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My Top 10 Reads of 2018
1. Death and the Devil Series – L.J. Hayward
Explosive, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thrills. Sizzling unconventional romance. Yes, the entire series is the best thing to come out this year. Everything’s a solid 5
Reviews here.
2. The Agency: Merlin in the Library – Ada Maria Soto
The ace romance story of my dreams
Review here.
3. Green Greek: Ravensong – T.J. Klune
dirt and leaves and rain. packwitchmateheart
Review here.
4. On Davis Row – N.R. Walker
So emotional and emotionally satisfying I got goosebumps.
Review here.
5. Captive Prince: The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant – C.S. Pacat
We’ll make another kind of empire.
Review here.
6. The Auspicious Troubles of Love: The Impetuous Afflictions of Jonathan Wolfe – Charlie Cochet
A sqee-tastic, tension filled, delicious slow burn dance of the young and impetuous.
Review here.
7. Bureau: Creature – Kim Fielding
Because love means loving him, even though. The best Bureau story so far.
Review here.
8. Bad Behavior: Reckless Behavior – L.A. Witt & Cari Z
A police procedural story that went above and beyond. Perfect combination of flawless writing and heartfelt narration.
Review here.
9. Lord of the Butterflies – Andrea Gibson
Powerful poetic stuff!
Review here.
10. Whyborne & Griffin: Balefire – Jordan L. Hawk
The best W&G book yet! Whetting our appetites for the final magnificent showdown.
Review here.
Bonus:
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo – Marlon Bundo & Jill Twiss
Attack of the super cute!
Review here.
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The Agency: Merlin in the Library – Ada Maria Soto
An Agency Short Story
Agent Martin Grove is in pain every minute of the day while his wounds slowly heal. As soon as one injury starts to fade another that was hidden presents itself, but despite that Martin is, above all, a man who appreciates routine. For him that means ‘Merlin’ must return to the regularly scheduled Saturday Children’s’ Story Hour at the library. He’s been absent for too long and his body is still a technicolor canvas of physical damage, but as long as he has his Arthur by his side, he just might make it.
Last year, His Quiet Agent blew me away with the soft, sweet story of Martin and Arthur. That it is also a wonderfully done ace romance made it unforgettable for me.
Merlin in the Library is the epilogue that follows the aftermath of Martin’s reappearance and it is written in his POV (Thank you, Ada Maria!). Martin was recovering from his injuries and trying to pick up his routines. Arthur has now become an important person in his life and together they continue the Saturday story class.
This is such a lovely follow up.
Still as soft as the first story or perhaps more tender now that we get a glimpse inside Martin’s fragile mental state and his connection with Arthur. I love how the author was able to develop their relationship with a delicate hand in a slow but sure way. It warms my heart to see Arthur and Martin are doing well. I hope we get more stories about them.
P.S.
Me raving about His Quiet Agent here.
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfect
Soundtrack: Lost in the Library
Artist: Saint Etienne
Album: The Misadventures of Saint Etienne(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41147433-merlin-in-the-library)
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Soundtrack to The Agency: Merlin in the Library by Ada Maria Soto
