Search

Search only in certain items:

Resolute (Kinsmen Billionaires #3)
Resolute (Kinsmen Billionaires #3)
Liss Montoya | 2025 | Contemporary, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RESOLUTE is the third book in the Kinsmen Billionaires series but can be read as a standalone.

Vicente is the oldest brother, the one who will take over the family vineyard in Chile, and the only one still single. So his parents add a proviso to him taking over - he must be married too. Vicente's executive assistant has just retired although she has found a replacement in Camila. How they know each other becomes clear as you read on.

Now, the three characters - Vicente, Camila, and Ava - are all brilliant and I enjoyed each of them in my own way. Vicente was the grumpy-pants big-time CEO who just needed someone to be his partner in every sense of the word. Camila was the sunshine who needed someone to stand by her when things got tough. And Ava was just a cutie who sometimes spoke more wisely than any five-year-old I've ever heard. BUT...

I was only 18% in, and the term 'Let's Boogie' was annoying me so much. I know this is a romance between Camila and her boss, but it is so unprofessional, it's crazy. Also, two other things bothered me as I read. The first one was Owen. That massive turnaround and for what? I'm sorry but, for me, that just didn't work. And the second involved Ava. There is a big scene where she isn't sure if Vicente likes her and gives her reasons. He apologises and asks to call her a special name which is then NEVER mentioned again. I will also admit to being baffled by the term 'Wife' being used all the time!

A story of growth, of families, and of choices, this was a quick, short read that I did enjoy and would recommend. 3.5 rounded up.

** 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 8, 2025
  
A Theory of Crystal: A Paladins of Crystal Novella
A Theory of Crystal: A Paladins of Crystal Novella
Nicola M. Cameron | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
far too short! I need more!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is set in the world of The Paladins of Crystal series, but can totally be read as a stand alone. It probably falls somewhere AFTER book 2, but given what happens at the end of that book, I couldn't be sure.

Still, a very enjoyable slide back into this world, thank you very much!

Yelena runs away, because she does not want to marry the Three Ys (loved that she called them that!) and push out babies by the dozen, thank you very much! So, she dresses as a man and finds herself working for three scholars trying to find the secret of the source of magic and power in this world. Oleks, Ivan and Dmytro are taken by the young 'lad' and his skill at sorting their garbled notes into order. But only when a midnight bath for Yelena turns into something else, do they realise, she is theirs. But the magic in the world conspires against them, and things become deadly for them all.

I loved this dip into this world, I really did. The cameo by The Grand Duchess Crystal was a surprise too!

I loved Yelena and her men. I loved how they grew into their relationship, getting to know each other for a time, even if the men thought Yelena was a boy. Once the ruse was discovered, however, they were ALL in and I loved that too.

It would be great, at some point, to catch up with this group, in the main books. I'd like to know how Yelena gets on with her studies now the guys won their prize!

My only niggle? Too flipping short! But any visit to this world, I find too short!

I can't wait to read the next main book, and hope I don't have to wait too long.

4 very good, but far too short, stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Fate of the Moon
Fate of the Moon
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have never yet been disappointed by a Sara Dobie Bauer book and FATE OF THE MOON wasn't going to break that trend!

The society that Shay lives in is very... protective of its Omegas. Some may even say backwards or stifling. But that's the way it is. Shay is lucky in that his parents allowed him more freedom than most. That didn't help him when his parents were brutally murdered though, or when he became the prime suspect. He is struggling to survive, sinking deeper into depression every day. That is until Alfie comes along. Alfie is an Alpha with no intention of ever mating. He just wants to do his job and report on the Omega murderer. Everything changes when these two actually meet.

Lots of things stand in the way of Alfie and Shay's HEA - societal norms, snobbery, business dealings, oh, and a murderer! I loved reading about how life was and how they both wanted to change it. I can't say as the Big Bad was a surprise but I adored how it was written.

One thing I have to comment on is the Insta-Bond. I loved it. Being a fan of paranormal books, I am used to Insta-Love but this? This was a whole new ballpark. The fact they couldn't physically be far apart, the way it showed up in blood tests, all of this was new to me and I found it brilliant.

All in all, this was a great read from beginning to end. I was hooked on every word and I am really hoping there is more to come from this world. Absolutely brilliant 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!
  
Music & Dreams (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023)
Music & Dreams (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023)
JP Sayle | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
hits spots I didn't know needed hitting!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.


This book is part of the Rocktoberfest 2023 series, a multi author series. I haven't read any others, but they are all stand alone reads.


Lorcan is a rock star, high up the food chain. Rogan is his child's nanny slash teacher. Rogan has all the feels for Lorcan, but knows that's crossing boundaries. Lorcan has something for Rogan, but it isn't till there is an accident that Lorcan begins to feel for Rogan.


Sometimes, you need a super low angst book, with some smexy times and some difficult times thrown in. This book delivers on those levels, and it delivers beautifully!


Rogan has crushed on Lorcan from the start of his employment to teach Lorcan's daughter, Amy. Lorcan's feelings weren't so pronounced from the beginning, but having to look after Ro was an eye opener. And when Lor discovers Ro can sing?? The man was a goner!


I loved Lorcan, and Rogan and Amy as a unit. Amy will be a force to be reckoned with, when she gets older! She sees far too much for a little un, but she has a down to earth demeanor that everyone loves. The things she says to make Lor see Ro, REALLY see him, are far too wise!


I didn't find it especially explicit, but its not about that. This book is about seeing what's in front of you, or rather, who. And about Ro getting over his insecurities to finally be able to fulfill his dreams through HIS music, not just everyone else's.


I loved the guys in the band, Tibi and Finlee and I hope they get a story too.


Hitting spots that I really didn't know I needed hitting, and at short notice too, this was a wonderful read!


5 full and shiny stars


*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Blue Moon Rising (Moonlight Prophecies #2) by Amanda Meuwissen
Blue Moon Rising (Moonlight Prophecies #2) by Amanda Meuwissen
Amanda Meuwissen | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BLUE MOON RISING is the second book in the Moonlight Prophecies series and we continue where book two left off, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading book one first or you may get lost.

Bari and Jay are returning to Jay's Pack to let them know of all the changes that have happened. Bari makes his attraction to Jay known from the beginning. Jay is feeling a little sore from book one, even though he admits Bari is more his type that Bash ever was.

I'm going to say right here that this book didn't quite hit the mark that book one did for me BUT it was still a fantastic read. For me, it was better than a 4-star but not quite a 5. I've rounded it up as I do believe this is a brilliant book!

Jay has always been the easy-going one, the one to let things slide, but sometimes he needs to take a stand. And Bari is the one to give him the inner strength to do so. I'm not kidding here. Jay's Pack is a mess! I really did not like reading about them. So when the Big Bad was revealed - or rather, her minions - I can't say as I was surprised.

This book definitely doesn't end the story, and I can't wait to see what happens next and with whom. Bari and Jay are a perfect match for each other, especially when Jay lets out his Alpha - which he should do more often IMO!

A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me. Bring on book three!

** 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!
May 30, 2022
  
Dante and his Dragon (Colorado Dragons #3)
Dante and his Dragon (Colorado Dragons #3)
Victoria Sue | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
loving these!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author.

This is book 3 in the Colorado Dragons series, and it can be read as a stand alone book, but personally, I think you'll get a better enjoyment of these ice hockey player slash dragons if you read them all in order. There is something going on in the wider dragon world, and I'm not sure you'd pick that up from one book.

Dante is traded to the Dragons on the last day. For something he did not do. Finding himself thousands of miles from his family, he throws himself into his hockey. Coach Theron watches the newbie, and what he's been told does not fit with what he sees. His dragon is rather taken by Dante too. But Theron lost someone close to him a long time ago, so Theron pushes Dante away. Then Dante is taken, and Theron's dragon is all out to find his mate.

What I loved about this book, was that I found it a bit more emotional, I think is the word, than the other books. Heavy on the emotions, this one. But also, deeper. Both Theron and Dante have suffered, differently, and they are only trying to protect themselves from being hurt again. But they are constantly drawn to the other and it's only a matter of time before one of them gives in. Theron runs then. He redeems himself, though!

I thought, for one reason or another, that all the Dragons are ice dragons. But Theron is a FORGE dragon. He can do things with metallic elements that no one else can. And that is why he is targeted by the bad guy. Why Dante is, to get at Theron. And I loved being surprised by that!

I am loving this series so far, and can't wait to get my hands on future books.

5 full and shiny, but copper and gold, coloured stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Hidden (The Secret Tales #4)
The Hidden (The Secret Tales #4)
Sanna Brand | 2026 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
loved how the relationship built.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 4 in The Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone to the other three. I really enjoyed them all, though, so from a personal point of view, I do recommend them all. Books 1and 2 got 5 stars and book 3 dipped to 4.

But book 4 jumps straight back up to 5 stars. I loved this book!

I'm big enough and ugly enough to admit this: I love that these books are clean! I will always read a steamy book, and be happy about it, but I'm finding THESE books do not need it. The point is delivered beautifully!

I will admit, I knew something was off when Alex returned, as soon as he did. I did not see that playing out how it did, so well played there, Ms Brand. I do like being kept on my toes.

I loved how the relationship between Amalie and Richard grew naturally. After that first shocking encounter, they both found themselves pulled to the other and I loved that there was some pushing against the rules of the time.

I loved the animals in this book! The descriptions of the dogs and the ferret were fabulous and I could see those animals doing what was said on the page.

I loved the supporting cast: Jenny and George are Richard's siblings and they are an absolute cracker of a pair.

Both Amalie and Richard get a say, and a single chapter for a third person. Not saying who, though. But their book is next and I can't wait to read it, especially after reading the short snippet at the end of this one!

I can honestly say, I loved this book and if you like clean, historical romances, these books are for you.

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Claimed (Breaking Free #7)
Claimed (Breaking Free #7)
A.M. Arthur | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
5 star series!!
**verified purchase Jan 2019**

This is book 7 in the Breaking Free series, although there are 8 books, with a short that spans across 3 and 4. I would STRONGLY, HIGHLY, ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY recommend that you read the other books before this one. BUT while I do say that, this one is far more a stand alone than the others. Things are recapped and caught up, but it takes a different path, as well as winding with the on-going story arc that continues through the other books.

We met Brandt, an Alpha, along the way: he is boos to the other police officers in the series, boos to ALL of them. He lost his pregnant mate, Ollie, ten years ago without a trace and has finally decided he should (mostly) move on. Going to an anonymous sex party seems the best way to get some sexual relief, without the commitment he cannot make. Meeting Little Blue, however, makes him change his mind. We met Demir, a beta, in book four, Found. He is Isa Higgs youngest son and was 15 at the time. Now an adult and betrayed by the person he thought he loved, Demir also attends said party. Big Red is just the person who pushes all of Demir's buttons and then some. There is a true connection between these two, but when they discover who Brandt is to Demir's father, they keep their relationship a secret, for now. Oliver is in the province to speak at a conference about omega trafficking. He cannot remember a time before ten years ago, when he was found in a van wreck. Meeting Brandt makes him feel . . . .something . . . .he's not sure what though. when Brandt explains who he is to Oliver, things begin to drop into place. But when Brandt tells Oliver about Demir, and that he simply cannot choose, Oliver presents a solution that will at least give them all a chance. Can they make it work?

This one, I found, was like a watching a train wreck coming at ya,it really was. You KNOW there is going to be fall out when Demir and Brandt find out who they are to each other. You KNOW there is going to be a big ole mess when Brandt and Ollie come face to face again. You KNOW that Ollie is going to fight this with every fibre of his being. You bloody well KNOW the Oliver's brother in law is not as . .pure . . in his intentions to Oliver after the death of his husband. An you KNOW, that when Isa finds out about the three of them, he is gonna go nuts. And there ain't a damn thing you can do to stop it! You just watch, and read, and wait and see how it all turns out! Amazing reading, I have to say.

I loved that it was OLLIE who came up with the solution to their predicament. That HE suggested they at least try to be a poly-family, since in his home of the last ten years it really is quite common. Loved that Ollie took Demir into his heart very quickly, the younger man making him feel as safe as Brandt did.

But Isa?? I wanted to punch Isa bloody Higgs so bad! After everything he has told his sons about being betas, that they can do anything, be anything they want to, as much as the alphas can, and he goes and says THAT to Demir! Not saying what, but if you've read these books, you can probably guess. He does redeem himself, but still, a punch was heading his way!

All the other guys pop up in this books, at some point or other, and it's great watching the babies grow up together. Seeing them already forming bonds: alpha, beta and omega all together is great. It would be amazing to catch up with these babies, as they grow and have babies of their own!

So, now, I'm sad! I only started this series because books one and two were shared with me, and I needed something to clear my head after a particularly heavy book. I thought this might be a good hangover cure! And BOY was I wrong, in the best way! Not a hangover cure, not in the least, but another deep dark book that pulled my into an eight book series, that did NOT let me go!

Thank you, Ms Arthur, for pulling into your worlds. I have some other books to read next!

5 amazing, but sad to see it end, stars

**same worded review ill appear elsewhere**