Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Usually, I rehash the blurb, not gonna here, cos I just wanna jump straigIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Usually, I rehash the blurb, not gonna here, cos I just wanna jump straight in!
I LOVED this book!
What I loved most was how patient Talvi was with Hakon (I'm sorry, my keyboard won't do the special characters!) Talvi loved Hakon since he was a child, and now he had the frost warrior in his bed, he wasn't letting him go. Talvi waited, and watched, as Hakon settled into his new life. Waited while he found his footing, and realised that all those things his father said to him, were a lie. Hakon wasn't useless, or a waste of space! He was to be King with Talvi, he just needed to see that fact himself, before Hakon could give himself fully to Talvi.
I could see that betrayal coming a long way off, and while it's good to be proven right, it's still mighty painful for Talvi to realise where the threat really was.
I did NOT see the death of Hakon's father coming from where that did! But I think it was right it came from that person, rather than Hakon.
I loved all the Viking and Norse references. Some were recognisable, some not so. But those not so ones, were what really made this book.
And now, I have questions! Where is Talvi's brother? And his mother's? Will Hakon's sister get a story? But the biggest question is just what is going on with Talvi's uncle and the thrall??
I hope these are answered in future books! I look forward to getting my hands on them!
Saga Nansen is relatively new to the scene, but they have jumped in and landed with a mighty splash in this genre, please keep them coming!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Obsessions series, and you should probably read booIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Obsessions series, and you should probably read book 1, Demon's Obsession before this one. It sets the scene as to why Merihem is banished to Earth, but also tells how RARE the Blissful Ones are. And you know, it's bloody good!
Now, this is IS good, but it doesn't quite hit the spot that Demon's did and I've no idea why! *insert wailing!*
What I DID like about it, though, was the beautiful way that Merihem, quite literally, flipped on a Peni (oooh see what I did there!), and was devoted to Peni, from that very first meeting, even if the goat kicked him in the nuts!
Merihem takes his pleasure when and where he wants to, but meeting Peni? No one else will do. Once Peni bites Merihem, and he can hear Peni's thoughts and, more importantly, his GOAT'S thoughts, Merihem is able to modify his behaviour to suit Peni, even if he wants to do all sorts of dirty things to his little pygmy mate!
I found it relatively low angst, and so flipping cute, and low on the steam factor. It suits THIS book that it is written that way, given Peni's past and his aversion to full on smex. The smexy times that are here, are wonderfully written, and absolutely perfect for these two.
I loved that we caught up with Dakata and Silas, and their news! We get a bit of Wanda's book, who is Silas' sister and of Scott's book, who is Dakata's assistant. I was surprised at the route that Wanda's book takes, and I look forward to seeing how Sayle and Oliver deal with that, given they write MM rather than FF books!
A thoroughly delightful addition to the series, I really did enjoy it!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Book 4 of seven in The Rhubarb Effect series, and they are still keepingIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Book 4 of seven in The Rhubarb Effect series, and they are still keeping me entertained!
This is the story of Red (a rhubarb) and Gordon (a goat) Someone keeps trying to kidnap Red and he is scared, but Gordon makes him feels safe, secure and happy. If the pair can live cocooned in Red's house, he would be a happy stalk, but it doesn't quite work out and the pair end up in the pack house.
These books are a lot, and I mean a LOT of fun! Full of rhubarb, custard and goat jokes, they are laugh out loud books and I'm thoroughly enjoying them.
They are keeping on tenterhooks too. Because we know WHO is trying to kidnap Red, but not yet WHY and it's annoying that I haven't figured it out yet!
There is steam a plenty in these books, and this is no exception. I loved that it was the ALPHA partner, Gordon, who was inexperienced, rather than the omega, Red. I loved how Red accepted the thing that goats do, when mating in his stride and Gordon was so fretting over it.
So we are 4 down, and 3 to go. I still don't know which of the pride is the sheriff's mate, unless my book brain missed it. And I really NEED to know why the old pride alpha is so intent on destroying the wonderful village that is Valentine.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Miguel and raven find themselves crossing paths when Raven "steals" MiguIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Miguel and raven find themselves crossing paths when Raven "steals" Miguel's bounty. Miguel is angry at him for that, but it doesn't stop him saving the man's life at another job. Raven calls to his soul.
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book, to be honest. It didn't really push my buttons but there were bits I liked.
I liked that both Raven and Miguel had a say, in the first person. Each change is clearly headed. But doesn't always come at the chapter change. Didn't bother me either way, but some might not like that, so needs mentioning.
I liked the steam level. Granted, it goes without saying I would have liked more steam but I'm not holding that against this book. I liked that the level was perfect for Miguel and Raven, given how Raven was injured early in the book!
I liked, to a point, the Nightcrawler reviews. They were funny, but I didn't read them all. Not sure why, but I skipped them after about half way through. I didn't really see what they added to the story, to be honest.
I LOVED the supporting cast. Miguel's mentor/friends were great, and add in their wider circle who came to help him with that last bounty, and my interest was well and truely piqued. I'm not sure if these guys have stories somewhere, but if they do, I wanna read them!
One last thing, I would have liked some closure on the boob heist ...more
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the naIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the nail on the head every time!
Apollo thinks his mate rejected him, and tries to not be in Glass' company. But Glass did NOT reject Apollo, he was just overcome by meeting his mate. In an effort to get Apollo to talk to Glass, the pair are set up on camera duty, and Glass brings a bag of things. Turns out, the pride and or the bunch of rhubarb (which has a name but I can't remember it!) was sneaky and someone swapped the contents for some more adult toys!
What I am really enjoying about these books is that while they are a lot, and I mean A LOT of fun, there is some drama here too. In this book, Apollo thinks he can't have his mate, because he doesn't like custard. And, you really need to read the other books to get what I mean by "custard" :-p
There is a way round that, and the pride comes good with their ideas to see both Apollo and Glass happy. And they get VERY happy!
Red and Gordon are next and we might find out just who wants Red and more importantly, WHY!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for hisIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for his life with a bleeding stranger in tow.
I liked that this book jumps straight into what is going on with Callum, and that Hector gets pulled in. I wasn't sure it was going to work for me, but it holds up well through the book, that start. It's sort of sets the pace for the book.
I did feel though, at times, that the pace was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quick. I found myself struggling to keep up, things were happening so fast. But it's a relatively short book, 195 pages, and you can only get so much on the page count. I would have just liked a bit of a let up from everything, really. Just to catch my breath!
I would have liked some more of the suspense that is tagged with the book. There is, I felt, none. We know, right from the start, who is doing what they are doing to Callum and Hector.
But there is lots of the passion the book is tagged with, and I liked that the attraction and connection between these two men is powerful and almost instant, but it never ever wavers, not even when they are both faced with such a situation they find themselves in.
Only Hector gets a say though. And really this is the only reason I rounded my 3.5 stars down, rather than up.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books!...more
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
Eva is Micah's sister, we met her and Pixie in book one, Immersion Play. It's not necessary to read that book, but I was gifted my copy of this book.
Eva is Micah's sister, we met her and Pixie in book one, Immersion Play. It's not necessary to read that book, but it will give you a better picture of this group of people, and of what Micah went through. It has some relevance here.
I really enjoyed this, but I couldn't quite love it.
Why?? I dunno, but I love McIntyre's work, you know I do, I've followed her from the very beginning. My only reasoning would be, it's not you, its me.
I have some stuff going on in my personal life that is affecting my reading enjoyment.
I liked that both Eva and Pixie got a say. I liked the super smexy scenes which are at times, MORE than just Pixie and Eva.
I loved that the chemistry between these two was powerful and stays strong, even if Picie might lose her best friend and Eva might lose her brother.
I love that we catch up with all the guys from Whipped and some things are laid out for book 3.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Road to Rockoberfest 2024, but can be read as a stand alone to the other books in the series.
Owen is the fiddler in Flightless, an up and coming rock band. Jared joins as a stand in when the keyboard player takes some family time. But time is short for Owen and Jared.
For the most part, I liked this book.
Both Jared and Owen have a say, and they say a great deal. I liked that I was able to get into their minds a good deal.
It's not overly explicit but there are smexy times. No real angst or drama, I didn't think.
I did like the way it all played out.
It's an easy read, a Nice book.
*insert sigh*
I just felt I was missing MUCH information. About both men, and their history. Case in point: these guys met before, The Beer Guy incident. I needed that explained. I don't fully get that and I wanted it. I also found it was a little . . . flat . . .on the romance. They meet, they kiss, and they are in love. I wanted more build up.
BUT like I said, I did enjoy it, I'm just saying what I wanted that I didn't get.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were bIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?
I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.
That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.
There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.
It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.
No real violence, either.
The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
I have to say, for such a short book, 2hours and 5 minutes(73 pIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
I have to say, for such a short book, 2hours and 5 minutes(73 pages), it packs quite a punch!
Tyler knows about werewolves, his fav soap is based around them, but he also knows that there is more to them than the soap portrays. When not one, but TWO alphas start to pay him some attention, he gets all flustered but one touch and his busy mind stills. That Tyler is a human is not what the alphas think, either!
I really only have one niggle, and it really is my being greedy, but I know short books come with some restrictions. Only Tyler has a say, in the third person. I would have loved to hear from Blaze and Rocky, I really would.
But the best bit?? The best bit for me was, that although this has steamy and smexy times between all three of them, the main event is absolutely faded to black! Yes, I know I like my books on the smexy side, but I loved that we don't get down and dirty with the guys, just the assuming aftermath!
Chad White narrates. I've not listened to him before, and I really enjoyed the voices he does for all three men. Blaze is super Alpha male, and Rocky, is kinda simple sounding but really isn't and Tyler fits right between the two. I loved all the voices, really and White's reading voice is deep and even and I had no trouble keeping up.
I'd like to listen to more read by White, but also, I'd like to read more of Hunt. My first of his, and I'd like to read something a bit longer, with a more indepth story.
4 stars for the book 4 stars for the narration 4 stars overall.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Divergent Omegaverse series, but you don't need to Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Divergent Omegaverse series, but you don't need to have read book 1, Alpha's Divergent Omega to follow this one. That is more of a short introduction into this group of men, and how things work in their world. You should though, cos it's short and steamy and packs a punch!
Taylin has worked with Hollis for 5 years. He wants Hollis but Hollis has made no indication that Taylin's want is reciprocated. When a meeting away coincides with Hollis' heat, that all changes. Taylin is considered divergent, and Hollis is not, since he can shift into his animal form, and Taylin cannot. Would Hollis really want Taylin?
What I loved about this, was that once Hollis set his sights onto Taylin, like PROPERLY, Taylin really didn't see it coming, and he was just a little bit blindsided by Hollis and this meeting away. Had he been paying more attention, he would have known it was Hollis' heat but he was too busy oogling Hollis!
These guys have wanted each other for so long, and once they get with the programme, they are all in and I loved that! Steamy and emotional, for me, a perfect combination!
I loved that all the boys of Lane and Derick have been instilled with the beliefs and views of their parents, both those born into the family and those who were bought into it for whatever reason. When they discover the omegas being mistreated in the factory, they ALL jump in, to set them free.
I loved that Taylin's brothers were ribbing him about being mated, but their fathers were like "just you wait!" and the brothers were like "nope, not happening!" and then, boom, book 3 is all laid out for you! Next one to fall is Booker.
Now, I have to admit, I had to google what a slow loris was, cos Taylin thought Hollis was cute in his shifted form, and I couldn't picture what they looked like, but oh my days! Cute is about the best word I could use to describe a slow loris! Especially when Hollis is curled up, in shifted form, on Taylin's chest. So bloody cute, that image.
I've followed Sayle from the very beginning. I mean, I almost slated her first book! But she has a way that pulls you in, and sets my book brain off with questions! It knows it has questions about Lord knows what about this book, but in true Sayle fashion, my brain can't voice them . . yet . . . maybe even at all!
So I'll leave this review with, I bloody loved it and I can't wait to watch the other brothers fall for their mates, in whichever way they do.
Indpendent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've lisIndpendent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book .
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE,Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book .
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE, did she NAIL it!!
BUT! Cliffhanger, people, of the most EPIC proportions, and I did not see it coming, and I am NOT happy!!
She’s a witch, he’s a Nephilim – and a simple kiss could kill them both. That is the tag line for this book, and it is perfect!
Nate is Nephilim, and all he knows is that witches would kill him, if they got intimate. Alissia thinks she is human, but actually, she's one of those deadly witches. But she's also a scientist, and after research by them both, she comes to the conclusion: it's a load of hooohaa, and then gets down and dirty with Nate! But there are forces trying to keep them apart, and Alissia will have a difficult decision to make.
I really REALLY liked this, not quite loving it, but mostly cos of that cliffhanger! Both Alissia and Nate get a say, so that made me happy, cos I do like to hear from the important people in a story.
It's dark and deadly: there is violence here, and it is graphic, but I think it's needed, to get the point across. It's steamy and smexy: explicit scenes from that very first page! If you follow my reviews, you'll know I do prefer my books on the smexy side, but I don't think I've read another book, where it starts right on the first page! I loved that, while it is explicit, that first scene is actually a dream and neither Nate nor Alissia knew the face of the person they were dreaming about!
There is much misinformation passed down, from both the witches and the Nephilim. Getting to the bottom of it took some time, and I do think that I might have got a *bit* lost with it, somewhere, but it all came to make sense.
I loved that Nate wanted to question his superior when it came to the child they rescued, a Nephilim child. I do hope he gets his way on that one!
So, the cliffhanger came out of nowhere, mostly because I wasn't paying attention to the time left in the book and I am NOT happy about it!!
I have just ONE burning question: when can I get my hand on book 2??
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a collection of stories, billed as horror.
Now, pre-kindle days, IIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a collection of stories, billed as horror.
Now, pre-kindle days, I was a horror reader, and it's been some time since I delved into the genre. And while these are mind-provoking, I wouldn't quite class them as horror, as such.
That said, they are all short, sharp shocks into the mind of Foster and how they tell their tales. I've not read any of their work before, though, and I really enjoyed this little peek into their mind.
Some stories were grabbing, and didn't let go. Some were just good. I got lost in the space story, to be honest but I did read them all.
I will never look at a glazed doughnut in the same way, ever again! Moths are definitely on my nope list, and the beach after a storm will be a bit dicey!
So, scary? Yes. Make you think? Yes. But for me, not quite what I would call horror but still an extremely good set of shorts, that make me want to read something longer and more in depth by this author.
4 very good stars across the set, but stand out for the beach story, the doughnut one and the tree.