Search
Search results
Merissa (12950 KP) rated A Brat for Kinkmas (Naughty or Nice Season Three) in Books
Jan 6, 2023
A BRAT FOR KINKMAS is J.P. Sayle's addition to the Naughty or Nice Season #3 and you really need to take notice of the title! I've come to the conclusion that I definitely like the caring/nurturing daddies and sweet boys more than I like domineering daddies and bratty boys. It was a bit of a surprise for me as I like some books that are heavier on the BDSM side than this was. I think it's the daddy side of things that does it for me.
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
Merissa (12950 KP) rated Pestilence (The Four Horsemen #1) in Books
Apr 25, 2023
This book starts with Aldo 'waking up' after a successful attempt at killing himself, so to say he was a bit confused should be taken as given. He finds out that he is now Pestilence, the White Horseman. It is his job to go where he is sent and spread epidemics in order to keep the balance between Heaven and Hell. He was a doctor in his life, so it is both ironic and heartbreaking for him to now be spreading disease. In an effort to distance himself from the human population, he lives in the middle of the Amazon jungle. So you can imagine his surprise when he sees a man stumble into his clearing, full of fever and virus.
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Nov 10, 2015
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Nov 10, 2015
Merissa (12950 KP) rated The Fourth State of Matter (The Valence Chronicles #1) in Books
Oct 21, 2022
THE FOURTH STATE OF MATTER is the first book in the Valence Chronicles and we are introduced to Item 2689, a living decor in an alien home. He was human but has been altered to better resemble an object, rather than a living person. It is only as the story progresses you find out just how much has been changed. He lives a monotonous life in a white, sterile environment. He only realises such when three 'ship-dwellers' (used as a slur) inhabit the home where he resides.
What follows is an awakening in every sense of the word. Pet - as he becomes known - is shown how to LIVE. He is wanted for who he is, not for what he is. He has some issues adjusting, but who wouldn't? Their relationship is still early on and I loved watching it develop.
As for his aliens, they are all very different, with individual appearances and voices that make it easy to see which one is speaking/doing/thinking. They have their own history, of which we only get to know some of it. I think they are rounded out perfectly by each other, and Pet fills any remaining gaps. I can't wait to see how their relationship deepens as they spend more time and adventures together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this novel, together with the back and forth from the past to the present. Both were needed to fully understand how they came to be together and the difficulties they have and still face.
A brilliant start to the series with a HFN ending and a cliffhanger. I can't wait to continue on my space adventure. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What follows is an awakening in every sense of the word. Pet - as he becomes known - is shown how to LIVE. He is wanted for who he is, not for what he is. He has some issues adjusting, but who wouldn't? Their relationship is still early on and I loved watching it develop.
As for his aliens, they are all very different, with individual appearances and voices that make it easy to see which one is speaking/doing/thinking. They have their own history, of which we only get to know some of it. I think they are rounded out perfectly by each other, and Pet fills any remaining gaps. I can't wait to see how their relationship deepens as they spend more time and adventures together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this novel, together with the back and forth from the past to the present. Both were needed to fully understand how they came to be together and the difficulties they have and still face.
A brilliant start to the series with a HFN ending and a cliffhanger. I can't wait to continue on my space adventure. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12950 KP) rated Heal Me (Love in the Pacific Northwest #5) in Books
Nov 17, 2023
HEAL ME is the fifth book in the Love in the Pacific Northwest series and I haven't read any of the others. I don't feel that this had too big an impact as this story definitely revolves around Gunnar and Jocelin.
It is very fast-paced at the beginning, from the meet-cute to them getting together. Then a big part of it is establishing and building on their relationship. And then, something happens that provides angst and bad decisions, heartbreak and humiliation.
I have to say, Gunnar is my favourite of the two. He is the more laid-back of the two, less bothered about whether someone hits the snooze button or has clothing on the floor. He also put himself first when needed - which in this case was a BIG need. Does he do everything right? No. But does he own up to his mistakes and try to put them right? Hell yeah! PTSD isn't something that is logical, so bad decisions are a part of it. With all the relationship-building that had been going on, I expected Jocelin to be pissed, but I just couldn't get on board with his whole reaction. It's not as though Gunnar wasn't suffering himself!
Maybe I feel this way simply because I haven't read the others. Who knows? As for the Victor story, I know it played its part, but it was obvious from the word go how that would pan out!
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hot and sexy with a cuddly teddy bear. I thought Gunnar's PTSD was extremely well-written. I would definitely read more in this series. 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 16, 2023
It is very fast-paced at the beginning, from the meet-cute to them getting together. Then a big part of it is establishing and building on their relationship. And then, something happens that provides angst and bad decisions, heartbreak and humiliation.
I have to say, Gunnar is my favourite of the two. He is the more laid-back of the two, less bothered about whether someone hits the snooze button or has clothing on the floor. He also put himself first when needed - which in this case was a BIG need. Does he do everything right? No. But does he own up to his mistakes and try to put them right? Hell yeah! PTSD isn't something that is logical, so bad decisions are a part of it. With all the relationship-building that had been going on, I expected Jocelin to be pissed, but I just couldn't get on board with his whole reaction. It's not as though Gunnar wasn't suffering himself!
Maybe I feel this way simply because I haven't read the others. Who knows? As for the Victor story, I know it played its part, but it was obvious from the word go how that would pan out!
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hot and sexy with a cuddly teddy bear. I thought Gunnar's PTSD was extremely well-written. I would definitely read more in this series. 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 16, 2023
Merissa (12950 KP) rated Courting Mr. Cutthroat (Campy Romances #3) in Books
Sep 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
COURTING MR. CUTTHROAT is the third book in the Campy Romances series, although each book can be read as a standalone.
Cutter is the youngest of three brothers who all appear to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. However, although they had everything money could buy, they didn't have a mother or father that cared for them. Luckily, each of them had a nanny who stepped into the mother's role. The father though? Well, two were lucky, but Cutter wasn't. He got the reputation as the bad boy, the black sheep. Was it deserved? Possibly.
Luckily for him, Gemma was his stalwart friend, with him throughout everything. She even understands when he ups and leaves without saying goodbye. But things are different now. Cutter is a hotshot artist, back in town for a while. Gemma is a lawyer. Can they rekindle what they had? Or maybe the question is, should they?
This is an easy-to-read contemporary romance in a small town where memories are long and grudges are held onto. The heat is on between Cutter and Gemma, but it is not clear if Cutter will allow himself to fall. I loved reading more about their past relationship, and how Gemma is mature enough to call out his sh*t when he's acting stupidly.
I loved how this story unfolded, with all the snippets of what happens to various characters. The polar bear was sad though, simply because it's unfortunately too true. The relationship between the brothers grew and made me smile every time they were together.
A steamy, feel-good story that I have no hesitation in 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 21, 2021
Cutter is the youngest of three brothers who all appear to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. However, although they had everything money could buy, they didn't have a mother or father that cared for them. Luckily, each of them had a nanny who stepped into the mother's role. The father though? Well, two were lucky, but Cutter wasn't. He got the reputation as the bad boy, the black sheep. Was it deserved? Possibly.
Luckily for him, Gemma was his stalwart friend, with him throughout everything. She even understands when he ups and leaves without saying goodbye. But things are different now. Cutter is a hotshot artist, back in town for a while. Gemma is a lawyer. Can they rekindle what they had? Or maybe the question is, should they?
This is an easy-to-read contemporary romance in a small town where memories are long and grudges are held onto. The heat is on between Cutter and Gemma, but it is not clear if Cutter will allow himself to fall. I loved reading more about their past relationship, and how Gemma is mature enough to call out his sh*t when he's acting stupidly.
I loved how this story unfolded, with all the snippets of what happens to various characters. The polar bear was sad though, simply because it's unfortunately too true. The relationship between the brothers grew and made me smile every time they were together.
A steamy, feel-good story that I have no hesitation in 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 21, 2021
Nanny Negotiations (The Brotherhood: Legacy #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Will a bi-reawakening be what this single father needs to heal his wounded heart? Looks like a job...
Contemporary MM Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Ollie (A Little Christmas #3) in Books
Dec 23, 2024
far too stinking cute/wam and fuzzies/low angst! Loved it!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sometimes, Ms Sayle writes dark and deadly, sometimes things are just plain weird (rhubarb!) and sometimes, they are so delightfully cute and warm and fuzzies that the world is a brighter place.
This book falls into the last category, and I bloody loved it!
Ollie and Beckett meet online, and their relationship blooms over time. But Ollie will not let Beckett see him properly. Ollie is scared that Beckett will catch one look at him and run far away. But Beckett is far deeper than Ollie thnks, and the boy just needs to give Beckett a chance to prove that. Leeson's wedding cruise is that time.
I loved that Ollie and Beck got to know each other over time, their feelings brewing for the better part of a year. It meant that when they did meet, it was more about getting Ollie to see just how much he meant to Beckett, and how much Beckett wanted to be Ollie's Daddy, if only he'd let him.
I loved that there was overlap with Denton and Vic's book, Cruising Right Into Love. This book takes place alongside that one, on the cruise.
I loved how the focus of this book was NOT about the physical side of their relationship, but more about the emotional one. There is smexy times, but I found them very much low key and fade to grey, rather than up-in-yer-face type scenes. Loved it, to be honest.
This is part of the 3rd A Little Christmas series, a multi author series. I haven't read the others, but it's not necessary to really enjoy this one.
So much love in this book, and it hits all the warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute and low angst spots and I bloody loved it!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sometimes, Ms Sayle writes dark and deadly, sometimes things are just plain weird (rhubarb!) and sometimes, they are so delightfully cute and warm and fuzzies that the world is a brighter place.
This book falls into the last category, and I bloody loved it!
Ollie and Beckett meet online, and their relationship blooms over time. But Ollie will not let Beckett see him properly. Ollie is scared that Beckett will catch one look at him and run far away. But Beckett is far deeper than Ollie thnks, and the boy just needs to give Beckett a chance to prove that. Leeson's wedding cruise is that time.
I loved that Ollie and Beck got to know each other over time, their feelings brewing for the better part of a year. It meant that when they did meet, it was more about getting Ollie to see just how much he meant to Beckett, and how much Beckett wanted to be Ollie's Daddy, if only he'd let him.
I loved that there was overlap with Denton and Vic's book, Cruising Right Into Love. This book takes place alongside that one, on the cruise.
I loved how the focus of this book was NOT about the physical side of their relationship, but more about the emotional one. There is smexy times, but I found them very much low key and fade to grey, rather than up-in-yer-face type scenes. Loved it, to be honest.
This is part of the 3rd A Little Christmas series, a multi author series. I haven't read the others, but it's not necessary to really enjoy this one.
So much love in this book, and it hits all the warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute and low angst spots and I bloody loved it!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Nightcrawler (Trackers #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
I’ve always been a sucker for a guy with muscles and a handsome face. If that makes me sound...
Contemporary MM Mystery Suspense Series
Merissa (12950 KP) rated Seductive Nights (Peaches #2) in Books
Jul 8, 2025
SEDUCTIVE NIGHTS is the second book in the Peaches series. It can be read as a standalone, but I will always recommend you read the first book first.
Anyway, this is Preston and Jonas' story. We met them in the first book, where they bickered their way through, but Preston was in a relationship with Marvin. This ends at the beginning of this story, because Marvin can't keep it in his pants. Jonas offers a room at his house if Preston needs it. He tries to find somewhere by himself, but ends up taking Jonas up on his offer. After that? No holds barred.
The relationship between Jonas and Preston is all completely natural, with nothing forced, and good communication. The part dealing with Will, Jonas' dead husband, was sensitively written, and I loved how he was kept as a 'good guy'. Too often, the first husband (dead or otherwise) turns out to be some sort of shady character, and I loved that Will wasn't treated that way.
Preston loves his lingerie, and Jonas loves Preston's lingerie! These two fit together so perfectly, although, after loving Preston in book one, I did find his constant O.M.G. comments a bit much at times. Also, while I like the thought and Tangled is also one of my favourite films, I didn't like the whole lantern scene, as all I could think of was the environmental and wildlife impact.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to returning to Peaches for Cole and Oakley's story!!! I can't wait. ❤
** 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 8, 2025
Anyway, this is Preston and Jonas' story. We met them in the first book, where they bickered their way through, but Preston was in a relationship with Marvin. This ends at the beginning of this story, because Marvin can't keep it in his pants. Jonas offers a room at his house if Preston needs it. He tries to find somewhere by himself, but ends up taking Jonas up on his offer. After that? No holds barred.
The relationship between Jonas and Preston is all completely natural, with nothing forced, and good communication. The part dealing with Will, Jonas' dead husband, was sensitively written, and I loved how he was kept as a 'good guy'. Too often, the first husband (dead or otherwise) turns out to be some sort of shady character, and I loved that Will wasn't treated that way.
Preston loves his lingerie, and Jonas loves Preston's lingerie! These two fit together so perfectly, although, after loving Preston in book one, I did find his constant O.M.G. comments a bit much at times. Also, while I like the thought and Tangled is also one of my favourite films, I didn't like the whole lantern scene, as all I could think of was the environmental and wildlife impact.
On the whole, this was a great addition to the series that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to returning to Peaches for Cole and Oakley's story!!! I can't wait. ❤
** 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 8, 2025
Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Hard to Hold (Black Ops Heros #1) in Books
Nov 9, 2017 (Updated Nov 9, 2017)
The action starts from the very first page when Anna nearly comes to a sticky end with a lorry, laying in the hospital her next of kin (according to her passport, that she hadn't changed) Nick, her ex husband comes strolling back into her life, it's a love hate relationship and Anna hasn't seen him in 5 years.
This book made me want to bang their heads together, they're always bitching and snipping at each other. Always trying to get one over on the other and whatever Anna seems to do trouble always follows
"I'm not exactly predisposed to granting you any favours right now, Anna. I can't believe some of the situations you get yourself into. Jesus, what are you? A gravitational force for trouble!"
It's infuriating, and I just wished they'd shut up and get on with it. Saying that, I did enjoy it, I thought it was well written and I would read other titles by this author.
This book made me want to bang their heads together, they're always bitching and snipping at each other. Always trying to get one over on the other and whatever Anna seems to do trouble always follows
"I'm not exactly predisposed to granting you any favours right now, Anna. I can't believe some of the situations you get yourself into. Jesus, what are you? A gravitational force for trouble!"
It's infuriating, and I just wished they'd shut up and get on with it. Saying that, I did enjoy it, I thought it was well written and I would read other titles by this author.