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Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated A Ballooning Display (Bucket List Buddies #3) in Books
May 24, 2026
loving the low drama/angst between the MCs
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Bucket List Buddies series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, I'm recommending you do read the other books first. This is a close knit group of friends and you need to be able to keep up with them all!
About that, actually! All of these guys seem to live and work in fairly close proximity, in a small town but they never cross paths until the events. Found it a bit strange, and my book brian said I need to mention it, so I am :-)
Toby takes a ride in a hot air balloon, has an accident and his bird is adamant he met their mate. Toby the man can't remember, but his bird can. Ernest knew, when he picked Toby up and took him to hospital, but they wouldn't let him in and now he has to find his mate, or go mad. Fortunately, his friends come good for him! But there is the minor subject of Ernest's ex!
What I'm loving about these books is there is very little drama between the two main characters. Lots of others causing drama, and angst and issues, but between the pair, there is little. And sometimes you really do need that!
The animals are different too, here we have Ernest who is an elephant, and Toby is a bird. A small bird, but I don't think it says what sort. The small bird has A LOT to say, though, when said ex turns up trying to get Ernest back. I could see a little bird, sitting on the shoulder of an elephant squawking it's little head off!
It's steamy, as these books are, but I loved that Toby manages to talk himself out of his 3+ date rule. Made me think of my own 5 date rule, and how I managed to wiggle myself out of it! made me chuckle.
Rick is next, he works with Ernest on the flower farm (again, not sure it says what sort of flowers!) and of course, there is Remy and Sven and I am LOVING the epilogues!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Bucket List Buddies series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, I'm recommending you do read the other books first. This is a close knit group of friends and you need to be able to keep up with them all!
About that, actually! All of these guys seem to live and work in fairly close proximity, in a small town but they never cross paths until the events. Found it a bit strange, and my book brian said I need to mention it, so I am :-)
Toby takes a ride in a hot air balloon, has an accident and his bird is adamant he met their mate. Toby the man can't remember, but his bird can. Ernest knew, when he picked Toby up and took him to hospital, but they wouldn't let him in and now he has to find his mate, or go mad. Fortunately, his friends come good for him! But there is the minor subject of Ernest's ex!
What I'm loving about these books is there is very little drama between the two main characters. Lots of others causing drama, and angst and issues, but between the pair, there is little. And sometimes you really do need that!
The animals are different too, here we have Ernest who is an elephant, and Toby is a bird. A small bird, but I don't think it says what sort. The small bird has A LOT to say, though, when said ex turns up trying to get Ernest back. I could see a little bird, sitting on the shoulder of an elephant squawking it's little head off!
It's steamy, as these books are, but I loved that Toby manages to talk himself out of his 3+ date rule. Made me think of my own 5 date rule, and how I managed to wiggle myself out of it! made me chuckle.
Rick is next, he works with Ernest on the flower farm (again, not sure it says what sort of flowers!) and of course, there is Remy and Sven and I am LOVING the epilogues!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Christa's Obsession (Obsession #3) in Books
Feb 5, 2025
I really loved watching Wanda give herself to Christa, emotionally more than physically, to be honest.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Obsessions series, and there is some overlap between this and the previous two books. I think you *SHOULD* read them before this one. Silas is Wanda's brother and it will give you a better picture of the dryad/tree relationship. Wanda's is quite different.
After being kidnapped by demons and rescued, Wanda wants nothing to do with the entire demonkind. But her brother is mated to one, and Dakata saved her life, along with a couple of others. But why, at the back of her mind, is Christa lurking? She is Dakata's sister but Wnada cannot remember her being at her rescue. And then, they touch, and both ladies know the other is their Blissful One. But Wanda hates demons? How can she be mated to one??
Ms Sayle writes MM books, has done for a while and I have followed her from the beginning. THIS is her first foray into FF books, and I was mighty, MIGHTY curious about Wanda and her trees in both previous books, so pairing those two things together, made me fully immerse myself into this book.
I was NOT disappointed! I loved how it all played out between Christa and Wanda, I really did!
Oh, and the trees?? All FEMALE trees, which I don't believe was mentioned in earlier books. And those trees know just how to please their dryad, and her demon mate! I will never look at a peach in the same way :-) Steamy and smexy, that's what these two ladies are, along with the peach trees and I really thought Sayle nailed those scenes.
This book is mostly about Wanda letting go of her fears and fully committing to Christa. The visit from the Demon King, Asmodeus, helps a great deal, and the family dinner with Christa's siblings does too. I really loved watching Wanda give herself to Christa, emotionally more than physically, to be honest.
Given the epilogue, and what I've seen about the next two books, they all overlap somewhat. I actually liked that. It's a bit different, is all, and gives spoilers for future books.
I absolutely cannot fault this, I really can't!
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Obsessions series, and there is some overlap between this and the previous two books. I think you *SHOULD* read them before this one. Silas is Wanda's brother and it will give you a better picture of the dryad/tree relationship. Wanda's is quite different.
After being kidnapped by demons and rescued, Wanda wants nothing to do with the entire demonkind. But her brother is mated to one, and Dakata saved her life, along with a couple of others. But why, at the back of her mind, is Christa lurking? She is Dakata's sister but Wnada cannot remember her being at her rescue. And then, they touch, and both ladies know the other is their Blissful One. But Wanda hates demons? How can she be mated to one??
Ms Sayle writes MM books, has done for a while and I have followed her from the beginning. THIS is her first foray into FF books, and I was mighty, MIGHTY curious about Wanda and her trees in both previous books, so pairing those two things together, made me fully immerse myself into this book.
I was NOT disappointed! I loved how it all played out between Christa and Wanda, I really did!
Oh, and the trees?? All FEMALE trees, which I don't believe was mentioned in earlier books. And those trees know just how to please their dryad, and her demon mate! I will never look at a peach in the same way :-) Steamy and smexy, that's what these two ladies are, along with the peach trees and I really thought Sayle nailed those scenes.
This book is mostly about Wanda letting go of her fears and fully committing to Christa. The visit from the Demon King, Asmodeus, helps a great deal, and the family dinner with Christa's siblings does too. I really loved watching Wanda give herself to Christa, emotionally more than physically, to be honest.
Given the epilogue, and what I've seen about the next two books, they all overlap somewhat. I actually liked that. It's a bit different, is all, and gives spoilers for future books.
I absolutely cannot fault this, I really can't!
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Pomegranate Kiss (Charmed In Charleston #2) in Books
Feb 8, 2025
so sweet, how Lex fell first!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Charmed In Charleston series and I have not read book 1, Taking Root. My only thing to say would be, other than massive spoilers for THAT book you don't need to have read it before THIS book. I want to, though. Lex is Adrian's sister, and Cam is Danny's best friend.
Lex and Cam hook up, and neither can forget the event. When thrown together for Adriana dn Danny's wedding as maid of honour and bridesmaid, they quickly set a time line for the interlude. More pressing, Cam is in the closet and her parents want her to marry a nice man of their chosing. Returning to college looks better and better for Cam. But how can she tell lex, when this was only supposed to be a fling?
I liked this, I liked this A LOT. I couldn't quite love it though, but I haven't been able to love anything at the moment due to ill health, so take this review as a very good one, please!
I loved that Lex, the love em and leave queen, falls first. She knew Cam was special after that one time, and having tasted her once, she wants more. Far more than she ever wanted before, with anyone. Cam has more pressing issues. Her parents wants her to marry a nice man of their chosing and their faith is very against same sex relationships. She doesn't want to lose them, but things move at a pace she doesn't see coming and flips.
But I loved that the flip comes AFTER she returns to college, after she and Lex break up. And I loved that Cam didn't immediately run to Lex. Oh she wanted to, she really did. But she waits for Lex to come to her and that scene, on the harbour, where it all began, was amazing.
It's steamy, and smexy. Some drama and full of the found and realted families that McIntyre is so good at! I did find it kinda sweet, too, how Lex fell. She really did NOT see that coming!
4 very VERY good stars (my apologises!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Charmed In Charleston series and I have not read book 1, Taking Root. My only thing to say would be, other than massive spoilers for THAT book you don't need to have read it before THIS book. I want to, though. Lex is Adrian's sister, and Cam is Danny's best friend.
Lex and Cam hook up, and neither can forget the event. When thrown together for Adriana dn Danny's wedding as maid of honour and bridesmaid, they quickly set a time line for the interlude. More pressing, Cam is in the closet and her parents want her to marry a nice man of their chosing. Returning to college looks better and better for Cam. But how can she tell lex, when this was only supposed to be a fling?
I liked this, I liked this A LOT. I couldn't quite love it though, but I haven't been able to love anything at the moment due to ill health, so take this review as a very good one, please!
I loved that Lex, the love em and leave queen, falls first. She knew Cam was special after that one time, and having tasted her once, she wants more. Far more than she ever wanted before, with anyone. Cam has more pressing issues. Her parents wants her to marry a nice man of their chosing and their faith is very against same sex relationships. She doesn't want to lose them, but things move at a pace she doesn't see coming and flips.
But I loved that the flip comes AFTER she returns to college, after she and Lex break up. And I loved that Cam didn't immediately run to Lex. Oh she wanted to, she really did. But she waits for Lex to come to her and that scene, on the harbour, where it all began, was amazing.
It's steamy, and smexy. Some drama and full of the found and realted families that McIntyre is so good at! I did find it kinda sweet, too, how Lex fell. She really did NOT see that coming!
4 very VERY good stars (my apologises!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated The Demon Bodyguard in Books
Apr 20, 2025
Zeke flips from stalker to protector on a penny.
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is about Zeke, who is Mal's brother from The Demon Undertaker. I would recommend that you read that book before this one. While not strictly necessary, I think it will give you a better picture of the relationship between Mal and Zeke.
Zeke takes a job that will net him a million Euros. But watching Rory is boring, until Rory catches Zeke watching him and Zeke's demon half shouts MINE! Then it becomes a matter of keeping Rory and his daughter safe. The danger, however, is not all it seems!
What I loved most about this, was that while there was that MINE moment, it is a while coming. And once it comes, Zeke flips from stalker to protector on a penny. His whole self upends itself at that realisation, and I loved that he had to talk to Mal, who pretty much laughed his head off! How Zeke was with Mal in The Demon Undertaker is so far removed from how he now feels, it's uncanny.
The danger never really lets up for Rory and his daughter. And I loved that Rory *TRIED* to give his father in law the benefit of the doubt, but it was thrown back at him. I did like that they let it play out, without Carlotta ever knowing the truth about her grandfather.
Dante, from The Devil's Dilemma pops up, as well as Mal and Jason. I loved how Adams has seemlessly joined three books, from 2 different series, but somehow managed to follow them on from one another!
The story line is dark here, but there are some lighter moments, mostly with Mal winding Zeke up. Steamy and smexy, but deeply emotional in places. Rory has a lot on his shoulders and he needs Zeke but doesn't want to disrespect his dead wife.
I quote directly from my review about The Demon Undertaker:
Adams is an author I have followed from the very beginning. I can honestly say, I'm loving the newer stuff she writes, as she continues to hone her craft. THIS book was no exception. THIS is my favourite book so far. I'm fairly certain, I'll be saying that for the next one too!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is about Zeke, who is Mal's brother from The Demon Undertaker. I would recommend that you read that book before this one. While not strictly necessary, I think it will give you a better picture of the relationship between Mal and Zeke.
Zeke takes a job that will net him a million Euros. But watching Rory is boring, until Rory catches Zeke watching him and Zeke's demon half shouts MINE! Then it becomes a matter of keeping Rory and his daughter safe. The danger, however, is not all it seems!
What I loved most about this, was that while there was that MINE moment, it is a while coming. And once it comes, Zeke flips from stalker to protector on a penny. His whole self upends itself at that realisation, and I loved that he had to talk to Mal, who pretty much laughed his head off! How Zeke was with Mal in The Demon Undertaker is so far removed from how he now feels, it's uncanny.
The danger never really lets up for Rory and his daughter. And I loved that Rory *TRIED* to give his father in law the benefit of the doubt, but it was thrown back at him. I did like that they let it play out, without Carlotta ever knowing the truth about her grandfather.
Dante, from The Devil's Dilemma pops up, as well as Mal and Jason. I loved how Adams has seemlessly joined three books, from 2 different series, but somehow managed to follow them on from one another!
The story line is dark here, but there are some lighter moments, mostly with Mal winding Zeke up. Steamy and smexy, but deeply emotional in places. Rory has a lot on his shoulders and he needs Zeke but doesn't want to disrespect his dead wife.
I quote directly from my review about The Demon Undertaker:
Adams is an author I have followed from the very beginning. I can honestly say, I'm loving the newer stuff she writes, as she continues to hone her craft. THIS book was no exception. THIS is my favourite book so far. I'm fairly certain, I'll be saying that for the next one too!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3) in Books
May 26, 2022
my fav of the three!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Dungeons and Dating series. While it can totally be read as a stand-alone, I really think you should read books one and 2 first. It will give you a better, bigger picture of this group of co-workers and friends but also because I said to! Bloody good books, both of them!
Mason and Hunter work at the game cafe, and have crushed on each other for a long time. There are so many miscommunicated moments between these two, it made for painful reading!
Hunter likes how Mason makes him feel, but knows someone like Mase won't ever want him. Mase, in turn, can't understand why Hunter pushed them away a year ago. When Hunter tells them WHY? Oh, I fell in love with Hunter, just a little bit more. Mase too, when they finally let Hunter in.
These two are perfect for each other, but neither thinks they are good enough for the other. Once they actually talk, things become clearer as to why they both think that.
It's not as steamy as the other two books, I thought, but it is HEAVY on the emotions. I loved that Hunter makes a point to ask Mase about their preferences, what they like to do in the smexy department, given that Mase is non-binary. I will admit it took a little getting used to the they/their/them pronouns, but it soon faded to the background. I hated what happened to Mason's sister and how that all came out. And then what happened to Hunter when he was young, you could see why Mason pushed Hunter away for a time.
The others pop up, and I again implore Ms McIntyre to write a story for Jasper! He's starting to hurt, a little, that his friends are pairing up and he can't find his person. You feel for Kelly here. But I think there is a whole LOT we don't know about her relationship with Nat. There are clues, if you know what to look for, that things weren't as clear cut as they seemed. That all comes out in the next book, though.
I loved this book, more so than books 1 and 2 and I loved them too!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Dungeons and Dating series. While it can totally be read as a stand-alone, I really think you should read books one and 2 first. It will give you a better, bigger picture of this group of co-workers and friends but also because I said to! Bloody good books, both of them!
Mason and Hunter work at the game cafe, and have crushed on each other for a long time. There are so many miscommunicated moments between these two, it made for painful reading!
Hunter likes how Mason makes him feel, but knows someone like Mase won't ever want him. Mase, in turn, can't understand why Hunter pushed them away a year ago. When Hunter tells them WHY? Oh, I fell in love with Hunter, just a little bit more. Mase too, when they finally let Hunter in.
These two are perfect for each other, but neither thinks they are good enough for the other. Once they actually talk, things become clearer as to why they both think that.
It's not as steamy as the other two books, I thought, but it is HEAVY on the emotions. I loved that Hunter makes a point to ask Mase about their preferences, what they like to do in the smexy department, given that Mase is non-binary. I will admit it took a little getting used to the they/their/them pronouns, but it soon faded to the background. I hated what happened to Mason's sister and how that all came out. And then what happened to Hunter when he was young, you could see why Mason pushed Hunter away for a time.
The others pop up, and I again implore Ms McIntyre to write a story for Jasper! He's starting to hurt, a little, that his friends are pairing up and he can't find his person. You feel for Kelly here. But I think there is a whole LOT we don't know about her relationship with Nat. There are clues, if you know what to look for, that things weren't as clear cut as they seemed. That all comes out in the next book, though.
I loved this book, more so than books 1 and 2 and I loved them too!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Down to the Sea (Mystic Beach, #1.5) by Aislinn Archer
8.0
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Aedan “Mace” Mason is the lead singer of legendary rock band Telltale Signs and a fixture in the...
Adult Fantasy Romance Irish Celtic
Merissa (14164 KP) rated Improper Mage in Books
Mar 8, 2022
IMPROPER MAGE is the first book in a new series by a new author, Taylor Westwood.
In a world similar to our own, Liana lives in Triaedian - a land where shifters, vampires, and mages all live in harmony?! As a female, she doesn't have many options, and the only magic she is supposed to know is how to help with her household. Luckily for us, Liana is not content with that and learns as much as she can by herself, being a strong and proficient mage, even if she can never show it.
One night she meets Damien, the King of Triaedian, who is fascinated by her. He has ruled alone for some time but, maybe, it is time for him to find his Queen. Liana is flattered until she finds out he has expressed interest in two others as well. Then she feels betrayed and played.
The interaction between these two is brilliant. Liana is seen as an 'odd' one in that she doesn't abide by society's rules for what a woman should do. Damien sees this and doesn't seem to want to change her, delighting in who she is. The attraction is hot and immediate but, once again due to society's rules, they are forbidden to act upon it until they are married. They do push the boundaries and have one particularly steamy moment, but will he marry her or one of the others?
I found the world-building to be brilliant, giving me enough information to see how the world worked without overloading me all at once. I also adored the hidden depths of others characters that sneaked through every so often. There is an overall story arc here so don't expect a HEA ending. What you do get is a fantastic ending that will definitely leave you wanting more.
I immediately went onto the author's website to see if there was any indication of when the next book was due out. For a debut book, this was amazing and I loved every word. Highly recommended by me!!
ps - and if you find out when Improper Queen is due out before me, please let me know! I need 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!
In a world similar to our own, Liana lives in Triaedian - a land where shifters, vampires, and mages all live in harmony?! As a female, she doesn't have many options, and the only magic she is supposed to know is how to help with her household. Luckily for us, Liana is not content with that and learns as much as she can by herself, being a strong and proficient mage, even if she can never show it.
One night she meets Damien, the King of Triaedian, who is fascinated by her. He has ruled alone for some time but, maybe, it is time for him to find his Queen. Liana is flattered until she finds out he has expressed interest in two others as well. Then she feels betrayed and played.
The interaction between these two is brilliant. Liana is seen as an 'odd' one in that she doesn't abide by society's rules for what a woman should do. Damien sees this and doesn't seem to want to change her, delighting in who she is. The attraction is hot and immediate but, once again due to society's rules, they are forbidden to act upon it until they are married. They do push the boundaries and have one particularly steamy moment, but will he marry her or one of the others?
I found the world-building to be brilliant, giving me enough information to see how the world worked without overloading me all at once. I also adored the hidden depths of others characters that sneaked through every so often. There is an overall story arc here so don't expect a HEA ending. What you do get is a fantastic ending that will definitely leave you wanting more.
I immediately went onto the author's website to see if there was any indication of when the next book was due out. For a debut book, this was amazing and I loved every word. Highly recommended by me!!
ps - and if you find out when Improper Queen is due out before me, please let me know! I need 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!
Dream Weaver (Mystic Beach #2)
10.0
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His rise to rock-and-roll stardom pulled them apart. Can a magical summer at the beach bring them...
RockStar Romance Celtic Spirituality - Irish
Merissa (14164 KP) rated It's Complicated (Reservations #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
IT'S COMPLICATED is the second book in the Reservations series and is also how I feel about this book. This is Julian's story; his and the Marlborough Man, otherwise known as Beckett.
Julian has lived through hell and come out the other side. Beckett only knows that he wants to know him better, no matter what happened in his past. Thane, in the first book, looked at Levi and wanted him, prepared to do whatever it took to have him. In a way, Beckett is the same, except he doesn't try to steamroller Julian. Instead, he goes for the perfect gentleman, gently-gently approach. Julian responds to him but ultimately, has different goals than Beckett.
And that, right there, is why I struggled with this book. I just don't like Julian. Now, I'm not saying anything about his past. What he dealt with, nobody should ever have to deal with. I'm talking about the present and future Julian. In his professional life, he constantly flouts the rules that are there for the protection of others, not just him. He is rude and has a major attitude. Only once does he acknowledge that he caused trouble for others, but then immediately justifies it by saying he was doing it for the betterment of the club. And in his personal life, the whole time he was with Beckett, he only had in mind getting his body back in the game of being an Escort. (Yes, I do realise he has to do that to have his epiphany...) And Beckett was a bit too soft and gentle if you know what I mean. If Julian had done to me what he did to Beckett, we certainly wouldn't be looking at sunsets with his family, put it that way.
I liked the cameos of Thane and Levi; for me, they helped move this story along. It's a Kindle Alexander book, which means it's steamy and generally a good read. However, this one just didn't do it for me as others have done.
** 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!
Dec 17, 2021
Julian has lived through hell and come out the other side. Beckett only knows that he wants to know him better, no matter what happened in his past. Thane, in the first book, looked at Levi and wanted him, prepared to do whatever it took to have him. In a way, Beckett is the same, except he doesn't try to steamroller Julian. Instead, he goes for the perfect gentleman, gently-gently approach. Julian responds to him but ultimately, has different goals than Beckett.
And that, right there, is why I struggled with this book. I just don't like Julian. Now, I'm not saying anything about his past. What he dealt with, nobody should ever have to deal with. I'm talking about the present and future Julian. In his professional life, he constantly flouts the rules that are there for the protection of others, not just him. He is rude and has a major attitude. Only once does he acknowledge that he caused trouble for others, but then immediately justifies it by saying he was doing it for the betterment of the club. And in his personal life, the whole time he was with Beckett, he only had in mind getting his body back in the game of being an Escort. (Yes, I do realise he has to do that to have his epiphany...) And Beckett was a bit too soft and gentle if you know what I mean. If Julian had done to me what he did to Beckett, we certainly wouldn't be looking at sunsets with his family, put it that way.
I liked the cameos of Thane and Levi; for me, they helped move this story along. It's a Kindle Alexander book, which means it's steamy and generally a good read. However, this one just didn't do it for me as others have done.
** 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!
Dec 17, 2021
Smoke on the Water (Mystic Beach, #3)
10.0
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The sea is vast, full of legends and mystery. Under its surface hide both beautiful treasures and...
Paranormal Rockstar Romance