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Seduced by the Handyman (Cougars & Cubs #2)
Seduced by the Handyman (Cougars & Cubs #2)
Nancy Fraser | 2021 | Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
cute read, but not one for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Cougars & Cubs series, but it is not necessary to have read book one to enjoy this one.

As much as it pains me to say so, I found this a nice​ read. Ya'll know how much I hate using that word, but it's stuck with me for 2 days since I finished the book, and I can't shift it!

I liked that both Cate and Mitch have a say. I liked that Mitch does what he does to keep Cate's job safe, and they can continue their relationship.

I liked the heat level. It's not scorching, by any means, but it a pleasant heat, like sitting in the April sunshine. Not too much, but enough to feel the sun, you know??

I liked that both Cate and Mitch's friends were positive about their relationship.

I liked that there really isn't any great angst, and no break up/make up.

What's here is well written, and it reads well.

I liked​ it!

But something about it doesn't quite work, and I have no idea what.

a GOOD 3 stars

same worded review will appear elsewhere​​
  
Captive
Captive
Rafe Jadison | 2017 | Contemporary, Erotica, LGBTQ+, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a short book, but an intense one.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

A short book, but an intense one.

Roderick kidnaps Alex, after a bit of road rage, but then lets him go, leaving notes for him to follow, or leave. Alex chooses to follow and there follows a bit of an awakening for them both.

Roderick had never done anything like this before, but the attraction he has to Alex is powerful and brings out a NEED in him that Roderick needs to satisfy. When Alex leaves in the morning, Roderick then follows Alex, to try to see if there could be more than this one-night stand.

I liked that it's intense between them, straight away. The attraction packs a powerful punch to Alex, as well as Roderick and in a way they didn't see coming.

Both Roderick and Alex have a say, but I thought Alex had the majority voice, indeed, I did not think Roderick would get a voice at first.

It's well written, and well delivered. I found it a smexy way to pass an hour. It just didn't blow me away.

3 good solid stars

~same worded review will appear elsewhere​​~
  
Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings
Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings
Nell Iris | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
didn't quite work for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Oren goes to thank his mum's neighbour for helping her when she fell, and he falls, HARD! Pete is married, though, right?

So, three things let this book down, for ME.

Strike one
Single person point of view. Only Oren has a say.

Strike two
First person, present tense. Just doesn't work for me.

Strike three
This was a very VERY short book, took me less than 30 minutes to read it. I have no idea why this lets it down, but you know me and my book feelings and this is what I feel!

BUT

Positive one
When Oren and Pete are on the same page for the first time, they are both straight into whatever *this* is between them.

Positive two
Loved Pete's ex-wife's reaction to finding Pete and Oren getting a little touchy feely.

Positive three
Loved the reaction of Pete's kids to their Extra-Daddy.

It is well written, and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. It was a *nice* read. (And you know how I feel about using that word!)

3 good solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Pale Kings (Emaneska #2)
Pale Kings (Emaneska #2)
Ben Galley | 2012 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
132 of 250
Kindle
Pale kings ( Emaneska book 2)
By Ben Galley

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

The Pale Kings are rising. Emaneska's Long Winter remains as bitter as a blade between the ribs. War is fast approaching. Gods and demons are hovering on the horizon. Long-lost revelations arrive to haunt the lives of three men.

"Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings."
- NottingHarp, Amazon Reviewer

While Farden the Written mage busies himself digging up his past in the strange deserts of Paraia, the storm-clouds begin to gather for Durnus, Elessi, Cheska, and Modren.

"There are certain twists that will surprise the reader by genuinely coming out of the left field."
- Fantasy Book Critic

Together with Farfallen and his dragon-riders, they must fight to survive against the Long Winter, the vicious machinations of the new Arkmage, and the arrival of something much deadlier than both combined. War, deception, and murder are quickly becoming the only paths to salvation...

I will say it’s very well written and I would encourage others to still read it! I can only express my opinion and it just wasn’t working for me I just struggled so hard to get into the book and connect properly!
  
Light My Pyre (Everwood Falls #1)
Light My Pyre (Everwood Falls #1)
Kat Kinney | 2023 | Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
10
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Gwyn is on the run from her fiance-to-be and the pain he's caused her. Asher is part fae and a fire wielder of the highest calling. When serious fires keep happening there's only one person to blame isn't there?


This is the first in the series of the Everwood Falls tales and if they are all written like this I really cannot wait for future stories. The way Kat has written made me feel included in the story never far away from the action and if any questions did arise like I wonder what's happened with this bit, or who's involved why, etc they got answered pretty quickly in the story a little bit further on. I haven't found anything that's left me confused or trying to guess what's happened and once I was able to sit and read it I could have continued to read it for a bit longer even if it hadn't finished where it did


Recommended read.


** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
  
Clean Win (A Sam Quinton Mystery #4)
Clean Win (A Sam Quinton Mystery #4)
Kevin R. Doyle | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Sam Quinton is a retired wrestler, who now owns a gym as well as has the side hustle of being a private investigator. He gets hired for a high-profile case that doesn't seem as straight-cut as it should. Will Sam figure it out before it's too late?


This is the 4th instalment of the Sam Quinton mysteries and, although I haven't read any of the other books in this series, it didn't matter. There were a couple of mentions of previous cases he had worked on but nothing that would confuse you or takes away from this book. I would say it could be read as a stand-alone.

 

There is a lot of detail given in the story and in this case, which is good as you are able to go along at the same pace as him in discovering the answer to whodunit.


I didn't expect it to be who it was I had bets on another character! There is a lot to keep you hooked and continue reading.


** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
  
Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat Series, #3)
Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat Series, #3)
Becky Flade | 2022 | Romance, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
i like the twist the bones in the rubble took.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.


This is book 3 in the Philly Heat series, but it's not necessary to have read the other books first. I have read book 2, Fall To Pieces. I really enjoyed that book.


This one? Not so much. It was still a good read, but just didn't push my buttons very much!


I liked that was the romance in these books takes a back seat. The steam levels are fairly low. There is love and passion, but the smexy times are very much faded to black.


I liked the twist the bodies in the rubble took, but I would have liked a little more closure on those. We get full closure for only one, and the rest are in the wind. You get enough to put together what happened to them and who did it, but not who they are. But Ben summed it up, I think. They may never find out who they are, and they have to let it go. I'm just greedy!


It was a good read, just not one that really worked for me.


3 good solid stars.


*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
When the Glow Lights the Woods
When the Glow Lights the Woods
Eule Grey | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Kite lives in a community where things are scarce and they struggle. They live and survive on what they are able to grow and produce throughout the year. When it comes close to Christmas there is a special tradition that takes place where there is a chosen person who travels through a magic tunnel to a door into the future. Can both the future and the past come together to create the perfect balance that they all need?


This is a lovely story with lots of feelings involved and a lot of growth. It feels like she has dug deep and almost out some of her feelings and intertwined them with her characters. Kite has such a heartwarming persona about him, it made me want to take him under my wing to help him progress and grow. I'm so pleased he didn't give up and fought for what he thought was right.


Well done, Eule, on a captivatingly written story that I recommend


** 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. *
  
Homicide Hérault (Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery #6)
Homicide Hérault (Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery #6)
Bluette Matthey | 2022 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Hardy Durkin is on a bicycle tour around France with his group. As they are following a delightful path a couple of the group decide to have a little splash in the water so one of the group goes behind a rock to change and ends up getting the fright of her life, 2 skeletons. Hardy contacts his friends who are in the know and discover a lot more!


I have enjoyed this story it is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. There is a lot of good information which is very interesting to read. I had an issue with one of Bluette's previously and was a bit apprehensive as I didn't want to upset her if I didn't like the story or style of writing, but there were no issues at all with that she has done a fantastic job and made it legible and exciting. Well done, Bluette, a fantastic job.


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. *
  
A Brat for Kinkmas (Naughty or Nice Season Three)
A Brat for Kinkmas (Naughty or Nice Season Three)
JP Sayle | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
something missing but I don't know what!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is part of the Naughty or Nice season three series and can be read as a stand alone to all the other books.

I like my books heavier on the BDSM side, and I'm a fan of the Daddy/little dynamics. For the most part. But something about THIS book doesn't quite work for me, and I've no idea what! So, I'm just gonna leave it at that!

What I DID like, was that what Ziv does was never made fully clear! Oh the hints and clues are there, it says some legal and some not so, but never just WHAT, you know? I was expecting him to be some sort of super secret do-gooder! He's not, but he does throw his money about to get what he wants, and who he wants!

I love that we catch up with Patrick and Akker (Agrippa My Heart) and Jessie and Smithy( His Boy To Tease) The trio of friends are now happy with their Daddies, and all loved up, and I love that they are.

Steamy and smexy, but missing *something* but I don't know what!

3 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere