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Merissa (14142 KP) rated Lost Boy (The Les's Bar #5) in Books
Jan 22, 2025
LOST BOY is the fifth book in the Les's Bar series and the first one in this series I have read. Although it would have been nice to have read the previous books, I didn't need to, to enjoy this one.
Leo is a big and tall veterinarian (his words) who desperately wants some Minion scrubs. Chris is a K9 trainer who doesn't believe he is a sub considering how his past relationship went. Together, these two make the perfect cinnamon roll.
I really enjoyed this story. Leo was just perfect in every way - possessive (in a good way) and protective, caring and loving. The fact that what he wanted in the bedroom matched up with Chris was just the icing on the cake. Chris is the one who changes the most. Or should I say 'flourishes'? In a relationship with the right person who allowed him to grow and gave him what he needed, Chris transformed from a scrappy, hot-headed character to one who still had a temper but was willing to take a different approach first.
I'm not 100% sure about the ending though - a) it didn't feel necessary, and b) nothing really happened. I mean, two people got banned but that was it. Come on! I wanted to know that they had paid for their crime! I wanted them to have a miserable awakening. Oh, well.
A standalone story I have no hesitation in recommending, although I now want to read the others just because I can.
** 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!
Jan 22, 2025
Leo is a big and tall veterinarian (his words) who desperately wants some Minion scrubs. Chris is a K9 trainer who doesn't believe he is a sub considering how his past relationship went. Together, these two make the perfect cinnamon roll.
I really enjoyed this story. Leo was just perfect in every way - possessive (in a good way) and protective, caring and loving. The fact that what he wanted in the bedroom matched up with Chris was just the icing on the cake. Chris is the one who changes the most. Or should I say 'flourishes'? In a relationship with the right person who allowed him to grow and gave him what he needed, Chris transformed from a scrappy, hot-headed character to one who still had a temper but was willing to take a different approach first.
I'm not 100% sure about the ending though - a) it didn't feel necessary, and b) nothing really happened. I mean, two people got banned but that was it. Come on! I wanted to know that they had paid for their crime! I wanted them to have a miserable awakening. Oh, well.
A standalone story I have no hesitation in recommending, although I now want to read the others just because I can.
** 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!
Jan 22, 2025
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Rule in Books
May 18, 2025
DRAGON RULE is the third and final book in the Warrior Hearts Academy Dragon trilogy and brings a satisfying conclusion to Bree's story. I say Bree's because she is the one who brings and holds them all together. This MUST be read after the other two books as the story continues on from where it left off.
In other words, Bree is taken by Victor, Riggs is unable to shift, Caliel is still fighting a losing battle against the Ice Drake, and Tez is still someone who leaves a lot to be desired. Does this change?
Erm, yes. Just a little bit! The storyline is amazing and so intricate. I loved watching the pieces fall into place. And seeing Bree become stronger with every passing moment, while still retaining the core essence of who she was, was outstanding. I even warmed up to Tez! Now, how about that?!
If I had one niggle, it would be Nar and the informant. It was never actually confirmed for sure that it was one and the same, so will be playing on my mind.
I really hope this isn't the end of this world. There are open-ended moments that could be followed on (cough, cough, Mykhal) but this one concludes nicely. Now, I want to go back (in their time) and read all of the others from the beginning to get the full experience!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and ABSOLUTELY 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!
May 18, 2025
In other words, Bree is taken by Victor, Riggs is unable to shift, Caliel is still fighting a losing battle against the Ice Drake, and Tez is still someone who leaves a lot to be desired. Does this change?
Erm, yes. Just a little bit! The storyline is amazing and so intricate. I loved watching the pieces fall into place. And seeing Bree become stronger with every passing moment, while still retaining the core essence of who she was, was outstanding. I even warmed up to Tez! Now, how about that?!
If I had one niggle, it would be Nar and the informant. It was never actually confirmed for sure that it was one and the same, so will be playing on my mind.
I really hope this isn't the end of this world. There are open-ended moments that could be followed on (cough, cough, Mykhal) but this one concludes nicely. Now, I want to go back (in their time) and read all of the others from the beginning to get the full experience!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and ABSOLUTELY 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!
May 18, 2025
Merissa (14142 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
Merissa (14142 KP) rated The Bear's Broken Omega (Grizzly Ridge #3) in Books
Dec 4, 2025
THE BEAR'S BROKEN OMEGA is the third book in the Grizzly Ridge series, and is about Zander, sheriff of Grizzly Ridge and bear shifter, and Reid, a traumatised for more than one reason warlock. You don't have to have read the other two, but I think it helps, if only for background.
Reid was abused as a child, starts rebelling and spreading his wings, and is forced into a mating that he never wanted, and is abused once more. So when I say he has trust issues, trust me. He does, and with fair reason. Zander is the sheriff and doesn't expect to find his mate in the middle of a battle, but there you go. He understands that Reid needs treating gently and tries to give him space, while also showing that he can be trusted and relied upon.
This is a slow-burn of a story, made more complicated for the main characters when they realise Reid is pregnant with his captor's baby. My heart broke for him, even as I cheered him on. I loved how he made Zander work for his affection, and I loved even more how Zander completely understood and didn't play games in return.
There are hints for at least two more books in the series - Garrett and Kit, and Nathaniel and George. I honestly can't wait to read these.
This series is full of hurt and trauma, while showing that the love of the right man/shifter isn't all that you need, but it goes one helluva long way to making your world right again. 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!
Dec 4, 2025
Reid was abused as a child, starts rebelling and spreading his wings, and is forced into a mating that he never wanted, and is abused once more. So when I say he has trust issues, trust me. He does, and with fair reason. Zander is the sheriff and doesn't expect to find his mate in the middle of a battle, but there you go. He understands that Reid needs treating gently and tries to give him space, while also showing that he can be trusted and relied upon.
This is a slow-burn of a story, made more complicated for the main characters when they realise Reid is pregnant with his captor's baby. My heart broke for him, even as I cheered him on. I loved how he made Zander work for his affection, and I loved even more how Zander completely understood and didn't play games in return.
There are hints for at least two more books in the series - Garrett and Kit, and Nathaniel and George. I honestly can't wait to read these.
This series is full of hurt and trauma, while showing that the love of the right man/shifter isn't all that you need, but it goes one helluva long way to making your world right again. 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!
Dec 4, 2025
Merissa (14142 KP) rated The Chase (Dangerous Games #3) in Books
Jan 16, 2026
THE CHASE is the third book in the Dangerous Games series, and although it said it could be read as a standalone, I do feel that reading the other books would have helped it just a little.
Elias works at a bodega and volunteers at an animal shelter. He is invisible to a lot of people. He has saved up his money and sent in a request to ForbiddenX to make his dark fantasy come real. It's one that will make him feel seen, which is something he lacks in his life. Andre is the one who makes his fantasy come true, in more ways than one. Andre reacts in certain ways because of his history, which I learnt about by reading the story. However, I still don't know the full brunt of what went on and how the men were affected.
There is a connection between Elias and Andre, but it is oh so fragile and easy to break. Both of them have reasons for who they are and what they do, but their personalities don't always allow for cool, calm explanations.
While I understand the connections with Elias and his father, I enjoyed the story more before that part. After Ernesto gets involved, I didn't enjoy it quite as much. This is where the prior knowledge would have come in handy.
All in all, a dark, obsessive story that I enjoyed, but I now want to read the rest in 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!
Jan 15, 2026
Elias works at a bodega and volunteers at an animal shelter. He is invisible to a lot of people. He has saved up his money and sent in a request to ForbiddenX to make his dark fantasy come real. It's one that will make him feel seen, which is something he lacks in his life. Andre is the one who makes his fantasy come true, in more ways than one. Andre reacts in certain ways because of his history, which I learnt about by reading the story. However, I still don't know the full brunt of what went on and how the men were affected.
There is a connection between Elias and Andre, but it is oh so fragile and easy to break. Both of them have reasons for who they are and what they do, but their personalities don't always allow for cool, calm explanations.
While I understand the connections with Elias and his father, I enjoyed the story more before that part. After Ernesto gets involved, I didn't enjoy it quite as much. This is where the prior knowledge would have come in handy.
All in all, a dark, obsessive story that I enjoyed, but I now want to read the rest in 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!
Jan 15, 2026
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Out For Blood (Monsters of London #3) in Books
Mar 11, 2025
OUT FOR BLOOD concludes the Monsters of London but I'm hoping it's not the end of this world!
Vasilie and Deacon have successfully avoided each other for two books and now we find out why. Tamesis (the big bad of the trilogy) is Vasilie's sire and 'just a tad' obsessed. And it seems he was just the same one hundred years ago. He puts a major spanner in the works for Vas and Deacon, leading to them both running away from the other and trying to deal with the consequences of the choices they made. But now Tamesis is back on the scene and both Vas and Deacon realise their feelings (and the bond) aren't as dormant as they thought!
The scenes with Vas and Deacon, both together and separately, show you quite clearly just how their minds and feelings worked, one hundred years ago and in the present. There is pining, longing, tenderness, hotness, you name it. Neither their story nor the overarching one suffers from the other one getting page time. Both of them fit perfectly with the other, giving the reader a well-rounded, spectacular read.
You really need to read this as a trilogy to understand it all, but you will love it if you have! Kieran's pack is as wonderful as ever, and I finally, FINALLY, found out just why Tamesis attacked Kieran so many years ago. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The overarching story was superbly finished, and I found all the answers I needed.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me and I really hope to return to this world again.
** 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 16, 2024
Vasilie and Deacon have successfully avoided each other for two books and now we find out why. Tamesis (the big bad of the trilogy) is Vasilie's sire and 'just a tad' obsessed. And it seems he was just the same one hundred years ago. He puts a major spanner in the works for Vas and Deacon, leading to them both running away from the other and trying to deal with the consequences of the choices they made. But now Tamesis is back on the scene and both Vas and Deacon realise their feelings (and the bond) aren't as dormant as they thought!
The scenes with Vas and Deacon, both together and separately, show you quite clearly just how their minds and feelings worked, one hundred years ago and in the present. There is pining, longing, tenderness, hotness, you name it. Neither their story nor the overarching one suffers from the other one getting page time. Both of them fit perfectly with the other, giving the reader a well-rounded, spectacular read.
You really need to read this as a trilogy to understand it all, but you will love it if you have! Kieran's pack is as wonderful as ever, and I finally, FINALLY, found out just why Tamesis attacked Kieran so many years ago. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The overarching story was superbly finished, and I found all the answers I needed.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me and I really hope to return to this world again.
** 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 16, 2024
Merissa (14142 KP) rated A Daddy for Christmas 3: Lorcan in Books
Nov 21, 2025
A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS 3: LORCAN tells the story of Lorcan and Cody. Lorcan is twice the age of Cody and has gone through the roughest of times recently with his ex-husband. He also wants to be a puppy, but is worried about his age. Cody, although young, is accomplished and knows what he wants, including Lorcan. He isn't the type of man to push someone else's recovery to his timetable though, which is probably what makes him such a good psychiatrist.
Their story is a sweet undertaking of trust and realistic optimism. Lorcan had every right to each one of his doubts, the same as Cody had every right to help with them. It was easy to forget that Lorcan was the older one, although that had nothing to do with him with immature. Also, seeing Lorcan become more than he had been, with the care and support of new friends, made it a worthwhile read. And please don't get me wrong - Cody is here too, every step of the way. It's just that with what Lorcan's going through, he needs a little more immediate help, but you know damn well that it works both ways between these two.
A nice segue at the end to lead to the next book, and also providing a HEA for Cody and Lorcan, although I certainly wouldn't be upset to see them in future books. A really good read and 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 21, 2025
Their story is a sweet undertaking of trust and realistic optimism. Lorcan had every right to each one of his doubts, the same as Cody had every right to help with them. It was easy to forget that Lorcan was the older one, although that had nothing to do with him with immature. Also, seeing Lorcan become more than he had been, with the care and support of new friends, made it a worthwhile read. And please don't get me wrong - Cody is here too, every step of the way. It's just that with what Lorcan's going through, he needs a little more immediate help, but you know damn well that it works both ways between these two.
A nice segue at the end to lead to the next book, and also providing a HEA for Cody and Lorcan, although I certainly wouldn't be upset to see them in future books. A really good read and 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 21, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2627 KP) rated Caramel Pecan Roll Murder in Books
Mar 4, 2022 (Updated Mar 4, 2022)
Hannah Goes Fishing for a Killer
A fishing tournament has come to Lake Eden, which is great news for Lake Eden Inn since it is located on the shores of Eden Lake. Hannah Swensen is out at the inn filling in for their pastry chef, who is out for a family emergency. That’s how she first meets Sonny Bowman, the celebrity face of the contest. Sonny is as arrogant as he is handsome, but Hannah is still surprised when she finds his dead body. Can she figure out what happened?
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Endless (The Awakening Series #3) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
This is the third (and final) book in this series which has knocked my socks off from the very beginning. This, for me, is a complete 5-star series that hasn't been 'let down' by any weak or weaker books. It starts off strong, carries on strong and then finishes with such a wallop, you'll be left breathless. Unfortunately for me, it isn't Endless and did indeed come to a conclusion. A most satisfactory one too, may I just add.
Selene still has choices to make but she doesn't really have time to breathe, let alone think about things that, although important, are not quite as important as actually trying to stay alive. This book is non-stop action. What will Selene do? What choices will she make? And will this war ever come to an end without someone we know and love dying?
You will find all this and so much more in the conclusion to The Awakening Series. I loved how the story all tied together at the end and explanations are given for things that Selene (and the reader) had questioned. You are not left with any uncertainties but with satisfaction instead. The only problem I had was that I reached the end, couldn't believe it, so went back a few pages on my Kindle. Reached the end, still couldn't believe it so actually did it a third time. THAT is how much I didn't want this series to end. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended to all.
* 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!
September 1, 2016
Selene still has choices to make but she doesn't really have time to breathe, let alone think about things that, although important, are not quite as important as actually trying to stay alive. This book is non-stop action. What will Selene do? What choices will she make? And will this war ever come to an end without someone we know and love dying?
You will find all this and so much more in the conclusion to The Awakening Series. I loved how the story all tied together at the end and explanations are given for things that Selene (and the reader) had questioned. You are not left with any uncertainties but with satisfaction instead. The only problem I had was that I reached the end, couldn't believe it, so went back a few pages on my Kindle. Reached the end, still couldn't believe it so actually did it a third time. THAT is how much I didn't want this series to end. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommended to all.
* 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!
September 1, 2016
Merissa (14142 KP) rated Brink of Eternity (Guardians of Ascension #2.5) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
I managed to confuse myself a bit with this book because I have recently read Awakening (Rapture's Edge #1) and managed to completely miss the following Reader's Advisory - "Awakening is a paranormal romance novel, a vampire romance with a fantasy edge, of the Rapture’s Edge Series. The series is preceded by two related books: BRINK OF ETERNITY and THE DARKENING. RAPTURE’S EDGE is part of the Guardians of Ascension Saga!"
So starting this book, I immediately travelled back in time to before Rachel and Duncan got together, as Elise and Gideon try to figure out just what it is that's going on with them, dealing with death vampires and going through Elise's ascension.
This book is full of intensity and action, both between the sheets and out of it. Elise is a feisty character who knows what she wants and how to get it. The only difficulty she has is figuring out if someone can be by her side or if she will continue to walk alone. Elise and Gideon have already had a relationship which ended by mutual consent, but they both still feel the attraction. Secrets and personal fears though have a way of getting involved and in the way as they try to figure out what is going on between them.
The characters in this book are all wonderfully written and it was actually really good to read about them in a different context, even if it was from an earlier time than what I had already read. Definitely recommended.
* 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 14, 2015
So starting this book, I immediately travelled back in time to before Rachel and Duncan got together, as Elise and Gideon try to figure out just what it is that's going on with them, dealing with death vampires and going through Elise's ascension.
This book is full of intensity and action, both between the sheets and out of it. Elise is a feisty character who knows what she wants and how to get it. The only difficulty she has is figuring out if someone can be by her side or if she will continue to walk alone. Elise and Gideon have already had a relationship which ended by mutual consent, but they both still feel the attraction. Secrets and personal fears though have a way of getting involved and in the way as they try to figure out what is going on between them.
The characters in this book are all wonderfully written and it was actually really good to read about them in a different context, even if it was from an earlier time than what I had already read. Definitely recommended.
* 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 14, 2015