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Once Upon a Wardrobe
5.0
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Now available in trade paper with an eye-catching new cover from the bestselling author of Becoming...
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Among Us (Dyson Bridge #2) in Books
Oct 22, 2025
ANother Cliffhanger!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Dyson Bridge series, and it cannot be read as a stand alone, you MUST read Abandon Station first.
I said in my review for that book, that I was annoyed at that book,because it left me on a cliffhanger I did not see coming. And guess what?? I'm annoyed at THIS book because I DID see the cliff hanger coming!
This is only short, some 120 pages, and I could not see an end for Merida and her people coming at me from about half way through. There just weren't enough pages left!
Merida has escaped the Feds, and is seeking help to get her people home. Not just for themselves, but for this New Earth. If the station continues in its decaying orbit path, it will spell disaster. She does find some help, though, and they are a step closer to getting home. I liked that she got a surprise when she switched her communication device on!
BUT they aren't there yet, and time is moving on and running out for Merida and her crew. The epilepsy they have been diagnosed with, isn't what it seems and is leading to a much more sinister path for them.
Only Merida has a say. I can't remember in book 1, if it was just Merida ( I didn't mention it in my review!) but it is here. I think she needs to be the voice for her people though. Ordinarily, I would say I wanted to hear from everyone but I don't think this would have worked if they did.
SO, now we wait. Again! last time I had to wait 18 months to get this book! I hope it isn't quite so long this time.
4 very good, fully invested in Merida and her people, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Dyson Bridge series, and it cannot be read as a stand alone, you MUST read Abandon Station first.
I said in my review for that book, that I was annoyed at that book,because it left me on a cliffhanger I did not see coming. And guess what?? I'm annoyed at THIS book because I DID see the cliff hanger coming!
This is only short, some 120 pages, and I could not see an end for Merida and her people coming at me from about half way through. There just weren't enough pages left!
Merida has escaped the Feds, and is seeking help to get her people home. Not just for themselves, but for this New Earth. If the station continues in its decaying orbit path, it will spell disaster. She does find some help, though, and they are a step closer to getting home. I liked that she got a surprise when she switched her communication device on!
BUT they aren't there yet, and time is moving on and running out for Merida and her crew. The epilepsy they have been diagnosed with, isn't what it seems and is leading to a much more sinister path for them.
Only Merida has a say. I can't remember in book 1, if it was just Merida ( I didn't mention it in my review!) but it is here. I think she needs to be the voice for her people though. Ordinarily, I would say I wanted to hear from everyone but I don't think this would have worked if they did.
SO, now we wait. Again! last time I had to wait 18 months to get this book! I hope it isn't quite so long this time.
4 very good, fully invested in Merida and her people, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Unbar the Barred (Darling Ranch #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2025
Cassidy and Trey are perfect for each other!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book was originally called Ranch Down and was published in an anthology, it hasn't had any revisions, bar some minor editing. It's based in the Divergent Omegavesre world, but can totally be read as a stand alone novel to that series. It's a jumping off point, the start of a new series, set on Darling Ranch.
Cassidy and Trey have a friends with benefits thing going on. Neither will admit to the other, but they both want more. The arrival at the Darling Ranch of the Starling brothers presses ALL of Trey's buttons and he claims what really has been his for a long time. But can a city wolf and a farm chick really be happy?
This was, and I defy anyone to tell me otherwise, the most too stinkin cute, warm and fuzzies, low angst book I've read in a long time!
Cassidy and Trey really are perfect for each other. They know it. We know it but they refuse to admit to the other about it. It takes a Starling to flirt with Cassidy for Trey to broadcast his feelings across the bar and go all cave man on Cassidy and I loved that!
It's steamy, with Cassidy and Trey already in a relationship, of sorts. They already know what they like, what the other likes, so the first time is straight in, so to speak.
Once they admit to the other what they really want, they go all in and are out to make this work, they just need to find a compromise in the location of them being together.
Loved Cassidy's girls and their outfits!
Some overlap in the timeline with Silas's Sweetheart, which is the Divergent Omegaverse book 4. We do meet Cass and Trey there.
Thoroughly enjoyable hour's read!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book was originally called Ranch Down and was published in an anthology, it hasn't had any revisions, bar some minor editing. It's based in the Divergent Omegavesre world, but can totally be read as a stand alone novel to that series. It's a jumping off point, the start of a new series, set on Darling Ranch.
Cassidy and Trey have a friends with benefits thing going on. Neither will admit to the other, but they both want more. The arrival at the Darling Ranch of the Starling brothers presses ALL of Trey's buttons and he claims what really has been his for a long time. But can a city wolf and a farm chick really be happy?
This was, and I defy anyone to tell me otherwise, the most too stinkin cute, warm and fuzzies, low angst book I've read in a long time!
Cassidy and Trey really are perfect for each other. They know it. We know it but they refuse to admit to the other about it. It takes a Starling to flirt with Cassidy for Trey to broadcast his feelings across the bar and go all cave man on Cassidy and I loved that!
It's steamy, with Cassidy and Trey already in a relationship, of sorts. They already know what they like, what the other likes, so the first time is straight in, so to speak.
Once they admit to the other what they really want, they go all in and are out to make this work, they just need to find a compromise in the location of them being together.
Loved Cassidy's girls and their outfits!
Some overlap in the timeline with Silas's Sweetheart, which is the Divergent Omegaverse book 4. We do meet Cass and Trey there.
Thoroughly enjoyable hour's read!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Who Said Witness Protection Was Boring? (Mobster Mayhem #2)
J.F. Miev and Aria Clark
8.0
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MATTHEW It was supposed to be a quiet night of gaming. But then the power went out. No biggie—it...
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts #2) in Books
Apr 20, 2025
It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Gypsy Freak (All the Pretty Monsters #2)
8.0
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What's it like to be a monster in a town full of monsters, who don't know you're a...
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated A Theory of Crystal: A Paladins of Crystal Novella in Books
Oct 29, 2023
far too short! I need more!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is set in the world of The Paladins of Crystal series, but can totally be read as a stand alone. It probably falls somewhere AFTER book 2, but given what happens at the end of that book, I couldn't be sure.
Still, a very enjoyable slide back into this world, thank you very much!
Yelena runs away, because she does not want to marry the Three Ys (loved that she called them that!) and push out babies by the dozen, thank you very much! So, she dresses as a man and finds herself working for three scholars trying to find the secret of the source of magic and power in this world. Oleks, Ivan and Dmytro are taken by the young 'lad' and his skill at sorting their garbled notes into order. But only when a midnight bath for Yelena turns into something else, do they realise, she is theirs. But the magic in the world conspires against them, and things become deadly for them all.
I loved this dip into this world, I really did. The cameo by The Grand Duchess Crystal was a surprise too!
I loved Yelena and her men. I loved how they grew into their relationship, getting to know each other for a time, even if the men thought Yelena was a boy. Once the ruse was discovered, however, they were ALL in and I loved that too.
It would be great, at some point, to catch up with this group, in the main books. I'd like to know how Yelena gets on with her studies now the guys won their prize!
My only niggle? Too flipping short! But any visit to this world, I find too short!
I can't wait to read the next main book, and hope I don't have to wait too long.
4 very good, but far too short, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is set in the world of The Paladins of Crystal series, but can totally be read as a stand alone. It probably falls somewhere AFTER book 2, but given what happens at the end of that book, I couldn't be sure.
Still, a very enjoyable slide back into this world, thank you very much!
Yelena runs away, because she does not want to marry the Three Ys (loved that she called them that!) and push out babies by the dozen, thank you very much! So, she dresses as a man and finds herself working for three scholars trying to find the secret of the source of magic and power in this world. Oleks, Ivan and Dmytro are taken by the young 'lad' and his skill at sorting their garbled notes into order. But only when a midnight bath for Yelena turns into something else, do they realise, she is theirs. But the magic in the world conspires against them, and things become deadly for them all.
I loved this dip into this world, I really did. The cameo by The Grand Duchess Crystal was a surprise too!
I loved Yelena and her men. I loved how they grew into their relationship, getting to know each other for a time, even if the men thought Yelena was a boy. Once the ruse was discovered, however, they were ALL in and I loved that too.
It would be great, at some point, to catch up with this group, in the main books. I'd like to know how Yelena gets on with her studies now the guys won their prize!
My only niggle? Too flipping short! But any visit to this world, I find too short!
I can't wait to read the next main book, and hope I don't have to wait too long.
4 very good, but far too short, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3)
6.0
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When we collided, it turned into beautiful chaos. I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast. ...
Young Adult (YA) Urban Romantic Suspense
Mandatory Repairs (Collier's Creek)
6.0
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He's never been to the Cowboy State before, but he's already made an enemy. Max Stone is a...
Contemporary MM Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Music & Dreams (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023) in Books
Nov 3, 2023
hits spots I didn't know needed hitting!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Rocktoberfest 2023 series, a multi author series. I haven't read any others, but they are all stand alone reads.
Lorcan is a rock star, high up the food chain. Rogan is his child's nanny slash teacher. Rogan has all the feels for Lorcan, but knows that's crossing boundaries. Lorcan has something for Rogan, but it isn't till there is an accident that Lorcan begins to feel for Rogan.
Sometimes, you need a super low angst book, with some smexy times and some difficult times thrown in. This book delivers on those levels, and it delivers beautifully!
Rogan has crushed on Lorcan from the start of his employment to teach Lorcan's daughter, Amy. Lorcan's feelings weren't so pronounced from the beginning, but having to look after Ro was an eye opener. And when Lor discovers Ro can sing?? The man was a goner!
I loved Lorcan, and Rogan and Amy as a unit. Amy will be a force to be reckoned with, when she gets older! She sees far too much for a little un, but she has a down to earth demeanor that everyone loves. The things she says to make Lor see Ro, REALLY see him, are far too wise!
I didn't find it especially explicit, but its not about that. This book is about seeing what's in front of you, or rather, who. And about Ro getting over his insecurities to finally be able to fulfill his dreams through HIS music, not just everyone else's.
I loved the guys in the band, Tibi and Finlee and I hope they get a story too.
Hitting spots that I really didn't know I needed hitting, and at short notice too, this was a wonderful read!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the Rocktoberfest 2023 series, a multi author series. I haven't read any others, but they are all stand alone reads.
Lorcan is a rock star, high up the food chain. Rogan is his child's nanny slash teacher. Rogan has all the feels for Lorcan, but knows that's crossing boundaries. Lorcan has something for Rogan, but it isn't till there is an accident that Lorcan begins to feel for Rogan.
Sometimes, you need a super low angst book, with some smexy times and some difficult times thrown in. This book delivers on those levels, and it delivers beautifully!
Rogan has crushed on Lorcan from the start of his employment to teach Lorcan's daughter, Amy. Lorcan's feelings weren't so pronounced from the beginning, but having to look after Ro was an eye opener. And when Lor discovers Ro can sing?? The man was a goner!
I loved Lorcan, and Rogan and Amy as a unit. Amy will be a force to be reckoned with, when she gets older! She sees far too much for a little un, but she has a down to earth demeanor that everyone loves. The things she says to make Lor see Ro, REALLY see him, are far too wise!
I didn't find it especially explicit, but its not about that. This book is about seeing what's in front of you, or rather, who. And about Ro getting over his insecurities to finally be able to fulfill his dreams through HIS music, not just everyone else's.
I loved the guys in the band, Tibi and Finlee and I hope they get a story too.
Hitting spots that I really didn't know I needed hitting, and at short notice too, this was a wonderful read!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere