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Merissa (13378 KP) rated The Willing in Books

Oct 21, 2021  
The Willing
The Willing
Lindsay Lees | 2021 | Dystopia
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE WILLING is a standalone novel in the same vein as The Handmaid's Tale. Gypsy is in a world where women are the rulers but, paradoxically, they pay for that role by not being allowed to say no to whenever men want to have sex with them. No matter who, how many, you get the picture.

This story is told from different perspectives - Gypsy, her sister Sadie, Doctor Gino, and Miles. There are many twists to the story, some of which happen so quickly, with no build-up, that you will be left re-reading the last page or so, just to ensure you haven't missed anything.

The ending is a rather hurried affair. Almost as though there was a rapidly approaching wordcount which couldn't be extended, so everything is put in without much else. Gypsy goes from not saying a word to explaining all, just by having her arms held.

This book has some interesting aspects but, for me, there were too many characters left undeveloped and plot holes for me to fully enjoy it.

** 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 (13378 KP) rated What He Finds (Desires: New Beginnings #2) in Books

Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
What He Finds (Desires: New Beginnings #2)
What He Finds (Desires: New Beginnings #2)
E.M. Denning | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WHAT HE FINDS is the second book in the Desires: New Beginnings series but it can be read as a standalone, as I did. We meet with Quentin and Toby, two men who work in the same building. Toby has liked Quentin for months but hasn't made a move. Quentin has seen him but didn't think anything of it until Toby buys him a sandwich before it runs out.

This is a low-angst book with cinnamon roll main characters. Both of them have hang-ups from their pasts - Toby because he felt as though he pushed his college boyfriend away by being too needy, and Quentin by being too controlling. Put them together and you have an inexperienced sub who knows what he likes but is prepared to experiment and a Dom who knows exactly what to do to make his kitten shine. Although Toby has to deal with the death of his college ex, there is no real drama here.

A thoroughly enjoyable book I read in one sitting. I definitely recommend it and would read more in this series and by this author.

** 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!
April 7, 2023
  
Wait! (Oxley College #2)
Wait! (Oxley College #2)
Stacey Nash | 2015 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third book in the Oxley College series although it can (and was by me) read as a standalone. This in no way disrupted my reading or enjoyment of the story.

This book concentrates on Jordan - a serious ex-rugby player who just wants to study hard and doesn't want any sort of relationship - and Hex - a fun-loving party girl who's hiding her hurt behind a smiling mask. They both have secrets and issues that they are dealing with and it's the way that they deal with them and each other that makes this book such a joy to read.

There is insta-lust between the two of them but they actually take the time to build up their relationship which makes a refreshing change.

This story is very well written and deals with some very hard subjects - binge drinking, the death of a sibling, the effects of words spoken by parents who don't know the child is listening - that sort of thing. None of it is preachy or judgmental but tells Jordan and Hex's story perfectly.

Definitely recommended to all fans of Contemporary Romance.

* 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!
Jun 02, 2015
  
Fireworks at Midnight (A Witch’s Night Out #3)
Fireworks at Midnight (A Witch’s Night Out #3)
Tara Quan | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third book in the Witch's Night Out series and the best part for me is that each story is individual, whilst following a familiar idea. This way means that you get a fresh story each time, whilst the world and character building can move on from where it last left off. This means that you end up with a rich and detailed world with characters that are three-dimensional and you can relate to, without having a massive back-story or information dump going on.

Sweets and Mikal deserve to be together, they have crushed on each from afar long enough. The time is now to make a move - but who will move first, and what does fate have in store before they can? This is a quick and light-hearted read that will satisfy your need for a steamy coffee break book. Whilst it is the third in a series, I would say it could be read as a standalone, but reading the other two will definitely help give you a more enriched view. Definitely recommended for all fans of paranormal romance.

* 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 21, 2015
  
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Merissa (13378 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 (13378 KP) rated Until You in Books

Dec 2, 2023  
Until You
Until You
Felicity Snow | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (2 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
  
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!