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Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2)
10.0
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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 (1702 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
Debbiereadsbook (1702 KP) rated Force Majeure in Books
Apr 15, 2025
I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
*insert sigh*
I wanted to love this book, I really did. It has the buttons I liked pressed, but it just felt a little bit . . .flat? . . .maybe. . .not sure what the word is I'm feeling and ya'll know I'm ALL about the book feelings! And I don't know why I'm not loving this, so maybe typing the review will clear it up.
So, here's what I DID like.
Both Ian and Taren have a say. They are an established couple and I liked that we got them on their own, as well as with Kevin in a three way. I liked the dynamics between the two, and then the three. They were clearly defined and well thought out and I liked the boundaries that Taren set for Kevin. I liked that Taren was the most level headed of the pair, but then again, as the Dom he had to be. It came across really well.
It is steamy, as only a three way can be. There are a more than a few scenes of Taren and Ian on their own, but I think only one with Kevin, and I think I might have wanted more (again, trying to work it out!)
I found that the story line with Kevin was a little short lived, but this is only a short book, some 100 pages.
And also, it appears this book is part of a series about Taren and Ian, and I think maybe if I had read them first, I might have enjoyed this more, as I would have had a better understanding of their emotio . . . .oooh! . . . .I think I might have figured it out!
I found the emotions coming off Taren and Ian were not really what I would have expected, but then again, if this is part of a series, and I haven't read them, I might have missed clues to their personalities and emotional expressions.
So, I'm gonna leave it with a good 3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Chimera's Prisoner (Prime Omegaverse #6)
8.0
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She hid her omega status for years. Now she's been claimed by the one predator who owns the skies. ...
Dark Dub-Con Science Fiction Erotica
Debbiereadsbook (1702 KP) rated His Mate by Allegiance (Lunetti Pack #3) in Books
Jul 12, 2025
steamy and deadly!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Lunetti Pack series, and I would recommend that you books one, His Mate by Venegeance and book two, His Mate by Resistance before this one. A personal rec, is all.
I enjoyed book one, I loved book 2, but I LOVED this one!
Emilio knew that Rocco was his mate the minute they met. That kinda put his plans out, since his new husband was going to meet an unfortunate end and now his wolf would not let that happen. Rocca creeps under Emmy skin and fur and while they down and dirty quite quickly, I loved that Emmy was NOT going to bite Rocco and Rocco used his magic to bind his puppy. I loved that Rocco called Emmy puppy from the very beginning and not once did Emmy tell him to stop it!
I loved that Rocco really SAW Emmy, you know? As a witch, he didn't get the mating urge quite as bad as the shifters did, but he knew that Emmy was special, and his feelings developing super speedy was another reason that he knew.
Super smexy, and steamy! Loved that they went all in, but no biting! Rcco's power was amazing, with the wind and things and I loved that Emmy's wolf responded to that power.
Violent, too. Emilio is, after all, an assassin. But given what happens here, I think it's needed on page. Loved how Rocco responded to Emilio's trade.
Emotional, as well. Emmy is dealing with some deep emotions, after his father did what he did. And he fights Rocco all the way because of that. But once Rocco knows WHY Emmy is fighting, he understands and goes all out to make sure his puppy knows Rocco will always stand by him, and never against him.
Epilogue gives us who is next and I look forward to that one, given as Rafe and Adri have a long history!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Lunetti Pack series, and I would recommend that you books one, His Mate by Venegeance and book two, His Mate by Resistance before this one. A personal rec, is all.
I enjoyed book one, I loved book 2, but I LOVED this one!
Emilio knew that Rocco was his mate the minute they met. That kinda put his plans out, since his new husband was going to meet an unfortunate end and now his wolf would not let that happen. Rocca creeps under Emmy skin and fur and while they down and dirty quite quickly, I loved that Emmy was NOT going to bite Rocco and Rocco used his magic to bind his puppy. I loved that Rocco called Emmy puppy from the very beginning and not once did Emmy tell him to stop it!
I loved that Rocco really SAW Emmy, you know? As a witch, he didn't get the mating urge quite as bad as the shifters did, but he knew that Emmy was special, and his feelings developing super speedy was another reason that he knew.
Super smexy, and steamy! Loved that they went all in, but no biting! Rcco's power was amazing, with the wind and things and I loved that Emmy's wolf responded to that power.
Violent, too. Emilio is, after all, an assassin. But given what happens here, I think it's needed on page. Loved how Rocco responded to Emilio's trade.
Emotional, as well. Emmy is dealing with some deep emotions, after his father did what he did. And he fights Rocco all the way because of that. But once Rocco knows WHY Emmy is fighting, he understands and goes all out to make sure his puppy knows Rocco will always stand by him, and never against him.
Epilogue gives us who is next and I look forward to that one, given as Rafe and Adri have a long history!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Maestro's Mates (The Vampire Impresario #3)
6.0
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One grumpy gargoyle. One hopeful vampire. One chaotic witch. Three fated mates face a looming...
Menage MMM Urban Fantasy Romance
His Marked Omega (Beguiled Omegas)
8.0
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Fenrir Snow has never spent Heated Hearts Day with anyone. When the mistress of the Wardrobe...
Dark MM Romance Omegaverse
Debbiereadsbook (1702 KP) rated Trusting Fletcher (Unexpected Love #4) in Books
Feb 26, 2026
loved the slower burn here!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Unexpected Love series, and I have not read books one and two. I read book 3, Jordan's Breakthrough, and I really liked that, even if the subject matter was a little close to home.
This book?? I LOVED!!
Vince is bouncer in the bar that centres around this group of people. He's struggling, but he doesn't want anyone to see. A fall where Fletcher rescues him, and Vince realises he really needs some help, even if he doesn't want it. But getting closer to Fletcher will mean revealing what's wrong with him, and dealing with Fletcher walking away. Vince can't do that, not again. Until, it's not Vince's decision anymore and Fletcher bounds his way into Vince's heart.
I said in my review for book 3, that the author had either first hand experience, or had done a massive amount of research on that subject. I stand by that here.
Vince is diagnosed with MS, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Vince is feeling it in his feet, and his joints. Letting Fletcher help him, is not on his to do list, but Fletcher just lets Vince be. He sees Vince, really SEES what's going on behind the mask he puts on for his friends (Jordan was the same!) and Fletcher lets Vince do things at his own pace. I loved when Vince finally saw what Fletcher was telling him: He isn't on his own, he has support, he has friends who want to help.
I found the romance a slow build, but a natural progression from their friendship. I found the smex and steam low, but absolutely on point for these two! Emotional again, but in a very different way to Jordan's book.
The angst is low, apart from Vince's illness but even when Fletcher was trying to help, Vince bit back and snapped. He explained after, but still.
5 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Unexpected Love series, and I have not read books one and two. I read book 3, Jordan's Breakthrough, and I really liked that, even if the subject matter was a little close to home.
This book?? I LOVED!!
Vince is bouncer in the bar that centres around this group of people. He's struggling, but he doesn't want anyone to see. A fall where Fletcher rescues him, and Vince realises he really needs some help, even if he doesn't want it. But getting closer to Fletcher will mean revealing what's wrong with him, and dealing with Fletcher walking away. Vince can't do that, not again. Until, it's not Vince's decision anymore and Fletcher bounds his way into Vince's heart.
I said in my review for book 3, that the author had either first hand experience, or had done a massive amount of research on that subject. I stand by that here.
Vince is diagnosed with MS, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Vince is feeling it in his feet, and his joints. Letting Fletcher help him, is not on his to do list, but Fletcher just lets Vince be. He sees Vince, really SEES what's going on behind the mask he puts on for his friends (Jordan was the same!) and Fletcher lets Vince do things at his own pace. I loved when Vince finally saw what Fletcher was telling him: He isn't on his own, he has support, he has friends who want to help.
I found the romance a slow build, but a natural progression from their friendship. I found the smex and steam low, but absolutely on point for these two! Emotional again, but in a very different way to Jordan's book.
The angst is low, apart from Vince's illness but even when Fletcher was trying to help, Vince bit back and snapped. He explained after, but still.
5 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1702 KP) rated Devotion of a Wolf (Viking Wolves #3) in Books
Mar 27, 2026
second chance romance, loved it!
Independent reviewer for GRR I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Viking Wolves series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, I personally recommend you read books one and two first. There were hints along the way about Lyall, and I had a story in my head, but it was totally wrong and I loved being made wrong. I loved both those books, too.
Book 1 was a slow burn, book 2 was an insta-burn, and this one is a second chance romance, and I am loving the marked differences between the three (so far) books.
Lyall and Soren were mated right before it all went to hell, and Soren took the blame. Exiled to another time, Lyall has to bide his time, because he told Soren he would find him, if it took him forever.
I loved how out of step Lyall felt being in the now time line. He made some funny comments about things and it gave the story a lighter lift, in places that it could have become really heavy.
I hated that Soren "forgot" Lyall, but found a connection to him, that he had been lacking in all other relationships. Lyall felt like home to Soren, and it takes time for them to fully appreciate why he feels that way.
Hated what was done to Soren by a vengeful witch. But loved that Lyall went over said witch's head and broke all her rules to show Soren about what happened. That he could be permenantly seperated from Soren was worth the risk, he loves him that much.
Loved that Wulf and Anders come round to Soren, and that even Gunnar seems to be thawing.
Speaking of Gunnar: he is next, the last brother to fall. He has already met his mate, Arlo, but rejected him. But there is a revelation in this book, that really REALLY makes me need to read that book!
I am loving this series and I do not want it to end!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Viking Wolves series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, I personally recommend you read books one and two first. There were hints along the way about Lyall, and I had a story in my head, but it was totally wrong and I loved being made wrong. I loved both those books, too.
Book 1 was a slow burn, book 2 was an insta-burn, and this one is a second chance romance, and I am loving the marked differences between the three (so far) books.
Lyall and Soren were mated right before it all went to hell, and Soren took the blame. Exiled to another time, Lyall has to bide his time, because he told Soren he would find him, if it took him forever.
I loved how out of step Lyall felt being in the now time line. He made some funny comments about things and it gave the story a lighter lift, in places that it could have become really heavy.
I hated that Soren "forgot" Lyall, but found a connection to him, that he had been lacking in all other relationships. Lyall felt like home to Soren, and it takes time for them to fully appreciate why he feels that way.
Hated what was done to Soren by a vengeful witch. But loved that Lyall went over said witch's head and broke all her rules to show Soren about what happened. That he could be permenantly seperated from Soren was worth the risk, he loves him that much.
Loved that Wulf and Anders come round to Soren, and that even Gunnar seems to be thawing.
Speaking of Gunnar: he is next, the last brother to fall. He has already met his mate, Arlo, but rejected him. But there is a revelation in this book, that really REALLY makes me need to read that book!
I am loving this series and I do not want it to end!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Little Women (2019) in Movies
Jan 3, 2020 (Updated Jan 3, 2020)
Saoirse Ronan - just mesmeric. What screen presence! (2 more)
Great supporting cast.
Alexandre Desplat soundtrack.
"God hasn't met my will yet"
Greta Gerwig's follow up to her Oscar-praised "Lady Bird" from 2017 looks set to repeat the job this year. For it's nothing short of a masterpiece of cinema.
Louisa M. Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel has been filmed before (in 1949 and 1994, together with a number of other TV versions). I've not seen any of these previous versions and (as a literary philistine) I've never read the book either. So the story was new to me and drew me in perfectly.
The March sisters - Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and the youngest Beth (Eliza Scanlen) - are being brought up by their mother (Laura Dern) and Aunt (Meryl Streep) while their father (Bob Odenkirk) is away fighting in the Civil War. Also providing a helping hand is the rich neighbour Mr Lawrence (Chris Cooper), whose good-looking but indolent son 'Laurie' (Timothée Chalamet) has had the hots for tom-boy Jo for many years.
Each of the girls has a talent: for Jo it's writing, with her struggling to get her work past the grumpy publisher Mr Dashwood (Tracy Letts, from "Le Mans '66"); for Meg it's acting; for Amy it's painting; and for Beth it's music.
The film follows the lives, loves, successes and misfortunes of the sisters over two periods, split 7 years apart. It's a bumpy ride for some.
It struck me, as the big green BBFC certificate flashed onto the screen, how rare it is to find a "U - Suitable for all" (UK) certificate on a film these days. This is a film that the whole family *could* go and see. My only reservation here would be the way the film zips in and out of the two time periods at will. This might confuse the hell out of younger children. The subject matter of one part of the story may also disturb sensitive kids.
It's a really old-fashioned film - full of melodrama, love, unrequited love, death, charity, ambition and kindness - that builds to a feel-good ending that was totally corny but felt perfect in every way. We need more of this in our lives.
Wow. Just wow. The Oscar Best Actress categories are going to be a bloodied battlefield this year! There have been some GREAT roles for women on screen in the last year, and the Academy will have a job on their hands to narrow the long-list to the short-list this year. I would have tentatively forecast that Renée Zellweger might have had the Best Actor Oscar wrapped up for "Judy". But then here comes Saoirse Ronan. With phenomenal screen presence, she lights up every single scene she's in. Emma Watson and Florence Pugh are great actresses (and both here stand a stab at the Supporting Actress category), but your gaze always falls straight back to Ronan's reaction.
It's also a wonderful performance for newcomer Eliza Scanlen as the youngster Beth: I heard director Greta Gerwig comment (on Edith Bowman's excellent Soundtracking podcast) that Eliza needed less lighting than anyone else on set as she was "naturally luminous"!
Again lodging a cracking performance is the versatile Timothée Chalomet.... does the young chap make a bad film?
When you get to the end of the "cast bit", and you haven't mentioned Meryl Streep and Laura Dern yet, that says a lot!
What comes across more than anything else is just how apt this story is today to the 'girl power' times that we are currently living through. Jo in particular is the rebel of her day, fighting against the conformity of what it was in the time to be an independent woman, and specifically an independent working woman. Some of Alcott's words from the book could even today act as a rallying cry to those looking for greater change.
My reviewing year has certainly got off to a bang with this one. It's a glorious movie, utterly absorbing with ravishing cinematography by Yorick Le Saux and a brilliant soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat: both I suspect likely to feature in Oscar nominations. It's also likely to be nominated in other technical categories including Production Design, Costume and Hair & Makeup.
And I predict that this is inevitably going to be a Christmas favourite to match "The Sound of Music" and "It's a Wonderful Life" in future years.
Comes with a highly recommended tag from me.
(For the full graphical review, please visit the One Mann's Movies site here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/01/03/one-manns-movies-film-review-little-women-2019/. Thanks.)
Louisa M. Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel has been filmed before (in 1949 and 1994, together with a number of other TV versions). I've not seen any of these previous versions and (as a literary philistine) I've never read the book either. So the story was new to me and drew me in perfectly.
The March sisters - Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and the youngest Beth (Eliza Scanlen) - are being brought up by their mother (Laura Dern) and Aunt (Meryl Streep) while their father (Bob Odenkirk) is away fighting in the Civil War. Also providing a helping hand is the rich neighbour Mr Lawrence (Chris Cooper), whose good-looking but indolent son 'Laurie' (Timothée Chalamet) has had the hots for tom-boy Jo for many years.
Each of the girls has a talent: for Jo it's writing, with her struggling to get her work past the grumpy publisher Mr Dashwood (Tracy Letts, from "Le Mans '66"); for Meg it's acting; for Amy it's painting; and for Beth it's music.
The film follows the lives, loves, successes and misfortunes of the sisters over two periods, split 7 years apart. It's a bumpy ride for some.
It struck me, as the big green BBFC certificate flashed onto the screen, how rare it is to find a "U - Suitable for all" (UK) certificate on a film these days. This is a film that the whole family *could* go and see. My only reservation here would be the way the film zips in and out of the two time periods at will. This might confuse the hell out of younger children. The subject matter of one part of the story may also disturb sensitive kids.
It's a really old-fashioned film - full of melodrama, love, unrequited love, death, charity, ambition and kindness - that builds to a feel-good ending that was totally corny but felt perfect in every way. We need more of this in our lives.
Wow. Just wow. The Oscar Best Actress categories are going to be a bloodied battlefield this year! There have been some GREAT roles for women on screen in the last year, and the Academy will have a job on their hands to narrow the long-list to the short-list this year. I would have tentatively forecast that Renée Zellweger might have had the Best Actor Oscar wrapped up for "Judy". But then here comes Saoirse Ronan. With phenomenal screen presence, she lights up every single scene she's in. Emma Watson and Florence Pugh are great actresses (and both here stand a stab at the Supporting Actress category), but your gaze always falls straight back to Ronan's reaction.
It's also a wonderful performance for newcomer Eliza Scanlen as the youngster Beth: I heard director Greta Gerwig comment (on Edith Bowman's excellent Soundtracking podcast) that Eliza needed less lighting than anyone else on set as she was "naturally luminous"!
Again lodging a cracking performance is the versatile Timothée Chalomet.... does the young chap make a bad film?
When you get to the end of the "cast bit", and you haven't mentioned Meryl Streep and Laura Dern yet, that says a lot!
What comes across more than anything else is just how apt this story is today to the 'girl power' times that we are currently living through. Jo in particular is the rebel of her day, fighting against the conformity of what it was in the time to be an independent woman, and specifically an independent working woman. Some of Alcott's words from the book could even today act as a rallying cry to those looking for greater change.
My reviewing year has certainly got off to a bang with this one. It's a glorious movie, utterly absorbing with ravishing cinematography by Yorick Le Saux and a brilliant soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat: both I suspect likely to feature in Oscar nominations. It's also likely to be nominated in other technical categories including Production Design, Costume and Hair & Makeup.
And I predict that this is inevitably going to be a Christmas favourite to match "The Sound of Music" and "It's a Wonderful Life" in future years.
Comes with a highly recommended tag from me.
(For the full graphical review, please visit the One Mann's Movies site here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/01/03/one-manns-movies-film-review-little-women-2019/. Thanks.)
