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Nocturne (Fourth Talisman #1)
Nocturne (Fourth Talisman #1)
Kat Ross | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
should have been told about books before this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

When I started this book, I was thinking I'm missing something, something important, and that feeling stayed with me right the way through, and to be honest, I nearly dumped it a couple of times. I'm still not sure what kept me reading, but I did and that feeling led me to look at the author's other books.

And there is folks! What I've been missing is a whole THREE books set before this one, revolving around these main characters! Why was I not told this, when asked to read this one?? I don't know, but I'm annoyed, because whatever happened in those three books has a HUGE impact in this one, and my reading enjoyment suffered, greatly.

Oh, don't get me wrong, the book is well written, from all the major players points of view. It's neither graphic nor explicit, it moves at a fair and even pace. I saw no spelling or editing errors.

There is a much bigger picture that I'm not seeing going on. Whether that is because I didn't read the previous books, I don't know. It might just not have been laid out fully yet and all will become clear in the next books.

But for me, I can't get past not knowing about the other books that I SHOULD have read first. So if you come across this review, please PLEASE go back and read The Fourth Element trilogy before you read this one. You WILL need it.

Will I read future books in the series?? Probably not.

Because I DID finish it, and because everyone who needs to has a say...

3 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
The Escort (Night Series #2)
The Escort (Night Series #2)
2018 | Crime, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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

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Seeing Beyond the Scars (The Manx Cat Guardians #1)
Seeing Beyond the Scars (The Manx Cat Guardians #1)
JP Sayle | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a good solid 3 stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

For the most part, I quite enjoyed this, but there was one issue that very nearly ruined it for me.

EDITING.

This book needs a major edit. Almost every other page there were words, while spelt correctly, did not fit in the sentence. Images, when it should have said imagine. Little things, that mount up, and because of this, I very nearly dumped it. It NEEDS mentioning, because it did effect my reading pleasure.

THAT SAID!

 I did enjoy it, mostly. The tale of a little cat, looking after her charge. A damaged man, and a disillusioned man, coming together. Brad is pretty much a recluse, only going out his house when he HAS to. His new neighbour and his naughty cat have him all a-dither. Martin is hit with that "MINE" moment you usually get with shifters (there are no shifters in this book!) and the attraction is instant and powerful. HOT too! But I found it a little too much, too soon, you know?? Brad is damaged, emotionally and physically, by his history, and I would have expected him to be way more skittish.

I would have liked some more of Princess, more specifically, about HER, and her sort of being and her people (for want of a better word!) We get hints and clues, but I'm left feeling like I missed something, you know?? Something important about her.

A first time author and in places, it shows. BUT!!! One to watch out for, I think. A good start, as a new author, AND as the first in a series. I'd like to follow it, maybe I'll get what I'm missing from Princess.

3 solid GOOD stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
The Crown Of Draga (Draga Court #2)
The Crown Of Draga (Draga Court #2)
Emma Dean, Jillian Ashe | 2017 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
burning hotter!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book two in the Draga Court series, and you really SHOULD read Princess of Draga before reading this one. It will give you a better picture of who is who, and what they are all up to. Not everything is recapped.

I found this a much better read! Maybe because I was able to read it in one sitting, I dunno. But it certainly held my attention far better.

We again get almost everyone, but I really wanted to hear from Raena, Adelina's eldest sister, who places the restrictions on Lina about Nash. I wanted to know what was going through her mind when she did that!

On the blurb bit of this book it says "This is a slow-burn, reverse harem series" Now, it IS a whole lot sexier than the first book, I'll give you that, but the reverse harem bit?? Still not clear how that is gonna pan out! Not that Adelina doesn't have any suitors, cos she does, I just don't know who will end up in her bed next!

Across the galaxy, on the outer rim, the Neprijat have made their first move. The galaxy is at war with these monsters. We meet them too, along with their (almost) human handlers, and are introduced to their *quite literal* mind bending powers.

I can't see where this is going, or how many books it will take to get there, but I KNOW I want to follow the series. I just hope I don't have to wait for a long time!

Creeping up to...

4 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Mr February (Calendar |Men #2)
Mr February (Calendar |Men #2)
Bailey Bradford | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
creeping up!
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2, and while not really necessary to have read book one, it might help give you an idea of just how doomed this charity photo shoot is!

Because now the shoot is supposed to be in the museum's grounds, and there are CHILDREN about, young children who do not need to see semi nekkid (and before someone jumps down my throat, yes, that is how I MEANT to spell it!) guys wandering around. Enter Arturo, who offers the use of his land instead. But the shoot brings him into contact with Darin, and Darin's dog shifter half, wants to play with Arturo and his kitty half.

While actually shorter in length that book one, this seemed longer when I read it. I enjoyed it more too! No idea what's different in this one to that but hey! I don't really care. What was different, it was good.

I still can't see this shoot getting anywhere off the ground, with one setback after another, but again, I don't really care because I am really enjoying these! What I particularly like, is the shifter element is kinda added on, you know?? Its not a massive point of interest in the story line and I'm loving that!

And also, because the pairings are such polar opposites, it's great fun watching the come together, to fight the attraction because one or both of them can't see the other wanting them. excellent writing!

So, Ms Bradford, please keep these guys coming. Not least because I wanna see that this calendar actually gets off the ground!

creeping up to 4.5 stars but not quite 5...yet!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Jurassic Florida
Jurassic Florida
Hunter Shea | 2018 | Horror
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Chomp'n'stomp!
Did you know you needed to read about man-eating gigantic iguanas? I have to admit, I hadn’t really thought of them when I thought of creature features. However, when a fellow reviewer turned me on to Jurassic, Florida, and I saw the cover, I knew I had to read it. The fact that it was just under 125 pages? Pure bonus.

As I’ve come to expect, Hunter Shea delivers the chomp’n’stomp in epic fashion. Almost all of the residents of this tiny little town are going to die. You know that just from the cover. The only question is are they going to die via chomp…or stomp? Or people being idiots. Because people being idiots always kills a few people in these types of books and movies. This is a book to read only if you want to turn your brain off and indulge in ridiculousness. A low-budget creature feature on silent, as it were.

Now, there was some stuff that seemed to be added in here either for convenience or to up the silliness factor. I’m really not sure which one. Primarily the 18 year old mayor. That one was a bit of a head-scratcher.

My biggest gripe (only real one) about Jurassic, Florida is the ending. The ending felt rushed and anti-climactic. I kind of wonder if he was just tired of writing it and decided to end it as quickly as possible.

Overall, while it isn’t my favorite Hunter Shea book, I think Jurassic, Florida is just the type of silly read we all need to indulge in on occasion.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
  
That's My Ethan
That's My Ethan
Tarian P.S. | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
really REALLY enjoyed this!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Damir met Ethan at a college coffee and was SMITTEN. It's the only word to describe how he felt about Ethan. And this is their story: the true story of love at first sight.

I liked this one! I LIKED it a LOT!!!

Damir is in a frat house, and is, by his own admission, a bit of a man-whore. Ethan is. . . not. And like a moth to a flame, Ethan pulls Damir in, and keeps him close by throwing that 6 months wait time him! Loved that! Loved that it was ETHAN who called time, so close to the end and finally gave in!

But what I particularly liked about this one, was the development of the D/s relationship between Damir and Ethan. That Damir didn't know he was a Dom till his friend, Lance, pointed it out. That Ethan didn't know what he needed, til Damir gave it to him.

I loved that Lance taught Damir how to wield a flogger correctly, how to restrain and how to push Ethan way more than Damir could have on his own. All too often, these books have experienced Dom and newbie subs, and we don't get HOW the Doms are taught.

While I am aware this is based around a true story, I didn't read it as such.

It is written in the first person, from both Damir and Ethan's point of view, and there are a lot of flipping from one to the other inside of the chapters, sometimes from page to page BUT each change is clearly headed. So you know who is talking to you.

First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more!

4 solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Better Together (One Fond Embrace #1)
Better Together (One Fond Embrace #1)
Crista McHugh | 2018 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a great lazy afternoon read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?

This review will be short, and I apologise for that!

I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!

I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!

It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.

I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.

This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.

3 good solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Dead In The Shop (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3)
Dead In The Shop (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3)
Dahlia Donovan | 2018 | Contemporary, Crime, LGBTQ+
10
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
a very fitting end!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!

With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.

I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!

Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!

As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.

Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!

The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!

I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!

A very fitting . . . .

5 stars!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
The Wayward Prince (Mind + Machine #2)
The Wayward Prince (Mind + Machine #2)
Hanna Dare | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
great follow up to book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

4 years ago, Sebastian stole The Wayward Prince from a young man called Ren. Now, Rem is back and offering Sebastian and his crew a job. Can Sebastian and Ren part again, with their hearts intact?

This is book two in the Mind + Machine series, and I would personally recommend you read book one, Machine Metal Magic, first. Jaime and Rylan plays a huge part here and there is some references to their story. Not necessary just a personal recommendation.

I really enjoyed this one! It's a great follow up to book one. Not quite a five star read but so very nearly!

It's also quite difficult to write a review for this book without giving anything away! There are plot twists all over, and I did not see a single one coming me! And the slightest slip up on my part would spoil that experience for someone else. So, this may well be very vague!

Loved Sebastian. He thinks he's a bad egg but really has a heart of gold. He loves his ship and his on-board family, waifs and strays he's picked up, or indeed, they've picked Sebastian up. And Ren? Well let's just say he's a sweetheart, and he wants to do right by everyone, even to his own heartbreak. But loved his solution to that heartbreak!

Loved the hints that come about each crew member's history! So many stories to tell, those people!

It's told from both men's point of view so we get it all from both of them and you know how happy that makes me feel!

Oh do you know what? I can't find anything wrong with this so . . . .

5 full stars.

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**