Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1) in Books
Dec 26, 2023
One thing, and one thing alone stopped this book getting 5 stars. Well, maybe 2, but the second thing is just me being greedy, but I'm allowed, right??
So that thing? Single person point of view. Only Ari has a say, in the first person. Now, I always want to hear from everyone, but I think HERE, in this case, I am fully justified in wanting to hear from Magnus, the vampire; Gareth, the yeti; Gabe and Lucien, the gargoyles and Rivak, but I'm not telling you what he is, it takes time for the full reveal and you do need that suspense! But it was Rivak that I needed to hear from the most. When he tells of why he holds himself back, you understand but I needed to hear from HIM, you know?
There are other points that I need to make, but I don't think these affect my star rating. The rival clan thing was never fully explained. And I would have loved more about that way this clan of 5 came to be, their history.
It's clear that Ari's two friends, Cami and Lyssa, have a story with their own clan. I hope I get to read them!
So, the other thing that's just me being greedy?? It's very much Ari and HER mates. I would have loved that they were ALL mates, you know?? Obviously, not Gabe and Lucien, since they are twins, but I would have loved some contact between the monsters as well as Ari, you know?? Greedy, like I said!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Ryan The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I wasn't a soldier, and...
Seasonal Contemporary MM Romance Small Town Romance Hurt/Comfort
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Mirror Image in Books
Feb 13, 2024
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1)
9.0
Rate It
Book
His student. His obsession. His undoing. “Aaron Jones was a spark in the dark. Beautiful....
Dark MM Romance Contemporary Psychological Thriller
Killing Me Softly (To Love a Psycho #3)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Their love was forged in shadows. Now the darkness wants to tear them apart. Aaron Jones was...
Dark Age Gap Forbidden Romance Psychological Thriller MM
Warlord's Prize (Prime Omegaverse #4)
8.0
Rate It
Book
She bargained herself for her people's survival. Now she's claimed by the most powerful oni warlord...
Monster Romance Omegaverse Science Fiction Dub Con Non Con Pregnancy Loss
Hunter's Barbs (Prime Omegaverse #5)
6.0
Rate It
Book
She dreamed of dragon fire. A feline's claws claimed her fate. For twenty-three years, Aria...
Omegaverse Dark Post-Apocalyptic Erotica Romance Non Con
Broken Silence (Rock Bottom #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Justin Molina has secrets. He’s served his time but remains a prisoner of his past, unable to...
Contemporary MM Romance
Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea
Book
When they met in the fourth grade, it was love at first sight for Mitchell Brody and Jessica...
Contemporary Military
Debbiereadsbook (1818 KP) rated Magelight in Books
Jul 10, 2025
Ok so. You know when you read a blurb, and your mind automatically plans out how it's gonna go? No?? Just me then! Well my mind went one way with this blurb, and the book went the other and I thoroughly enjoyed it BECAUSE it went the opposite way!
Aelys bonds with Vil, Romik and Daen, albeit while trying to save them. They are then bonded in ways long since outlawed in this world. What I especially liked about this, was the fact that all four of them were fighting the bond, right almost til the end. There was none of that *MINE* thing, and, also, no smex! Some reference to it, and there is an amusing scene or two when Aelys is doing something with her power and the power of the guys, but absolutely no smex and this was where I was surprised. I thought, when I read this blurb, it was gonna be all about the smex and the reverse harem thing. And it really isn't and I loved that it surprised me!
What I am left with though, are questions. And for once, I can voice them!
Is there a next book? I felt the ending was kinda meh, and then there was the epilogue that kinda threw me.
The aunt issue?? What happened there?? I was sideswiped by that and I did not see it coming!
Why have I not come across Ezell and her work before?? She has a massive backlist! I would love to read more, especially about this group!
High octane fantasy, at its very best.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.