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Merissa (14173 KP) rated Billionaire's Muse (The Billionaire’s Playground #3) in Books
Jul 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
BILLIONAIRE'S MUSE is the third book in The Billionaire's Playground series but can be read as a standalone, as I did. This book revolves around Marcus, a famous photographer, and Fin, a university history student.
Fin is special - in that he doesn't have a filter and is a literal thinker. This has led to some less than satisfactory 'dates'. Marcus finds Fin completely refreshing and wants to treat him the way he should be, not the way he has been. Throw in two mums who have their own views of the world, add a cheeky nanna, and you have a book to lose yourself in.
This was a great book. The way Fin takes everything so literally made me realise just how much we say without it really meaning anything. I loved that Marcus found the situation funny without laughing or undermining Fin himself.
Marcus and Fin are helped (and sometimes hindered) by a wonderful supporting cast. This is book three and it really makes me want to read books one and two -- if only to see what Nanna gets up to!
A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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!
Jul 13, 2021
Fin is special - in that he doesn't have a filter and is a literal thinker. This has led to some less than satisfactory 'dates'. Marcus finds Fin completely refreshing and wants to treat him the way he should be, not the way he has been. Throw in two mums who have their own views of the world, add a cheeky nanna, and you have a book to lose yourself in.
This was a great book. The way Fin takes everything so literally made me realise just how much we say without it really meaning anything. I loved that Marcus found the situation funny without laughing or undermining Fin himself.
Marcus and Fin are helped (and sometimes hindered) by a wonderful supporting cast. This is book three and it really makes me want to read books one and two -- if only to see what Nanna gets up to!
A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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!
Jul 13, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Concentration Play (Leather and Lattes #5) in Books
Aug 10, 2026
fabulous visit to Whipped as always!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Leather and Lattes series and they can mostly be read as stand alones. There is a bit of an ongoing story arc from the last book into this one, but you can pick it up very quickly.
It's been a while, but I loved this visit to Whipped!
James is grieving after his husband died a year ago. Nolan thinks he is cursed. They have powerful chemistry right from the start and that burns hot and bright all the way through.
It's emotional: Nolan thinks his curse means he can never be truly happy with someone, cos they will leave him. James is still suffering after a year, but neither man saw this coming at them, and it really throws them. I loved how James' grief was dealt with here.
Steamy! Because what would a Leather and Lattes book be without steam and play night! Slightly different though, James is a Sadist and Nolan a pain slut. They are perfectly aligned.
I loved how the story arc from the previous book resolves itself, and everyone gets the comeuppence they deserve!
I'm looking forward to the next book, but also dreading it, because that will be the last Leather and Lattes book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Leather and Lattes series and they can mostly be read as stand alones. There is a bit of an ongoing story arc from the last book into this one, but you can pick it up very quickly.
It's been a while, but I loved this visit to Whipped!
James is grieving after his husband died a year ago. Nolan thinks he is cursed. They have powerful chemistry right from the start and that burns hot and bright all the way through.
It's emotional: Nolan thinks his curse means he can never be truly happy with someone, cos they will leave him. James is still suffering after a year, but neither man saw this coming at them, and it really throws them. I loved how James' grief was dealt with here.
Steamy! Because what would a Leather and Lattes book be without steam and play night! Slightly different though, James is a Sadist and Nolan a pain slut. They are perfectly aligned.
I loved how the story arc from the previous book resolves itself, and everyone gets the comeuppence they deserve!
I'm looking forward to the next book, but also dreading it, because that will be the last Leather and Lattes book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Around and Around We Go (Vermont Trailblazers #2) in Books
Apr 30, 2026
it was EPIC, when Sandro let Bennett in!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Vermont Trailblazers series. While it can be read as a stand alone to book 1, The Best Parts of Him, I reckon you SHOULD read that book first. Why? Cos it was freaking awesome and so is this one!
Sandro is the oldest player in the team, and until his knees and/or back give out, he'll keep playing cos The Trailblazers are heading for a third consecutive championship this year. He just needs to hold out and put up with this documentary that is being made around them. Bennett is the director. He too, is facing the end of his career if this series tanked as much as the last one. That he is here, facing the love of his life after 15 years? Minor detail, and Bennett just needs to talk to Sandro, if Sandro will let him.
What I noticed while reading this book, (nay, I inhaled this book!) was although it's a hockey based book, there was very little actual on ice descriptions of play. And as a non-sporty person, I absolutely loved that! There are some, but only enough to give you a picture of what's going on, and it's not in great detail. It all made perfect sense to me, as sometimes, I get overwhelmed by the detail and I didn't here and I was able to fully concentrate on Sandro and Bennett.
And they were beautiful, they really were.
I fully understood why Sandro didn't really want to talk to Bennett, off camera, the man was still hurting, even after all this time, but when Sandro allowed Bennett in, finally?? Oh it was truly epic. Sandro made Bennett work for it, he really did.
I loved that Bennett found the theme for the series based on his own experience. Loved how the older Trailblazers were helping the new team members who really were struggling. And that Sandro found his future, along the same thread.
It takes time for the steam to build, and I loved being made to wait for it. This book is more about the emotions of these two men, and giving the other a second chance. Oh Bennett wanted Sandro, he really did, but Sandro wasn't sure about letting him in and I loved that they didn't jump straight back in. 15 years is a long time!
Absolutely cracking follow-up to book 1, and I can't wait to see what comes next. Well, I know who comes next, but I gotta wait so freaking long!
A stunning 5 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Vermont Trailblazers series. While it can be read as a stand alone to book 1, The Best Parts of Him, I reckon you SHOULD read that book first. Why? Cos it was freaking awesome and so is this one!
Sandro is the oldest player in the team, and until his knees and/or back give out, he'll keep playing cos The Trailblazers are heading for a third consecutive championship this year. He just needs to hold out and put up with this documentary that is being made around them. Bennett is the director. He too, is facing the end of his career if this series tanked as much as the last one. That he is here, facing the love of his life after 15 years? Minor detail, and Bennett just needs to talk to Sandro, if Sandro will let him.
What I noticed while reading this book, (nay, I inhaled this book!) was although it's a hockey based book, there was very little actual on ice descriptions of play. And as a non-sporty person, I absolutely loved that! There are some, but only enough to give you a picture of what's going on, and it's not in great detail. It all made perfect sense to me, as sometimes, I get overwhelmed by the detail and I didn't here and I was able to fully concentrate on Sandro and Bennett.
And they were beautiful, they really were.
I fully understood why Sandro didn't really want to talk to Bennett, off camera, the man was still hurting, even after all this time, but when Sandro allowed Bennett in, finally?? Oh it was truly epic. Sandro made Bennett work for it, he really did.
I loved that Bennett found the theme for the series based on his own experience. Loved how the older Trailblazers were helping the new team members who really were struggling. And that Sandro found his future, along the same thread.
It takes time for the steam to build, and I loved being made to wait for it. This book is more about the emotions of these two men, and giving the other a second chance. Oh Bennett wanted Sandro, he really did, but Sandro wasn't sure about letting him in and I loved that they didn't jump straight back in. 15 years is a long time!
Absolutely cracking follow-up to book 1, and I can't wait to see what comes next. Well, I know who comes next, but I gotta wait so freaking long!
A stunning 5 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kelly (279 KP) rated The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2019
A fantastic start to an epic tale
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Eye of the World is the first of many books in The Wheel of Time series, firstly wrote by Robert Jordan, and finalised by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death, following the story of several characters from Emonds Field.
In my opinion The Eye of the World is the strongest book in the series, and is a fantastic hook to get you to read the following books. Although the series centres around many characters, the true main character of the first book is Rand al’Thor, a reluctant hero, who discovers he has magical abilities, which could ultimately destroy him. In an attempt to save Emonds Field, Rand and his friends flee, accompanied by an Aes Sedai (a female with magical powers). The story primarily details the journey of the group (either together or in smaller groups), detailing regular encounters with the dark ones forces. As such the story does follow the predictable fantasy format of -unlikely hero discovers that they have magical powers, and then goes on a journey to save the world, however it is an enjoyable tale.
The male characters in the book are diverse and entertaining- I struggled to decide which was my favourite character as they all had likeable features. One thing about the book, which does takeaway from
It’s score is Jordan’s portrayal of female characters. I found a lack of diversity amongst those female characters who were on the side we are led to route for, and some stereotyping of women. This was evident even amongst female characters that were meant to be in power. The women as a whole in the novel always needed a man to support them (for
Example Moiraine needing Lan, Egwene needing Rand, there are a few isolated incidents of independence amongst these female characters, but this was often as an exception to the rule. This is addressed a little in later books in the series, but not in the The Eye of the World.
In my opinion The Eye of the World is the strongest book in the series, and is a fantastic hook to get you to read the following books. Although the series centres around many characters, the true main character of the first book is Rand al’Thor, a reluctant hero, who discovers he has magical abilities, which could ultimately destroy him. In an attempt to save Emonds Field, Rand and his friends flee, accompanied by an Aes Sedai (a female with magical powers). The story primarily details the journey of the group (either together or in smaller groups), detailing regular encounters with the dark ones forces. As such the story does follow the predictable fantasy format of -unlikely hero discovers that they have magical powers, and then goes on a journey to save the world, however it is an enjoyable tale.
The male characters in the book are diverse and entertaining- I struggled to decide which was my favourite character as they all had likeable features. One thing about the book, which does takeaway from
It’s score is Jordan’s portrayal of female characters. I found a lack of diversity amongst those female characters who were on the side we are led to route for, and some stereotyping of women. This was evident even amongst female characters that were meant to be in power. The women as a whole in the novel always needed a man to support them (for
Example Moiraine needing Lan, Egwene needing Rand, there are a few isolated incidents of independence amongst these female characters, but this was often as an exception to the rule. This is addressed a little in later books in the series, but not in the The Eye of the World.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Iron Warrior (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten, #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<a href="http://www.inwonderlandbookblog.com/2016/02/the-iron-warrior-review.html"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on In Wonderland</a>
At this point in time, I'm starting to think "My name is..." is starting to become really basic.
But hey, I won't complain. It's been nearly two years since <i><a title="The Iron Traitor review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/2013/11/review-the-iron-traitor-by-julie-kagawa.html"; target="_blank" rel="tag">The Iron Traitor</a></i> came out and I've been waiting to get my hands on this one since... forever.
Anyways...
The very last book in the <i>Iron Fey</i> series starts off about a month after the lovely cliffhanger Kagawa left us in the second book – Ethan finds himself back in the NeverNever and discovers that not only is the world in chaos after the split second break in the Veil, but Keirran has declared war on all of the faery courts. Family drama at its best, right?
<i>The Iron Warrior</i> is perhaps one of the darkest, if not the darkest novel in the entire series (including the main arc with Meghan). Kagawa takes us on an adventure into the NeverNever as she did with the past books, but it is one really disturbing journey. We go into parts of the faery world that have not been covered and more obstacles in the Between where creepy carnivals and malevolent witches are involved in the process as Ethan and Kenzie try to stop Kierran from raging war on the courts.
All of the characters – at least, the ones that remain alive from the spin off and the main series all make some sort of appearance in this last book, and Kagawa introduces a few new ones that will never make a future appearance. There are so many feels and internal threats to kidnap Razor – he is absolutely ADORABLE and his tiny size makes him so much more adorable – that happen throughout the book.
It's a sad thought to close the final chapter to the NeverNever, but <i>The Iron Warrior</i> is totally worth reading if only to see all of the major characters from both series once more.
At this point in time, I'm starting to think "My name is..." is starting to become really basic.
But hey, I won't complain. It's been nearly two years since <i><a title="The Iron Traitor review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/2013/11/review-the-iron-traitor-by-julie-kagawa.html"; target="_blank" rel="tag">The Iron Traitor</a></i> came out and I've been waiting to get my hands on this one since... forever.
Anyways...
The very last book in the <i>Iron Fey</i> series starts off about a month after the lovely cliffhanger Kagawa left us in the second book – Ethan finds himself back in the NeverNever and discovers that not only is the world in chaos after the split second break in the Veil, but Keirran has declared war on all of the faery courts. Family drama at its best, right?
<i>The Iron Warrior</i> is perhaps one of the darkest, if not the darkest novel in the entire series (including the main arc with Meghan). Kagawa takes us on an adventure into the NeverNever as she did with the past books, but it is one really disturbing journey. We go into parts of the faery world that have not been covered and more obstacles in the Between where creepy carnivals and malevolent witches are involved in the process as Ethan and Kenzie try to stop Kierran from raging war on the courts.
All of the characters – at least, the ones that remain alive from the spin off and the main series all make some sort of appearance in this last book, and Kagawa introduces a few new ones that will never make a future appearance. There are so many feels and internal threats to kidnap Razor – he is absolutely ADORABLE and his tiny size makes him so much more adorable – that happen throughout the book.
It's a sad thought to close the final chapter to the NeverNever, but <i>The Iron Warrior</i> is totally worth reading if only to see all of the major characters from both series once more.
Mommy May Bloops - A Farting Tale in Rhyme (Mariana Books Rhyming #10)
8.0
Rate It
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Mommy May is a perfect mom in nearly every way. She loves her kids, like every mother would. She is...
Children Humor Farting
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Caressed by the Edge of Darkness (Rulers of Darkness #5) in Books
Dec 20, 2017
Caressed by the Edge of Darkness (Rulers of Darkness #5) by Amanda J. Greene
Caressed by the Edge of Darkness is the fifth book in the Rulers of Darkness series, and it is time for Gabriel's story. He became obsessed by Jordan when he first saw her, and tried to preempt her abduction by Boras. When he failed at that, he was desperate to find her. Now Jordan is not your typical wilting wallflower. She was raised as a hunter and is capable of protecting herself. However, her abductors decide to drug her to keep her pliant, and even she can't fight that.
I love a tortured hero, and you don't get more tortured than Gabriel. Once you read about his past, you understand why he is the way he is. Jordan is his perfect match, if he would just trust himself. These two constantly spark off each other, making this a fun read. It is also sexy, with plenty of steamy times. We also get cameo appearances from Dimitri and Kerstyn, and hints towards Gannon and Silvie.
This book is an amazing read, but the one thing that detracts from it is the editing and grammatical errors. Spelling errors are sprinkled throughout, which is a shame because the story itself is wonderful. I would recommend this book, and series, but only if you can skim over errors without them affecting your enjoyment of the story.
* 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!
I love a tortured hero, and you don't get more tortured than Gabriel. Once you read about his past, you understand why he is the way he is. Jordan is his perfect match, if he would just trust himself. These two constantly spark off each other, making this a fun read. It is also sexy, with plenty of steamy times. We also get cameo appearances from Dimitri and Kerstyn, and hints towards Gannon and Silvie.
This book is an amazing read, but the one thing that detracts from it is the editing and grammatical errors. Spelling errors are sprinkled throughout, which is a shame because the story itself is wonderful. I would recommend this book, and series, but only if you can skim over errors without them affecting your enjoyment of the story.
* 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!
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles #2) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Lachlan (Highland Gargoyles, #2)
Knights of Stone: Lachlan is the second book in the Highland Gargoyles series. Lachlan is the eldest of the brothers, and the alpha of their small clan left on the island. This book follows on from the ground-work done in Mason. The triad of Gargoyles, Tree Witches, and Wolves, are finally meeting on neutral ground to try and do what is best for the island as a whole, rather than just their group. Of course, it's not going to happen overnight, but any place needs a starting point. Things get interesting for Lachlan when he meets Raina, at the meeting in her capacity as Beta to the Wolves. The spark is there immediately for both of them, and they both deny it! Neither of them trust, or want, to be with the other. However working together gives them a different perspective on each other, and they are thrown in each other's direction.
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a smoothly paced, action-packed novella in the Highland Gargoyles series, and we get to see more of the Wolf pack. This is a follow-on story, as it only happens because of Mason and Kayla. So I would definitely recommend that you read this in order. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a well-rounded book, with wonderful world-building and characters. Definitely 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!
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Bryce (Highland Gargoyles #3) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Bryce (Highland Gargoyles #3)
Knights of Stone: Bryce is the third book in the Highland Gargoyles series. It features the second oldest of the brothers, who is also second in command. On a return trip from the Highlands, Bryce feels like he is being watched. With strange rumours of people being attacked, he is on his guard. What he finds though, was not what he expected. He finds a young Gargoyle woman, alone and traumatised, although still feisty as hell! When she tells him her story, he knows that the clan his mother and father belong to must be informed, otherwise all Gargoyles are in danger. He tries to ignore his protective instinct, which is going off the charts since he met Mairi.
Well, Bryce may have tried, but we all know how these things work. He didn't have a cat in hell's chance of withstanding the pull of Mairi, even if she wasn't actually doing anything! This book is full of action, although only one 'steamy' scene Bryce and Mairi. With demons to fight, brothers to contend with, and a protective instinct to overcome, Bryce has his hands full. This book felt very balanced, with equal time being given to Mairi and Bryce. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and one scene flowed into the other. This is turning out to be a wonderful series, with excellent world building and characters. Definitely 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!
Well, Bryce may have tried, but we all know how these things work. He didn't have a cat in hell's chance of withstanding the pull of Mairi, even if she wasn't actually doing anything! This book is full of action, although only one 'steamy' scene Bryce and Mairi. With demons to fight, brothers to contend with, and a protective instinct to overcome, Bryce has his hands full. This book felt very balanced, with equal time being given to Mairi and Bryce. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and one scene flowed into the other. This is turning out to be a wonderful series, with excellent world building and characters. Definitely 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!
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Daughter of the King (The Derbfine Series #3) in Books
May 18, 2018
Daughter of the king (The Derbfine Series #3) by Ashley York
Daughter of the King is the third book in The Derbfine Series, but could be read as a standalone as most of the characters are not major ones in the first two books. Brighit and Darragh have been promised to each other, almost from birth. And whilst there is comfort in the familiarity, there is also worry for Brighit as she fears Darragh will want her to change, to become the 'perfect little wifey'. Darragh is aware of Brighit's behaviour and loves her spirit. The only way for these two to work together is to trust each other, and that doesn't appear to be happening any time soon.
Once again, this book will draw you in. Not so much for the mystery, as that is quite straightforward, but for the complications and restrictions upon others in that time. Brighit and Darragh have to talk to each other about what happened, truthfully, for any headway to be made. I loved how Darragh worked things to allow Brighit more freedom, and how she realised Darragh wasn't how she had pictured him.
I'm putting this one as my favourite out of the three, simply because of how well written Brighit and Darragh were. With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read, and Ashley York is a fantastic historical romance writer that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Once again, this book will draw you in. Not so much for the mystery, as that is quite straightforward, but for the complications and restrictions upon others in that time. Brighit and Darragh have to talk to each other about what happened, truthfully, for any headway to be made. I loved how Darragh worked things to allow Brighit more freedom, and how she realised Darragh wasn't how she had pictured him.
I'm putting this one as my favourite out of the three, simply because of how well written Brighit and Darragh were. With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read, and Ashley York is a fantastic historical romance writer that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!