In Another Life I have read some of Cardeno C's work before and have generally enjoyed every moment of it. Saying that, I'm not a big fan of the novellIn Another Life I have read some of Cardeno C's work before and have generally enjoyed every moment of it. Saying that, I'm not a big fan of the novella as I usually end up left wanting. Not this time, no sir! This is a full and compact story that will tug at your heartstrings as you turn the pages. There is insta-love which I don't like but considering the twists, turns and paradoxes in this story, it can be forgiven!
There is a sweet, romantic and yet melancholic feel to this novella - after all, how many times can suicide and cancer be turned into something good? But that is exactly what Cardeno C has managed to do with this book.
Really enjoyed it and would love to hear more from Shy and Travis!! Definitely recommended.
Eight Days So the second story in this bundle is based around two Jewish boys and their celebration of Hannukah. It starts off when they are teenagers but does jump forward 7 years during the book.
This is another brilliant story from Cardeno C with all the realism of teenage angst, confusion, first love and families. The dialogue is witty and fast-paced while all the characters are completely believable.
Two fantastic books in one bundle but In Another Life is my favourite. Why not read this for yourself and see which one you prefer?
* 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! Feb 8, 2015
Merged review:
In Another Life I have read some of Cardeno C's work before and have generally enjoyed every moment of it. Saying that, I'm not a big fan of the novella as I usually end up left wanting. Not this time, no sir! This is a full and compact story that will tug at your heartstrings as you turn the pages. There is insta-love which I don't like but considering the twists, turns and paradoxes in this story, it can be forgiven!
There is a sweet, romantic and yet melancholic feel to this novella - after all, how many times can suicide and cancer be turned into something good? But that is exactly what Cardeno C has managed to do with this book.
Really enjoyed it and would love to hear more from Shy and Travis!! Definitely recommended.
Eight Days So the second story in this bundle is based around two Jewish boys and their celebration of Hannukah. It starts off when they are teenagers but does jump forward 7 years during the book.
This is another brilliant story from Cardeno C with all the realism of teenage angst, confusion, first love and families. The dialogue is witty and fast-paced while all the characters are completely believable.
Two fantastic books in one bundle but In Another Life is my favourite. Why not read this for yourself and see which one you prefer?
* 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! Feb 8, 2015...more
Set in a dystopian world, where rules and regulations meet the mob, things that we see as normal in this time and place are now forbidden - gay relatiSet in a dystopian world, where rules and regulations meet the mob, things that we see as normal in this time and place are now forbidden - gay relationships, gambling to name just two. Dante is an under-boss of a cartel with principles. They don't allow drugs on their turf, they also make sure their prostitutes have regular health checks. Carl is a young man looking for fun. You don't know who he is at the beginning, but the attraction between Carl and Dante is immediate. Of course, it turns out that Carl got his way through the manipulation of others, which shows just how spoilt he is. He does grow up a lot in this book though, as circumstances and situations leave him with no option.
Although I enjoyed this book, I do feel like it could be better. The ear implant that Dante has is almost brushed over, forgotten about until it's relevant. Also, the ending seemed quite rushed. It certainly could have been drawn out a bit more, showing more emotion as Carl and Dante react to difficulties.
This is a darker read, involving torture and death, courtesy of the mob. With twists and turns coming from every direction, this is certainly a book to read without disruption.
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merged review:
Set in a dystopian world, where rules and regulations meet the mob, things that we see as normal in this time and place are now forbidden - gay relationships, gambling to name just two. Dante is an under-boss of a cartel with principles. They don't allow drugs on their turf, they also make sure their prostitutes have regular health checks. Carl is a young man looking for fun. You don't know who he is at the beginning, but the attraction between Carl and Dante is immediate. Of course, it turns out that Carl got his way through the manipulation of others, which shows just how spoilt he is. He does grow up a lot in this book though, as circumstances and situations leave him with no option.
Although I enjoyed this book, I do feel like it could be better. The ear implant that Dante has is almost brushed over, forgotten about until it's relevant. Also, the ending seemed quite rushed. It certainly could have been drawn out a bit more, showing more emotion as Carl and Dante react to difficulties.
This is a darker read, involving torture and death, courtesy of the mob. With twists and turns coming from every direction, this is certainly a book to read without disruption.
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!...more
TAUGHT BY THE COACH is the second book in the Toronto Thunder series, and this time it's Sadie and Shane's turn. You don't have to have read the firstTAUGHT BY THE COACH is the second book in the Toronto Thunder series, and this time it's Sadie and Shane's turn. You don't have to have read the first novella, but it does help. Shane is Lilah's dad and was upset when she and Kincaid got together because of the 14-year age gap. However, when he sees Sadie again, he realises he was jealous... because he wants her and there is an even bigger age gap!
This was a great read that I couldn't put down. I loved how they wanted each other, but were convinced the other one wasn't interested. Sadie writes everything in her journal in an attempt to stop obsessing, which is a brilliant idea until she misplaces it and Shane finds it!
I loved the interplay between our two main characters. Both of them give the other what they want of their own free will, and happily, it coincides with what they also want. I also adored how Kincaid didn't let Shane off the hook too easily, but he brought it up and addressed it head-on.
This was a really smooth-flowing easy novella to read. Light on the Daddy kink but still there, so if you don't like that, be warned. Another fantastic addition to the Toronto Thunder series and 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! 25 Sep, 2024...more
The Cabin is the second book in the Close Proximity series, and we meet Flynn who has just been jilted at the altar, and Beau, an artist from LA with The Cabin is the second book in the Close Proximity series, and we meet Flynn who has just been jilted at the altar, and Beau, an artist from LA with a reservation gone wrong. Flynn offers his couch for the night, due to the weather conditions and the mix-up, but finds more than he bargained for in Beau.
Whilst not as quick as The Elevator, this story is nevertheless a quick one, fast-paced and punchy, just like I would expect from this author. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The bulk of the story with Flynn and Beau is set over one night, although there is a time-lapse at the end.
I am thoroughly enjoying these books, even if the cynical side of me is snorting at the insta-love! Definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Sep 19, 2018
Merged review:
The Cabin is the second book in the Close Proximity series, and we meet Flynn who has just been jilted at the altar, and Beau, an artist from LA with a reservation gone wrong. Flynn offers his couch for the night, due to the weather conditions and the mix-up, but finds more than he bargained for in Beau.
Whilst not as quick as The Elevator, this story is nevertheless a quick one, fast-paced and punchy, just like I would expect from this author. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The bulk of the story with Flynn and Beau is set over one night, although there is a time-lapse at the end.
I am thoroughly enjoying these books, even if the cynical side of me is snorting at the insta-love! Definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Sep 19, 2018...more
Axion is the second novella in the Red Rock series, and it is Nina and Leif's turn for a story. Nina made her first appearance in Quantum where she prAxion is the second novella in the Red Rock series, and it is Nina and Leif's turn for a story. Nina made her first appearance in Quantum where she proved that she can be a menace with a curling iron. Leif also appeared there, when we find out that he was an assassin, although he is trying for a more 'proper' appearance these days.
Nina is about to have a meeting with Cindy when a Leif appears that seems to have no bearing on the Leif she knows. She finds out that he is from the future... and that they are mates. However, he is here on a mission which will have future repercussions. Let the games commence.
With time paradoxes, bizarre rituals, language implants (which I could really do with!), plus trying to figure out the butterfly effect and how not to kill your friends, there is something in this novella for everyone. Although short, it packs a punch, giving you everything you would expect from an Erin Kellison book.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a brilliant addition to the series; thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Oct 30, 2016
Merged review:
Axion is the second novella in the Red Rock series, and it is Nina and Leif's turn for a story. Nina made her first appearance in Quantum where she proved that she can be a menace with a curling iron. Leif also appeared there, when we find out that he was an assassin, although he is trying for a more 'proper' appearance these days.
Nina is about to have a meeting with Cindy when a Leif appears that seems to have no bearing on the Leif she knows. She finds out that he is from the future... and that they are mates. However, he is here on a mission which will have future repercussions. Let the games commence.
With time paradoxes, bizarre rituals, language implants (which I could really do with!), plus trying to figure out the butterfly effect and how not to kill your friends, there is something in this novella for everyone. Although short, it packs a punch, giving you everything you would expect from an Erin Kellison book.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a brilliant addition to the series; thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Oct 30, 2016...more
Adrian is the second novella in the Faeted series. Adrian and Corrin have already been matched by Dyslander Elderwald, but Adrian is convinced that heAdrian is the second novella in the Faeted series. Adrian and Corrin have already been matched by Dyslander Elderwald, but Adrian is convinced that he has made a mistake as he sees Corrin kissing someone else at a party. He left, without giving Corrin a chance to explain, and has spent the past few days unravelling. Dyslander gives him a time and place to be, but when he arrives, he sees Corrin naked, blindfolded, and tied to the bed.
This is a fast-paced novella with some smoking scenes as Adrian and Corrin talk out exactly what happened. Now, I'll be honest, I'm still not 100% sure about Corrin's actions at the party, but Adrian seems to believe him, so I'm happy for now. I did like the explanation and reactions given towards the end. This is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next novella in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Mar 8, 2017
Merged review:
Adrian is the second novella in the Faeted series. Adrian and Corrin have already been matched by Dyslander Elderwald, but Adrian is convinced that he has made a mistake as he sees Corrin kissing someone else at a party. He left, without giving Corrin a chance to explain, and has spent the past few days unravelling. Dyslander gives him a time and place to be, but when he arrives, he sees Corrin naked, blindfolded, and tied to the bed.
This is a fast-paced novella with some smoking scenes as Adrian and Corrin talk out exactly what happened. Now, I'll be honest, I'm still not 100% sure about Corrin's actions at the party, but Adrian seems to believe him, so I'm happy for now. I did like the explanation and reactions given towards the end. This is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next novella in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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! Mar 8, 2017...more
Sunset on Turtle Lake is a short, but touching, story that gives you Sam's story. He changed when his father died, and now his mother is also sufferinSunset on Turtle Lake is a short, but touching, story that gives you Sam's story. He changed when his father died, and now his mother is also suffering from a terminal illness. He has tried to do what he thinks is best but has to admit that it didn't work. Instead, he takes his mother back to their home for Christmas. It is also so that she can die there, but he refuses to admit to that part.
The relationship between Sam, Ian, and Gloria (the mother) are all very good, but there just wasn't enough detail for me. I would have loved to have gotten to know these characters a bit more.
Nevertheless, this is a story that may tug on your heartstrings as it did mine. It is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt your reading flow. Absolutely recommended, it's just not very long.
* 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! Nov 22, 2016
Merged review:
Sunset on Turtle Lake is a short, but touching, story that gives you Sam's story. He changed when his father died, and now his mother is also suffering from a terminal illness. He has tried to do what he thinks is best but has to admit that it didn't work. Instead, he takes his mother back to their home for Christmas. It is also so that she can die there, but he refuses to admit to that part.
The relationship between Sam, Ian, and Gloria (the mother) are all very good, but there just wasn't enough detail for me. I would have loved to have gotten to know these characters a bit more.
Nevertheless, this is a story that may tug on your heartstrings as it did mine. It is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt your reading flow. Absolutely recommended, it's just not very long.
* 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! Nov 22, 2016...more
No Matter What is the first book I have read by this author, and I would definitely like to read more. It tells the story of Quinn, who moved to the cNo Matter What is the first book I have read by this author, and I would definitely like to read more. It tells the story of Quinn, who moved to the country away from London because he never felt like he fit in. The fact that he is a wolf shifter may have some bearing on it, but not all. He is slowly doing up the property he lives in and is content by himself. Goddard is the other main male, ex-army with a dangerous secret in his past, on the run and stops by chance at Quinn's place.
This is well written, with the British-ness oozing out on every page! There is a clear outline to the story, and the pace is smooth and consistent. There were no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. Although this story was very entertaining, it lacked a certain oomph between the main two. Now, don't get me wrong, I thought they were great together, but there was just 'something' missing. Perhaps it was Quinn not knowing for sure if Goddard was his mate. Perhaps it was Goddard thinking of leaving his mate. I don't know, I can't put my finger on it. I did LOVE the climactic ending and epilogue though, they were simply superb, which is just one of the reasons that I would love to read more by this author.
For a quick coffee break read, with British banter and hot scenes, then I can recommend this.
* 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! Mar 28, 2017
Merged review:
No Matter What is the first book I have read by this author, and I would definitely like to read more. It tells the story of Quinn, who moved to the country away from London because he never felt like he fit in. The fact that he is a wolf shifter may have some bearing on it, but not all. He is slowly doing up the property he lives in and is content by himself. Goddard is the other main male, ex-army with a dangerous secret in his past, on the run and stops by chance at Quinn's place.
This is well written, with the British-ness oozing out on every page! There is a clear outline to the story, and the pace is smooth and consistent. There were no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow. Although this story was very entertaining, it lacked a certain oomph between the main two. Now, don't get me wrong, I thought they were great together, but there was just 'something' missing. Perhaps it was Quinn not knowing for sure if Goddard was his mate. Perhaps it was Goddard thinking of leaving his mate. I don't know, I can't put my finger on it. I did LOVE the climactic ending and epilogue though, they were simply superb, which is just one of the reasons that I would love to read more by this author.
For a quick coffee break read, with British banter and hot scenes, then I can recommend this.
* 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! Mar 28, 2017...more
CLAIMED BY THE CENTER is the first novella in the Toronto Thunder series and I loved every moment.
It is a fast-paced insta-love between an older, expeCLAIMED BY THE CENTER is the first novella in the Toronto Thunder series and I loved every moment.
It is a fast-paced insta-love between an older, experienced hockey player and the young daughter of the coach. Kincaid and Lilah both have an instantaneous attraction to each other, although neither of them thinks the other would be interested. I loved how they got together and how Kincaid took care of Lilah in every way.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to continue. I can't wait to see the fireworks between Sadie and Shane. 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! Jul 21, 2024...more
New Eyes is a novella by T.K. Paige that tells a friends-to-lovers story. Doyle and Jed had been friends for years, but Jed has his blinkers on, and cNew Eyes is a novella by T.K. Paige that tells a friends-to-lovers story. Doyle and Jed had been friends for years, but Jed has his blinkers on, and can only see Doyle as his best friend, denying any different feelings that he may have. Others can see Jed's feelings, and know how Doyle feels, so when Fate steps in, their friends decide to give Fate a helping hand.
This is a short but sweet book that I could have carried on reading, just to learn more about them. Jed has a wonderful view on life, due to the good luck he has had. However, as Larry tells him, because of seeing things differently, he is in a position to help others see past ignorance and pain. Doyle is the quiet one, but you know what they say about still waters...
Merged review:
New Eyes is a novella by T.K. Paige that tells a friends-to-lovers story. Doyle and Jed had been friends for years, but Jed has his blinkers on, and can only see Doyle as his best friend, denying any different feelings that he may have. Others can see Jed's feelings, and know how Doyle feels, so when Fate steps in, their friends decide to give Fate a helping hand.
This is a short but sweet book that I could have carried on reading, just to learn more about them. Jed has a wonderful view on life, due to the good luck he has had. However, as Larry tells him, because of seeing things differently, he is in a position to help others see past ignorance and pain. Doyle is the quiet one, but you know what they say about still waters......more
WANTED BY THE CHAMPION is the first book by this author I have read and it won't be the last.
Cate is our main female, with Alex as the main male. He iWANTED BY THE CHAMPION is the first book by this author I have read and it won't be the last.
Cate is our main female, with Alex as the main male. He is looking for a new skating partner and gets so much more.
This is instalove/lust at its finest. Alex becomes obsessed with Cate just from watching a video of her skating. As for Cate, well, she's had a crush on Alex for quite some time and believes all her dreams have come true when he wants to skate with her. This is a fast-paced novella that works extremely well. There is a slight Daddy/princess kink without any age play.
One thing I will say is I loved that it was about ice skating and not hockey, which seem to have saturated the book world. And the comments in here about the trials and tribulations they face, as well as their training, made it all the more interesting.
I immediately signed up for the newsletter so I could get the bonus epilogue which gave me a wonderful insight to how they are getting on. The only problem is that I still want more from these two!
Absolutely brilliant and definitely recommended.
** 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! Jun 20, 2024...more
A DADDY FOR MADDY is part of the Little Mister Perfect series and it features characters we have met before and that I was oh-so-happy to reunite withA DADDY FOR MADDY is part of the Little Mister Perfect series and it features characters we have met before and that I was oh-so-happy to reunite with.
Colin is a bouncer at Club 99. He enjoys his job but is receiving threatening text messages that Trent is looking into. Maddy has finally been able to put a name to how he feels - through his roommate Dan. Now, I use the word roommate specifically as I wouldn't suggest they have a friendship. Colin ticks all Maddy's boxes, and vice versa.
This is fast-paced and deals with the stalker, as well as spending time with Ozzy, and also with Maddy as he figures out just exactly what it is he wants. And it was all done superbly.
I love Wendy Rathbone's books! Full of feel-good fuzzies and spicy moments, this one also had moments of suspense. A great read and 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! Jun 18, 2024...more
DADDY'S CABIN BOY is a short but sweet and spicy novella that was originally part of an anthology but has now been extended.
Ricky is a boy trying to pDADDY'S CABIN BOY is a short but sweet and spicy novella that was originally part of an anthology but has now been extended.
Ricky is a boy trying to pass himself off a service sub after his so-called Daddy dumped him. Gabe is the real McCoy Daddy, who is intrigued by this service sub who calls to him on so many levels. By actually speaking to each other, they find out just who the other is and have a week of fun and frolics in the sun.
Man, but I enjoyed this one! Read in one sitting, I devoured the story. I loved how Ricky was flighty (not surprising when you consider his past) and Gabe was his steadying influence. These two were so sweet together and yet the heat was H.O.T.
Over far too quickly, but then I'm greedy that way. This was a great read that I definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Jun 18, 2024...more
THE HEALER is a prequel novella to Conor and Rhiannon's story in the Bloodlines series. It features Conor's sister, Brynn, as one of the main characteTHE HEALER is a prequel novella to Conor and Rhiannon's story in the Bloodlines series. It features Conor's sister, Brynn, as one of the main characters, plus Macsen, who works with the blacksmith and bowyer. It tells how Kelnore first arrives on Pern Coen and what happens when they do.
What a fantastic prequel this was! Brynn was a fascinating supporting character in Conor's books, and I'm so happy to have this one from her perspective. It explains so much about the following books that you won't even be aware of - unless you've already read them, as I have. What it did for me was to make me want to read Bloodlines all over again!
I loved returning to Pern Coen and can't wait to see what happens next. I would love more from this timeline as I'm very greedy!
Absolutely unputdownable 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! Jul 19, 2024...more