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My Kind Of People
My Kind Of People
Lisa Duffy | 2020 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel cemented Duffy as one of my absolute favorite writers. This is a lovely and touching read, bringing to life the group of islanders who come together to care for Sky. Duffy builds her worlds so perfectly: I was lost on Ichabod Island with these characters--all of whom are so uniquely them. This book will go straight to your heart.

I fell immediately for sweet Sky. We learn that Brian and Ann are Sky's adoptive parents, so she's basically been orphaned twice. She is troubled as her parents were fighting a lot right before they died--going against the town view of them as the "perfect couple." While this novel is mostly a deep dive into its characters, there is a touch of mystery here. Why were Sky's parents fighting, and did it have anything to do with the car crash that caused their death? Also, a mysterious woman arrives in town--what is her role to play in the story? Duffy weaves together all of these plot points so well; I was captivated by the book and even though I wanted to slow down and savor it, I also wanted to know what had happened, to find out what would happen to Sky and Leo.


"A fearless girl who doesn't just think she's safe alone in the dark on an island in the Atlantic. She knows it."


I love that Duffy included a gay couple in her novel--and treats them like regular people. Leo is a wonderful character: complex and struggling with new parenthood. In the end, you feel like you know the entire neighborhood block, from sweet Joe; to Maggie, who is coming into her own in her '50s; to longtime resident Agnes, who is set in her ways; to Sky's tough best friend Frankie; and Sky's newly found grandmother, Lillian. All of these characters play a real role in this story: not an easy feat when the focus is on Leo and Sky.

Overall, this is a wonderfully written novel that covers family, marriage, tragedy, love, and so much more. Duffy's characters are beautiful, and she has an amazing way of bringing you right into the world she has created. I will always read anything she writes. 4.5 stars.
  
Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1)
Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1)
Rayanne Haines | 2017 | Paranormal, Romance
7
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Alex Taleisin’s has finally been let in on the secret – she’s an Elemental Immortal plus a little something more and her life is in danger. Guardian of the Races and savage King of the Dragons, Collum Thronus made a promise to protect Alex and find her father’s people. A Battle is coming and Alex knows the only way to get answers is to trust her powers and become the warrior she was destined to be.
The first book in this exhilarating new paranormal romance series has a hero and heroine that are beings of fire, so readers should expect to be burned as the chemistry that flows between is volcanic and the sparks start flying in every direction upon first meeting. Alex and Collum’s attraction is one thing but the relationship has emotions raging out of control as well due to the situation these strong, vibrant characters find themselves in, especially Alex is not really allowed the time it takes to digest her all new reality.
The plot is fast pace and full of exciting events and is extremely suspenseful, keeping readers from being able to put the book down at any time. This story is also a bit complex as it is at the whim of a man who is a little bit insane and the mercy of all his manipulations. This keeps the story on a twisted path of secrets, betrayals and downright hide and seek games. There is no way for readers to become bored during this explosive, thrilling and entertaining story with one sexy dragon shifter guardian and flammable heroine.





I went between 3&4 stars for this it showed massive potential and I enjoyed most of the book! I really like the storyline and the fact she’s not a wingy female lead, I actually liked her a lot! I think we need to see more of this power she is supposed to have! The bit I struggled with was the scenes between Alex and Collum I think they were rushed and a little cheesy but overall it was a good read!
  
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Glow (Pleasure Seekers #3)
Glow (Pleasure Seekers #3)
Kristian Parker | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There are sparks flying, right from that first meeting in the men's locker room!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Pleasure Seekers trilogy, but it can be read as a stand alone. BUT, people?? READ the other books, OK?? Cos they set the scene for Scott to be the last man standing, and that man falls fast and hard and he never saw it coming!

Scott is looking for love, but his latest date was another washout. He really feels left out now Tyler and Eddie are loved up. A theft at work brings him face to face with Prin, from the IT department. Then Scott must stay focussed or he might not see the one thing he has been looking for, is right under his nose.

I loved Thrill, and I really liked Kicks, but I think Scott and Prin might be my favourite couple!

There are sparks flying, right from that first meeting in the men's locker room, and they fly through the whole book, even when Scott messes up (accidentally!) and puts Prin in a difficult position. This is really the only drama between these two, and that's why I tagged it low angst.

There is a good deal of other drama though! The theft and who is doing it, Prin's friend Colin and what's happening to him, and we also get to catch up with Tyler and Eddie and their other halves. At this point, they are all just about living together in the shared flat, so it's hard not to catch up with them!

But I loved what happens at the end. Prin gets some closure with his family. He needed that, he really did.

It's always sad to see a series end, especially one I've thoroughly loved. But hey, maybe Parker will write a follow up, kind of an epilogue in a whole book, just so we can see how the guys are getting on!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Now Comes the Dark (Basic Instincts #1)
Now Comes the Dark (Basic Instincts #1)
Thom Collins | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
solid 4 star start to series
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 1 in the Basic Instincts series, and I am reading it AFTER I already book 2, Nothing but The Night, 5 stars and book 3, Beyond The Darkness, 4 stars. I think this might have skewed my enjoyment a little, since I know what happens in future books. That said, reading this book has answered some questions! So, I would recommend you read them in order, but not strictly necessary.

Roman just wants to get laid, and Mallon catches his eye. But Mallon goes off with someone else, and Roman finds himself wandering the streets to get home. Not a good idea, given as there is a murderer on the loose and the police aren't doing anything. Mallon saves him from a beating. Roman falls hard and fast, but Mallon is keeping secrets, and that murderer is closing in on his latest target.

Since I read books 2 and 3, I knew about the killer and what happens. I just didn't know how things are bought to a head. And, as in the other books, Collins pulls a blinder of a twist, as to who that was. However, I think I saw that coming, or I picked the clues up from previous books. Not that it mattered, I loved watching it all play out.

It does carry some violence, both Roman and Mallon suffer here, but I do think it is necessary for the story.

Steamy, too. But I'm finding these books are more about the crime aspect, that the smex and I do like that!

I liked that the secrets that Mallon were keeping weren't quite what I expected, but it was dealt with very well.

The majority voice is Roman's. Mallon gets a couple of chapters but not as many as Roman. AND!! We get the bad guy. I do love hearing from the bad guy!

4 very VERY good stars (but had I read them in order, it would probably be a 5! Sorry!)

*same worded review will appear elsewhere