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Merissa (12911 KP) rated Second Wind in Books

Nov 4, 2022  
Second Wind
Second Wind
A.L. Lester | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SECOND WIND is a standalone novella set in Llanbaruc, with some of the crew of Theatre Fawr too. Gethin (I love that name) is a bi-divorcee, being pushed into being social by his older sister. Martin is trans with a daughter. They meet at orchestra practice and follow on from there.

This is a novella and, as such, I don't usually give them 5-stars. This one, though, I have no choice BUT to do so. It has so much to it, you get the full story. Yes, it could be fleshed out in parts but if there's no need, why do it?

I loved how Martin and Gethin communicated from the start, their relationship built on openness and trust. You see it grow and change as things happen between them.

Fading to black doesn't take away any of the intensity between these two. And I loved how Luke showed up (from another standalone in the same world). I am loving this world and am always drawn in by A.L. Lester's writing style.

Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. And grab Out of Focus too, while you're at it!

* 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!
  
Revenge is Sweet
Revenge is Sweet
Felice Stevens | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Miles the Mouse? Don't make me laugh.
REVENGE IS SWEET is a standalone story about Lyon and Miles. Both of them have trauma in their past and don't trust easily, which makes it even worse when it is someone close to them, whom they trust completely, who breaks whatever relationship they had.

Oh, but I loved this story. I knew from the start Lyon was going to worm his way into my heart, and he did. I knew Miles would too, but not how much. My god, but I loved him. Miles the Mouse indeed. Don't make me laugh. He is as sharp as a rapier and nobody's fool. I loved seeing him grow and shine, with Lyon's full support and admiration.

The less said about Dan and Lindsey, the better. Those two I didn't like all the way through.

Uncle Harry and Maxwell? Let's just say Uncle Harry's story made my eyes leak and leave it at that.

This was a gorgeous, beautiful, heart-warming story that I adored and have no hesitation in recommending. I loved every word.

** 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!
  
Awariye (Danubian #2)
Awariye (Danubian #2)
Charlie Godwyne | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
AWARIYE is the second book in the Danubian series, and I highly recommend you read Lantern first.

Awariye was mentioned in Wren's book. He was the bard that stayed with Wren all night, singing and reciting poetry, until Wren came back. Now we catch up with him when he is not doing too well. In fact, he becomes deathly ill. Igor is one of Uli's top soldiers and is happy to share his bed with the unwell bard if it will make him well again. The relationship between these two is soft and sweet, in keeping with Awariye's recovery.

The last part of the book deals more with the Lantern Gods than with Igor and Awariye, leading on to comments made by Uli about Wren changing and having to leave the castle. I would liked to have seen these changes, rather than just know about them through comments.

This was a great addition to the series that has left me wanting more. I'm really hoping the next story will help tie everything together and answer some of the questions I have.

A wonderful story and 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!
Oct 21, 2023
  
The Drop (Harry Bosch #17)
The Drop (Harry Bosch #17)
Michael Connelly | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bosch Has Two Cases Dropped on Him
LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is excited when he and his partner get handed a hot lead on a cold case from 1989. DNA from a blood sample has identified a suspect. The problem? He was eight-years-old when the murder happened. Before they can figure out what is really going on, they are handed a fresh case. Councilman Irvin Irving’s son died when he fell out of a hotel balcony. The question is, did he jump or was he pushed. Despite their previous history, Irving specifically requested Bosch work the case. Can he avoid the politics and solve both cases?

I was immediately intrigued with both of the cases presented here. Between the two, the story was always moving forward, and I had a hard time stopping before I reached the logical climax. One aspect was left opened, but it was small. One of the storylines goes pretty dark, and overall this is a darker book than I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. I do like Bosch, but some of his behavior to his partner was frustrating here. On the other hand, I enjoy watching his relationship with his daughter continue to grow. This is another strong entry that will please fans of the series.
  
Yours and Mine: A Serrulata Saga Romance Novella
Yours and Mine: A Serrulata Saga Romance Novella
A.E. Bennett | 2021 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A delightful read and definitely recommended by me.
YOURS AND MINE is a novella in the Serrulata Saga and, although I haven't read any of those, I was able to enjoy this one without any issues.

The strict rules that Octavia has to live by, as a daughter of a Great House, become even more constrictive once she becomes of age. She hates being shown off and handed off to different men to dance with. When she spots someone by themselves, her interest is roused. Once Octavia and Gerald meet each other, it is clear they belong together.

I loved the world this is set in, with the comments about the Ancients. It has certainly given me a reason to search out other books in this series. The writing itself is clear and concise, giving plenty of descriptions but not too many to bog you down. I thought the relationship between Octavia and Gerald moved along nicely, staying within the constraints of Society whilst allowing them to make up their own minds, and also trying to convince those who thought they knew best.

A delightful read and 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!
  
His Holiday Fate (Christmas Omegas)
His Holiday Fate (Christmas Omegas)
R.S. McKenzie | 2023 | LGBTQ+
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS HOLIDAY FATE is part of the Christmas Omegas series and features Andrew and Dylan. Andrew has been hurt on Christmas Day in the past. To heal himself, he threw himself into work. Dylan is an omega with alpha traits. He is a businessman and an extrovert, he doesn't want to be a house-husband. No, he has his own things to do. It was so much fun when these two met!

This is a low angst, funny, warm, and spicy story about two people who, at first glance, may seem opposites, but in reality, have more in common than they realise. The biggest thing they have in common is that they both want the other to be happy and are willing to do things that might not necessarily be high on their list of things to do. I loved both of these characters equally, as well as the nicknames they had for each other!

This was a great seasonal read where I was rooting for the two from the get-go and loved being a part of their courtship/relationship. A brilliant read that I 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!
Dec 9, 2023