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Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated Mine Completely in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Money sucks.
It can be a good thing, but at the same time it can ruin relationships or at the very least cause fights and angst. Simon and Kara haven’t totally figured out how to deal with their money, even though they are engaged. Kara is still self-conscious about the income gap between them and wants a prenup. Simon is worried that Kara doesn’t think that he trusts her and wants to do anything and everything to prove that he does. Then there’s the little matter of Kara’s pregnancy.
While I enjoyed this Simon and Kara story very much, I only enjoyed reading it once. One read through is enough time to enjoy the romantic gestures and Simon’s and Kara’s hopeless love and attraction to each other. But like a significant other, the more time you spend with the story, the more you see flaws and annoying habits that make you cringe. Simon and Kara fight like two teenagers riddled with hormones and angst. While Simon is still smokin’ hot, and the sex scenes are well worth the read, Simon slowly loses his brain cells until he sounds more like a caveman and less like a video game designer with alpha male tendencies. I don’t know how many times he called Kara “his woman”, but it was enough to annoy me. Severely annoy me.
But like any other significant lover worth loving, you get over the flaws. The Billionaire’s Obsession is a fantastic, well detailed erotic romance that has fantastic sex scenes, great characters, and even a plot, which is a rare find in the dark and dangerous realm of erotica.
It can be a good thing, but at the same time it can ruin relationships or at the very least cause fights and angst. Simon and Kara haven’t totally figured out how to deal with their money, even though they are engaged. Kara is still self-conscious about the income gap between them and wants a prenup. Simon is worried that Kara doesn’t think that he trusts her and wants to do anything and everything to prove that he does. Then there’s the little matter of Kara’s pregnancy.
While I enjoyed this Simon and Kara story very much, I only enjoyed reading it once. One read through is enough time to enjoy the romantic gestures and Simon’s and Kara’s hopeless love and attraction to each other. But like a significant other, the more time you spend with the story, the more you see flaws and annoying habits that make you cringe. Simon and Kara fight like two teenagers riddled with hormones and angst. While Simon is still smokin’ hot, and the sex scenes are well worth the read, Simon slowly loses his brain cells until he sounds more like a caveman and less like a video game designer with alpha male tendencies. I don’t know how many times he called Kara “his woman”, but it was enough to annoy me. Severely annoy me.
But like any other significant lover worth loving, you get over the flaws. The Billionaire’s Obsession is a fantastic, well detailed erotic romance that has fantastic sex scenes, great characters, and even a plot, which is a rare find in the dark and dangerous realm of erotica.
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Bewitched (Breakers Hockey #5) in Books
Sep 6, 2022
Everyone has a mask. Some are just more difficult to see.
BEWITCHED is the fifth book in the Breakers Hockey series and we reunited with Raph and Beth. He is still backing away from relationships and Beth is busy being surrogate for Pru and Marcel. How will these two ever get together?
By Beth feeling the effects of being pregnant, and with twins too! Raph is an alpha male who does run roughshod over Beth at times. She needs someone to stand up to her and show her that he cares, but I did find it slightly annoying in places. Another thing that grated was Beth's constant musings about castles, dungeons, and demons. I got it. I didn't need bashing over the head with it repeatedly.
If you ignore those two things, then I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Raph and Beth have rocky ground to cover but they manage it. They have help from their friends, which also allows you to play catch up with the other couples too.
Elise Faber isn't afraid of delving deep into hurtful and abusive backgrounds and always does it with respect and tact.
It is Cas' story next and, yet again, the taster at the end has left me wanting it immediately. Still no idea if Brandon gets a story, but I'm nothing if not hopeful!
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
By Beth feeling the effects of being pregnant, and with twins too! Raph is an alpha male who does run roughshod over Beth at times. She needs someone to stand up to her and show her that he cares, but I did find it slightly annoying in places. Another thing that grated was Beth's constant musings about castles, dungeons, and demons. I got it. I didn't need bashing over the head with it repeatedly.
If you ignore those two things, then I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Raph and Beth have rocky ground to cover but they manage it. They have help from their friends, which also allows you to play catch up with the other couples too.
Elise Faber isn't afraid of delving deep into hurtful and abusive backgrounds and always does it with respect and tact.
It is Cas' story next and, yet again, the taster at the end has left me wanting it immediately. Still no idea if Brandon gets a story, but I'm nothing if not hopeful!
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Pyromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #1) in Books
May 20, 2023
This story starts with Clelia waking up in the woods. She is safe, as she has her wolf dogs protecting her, but she is worried that she may be the cause behind the multitude of fires that have started recently. There is a strong bond between her and Erwan, her grandfather. The story takes a twist when it is Erwan who is suspected of causing the fires. More than just the police are interested, and Erwan makes the decision that both he and Clelia are going to disappear. Clelia doesn't get very far before Josselin meets up with her, although she had already seen him, but he doesn't remember it.
This is a fast-paced action/adventure with a splash of paranormal. There is plenty of Alpha Male growling going on whenever anyone else looks at Clelia, but Josselin isn't prepared to admit his own feelings. The scenes between Clelia and Josselin are very intense, and steamy in places. The difference between Clelia and Josselin is very obvious - in the fact that Clelia has a quiet strength that grows throughout the book, but is very submissive towards Josselin himself. As for him, I personally found his possessiveness/jealousy a bit much, but Clelia seemed happy with it, so that's all good 😉
A steamy adventure with parts of paranormal, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a different take on action/pnr.
* 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
This is a fast-paced action/adventure with a splash of paranormal. There is plenty of Alpha Male growling going on whenever anyone else looks at Clelia, but Josselin isn't prepared to admit his own feelings. The scenes between Clelia and Josselin are very intense, and steamy in places. The difference between Clelia and Josselin is very obvious - in the fact that Clelia has a quiet strength that grows throughout the book, but is very submissive towards Josselin himself. As for him, I personally found his possessiveness/jealousy a bit much, but Clelia seemed happy with it, so that's all good 😉
A steamy adventure with parts of paranormal, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a different take on action/pnr.
* 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
Lee Ann (116 KP) rated Moonlight Sins in Books
May 18, 2018
This book is so awkward. That's really the only way I can put it. The female MC flits between sounding like a woman in her 20s to a teenager and back again with alarming regularity.
The three de Vincent brothers are flat. It's like JLA picked out three primary alpha male qualities, gave one to each and figured that was enough. Devlin is the silent, mysterious one, Gabe is the easygoing one and Lucian is the playboy. Each trope isn't a bad one, but there's barely any fleshing out.
The plot alludes to ghosts haunting the house, but nothing ever really comes of that other than ghostly footsteps and flickering lights happening here and there but have no real impact on the story, it's like they're used as an excuse for mystery.
The primary storyline is okay - Lucian is painted as a womaniser at first, and the first few scenes with him are boring and predictable. When he first meets Julia, the JLA we know and love shines through for a while, with witty banter and Lucian gets a little bit of padding.
Sadly, the plot seems to lose its way at some point - it's almost like she's trying to hard and throwing as much into the mix as she can to ensure she covers all bases.
The result is a messy read, up and down, good parts and bad. It reads mostly like it should be YA, but with some of the most awkward sex scenes with things like "he caught her nipple between thumb and forefinger and did something that...." lots of sentences in these scenes end with "did something that..." we never find out what that something is lol
Overall, it's not horrible, but it was awkward and clumsy. I do have the second one on preorder, so we'll see..
The three de Vincent brothers are flat. It's like JLA picked out three primary alpha male qualities, gave one to each and figured that was enough. Devlin is the silent, mysterious one, Gabe is the easygoing one and Lucian is the playboy. Each trope isn't a bad one, but there's barely any fleshing out.
The plot alludes to ghosts haunting the house, but nothing ever really comes of that other than ghostly footsteps and flickering lights happening here and there but have no real impact on the story, it's like they're used as an excuse for mystery.
The primary storyline is okay - Lucian is painted as a womaniser at first, and the first few scenes with him are boring and predictable. When he first meets Julia, the JLA we know and love shines through for a while, with witty banter and Lucian gets a little bit of padding.
Sadly, the plot seems to lose its way at some point - it's almost like she's trying to hard and throwing as much into the mix as she can to ensure she covers all bases.
The result is a messy read, up and down, good parts and bad. It reads mostly like it should be YA, but with some of the most awkward sex scenes with things like "he caught her nipple between thumb and forefinger and did something that...." lots of sentences in these scenes end with "did something that..." we never find out what that something is lol
Overall, it's not horrible, but it was awkward and clumsy. I do have the second one on preorder, so we'll see..
Debbiereadsbook (1107 KP) rated The Escort (Night Series #2) in Books
Feb 16, 2018
excellent follow up!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the Night Series, but you don't need to have read book one, One Night first. I recommend you DO though, cos that book is HOT!!!
This one is more a slow burner, heat wise, but both Ethan and Joe have lusted after the other for over a year. When Ethan reveals he has a stalker, Joe goes all ALPHA male on him, and finally admits to himself at least, how he really feels about Ethan.
From the moment Ethan saw Joe, he knew he would be his, he'd wait til Joe finally rid himself of his silly "no mixing work and pleasure" rule. Joe wants Ethan, more than anyone he ever met, he just needs to see past the fact that Ethan is staff.
Like I said, more of a slow burner, it takes time for the guys to FINALLY admit to themselves who they really want, but once they do, its on, baby!
I'm not one for early profession of love and forever, but, while the guys use those words to THEMSELVES, its not till the very end of the book, they admit their feeling to each other. It's right and proper for this book and these guys.
Cam and Gabe pop up here too, so that's Brownie points from me!
I liked that Ethan manages to keep his secret net worth from, not only Joe, but US too, til right at the end. WE don't get told that news though, at all! Loved that Ethan didn't keep his money, too.
Excellent follow up, keep them coming! Loving these!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the Night Series, but you don't need to have read book one, One Night first. I recommend you DO though, cos that book is HOT!!!
This one is more a slow burner, heat wise, but both Ethan and Joe have lusted after the other for over a year. When Ethan reveals he has a stalker, Joe goes all ALPHA male on him, and finally admits to himself at least, how he really feels about Ethan.
From the moment Ethan saw Joe, he knew he would be his, he'd wait til Joe finally rid himself of his silly "no mixing work and pleasure" rule. Joe wants Ethan, more than anyone he ever met, he just needs to see past the fact that Ethan is staff.
Like I said, more of a slow burner, it takes time for the guys to FINALLY admit to themselves who they really want, but once they do, its on, baby!
I'm not one for early profession of love and forever, but, while the guys use those words to THEMSELVES, its not till the very end of the book, they admit their feeling to each other. It's right and proper for this book and these guys.
Cam and Gabe pop up here too, so that's Brownie points from me!
I liked that Ethan manages to keep his secret net worth from, not only Joe, but US too, til right at the end. WE don't get told that news though, at all! Loved that Ethan didn't keep his money, too.
Excellent follow up, keep them coming! Loving these!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Chosen (The Warrior Chronicles #1)
7.0
Rate It
Book
This series is what K.F. Breene does best - strong heroine, incredible hero, and a community of...
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Good Karma (Strong Karma Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I first fell in love with Donya Lynne's characters when I read her All The King's Men series so when I heard she was releasing a contemporary romance novel, I really wanted to read it to see if it could be as good.
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Good Karma starts off with a sassy red dress and attitude, even if it is veneer. Mark Strong is attracted to that dress as it calls for his attention but then is swept away by the woman inside it. Karma is playing at being someone else for the evening and can't believe that she has caught the eye of one of the most handsome men there. Full of her own insecurities caused by her past, she thinks she is ready to let it all go but realises that she is not. This story follows Mark and Karma as they serendipitously meet up again, this time as work colleagues for a short-term contract.
This story is beautifully written and the characters have their own issues and pasts to deal with which makes them 'real'. Mark is an alpha male through and through but has also learnt to embrace his sensitive side. Karma is a strong female lead who is the perfect match for Mark but will need his help to deal with her own issues.
A fantastic story that entwined itself around me and yes, tissues were needed at some point but it wasn't because I was crying. Oh no, it's just my eyes were leaking!
If you have read AKM then rest assured that this book still has the Donya Lynne stamp and will sit happily next to each other. Definitely as good but just a different genre.
Recommended to all.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 31, 2019
Naked Choke (More Than A Cowboy #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Trapped at the bar during her best friend’s engagement party, Emory finds herself with Mr. Dud and...
Contemporary Romance
Merissa (11791 KP) rated Geleon (Fueled By Lust #9) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)
Geleon follows the rest of the Fueled by Lust series, in that it is smoking hot, with gorgeous, sexy, alpha males who are also some of the sweetest around, paired up with sassy females full of attitude! Jaelyn leads Geleon on a merry dance, but with Cato on his side (ye gods, I still love that male!!!!) she doesn't stand a chance! Geleon proves that he will do anything to prove to Jaelyn that he is just what she needs.
Geleon receives a shock of his own once Jaelyn's grandmother returns home, plus we find out if 'Ma' is really as senile as she was made out to be. I loved Ma and Eryx, their interaction was wonderful to read, and I really hope I don't have to wait too long for their story.
You see, right here, is the trouble with this series and Celeste Prater! No sooner have you started one book, than you get lost in the story and also find new characters to fall in love with and enjoy, which leads to you wanting the next book immediately!
As for this book, it is full of information that I can't wait to see where it goes or see how the history is intertwined with the present or the future. With action on both sides of the vortex, this is a star in the skies of Insedivertus! This series continues from strength to strength and I love it. 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 8, 2016
Geleon receives a shock of his own once Jaelyn's grandmother returns home, plus we find out if 'Ma' is really as senile as she was made out to be. I loved Ma and Eryx, their interaction was wonderful to read, and I really hope I don't have to wait too long for their story.
You see, right here, is the trouble with this series and Celeste Prater! No sooner have you started one book, than you get lost in the story and also find new characters to fall in love with and enjoy, which leads to you wanting the next book immediately!
As for this book, it is full of information that I can't wait to see where it goes or see how the history is intertwined with the present or the future. With action on both sides of the vortex, this is a star in the skies of Insedivertus! This series continues from strength to strength and I love it. 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 8, 2016
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Alpha (2018) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
Columbia Pictures new release Alpha stars Kodi Smit-McPhee as Keda, and
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson) as Tau, his father.
Tau is the tribe leader, and must determine whether the young male tribe
members are ready for the annual hunt. He tests all the spear points
crafted by the boys, and passes or fails them based on the craftsmanship
of the arrowheads.
Keda is one of the only two young men that pass the test, and in spite
of his mothers (and his own) reservations, joins the hunt.
Keda isn’t a strong figure, like his father Tau, and the movie shows
some of the tension and strife this causes the father and son. Tau is
trying to teach Keda to be a leader, and Keda seems too soft-hearted to
be able to bear the task. Keda has a hard time with the killing of
animals, even though it is needed to sustain the tribe.
The annual hunt consists of tracking down a herd of bison over a span of
days, and then creeping up on them on their grazing grounds and spooking
them into headlong flight over the edge of a high cliff. The hunters
must keep the herd from turning back to the open plain by throwing their
spears and running full-tilt at the bison. The run to push the bison
over the cliffs edge starts off well, and then takes a tragic turn when
one of the bison turns towards the hunters and charges at Keda. Kedas
confidence breaks and he turns tail to run, with the bison chasing him
down. When the bison lowers his head to charge at Keda, the bisons horn
catches in Kedas clothing and the bison turns towards the cliff face and
dump Keda over the edge.
Keda miraculously lands on a rock outcropping about half way down the
cliff face, but it is still too far for Tau to reach him. Keda is
unconscious, and does not respond to his fathers calls.
Tau is convinced that he must leave his son for dead and head towards
home in order to be able to provide for the tribe.
A day later, Keda wakes and finds himself alone, with broken bones, and
no way to get off the cliff face.
What follows is a story of coming of age and determination. Keda must
find his way off the cliff face, and using the tools given to him by his
father on the way to the bison hunting grounds, find his way home. He
finds unlikely companionship in a wolf that he injured while the wolf
pack was hunting him down to try to eat him, which he nurses back to
health. He names the wolf “Alpha”, but in truth, it is Keda who is
learning to become the alpha, or leader of the pack.
The scenery in the movie is breathtaking, and the movie really comes to
life with the 3D option. I can only imagine that it would be even better
in IMAX.
There were pieces of the film that were entirely un-realistic, but they
were rather quickly covered up by the fast-paced nature of the film.
The only part I really groaned at was the very end scene, but I will let
you draw your own conclusions on that so that I don’t ruin it for you!
My son just turned 10 and he liked it a lot, but did mention that a few
parts were not 100% “kid-friendly” due to the scare-factor. He was
specifically referring to one scene that made us both literally jump in
our seats. He said over all the movie was great and that he enjoyed it
immensely.
I would give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend that you see
it in IMAX 3D if you are able!
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson) as Tau, his father.
Tau is the tribe leader, and must determine whether the young male tribe
members are ready for the annual hunt. He tests all the spear points
crafted by the boys, and passes or fails them based on the craftsmanship
of the arrowheads.
Keda is one of the only two young men that pass the test, and in spite
of his mothers (and his own) reservations, joins the hunt.
Keda isn’t a strong figure, like his father Tau, and the movie shows
some of the tension and strife this causes the father and son. Tau is
trying to teach Keda to be a leader, and Keda seems too soft-hearted to
be able to bear the task. Keda has a hard time with the killing of
animals, even though it is needed to sustain the tribe.
The annual hunt consists of tracking down a herd of bison over a span of
days, and then creeping up on them on their grazing grounds and spooking
them into headlong flight over the edge of a high cliff. The hunters
must keep the herd from turning back to the open plain by throwing their
spears and running full-tilt at the bison. The run to push the bison
over the cliffs edge starts off well, and then takes a tragic turn when
one of the bison turns towards the hunters and charges at Keda. Kedas
confidence breaks and he turns tail to run, with the bison chasing him
down. When the bison lowers his head to charge at Keda, the bisons horn
catches in Kedas clothing and the bison turns towards the cliff face and
dump Keda over the edge.
Keda miraculously lands on a rock outcropping about half way down the
cliff face, but it is still too far for Tau to reach him. Keda is
unconscious, and does not respond to his fathers calls.
Tau is convinced that he must leave his son for dead and head towards
home in order to be able to provide for the tribe.
A day later, Keda wakes and finds himself alone, with broken bones, and
no way to get off the cliff face.
What follows is a story of coming of age and determination. Keda must
find his way off the cliff face, and using the tools given to him by his
father on the way to the bison hunting grounds, find his way home. He
finds unlikely companionship in a wolf that he injured while the wolf
pack was hunting him down to try to eat him, which he nurses back to
health. He names the wolf “Alpha”, but in truth, it is Keda who is
learning to become the alpha, or leader of the pack.
The scenery in the movie is breathtaking, and the movie really comes to
life with the 3D option. I can only imagine that it would be even better
in IMAX.
There were pieces of the film that were entirely un-realistic, but they
were rather quickly covered up by the fast-paced nature of the film.
The only part I really groaned at was the very end scene, but I will let
you draw your own conclusions on that so that I don’t ruin it for you!
My son just turned 10 and he liked it a lot, but did mention that a few
parts were not 100% “kid-friendly” due to the scare-factor. He was
specifically referring to one scene that made us both literally jump in
our seats. He said over all the movie was great and that he enjoyed it
immensely.
I would give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend that you see
it in IMAX 3D if you are able!