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He's So Not Worth It
6.0
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Ally Ryan, come on down to the Jersey Shore and forget your troubles! Have you recently been...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2566 KP) rated Molten Death in Books
Apr 3, 2024 (Updated Apr 3, 2024)
Valerie Face a Hot Problem on Vacation in Hawaii
Valerie Corbin and her wife, Kristen, are spending a couple of weeks in Hilo, staying with Kristen’s friend Isaac. They have arrived just as a lava flow is really gaining steam, so they decide to go out and see it early their first Saturday morning on the island. When Valerie wanders away from the other two, she sees part of a body being buried in the molten lava. She can’t get anyone to take her seriously, even Kristen and Isaac. Certainly, the police aren’t taking it seriously without any proof. Can Valerie figure out what really happened?
Author Leslie Karst lives part time in Hilo, so I wasn’t surprised that she chose this as the setting for her new series. Her knowledge showed in how she brought the setting to life. And who doesn’t want a Hawaiian vacation? The plot was very inventive, and I appreciated Valerie’s good motive for getting involved. We had some nice twists before a great climax. I did struggle with Valerie’s relationship with Kristen because they were so at odds for much of the book. I think if this hadn’t been my introduction to them, I would have been okay with this sub-plot. Overall, I liked the series regulars by the end, and Valerie’s darker baggage made her an interesting character. We do get some Pigeon and Hawai’ian mixed into the dialogue. A couple times it was a bit overwhelming, but for the most part, I could figure it out from the context. We get six Hawaiian recipes at the end. The inventive plot will make this series debut a winner for mystery fans.
Author Leslie Karst lives part time in Hilo, so I wasn’t surprised that she chose this as the setting for her new series. Her knowledge showed in how she brought the setting to life. And who doesn’t want a Hawaiian vacation? The plot was very inventive, and I appreciated Valerie’s good motive for getting involved. We had some nice twists before a great climax. I did struggle with Valerie’s relationship with Kristen because they were so at odds for much of the book. I think if this hadn’t been my introduction to them, I would have been okay with this sub-plot. Overall, I liked the series regulars by the end, and Valerie’s darker baggage made her an interesting character. We do get some Pigeon and Hawai’ian mixed into the dialogue. A couple times it was a bit overwhelming, but for the most part, I could figure it out from the context. We get six Hawaiian recipes at the end. The inventive plot will make this series debut a winner for mystery fans.
Merissa (13997 KP) rated Voklane (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria, #8) in Books
Aug 14, 2024
VOKLANE is the eighth and final book in the Gen-Heirs series and what a bittersweet moment this is. I have loved all of these books, some more than others, and was so happy to see them go out with a bang, rather than a whimper!
Delanee and Voklane have been dancing around each other for a few books now, and I was really looking forward to their story. I was NOT disappointed. From the sparks that were constantly flying, to the protectiveness that worked both ways, there was so much to enjoy. I loved how the long story arc came to its conclusion, giving a satisfactory ending, although I personally think she got off lightly considering what she had arranged for others!
Because of Delanee, I also got to spend some time with my favourite family and look forward to seeing more of them in the future! I also go to see a creeper get his comeuppance, so that was worth it! 😆
A smooth writing style with some steam, this story not only gave Ryan and Delanee the spotlight, but also managed to give an update on all the other couples in a way that was completely natural to the storyline. And all that did was make me want to read them all again, so I say job well done!
A superb series that I am not ready to let go of just yet, and 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!
Aug 13, 2024
Delanee and Voklane have been dancing around each other for a few books now, and I was really looking forward to their story. I was NOT disappointed. From the sparks that were constantly flying, to the protectiveness that worked both ways, there was so much to enjoy. I loved how the long story arc came to its conclusion, giving a satisfactory ending, although I personally think she got off lightly considering what she had arranged for others!
Because of Delanee, I also got to spend some time with my favourite family and look forward to seeing more of them in the future! I also go to see a creeper get his comeuppance, so that was worth it! 😆
A smooth writing style with some steam, this story not only gave Ryan and Delanee the spotlight, but also managed to give an update on all the other couples in a way that was completely natural to the storyline. And all that did was make me want to read them all again, so I say job well done!
A superb series that I am not ready to let go of just yet, and 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!
Aug 13, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Protecting What's Mine (Men Of Maddox Security #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2025
fast intense read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this book is, right, is one of those books you can just fall into and READ, you know?? It's not complicated, or twisted. You don't have to pay too much attention (which for me, is perfect right now!) It's got steam and smexy times, a bit of drama, but no real angst and I really needed this book at this point in my reading list!
Ranger is part of Maddox Security and he is tasked with keeping Tory safe while her scientist father talks at a summit. But some folk take offense at what he is talking about, and threats have been made.
What I especially LOVED about this book, was there was no preamble: it's intense right from the start and both Tory and Ranger both feel it from that very first minute. They just jump straight in, and I really loved that.
All the guys from Maddox Security will get a book, and each book starts with the same meeting, so I assume there will be overlapping timelines. I liked that I knew what was coming.
So why four stars and not five? First person, present tense, mulit point of view. It really is a personal choice, and sometimes I can over see it; sometimes I will dump a book written so. But I can't quite stretch to the 5 stars for this reason only.
I would love to be able to read Dean's story (the big boss man at Maddox) at some point and I really REALLY want to continue with these guys. I feel they are all gonna fall hard and fast, just like Ranger does!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Jordan's Breakthrough (Unexpected Love #3) in Books
Feb 26, 2026
heavy on the emotions!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Unexpected Love series, and I have not read books one or two. I want to, but you don't need to read them.
Jordan and Miles connect via an online group for plant dads. Their connection quickly grows but Jordan suffers from clinical depression and Miles is a ten hour drive away. When Jordan needs him, Miles jumps on a plane. But what will Jordan do when Miles needs him??
I liked this, I liked it a LOT. I did struggle though, at points and let me tell you why. Someone very VERY close to me suffers from depression, almost as bad as Jordan. And when he was spiraling, and we get it all? I could see them, and how they suffered. It's clear the author has either first hand experience, or has done a massive amount of research to get all the intricacies of clinicla depression and how it manifests itself for different people.
I loved that Miles made Jordan see how much his group of friends cares about him. He didn't see it, not really. And they do care, deeply for Jordan and indeed Miles, once Miles is in that group.
For me, the steam and smex play second fiddle to the emotion that comes out this book. Given Jordan's diagnosis and Miles' struggling, it's heavy, HEAVY on the emotion and I really did love that.
I liked finding out about the guys from books one and two, they play a part here. And just what is going on with Vince, the bouncer at the bar where Jordan works?? His book is next and I'm jumping straight in!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Unexpected Love series, and I have not read books one or two. I want to, but you don't need to read them.
Jordan and Miles connect via an online group for plant dads. Their connection quickly grows but Jordan suffers from clinical depression and Miles is a ten hour drive away. When Jordan needs him, Miles jumps on a plane. But what will Jordan do when Miles needs him??
I liked this, I liked it a LOT. I did struggle though, at points and let me tell you why. Someone very VERY close to me suffers from depression, almost as bad as Jordan. And when he was spiraling, and we get it all? I could see them, and how they suffered. It's clear the author has either first hand experience, or has done a massive amount of research to get all the intricacies of clinicla depression and how it manifests itself for different people.
I loved that Miles made Jordan see how much his group of friends cares about him. He didn't see it, not really. And they do care, deeply for Jordan and indeed Miles, once Miles is in that group.
For me, the steam and smex play second fiddle to the emotion that comes out this book. Given Jordan's diagnosis and Miles' struggling, it's heavy, HEAVY on the emotion and I really did love that.
I liked finding out about the guys from books one and two, they play a part here. And just what is going on with Vince, the bouncer at the bar where Jordan works?? His book is next and I'm jumping straight in!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Flying Hard for Finn (Pet Play by the Lake)
8.0
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Doves symbolize peace, love and hope. I never imagined my step dad's brother would be all those...
Contemporary MM Romance Pet Play
Merissa (13997 KP) rated Leviathan's Song (The Boundlands #1) by Elsie Winters in Books
Aug 5, 2022
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan!
LEVIATHAN'S SONG is the first book in The Boundlands series, and we start off where two worlds combine. Elara is a golemancer and tinker. She is small in height but big in competency. She first meets Levi when she hears him busking and she can hear the lure in his voice. When her life gets complicated, Levi is the one who is there for her - along with friends both new and old.
I loved every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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!
I loved every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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 (13997 KP) rated Ericksen (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria, #5) in Books
Nov 7, 2022
ERICKSEN continues the brilliance that is the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series. For the first time, our male protagonist is NOT a Gen-Heir, or Shield Guardian, or any of the other ranks. Instead, Vayden is Gen-Common - in other words "normal." Melody, on the other hand, does have a talent - logic-based as far as she has been told. She has been raised to believe Gen-Common people are basically a waste of space, so it was wonderful to see the changes that occur when she realises how wrong she was. Of course, to believe something that fundamental means her upbringing wouldn't be classed as healthy by any stretch of the imagination, and the contrast between her family and Vayden's was so stark, beautiful in the differences.
The overall story arc continues but you don't need to have read any of the previous books to understand this one. I would recommend you read them simply for the amazing stories they are!
The pacing is wonderful, giving you moments of action coupled with moments of silence, vulnerability, and tenderness. There are moments of steam, but that isn't the main focus of the novel.
I loved seeing Melody grow as a person and as a talent. Vayden stole my heart from the start and just compounded it with every sweet and loving moment. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait for it to continue. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The overall story arc continues but you don't need to have read any of the previous books to understand this one. I would recommend you read them simply for the amazing stories they are!
The pacing is wonderful, giving you moments of action coupled with moments of silence, vulnerability, and tenderness. There are moments of steam, but that isn't the main focus of the novel.
I loved seeing Melody grow as a person and as a talent. Vayden stole my heart from the start and just compounded it with every sweet and loving moment. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait for it to continue. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13997 KP) rated Designation: Submissive (The Designation Series #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2023
DESIGNATION: SUBMISSIVE is the first book in The Designation series, and is told in first person, present tense. This isn't my favourite way to read, but I was intrigued enough by the story to try it.
The premise of this story is a good one - it's a dystopian or post-apocalyptic scenario where men have been genetically altered and have become either dominant or submissive (on an individual scale). They can bond, but it is rare. Plus, the military doesn't like it as it's money down the drain. The military also finds other centres where men have been altered and cryogenically frozen. This is where Craig comes in. Sam is the dominant soldier who has been looking for a submissive who will submit all the time, in every way. Craig has been promised a dominant of his very own but was then sent on a one-way mission.
This book is high on steam if not downright erotica. I don't have an issue with that. The parts that got me were when Sam and Craig would get 'busy' but then Craig would go off on a two-page internal monologue. I'm sorry, but if it's that good, then you won't have coherent thoughts! I would also have liked a little more world- and character-building apart from the s3x side of things.
Saying that, I did enjoy it and am intrigued to know what has happened to Robert, so I will be continuing with the series.
** 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 11, 2023
The premise of this story is a good one - it's a dystopian or post-apocalyptic scenario where men have been genetically altered and have become either dominant or submissive (on an individual scale). They can bond, but it is rare. Plus, the military doesn't like it as it's money down the drain. The military also finds other centres where men have been altered and cryogenically frozen. This is where Craig comes in. Sam is the dominant soldier who has been looking for a submissive who will submit all the time, in every way. Craig has been promised a dominant of his very own but was then sent on a one-way mission.
This book is high on steam if not downright erotica. I don't have an issue with that. The parts that got me were when Sam and Craig would get 'busy' but then Craig would go off on a two-page internal monologue. I'm sorry, but if it's that good, then you won't have coherent thoughts! I would also have liked a little more world- and character-building apart from the s3x side of things.
Saying that, I did enjoy it and am intrigued to know what has happened to Robert, so I will be continuing with the series.
** 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 11, 2023