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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2448 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 (1576 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 (1576 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
Merissa (13489 KP) rated Broken Silence (Rock Bottom #1) in Books
Jun 23, 2025
BROKEN SILENCE is the first book in the Rock Bottom series, and features Foster Harding as the forty-two-year-old poetry Professor, and Justin Molina as the 25-year-old prison convict trying to turn his life around. Told from both their perspectives, this is a slow-burn, forbidden (due to the timing) romance between two opposite people.
I enjoyed this story and finding out about Justin's past, what he had done, and why. I also enjoyed learning about Foster. As a couple, though, these two confused me. Yes, they work together, the attraction was instantaneous, as was them both fighting it, BUT I didn't get the constantly changing attitude from Justin about people finding out. He is terrified of Carolyn finding out that he and Foster are together, but when she sees his coat and backpack on the floor, just after she's had a conversation with Foster finally finding someone and moving on with his life, Justin gets all blasé about it, saying there's nothing to be worried about. THEN he gets all nervous again when he sees her in the library. This just didn't work for me, and I hated the back and forth that came about because of it.
With a great cast of supporting characters, I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. If you don't mind the changing attitude, then I definitely RECOMMEND this book.
** 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 23, 2025
I enjoyed this story and finding out about Justin's past, what he had done, and why. I also enjoyed learning about Foster. As a couple, though, these two confused me. Yes, they work together, the attraction was instantaneous, as was them both fighting it, BUT I didn't get the constantly changing attitude from Justin about people finding out. He is terrified of Carolyn finding out that he and Foster are together, but when she sees his coat and backpack on the floor, just after she's had a conversation with Foster finally finding someone and moving on with his life, Justin gets all blasé about it, saying there's nothing to be worried about. THEN he gets all nervous again when he sees her in the library. This just didn't work for me, and I hated the back and forth that came about because of it.
With a great cast of supporting characters, I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. If you don't mind the changing attitude, then I definitely RECOMMEND this book.
** 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 23, 2025
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 (1576 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
Debbiereadsbook (1576 KP) rated Bed Hopping: Island Confidential Novella in Books
Jul 24, 2025
Not ever so steamy but emotional!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*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 (13489 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
Debbiereadsbook (1576 KP) rated Daddy Protector (Night Ops Daddies #1) in Books
Aug 21, 2025
cute read
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book, so I will try to keep my comments positive. There are a couple of negatives that DO need adressing though.
I liked the story. It's an easy read, with very little brain power required. The plot is not complicated, or full of twists that you can't keep up with. It was one of those reads that you go to bed early to read a bit and the next thing, you've finished the book.
I liked that Richie and Cole both have a say. I liked that Cole took the fact that Richie was a little in his stride, and slotted himself into the Daddy role accordingly.
This is point one, though. One minute Cole is just Richie's bodyguard, the next, calling him Daddy. I know these sorts of relationshops move fast, but still, felt a little too fast for me. there was no discussion about punishments or rewards or anything. It was just straight in.
The emotional connection between Richie and Cole was missing, for ME. I stress the ME bit. Others might find it perfect but not so much for me.
And there is MUCH repetition of certain phrases. Night Ops Guard is one. Richie is the son of Hunter is another. Almost every page, there was one or the other, sometimes more than once a page. It was annoying to say the least.
A nicce book, an easy read. Maybe I'll try something else by this author, this was my first.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book, so I will try to keep my comments positive. There are a couple of negatives that DO need adressing though.
I liked the story. It's an easy read, with very little brain power required. The plot is not complicated, or full of twists that you can't keep up with. It was one of those reads that you go to bed early to read a bit and the next thing, you've finished the book.
I liked that Richie and Cole both have a say. I liked that Cole took the fact that Richie was a little in his stride, and slotted himself into the Daddy role accordingly.
This is point one, though. One minute Cole is just Richie's bodyguard, the next, calling him Daddy. I know these sorts of relationshops move fast, but still, felt a little too fast for me. there was no discussion about punishments or rewards or anything. It was just straight in.
The emotional connection between Richie and Cole was missing, for ME. I stress the ME bit. Others might find it perfect but not so much for me.
And there is MUCH repetition of certain phrases. Night Ops Guard is one. Richie is the son of Hunter is another. Almost every page, there was one or the other, sometimes more than once a page. It was annoying to say the least.
A nicce book, an easy read. Maybe I'll try something else by this author, this was my first.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere