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Merissa (12926 KP) rated Anonymous Alpha (Bangers & Mash #7) in Books
Jun 19, 2023
ANONYMOUS ALPHA is the seventh book in the Bangers & Mash series although I didn't know this when I started reading it. It can absolutely be read as a standalone although I am now curious as to the other couples, some of which I think we met in here.
Anyway, this is Sable and Evan's story. Sable is an Alpha who can be contracted to help with an Omega's heat - all above board, nothing to worry about. Evan is an Omega nearing his heat who hires Sable. He is a pop star nearing the end of his contract with his label and his manager. The manager wants to stick around and isn't afraid of using threats to try and get his own way. Seeing where things are going??
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yes, it was obvious who it was, and obvious where the help was going to come from, but, you know what? None of that spoilt the story! It was steamy and sensual, with Sable giving Evan both freedom to be who he needed to be and the support he wanted. The steamy scenes nearly set fire to my Kindle, so fair warning!
It was smoothly written and character led making this a brilliant story. I'm definitely interested in the next book in the series, but I'm also very interested in the ones that have come before. 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!
Jun 19, 2023
Anyway, this is Sable and Evan's story. Sable is an Alpha who can be contracted to help with an Omega's heat - all above board, nothing to worry about. Evan is an Omega nearing his heat who hires Sable. He is a pop star nearing the end of his contract with his label and his manager. The manager wants to stick around and isn't afraid of using threats to try and get his own way. Seeing where things are going??
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yes, it was obvious who it was, and obvious where the help was going to come from, but, you know what? None of that spoilt the story! It was steamy and sensual, with Sable giving Evan both freedom to be who he needed to be and the support he wanted. The steamy scenes nearly set fire to my Kindle, so fair warning!
It was smoothly written and character led making this a brilliant story. I'm definitely interested in the next book in the series, but I'm also very interested in the ones that have come before. 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!
Jun 19, 2023

Merissa (12926 KP) rated Ballsy (Breakers Hockey #4) by Elise Faber in Books
Apr 26, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
BALLSY is the fourth book in the Breakers Hockey series and we meet Kailey and Connor (Smitty). One is an anxiety-ridden introvert; one is loud and brash. These two will never get on, right?
Wrong! They are two halves of a perfect jigsaw. Both of them need the other, giving them the strength to deal with whatever is going on in their lives. And I loved that. I really did! Because it wasn't all one-sided. Smitty had his issues to deal with, the same as Kailey did. And together, they dealt with it all. Just proving that everyone has something to cope with, even those that are loud and ballsy!
Perfectly paced, Kailey and Smitty's story moves fast. He knows what he wants but won't walk all over Kailey to get it. Once she gets on board - that's it. Game over. Except it's not because there is so much going on. All of which is designed to keep me engrossed and turning the pages.
The storyline with Monica I could see happening, like a train wreck in front of me. Raph's story is next though and I can't wait to read it! I also hope Brandon gets a story though. He may not be part of the Breakers family, but he's had his heart broken too.
A brilliant addition to the series 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022
Wrong! They are two halves of a perfect jigsaw. Both of them need the other, giving them the strength to deal with whatever is going on in their lives. And I loved that. I really did! Because it wasn't all one-sided. Smitty had his issues to deal with, the same as Kailey did. And together, they dealt with it all. Just proving that everyone has something to cope with, even those that are loud and ballsy!
Perfectly paced, Kailey and Smitty's story moves fast. He knows what he wants but won't walk all over Kailey to get it. Once she gets on board - that's it. Game over. Except it's not because there is so much going on. All of which is designed to keep me engrossed and turning the pages.
The storyline with Monica I could see happening, like a train wreck in front of me. Raph's story is next though and I can't wait to read it! I also hope Brandon gets a story though. He may not be part of the Breakers family, but he's had his heart broken too.
A brilliant addition to the series 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022

Merissa (12926 KP) rated Uprising (Rebellion #3) in Books
Apr 7, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)
UPRISING is the third book in the Rebellion series, and I think this is the last. The story is wrapped up nicely, giving me exactly the ending I was looking for.
This book focuses on Michael and Isaac, the two enigmatic Alphas from packs seemingly on opposite sides of the war, but looks can be deceiving as we find out. Isaac and Michael were as close as two wolves could be without being bonded. When they decided what they were going to do, it placed them miles apart - both figuratively and literally. Now events have brought them back together, but can they pick up where they left off?
Uprising starts where Defiance finished and the whole host of characters return, including those you love to hate. Some will shock you though, and some you will end up feeling sympathy for. Don't you just love it when an author does that to you?
Just as full of action as the previous two, you get the bigger picture in this as groups start working together. If there was one character I wish I'd heard more from, it would be Baker, but it wasn't his book!
A brilliant end to a fantastic series and absolutely recommended by me, so long as you read it as a series and don't miss out on any of the good bits.
** 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!
Apr 7, 2022
This book focuses on Michael and Isaac, the two enigmatic Alphas from packs seemingly on opposite sides of the war, but looks can be deceiving as we find out. Isaac and Michael were as close as two wolves could be without being bonded. When they decided what they were going to do, it placed them miles apart - both figuratively and literally. Now events have brought them back together, but can they pick up where they left off?
Uprising starts where Defiance finished and the whole host of characters return, including those you love to hate. Some will shock you though, and some you will end up feeling sympathy for. Don't you just love it when an author does that to you?
Just as full of action as the previous two, you get the bigger picture in this as groups start working together. If there was one character I wish I'd heard more from, it would be Baker, but it wasn't his book!
A brilliant end to a fantastic series and absolutely recommended by me, so long as you read it as a series and don't miss out on any of the good bits.
** 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!
Apr 7, 2022

Merissa (12926 KP) rated Cap (Gold Hockey Season 2, #6) by Elise Faber in Books
Jun 28, 2022 (Updated Jun 28, 2023)
CAP is the sixth book in the Gold Hockey Season Two series but you can read it as a standalone. Jess and Josh have been fighting for three years, ever since Josh made a bad first impression. Although he's tried to make it right, Jess is not one to forgive and forget.
Josh is a sweetheart, a natural caretaker. Jess is... difficult. She is lonely but pushes people away, hiding behind a mask. It was harder to like Jess even when I understood her history, I still didn't fully understand her actions. She did become nicer as the book progressed, which was a good thing for me.
As with all the books in this series, you really do get a good feel for how much family means to the Gold team. Also, as an added bonus, you not only see Josh and Jess in action, but you also catch up with other couples and see what is happening in their lives.
The epilogue leads nicely onto the next book, and I can't wait to learn Ben's story. Jayden's is pretty much clear from the information we've already been given, but I'm sure there will be some surprises in there.
A great addition to the series that I enjoyed but didn't love as much as the others. Still a brilliant read though, so I definitely recommend you give it a go!
** 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 20, 2023
Josh is a sweetheart, a natural caretaker. Jess is... difficult. She is lonely but pushes people away, hiding behind a mask. It was harder to like Jess even when I understood her history, I still didn't fully understand her actions. She did become nicer as the book progressed, which was a good thing for me.
As with all the books in this series, you really do get a good feel for how much family means to the Gold team. Also, as an added bonus, you not only see Josh and Jess in action, but you also catch up with other couples and see what is happening in their lives.
The epilogue leads nicely onto the next book, and I can't wait to learn Ben's story. Jayden's is pretty much clear from the information we've already been given, but I'm sure there will be some surprises in there.
A great addition to the series that I enjoyed but didn't love as much as the others. Still a brilliant read though, so I definitely recommend you give it a go!
** 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 20, 2023

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2) in Books
Feb 5, 2024
22 of 220
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.

Merissa (12926 KP) rated Game On (Vancouver Orcas #3) in Books
Feb 2, 2024
GAME ON is the third and final book in the Vancouver Orcas series, but you don't need to have read the first two to get this one.
Jamie has joined the Orcas and hopes to start afresh. He is understandably wary about his new team, thinking it almost too good to be true. He lives with Dorian until he can find his own place. Dorian doesn't need to work, but does. He also has a secret project going on that he believes in, even if no one else does. Of course, others might believe in it too, if he'd only let them in. But Dorian has baggage of his own...
I loved this story! Jamie is just a big ole teddy bear, whilst Dorian is more of a hedgehog - prickly on the outside, squidgy on the inside. They are both attracted to each other, but neither of them wants to act on it. It is a slow-burn that builds up the tension. They are absolutely perfect for each other, and they both need the love and reassurance the other one gives.
I haven't read Books 1 and 2, but I've just gone and one-clicked both of them. You may not need to read them, but after seeing the characters in this book, I want to!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY 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!
Jan 30, 2024
Jamie has joined the Orcas and hopes to start afresh. He is understandably wary about his new team, thinking it almost too good to be true. He lives with Dorian until he can find his own place. Dorian doesn't need to work, but does. He also has a secret project going on that he believes in, even if no one else does. Of course, others might believe in it too, if he'd only let them in. But Dorian has baggage of his own...
I loved this story! Jamie is just a big ole teddy bear, whilst Dorian is more of a hedgehog - prickly on the outside, squidgy on the inside. They are both attracted to each other, but neither of them wants to act on it. It is a slow-burn that builds up the tension. They are absolutely perfect for each other, and they both need the love and reassurance the other one gives.
I haven't read Books 1 and 2, but I've just gone and one-clicked both of them. You may not need to read them, but after seeing the characters in this book, I want to!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY 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!
Jan 30, 2024

Merissa (12926 KP) rated Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2024
HOT CONDUIT is the second book in the Hot Under the Collar series, and we meet Theo and Lex in more detail.
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Feb 6, 2024
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Feb 6, 2024

The Paris Mistress
Book
Summer 1781. Passy, France. George Washington's two least likely spies for liberty, Rebecca Parcell...

Merissa (12926 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put 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!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put 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!
Dec 18, 2024

Merissa (12926 KP) rated The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1) in Books
May 9, 2025
THE LOST ART OF SEDUCING A MAGE WARRIOR is the first book in The Lost Arts series and does NOT give you everything all at once, which I loved!
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. 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!
May 9, 2025
Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.
There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.
The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the series. 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!
May 9, 2025