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To Tempt A Troubled Earl (Regency Rossingley #1)
8.0
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A chancer and a rogue, Kit Angel is down on his luck. Presenting himself at Rossingley Hall in the...
Historical MM Regency Romance Enemies to Lovers Hurt / Comfort
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Marriage Pact in Books
Dec 12, 2018 (Updated Dec 13, 2018)
Eerie and thought provoking
Wow. I’m a ball of knotted up feelings mixed with adrenaline right now. THE MARRIAGE PACT started as an innocuous, gentle introduction to a newly married couple and turned into a twisted, dark ride. If I could sum it up, I’d describe it as ‘big brother’s stepford wife body snatching cult’ and I mean 1984-esque big brother, not the reality show. I don’t read a lot of suspense these days and this one just compelled me from start to finish, through the good, the bad, the believable and slightly stretched.
Jake and Alice are an opposites attract kind of couple but a match that seems to work. As very newly-weds they’re invited to join The Pact. Alarm bells should have been ringing at 100 decibels but no, Jake and Alice signed up. There was an innocence about their walk into married life, believing the easy road but it was oh, so different. What ensued took my breath away as I got deeper and deeper. I read going to sleep but found myself pumped full of adrenaline and unsettled. The twisty dark nature was unexpected and not in my normal taste, but I couldn’t look away.
It isn’t a perfect read, there are occasional moments of ‘as if’ and the end could have been stronger but I know I am not going to forget this book in a hurry. I enjoyed it, my skin crawled with discomfort and unease, but I enjoyed it. The characters connected with one another and to me, the writing was like a magnet. The storyline was out of the box and I am definitely wanting to try this author again.
So, if you fancy the unusual, you like the bizarre, suspense and married couples, I give you THE MARRIAGE PACT.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for a honest review.
Jake and Alice are an opposites attract kind of couple but a match that seems to work. As very newly-weds they’re invited to join The Pact. Alarm bells should have been ringing at 100 decibels but no, Jake and Alice signed up. There was an innocence about their walk into married life, believing the easy road but it was oh, so different. What ensued took my breath away as I got deeper and deeper. I read going to sleep but found myself pumped full of adrenaline and unsettled. The twisty dark nature was unexpected and not in my normal taste, but I couldn’t look away.
It isn’t a perfect read, there are occasional moments of ‘as if’ and the end could have been stronger but I know I am not going to forget this book in a hurry. I enjoyed it, my skin crawled with discomfort and unease, but I enjoyed it. The characters connected with one another and to me, the writing was like a magnet. The storyline was out of the box and I am definitely wanting to try this author again.
So, if you fancy the unusual, you like the bizarre, suspense and married couples, I give you THE MARRIAGE PACT.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for a honest review.
Written in the Stars
7.0
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"I was hooked from the very first page!” – Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author...
Merissa (12674 KP) rated Sweat Connection (Hot Under the Collar #1) in Books
Aug 2, 2023
SWEAT CONNECTION is the first book in the Hot Under the Collar series, and I am already loving this series! Nope, there are no billionaires, no shifters, no vampires. What you have is low-angst 'normal' people with found families joining their lives together.
Katherine McIntyre is simply exceptional at character-led stories featuring found families. There's just no two ways about it! And in this one, there are so many characters that need stories! But for now, I'll stick with Rhys and Cole because, man oh man, are they worth talking about!
Rhys is one of those that has a nervous energy about it, all the time. Cole is one of those that puts people at ease, all the time. Together, when opposites attract, sparks fly! Cole provides the stability and grounding that Rhys needs, whilst Rhys gives Cole the enthusiasm and energy he might otherwise be lacking. I loved how their relationship was so loving and tender in ways an outsider might miss. That's the good part of having a story from the first perspective! We get to see both Cole and Rhys' worries and apprehensions and also see what the other person is thinking.
The connections are not just between Rhys and Cole though. Oh, no! Those tendrils spin out and connect Rhys' friends to Cole's dad and best friend. And let's not forget Sammy who made me laugh so many times. Luckily for me, my two have outgrown those years but I can look back now and laugh.
This was is 5-stars all the way. It simply couldn't be anything less. And from just two sentences in the epilogue, I am looking forward to Lex and Theo's story! Absolutely brilliant 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!
Jun 21, 2023
Katherine McIntyre is simply exceptional at character-led stories featuring found families. There's just no two ways about it! And in this one, there are so many characters that need stories! But for now, I'll stick with Rhys and Cole because, man oh man, are they worth talking about!
Rhys is one of those that has a nervous energy about it, all the time. Cole is one of those that puts people at ease, all the time. Together, when opposites attract, sparks fly! Cole provides the stability and grounding that Rhys needs, whilst Rhys gives Cole the enthusiasm and energy he might otherwise be lacking. I loved how their relationship was so loving and tender in ways an outsider might miss. That's the good part of having a story from the first perspective! We get to see both Cole and Rhys' worries and apprehensions and also see what the other person is thinking.
The connections are not just between Rhys and Cole though. Oh, no! Those tendrils spin out and connect Rhys' friends to Cole's dad and best friend. And let's not forget Sammy who made me laugh so many times. Luckily for me, my two have outgrown those years but I can look back now and laugh.
This was is 5-stars all the way. It simply couldn't be anything less. And from just two sentences in the epilogue, I am looking forward to Lex and Theo's story! Absolutely brilliant 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!
Jun 21, 2023
My Grumpy Sweetheart (Sweetheart Escapes #5)
8.0
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Bailey Rewarding your own accomplishments is important – and if rewarding myself will also get me...
Contemporary MM Romance
Starboard (Voyagers #2)
10.0
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Dylan: I’ve lived my adult life under the Hollywood spotlight, but no one really sees who I am....
Contemporary MM Romance
Merissa (12674 KP) rated The Boy Who Fell to Earth in Books
Dec 18, 2017
The Boy Who Fell to Earth by A. Zukowski
The Boy Who Fell to Earth is an angst-ridden book that tells of the rises and falls of being a drug-addict child who has slipped through the cracks (by his own intention and actions). Sasha has had a very troubled childhood, and he faces the reaper the night he is dumped on Jay's lawn. Although Jay doesn't have a lot, he still has a whole lot more than Sasha. The attraction between these two is instantaneous, and that posed a bit of a problem to me. Whilst Sasha appears a lot older than his years - and rightly so! - Jay seems quite immature by comparison. I know it is a case of opposites attract, but there were instances when I just couldn't quite believe his words or actions.
There is a lot that goes on in this book, and you will be rooting for Jay and Sasha all the way through - even with Jay's immaturity. It is easy to forget the ages of Jay and Sasha, even though they are mentioned frequently. It is almost like your brain doesn't want to admit that this can happen to young adults, and instead tricks you into thinking they are older than they are. The reminders of their ages was always well written, placed somewhere natural, rather than just telling you out of the blue.
I think this book is a marmite book. I think some people will love it, and some will dislike it. As for me, I'm pondering on it. There was a lot that I liked, and a lot that I didn't. None of what I didn't like was a fault of the writing or the author. It was, plain and simple, the darkness of what was happening. I read 'dark' books, but this one is a slice of reality that you can't just ignore as 'another book'.
I would recommend trying this book, although be aware that some of the subjects mentioned may be triggers for some. You will enjoy it, or you won't, but don't miss out on the opportunity of finding out for yourself. I wish Jay and Sasha every happiness because they surely deserve it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
There is a lot that goes on in this book, and you will be rooting for Jay and Sasha all the way through - even with Jay's immaturity. It is easy to forget the ages of Jay and Sasha, even though they are mentioned frequently. It is almost like your brain doesn't want to admit that this can happen to young adults, and instead tricks you into thinking they are older than they are. The reminders of their ages was always well written, placed somewhere natural, rather than just telling you out of the blue.
I think this book is a marmite book. I think some people will love it, and some will dislike it. As for me, I'm pondering on it. There was a lot that I liked, and a lot that I didn't. None of what I didn't like was a fault of the writing or the author. It was, plain and simple, the darkness of what was happening. I read 'dark' books, but this one is a slice of reality that you can't just ignore as 'another book'.
I would recommend trying this book, although be aware that some of the subjects mentioned may be triggers for some. You will enjoy it, or you won't, but don't miss out on the opportunity of finding out for yourself. I wish Jay and Sasha every happiness because they surely deserve it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Midge (525 KP) rated The Sheikh's Christmas Family in Books
Mar 7, 2019
An Adorable, Racy, Little Romance!
Leslie North has written another adorable, racy, little romance!
Leslie, the critically-acclaimed author, has written more than two hundred books across forty-six series’ in the Romance, Contemporary Fiction and Women's Fiction genres. Alluring from the very beginning, THE SHEIKH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY is Book Two in the ‘Christmas with the Yared Sheikhs’ series. Book One is entitled ‘The Sheikh’s Christmas Fling’ and the title of the third book is ‘The Sheikh’s Christmas Lover.’
Its Christmas-time in Maatkare and Maia must make sure the Sheikh’s palace is decorated for all the holiday festivities. The decorating is the easy part. Yonas Yared, the youngest son of the family, is a bit more of a challenge. Maia knows she’s in trouble when she sees how wonderful Yonas is with her young son. Protecting her heart from the one man who makes her think naughty thoughts she shouldn’t is proving more difficult than she ever imagined.
Yonas will go crazy if he has to spend the entire holiday season with his family. He’d much rather be partying the nights away than stuck in the palace helping their new irresistible decorator. As events transpire to keep him in the palace, he’s surprised to realise he’s glad to be home and equally surprised to find that getting his serious little decorator into his bed is becoming more and more important. The problem is, once she’s there, he doesn’t want her to leave. And nothing in his life has ever scared him more.
Leslie North is very good at developing her characters where opposites attract and this novel is no exception. The meeting of carefree, party animal Yonas and Maia, who is sensible, focused and responsible, was explosive.
The storyline is easy to follow, with plenty of emotion, angst and tension. The chemistry between Maia and Yonas was electric and what was also great was the laughter and fun enjoyed within the family.
The SHEIKH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY is an enjoyable and well-written romance with which to curl up on the sofa on a dark winter’s night or any time, really, with a mug of hot chocolate and it makes a fantastic holiday read.
{Thank you to #NetGalley, Relay Publishing and Leslie North for the free copy of this book and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Leslie, the critically-acclaimed author, has written more than two hundred books across forty-six series’ in the Romance, Contemporary Fiction and Women's Fiction genres. Alluring from the very beginning, THE SHEIKH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY is Book Two in the ‘Christmas with the Yared Sheikhs’ series. Book One is entitled ‘The Sheikh’s Christmas Fling’ and the title of the third book is ‘The Sheikh’s Christmas Lover.’
Its Christmas-time in Maatkare and Maia must make sure the Sheikh’s palace is decorated for all the holiday festivities. The decorating is the easy part. Yonas Yared, the youngest son of the family, is a bit more of a challenge. Maia knows she’s in trouble when she sees how wonderful Yonas is with her young son. Protecting her heart from the one man who makes her think naughty thoughts she shouldn’t is proving more difficult than she ever imagined.
Yonas will go crazy if he has to spend the entire holiday season with his family. He’d much rather be partying the nights away than stuck in the palace helping their new irresistible decorator. As events transpire to keep him in the palace, he’s surprised to realise he’s glad to be home and equally surprised to find that getting his serious little decorator into his bed is becoming more and more important. The problem is, once she’s there, he doesn’t want her to leave. And nothing in his life has ever scared him more.
Leslie North is very good at developing her characters where opposites attract and this novel is no exception. The meeting of carefree, party animal Yonas and Maia, who is sensible, focused and responsible, was explosive.
The storyline is easy to follow, with plenty of emotion, angst and tension. The chemistry between Maia and Yonas was electric and what was also great was the laughter and fun enjoyed within the family.
The SHEIKH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY is an enjoyable and well-written romance with which to curl up on the sofa on a dark winter’s night or any time, really, with a mug of hot chocolate and it makes a fantastic holiday read.
{Thank you to #NetGalley, Relay Publishing and Leslie North for the free copy of this book and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Ballerino and the Biker (The Hedonist, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
In this one Morgan has just buried his older brother, Jake, who was part of an MC. He was the only family that Morgan had left in the world and now so he focuses on his ballet with the help of his best friend, Nikki. Only Morgan arrives home to someone in his apartment and he struggles against the man. It turns out the man, Zeke, is from Jake's MC and is there to protect him from a rival biker club after Jake died with a female from the other MC. Zeke is drawn to Morgan and vice versa so it's not long before sparks are flying, though Zeke is adamant he's straight.
This definitely felt like a gay-for-you story. Zeke wasn't attracted to any other guys really, though in the end he settled on himself being bisexual. He's the strong silent type and completely opposite to ballerino - Italian for male ballerina - Morgan. They do have an intense attraction for each other and it takes a while for anything to happen but once it does, it quickly turns into more than physical attraction. Opposites attract and all that.
I'm intrigued by some of the other MC members like Blaze and what's going to happen between Dante and Swish.
Speaking of the MC, we didn't really see much of that side of the story. Most of the time Zeke was working on cars in the garage or the guys were settling down to meals together. We know the MC run a business out back that films their own pornography but that's about it. And we had that short bit at the start involving the Hedonist's rivals wanting to hurt Morgan in retaliation for the death of one of theirs but that was it.
That end bit with Morgan's stalker was a bit strange, if you ask me. I wasn't expecting it to take that turn or be that person and it threw me a little but it all worked out in the end due to Morgan's quick thinking
As mentioned above I do think I'll look up this series in the future to see what happens with Dante and Swish and Blaze with his questions on gay sex etc.
In this one Morgan has just buried his older brother, Jake, who was part of an MC. He was the only family that Morgan had left in the world and now so he focuses on his ballet with the help of his best friend, Nikki. Only Morgan arrives home to someone in his apartment and he struggles against the man. It turns out the man, Zeke, is from Jake's MC and is there to protect him from a rival biker club after Jake died with a female from the other MC. Zeke is drawn to Morgan and vice versa so it's not long before sparks are flying, though Zeke is adamant he's straight.
This definitely felt like a gay-for-you story. Zeke wasn't attracted to any other guys really, though in the end he settled on himself being bisexual. He's the strong silent type and completely opposite to ballerino - Italian for male ballerina - Morgan. They do have an intense attraction for each other and it takes a while for anything to happen but once it does, it quickly turns into more than physical attraction. Opposites attract and all that.
I'm intrigued by some of the other MC members like Blaze and what's going to happen between Dante and Swish.
Speaking of the MC, we didn't really see much of that side of the story. Most of the time Zeke was working on cars in the garage or the guys were settling down to meals together. We know the MC run a business out back that films their own pornography but that's about it. And we had that short bit at the start involving the Hedonist's rivals wanting to hurt Morgan in retaliation for the death of one of theirs but that was it.
That end bit with Morgan's stalker was a bit strange, if you ask me. I wasn't expecting it to take that turn or be that person and it threw me a little but it all worked out in the end due to Morgan's quick thinking
As mentioned above I do think I'll look up this series in the future to see what happens with Dante and Swish and Blaze with his questions on gay sex etc.
Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss
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In this opposites-attract Regency romance by USA Today bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author...
romance historical romance regency romance bookbuzz