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Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Velvet in Books
Aug 2, 2025
I cannot stress the point highly enough: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Forgive me, if this review runs away with itself! I loved this book, and it might get said a time or three!!
AJ runs Velvet, a cocktail lounge. He meets Blake when he spills drinks all down him! A very amusing meet cute, I tell ya. And then?? They get together, and fall in love and THAT, peeps, is the most simplest blurb you ever did get!
But this book? It is not simple, no ma'am.
It's deep: both men carry some baggage, but AJ's is a little more emotional. Blake seems to have it all, but all he wants is someone to love him. The fact that he'd been dating women for so long meant he never put a man in that position, though. AJ's heart was broken, and he trusted slowly.
It's smexy: While AJ is openly gay, Blake is not. So Blake sets the pace of their relationship and once he gets a taste of AJ, he is smitten!
It's a lot of fun: I found this, while emotional in places, a lot of fun in others and it meant I was able to catch my breath from the deeper bits, and laugh and these two, and their group of friends.
I loved that there was no make-up/breakup/ These two really are perfect for each other and they fit into each other's lives and hearts perfectly!
The friends made me chuckle. They all knew something was going on, but since AJ and Blake were both quiet about it at first, neither knew exactly what. I also enjoyed catching up with the owners of The V Lounge, too!
Did I say?? I bloody loved this book!
No?? Maybe I should say it again for those at the back!
It really was a delightful read and I cannot stress the point highly enough: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
5 full and shiny stars! (if I didn't make myself clear enough!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Forgive me, if this review runs away with itself! I loved this book, and it might get said a time or three!!
AJ runs Velvet, a cocktail lounge. He meets Blake when he spills drinks all down him! A very amusing meet cute, I tell ya. And then?? They get together, and fall in love and THAT, peeps, is the most simplest blurb you ever did get!
But this book? It is not simple, no ma'am.
It's deep: both men carry some baggage, but AJ's is a little more emotional. Blake seems to have it all, but all he wants is someone to love him. The fact that he'd been dating women for so long meant he never put a man in that position, though. AJ's heart was broken, and he trusted slowly.
It's smexy: While AJ is openly gay, Blake is not. So Blake sets the pace of their relationship and once he gets a taste of AJ, he is smitten!
It's a lot of fun: I found this, while emotional in places, a lot of fun in others and it meant I was able to catch my breath from the deeper bits, and laugh and these two, and their group of friends.
I loved that there was no make-up/breakup/ These two really are perfect for each other and they fit into each other's lives and hearts perfectly!
The friends made me chuckle. They all knew something was going on, but since AJ and Blake were both quiet about it at first, neither knew exactly what. I also enjoyed catching up with the owners of The V Lounge, too!
Did I say?? I bloody loved this book!
No?? Maybe I should say it again for those at the back!
It really was a delightful read and I cannot stress the point highly enough: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
5 full and shiny stars! (if I didn't make myself clear enough!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
9.0
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Caitlyn Myers is determined to make a living from her magic candy—just as soon as she perfects the...
Fantasy Romance Menage Why Choose
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Magic Always Sings (Magic Series #2) in Books
Dec 19, 2023
loved what the magic did!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I wrote in a review for the first book I read of this author: First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into. And this book delivers, big time!
This is the second book in the Magic Sings series, and I have not read book one, Magic Never Lies. I didn't feel I was missing anything, and I will go back, at some point, and read that book. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Rowan is a rock star who cannot write songs, hasn't for some time. He NEEDS to, or he will be in trouble. Having someone else's songs shoved at him, and his magic goes haywire. Rowan loves these songs. Meeting Jesse sends him into a tailspin: he knows Jesse but can't recall from when. Once the penny drops, Rowan goes all out to settle his magic. But Rowan isn't out, and doesn't want to come out, not yet. Can they make this work?
What this is, right, is a wonderful tale of being true to yourself. Jesse has loved Rowan for a long time, and he will take him anyway he can get him, but Jesse knows Rowan is not being true to himself, regardless of what he said all those years ago. It's quite difficult reading, when Rowan tells Jesse why he won't come out, but the magic inside Rowan will not be denied.
I loved the magic thing, I really did. It just is, you know? You don't need a long winded explanation about it. Some people have it, and some don't, and I loved what the magic did to them both. Makes them kinda face their feelings, really!
I didn't think it overly explicit, but I liked that here, for these two. It's more about admitting your feelings, and letting them all out. Fairly low on the angst scale too.
A thoroughly enjoyable longer book by this author, and my to-read list is somewhat longer now too!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I wrote in a review for the first book I read of this author: First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into. And this book delivers, big time!
This is the second book in the Magic Sings series, and I have not read book one, Magic Never Lies. I didn't feel I was missing anything, and I will go back, at some point, and read that book. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Rowan is a rock star who cannot write songs, hasn't for some time. He NEEDS to, or he will be in trouble. Having someone else's songs shoved at him, and his magic goes haywire. Rowan loves these songs. Meeting Jesse sends him into a tailspin: he knows Jesse but can't recall from when. Once the penny drops, Rowan goes all out to settle his magic. But Rowan isn't out, and doesn't want to come out, not yet. Can they make this work?
What this is, right, is a wonderful tale of being true to yourself. Jesse has loved Rowan for a long time, and he will take him anyway he can get him, but Jesse knows Rowan is not being true to himself, regardless of what he said all those years ago. It's quite difficult reading, when Rowan tells Jesse why he won't come out, but the magic inside Rowan will not be denied.
I loved the magic thing, I really did. It just is, you know? You don't need a long winded explanation about it. Some people have it, and some don't, and I loved what the magic did to them both. Makes them kinda face their feelings, really!
I didn't think it overly explicit, but I liked that here, for these two. It's more about admitting your feelings, and letting them all out. Fairly low on the angst scale too.
A thoroughly enjoyable longer book by this author, and my to-read list is somewhat longer now too!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Witch's Knight (The Bloodline Chronicles, #1) in Books
Mar 17, 2024
quite dark in places, but I do think it is needed!
Independent reviewer for archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Here's the thing, right? I DNF'ed this book, 2 years ago, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why!
I really REALLY liked this book! It starts off with a zombie mouse, and then runs away with itself!
Sarai is a witch, with dual power. She is in hiding from her father. When vigilanties hunting both vampire and witch find her, she is saved by a vampire. Marcelle is second in command to the vampire king, Setanta. Who wants to use Sarai to form an alliance to fight said vigilanties.
This is wonderfully written, starting off fast and furious and not letting up. Mostly from Sarai's point of view, with Marcelle having the other voice, it really was a great read. It is quite dark in some places, with a slightly deranged witch doing despicable things to Marcelle that is on page, but I do feel that it is needed.
The smexy times between Marcelle and Sarai are not explicit, but they are steamy.
But the thing is: I can't see where this is going, nor how it's going to end. And it's frustrating! Sarai and Marcelle have a relationship here, and Marcelle (along with most vampires, if not all) are NOT monogamous, but the relationship between Marcelle and Setanta takes a back seat to Sarai and Marcelle. I think I would have liked a bit more of Setanta, either as a voice or with Marcelle. He's an interesting character! So, I've no idea if Sarai will end up with Marcelle, or someone else, or no one, because her father might get her!
So, the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, with Sarai being confined to the vampire stronghold. Not quite a kindle-throwing cliff hanger but nearly!
I have book 2, Midnight Fear to read next, which is the conclusion of this storyline.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Here's the thing, right? I DNF'ed this book, 2 years ago, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why!
I really REALLY liked this book! It starts off with a zombie mouse, and then runs away with itself!
Sarai is a witch, with dual power. She is in hiding from her father. When vigilanties hunting both vampire and witch find her, she is saved by a vampire. Marcelle is second in command to the vampire king, Setanta. Who wants to use Sarai to form an alliance to fight said vigilanties.
This is wonderfully written, starting off fast and furious and not letting up. Mostly from Sarai's point of view, with Marcelle having the other voice, it really was a great read. It is quite dark in some places, with a slightly deranged witch doing despicable things to Marcelle that is on page, but I do feel that it is needed.
The smexy times between Marcelle and Sarai are not explicit, but they are steamy.
But the thing is: I can't see where this is going, nor how it's going to end. And it's frustrating! Sarai and Marcelle have a relationship here, and Marcelle (along with most vampires, if not all) are NOT monogamous, but the relationship between Marcelle and Setanta takes a back seat to Sarai and Marcelle. I think I would have liked a bit more of Setanta, either as a voice or with Marcelle. He's an interesting character! So, I've no idea if Sarai will end up with Marcelle, or someone else, or no one, because her father might get her!
So, the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, with Sarai being confined to the vampire stronghold. Not quite a kindle-throwing cliff hanger but nearly!
I have book 2, Midnight Fear to read next, which is the conclusion of this storyline.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2) in Books
Aug 4, 2024
Loved that Cosmo pushed, just to get punished.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Little Paws Haven series. I don't think it totally necessary to have read book one, Little Treasure He Hides, before this one. I loved that book.
And while I really enjoyed this one, I found this one a bit...disconnected.
Oh don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, I just found some bits went off and I lost my concentration.
Nomad and Harley have been mated for 20 years. Harley, though, is certain they should have a third. Meeting Cosmo, and all three of them knew they were mates but Cosmo was not letting them have it easy. Getting up close and personal with another Dom in the club, just to rile Nomad and Harley up. But Cosmo is more than a Little. He is deadly. And not incapable of looking after himself. Nomad and Harley need to get with the programme. Cosmo also needs to get with it, but he struggles. Having only himself to rely on for so long, it takes him time to let Nomad and Harley in.
I liked that all three men have a say. I loved that Cosmo gave the other two a run for their money. I loved that Cosmo, once settled into the relationship, pushed all the boundaries and then some, JUST so he could take the punishment.
I found the issue with The Council a bit confusing as to what was really going on, so reading about those bits, I kinda switched off. It all comes clear, I just took twice as long to get it!
Gabai and Asher from book one take part, but you don't need to have read their book to follow this one. The next book is laid here, well, I mean I hope it is! Looking forward to reading about hippos!
I liked this well enough, but something didn't quite click for me.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Little Paws Haven series. I don't think it totally necessary to have read book one, Little Treasure He Hides, before this one. I loved that book.
And while I really enjoyed this one, I found this one a bit...disconnected.
Oh don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, I just found some bits went off and I lost my concentration.
Nomad and Harley have been mated for 20 years. Harley, though, is certain they should have a third. Meeting Cosmo, and all three of them knew they were mates but Cosmo was not letting them have it easy. Getting up close and personal with another Dom in the club, just to rile Nomad and Harley up. But Cosmo is more than a Little. He is deadly. And not incapable of looking after himself. Nomad and Harley need to get with the programme. Cosmo also needs to get with it, but he struggles. Having only himself to rely on for so long, it takes him time to let Nomad and Harley in.
I liked that all three men have a say. I loved that Cosmo gave the other two a run for their money. I loved that Cosmo, once settled into the relationship, pushed all the boundaries and then some, JUST so he could take the punishment.
I found the issue with The Council a bit confusing as to what was really going on, so reading about those bits, I kinda switched off. It all comes clear, I just took twice as long to get it!
Gabai and Asher from book one take part, but you don't need to have read their book to follow this one. The next book is laid here, well, I mean I hope it is! Looking forward to reading about hippos!
I liked this well enough, but something didn't quite click for me.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated His Mate By Defiance (Lunetti Pack #4) in Books
Mar 7, 2026
a slow build but perfect for these two!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Lunetti Pack series and I do recommend you read the previous books before this one. Someone is out for the Lunetti Pack and the back story will help. There is also a short book, that not only introduces the Lunetti Pack, but it gives Adri and Rafe's first meeting. I have not read that book, but I don't feel I missed anything, cos much of that meeting is in this book.
13 years. 13 years, Rafe has waited for Adri, but no more. The darn cat will recover from his latest injuries in Rafe's bed and they WILL get to know each other, dammit!
I love this pack and the people in it, but these two might just be my favourite!
Rafe is a wolf, and Adri is a cat and they head butt throughout the book, in the best way!
The romance is slow to build, but I think for these two, it was right and proper. The mating takes right til near the end, but Rafe was waiting for Adri to make the decision. He would have waite forever, he really would. Probably would have agreed to be with Adri, but unmated, if that's what Adri wanted.
There is some violence here, Adri is part of a fight ring that has been targeted by whomever is after the Lunetti Pack. Not entirely sure if the D-2s have been in other books (I've been to sleep soince I read them!) but that is who the bad guys are here. The steam level, I thought, was on the lower side, but no less effective for these two. Since Rafe is waiting for Adri, it does take time for them to get down and dirty.
Marco is next. I have been waiting for him to get his HEA, and given how he feels about his pack getting theirs, it's right and proper that his story is the last one.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Lunetti Pack series and I do recommend you read the previous books before this one. Someone is out for the Lunetti Pack and the back story will help. There is also a short book, that not only introduces the Lunetti Pack, but it gives Adri and Rafe's first meeting. I have not read that book, but I don't feel I missed anything, cos much of that meeting is in this book.
13 years. 13 years, Rafe has waited for Adri, but no more. The darn cat will recover from his latest injuries in Rafe's bed and they WILL get to know each other, dammit!
I love this pack and the people in it, but these two might just be my favourite!
Rafe is a wolf, and Adri is a cat and they head butt throughout the book, in the best way!
The romance is slow to build, but I think for these two, it was right and proper. The mating takes right til near the end, but Rafe was waiting for Adri to make the decision. He would have waite forever, he really would. Probably would have agreed to be with Adri, but unmated, if that's what Adri wanted.
There is some violence here, Adri is part of a fight ring that has been targeted by whomever is after the Lunetti Pack. Not entirely sure if the D-2s have been in other books (I've been to sleep soince I read them!) but that is who the bad guys are here. The steam level, I thought, was on the lower side, but no less effective for these two. Since Rafe is waiting for Adri, it does take time for them to get down and dirty.
Marco is next. I have been waiting for him to get his HEA, and given how he feels about his pack getting theirs, it's right and proper that his story is the last one.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Now Comes the Dark (Basic Instincts #1) in Books
May 24, 2026
solid 4 star start to series
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Basic Instincts series, and I am reading it AFTER I already book 2, Nothing but The Night, 5 stars and book 3, Beyond The Darkness, 4 stars. I think this might have skewed my enjoyment a little, since I know what happens in future books. That said, reading this book has answered some questions! So, I would recommend you read them in order, but not strictly necessary.
Roman just wants to get laid, and Mallon catches his eye. But Mallon goes off with someone else, and Roman finds himself wandering the streets to get home. Not a good idea, given as there is a murderer on the loose and the police aren't doing anything. Mallon saves him from a beating. Roman falls hard and fast, but Mallon is keeping secrets, and that murderer is closing in on his latest target.
Since I read books 2 and 3, I knew about the killer and what happens. I just didn't know how things are bought to a head. And, as in the other books, Collins pulls a blinder of a twist, as to who that was. However, I think I saw that coming, or I picked the clues up from previous books. Not that it mattered, I loved watching it all play out.
It does carry some violence, both Roman and Mallon suffer here, but I do think it is necessary for the story.
Steamy, too. But I'm finding these books are more about the crime aspect, that the smex and I do like that!
I liked that the secrets that Mallon were keeping weren't quite what I expected, but it was dealt with very well.
The majority voice is Roman's. Mallon gets a couple of chapters but not as many as Roman. AND!! We get the bad guy. I do love hearing from the bad guy!
4 very VERY good stars (but had I read them in order, it would probably be a 5! Sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Basic Instincts series, and I am reading it AFTER I already book 2, Nothing but The Night, 5 stars and book 3, Beyond The Darkness, 4 stars. I think this might have skewed my enjoyment a little, since I know what happens in future books. That said, reading this book has answered some questions! So, I would recommend you read them in order, but not strictly necessary.
Roman just wants to get laid, and Mallon catches his eye. But Mallon goes off with someone else, and Roman finds himself wandering the streets to get home. Not a good idea, given as there is a murderer on the loose and the police aren't doing anything. Mallon saves him from a beating. Roman falls hard and fast, but Mallon is keeping secrets, and that murderer is closing in on his latest target.
Since I read books 2 and 3, I knew about the killer and what happens. I just didn't know how things are bought to a head. And, as in the other books, Collins pulls a blinder of a twist, as to who that was. However, I think I saw that coming, or I picked the clues up from previous books. Not that it mattered, I loved watching it all play out.
It does carry some violence, both Roman and Mallon suffer here, but I do think it is necessary for the story.
Steamy, too. But I'm finding these books are more about the crime aspect, that the smex and I do like that!
I liked that the secrets that Mallon were keeping weren't quite what I expected, but it was dealt with very well.
The majority voice is Roman's. Mallon gets a couple of chapters but not as many as Roman. AND!! We get the bad guy. I do love hearing from the bad guy!
4 very VERY good stars (but had I read them in order, it would probably be a 5! Sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2)
10.0
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Book
Running from my past seemed like a good idea at the time. Too bad it’s about to catch up to me. ...
Menage (MMM) Paranormal Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Saving What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #2) in Books
Apr 3, 2025
loving these group of men and the women who fall for them!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but it's not necessary to read book 1 first. They can be read as a stand alone. A note though, the first chapter of this book is the same as the first in all the books, just from each guy's point of view. But the note at the front of THIS book, says that it's Ranger who has a point of view, and his book was first. So, maybe that note needs changing for each book. You might not notice it, but I did!
Orion is tasked with keeping Briar safe until a restraining order is obtained against her ex who is becoming dangerous. Seeing her picture, and Orion's world shifts. But can he keep her safe? And her parrot, Jeb?
I found this a bit darker read than book, but no less engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
While Orion has instant and immediately attraction to Briar, he knows that he cannot cross that line. Briar's attraction to Orion takes a little bit of time (but not noo long!) but given what her ex kept telling her, she is wary. She keeps comparing them, but very quickly learns they are miles apart. I like that it took a little time for them to act on it.
I loved Jeb, Briar's parrot. He does get up to mischief, but he does let Orion know when Briar does what she does.
Steamy, oh yes. But I thought the emotional connection was more pronounced here than in book 1.
I'm still a little confused as to what the ex wanted with the star parrot from the zoo, though!
I liked how we caught up with Ranger and Tori from book one. And I still NEEEEEEEEEEEEED to read Dean's book!
Creeping up a bit to 4.5 stars, cos of that emotional connection but rounded down to 4 for the purpose of the review, since I can't do half stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but it's not necessary to read book 1 first. They can be read as a stand alone. A note though, the first chapter of this book is the same as the first in all the books, just from each guy's point of view. But the note at the front of THIS book, says that it's Ranger who has a point of view, and his book was first. So, maybe that note needs changing for each book. You might not notice it, but I did!
Orion is tasked with keeping Briar safe until a restraining order is obtained against her ex who is becoming dangerous. Seeing her picture, and Orion's world shifts. But can he keep her safe? And her parrot, Jeb?
I found this a bit darker read than book, but no less engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
While Orion has instant and immediately attraction to Briar, he knows that he cannot cross that line. Briar's attraction to Orion takes a little bit of time (but not noo long!) but given what her ex kept telling her, she is wary. She keeps comparing them, but very quickly learns they are miles apart. I like that it took a little time for them to act on it.
I loved Jeb, Briar's parrot. He does get up to mischief, but he does let Orion know when Briar does what she does.
Steamy, oh yes. But I thought the emotional connection was more pronounced here than in book 1.
I'm still a little confused as to what the ex wanted with the star parrot from the zoo, though!
I liked how we caught up with Ranger and Tori from book one. And I still NEEEEEEEEEEEEED to read Dean's book!
Creeping up a bit to 4.5 stars, cos of that emotional connection but rounded down to 4 for the purpose of the review, since I can't do half stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere