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Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Blood King (Heart Stones #1) in Books
May 4, 2022
Left with so many questions but so bloody good!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not gonna write a bit about this book. I'm not gonna rehash any sort of plot line, but what I am gonna say is this:
ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!
Sayle has a particular way of messing with my head, she leaves me with question after question. Mostly, questions I cannot voice, but my head knows it has questions and Sayle drives me freaking nuts about it!
So, once I got over my spit-your-dummy-out, throw-your-toys-out-the-pram and I'll-scream-and-scream-and-scream-until-I'm-sick kind of tantrum, here's what I thought about this book.
So good, this first book in a new series, a very different book than of late for Sayle and I read this and flung my kindle at the wall and my partner looked at me like I grew a third head!
Why, you ask? Because questions, people, I have a lot, A LOT of freaking questions about this book and it's taken me 3 days to manage to write something about this book that actually makes sense!
I am, however, fairly certain that I will not be the only one why has questions, hell, I'm not even sure if Sayle has all the questions, let alone the answers to everything that was NOT said here.
Because while you get everything you need about Aion and Shiesha NOW, there is much, so (I really wanna use the Fword here but some sites don't like that, but I need to stress the point!) freaking MUCH, that is not said. About who Aion and Shiesha are running from, about what happened to Aion's family, about who Shiesha really is, about WHAT he is! And those bloody monks? Cryptic or what! But those monks, I understood. They are bound by a higher power and sworn to secrecy. Aion and Shiesha have all the answers, they just need to listen to their hearts to find them.
And then we get to the ending! A cliff hanger, people, of massive proportions! I knew this was coming, the blurb says so, but still. I had 10 minutes left in the book and then it was finished and sheesh, I was not happy! There is a teeny tiny bit that happens next, a bit of an epilogue slash sneak peak but I would rather have not had that, to be honest! I think it would have had a bigger reaction from people to not have that sneak peak, and I am left a little . . .annoyed . . .maybe. . . by it! I don't know WHY, but book feelings, people, I'm sharing my book feelings!
Anyway!
Because I have questions;
because I read it in one sitting;
because I threw my kindle at the wall (and it's been a long ass time since I did that!)
because of that freaking cliff hanger;
because, even, of that sneak peek;
because it's my review and I can. . .
5 freaking amazing stars!
But write quicker, Ms Sayle.
Write.
Quicker.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not gonna write a bit about this book. I'm not gonna rehash any sort of plot line, but what I am gonna say is this:
ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!
Sayle has a particular way of messing with my head, she leaves me with question after question. Mostly, questions I cannot voice, but my head knows it has questions and Sayle drives me freaking nuts about it!
So, once I got over my spit-your-dummy-out, throw-your-toys-out-the-pram and I'll-scream-and-scream-and-scream-until-I'm-sick kind of tantrum, here's what I thought about this book.
So good, this first book in a new series, a very different book than of late for Sayle and I read this and flung my kindle at the wall and my partner looked at me like I grew a third head!
Why, you ask? Because questions, people, I have a lot, A LOT of freaking questions about this book and it's taken me 3 days to manage to write something about this book that actually makes sense!
I am, however, fairly certain that I will not be the only one why has questions, hell, I'm not even sure if Sayle has all the questions, let alone the answers to everything that was NOT said here.
Because while you get everything you need about Aion and Shiesha NOW, there is much, so (I really wanna use the Fword here but some sites don't like that, but I need to stress the point!) freaking MUCH, that is not said. About who Aion and Shiesha are running from, about what happened to Aion's family, about who Shiesha really is, about WHAT he is! And those bloody monks? Cryptic or what! But those monks, I understood. They are bound by a higher power and sworn to secrecy. Aion and Shiesha have all the answers, they just need to listen to their hearts to find them.
And then we get to the ending! A cliff hanger, people, of massive proportions! I knew this was coming, the blurb says so, but still. I had 10 minutes left in the book and then it was finished and sheesh, I was not happy! There is a teeny tiny bit that happens next, a bit of an epilogue slash sneak peak but I would rather have not had that, to be honest! I think it would have had a bigger reaction from people to not have that sneak peak, and I am left a little . . .annoyed . . .maybe. . . by it! I don't know WHY, but book feelings, people, I'm sharing my book feelings!
Anyway!
Because I have questions;
because I read it in one sitting;
because I threw my kindle at the wall (and it's been a long ass time since I did that!)
because of that freaking cliff hanger;
because, even, of that sneak peek;
because it's my review and I can. . .
5 freaking amazing stars!
But write quicker, Ms Sayle.
Write.
Quicker.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Shadow Seer (Blood Shadows #2) in Books
Nov 29, 2022
you must read book one first!
Independent reviewer for Book Sirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Blood Shadows trilogy, and you really must: MUST read book one, Shadow Guardian bfore you read this. That book sets the scene and tone for this book. And cos, you know, I said so!
Zach needs to trust Emma, but given who her father is, he's not sure he can. But his Shadows? They know. They know that Emma can be trusted. They know that Emma is Zach's. He just needs to get with their programme, which is difficult, since he can see her Shadows, and how damaged they are. Emma can't see they Shadows, but she knows hers are broken. She wants nothing to do with her father. But Zach and the others need her help. She's just not sure she has the skills they need.
What I'm especially enjoying about these books is this: I cannot see where it's going! I really can't see how they are gonna get out of this mess that Gordon has created, without some major damage to both the Shadow Weavers and the norms of this world. It's frustrating, in the best way!
Zach, bless him, he was hurt bad by James' betrayal in the first book and he takes a lot of it out on Emma in the beginning. But once he sees Emma, really SEES her, he can see he is hurting her too. And then what does he do?? Breaks her freaking heart by hurting her some more! Oh he does come good, in the best way, he really does, but he still hurt Emma.
Emma is hurting for a whole other reason. He father is hell bent on world domination, and she wants nothing to do with him, but it might be the only way they can stop him. While there, Emma discovers some truths, some SPOILERS that will not be discussed!
I loved the description of the colours of Zach and Emma's Shadows. They make you look at the shadow on the wall behind the lamp, at the shadow the cat makes when she walks past the sun, and think. It makes you see if you can see the colours in those shadows.
We get a bit of Gordon here, too. He is the one bent on world domination and his plan is coming together. Until Emma and Zach mess that up, but he can still make it work. (I love hearing from the bad guy!)
James, oh James! He is in a world of hurt, he really is. He knows that he was used by Gordon, he knows that he caused a good deal of pain to those he loves, but he can't see his way out this mess. Until Riley turns up, and then James goes and does something incredibly stoopid and now we need his story, like yesterday!!
So, yeah, loved it, as much as book one!
5 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Blood Shadows trilogy, and you really must: MUST read book one, Shadow Guardian bfore you read this. That book sets the scene and tone for this book. And cos, you know, I said so!
Zach needs to trust Emma, but given who her father is, he's not sure he can. But his Shadows? They know. They know that Emma can be trusted. They know that Emma is Zach's. He just needs to get with their programme, which is difficult, since he can see her Shadows, and how damaged they are. Emma can't see they Shadows, but she knows hers are broken. She wants nothing to do with her father. But Zach and the others need her help. She's just not sure she has the skills they need.
What I'm especially enjoying about these books is this: I cannot see where it's going! I really can't see how they are gonna get out of this mess that Gordon has created, without some major damage to both the Shadow Weavers and the norms of this world. It's frustrating, in the best way!
Zach, bless him, he was hurt bad by James' betrayal in the first book and he takes a lot of it out on Emma in the beginning. But once he sees Emma, really SEES her, he can see he is hurting her too. And then what does he do?? Breaks her freaking heart by hurting her some more! Oh he does come good, in the best way, he really does, but he still hurt Emma.
Emma is hurting for a whole other reason. He father is hell bent on world domination, and she wants nothing to do with him, but it might be the only way they can stop him. While there, Emma discovers some truths, some SPOILERS that will not be discussed!
I loved the description of the colours of Zach and Emma's Shadows. They make you look at the shadow on the wall behind the lamp, at the shadow the cat makes when she walks past the sun, and think. It makes you see if you can see the colours in those shadows.
We get a bit of Gordon here, too. He is the one bent on world domination and his plan is coming together. Until Emma and Zach mess that up, but he can still make it work. (I love hearing from the bad guy!)
James, oh James! He is in a world of hurt, he really is. He knows that he was used by Gordon, he knows that he caused a good deal of pain to those he loves, but he can't see his way out this mess. Until Riley turns up, and then James goes and does something incredibly stoopid and now we need his story, like yesterday!!
So, yeah, loved it, as much as book one!
5 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Until You
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Paul It feels like I’ve been drowning for five years, barely keeping my head above the water. I...
Contemporary MM Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6) in Books
May 27, 2023
saved the best til last, I reckon!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the final book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and I strongly recommend you read all 5 books previous to this one. Not strictly necessary, but it will give you a better view of Jasper, and how he is with everyone else, and of this amazing group of people. And you know, cos I SAID SO!
Jasper doesn't do commitment, he thinks he's too broken. So crushing after the straight owner of his fav cafe is a safe bet, cos ain't nothing gonna happen. Then, though, Matt turns up at a shibari lesson and is paired with Jasper. Which sets off all sorts of chain reactions from the both of them.
Oh Jasper, Jasper Jasper! I've been waiting, so very impatiently for Jasper to tell his tale, cos all through the other books, he SAYS he's happy with his lot, not having to commit to anyone, just hooking up as and when, but deep down, DEEP down, Jasper needed someone to love him. It comes out in all the other books, and here? Oh my days!
Jasper has crushed on Matt for a couple of years and while Matt looked forward to seeing Jasper every day, he was straight and in a relationship. Then that ends, the lesson occurs and Matt begins to question everything about his previous relationships and why they didn't work. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't that he needed to be more dominant, like all the girlfriends asked for, but the opposite?
Loved the progression of Matt and Jasper, how well they fit together and moved things along. Jasper was always gonna say yes to Matt, but Matt wasn't sure what he was asking for, til Jasper said or did JUST what Matt needed. And I loved that, while there was some questioning of his sexual preferences by Matt, once he decided that he'd had it all wrong, he was ALL in with Jasper.
But then, Jasper does what he does and I was reading in bed, and I must have said out loud, "oh Jasper, you IDIOT!" cos my partner was, who is Jasper and what has he done?? And I rarely react verbally when reading, so it shows how powerfully what he did affected me, let alone Matt!
And then, against Jasper and Matt's story, we have the Tabletop tavern and what's happening there. Granted, Jasper leaves it late, but once he gets his head out his ass and goes to war, they pull that off wonderfully!
So, now, I'm sad. I'm sad cos all these wonderful people are partnered up and I am so going to miss them! There are lots of people here, with the battle to save the buildings from developers, people I don't recall meeting before. People with interesting hints about and I wonder if we'll get a follow up? I'd love one!
So, 6 books, 5 of those are 5 star reads, and one slipping to 4, but a series I strongly recommend.
5 full and shiny, but kinda sad, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the final book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and I strongly recommend you read all 5 books previous to this one. Not strictly necessary, but it will give you a better view of Jasper, and how he is with everyone else, and of this amazing group of people. And you know, cos I SAID SO!
Jasper doesn't do commitment, he thinks he's too broken. So crushing after the straight owner of his fav cafe is a safe bet, cos ain't nothing gonna happen. Then, though, Matt turns up at a shibari lesson and is paired with Jasper. Which sets off all sorts of chain reactions from the both of them.
Oh Jasper, Jasper Jasper! I've been waiting, so very impatiently for Jasper to tell his tale, cos all through the other books, he SAYS he's happy with his lot, not having to commit to anyone, just hooking up as and when, but deep down, DEEP down, Jasper needed someone to love him. It comes out in all the other books, and here? Oh my days!
Jasper has crushed on Matt for a couple of years and while Matt looked forward to seeing Jasper every day, he was straight and in a relationship. Then that ends, the lesson occurs and Matt begins to question everything about his previous relationships and why they didn't work. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't that he needed to be more dominant, like all the girlfriends asked for, but the opposite?
Loved the progression of Matt and Jasper, how well they fit together and moved things along. Jasper was always gonna say yes to Matt, but Matt wasn't sure what he was asking for, til Jasper said or did JUST what Matt needed. And I loved that, while there was some questioning of his sexual preferences by Matt, once he decided that he'd had it all wrong, he was ALL in with Jasper.
But then, Jasper does what he does and I was reading in bed, and I must have said out loud, "oh Jasper, you IDIOT!" cos my partner was, who is Jasper and what has he done?? And I rarely react verbally when reading, so it shows how powerfully what he did affected me, let alone Matt!
And then, against Jasper and Matt's story, we have the Tabletop tavern and what's happening there. Granted, Jasper leaves it late, but once he gets his head out his ass and goes to war, they pull that off wonderfully!
So, now, I'm sad. I'm sad cos all these wonderful people are partnered up and I am so going to miss them! There are lots of people here, with the battle to save the buildings from developers, people I don't recall meeting before. People with interesting hints about and I wonder if we'll get a follow up? I'd love one!
So, 6 books, 5 of those are 5 star reads, and one slipping to 4, but a series I strongly recommend.
5 full and shiny, but kinda sad, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Becoming His Perfect Daddy (Unlikely Daddies #1) in Books
May 19, 2024
bloody LOVED this book!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Let me just put this out there, Ok?? I'm a straight cis woman, on the wrong side of 50. I read a lot of MM books, and have read some with trans main characters. I have not ever read a T4T (my apologies if this is incorrect, but I'm trying!) book, never. So I went into this with an open mind and an open heart and an open book brain.
But let me tell you about this book!
There is a bit at the beginning of this book, that the author wrote. I don't usually bother with those, unles my book feelings tell me to read it, so I did and it gave me a much better insight into Sam and Cameron, but also into this author, as some of this book is their story. (again, apologies is this is incorrect, but I couldn't find your preferred pronouns, so went with the best option!)
And what that bit does, my good peeps, is set it all out for you, in a way a lay person like myself can understand the terms, words and difficulties being a trans person comes with.
While this book is set over a long period of time, over a year, I was surprised at the speed at which things moved for Sam, once he made the decision to become himself. I know in the UK these take a long, LONG time, so that surprised me.
Sam and Cameron are perfect for each other! Cameron has already transitioned, and Sam has the dawning realisation that he is not in the right body after reading one of Cameron's books. That CAMERON makes him see who he really should be, a man and a Daddy. These two are absolutely perfect for each other, they really are! Loved how the D/b relationship developed.
I will be honest, I wasn't sure the smexy times would work, I don't know WHY I thought that, but you know me and my book brain, but bloody hell! They work, trust me! Super spicy smexy times!! Loved that!
You get deep into the psyche of being trans with these two. The emotions are deep and heavy in places. Made me cry in some places, it really did, the weight of feelings that these men have about themselves. It's really painful reading in parts, and I think you need to be aware if you have any triggers regarding body dysmophia.
I LOVED this book, in case I didn't say it yet!
I see two pairings among the side characters, one set have their book next and I will be reading that book, and any more that come along! I also found that this is only the author's second book, with a short before this one. And bloody hell, they smashed it out the park!
I cannot give it anything other than. . .
5 full and super shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Let me just put this out there, Ok?? I'm a straight cis woman, on the wrong side of 50. I read a lot of MM books, and have read some with trans main characters. I have not ever read a T4T (my apologies if this is incorrect, but I'm trying!) book, never. So I went into this with an open mind and an open heart and an open book brain.
But let me tell you about this book!
There is a bit at the beginning of this book, that the author wrote. I don't usually bother with those, unles my book feelings tell me to read it, so I did and it gave me a much better insight into Sam and Cameron, but also into this author, as some of this book is their story. (again, apologies is this is incorrect, but I couldn't find your preferred pronouns, so went with the best option!)
And what that bit does, my good peeps, is set it all out for you, in a way a lay person like myself can understand the terms, words and difficulties being a trans person comes with.
While this book is set over a long period of time, over a year, I was surprised at the speed at which things moved for Sam, once he made the decision to become himself. I know in the UK these take a long, LONG time, so that surprised me.
Sam and Cameron are perfect for each other! Cameron has already transitioned, and Sam has the dawning realisation that he is not in the right body after reading one of Cameron's books. That CAMERON makes him see who he really should be, a man and a Daddy. These two are absolutely perfect for each other, they really are! Loved how the D/b relationship developed.
I will be honest, I wasn't sure the smexy times would work, I don't know WHY I thought that, but you know me and my book brain, but bloody hell! They work, trust me! Super spicy smexy times!! Loved that!
You get deep into the psyche of being trans with these two. The emotions are deep and heavy in places. Made me cry in some places, it really did, the weight of feelings that these men have about themselves. It's really painful reading in parts, and I think you need to be aware if you have any triggers regarding body dysmophia.
I LOVED this book, in case I didn't say it yet!
I see two pairings among the side characters, one set have their book next and I will be reading that book, and any more that come along! I also found that this is only the author's second book, with a short before this one. And bloody hell, they smashed it out the park!
I cannot give it anything other than. . .
5 full and super shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Her Reluctant Heart in Books
May 23, 2024
bloody LOVED this book!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Ravens and Ruin (Brodyr Alarch #5) in Books
Oct 8, 2025
Best one so far!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Brodyr Alarch series. It's not necessary to read the previous books, nor the prequel, but I think it will give you a much better picture about these people and the world they live in.
Ewan is the youngest brother cursed, he serves as Harri's general. Crossing paths with Lowri, a healer of the old ways, sets off a chain of events that neither saw coming.
As I was reading this, I could see, really SEE the things Ms Sheppard writes about. Descriptions of people and places, that sort of thing. The skill has been great in other books I gave books 1-3 5 stars but slipped to 4 for book 4) but in THIS book?? The skill shines, bright and hot and throughout the whole book.
Ewan and Lowri are perfect for each other. Ewan can see Lowri's skill as a warrior as well as a healer. She is head strong and is not afraid to question Ewan.
Lowri can see what's beneath Ewan's outer prickly shell. She lets him have his brooding moments, and his time talking to the stones, but she stands beside him, quietly giving him her strength.
There is a line in the book I highlighted. I never highlight anything! It captures Ewan and Lowri's relationship perfectly.
The fire between them never burned high, but it never died.
I found this one a bit darker in places, but not sure why, I just felt, much like Ewan and Lowri felt, the land was off. Not a bad thing, at all! You know me, and my book brain, it needs to get feelings out when it can actually voice them, and it feels this was darker.
Still, totally clean. I will stand by what I said in each of the others, I'm loving that they are. It's not about that in these books. It's about two people, facing the things that are thrown at them, in each and every way, together.
And the things that are thrown at Ewan and Lowri are less physical things and more emotional and testing their faith in the old gods.
Branwen, who is Lowri's god and Arianrhod, who looks over all the brothers, are the gods here.
There is just one brother left, Gerallt. He was the brother who kept a swan wing instead of an arm when their curse was lifted. I've been waiting for his story for so long, and I will wait patiently (or maybe not so patiently!) for his story. I am keen to get into his mind about why he kept it.
As with all these books, they are loosely based around The Brothers Grimm tales, and given a Welsh twist. This one is The White Snake. I don't know that story, so I cannot say how true or how far apart these tales are, but Ms Sheppard absolutely NAILED the telling of this story!
Best one so far!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Brodyr Alarch series. It's not necessary to read the previous books, nor the prequel, but I think it will give you a much better picture about these people and the world they live in.
Ewan is the youngest brother cursed, he serves as Harri's general. Crossing paths with Lowri, a healer of the old ways, sets off a chain of events that neither saw coming.
As I was reading this, I could see, really SEE the things Ms Sheppard writes about. Descriptions of people and places, that sort of thing. The skill has been great in other books I gave books 1-3 5 stars but slipped to 4 for book 4) but in THIS book?? The skill shines, bright and hot and throughout the whole book.
Ewan and Lowri are perfect for each other. Ewan can see Lowri's skill as a warrior as well as a healer. She is head strong and is not afraid to question Ewan.
Lowri can see what's beneath Ewan's outer prickly shell. She lets him have his brooding moments, and his time talking to the stones, but she stands beside him, quietly giving him her strength.
There is a line in the book I highlighted. I never highlight anything! It captures Ewan and Lowri's relationship perfectly.
The fire between them never burned high, but it never died.
I found this one a bit darker in places, but not sure why, I just felt, much like Ewan and Lowri felt, the land was off. Not a bad thing, at all! You know me, and my book brain, it needs to get feelings out when it can actually voice them, and it feels this was darker.
Still, totally clean. I will stand by what I said in each of the others, I'm loving that they are. It's not about that in these books. It's about two people, facing the things that are thrown at them, in each and every way, together.
And the things that are thrown at Ewan and Lowri are less physical things and more emotional and testing their faith in the old gods.
Branwen, who is Lowri's god and Arianrhod, who looks over all the brothers, are the gods here.
There is just one brother left, Gerallt. He was the brother who kept a swan wing instead of an arm when their curse was lifted. I've been waiting for his story for so long, and I will wait patiently (or maybe not so patiently!) for his story. I am keen to get into his mind about why he kept it.
As with all these books, they are loosely based around The Brothers Grimm tales, and given a Welsh twist. This one is The White Snake. I don't know that story, so I cannot say how true or how far apart these tales are, but Ms Sheppard absolutely NAILED the telling of this story!
Best one so far!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Rumble of the Crumble (The Rhubarb Effect #7) in Books
Feb 6, 2025
Butch will go slow (but not too slow) and wait for Leo, scars and all.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the FINAL book in this series, and you really should read the other 6 books before this one. They are a lot of fun, but there is an ongoing story arc that you need to follow.
Leo is a lion, and an Alpha. Butch is the town's sheriff, a rhubarb and also an Alpha. Two Alphas should not be mates, should they?
Ok SO! I have thoroughly enjoyed these books, every one has been a solid 4 star read and I was hoping that this one would give me the answers to the questions my book brain has been throwing around. But in true Sayle fashion, she does not, in fact, give me the answers but I am at least able to voice the questions! I'll come back to those, though!
Leo is scared, he suffered badly at the hands of the monster alpha Amell in their old pride. But Butch will go slow (but not too slow) and wait for Leo, scars and all. Until someone tries to kill the entire pride, babies and all. Leo and Butch know they have to work together to get Amell, and put a stop to his reign of terror, once and for all.
I liked that Butch would wait for Leo, he knows the lion has scars, some not as visible as others, and he knows WHY Leo is so scared, but Butch knows Leo is his mate and Leo just needs time.
I liked that Leo felt safe with Butch. He didn't feel that way with anyone else but his pride. Leo knows Butch will never hurt him, even if they never fully mate after completing the bond that stopped Butch from wilting.
I even liked the way it all went down at the end! I did not see that happening, I thought someone else might be the one to do it.
So, like I said, thoroughly enjoyed these books!
BUT questions! Now, I might have missed the answers to these questions, I'm not sure but I'm sure someone will tell me!
While we know that Leo has scars from Amell, I wanted to know WHY Amell did what he did to Leo, and just WHAT he did, I really did. That's what my book brain was screaming at me, through the whole series, really. However, now I'm typing this up, I'm changing my mind. These books are, for the most part, a lot of fun, with a bit of drama thrown in, and a hella lotta smexy times between the various couples. If we had all the gory details about what Amell did and why, it might have taken these books down a much darker path and I really don't think they needed them. So, I'm gonna let that knowledge go.
As the final book, and due to me letting those questions go,
a full and shiny 5 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the FINAL book in this series, and you really should read the other 6 books before this one. They are a lot of fun, but there is an ongoing story arc that you need to follow.
Leo is a lion, and an Alpha. Butch is the town's sheriff, a rhubarb and also an Alpha. Two Alphas should not be mates, should they?
Ok SO! I have thoroughly enjoyed these books, every one has been a solid 4 star read and I was hoping that this one would give me the answers to the questions my book brain has been throwing around. But in true Sayle fashion, she does not, in fact, give me the answers but I am at least able to voice the questions! I'll come back to those, though!
Leo is scared, he suffered badly at the hands of the monster alpha Amell in their old pride. But Butch will go slow (but not too slow) and wait for Leo, scars and all. Until someone tries to kill the entire pride, babies and all. Leo and Butch know they have to work together to get Amell, and put a stop to his reign of terror, once and for all.
I liked that Butch would wait for Leo, he knows the lion has scars, some not as visible as others, and he knows WHY Leo is so scared, but Butch knows Leo is his mate and Leo just needs time.
I liked that Leo felt safe with Butch. He didn't feel that way with anyone else but his pride. Leo knows Butch will never hurt him, even if they never fully mate after completing the bond that stopped Butch from wilting.
I even liked the way it all went down at the end! I did not see that happening, I thought someone else might be the one to do it.
So, like I said, thoroughly enjoyed these books!
BUT questions! Now, I might have missed the answers to these questions, I'm not sure but I'm sure someone will tell me!
While we know that Leo has scars from Amell, I wanted to know WHY Amell did what he did to Leo, and just WHAT he did, I really did. That's what my book brain was screaming at me, through the whole series, really. However, now I'm typing this up, I'm changing my mind. These books are, for the most part, a lot of fun, with a bit of drama thrown in, and a hella lotta smexy times between the various couples. If we had all the gory details about what Amell did and why, it might have taken these books down a much darker path and I really don't think they needed them. So, I'm gonna let that knowledge go.
As the final book, and due to me letting those questions go,
a full and shiny 5 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated The Hitman's Omega Priest (River City Omegas #1) in Books
Jul 2, 2025
A welcome return to Arthur's omegaverse world
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I found AM Arthur through the Breaking Free series, and I loved them. Painful reading in places, but amazingly written and well delivered. I found myself comparing those books to this and found this a little . . . different. So bare with me while I try to get out of my book brain what it needs to say.
Kensley presented as omega at 14, and in this world, a male omega is shut away for his own good, forced into the priesthood. He hated it, and it never really believed, he was basically paying lip service and keeping his head above water. He never forgave his brother, King, nor Bishop,King's 2nd in command. He still grieved when he heard Bishop had died. Except why does the man standing in front of him make him feel like Bishop did? And who wants Kensley dead?
There is much darkness in Kensley's world and being a male omega puts him way at the bottom of the totem pole. But he should be safe in the church. Until he isn't and the man who comes to save him, he thought dead. But he trusts Bishop, right from the very beginning and things spiral and they have to go into hiding until Kensley is safe.
And therein lies my biggest issue with this book. We never did find out who wants Kens gone, or why. I got that the Master person wanted him cos he is omega, but still. Questions, people, my brain has questions and I cannot dig any more out, no matter how many times I type this paragraph!
So, what I did like?? So much with the steam! It does tend to take over a bit, in places though. Emotional in places, both Kens and Bishop have some deep feelings towards the other that were never resolved and this is the perfect opportunity. But there are other emotions as well, Kensley's life as a priest, Bishop's reasons for disappearing. What King will do when he finds out his best friend ahs defiled his younger brother? And that, I saw coming! I was surprised King waited, but Bishop had just been shot after all. ANd Bishop took it, like a trooper, but he made his point to King and when King sees how Bishop is with Kens gone, he really knows that Bishop loves his brother.
I did not see the thing with King and Malori coming at me. I don't think KING saw it coming to be honest! Malori will need a good deal of love to recover enough to have some sort of reasonable life and I hope King is up to the mark.
Hopefully I will get some answers in their book!
Despite the missing questions/answers to those questions, I really enjoyed this, but there are some trigger warnings and if you have any, you should check out the list.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I found AM Arthur through the Breaking Free series, and I loved them. Painful reading in places, but amazingly written and well delivered. I found myself comparing those books to this and found this a little . . . different. So bare with me while I try to get out of my book brain what it needs to say.
Kensley presented as omega at 14, and in this world, a male omega is shut away for his own good, forced into the priesthood. He hated it, and it never really believed, he was basically paying lip service and keeping his head above water. He never forgave his brother, King, nor Bishop,King's 2nd in command. He still grieved when he heard Bishop had died. Except why does the man standing in front of him make him feel like Bishop did? And who wants Kensley dead?
There is much darkness in Kensley's world and being a male omega puts him way at the bottom of the totem pole. But he should be safe in the church. Until he isn't and the man who comes to save him, he thought dead. But he trusts Bishop, right from the very beginning and things spiral and they have to go into hiding until Kensley is safe.
And therein lies my biggest issue with this book. We never did find out who wants Kens gone, or why. I got that the Master person wanted him cos he is omega, but still. Questions, people, my brain has questions and I cannot dig any more out, no matter how many times I type this paragraph!
So, what I did like?? So much with the steam! It does tend to take over a bit, in places though. Emotional in places, both Kens and Bishop have some deep feelings towards the other that were never resolved and this is the perfect opportunity. But there are other emotions as well, Kensley's life as a priest, Bishop's reasons for disappearing. What King will do when he finds out his best friend ahs defiled his younger brother? And that, I saw coming! I was surprised King waited, but Bishop had just been shot after all. ANd Bishop took it, like a trooper, but he made his point to King and when King sees how Bishop is with Kens gone, he really knows that Bishop loves his brother.
I did not see the thing with King and Malori coming at me. I don't think KING saw it coming to be honest! Malori will need a good deal of love to recover enough to have some sort of reasonable life and I hope King is up to the mark.
Hopefully I will get some answers in their book!
Despite the missing questions/answers to those questions, I really enjoyed this, but there are some trigger warnings and if you have any, you should check out the list.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Blood of the Damned - Thorn (Vaughn Winery #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2025
I liked that it doesn't focus so much on the Divergent part of Ledger.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere