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Merissa (11935 KP) rated Leveling The Field (KTS #3) in Books
Jun 14, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
LEVELING THE FIELD is the third book in the KTS series, and once again, I am recommending you read it as part of a series, rather than a standalone, as there is an overall story arc you will need to follow.
Jesse is strong and confident until it comes down to herself and then those nasty, niggling doubts surface. She longs for the fantasy of having someone love her for her, but the one she wants only sees her as a friend. Leo IS Jesse's friend but she is so much more than that to him. He feels he is not good enough for her! I loved Hannah and Lily's solution to this!
Oh, man! What a story! I loved the arc and where it is going. My heart was in my mouth for the teams when they were in a pickle 😉 I really want to know just who is behind everything and see them get their just desserts. What I love about Ms Faber's writing style though is that you get pulled into the technicalities, the big bad, whilst still being so invested in the love story being played out before you. Neither side suffers as the story continues, making it perfect.
The pacing is perfect, the romance delightful, and the steamy moments are HOT. All in all, this was a brilliant read that I highly recommend. Now I'm impatient for Hannah and Lily's story.
** 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 14, 2021
Jesse is strong and confident until it comes down to herself and then those nasty, niggling doubts surface. She longs for the fantasy of having someone love her for her, but the one she wants only sees her as a friend. Leo IS Jesse's friend but she is so much more than that to him. He feels he is not good enough for her! I loved Hannah and Lily's solution to this!
Oh, man! What a story! I loved the arc and where it is going. My heart was in my mouth for the teams when they were in a pickle 😉 I really want to know just who is behind everything and see them get their just desserts. What I love about Ms Faber's writing style though is that you get pulled into the technicalities, the big bad, whilst still being so invested in the love story being played out before you. Neither side suffers as the story continues, making it perfect.
The pacing is perfect, the romance delightful, and the steamy moments are HOT. All in all, this was a brilliant read that I highly recommend. Now I'm impatient for Hannah and Lily's story.
** 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 14, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con (Farthingdale Ranch #2) in Books
May 25, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
THE BLACKSMITH AND THE EX-CON is the second book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, although you can read it as a standalone as I have.
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** 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 25, 2021
Ellis is the ex-con who has had a hard time of it. Now, I'm not excusing what he's done, but he did do it for the right reasons. And given the relationship he did have, I can understand the mutism. My heart ached for him, it really did. Jasper is a big, gruff, sweetie who would do anything for those he lets in. And he certainly lets Ellis in. The romance develops slowly, but compassion and kindness are there from the get-go.
There are easter eggs in here for Honey from the Lion (that I have read) which is part of the Love Across Time series. I'm ashamed to admit that the fate of the ranch that Laurie disappeared from never even entered my mind, so it was great to see this from a different view.
I loved all the characters in this book - even Phil! He was horrible, but exactly as he was supposed to be. Obviously, the biggest growth was Ellis, but Jasper comes along nicely too. The supporting cast provides understanding, love, and humour to our main two.
This book was extremely well-written and paced, and certainly kept my attention from the first word to the very last. I will be reading book one in this series simply down to the characters and Ms North's writing. If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
** 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 25, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth #2) in Books
May 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
CAPTURING FATE is the second book in the Fatal Truth series, although it could be read as a standalone. I say could because if you do, you're missing out on another 5-star read!
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ 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!
May 13, 2021
This novel had me confused slightly, to begin with, simply because of the timeline. I 'presumed' it would start after book one finished, but it didn't. It actually runs parallel to book one for most of it but gives you a completely different viewpoint.
And what a viewpoint it was. This book is such a gripping read. The big bad here is fully dimensional, evil in every way. Seriously, I hated the man! And Dolan and Daught, bless them. They really go through the mill. In fact, all of her boys have done and do. My heart broke for them so many times.
Although this is still dark and violent, it's not quite as violent as book one. This makes sense as this is a different book! Trust me though, it's still not light and fluffy.
I adored the ending and probably had a sappy smile on my face. The uncles about floored me, and I loved them all for it. The only problem now is there are nineteen other people I need HEAs for. If anyone deserves a HEA, it's them!
A brilliant addition to the series, and one I have no hesitation in recommending. A stunning story that kept me in its grip from start to finish. READ 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!
May 13, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated On the 2 in Books
Aug 2, 2023
ON THE 2 is a standalone story set in New York that features some characters from previous books. You don't need to have read those to get the benefit, but I did so love seeing them and remembering their stories!
Nash is closed-off and straight-laced, working with numbers because they make sense and won't lie or betray him. Ethan is friendly and outgoing; working in a department store, he needs to be approachable. These two meet on the 2, a subway train that they both take from home to work.
One of the things guaranteed by a Felice Stevens book is the characters will be relatable. Whether because they're the grumpy or the sunshine, there will be something there that you read and laugh out loud with, from either doing the same thing yourself or knowing someone else who has done it. Neither Ethan nor Nash have the best family lives but they make the best with what they've got, in the way they know. I absolutely adored the slow burn with these two, as both of them try to figure the other one out.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how the difficulties they faced weren't just swept away in a wonderful wave of love. They worked it out and got to where they needed to be by communicating and working together. Nash speaks to Oscar, and Ethan speaks to Julia - both of them choosing kindness. Two more fantastic scenes!
A great book that I loved 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!
Aug 2, 2023
Nash is closed-off and straight-laced, working with numbers because they make sense and won't lie or betray him. Ethan is friendly and outgoing; working in a department store, he needs to be approachable. These two meet on the 2, a subway train that they both take from home to work.
One of the things guaranteed by a Felice Stevens book is the characters will be relatable. Whether because they're the grumpy or the sunshine, there will be something there that you read and laugh out loud with, from either doing the same thing yourself or knowing someone else who has done it. Neither Ethan nor Nash have the best family lives but they make the best with what they've got, in the way they know. I absolutely adored the slow burn with these two, as both of them try to figure the other one out.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how the difficulties they faced weren't just swept away in a wonderful wave of love. They worked it out and got to where they needed to be by communicating and working together. Nash speaks to Oscar, and Ethan speaks to Julia - both of them choosing kindness. Two more fantastic scenes!
A great book that I loved 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!
Aug 2, 2023
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Life Support (Crush #6) in Books
Mar 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
LIFE SUPPORT is the sixth book in the Crush series, although I didn't know this originally. In it, we meet Casey, a paramedic who is being harassed at work, but he doesn't report it because the other person is higher up on the career ladder than he is, and Luke, who is a Fitness Trainer who specialises in self-defence/awareness.
This is a book I would definitely say is NOT standalone. There are so many characters and situations mentioned that I presume are relevant to previous storylines. Not only that, but with the number of characters, I had no idea about who was with whom, when, and how. This made the reading quite difficult as references were constantly made. Throw in Casey and Luke both coming from big families with siblings galore, and I had no idea what was going on!
In the middle of everything else, you can find the story of Casey and Luke, although not as much as I would have liked. They are quick with the 'I love you's', but I never really felt much connection between them. I also would have liked more from Acker as I felt that part was also lost in the mix.
I feel if you have read this series, then you will be delighted by what you read. I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me and left me confused. So prepare yourself for a saga with a huge amount of intermingling storylines and characters.
* 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 11, 2021
This is a book I would definitely say is NOT standalone. There are so many characters and situations mentioned that I presume are relevant to previous storylines. Not only that, but with the number of characters, I had no idea about who was with whom, when, and how. This made the reading quite difficult as references were constantly made. Throw in Casey and Luke both coming from big families with siblings galore, and I had no idea what was going on!
In the middle of everything else, you can find the story of Casey and Luke, although not as much as I would have liked. They are quick with the 'I love you's', but I never really felt much connection between them. I also would have liked more from Acker as I felt that part was also lost in the mix.
I feel if you have read this series, then you will be delighted by what you read. I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me and left me confused. So prepare yourself for a saga with a huge amount of intermingling storylines and characters.
* 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 11, 2021
Awakening the Sheriff (Forestville Silver Foxes #2)
10.0
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I thought we were building a friendship. Turns out I’m falling in love. I’ve always wanted...
Contemporary MM Romance Small Town
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Hope to Die (DI Adam Fawley #6) in Books
Aug 14, 2022
I have just finished the previous book in this series, The Whole Truth, and dived into this the 6th outing for DI Fawley and his team and, let me tell you, what a treat it is.
I have said it before and I will say it again, what an absolute cracker of a book this is and, once again, an excellent addition to this excellent series. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others as this works well as a standalone however, I recommend you do ... you won't be disappointed.
DI Fawley and his team are called after the violent death of an unidentified young man shot dead in an isolated farmhouse in an apparent burglary but things just don't add up and so begins a complex, challenging and thrilling investigation which uncovers secrets and lies and so, so much more.
Cara Hunter uses, very cleverly, other media to provide different perspectives to the story including Netflix and voicemail transcripts. This helps the story to flow and provides another element and makes it feel current and relevant. The only thing that I have a small quibble about is that some of this didn't work very well on my Kindle as it's quite small writing and I found myself constantly adjusting the font size but that may have been because I received an advance copy so I felt it was a small price to pay for what is an excellent addition to the way of telling the story.
Highly recommended to lovers of police procedurals with twists and turns that keep you guessing ... roll on number 7!
Many thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for enabling me to read Hope to Die and share my thoughts.
I have said it before and I will say it again, what an absolute cracker of a book this is and, once again, an excellent addition to this excellent series. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others as this works well as a standalone however, I recommend you do ... you won't be disappointed.
DI Fawley and his team are called after the violent death of an unidentified young man shot dead in an isolated farmhouse in an apparent burglary but things just don't add up and so begins a complex, challenging and thrilling investigation which uncovers secrets and lies and so, so much more.
Cara Hunter uses, very cleverly, other media to provide different perspectives to the story including Netflix and voicemail transcripts. This helps the story to flow and provides another element and makes it feel current and relevant. The only thing that I have a small quibble about is that some of this didn't work very well on my Kindle as it's quite small writing and I found myself constantly adjusting the font size but that may have been because I received an advance copy so I felt it was a small price to pay for what is an excellent addition to the way of telling the story.
Highly recommended to lovers of police procedurals with twists and turns that keep you guessing ... roll on number 7!
Many thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for enabling me to read Hope to Die and share my thoughts.
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Smoke on the Water (Mystic Beach, #3) in Books
Nov 18, 2022
SMOKE ON THE WATER is the third book in the Mystic Beach series and features the quiet bass player, David, and sound engineer, Piper. These two are a match made in heaven, but the devil is in the details. Those details being someone who thinks he has a claim over Piper already.
Man, everywhere you turn in this book there is a misogynistic jerk just waiting to be put in his place. Luckily for me, Ms Archer does that with aplomb. All in her own good time, of course, but it did happen.
The sparks between David and Piper are apparent from the very beginning but, for varying reasons, Piper asks they keep things on the down low. David isn't too happy about that but - for Piper - he agrees.
The thing I loved about this story is how the focus is on Piper and David. You could read this as a standalone. If you don't though, like me, you get all the little snippets of things that happened in books one and two, but from a different angle. I love that!
The other part I loved was that their social awkwardness disappeared when it was the two of them. They may say the wrong thing to others, but not really to each other. They were understanding of each other and gave encouragement whenever needed.
Hunter and Brighid are a favourite couple, and they now have company in David and Piper. Declan is next and I can't wait. I'm just hoping Rory gets her HEA because her backstory just about killed me! 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!
Man, everywhere you turn in this book there is a misogynistic jerk just waiting to be put in his place. Luckily for me, Ms Archer does that with aplomb. All in her own good time, of course, but it did happen.
The sparks between David and Piper are apparent from the very beginning but, for varying reasons, Piper asks they keep things on the down low. David isn't too happy about that but - for Piper - he agrees.
The thing I loved about this story is how the focus is on Piper and David. You could read this as a standalone. If you don't though, like me, you get all the little snippets of things that happened in books one and two, but from a different angle. I love that!
The other part I loved was that their social awkwardness disappeared when it was the two of them. They may say the wrong thing to others, but not really to each other. They were understanding of each other and gave encouragement whenever needed.
Hunter and Brighid are a favourite couple, and they now have company in David and Piper. Declan is next and I can't wait. I'm just hoping Rory gets her HEA because her backstory just about killed me! 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!
Come from Behind: An Age Gap Gay Romance (Suite Dreams)
6.0
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Is it possible that Tavish’s fender-bender on a snowy day will lead to him getting romantically...
Amber Flame (Flame #4)
10.0
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Against his alpha wolf principles, Eric Fergus, seduces a forbidden fae woman in the dreamglide and...
Paranormal Romance