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Sadness Is a White Bird
6.0
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In this lyrical and searing debut novel written by a rising literary star and MacDowell Fellow, a...
Playing with Matches
6.5
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(from goodreads.com) In the tradition of Good in Bed and The Assistants comes a funny and smart...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2) in Books
Feb 5, 2024
22 of 220
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.
Kindle
Druids Storm ( Alice Skye 2)
By Taylor Aston White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A betrayed witch. A fractured past. A dark secret.
Just two months after her abduction, Alice Skye is ready to get back to her job as a Paladin Agent, tracking and detaining Breed by any means necessary. Even though bones have healed and bites have scarred, she’s no closer to the truth, and the one man who knows is nowhere to be seen.
Riley Storm has his own problems being heir to the Storm empire and a Guardian of the Order. So he keeps his distance from the unpredictable Alice Skye. Until he’s forced back into her life, whether she wants him to be or not.
As a vampire genocide shocks the city, Alice partners as the new liaison with the local authorities, the job an exciting opportunity that would help bridge the relationship between Breed and Norms for good. But Alice can’t help but feel there’s more to the dark murders, that maybe there's something bigger behind the lies and deceit.
Can Alice trust her instincts and stop the poison before more lives are taken?
Or will she be distracted as her life unravels once again?
I loved this second book. I like that she’s solving crimes and dealing with her magic and finding out who she is without a whole load of relationship drama, reminds me of the early Anita Blake novels. I think the characters are brilliant bad and good it was so much better than book 1 and I love it’s set in London.
Debbiereadsbook (1772 KP) rated Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice in Books
Dec 13, 2024
It's cute and sweet and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2024
HOT CONDUIT is the second book in the Hot Under the Collar series, and we meet Theo and Lex in more detail.
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
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!
Feb 6, 2024
The sparks fly immediately between these two but an early misunderstanding leads to a very prickly relationship - in other words, neither of them likes the other. Unfortunately for them, they're in the same friend group so see each other frequently. Luckily, they've got someone through the CoffeeDates app they can speak to. Unluckily, it's still them! This led to some laugh-out-loud moments when they were complaining to each other about each other!
It took some time for Lex and Theo to change their relationship. In fact, it was only really at the end, BUT it worked. They both needed the time to figure out that the other was nothing like people in their past. I loved the meeting with Lex's ex and how Theo finally had someone stand up for him. Family can be like that sometimes - not meaning to hurt but not thinking about what they're doing or saying.
I loved this book. I loved returning to the characters and seeing how Rhys, Cole, and Sammy are getting on. I loved the reactions in various scenes - goat yoga, anyone? But most of all I loved Theo and Lex for walking a rocky path and finding each other!
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!
Feb 6, 2024
Merissa (14046 KP) rated His Lordship's Folly (His Lordship’s Mysteries #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
HIS LORDSHIP'S FOLLY is the fifth book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, but takes place after The Gentleman's Gentleman, the first book in His Lordship's Realm, a spin-off from this series featuring Gil and Jarrett.
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
From the very first paragraph, I was back with Nick and Alfie, loving every moment I spent with them. I love how Ms. SoRelle writes their relationship, full of love and tenderness with all the exasperation that comes with a long-term relationship. The quote from Nick was perfect in how it described his feelings - "He liked being near Alfie, even when they were both irritating and irritated by each other."
Poor things, though. They just want some peace and quiet in Balcarres House. What they get is something very different - from rumours about Alfie, Agnes, and James, to new servants, and the folly of the title.
The mystery, as always, was incredibly well-written. It became clear only once Alfie laid it out, which I loved! And once he did, it was obvious, but I had missed it. And I'm thankful I did! It just means I was swept away in the story and forgot I was reading a book.
A brilliant read, with mystery, murder, and plenty of feelings, this was a book I didn't want to put down. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2024
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Seeing Death (The Augur #1) in Books
Sep 9, 2025
SEEING DEATH is the first book in The Augur series, and we begin with Bryn on the eve of his 18th birthday. The world has changed from how we know it, and now a gene changes in some people at the exact time they turn eighteen. Bryn thinks he's okay as he just has a headache, but it all goes belly-up when it turns out to be a rare gene. Gunnar is a lupine detective who gets seconded to be Bryn's partner when Bryn finishes his three years of training.
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2025
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2025
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Composed (The Art of Love #7) in Books
Dec 23, 2025
COMPOSED is the seventh book in The Art of Loving series, and features Nally (Ronald) Hawthorne, the youngest of the bunch, and his BFF, Jude. Nally has just composed the soundtrack to a film and is swept away by all the publicity and social media attention. However, social media is where Jude excels, so he is more than happy to become Nally's agent for a while. There is a fly in the ointment, though, in the shape of a stalker 'fan', who seems to think Nally is his.
I thought this was really well-written, showing just how simple yet complicated a relationship can be between two men who have been lifelong friends, especially when there is a bad relationship example with another friend to get hung up on. And yes, I loved how it was resolved with Tim!
I thought the two of them made for a perfect pair, and both were slightly naive. I'm unsure if it's in a "they're supposed to be like that, because they're aristos" kind of way, or if that's just how I was reading it. That surprised me with Jude, especially with the stalker situation, as I thought he would have been more aware of things, due to his being an influencer.
This was an easy read that had both drama and lighthearted moments. 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!
Dec 23, 2025
I thought this was really well-written, showing just how simple yet complicated a relationship can be between two men who have been lifelong friends, especially when there is a bad relationship example with another friend to get hung up on. And yes, I loved how it was resolved with Tim!
I thought the two of them made for a perfect pair, and both were slightly naive. I'm unsure if it's in a "they're supposed to be like that, because they're aristos" kind of way, or if that's just how I was reading it. That surprised me with Jude, especially with the stalker situation, as I thought he would have been more aware of things, due to his being an influencer.
This was an easy read that had both drama and lighthearted moments. 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!
Dec 23, 2025
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Tempting Fate (Monsters of London, #3.6) in Books
Mar 27, 2026
TEMPTING FATE is number 3.6 in the Monsters of London series, and two of the three main characters have already been introduced in previous books. For that reason, I would say it's best to read this as part of the series, rather than a standalone.
Patch is a wolf who likes Jamie, but doesn't think Jamie is his mate, because there's no instantaneous BOOM moment. Patch does get that when Em walks into the bar, though. Em, who has moved to London to find out if magic - and werewolves - are real! The relationship between the three of them is complicated, to say the least, and it is not something that is quickly solved.
There are plenty of side characters to support this story, most of them having previously had their own stories told. To be fair, I ended up reading this more for them than for the main three. This was a 'me' problem, but I didn't feel the relationship as I have in previous stories. While it was good and I enjoyed it, it didn't sweep me away as it has in the past. As I said, a 'me' problem.
Overall, I think this was a great addition to the series, and I definitely recommend both this story and the series as a whole. I truly can't wait to continue with this series and return to Kieran's Pack.
** 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 27, 2026
Patch is a wolf who likes Jamie, but doesn't think Jamie is his mate, because there's no instantaneous BOOM moment. Patch does get that when Em walks into the bar, though. Em, who has moved to London to find out if magic - and werewolves - are real! The relationship between the three of them is complicated, to say the least, and it is not something that is quickly solved.
There are plenty of side characters to support this story, most of them having previously had their own stories told. To be fair, I ended up reading this more for them than for the main three. This was a 'me' problem, but I didn't feel the relationship as I have in previous stories. While it was good and I enjoyed it, it didn't sweep me away as it has in the past. As I said, a 'me' problem.
Overall, I think this was a great addition to the series, and I definitely recommend both this story and the series as a whole. I truly can't wait to continue with this series and return to Kieran's Pack.
** 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 27, 2026
Embrace the Passion (The Blood Rose #4)
10.0
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Mastyr Seth craves his shifter bodyguard, Lorelei, but with her close connection to the enemy, how...
Adult Paranormal Romance