Search

Search only in certain items:

Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023)
Hanging with Daddy (Pride Pet Play 2023)
JP Sayle | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
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
  
40x40

Merissa (14098 KP) rated Thick as Thieves (Aster Valley #4) in Books

Mar 2, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Thick as Thieves (Aster Valley #4)
Thick as Thieves (Aster Valley #4)
Lucy Lennox | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
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
  
Dusty Ropes and Rusty Spurs (Bucket List Buddies #4)
Dusty Ropes and Rusty Spurs (Bucket List Buddies #4)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
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
  
The Dark Before Dawn (Basic Instincts #4)
The Dark Before Dawn (Basic Instincts #4)
Thom Collins | 2026 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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
  
Lonestar's Lady
Lonestar's Lady
Deborah Camp | 2017 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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**
  
40x40

Merissa (14098 KP) rated Dustwalker in Books

Aug 25, 2017  
Dustwalker
Dustwalker
Tiffany Roberts | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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!
  
40x40

Dana (24 KP) rated Flame in the Mist in Books

Sep 8, 2017  
Flame in the Mist
Flame in the Mist
Renee Ahdieh | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
It got off to a great start with a gripping opening. The last half of the book also gripped me and didn't let go until I was done. The characters, the setting, the details; all fantastic. (0 more)
After that opening, it slowed and I had to force myself to continue reading. The pace just felt.... off. And you're left with more and more questions. (0 more)
Enjoyed from beginning to end
Overall, I freaking loved this novel. It's set in feudal Japan and follows a young woman as she is being married off the the emperor's second son. Mariko is a badass, There's no other way to put it. She will take no shit from others which gets her into a lot of trouble. She's also flawed in that aspect too; she's so blinded by her stubbornness to see the actual world around her sometimes. But she's not the only character who gets depth. Her brother, who we see in almost alternating viewpoints in the story, is a character filled with flaws and pride. But that's not all. Several characters get fleshed out back stories (some more in depth than others) and seeing them all grow was a delight to read.

Let's move on to the rich details of the setting. Feudal Japan can be tricky and Renee Ahdieh did it so much justice. It's described so well, I could easily put myself into Mariko's shoes and lose myself in the story. It's so nice to have that level of detail paid attention to in novels set in a different time and place.


And that romance.... oh boy, it was steamy. I must admit my weakness for slow burn romances (especially ones that are hate-to-love) and this did not disappoint. It was a bit awkward; at first I wasn't sure who she was going to get together with, but when it hit it's stride, I was in love. I really don't want to give much away, but it was fantastic to read and fall in love with them.


I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
  
Prophecy (Prophecy #1)
Prophecy (Prophecy #1)
Lea Kirk | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Prophecy (Prophecy #1) by Lea Kirk
Prophecy is the first book in the Prophecy series, and we start off with Alex as she is thrown into a cell after aliens have invaded earth. She has no idea what has happened to her family or friends, but is determined to do what she can. The first time she meets Gryf, she lays one on him and gives him a black eye. Gryf takes it, not only because it goes against in him to 'attack' a woman, but also because he believes it is deserved. He feels an immense amount of guilt in allowing the earth to be attacked. These two have to work together if there is to be any chance of survival.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Alex and Gryf are fantastic together. They have a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments, but not too many. As Alex rightly says 'it can be hard getting private time in a refugee camp'. Okay, so I'm paraphrasing, but you know what I mean! Alex is a straight-talking, no-nonsense character who does her best no matter what the situation. Gryf is the honourable Captain who will do anything to protect those who can't protect themselves. He even lumps Alex into that category until she proves otherwise. So many characters in this book, and I loved all of them! Well, apart from the baddies ;) Graig has to be a favourite of mine, and Dante, and Nick, and Ora, and... oh you get the idea! Really pleased to hear that Nick will be getting his own book, and the extra chapter with Graig was sheer perfection.

This story was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth, the action was exciting, and the romance was wonderful. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series, and by this author.

* 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!