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The Use of Heavy Water (The Valence Chronicles #2)
The Use of Heavy Water (The Valence Chronicles #2)
D'Arcy Arden | 2022 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE USE OF HEAVY WATER is the second book in The Valence Chronicles and continues where book one finished. Our quartet is off for some R-and-R planetside. They choose a world known for its first-class accommodations and food, etc. However, their time enjoying themselves doesn't work out quite as they imagined.

A figure from Brog's past sets the cat amongst the pigeons, leaving them vulnerable and defenceless. Pet is the one who is underestimated and therefore put in the position of having to save those he loves, with just help from his new friend, Bug.

I was in total agreement with Pet when it came to Des, Brog, and Xavis arguing. It didn't feel right and I hated how it affected them all. What I did enjoy was reading about Brog's past and how they were put into the current position. There were plenty of times when I was kept guessing, not knowing whether certain people were the good guys or the bad.

Just as with the first book, the world-building was fantastic. We meet new characters, and the pacing of the story was perfect. There were still some steamy moments but I would say the focus is on the action in this book.

A great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. 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!
  
Blaine's Beast
Blaine's Beast
Joel Abernathy | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Needed Rohan and Beast
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is a retelling of a fairy tale, but please shove your knowledge of that fairy tale aside, cos this was brilliant! Bar one teeny tiny thing!

Blaine finds himself caught out in a storm, and then surrounded by wolves and then looked after by some lovely, if slightly odd, people. But nothing is as it seems and when Blaine finds out the truth, he vows to help fix things.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, I really did.

While, to me, it was very obvious who Rohan was, I liked that THAT fact wasn't dragged out for too long.

What surprised me was how things went down at the end. I was happily reading away, there was an ending of sorts and I was expecting that to be it. But I still had 25% to read! And then things happened and I loved being surprised!

It's steamy, and smexy and dark and gritty. It has a few sweeter moments too.

BUT!

And this is the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars. It pains me, but its my review.

We ONLY get Blaine. And I wanted Rohan and Beast, I really did. I needed them to tell their story. And I don't get them. So, I was not very happy about that. I wanted in their head, you know? How they felt about Blaine arriving, then leaving, then things happening at the end. I needed that, and I don't get it.

so, 4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Headshot (Model Love)
Headshot (Model Love)
JP Sayle | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
freaking loved it!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This book, right?? I freaking LOVED IT!!

Oh I might gush, so #sorrynotsorry it was so bloody good!

It's part of the Model Love series, a multi author series of stand alone books. But here we get to revisit with some of Sayle's other characters and I loved being able to cath up with Griffin and Charlie and of course, Nana!

Kit saved jack has loved him ever since. He's not quite sure when things changed for him, but they did. Now Kit's lifes work, Garfield House for homeless kids, is threatened and Jack will do anything for Kit.

I loved that while Jack loves Kit, he really does try to keep away. I loved that he decided to go for Kit and he really goes all in. I love that Kit loved Jack but was bound by his own sense of proper, even if Jack had left the house ages ago.

I loved that once they both accepted that they should be together they go all in and fully and totally commit to each other. I'm not usually one for professions of love early on but these two have dacned around each other for years!

It's steamy, and smexy. It's emotional and funny, Nana does her best to wreak her havoc. There isn't much drama, except that about the house, but I think this book didn't need it.

I loved this book, I really did. And I'll leave it at that.

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
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Merissa (12699 KP) rated His Boy to Tease (Naughty or Nice Season Two) in Books

Jan 10, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)  
His Boy to Tease (Naughty or Nice Season Two)
His Boy to Tease (Naughty or Nice Season Two)
JP Sayle | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS BOY TO TEASE is part of the Naughty or Nice Season Two collection, and we rejoin the boys from the La Trattoria Di Amore series. This time, it's Smithy's turn and we find out more about why he is single and what it is he wants. We get a small prologue as Jessie and Smithy meet for the first time, and then we jump to current times as Smithy is trying to find Jessie.

One thing I will say is that Kaden (from Made to Submit (La Trattoria Di Amore #3) is not the nicest or most considerate in this book. Now, I know what you're thinking - this isn't about him. But in a way, it is, because of his direct actions towards his staff members. Anyway, moving on...

As for Smithy and Jessie, well, brace yourselves, my friends, because they move at breakneck speed. This is understandable considering Smithy's past, but I was surprised at how Jessie seemed so okay with it. There are steamy moments between these two, but the 'big deed' isn't done until later in the book. This doesn't detract from the storyline in any way.

There is a bit of internal dialogue with both Jessie and Smithy questioning themselves and the choices they make. That is about the most angst-worthy you get.

On the whole, I enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending 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!
Jan 10, 2022
  
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Merissa (12699 KP) rated Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3) in Books

Oct 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)  
Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3)
Bound (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #3)
Kat Kinney | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BOUND is the third book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and this time, it's Topher and West's story.

Oh, man. Where do I start? Do I start with the fantasy geekdom that runs rife through this story? Or maybe with the leaking Omega magic that bound Topher (initially) against his will to West? Or maybe how their feelings have grown but West is still so unsure of being worthy to anyone, let alone Topher? Or maybe I should go out on a limb and talk about family loyalty and what it's like to look for a father and a brother, both of whom have disappeared without a trace?

This is an amazing story that is rich in detail and intricate enough to keep you on your toes. Family is a big theme all the way through, and obviously, it's not always blood family either. Family by bond is a big thing and I LOVE IT!

The overall story arc has moved along, helped no end by this story, and I can't wait to see where it will go next. There are some steamy moments but mainly, it's all about connection.

Bound is a fantastic addition to the series, one that I highly recommend, and I can't wait for Brody and London, who come next. Watch out for sparks!

** 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!
Oct 21, 2021
  
Smith's Corner: Alora & Ash (The Heartwood Series #3)
Smith's Corner: Alora & Ash (The Heartwood Series #3)
Jayne Paton | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
SMITH'S CORNER: ASH & ALORA is the third book in the Heartwood series. Ash has served time for a crime he did commit and made the decision to walk that path alone. Although Alora wanted to be there for him, he made sure she wasn't allowed to see him, and that set her on her own path of going through a pregnancy and raising their child by herself.

There is a slight overlap with the other books that Alora made an appearance in, but this time it's all from her and Ash's perspectives. Ash and Alora have a bumpy road together as trust has been lost. It is understandable how Ash felt, but he made the decisions for Alora without discussing them together first. And, to be fair, for some of the book, he does the same thing. It is really important when raising a child that you are a united front. This is something Ash has to learn for himself.

This was an easy-to-read steamy second-chance romance, with a host of supporting characters. Somehow, Jayne Paton manages to give me a great story each time, whilst still leaving me wanting the next one along.

This is a great addition to the series and one I definitely recommend. Do read all of them though, as it makes more sense that way!

** 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!
Sep 28, 2021