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Ripped (Mars Fitness #1)
Ripped (Mars Fitness #1)
Linden Bell | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
EDIT: I requested this book and had completely forgotten that I'd already read it, but the blurb still pulled me in, so that was good. Even though I could remember the story once I started, I was still loving the read, as the emotions and circumstances kept me turning the pages.

I'm so happy I have re-read this and can honestly say all my previous comments still stand. A great way to start a series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.


RIPPED is both the first book in the Mars Fitness series and also the first book by this author I have read. Let me start by saying I want more! Both of the series and by this author.

Connor's world is upended when he walks in on his boyfriend and best friend after getting home from a spin class. No, they're not 'doing the do' but it's pretty obvious anyway. Distraught, he ends up back at the gym and collapses on Sawyer and Donnie. Whilst this is a pretty quick start to Donnie and Connor's relationship, it is also not rushed. Both of them feel attraction immediately, but they also both have issues they want to work through.

One thing I absolutely adored was that Connor's family was dysfunctional! It made a nice change from a cookie-cutter family where, even if there's a disagreement, it's sorted out with minimum fuss. I'm sorry but not all families are like that! The other thing that got me was when Donnie was talking to Roger and his parents. So emotional and perfectly written. Grief isn't linear and it doesn't always make sense. I loved Roger's presence in this story, comfort and encouragement instead of power and threats, even if he is dead.

A great read that I couldn't put down. I want to see more of Connor and Donnie and I'm really hoping they turn up in Sawyer's book, which comes next. 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!
Mar 28, 2023
Jan 22, 2025
  
Force Majeure
Force Majeure
Elizabeth Noble | 2025 | Contemporary, Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

*insert sigh*

I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.

So, here's what I DID like.

Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.

It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)

I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.

And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!

I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.

So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
His Mate by Allegiance (Lunetti Pack #3)
His Mate by Allegiance (Lunetti Pack #3)
Mel Aitchess | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
steamy and deadly!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Lunetti Pack series, and I would recommend that you books one, His Mate by Venegeance and book two, His Mate by Resistance before this one. A personal rec, is all.

I enjoyed book one, I loved book 2, but I LOVED this one!

Emilio knew that Rocco was his mate the minute they met. That kinda put his plans out, since his new husband was going to meet an unfortunate end and now his wolf would not let that happen. Rocca creeps under Emmy skin and fur and while they down and dirty quite quickly, I loved that Emmy was NOT going to bite Rocco and Rocco used his magic to bind his puppy. I loved that Rocco called Emmy puppy from the very beginning and not once did Emmy tell him to stop it!

I loved that Rocco really SAW Emmy, you know? As a witch, he didn't get the mating urge quite as bad as the shifters did, but he knew that Emmy was special, and his feelings developing super speedy was another reason that he knew.

Super smexy, and steamy! Loved that they went all in, but no biting! Rcco's power was amazing, with the wind and things and I loved that Emmy's wolf responded to that power.

Violent, too. Emilio is, after all, an assassin. But given what happens here, I think it's needed on page. Loved how Rocco responded to Emilio's trade.

Emotional, as well. Emmy is dealing with some deep emotions, after his father did what he did. And he fights Rocco all the way because of that. But once Rocco knows WHY Emmy is fighting, he understands and goes all out to make sure his puppy knows Rocco will always stand by him, and never against him.

Epilogue gives us who is next and I look forward to that one, given as Rafe and Adri have a long history!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere