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Bound & Teased
Bound & Teased
Marie Tuhart | 2015 | Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
8
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ry and Jed had an unusual upbringing and this may have had an effect on how they live their lives. Does it really matter? Not if you are enjoying this book! This is just part of the backstory that you learn about as the book develops. You will also learn about why and how Katie left, why she has returned, what her relationship with her father is like, and also how cool her gran is.

There is a lot of action in this book and lots of games played. Part of the realisation that Katie has to make is the difference between pleasure for 'you' and pleasure for 'only me'. Ry and Jed want her to feel pleasure, they get their pleasure from that. Things Katie has seen have given her a jaundiced view so it is something that she works on. They push Katie's boundaries, but they also respect her safewords.

Well written, with plenty of steaminess, and a dash of mystery, this book delivers just what it says in the synopsis. If you don't like ménage or BDSM, then I can pretty much guarantee you won't like this book. If you do like them, then I would have no hesitation in recommending this one for you to try.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 15, 2016
  
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Merissa (12552 KP) rated Wish (Indigo Dreams #1) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2023)  
Wish (Indigo Dreams #1)
Wish (Indigo Dreams #1)
Grier Cooper | 2014 | Contemporary, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the story of Indigo, a sixteen-year-old girl who dreams of being a ballet dancer. Having taken ballet lessons for years, she understands that it isn't something that will just happen without a lot of hard work. However, she is struggling at the present due to family circumstances. Wish tells her story, about the circumstances and decisions made that set her on the path to her future.

This was very well-written with characters that were believable and fully dimensional. The storyline was well-paced and continued to hold my interest throughout. The romance between Jesse and Indigo actually takes a back seat in the story behind the ballet which makes a nice change in a Young Adult book. You never know which way things will go until you get there. This is not just some "everything is peachy" fluffy book, it is a book that deals with a serious subject, alcoholism, in a very realistic way and shows how it impacts not only the drinker but friends and family too.

This is a very different book that is well worth the time it takes to read. I would like to read more about Indigo and her dreams. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 12, 2015
  
A Kitten For Daddy: Pride Pet Play
A Kitten For Daddy: Pride Pet Play
Wendy Rathbone | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A KITTEN FOR DADDY is part of the Pride Pet Play series featuring different authors. I have read and enjoyed this author's works previously but something about this one just didn't push all the buttons for me.

We have Kolly, a shy, flexible kitten who wants to be looked after, not just have a hook-up. And then there's Boston, who wants more and doesn't think he'll get it. Boston helps Kolly when he is in a situation completely out of his comfort zone and it quickly moves on from there.

These two are hot in the bedroom but I would have liked more of a connection between them at other times. Some of the things Boston send were just... strange, to me. And I really disliked how he kept telling Kolly how he always did this with "his boys." Surely, if you're trying for a relationship, the last thing you do is constantly bring up those from your past. For me, this is definitely more about pet play than age play. Boston wanted a kitten, not a boy.

Overall, this was an enjoyable story, just not one of my favourites. I'm sure it will tick boxes for plenty of others though.

** 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!
Jun 9, 2023
  
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Merissa (12552 KP) rated Unexpected by Felice Stevens in Books

Jun 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)  
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Felice Stevens | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNEXPECTED is a standalone novel about two men who bring to life the 'opposites attract' saying. Both of them have been hurt badly in their pasts but have reacted and coped with it in very different ways. Their story is about how they bring together these two opposing sides and make it work.

Walker seemed to be this brash, outgoing character, only interested in a good time, whilst Colin was more buttoned-up, throwing himself into his work to get over his heartache. As the story progresses, you realise (as they do) that these characters have more in common than they first originally thought.

I also really liked the supporting characters - Jimmy, especially. However, the actions of Alan and Dustin made me shake my head. Best friends know how to push their friends, but making them go on something so completely not what Colin liked... Hmm.

Walker is convinced he doesn't want a relationship until Colin comes along. Colin is convinced he isn't good enough until Walker comes along. Both support and help each other, bringing laughter and love back into their lives.

A feel-good story with some steamy moments and plenty of laughter. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
  
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Merissa (12552 KP) rated Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4) in Books

Feb 8, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4)
Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4)
David Fitz-Gerald | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WAKING UP LOST continues the Adirondack Spirit series with Mehitable's son, Noah. He can't move as fast as his brother, Moses; nor can he see ghosts. What he does do is travel whilst asleep. And I deliberately use that phrase as there is no way he could walk!

He doesn't have it easy in that the girl he likes has been 'claimed' by the town bully, whose sister has set her sights on Noah! So Noah gets warned twice - keep away from his girl and keep away from his sister. He tries to, bless him, but Dorcas isn't so easily persuaded. In fact, Noah does everything he can to have a normal life, but his travels make that increasingly difficult.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Noah's tribulations although there was no explanation given for them. Instead, Noah also becomes adept at speaking with ghosts, just like his mum, and they help get him out of some deadly situations.

This is old-worldly and otherworldly, both things that stir my interest. I enjoyed meeting up with old friends and learning about new ones. I found this book to be gripping and I have no hesitation in recommending 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 8, 2022
  
Secret Admirer Pact
Secret Admirer Pact
Bernadette Marie | 2024 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
kinda cute
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!

It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!

While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.

It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.

It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!

It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.

I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.

3 good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Ollie (A Little Christmas #3)
Ollie (A Little Christmas #3)
JP Sayle | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
FINALLY!!! Finally, I get Ollie and Beckett's story. After teasing me in Cruising Right Into Love and Sweet Haven, I'm so happy! You don't have to have read those stories to enjoy this one, but I have and I did.

Ollie is very sensitive about his weight and tries to hide under layers whenever possible. His best friend is having a cruise wedding though, so there won't be much opportunity to hide. He's been online dating for six months now and is still insecure, feeling that if Beckett actually sees him, he leave. Beckett has seen Ollie and wants him even more, but how is he supposed to make Ollie realise that?

What followed was a sweet, heartwarming, cavity-inducing story that wrapped me up in a warm hug and didn't let go. These two had issues, no doubt, their locations being just one, but when the two of them were together, I didn't stop to think about any of that. They were just so right for each other in every way.

I am so pleased their story has come out and I couldn't be happier for them. A brilliant story, beginning and wrapping up at Christmas, that I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 12, 2024
  
Some Kind of Truth
Some Kind of Truth
Westley Smith | 2024 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SOME KIND OF TRUTH is a dark mystery crime thriller about a reporter on the search for truth. Steve James has gone through his own trauma that is similar to that of the girl on the USB stick he anonymously receives. After receiving the approval of his editor, he goes to small-town USA - Hanover if you want the particulars - to find out just what happened.

This was a good story that had me turning the pages, even as I suspended reality. Steve, and the local journalist helping him, Amy, go around the town and surrounding areas, going into houses, and making discoveries that should have been reported to the police.

There were a few errors that I spotted, just as Lance Corporal Lewis Brenner changing to Lance Corporal Kyle Brenner and Private Lewis Lomax. They weren't enough to spoil my reading but they were noticeable.

Steve was a sympathetic character to begin with, but his constant musings about drink and alcohol became monotonous, even knowing the reasons why he used them as a crutch. He can see things others might miss, although he is not infallible.

A dark and gritty story that I can definitely recommend.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 13, 2024
  
Stacked (Mars Fitness #2)
Stacked (Mars Fitness #2)
Linden Bell | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
STACKED is the second book in the Mars Fitness series and it's time for the friendly front-of-desk man's story - Sawyer. He's living with his best friend, Preston, and has been since college. Sawyer has been in love with him for years but knows it's not going anywhere as Preston is straight. So he decides to move on with Fitz, a new guy in town. Preston is none too happy about that but doesn't know why. That's when things really start moving.

This was an engrossing read and I loved seeing the awakenings on both sides. I could also completely understand Fitz's anger but he was a good character and I hope he gets his HEA too. I'm still not sure any of the labels fit Preston - he's in a category all of his own. Preston was a favourite character as I loved reading his internal thoughts. It was funny how people could insult him and that was okay but don't even think about insult Sawyer!

A great addition to the series. It didn't work for me as much as Ripped did but it was still a great story 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!
Jan 23, 2025
  
Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1)
Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1)
Felice Stevens | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BAD IDEA is the first book in the Brooklyn Kings series and we're off to an amazing start!

Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.

I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡

There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.

What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.

** 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 20, 2025