Search
Thicker Than Water (Redwater Demons #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
“Hate is learned, hunter. And I see you were a very good student.” “Thanks. I try.” ...
Merissa (13854 KP) rated End Game (Brooklyn Kings #2) in Books
May 5, 2025
END GAME is the second book in the Brooklyn Kings series. This time, we meet with Dev and Brody, quarterback and tight end, who have been together since college, and in love for nearly as long. Unfortunately for them, they can't share their love openly and have to keep it secret.
Dev and Brody have a strong relationship, but there is a bit of telling, not showing, with them, as well as time jumps. This detracted from their story for me because I wanted to see them fall in love, see the hardships and trials the separation of being drafted caused them. Instead, I was told about it, and then we hopped, skipped, and jumped to another timeframe.
Brody has a solid relationship with his mom, but doesn't get on too well with his stepfather, Theo. This is simply because he doesn't want to forget his father, but it doesn't really add anything to the story. There is no real angst between Theo and Brody - it just sort of fizzles out. As for Dev's parents, well, the less said about them the better. I thought they were bad when we first met them, but they got even worse, especially when Dev was injured and in hospital.
Even with these niggles, I still enjoyed this book, albeit not as much as book one. The team is a solid group of characters I look forward to seeing more from, although maybe not Zeke. He was a piece of work, for sure.
A good addition to the series and 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 30, 2025
Dev and Brody have a strong relationship, but there is a bit of telling, not showing, with them, as well as time jumps. This detracted from their story for me because I wanted to see them fall in love, see the hardships and trials the separation of being drafted caused them. Instead, I was told about it, and then we hopped, skipped, and jumped to another timeframe.
Brody has a solid relationship with his mom, but doesn't get on too well with his stepfather, Theo. This is simply because he doesn't want to forget his father, but it doesn't really add anything to the story. There is no real angst between Theo and Brody - it just sort of fizzles out. As for Dev's parents, well, the less said about them the better. I thought they were bad when we first met them, but they got even worse, especially when Dev was injured and in hospital.
Even with these niggles, I still enjoyed this book, albeit not as much as book one. The team is a solid group of characters I look forward to seeing more from, although maybe not Zeke. He was a piece of work, for sure.
A good addition to the series and 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 30, 2025
The Way Alex Sees Me (Aphrodite in Disguise #2)
Book
High school senior Rusty Finch is in a pickle. His grades are plummeting even though everyone...
Dark MM Contemporary Historical Paranormal Romance
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Golden Bond (Pleasure Palace #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2025
GOLDEN BOND is the first book in the Pleasure Palace series, and it is a series I will be continuing as I loved this one!
Callis was summoned to Eletheria to pay his family's debt. Just by being there, his debt is paid. What he doesn't know is if he will be chosen for a bond. He is lost within the palace, not knowing what is going on or what to do. He is not used to being seen and doesn't know what to do with it. Auren has had three failed bonds before. He chooses Callis because he finds him intriguing, but what he gets is so much more.
This was a wonderful story that, no, isn't perfect. What story is? Did I want more world-building? Yes, I did. Do I want to know more about the bonds, what they mean, and how they help the outside world? Of course. And what about the supporting characters that seemed to disappear?
But what I got from this low-angst story was a connection between the two main characters that was everything I wanted and more. It was pure and innocent, while being deep and permanent. I loved how they were, both separate and together. I loved how they worked through the bond, figuring out what it meant, and what they meant to each other. I loved how I wasn't distracted by side stories that I didn't really need, so I could focus on theirs.
All in all, I was captivated by Callis and Auren and hope to return to the Pleasure Palace soon. 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!
Jul 9, 2025
Callis was summoned to Eletheria to pay his family's debt. Just by being there, his debt is paid. What he doesn't know is if he will be chosen for a bond. He is lost within the palace, not knowing what is going on or what to do. He is not used to being seen and doesn't know what to do with it. Auren has had three failed bonds before. He chooses Callis because he finds him intriguing, but what he gets is so much more.
This was a wonderful story that, no, isn't perfect. What story is? Did I want more world-building? Yes, I did. Do I want to know more about the bonds, what they mean, and how they help the outside world? Of course. And what about the supporting characters that seemed to disappear?
But what I got from this low-angst story was a connection between the two main characters that was everything I wanted and more. It was pure and innocent, while being deep and permanent. I loved how they were, both separate and together. I loved how they worked through the bond, figuring out what it meant, and what they meant to each other. I loved how I wasn't distracted by side stories that I didn't really need, so I could focus on theirs.
All in all, I was captivated by Callis and Auren and hope to return to the Pleasure Palace soon. 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!
Jul 9, 2025
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Textual Confusion in Books
Oct 31, 2024
TEXTUAL CONFUSION is a standalone story about two men whose story starts with a text message. When Asher receives a text in the middle of the night, he knows he should ignore it, but can't resist answering. This leads to more than he ever thought possible.
Asher and Markus were great characters. I do love it when one of them is an a$$hole to everyone apart from the one he loves, even if I don't like it in real life. But, hey, that's why we read, right? I also loved that everyone else could see how deep Markus was in, apart from Asher, who had his own reasons for not believing.
Sasha and Danny are the best supporting characters, especially Sasha, who made me LOL a few times! And speaking of other characters, in this book, you get not one but two protagonists (if you don't count Asher himself!) You've got his psycho ex who didn't want Asher but doesn't want anyone else to have him either. You've also got his mother - a term I use very loosely!
There is a third-act breakup which may be triggering to some people, just so you know. There were a couple of things that happened that I personally don't like (spit-swapping, for one) that knocked off half a star, but nothing too bad.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this high-angst, hot and steamy book and read it in one sitting. 4.5 stars, rounded up, and definitely recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
23 Oct, 2024
Asher and Markus were great characters. I do love it when one of them is an a$$hole to everyone apart from the one he loves, even if I don't like it in real life. But, hey, that's why we read, right? I also loved that everyone else could see how deep Markus was in, apart from Asher, who had his own reasons for not believing.
Sasha and Danny are the best supporting characters, especially Sasha, who made me LOL a few times! And speaking of other characters, in this book, you get not one but two protagonists (if you don't count Asher himself!) You've got his psycho ex who didn't want Asher but doesn't want anyone else to have him either. You've also got his mother - a term I use very loosely!
There is a third-act breakup which may be triggering to some people, just so you know. There were a couple of things that happened that I personally don't like (spit-swapping, for one) that knocked off half a star, but nothing too bad.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this high-angst, hot and steamy book and read it in one sitting. 4.5 stars, rounded up, and definitely recommended.
** 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!
23 Oct, 2024
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Sugar Rush in Books
Nov 24, 2025
SUGAR RUSH is set in an A/B/O world that reads like a contemporary in many ways. Jordy and Kieran are stepbrothers. Kieran (alpha) is a tattoo artist, well on his way to being a success, while Jordy (omega) is about set to go to college with his best friend, Dani. Jordy has crushed on Kieran for a long time - years, in fact - but doesn't think anything will come of it, UNTIL one night when Kieran gets sh!t-faced and blurts out the truth to Jordy before falling asleep. He doesn't remember what he said or did the night before, but Jordy certainly does, and he plans ways to annoy, irritate, and generally get under the skin of Kieran before Kieran submits to Jordy's will.
This was a high-angst read, with plenty of toing and froing from Kieran. And, to be honest, I can't blame the guy. He didn't have the easiest childhood, and is now worried about how it would be seen by those he loves. He doesn't want to lose their love, even if he does gain Jordy's.
I loved how Jordy and Kieran balanced each other out. Jordy needed every single drop of brattiness, some could say resilience, when dealing with Kieran. And Kieran is all growly possessiveness. Yum!
I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers, but I will say this was an excellent read, and the first by this author I have read. 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!
Nov 23, 2025
This was a high-angst read, with plenty of toing and froing from Kieran. And, to be honest, I can't blame the guy. He didn't have the easiest childhood, and is now worried about how it would be seen by those he loves. He doesn't want to lose their love, even if he does gain Jordy's.
I loved how Jordy and Kieran balanced each other out. Jordy needed every single drop of brattiness, some could say resilience, when dealing with Kieran. And Kieran is all growly possessiveness. Yum!
I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers, but I will say this was an excellent read, and the first by this author I have read. 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!
Nov 23, 2025
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Festive Trees And Mistletoe (Hope Valley Christmas #3) in Books
Dec 9, 2025
FESTIVE TREES AND MISTLETOE is the perfectly named book three in the Hope Valley Christmas series. You don't have to read the other books before this one, although I'm sure you'll want to.
Pete is the one who lives in Hope Valley, well, Charnwell actually. He runs a Christmas Tree Farm and Garden Centre with his sister, Sadie. Charlie was spending time over Christmas and New Year in the village pub when he got dumped. Pete and Charlie meet on New Year's Eve, when both of them end up outside, unwilling to witness all the happy couples around them bringing in the New Year. There is a spark of attraction, but Charlie has literally just been dumped, so nothing happens. Not until the next December anyway...
This is a cosy read, full of Christmas cheer, and two men who really belong together, but decide they are going to be 'just friends'. You can imagine how well that works out, but they do have a couple of little speed bumps along the way. Both of these guys are wonderful, but Pete is seriously a 'good guy' in the best way possible. Throw in a hot lumberjack vibe too, and all is good in the world!
I loved that this was mostly low angst, with just the usual quandaries and worries that every new relationship brings when you live in two different places. Cooper and Jax also made my heart melt!
All in all, this was a brilliant Christmas read, that is slow-burn but high heat. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2025
Pete is the one who lives in Hope Valley, well, Charnwell actually. He runs a Christmas Tree Farm and Garden Centre with his sister, Sadie. Charlie was spending time over Christmas and New Year in the village pub when he got dumped. Pete and Charlie meet on New Year's Eve, when both of them end up outside, unwilling to witness all the happy couples around them bringing in the New Year. There is a spark of attraction, but Charlie has literally just been dumped, so nothing happens. Not until the next December anyway...
This is a cosy read, full of Christmas cheer, and two men who really belong together, but decide they are going to be 'just friends'. You can imagine how well that works out, but they do have a couple of little speed bumps along the way. Both of these guys are wonderful, but Pete is seriously a 'good guy' in the best way possible. Throw in a hot lumberjack vibe too, and all is good in the world!
I loved that this was mostly low angst, with just the usual quandaries and worries that every new relationship brings when you live in two different places. Cooper and Jax also made my heart melt!
All in all, this was a brilliant Christmas read, that is slow-burn but high heat. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 9, 2025
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Sweetest Blood in Books
Feb 10, 2026
SWEETEST BLOOD is a standalone paranormal romance between a witch and a vampire. Throw in a cursed sister and an evil coven, and there you have it.
This is a long book, and I'll be honest, I wondered how it could fill the book. But it does, and in such a way that you don't even notice the pages skipping by. I loved how Felix was a feeder and how he ended up with Severin, but I also loved how he was honest with Sev from the beginning. He is a saucy little minx, constantly teasing and pushing Severin's boundaries in the most perfect way. As for Severin himself, well, he's my favourite character of them all. He is cool, calm, and collected... until one of those he considers a friend or family is threatened.
Not only do Felix and Severin find their mates, but so do a multitude of others (don't worry, I won't name names!), so you get an all-for-one kind of story. I would say this is a surprisingly low angst story, considering the evil coven, etc., that is both a slow burn and fated mates insta-lust. Felix and Severin don't rush into a relationship (for reasons), but when they do, hold onto your hats, because it steams up pretty quickly!
The first book by this author I have read, and if their other books are like this, then it won't be my last. 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!
Feb 10, 2026
This is a long book, and I'll be honest, I wondered how it could fill the book. But it does, and in such a way that you don't even notice the pages skipping by. I loved how Felix was a feeder and how he ended up with Severin, but I also loved how he was honest with Sev from the beginning. He is a saucy little minx, constantly teasing and pushing Severin's boundaries in the most perfect way. As for Severin himself, well, he's my favourite character of them all. He is cool, calm, and collected... until one of those he considers a friend or family is threatened.
Not only do Felix and Severin find their mates, but so do a multitude of others (don't worry, I won't name names!), so you get an all-for-one kind of story. I would say this is a surprisingly low angst story, considering the evil coven, etc., that is both a slow burn and fated mates insta-lust. Felix and Severin don't rush into a relationship (for reasons), but when they do, hold onto your hats, because it steams up pretty quickly!
The first book by this author I have read, and if their other books are like this, then it won't be my last. 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!
Feb 10, 2026
Debbiereadsbook (1681 KP) rated Protecting What's Mine (Men Of Maddox Security #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2025
fast intense read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13854 KP) rated The Bargain (Executive Suite Secrets #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2025
THE BARGAIN is the first book in the Executive Suite Secrets series, and we begin with Sebastian and Byron. Sebastian is the golden retriever in the relationship and, although his heart is in the right place, is too used to throwing money at a problem to make it go away. Byron is the black cat and is too used to standing on his own two feet without anyone by his side. Both of them have liked each other since they started working together, but the company policy clearly states no fraternising. You can see where this is going, can't you!
Mostly low angst, this was a great read with some hilarious moments. It wasn't all fun and games, though, as the difficulties Byron faced are real to far too many others. When the sh!t hit the fan, both Sebastian and Byron reacted in the ways I thought they would, but I still enjoyed reading about it.
One thing I will say is that although the counterpoint to the billionaire trope is usually someone who isn't well off, I liked how it was handled here. Byron had a well-paid job and would certainly have lived within his means if he hadn't had the responsibility of his brother and mother. It made for a good read to see someone who had a well-paid job but still couldn't afford everything and the reasons why, rather than just someone who was 'poor'.
I'm hoping Declan gets a story, but I'm guessing that Pierce and Simon may be next. Whoever it is, I'm here to read it. 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 16, 2025
Mostly low angst, this was a great read with some hilarious moments. It wasn't all fun and games, though, as the difficulties Byron faced are real to far too many others. When the sh!t hit the fan, both Sebastian and Byron reacted in the ways I thought they would, but I still enjoyed reading about it.
One thing I will say is that although the counterpoint to the billionaire trope is usually someone who isn't well off, I liked how it was handled here. Byron had a well-paid job and would certainly have lived within his means if he hadn't had the responsibility of his brother and mother. It made for a good read to see someone who had a well-paid job but still couldn't afford everything and the reasons why, rather than just someone who was 'poor'.
I'm hoping Declan gets a story, but I'm guessing that Pierce and Simon may be next. Whoever it is, I'm here to read it. 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 16, 2025