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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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A Game Cursed and Deadly (Beyond The Veil #1)
A Game Cursed and Deadly (Beyond The Veil #1)
Ella Laurenti | 2025 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

I copy from a recent review I wrote: The thing I love most about reviewing is finding brand spanking new authors. Finding those new authors who smash it out the park with their first book is just the icing on the cake! This is such a book!

The thing I loved most about this book, was that for a long time, I mean a REALLY long time, I couldn't see how the curse would be broken! It's not until it revealed in the book, that all the clues and bits and pieces slot together to form a solution to the puzzle that was there all along, and I just couldn't see it.

I loved that, very quickly, Teizel realizes that Esme is someone special, someone who could possibly, maybe break this curse, but he dare not hope. He's had his hopes dashed many times, and another time will truly break him. But Esme pushes all his buttons and then some, and slowly, she creeps under his skin.

Some very interesting twists along the way, and I loved that I didn't see a single bloody one!

Both Tei and Esme get a say and I loved that.

One thing, though, that made me spit my dummy out, throw my toys out the pram and almost, ALMOST throw my kindle in the swimming pool in Malta where I was reading.

It ends in a bit of a cliff hanger and I did NOT see that coming either!

All in all, Ms Laurenti, I'd say, that was a job well done and please, PLEASE hurry with the next book!!

5 full and shiny stars but honestly? I can't recommend this book highly enough!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Jordan's Breakthrough (Unexpected Love #3)
Jordan's Breakthrough (Unexpected Love #3)
Kim Breyon | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
heavy on the emotions!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Unexpected Love series, and I have not read books one or two. I want to, but you don't need to read them.

Jordan and Miles connect via an online group for plant dads. Their connection quickly grows but Jordan suffers from clinical depression and Miles is a ten hour drive away. When Jordan needs him, Miles jumps on a plane. But what will Jordan do when Miles needs him??

I liked this, I liked it a LOT. I did struggle though, at points and let me tell you why. Someone very VERY close to me suffers from depression, almost as bad as Jordan. And when he was spiraling, and we get it all? I could see them, and how they suffered. It's clear the author has either first hand experience, or has done a massive amount of research to get all the intricacies of clinicla depression and how it manifests itself for different people.

I loved that Miles made Jordan see how much his group of friends cares about him. He didn't see it, not really. And they do care, deeply for Jordan and indeed Miles, once Miles is in that group.

For me, the steam and smex play second fiddle to the emotion that comes out this book. Given Jordan's diagnosis and Miles' struggling, it's heavy, HEAVY on the emotion and I really did love that.

I liked finding out about the guys from books one and two, they play a part here. And just what is going on with Vince, the bouncer at the bar where Jordan works?? His book is next and I'm jumping straight in!

4 very VERY good stars

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Kari's Kismet (Divergent Omegaverse #6)
Kari's Kismet (Divergent Omegaverse #6)
JP Sayle | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bowie and Kari are perfect for each other!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 6 in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and I recommend you read them in order. While the books themselves are overlapping in the timeline, some things happen in previous books that are mentioned here, and talked about but not fully recapped and you really do need to know about the visit to the ranch, and what happened at the factory.

There have been hints about Kari and Bowie in previous books and I really enjoyed their book. Not loved though, and I can't figure out why!

Kari is a born Starling, twin to Kodi. He's the calmer of the two.

Kari watches Bowie, like a hawk, so he notices when something isn't right, his wolf knows something is very wrong. Once Kari finds Bowie, his Daddy side kicks in. And that Daddy side is so powerful, and sweet, and loving and neither of them saw this coming, so it was cute as well.

Bowie had a difficult upbringing, and it spills over into his adult life. The prologue made me cry! But once Bowie finds his feet, as it were, with his Daddy, and once they get smexy? Oh my days, that boy is fierce!

Some darker things happen, but I'm not spoiling it for you.

I'm looking forward to Kodi's book, and there is also Jupiter and Laken still to fall. I do enjoy the snippets of text messages, between the PA's and the Starling brothers. And the little bits we get of Lane and Derick (Popi and Dad!)

It's a fairly easy read, and I can't figure out why I didn't love it! Sorry!

4 very, very good stars

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Cabbages & Kings
Cabbages & Kings
Morgan Sheppard | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
wonderful retelling of a local legend
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

As a Nottingham girl, I grew with tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. So, finding this tale having tipped those tales on their heads was a delight!

The story tells of Alana Dale, and her new husband, Will Scathlock and how they came to suffer at the hands of Robin and Guy, and just how, after all that, THEY came to be the bad guys!

This is a delightful tale, set in places in and around Nottinghamshire, so I know these places, and I love reading books about places I really know.

It's wonderfully written, with detailed descriptions of the things needed to get by, with Alana having ideas wise beyond her years, especially when it comes to health matters.

Alana is a strong-minded young lady (only 16 here!) and she will stand up for herself in a time when it wasn't the done thing. I loved Alana, and her teasing of Will, but to be fair, he gave as good as he got. Alana's deepest fears come to life here, and how she manages to hold it together to keep Will safe BEFORE she loses it, I have no idea.

There is some violence, Alana and Will's village is destroyed in the beginning of the book and the attack's aftermath is described in some detail. Because of this, I would class it as upper young adult, maybe 14+.

Tipping the Robin Hood legend on its head, Ms Sheppard made new heroes, and new bad guys. She tells of everyday life in Medieval England, and just how the common folk survived.

4 very good stars

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Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3)
Running From Darkness (Dark River Stone Collective #3)
JP Sayle | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Dark River Stone Collective series. While not strictly necessary, I would recommend you read at least book one, The Light Beneath The Dark. It will give you a better picture of Linc and Mason, as it's their story and they play a large part here. Some references are made to that book, so it might help. BUT book 2, When Darkness Turns To Light, was a far more gripping read. So, you know, just read 'em both!

Conall and Kyle are perfect for each other, right from the start. I loved that Kyle knew he wanted Conall, but he wanted to HELP Conall and his sister Calli first and foremost. That he wanted in Conall's bed was secondary to making sure Calli was safe.

Because Conall finds her being attacked by their step-father and reacts with violence. Which I totally get and fully approve of, given as Calli is 14. Running to the Dark Angels was the quickest way to get her safe.

I loved that Mason is very . . loose . . with his words, and helps Conall keep Calli safe. Calli will be a force of nature, once she has some time to come to terms with what's happened, she really will. She shows great courage here, and I loved that River kinda attached herself to Calli.

This book doesn't quite bite the way book 2 does, but it bites in a very different way. I still enjoyed it as much as book 1 though, and it is a welcome addition to this series.

Who is next?? I dunno, I don't really care, but I will be reading it!

4 good solid stars

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Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
Lindy Miller | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
cute and sweet!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

If you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm all about the book feelings and how much I hate using the word NICE to describe a book. But sometimes, that word sticks at the tip of my fingers and I can't shift it no matter what.

So, this is a nice book.

Roxy goes home for Christmas for the first time in several years, at the request of her aging grandmother. Her (currently) off-again boyfriend is in Milan. A conversation between them sets Roxy off in a bad mood and things go downhill from there. Or rather, Roxy goes uphill but the weather turns for the worse and Roxy runs off the road in a blizzard and she only packed her good clothes. Ranger Mark finds her, and there follows a lovely tale of finding your true self.

I liked it. It's relatively clean, just some kissing. Low angst, although Roxy does have to dig deep to make the decision she does. Just Roxy has a say though, and maybe if Mark had been given a voice, I might have enjoyed it more.

I refer back to the book feelings. My first and most lasting feeling about this book is that it's a Hallmark Christmas movie, wrapped up in some 178 pages. It didn't seem that long though.

It's incredibly sweet, and I think, for ME, just a bit too much.

But! This is the first I've read of this author, under either name she uses, and I'd certainly give her another go. A book with a bit more bite might be more for me.

3 good, twinkly stars

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