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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Night Sins in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Loving the Enemy (7 Forbidden Arts #0) in Books
May 20, 2023
Lily is on the streets of South Africa when we first meet her, not knowing the story behind how she ended up there. Jacob comes along as her saviour, but is he really, or just a wolf in sheep's clothing?
The chemistry is there between these two from the start, but Jacob does a good job of restraining himself. Jacob is most definitely an alpha male, and Lily, although she comes across as incredibly naive, almost ditzy in places, she is the perfect match for him.
This is one helluva fast-paced, action-filled, and steamy in places, book that will delight and enthral you from start to finish. There is an introduction to a group of people that will fill out the paranormal side of things, I'm sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. However, the tiny blood-thirsty part of me was hoping for Lily to get her own back against her father and step-brother. I guess I will just have to wait and see if she shows up in further books.
* 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 23, 2016
The chemistry is there between these two from the start, but Jacob does a good job of restraining himself. Jacob is most definitely an alpha male, and Lily, although she comes across as incredibly naive, almost ditzy in places, she is the perfect match for him.
This is one helluva fast-paced, action-filled, and steamy in places, book that will delight and enthral you from start to finish. There is an introduction to a group of people that will fill out the paranormal side of things, I'm sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. However, the tiny blood-thirsty part of me was hoping for Lily to get her own back against her father and step-brother. I guess I will just have to wait and see if she shows up in further books.
* 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 23, 2016
Feral Sins (The Phoenix Pack #1)
4.0
Rate It
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If your inner wolf and your body react rather enthusiastically to a psychotic Alpha male who’s own...
Debbiereadsbook (1107 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Delilah & Dallas (The Heartwood Series #1) in Books
Jun 25, 2021
thoroughly enjoyable!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Heartwood series. It's also this author's first step into the world of male/female pairings. She usually writes male/male.
And I have to say, I really rather enjoyed it!
Delilah is young, only 20, but she has a wise head on her shoulders. She knows Dallas is a player, he makes no bones about that, but he also makes no bones about wanting Delilah. And NOT just for a quick tumble. When strange things start happening in Delilah's bakery, Dallas and his brothers step up and the two become close. When Delilah's life is threatened, Dallas loses his head and goes all Alpha male, protect what's mine.
Like I said, first step in this genre for this author, and she kinda nails it! I AM left with questions about Delilah and her mum and sister, but I know what those questions are, and surprisingly, I can voice them! Which for me, makes a change. But I'll come back to those.
Dallas is the youngest Smith brother, and this series revolves around them. They own a bar, and Delilah and her mother own a bakery in the space next door. He lusts after Delilah, and not just in a one-night stand way. When she finally relents and goes on a date with him, Dallas is smitten, and tumbles, head over heels in love. It takes Delilah a little longer, but she falls just as hard!
I could see who the bad guy was, right from when they popped up in the bakery, and that went down much as I expected it to, even if Delilah couldn't see the danger right in front of her.
I loved ALL the brothers, I really did. They all have their quirks, and their personalities, and they all have a story to tell. I mean, Stone and Delilah's best friend, Storm? Their story, well . . .I HOPE their story is going to be explosive, given what goes on here. Levi is already making goo-goo eyes at Layla. Their story is next. Ash, ohhhh Ash has a BIG story to tell, and his book is number 3, and that blurb has set all sorts of questions in my head and I have no idea where that is going! And then there is Fox. I have no clue what's going on there. While he doesn't SAY anything, I feel that his story might be a difficult read!
Back to my questions, which I'm reliably told, may well be answered in book 2, given as that's Layla's book and she holds all the cards. There is much HINTED at, about how and why the girls came to Smith's Corner. But that's all it is, HINTED at! And you know, when you get clues, and you put them together, and you make a picture of your own? I have done that, and I'm not saying what kind of picture I made, but I'm fairly certain, it's going to be worse, MUCH worse.
So hurry, Ms Paton, and release book 2, I need those answers!
A thoroughly enjoyable step out of this author's comfort zone, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is the first book in the Heartwood series. It's also this author's first step into the world of male/female pairings. She usually writes male/male.
And I have to say, I really rather enjoyed it!
Delilah is young, only 20, but she has a wise head on her shoulders. She knows Dallas is a player, he makes no bones about that, but he also makes no bones about wanting Delilah. And NOT just for a quick tumble. When strange things start happening in Delilah's bakery, Dallas and his brothers step up and the two become close. When Delilah's life is threatened, Dallas loses his head and goes all Alpha male, protect what's mine.
Like I said, first step in this genre for this author, and she kinda nails it! I AM left with questions about Delilah and her mum and sister, but I know what those questions are, and surprisingly, I can voice them! Which for me, makes a change. But I'll come back to those.
Dallas is the youngest Smith brother, and this series revolves around them. They own a bar, and Delilah and her mother own a bakery in the space next door. He lusts after Delilah, and not just in a one-night stand way. When she finally relents and goes on a date with him, Dallas is smitten, and tumbles, head over heels in love. It takes Delilah a little longer, but she falls just as hard!
I could see who the bad guy was, right from when they popped up in the bakery, and that went down much as I expected it to, even if Delilah couldn't see the danger right in front of her.
I loved ALL the brothers, I really did. They all have their quirks, and their personalities, and they all have a story to tell. I mean, Stone and Delilah's best friend, Storm? Their story, well . . .I HOPE their story is going to be explosive, given what goes on here. Levi is already making goo-goo eyes at Layla. Their story is next. Ash, ohhhh Ash has a BIG story to tell, and his book is number 3, and that blurb has set all sorts of questions in my head and I have no idea where that is going! And then there is Fox. I have no clue what's going on there. While he doesn't SAY anything, I feel that his story might be a difficult read!
Back to my questions, which I'm reliably told, may well be answered in book 2, given as that's Layla's book and she holds all the cards. There is much HINTED at, about how and why the girls came to Smith's Corner. But that's all it is, HINTED at! And you know, when you get clues, and you put them together, and you make a picture of your own? I have done that, and I'm not saying what kind of picture I made, but I'm fairly certain, it's going to be worse, MUCH worse.
So hurry, Ms Paton, and release book 2, I need those answers!
A thoroughly enjoyable step out of this author's comfort zone, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Driving Whiskey Wild (The Whiskeys #3) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Driving Whiskey Wild (The Whiskeys #3) by Melissa Foster
Driving Whiskey Wild is the third book in The Whiskeys series, but each book is written so it is standalone. Saying that, I would have loved to have read the first two books, simply because I'm nosy and like to see how everyone pairs up! In this book, we find out about Bullet. He is the mean and moody, belligerent and broody, alpha male - that is, until you get to know him and then you find out he has a marshmallow centre! The woman who gets under his skin is his total opposite in every way. Finlay is sweet, so much so he calls her 'lollipop', she prefers skirts and dresses, and has that sunny, 'everything is wonderful' attitude that made my teeth hurt. However, underneath, she is trying to keep everything together just as much as the next person. These two actually make a wonderful pair, and round each other out.
This was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are great, and you meet characters from the other books without them taking over the current story. If you are looking for a steamy, positive read, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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 was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are great, and you meet characters from the other books without them taking over the current story. If you are looking for a steamy, positive read, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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!
Alice (12 KP) rated Untamed (Uninhibited, #1) in Books
Jul 3, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
<i>Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. </i>
I was a little dubious reading this little serial as I've not read anything by the author before and I generally don't read 5 star reviews because of personal choices.
Going into <i>Untamed </i> I was pleasantly surprised by the way it was written. I had expected it to be a quick serial number with little going on and a quick steamy sex scene but there was plenty happening in this serial.
Dr Cari Dunn is a celebrity architect with a stalker. A pretty crazy stalker as stalkers are want to be. The network she does a TV show for hires a bodyguard to protect her - queue Jasper. A sinfully hot male with an alpha streak - just how I like my males!
As it's a pretty short price of writing everything meshes together nicely with a wickedly good sex scene and a great cliffhanger that leaves the series open for the next instalment which is released a week after this one.
I think the one big thing that put me off a bit was the mention of Christian Grey. Those are two words that will put me off any book but thankfully he was only mentioned once in passing.
We'll see where the next part takes us in this ride.
<i>Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. </i>
I was a little dubious reading this little serial as I've not read anything by the author before and I generally don't read 5 star reviews because of personal choices.
Going into <i>Untamed </i> I was pleasantly surprised by the way it was written. I had expected it to be a quick serial number with little going on and a quick steamy sex scene but there was plenty happening in this serial.
Dr Cari Dunn is a celebrity architect with a stalker. A pretty crazy stalker as stalkers are want to be. The network she does a TV show for hires a bodyguard to protect her - queue Jasper. A sinfully hot male with an alpha streak - just how I like my males!
As it's a pretty short price of writing everything meshes together nicely with a wickedly good sex scene and a great cliffhanger that leaves the series open for the next instalment which is released a week after this one.
I think the one big thing that put me off a bit was the mention of Christian Grey. Those are two words that will put me off any book but thankfully he was only mentioned once in passing.
We'll see where the next part takes us in this ride.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1) in Books
Dec 7, 2022
219 of 230
Kindle
Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It all started with a naked man in an alley….
Oh did that get your attention?
Good, now listen up. For years I’ve been fighting to be on my own and out from under my father’s control. I thought I’d finally managed it after I got my dream job in a London emergency room. Things were going great. I was making good money and even had a place of my own. I should have known the good times wouldn’t last. I apparently was engaged to a man my father picked out and soon found myself kidnapped, tortured, and forced into becoming someone else.
My whole life I’ve been lied to and something was hidden inside me... and now it’s set free.
It was good. Easy to follow exactly what you come to expect from this type of book and subject. I liked her writing style. My only issues if without being to harsh and it’s not necessarily just this book, why oh why when it’s a newly turned female wolf alpha or not to they turn her in to a raging nympho who has to mate every male in site? It gets a bit tedious and I’m not taking anything away from this author as I actually liked the book but this is becoming a bugbear of mine.
Kindle
Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It all started with a naked man in an alley….
Oh did that get your attention?
Good, now listen up. For years I’ve been fighting to be on my own and out from under my father’s control. I thought I’d finally managed it after I got my dream job in a London emergency room. Things were going great. I was making good money and even had a place of my own. I should have known the good times wouldn’t last. I apparently was engaged to a man my father picked out and soon found myself kidnapped, tortured, and forced into becoming someone else.
My whole life I’ve been lied to and something was hidden inside me... and now it’s set free.
It was good. Easy to follow exactly what you come to expect from this type of book and subject. I liked her writing style. My only issues if without being to harsh and it’s not necessarily just this book, why oh why when it’s a newly turned female wolf alpha or not to they turn her in to a raging nympho who has to mate every male in site? It gets a bit tedious and I’m not taking anything away from this author as I actually liked the book but this is becoming a bugbear of mine.
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Fractured Moon (Aurelia Fridell #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I love me a Paranormal Romance book - especially when I love the way it's written, get pulled into the storyline, drool over the Alpha male and laugh out loud. All of this happened with this book.
There are loads of things that I enjoyed about this book, I could go on and on, but one of the things that I will mention is the fact that Ceithin is a bit of an ass at the start. Yes, he's attracted to Aurelia but he's with someone else. Someone else who has a superiority complex and lays into Aurelia whilst Ceithin stands by and does nothing. Not good! However, he does make up for it and quickly wormed his way under my skin, pretty much the same as he did for Aurelia. I loved her reactions to it all though - completely honest!
The storyline kept my interest although at one point I had almost forgotten that she had had 'trouble' as I was concentrating so much on their burgeoning relationship. Well developed storyline, brilliant characters and anyone who can quote a Tairen Soul line is excellent by me! Looking forward to reading Ceithin's novella and more in this series in the (hopefully) near future.
* 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!
August 25, 2016
There are loads of things that I enjoyed about this book, I could go on and on, but one of the things that I will mention is the fact that Ceithin is a bit of an ass at the start. Yes, he's attracted to Aurelia but he's with someone else. Someone else who has a superiority complex and lays into Aurelia whilst Ceithin stands by and does nothing. Not good! However, he does make up for it and quickly wormed his way under my skin, pretty much the same as he did for Aurelia. I loved her reactions to it all though - completely honest!
The storyline kept my interest although at one point I had almost forgotten that she had had 'trouble' as I was concentrating so much on their burgeoning relationship. Well developed storyline, brilliant characters and anyone who can quote a Tairen Soul line is excellent by me! Looking forward to reading Ceithin's novella and more in this series in the (hopefully) near future.
* 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!
August 25, 2016
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated A Week to Be Wild in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Smart and intelligent books for smart and intelligent people. I would say women, by why should we have all the fun?
^^ A Week to be Wild by JC Harroway is the first in a daring new, sexy series — aptly named DARE — by Mills and Boon, and boy have they upped their sizzle with this range, if this book is anything to go by!
^^ This bold story features an intelligent American business woman, Libby Noble, and her adventure with British billionaire businessman Alex Lancaster. When I say adventure, I mean that on more levels than one. He wants to invest in services as a marketer for Able-Active, a new charity, which is very meaningful to him. With a week to be wild, he’d agreed to play a sensual game by her rules, and as part of that agreement, she’ll have to agree to try out his charity’s programme, forcing her to step outside her comfort zone with some daredevil pursuits of his own. All for a good cause, of course! If you’re going to work for any company, it’s certainly wise to get stuck right in and get down and dirty, as they say. Well, I hope they do!
^^ The only trouble is, will she be able to focus with Alex around? After all, he’s a movie star, bad-boy, gentleman rogue, geeky surfer dude, with brains and business acumen, (and quite a mouthful!) all rolled into one mouth-watering package. He’s also worth quite a bit, too. Always a bonus.
^^ I love the way both Libby and Alex are vying for alpha status, yet she comes out on top (pun intended) and manages to control an alpha male who is usually used to getting his own way. Alex thinks she’s a stubborn, independent women, and Libby is keen to show she’s no pushover, whilst forcing his natural alpha tendencies into submission. It’s a battle of wills, I can tell you!
^^ In addition to the actual storyline I must also comment on the style of this new range and branding. It. Is. Gorgeous! They’re hot, without being in your face pornographic. Very classy. The paperbacks are just the right size to carry around in a handbag for when you’re on the go.
^^ In fact, their whole site has had a stunning makeover, and they’ve launched a definitive guide to the Rules of Romance. Check it out!
Overall: I’m really pleased to be part of Mills and Boon’s Dare launch, and excited to read more stories from this range. If I could compare this style to other books I’ve read like this, I’d say it’s up there with the Black Lace titles. Happy to recommend JC Harroway’s book, A Week to be Wild, because it’s a well-written story, highly engaging and brimming with passion. As is, I suspect, the rest of this range is going to be… Stay seated, and switch on that electric fan. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like out there, it’s going to get hot in here!
^^ A Week to be Wild by JC Harroway is the first in a daring new, sexy series — aptly named DARE — by Mills and Boon, and boy have they upped their sizzle with this range, if this book is anything to go by!
^^ This bold story features an intelligent American business woman, Libby Noble, and her adventure with British billionaire businessman Alex Lancaster. When I say adventure, I mean that on more levels than one. He wants to invest in services as a marketer for Able-Active, a new charity, which is very meaningful to him. With a week to be wild, he’d agreed to play a sensual game by her rules, and as part of that agreement, she’ll have to agree to try out his charity’s programme, forcing her to step outside her comfort zone with some daredevil pursuits of his own. All for a good cause, of course! If you’re going to work for any company, it’s certainly wise to get stuck right in and get down and dirty, as they say. Well, I hope they do!
^^ The only trouble is, will she be able to focus with Alex around? After all, he’s a movie star, bad-boy, gentleman rogue, geeky surfer dude, with brains and business acumen, (and quite a mouthful!) all rolled into one mouth-watering package. He’s also worth quite a bit, too. Always a bonus.
^^ I love the way both Libby and Alex are vying for alpha status, yet she comes out on top (pun intended) and manages to control an alpha male who is usually used to getting his own way. Alex thinks she’s a stubborn, independent women, and Libby is keen to show she’s no pushover, whilst forcing his natural alpha tendencies into submission. It’s a battle of wills, I can tell you!
^^ In addition to the actual storyline I must also comment on the style of this new range and branding. It. Is. Gorgeous! They’re hot, without being in your face pornographic. Very classy. The paperbacks are just the right size to carry around in a handbag for when you’re on the go.
^^ In fact, their whole site has had a stunning makeover, and they’ve launched a definitive guide to the Rules of Romance. Check it out!
Overall: I’m really pleased to be part of Mills and Boon’s Dare launch, and excited to read more stories from this range. If I could compare this style to other books I’ve read like this, I’d say it’s up there with the Black Lace titles. Happy to recommend JC Harroway’s book, A Week to be Wild, because it’s a well-written story, highly engaging and brimming with passion. As is, I suspect, the rest of this range is going to be… Stay seated, and switch on that electric fan. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like out there, it’s going to get hot in here!
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Forgotten Storm (Storm #1) in Books
May 27, 2020
Forgotten Storm is the first book in the Storm series and, let me tell you, it certainly kicks up a storm! From beginning to end, this book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go!
Nikki is a strong female character who has dealt with more than she should have done, which has left her with coping mechanisms she doesn't think anyone will understand. Logan is her mate and a strong character in his own right. He has done what he thought was right for Nikki, even to his own detriment, to ensure her safety. Of course, nothing goes according to plan so both of them have to deal with unforeseen issues.
This is, quite simply, an amazing book. There are some hard-hitting subjects raised here including sexual abuse, assault, BDSM, plus more that I won't go into. There are no slow points in the story and the pacing is perfect for the story. I loved how Nikki was into martial arts 'before' she knew anything so that helped her progression. Logan is a darling and I loved him! He's also an Alpha Male so obviously he needed a whomp upside the head at times and Nikki was the perfect one to do so.
A brilliant start to a series that I can't wait to read more about. Highly recommended.
* 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. *
Nikki is a strong female character who has dealt with more than she should have done, which has left her with coping mechanisms she doesn't think anyone will understand. Logan is her mate and a strong character in his own right. He has done what he thought was right for Nikki, even to his own detriment, to ensure her safety. Of course, nothing goes according to plan so both of them have to deal with unforeseen issues.
This is, quite simply, an amazing book. There are some hard-hitting subjects raised here including sexual abuse, assault, BDSM, plus more that I won't go into. There are no slow points in the story and the pacing is perfect for the story. I loved how Nikki was into martial arts 'before' she knew anything so that helped her progression. Logan is a darling and I loved him! He's also an Alpha Male so obviously he needed a whomp upside the head at times and Nikki was the perfect one to do so.
A brilliant start to a series that I can't wait to read more about. Highly recommended.
* 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. *