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Merissa (14164 KP) rated Blood Moon (Wildeward Academy #3) in Books
Jan 5, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
BLOOD MOON is the third book in the Wildeward Academy series and we find Victoria bonded to Doyle, engaged to Hyde, Jekyll being obstinate, Achoris still MIA, and Frankie avoiding her, considered a traitor by the others. Are you with me? You really, REALLY, need to read this as a series! Trust me.
If you follow my reviews, you'll know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, but they just never quite managed to reach five stars, you know? Well, let me tell you, this one couldn't be anything but!!! So many factions, good and bad, vying for either Victoria's attention or trying to bring her down. It was fun and sassy, heartbreaking and full of sorrow. New characters are introduced, and others die off. This story simply didn't stop! It was all go from the very first word to the last - and I LOVED IT!
I adored the addition of Evetta and Gemma to Victoria's coterie, but now they need to get the Lodge back. I'm not ashamed to admit I was so sad at that part. The Lodge had made Victoria so welcome! I hope Lorna has a really bad time there! Victoria grows in leaps and bounds, becoming more comfortable both in her own skin, and who she is with the others.
Like the other two, this one ends not so much on a cliffhanger, but more so a teaser, tempting you with the continuation of the story that will definitely leave you chomping at the bit. A character-driven story that is full of action with steamy moments interspersed, this series just gets better and better.
BLOOD MOON is the best so far, but I honestly CAN'T WAIT for the next. Come on - read the series! I promise you, you won't regret it.
* 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 5, 2021
If you follow my reviews, you'll know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, but they just never quite managed to reach five stars, you know? Well, let me tell you, this one couldn't be anything but!!! So many factions, good and bad, vying for either Victoria's attention or trying to bring her down. It was fun and sassy, heartbreaking and full of sorrow. New characters are introduced, and others die off. This story simply didn't stop! It was all go from the very first word to the last - and I LOVED IT!
I adored the addition of Evetta and Gemma to Victoria's coterie, but now they need to get the Lodge back. I'm not ashamed to admit I was so sad at that part. The Lodge had made Victoria so welcome! I hope Lorna has a really bad time there! Victoria grows in leaps and bounds, becoming more comfortable both in her own skin, and who she is with the others.
Like the other two, this one ends not so much on a cliffhanger, but more so a teaser, tempting you with the continuation of the story that will definitely leave you chomping at the bit. A character-driven story that is full of action with steamy moments interspersed, this series just gets better and better.
BLOOD MOON is the best so far, but I honestly CAN'T WAIT for the next. Come on - read the series! I promise you, you won't regret it.
* 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 5, 2021
Tentacles Rock (Tinsel and Tentacles)
8.0
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A tentacled waiter. A grumpy musician. A song that brings them together. Nereus I arrived in...
Rockstar Paranormal MM Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023) in Books
Jun 13, 2023
cute and sweet but maybe not for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I love JP Sayle, you know I do. I've watched the skill this author has grow from the very beginning, and I'm incredibly proud of the work this author continues to produce.
But!
This one I found a little too sweet for me, and I hate that I did.
It's well told, from both Gaines and Austin's point of view. It's the first I've of a koala as a chosen pet for play, and at times, I did find the koala stuff too much. There were koalas in everything, EVERYTHING Gaines did, and it was a bit overpowering.
I loved that both men had an immediate and powerful reaction to the other, and both men, once they started to get to know each other, were fully able to adapt and bend to the others' needs, without sacrificing their own. I liked that Austin gave Gaines time to work things out in his head, before he came to Austin, even if it killed Austin to wait.
I loved that we got to catch up with Terrence and Warner from A Little Christmas, Terrence. It's always great catching up with characters fromprevious reads, even in those that can stand alone from others.
I really liked that, while some things *little* were mentioned in passing, and others were talked about, Gaines doesn't slip far into little-space. He's more a pet-space kinda guy and I did like that. LOVED the descriptions of Gaines climbing Austin like a pole! LOVED them!!
It's steamy and smexy, not overly emotional and there is no real drama, save for Gaines getting his head straight to talk to Austin.
It just didn't really work for me, and I hate that it didn't! I'm sorry, Jayne!
3 good, but not really for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Chance Match (Perfect Match Agency #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
CAN LOVE BE QUANTIFIED BY A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST AND AN ALGORITHM? SOMETIMES… BUT, NOT ALWAYS. ...
MM Mpreg Paranormal Romance Omegaverse
Merissa (14164 KP) rated Thick as Thieves (Aster Valley #4) in Books
Mar 2, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
THICK AS THIEVES is the fourth book in the Aster Valley series and we meet Julian and Parker. Now, for me, I met them for the first time, although readers of other books in the series may have met them already.
Julian is gay and has no reason to hide it. He has been in love with Parker since they were young. He watched from the sidelines as Parker went to Prom with Erin and had an on-off relationship with her through the years, culminating in the wedding they are all there to celebrate.
Parker has always known Julian will be there for him. He is his best friend and nothing could ever change that - could it? Apparently so. Although the wedding doesn't happen, it does open Parker's blinkers. And once they're off, boy, are they off!!
I loved that once Parker chose Julian, that was it for him. Of course, we have to go through his oblivious times too. My heart hurt so much for Julian. I also wanted to slap both of them upside the head at times. Yes, both of them. Parker because he's just too darn nice at times, and Julian because he doesn't trust in Parker and pushes him to his ex. I guess that means I'm not so nice!
This was a hot and steamy book, full of emotions, that made me laugh out loud and shake my head in dismay at the antics of these two and their friends. So, basically, it was a great read that kept my attention fully entertained and engaged.
A great addition to the series and absolutely 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!
Mar 2, 2022
Julian is gay and has no reason to hide it. He has been in love with Parker since they were young. He watched from the sidelines as Parker went to Prom with Erin and had an on-off relationship with her through the years, culminating in the wedding they are all there to celebrate.
Parker has always known Julian will be there for him. He is his best friend and nothing could ever change that - could it? Apparently so. Although the wedding doesn't happen, it does open Parker's blinkers. And once they're off, boy, are they off!!
I loved that once Parker chose Julian, that was it for him. Of course, we have to go through his oblivious times too. My heart hurt so much for Julian. I also wanted to slap both of them upside the head at times. Yes, both of them. Parker because he's just too darn nice at times, and Julian because he doesn't trust in Parker and pushes him to his ex. I guess that means I'm not so nice!
This was a hot and steamy book, full of emotions, that made me laugh out loud and shake my head in dismay at the antics of these two and their friends. So, basically, it was a great read that kept my attention fully entertained and engaged.
A great addition to the series and absolutely 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!
Mar 2, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Dusty Ropes and Rusty Spurs (Bucket List Buddies #4) in Books
Jun 9, 2026
loing these fun reads
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Bucket List Buddies, and it can be read as a stand alone, but the other books are really good.
Rick is an alpha bear shifter, but he doesn't want an omega mate, nor a beta. He wants another alpha as a mate, which makes him a bit of an odd one in this world. Ian is a honey bear shifter, also doesn't want an omega mate, he needs another alpha. Attending the latest Bucket List Buddies event gives them both what they want. But can they get over Rick's past?
What I love about this book, all of them, is how easy they are to read, and you can just fall into two bears falling in love and dealing with what's thrown at them. Fun reads, that hit that spot that needs hitting after a darker read.
There is a little angst between Ian and Rick, especially when Ian's insecurities show their face, after Rick takes a trip down memory lane, but nothing that actually talking about things won't fix. Ian's family is a bit pushy, trying to foist an omega on him, a female at that, even after he had stated many many times, he didn't want a female at all!
Steamy and smexy.
The previous guys all pop up, as they are a close knit group of friends. So, catching up with everyone is great fun.
BUT!
For the love of all that is holy, please let me know that Remi and Sven will get a full book?? I hated that we didn't get their meeting in this book! I'm waiting, so very impatiently, for their time and if they don't get it, I will not be happy. Not at all!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Bucket List Buddies, and it can be read as a stand alone, but the other books are really good.
Rick is an alpha bear shifter, but he doesn't want an omega mate, nor a beta. He wants another alpha as a mate, which makes him a bit of an odd one in this world. Ian is a honey bear shifter, also doesn't want an omega mate, he needs another alpha. Attending the latest Bucket List Buddies event gives them both what they want. But can they get over Rick's past?
What I love about this book, all of them, is how easy they are to read, and you can just fall into two bears falling in love and dealing with what's thrown at them. Fun reads, that hit that spot that needs hitting after a darker read.
There is a little angst between Ian and Rick, especially when Ian's insecurities show their face, after Rick takes a trip down memory lane, but nothing that actually talking about things won't fix. Ian's family is a bit pushy, trying to foist an omega on him, a female at that, even after he had stated many many times, he didn't want a female at all!
Steamy and smexy.
The previous guys all pop up, as they are a close knit group of friends. So, catching up with everyone is great fun.
BUT!
For the love of all that is holy, please let me know that Remi and Sven will get a full book?? I hated that we didn't get their meeting in this book! I'm waiting, so very impatiently, for their time and if they don't get it, I will not be happy. Not at all!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated The Dark Before Dawn (Basic Instincts #4) in Books
Jul 8, 2026
both Jude and Danyal suffer here.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Basic Instincts series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do however, personally recommend that you do read them in order. It will give you a better picture of Blyham and what has happened and what is still happening there.
Jude has returned home, after years on the cruise ships. Danyal is an old school friend and the attraction between them still lingers. Then Jude witnesses a murder, Danyal's police colleague is murder and the killer is playing games.
What I loved about this book, was, although the Blyham Strangler was mentioned, the recent spate of attacks on the gay community are someone else. Someone who we get to hear from and I love LOVE hearing from the bad guys! But they have no connection to the strangler. They are twisted and deadly, especially after what happens to Danyal's colleague.
The book is dark and deadly with on page violence that is absolutely needed. It's emotional and heart wrenching. Both Danyal and Jude suffer losses here in the most horrific way and you feel for them. It brings them closer, though and I loved that neither felt the need to push the other away.
I didn't think it was as steamy as the other books. This one concentrates more on the emotional connection, I find, than the smex. There is smex, sure but it's a second to the crime and the bad guy and what happens there.
The bad guy gets his comeuppence, in the most ironic way, considering what happens earlier in the book.
Will there be more? I'm not sure Blyham can handle another bad guy, to be honest! But if there is, I'll read it!
5 dark and deadly stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Basic Instincts series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do however, personally recommend that you do read them in order. It will give you a better picture of Blyham and what has happened and what is still happening there.
Jude has returned home, after years on the cruise ships. Danyal is an old school friend and the attraction between them still lingers. Then Jude witnesses a murder, Danyal's police colleague is murder and the killer is playing games.
What I loved about this book, was, although the Blyham Strangler was mentioned, the recent spate of attacks on the gay community are someone else. Someone who we get to hear from and I love LOVE hearing from the bad guys! But they have no connection to the strangler. They are twisted and deadly, especially after what happens to Danyal's colleague.
The book is dark and deadly with on page violence that is absolutely needed. It's emotional and heart wrenching. Both Danyal and Jude suffer losses here in the most horrific way and you feel for them. It brings them closer, though and I loved that neither felt the need to push the other away.
I didn't think it was as steamy as the other books. This one concentrates more on the emotional connection, I find, than the smex. There is smex, sure but it's a second to the crime and the bad guy and what happens there.
The bad guy gets his comeuppence, in the most ironic way, considering what happens earlier in the book.
Will there be more? I'm not sure Blyham can handle another bad guy, to be honest! But if there is, I'll read it!
5 dark and deadly stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated The Hidden (The Secret Tales #4) in Books
Sep 23, 2026
loved how the relationship built.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in The Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone to the other three. I really enjoyed them all, though, so from a personal point of view, I do recommend them all. Books 1and 2 got 5 stars and book 3 dipped to 4.
But book 4 jumps straight back up to 5 stars. I loved this book!
I'm big enough and ugly enough to admit this: I love that these books are clean! I will always read a steamy book, and be happy about it, but I'm finding THESE books do not need it. The point is delivered beautifully!
I will admit, I knew something was off when Alex returned, as soon as he did. I did not see that playing out how it did, so well played there, Ms Brand. I do like being kept on my toes.
I loved how the relationship between Amalie and Richard grew naturally. After that first shocking encounter, they both found themselves pulled to the other and I loved that there was some pushing against the rules of the time.
I loved the animals in this book! The descriptions of the dogs and the ferret were fabulous and I could see those animals doing what was said on the page.
I loved the supporting cast: Jenny and George are Richard's siblings and they are an absolute cracker of a pair.
Both Amalie and Richard get a say, and a single chapter for a third person. Not saying who, though. But their book is next and I can't wait to read it, especially after reading the short snippet at the end of this one!
I can honestly say, I loved this book and if you like clean, historical romances, these books are for you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in The Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone to the other three. I really enjoyed them all, though, so from a personal point of view, I do recommend them all. Books 1and 2 got 5 stars and book 3 dipped to 4.
But book 4 jumps straight back up to 5 stars. I loved this book!
I'm big enough and ugly enough to admit this: I love that these books are clean! I will always read a steamy book, and be happy about it, but I'm finding THESE books do not need it. The point is delivered beautifully!
I will admit, I knew something was off when Alex returned, as soon as he did. I did not see that playing out how it did, so well played there, Ms Brand. I do like being kept on my toes.
I loved how the relationship between Amalie and Richard grew naturally. After that first shocking encounter, they both found themselves pulled to the other and I loved that there was some pushing against the rules of the time.
I loved the animals in this book! The descriptions of the dogs and the ferret were fabulous and I could see those animals doing what was said on the page.
I loved the supporting cast: Jenny and George are Richard's siblings and they are an absolute cracker of a pair.
Both Amalie and Richard get a say, and a single chapter for a third person. Not saying who, though. But their book is next and I can't wait to read it, especially after reading the short snippet at the end of this one!
I can honestly say, I loved this book and if you like clean, historical romances, these books are for you.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Lonestar's Lady in Books
Dec 15, 2017
delightful historical romance
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
Gussy travels across the country to find the man she was supposed to marry a liar, and a drunken fellow. Max Lonestar offers Gussy an alternative, one that would get them both what they want. Can Gussy see past Max' history, his prison time, his heritage??
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Gussy is a bit of a headstrong young lady, and for her time, maybe too much, but she wants what every girl of her age wants: a husband, a permanent home, children. Granted, she went across country as a mail order bride to get what she wants, so maybe not the best way, but Lonestar's alternative is better than a trip home. And let's face it, Lonestar is a much better looking man than her original intended! So she puts her heart and soul, and indeed her body, into making this work, even when Lonestar pushes her away when things get dangerous.
Pulled to Augusta like no woman has ever pulled him, he hopes and prays that this will work, that she will give him what he craves. I liked that he gave her an "out" option should they not be able to work it. I liked that he, and he alone called her Augusta.
It's quite obvious who is causing the trouble to Max and Gussy, to me at least, I just didn't think he would go THAT far! I LOVED that the town pulled together, finally, to help Gussy and Max rebuild.
Not overly explicit, it carries the right amount of steamy stuff that is proper for this book, and for the time this was set. Just enough, I thought! It does carry some prejudices but they were common at that time (some still today!)
Not a difficult read, just one of those books you can fall into and lose a couple hours, I managed to read this in one sitting. But well written, from both Gussy and Max' point of view, so you get to hear from both of them.
Thank you to Ms Camp for my copy, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Gussy travels across the country to find the man she was supposed to marry a liar, and a drunken fellow. Max Lonestar offers Gussy an alternative, one that would get them both what they want. Can Gussy see past Max' history, his prison time, his heritage??
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Gussy is a bit of a headstrong young lady, and for her time, maybe too much, but she wants what every girl of her age wants: a husband, a permanent home, children. Granted, she went across country as a mail order bride to get what she wants, so maybe not the best way, but Lonestar's alternative is better than a trip home. And let's face it, Lonestar is a much better looking man than her original intended! So she puts her heart and soul, and indeed her body, into making this work, even when Lonestar pushes her away when things get dangerous.
Pulled to Augusta like no woman has ever pulled him, he hopes and prays that this will work, that she will give him what he craves. I liked that he gave her an "out" option should they not be able to work it. I liked that he, and he alone called her Augusta.
It's quite obvious who is causing the trouble to Max and Gussy, to me at least, I just didn't think he would go THAT far! I LOVED that the town pulled together, finally, to help Gussy and Max rebuild.
Not overly explicit, it carries the right amount of steamy stuff that is proper for this book, and for the time this was set. Just enough, I thought! It does carry some prejudices but they were common at that time (some still today!)
Not a difficult read, just one of those books you can fall into and lose a couple hours, I managed to read this in one sitting. But well written, from both Gussy and Max' point of view, so you get to hear from both of them.
Thank you to Ms Camp for my copy, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (14164 KP) rated Dustwalker in Books
Aug 25, 2017
Dustwalker by Tiffany Roberts
Dustwalker is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel, set around the community of Cheyenne. The humans scrimp through their living as best as they can, ruled over by the bot Warlord. Our main female, Lara, is worried about her missing sister, and surviving the best way she can, by finding scraps and trading them for food. Ronin is a dustwalker, a bot who goes out into the Dust. Some say the dustwalkers are a crazy lot, but Ronin knows that he is alone. No one will come looking for him if something happens to him out there. Through fate, Lara and Ronin's live connect, and what happens next is something that neither of them saw coming.
This is an amazing story, with world-building that is second to none. Every scene is 'real' and completely believable, even when they involve bots ;) This book is a bit of a slowburner, but in the best possible way. You get drawn into Lara's world, with all the hunger and pain and loss that goes with it. You feel for Ronin as he tries to understand what he has said to upset Lara! Most of all, you root for these two, and everyone else in Cheyenne, to get their HEA. After all they have been through, they deserve it; and as a reader, you will want it for them.
The pace is smooth, slow and gentle to entice you into their world, and building up as the story progresses. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are all highly developed and completely distinct. There is simply no way you could confuse one character with another. There are some steamy bits but they are completely in keeping with the story, not superfluous in any way. This book had me right up until the last word - which I had to reread once I had wiped my eyes! Absolutely outstanding, I am so pleased I was given the opportunity to read this 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an amazing story, with world-building that is second to none. Every scene is 'real' and completely believable, even when they involve bots ;) This book is a bit of a slowburner, but in the best possible way. You get drawn into Lara's world, with all the hunger and pain and loss that goes with it. You feel for Ronin as he tries to understand what he has said to upset Lara! Most of all, you root for these two, and everyone else in Cheyenne, to get their HEA. After all they have been through, they deserve it; and as a reader, you will want it for them.
The pace is smooth, slow and gentle to entice you into their world, and building up as the story progresses. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are all highly developed and completely distinct. There is simply no way you could confuse one character with another. There are some steamy bits but they are completely in keeping with the story, not superfluous in any way. This book had me right up until the last word - which I had to reread once I had wiped my eyes! Absolutely outstanding, I am so pleased I was given the opportunity to read this 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!