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The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1)
The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1)
Ellie Ash | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE LOST ART OF SEDUCING A MAGE WARRIOR is the first book in The Lost Arts series and does NOT give you everything all at once, which I loved!

Perian is a charismatic character, effortlessly drawing others to him. He is aware of this but doesn't weaponise it. When he is attacked by three men who don't understand that "No" is a complete sentence, he thinks his time is up. Instead, he is rescued by Brannal, a Mage Warrior, who takes him back to the Queen's castle to recover. If Perian is the sunshine one, then Brannal is the grumpy one, although this description doesn't fit either of them perfectly.

There are plenty of misunderstandings between Perian and Brannal, which I actually loved to read. They are at the beginning of a new relationship, with lots of things going on and different characters in the mix, so, surprisingly, they're not that good at communicating. When they do speak to each other, they both admit it is something they need to work on, and that neither of them will get it right all the time. It made a refreshing change to read that, rather than unnecessary angst.

The ending was satisfying for now, but I oh-so-desperately want more! Lots of loose threads that I want tying up! A great story and a brilliant beginning to the 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!
May 9, 2025
  
40x40

Merissa (12669 KP) rated On the 2 in Books

Aug 2, 2023  
On the 2
On the 2
Felice Stevens | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ON THE 2 is a standalone story set in New York that features some characters from previous books. You don't need to have read those to get the benefit, but I did so love seeing them and remembering their stories!

Nash is closed-off and straight-laced, working with numbers because they make sense and won't lie or betray him. Ethan is friendly and outgoing; working in a department store, he needs to be approachable. These two meet on the 2, a subway train that they both take from home to work.

One of the things guaranteed by a Felice Stevens book is the characters will be relatable. Whether because they're the grumpy or the sunshine, there will be something there that you read and laugh out loud with, from either doing the same thing yourself or knowing someone else who has done it. Neither Ethan nor Nash have the best family lives but they make the best with what they've got, in the way they know. I absolutely adored the slow burn with these two, as both of them try to figure the other one out.

I also thoroughly enjoyed how the difficulties they faced weren't just swept away in a wonderful wave of love. They worked it out and got to where they needed to be by communicating and working together. Nash speaks to Oscar, and Ethan speaks to Julia - both of them choosing kindness. Two more fantastic scenes!

A great book that I loved and have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending.

** 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!
Aug 2, 2023
  
I Never Knew (Riverside Town #4)
I Never Knew (Riverside Town #4)
Darla O’Malley | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I NEVER KNEW is the fourth book in the Riverside Town series, but I haven't read any of the others, and had no difficulties following this story or the characters involved.

Ryan is an angry young man who hides his feelings behind insults and gruffness. Elijah is the owner of a cafe, taking over when his mum and dad died, putting his own dreams on hold. Together, they are grumpy/sunshine and a delight to read about. I loved the explanations given for Ryan, to help you understand his character - the reasons for his anger and also his lack of enjoyment of sex until he met Elijah. I thought these were done brilliantly, giving details without too much drama.

Elijah has his own issues to deal with, trying to run a cafe that is leaking money with workers who don't show up. He is too nice of a guy and I was glad when he toughened up a bit on them. I don't like it when people are taken advantage of - even in books! I liked him marshmallow soft in the other areas though.

This is a fast-paced story and it works! From beginning to end, their relationship is just how it should be. Why question something when it's so right?! Elijah and Ryan got the ending I was hoping for, and I'm so very happy about that. I am definitely returning to Riverside Town and catching up on some of the others now. 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!
Jun 29, 2023
  
Resolute (Kinsmen Billionaires #3)
Resolute (Kinsmen Billionaires #3)
Liss Montoya | 2025 | Contemporary, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RESOLUTE is the third book in the Kinsmen Billionaires series but can be read as a standalone.

Vicente is the oldest brother, the one who will take over the family vineyard in Chile, and the only one still single. So his parents add a proviso to him taking over - he must be married too. Vicente's executive assistant has just retired although she has found a replacement in Camila. How they know each other becomes clear as you read on.

Now, the three characters - Vicente, Camila, and Ava - are all brilliant and I enjoyed each of them in my own way. Vicente was the grumpy-pants big-time CEO who just needed someone to be his partner in every sense of the word. Camila was the sunshine who needed someone to stand by her when things got tough. And Ava was just a cutie who sometimes spoke more wisely than any five-year-old I've ever heard. BUT...

I was only 18% in, and the term 'Let's Boogie' was annoying me so much. I know this is a romance between Camila and her boss, but it is so unprofessional, it's crazy. Also, two other things bothered me as I read. The first one was Owen. That massive turnaround and for what? I'm sorry but, for me, that just didn't work. And the second involved Ava. There is a big scene where she isn't sure if Vicente likes her and gives her reasons. He apologises and asks to call her a special name which is then NEVER mentioned again. I will also admit to being baffled by the term 'Wife' being used all the time!

A story of growth, of families, and of choices, this was a quick, short read that I did enjoy and would recommend. 3.5 rounded up.

** 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!
Mar 8, 2025