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Merissa (13169 KP) rated Orlin's Fall (Planetary Submissives #2) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Planetary Submissives series which I am thoroughly enjoying. Although this is classed as BDSM, it doesn't really tick that box for me, although that is not a bad thing. Some of the funniest parts of the book are when Orlin is trying to be a 'proper' pet although he has no idea what that entails. Aester also doesn't really want a pet but an equal, and this is definitely a good thing because that's what he gets with Orlin.
There is an amazing amount of world and character-building within this short novella, more than enough to satisfy. There were no grammatical errors here that I noticed.
I loved the ending of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - Zall's Captain - which features a character from book 1.
Definitely recommended if you want a hint of BDSM, sweet yet sexy sci-fi romance.
* 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!
Dec 8, 2015
There is an amazing amount of world and character-building within this short novella, more than enough to satisfy. There were no grammatical errors here that I noticed.
I loved the ending of this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series - Zall's Captain - which features a character from book 1.
Definitely recommended if you want a hint of BDSM, sweet yet sexy sci-fi romance.
* 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!
Dec 8, 2015
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Standing Alone (Matt Standing #2) in Books
Jan 9, 2022
I am a huge fan of Mr Leather's Dan "Spider" Shepherd series and although I haven't read the first in this series (how the heck did I miss that!!!!), I was pretty sure I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated The Baby Question: Paranormal Mpreg Short Stories in Books
Jul 11, 2023
all the babies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is an addition to the Tangled Tentacles AND Assassins To Order series, it cannot be read as a stand alone.
What this is, right, is a wonderful catch up everyone and I loved it, bar one thing.
There are a lot of babies in this book, and a LOT of surprises for several members of this ever growing family!
I liked that Magnus puts his paw down with Kelvin's kraken about their birth. I LOVED the surprise for Markov and Cassius, that one threw me! Them too, but did not see that one coming! I loved that there were conversations about NOT having babies, at all or just yet.
But the best surprise was for Marvin and Ajani!
So, what didn't I love?? Too short! I need more of these kind of catch up shorts, or better yet, the next book in the Assassins series! I love these books, and it's been a little while.
a delightful catch up, thank you for writing them!
4 too stinking cute and warm and fuzzy stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is an addition to the Tangled Tentacles AND Assassins To Order series, it cannot be read as a stand alone.
What this is, right, is a wonderful catch up everyone and I loved it, bar one thing.
There are a lot of babies in this book, and a LOT of surprises for several members of this ever growing family!
I liked that Magnus puts his paw down with Kelvin's kraken about their birth. I LOVED the surprise for Markov and Cassius, that one threw me! Them too, but did not see that one coming! I loved that there were conversations about NOT having babies, at all or just yet.
But the best surprise was for Marvin and Ajani!
So, what didn't I love?? Too short! I need more of these kind of catch up shorts, or better yet, the next book in the Assassins series! I love these books, and it's been a little while.
a delightful catch up, thank you for writing them!
4 too stinking cute and warm and fuzzy stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Gifts for the Season: Winter & Christmas MM Charity Anthology in Books
Nov 6, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
Gifts for the Season is a warm-hearted collection of seasonal madness, from new love to old, it's all here. Each one gives you a short story, some with new couples, some with old, but all full of Christmas spirit.
I will admit, I preferred the ones that were new stories but that is because I really don't like reading stories where I think I may have missed out on something!
For me, my favourites were The First Snow of Winter by Joanna Chambers and Driving Home for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs. The first because it's a historical romance which stands out from the contemporary/paranormal rest and the second because junction 10 on the M42 is well known to me so it gave me a feeling of familiarity.
As with all anthologies, some I enjoyed more than others, but every story is a winner in my book. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 6, 2020
I will admit, I preferred the ones that were new stories but that is because I really don't like reading stories where I think I may have missed out on something!
For me, my favourites were The First Snow of Winter by Joanna Chambers and Driving Home for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs. The first because it's a historical romance which stands out from the contemporary/paranormal rest and the second because junction 10 on the M42 is well known to me so it gave me a feeling of familiarity.
As with all anthologies, some I enjoyed more than others, but every story is a winner in my book. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 6, 2020
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Wayward Stripper in Books
Aug 30, 2023
A great story that left me wanting more!
WAYWARD STRIPPER is a short novella about a trans man on the run from his abusive ex, who lands a trial run at an Omega (Ladies) Club. The Head Dancer, Tristan, is on hand to help in any way and the sparks are instantaneous.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but I wanted so much more! I would love for this to be a full-length novel, so I can get all the background information I want - the ex-relationship, Jake's escape, and more between Jake and Tristan. As a novella, it is fast-paced, but I would have loved more of the nitty-gritty that gives the story some depth. For me, it was a little too fast, with chunks either missed out or skipped over.
A great story that left me wanting! I would still recommend it though!
** 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!
Aug 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but I wanted so much more! I would love for this to be a full-length novel, so I can get all the background information I want - the ex-relationship, Jake's escape, and more between Jake and Tristan. As a novella, it is fast-paced, but I would have loved more of the nitty-gritty that gives the story some depth. For me, it was a little too fast, with chunks either missed out or skipped over.
A great story that left me wanting! I would still recommend it though!
** 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!
Aug 30, 2023
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Feline Valentine (A Witch’s Night Out, #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 20, 2023)
Another scorcher in the Witch's Night Out series, this one being the turn of Shelley, the house-arrested earth mage. She is busy drooling over her new neighbour but doesn't think that she will ever get the chance to speak with him, as she doesn't leave home. Adrien thinks that his neighbour is an old lady, so when his brother hands him an invite for a one-night stand at the house next door, he accepts it with a smile. He plans on taking some chocolate and champagne to make the 'old girl's day' and then leaving. So imagine his surprise when it is Shelley who opens the door.
There is action and humour aplenty in this short but sweet and hot novella. I loved the rapport that was between Shelley and Adrien. With a would-be burglar and an interfering brother and friend in the mix, this is guaranteed to make you smile. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 25, 2016
There is action and humour aplenty in this short but sweet and hot novella. I loved the rapport that was between Shelley and Adrien. With a would-be burglar and an interfering brother and friend in the mix, this is guaranteed to make you smile. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 25, 2016
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Beth in Books
Feb 20, 2024
32 of 220
Kindle
Book sirens review
There’s Something Wrong With Aunt Beth
By Mark Towse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There's Something Wrong with Aunty Beth' is a collection of my favourite horror journeys, the best of the best I've taken to date. Twenty terrifying tales with something to suit all horror fans, from straight-up dread to signature Towsey weird. You'll never be the same again, and that's a Towsey guarantee. Within these haunted pages, you'll also find my new novella, 'Mother Dearest.'
Mother: A word that should summon trust, loyalty, love, and protection. But what if something begins eating away at such security, slowly transforming said Mother into something else entirely?
This is a compilation of short stories and everyone of them is dark, haunting, frightening and fun to read if you love horror. I always manage to find stories in these kind of books that I don’t like and end up skipping through but NOT this one! I recently discovered this author and I’m so glad I did his work is just brilliant. Do as Aunt Beth tells you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kindle
Book sirens review
There’s Something Wrong With Aunt Beth
By Mark Towse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There's Something Wrong with Aunty Beth' is a collection of my favourite horror journeys, the best of the best I've taken to date. Twenty terrifying tales with something to suit all horror fans, from straight-up dread to signature Towsey weird. You'll never be the same again, and that's a Towsey guarantee. Within these haunted pages, you'll also find my new novella, 'Mother Dearest.'
Mother: A word that should summon trust, loyalty, love, and protection. But what if something begins eating away at such security, slowly transforming said Mother into something else entirely?
This is a compilation of short stories and everyone of them is dark, haunting, frightening and fun to read if you love horror. I always manage to find stories in these kind of books that I don’t like and end up skipping through but NOT this one! I recently discovered this author and I’m so glad I did his work is just brilliant. Do as Aunt Beth tells you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Dearly Deleted in Books
Dec 21, 2023
Killing at Christmas
Winnie Lark is staying in Copper Bay for Christmas, in fact, she’s playing host to her family. She’s nervous about her strained relationship with her parents and all of them fitting in her cottage. But before they even arrive, another murder happens in town. Her friend Owen is hosting a bestselling mystery author at his bookstore, but after the signing, Owen finds a dead body behind his store. Can Winnie save his reputation?
This book doesn’t waste any time before jumping into the mystery, and it kept me guessing until we reached the end, which took me by surprise. I fell in love with the characters in the first book, and that continued here. I also liked seeing how naturally Winnie’s relationship with her brother has developed. I did feel one sub-plot got a little short changed, but I did like how it was resolved. The Christmas setting is fun, and there are some great scenes in the second half of the book. If you can work this book in before Christmas, you’ll be rewarded. But no matter what time of the year you read it, you’ll be glad you did.
This book doesn’t waste any time before jumping into the mystery, and it kept me guessing until we reached the end, which took me by surprise. I fell in love with the characters in the first book, and that continued here. I also liked seeing how naturally Winnie’s relationship with her brother has developed. I did feel one sub-plot got a little short changed, but I did like how it was resolved. The Christmas setting is fun, and there are some great scenes in the second half of the book. If you can work this book in before Christmas, you’ll be rewarded. But no matter what time of the year you read it, you’ll be glad you did.
David McK (3600 KP) rated Arthur (The Arthurian Tales #3) in Books
Jun 30, 2024 (Updated Jun 30, 2024)
This is the final entry in Giles Kristian's 'Arthurian Tales' trilogy, set after both 'Lancelot' and 'Camelot', and now told in the third person instead of the first person view of both those former works.
It's also the first one - I believe - to so heavily rely on flashbacks, paralleling the 'now' of the story with the background to one of the main characters Beran (whose identity I, personally, found quite easy to grok early on).
As a whole, I have to say, this trilogy is one of the best retellings of the Arthurian myths I have come across although retelling, however, may be too strong a word; perhaps a better on would be re-imagining as there's no mystical Green Knight (reimagined in 'Camelot'), search for the Holy Grails (again, see 'Camelot'), or mysterious women lying in ponds and distributing swords ("that's no basis for sound government..."), but which does cover the whole Arthur/Lancelot/Guinevere love triangle (see, in particular, 'Lancelot') and the fall out thereof.
In short, all three novels are well worth a read - personally, I found I enjoyed these more than the 'Blood Eye' series by the same author.
It's also the first one - I believe - to so heavily rely on flashbacks, paralleling the 'now' of the story with the background to one of the main characters Beran (whose identity I, personally, found quite easy to grok early on).
As a whole, I have to say, this trilogy is one of the best retellings of the Arthurian myths I have come across although retelling, however, may be too strong a word; perhaps a better on would be re-imagining as there's no mystical Green Knight (reimagined in 'Camelot'), search for the Holy Grails (again, see 'Camelot'), or mysterious women lying in ponds and distributing swords ("that's no basis for sound government..."), but which does cover the whole Arthur/Lancelot/Guinevere love triangle (see, in particular, 'Lancelot') and the fall out thereof.
In short, all three novels are well worth a read - personally, I found I enjoyed these more than the 'Blood Eye' series by the same author.
ClareR (5950 KP) rated Barrowbeck in Books
Aug 5, 2025
If I could inject this story into my veins, I would. That, dear reader, is just how much I loved it.
Barrowbeck starts off as a cautionary folk tale (more the “everyone dies horribly” type, granted, but it still has a hint of the myth and legend about it), and then each story brings us closer to the modern day and beyond.
There is something in Barrowbeck that needs payment of some sort - a devil or a demon? We never see it, but we do see what it drives people to.
I don’t know if I could even describe what happens in this. It’s a series of interlinking short stories, and I didn’t know where I was being taken next, but I was happy to go! There were some seriously sinister stories in this gem of a book. The last story, although extreme, really didn’t feel all that far fetched. The extreme ramifications of Climate Change are only around the corner, after all.
This is a firm favourite - wonderful writing, and a really unnerving collection of stories. And if you haven’t read Starve Acre yet, get on it!
Barrowbeck starts off as a cautionary folk tale (more the “everyone dies horribly” type, granted, but it still has a hint of the myth and legend about it), and then each story brings us closer to the modern day and beyond.
There is something in Barrowbeck that needs payment of some sort - a devil or a demon? We never see it, but we do see what it drives people to.
I don’t know if I could even describe what happens in this. It’s a series of interlinking short stories, and I didn’t know where I was being taken next, but I was happy to go! There were some seriously sinister stories in this gem of a book. The last story, although extreme, really didn’t feel all that far fetched. The extreme ramifications of Climate Change are only around the corner, after all.
This is a firm favourite - wonderful writing, and a really unnerving collection of stories. And if you haven’t read Starve Acre yet, get on it!