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Lost Boy (The Les's Bar #5)
Lost Boy (The Les's Bar #5)
BA Tortuga, Jodi Payne | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
LOST BOY is the fifth book in the Les's Bar series and the first one in this series I have read. Although it would have been nice to have read the previous books, I didn't need to, to enjoy this one.

Leo is a big and tall veterinarian (his words) who desperately wants some Minion scrubs. Chris is a K9 trainer who doesn't believe he is a sub considering how his past relationship went. Together, these two make the perfect cinnamon roll.

I really enjoyed this story. Leo was just perfect in every way - possessive (in a good way) and protective, caring and loving. The fact that what he wanted in the bedroom matched up with Chris was just the icing on the cake. Chris is the one who changes the most. Or should I say 'flourishes'? In a relationship with the right person who allowed him to grow and gave him what he needed, Chris transformed from a scrappy, hot-headed character to one who still had a temper but was willing to take a different approach first.

I'm not 100% sure about the ending though - a) it didn't feel necessary, and b) nothing really happened. I mean, two people got banned but that was it. Come on! I wanted to know that they had paid for their crime! I wanted them to have a miserable awakening. Oh, well.

A standalone story I have no hesitation in recommending, although I now want to read the others just because I can.

** 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!
Jan 22, 2025
  
Motion to Quash
Motion to Quash
M.E. Parker | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MOTION TO QUASH is a standalone story full of the warm fuzzies and just what I needed after reading a dark romance.

Okay, so maybe it doesn't start too well, what with a possible attempted r@pe (nothing happens), followed by a m*rder. But it does get better for Fin, I promise. He goes to his friend Kayse, who calls his friend Spencer, who calls his friend Jack. Jack says he'll help and immediately falls head over heels, determined to do everything to keep his Fin safe.

This is one of those books that gives you a break from reality, even with a contemporary setting. The thought of someone with money to burn, who wants nothing more than a relationship with you that fits perfectly, and sorts out all of your problems too, is just amazing! Saying that, I did so love Fin's moments when he commented on money, or the amount of things needed, or when he put Jack in his place.

This was a smoothly written, medium-paced story, with plenty of action, but it doesn't go too deep. Jack has a caretaking kink, so prepare yourself for someone who wants to help. I would say the main themes are hopeful and lighthearted, with Marcus providing the light entertainment.

I would love to see more from these characters, especially Kayse and Spencer, and Marcus. If you're looking for the warm fuzzies, then I can definitely recommend this one.

** 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!
Sep 17, 2025
  
Sweetest Blood
Sweetest Blood
Regitse Liljadorff | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
SWEETEST BLOOD is a standalone paranormal romance between a witch and a vampire. Throw in a cursed sister and an evil coven, and there you have it.

This is a long book, and I'll be honest, I wondered how it could fill the book. But it does, and in such a way that you don't even notice the pages skipping by. I loved how Felix was a feeder and how he ended up with Severin, but I also loved how he was honest with Sev from the beginning. He is a saucy little minx, constantly teasing and pushing Severin's boundaries in the most perfect way. As for Severin himself, well, he's my favourite character of them all. He is cool, calm, and collected... until one of those he considers a friend or family is threatened.

Not only do Felix and Severin find their mates, but so do a multitude of others (don't worry, I won't name names!), so you get an all-for-one kind of story. I would say this is a surprisingly low angst story, considering the evil coven, etc., that is both a slow burn and fated mates insta-lust. Felix and Severin don't rush into a relationship (for reasons), but when they do, hold onto your hats, because it steams up pretty quickly!

The first book by this author I have read, and if their other books are like this, then it won't be my last. HIGHLY 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!
Feb 10, 2026
  
40x40

Merissa (14194 KP) rated Spring Melt in Books

Feb 11, 2026  
Spring Melt
Spring Melt
Lori Duffy Foster | 2026 | Crime, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SPRING MELT is a standalone historical crime story that tells you about Ella and the horrific act forced upon her at 9-years-old. Nineteen years later, three men are being held accountable for the murder of her r@pist. Was it really planned, or did fate play a part?

This was an amazing story that drew me in and kept my attention from the very first chapter. Normally, I wouldn't say anything about being happy with a divorce/separation in the first few pages, but this one I celebrated! Not only that, but I was with Ella every step of the way as she found herself and the peace needed to move on with her life.

The glimpse into the 1920s social system, the job of a lumberjack, plus how if you had money, you could even buy a Not Guilty verdict (if it even got that far!) was so incredibly written, I was completely engrossed.

Ella is surrounded by an amazing supporting cast of characters, including but not limited to the wonderful Will. Hooper, although not around too much, was also a firm favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes with Maddox, as he made me question what was right and wrong, both morally and legally. The epilogue at the end made my eyes leak in the best way.

Told from multiple perspectives, this was outstanding in every way. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and although I have no personal knowledge of the Adirondacks, I can honestly say I feel as though I've now been there.

** 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!
Feb 11, 2026
  
Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4)
Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4)
Allegra Rose | 2025 | Erotica, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Warlord's Prize is the fourth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, and is a standalone story featuring Emi, the leader of her village, and Kazuul, the Warlord oni who runs everything.

As with the previous books in this series that I have read, it starts with dub con and a public claiming as Kazuul takes Emi. She is not just a body for him though, and her mind surprises him. So much so, that she actually becomes part of the council meetings. Through her, changes are implemented, production goes up, and humans become happier. Good thing all round, right?

Wrong! The Emperor of the oni is none too pleased that his half-brother is doing better at this ruling business than he is. Especially once Emi defies his attempt to take her away from Kazuul. This leads to assassination attempts, plus a personal tragedy.

I found this to be a gentler story than the previous one I had read, although still full of action. And yes, as with my previous review, there is lots of repetition here too. BUT, saying that, either I'm more used to it now or it wasn't as much, because it definitely didn't disrupt my reading flow like the last one did.

I am thoroughly enjoying the series and hope to continue it, as well as reading other stories by this author. Definitely recommended by me if you like your books with a dark edge.

** 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!
May 18, 2025
  
How to Chain Your Dragons
How to Chain Your Dragons
Ellie Horn | 2025 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
HOW TO CHAIN YOUR DRAGONS appears to be a standalone, but could so easily be the first in a new series. In fact, I hope it is as I really want to see more of these Raptor Drakes and their True Mate fated females.

Jaz has learned how to fly under the radar as far as the Drakes, who run her part of 'town', are concerned. Unfortunately, that doesn't work for her half-brother or Kurt, his best friend. Females are in short supply, and Kurt has decided Jaz is his, whether she likes it or not. Luckily for her, their finding out she hasn't been tagged properly (yes, you read that right) means that she also gets injected with something that has an unexpected effect. During this time, she has met two of the three Raptor brothers, who will change her life.

This was a page-turner for me, and I loved every moment. The three Raptors - Zyair, Xandros, and Rhodes - were completely separate characters and personalities, making it easy to distinguish between the three. Jaz and Yani also had a wonderful relationship that thrived. This is not a galaxy for the weak, though, as some nasty characters are about. Those Manticores? Shudder!

Anyway, their story takes time to tell, and that just made it better. There are hot and spicy times, but they fit with the story and aren't just there for gratuitous pleasure! Jaz is no pushover, and if she does roll over, it's on her terms.

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and a world I hope to return to. Absolutely 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!
May 26, 2025
  
Gideon's Gratitude (Love in Mission City #5)
Gideon's Gratitude (Love in Mission City #5)
Gabbi Grey | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GIDEON'S GRATITUDE is the fifth book in the Love in Mission City series, focusing on Gideon and Archer.

Gideon is in daily chronic pain, living alone with his dog, Lucky. He was married and had two children, but after suffering an accident and becoming addicted to painkillers, he was divorced and his children living with his ex, who didn't trust him to be near them.

Archer has bought the plot next to Gideon's home and turns up when he has run away from Vancouver after discharging himself from hospital. He ends up knocking on Gideon's door when a tree crashes on top of his SUV, luckily when he wasn't in it!

This story mainly focuses on Gideon and what he is dealing with - depression and parental alienation are just two things. I can honestly say that both topics are written well. It's nice to lose myself in fiction where these topics are talked about, but have a HEA ending, that unfortunately doesn't always happen in real life.

The relationship between Archer and Gideon takes time, so yes, this is a slow-burn. It wouldn't be right to have it any other way. The moments when they are 'together' together are sweet and sexy, with just enough burn, without taking anything away from either man.

A great addition to the series that can absolutely be read as a standalone, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it.

** 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!
Jul 18, 2025