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Mayfair Madame (Mayfair heights #1)
Mayfair Madame (Mayfair heights #1)
Alex J Adams | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ms Adams smashes it, she really does!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Ok so!

I have followed Ms Adams from the beginning, and her skill as an author continues to grow. THIS book, though, is a step away from her usual fair, and I will be honest, wasn't sure how it was gonna go.

I need NOT have worried! Because Ms Adams smashed it, she really did!

Naomi lives in Mayfair Heights, and runs an escort business. A physical assault (on page, but needed) brings her into contact with Ellie Sharpe, a detective dealing with her case. For both of them, there is powerful attraction, but they cannot act on it, until the case is dropped and Ellie and Naomi are free to do as they wish. But someone doesn't want to let it go. And both women carry some emotional baggage. Can they find the love they both so desperately want and need?

I loved this, I really did.

I loved that both Naomi and Ellie have a say. I loved the way things developed between the two of them. I loved the emotional connection and how Naomi SAW Ellie, even if Ellie didn't want to be seen.

I loved the steam level here. While not especially explicit, the physical connection between Ellie and Naomi is powerful and it shows in the way they are together.

It is a bit darker, Naomi gets assaulted a couple of times, but I think it is needed to get the point across.

I LOVED the whole team who live in Mayfair Heights! Some characters have piqued my interest more than others, but they all pulled a string and I look forward to those strings being unravelled.

Thank you, Ms Adams, for falling in love with the cover, the picture portrays Naomi beautifully and I cannot wait to get to know the others in more detail.

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Worth the Risk (Worth It #3)
Worth the Risk (Worth It #3)
C.F. White | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WORTH THE RISK is the last book in the Worth It series, rounding off the overall story about Radley.

It's time for Jude to take the spotlight, something he's become familiar with after staying with Alfie in the last book. And for him, the only one who would match him is Warren. He is an undercover officer, on his last chance, after he was reprimanded for going off-script. The only trouble is, with Jude, it doesn't feel like a script, but all too real.

I liked Jude in the other stories, and really wanted his. What I didn't expect was for it to be as good, or as heart-wrenching, as it was. And the thing that I absolutely loved was although things happened that shook the ground underneath him, he was prepared to listen to explanations, rather than just run away with misconceptions or miscommunications.

Warren was perfect for him. A big squishy marshmallow who knows how to protect. While I found it funny to read how he disregarded all protocol, I'm sure he would be a nightmare to work with!!! Still, he was perfect for Jude and the story. I'm so glad I got to read their story.

The overall arc also gets sorted, with a couple of twists here and there that I did not see coming! I loved how it not only gave me a very satisfying ending to the series, but also caught me up to date with the couples and their families that I have met while reading the stories.

This was an outstanding series, and I really hope it's not the end of Worthbridge! The best of a really good bunch, 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 29, 2025
  
Red Moon Rising (Strength of the Pack #3)
Red Moon Rising (Strength of the Pack #3)
Joy Lynn Fielding | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RED MOON RISING is the third book in the Strength of the Pack series, and it begins with a kidnapping. Tristan has finished a late shift at the diner and is making his way home when he is accosted by a couple of members of Cale's pack. They take him back to their compound, where things look bleak, before Colby does what he never thought possible.

Boy, if there's ever anyone who needs therapy (and a sh!t ton of it, too!), it's Colby. While nothing is specifically said, you get the gist of it enough to know how hellish his life is. But Tristan makes him want to be better, not liking who he is in the mirror that Tristan is metaphorically holding up.

Matt's pack may be one of the good ones, but they don't deal well with change, this time in the shape of Colby. Now, I understand why they have their reasons not to trust everyone immediately, but it does make me a little sad. That is one of the reasons I loved it when Tristan had his realisation about Riley and tried to change his behaviour.

I loved Colby and Tristan, both together and separately, the same way I loved that Tristan recognised (with a little help from Bryce) that Colby would need more help than he could give. I would have preferred a different ending with Cale and Nico, though. The one we got just seemed a little anticlimactic.

It's Bryce's story next, and he's not looking for a mate, so it should be fun. The overall story arc is continuing along nicely, and I am thoroughly enjoying this 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!
Feb 20, 2026
  
A Voice at Midnight (Regency Rhapsody #4)
A Voice at Midnight (Regency Rhapsody #4)
Elizabeth Cole | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Veronica Swift is given an ultimatum by her step-father - she must marry by the New Year or she will have to learn to live without her inheritance. After arguing against this as best she can in those times, she accepts the advice of her companion and goes to visit her friend for the holidays who is hosting a party.

When she gets there she meets two men who are also attending together and feels a strange sense of familiarity with them both. Then the atmosphere of the castle comes into play and people start acting strangely, shadows are cast by no one and music can be heard where there should be none.

The ghosts at Wyemont Castle are real and they are certainly not like Casper! There has been a curse placed on the castle and its inhabitants and the ghosts keep trying to make history repeat itself so that the curse won't be broken.

This is a wonderfully written novella with enough action going on to keep you intrigued as you turn the pages. It is written in a genteel style so completely appropriate for the times. This is not a bodice-ripper but is all proper and above board (unless you count a couple of kisses between Vero and Tristan before they announce their courtship/engagement). With this story, you could either read it on the build-up to Samhain/Halloween for the ghost story aspect or on the build-up to the Winter Solstice as this is when the story reaches its climax. Either way, I would recommend curling up with this book, a hot drink and relax.

I love Elizabeth Cole's writing style and have enjoyed more than one of her books. I can recommend her highly without hesitation.
 
* 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. *

August 11, 2016
  
Exodus (Valen's Pack #2)
Exodus (Valen's Pack #2)
Bailey Bradford | 2015 | Dystopia, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So Valen is happily mated with Aaron and life is good, right? Well, not quite. In this sequel to Run With The Moon, the pack is still integrating and although Valen is doing what he can, it is still a 'them and us' situation. Still, he manages to come up with an idea which will help both sides work together as well as building up their village.

Of course, nothing is quite as straightforward as that and Rivvie and Matthew are the ones we hear most about (as it's their book). They get off to a very rocky start but the attraction quickly flares up. Matthew is feeling very insecure as he used to be the one that all the ladies wanted as they knew he wouldn't make them pregnant. Now, he's surrounded by all the buff bodies of the shifters and he feels like he's not needed anymore. Add to that, he's upset because Rivvie isn't flirting with him anymore and he doesn't quite understand that as he thought he was into females.

 So we have all that going on but hey, that's nowhere near enough. Throw in a couple of natural disasters - earthquakes, twisters, floods and storms - plus some rabid humans, a missing shaman and a mother who can't work past her grief. This book is full-on action with a fast pace that will keep you turning the pages. There is more to Rivvie than just being a joker and there is more to Matthew than just being a stud, but it takes the two of them time and patience to learn that.

 A brilliant second book in the series and I can't wait to read more. Thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommended.
 
* 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!
January 20, 2017
  
Moon Justice (Aurelia Fridell #2)
Moon Justice (Aurelia Fridell #2)
Ryanne Hawk, E.R. Pierce | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This story picks up where Fractured Moon finished. Ceithin and Aurelia travel to Alaska for some much-needed time alone, where Aurelia can spend time learning about her wolf. Things are never that easy though and their time in Alaska is interrupted in the form of a Kodiak shapeshifter. They are also pressed to return home where they find that things have changed in their absence, and not always for the better.

There is a lot that goes on in this book and it will keep your interest as you turn the pages. However, I will say that there were a couple of things that 'niggled' at me once I had finished it. Firstly, the whole 'thing' in Alaska - I'm really hoping that it will lead to a more developed story with Garrett and Mars as I felt that it ended rather abruptly and without actually going anywhere. Then there was the whole 'madman raising an army' situation. It seemed like a lot of hot air about nothing. Now, don't get me wrong. The storyline itself was fast-paced and well-written. It's just that I felt parts of it could have been 'more', bigger somehow. It felt like a big build-up, with a good action scene before and then... poof, it was all over.

Don't get me wrong though, this story isn't rushed and does come to a satisfactory close. On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed it which is why it gets four stars. I felt the story ended nicely for Ceithin and Aurelia and would love to know more about this family and their friends, hopefully starting with Garrett and Mars as they go to Alaska.

Recommended for fans of the paranormal and shapeshifters.
 
* 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!
August 5, 2016
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2585 KP) rated The Truth We Hide in Books

Apr 12, 2023 (Updated Apr 12, 2023)  
The Truth We Hide
The Truth We Hide
Liz Milliron | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Betty Searches for the Truth About Her New Client
It’s May 1943, and Betty Ahern has quit her job at Bell Aircraft to pursue her dream of becoming a private investigator. She’s still studying for her license, but she’s been hired by Edward Kettle to find out who got him fired from his job at American Shipbuilding. Supposedly, he leaked secrets to a reporter, but he claims he is innocent. Then, the next morning, Betty learns that Edward was murdered during the night. It’s only then that Betty learns Edward was a homosexual. Was that the motive for his murder? Or was it something else?

The series has taken a step away from the initial premise, but it is a natural step thanks to the growth we’ve been seeing in Betty. And I also appreciate how it allows Betty to focus on the case, which keeps the pacing strong. There are plenty of suspects who could have done it. I figured it out, but only a few pages before Betty made the same deduction I did. I did miss the supporting characters, who take a back seat here, but Betty is still a great main character, and the suspects are good. I was worried that this book was going to turn into a lecture, but I didn’t find any anachronistic attitudes when it comes to Edward. We do see plenty of negative attitudes, but they are treated as they should be without feeling out of character for our heroes or the time. There are a couple of interesting threads introduced here, and I can’t wait to see if they are continued in future books. As always, the period came fully to life as I read. If you are looking for a strong historical series, be sure to pick this one up. If you are new to the series, you are in for a treat.
  
Light My Pyre (Everwood Falls #1)
Light My Pyre (Everwood Falls #1)
Kat Kinney | 2023 | Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I did not see who was doing it, or why, because THAT little titbit was kept from us and that point was very well played
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.


This is a new series by Kinney, I read a couple of the Blood Moon books, but they didn't quite work for me.


This one, however, was a much better read, I thought!


I liked the build up, the development of the relationship between Asher and Gywn. I liked that it takes time for both their back stories to be fully told. What happened to Gywn when she was injured, and by who. What happened to Asher in that fateful fire that drove him to Evewood Falls.


I especially liked that the physical aspect of their relationship is very much OFFpage. There is steam here (dragons and Asher's power notwithstanding!) but the story focus is very much on their relationship and who might be setting these fires in town.


Which, when it all comes out, very much surprised me, how intertwined recent events were for Asher and Gywn. I did not see who was doing it, or why, because THAT little titbit was kept from us and that point was very well played, Ms Kinney. Had certain things been made common knowledge, I think I might have put the pieces together sooner, but it wasn't and I didnt! So yeah, well played on that point.


As this is a new series, in a new place, there are a host of quirks that Everwood has, along with a huge supporting cast. Very interesting people (of the paranormal world) all with interesting stories to tell. Some hints of their pasts are revealed here, just enough to hook you in!


So, yeah, a thoroughly enjoyable wander into Everwood and I really wanna return SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON


4 stars


*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Dark Siren (Dark Siren, #1)
Dark Siren (Dark Siren, #1)
Eden Ashley | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In a genre that is saturated with shifters and vampires (although that is slowly changing), it makes a refreshing change to read something different. And trust me, this is different. I have read the book, enjoyed the book, and know what Kali's title is but I don't actually know 'what' she is completely. You might think that this is a problem but it's not. If anything, it makes you connect with Kali all the more. After all, this book pretty much takes place over a couple of weeks time so Kali has gone from knowing that she is different to being in life-threatening situations and being sold!

Kali doesn't give the best first impression as she is making out with someone else's boyfriend and also doesn't seem too upset about that as she rationalises it to herself. The relationship between her and Cal was a bit strange too although, to be fair, I've seen stranger relationships in 'real' life. I was glad when they split up although I am interested to see where the story is going.

Rhane, ah, Rhane. What can I say about him apart from I want one! Tall, dark, handsome, protective, Alpha AND he has morals - what more could you want? Apart from loving every scene that he was in, I found myself getting more and more interested in his backstory as the current story moved along.

Although this is classed as Paranormal, I think I personally would add a touch, just a touch, of Sci-Fi to it too (Builders). This was very well-written with a fast pace, with characters that are both likeable and not! I honestly could not believe the ending and need to read the second book! Highly recommended.

* 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 3, 2015
  
Zall's Captain (Planetary Submissives #3)
Zall's Captain (Planetary Submissives #3)
Amber Kell | 2015 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third and, so far, final book in the Planetary Submissives series and speaking of the series as a whole, I have loved how each story has gone. With only a touch or hint of BDSM and a storyline designed to tease and titillate whilst giving the reader the HEA, these books have been wonderful. Perfect for those coffee breaks when you want something steamy to read without being the equivalent of War & Peace.

In this story, we meet again with Zall, who is still on the ship that Chalice put him on. He has found his own niche amongst the crew - sort of - but wishes he had something more. Everyone just sort of puts up with him because of his connection to the Emperor. When the new Captain arrives on the ship, the lust is instantaneous but Zall is determined to never put himself in the thrall of anyone else again. Mixed in with this is a smuggling plot, abduction and attempted murder. Will Danner and Zall be able to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement and stay alive long enough to enjoy it?

Full of fun, frolics and yearning, this was a wonderful read from the start. Zall makes an observation about Prince Chalice that runs true for the series - the Pet may be the one wearing the collar, but he is also the one holding the leash. It doesn't matter who is called what, if the role they have is changeable or fixed, so long as the couple is happy and content with that, that's good enough for me.

Whilst these books may not be suited to everyone as they are not 'hardcore', I have personally loved each and every one and would love to read more in this series. Definitely recommended.

* 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 17, 2015