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Merissa (14202 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
I Have Some Questions For You
6.0
Rate It
Book
The riveting new novel from the author of The Great Believers, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and...
Merissa (14202 KP) rated Cruising Right into Love in Books
Jul 2, 2024
CRUISING RIGHT INTO LOVE is part of the Pride Cruise 2024 collection. It features Victor and Denton as the MCs, ably supported by a brilliant cast of colourful characters.
Denton saw Victor at his lowest and has tried to give him time to heal. Only, in doing that, he has created more distance. Victor has crushed on Denton for three years now, always from a distance. So when they have the opportunity to get up close and personal, will they take it?
This is a great summer read and the heat in these pages isn't only from the sun! I will admit, I love what happened with Mr Polished! If anyone deserved that, it was him. I really REALLY want Ollie and Beckett's story though, and my next job is going through this author's backlist to see if I have already read it or not!
This is low angst for the main part, with just a little bit with Nese and Victor. You have to remember, these two have had unrequited love for YEARS, so if you think things are moving fast, just think on that.
Brilliantly written, as always, and I look forward to more in the Pride Cruise 2024 collection.
** 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 19, 2024
Denton saw Victor at his lowest and has tried to give him time to heal. Only, in doing that, he has created more distance. Victor has crushed on Denton for three years now, always from a distance. So when they have the opportunity to get up close and personal, will they take it?
This is a great summer read and the heat in these pages isn't only from the sun! I will admit, I love what happened with Mr Polished! If anyone deserved that, it was him. I really REALLY want Ollie and Beckett's story though, and my next job is going through this author's backlist to see if I have already read it or not!
This is low angst for the main part, with just a little bit with Nese and Victor. You have to remember, these two have had unrequited love for YEARS, so if you think things are moving fast, just think on that.
Brilliantly written, as always, and I look forward to more in the Pride Cruise 2024 collection.
** 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 19, 2024
Merissa (14202 KP) rated Wicked Games (Silvercrest U, #1) in Books
Jun 19, 2025
WICKED GAMES is the first book in the Silvercrest U series, and I'm already hooked! Felix and Killian's story ticked all the right boxes for me.
Due to a family tragedy, Felix and Killian are forced to share a room at the University they both attend. This is something neither of them wanted. However, it does mean they see more of each other than is usual. And when I say see more of each other, I mean that in every sense. Felix comes across as fluffy and light, but he has hidden depths, trust me. As for Killian, Jace, and Jax, what you see is what you get. I certainly wouldn't cross any of them!
My heart broke for Felix as he dealt with everything that was thrown at him, and yet I loved how his relationship with the guys changed. Seeing Jace and Jax tuck him under their wing was so good, in a warped and twisted kinda way. I especially loved seeing the small snippets as Killian realised his feelings for Felix were changing.
Such a brilliant start to the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and I can't wait to return to Silvercrest U!
** 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 12, 2025
Due to a family tragedy, Felix and Killian are forced to share a room at the University they both attend. This is something neither of them wanted. However, it does mean they see more of each other than is usual. And when I say see more of each other, I mean that in every sense. Felix comes across as fluffy and light, but he has hidden depths, trust me. As for Killian, Jace, and Jax, what you see is what you get. I certainly wouldn't cross any of them!
My heart broke for Felix as he dealt with everything that was thrown at him, and yet I loved how his relationship with the guys changed. Seeing Jace and Jax tuck him under their wing was so good, in a warped and twisted kinda way. I especially loved seeing the small snippets as Killian realised his feelings for Felix were changing.
Such a brilliant start to the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and I can't wait to return to Silvercrest U!
** 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 12, 2025
Vanished in the Crowd
5.0
Rate It
Book
In the latest in the New York Times bestselling series from Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, retired...
Merissa (14202 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
Merissa (14202 KP) rated Pose for Me in Books
Nov 3, 2025
POSE FOR ME is a standalone dark romance with a Daddy/boy relationship. And trust me when I say that's the most normal thing about the book!
What we have here is a book about a serial killer who kidnaps the FBI agent who is hunting for him, and both of them getting more than they thought they would. And when I say serial killer, I mean someone who kills people just because... they're not bad people, or have done bad things. They're just in the wrong place, at the wrong time, catching the eye for whatever reason of the wrong person.
My favourite part of a Daddy/boy romance is the caretaking aspect of it, and this had that in spades, even though you may think it unlikely. I've read others, but none hit the mark as much as caretaking, and this had everything. Possessiveness, neediness, lingerie, c0ckwarming, it's all here and I loved every moment.
I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down. I loved every word, and now I need to find the other book mentioned so I can read that too. Absolutely brilliant 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 3, 2025
What we have here is a book about a serial killer who kidnaps the FBI agent who is hunting for him, and both of them getting more than they thought they would. And when I say serial killer, I mean someone who kills people just because... they're not bad people, or have done bad things. They're just in the wrong place, at the wrong time, catching the eye for whatever reason of the wrong person.
My favourite part of a Daddy/boy romance is the caretaking aspect of it, and this had that in spades, even though you may think it unlikely. I've read others, but none hit the mark as much as caretaking, and this had everything. Possessiveness, neediness, lingerie, c0ckwarming, it's all here and I loved every moment.
I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down. I loved every word, and now I need to find the other book mentioned so I can read that too. Absolutely brilliant 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 3, 2025
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen in Books
Nov 10, 2021
186 of 250
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3) in Books
Nov 29, 2021
199 of 250
Kindle
With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3)
By Steve McHugh
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he's also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer's full attention... An old friend's dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh's popular Hellequin Chronicles.
This is becoming one of my favourite series and they are getting better with every book! This is book 3 and the best one yet it’s so intricate without being overbearing. I love Nate and his many friends figures from real history and fictional. I could read these over and over. Brilliant series!
Kindle
With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3)
By Steve McHugh
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he's also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer's full attention... An old friend's dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh's popular Hellequin Chronicles.
This is becoming one of my favourite series and they are getting better with every book! This is book 3 and the best one yet it’s so intricate without being overbearing. I love Nate and his many friends figures from real history and fictional. I could read these over and over. Brilliant series!
Merissa (14202 KP) rated Son of Anger (The Ormstunga Saga #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2022
Bloody and violent in places, with the Gods at work.
SON OF ANGER is the first book in The Ormstunga Saga and we start off with Ulf training with his uncle. His life quickly changes when a stranger appears and destroys everything he touches, including Ulf and his family.
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!