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Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5)
Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5)
Margaret Izard | 2025 | Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I liked that we heard from Evie, Aodhan and Munix
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 5 in the Stones of Iona series, and I think *I* maybe should have read them first. I'll try to explain.

Evie has met Aodhan before, but we don't get a full recap here. I felt it was kind of glossed over: they met in Egypt, Aodhan gave Evie a stone, says to call when she needs him, and then promptly disappears. I would have liked a much more detailed recap, especially as this book is a sort of starting point to join the series, if you haven't before.

And I think that's my biggest thing. I asked if I needed to read the other books first, and was told that it wasn't strictly necessary. But I would say, you DO need to read them. There is a huge back up cast and I wasn't fully able to place everyone, and fill in a mental timeline for everything.

The world building was good, but I still missed something. I wasn't able to fit the bits and pieces together to get a full picture.

All that aside, I did like this book. It's fast paced and I liked that we heard from Evie, Aodhan and Munix, the bad guy (sorta!)

It's dark and deadly in places, the romance is a bit of the sweet side, and not very explicit.

This is the first I've read of this author, I'd like to read something else, not this series, but a series from the beginning, so I can fully appreciate the world building and the writer's skill.

3 good stars, but only because I felt I missed a lot by not reading the others.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Mirror Image
Mirror Image
Fran Lewis | 2023 | Horror
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not really for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.

I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.

Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.

It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.

What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?

I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.

I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:

3 good, but maybe not for me, stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Magelight
Magelight
Kacey Ezell | 2025 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
high octane fantasy at its very best!
Independent reviewer for archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Ok so. You know when you read a blurb, and your mind automatically plans out how it's gonna go? No?? Just me then! Well my mind went one way with this blurb, and the book went the other and I thoroughly enjoyed it BECAUSE it went the opposite way!

Aelys bonds with Vil, Romik and Daen, albeit while trying to save them. They are then bonded in ways long since outlawed in this world. What I especially liked about this, was the fact that all four of them were fighting the bond, right almost til the end. There was none of that *MINE* thing, and, also, no smex! Some reference to it, and there is an amusing scene or two when Aelys is doing something with her power and the power of the guys, but absolutely no smex and this was where I was surprised. I thought, when I read this blurb, it was gonna be all about the smex and the reverse harem thing. And it really isn't and I loved that it surprised me!

What I am left with though, are questions. And for once, I can voice them!

Is there a next book? I felt the ending was kinda meh, and then there was the epilogue that kinda threw me.

The aunt issue?? What happened there?? I was sideswiped by that and I did not see it coming!

Why have I not come across Ezell and her work before?? She has a massive backlist! I would love to read more, especially about this group!

High octane fantasy, at its very best.

4 very VERY good stars.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
  
Defending What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #5)
Defending What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #5)
Logan Chance | 2025 | Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
saved the best for last!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Here's the thing, right?? This is book 5 in this series, and they all follow a very similar plot, but are slightly different. I enjoyed books 1-4, and rated them all 4 stars.

But this one?? I have no idea Mr Chance did differently here, but it really is the STAND OUT of the series! He really saved the best for last.

You knew something was going to happen with the sleeze who Charlotte was supposed to marry, but then that other thing?? Came right out of nowhere! Loved being thrown for a loop.

Charlotte and Asher have chemistry, explosive chemistry, right from the start, well they all do, these books but I found Charlotte and Asher were HOTTER than the others. It might just be me, I dunno, seemed way more steamier and smexier but I loved that it was!

Asher took a bit of getting used to: he likes to catalogue a good deal every time he enters a new space, and that is on page. Took a little bit but I did enjoy that part of his personality.

I don't know if I mentioned it in my other reviews, but these books are first person/present tense/multi POV. Now, if you follow my reviews, you'll know I don't particularly enjoy books written like this. I loved these though! Weird, huh?

Anyway, this is the last book in the series, and I am deeply upset that there are no more! Well, there is a short after this, and I hope there will be more. I would love to catch up with them all in the future!

5 full and shiny saved, you really did save the best for last!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Bullets and Dandelions (Deputy Gemma Stone #0.5)
Bullets and Dandelions (Deputy Gemma Stone #0.5)
Gail Koger | 2024 | Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
struggled to keep up!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is billed as a kind of prequel to the Gemma Stone series. I have to say, I only read book 2 of those, but I am confused as to what Tess here has to do with Gemma in the main series.

That said, my review for this book will be almost a carbon copy of my review for book 2, Stilettos and Combat Boots.

Because in that book, Gemma gets into so many scrapes and incidents, almost as many as Tess does here! Well, I mean, her dad is trying to kill her, an enemy of said dad is also trying to kill her and a bunch of Marines are trying to keep her alive, but she doesn't trust them, especially when they won't give her the chocolate she craves! So, she isn't living the easiest of lives, but again, it's WAY too much for me in such a short book.

There is a lot of violence here, with bombs, guns and helicopter crashes, and I couldn't catch my breath between each event, so Lord knows how Tess kept up.

There is no smex here, but . . . .oh! I *think* I just made the connection. One of the Marines is called Alex Stone, and I wonder if he is Gemma's brother? I dunno if it was mentioned, to be honest. Anyway, back to my thoughts. There is very little smex here, but Alex Stone does talk a lot about Tess and what they are gonna get up to, once they are safe (but I'm not sure that would happen any time soon!)

I liked it, it passed a quiet morning at work. But I would have liked to hear from Alex as well as Tess.

3 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Twist of Time
Twist of Time
Gy Waldron | 2024 | Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It was almost like the different parts were circling each other, but getting closer all the time.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is a step away from my usual fare, and my review might come across a little bit differently.

Kate and Brother Thomas are thrown together to translate a particular diary, written in the 1300s by one of the Knights Templar. There follows a chase across the globe, with some twists and turns along the way to keep you on your toes!

What I liked about this, was that there are MULTIPLE points of view. We get to hear from Kate and Thomas, but also the bad guys (plural) and what they are thinking and why they are doing what they are doing. You know I LOVE hearing from the bad guys!

We also get to hear from the author of the diary. I particularly enjoyed that, learning about the Templar Knights from the ground up.

It's multi layered. Written part in the now, and part in the 1300. It was almost like the different parts were circling each other, but getting closer all the time.

Because of the multi layered plot, it took me far longer than it would usually do to read 230 odds pages, but that's not a bad thing. I had to concentrate extra hard, but there was no doubling back to reread. I love when books make me slow down my reading.

It's not an easy read, and you really DO have to pay attention, but it was a very VERY good step out my comfort zone.

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Protecting What's Mine (Men Of Maddox Security #1)
Protecting What's Mine (Men Of Maddox Security #1)
Logan Chance | 2025 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
fast intense read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!

Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.

What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.

All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.

So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.

I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!

4 very VERY good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Redemption of Alex Cade
The Redemption of Alex Cade
Ali Ryecart | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
dark but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Neon, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Oh Alex!

I loved this I really did. But it's one of those books that I loved so bloody much, it's gonna be hard to write a coherent review, so bare with, ok? I'll do my best to make sense!

I loved that Alex was already questioning his life before Kit comes barrelling into it. He knew he wasn't a good person, he'd done some bad things to survive, and he made no real apology for that but NOW he was not the person he was, his wall needs to come down a tad for him to be happy with his life, cos he really isn't.

I loved the similarities in the things both Alex and Kit had to do to survive. Neither lied about it, just skimmed the full truth, Alex especially. But Kit had lit something under him, and he needed to keep Kit in his life. The full story about what they did as kids would scare Kit away.

I did not like Kelvin. He said he loved Alex, but I don't think that's the right word for his feelings, if indeed he had any real ones. I think Kel wanted to own Alex, to possess him, but not love him.

I did NOT see things going down the way they did. But now I've come down from that, I think it was the only way things could really be finished, for either Alex or Kel.

Ms Ryecart writes sweet and cute, just as well as she does dark and deadly and this falls in the latter category and I freaking loved it!

Well waited for, Ali, well done!

5 full and shiny stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Perilous Cuties (Bucket List Buddies #1)
Perilous Cuties (Bucket List Buddies #1)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hector and Morty are perfect for each other!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is the first in a new series by this pair of authors, and it's a too-stinkin-cute, warm-and-fuzzies, fairly-low-angst AND hangover-read all rolled into one and I thoroughly giggled my head off at it!

Morty is a meerkat, a clumsy one at that. Hector is a warthog. Neither thinks he is a catch but both want *someone* for them, to love and cherish. Meeting at a dance class was a stroke of luck and after that? It's just a matter of dealing with Hector's mother, who is, in my opinion, an overbearing witch!

I have to admit, when I read the blurb, I had immediate thoughts of another meerkat and warthog from a certain animated movie, I'm sure you know the one. And then, one of Hector's friends is a lion, and I kept expecting them to all burst into song! They don't and I think I was a bit disappointed by that!

I loved Hector and Morty, together and apart. They really are perfect for each other, and push each other's buttons beautifully! I loved how Hector's dad finally, FINALLY stood up to Hector's mum and that she actually shuts up, and listens to both dad and Hector.

Some drama, with the witch mum, but other than that, a fun read, that filled far less time than I thought it should! Sweet and smexy, cute and cuddly, I really enjoyed it!

One of those fun reads that you can just lose yourself in.

4 very VERY good stars.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
To Love and To Cherish (Vows #3)
To Love and To Cherish (Vows #3)
Addison Albright | 2016 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
4 solid stars for the book and narration
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO file of this book.

Nash needs a new job, and Emmett (apologies if I've spelt it wrong, I listened! ) needs a live nurse for his grandfather. But Emmett also heard Nash say he wants love, a partner in life. Nash agrees to Emmett suggestion, and then is involved in a accident that causes him to lose the last four months. Nash falls in love with Emmett, and then his memories return.

I listened to this, David Gilmore narrates. He is a new to me narrator. Overall, I found him a easy to listen to narrator, his reading voice is deep and clear, and I had no trouble following what was going on with multiple character conversations. I DID find his voice for Nash came across a little too young sounding, and Harley and Oliver too, they came across too young, for me anyway. This is the only reason I gave the NARRATION 4 stars.

I liked the book, it was an easy listen. I liked that, while not telling Nash the whole truth about how they came together, Emmett did not LIE to Nash, when he couldn't remember.

I gave the book 4 stars because of one reason only. Only Nash has a say. Yes, yes yes I know I say it often enough, but I think if Emmett had been given a say, this would have been a 5 star read! Because, let's face it: Emmett is asking Nash to marry him, then Nash has his accident and Nash can SEE the love in Emmett's eyes when he looks at him. So Emmett MUST have had such deep feelings for Nash waaaaaaaaaaaaaay before this. And I NEEDED to hear from him, I really did.

New to me author and narrator, will certainly look for more.

4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
4 stars overall

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**