Search
Search results
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Spark, Homecoming Hearts #2 in Books
Apr 24, 2018
tissues required!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
This is book two in the series, Homecoming Hearts, but you don't need to have read book one for this one to make sense, they can be all read as stand alones.
Oh! Joey, Joey, Joey! I felt for Joey, deep in my heart! His father is a nasty piece of work, and he makes no effort to hide his feelings about Joey and his life. And while all the band members go home, (Ive already book 4) it's Joey's homecoming that leaves a mark that most.
Gabe is lovely, quite happy with his lot, and his life. He just wants someone else in it. Joey fits the bill but Joey is such a hard nut to crack. His Independence is a hard won thing, and he plans to keep it. even if it might kill him.
Quite a bit more emotionally charged than Scorch and Steam, I've yet to read Burn, but I will get to it shortly!
Read it, but have the tissues ready and be prepared to swear profusely at the waste of space that is Joey's father and brother. His momma though, she surprises you!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the series, Homecoming Hearts, but you don't need to have read book one for this one to make sense, they can be all read as stand alones.
Oh! Joey, Joey, Joey! I felt for Joey, deep in my heart! His father is a nasty piece of work, and he makes no effort to hide his feelings about Joey and his life. And while all the band members go home, (Ive already book 4) it's Joey's homecoming that leaves a mark that most.
Gabe is lovely, quite happy with his lot, and his life. He just wants someone else in it. Joey fits the bill but Joey is such a hard nut to crack. His Independence is a hard won thing, and he plans to keep it. even if it might kill him.
Quite a bit more emotionally charged than Scorch and Steam, I've yet to read Burn, but I will get to it shortly!
Read it, but have the tissues ready and be prepared to swear profusely at the waste of space that is Joey's father and brother. His momma though, she surprises you!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Living on a Dare (Shore Thing #1) in Books
Apr 26, 2019
Living on a Dare (Shore Thing #1) by Grace Kilian Delaney
Living on a Dare is the first book in the Shore Thing series, and we start off with two friends, Draven and Julien. Draven is gay, and has known it for years. Julien is struggling to come to terms with his bi-sexuality, and as such, pushes Draven away until he is sure. Both of these have had feelings for the other for years, but neither thought anything would come of it. It takes a dare to bring their feelings to the surface, but even then, there is a lot of confusion going on.
This was a great story, with plenty of action and steam. I loved how these two worked together, although I could also slap them upside the head at times! There is a great cast of supporting characters too. I actually loved Julien's mum, and the role she played. This is the first in the series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
A sweet, hot, humorous story that I definitely recommend.
* 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 great story, with plenty of action and steam. I loved how these two worked together, although I could also slap them upside the head at times! There is a great cast of supporting characters too. I actually loved Julien's mum, and the role she played. This is the first in the series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
A sweet, hot, humorous story that I definitely recommend.
* 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 (11805 KP) rated Her Husband's Army Buddy (McLeod Security #1) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Her Husband's Army Buddy (McLeod Security #1) by Doris O'Connor
Her Husband's Army Buddy is the first book in the McLeod Security series, and we meet the owner of the security business, Zane, and his wife, Sandy. Sandy and Zane have been married for 10 years, and are happy. That is until Sean shows up asking if there are any jobs going at Zane's security business. Sean and Zane have a history, and Sandy is worried that she will get kicked to the curb when they reignite their past together. Instead, it is Sandy who is able to bring the three of them together.
This is a fast-paced book, with plenty of steam. It gives a small introduction into the world of BDSM without going into too much detail. It is fairly low angst, although there is the usual stubbornness involved. It starts off the series well, and with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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 fast-paced book, with plenty of steam. It gives a small introduction into the world of BDSM without going into too much detail. It is fairly low angst, although there is the usual stubbornness involved. It starts off the series well, and with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated The Cardinal's Whores in Books
Oct 16, 2018
The Cardinal's Whores by Adrienne Blake
The Cardinal's Whores is the first book by this author I have read, and with the intriguing mix of fact and fiction she twisted into this story, she is definitely one on my watch list.
Joan Larke is a young woman, living with her brother, and hopeful for a marriage to a noble. However, when her path brings her to the attention of Thomas Wolsley, her life takes a different route. We stay with Wolsley throughout most of this book, but also see things from other's perspectives. This story touches on actual figures and events from that period of history, and then puts the author's take on things to make them fit here.
This was a very well written story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one person's POV to the next was seamless. For those that like historical stories, something with a bit of steam, then I have no hesitation in recommending this one. Thoroughly enjoyable.
* 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!
Joan Larke is a young woman, living with her brother, and hopeful for a marriage to a noble. However, when her path brings her to the attention of Thomas Wolsley, her life takes a different route. We stay with Wolsley throughout most of this book, but also see things from other's perspectives. This story touches on actual figures and events from that period of history, and then puts the author's take on things to make them fit here.
This was a very well written story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one person's POV to the next was seamless. For those that like historical stories, something with a bit of steam, then I have no hesitation in recommending this one. Thoroughly enjoyable.
* 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!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated One Perfect Summer (One Perfect #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
This is my first 2 star rating for a Paige Toon book. I'm a big fan but I struggled to get into this one, it was only about the 75% mark that it started to really grab my attention and then it was full steam ahead.
Joe was great--I've noticed that she likes to write books about first loves and meeting them again years later. This must be the 3rd/4th I've read with that sort of storyline--and I liked the beginning where they spent a lot of time together. It was a little dark in places--Joe's brother--but also sweet at times.
I have to say that I think this book dragged a lot in the middle. There was a lot of bits that were irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, and that was probably why it's taken me so long to read.
Then we meet Lukas. He seems pretty normal to start with but the more of him we see the more controlling and demanding he became and I just wanted to scream at Alice. What was she doing?!
The ending was a little vague of names but it had to be Joe that she met. It had to be!
Joe was great--I've noticed that she likes to write books about first loves and meeting them again years later. This must be the 3rd/4th I've read with that sort of storyline--and I liked the beginning where they spent a lot of time together. It was a little dark in places--Joe's brother--but also sweet at times.
I have to say that I think this book dragged a lot in the middle. There was a lot of bits that were irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, and that was probably why it's taken me so long to read.
Then we meet Lukas. He seems pretty normal to start with but the more of him we see the more controlling and demanding he became and I just wanted to scream at Alice. What was she doing?!
The ending was a little vague of names but it had to be Joe that she met. It had to be!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Claw (Esposito County Shifters #4) in Books
Apr 26, 2023
SHIFTER WOODS: CLAW is the fourth book in the Esposito County Shifters series, and this time we have a wolf shifter/human who has never shifted, and the Alpha of the Esposito Wolf Pack. Matt recognises Angela, or at least, she reminds him of someone but can't think of from when. As for Angela, she's just too busy trying to stay out of Bryce's abusive clutches.
Their relationship moves a little slowly as they both learn about each other, including just who Angela is. Once they get it on though, the steam is most definitely there!
Along with Bryce, you also get the ambitious she-wolf who wants the Alpha for herself. Angela deals with that with aplomb, as well as finding long-lost family and settling in with the Pack.
I enjoyed this story and feel like it is a coffee-break book. Anything by Nicola Cameron is guaranteed to be a good read and this is no exception. 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!
Apr 26, 2023
Their relationship moves a little slowly as they both learn about each other, including just who Angela is. Once they get it on though, the steam is most definitely there!
Along with Bryce, you also get the ambitious she-wolf who wants the Alpha for herself. Angela deals with that with aplomb, as well as finding long-lost family and settling in with the Pack.
I enjoyed this story and feel like it is a coffee-break book. Anything by Nicola Cameron is guaranteed to be a good read and this is no exception. 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!
Apr 26, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat Series, #3) in Books
Nov 25, 2022
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
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
Merissa (11805 KP) rated In Deeper Water: Part Two (Aria & the Seven Seas, #2) in Books
Nov 22, 2022
Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here!
IN DEEPER WATER is the second in the Aria and the Seven Seas series and continues where book one left off.
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod but it isn't as easy as you may think. Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here. Each kingdom is so very different from the previous ones. I love how Aria is herself, no matter what. The other members of her Pod become clear but the road to true love is never smooth, so Aria and her Pod have some work to do before they all get their HEA.
No middle-book-slump for this series, no sirree. Instead, we have a story full of action and adventure, with plenty of steam. The relationships within the Pod make it so much more interesting than 'just' an erotic tale.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Can't wait for the finale.
** 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
In this one, Aria adds to her Royal Pod but it isn't as easy as you may think. Political machinations, pirates, and leviathans all feature here. Each kingdom is so very different from the previous ones. I love how Aria is herself, no matter what. The other members of her Pod become clear but the road to true love is never smooth, so Aria and her Pod have some work to do before they all get their HEA.
No middle-book-slump for this series, no sirree. Instead, we have a story full of action and adventure, with plenty of steam. The relationships within the Pod make it so much more interesting than 'just' an erotic tale.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Can't wait for the finale.
** 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated A Sucker For Christmas in Books
Dec 4, 2023
A SUCKER FOR CHRISTMAS is part of the multi-author Tinsel and Tentacles series and it was brilliant! Simple as that.
Fitch and Shaun have been friends since Fitch was four years old, and they spend every Christmas together. He has one big secret though, that he can't share with Shaun. He has an Octopus animal spirit, but Shaun doesn't like them. This leads to both of them keeping quiet, when they each want the other. This leads Mandy, Shaun's twin sister, to intervene in hilarious ways to get them together.
This was fun and festive, with plenty of steam. I loved Fitch's octopus and the role he played. Every character in here is superb. Mandy is a character with a capital C, and I can't decide if I love her or if she drives me insane. I guess I'm in good company with Fitch and Shaun then!
This was a one-sit read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. 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!
Dec 4, 2023
Fitch and Shaun have been friends since Fitch was four years old, and they spend every Christmas together. He has one big secret though, that he can't share with Shaun. He has an Octopus animal spirit, but Shaun doesn't like them. This leads to both of them keeping quiet, when they each want the other. This leads Mandy, Shaun's twin sister, to intervene in hilarious ways to get them together.
This was fun and festive, with plenty of steam. I loved Fitch's octopus and the role he played. Every character in here is superb. Mandy is a character with a capital C, and I can't decide if I love her or if she drives me insane. I guess I'm in good company with Fitch and Shaun then!
This was a one-sit read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. 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!
Dec 4, 2023
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Rise of the Iron Moon (Jackelian #3) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
This book looked interesting so I picked it up. I'd not heard of Stephen Hunt or this series but the premise intrigued me.
Although this is the third book of the series and there are plenty of references to events that must take place in the previous books, and despite the writing being immersive rather than explanatory, I found it easy to get into the story.
The world is very interesting. I have read other novels set in a faux Victorian Steampunk-like world but nothing like this. This is like an alternative history, extremely divergeant from ours but with enough similarities that the combination is quite striking.
For example there was a civil war in the past which parliament won, as in the 'real' British history. However all of the royals have been locked up ever since in the Royal Breeding House - kept as figureheads under constant house arrest and threat of execution at the whim of parliament to appease the masses.
There are also countries ruled by thinking, steam driven machines. Others beneath the waves or living strictly by some political principal.
However the world is under threat. All the countries are being slowly invaded from the North by a very aggressive foe. Under attack the land of Jackals itself calls on its heroes to save the day. Purity Blake, one of the inmates of the Royal Breeding House. Molly Templar, writer of penny dreadful science fiction stories and sometimes defender of the land. Coppertracks, a machine life steam man and scientist. Their companions must overcome impossible odds and put aside the enmity between nations to fight off the attackers. Against all the odds, can they succeed?
The book is a little slow to start up, as the characters are introduced in their diverse environments. But slowly the threads are drawn together and each play their part in the fight. And as they begin to weave into the plot the pace quickens. The story twists and turns, always astonishing in its concept and direction.
The outstanding part of this book is the imagination that has gone into it. Nearly everything is completely different from our world and yet it ties together convincingly into a land both of industry and grime, poverty and privilege but also of very real myth and legend.
The ending is a little bit Deus Ex Machina but really this fits in with the tone quite well and at least keeps the pace up in the final pages. There are enough wonderful and fantastic ideas let loose to wander around in this book for several novels.
Definitely a recommended book. I now need to search out the first book - The Court Of The Air - so I can find out what has happened to the characters before.
Although this is the third book of the series and there are plenty of references to events that must take place in the previous books, and despite the writing being immersive rather than explanatory, I found it easy to get into the story.
The world is very interesting. I have read other novels set in a faux Victorian Steampunk-like world but nothing like this. This is like an alternative history, extremely divergeant from ours but with enough similarities that the combination is quite striking.
For example there was a civil war in the past which parliament won, as in the 'real' British history. However all of the royals have been locked up ever since in the Royal Breeding House - kept as figureheads under constant house arrest and threat of execution at the whim of parliament to appease the masses.
There are also countries ruled by thinking, steam driven machines. Others beneath the waves or living strictly by some political principal.
However the world is under threat. All the countries are being slowly invaded from the North by a very aggressive foe. Under attack the land of Jackals itself calls on its heroes to save the day. Purity Blake, one of the inmates of the Royal Breeding House. Molly Templar, writer of penny dreadful science fiction stories and sometimes defender of the land. Coppertracks, a machine life steam man and scientist. Their companions must overcome impossible odds and put aside the enmity between nations to fight off the attackers. Against all the odds, can they succeed?
The book is a little slow to start up, as the characters are introduced in their diverse environments. But slowly the threads are drawn together and each play their part in the fight. And as they begin to weave into the plot the pace quickens. The story twists and turns, always astonishing in its concept and direction.
The outstanding part of this book is the imagination that has gone into it. Nearly everything is completely different from our world and yet it ties together convincingly into a land both of industry and grime, poverty and privilege but also of very real myth and legend.
The ending is a little bit Deus Ex Machina but really this fits in with the tone quite well and at least keeps the pace up in the final pages. There are enough wonderful and fantastic ideas let loose to wander around in this book for several novels.
Definitely a recommended book. I now need to search out the first book - The Court Of The Air - so I can find out what has happened to the characters before.