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Strike a Pose (Model Love, #1)
Strike a Pose (Model Love, #1)
Jackie North | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A city-country story with all the emotions.
STRIKE A POSE is one of the stories in the multi-author series, Model Love, and we return to Farthingdale Ranch. Sid is one of the ranch hands, working to help pay for his sister to attend college. Heston is one of the models used for a Western photography session. Sid helps Heston wear his cowboy hat correctly and gets snapped in a couple of photos. When the photos turn out to be too poor to use, the owner spots Sid and wants him as a model - for just two weeks. This would help pay for two years of college so, of course, Sid says yes.

Oh, man. This story! It really was a case of opposites attract. Sid was the naïve innocent from the country, and Heston was the worldly-wise (or is that -weary?) one to show him the ropes. The connection between the two was there from the get-go but neither of them acted on it for the longest time. Or at least, that's how it felt! Those kisses in the rain though! Phew, there was steam coming off my kindle. I loved seeing their relationship grow and develop into something worth keeping. The circumstances around that were sad, but I'm glad it happened (in a way) as I was worried about how they would stay together.

A fantastic return to Farthingdale Ranch and all the people who live there. I'm so glad that Sid got his story. And he's not Loud-Mouth Sid at all! Grrr!!!!! A city-country story with all the emotions, 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!
  
All the Wrong Pages (Collier Creek)
All the Wrong Pages (Collier Creek)
Katherine McIntyre | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
ALL THE WRONG PAGES is part of the multi-author series that doesn't have to be read in order, but you may stumble upon a previous couple.

In this one, we have Logan and Cooper. Logan has had a crush on Cooper for years (read decade!) and everyone in town knows about it... except Cooper. He's too busy trying to run a shop that isn't doing too well, plus shoulders all the responsibilities he feels he has to as the eldest. Logan has been playing tricks on Coop for years, which infuriates Cooper. It doesn't stop Cooper from being attracted to Logan though, but he'll never make a move because he doesn't think it's reciprocated. When he finds out it is, nothing holds him back!

Oh, man! I did love this one. Cooper was hot as hell, with a wide streak of possessiveness and domination, which made it a delight to read. He was the perfect foil for Logan, a bit of a brat if ever there was one, but who also had a heart of gold and wanted to help everyone. Once these two go for it, location no longer makes any difference! These two work together to make it work between them, and also help with other problems too. I loved that!

I've read others in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. This one, however, is currently in the number-one spot for me. Two brilliant characters plus one great location equals a book I 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!
Oct 10, 2023
  
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
1992 | Horror
Hellraiser III is undoubtedly an odd beast. It feels so out of touch with the genuinely fantastic first two films, to the point where it should be a massive shot in the foot, but somehow, it's ludicrously entertaining.
The big and obvious potential for error is the series' infamous antagonist/anti-hero Pinhead. I say anti-hero because the first two films don't portray him as a flat out villain. He's rather, an indifferent creature, who acts with some sort of honour. Hell on Earth just goes full blown bad guy, aligning him more accurately with slasher villains of the 80s. It's proves to be a hinderence in execution, replacing the mysterious and sparingly shown Pinhead of before with one that throws out an evil cackle whilst slaughtering his victims, and even provides a couple of quips. He gets some cool lines here and there but it leans too heavily into occasionally goofy over-exposure.
The other cenobites that surround him are kind of lame this time around as well, even if there's a weird enjoyment in watching one of them slice up innocent bystanders by throwing CDs at their faces.
The story kind of makes sense, and it's commitment to staying connected to the previous films is commendable, but it does completely fall off the rails near the end. It doesn't help that the editing is so jarring between scenes.

In spite of these issues, the overall experience is a lot of fun. It lacks the subtlety and borderline arthouse style that really set the first two apart, but it still kind of works. It's not ideal, but intriguing, kind of like an oddball cousin that might visit now and again.
  
Pumpkin Spice and Chill (Boyfriend Café #2)
Pumpkin Spice and Chill (Boyfriend Café #2)
F.A. Ray | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
PUMPKIN SPICE AND CHILL is the second book in the Boyfriend Café series and this time it's Albert's turn.

Albert is the not-so-silent partner in the Boyfriend Café and does everything he can to help Rhett make their venture a success. And it has worked! A little too well because now the University is breathing down their necks - although Rhett and the others don't know about it, as Albert is trying to keep it to himself. David is the psychology student, hoping to go to pre-law, who sees trouble without knowing how right he is. Together, you would think this was an odd coupling. It's not!

I loved how these two balanced each other out. Albert is the control freak who tries to hide his head in the sand when overwhelmed. David is the one who has inner strength and finds fun in sorting things out. Albert's parents are just 'wonderful', whereas David's are loving and caring. And, just like in book one, the feelings side of things creep up on them. In the bedroom (or wherever) though, they are partners. Things only happen if David agrees or even asks first.

I do love a good epilogue, as I love the closure and seeing the future for our couple. I especially like it when it gives a hint to the next in the series. A brilliant addition and I can't wait for the next! 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 12, 2023
  
Smith's Corner: Delilah & Dallas (The Heartwood Series #1)
Smith's Corner: Delilah & Dallas (The Heartwood Series #1)
Jayne Paton | 2021 | Contemporary, Humor & Comedy, Romance
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
SMITH'S CORNER: DELILAH & DALLAS is the first book in the Heartwood series. Delilah is young but with a mature head on her shoulders. She knows what she wants to do and isn't afraid to work hard to get it. Dallas is older and has played the field, but when Delilah arrives on the scene, his playboy days are over, his eyes and heart are now Delilah's if only he can convince her to take a chance on him.

This was a great story that took the unusual turn of knowing who the stalker was but waiting for him to be caught. I loved that as it didn't detract from the main story, but also kept you on your toes for the next time he would turn up.

There were a couple of minor issues that I didn't understand, but that in no way detracted from the story. It's definitely a case of it's me, not the story! I loved all the brothers and hope we get all of them. Layla and Levi are up next, but I have high hopes for Ash and Alora, Stone and Storm, Holden and Harper, but no idea yet about Fox, and I really REALLY want his story. Of course, these may not be the official couples, but are the ones I have in my head!

With a smooth pace throughout, this story definitely kept my attention. With some steamy moments, along with banter between the brothers, the pages turned themselves.

Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue the series.

** 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 17, 2021