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Debbiereadsbook (1475 KP) rated Igniting His Flame (Redwood Bay Fire #1) in Books
Mar 26, 2025
so bloody cute!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not rehash the blurb here, but jumping straight in.
I bloody LOVED this book!
In a review for a previous Welch/Juliet book, I said I didn't enjoy it because it was first person/present tense/ and multi POV. If you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm not a fan. Well guess what? I didn't even notice this book was written as such!
I think that this can best be described using something from the book. This is a labrador meeting a scared puppy, and that labrador being the one thing that can help the puppy get over his trauma!
Lochlan is a fire fighter and pulls a puppy from a fire. Dario adopts a dog, after coming to town to get away from his abusive ex. The dogs bond way faster than the men, but they really don't waste much time. I loved how at ease Dario was with Lochlan, right from the start, despite his past. Lochlan is straight, so nothing to worry about. But Dario still crushes and crushes HARD on Lochlan.
I loved the others in the fire crew. They helped Lochlan to see that maybe he wasn't as straight as he thought. Metaphorically speaking, by dashing his head against the wall the make his see just what Dario means to him! I loved that it was Lochlan who makes the move, rather than Dario. But given Dario's history, it was understandable.
I loved the was both sets of parents accepted the new partner for their son. Dario's had reason to be wary, but they do give Lochlan a chance, and the man does come good.
Apart from the drama with the ex, there is little angst. And I loved that there wasn't. Dario does have some history that is high angst, but nothing on page, and he is getting the help he needs to get over that.
It's so freaking cute, I just went "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" when I finished it, and it really is full of the warm and fuzzies! I'm looking forward to getting to know the other guys in the crew!
Can't fault it, really so....
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere and no puppies were harmed in the writing of this book!
I'm not rehash the blurb here, but jumping straight in.
I bloody LOVED this book!
In a review for a previous Welch/Juliet book, I said I didn't enjoy it because it was first person/present tense/ and multi POV. If you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm not a fan. Well guess what? I didn't even notice this book was written as such!
I think that this can best be described using something from the book. This is a labrador meeting a scared puppy, and that labrador being the one thing that can help the puppy get over his trauma!
Lochlan is a fire fighter and pulls a puppy from a fire. Dario adopts a dog, after coming to town to get away from his abusive ex. The dogs bond way faster than the men, but they really don't waste much time. I loved how at ease Dario was with Lochlan, right from the start, despite his past. Lochlan is straight, so nothing to worry about. But Dario still crushes and crushes HARD on Lochlan.
I loved the others in the fire crew. They helped Lochlan to see that maybe he wasn't as straight as he thought. Metaphorically speaking, by dashing his head against the wall the make his see just what Dario means to him! I loved that it was Lochlan who makes the move, rather than Dario. But given Dario's history, it was understandable.
I loved the was both sets of parents accepted the new partner for their son. Dario's had reason to be wary, but they do give Lochlan a chance, and the man does come good.
Apart from the drama with the ex, there is little angst. And I loved that there wasn't. Dario does have some history that is high angst, but nothing on page, and he is getting the help he needs to get over that.
It's so freaking cute, I just went "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" when I finished it, and it really is full of the warm and fuzzies! I'm looking forward to getting to know the other guys in the crew!
Can't fault it, really so....
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere and no puppies were harmed in the writing of this book!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I listened to this book in almost one sitting, while on a long car ride. I was almost disappointed when I got there because I had two chapters left and I wanted to know what happened!
E&E was a very cute and clever story. It had everything: awesome characters, a villain you love to hate, mystery, adventure, surprises, romance, humor, and wonderful descriptions. Also, Werewolves and vampires. But not the sparkly modern-day super-sexy kind… the kind that will kill you. Oh yeah, also, they’re the professors.
And the students of the school Sophronia goes to?… they live in the sky. How cool is that? I loved Sophronia so much, and she reminded me of myself when I was nine (though she was like fourteen or something)
Suffice to say, I wanted to transfer to that finishing school instead of my boring old university.
Content/Recommendation: Clean! Recommend to ages 13+ (keep in mind, I’m 21 and I loved it).
Audio: The reader, Moira Quirk, was excellent! Wonderful use of accent and inflection, and very talented. Looking forward to hearing more of her voice acting.
E&E was a very cute and clever story. It had everything: awesome characters, a villain you love to hate, mystery, adventure, surprises, romance, humor, and wonderful descriptions. Also, Werewolves and vampires. But not the sparkly modern-day super-sexy kind… the kind that will kill you. Oh yeah, also, they’re the professors.
And the students of the school Sophronia goes to?… they live in the sky. How cool is that? I loved Sophronia so much, and she reminded me of myself when I was nine (though she was like fourteen or something)
Suffice to say, I wanted to transfer to that finishing school instead of my boring old university.
Content/Recommendation: Clean! Recommend to ages 13+ (keep in mind, I’m 21 and I loved it).
Audio: The reader, Moira Quirk, was excellent! Wonderful use of accent and inflection, and very talented. Looking forward to hearing more of her voice acting.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Gifts of the Heart in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Gifts of the Heart by Karen Boes Oman
Illustrated by Marilyn Brown
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Gifts from the heart tells a very cute story in verse about a Grandma and a Grandpa who go to their Grandchildren’s house for Christmas. But on the way, a huge storm came and swept all their presents away to Little Bow Peep’s house, where everyone was in need of the things that Grandma and Grandpa had. So Grandma and Grandpa gave the gifts to those who needed it most instead of taking them back. Then when Grandma and Grandpa went to the Grandkids house, they explained to the children what happened with their presents. Little Bow Peep shows up with flying sheep in a sleigh and takes all the Grandchildren for a ride to her town, where they receive gifts from the heart made by the people of the town to thank them for giving up their gifts.
This is a wonderful story about giving to people who are in need, and it shows kids that giving is just as much fun as receiving. This is a wonderful story that should be on every shelf!
Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Illustrated by Marilyn Brown
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Gifts from the heart tells a very cute story in verse about a Grandma and a Grandpa who go to their Grandchildren’s house for Christmas. But on the way, a huge storm came and swept all their presents away to Little Bow Peep’s house, where everyone was in need of the things that Grandma and Grandpa had. So Grandma and Grandpa gave the gifts to those who needed it most instead of taking them back. Then when Grandma and Grandpa went to the Grandkids house, they explained to the children what happened with their presents. Little Bow Peep shows up with flying sheep in a sleigh and takes all the Grandchildren for a ride to her town, where they receive gifts from the heart made by the people of the town to thank them for giving up their gifts.
This is a wonderful story about giving to people who are in need, and it shows kids that giving is just as much fun as receiving. This is a wonderful story that should be on every shelf!
Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Trouble with J. J. in Books
May 10, 2018
Genna Hastings, had returned home early from her vacation since she had sprained her ankle. Shortly after getting out of the car, she is hit in the head by the kids in the neighborhood who were playing football. They had been using her yard while she was gone and playing with J.J. Hennessey, the Hawks quarterback. Genna, had no idea who he was, but was definitely taken aback when she saw his yard full of pink flamingos. As if that wasn't bad enough, his whole bad boy exterior was enough to scare anyone away.
When J.J. Hennessey first meets Genna, he is taken aback. Most women swoon over him, she was having none of that.
After losing her job for the summer(Genna's a teacher), J.J. presents her with an opportunity she really can't turn down. Throughout the summer, Genna and J.J. will learn things about each other that will surprise them both.
Will this summer job lead to a summer romance? What will happen when the summer is over?
This was a cute, romantic comedy by Tami Hoag. This is the first book that I have read by her, and I'm interested to read more.
When J.J. Hennessey first meets Genna, he is taken aback. Most women swoon over him, she was having none of that.
After losing her job for the summer(Genna's a teacher), J.J. presents her with an opportunity she really can't turn down. Throughout the summer, Genna and J.J. will learn things about each other that will surprise them both.
Will this summer job lead to a summer romance? What will happen when the summer is over?
This was a cute, romantic comedy by Tami Hoag. This is the first book that I have read by her, and I'm interested to read more.
A very odd mix of stories that feature a harvest moon and only the first by Lackey fits the cover, of which makes me think of fairies and moonbeams.
Overall: <b>3.5 stars</b>
<i>A Tangled Web</i> by Mercedes Lackey (Light Fantasy)
A retelling of the Greek myth pertaining to Persephone and Hades, with some added Norse mythology. A cute story, if a little thin on actual plot. I'll probably forget it by next week.
<i>2.5 stars/5</i>
<i>Cast in Moonlight</i> by Michelle Sagara (Fantasy/Urban Fantasy hybrid)
Fascinating mythology and world-building, intriguing characters and races. If I hadn't already been interested in reading the Chronicles of Elantra series, this would have done it. Pretty much a perfect story that stands alone quite well.
<i>5 stars</i>
<i>Retribution</i> by Cameron Haley (Urban Fantasy)
A solid short story dealing with a sorcerer and enforcer for a mob boss. Has some interesting ideas and is a promising beginning to a new series. While it does have cursing, it feels authentic and fits the scenes and characters. This is definitely not a story for the faint of heart.
<i>3 stars</i>
Overall: <b>3.5 stars</b>
<i>A Tangled Web</i> by Mercedes Lackey (Light Fantasy)
A retelling of the Greek myth pertaining to Persephone and Hades, with some added Norse mythology. A cute story, if a little thin on actual plot. I'll probably forget it by next week.
<i>2.5 stars/5</i>
<i>Cast in Moonlight</i> by Michelle Sagara (Fantasy/Urban Fantasy hybrid)
Fascinating mythology and world-building, intriguing characters and races. If I hadn't already been interested in reading the Chronicles of Elantra series, this would have done it. Pretty much a perfect story that stands alone quite well.
<i>5 stars</i>
<i>Retribution</i> by Cameron Haley (Urban Fantasy)
A solid short story dealing with a sorcerer and enforcer for a mob boss. Has some interesting ideas and is a promising beginning to a new series. While it does have cursing, it feels authentic and fits the scenes and characters. This is definitely not a story for the faint of heart.
<i>3 stars</i>
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Upside of Unrequited in Books
Jan 31, 2018
The Upside of Unrequited follows Molly, a girl who has had 26 crushes (and counting). She’s never been brave enough to put herself out there, never told any of her crushes how she felt and has never been rejected. But will everything change with crush 27?
This book is great because it has diverse people represented and seems authentic to each of their individual personalities and struggles. It is nice to see such a well-developed collection of people introduced to readers because sometimes readers aren’t always able to find a character they can relate to in a book. I hope that this book is not one of them.
Although Molly thinks she might like two different boys at one time, this isn’t a book that revolves around a love triangle. Molly struggles with her changing relationship with her twin sister. Her sister explores her own romantic feelings. Her parents balance their lives with a new baby and a very happy occasion on the horizon.
This is a cute, quick read about crushes, first loves, family, friends, and life. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy happy contemporary books.
This book is great because it has diverse people represented and seems authentic to each of their individual personalities and struggles. It is nice to see such a well-developed collection of people introduced to readers because sometimes readers aren’t always able to find a character they can relate to in a book. I hope that this book is not one of them.
Although Molly thinks she might like two different boys at one time, this isn’t a book that revolves around a love triangle. Molly struggles with her changing relationship with her twin sister. Her sister explores her own romantic feelings. Her parents balance their lives with a new baby and a very happy occasion on the horizon.
This is a cute, quick read about crushes, first loves, family, friends, and life. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy happy contemporary books.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Blueprints in Tabletop Games
Mar 14, 2018
Dice Drafting (3 more)
Simple and easy to pick up and play quickly
Good for kids
light strategy
A cute and simple game, good for kids, interesting enough for adults to play with them
This is a fun little light game. You roll some dice, and then go around the table selecting the one that works best for your blue print and your building as you are building it. It's a small box so it can easily travel in a purse and be played at a pub while having pints of beer. Or take to the nephews house and play while having adult conversations. It has enough light interesting strategic choices to be for adults, and yet this would be great for kids to take on strategic choices that aren't intimidating. The choice is picking a color and a number die, the colors interact with the building a get points different ways, and the number is not only the value, but also the level, so you can't put a bigger number on top of a smaller number. You can play a few rounds in a half hour.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Lost in Translation (Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels, #19) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Geronimo Stilton #19: "Lost in Translation" by Geronimo Stilton finds the mice travelling in time to stop the pirate cats. These are fun adventures with a bit of history thrown in. The history this time was the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in Egypt during Napoleon's campaign in 1798. The pirate cats have their own agenda for what to do with it. It may alter the world that Geronimo and his friends know.
This is a cute time-travel story of a Mouse, Geronimo Stilton, who is also the editor of the Roden's Gazzette. This is the 19Th in the series, and apparently he has gone on a lot of adventures, but this particular one was to the time of the Neopolonic Wars, when the French were in Egypt, uncovering artifacts to take home with them, such as the Rosetta Stone.
I like how history is taught in this series. Every so often there is a blurb about how important the Rosetta Stone is and was, and what the French were doing when they are in Egypt.
I received this ARC from Papercutz via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute time-travel story of a Mouse, Geronimo Stilton, who is also the editor of the Roden's Gazzette. This is the 19Th in the series, and apparently he has gone on a lot of adventures, but this particular one was to the time of the Neopolonic Wars, when the French were in Egypt, uncovering artifacts to take home with them, such as the Rosetta Stone.
I like how history is taught in this series. Every so often there is a blurb about how important the Rosetta Stone is and was, and what the French were doing when they are in Egypt.
I received this ARC from Papercutz via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gail (4 KP) rated Resisting Redemption in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Resisting Redemption by Amabel Daniels
Four Stars
This is the first story I’ve read from this author and I can say without a doubt that I am hooked. I felt like I was right there with the action and could feel every emotion the characters felt. The characters were flawed and perfect. Roxie has become my favorite character. She is a single mom doing what’s best for her daughter. She gives off this sassy vibe when truly she is just going with the flow. Through the book I expected her to become less sassy and more damsel in distress. But the author didn’t disappoint me. She stayed true to her personality and only gave on things concerning her daughter. The way they portray Grant you would think he was a sexist old man who thought women belonged in the kitchen. Oh no Grant is so much more and down right sexy. He blows me away with his personality and determination to get justice. Some characters I could do without because blah. But these two were just right and baby Lucy too cute. A red head baby if only.
Four Stars
This is the first story I’ve read from this author and I can say without a doubt that I am hooked. I felt like I was right there with the action and could feel every emotion the characters felt. The characters were flawed and perfect. Roxie has become my favorite character. She is a single mom doing what’s best for her daughter. She gives off this sassy vibe when truly she is just going with the flow. Through the book I expected her to become less sassy and more damsel in distress. But the author didn’t disappoint me. She stayed true to her personality and only gave on things concerning her daughter. The way they portray Grant you would think he was a sexist old man who thought women belonged in the kitchen. Oh no Grant is so much more and down right sexy. He blows me away with his personality and determination to get justice. Some characters I could do without because blah. But these two were just right and baby Lucy too cute. A red head baby if only.