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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Girl Thief in Books
Apr 24, 2024
76 of 220
Book sirens arc
The Girl Thief
By J.A. Schneider
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Tilden reaches her delicate, manicured hand next to mine, and I turn to her, startled. She's unsteady, and there's a stain on the bodice of her strappy party dress. Wine, probably. Her big blue eyes are red-rimmed and imploring me, just a caterer's assistant, for help up the stairs. That startles me more… but so it begins.
Kate and her husband Griffin are a troubled glamor couple with dangerous secrets. Some I know because I have researched them, never dreaming that gaining access to them would be this easy. Has it been too easy? That gives me pause, but I feel kind of sorry for Kate. Online gossips say she's miserable, and she took to me the last time I worked here. She even insists that I'd be a good live-in companion just to talk to, help with her problems. The pay would be better. Would I please stay awhile? Maybe longer?
The irony stuns me, because this is what I've long wanted. I have a secret too, something Griff and Kate Tilden could never guess. My only fear, besides being alone with them in this vast, isolated house, is that Griff is reputedly dangerous.
Well, I can be dangerous too. They don't know my real reason for infiltrating their lives…
This was really good I enjoyed it from start to finish. I did see the ending coming but it didn’t really take away from it being a pretty good read. Well written and decently paced. I will be reading more from this author the writing style is right up my street.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book sirens arc
The Girl Thief
By J.A. Schneider
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Tilden reaches her delicate, manicured hand next to mine, and I turn to her, startled. She's unsteady, and there's a stain on the bodice of her strappy party dress. Wine, probably. Her big blue eyes are red-rimmed and imploring me, just a caterer's assistant, for help up the stairs. That startles me more… but so it begins.
Kate and her husband Griffin are a troubled glamor couple with dangerous secrets. Some I know because I have researched them, never dreaming that gaining access to them would be this easy. Has it been too easy? That gives me pause, but I feel kind of sorry for Kate. Online gossips say she's miserable, and she took to me the last time I worked here. She even insists that I'd be a good live-in companion just to talk to, help with her problems. The pay would be better. Would I please stay awhile? Maybe longer?
The irony stuns me, because this is what I've long wanted. I have a secret too, something Griff and Kate Tilden could never guess. My only fear, besides being alone with them in this vast, isolated house, is that Griff is reputedly dangerous.
Well, I can be dangerous too. They don't know my real reason for infiltrating their lives…
This was really good I enjoyed it from start to finish. I did see the ending coming but it didn’t really take away from it being a pretty good read. Well written and decently paced. I will be reading more from this author the writing style is right up my street.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Debbiereadsbook (1801 KP) rated Hidden Rooms in Books
May 3, 2024
4 very VERY good stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian via BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Wife List in Books
Jun 3, 2024
109 of 220
Book sirens Arc
The Wife List
By J.A. Schneider
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Has a group of men conspired to murder each other's wives - figuring their perfect alibis will save them? That is what Beth Kemp starts to suspect, but is she losing her mind? Her husband says he fears so...
I'll give this marriage one more try, Beth Kemp thinks. She is a successful crime writer in New York City, who regrets that tension has crept into her relationship with her husband, Brad. He too is a writer who, after early success, finds his career fading.
Brad urges that a move to the country would make them happy again - and safe, especially Beth, to avoid the city's stress that triggers her severe asthma attacks. Beth wavers, until her close friend is murdered and the friend's husband has a perfect alibi. She finally accepts that the city with its surging crime has become too hard for her.
The Kemps move to beautiful Sheffield, Connecticut, so perfect it seems too good to be true. It is. When one new friend cries in fear about her husband, and another has a bruise under her eye, Brad tells Beth that she's overimagining. But when she hears of another wife's unsolved murder and yet another friend dies mysteriously, Beth suspects the husbands of covering for each other. Brad tells her she's getting crazy, paranoid.
Then Beth stumbles onto the most devastating shock of all, one she never imagined...
This was a decent read of not a little to predictable. Well written and a good story.
I do like this writers style but like I said it was very predictable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book sirens Arc
The Wife List
By J.A. Schneider
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Has a group of men conspired to murder each other's wives - figuring their perfect alibis will save them? That is what Beth Kemp starts to suspect, but is she losing her mind? Her husband says he fears so...
I'll give this marriage one more try, Beth Kemp thinks. She is a successful crime writer in New York City, who regrets that tension has crept into her relationship with her husband, Brad. He too is a writer who, after early success, finds his career fading.
Brad urges that a move to the country would make them happy again - and safe, especially Beth, to avoid the city's stress that triggers her severe asthma attacks. Beth wavers, until her close friend is murdered and the friend's husband has a perfect alibi. She finally accepts that the city with its surging crime has become too hard for her.
The Kemps move to beautiful Sheffield, Connecticut, so perfect it seems too good to be true. It is. When one new friend cries in fear about her husband, and another has a bruise under her eye, Brad tells Beth that she's overimagining. But when she hears of another wife's unsolved murder and yet another friend dies mysteriously, Beth suspects the husbands of covering for each other. Brad tells her she's getting crazy, paranoid.
Then Beth stumbles onto the most devastating shock of all, one she never imagined...
This was a decent read of not a little to predictable. Well written and a good story.
I do like this writers style but like I said it was very predictable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1) in Books
Apr 30, 2024
79 of 220
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Arc/kindle
Come Home Katie ( Dear Celeste 1)
By J.R. Erickson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you died and brought the dead back with you?
A terrible hit and run accident took Celeste Cleary's life until doctors managed to bring her back. But now she's... different. Once a respected scientist, she walks the thin veil between the living and the dead.
As she struggles to return to her former life, Celeste receives an email-a heart-wrenching letter from a stranger, a woman begging for help locating her seventeen-year-old sister, Katie, who vanished a year before.
Celeste's first impulse is to say no-what does she know about finding a missing person?
But late one snowy night Celeste is drawn into the forest where the spectral form of Katie awaits her and, though the girl does not speak, the message is clear. Katie wants Celeste to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
As Celeste delves into the mystery surrounding Katie's vanishing, she is ensnared in a sinister labyrinth of secrets and lies. Someone doesn't want her to find out the truth and there's nothing they won't do to stop her.
This had me completely hooked from start to finish. The story and characters just draw you in and have you invested. Celeste is changed after having a NDE and these changes bring a former sceptic and scientist to believe the spectral appearance of a young girl who missing means she need to help find her. There are a few times in this book where I thought hell no I’d be out of there I honestly wouldn’t have coped. It was really good, when I wasn’t reading I was thinking of who could have done it. I was so wrong up until 2 chapters before it was revealed! Highly recommend.
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Voklane (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria, #8) in Books
Aug 14, 2024
VOKLANE is the eighth and final book in the Gen-Heirs series and what a bittersweet moment this is. I have loved all of these books, some more than others, and was so happy to see them go out with a bang, rather than a whimper!
Delanee and Voklane have been dancing around each other for a few books now, and I was really looking forward to their story. I was NOT disappointed. From the sparks that were constantly flying, to the protectiveness that worked both ways, there was so much to enjoy. I loved how the long story arc came to its conclusion, giving a satisfactory ending, although I personally think she got off lightly considering what she had arranged for others!
Because of Delanee, I also got to spend some time with my favourite family and look forward to seeing more of them in the future! I also go to see a creeper get his comeuppance, so that was worth it! 😆
A smooth writing style with some steam, this story not only gave Ryan and Delanee the spotlight, but also managed to give an update on all the other couples in a way that was completely natural to the storyline. And all that did was make me want to read them all again, so I say job well done!
A superb series that I am not ready to let go of just yet, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 13, 2024
Delanee and Voklane have been dancing around each other for a few books now, and I was really looking forward to their story. I was NOT disappointed. From the sparks that were constantly flying, to the protectiveness that worked both ways, there was so much to enjoy. I loved how the long story arc came to its conclusion, giving a satisfactory ending, although I personally think she got off lightly considering what she had arranged for others!
Because of Delanee, I also got to spend some time with my favourite family and look forward to seeing more of them in the future! I also go to see a creeper get his comeuppance, so that was worth it! 😆
A smooth writing style with some steam, this story not only gave Ryan and Delanee the spotlight, but also managed to give an update on all the other couples in a way that was completely natural to the storyline. And all that did was make me want to read them all again, so I say job well done!
A superb series that I am not ready to let go of just yet, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 13, 2024
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Taken (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #7) in Books
Sep 19, 2025
TAKEN is the seventh and final book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series, and I absolutely recommend you read the others first. This is not a standalone, and you will likely be confused by the number of characters, as well as the overarching arc of the series.
Now, I read book 6 a while ago, so forgive me if I can't remember just how Fallon and Cal met. However, when we catch up with them, they are still at the 'nothing can happen between us' stage. Fallon is a strong character, caught between her job as a Tracer and her six-year-old son, Jonah. The worlds collide when Jonah is kidnapped by Rossi. At the same time, President Payne's daughter is also attacked, leaving Fallon once again torn as she tries to do everything.
Told from both Cal and Fallon's perspectives, you get a full picture of what's going on both between them and the bigger picture with Rossi. Some of it is hard reading, especially when talking about children being kidnapped and abused. I can't really say the ending surprised me, as I've been waiting for it for a few books now. Still, it was a gripping and exciting read.
An epilogue gives a nice finale, although I was confused with all the names of the children, as not all of whom have been met previously.
So long as you start at the beginning, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 19, 2025
Now, I read book 6 a while ago, so forgive me if I can't remember just how Fallon and Cal met. However, when we catch up with them, they are still at the 'nothing can happen between us' stage. Fallon is a strong character, caught between her job as a Tracer and her six-year-old son, Jonah. The worlds collide when Jonah is kidnapped by Rossi. At the same time, President Payne's daughter is also attacked, leaving Fallon once again torn as she tries to do everything.
Told from both Cal and Fallon's perspectives, you get a full picture of what's going on both between them and the bigger picture with Rossi. Some of it is hard reading, especially when talking about children being kidnapped and abused. I can't really say the ending surprised me, as I've been waiting for it for a few books now. Still, it was a gripping and exciting read.
An epilogue gives a nice finale, although I was confused with all the names of the children, as not all of whom have been met previously.
So long as you start at the beginning, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 19, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1801 KP) rated Make The Hurt (Pretty Deadly Things #4) in Books
Apr 1, 2026
thoroughly enjoying these books!
Independent reviewer fro BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, and I do recommend that you read these books in order. There is an ongoing plot arc, that is referenced but not fully recapped.
I found this one a bit darker that the other 3, and they have all had darker undertones, but this one hit me a little different. I'm not really sure why, but Book Feelings, people, I'm all about the Book Feelings!
Ozzy rescues Salem from a trafficking ring. Then it all spirals out of control and Ozzy and Salem are running, her father has surfaced after years and there is a shock for all involved.
What I'm iking about these books is, I can see the net closing in, around this traficking ring they are all trying to pull down. Slowly, but it's still closing. Things move fast in this book, with a few twists and turns I really did not see coming! Seriously, those twists were pulled out of nowhere and I was like, say WHAT NOW??
I've tagged this book as happy for now, because Ozzy and Salem's story feels unfinished. And I think their HEA will come in the next book. There are some things that need concluding, and they aren't here.
There is a sneak peek at the next book. BAr the first line, I did not read it. I will read the book when it comes out, but I didn't want to be left hanging for Lord knows how long!
I'm thoroughly enjoying these books, this author. While they are all very similar, they are sufficently different to keep me entertained.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, and I do recommend that you read these books in order. There is an ongoing plot arc, that is referenced but not fully recapped.
I found this one a bit darker that the other 3, and they have all had darker undertones, but this one hit me a little different. I'm not really sure why, but Book Feelings, people, I'm all about the Book Feelings!
Ozzy rescues Salem from a trafficking ring. Then it all spirals out of control and Ozzy and Salem are running, her father has surfaced after years and there is a shock for all involved.
What I'm iking about these books is, I can see the net closing in, around this traficking ring they are all trying to pull down. Slowly, but it's still closing. Things move fast in this book, with a few twists and turns I really did not see coming! Seriously, those twists were pulled out of nowhere and I was like, say WHAT NOW??
I've tagged this book as happy for now, because Ozzy and Salem's story feels unfinished. And I think their HEA will come in the next book. There are some things that need concluding, and they aren't here.
There is a sneak peek at the next book. BAr the first line, I did not read it. I will read the book when it comes out, but I didn't want to be left hanging for Lord knows how long!
I'm thoroughly enjoying these books, this author. While they are all very similar, they are sufficently different to keep me entertained.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Shadow's Claim (Prime Omegaverse #3) in Books
May 2, 2025
SHADOW'S CLAIM is the third book in the Prime Omegaverse series and this one takes place in the Shadow region - surprise!
Nova is an omega who hides her scent by chemical means, knowing if she is discovered, it means either being claimed or being sent to a breeding facility - neither of which sound like much fun. Kael is an enforcer with a bad reputation that is well deserved, who has had Nova in his sights for a while now. However, when her chemical suppressants fail, everything changes.
I enjoyed the world-building in this story and would like to see where the story arc is going. BUT I would suggest another run through by an editor. There were way too many repeated paragraphs, descriptions, and specific words. I lost count of how many times this was used in the story, but basically, every use of the words tongue and c0ck was preceded by prehensile. Every. Single. Time! So, yes, although the story was a good one, the repetition of certain words, where he was putting his hands, where her marks were, how he stroked her cheek in a gentle caress that was different to how they had first met... it took some of the enjoyment of the story away for me.
Also, this is a dark romance with Dub-Con, so if this is a trigger, please be warned.
A great ending that suggests plenty more to come. Plus, I hope we get to know Nimara and Briar in more detail. If you like dark romance and can cope with repetition, then I recommend this story.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 2, 2025
Nova is an omega who hides her scent by chemical means, knowing if she is discovered, it means either being claimed or being sent to a breeding facility - neither of which sound like much fun. Kael is an enforcer with a bad reputation that is well deserved, who has had Nova in his sights for a while now. However, when her chemical suppressants fail, everything changes.
I enjoyed the world-building in this story and would like to see where the story arc is going. BUT I would suggest another run through by an editor. There were way too many repeated paragraphs, descriptions, and specific words. I lost count of how many times this was used in the story, but basically, every use of the words tongue and c0ck was preceded by prehensile. Every. Single. Time! So, yes, although the story was a good one, the repetition of certain words, where he was putting his hands, where her marks were, how he stroked her cheek in a gentle caress that was different to how they had first met... it took some of the enjoyment of the story away for me.
Also, this is a dark romance with Dub-Con, so if this is a trigger, please be warned.
A great ending that suggests plenty more to come. Plus, I hope we get to know Nimara and Briar in more detail. If you like dark romance and can cope with repetition, then I recommend this story.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 2, 2025
Merissa (14146 KP) rated New Nebraska Heat (New Nebraska #2) in Books
Dec 8, 2025
NEW NEBRASKA HEAT is the second full-length novel in the New Nebraska series, and features a new quintet of Serenity, Hunter, Bryce, Sebastian, and Dagger.
Serenity escaped from a vampire's den, traumatised and scarred in more ways than one. She gets a job at Hunter's nightclub, but applies for a job as a designer at Bryce's company. She meets Sebastian through his mum, and Dagger through an ongoing case. All four men feel a connection with Serenity, but all four also take it slowly and carefully, taking into consideration her past.
This is a long book, but well-paced, with plenty of action going on, as well as slower, softer times, where Serenity and her men get to know each other. I loved the game of Truth or Dare, especially Dagger's dare at the end. I was hoping that because of the bond, Bryce would be able to touch others too, not just Serenity, but it doesn't seem that way.
One big plus for me was getting to see Cece and her men again. It was a delight catching up with them, and I'm glad Cece and Serenity are friends.
The overall storyline in this book has more of an ongoing arc to it, and I wonder if Jasper and the new human will play a part in the next book, or if it will go in a different direction.
This was a hot, caring, and action-filled story that kept my attention from beginning to end. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2025
Serenity escaped from a vampire's den, traumatised and scarred in more ways than one. She gets a job at Hunter's nightclub, but applies for a job as a designer at Bryce's company. She meets Sebastian through his mum, and Dagger through an ongoing case. All four men feel a connection with Serenity, but all four also take it slowly and carefully, taking into consideration her past.
This is a long book, but well-paced, with plenty of action going on, as well as slower, softer times, where Serenity and her men get to know each other. I loved the game of Truth or Dare, especially Dagger's dare at the end. I was hoping that because of the bond, Bryce would be able to touch others too, not just Serenity, but it doesn't seem that way.
One big plus for me was getting to see Cece and her men again. It was a delight catching up with them, and I'm glad Cece and Serenity are friends.
The overall storyline in this book has more of an ongoing arc to it, and I wonder if Jasper and the new human will play a part in the next book, or if it will go in a different direction.
This was a hot, caring, and action-filled story that kept my attention from beginning to end. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2025
Merissa (14146 KP) rated The Lies That Bind (Dark Lies #1) in Books
Feb 13, 2026
THE LIES THAT BIND is the first book in the Dark Lies series, set in a paranormal world where Omegas are rare. Mason is an Omega and has been treated as a servant by most of his pack growing up. That all changes when Kip and his family move to town, and the two boys become best friends. When Mason is promised to Jerome, they think up a plan that will save Mason from having to mate him. Then the story really gets going.
This is a fast-paced story, full of attempted murder, best friends to lovers to I love you's. All the way through, you know Kip has a secret, but it's unclear what it is. I liked how Kip and Mason actually had to work at their relationship. Yes, it was incredibly fast, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. They had to figure out what worked best for them, amid all the amazing 'advice' given by different people.
As the first in a series, I was expecting some arc to come into play, but I was not expecting what I got! It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
I received an early edition of this story, and as such, it does need another edit. Chapters 5 and 6 (I think) were the same ones repeated, and it made me chuckle when "ears ran down his cheeks." Still, a good story that I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
** 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 13, 2026
This is a fast-paced story, full of attempted murder, best friends to lovers to I love you's. All the way through, you know Kip has a secret, but it's unclear what it is. I liked how Kip and Mason actually had to work at their relationship. Yes, it was incredibly fast, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. They had to figure out what worked best for them, amid all the amazing 'advice' given by different people.
As the first in a series, I was expecting some arc to come into play, but I was not expecting what I got! It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
I received an early edition of this story, and as such, it does need another edit. Chapters 5 and 6 (I think) were the same ones repeated, and it made me chuckle when "ears ran down his cheeks." Still, a good story that I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
** 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 13, 2026