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Witch's Knight (The Bloodline Chronicles, #1)
Witch's Knight (The Bloodline Chronicles, #1)
Evelyn Silver | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
quite dark in places, but I do think it is needed!
Independent reviewer for archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Here's the thing, right? I DNF'ed this book, 2 years ago, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why!

I really REALLY liked this book! It starts off with a zombie mouse, and then runs away with itself!

Sarai is a witch, with dual power. She is in hiding from her father. When vigilanties hunting both vampire and witch find her, she is saved by a vampire. Marcelle is second in command to the vampire king, Setanta. Who wants to use Sarai to form an alliance to fight said vigilanties.

This is wonderfully written, starting off fast and furious and not letting up. Mostly from Sarai's point of view, with Marcelle having the other voice, it really was a great read. It is quite dark in some places, with a slightly deranged witch doing despicable things to Marcelle that is on page, but I do feel that it is needed.

The smexy times between Marcelle and Sarai are not explicit, but they are steamy.

But the thing is: I can't see where this is going, nor how it's going to end. And it's frustrating! Sarai and Marcelle have a relationship here, and Marcelle (along with most vampires, if not all) are NOT monogamous, but the relationship between Marcelle and Setanta takes a back seat to Sarai and Marcelle. I think I would have liked a bit more of Setanta, either as a voice or with Marcelle. He's an interesting character! So, I've no idea if Sarai will end up with Marcelle, or someone else, or no one, because her father might get her!

So, the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, with Sarai being confined to the vampire stronghold. Not quite a kindle-throwing cliff hanger but nearly!

I have book 2, Midnight Fear to read next, which is the conclusion of this storyline.

4 very VERY good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2)
Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2)
JP Sayle, Layla Dorine | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Loved that Cosmo pushed, just to get punished.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Little Paws Haven series. I don't think it totally necessary to have read book one, Little Treasure He Hides, before this one. I loved that book.

And while I really enjoyed this one, I found this one a bit...disconnected.

Oh don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, I just found some bits went off and I lost my concentration.

Nomad and Harley have been mated for 20 years. Harley, though, is certain they should have a third. Meeting Cosmo, and all three of them knew they were mates but Cosmo was not letting them have it easy. Getting up close and personal with another Dom in the club, just to rile Nomad and Harley up. But Cosmo is more than a Little. He is deadly. And not incapable of looking after himself. Nomad and Harley need to get with the programme. Cosmo also needs to get with it, but he struggles. Having only himself to rely on for so long, it takes him time to let Nomad and Harley in.

I liked that all three men have a say. I loved that Cosmo gave the other two a run for their money. I loved that Cosmo, once settled into the relationship, pushed all the boundaries and then some, JUST so he could take the punishment.

I found the issue with The Council a bit confusing as to what was really going on, so reading about those bits, I kinda switched off. It all comes clear, I just took twice as long to get it!

Gabai and Asher from book one take part, but you don't need to have read their book to follow this one. The next book is laid here, well, I mean I hope it is! Looking forward to reading about hippos!

I liked this well enough, but something didn't quite click for me.

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
An Unrivaled Off Season (Hockey Ever After #3.5)
An Unrivaled Off Season (Hockey Ever After #3.5)
Morgan James, Ashlyn Kane | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
perfect for these two!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.


This is book 3.5 in the Hockey Ever After series, and you MUST read book 3, Unrivaled, before you read this one. This is a continuation of Max and Grady's story. The other books are not necessary though, but they are all 4 and 5 star reads.


What this is, is an immediate pick up from Unrivaled and the summer that Max and Grady spent at Max's home in New Bruinswick. (I have no clue where that is, in relation to Florida or California, but I know its north and colder that those two places!)


Both men are wanting to ask THE QUESTION, but neither man can figure out how best to do it and what follows is a wonderful 100 odd pages of them getting up the courage and spitting the darn question out. But things keep happening and the question comes, finally, at the most perfect time!


These guys love each other, and they make no bones about it! I loved that the smexy times is again fade to grey, maybe even to black, but hey! I don't care! Yes I usually like the smexier times, but I'm big enough and ugly enough to admit that it's not always necessary and these guys do fade to grey perfectly!


I loved the way these two integrated into each others lives, homes, and hearts. They are quite devious in gettting what they want, and I loved that neither one really realsied what the other was doing!


It's got laugh out loud moments (or in my case, a croak cos I have a raging sore throat!) It's got so much love. It's got guys from book 1, Gabe and Dante, playing a huge part. It's got some emotional bits, mostly when Max and Grady are having the internal conversations with themselves about asking the question, but it's not heavy. It's a lighthearted read and it was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday morning.


I don't ususally give such short reads 5 stars, since I almost ALWAY want more, but this one??


5 full and shiny stars!


*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
A Thousand Glittering Lights
A Thousand Glittering Lights
Jennie Lynn Roberts | 2024 | Contemporary, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
absolutely stunning book!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Jennie Lynn Roberts has become a firm favourite, her first book blew me away and I'm still struggling to catch my breath! But those books were fantasy/paranormal, and this is a contemporary romance and I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about this book.

I need not have worried! I loved this book, massively!

It has some many layers and subplots, or at least I thought they were subplots, until everything start to merge together and things become much MUCH clearer! I wasn't confused, not really, just at times I felt I was reading those subplots as multiple books. Once things started to come together, however, those subplots made much more sense.

I loved how I just let myelf fall into this, along with those plots, and didn't really try to figure it out as I went. I usually do, trying to put 2 and 2 together to get 4, but for some reason, I let myself flow with the book. And I am so glad I did, because I didn't see it taking that route! Ok, so maybe I did try, but only a little.

I loved that we heard not just from Ellie, but alos from the male MC and some others. I wasn't WHY we were hearing from them, as I was reading, but I have to say, they were absolutely needed for those plots to come together. Roberts NAILED how Victoria (Ellie's best friend) was dealing with things, she absolutely did.

I can't go too much into what I loved most about this book, for spoilers, but know this: I loved this book and the way it went! I cried a lot, and cheered a lot. It's deeply emotional, not just for Ellie, but for out male MC. Because :

All he knows is darkness… and Ellie.

And never has there been a more perfect tag line!

I can't fault this book, I really can't. I'd love to be able to give it more, but I can't so...

5 full and glittering stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Giving the Dragon Fire
Giving the Dragon Fire
Victoria Jayne | 2024 | Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
more of an emotional connection would have been nice!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Gideon meets Ella and their chemistry is smokin! Literally! But Ella can't possibly be his mate, since she is human and dragons only mate with dragons. Right?

I liked this, for the most part. It's 250 odd pages, but it's a quick read, and an easy one.

I liked that both Gideon and Ella have a say. I liked that they are both suffering this attraction thing, and it's messing with both their equilibriums. I liked the smexiness level, it really is smokin hot.

BUT

I didn't like the smexiness level! Contradicting myself I know, but lemme explain.

Every time these two cross paths, there is smex. EVERY time. And while I do like my books on the steamier side, I do like some story with my steam, ok? And for a while, I was gonna dump this simply because all Ella and Gideon did was have smex. *I* found it too much, and that has to be saying something!!

So, what I'm trying to say is, I would have liked some other connecton between Ella and Gideon that wasn't horizontal. More of an emotional connection would have been nice. Once they decide to give this mate thing a go, the book then ends with an epilogue and I wanted more of that interim period.

I also was a bit lost as to Gideon getting his fire. He was convinced that Ella wasn't his mate because she couldn't give the dragon his fire. Then all of a sudden, he had it. Something happened (but spoilers!), but one scene he didn't, then he next, he did. No explaination as to HOW he got it.

So, some gaps in the plot, but once I got over my hissy fit, and finished the book, I can honestly say, I liked it. And it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to read more of this group of people.

3 good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Silent Partner (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3)
Silent Partner (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3)
Morgan Brice | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I haven't read the other books, gonna go back!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Fox Hollow Zodiac series, and I have NOT read books 1, Huntsman and book 2, Again. Somethings were missing for me, mostly about the Fox Institute and what it was there for, but since Riley spends very little time there, and what HE was doing there was explained, I let it ride. I think I might go back and read books 1 and 2, though. Not because I need to, but because I want to know about Liam/Russ and Noah/Drew and their stories. They play a part here.

Riley runs from his abusive ex, and finds himself a study subject in The Fox Institute, since Riley is psychically silent: no one can read his mind. Which is great, but Brandon is a psychic! And a moose. There is immediate attraction, but Riley is scared. His ex might show up and ruin everything.

I liked the fact that Brandon doesn't get that "MINE" moment, when he meets Riley. Yes, he is attracted, but only the MOOSE half of Brandon calls for his mate. Brandon the MAN doesn't quite feel it. He does, in the end, but not at the beginning. I liked that Riley was wary enough of Brandon as a psychic to question him, but the fact that his moose makes him feel safe surprises Riley. I liked that fact that they got to know each other, before acting on the attraction.

I liked Brandon's group of friends and the support he gets from them. I liked that they took Riley in, once they were a couple.

I struggled a bit with the fact that Riley's ex just turned up: there was no build up to that. The ex was talked about, and then he appears. Could have done with more on that but said ex does get his just desserts!

All in all, I liked this a lot. I'll go back and read the first two books, just as soon as I can.

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
On The Ice ( Stick Side '#1)
On The Ice ( Stick Side '#1)
Amy Aislin | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Sport & Leisure
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
kinda creeps up on ya!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Mitch is working two jobs to put himself through college, and get himself in the NHL league. He puts on a front for everyone and anyone who pays him any attention. But Alex sees Mitch, like SEES him, as he really is and Alex wants more. But both young men are fully aware that coming out might jeopardize both the positions in the league.

I made a new shelf, just for books like this! It's title?? Kinda-creeps-up-on-ya!

Because that is just what this book did! It creeps along, slow, slow, fast, fast, slow. The emotions build along the same, and then, THEN?? I ran out of book!

You get sucked in so far, you can't see a way out, except to keep on going and see how it all turns out!

I loved Mitch, with all his fronts and faces he presents to everyone else. I loved that Alex saw, immediately, past those fronts and faces. Loved that Alex makes it clear to Mitch, while he finds him attractive, there can be nothing between them without the EMOTIONAL connection. And Mitch would rather take the nothing, and have Alex in his life, than just the sex, and lose Alex along the way.

I find myself: me, a middle aged English woman, connecting with Alex on a much deeper level than I expected to. Alex is demisexual: he loves people, not genders. But he won't have sex with just anyone, he needs that emotion connection that Mitch is chasing with Alex. And I think THATS what I connected to, the fact he needs that emotional connection.

I did love the epilogue! Loved that, even though these guys could have lost their league places, they followed their hearts!

There is a little bit in the front of this book, that tells you Mitch and Alex pop up in another book by Aislin. They are already married for 6 years in that book, and this is the story of how they got together. I'd like to read that one too.

From what I can see, the first I have read of Aislin, another new to me author who blew me away.

5 stars, that creep up ya!!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Unlikely Hero (AUDIO)
Unlikely Hero (AUDIO)
Sean Michael | 2017 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
excellent narration of a great book!
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted the audio version of this book.

Brock never got over Eric leaving him, but he understood why Eric needed to go. When Eric calls, 9 years later, Brock drops everything and calls upon his considerable resources to find Eric's 3 year old daughter , who has been kidnapped. But having Eric and Josie under his roof, to keep them safe, has Brock thinking about all the things he missed out on.

I loved this!!

Brock loved Eric, never stopped so of course he's gonna help him find his daughter! I loved that, right from Eric turning up at his office, Brock is calling him baby. I don;'t usually, so it surprised me here that I did love it! I think it surprised Brock too, the first time he did it!

Brock makes no apologies for his wealth and power and he pulls no punches in using both to keep Eric and Josie safe, and in finding out who is doing this.

But we don't get Eric, at all. This is told entirely from Brock's POV in the third person. And I really REALLY needed to hear from Eric at key points along the way: when Josie is first discovered gone; when he walks into Brock's office and when he finds out just who is behind it all. This is the only reason I gave the book 4 stars, because Eric is not given a voice, and he needed one.

I loved the supporting cast, especially Max and Gordon. They have a tale to tell, not least because of what goes down here!

Jeff Gelder narrates. This is the first, as far as I can see, that I have listened to of his work and I was very impressed. His reading voice is deep and even, and his voices consistent and easily identifiable in multi person conversations. Loved his voice for Josie, who sounded just like a 3 year old should, with all the funny things they say. Gelder gets over all of Brock's emotions in all the right places.

I cannot fault the narration. Gelder is firmly on my to listen list!

4 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration.
4.5 (rounded down to 4) overall.

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Cutting Cords (Kiss of Leather #6)
Cutting Cords (Kiss of Leather #6)
Morticia Knight | 2017 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
6.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
love this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Book 6 in the series, and blah blah blah, READ the others first! Cos I SAID so!!

I don't recall if we met Liam in previous, or he was just mentioned as a friend of the other subs, but we certainly don't meet Master Neal til this book.

Liam is traumatized by the death of his previous Master, and is skittish, and very socially awkward. Watching Master Neal doing a flogging at Kiss Of leather as part of his being accepted into the club, Liam is all kinds of torn up. For his love for Master Mark, but his need to move on. Being introduced to the painfully shy Liam, Master Neal's protectiveness goes into overdrive. He never wanted anyone like he wants Liam, and if he can be who and what Liam wants and needs, he will bide his time, treat Liam with the kid gloves he needs.

I said in my review of Gaining trust that I thought Master Jordan was my most favourite, but now I have a dilemma! Because I LOVED Master Neal! And Liam, so painfully socially awkward! oh! Loved them both!

Master Neal never wanted to do the TPE thing, but for Liam, he might just be able to do it. Liam needs that, and Master Neal needs Liam. He just didn't know he did, til he met Liam.

I can't express how much Liam's story affected me, he had a painful upbringing and then meeting Master Mark, a much MUCH older guy, he was very sheltered. Watching him come out of himself, and become the young man who helps Master Neal at his tattoo and piercing shop was great fun. Master Neal is very playful with Liam, and while Liam needs the TPE, he also learns there are other things he needs.

While the on going story arc is somewhat finished, it goes into different, more deadly direction. Spoilers I ain't giving!

We are introduced to Tobey and Master Hunter, and also a couple of very interesting characters at Master Neal's tattoo shop! A story for Ray and Cruella would make a very welcome addition to this series!!

5 full stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
The Glasshouse (Lavender Shores #6)
The Glasshouse (Lavender Shores #6)
Rosalind Abel | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
love love LOVE this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 6 in the series, but you don't need to have read there other books to follow this one. They can all be read as stand alones. But they are all 4 and 5 star reviews, from me!

I keep flipping from 4 to 5 stars and back to four again, and I have no idea why I keep crossing the numbers out at the top of the page, so gonna split the difference and call it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the blog!

A little bit more of an emotional read, this one. I felt for Harrison, I really did. I cried for him when he runs, first from Will then from Adrian. And cheered for him when he finds himself, after being someone else for everyone for so very long.

But equally, Adrian wrecks your heart too! While he fights for what he feels for Harrison in the beginning, then letting it all out and going all in, and when he was waiting for Harrison to come back to him. Oh Lord, the waiting was painful!

Harrison's brother Jasper plays a huge part here, and I think he should get a story too. Adrian's brother too, but to a lesser degree. He needs a happy ever after though, after such loss. OH!! Did I see that one being laid out?? Maybe not, we'll see!

But my overwhelming feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about sharing the feelings!) is that I want, no, I NEED the story of Adrian's uncles, Alex and Alan. Alex' diary was found in one of the couples (I forget which) house when they are remodeling. Adrian references Alex' diary here, and I so desperately want to hear their story. Although members of the Founding Families, they didn't have it as easy as the guys in Lavender Shores do now. I think THEIR story would be a welcome addition to this series.

As I read each one of these books, I find once I start, I cannot stop and I have read most of them in one sitting. They aren't short books, some 300 pages but everything just grinds to a halt when I start. So, please, keep them coming!

Ah stuff it!

5 full and shiny stars!

**same worded review will appear elsewhe