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Waiting for Contact: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
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Imagine a network of extraterrestrials in radio contact with each other across the universe,...
Debbiereadsbook (1804 KP) rated Reluctant Billionaire (The Billionaire’s Playground #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2021
I'm enjoying this series. I like that the billionaires aren't arrogant or big headed.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
My review will be fairly short, I'm not in a good place right now!
This is book 2 in the Billionaire's Playground but its not necessary to have read book one, Property of a Billionaire. However, THAT book is where we first meet Nanna and you might want to get the full force of her nature :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book, as much as, but not more than, the first book.
It's relatively low on the angst scale, but there is some, it's just not too much, you know? Just enough.
Both Brett and Guy have a say, in the first person.
I loved Nanna's meddling! While it was pure chance Brett and Guy ended up on the same holiday, everything that comes after is pure unadulterated Nanna-meddling and I loved it! She proper puts Brett's dad in his place. I liked how the reason Brett's dad was so . . . negative? maybe not quite the right word, but it fits now . . .towards him wasn't what you are first led to believe.
It's steamy, but again, not too much, and I really rather enjoyed that it was not too much, just like book one.
I'm enjoying this series. I like that the billionaires aren't arrogant or big headed. They are just regular guys with an obscene amount of money, is all! They will show that money off when needed though, but they don't shove it in anyone's face.
Keep them coming, please!
4 delightful stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
My review will be fairly short, I'm not in a good place right now!
This is book 2 in the Billionaire's Playground but its not necessary to have read book one, Property of a Billionaire. However, THAT book is where we first meet Nanna and you might want to get the full force of her nature :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book, as much as, but not more than, the first book.
It's relatively low on the angst scale, but there is some, it's just not too much, you know? Just enough.
Both Brett and Guy have a say, in the first person.
I loved Nanna's meddling! While it was pure chance Brett and Guy ended up on the same holiday, everything that comes after is pure unadulterated Nanna-meddling and I loved it! She proper puts Brett's dad in his place. I liked how the reason Brett's dad was so . . . negative? maybe not quite the right word, but it fits now . . .towards him wasn't what you are first led to believe.
It's steamy, but again, not too much, and I really rather enjoyed that it was not too much, just like book one.
I'm enjoying this series. I like that the billionaires aren't arrogant or big headed. They are just regular guys with an obscene amount of money, is all! They will show that money off when needed though, but they don't shove it in anyone's face.
Keep them coming, please!
4 delightful stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword (2017) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
Pick your poison: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 meets 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨, 300: 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 meets the 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥 movie, or 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘨𝘺𝘱𝘵 meets 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘥 (2018) - you decide. Either way they all eventually mesh with 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢, too. As stupid and trashy as it needs to be, legit some of the dumbest stuff imaginable lmfao. Pure junky spectacle with jaw-dropping visuals and neurotic editing, felt like somebody laced my drink with crack while I was watching it. God-tier Law performance right here, chews the scenery so much that legend has it his jaw dislocated. Unmistakably Ritchie in areas but unfortunately often sacrifices auteur personality for genre convention (take a shot every time you see a side character you'll remember and you'll end up totally sober - and that stupid joke about the roundtable at the end was puh-thetic). To say this frankly disgraceful excuse of a screenplay is the exact same movie as all of these other edgy historical action-remakes for high school boys would be a severe understatement. Glad it didn't turn too much into jokey blockbuster corn or yet another over-emphasized failed origin story (most of this is wisely cut to montages with like nu-gothic heavy breathing scores lol). In short, the type of movie I'm *shocked* wasn't released in 2003/2004. I feel bad for those who love King Arthur and then saw this movie - but Jude Law cuts off a guy's ear then whispers into it and Charlie Hunnam full-on does the 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵: 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 angst-run through the woods. So of course I, for one, enjoyed the hell out of it.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Catching Him in Books
Sep 3, 2019
So this is my first book by the author although I did buy another of her books a few weeks ago but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
I did like this. I think I have a thing for Alpha males, and Tyler was definitely that. He was protective and knew what he wanted, and that was Leah. I also seem to have a thing for backwards baseball caps. I just grew to really like Tyler. He seems like the perfect guy and Leah probably couldn't ask for more.
The romance was cute, the whole they were a couple before they actually got together with all the meals and the touching. It was sweet to read how quickly it progressed and how believable it was.
As for the incidents that kept happening after they got together. Well, I figured out who it was after Bruce had his "taken to the compound" part and then I was just more sure after everything else. That characters just seemed like the type.
As I've mentioned previously, I like a bit of angst in my stories and this didn't really have any. I may have been rooting for the couple because of how cute together they were but I didn't get upset on their behalf when things were being set on fire/trashed. I like to get emotionally attached to characters and I will cry when they do, get angry for them/with them. I didn't get that with this.
I will be reading the other book I bought and I'll figure out from there whether this is an author I can really enjoy reading.
I did like this. I think I have a thing for Alpha males, and Tyler was definitely that. He was protective and knew what he wanted, and that was Leah. I also seem to have a thing for backwards baseball caps. I just grew to really like Tyler. He seems like the perfect guy and Leah probably couldn't ask for more.
The romance was cute, the whole they were a couple before they actually got together with all the meals and the touching. It was sweet to read how quickly it progressed and how believable it was.
As for the incidents that kept happening after they got together. Well, I figured out who it was after Bruce had his "taken to the compound" part and then I was just more sure after everything else. That characters just seemed like the type.
As I've mentioned previously, I like a bit of angst in my stories and this didn't really have any. I may have been rooting for the couple because of how cute together they were but I didn't get upset on their behalf when things were being set on fire/trashed. I like to get emotionally attached to characters and I will cry when they do, get angry for them/with them. I didn't get that with this.
I will be reading the other book I bought and I'll figure out from there whether this is an author I can really enjoy reading.
Ensnared by Innocence (Roaring Rogues #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Oh, the angst! Changing into a lion isn’t all fur and games. Lord Blakely doesn’t have time...
Historical Paranormal Romance Shifters Regency
Debbiereadsbook (1804 KP) rated Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice in Books
Dec 13, 2024
It's cute and sweet and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14152 KP) rated The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1) in Books
May 9, 2025
THE LOST ART OF SEDUCING A MAGE WARRIOR is the first book in The Lost Arts series and does NOT give you everything all at once, which I loved!
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. 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!
May 9, 2025
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. 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!
May 9, 2025
Merissa (14152 KP) rated Accidentally Living With the Captain (Chicago Awakenings #3) in Books
Feb 12, 2026
ACCIDENTALLY LIVING WITH THE CAPTAIN is the third book in the Chicago Awakenings series. I haven't read any of the others, and I don't think it made that big of an impact when reading this one.
If you like books with Golden Retriever energy, then you've picked up the right one, as this one is FULL of it. Hudson is the captain of the Werewolves, and thinks he has the perfect life, until he gets served by his soon-to-be ex-wife on camera. Adrian is gay and flirts with everyone, so no one feels left out. He has also had a massive crush on Hudson for years. He steps in to help when Hudson is still stunned, and it goes from there.
This a SLOW BURN in every sense of the word, concentrating more on emotions, damned feelings, and connections, rather than hot s3x. Although, when they do? It's hot. Just saying. These two are the biggest green flags out there. Both of them want to care for others, showing their love in quiet ways, like serving a meal instead of making them dish their own. I mean, yes, they have their flaws too. Both were so afraid of rocking the boat, it about killed me.
A low-angst, slow burn of a book 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 12, 2026
If you like books with Golden Retriever energy, then you've picked up the right one, as this one is FULL of it. Hudson is the captain of the Werewolves, and thinks he has the perfect life, until he gets served by his soon-to-be ex-wife on camera. Adrian is gay and flirts with everyone, so no one feels left out. He has also had a massive crush on Hudson for years. He steps in to help when Hudson is still stunned, and it goes from there.
This a SLOW BURN in every sense of the word, concentrating more on emotions, damned feelings, and connections, rather than hot s3x. Although, when they do? It's hot. Just saying. These two are the biggest green flags out there. Both of them want to care for others, showing their love in quiet ways, like serving a meal instead of making them dish their own. I mean, yes, they have their flaws too. Both were so afraid of rocking the boat, it about killed me.
A low-angst, slow burn of a book 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 12, 2026
Debbiereadsbook (1804 KP) rated Town Bronze Box Set in Books
Sep 1, 2024
it was a wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
Merissa (14152 KP) rated First in Books
Apr 8, 2026
FIRST is a standalone age-gap romance between Mike and Tommy. Mike is older and an established porn star. Tommy is younger, just finding his feet, and from a very religious family. This could have gone all kinds of ways wrong. Instead, you get a cinnamon roll-type book that touches on hard subjects with sensitivity.
There were so many good points to this book: the slow but steady start, the family vs. found family, friends, jobs, and age difference. All of it was handled brilliantly. Tommy and Mike are just a pair of guys that you want to squidge. They are so cute, especially together.
Of course, with Tommy's upbringing and Mike's job, you know what the angst is going to be about, but once again, I thought it was handled perfectly. I did choke slightly when Mike took Tommy to the studio, but what a perfect way to show it wasn't real! They had their future planned out (after a few bumps in the road), and I would have loved to have been with them as it came into reality, but that's just me being greedy.
There is a great supporting cast of characters, from colleagues to old lovers and new adoptive moms, all adding to the story. This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, which kept me turning the pages. 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!
Apr 8, 2026
There were so many good points to this book: the slow but steady start, the family vs. found family, friends, jobs, and age difference. All of it was handled brilliantly. Tommy and Mike are just a pair of guys that you want to squidge. They are so cute, especially together.
Of course, with Tommy's upbringing and Mike's job, you know what the angst is going to be about, but once again, I thought it was handled perfectly. I did choke slightly when Mike took Tommy to the studio, but what a perfect way to show it wasn't real! They had their future planned out (after a few bumps in the road), and I would have loved to have been with them as it came into reality, but that's just me being greedy.
There is a great supporting cast of characters, from colleagues to old lovers and new adoptive moms, all adding to the story. This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, which kept me turning the pages. 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!
Apr 8, 2026