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Of Mates & Magic (Eliza Falls #1)
Of Mates & Magic (Eliza Falls #1)
Maggie Francis | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OF MATES & MAGIC is the first book in the Eliza Falls series and it gives you a quick insight into the small hallmark town.

Cora and Seb are the main characters who spend most of the book avoiding each other, but then seem to get together very quickly. I did like the build-up but then it was a steamy scene and boom! The book was over. Well, not quite, but the build-up definitely takes up the majority of the pages.

Some pieces of information seem as though they're going to play a part in the book but never come to fruition. I don't know if they will show up in later books that Seb and/or Tate are in.

The pacing is fast and so the world-building is a little rushed in places. That could be remedied in future stories though.

On the whole, this was a quick and enjoyable story that I can recommend. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the other books in this 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!
  
Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1)
Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1)
H.L. Day | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME is the first book in The Pilsdale Chronicles. In it, we meet Ben, who left Pilsdale four years ago after his parents died, and Jasper, the father of Ben's best friend, Finn. Ben had had a crush on Jasper for years but thought nothing would come of it. When he returns to Pilsdale to sort out his aunt's house, he goes to see Finn. Unfortunately - or luckily - Finn isn't around, but Jasper certainly is.

This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?

This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in 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!
Jul 20, 2023
  
Forever Ink (Tewsbury Daddies #2)
Forever Ink (Tewsbury Daddies #2)
Myf Wren | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FOREVER INK is the second book in the Tewsbury Daddies series, and we follow Rhys and Simon as they prepare for their first Christmas together. Rhys only has bad memories of Christmas, so Simon is determined to make it one to remember for him. But Simon doesn't know about Rhys' own surprise he has planned!

There is a lot that goes on in this story. You not only catch up with Rhys and Simon, but you also have interactions with Simon's dad, Rhys' grandad, Mouse, Cal, and Cullen, as well as a character from book one that Rhys would rather forget. There is a lot of background-building for future books, which is great, but I do feel it took the edge off Rhys and Simon. So much time is spent with others that I found myself missing the connection and playtime between Rhys and Simon.

I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in 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!
Nov 22, 2023
  
The Huntress (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #2)
The Huntress (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #2)
Hannah E. Carey | 2020 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE HUNTRESS is the second book in the Tales of Pern Coen (Bloodlines) series and continues on from The Hunter.

A blast from Conor's past makes herself known but the war has changed both of them. Rhian is just coming into her own strength so will she fight for Conor if needed?

I thoroughly enjoyed book one and commented on the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. This one is even better, with more details given about the Spirits of the land and what they represent.

This series definitely gives me a Roman Empire vs. the Druids of Mona feeling, with a better outcome for the druids, hopefully!

The ending was absolutely wonderful. The only thing I wanted was a bit more into the ending of a certain sorceress. It just felt as though it was over a bit too quickly, as in, blink and you miss it. Not enough for me to knock a star off though.

A fantastic partner to The Hunter 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
    Monster

    Monster

    Michael Grant

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    MICHAEL GRANT'S ACTION-PACKED AND MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW BOOK, SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE BESTSELLING...

Whew... what a way to end a series. But that is what I love about Susan May Warren's books. They engage you fully, from your thoughts down to your actions. You can be consumed by her writing.
    As this series comes to a close, Susan May Warren chooses to awash us in a battery of action-packed pages, faith-filled moments, and the promise of a second chance. I have personally been looking forward to Ham’s story from day one; I mean who wouldn’t be curious about a guy willing to go over a cliff for his friend? Well, Susan May Warren leads us on a merry chase to learn Ham’s story and she introduced us to Ham’s Wife and Daughter as well. The characters were well done, I loved their interactions with each other and the somewhat over the top action on every page. While this story was not how I picture Ham’s story taking us it was interesting and a conclusion for the ages. I am truly sad to see this series end, but I am looking forward to the next book Susan May Warren writes.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the action-packed moments, the theme of second chances, and for making me want more! I do wish that there had been less going on in the story and that we could have seen more of the main story. But overall, it was good, just left me with more questions!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6)
Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6)
Katherine McIntyre | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
CHARISMA CHECK is the sixth and final book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and you should really read these amazing books in order to get the full benefit. This is a 5-star series, simple as that.

Everything we have come to hold dear is threatened in this book and it about killed me! Add to that, Matt and Jasper, two characters who have made themselves known in previous books - even if it's only superficially. Oh, boy. These two. I loved them both so much. Jasper about broke me though and I'm not ashamed to say it. His backstory was a killer and his actions throughout the series take on a whole new light. Matt has had an easier time of it in the past to a degree but has had to deal with numerous failed relationships and, in the present, he has to deal with his best friend leaving him. Together, they are guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies.

Everyone shows up in this book, much to my delight. Happy tears were shed and I finished the book with a HUGE smile on my face. I can't wait to return at Christmas to the D&D group at Tabletop Tavern, as well as begin with the guys from Whipped in Leather & Lattes.

Absolutely brilliant all the way through. 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!
May 23, 2023
  
Collar Me (My Kinky Housemate #3) by Colette Davison
Collar Me (My Kinky Housemate #3) by Colette Davison
Colette Davison | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
COLLAR ME is the third book in the My Kinky Housemate series and definitely best read as part of the series, although you could read it as a standalone.

We've already met both Theo and Preston but now it's their time to shine. Preston swoops in like a superhero when Theo's trainer dumps him just before a show. Preston knows nothing about being a trainer but, for Theo, will do whatever it takes. Theo thinks the world of Preston but mistakenly thinks that Preston only sees him as a little brother. So hold onto your hats when Preston puts him straight!

I think I may have more than a handful of cavities after reading this one. They are cute/adorable/all the warm and fuzzy words. I would class this as low-angst as Theo does have to deal with some harassment but has the full support of Preston and his housemates. It's pretty clear who's doing it, but that isn't the main point. It is also hot, hot, hot! Theo's fantasy? Phew! Down, boy! And the thing I loved about it most of all is that it wasn't without 'issues'. Not that Theo seemed disappointed about more practice! Nor was Preston, for that matter.

I am loving this series. Hendrix is the house brat but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for his story. Absolutely 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 13 2022
  
Tell Me It's Real (At First Sight, #1)
Tell Me It's Real (At First Sight, #1)
T.J. Klune | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This review and more can be found at my blog
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews

Well, right from the start this had me laughing as Paul introduced himself. It was very frank and pretty much laugh-out-loud at times. He doesn't have the best opinion of himself, bless him, but he's so fun. And then he meets eyes with Vince while out at his friends drag queen performance at a bar/club and things go from there. Vince is not backing down about his intentions to date Paul, while Paul cannot believe that this younger, attractive, really nice if slightly dumb man, wants him and fights it tooth and nail.

They have a text conversation about a third of the way through the book that almost had me laughing like an idiot. The text faces that Vince was sending Paul were frigging hilarious. The Sex Face one is going to stick with me for a long time: >_<

And let's not forget Paul's parents. Oh. My. God! They are so funny it's not fair. I almost had tears streaming down my face at one point. They all go to nan's house for a meal and ignoring Johnny Depp, the homophobic parrot, they get into a conversation about how they met and it's stuff like this that has me crying with laughter at times. Vince, bless him. Not the smartest but he's a real sweetheart.
"He was choking to death in a restaurant," Vince explained
"I was not!" I said.
"On like a burrito or something."
"It was spinach."
"Anyway, he would have died had I not done the haemorrhoid manoeuvre."
"Heimlich. It's Heimlich."

There were so many conversations like this, with some crazy stuff being discussed and I LOVED it! They were such a cute couple and they gelled so well. It was so obvious they truly needed each other at the time that they found each other. Paul needed to let himself be loved and Vince needed someone to be there for him after a family issue. It was amazing!

I'm going to be keeping my eye out for other books in this series.