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Debbiereadsbook (1829 KP) rated His Mate By Defiance (Lunetti Pack #4) in Books
Mar 7, 2026
a slow build but perfect for these two!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Lunetti Pack series and I do recommend you read the previous books before this one. Someone is out for the Lunetti Pack and the back story will help. There is also a short book, that not only introduces the Lunetti Pack, but it gives Adri and Rafe's first meeting. I have not read that book, but I don't feel I missed anything, cos much of that meeting is in this book.
13 years. 13 years, Rafe has waited for Adri, but no more. The darn cat will recover from his latest injuries in Rafe's bed and they WILL get to know each other, dammit!
I love this pack and the people in it, but these two might just be my favourite!
Rafe is a wolf, and Adri is a cat and they head butt throughout the book, in the best way!
The romance is slow to build, but I think for these two, it was right and proper. The mating takes right til near the end, but Rafe was waiting for Adri to make the decision. He would have waite forever, he really would. Probably would have agreed to be with Adri, but unmated, if that's what Adri wanted.
There is some violence here, Adri is part of a fight ring that has been targeted by whomever is after the Lunetti Pack. Not entirely sure if the D-2s have been in other books (I've been to sleep soince I read them!) but that is who the bad guys are here. The steam level, I thought, was on the lower side, but no less effective for these two. Since Rafe is waiting for Adri, it does take time for them to get down and dirty.
Marco is next. I have been waiting for him to get his HEA, and given how he feels about his pack getting theirs, it's right and proper that his story is the last one.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Lunetti Pack series and I do recommend you read the previous books before this one. Someone is out for the Lunetti Pack and the back story will help. There is also a short book, that not only introduces the Lunetti Pack, but it gives Adri and Rafe's first meeting. I have not read that book, but I don't feel I missed anything, cos much of that meeting is in this book.
13 years. 13 years, Rafe has waited for Adri, but no more. The darn cat will recover from his latest injuries in Rafe's bed and they WILL get to know each other, dammit!
I love this pack and the people in it, but these two might just be my favourite!
Rafe is a wolf, and Adri is a cat and they head butt throughout the book, in the best way!
The romance is slow to build, but I think for these two, it was right and proper. The mating takes right til near the end, but Rafe was waiting for Adri to make the decision. He would have waite forever, he really would. Probably would have agreed to be with Adri, but unmated, if that's what Adri wanted.
There is some violence here, Adri is part of a fight ring that has been targeted by whomever is after the Lunetti Pack. Not entirely sure if the D-2s have been in other books (I've been to sleep soince I read them!) but that is who the bad guys are here. The steam level, I thought, was on the lower side, but no less effective for these two. Since Rafe is waiting for Adri, it does take time for them to get down and dirty.
Marco is next. I have been waiting for him to get his HEA, and given how he feels about his pack getting theirs, it's right and proper that his story is the last one.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1829 KP) rated Now Comes the Dark (Basic Instincts #1) in Books
May 24, 2026
solid 4 star start to series
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Basic Instincts series, and I am reading it AFTER I already book 2, Nothing but The Night, 5 stars and book 3, Beyond The Darkness, 4 stars. I think this might have skewed my enjoyment a little, since I know what happens in future books. That said, reading this book has answered some questions! So, I would recommend you read them in order, but not strictly necessary.
Roman just wants to get laid, and Mallon catches his eye. But Mallon goes off with someone else, and Roman finds himself wandering the streets to get home. Not a good idea, given as there is a murderer on the loose and the police aren't doing anything. Mallon saves him from a beating. Roman falls hard and fast, but Mallon is keeping secrets, and that murderer is closing in on his latest target.
Since I read books 2 and 3, I knew about the killer and what happens. I just didn't know how things are bought to a head. And, as in the other books, Collins pulls a blinder of a twist, as to who that was. However, I think I saw that coming, or I picked the clues up from previous books. Not that it mattered, I loved watching it all play out.
It does carry some violence, both Roman and Mallon suffer here, but I do think it is necessary for the story.
Steamy, too. But I'm finding these books are more about the crime aspect, that the smex and I do like that!
I liked that the secrets that Mallon were keeping weren't quite what I expected, but it was dealt with very well.
The majority voice is Roman's. Mallon gets a couple of chapters but not as many as Roman. AND!! We get the bad guy. I do love hearing from the bad guy!
4 very VERY good stars (but had I read them in order, it would probably be a 5! Sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Basic Instincts series, and I am reading it AFTER I already book 2, Nothing but The Night, 5 stars and book 3, Beyond The Darkness, 4 stars. I think this might have skewed my enjoyment a little, since I know what happens in future books. That said, reading this book has answered some questions! So, I would recommend you read them in order, but not strictly necessary.
Roman just wants to get laid, and Mallon catches his eye. But Mallon goes off with someone else, and Roman finds himself wandering the streets to get home. Not a good idea, given as there is a murderer on the loose and the police aren't doing anything. Mallon saves him from a beating. Roman falls hard and fast, but Mallon is keeping secrets, and that murderer is closing in on his latest target.
Since I read books 2 and 3, I knew about the killer and what happens. I just didn't know how things are bought to a head. And, as in the other books, Collins pulls a blinder of a twist, as to who that was. However, I think I saw that coming, or I picked the clues up from previous books. Not that it mattered, I loved watching it all play out.
It does carry some violence, both Roman and Mallon suffer here, but I do think it is necessary for the story.
Steamy, too. But I'm finding these books are more about the crime aspect, that the smex and I do like that!
I liked that the secrets that Mallon were keeping weren't quite what I expected, but it was dealt with very well.
The majority voice is Roman's. Mallon gets a couple of chapters but not as many as Roman. AND!! We get the bad guy. I do love hearing from the bad guy!
4 very VERY good stars (but had I read them in order, it would probably be a 5! Sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2)
10.0
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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
The Demon Bodyguard
10.0
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A fateful assignment leads to one fated mate! Zeke My brother, Mal, might have been happy to...
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
Merissa (14188 KP) rated The Complete Grimm Chronicles (The Grimm Chronicles Box Set) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
I honestly don't know where to start with this book as there are so many good points. I guess a good place to start with what you actually get with this book. This book contains all 12 episodes of the series, as well as the bonus "Lost diaries" of previous heroes and all of the collected Grimm's Fairy Tales so it makes for a very long and satisfying read.
The best way I can describe this set of books is to tell you to imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer but instead of the Scoobies and her Watcher, imagine a great big, talking, sometimes visible, white Rabbit called Briar to his friends, otherwise known as Br'er Rabbit.
The wit is fast and sharp and on pretty much every page. There is also exhaustion, pain, temptation, and even time for the usual teenage angst. There are no plot holes and the story continues with a smooth flow, making your reading of it completely and thoroughly enjoyable. Be prepared though, if you're anything like me, you will cry! And not just once, either. Characters that you don't like to start with insidiously get under your skin until you do like them and then, of course, you worry about their well-being. (Yes, I know it's a book but it's written that well that you do care!!)
These fairy tales stay true to the originals by the Brothers Grimm, they have not been Disney-fied in any way. You could even say that they are 'grim' as they involve people being eaten, violence, and self-mutilation. These are all things that actually happened in these stories before they were 'softened' for today's children.
If you want a change from Disney, if you like a butt-kicking, fast-witted but altogether relatable Hero, if you want the warmth that the friendship of the Hero's helper or if you just want to read about fairy tales, then I can definitely recommend this set of Chronicles. Seriously, I can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 08, 2015
The best way I can describe this set of books is to tell you to imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer but instead of the Scoobies and her Watcher, imagine a great big, talking, sometimes visible, white Rabbit called Briar to his friends, otherwise known as Br'er Rabbit.
The wit is fast and sharp and on pretty much every page. There is also exhaustion, pain, temptation, and even time for the usual teenage angst. There are no plot holes and the story continues with a smooth flow, making your reading of it completely and thoroughly enjoyable. Be prepared though, if you're anything like me, you will cry! And not just once, either. Characters that you don't like to start with insidiously get under your skin until you do like them and then, of course, you worry about their well-being. (Yes, I know it's a book but it's written that well that you do care!!)
These fairy tales stay true to the originals by the Brothers Grimm, they have not been Disney-fied in any way. You could even say that they are 'grim' as they involve people being eaten, violence, and self-mutilation. These are all things that actually happened in these stories before they were 'softened' for today's children.
If you want a change from Disney, if you like a butt-kicking, fast-witted but altogether relatable Hero, if you want the warmth that the friendship of the Hero's helper or if you just want to read about fairy tales, then I can definitely recommend this set of Chronicles. Seriously, I can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 08, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Yellow in Books
Dec 13, 2023
🔞 Full on Trigger warnings for everything!! 🔞
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
195 of 235
Kindle
Yellow
By Aron Beauregard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF THEY TOOK EVERYTHING?
Oliver Fitch has a troubling issue; he lives in a state of constant terror. After purchasing a convenience store in a once civil society, the streets around him have rapidly devolved into utter lawlessness. They're now festering with sinister gutter scum that only live to harass and intimidate him. His pathetic profits are gouged under the threat of violence and there isn't a damn thing he can do about it. Because in a city with no rules, where the sun never shines, the authorities are no help. In fact, they're an equal part of the problem.
The relentless fear of confrontation is so obvious that even Oliver's wife Lydia has grown to resent his spineless existence. The absence of bravado opens the door to a horrific home invasion that leaves the miserable pair savagely maimed. From there, things only get worse until the criminal leeches have taken everything. Until there's nothing left inside but hate and the gnawing hunger for revenge. Until a switch finally flips and Oliver realizes that they all have to die.
First of all this comes with massive triggers in fact the whole book is one fat trigger warning so I don’t recommend if you have a sensitive nature.
This is my first venture into this genre and wow it hit hard!
I just couldn’t stop reading and I’m not sure how when it was bloody brutal.
After 2 men break into his home and brutally attack him and his wife Oliver goes on a vengeful killing spree taking out those corrupt and down right evil. These people terrorise the neighbourhood and it’s not just criminals. This is not for the faint hearted. It’s gore, graphic, horrific and just brutal (yes I’ve used that word a few times as I can’t think of any other way to describe it).
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
195 of 235
Kindle
Yellow
By Aron Beauregard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF THEY TOOK EVERYTHING?
Oliver Fitch has a troubling issue; he lives in a state of constant terror. After purchasing a convenience store in a once civil society, the streets around him have rapidly devolved into utter lawlessness. They're now festering with sinister gutter scum that only live to harass and intimidate him. His pathetic profits are gouged under the threat of violence and there isn't a damn thing he can do about it. Because in a city with no rules, where the sun never shines, the authorities are no help. In fact, they're an equal part of the problem.
The relentless fear of confrontation is so obvious that even Oliver's wife Lydia has grown to resent his spineless existence. The absence of bravado opens the door to a horrific home invasion that leaves the miserable pair savagely maimed. From there, things only get worse until the criminal leeches have taken everything. Until there's nothing left inside but hate and the gnawing hunger for revenge. Until a switch finally flips and Oliver realizes that they all have to die.
First of all this comes with massive triggers in fact the whole book is one fat trigger warning so I don’t recommend if you have a sensitive nature.
This is my first venture into this genre and wow it hit hard!
I just couldn’t stop reading and I’m not sure how when it was bloody brutal.
After 2 men break into his home and brutally attack him and his wife Oliver goes on a vengeful killing spree taking out those corrupt and down right evil. These people terrorise the neighbourhood and it’s not just criminals. This is not for the faint hearted. It’s gore, graphic, horrific and just brutal (yes I’ve used that word a few times as I can’t think of any other way to describe it).
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The King's Man (2021) in Movies
Dec 14, 2021
After being delayed multiple times from a planned November 2019 release; Writer/Director Matthew Vaughn has released the third film in the “Kingsman “film series with “The King’s Man”. This time around the movie looks back to the origins of the society dedicated to peace and solving global conflicts before they can escalate.
In pre-World War I Europe; wealthy pacifist Orlando Oxford (Ralph Finnes); looks to raise his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson); following the tragic loss of his wife some years earlier on a Red Cross mission.
When events kick off the war; Conrad wishes to enlist and fight and his father is able to keep this from happening as he wants his son to avoid the horrors of war. At the same time; a secret Cabal has been plotting to start the war and manipulate the outcome and one of the agents named Rasputin (Rhys Ifans); looms prominently due to his influence over the Czar of Russia.
As the years pass and the war unfolds; Conrad and Orlando soon find themselves at odds and being pulled into opposite directions which sets a chain of events into action and puts the fate of the world in the balance.
The film is at times more retrained than the prior two films but the action sequences when they arrive are entertaining and mix the humor and violence that the series is known for. The cast is solid and the way that historical events were used but given an alternate perspective really added to the enjoyment of the film.
The movie does have a decent amount of humor but does spend a great deal of time on character development and exposition which can lead to some long gaps between the action, but the engaging stories and characters hold your interest throughout.
The film sets up further adventures in the Prequel timeline well and it appears that this is the direction that future films may go which would be more than fine as the film delivered what fans have come to expect from the series.
4 stars out of 5
In pre-World War I Europe; wealthy pacifist Orlando Oxford (Ralph Finnes); looks to raise his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson); following the tragic loss of his wife some years earlier on a Red Cross mission.
When events kick off the war; Conrad wishes to enlist and fight and his father is able to keep this from happening as he wants his son to avoid the horrors of war. At the same time; a secret Cabal has been plotting to start the war and manipulate the outcome and one of the agents named Rasputin (Rhys Ifans); looms prominently due to his influence over the Czar of Russia.
As the years pass and the war unfolds; Conrad and Orlando soon find themselves at odds and being pulled into opposite directions which sets a chain of events into action and puts the fate of the world in the balance.
The film is at times more retrained than the prior two films but the action sequences when they arrive are entertaining and mix the humor and violence that the series is known for. The cast is solid and the way that historical events were used but given an alternate perspective really added to the enjoyment of the film.
The movie does have a decent amount of humor but does spend a great deal of time on character development and exposition which can lead to some long gaps between the action, but the engaging stories and characters hold your interest throughout.
The film sets up further adventures in the Prequel timeline well and it appears that this is the direction that future films may go which would be more than fine as the film delivered what fans have come to expect from the series.
4 stars out of 5
This is an incredible debut novel. Yamaye is a young black woman who is immersed in the Dub music scene of the 1970s and 1980s. She spends her free time clubbing at The Crypt (it really is a crypt) where Dub music is the music that young black people all want to listen and dance to. Yamaye works so that she can go clubbing and buy the clothes that she wants to wear there (which all sound very cool, by the way).
But there’s a cloud that hangs over Yamaye’s life. Her mother left when she was young, and she has been raised by a father who seems thoroughly heartbroken by his wife’s departure. There’s also the spectre of racism and police brutality looming over her. Yamaye becomes involved in police brutality protests, and then becomes embroiled in a gang in Bristol, leaving London and her troubles there behind. Or so it seems, because it looked to me like she was just swapping one set of problems for another.
I loved this book, and I wish that it had come with a playlist on Spotify (the actual book may well have a playlist, but I read the NetGalley download) - but never fear! I went looking myself, and was ably assisted by my 16 year old drumming mad son. Now he LOVED the music, and regularly drums along to these new bands and songs that he has discovered for himself.
This is an engaging, exciting story with a vibrancy through its descriptions of inner London as much as those of rural Jamaica. The Jamaican patois was for me the icing on the cake. It made such a distinctive voice (quite literally!), and I soon fell into it’s rhythms.
It’s a book that reminded me of how I felt about music as a young woman (ok, it was different music, but still!) and how it crept into everything in my life.
Themes include: race, misogyny, police violence, oppression of people of colour, gangs, the legacy of slavery, music and belonging. At least these are the themes that I could pick out!
It’s an amazing book - just read it!
But there’s a cloud that hangs over Yamaye’s life. Her mother left when she was young, and she has been raised by a father who seems thoroughly heartbroken by his wife’s departure. There’s also the spectre of racism and police brutality looming over her. Yamaye becomes involved in police brutality protests, and then becomes embroiled in a gang in Bristol, leaving London and her troubles there behind. Or so it seems, because it looked to me like she was just swapping one set of problems for another.
I loved this book, and I wish that it had come with a playlist on Spotify (the actual book may well have a playlist, but I read the NetGalley download) - but never fear! I went looking myself, and was ably assisted by my 16 year old drumming mad son. Now he LOVED the music, and regularly drums along to these new bands and songs that he has discovered for himself.
This is an engaging, exciting story with a vibrancy through its descriptions of inner London as much as those of rural Jamaica. The Jamaican patois was for me the icing on the cake. It made such a distinctive voice (quite literally!), and I soon fell into it’s rhythms.
It’s a book that reminded me of how I felt about music as a young woman (ok, it was different music, but still!) and how it crept into everything in my life.
Themes include: race, misogyny, police violence, oppression of people of colour, gangs, the legacy of slavery, music and belonging. At least these are the themes that I could pick out!
It’s an amazing book - just read it!
Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1)
8.0
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The planet Ethos is at war with a savage enemy known as the Splicers. Their only successful defense...
Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Mystery