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Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated The Underhanded (William Dresden #1) in Books
May 3, 2024
takes time to come together
Independent reviewer for Arachaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
William is a professor of history, and he gets dragged into the world of espionage, full of secrets about him and his family, and an attempt to destabilize Europe. Followed by an attempt on his life, and William is running for that life, while trying to get the truth.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book, but a couple things, for me, knocked that 4th star off.
The book is full of long dialogues, explaining things in minute detail. I got bogged down reading those pages, and in some places, I skipped ahead.
And it takes a long LONG time for the plot to come together. I very much wanted to dump it in places, I was so freaking confused. It made for a hard-work read, and I'm not sure this book was for me.
It's well written, though, and I didn't see any editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading. It really was the long winded plotting out loud, and the long plot line.
Some twists, and they were not seen coming, so well played there! And once things start coming together, it moves fast, so you gotta hang on there!
Many bonus points for not, not once, calling William, Bill. Big thumbs up from me for that!
First I've read of this author, and I think I'd like to try a shorter book, if there are any. I just struggled a bit with this one.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
William is a professor of history, and he gets dragged into the world of espionage, full of secrets about him and his family, and an attempt to destabilize Europe. Followed by an attempt on his life, and William is running for that life, while trying to get the truth.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book, but a couple things, for me, knocked that 4th star off.
The book is full of long dialogues, explaining things in minute detail. I got bogged down reading those pages, and in some places, I skipped ahead.
And it takes a long LONG time for the plot to come together. I very much wanted to dump it in places, I was so freaking confused. It made for a hard-work read, and I'm not sure this book was for me.
It's well written, though, and I didn't see any editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading. It really was the long winded plotting out loud, and the long plot line.
Some twists, and they were not seen coming, so well played there! And once things start coming together, it moves fast, so you gotta hang on there!
Many bonus points for not, not once, calling William, Bill. Big thumbs up from me for that!
First I've read of this author, and I think I'd like to try a shorter book, if there are any. I just struggled a bit with this one.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated The General’s Gold in Books
Oct 29, 2024 (Updated Oct 29, 2024)
Hunting for a Golden Treasure
This book introduces us to Avery Turner, a new tech billionaire, and Carter Mosley, an internet famous adventure junkie. The two met when Carter taught Avery to scuba dive. But things really kick off when Avery learns of her friend, fellow tech billionaire, Mark Hawkins’s death. The police are ruling it an accidental drug overdose. There’s just one problem with that – Avery has never seen Mark take anything stronger than an aspirin. She goes to investigate herself, and she finds a few puzzling things that Mark left behind. Soon, she’s is on the trail of a rumored treasure that dates back to the 1700’s, pulling Carter in along the way. Can they find it?
I’ve heard good things about both of these authors but hadn’t had a chance to read them before I picked up this book. I’m glad I did give their collaboration a try. While I did find the series setup a bit slow, I was still entertained. Once the plot really kicked off, I was completely hooked and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I appreciated the logic behind things when I reached the climax. I also enjoyed the main trio of characters (Avery, her assistant, and Carter). I can’t wait to spend more time with them. The violence and language was kept to a minimum, which I appreciated. A couple of things felt like they got glossed over, but that’s a minor complaint. I’m looking forward to reading more. If you are looking for an action, adventure series, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I’ve heard good things about both of these authors but hadn’t had a chance to read them before I picked up this book. I’m glad I did give their collaboration a try. While I did find the series setup a bit slow, I was still entertained. Once the plot really kicked off, I was completely hooked and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I appreciated the logic behind things when I reached the climax. I also enjoyed the main trio of characters (Avery, her assistant, and Carter). I can’t wait to spend more time with them. The violence and language was kept to a minimum, which I appreciated. A couple of things felt like they got glossed over, but that’s a minor complaint. I’m looking forward to reading more. If you are looking for an action, adventure series, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of opera, but Diva held me in its thrall from the off. Maria Callas’ life was fascinating: she was dramatic, striking, dedicated and vulnerable. Her mother had exploited her voice in Nazi-occupied Greece, which Maria never forgave her for, and she cuts her off when she makes it big. But even though Callas makes out that she can’t be used again for other’s financial gain, it does happen.
Then she meets Aristotle Onassis - the love of her life. This relationship must have looked so romantic at the time, and it seems that Maria thought so. She believed that Onassis saw her for who she really was. I thought this was where her vulnerability was really brought to the fore - and as she lets her guard down, he does the inevitable and lets her down.
I really liked the way this was set out: Callas’ career was interspersed with flashbacks of her early life, and as I was listening to the audiobook there were excerpts from songs (arias?)in between chapters. I actually headed to Spotify to listen to more after listening to a couple of these (there’s a playlist linked to the book: Diva by Daisy Goodwin). The narrator, Lorelei King made for an excellent Maria Callas as well as ‘just’ a narrator. She was very convincing.
I was completely sucked in to Maria Callas’ life whilst I was listening to this. She was quite some woman, and she was brought to life whilst I listened. My only complaint is that it ended too soon!
Then she meets Aristotle Onassis - the love of her life. This relationship must have looked so romantic at the time, and it seems that Maria thought so. She believed that Onassis saw her for who she really was. I thought this was where her vulnerability was really brought to the fore - and as she lets her guard down, he does the inevitable and lets her down.
I really liked the way this was set out: Callas’ career was interspersed with flashbacks of her early life, and as I was listening to the audiobook there were excerpts from songs (arias?)in between chapters. I actually headed to Spotify to listen to more after listening to a couple of these (there’s a playlist linked to the book: Diva by Daisy Goodwin). The narrator, Lorelei King made for an excellent Maria Callas as well as ‘just’ a narrator. She was very convincing.
I was completely sucked in to Maria Callas’ life whilst I was listening to this. She was quite some woman, and she was brought to life whilst I listened. My only complaint is that it ended too soon!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated Lone Wolf in Books
Mar 15, 2024 (Updated Mar 15, 2024)
A Missing Dog Leads to…an Assassin?
Evan Smoak is trying to deal with some emotional baggage when he gets a phone call asking for his help. It’s a girl looking for a lost dog. Normally, this isn’t the kind of case he would take, but because of who she is, he agrees. When he does find the dog, he also finds himself in a situation much more up his usual alley. Can he figure out how to stop what he has found?
Because of the set up for this book, it starts a little slower than normal, but then the plot gets jump started with a bang and an extended action scene, and we are off and running. The plot touches on AI and social media, and I found it interesting to think about what Evan was seeing here, especially in light of what’s been going on in the world recently. We see a lot of Joey, Evan’s protégé, and I found her annoying at times. On the other hand, I loved the growth we got for her and Evan over the course of the novel. A couple of my favorite supporting players weren’t in this one, but I did like the new characters, and there is a great subplot involving Evan’s neighbors. As expected, there is more language and violence in a thriller than the cozies I normally read, although I did find the language to be excessive, even for the genre. Overall, the writing continues to be lyrical, and I get lost in it as I read. If you are looking for a smart, fun thriller, you’ll be glad you picked up their series.
Because of the set up for this book, it starts a little slower than normal, but then the plot gets jump started with a bang and an extended action scene, and we are off and running. The plot touches on AI and social media, and I found it interesting to think about what Evan was seeing here, especially in light of what’s been going on in the world recently. We see a lot of Joey, Evan’s protégé, and I found her annoying at times. On the other hand, I loved the growth we got for her and Evan over the course of the novel. A couple of my favorite supporting players weren’t in this one, but I did like the new characters, and there is a great subplot involving Evan’s neighbors. As expected, there is more language and violence in a thriller than the cozies I normally read, although I did find the language to be excessive, even for the genre. Overall, the writing continues to be lyrical, and I get lost in it as I read. If you are looking for a smart, fun thriller, you’ll be glad you picked up their series.
Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Town Bronze Box Set in Books
Sep 1, 2024
it was a wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Ginger Snapping All The Way (Love In Mission City #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2024
the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
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 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.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
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.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Paris Mistress
9.0
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Summer 1781. Passy, France. George Washington's two least likely spies for liberty, Rebecca Parcell...
Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3) in Books
Apr 28, 2025
a bit slower burn, but very good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Will (Almstead Island: Newcomer’s Club #1)
8.0
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What could go right with a social worker Daddy and an injured boy? Will As a social worker on...
Contemporary MM Romance Daddy kink
Merissa (12723 KP) rated Master Zane's Boys (Club Sensation #1) in Books
Mar 26, 2025
MASTER ZANE'S BOYS is the first book in the Club Sensation series but can also be read as a sort of prequel to Born Daddy for reasons that become clear once you start. You don't have to read it that way though, you can just enjoy it as is.
And I did! Zane and Ryan already have their relationship and it's solid. Ryan meets Ty first when he volunteers at a shelter before Zane gets to meet him a couple of months later when Ryan brings him home. Not only is Ty new to the scene but he also has a lot of baggage in his past that he has to share and deal with.
Zane is a caretaker Daddy for most of it, rather than a Master. I loved the emotional side to things as Ty works things out, Zane and (sometimes) Ryan give him the time and space to do so, and then the three of them together.
Bill was a nasty piece of work but I didn't really feel it in the way I think I was supposed to. So it meant that when the quick ending to the Bill problem happened, I wasn't as invested as I could have been.
This was a great read that I enjoyed and definitely recommend. I look forward to continuing with the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2025
And I did! Zane and Ryan already have their relationship and it's solid. Ryan meets Ty first when he volunteers at a shelter before Zane gets to meet him a couple of months later when Ryan brings him home. Not only is Ty new to the scene but he also has a lot of baggage in his past that he has to share and deal with.
Zane is a caretaker Daddy for most of it, rather than a Master. I loved the emotional side to things as Ty works things out, Zane and (sometimes) Ryan give him the time and space to do so, and then the three of them together.
Bill was a nasty piece of work but I didn't really feel it in the way I think I was supposed to. So it meant that when the quick ending to the Bill problem happened, I wasn't as invested as I could have been.
This was a great read that I enjoyed and definitely recommend. I look forward to continuing with the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2025