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Hazel (2934 KP) rated A Plague of Traitors (Leine Basso #11) in Books
Aug 22, 2021
I have made no secret that I am a fan of D.V. Berkom's work and particularly of her books starring Leine Basso but you would think that after so many stories it would become stale. Well let me tell you that this is most certainly not the case. D.V. Berkom has a gift of creating plausible and exciting situations that keep me coming back every single time.
Once again, I have run out of words to describe how much I enjoyed this book so will just say that it is yet another action packed thriller full of tension that will have you turning the pages at quick speed (or tapping the screen!).
D.V. Berkom has a knack of creating excellent characters and this book is absolutely littered with them from the good guys to the not-so-good. Leine has to be one of my favourite characters of all time - she is strong, brave, not afraid to kick rear ends but with a soft side that is endearing and feels natural and believable.
This is part of a series but, in my opinion, it holds up extremely well as a stand-alone. There are recurring characters, and I am pleased to see the return of Derek, but the author has the ability to provide just enough information so you don't get lost but not so much that it detracts from the current story.
Yet again, this is another hit for me and I would recommend this and the rest of the series to anyone who loves a thrilling read that although contains violence, it's not over the top.
I, for one, cannot wait for the Leine's next "adventure" but I must thank D.V. Berkom for allowing me to be a member of her Advance Reader Team and for sending me a copy of "A Plague of Traitors" before the official publication date on 31-August-2021 in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review for which I am, once again, extremely grateful.
Once again, I have run out of words to describe how much I enjoyed this book so will just say that it is yet another action packed thriller full of tension that will have you turning the pages at quick speed (or tapping the screen!).
D.V. Berkom has a knack of creating excellent characters and this book is absolutely littered with them from the good guys to the not-so-good. Leine has to be one of my favourite characters of all time - she is strong, brave, not afraid to kick rear ends but with a soft side that is endearing and feels natural and believable.
This is part of a series but, in my opinion, it holds up extremely well as a stand-alone. There are recurring characters, and I am pleased to see the return of Derek, but the author has the ability to provide just enough information so you don't get lost but not so much that it detracts from the current story.
Yet again, this is another hit for me and I would recommend this and the rest of the series to anyone who loves a thrilling read that although contains violence, it's not over the top.
I, for one, cannot wait for the Leine's next "adventure" but I must thank D.V. Berkom for allowing me to be a member of her Advance Reader Team and for sending me a copy of "A Plague of Traitors" before the official publication date on 31-August-2021 in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review for which I am, once again, extremely grateful.
Debbiereadsbook (1806 KP) rated Kicks (Pleasure Seekers, #2) in Books
May 19, 2024
a perfect follow up to book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Pleasure Seekers series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I loved book one, Thrill, and would strongly recommend it but it's not necessary, you know?
I loved Eddie and Scott in book one, and I was looking forward to getting to know them better, because I was fairly certain they are putting on a face for the world. But I discovered, not so much for Eddie. He's very laid back, until he lays eyes on Billy, then all bets are off!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it, and I don't know why and my book brain hates that I cannot voice why!
I liked Eddie and Billy, separately and apart. We got a lot of Billy's family here, raising his teenage sister and reconnecting with his older brother but we don't get much about Eddie's. I kinda missed that.
There is powerful and immediate attraction for these two and it burns hot and bright through the whole book. That is, until Billy finds out what Eddie did and then, all bets are off again!
Tyler is still living with Eddie and Scott and as such, Tyler and Danny, along with Scott play a large part here. I liked that we got to catch up with them.
Not an especially emotional read, but sometimes, that's just what you need.
Scott is next. Now Scott, I know, is putting on a face, and the poor man has a case of envy, given that his two flatmates are now loved up and I look forward to getting his story!
As I said, I liked this book, just couldn't quite love it though, like book one, (sorry!)
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Pleasure Seekers series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I loved book one, Thrill, and would strongly recommend it but it's not necessary, you know?
I loved Eddie and Scott in book one, and I was looking forward to getting to know them better, because I was fairly certain they are putting on a face for the world. But I discovered, not so much for Eddie. He's very laid back, until he lays eyes on Billy, then all bets are off!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it, and I don't know why and my book brain hates that I cannot voice why!
I liked Eddie and Billy, separately and apart. We got a lot of Billy's family here, raising his teenage sister and reconnecting with his older brother but we don't get much about Eddie's. I kinda missed that.
There is powerful and immediate attraction for these two and it burns hot and bright through the whole book. That is, until Billy finds out what Eddie did and then, all bets are off again!
Tyler is still living with Eddie and Scott and as such, Tyler and Danny, along with Scott play a large part here. I liked that we got to catch up with them.
Not an especially emotional read, but sometimes, that's just what you need.
Scott is next. Now Scott, I know, is putting on a face, and the poor man has a case of envy, given that his two flatmates are now loved up and I look forward to getting his story!
As I said, I liked this book, just couldn't quite love it though, like book one, (sorry!)
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1806 KP) rated A Little Christmas! Matty's Secret in Books
Jan 23, 2024
Loved the way Wes fit Matty's foxes into his life.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the 2nd season of A Little Christmas. You don't need to read the others, they all stand alone within the series. I would recommend you read Hanging With Daddy, by JP Sayle though before this one. We first met Matty there, he is Gaines' best friend. And since Gaines and his Daddy Austin play a large part here, it might help to have their story first. Not necessary, just a personal point.
Matty keeps picking the bad ones, and now questions everything. Weston comes across the cute little Pumpkin in the park and is smitten. But can Matty let Weston in??
What this is, is a wonderfully written, delightfully told tale of letting someone into your heart, even though you know it might get broken.
It's sweet and smexy, cute and cuddly, and all sorts of things that might take too long to type!
I loved catching up with Gaines and Austin, but also with Terrence and Warner, for the first Little Christmas series. Austin, Warner and Weston turn out to be very close friends, and I loved how they all slot into each other's lives here.
There is very little drama between Wes and Matty. The drama is called by Matty's ex, Putrid Peter. Have to say, that did make me laugh, calling him that but it fits perfectly!
Loved the way Wes fitted Matty's foxes into his life. The plates were a particularly cute touch. But Weston wants Matty happy, and he will do what Matty needs him to.
I did like being made to wait for the main event though! While there are smexy, steamy times, they don't go all the way til very near the end of the book, and I loved that!
I loved it, exercises and all! (But I'm with Matty on that front, walking is enough :-) )
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the 2nd season of A Little Christmas. You don't need to read the others, they all stand alone within the series. I would recommend you read Hanging With Daddy, by JP Sayle though before this one. We first met Matty there, he is Gaines' best friend. And since Gaines and his Daddy Austin play a large part here, it might help to have their story first. Not necessary, just a personal point.
Matty keeps picking the bad ones, and now questions everything. Weston comes across the cute little Pumpkin in the park and is smitten. But can Matty let Weston in??
What this is, is a wonderfully written, delightfully told tale of letting someone into your heart, even though you know it might get broken.
It's sweet and smexy, cute and cuddly, and all sorts of things that might take too long to type!
I loved catching up with Gaines and Austin, but also with Terrence and Warner, for the first Little Christmas series. Austin, Warner and Weston turn out to be very close friends, and I loved how they all slot into each other's lives here.
There is very little drama between Wes and Matty. The drama is called by Matty's ex, Putrid Peter. Have to say, that did make me laugh, calling him that but it fits perfectly!
Loved the way Wes fitted Matty's foxes into his life. The plates were a particularly cute touch. But Weston wants Matty happy, and he will do what Matty needs him to.
I did like being made to wait for the main event though! While there are smexy, steamy times, they don't go all the way til very near the end of the book, and I loved that!
I loved it, exercises and all! (But I'm with Matty on that front, walking is enough :-) )
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
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 (1806 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 (1806 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 (1806 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 (1806 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