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Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice
Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice
RL Merrill | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's cute and sweet and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.

Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?

I liked this, a good deal.

It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.

I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.

LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!

A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.

4 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
40x40

Merissa (13100 KP) rated Nine-Tenths in Books

Jun 30, 2025  
Nine-Tenths
Nine-Tenths
J.M.Frey | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
NINE-TENTHS is a long and unique story about the love between a human and a dragon, in a world where dragons rule. Okay, so maybe that bit isn't unique, but the rest of the story is! The world-building is so in-depth and richly detailed, while also giving you characters that you will love and loathe. AND, although the 'I love you's' happen fairly quickly, there is still so much left to the story and for them to work through before they get their HEA.

Okay, so quick run-down. Colin is human, working as a barista, not knowing what to do with his degree. Dav is a customer who comes in to stare at Colin. Their meet-cute isn't exactly cute, but they are. And from then on? It's a clash of two worlds, two cultures, and lots of information that comes in dribs and drabs.

Colin and Dav are gorgeous together and are ably supported by a motley crew. They have their ups and downs, most of which are completely understandable. And if anyone (and I do mean ANYONE) likes Simcoe then they need to be tested, because this slimeball slithered everywhere he went.

This was something completely different that I thoroughly enjoyed. The imagination is second-to-none and I have no hesitation in definitely recommending this story.

** 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 15, 2025
  
FP
Forget Prince Charming
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had picked this up because it sounded like a cute plot, too bad I was let down. When I first started reading this I liked Haley, but as I read more, especially towards the end, she got on my nerves. She was so judgmental and annoying. I got to the point that I wished Rick wouldn't get with her, even though I knew that was pointless and of course he'd end up with her. Oh well, you can't win them all. Maybe if the author had made Haley a little realistic and maybe some minor changes to the plot, it would have been a better (and funnier) book for me. Rick was a great character though, if not a little too perfect. That's the only reason I'm raising my rating. :)
2.5 stars
  
AC
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was excited to read this. The contemporary cute romance was just what I wanted it to be. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie. I absolutely love a good Hallmark. The dynamic between Kensi and Javier was hilarious.

The romance wasn’t easy and the lead-up made it that much more enjoyable to read. I enjoyed the dual viewpoints of the book. We got to see each of their thoughts as well as how they changed throughout the book. The secondary characters were lovable as well and I cannot wait to see where this series will go.

Should you read?
Do you enjoy contemporary romance? How about romance but with characters that have a back story? Side stories that interweve?

Or if you just like a good romance that will make you smile.
  
Roping The Cowboy
Roping The Cowboy
Kennedy Fox | 2019 | Erotica, Romance
1
5.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Vindictive Characters (0 more)
Cruel pranks, eye rolling quotes, & unlikable characters
I read this book as part of the Read Me Romance Podcast.

Well, this book probably is going to have the title of the worst book I read in 2019. I tend to enjoy the enemies to lovers trope in the romance genre because it usually means that there is a lot of banter between the characters. Banter is my weakness, & I LOVE when character banter and flirt. Unfortunately, this book was not something I could get behind. I'm honestly surprised I finished it and didn't DNF it.

The characters were not likable. Both of them were vindictive & rude to each other. There was nothing "cute" about their actions.

If you like cruel pranks, eye-rolling quotes, and unlikeable characters, then this book is for you.
  
Anytime Art: Crayon: A colorful guide to drawing with crayon for artists on the go! by Monika Forsberg is easy to follow and practical. This book is cute guide on crayon for artists but it can only be considered a beginner's level guide. This is perfect for someone who wants to learn how to draw. This book will teach you how to draw a few items; such as, cat, house, garden, shoes. The author gives step by step directions, which is necessary for someone just learning how to draw, in plain and simple language that is easy to understand. 

I give this book 4.5/5 stars

I received this book from Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Walter Foster Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
  
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a quick and cute story. Although it makes me never want to go to a restaurant again, it just goes to show how a crazy turn of events (or several, in this case) can change the course of someone's life.

At the start, Daniel's on a mission to complete a goal he's promised in memory of his mother. Then all sorts of accidental and zany happenings occur, and we truly get an "unbelievable" story. It's one of those "so crazy it MUST be true" types of stories, and it definitely had me laughing and thoroughly involved until the very end. I'd love to read more stories like this from the author.

5 stars
  
I was looking for a palate cleanser book and I stumbled upon this one through audible channels. I've always noticed the Magic Tree House series but I haven't ever had the chance to read any of them. When I saw this was on there & I could listen to it for free, I knew I had to listen to it.

This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.

All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
  
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)
Rick Riordan | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
8.8 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ugh Percy if your book wasn't so funny I would really stop reading you. Book #4, almost done the series and I will keep reading you of course because.. why stop now?

You're always so cute and funny to read but still not that super awesome of a book. Always disappointed at the end when I finish, but super quick reads so I don't feel bad about it either way.

Grover is always my favourite character to read and now Tyson added to that list as well - again with the secondaries. The story was fun, the historyness of the gods is always fun to read or whatnot but still nothing to write home about.

2.5 lovely stars for you Percy, perhaps you shall surprise me with book 5.....................................................