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Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Bailey Bradford | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Darren made his appearance as a new waiter in Virginia's cafe. He was extremely skittish and avoided eye contact with pretty much everyone. It's obvious he is on the run, but from what?! In Aftermath we learn his story, and boy, is it a good one. I loved how Darren grew in his self-confidence, once he realised that he actually had people he could call friends, and was helped by Lee. The relationship between these two is hot and romantic.

The other part that I loved about this book is that Connor, our long-term friendly (pesky) spirit, makes a new friend in Stefan. I absolutely adored this side story!

Laine and Severo are the main supporting characters in this book, although Zeke does get a quick mention.

So very well-written, with a smooth storyline and pace. There were no grammatical errors that I found, although as I was completely entranced by this story, I might not have noticed them.

This series is absolutely fantastic and I am thoroughly enjoying every book. I can wholeheartedly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.

* 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 2, 2015
  
The Black Box (Harry Bosch, #18; Harry Bosch Universe, #24)
The Black Box (Harry Bosch, #18; Harry Bosch Universe, #24)
Michael Connelly | 2012 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
9
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder During the LA Riots
When the LA riots happened back in 1992, Harry Bosch was a homicide detective who was called in to work crime scenes as quickly as possible since there were so many happening during that time. One of those was of a reporter from a paper in Europe. Nothing ever came of the case until twenty years later. Bosch is now working in the cold case squad, but a ballistics hit was just made that links the gun that killed the reporter to gang related murders that have happened in the years since. Can Bosch use this fresh new lead to finally solve the case?

Once again, part of the fun of the series is watching Bosch work his way to the conclusion. I never would have guessed it, but it makes perfect sense when we get there. Along the way, I enjoy spending time with Bosch and seeing how his life has evolved. I especially enjoyed watching his relationship with his daughter in this book. I did find the office politics Bosch faces border on clichéd, although I did see the higher ups point in one aspect here. I also found something that happened near the climax a little too convenient. But both of these are minor points in an otherwise strong book that will please series fans.
  
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Merissa (12055 KP) rated Dragon Consultant (Supernatural Consultant #1) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 8, 2023)  
Dragon Consultant (Supernatural Consultant #1)
Dragon Consultant (Supernatural Consultant #1)
Mell Eight | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dane is a Supernatural Consultant who gets a job to find out why air space is being terrorized by dragon kits. What he finds when he gets there is an adult male dragon suffering from dragon fever and a bunch of kits that he can't figure out just how they all fit together. He makes a quick decision and takes them all to his large home, calling for help from a doctor friend for the adult male, and help from a mum for the kits.

This is a fast-paced novella as Dane finds out that there is much more to the dragons' story than he originally assumed. Dane is known as the Genie of the East but is in fact a son of a God, which has made having a relationship difficult. There is a bit of confusion between Mercury and Dane as both of them feel inadequate for the other one.

It is well-written, with plenty of story and character development, whilst still leaving plenty to hook you in for the coming stories. Definitely recommended.

* 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 9, 2015
  
We All Want Impossible Things
We All Want Impossible Things
Catherine Newman | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a wonderful book this is! I started reading with trepidation, but as I read, I realised that this isn’t just a book about dying, it’s about the living right up until you die. It’s a book about life - and about having a good death. It’s incredibly moving, I wouldn’t say it’s depressing or morose at all, in fact I would say that it’s life affirming.

Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.

The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.

This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.

We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.

This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated The Lessons We Learn in Books

May 21, 2022 (Updated May 21, 2022)  
The Lessons We Learn
The Lessons We Learn
Liz Milliron | 2022 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Betty Must Clear Her Friend
As winter reluctantly gives way to spring in March of 1943, Lee Tillotson’s father goes missing. Betty Ahern is surprised that her friend isn’t more concerned, but Lee keeps pointing out how much better his family’s life is without Mr. Tillotson around since the man had become a drunk. That comes back to haunt Lee when his father’s body turns up in the Buffalo River. The police are looking at Lee as a suspect, and Lee is clearly hiding something, even from Betty. Can Betty figure out what is going on?

Since Lee’s family situation has been a subplot in the first two books in this series, this book is able to jump right into the action. The result is a story that never waned. I was hooked from the first page and never wanted to put the book down. I enjoyed getting to see more of the supporting characters in this book, and the development that came with their expanded page time. Likewise, I enjoyed seeing some of the relationship growth from the previous book stick around. I hope it continues in future books. The writing helps pull us into the story, and the historical details are fantastic, as well. This is the strongest book in the series to date, and I can’t wait to visit Betty again.
  
The Spaceman's Omega
The Spaceman's Omega
Tabatha Austin | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SPACEMAN'S OMEGA is the first book in what appears will be a series. It tells of Alen, a Volardi, coming to Earth for various reasons. One of which is to resuscitate Omega One - a science fiction TV show that bombed due to Brandon being pushed out of the closet.

Although enjoyable, I found the interaction between Alen and Brandon quite forced in places, and their relationship was full of exceedingly swift about-turns. It made for some disjointed reading. I found descriptions of events and people were repeated constantly, along with other smaller details that weren't really necessary to the general story arc.

There is a lot going on in this book - US government, Volardi secrets and plans, male pregnancy, not forgetting Alen and Brandon themselves.

This was a good way to start the series but it didn't push every button for me as I found myself distracted between one or the other things mentioned above. It seems as though Thomas' story is next which I look forward to reading, to see if things have smoothed out.

** 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!
  
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Merissa (12055 KP) rated Fall for You in Books

Oct 23, 2023  
Fall for You
Fall for You
Felice Stevens | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FALL FOR YOU is a sweet and steamy standalone where, sometimes, you find the job you need and the person you love in the most unusual ways.

Davis hasn't found the work he needs in the time since he left his hometown, running away from a very bad situation. Instead, he finds himself working in a diner. Carson has come back home to rescue the family firm from bankruptcy after his father and brother drove it into the ground. It's hard for him to find an assistant who is prepared to work as hard as he does.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Their relationship grew and changed in a completely natural way. And I loved how Carson knew he'd found a gem with Davis, even before they acted on the attraction between them.

I enjoyed the scenes with the mums, but I did find it easier with Carson's mum. Davis' mum, Jenny, was a bit high maintenance but also funny. It all worked out in the end.

Low angst in all the best ways, this was a great read that I can definitely recommend.

** 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!
Oct 19, 2023
  
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Merissa (12055 KP) rated Until You in Books

Dec 2, 2023  
Until You
Until You
Felicity Snow | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNTIL YOU is a standalone story about Paul (mid-forties) and Charlie (19). Charlie is homeless and Paul meets him when he is being beaten up. Charlie is rescued and Paul pays what he owes, and thinks that's it. Only, he can't get Charlie out of his mind.

This is a sweet story with some steamy moments. The interactions between Charlie and Paul are both realistic and funny (when they're supposed to be.) The difference in their ages is shown in subtle ways, the same as how they acknowledge and deal with their other differences.

You don't know until the end what secret Paul is hiding, although you can guess. I loved how it was Paul's ex-wife who took the first step afterwards. It was such a good example of people learning from their mistakes and becoming better people for it. The relationship between Rachel and Charlie was fantastic to read, especially after her initial reaction.

Such a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed - and that epilogue was perfect! 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 2, 2023