy Holidays series and this time we meet up with Ian, Seamus' brother. He has been more interested inReap This Too is the second book in the Oh So Happy Holidays series and this time we meet up with Ian, Seamus' brother. He has been more interested in travelling than learning which colour candle means what but some of the things have stayed with him.
This is a fast-paced novella that takes you from the pyramids in Giza to Boston, just in time for Samhain. Seamus is there, of course, and we even get a cameo from Mine - but not in the way I hoped!!!
I think it would help if you have read book one because previous circumstances are mentioned in that book and it would give you a better idea of their family too. However, you COULD read this as a standalone if you really had to.
The connection between Khnurn and Ian is instantaneous but there is a depth to it that comes from their previous associations. I loved how sneaky Khnurn was toward the end and I'm sure these two have more adventures to tell us.
All in all, this was a great seasonal read with characters I either know and love or have loved getting to know. A great addition to the series and one I highly recommend. I just hope Mr Jadison has another story planned for Seamus and Mine!!!
* 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 11, 2020...more
Loading...
