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Merissa (13979 KP) rated Unexpected by Felice Stevens in Books
Jun 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)
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
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
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4) in Books
Feb 8, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
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
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
Debbiereadsbook (1749 KP) rated Secret Admirer Pact in Books
Feb 23, 2024
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
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
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Ollie (A Little Christmas #3) in Books
Dec 13, 2024
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
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
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Some Kind of Truth in Books
Apr 19, 2024
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
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
Debbiereadsbook (1749 KP) rated Hallowed & Haunted: A Northbound Novella in Books
Nov 1, 2025
short, but packs a punch!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is set in the Northbound universe but you don't need to have read those books, they are all stand alones. This is only a novella, a short step into this world, and it will give you a beautiful step into Nansen's world, and their writing skill and style.
Sander and Niillas are rivals. But when Sander accepts a drunken dare, Niillas knows he can't let Sander into that house alone. Someone, or something, will need to keep him safe from things that go bump in the night.
This is only short, some 120 pages but it packs quite a punch!
Not everything is laid out for you, and I got more than a few surprises along the way and I loved being kept on my toes!
The romance aspect is minimal, it's more about Sander and Niillas learning about each other, and dealing with what's going on in the house. Niillas knows what it is, but letting Sander in on the secret will mean letting Sander in on a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I loved that Sander wasn't fazed by Niillas, once he knows. I'm being vague, I know but I need to be!
It is only short, as I said but it was brilliantly written and told and I loved it! Thank you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is set in the Northbound universe but you don't need to have read those books, they are all stand alones. This is only a novella, a short step into this world, and it will give you a beautiful step into Nansen's world, and their writing skill and style.
Sander and Niillas are rivals. But when Sander accepts a drunken dare, Niillas knows he can't let Sander into that house alone. Someone, or something, will need to keep him safe from things that go bump in the night.
This is only short, some 120 pages but it packs quite a punch!
Not everything is laid out for you, and I got more than a few surprises along the way and I loved being kept on my toes!
The romance aspect is minimal, it's more about Sander and Niillas learning about each other, and dealing with what's going on in the house. Niillas knows what it is, but letting Sander in on the secret will mean letting Sander in on a whole lot more than he bargained for.
I loved that Sander wasn't fazed by Niillas, once he knows. I'm being vague, I know but I need to be!
It is only short, as I said but it was brilliantly written and told and I loved it! Thank you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Toxic B!tch in Books
Sep 10, 2025
TOXIC B!TCH is a standalone featuring a morally grey FEMALE character! Yep, you heard me. How many male characters have I read? This is the only one I can think of where it's the female, and let me tell you... I loved it!
Malik is such a teddy bear - sweet and naive, yet very conscious of his weight. As far as Indigo is concerned, he is everything she never knew she needed, and she is VERY protective of him. Although, to be fair, her idea of protection are slightly different to mine! 😆 I didn't cry about what happened though. Malik didn't deserve the treatment he received from someone else.
I thought this was brilliantly written - dark, deadly, delightfully crazy, and yet a body positive story too. The one thing I absolutely adored was the interplay between Indigo and Malik - even before he found out all about her. She is feisty and sassy, with no filter, and he is there for it. He loves that she doesn't play games, and she is just what he needs too.
Another hit by this author that I read in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. 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!
Sep 10, 2025
Malik is such a teddy bear - sweet and naive, yet very conscious of his weight. As far as Indigo is concerned, he is everything she never knew she needed, and she is VERY protective of him. Although, to be fair, her idea of protection are slightly different to mine! 😆 I didn't cry about what happened though. Malik didn't deserve the treatment he received from someone else.
I thought this was brilliantly written - dark, deadly, delightfully crazy, and yet a body positive story too. The one thing I absolutely adored was the interplay between Indigo and Malik - even before he found out all about her. She is feisty and sassy, with no filter, and he is there for it. He loves that she doesn't play games, and she is just what he needs too.
Another hit by this author that I read in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. 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!
Sep 10, 2025
ClareR (6220 KP) rated Coffin Moon in Books
May 17, 2026
Coffin Moon isn’t your run of the mill vampire story, and is a new take on a genre that there has been a lot of books about over the years. It never came across as gratuitously violent, although by it’s nature, there is a lot of violence, and these are people fighting for their lives: it’s a vampire novel after all. Coffin Moon is about grief, revenge, regret and survival.
The story is told through three characters, and almost entirely by Duane Minor, a Vietnam vet, who is still struggling with the horrors that he saw on his tour. Duane embarks on his journey of revenge with his niece, Julia, who has also experienced trauma before her aunt adopted her. They are both searching for John Vadey, the vampire who is to blame for the death of their loved ones. All of these main characters are flawed, and this makes for a sad, melancholy story. Their backstories are well-developed and their actions are believable (within the context of the story, because I would be at home, hiding behind the sofa!). The narrator, Pete Cross, brought these people to life and made it seem all too real, especially the devastating finale. This is a masterclass in the vampire genre.
Keith Rosson is an author I haven’t come across before, and looking at his backlist, it looks as though I have a bit of catching up to do!
The story is told through three characters, and almost entirely by Duane Minor, a Vietnam vet, who is still struggling with the horrors that he saw on his tour. Duane embarks on his journey of revenge with his niece, Julia, who has also experienced trauma before her aunt adopted her. They are both searching for John Vadey, the vampire who is to blame for the death of their loved ones. All of these main characters are flawed, and this makes for a sad, melancholy story. Their backstories are well-developed and their actions are believable (within the context of the story, because I would be at home, hiding behind the sofa!). The narrator, Pete Cross, brought these people to life and made it seem all too real, especially the devastating finale. This is a masterclass in the vampire genre.
Keith Rosson is an author I haven’t come across before, and looking at his backlist, it looks as though I have a bit of catching up to do!
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Stacked (Mars Fitness #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2025
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
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
Merissa (13979 KP) rated Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2025
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
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