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One Perfect Summer (One Perfect #1)
One Perfect Summer (One Perfect #1)
Paige Toon | 2012
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my first 2 star rating for a Paige Toon book. I'm a big fan but I struggled to get into this one, it was only about the 75% mark that it started to really grab my attention and then it was full steam ahead.

Joe was great--I've noticed that she likes to write books about first loves and meeting them again years later. This must be the 3rd/4th I've read with that sort of storyline--and I liked the beginning where they spent a lot of time together. It was a little dark in places--Joe's brother--but also sweet at times.

I have to say that I think this book dragged a lot in the middle. There was a lot of bits that were irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, and that was probably why it's taken me so long to read.

Then we meet Lukas. He seems pretty normal to start with but the more of him we see the more controlling and demanding he became and I just wanted to scream at Alice. What was she doing?!

The ending was a little vague of names but it had to be Joe that she met. It had to be!
  
    Tempest: Pirate Action RPG

    Tempest: Pirate Action RPG

    Games and Entertainment

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    An adventure RPG that won the hearts of over 50.000 Steam players is now on your mobile! Become a...

The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks (The Lost Arts #2.5)
The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks (The Lost Arts #2.5)
Ellie Ash | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE LOST ART OF WOODWORKING AND TAKING RISKS is a short side character novella in The Lost Arts series, featuring Chamis and Bennan, who we met in book 2. This delightful addition gives us more details about their romance and how they moved forward in both their lives and the romance.

The thing I loved about this one was that Chamis and Bennan are total opposites from the outside, which they acknowledge in the story. One is a shy introvert, and one is a flirty extrovert. NEITHER of them wanted the other to change. How wonderful is that?! There is no way I can say which character I loved the most, as they were both absolutely gorgeous on the inside.

Definitely less steam in this book, which completely fitted the narrative. I loved seeing their romance through their eyes, but the teasers for book 3 have about killed me. I need it NOW!!! A great addition 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 22, 2025
  
The Lucky Ones (Unpredictable #2)
The Lucky Ones (Unpredictable #2)
Felice Stevens | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE LUCKY ONES is the second standalone novel in the Unpredictable series. You don't have to have read book one to enjoy this one, although I personally enjoyed seeing Weston and Brenner from Not That Guy again.

Keston has a chip on his shoulder that he wears loud and proud. He did have a rough time of it, but still. Bailey is the opposite - he also had a rough time of it, but hides behind a cheerful mask. Both of them still have problems and issues they're dealing with. And both of them either don't communicate or miscommunicate!

As with all of this author's books, there is plenty of emotion and real-life problems to be overcome. Nothing is ever easy, and I love that about these books. It gives me enough 'fairytale' while still being grounded. There is steam aplenty between these two, but also a deeper, emotional connection, if only they would trust enough to allow it.

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and 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!
Nov 10, 2025
  
Her Mountain Christmas (Honey Ridge #4)
Her Mountain Christmas (Honey Ridge #4)
Alyson Archer | 2025 | Contemporary, Erotica
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS is the fourth book in the Honey Ridge series and, as you may have figured out, takes place at Christmastime.

Ella comes from money, but that has a price tag. When she finds out her parents have basically sold her to a man she can't stand, she leaves the party and leaves her apartment. Unfortunately, as happens when you're running away, she doesn't check the weather forecast and ends up driving in a blizzard. Along comes Jack to the rescue, who warms her up in more ways than one!

This is another cracker of a book from Alyson Archer. It is Christmassy with plenty of snow, but steam aplenty indoors. I loved how Ella knew what she wanted and made no bones about it, whereas Jack was more than happy to give his girl what she wanted, even when she didn't know what that was.

Although Ms Archer writes one helluva steamy scene, my favourite was when Ella stood up to her parents, with Jack by her side. Take that, you snotty pair!!!

Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 17, 2025
  
Edam and Weep
Edam and Weep
Linda Reilly | 2025 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.

When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
  
Sweetest Blood
Sweetest Blood
Regitse Liljadorff | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
4 very good stars
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Felix signs up to be a donor for a year to enable him to save his sister, Astrea. Severin is his latest vampire. But Felix is changing the taste of his blood, to make it sweeter for the vampires. Severin, however, tastes something completely unexpected: his mate. But keeping his mate safe is becoming harder, as the coven who has Astrea is doing things totally against the rules.

I liked this, I liked it a lot. I've not read anything by this author before an I enjoyed the way the tale was spun.

Both Felix and Severin have a say, in the first person, so I liked that.

It's got some steam, and some danger. Some drama and some emotions. Not a lot of anything, but enough to make the book interesting.

I also liked that, besides Felix and Severin, we get two other romances! I'm not sayng who for spoilers, but I liked that we watch them fall along with these two.

I liked the two epilogues as well!

All in all, a good read, that made a wet Wednesday more enjoyable!

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere