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Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated Headshot (Model Love) in Books
Nov 2, 2022
freaking loved it!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right?? I freaking LOVED IT!!
Oh I might gush, so #sorrynotsorry it was so bloody good!
It's part of the Model Love series, a multi author series of stand alone books. But here we get to revisit with some of Sayle's other characters and I loved being able to cath up with Griffin and Charlie and of course, Nana!
Kit saved jack has loved him ever since. He's not quite sure when things changed for him, but they did. Now Kit's lifes work, Garfield House for homeless kids, is threatened and Jack will do anything for Kit.
I loved that while Jack loves Kit, he really does try to keep away. I loved that he decided to go for Kit and he really goes all in. I love that Kit loved Jack but was bound by his own sense of proper, even if Jack had left the house ages ago.
I loved that once they both accepted that they should be together they go all in and fully and totally commit to each other. I'm not usually one for professions of love early on but these two have dacned around each other for years!
It's steamy, and smexy. It's emotional and funny, Nana does her best to wreak her havoc. There isn't much drama, except that about the house, but I think this book didn't need it.
I loved this book, I really did. And I'll leave it at that.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book, right?? I freaking LOVED IT!!
Oh I might gush, so #sorrynotsorry it was so bloody good!
It's part of the Model Love series, a multi author series of stand alone books. But here we get to revisit with some of Sayle's other characters and I loved being able to cath up with Griffin and Charlie and of course, Nana!
Kit saved jack has loved him ever since. He's not quite sure when things changed for him, but they did. Now Kit's lifes work, Garfield House for homeless kids, is threatened and Jack will do anything for Kit.
I loved that while Jack loves Kit, he really does try to keep away. I loved that he decided to go for Kit and he really goes all in. I love that Kit loved Jack but was bound by his own sense of proper, even if Jack had left the house ages ago.
I loved that once they both accepted that they should be together they go all in and fully and totally commit to each other. I'm not usually one for professions of love early on but these two have dacned around each other for years!
It's steamy, and smexy. It's emotional and funny, Nana does her best to wreak her havoc. There isn't much drama, except that about the house, but I think this book didn't need it.
I loved this book, I really did. And I'll leave it at that.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13100 KP) rated The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior (The Lost Arts #1) in Books
May 9, 2025
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
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
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Driftwood Dreams (Carolina Coast #2) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Driftwood Dreams is the second book in T.I. Lowe’s Carolina Coast Series. The books can be read as standalone’s, but I did see returning characters’ appearances from the previous book; I loved the first book, so I recommend going back to read that one as well. The whole series takes place in a small seaside town off the coast of Carolina (which is one of my favorite places ever) and makes you feel at home right from the first page.
Characters can make or break my interest in the story, and T.I. Lowe did a great job of capturing my interest with both main characters in a very relaxed manner. Josie is a quiet, helpful, and loyal person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has high expectations of herself, is a people pleaser and an artist at heart. August is something of a mystery (maybe why I liked him so much) and is a mix of a hard-working and laid-back artist. I thought that his thought process was easy to follow and engaging to read. The chemistry between August and Josie was developed at a fun and interesting pace, and from the beginning, there were hints of the end goal for them. It was a twist on the girl next door type character plot.
I thought that T.I. Lowe did a great job with the storyline movement and that the characters were genuinely relatable. The themes she wove in were great reminders that we only have this one life to live, and we need to live it how God calls us to. Also, we need to remember to follow our dreams and not be afraid of what others might think. T.I. Lowe described island life in a way that made me feel like I had sand under my feet and palm trees growing in my house. I truly loved her vivid descriptions. I think readers who like Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hauck, and Denise Hunter will love this book and the Carolina Coast series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the relaxing storyline (So made me want to go to the beach), the interesting characters, and for the theme of following your dreams. I recommend picking up this book (or series!) to read while at the beach this summer!
*Reason for 4 instead of 5 stars: I loved the characters, I really did, however, some of their reactions or choices just did not seem believable to me.
**I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Characters can make or break my interest in the story, and T.I. Lowe did a great job of capturing my interest with both main characters in a very relaxed manner. Josie is a quiet, helpful, and loyal person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has high expectations of herself, is a people pleaser and an artist at heart. August is something of a mystery (maybe why I liked him so much) and is a mix of a hard-working and laid-back artist. I thought that his thought process was easy to follow and engaging to read. The chemistry between August and Josie was developed at a fun and interesting pace, and from the beginning, there were hints of the end goal for them. It was a twist on the girl next door type character plot.
I thought that T.I. Lowe did a great job with the storyline movement and that the characters were genuinely relatable. The themes she wove in were great reminders that we only have this one life to live, and we need to live it how God calls us to. Also, we need to remember to follow our dreams and not be afraid of what others might think. T.I. Lowe described island life in a way that made me feel like I had sand under my feet and palm trees growing in my house. I truly loved her vivid descriptions. I think readers who like Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hauck, and Denise Hunter will love this book and the Carolina Coast series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the relaxing storyline (So made me want to go to the beach), the interesting characters, and for the theme of following your dreams. I recommend picking up this book (or series!) to read while at the beach this summer!
*Reason for 4 instead of 5 stars: I loved the characters, I really did, however, some of their reactions or choices just did not seem believable to me.
**I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated First Impressions (Auckland Med. #1) in Books
Nov 1, 2019
awesome read!
This is book one in the Auckland Med series, but I am reading this AFTER I read book two, Crossing the Touchline. This book has been re-edited and tidied up, and is a re-release. I did not read the original version, so I can’t comment on any differences there may be.
But THIS version? Was brilliant!
Michael runs into Josh at a very inopportune moment, with his trousers round his knees, and his junk on display. That Josh immediately pushes ALL of Michael’s buttons and THEN some, is irrelevant. Josh does not want a player and Michael does not want a relationship. So why can they not stay away from each other?
Michael’s reason for not wanting a relationship and Josh’s for not wanting a player in his life are made clear to us very early on, but it takes a LOT of time for them to open up to each other, and it really is painful watching them get to that point!
I mean, neither wants *this* thing between them, that much is clear, but they cannot keep apart, and the chemistry between them of off the charts but emotionally?? Neither is ready for anything. And then, the pesky emotions do their thing and both of them, separately of each other, decide that maybe, just maybe they can make this work.
Then something happens that sends them both into the unknown abyss and Michael runs clear across the world.
It took me all day to read this, because I alternatively wanted to punch both Michael AND Josh in the face, and to wrap them both up in cotton wool and love hard on them! I still don’t know which is the more dominant feeling, I really don’t! I had to keep putting the book down, to get over whichever was higher up at the time.
And trust me when I say, I rarely verbally react when READING (listening is different) and I did swear at this book a time or three at this book, I really did!
These guys have some serious chemistry, let me tell ya! I was *NOT* being sociable, and reading at the mother in law’s house and she kept asking me if I was too hot, cos my face was flushed and I had to tell her I was coming down with a cold! Along with the noises, and I think she thought I was nuts!
I can’t go into much, for spoilers, but this book twists and turns all over the place, and just when you think it’s all sorted? Boom! It goes off again!
I loved that Cam, from book 2, takes a huge part and we see a different side to him here.
Even though I know this has been edited and stuff, I would have loved the first version, I know.
Don’t know who is next, I really don’t care, so long as I can get my grubby little mitts on it!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
But THIS version? Was brilliant!
Michael runs into Josh at a very inopportune moment, with his trousers round his knees, and his junk on display. That Josh immediately pushes ALL of Michael’s buttons and THEN some, is irrelevant. Josh does not want a player and Michael does not want a relationship. So why can they not stay away from each other?
Michael’s reason for not wanting a relationship and Josh’s for not wanting a player in his life are made clear to us very early on, but it takes a LOT of time for them to open up to each other, and it really is painful watching them get to that point!
I mean, neither wants *this* thing between them, that much is clear, but they cannot keep apart, and the chemistry between them of off the charts but emotionally?? Neither is ready for anything. And then, the pesky emotions do their thing and both of them, separately of each other, decide that maybe, just maybe they can make this work.
Then something happens that sends them both into the unknown abyss and Michael runs clear across the world.
It took me all day to read this, because I alternatively wanted to punch both Michael AND Josh in the face, and to wrap them both up in cotton wool and love hard on them! I still don’t know which is the more dominant feeling, I really don’t! I had to keep putting the book down, to get over whichever was higher up at the time.
And trust me when I say, I rarely verbally react when READING (listening is different) and I did swear at this book a time or three at this book, I really did!
These guys have some serious chemistry, let me tell ya! I was *NOT* being sociable, and reading at the mother in law’s house and she kept asking me if I was too hot, cos my face was flushed and I had to tell her I was coming down with a cold! Along with the noises, and I think she thought I was nuts!
I can’t go into much, for spoilers, but this book twists and turns all over the place, and just when you think it’s all sorted? Boom! It goes off again!
I loved that Cam, from book 2, takes a huge part and we see a different side to him here.
Even though I know this has been edited and stuff, I would have loved the first version, I know.
Don’t know who is next, I really don’t care, so long as I can get my grubby little mitts on it!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Zach Smith (62 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 26, 2018
Not as great as the first but well done sequel.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ok so this is a great follow up to the first focusing on Johnny Depp's villainous character Grindelwald. But let me stop you there. Wasn't Voldemort supposed to be the worst bad guy in the wizarding world? Not sure because he's followers are pretty nasty killing several people and then a baby. The baby scene could have easily been left out but they included for some reason. Also Grindelwald has a cute evil pet lizard but again for some reason they show him toss it out a door of a carage high in the sky stating it was too clingy. Again there are other ways to do character development without death. Ok and if you don't know that Albus Dumbledore is a homosexual, where have you been living. Instead of stating in the movie that Grindelwald and he were once lovers they tip toe around it with things stated " we were more than friends" WTF say it out loud and proud! Aside from the mild irritation that caused it is really neat how they are connecting this series to the Potter series. You finally are introduced to Nicholas Flemal the chemist. If you don't know who he is go read Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone.
Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2.5)
8.7
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In this stand-alone companion to the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone series...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Unchained (Feathers and Fire, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Hmm...I prefer my Urban Fantasies to have a strong romance story in them too, and this one was rather slow in that regard. Apart from a few almost kisses, brushes of lips and butterflies in stomach there was nothing. I don't know if that's because it was written by a guy...But I do tend to stick to female authors.
The rest of the story was ok, but I did lose interest somewhere in the middle. My attention waned when the story didn't go how I wanted it to. It has me intrigued, though, but maybe not enough to continue the series unless things get hot and heavy with Nate in the next book.Hmm...I prefer my Urban Fantasies to have a strong romance story in them too, and this one was rather slow in that regard. Apart from a few almost kisses, brushes of lips and butterflies in stomach there was nothing. I don't know if that's because it was written by a guy...But I do tend to stick to female authors.
The rest of the story was ok, but I did lose interest somewhere in the middle. My attention waned when the story didn't go how I wanted it to. It has me intrigued, though, but maybe not enough to continue the series unless things get hot and heavy with Nate in the next book.
The rest of the story was ok, but I did lose interest somewhere in the middle. My attention waned when the story didn't go how I wanted it to. It has me intrigued, though, but maybe not enough to continue the series unless things get hot and heavy with Nate in the next book.Hmm...I prefer my Urban Fantasies to have a strong romance story in them too, and this one was rather slow in that regard. Apart from a few almost kisses, brushes of lips and butterflies in stomach there was nothing. I don't know if that's because it was written by a guy...But I do tend to stick to female authors.
The rest of the story was ok, but I did lose interest somewhere in the middle. My attention waned when the story didn't go how I wanted it to. It has me intrigued, though, but maybe not enough to continue the series unless things get hot and heavy with Nate in the next book.
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After (Bridgertons, #1.5-8.5; 9.5)
8.0
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New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents a collection of 'second epilogues' to her...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Silence is Golden in Books
May 15, 2023 (Updated May 15, 2023)
Has a New Gold Rush Come to Town?
Gold fever has hit Flat Skunk, California, after local eccentric prospector Sluice Jackson finds a nugget. Reporter Connor Westphal isn’t quite so quick to jump on the gold bandwagon, but while she is still trying to figure out what is going on, an old skeleton turns up. Meanwhile, Connor’s college boyfriend is in town with his ex-wife and their daughter. Then a modern body turns up. Can Connor figure out what is going on?
Obviously, there is a lot here, and that kept me entertained and engaged the entire way through. I did feel like the ending was rushed, including a sub-plot getting pretty much dropped. If you are new to the series, you should know that Connor is deaf, and I continue to love how that is portrayed in the stories. This book is now twenty years old, so some things are dated, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. Likewise, there is a little more swearing than you might expect, but not as much as earlier books in the series. The characters, not just Connor, are all great, and I enjoyed spending time with them. If you are looking for a unique main character, you’ll enjoy this book.
Obviously, there is a lot here, and that kept me entertained and engaged the entire way through. I did feel like the ending was rushed, including a sub-plot getting pretty much dropped. If you are new to the series, you should know that Connor is deaf, and I continue to love how that is portrayed in the stories. This book is now twenty years old, so some things are dated, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. Likewise, there is a little more swearing than you might expect, but not as much as earlier books in the series. The characters, not just Connor, are all great, and I enjoyed spending time with them. If you are looking for a unique main character, you’ll enjoy this book.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Black Moon (Zodiac, #3) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Black Moon is the third book in the Zodiac series. I've enjoyed the series thus far, so I was intrigued to see where it would go. Sometimes it felt like the plot jumped around, but where the book really shines is in world building. The solar system is populated by 12 houses of people with many more planets and moons. Each house has its own personalities, physical attributes, and fascinating celestial bodies. She describes the various cities that Rho goes to with wonderful detail, building whole worlds in your mind. Each house is home to such varied peoples from the underwater dwelling Scorps with their pale skin and red eyes that allow them to see more in the dark, but cause discomfort in strong light to the tan Cancrians with their blonde hair. Each house embodies a specific attribute and we see that expressed in their people like the ever questioning Sagittarian or the balancing Libran. There's not much to say about the book itself as this is the third in the series, so anything would be spoilers. Highly recommended read for teen/young adult readers who are fans of fantasy, science fiction, and expansive world building.