Merissa Sheppard

Dragon’s Pupils - The Peaks (Dragon's Pupils Series Book 2) on Jan. 27, 2013

I was given a e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have been looking forward to reading the second book in this series after enjoying the first one and I am not disappointed. The adventure continues with old favourites and new characters. The twists and turns are still there, including some that will make you wonder where they fit in, but if you stick with it, it will be explained later on. The relationship deepens between the 3 main characters as they spend more time together as the Jian Ke and still remain good friends when they are "themselves". I enjoyed the references in this to "The Art of War" and "Thirty Six Strategies" and felt that it all bonded together. A wonderful blend of East and West again, in a manner that I am coming to expect from Martin Chu Shui. It is a cliff-hanger of an ending that leaves you wanting to read book 3 immediately. Definitely recommended.

Farewell to Paris: Universal Love (Love Series Book 2) on Feb. 26, 2013

This is the story of Caitlin and Charlie's son, as he grows up and becomes a man. You stay with him as he trains with Alice, as he meets and trains with the Grandmaster and how his whole life has revolved around him saving his mum from the ICSC. As this is Sean/Shilin's story, there is not a lot going on with Alice or Charlie and definitely not with Caitlin but even so, this book follows seamlessly. It is full of action with many a twist and turn to keep you attentive. There is romance with a question but it doesn't overpower the story. I was looking forward to reading this book and haven't been disappointed.

Centaur Rivalry (Touched Series Book 3) on Jan. 26, 2014

Book 1 was brilliant, Book 2 was even better - it can't get any better than that, can it? YES is the answer! This series continues to improve as the story moves on. This, quite simply, is an amazing story that has been written with real feeling and is so completely real. Nancy Straight has written a story that you will find completely believable even as you sit, read and wish that you had some of the powers of a Centauride... or is that just me?! The story continues along, following what was laid out in books 1 and 2. You are reintroduced to old characters and see some new ones too. Zandra is at her best, or is that worst as she sinks her claws into Cameron. Cami and Drake have some real issues to sort out. Will love be strong enough to pull them through or will circumstances get in their way? Gage and Bianca are back with a vengeance which I was pleased to see. Beau makes a decision that will see him leave the herd but fate has her own plans for him. Daniel is growing on me and I can only hope that I know what is in store for him. Honestly, so much happens in this book that you are left breathless. The finale to the book was just awesome and now I NEED book 4, Centaur Redemption!!! (due to be released shortly). If you love reading paranormal romance books, like Greek mythology, have read ANY of Nancy Straight's other books, then give the Touched series a go, because I promise you that once you have read the first book, you'll be after the others. Highly recommended.

Centaur Legacy on Jan. 26, 2014

As you may or may not know, I have only recently been sucked into the world of the Centaurs and thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 (Blood Debt). The question for me was what if the first book was the big bang and then the rest of the series was a whimper? Trust me when I say I really shouldn't have worried. The second book is just as good as the first, if not better, as this is the book where we learn even more about the characters and they all become old friends... or as in the case of Zandra, hated enemies! I'm still trying to figure her out because surely no one can be THAT evil, can they? I guess I'll have to wait and see because as of now, she's still horrible! As for the other characters, Daniel's still around. I'm not sure about him. I want to like him as he is Cami's best friend but he just acts like such an arse at times! Beau makes more of a show in this book so I was very happy with that - and he's still my favourite brother. One of the best things for me though is watching Cami grow. For such a caring and compassionate woman, she sure can be bad-ass when she wants or needs to be. She is exactly what Drake needs as he is still struggling to leave behind some of the Centaur values that really don't make much sense in this day and age. Like I said, this book goes a bit deeper and you actually get to meet some of the 'myths' of Greek Lore, Harmonia and Zeus to be precise. This was simply nectar from the Gods for a history freak like me. There is a twist in the end of this tale which you may or may not see coming. I didn't but then I happily sit back and let the book take me on a journey. Loved this book and I'm already on Book 3 (review to follow too). Absolutely fantastic and definitely recommended

Blood Debt on Jan. 26, 2014

In a genre gone mad about vampires and shifters - and yes, I love them too! - it makes such a nice change to read something that steps away from the 'norm' and takes a more unusual look at things. This is what Nancy Straight does with her Blood Debt. This is the first book so it has a lot of groundwork to do so that you know what is happening. Nancy does this whilst also making it seamlessly part of the story, so you pick up the details without even being aware of it. The other thing that I have enjoyed as a stand-out in this book, is there is no love-triangle. Gasp, shock, horror! How on earth can a book make it without a love-triangle? Easy - make it a love-square instead!!! This was wonderful to read and there were some real LOL moments as Cami is fighting her guilt and Bianca is trying to encourage her without letting her know that she knows. The family relationships were quirky and loveable, in most cases. Some were just downright weird. And in the middle of this, you've got Cami. She isn't sure who or what she is, why people seem to have high expectations of her and why she feels like she just isn't who they think she is. Out of her brothers, Beau is my favourite but of course, that's the way it's been written so far. If you want to read a book about Centaurs, Greek mythology, fantasy then this is the book for you. Personally, I can't wait to get Book 2 and see what happens. There are 4 books in this series and Book 4 is due to be released at the end of January. Definitely recommended!

Meeting Destiny on Jan. 26, 2014

Right, first things first - I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I stayed up all night to finish it, even turning down an episode of Game of Thrones to carry on reading. I was completely enthralled during the story, completely gutted that it had ended (and boy, what an ending!) and had such a book hangover that I dreamed about the story! This book is a cross between young adult, paranormal, romance and suspense - all written from the first perspective of Lauren. I loved the explanation given to her of the different roles in life but I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it. The story kicks off from page one and will wrap you up until the end. I loved how it was written and the pace was absolutely right. The characters are in-depth and Max, well, *sigh*, I think he's brilliant, I can't say more than that. The next two are definitely on my wishlist and I will be looking for more from this author. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Destiny's Revenge (Destiny Series Book 2) on Jan. 28, 2014

Good grief, I thought my book hangover was bad from the first one but I just know that after I've finished this series, it's going to be AWFUL! This book starts where Meeting Destiny finished, Lauren wakes up from a coma and realises that her life has changed in a dramatic way, not the least of which is that Max is no longer around. Through twists, turns and emotional upheaval of both good and bad varieties, Lauren makes it out of the nursing home and tries to put her life back in order. I won't say anymore about the story for fear of spoiling it for others before they have read it. So... how did this book make me feel? There is no easy answer to that as I wanted to keep on reading it, yet was impatient for the ending to see what happened. There is not a single dull moment in the story and your adrenaline will be racing at points. Lauren is simply amazing. She is strong-willed and very determined that she will have a 'normal' life. The thing I simply LOVED about this, is that Nancy Straight is not afraid to make you, the reader, ask questions. She writes in this book that the concept of good and evil, white and black, is instilled in us from childhood. Life is simply not like that. Life is all about balance. If you do not experience the dark then you will not appreciate the light. So some of the conversations in the book with Samael and Dakota were fascinating for their insights and perspectives given. This series continues to be one of the most unusual that I have read. I am thoroughly enjoying every page and speaking of which, if you'll excuse me. I have Book 3, Destiny's Wrath, to start!

Certain on June 18, 2014

This collection of stories gives you enough of a teaser to whet your appetite and definitely leave you wanting more. I have heard of - and read - some of the authors previously, although none of the works in this book, so I already knew to expect something that I would enjoy. What I didn't expect is to walk away from this book with a collection of books that I now need to get so that I can enjoy them in full! I would be hard-pressed to name a favourite but if I absolutely had to then it would have be Asher and Gage's points of view in the section by Randi Cooley Wilson. I love these two and her book Revelation was outstanding! So to read something from these guys was just the cherry on the icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned. If you want a quick dip into a story to see if it's for you then I can highly recommend this anthology.

Thawed Fortunes (The Guadel Chronicles Book 2) on July 14, 2014

This is the second book in a fantastic Fantasy series that is getting better and better. I gave Frozen Prospects 4 out of 5 stars but Thawed Fortunes is definitely worth a 5! The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option. There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take. This book is action packed both with physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point! A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.

Torn: A YA Urban Fantasy Novel (Volume 2 of the Reflections Books) on July 14, 2014

I received this book free because I joined Dean Murray's mailing list. Finally, a complete book which tells the story from the other perspective. You find out in this book why Alec reacted in certain situations the way he did. You also find out more about the lives of Alec and his shapeshifter family, the Coun'hij, how his mum became the way she is and more importantly the fight between Alec and Brandon from Alec's point of view. You know, I've read this scene twice now from two different points of view and it still takes my breath away! This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.

Numb (Reflections Volume 5) on July 14, 2014

I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. This is a wonderful short story addition to Alec and Adri's story. It fills in some details on both of their sides and you can see just how the break up affects both of them. This is a short story but it still has enough detail to make it feel totally worthwhile whilst reading it. A brilliant snapshot of the consequences of making a decision and then having doubts or having to deal with that decision.

The Medium on July 04, 2016

The story revolves around Emily, a 17-year old medium, who lives with her sister in Victorian England. During a seance, her sister (who runs them) holds an amulet, chants some words she doesn't understand, and releases a shape-shifting demon. The story is about finding out who, why, how etc with a dash of impossible seeming romance thrown in. The interplay between the two male characters was amusing. The whole story is interesting and the descriptions are in-depth. I enjoyed this book but did find some of the 'holes' in the story a bit ridiculous - Emily's sister is the one who runs the whole seance show but she doesn't find it even slightly strange that an unknown peddler turns up instead of the usual one, sells her an amulet with a chant she doesn't understand and then wonders why something has happened when she used it?! This is the first of three. I might read the other two but not yet! Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

The Witching Pen (Book One of The Witching Pen Series) on July 10, 2016

This is the full length story of Elena and Karl and it starts when Karl is 27. For a long time, Elena and Karl have kept their relationship purely platonic due to circumstances "beyond their control" but things are about to change. This story is full of action, romance, drama and suspense. You find out little snippets as you read along and the characters are built up. There is no insta-love in this book, just a deep and true friendship that could always have been something more if things had been different. Absolutely brilliant and an ending which definitely makes you reach for the next book in the series! Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

The Mind Readers, Book 1 on July 11, 2016

I know Lori Brighton as I have read some of her books before, although not in the YA genre, so I was willing to give this a go. I am pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns and cliffhanger ending! The characters are all fully dimensional and have their own individual flaws which just makes the read more pleasurable. Cameron is hard to define as there were parts in the beginning where I didn't really like her but as the story unfolds and you see how she deals with her power and how hard she is trying to fit in, the things she does and says start to make more sense. Lewis is also a great character and the two sides of him were perfectly described. I found myself completely alongside Cameron as she tries to discover more about herself, Lewis, Aaron and the whole "mind reading" business in general. So many interesting characters who I want to know more about, the red herrings, the continuing story ... I want it all. Books 2 and 3 added to my wishlist!!! Wonderful writing. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Mortal Obligation on July 13, 2016

This is a brilliant book and for FREE too!!! Be warned though, that after you've read this, you'll probably have to go and put the other two on your wishlist as I have!! If you've ever watched an episode of Buffy and enjoyed it, then I think that you will love this book. The Dark Ones are very Buffy-esque which is not a bad thing. And there is a scooby gang of them, instead of just one pair. Ree is an artistically favoured girl with a small group of friends who has been classed as 'strange' for most of her life. One night changes her outlook on strange and also her friends too. This book deals with finding out, and dealing with, the legacy to which she and her friends were born. I loved how it wasn't just one set of Gods involved but also ones that are not so well known (Amaterasu, the Japanese Sun Goddess). Ree as a character is brilliant. She is the one that is the most vulnerable but paradoxically, the one with the most power. I loved how she was not prepared to sit back and let everyone fight for her. As for the other characters - the friends are brilliant and I loved how they all interacted with each other. They certainly do balance each other out. As for Roland and Paden, be still my beating heart. How is a girl supposed to choose between them? I have no idea but I'm looking forward to reading A LOT more about those two :D HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all fans of Buffy and the fantasy/paranormal world. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Tempt Me on July 24, 2016

As short stories go, I usually feel like I'm missing out on something but I didn't with this one. Inside a short story is a whole story neatly bundled. Nina and Ian (anyone else thinking Vampire Diaries here?) are two well rounded characters with their flaws and bad moods included - thank goodness! A short read, a steamy read, a romantic read. Works for me! Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

The Corpse King on Sep. 14, 2016

The Corpse King is a novella designed to be an introduction to Tale of Eisengoth, however, it felt like I'd been dropped into their world with no idea of what was what. They have flaming blue "manna" swords. They stab themselves in the heart with a crystal needle. They are called Arbiters, but no clear understanding of who or what they are is given. Maybe I need everything given to me on a plate, but instead of world building, it was already fully formed by the time I started to read. It was written well, with no editing or grammatical errors to be seen. With detailed and sometimes gruesome descriptions, this is not for the young or faint of heart. A good story that I enjoyed, but without enough world building for me. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Forbidden Quest, 2nd Edition on Sep. 16, 2016

This book shows a lot of promise but for me, a lot of details were missed out or it was presumed that you already knew. The fantasy aspect of it was very good and it was easy to like their 'quest'. The sense of freedom that Nicole found as a Woodland Elf was amusing to read and easy to sympathise with. A good book to read if you don't want anything too lengthy or involved. A good twist to the tale and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Stained on Sep. 25, 2016

I was actually fluctuating between a 2-star or 3-star review for this book. There are four books listed for this series, and Stained is most definitely an introduction to the series, with a lot of back story and character building. There were parts of this book that had me shaking my head in disbelief and confusion. Things became a bit clearer when they arrived at the seer's house - oh, the irony! (Rosa or Rosalina, I can't remember her name right now). Julia and Cayne as characters are hard to describe because I have absolutely no idea who they are, or what they're doing. Cayne is suffering from memory loss when we first meet him, and he slowly becomes almost likeable. However, once he regains his memory, he reverts back into a first class tool which Julia apparently can't get enough of. They literally go from one minute and he is leaving her, to the next minute and they are in bed together (fade to black). WHAT?!?!?! With a multitude of characters and situations that can be quite confusing, I have no idea who, what, why or when. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me no clearer on what I am reading. This is most definitely a marmite book, but I'm afraid it's not one for me. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Taming the Vampire on Sep. 28, 2016

Taming the Vampire is a short, sassy, and sexy read, introducing a new world where Green Fae (named because of the Absinthe they drink) and Vampires fight side by side. Liz has a chip on her shoulder, fighting to prove she is just as good/strong as other Fae even though she is only 1/16th Fae. The chip takes the form of Jack Morgan, sex-on-legs vampire that she is attracted to, even as she loathes him. This novella takes place over a couple of evenings, so the pacing is fast. However, you still get a very good idea of this world, and the characters in it. There are characters mentioned that I look forward to learning more about. As an introduction, as a short and sexy read, this novella ticks all the boxes. Definitely recommended by me. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Seduced by Shark Shifters on Oct. 08, 2016

Seduced by Shark Shifters is both the first book in the series, and also the first book by Rafe Jadison that I have read. This is an erotica book, so expect some hot scenes in it. What you will also get though, is the start to a relationship between these three, plus what could possibly be an amazing series. There is no insta-love in here, the three main males build up a relationship over time, spending time as friends before anything else happens. When something does happen, it is HOT! What happens after, adds to the character/world building, and makes it an enthralling read. Very well written, with a smooth and flowing pace, there is excitement both in and out of the sheets. I would definitely recommend taking a chance on this author, and I look forward to reading more by him. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Deep Blue Secret (The Water Keepers Book 1) on Oct. 23, 2016

I love finding Marmite books - books that divide opinion, you either love them or hate them. I have found some amazing books (to me) this way, which is why I prefer to read them myself rather than taking someone else's review as gospel. However, I find myself in the position of agreeing with some of the lower rated reviews for Deep Blue Secret. We start off with our young female lead, Sophie. She is complaining to herself about being (what sounds like) a normal teenager, with mood swings, depression, etc. She is supposed to be someone that everyone likes, and is prettier than she realises, but I just had trouble believing this. Once you get into the plot, there are a lot of unresolved issues that may well be sorted out in future books. However, for myself, there is simply too much for this book. I like SOME of the loose ends tied up before moving on. The big bad - he escapes from somewhere, and returns back to his son. You're not sure why he's been imprisoned in the first place. He makes a vague reference to something being surgically implanted in his chest. He is after Sadie, but is she just a convenient means to an end, or is there something about her specifically? The Water Keepers themselves - they can heal people with their special water. Why? Who chooses? Sadie turns out to "malfunctioning" - seriously? No explanation is given why (once again) although this could be a reason that is forthcoming. However, this malfunction turns her into a whiny, whinging, annoying person with an abundance on internal monologues. She gets given a necklace and told how important it is that she doesn't take it off. A couple of pages later, she has taken it off because she is mad at a boy. No explanation was given though of why this necklace is important, or just how it will help her malfunctions, so I guess I can't altogether blame her. Basically, there is a lot of nothing that goes on this book. What does happen is confusing. This maybe the book to get you hooked into the series, but for myself, it just didn't work. However, like I said at the beginning, this IS a Marmite book, so you really should find out for yourself and not take my word for it. You might really enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. * Verified Purchase - February 2013 * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Amethyst, a YA paranormal romance/fantasy (#1 Guardian series) on Nov. 17, 2016

Amethyst starts off with Lexi having a premonition, and dealing with it. You find out, as the story continues, that she ignored one premonition, and now feels the guilt of not saving a man. So she says she isn't going to ignore any more, and there we are. This is not a normal 'save' though, as there are other people there too, both good and bad as far as Lexi can tell. A while later, someone at work starts talking to her, a new friendship is born, and things take a turn for the interesting. This is an intriguing story, with lots of potential. I loved the Healer/Guardian/Amethyst side of things. I didn't like Lexi not knowing what was going on, but only because that meant that I didn't know what was going on either. The story moves along at a good pace, with a good amount of build up. It does end on a cliffhanger (sort of) so fair warning, but it is a continuing story! The one thing that didn't work as well for me was the whole relationship with Ash. I just didn't get it, or him. I'm sure the reasons for him being in the story will become clearer in the subsequent books, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm not a big fan of the whole triangle thing anyway, but I honestly just couldn't see a connection between Lexi and him. It was well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend it to all fans of YA Paranormal Romance. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Dragon Orb (Dragons of Daegonlot, Book One) on Dec. 16, 2016

Dragon Orb is a short novella that sets the scene for the Dragons of Daegonlot series. It begins with Dax, a 16-year-old from unknown beginnings. He was taken in by two dragonriders and raised as their own. All his life, he has talked of becoming a dragonrider, but has yet to be chosen. One day, a wild dragon flies down before him, and charges him to take care of her egg. Dax does so, and this starts him on a whole new journey. For only a short book, there is plenty of backstory and history to be gained, plus a host of captivating characters. I loved how Dax and 'Thira interacted with each other, and would love to know more. This is a teaser, a taster, that will definitely leave you wanting more. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Water on Jan. 07, 2017

Have you ever read a book that you really wanted to like, but upon reading it discovered that you really didn't? Well, Water which is book one of the Akasha series is one of those books for me. There are so many elements (yes, pun intended) to this book that I should like, but somehow it just doesn't work for me. In the synopsis, it says about the earth's survival resting upon her shoulders, but that is only alluded to in the story. There can only be one Gaia at a time, but apart from the fact that Kaitlyn is strong and powerful, nothing else is mentioned. Kaitylin is our main female, and a more contrary female, liable to give you whiplash, you will never meet. She is supposed to be in her early twenties, but behaves like a child. Micah is one of the main males, and her "protector". I use speech marks because if he is my protector, then I'll do without, thanks, and take my chances. He is someone also likely to give you whiplash as he strives to be a strong, silent type. Shawn is probably the best character as he is evil, and supposed to be, and yet no one else can see it. There is a lot to this book, and like I said, I REALLY wanted to like it. I don't even mind a rape scene, so long as it is integral to the story and well written. However, with a simulated rape scene, followed by a couple of real rape scenes, it was just too much. It was like it was there for shock value, rather than to make the story move along. Yes, I feel sorry for Kaitlyn in these scenes, and yes, I can perfectly understand her anger towards Micah (she's not angry at Shawn though, she just wants to escape!), but it really didn't do much for the story itself at all. That all being said, I would say that this is well written, although a bit long-winded whilst also 'jumping'. There were no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. I definitely believe this is a 'marmite' book. You will either love it or hate it, with no middle ground. I personally can't recommend it. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Enchantment (The Channie Series Book One) on Jan. 13, 2017

Enchantment is the first book in the Channie series by Charlotte Abel. It tells the story of a sixteen-year-old magical girl who is suddenly uprooted from everything she knows, and taken to a new place to live, where the people don't believe in magic. Not only that, but her parents change her 'Power Name' from Enchantment, to Chastity, for obvious reasons. They had no idea of how this would affect her (and them). Now, Channie has to try and get to grips with a new power which acts like a taser the minute a boy has lustful thoughts! This is an easy read, although you do have to remind yourself that Channie is only sixteen, and has what could easily be called a sheltered upbringing. She has no idea of 'real' life. Also, her power name of Enchantment was warm and cosy, making everyone want to like her. From the background you are given, she doesn't abuse this power, but rather uses it to make her life a bit smoother. (And what sixteen-year-old wouldn't?) Once she has Chastity's power though, she has to learn how to work with it. Where Enchantment is smooth and warm, Chastity is prickly, cold, and hard. This changes her attitude, and I couldn't really fault it towards her parents - and I use the word loosely! With difficult choices to make, jealousy, and wanting things that she can't yet have, Enchantment is a sweet love story that sets the scene for more to come. Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Recommended by me. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Ignite (Midnight Fire Series Book One) on April 29, 2017

This book is billed as "perfect for fans of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and I can see it. To be honest, at the start of the book I was worried that it would just be like Twilight all the way through, as it starts with a girl moving to a new town, starting a new school and seeing someone she is intrigued by in the school canteen during her first lunch. Once I passed this stage though, I was taken in with the story of Kira, Tristan and Luke, and who and what they are. Once again though, the ending is reminiscent of Twilight as Kira is in hospital, but trust me, how she ends up there is completely different to Twilight and also how she behaves once she gets out. There are references to Buffy made in this story but, in my opinion, the only reason that the Twilight references stick out is because they are at the start and ending of the book. Otherwise, they would fade into the story more. This story is well-written, the characters are developed and continue with this throughout. The grammar and editing have actually been looked at which always makes a nice change. I really enjoyed this story and have put the rest on my wishlist to get as soon as I can. Recommended for all Paranormal Romance / Young Adult fans out there. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Shadowlove-Stalkers on July 18, 2017

If you thought you had read everything to do with Dracula, then think again. Claudy Conn - Paranormal Romance Author has given the tale a new twist with her Shadow Love series, of which this is the first book. In this, you get a brief background with a few details to be going on with, and then you are in the action. Finding out who is who, wondering about others, disliking or not trusting yet even more. This is a wonderful story that is well written, well paced and with characters that are fully dimensional and with depth. If you like Alpha Males then you have to choose between Chad and Damon... and even now I'm not sure which one I prefer! There's not as much 'steam' in this book as in others of Claudy Conn's that I have read but that in no way detracts from the story. Excellent start to the series. * Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Insight: Web of Hearts and Souls #1 (Insight series 1) on July 24, 2017

This is supposed to be a book for Young Adults but I think it is suitable for anyone wishing to read a mystery / love story with a hint of paranormal in the form of "insights" or talents or gifts, whatever you want to call them. This book starts on earth and will take you to different dimensions via 'strings', invisible (to most) passages of energy. I won't go into the plot as it is better to just read the synopsis and go from there but it has an overall quite simple story that is overlaid with complications and events that all in all make this a fantastic read. And, yes, I am a hopeless romantic, so the idea of having your other half out there who will complete you is almost certainly going to go down well with me and this book does it well!! * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Seduced by Shark Shifters II: Logan's Tail on Nov. 01, 2017

Logan's Tail is the second book in this series, and I can honestly say it didn't happen the way I thought it would! Logan is Sam's younger brother, and is sent to Suncoast to find out what's going on with his brother by his father. Not only that, but his father has also signed him up for a writing course without his knowledge. This means that he has to leave his best friend, Tom, behind which is more painful that he thought. When he arrives, he goes for a swim to relax, and meets up with a couple of people outside the roped off area. It is when he meets them again later on that the fun really starts! Like I said, this one didn't go the way I was expecting, but it was a thrilling read just the same. There is a lot of history explaining Logan and Tom's friendship so you know just how hard it is for them to be in different places. Sam and the twins are here, but obviously don't play as big a part as they did in their book. This was exceedingly well written, with plenty of action, and no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth and the tension real. I can't wait to see where this is going. Definitely recommended by me. * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Seduced by Shark Shifters III: Tom's Turn on Nov. 01, 2017

Tom's Turn is the third book in this series, but for me, I would say it is the second part to Logan's Tail. You can't read this story without reading that one first, and expect it to make sense. Tom has always let Logan take the lead with their friendship, even though he wants more. However, now he has had a 'taste' of what he has been missing, and will do whatever it takes to keep Logan for himself. Of course, there is the slight problem of Stefano being not only Logan's husband, but also a nice guy. Tom won't give up though, even when Stefano's twin sister steps in to cause untold trouble. I LOVED THIS! The drama between Logan, Stefano, and Tom was there. If anything, it was Logan who was blasé about it, whereas Tom and Stefano understood and tried to work with it. Logan's dad turns up with secrets of his own which completely turn this tale around! I am hoping to see something go on there, but I won't say anymore as I don't do spoilers. Once again, this book had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was thoroughly engrossed and loved every word from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for this series to continue. * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Reap This on Nov. 01, 2017

Reap This is a novella about Seamus, a witch from Massachusetts, who has been given information that he can't handle right now. So he goes home for the comfort of his family, coincidentally at the same time as Samhain. What he does there gives you the rest of the story, so I'll stop here. Now, first thing I must say is how refreshing it is to read a book that actually talks about being a witch and Samhain without exaggerating and being over the top. Not only that, but Seamus' reactions to what he has been told are also completely believable. This book is a combination of sorrow and hope. I had tears in my ears in the first quarter of the book as you find out more about Seamus and what is going on with him. Al the way through, you are not sure just how it will end, but you do hold onto the hope that I mentioned before. The letter at the end made me laugh out loud, so you are left with a smile on your face, even if the ending isn't what you expect. I loved this book, from start to end. Rafe Jadison is a brilliant author who engages with his readers through the words of his stories. Absolutely recommended by me. * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Thunder Hunter on Nov. 06, 2017

Thunder Hunter starts off many years ago, with Loki and Thor fighting. Freya is there too, plus many others, all of whom will die unless something changes. What changes is Loki kills Thor, but Freya puts Thor's power inside his grandson. Trygger must find all of the Fallen Ones before he can die, no matter how long it takes. Once that has happened, Thor will live, and Trygger will die at last, and live among the gods. Fast forward a few years, and Trygger only has five more to find. He as lived through many assassination attempts by Loki's descendants, and has killed more than his fair share too. And then Freya decides she will help him, by sending one of her descendants, Chloe. I have to be honest, there were parts that I really enjoyed in this book, but there were also parts that I didn't like. Trygger has been by himself for a long time, and has focused only on completing his task so that he can die. Along the way, he has lost most of society's "niceties", but that doesn't stop EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. from throwing herself at him. Even if her job is to kill him! Sorry, but I don't get that bit. Also, he said that he never had women stay over at his place, but he has on hand a little black dress from someone he has killed just lying around! This was an enjoyable book if you don't look to deeply at it. I'm not entirely sure where the story is going, which is a good thing, but I don't think I'll be reading any further along. If you enjoy tales of Norse mythology though, I would definitely recommend it to you. * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Fire on Dec. 04, 2017

Fire is the outstanding final instalment in The Knights of Av'lor series. Kate has just returned to Av'lor and has been betrayed by Garrent. He has ensnared her daughter with a necklace that controls her, and taken her to Earth. There, he tells the rest of the Knights that Av'lor has fallen, and because he has destroyed the gate, they have no way of knowing the truth or returning home. The rest of the story is how Kate, Lan, and the rest try to find a way back to Earth, to find Rachel, to stop Garrent, and hopefully return peace to their lives. My word, I could gush about this book/series for hours!!! There is so much I could write, but I've stopped myself because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. This #Fantasy series has a bit of everything for me - love, wit, danger, sorrow, heartbreak - it's all here. The author pulls you into their world and makes you feel. You feel their sorrow, their desperation, their determination. And when it seems like everything is about to fall down around their ears, you feel their pain. It's simply amazing. Books one and two both ended with a cliffhanger that had me gasping. This one doesn't, but I sort of wish it had. Don't get me wrong, I hate series when they end abruptly and you are left hanging. You don't get that with this book, but it also feels completely wrapped up, and I don't know if I'm ready to let go of this world and its characters yet. I would just like to add that I re-read Hope before I read Gate. And this time I re-read both of them before I started Fire. I wasn't bored with the re-reads, I didn't skip parts. I was as enthralled and intrigued as I was the first time I read them. I really can't recommend these books highly enough. They are excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoilt my reading flow. If you want a fantasy that will take you to worlds beyond your own, then I can definitely recommend this series. * Verified Purchase ~ November 2017 * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Elemental Claim on Feb. 27, 2018

Elemental Claim is the first book in the War of the Myth series. It starts off action-packed, and remains the same throughout. Told from multiple points of view, we gain insights into the human world, the gods, the WALL, elementarists, descendants, angels, hellhounds, you name it and it is probably in here. It starts with a case of mistaken identity, a 'Mission Gemini' if you will. Emma soon realises that she doesn't really know her sister that well after all. Still, her protective instincts as an older sibling remain in full force, so she will do all she can to save her - even if that means allow Rogan and his friends to kidnap her. Like I said, this book is full of action, and doesn't stop. Emma slowly grows into her powers, but there is definitely still room for more. There are other characters in here that I would love to know about. Xeno, for example. She is the angel only a few years from falling. Her health is failing, her powers waning. And then suddenly, towards the end of the book, she starts healing. What?! I need to know more. What caused her health to degenerate in the first place, and why is she now healing? And will she and Hunter ever get together? Seriously, I need answers! This was a well written book, although there were a few spelling errors that jolted me when I read it. Nothing major, just examples like wanning instead of waning, or severe instead of sever. Certainly not enough to spoil the flow of the story, but enough for me to notice. On the whole, this was a brilliant book, with great world-building, and lots of characters to like, love, or loathe. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue with the series. * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Blake Blacks Out on March 26, 2019

Blake Blacks Out is the first in what I hope will be a series of books, about people and various 'problems' they have. This one deals with a medical condition where Blake passes out during sex. He wakes up disorientated and distressed, which is where most people walk - or in Blake's case, tell him to get the hell out. Although this is a fast-paced novella, I thought the inclusion of the details about the condition were really well done. Mr. Jadison was able to get the information across without sounding like a medical journal! Not only that, but there are characters here to like and loathe, which is always a good thing. I loved how Jerome knew what he wanted, and wasn't afraid to work for it. This book takes place during just one evening, with a small epilogue. The pace is smooth, and the emotions are easy to see/feel. Extremely well-written, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and hope for more in this series. Definitely recommended by me. Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Prophecy of the Mayan Undead on Jan. 05, 2021
(no rating)
PROPHECY OF THE MAYAN UNDEAD is most definitely a book of two halves. I won't go over the blurb again as it explains the story quite well. In the first half, Keisha and Yuri, along with their friends, Casimiro and Apolinar, are trying to stop a centuries-old vampire from taking over her mind and causing her to hurt innocents. You find out the whys and wherefores, mixed in with non-stop action and enough steam to melt your kindle without taking away from the story. In the second half, although Keisha and Yuri still play a huge part, Niu Ying is a new character, along with Frank. These two also have a massive role in the forthcoming events. I loved how it all blended together and gave me all the information I needed to understand the overall story arc. Keisha is intelligent, unashamedly so, and Yuri makes no bones about finding her mind attractive. Casimiro and Apolinar I wanted to dislike, simply because of their attitudes at the beginning. However, once they met Keisha, I couldn't help but like them and applaud their efforts to help. The pacing was smooth, with action and love scenes mixed nicely together. The world-building was what you would expect from a paranormal/erotic/science fiction mix, and nothing stood out to me as being 'wrong'. All in all, this was a great escape from reality and I have no hesitation in recommending it. * 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!

Prophecy of the Mayan Undead on Jan. 05, 2021

PROPHECY OF THE MAYAN UNDEAD is most definitely a book of two halves. I won't go over the blurb again as it explains the story quite well. In the first half, Keisha and Yuri, along with their friends, Casimiro and Apolinar, are trying to stop a centuries-old vampire from taking over her mind and causing her to hurt innocents. You find out the whys and wherefores, mixed in with non-stop action and enough steam to melt your kindle without taking away from the story. In the second half, although Keisha and Yuri still play a huge part, Niu Ying is a new character, along with Frank. These two also have a massive role in the forthcoming events. I loved how it all blended together and gave me all the information I needed to understand the overall story arc. Keisha is intelligent, unashamedly so, and Yuri makes no bones about finding her mind attractive. Casimiro and Apolinar I wanted to dislike, simply because of their attitudes at the beginning. However, once they met Keisha, I couldn't help but like them and applaud their efforts to help. The pacing was smooth, with action and love scenes mixed nicely together. The world-building was what you would expect from a paranormal/erotic/science fiction mix, and nothing stood out to me as being 'wrong'. All in all, this was a great escape from reality and I have no hesitation in recommending it. * 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!

The Hunter: Tales of Pern Coen on Feb. 17, 2023
(no rating)
THE HUNTER is the first book in the Tales of Pern Coen (Bloodlines) series and I'm already hooked. I love the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. The characters are all life-like, whether you like them or not. And I really enjoyed seeing the war through different eyes. Alekos isn't a bad person but his actions are. He doesn't see anything different. Rhiannon's eyes have been opened and she has heard both sides of the story. She sees herself as weak when she is stronger than she realises. And Conor... what do I say about him? He's the grumpy heart-of-gold character that I fall for every single time! This is the first book by this author I have read and I read it in one sitting. The plot was great, the pacing perfect, and the characters made me smile. An absolute corker of a book that I highly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

The Hunter: Tales of Pern Coen on Feb. 17, 2023

THE HUNTER is the first book in the Tales of Pern Coen (Bloodlines) series and I'm already hooked. I love the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. The characters are all life-like, whether you like them or not. And I really enjoyed seeing the war through different eyes. Alekos isn't a bad person but his actions are. He doesn't see anything different. Rhiannon's eyes have been opened and she has heard both sides of the story. She sees herself as weak when she is stronger than she realises. And Conor... what do I say about him? He's the grumpy heart-of-gold character that I fall for every single time! This is the first book by this author I have read and I read it in one sitting. The plot was great, the pacing perfect, and the characters made me smile. An absolute corker of a book that I highly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Cocktails & Casualties on Aug. 17, 2023

COCKTAILS & CASUALTIES is the first book in the Crooked Cove Mysteries and we are introduced to Teddy, a wandering bartender who decides to go exploring by herself when the cruise ship she is on docks at an island. Unfortunately, time gets away from her and she ends up stranded. Luckily for her, she is found by a nice couple who take her to 'civilisation' where she can at least eat and sleep in a bed for the night. Then her adventures really begin. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as Teddy becomes good friends with Jazz, and learns all about the other members of the community. Hawk is a great character and I hated what happened, although he still managed to hit me in the feels near the end of the book. There is a slight triangle here with Nate and Santi, which I'm hoping doesn't become a thing. Santi, all the way! The pacing was wonderful and all the characters well fleshed out. I enjoyed my time in Crooked Cove and look forward to returning, where (hopefully) I'll see more of Santi! 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! Aug 17, 2023

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