Search
Search results
Treasure and Tarot (Echoes of Secret Springs #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
It's been five years since Colton Maxwell left Sebastian behind to go on a quick adventure. He was a...
MM Romance Mpreg Supernatural
Around and Around We Go (Vermont Trailblazers #2)
10.0
Rate It
Book
When you’re facing The End, it’s time to rewind to the beginning. At thirty-eight years old,...
Contemporary MM Sports (Ice Hockey) Romance
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Kari's Kismet (Divergent Omegaverse #6) in Books
May 15, 2026
KARI'S KISMET is the sixth book in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and I absolutely recommend you read the others prior to this one. There is quite a lot of overlap, both in Drinkwater and the brothers themselves.
Bowie is the literal thinker of the PAs and has a traumatic past. He desperately wants to be loved, but doesn't think he is worthy of it. As for Kari, he's attracted to Bowie, but keeps his distance as he doesn't want to force anything. That is, until Bowie's "boyfriend" steps over the line and hurts Bowie. Then Kari will do whatever he can to ease Bowie's pain.
Although Daddy is mentioned in the blurb, it's quite light on the Daddy side. It is more about the emotions and relationship goals, not only for Bowie and Kari, but also how others can affect them. For Bowie, it was also bout having the confidence in his found family to understand they will accept him, no matter what, and he really is worthy of love.
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely 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!
May 15, 2026
Bowie is the literal thinker of the PAs and has a traumatic past. He desperately wants to be loved, but doesn't think he is worthy of it. As for Kari, he's attracted to Bowie, but keeps his distance as he doesn't want to force anything. That is, until Bowie's "boyfriend" steps over the line and hurts Bowie. Then Kari will do whatever he can to ease Bowie's pain.
Although Daddy is mentioned in the blurb, it's quite light on the Daddy side. It is more about the emotions and relationship goals, not only for Bowie and Kari, but also how others can affect them. For Bowie, it was also bout having the confidence in his found family to understand they will accept him, no matter what, and he really is worthy of love.
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely 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!
May 15, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Reckoning at the Riviera Royale in Books
May 20, 2026
The Elephant in the Case
Anty is off to the French Riviera at the invitation of his mother. They have a strained relationship, but Anty goes because he thinks this will be a good chance to confront his mother over a nagging question about his father’s death. But when he arrives, he discovers there’s been a more recent death. There’s a floating circus on the island where Anty is, but the headliner has been killed, trampled to death by his elephant. The animal is set to be executed for this crime, but Anty isn’t buying it. Can he find the real culprit in time to spare the beast?
I was happy when my schedule allowed me to slip in the next book in the Anty series. While this is the wildest case he’s taken on yet (pun always intended), the book does take the murder seriously with a good number of suspects and motives leading to the logical climax. Only Anty and his valet return here, but the rest of the suspects feel real while also maximizing comedic potential. And yes, the dry wit is still on full display. At times, it could be tone down, but I was still laughing as I puzzled over the clues. This book is a circus in the best way possible and fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
I was happy when my schedule allowed me to slip in the next book in the Anty series. While this is the wildest case he’s taken on yet (pun always intended), the book does take the murder seriously with a good number of suspects and motives leading to the logical climax. Only Anty and his valet return here, but the rest of the suspects feel real while also maximizing comedic potential. And yes, the dry wit is still on full display. At times, it could be tone down, but I was still laughing as I puzzled over the clues. This book is a circus in the best way possible and fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated The Beauty and His Beast in Books
Mar 3, 2025
THE BEAUTY AND HIS BEAST is a medieval-type story with the Beast being Everild, the current king's cousin, and someone who has seen enough war to last three lifetimes. His Beauty is Camdyn who was training to be a cleric when he was told he was to be married instead.
The connection is there immediately between our two MCs but Everild isn't just the beast. He wants Camdyn to be happy and is happy to waylay his fears in any way he can. They both grow and develop together, learning how to please the other in small but significant ways - a garden hat, for example - and their bond grows. Their relationship is beautiful. Simple as that.
Of course, not everything goes according to plan and there is a 'small' wrinkle in their plans. I won't say more because, you know, spoilers, but suffice it to say I loved every word.
This book had me with leaky eyes and laughing out loud. It was also the first by this author I have read, but I guarantee it won't be the last. 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!
Mar 3, 2025
The connection is there immediately between our two MCs but Everild isn't just the beast. He wants Camdyn to be happy and is happy to waylay his fears in any way he can. They both grow and develop together, learning how to please the other in small but significant ways - a garden hat, for example - and their bond grows. Their relationship is beautiful. Simple as that.
Of course, not everything goes according to plan and there is a 'small' wrinkle in their plans. I won't say more because, you know, spoilers, but suffice it to say I loved every word.
This book had me with leaky eyes and laughing out loud. It was also the first by this author I have read, but I guarantee it won't be the last. 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!
Mar 3, 2025
Merissa (14068 KP) rated The Curse Between Us in Books
Mar 28, 2025
THE CURSE BETWEEN US is a standalone story of opposites - hot Rafria and icy Eskarven, long at war with each other. When both kings die, the crowns are passed on to Edric of Rafria and Zephyr of Eskarven. With help, they come up with a plan to stop the war, but that just unleashes a prophecy neither was aware of.
This was a great story, with plenty of world-building and lore without being bogged down by all the minutiae. The differences in both the characters and places help build within the story, and nothing is just easy and solved with the wave of a hand. The relationship between Edric and Zephyr is slow-burn but with plenty of emotions. It does lead to some steamy moments but doesn't overtake the story.
This is the second book by this author I have read and it has been proven that intricate and emotional stories are what to expect, which I love! A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025
This was a great story, with plenty of world-building and lore without being bogged down by all the minutiae. The differences in both the characters and places help build within the story, and nothing is just easy and solved with the wave of a hand. The relationship between Edric and Zephyr is slow-burn but with plenty of emotions. It does lead to some steamy moments but doesn't overtake the story.
This is the second book by this author I have read and it has been proven that intricate and emotional stories are what to expect, which I love! A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Ranch Dressing in Books
Apr 4, 2025
Murder Down on the Ranch
Samantha Kidd’s father-in-law is interested in buying a dude ranch in New Jersey, so Samantha joins him and her husband on a trip to meet the current owner and check it out in depth. She is so out of her element that she must borrow jeans for the trip, but she is doing her best to be supportive and stay in the background. Their first night there, Samantha finds the owner dead in the barn. Can she get the rest of the staff to warm up to her enough to solve the crime?
This book really builds on the growth we’ve seen in Samantha over the last couple of books, which I appreciated. You could jump in here without any spoilers, but you won’t appreciate the character arc as much. I also appreciated that this allowed Samantha’s relationship with her husband to really shine. Meanwhile, the new characters were entertaining. The mystery kept me confused until we reached the logical climax. I laughed as always as I was reading. Trixie Belden fans will enjoy an Easter egg in this book. Now that I’ve caught up on this enjoyable series, I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you aren’t caught up yet, now’s the time to fix that. You’ll enjoy the time spent doing so.
This book really builds on the growth we’ve seen in Samantha over the last couple of books, which I appreciated. You could jump in here without any spoilers, but you won’t appreciate the character arc as much. I also appreciated that this allowed Samantha’s relationship with her husband to really shine. Meanwhile, the new characters were entertaining. The mystery kept me confused until we reached the logical climax. I laughed as always as I was reading. Trixie Belden fans will enjoy an Easter egg in this book. Now that I’ve caught up on this enjoyable series, I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you aren’t caught up yet, now’s the time to fix that. You’ll enjoy the time spent doing so.
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Playing for Keeps (Love Goals #1) in Books
Sep 3, 2025
the football talk is kept to a minimum!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1783 KP) rated Striking The Match (Redwood Bay #3) in Books
Sep 25, 2025
freaking love this book!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this is, right, a massive hit of steam, a little bit of drama, an emotioanl connection off the chats (eventually!) a lotta love and. . . .kitties. . . .all wrapped up in 292 pages of lushness that I absolutely must tell you about!!
I mean, it's so freaking cute! Teddy has crushed on Cassius for years, and then the meet cute?? oh my days!
It's steamy. Cassius, though 15 years older than Teddy, has very little experience in the dating game or relationship game.
It's emotional. Teddy feels unseen. As a probie and a little brother. But Cassius SEES Teddy, and Teddy lovevs that.
There is a little drama. Teddy jumps into a raging river to rescue a cat. Teddy and Cassius get caught in a land slide. And then there is the whole outing-on-social-meida thing.
It's full of love! From the One-Thirteen crew, from the neighbours, from Cassius's PA and from *most* of Teddy's family. I really didn't like what his brother was trying to do!
I can't fault it, I really can't and if I give myself free reign, I may be some time and rewrite the whole darn book in the review!
So, I'm leaving you with this:
READ THE DARN BOOK!
5 Full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this is, right, a massive hit of steam, a little bit of drama, an emotioanl connection off the chats (eventually!) a lotta love and. . . .kitties. . . .all wrapped up in 292 pages of lushness that I absolutely must tell you about!!
I mean, it's so freaking cute! Teddy has crushed on Cassius for years, and then the meet cute?? oh my days!
It's steamy. Cassius, though 15 years older than Teddy, has very little experience in the dating game or relationship game.
It's emotional. Teddy feels unseen. As a probie and a little brother. But Cassius SEES Teddy, and Teddy lovevs that.
There is a little drama. Teddy jumps into a raging river to rescue a cat. Teddy and Cassius get caught in a land slide. And then there is the whole outing-on-social-meida thing.
It's full of love! From the One-Thirteen crew, from the neighbours, from Cassius's PA and from *most* of Teddy's family. I really didn't like what his brother was trying to do!
I can't fault it, I really can't and if I give myself free reign, I may be some time and rewrite the whole darn book in the review!
So, I'm leaving you with this:
READ THE DARN BOOK!
5 Full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Entangled (Dark Faeverse #3) in Books
Dec 23, 2025
ENTANGLED is the third book in the Dark Faeverse series, although you don't need to have read the others. There is an introduction at the beginning to give you an idea of what's gone on before.
Mara is the younger, always overlooked, and tossed aside sister of Sarah. They are both scientists, although their work is in different fields. When Mara gets the opportunity to talk about her work at a conference in the Vine Court, she takes it, understanding that it may be too good to be true, but fed up with being invisible. Thorian doesn't think Maya is invisible at all. In fact, she is the culmination of a long plan, one that he hopes will save his court.
Although there are still plot holes and time disparities, this was a whole lot better than the last book. The relationship between Maya and Thorian was better, although (obviously) still very manipulative. To be honest, I found the storyline with Sarah to be completely unnecessary.
According to the last chapter, it's off to the mountains for the Stone Court next. I am interested in how that one will work. Thorned is still my favourite so far, but Entangled is next to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dec 23, 2025
Mara is the younger, always overlooked, and tossed aside sister of Sarah. They are both scientists, although their work is in different fields. When Mara gets the opportunity to talk about her work at a conference in the Vine Court, she takes it, understanding that it may be too good to be true, but fed up with being invisible. Thorian doesn't think Maya is invisible at all. In fact, she is the culmination of a long plan, one that he hopes will save his court.
Although there are still plot holes and time disparities, this was a whole lot better than the last book. The relationship between Maya and Thorian was better, although (obviously) still very manipulative. To be honest, I found the storyline with Sarah to be completely unnecessary.
According to the last chapter, it's off to the mountains for the Stone Court next. I am interested in how that one will work. Thorned is still my favourite so far, but Entangled is next to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dec 23, 2025