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Written in the Stars
Written in the Stars
Alexandria Bellefleur | 2020 | Humor & Comedy, LGBTQ+, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Astrologist Elle Jones is looking for love. Even if she doesn't exactly have a successful track record of finding it. She and her best friend, Margot, are the pair behind the incredibly popular Twitter account, Oh My Stars. And they are just about to join with OTP, the coolest dating app ever, thereby realizing their professional dreams. OTP was created by Brendon, who is nerdy, sweet, and about to be their boss. So when he offers to set Elle up with his sister, Darcy, she agrees. But the date is a disaster. Darcy is the opposite of Elle: buttoned up, analytical, and completely against astrology. Still, neither can deny they felt a bit of a spark before their date went awry. And Darcy is sick of being set up on terrible dates by her brother. So when he asks how it went, she lies. And then, she begs Elle to play along, to say they are dating. Each agrees to a few conditions of a dating pact. Surely nothing can go wrong, right?

"What if? Wasn't that the million-dollar question, the spark of hope that kept her coming back for more time and time--and time--again?"

Bellefleur states that she set out to write a "quirky, queer rom com," and I have to say, I'm here for it. It's not often we get our own romantic comedies, with true blue queer characters, with their own problems and characterization and their gayness just being a part of who they are.

This is an incredibly witty, sexy, and sappy read. Yes, it was a bit drawn out and repetitive at times. Okay, we understand that Elle is the flitty one who needs family approval and Darcy is the hurt one unwilling to commit. That point was emphasized perhaps a bit too much. I get stressed out when books have a lot of misunderstandings, so one based on a fake dating relationship took a lot of my strength.

But, it makes up for it with some wonderful characters. I adored Elle, who is so sweet and funny and just "her." And, of course, I identified 110% with uptight, wary workaholic Darcy who was scared of falling in love again. Then there's Margot, Elle's best friend, who was the secret star of the show. I tell you, everyone needs a wise best friend like Margot!

In this end, this book is downright adorable, laugh out loud funny, and full of chemistry. A few pieces might have hit their point one (or two) too many times, but I still really enjoyed it. 3.5 stars, rounded to 4 here.
  
Hellion (415 Ink #3)
Hellion (415 Ink #3)
Rhys Ford | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
very interesting character, is Ivo!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gofted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the 415 Ink series, but you don't NEED to have read books one, Rebel, and two, Savior, before you read this one. You SHOULD though, because it will give you a better picture of this family group and how they work. Plus, they were both 5 star reads.

This one?? Not so much. And I cannot figure out why! Well I can, and I'll try to explain in a bit.

Oh don't get me wrong, its still a fabulous book, very well written form both Ivo and Ruan's point of view. Its well told, its emotional, its sexy, its a good book!

It just doesn't have that sledgehammer to the chest of such heartbreaking emotion that Gus and Mace's story carry. It DOES have deep emotions, especially when Ivo is talking to Ruan about *that* day and how it led him to do what he did and what happened after, but I kept waiting for Ivo to slip back, for *something* to happen to tip him over the edge. Maybe I'm becoming very mean in my old age, and wanting characters to fall apart so badly cannot be a good thing, but thats how I felt here, and I'm all about the book feelings.

I loved how Ruan questioned Ivo about his clothes, his image, the way he is, NOT to make him change, but to understand Ivo better. Loved that Ivo gave Ruan the time to process everything.

Loved that all the brothers pop up, there is a little bit of overlap to Mace's story. There is also a little bit that gives you Luke and his story. Now, when Ivo was at his tattoo thing, I saw this coming at me, what I did NOT see what how James and Luke knew each other and what happened then. I look forward to reading their story!

And Bear? Oh I have a feeling Ms Ford might have saved the best for last. Being the eldest brother in the family looks like he is the last to fall, and I cannot wait for his story!

So, I'm sorry Ivo wasn't quite the a**hole I thought he was going to be, given how much trouble he caused Ms Ford, but I did enjoy his and Ruan's tale, I just did not love it like I did Mace and Gus'

4 great, good stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
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    "Radio Pro HQ" is a modern internet radio receiver that enables you to listen lots of internet radio...

Survaine (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #6)
Survaine (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #6)
Sarah Westill | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SURVAINE is the sixth book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series and we finally get Ramsey's story! Oh boy, but I've been waiting for this one. She is smart and sassy, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Due to her circumstances, she has been protected by her brother as much as he can. But unknown to Jonathan, she met Caiden one night when things were bad. A connection formed and he returned to her when she needed him most, even if she wasn't aware of it!

I love this series. Honestly, each book is great in its own way. This one - it was Ramsey and Caiden that were the stars for me. I mean, obviously, it should be; it's their book. It doesn't always work that way though. I loved how Ramsey was uncomfortable and even a little whiny as she dealt with things she'd never had to do before.

It was also good to catch up with others from this series - Sean and Katria plus Jonathan and Sylphine - to see what's going on with them. Others are mentioned as this story moves the story arc along in a big way, which although needed is one of the reasons I felt a little disconnected from Ramsey and Caiden. Take them as separate characters and they are both outstanding. Both of them are strong but not infallible. They draw strength from each other and have an attraction to top the charts - BUT - I felt as though something was missing.

After thinking it over, I've come to the conclusion that it's because this is such an action-packed book. And I know it's necessary and helped move it along, but they never got any downtime. When we're with them, it's either action or wannabe sexy times. There was little in the way of just 'them.' And I missed that as, in the bits we did get, Caiden was so caring and attentive, with Ramsey being so strong and cheeky, I wanted more.

All in all, this was a fantastic read and a wonderful addition to the series. I can't wait to read Deklan's story and I'm really hoping Ryan and Delanee get one too! Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2023