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Secret Springs #1
Pens and Needles
Tattoo artist Lukas lands in Secret Springs looking for a fresh start, a place to open a shop of his own and build a steady clientele. What he doesn't expect is to meet sweet and surprisingly spicy local librarian Tim and immediately fall for the amazing man right off the bat.
Secret Springs native Tim thinks he's pretty boring. He's a librarian with cats and a Craftsman style bungalow in a small town, after all. But he has a few deeper desires, and Lucas brings out all of them. The two of them find they have a lot in common, a lot of chemistry, and a lot of the same wants and needs.
But Tim has made some enemies in town politics, and a lot of folks don't want Lukas coming to town and changing things, bringing his friends with him. Can Lukas and Tim navigate family, small town politics, and possibly a pregnancy for Tim without losing everything the hold dear?
Secret Springs native Tim thinks he's pretty boring. He's a librarian with cats and a Craftsman style bungalow in a small town, after all. But he has a few deeper desires, and Lucas brings out all of them. The two of them find they have a lot in common, a lot of chemistry, and a lot of the same wants and needs.
But Tim has made some enemies in town politics, and a lot of folks don't want Lukas coming to town and changing things, bringing his friends with him. Can Lukas and Tim navigate family, small town politics, and possibly a pregnancy for Tim without losing everything the hold dear?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
198 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Howe
84 books189 followersMinerva Howe is the kinky alter ego of author Julia Talbot. Julia lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Samhain as well as other publishing houses. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 30, 2021
Sometimes I want to check books outside of my comfort zone. I don't do it very often, because I've read a lot, and I usually know what I want to find in my characters and tropes.
So, one thing important to know about me - I'm not a big fan of a/o/b, and male pregnancy (or carrying a child in any romance in general). It just doesn't resonate with me, making people think only with their primal instincts, having the strong necessity to copulate only to get pregnant. Children shouldn't be seen as the outcome of an animal's need, the prize itself.
And, especially, I don't like worldbuilding and society-building based on one simple division - if you are alpha, beta, or omega.
I must say that "Pens and Needles" wasn't full of stereotyping character behaviors. I didn't feel the need to just hit the alpha in the head and leave him in a pit to die slowly. Lukas was sweet, caring, open to any suggestion that anyone around him had. He wasn't pushy, controlling, or stupid. At the beginning of the book, I got the impression that he is a Dom with a capital D, but he didn't do anything spectacular or kinky - he didn't even collar his man, which I was sure it'll happen, because he clearly showed interest in doing it. Even the edging play wasn't impressive.
Not that it's a bad thing, Lukas just gave a different vibe at the beginning of the book and it was odd to me that with time it disappeared.
Tim on the other hand... I think that he was just a "typical" omega. Nothing spectacular in him, nothing worth noticing. Even his passion for books and the library didn't actually show in the plot - he just kept going about how much the library is important to the community and should be available to anyone. I agree on that, don't get me wrong, but I'd like to *see* it, not just read his words.
The rest of the characters was OK too, but even shallower than Timothy. There were *a lot* of them, too much and not really useful. The plus side was, that as a reader I could see that this small town was full of kind and open residents. I'm pretty sure that I'd end up liking some of them if I only got the opportunity to know about them more than just a short description of their a/o/b status, their look, and one or two of their character features.
And this leads me to one big problem that I have with this book - it's full of descriptions that aren't valuable. It's not like an actual book, but a story that someone tells you in a rush. More like the first draft, without real depth, which after the initial edition process was filled with mundane and boring descriptions of dialogues to hit a specific mark of words. It wasn't painful to read and I'm sure that a lot of readers would find it comfy - just to read about the everyday life of the MCs. For me, it wasn't that interesting to care about the character's favorite food, Marple syrup or cookies. FYI "Pens and Needles" should come with a #foodie notice.
So. I didn't say anything about the plot, did I? No, I didn't forget about it - there is just nothing to tell. Yes, we have some kind of mystery/criminal undertones, but in the end, they lead to nothing. Clearly, the author decided to develop them in the next books and I can't see anything wrong in that, but I'd also want to have a plot, any plot, that can't be summarized in short "Frank didn't like Tim and his family was prejudiced against tattoo shops". The White's motivation was a big mystery - for the first half of the book I thought that Frank just wanted the librarian for himself, but after his actions in the second part, that theory had to be abandoned. I still have no idea what drove him, his brother, nor his mother.
This was a plot that could be closed in a short story, around 240 pages were definitely too much.
OK, let's summarize it: it wasn't a bad read, just really mediocre. I didn't find anything that'd make me hate this story (even a/b/o and pregnancy didn't make me put the book down and DNF it) or the characters. The writing itself isn't poor either, the sex scenes were OK. I just didn't find anything to *like* either - and this is what makes me grumpy and unwilling to give it a better rating.
It's my second try with this author and it probably is the last - I and they sadly don't share the same likings. But that's fine.
Oh, and there is a ghost too. Because why not?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
So, one thing important to know about me - I'm not a big fan of a/o/b, and male pregnancy (or carrying a child in any romance in general). It just doesn't resonate with me, making people think only with their primal instincts, having the strong necessity to copulate only to get pregnant. Children shouldn't be seen as the outcome of an animal's need, the prize itself.
And, especially, I don't like worldbuilding and society-building based on one simple division - if you are alpha, beta, or omega.
I must say that "Pens and Needles" wasn't full of stereotyping character behaviors. I didn't feel the need to just hit the alpha in the head and leave him in a pit to die slowly. Lukas was sweet, caring, open to any suggestion that anyone around him had. He wasn't pushy, controlling, or stupid. At the beginning of the book, I got the impression that he is a Dom with a capital D, but he didn't do anything spectacular or kinky - he didn't even collar his man, which I was sure it'll happen, because he clearly showed interest in doing it. Even the edging play wasn't impressive.
Not that it's a bad thing, Lukas just gave a different vibe at the beginning of the book and it was odd to me that with time it disappeared.
Tim on the other hand... I think that he was just a "typical" omega. Nothing spectacular in him, nothing worth noticing. Even his passion for books and the library didn't actually show in the plot - he just kept going about how much the library is important to the community and should be available to anyone. I agree on that, don't get me wrong, but I'd like to *see* it, not just read his words.
The rest of the characters was OK too, but even shallower than Timothy. There were *a lot* of them, too much and not really useful. The plus side was, that as a reader I could see that this small town was full of kind and open residents. I'm pretty sure that I'd end up liking some of them if I only got the opportunity to know about them more than just a short description of their a/o/b status, their look, and one or two of their character features.
And this leads me to one big problem that I have with this book - it's full of descriptions that aren't valuable. It's not like an actual book, but a story that someone tells you in a rush. More like the first draft, without real depth, which after the initial edition process was filled with mundane and boring descriptions of dialogues to hit a specific mark of words. It wasn't painful to read and I'm sure that a lot of readers would find it comfy - just to read about the everyday life of the MCs. For me, it wasn't that interesting to care about the character's favorite food, Marple syrup or cookies. FYI "Pens and Needles" should come with a #foodie notice.
So. I didn't say anything about the plot, did I? No, I didn't forget about it - there is just nothing to tell. Yes, we have some kind of mystery/criminal undertones, but in the end, they lead to nothing. Clearly, the author decided to develop them in the next books and I can't see anything wrong in that, but I'd also want to have a plot, any plot, that can't be summarized in short "Frank didn't like Tim and his family was prejudiced against tattoo shops". The White's motivation was a big mystery - for the first half of the book I thought that Frank just wanted the librarian for himself, but after his actions in the second part, that theory had to be abandoned. I still have no idea what drove him, his brother, nor his mother.
This was a plot that could be closed in a short story, around 240 pages were definitely too much.
OK, let's summarize it: it wasn't a bad read, just really mediocre. I didn't find anything that'd make me hate this story (even a/b/o and pregnancy didn't make me put the book down and DNF it) or the characters. The writing itself isn't poor either, the sex scenes were OK. I just didn't find anything to *like* either - and this is what makes me grumpy and unwilling to give it a better rating.
It's my second try with this author and it probably is the last - I and they sadly don't share the same likings. But that's fine.
Oh, and there is a ghost too. Because why not?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
June 2, 2021
2.5 stars
This was an okay story but it was hard for me to get through. The writing felt very simplistic and I felt the author was trying to mimic a couple other authors' styles but it didn't work for me. I can't believe it took so much to bring the bad guys down because it doesn't seem like hardly anyone liked them. Tim and Lukas were okay together but their intimate scenes didn't do much for me either. I do want to see the rest of these friends find their HEA so I may try the next book to see if the writing had evolved.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
This was an okay story but it was hard for me to get through. The writing felt very simplistic and I felt the author was trying to mimic a couple other authors' styles but it didn't work for me. I can't believe it took so much to bring the bad guys down because it doesn't seem like hardly anyone liked them. Tim and Lukas were okay together but their intimate scenes didn't do much for me either. I do want to see the rest of these friends find their HEA so I may try the next book to see if the writing had evolved.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
June 17, 2021
Oh dear.. I think it is time I stop reading Minerva Howe...
This book was.. confusing. Really confusing. There is no clear structure, no rhyme and rhythm so to say, it is a mishmash of things and ideas, all bundled together. Just throw stuff in a box, wrap it up, add some tape and ribbon, and call it good. It felt rather bizarre and confusing.
I couldn't get a read on the characters. The first impression of Lukas was that he is a dom and he hopes Tim is a sub, since he saw him and immediately thought of him on his knees, of ropes and spankings and whatnot. Which was kind of creepy to be honest. It is a very creepy thought that you might have just met a new person, you are having a normal conversation and that person is secretly imagining bruising you, tying you up and basically having kinky sex with you. But that is besides the point. Lukas was introduced as a more of a dom, and yet when it actually came to it, he was.. what exactly? Not a dom, that is for sure. There was some kink, which is fine, but the sex talk was random, fragmented and too full of pet names. One moment they call each other honey (which would be a reference to the Texan thing that for some reason was especially underlined?), then baby, then baby boy (wasn't that a daddy kink thing?), then man, sweet man, then sweet boy, good boy, love. Well excuse me, but which one is it? Is he a boy, a man, a baby or honey? I could understand baby mixing with any of those, because that is a universal one, but what about the other ones makes you think they mix well? Because they didn't mix for me. I started skipping sex scenes after this. The weird sex talk was off putting enough, but these mixed kinks were also confusing. It is fine to be a general explorer of kinks that likes a bit of everything, but that was not how Lukas was introduced, so I couldn't get a read on what his personality really is. One moment he fantasizes like a dom about his sub kneeling, the next he is like a gentle giant personality that is a little bit spiced vanilla, so yeah. No on Lukas. Tim.. was not better. He is introduced as this strong omega, who resents the idea of being subservient to alphas, standing up for what he believes in, so I honestly expected there to be some internal conflict about submitting to Lukas, but since Lukas was not a dom after all, that didn't happen. I still expected him to be more cautious about letting an alpha dominate his life so much when he is so independent and capable himself, but.. that didn't happen either. Honestly, I am not sure what Tim was supposed to be either. He was part geek, part handy man, part a bleeding heart cat rescuer, part a needy, whiny omega, part a sassy twink and a bunch of other stuff and it didn't mesh. If I was asked to characterize main characters, all I could say would be - I don't know, because I really don't know what they are, what they were supposed to be and how to describe any of them. Not like they need labels necessarily, but I couldn't even give you basic characteristics about them, because they were so contrasting and switching from one thing to another too rapidly to understand what is happening, especially considering how there was not much of a plot to it.
The plot.. is a whole bunch of nothing. The mystery angle was rather weak, full of posturing and no clear motivation or circumstances. And I get that they need to get to know one another, but talking a lot about books, tattoos, food, cats, movies and other mundane things did not help me to move forward in this book. I mean really, why would a tattoo artist who just bought a shop and needs to set it up care about building's history, ghost stories and old blueprints unless he is a history buff? And furthermore, he needs to set up his shop, why is he wasting time on that stuff when he has so much to do? Can't you do it later, when you have set your parlor up? Sure, it might have been an interesting angle, like if he tried to set up, was thwarted by a ghost and decided to research it to get rid of it an open his business. That would have made sense. Wasting time on it when he is not really a history buff and has other, more logical things to do was just nonsensical. Random added details that were not really necessary. Then there are some other scenes that are just inconsequential fragments of something happening that are just..there. Like random neighbor falling in her garden, MC calling an ambulance, bla bla. What was this scene supposed to accomplish? It was totally random. There was no mention of that neighbor before, no indication that they have close relationship or anything, she just randomly popped up. To give them something to do when they are not having sex? To add more characters? To give an excuse for that heat coming on? What are all these random things for? I would call them fillers. There was not enough plot to make a whole book, so the author just put in a lot of mundane details and random descriptions of things or situations to fill the holes between sex scenes. Frankly, could have just made this into an erotica, full of sex scenes. I still wouldn't have liked it, but at least it would make more sense than all these empty fillers.
So yeah. There's that. I was not impressed, I was barely interested. I think this writing style is just not for me, so I better give it a rest since writing bad reviews is not enjoyable for either of us.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
This book was.. confusing. Really confusing. There is no clear structure, no rhyme and rhythm so to say, it is a mishmash of things and ideas, all bundled together. Just throw stuff in a box, wrap it up, add some tape and ribbon, and call it good. It felt rather bizarre and confusing.
I couldn't get a read on the characters. The first impression of Lukas was that he is a dom and he hopes Tim is a sub, since he saw him and immediately thought of him on his knees, of ropes and spankings and whatnot. Which was kind of creepy to be honest. It is a very creepy thought that you might have just met a new person, you are having a normal conversation and that person is secretly imagining bruising you, tying you up and basically having kinky sex with you. But that is besides the point. Lukas was introduced as a more of a dom, and yet when it actually came to it, he was.. what exactly? Not a dom, that is for sure. There was some kink, which is fine, but the sex talk was random, fragmented and too full of pet names. One moment they call each other honey (which would be a reference to the Texan thing that for some reason was especially underlined?), then baby, then baby boy (wasn't that a daddy kink thing?), then man, sweet man, then sweet boy, good boy, love. Well excuse me, but which one is it? Is he a boy, a man, a baby or honey? I could understand baby mixing with any of those, because that is a universal one, but what about the other ones makes you think they mix well? Because they didn't mix for me. I started skipping sex scenes after this. The weird sex talk was off putting enough, but these mixed kinks were also confusing. It is fine to be a general explorer of kinks that likes a bit of everything, but that was not how Lukas was introduced, so I couldn't get a read on what his personality really is. One moment he fantasizes like a dom about his sub kneeling, the next he is like a gentle giant personality that is a little bit spiced vanilla, so yeah. No on Lukas. Tim.. was not better. He is introduced as this strong omega, who resents the idea of being subservient to alphas, standing up for what he believes in, so I honestly expected there to be some internal conflict about submitting to Lukas, but since Lukas was not a dom after all, that didn't happen. I still expected him to be more cautious about letting an alpha dominate his life so much when he is so independent and capable himself, but.. that didn't happen either. Honestly, I am not sure what Tim was supposed to be either. He was part geek, part handy man, part a bleeding heart cat rescuer, part a needy, whiny omega, part a sassy twink and a bunch of other stuff and it didn't mesh. If I was asked to characterize main characters, all I could say would be - I don't know, because I really don't know what they are, what they were supposed to be and how to describe any of them. Not like they need labels necessarily, but I couldn't even give you basic characteristics about them, because they were so contrasting and switching from one thing to another too rapidly to understand what is happening, especially considering how there was not much of a plot to it.
The plot.. is a whole bunch of nothing. The mystery angle was rather weak, full of posturing and no clear motivation or circumstances. And I get that they need to get to know one another, but talking a lot about books, tattoos, food, cats, movies and other mundane things did not help me to move forward in this book. I mean really, why would a tattoo artist who just bought a shop and needs to set it up care about building's history, ghost stories and old blueprints unless he is a history buff? And furthermore, he needs to set up his shop, why is he wasting time on that stuff when he has so much to do? Can't you do it later, when you have set your parlor up? Sure, it might have been an interesting angle, like if he tried to set up, was thwarted by a ghost and decided to research it to get rid of it an open his business. That would have made sense. Wasting time on it when he is not really a history buff and has other, more logical things to do was just nonsensical. Random added details that were not really necessary. Then there are some other scenes that are just inconsequential fragments of something happening that are just..there. Like random neighbor falling in her garden, MC calling an ambulance, bla bla. What was this scene supposed to accomplish? It was totally random. There was no mention of that neighbor before, no indication that they have close relationship or anything, she just randomly popped up. To give them something to do when they are not having sex? To add more characters? To give an excuse for that heat coming on? What are all these random things for? I would call them fillers. There was not enough plot to make a whole book, so the author just put in a lot of mundane details and random descriptions of things or situations to fill the holes between sex scenes. Frankly, could have just made this into an erotica, full of sex scenes. I still wouldn't have liked it, but at least it would make more sense than all these empty fillers.
So yeah. There's that. I was not impressed, I was barely interested. I think this writing style is just not for me, so I better give it a rest since writing bad reviews is not enjoyable for either of us.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
September 26, 2025
It was a nice, relaxing book, maybe a tad more sexy than I'd like. I really liked the ghost too
May 29, 2021
3.25 Stars
I liked this one. It was a nice nights read.
Lukas and Tim were good characters and I enjoyed their story. They connected right away and it was enjoyable watching them work their way together. The secondary characters were all a hoot and I will enjoy continuing on with this series and finding out what happens to them.
I honestly thought it was going to be kinkier, I found it quite tame and was hoping for more. Lukas kept saying he was possessive and wanted to do things to Tim, but it didn't really go anywhere. It was nice to see the softer side, but I just wanted a little more.
My only other complaint is that everyone is so nice. I liked them but I wanted a growly Lukas, or to see them have some type of disagreement. Even the bad guys aren't that over the top , easy to pick as they were the only ones who were any kind of rude but still not that bad
Good first book. I look forward to seeing where the series leads.
***ARC Provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
I liked this one. It was a nice nights read.
Lukas and Tim were good characters and I enjoyed their story. They connected right away and it was enjoyable watching them work their way together. The secondary characters were all a hoot and I will enjoy continuing on with this series and finding out what happens to them.
I honestly thought it was going to be kinkier, I found it quite tame and was hoping for more. Lukas kept saying he was possessive and wanted to do things to Tim, but it didn't really go anywhere. It was nice to see the softer side, but I just wanted a little more.
My only other complaint is that everyone is so nice. I liked them but I wanted a growly Lukas, or to see them have some type of disagreement. Even the bad guys aren't that over the top , easy to pick as they were the only ones who were any kind of rude but still not that bad
Good first book. I look forward to seeing where the series leads.
***ARC Provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
June 4, 2021
Fun, steam, suspense and ghost!
Lukas sets up his tattoo shop in a building that is supposed to be Haunted. Tim is an omega who works across the street in the library.
Lukas and Tim are immediately drawn to each other. I liked the way the author wrote this so it didn't se like insta love but you knew they belonged together.
I was a little unclear as to why Tim's boss was such a jerk all the time but it worked into the story.
Lukas was a sweet Alpha. I loves how they started bringing more and more people into their circle.
The ghost should have a few more parts in the story.( I think he needs another agent ;). But the part he did was great.
Good book. Steamy. Happy ever after.
Lukas sets up his tattoo shop in a building that is supposed to be Haunted. Tim is an omega who works across the street in the library.
Lukas and Tim are immediately drawn to each other. I liked the way the author wrote this so it didn't se like insta love but you knew they belonged together.
I was a little unclear as to why Tim's boss was such a jerk all the time but it worked into the story.
Lukas was a sweet Alpha. I loves how they started bringing more and more people into their circle.
The ghost should have a few more parts in the story.( I think he needs another agent ;). But the part he did was great.
Good book. Steamy. Happy ever after.
May 28, 2021
Tim is an omega librarian. His biggest issue is his slimeball alpha boss. Other than that, his life is pretty perfect. Then Lukas opens up a tattoo parlor across the street. Their connection is instantaneous.
This story is all insta-love and hot times. No angst to speak of either. Slight bump with evil alpha.
Sweet story with colorful character. Lots of “snugglage.” Should be a good series.
I received an arc of this book.
This story is all insta-love and hot times. No angst to speak of either. Slight bump with evil alpha.
Sweet story with colorful character. Lots of “snugglage.” Should be a good series.
I received an arc of this book.
May 30, 2021
sweet and cute.. it was one of those typical fun fast moving insta love type of stories.. i enjoyed it and it was adorable. cant wait for the next one.
May 25, 2021
This is a great start to a new series; I couldn’t put this book down. The author quickly drew me into this story with a quaint town and a great cast of characters that had me wanting to know more. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this story from found family, romance, humor, a dash of spice, and a little mystery. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
June 5, 2021
Tim is a native of Secret Springs. He didn't expect to find his love, and resigned to life as a librarian, homeowner and a parent to several cats. Bowtie extraordinaire and thinks he boring, a transplant to the area changes all of that and fast!
Lukas is a tattoo artist, who purchases some property in Secret Springs. Trying to make his mark, renovations begin on an old building he purchased. Opening a tattoo shop is his dream. Looking to expand on the building, he seeks information from one adorably cute librarian.
Finding that more brings them together than what separates them. Spending time together reveals their love for each other and some dangers of the town. Turn out, small town living can bring a host big problems.
This new series has so much to unpack. With so many new beginnings, there were a lot of pain from the past. Lost friends were found. Damaged relationships were on the mend. Dangerous town bullies were dealt with. Faces new and old, made a huge impact in this delightful story in a town we've come to know as, Secret Springs.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Lukas is a tattoo artist, who purchases some property in Secret Springs. Trying to make his mark, renovations begin on an old building he purchased. Opening a tattoo shop is his dream. Looking to expand on the building, he seeks information from one adorably cute librarian.
Finding that more brings them together than what separates them. Spending time together reveals their love for each other and some dangers of the town. Turn out, small town living can bring a host big problems.
This new series has so much to unpack. With so many new beginnings, there were a lot of pain from the past. Lost friends were found. Damaged relationships were on the mend. Dangerous town bullies were dealt with. Faces new and old, made a huge impact in this delightful story in a town we've come to know as, Secret Springs.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
June 7, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
I really liked this book. I loved both Tim and Lukas as the MCs. Thought they had great chemistry together. If I had one complaint, it would be the that the subplot with the Tim’s boss and the town mayor was a bit convoluted and over the top. Although, I did like Lukas’s snarky comments to the mayor’s mother. All in all, an enjoyable read.
I really liked this book. I loved both Tim and Lukas as the MCs. Thought they had great chemistry together. If I had one complaint, it would be the that the subplot with the Tim’s boss and the town mayor was a bit convoluted and over the top. Although, I did like Lukas’s snarky comments to the mayor’s mother. All in all, an enjoyable read.
May 31, 2021
Title - Pens And Needles (Secret Springs #1)
Author - Minerva Howe
Genre - MM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 238 Pages
Summary - Lukas is a tattoo artist and he's moved to Secret Springs to open up his tattoo shop, what he doesn't expect is to meet a sweet and sexy librarian and immediately fall in love with him.
Tim thinks he's boring, he's a librarian, he has cats he lives his life on routine but he also has a few secret desires which Lukas brings out of him and together the two of them discover they have a lot in common and their chemistry is off the charts.
Unfortunately, some of the locals are not happy about this and they're not quiet about it. Trouble ensures. Can these two find out what's going on and come out of it on the other side together?
What I thought about this book - When I started this book I thought it was going to be your typical hot tattoo guy who falls for a geeky guy, and while this is true there is so much more to the story than that and that is what makes this book so great. The side characters are amazing, the main characters are perfect especially for each other. The love story between them is amazing but also the other story which runs alongside is really interesting keeps you hooked and desperate to know what happens next, it keeps you rooting for the good guys and wanting the bad guys to get what they deserve. There's awesome family members, funny pets, and an awesome ghost and hot sexy scenes I mean what more could you want?
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
Author - Minerva Howe
Genre - MM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 238 Pages
Summary - Lukas is a tattoo artist and he's moved to Secret Springs to open up his tattoo shop, what he doesn't expect is to meet a sweet and sexy librarian and immediately fall in love with him.
Tim thinks he's boring, he's a librarian, he has cats he lives his life on routine but he also has a few secret desires which Lukas brings out of him and together the two of them discover they have a lot in common and their chemistry is off the charts.
Unfortunately, some of the locals are not happy about this and they're not quiet about it. Trouble ensures. Can these two find out what's going on and come out of it on the other side together?
What I thought about this book - When I started this book I thought it was going to be your typical hot tattoo guy who falls for a geeky guy, and while this is true there is so much more to the story than that and that is what makes this book so great. The side characters are amazing, the main characters are perfect especially for each other. The love story between them is amazing but also the other story which runs alongside is really interesting keeps you hooked and desperate to know what happens next, it keeps you rooting for the good guys and wanting the bad guys to get what they deserve. There's awesome family members, funny pets, and an awesome ghost and hot sexy scenes I mean what more could you want?
Would I Recommend - Yes
Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes
Rating - 5*
Reviewed by LucyLui
May 24, 2021
This book is a light, fluffy, insta-love book set in a non-shifter ABO world with mpreg. The book is centered in Secret Springs, Colorado, which is a tiny, old town with not many businesses but a thriving community.
Tim is the district librarian, and an omega. He considers himself pretty boring - set schedules/routines, not adventurous, not outspoken. But he sees a big alpha with long purple hair going into the building across from the library and he's definitely curious.
Lukas is one of the top tattoo artists in the state. He's purchased the old Merchante building in downtown, and is opening his tattoo and art shop, as well as getting the rest of the building ready to rent for other storefronts. He's laid back and is hoping that this town is a place he'll be able to settle.
The two immediately hit it off, spend a lot of hot nights (and days!) together, and fall in love quickly. There are some less upstanding citizens in town who indirectly, and directly, threaten the couple and various shenanigans the characters have to deal with, but the path to their HEA is clear. There is no angst.
The book did feel a bit... too much. It's the first book of the series, so there was some world building to do, but I think the author was too aggressive. A LOT happened in this book. Also, the endearments and nicknames in the dialog were a bit much.
Still, a solid 3.5 star read and I'm curious about the MCs in the next book, so I'll likely grab it.
Tim is the district librarian, and an omega. He considers himself pretty boring - set schedules/routines, not adventurous, not outspoken. But he sees a big alpha with long purple hair going into the building across from the library and he's definitely curious.
Lukas is one of the top tattoo artists in the state. He's purchased the old Merchante building in downtown, and is opening his tattoo and art shop, as well as getting the rest of the building ready to rent for other storefronts. He's laid back and is hoping that this town is a place he'll be able to settle.
The two immediately hit it off, spend a lot of hot nights (and days!) together, and fall in love quickly. There are some less upstanding citizens in town who indirectly, and directly, threaten the couple and various shenanigans the characters have to deal with, but the path to their HEA is clear. There is no angst.
The book did feel a bit... too much. It's the first book of the series, so there was some world building to do, but I think the author was too aggressive. A LOT happened in this book. Also, the endearments and nicknames in the dialog were a bit much.
Still, a solid 3.5 star read and I'm curious about the MCs in the next book, so I'll likely grab it.
May 28, 2021
*4.5*
Pens and Needles is a new mpreg, non shifter romance from Minerva Howe.
It's such a sweet and easy read. There's an instalove element with how quickly Lukas and Tim fall for each other, their romance quickly blossoming over a weekend and only deepening as time goes on. They match each other perfectly, even exploring a little bit of kink that they both enjoy.
Lukas is new to Secret Springs after buying a building, planning to open a tattoo studio/art gallery but is not welcomed by everyone in town. The White family create quite a bit of drama throughout the story, bringing out Lukas's protective alpha instincts as well as Tim's warrior spirit and that of his omega friends.
There is such a great community of people that is already established and comes together with Lukas's move to town. Tim's parents are hilarious, totally inclusive and welcoming. The friendship group that develops and strengthens along the way is gonna be a lot of fun to read in this series.
I loved reading this. It was so easy to fall into the story and romance with a bit of danger to add to the drama.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Pens and Needles is a new mpreg, non shifter romance from Minerva Howe.
It's such a sweet and easy read. There's an instalove element with how quickly Lukas and Tim fall for each other, their romance quickly blossoming over a weekend and only deepening as time goes on. They match each other perfectly, even exploring a little bit of kink that they both enjoy.
Lukas is new to Secret Springs after buying a building, planning to open a tattoo studio/art gallery but is not welcomed by everyone in town. The White family create quite a bit of drama throughout the story, bringing out Lukas's protective alpha instincts as well as Tim's warrior spirit and that of his omega friends.
There is such a great community of people that is already established and comes together with Lukas's move to town. Tim's parents are hilarious, totally inclusive and welcoming. The friendship group that develops and strengthens along the way is gonna be a lot of fun to read in this series.
I loved reading this. It was so easy to fall into the story and romance with a bit of danger to add to the drama.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 16, 2021
Tim is a cute, a little spicy and nerdy, gay librarian who just happens to live in a very nice town that is known for its diversity and acceptance. The mayors mother wants his move his library to a rich part of town instead of in the heart of downtown like it is. Lukas has just bought a building across from the library and is planning on opening a tattoo parlor and an art gallery. He has moved around a lot, learning his craft and developing his style and decides to stick around Secret Springs for a while. Lukas is very taken with Tim, finding him adorable. Of course, Tim thinks Lukas is a hunk and is hot for him the first glance he gets of him. They quickly become an item, finding they have lots in common, great chemistry and have the same kinky desires. The fly in the ointment is some of the locals don't like Tim and don't want Lukas or any of his friends who come to visit. Some small town politics with small minded people trying to stick it to the good guys. This is an Alpha/Omega non-shifter mpreg story with MM relations. I am looking forward to more of Secret Springs Ms. Howe! Hurry! Enjoy.
I was given an ARC of this book, but that in now way influenced my opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book, but that in now way influenced my opinion.
February 16, 2024
I'm not new to Omegaverse but I have only experienced it as manga, so reading it as a book was new.
I wasn't sure I'd like this book, the universe set up was a bit underdeveloped (most mangas have an intro explaining the omegaverse). This book required you to know a lot about the genre going into it. I also found it odd that almost everyone in book is either Alpha or Omega. I'm not sure Betas were ever mentioned in the story. Also no heat/pheromones, biting/bonding, there was a collar mentioned but it was never said explicitly if this was a dom/sub omegaverse. Which, okay, but that's also why an intro would be nice, because every author has their own version of the Omegaverse.
This book was slice of life, cheesy, wholesome fluff... AND I REALLY ENJOYED IT. I found myself smiling a lot. And sometimes, some fluffy gay romance with extra cheese is just perfect.
That said, I was annoyed by the many typos and sentence breaks. It's a lot. If there had been more editing and polishing, I think I would have rated this book higher.
At the end of the day, solid 3 stars and I'll probably read more of the series, because I like the fluffy stuffs.
I wasn't sure I'd like this book, the universe set up was a bit underdeveloped (most mangas have an intro explaining the omegaverse). This book required you to know a lot about the genre going into it. I also found it odd that almost everyone in book is either Alpha or Omega. I'm not sure Betas were ever mentioned in the story. Also no heat/pheromones, biting/bonding, there was a collar mentioned but it was never said explicitly if this was a dom/sub omegaverse. Which, okay, but that's also why an intro would be nice, because every author has their own version of the Omegaverse.
This book was slice of life, cheesy, wholesome fluff... AND I REALLY ENJOYED IT. I found myself smiling a lot. And sometimes, some fluffy gay romance with extra cheese is just perfect.
That said, I was annoyed by the many typos and sentence breaks. It's a lot. If there had been more editing and polishing, I think I would have rated this book higher.
At the end of the day, solid 3 stars and I'll probably read more of the series, because I like the fluffy stuffs.
May 21, 2021
This book was a sweet little rollercoaster ride of a story. First of all, Tim is absolutely adorkable and I love him so very much! And Lukas is a big tattooed teddy bear who knows what he wants and he wants a family in Secret Springs. These two were all marshmallowy sweet and goodness with a healthy dose of spice thrown in. I loved this little story and can’t wait for the rest of this series. We are gonna have a wonderful found family set int small town Colorado and I can’t wait!!!! Tim is the librarian in Secret Springs and Lukas just bought the building across the street where he is opening a tattoo and art studio with apartments above. But there are folks in town who don’t want change and are determined to have everything their way in town which makes a big political mess. Lukas and Tim have to work together with their friends to stop them and keep their town safe. Amazing start to a new series and if you like sweet low angst tales, this one is a winner!
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars
I have to admit that I don't usually read mpreg stories but wanted to give it another go and I’m glad I did because I loved it and this first story in a series held me captive from the beginning to the end.
Tim, a sweet but strong omega and Lukas, so adorably alpha without even trying, have an instant attraction which leads to some hot times together as their relationship grows into love. I loved Tim and Lukas, and all the other family and friend characters we were introduced to (who I’m sure we will see more of in future books) and those villainous villains added a lot of depth and interest to the story.
This was a very enjoyable easy to read story with some angst, which I love, steamy moments and a great HEA. I highly recommend it if you are into this genre and I can’t wait for the next book in Secret Springs.
I was given an ARC of this book to read and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I have to admit that I don't usually read mpreg stories but wanted to give it another go and I’m glad I did because I loved it and this first story in a series held me captive from the beginning to the end.
Tim, a sweet but strong omega and Lukas, so adorably alpha without even trying, have an instant attraction which leads to some hot times together as their relationship grows into love. I loved Tim and Lukas, and all the other family and friend characters we were introduced to (who I’m sure we will see more of in future books) and those villainous villains added a lot of depth and interest to the story.
This was a very enjoyable easy to read story with some angst, which I love, steamy moments and a great HEA. I highly recommend it if you are into this genre and I can’t wait for the next book in Secret Springs.
I was given an ARC of this book to read and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 30, 2021
Lukas is looking to start a new tattoo shop in Secret Springs. He wants a new beginning but he does not expect the sweet librarian from across the street. Tim considers himself boring. He is a librarian with three cats and a Craftsman style bungalow. The two finds themselves falling for each other and it is not long before they find not only chemistry but love. Unfortunately, the town is run by a narrow-minded, self-entitled family and they both find local politics against them.
This is sweet story with an underlying mystery that takes while to solve. Lukas was not what the family wanted in Secret Springs nor was Tim’s determination to keep his library safe and in town. There are so many new characters introduced besides just Tim and Lukas and we can look forward to more stories set in this amazing town. Secret Springs is small town and there are a number of ways this shows up. This story is perfect for those of us who love MM stories with some conflicts.
This is sweet story with an underlying mystery that takes while to solve. Lukas was not what the family wanted in Secret Springs nor was Tim’s determination to keep his library safe and in town. There are so many new characters introduced besides just Tim and Lukas and we can look forward to more stories set in this amazing town. Secret Springs is small town and there are a number of ways this shows up. This story is perfect for those of us who love MM stories with some conflicts.
June 4, 2021
Lukas buys a building across the street from the library where Tim works to open his business Pens and Needles in. He sees the possibilities for a revival in the small town of Secret Springs. Tim sees him when he rides into town to check out the building and is intrigued. Even more so when they meet when Lukas comes to ask about wifi. Lukas is an alpha, Tim an omega and they instantly become attracted to one another and the fun times and their journey to HEA begins. Tim is however dealing with some shenanigans involving the library building, the mayor and his mother. But even Lukas having to deal with not being as welcome as one would have thought new business in an small town would be and with Tim fighting to save the location of the library for the good of its patrons, the main story was their romance and it was sweet. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
May 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this new mpreg by Minerva Howe. "Pens and Needles" brings a lot of really good different elements together. First of all, I liked both of the two main characters and their dynamic. Tim the librarian and tattoo artist Lukas were perfect for each other! So much of their relationship and interactions worked for me. Between Lukas's protectiveness and the steamy sexy times, I didn't even care about the insta-love. I liked how the author created a quirky small town atmosphere. The various friends and family of the two main characters added depth and entertainment to the story, and the villains were appropriately evil. I even liked the paranormal strain of the story, which might come out of nowhere for some readers, but was just the perfect amount of spooky for me.
Look, if I had to make a complaint, it would be that the book did seem a little long at times. Plus, it really is sugary sweet. I wasn't too put off by the sweetness, though, because the author also writes very hot scenes, so I think that for the right reader it will balance out. Overall, this was fun and I recommend it to fans of mpreg. I look forward to the next book!
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
Look, if I had to make a complaint, it would be that the book did seem a little long at times. Plus, it really is sugary sweet. I wasn't too put off by the sweetness, though, because the author also writes very hot scenes, so I think that for the right reader it will balance out. Overall, this was fun and I recommend it to fans of mpreg. I look forward to the next book!
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
May 25, 2021
5 stars
Hot and sweet and exactly what I hoped for!
I’m not sure I could have loved Lukas and Tim more! This is a great insta-lust, a bit longer term love story with a bit of BDSM and a ghost thrown in. In an A/O world with mPreg, seriously right up my alley. With each character introduced, the small town of Secret Springs, and it’s people, built a base that makes me very excited for the next story.
The MCs had little angst within their relationship, which I really like, and dealt more with the outside issues of harassment, bullying and more of Tim. And seeing Lukas, usually laid back, going all Alpha then learning to pull it back to take care of Tim, is so endearing.
If you enjoy A/O, mPreg, sweet and fiery love, a group of fun-loving and curious omegas and a town that has more mysteries left to solve, this book is for you!
Hot and sweet and exactly what I hoped for!
I’m not sure I could have loved Lukas and Tim more! This is a great insta-lust, a bit longer term love story with a bit of BDSM and a ghost thrown in. In an A/O world with mPreg, seriously right up my alley. With each character introduced, the small town of Secret Springs, and it’s people, built a base that makes me very excited for the next story.
The MCs had little angst within their relationship, which I really like, and dealt more with the outside issues of harassment, bullying and more of Tim. And seeing Lukas, usually laid back, going all Alpha then learning to pull it back to take care of Tim, is so endearing.
If you enjoy A/O, mPreg, sweet and fiery love, a group of fun-loving and curious omegas and a town that has more mysteries left to solve, this book is for you!
May 30, 2021
Pens and Needles is a super sweet, sexy and fun story with wonderful characters and it is a great start to a new series. Lukas and Tim have an instant connection when they meet and I love how their relationship evolves. They are perfect for each other and even though there is some conflict in this story it is not between them. Tim has always had issues with his boss and it only gets worse after he and Lukas get together. Thankfully he has the support of his friends and family as his boss escalates his hostility toward him. They do have a lot to deal with but their love for each other never wavers. I love Tim's parents, Lukas's mom is great as well and their friends are amazing. The ending is perfect and I can't wait to read the next book in this new and exciting series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 9, 2021
I LOVE both Minerva Howe's dragon series and the Alphabits series, but I think, based on this book Secret Springs is not for me - I didn't manage to finish the book, the tone just wasn't right. These two lines, amongst others, just turned me right off:
I guess I'm more a fan of gentle wooing than the domination/submission vibes I got from this book. I'll keep reading her/their dragon books, but Secret Springs is a no from me.
"He wanted to have Tim already. Lukas could see it, sweet baby on his knees, flushed and desperate to shoot. Begging for Lukas’s knot. Uhn. Okay, he was going to have some happy shower-time fantasy material tonight."
"Tim on his knees, hands behind his head, naked and waiting for his command. Tiny nips pierced, attached to the ring in the head of his cock by chains…"
I guess I'm more a fan of gentle wooing than the domination/submission vibes I got from this book. I'll keep reading her/their dragon books, but Secret Springs is a no from me.
May 25, 2021
I loved this book! It was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a long time. Pens and Needles is the first in the new Secret Springs series by Minerva Howe. New transplant to Secret Springs, Lukas is an Alpha Tattoo Artist who is opening a new business in town. As he arrives he sees Tim, the Omega town library manager. There is an instant attraction between the two. Pens and Needles is the wonderful story of the road these two men follow to their happy ending while solving a couple of town mysteries along the way. This was one of the happiest stories I have had the pleasure of reading. No angst here! We are introduced to a large batch of friends and family that I can’t wait to see where the author takes these characters in the future. Highly Recommended Read!
May 25, 2021
This book is phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! The first book in a new series that promises to be amazing, and it’s an absolute must read! Lukas is an alpha who has moved to town to open a tattoo shop. He is immediately drawn to Tim, an omega, and the town’s librarian. It isn’t long until the two are talking about forever. But their journey is a bumpy one as they will have to deal with a family that is causing trouble in town. But the two men are surrounded by loving family and friends and when all is said and done they will not only get their happily ever after, but Tim will be reunited with an old friend, Saul, whom they have convinced to come back home.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
May 25, 2021
Tim and Lucas were just perfect and , as usual, Howe created a wonderful cast of characters
I love this author. I love the way they write, emotive and instinctive, and I adore their characters. There is always such a lovely found family theme to their writing and that was no less in Pens. Tim and Luke’s were just too cute - yes, things move quickly but when you know, you just know.
I think what I adore the most is that you always get such fleshed out secondary characters. They never feel two dimensional and are actively incorporated into the story so that you really get a feel for them and connect with them. It’s written in a way that they feel just as important as the MCs because they are. These are books not just about two people falling in love but people finding and growing family, where everyone matters.
I can’t wait for the next one in this series. Saul is still a bit of a mystery as we haven’t seen much of him (though man do I feel like he’s been through some serious stuff and will really need some loving). Mark seems like the perfect quiet, protective softy. So excited for these two!
I love this author. I love the way they write, emotive and instinctive, and I adore their characters. There is always such a lovely found family theme to their writing and that was no less in Pens. Tim and Luke’s were just too cute - yes, things move quickly but when you know, you just know.
I think what I adore the most is that you always get such fleshed out secondary characters. They never feel two dimensional and are actively incorporated into the story so that you really get a feel for them and connect with them. It’s written in a way that they feel just as important as the MCs because they are. These are books not just about two people falling in love but people finding and growing family, where everyone matters.
I can’t wait for the next one in this series. Saul is still a bit of a mystery as we haven’t seen much of him (though man do I feel like he’s been through some serious stuff and will really need some loving). Mark seems like the perfect quiet, protective softy. So excited for these two!
May 24, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Oh dang I just loved Tim and Lukas from the first moment and can'tforget about Joe, this book just keeps getting better and hilarious with each page. Even the steamy bits was yummilicious. It's just too cute how they just have an instant connecting vibe. When things start heating up with mysteries in town it's hilarious how three unlikely omega's with a helpful dash here and there to investigate what is going on within the small town of secret springs. Such amazing and delightful characters, it's one of those books that is just hard to put down. Can't wait for the next book couple to come out.
May 25, 2021
Lukas and Tim make an instant connection from across the street. Lukas is the alpha tattoo artist who because of his tattoos is looked at on disreputable and Tim who is looked on as the boring nerdy librarian of said town. As in Lukas' own words, "I've been waiting for the 1 person I wanted to make a home with..." And so, begins a sweet story of establishing a family, righting the small-town politics of Secret Springs, putting the screws to the greedy villainous family, and getting the help of the ethereal Joe who lends his ghostly hand to the satisfying ending. This my voluntary review for the ARC received by GRR.
May 27, 2021
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.
This was a nice book.
Plenty of love, intimacy and laughs.
A little aggression and a protective ghost.
Lukas is new to Secret Springs, he has just bought a building that will be be his place of business and his home. The building also has spaces to rent out for other businesses and one more apartment.
This building is opposite the town’s library and that is where Tim works.
As soon as Lukas enters the library Tim feels the zing of attraction and so does Lukas. As they explore their feelings some sinister things start to happen to Lukas building and in the library.
This was a nice book.
Plenty of love, intimacy and laughs.
A little aggression and a protective ghost.
Lukas is new to Secret Springs, he has just bought a building that will be be his place of business and his home. The building also has spaces to rent out for other businesses and one more apartment.
This building is opposite the town’s library and that is where Tim works.
As soon as Lukas enters the library Tim feels the zing of attraction and so does Lukas. As they explore their feelings some sinister things start to happen to Lukas building and in the library.
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