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The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows #1)
The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows #1)
Kathryn Troy | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SHADOW OF THERON is the first book in the Age of Shadows series and is set in a fantasy world where those in the nobility are called Don's and Dona's, inevitably drawing Zorro comparisons. They have three main factions of worship, each one a different face of the Goddess. And then they have the bad guys. I won't say too much as it will take away from the story.

Lysandro is a great character - well liked by those he watches over, and loved by the same people when he is his alter-ego, the Shadow of Theron. Sera is a strong character, having been through her own trials, and fully capable of standing on her own feet. They are supported by a large and varied cast, each playing their own role in moving the story forwards.

You also get an inside peek at Lothan Marek - the main form of the big bad in this book. Trust me, there are no redeeming features for this one.

If you are looking for a fantasy novel with plenty of action, drama, and angst, then I think this one will be right up your alley. It is a long book, with plenty to get your teeth into. Personally, I felt as though it could have been significantly shortened, with the story tightened, with no loss of action or drama.

** 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!
  
The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1)
The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1)
Claire Kohler | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SECRET OF DRULEA COTTAGE is the first book in the Betwixt the Sea and the Shore series and we arrive in Everton, a small town in Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, which is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.

Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.

The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.

This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.

A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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!
Aug 20, 2021
  
Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6)
Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6)
Katherine McIntyre | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
CHARISMA CHECK is the sixth and final book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and you should really read these amazing books in order to get the full benefit. This is a 5-star series, simple as that.

Everything we have come to hold dear is threatened in this book and it about killed me! Add to that, Matt and Jasper, two characters who have made themselves known in previous books - even if it's only superficially. Oh, boy. These two. I loved them both so much. Jasper about broke me though and I'm not ashamed to say it. His backstory was a killer and his actions throughout the series take on a whole new light. Matt has had an easier time of it in the past to a degree but has had to deal with numerous failed relationships and, in the present, he has to deal with his best friend leaving him. Together, they are guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies.

Everyone shows up in this book, much to my delight. Happy tears were shed and I finished the book with a HUGE smile on my face. I can't wait to return at Christmas to the D&D group at Tabletop Tavern, as well as begin with the guys from Whipped in Leather & Lattes.

Absolutely brilliant all the way through. HIGHLY 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!
May 23, 2023
  
The Tryst List (Spicy Standalone #3)
The Tryst List (Spicy Standalone #3)
Kaylene Winter | 2024 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
3 good, but not for me, stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This book seems to be a spin-off form the author's series Less Than Zero. Those guys pop up here, but I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them before this one.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book, and you all know I'm all about sharing the book feelings. So, I'm gonna say what I liked, and maybe what didn't work will wing it's way out.

I liked that both Jordan and Peter are given a voice, although that first meeting was all from Jordan. I loved that we did NOT get that first meeting, in all its glory, right as it happened. I loved that it comes in memories from both of them. I think had we had it all at the beginning, I might have dumped this one, so well played to the author for not doing that. I loved the way it all comes out along the way.

It's steamy and smexy, oh yes but I found the emotional connection a little lacking in the beginning. But then again, 10 years since their first encounter would stunt anyone's connection.

There was a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication between these two. I'm not sure whether that worked for me or not, to be honest!

I'm gonna wrap up: I liked this book, I finished it. Will I go back and read the series this spins off? Not at this time.

3 good, but maybe not for me, stars

*same worded review will appear elsewher
  
Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3)
Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3)
Logan Chance | 2025 | Contemporary, Crime, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a bit slower burn, but very good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.

Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.

Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!

There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.

I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.

I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!

We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere