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Merissa (11935 KP) rated Cross Current (Olympic Cove #4) in Books

Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Cross Current (Olympic Cove #4)
Cross Current (Olympic Cove #4)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CROSS CURRENT is the fourth book in the Olympic Cove series, and we find ourselves back in the war against Thetis. Matt has just finalised his divorce and is having downtime before he returns to his teaching job. So imagine his surprise when three Selkies and a Mer turn up on his doorstep. Oh, and his neighbours are gods, by the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the individuality of having a pentad, and how it worked for them. However, I didn't have as much of a connection with Matt and the others, as I have had in previous books. As I've said, I enjoyed how their relationship worked for them, but being as Matt was with Fionn and Ailith, I don't feel like I knew Duncan or Ceit as much as I wanted to.

This book does move the overall story arc along, but you could also read it as a standalone, as it is pretty much self-explanatory. I think this is a good addition to the series, but it just didn't grab me as much as the others. I still highly recommend it though, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

* 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!
Mar 3, 2021
  
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Merissa (11935 KP) rated Mr. Uptight in Books

Feb 16, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)  
Mr. Uptight
Mr. Uptight
Felice Stevens | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
MR. UPTIGHT is a standalone novel that is about opposites (in some ways) attracting, and how you can know of someone for years without actually knowing them. This is what happens between Mason and Jude. Both of them have ideas of what the other is like, without actually finding out if it is correct or not.

Mason is the 'younger brother', the one always partying and getting into trouble... or so Jude thinks. And Jude is the one who always takes the hard line, without any compassion or empathy... or so Mason thinks. Both of them are proven wrong when they start working together, and the sparks fly.

I love the writing style of Felice Stevens. It flows from scene to scene, taking the reader along with it. Some issues are real and cause problems, others are talked out, which always makes a pleasant change. There is a great supporting cast who provide backup and help the story move along where necessary.

A warm, feel-good story, with low angst and high emotion. It's a book to be kept and re-read whenever you want a hug from a book. Highly recommended by me.

* 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!
Feb 16, 2021
  
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Merissa (11935 KP) rated Full Moon in Leo in Books

Dec 15, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)  
Full Moon in Leo
Full Moon in Leo
Brooklyn Ray | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
FULL MOON IN LEO is a standalone novel with the potential to become a series if the other characters speak up. In this story, we meet with Cole, a guy who's done time but for all good reasons (once you actually find out what they are), and Jesse, a trans guy who prefers they/them pronouns, who runs a charming apothecary in Jewel.

Cole has trust issues and is constantly fighting with his family. The only one he doesn't is his aunt, which is how he ends up in Jewel. There, he meets old friends and new and falls - quite literally - for Jesse. Jesse is on the spectrum and very rarely allows himself to like anyone, but Cole gets under his skin in a good way.

The apothecary setting for this novel is great, but you don't really see much more than that, just general descriptions. The pacing is good for the most part but can feel both slow and rushed in places. I would love to know more about Tara and Monica, both of whom have more than a few rough edges.

On the whole, this was an enjoyable read with a seasonal theme. If that's what you're looking for, then I can definitely recommend this book.

* 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!
Dec 15, 2020
  
Insatiable Incubus (Lads and Monsters #1)
Insatiable Incubus (Lads and Monsters #1)
Dana Frost | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
INSATIABLE INCUBUS is a standalone novel with the possibility of future stories set in this world.

Wilder is in his mid-twenties and has fallen into the monster assassination business. Lucian is said monster, an incubus who keeps himself to himself but has been accused of murdering young virgin girls from the nearby village.

The attraction is almost instantaneous between these two but I never got the sadistic vibe as detailed in the blurb. It was intense, yes, but not sadistic. Things get hot and heavy between the two, and Wilder is drawn to help the monster he was sent to kill. Unfortunately, the common issue of miscommunication raises its ugly head and complicates matters.

This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The world-building leaves it open for other books, and I sincerely hope the author returns to this world. I'd love to learn more about it. As for the connection between Wilder and Lucian, although steamy, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in their emotional connection, rather than just physical with a realisation at the end.

A great read that I have no hesitation in 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!
Dec 1, 2023
  
In a New York Minute
In a New York Minute
Felice Stevens | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a standalone with a couple of cameos but nothing that would confuse you. It is a sweet and tender story of grown-up problems and mature responses. I simply adored this story from start to finish.

Both Garrett and Remi have their own baggage but they don't just jump off the deep end when something happens they didn't expect. They pass the time until they are able to speak privately and then work it out. I'm not saying it's all easy but communication does make things easier.

Bubbe and Grandpa Sol are both outstanding characters and I would love to see more of them. Pringle was an excellent example of prejudice that is still around today, even if the bloody Pringles catchphrase leapt into my head every time I saw his name. For him, it was certainly a case of "once you pop, you just can't stop." I really hope he got his comeuppance. Jeffrey stole my heart and I honestly NEED for them to get their story. All of the other characters are fantastic though, whether you like them or not.

A fantastic addition to Felice Steven's repertoire that I have no hesitation in recommending. Absolutely brilliant!

** 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 22, 2023
  
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Merissa (11935 KP) rated Unexpected by Felice Stevens in Books

Jun 22, 2022 (Updated Jun 23, 2023)  
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Felice Stevens | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNEXPECTED is a standalone novel about two men who bring to life the 'opposites attract' saying. Both of them have been hurt badly in their pasts but have reacted and coped with it in very different ways. Their story is about how they bring together these two opposing sides and make it work.

Walker seemed to be this brash, outgoing character, only interested in a good time, whilst Colin was more buttoned-up, throwing himself into his work to get over his heartache. As the story progresses, you realise (as they do) that these characters have more in common than they first originally thought.

I also really liked the supporting characters - Jimmy, especially. However, the actions of Alan and Dustin made me shake my head. Best friends know how to push their friends, but making them go on something so completely not what Colin liked... Hmm.

Walker is convinced he doesn't want a relationship until Colin comes along. Colin is convinced he isn't good enough until Walker comes along. Both support and help each other, bringing laughter and love back into their lives.

A feel-good story with some steamy moments and plenty of laughter. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
  
Dress Blues (Recalled to Love #2)
Dress Blues (Recalled to Love #2)
Lisa Carlisle | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dress Blues (Recalled to Love #2) by Lisa Carlisle
Dress Blues is the second novella in the Recalled to Love series, and is a complete standalone from the first. In this one, we meet Vivi who left the military after a devastating injury, and Jack, who has now left the military too but is unsure of what to do now. The sparks flew between these two when they first met, but nothing was allowed to come of it as Vivi was enlisted and Jack was an officer. Now though, they don't have those rules to get in the way, so it's all dependent upon whether they can work it as a couple.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I have to say that Stella stole the show! There is uncertainty in both of them for different reasons, and they will have to overcome those before they can move forwards together. I loved that Jack was pushy for all the right reasons, but could also completely understand where Vivi was coming from. I admired the fact that she admitted the fault, and worked on it to conquer it, rather than letting it beat her.

The story flowed at an even pace, and there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story has the feel-good factor, and is definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!