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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Honey-Don't List in Books
Mar 26, 2020
Carey Douglas is looking forward to a much-needed vacation. She's spent nearly ten years serving as an assistant--and much more--to Melissa Tripp, one half of Melissa and Rusty Tripp. The Tripps are co-owners of the store Comb+Honey and best known for their home renovation TV shows and books. They have a new solo show, Home Sweet Home, about to launch on Netflix, accompanied by a book about their happy marriage. The only issue: Melissa and Rusty can't stand each other. So instead of giving their assistants--Carey and Rusty's assistant/engineer, James--a break while they go on book tour, the couple's behavior requires they be babysat so their mutual self-hatred does not go viral. Suddenly Carey and James find themselves stuck together on a tour bus, watching over two very irritable and often hateful people. James needs the engineering contacts and a job where everything is on the up-and-up--something his last couldn't offer. Carey requires health insurance and believes Melissa needs her more than anyone else. And who knows, the more time James and Carey spend together, the more they might wind up finding some good in all this mess.
"You wouldn't know from scrolling through their idyllic Instagram feed that Melly and Rusty aren't quite as sweet on each other anymore. Looking back, I'm not really sure when they decided their marriage mattered less than their brand."
This was a fun and engaging Christina Lauren read. I'd rank Carey and James as one of their good couples, though not perhaps in the great category. They are cute, however, with plenty of chemistry and lots of sexy banter.
"Your only job for the next ten days is to keep the Tripps from falling apart."
I enjoyed the HGTV feel of this book and the Tripps had a "Chip and Joanna Gaines" feel, if the Gaines went off the rails, or we were able to see their dark side. Things get a little repetitive in the middle, as the Tripps fight and Carey and James struggle with the "oh but we need our jobs" piece, but overall the book is humorous, tender, and fun. Sure, Carey and James are desperately thrown together and you have NO IDEA what will happen, right? It's all good; it's why I love a good romance. Their journey is enjoyable and the side characters--mainly the Tripps--are, well, a trip. Let me tell you, Melissa (Melly) is downright scary at times.
We also get the story told from both Carey and James' point of view, which I like, plus some police report excerpts (oh yeah) and parts of blogger and tabloid pieces. Our fabulous duo does a great job at putting us in the middle of the Tripps' scandal, and one of my favorite things about this one was that not only did we get to enjoy Carey and James' romance, but we felt like we were a part of the trainwreck sensation that was Melly and Rusty.
Overall, this is a fun read with a sexy romance and enjoyable characters. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 stars here.
"You wouldn't know from scrolling through their idyllic Instagram feed that Melly and Rusty aren't quite as sweet on each other anymore. Looking back, I'm not really sure when they decided their marriage mattered less than their brand."
This was a fun and engaging Christina Lauren read. I'd rank Carey and James as one of their good couples, though not perhaps in the great category. They are cute, however, with plenty of chemistry and lots of sexy banter.
"Your only job for the next ten days is to keep the Tripps from falling apart."
I enjoyed the HGTV feel of this book and the Tripps had a "Chip and Joanna Gaines" feel, if the Gaines went off the rails, or we were able to see their dark side. Things get a little repetitive in the middle, as the Tripps fight and Carey and James struggle with the "oh but we need our jobs" piece, but overall the book is humorous, tender, and fun. Sure, Carey and James are desperately thrown together and you have NO IDEA what will happen, right? It's all good; it's why I love a good romance. Their journey is enjoyable and the side characters--mainly the Tripps--are, well, a trip. Let me tell you, Melissa (Melly) is downright scary at times.
We also get the story told from both Carey and James' point of view, which I like, plus some police report excerpts (oh yeah) and parts of blogger and tabloid pieces. Our fabulous duo does a great job at putting us in the middle of the Tripps' scandal, and one of my favorite things about this one was that not only did we get to enjoy Carey and James' romance, but we felt like we were a part of the trainwreck sensation that was Melly and Rusty.
Overall, this is a fun read with a sexy romance and enjoyable characters. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 stars here.
This is the twenty-fourth book in my #atozchallenge! I'm challenging myself to read a book from my shelves that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Let's clear those shelves and delve into that backlist!
Xeni Everly-Wilkins is devastated when her beloved Aunt Sable passes away. The two were less close than she wanted, thanks to Sable's ongoing feud with her sisters (including Xeni's mom), but Xeni loved her nonetheless. Xeni heads to New York to help clean out her aunt's house and learn what she may have inherited. But when Xeni arrives at the lawyer's office, she finds out her inheritance comes with a big catch: she must marry to claim Sable's (sizable) estate. And Sable had someone in mind: local chef Mason McInroy, a handsome Scottish man who just happened to play the bagpipes at Sable's funeral. Mason stands to inherit from this scheme too; he and Sable were close. Xeni and Mason each have their own reasons to say yes to Sable's insane scheme, but neither has any plans to fall in love. Right?
"'In order for either of you to claim any of this, Ms. Everly asked that you to be married. To each other.'"
OK, I have no idea where this book came from, but it was the one "X" book on my shelves. It's a total trip with a ton of crazy story threads going on, but honestly, I enjoyed it! Even with the family drama, the arranged marriage, the mentions of witchcraft, the instalove, the sexy times, and more!
So, yes, the plot for this book is a bit outlandish. You have to roll with it--Xeni and Mason meet at the lawyer's, find out they have to marry quickly to inherit money, and... just get married. A lot of sexual scenes soon ensue--if you do not enjoy sexy times in your books, I would not recommend picking up this one. I was not prepared for, umm, all the detail, but I appreciated how open the author was with bisexuality and sexuality in general.
The instalove (instalust?) between Xeni and Mason is a bit hard to take at first, but truly, they are rather adorable and pretty easy to root for. Mason is just as cute and sweet as can be, and poor Xeni, she's going through a lot. Even though there is not a ton of character development here (why does Xeni believe in witchcraft, for instance?), you can't help but want Mason and Xeni to overcome their obstacles and make this absolutely ridiculous marriage work. Especially if they can spite their sometimes rather awful families. (Sidenote: Xeni's family clearly has a lot of issues, and it bothered me that we never got to see if they were truly resolved.)
Overall, I'm not sure if I would have gravitated immediately toward this book without my #AtoZChallenge, but it turned out to be a pretty fun read. It was silly, but rather beguiling and certainly steamy! It was a good change of pace. 3.5 stars.
Xeni Everly-Wilkins is devastated when her beloved Aunt Sable passes away. The two were less close than she wanted, thanks to Sable's ongoing feud with her sisters (including Xeni's mom), but Xeni loved her nonetheless. Xeni heads to New York to help clean out her aunt's house and learn what she may have inherited. But when Xeni arrives at the lawyer's office, she finds out her inheritance comes with a big catch: she must marry to claim Sable's (sizable) estate. And Sable had someone in mind: local chef Mason McInroy, a handsome Scottish man who just happened to play the bagpipes at Sable's funeral. Mason stands to inherit from this scheme too; he and Sable were close. Xeni and Mason each have their own reasons to say yes to Sable's insane scheme, but neither has any plans to fall in love. Right?
"'In order for either of you to claim any of this, Ms. Everly asked that you to be married. To each other.'"
OK, I have no idea where this book came from, but it was the one "X" book on my shelves. It's a total trip with a ton of crazy story threads going on, but honestly, I enjoyed it! Even with the family drama, the arranged marriage, the mentions of witchcraft, the instalove, the sexy times, and more!
So, yes, the plot for this book is a bit outlandish. You have to roll with it--Xeni and Mason meet at the lawyer's, find out they have to marry quickly to inherit money, and... just get married. A lot of sexual scenes soon ensue--if you do not enjoy sexy times in your books, I would not recommend picking up this one. I was not prepared for, umm, all the detail, but I appreciated how open the author was with bisexuality and sexuality in general.
The instalove (instalust?) between Xeni and Mason is a bit hard to take at first, but truly, they are rather adorable and pretty easy to root for. Mason is just as cute and sweet as can be, and poor Xeni, she's going through a lot. Even though there is not a ton of character development here (why does Xeni believe in witchcraft, for instance?), you can't help but want Mason and Xeni to overcome their obstacles and make this absolutely ridiculous marriage work. Especially if they can spite their sometimes rather awful families. (Sidenote: Xeni's family clearly has a lot of issues, and it bothered me that we never got to see if they were truly resolved.)
Overall, I'm not sure if I would have gravitated immediately toward this book without my #AtoZChallenge, but it turned out to be a pretty fun read. It was silly, but rather beguiling and certainly steamy! It was a good change of pace. 3.5 stars.
Jack’d - Gay Chat & Dating
Dating, Lifestyle and Social Networking
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Jack’d is the most diverse and authentic app for gay, bi and curious guys to connect, chat, share,...
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1) in Books
Nov 24, 2017
Fire Born (The Guardian #1) by Rayanne Haines
Fire Born is the first book in The Guardian series, and we start off with Alex. She is just a normal girl, living a normal life - so of course you know that everything is about to explode into the unknown for her! And it does, but it brings with it a dragon Guardian, who is incredibly sexy! Collum is very old, and has his own opinions on how things should be. Alex throws numerous spanners in the works simply because she has her own opinions, and won't change them 'just because'.
This is an intricate story, guaranteed to keep your interest as you learn, along with Alex, just exactly how her life is about to change. The characters are all three-dimensional and have their own quirks. Mar is a fantastic character and I can't wait to read more about her. Alex and Collum have a HFN ending, with a promise from Collum. (Why can't I read his name without thinking of Golum instead?!?!?)
For a first book, there is enough world-building to satisfy, elemental thrills all the way through, and sexiness by the dozen. A very good start to a series, and I look forward to continuing with the story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=25905
This is an intricate story, guaranteed to keep your interest as you learn, along with Alex, just exactly how her life is about to change. The characters are all three-dimensional and have their own quirks. Mar is a fantastic character and I can't wait to read more about her. Alex and Collum have a HFN ending, with a promise from Collum. (Why can't I read his name without thinking of Golum instead?!?!?)
For a first book, there is enough world-building to satisfy, elemental thrills all the way through, and sexiness by the dozen. A very good start to a series, and I look forward to continuing with the story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=25905
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Smitty's Sheriff (Hope #3) in Books
Dec 7, 2017
Smitty's Sheriff (Hope #3) by Cardeno C.
Smitty's Sheriff is the third book in the Hope series, and this series is one where I never know what I'm going to get. McFarland's Farm was a 4-star, Jesse's Diner was a 5. Each story is completely individual, and that is always a good thing.
Now, first off, I need to say that this story is of the same high quality as all of Cardeno C.'s work. The pace is smooth, the characters believable, and certain scenes are steamy enough for anyone.
The reason for my 3-stars is that whilst I enjoyed their story, I couldn't actually get with the relationship between the main two characters. I found myself getting quite annoyed whenever Rich spoke to Todd like he was a child. I know there is an age difference between them, but to me, their relationship was more father/son with sexy bits, rather than boyfriends/lovers/whatever you want to call them.
NOW, that is just my opinion, and I know that some readers will devour this story and love every word. I'm just sorry that I'm not one of them, although I did enjoy it. As it is Cardeno C.'s work, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, even if I didn't like it 100%.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, first off, I need to say that this story is of the same high quality as all of Cardeno C.'s work. The pace is smooth, the characters believable, and certain scenes are steamy enough for anyone.
The reason for my 3-stars is that whilst I enjoyed their story, I couldn't actually get with the relationship between the main two characters. I found myself getting quite annoyed whenever Rich spoke to Todd like he was a child. I know there is an age difference between them, but to me, their relationship was more father/son with sexy bits, rather than boyfriends/lovers/whatever you want to call them.
NOW, that is just my opinion, and I know that some readers will devour this story and love every word. I'm just sorry that I'm not one of them, although I did enjoy it. As it is Cardeno C.'s work, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, even if I didn't like it 100%.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Mason (Highland Gargoyles #1) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Mason (Highland Gargoyles #1)
Knights of Stone: Mason is the first book in the Highland Gargoyles series. Mason is the middle brother (I think) and a guitarist in the rock band. Kayla is a tree witch and has crossed the boundaries to watch them play, even whilst knowing it is forbidden. These two connect on a sensual level, and they don't want to fight it, even though they know they should. However, things are happening amongst the three species that share the Isle of Stone, and it may break down borders, or it might just destroy them all.
Whilst Mason is hot/sexy/built... and whatever you want to say about him, there was an innocence between both him and Kayla that leapt off the page. Now, don't get me wrong, it was as hot anything, but still tinged with this innocence that was delightful. I absolutely loved that part. Kayla is strong and sassy, yet not disrespectful to her elders... at least, not until they disrespect her. Both characters are perfect for each other, and memorable in their own rights.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed smoothly along, involving me in their story. This is the first book in the series, so do I want to read the others? You betcha! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whilst Mason is hot/sexy/built... and whatever you want to say about him, there was an innocence between both him and Kayla that leapt off the page. Now, don't get me wrong, it was as hot anything, but still tinged with this innocence that was delightful. I absolutely loved that part. Kayla is strong and sassy, yet not disrespectful to her elders... at least, not until they disrespect her. Both characters are perfect for each other, and memorable in their own rights.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed smoothly along, involving me in their story. This is the first book in the series, so do I want to read the others? You betcha! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated C is for Corpse (Kinsey Millhone #3) in Books
Jun 4, 2019
Entertaining mystery
This is the third book in the Kinsey Millhone "Alphabet" series by Sue Grafton, and so far it's been my favourite.
This time round private investigator Kinsey Millhone's services are employed by rich kid Bobby Callahan who thinks someone is out to kill him. Bobby’s struggling to get anyone to believe him, which isn’t surprising given the accident that he believes was a murder attempt, left him with memory loss and generally not a well boy. When Bobby dies not long after hiring Kinsey, (not a spoiler honest,) she becomes more determined than ever to get to the bottom of what Bobby was involved in.
The main story was a solid mystery but it really benefited from a fun side story where we get to see the people around Kinsey’s day to day life more. Henry the sexy octogenarian landlord and Rosie the overbearing Hungarian bar owner are enjoyable recurring characters. Having a bit more going on seemed to reduce the tedious description levels that I found bogged the previous books in places helping to move this book along at a better pace.
Kinsey keeps growing on me as a character, great to have a strong female lead without large amounts of time dedicated to romantic relationships. She’s a strong independent woman, I just struggle with a character who doesn't like dogs (this is usually the sign of a psyco imho)
I will be carrying on with this series and see what Kinsey gets involved in next.
This time round private investigator Kinsey Millhone's services are employed by rich kid Bobby Callahan who thinks someone is out to kill him. Bobby’s struggling to get anyone to believe him, which isn’t surprising given the accident that he believes was a murder attempt, left him with memory loss and generally not a well boy. When Bobby dies not long after hiring Kinsey, (not a spoiler honest,) she becomes more determined than ever to get to the bottom of what Bobby was involved in.
The main story was a solid mystery but it really benefited from a fun side story where we get to see the people around Kinsey’s day to day life more. Henry the sexy octogenarian landlord and Rosie the overbearing Hungarian bar owner are enjoyable recurring characters. Having a bit more going on seemed to reduce the tedious description levels that I found bogged the previous books in places helping to move this book along at a better pace.
Kinsey keeps growing on me as a character, great to have a strong female lead without large amounts of time dedicated to romantic relationships. She’s a strong independent woman, I just struggle with a character who doesn't like dogs (this is usually the sign of a psyco imho)
I will be carrying on with this series and see what Kinsey gets involved in next.
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) by A.M. Halford
Love or Sacrifice is the third book in the Mages of the Nether series, and we focus on another 'Shield' - this time, it's William. He has appeared aloof, even cold, in previous books but we learn more about him in this one, and realise that it is just because he takes himself and his duty to Daniel and Aiden very seriously. However, he does want more, but is resigned to a lack of love in his life as he always put duty first. When Nevada drops into his life, he wants more, a lot more, but is afraid to move forwards. It takes some words from Daniel before he is prepared to open his heart to Nevada.
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Fighting for All (Soul Match #5) in Books
Jun 30, 2018
a fitting end!
This is book 5 in the series and you really should read the other four before this one. You will need what everyone has been through to get to this point. And because I said so?
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Venomous Craving (Eok Warriors #1) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Venomous Craving (Eok Warriors #1) by Mary Auclair
Venomous Craving is the first book in the Eok Warriors series, and we are introduced to the whole world. Humans have been hunted to near-extinction, and now live in 'protected facilities'. They are basically breeders, although a small group managed to escape over twenty years ago, and have been surviving since then. However, things are tough for them, and it is at a tough time when Rose is captured. Taken away to be sold as a slave, she constantly worries for the family she had no choice but to leave behind. When she sees her chance for escape, she takes it, but finds herself with another person too.
This was a well thought out, intricate, science fiction romance. There is plenty of action, with political twists and turns, plus personal betrayal. For those wanting sexy times, don't worry! There is plenty of those, but they don't detract from the story.
This is only book one, so I am hopeful the questions I still have unanswered will be answered in either the next book, or future books. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, plus excellent story and character building, and a whole host of supporting characters I want to hear more about, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well thought out, intricate, science fiction romance. There is plenty of action, with political twists and turns, plus personal betrayal. For those wanting sexy times, don't worry! There is plenty of those, but they don't detract from the story.
This is only book one, so I am hopeful the questions I still have unanswered will be answered in either the next book, or future books. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, plus excellent story and character building, and a whole host of supporting characters I want to hear more about, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!