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Debbiereadsbook (1551 KP) rated Taking What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #4) in Books
Apr 24, 2025
super steamy!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Clockwork Dynasty in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Let me start by saying that I originally wasn't sure about this book. I had seen it on Netgalley a while back and loved the cover but after reading the description I just wasn't sure if it was something I would enjoy. I love fantasy and enjoy some sci-fi but humanoid clockwork type robots...not so sure. So I kept it on my radar but didn't request it until I read Mogsy's review on the bibliosanctum. I started it immediately and was so engrossed that I finished it in one day. It. Is. Amazing!
June is a character that I related to from the start. Her incessant curiosity and intelligence were refreshing and her love for her grandfather was endearing. I really enjoyed learning about Peter's story. The non linear storytelling, with flashbacks of his memories alternating with the present, was easy to follow. When Peter and June start working together the pacing really picks up and I couldn't put it down, I had to know what happened. The ending leaves room for a sequel but not with a cliffhanger, which is nice but I still want the sequel now lol. I really have no complaints about any part of this story. It's a wonderful adventure that makes you think. Anyone on the fence about this book like I was should just go ahead and read it, it's worth it.
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.**
June is a character that I related to from the start. Her incessant curiosity and intelligence were refreshing and her love for her grandfather was endearing. I really enjoyed learning about Peter's story. The non linear storytelling, with flashbacks of his memories alternating with the present, was easy to follow. When Peter and June start working together the pacing really picks up and I couldn't put it down, I had to know what happened. The ending leaves room for a sequel but not with a cliffhanger, which is nice but I still want the sequel now lol. I really have no complaints about any part of this story. It's a wonderful adventure that makes you think. Anyone on the fence about this book like I was should just go ahead and read it, it's worth it.
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.**
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Grime and Punishment (The Brothers Grime #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m rather picky about my MM Romances. I don’t know why, but I am. Josh Lanyon really started me on genre when I got book 4 in his Adrian English series for free one Christmas through All Romance E-Books. As soon as I read it I went and bought book 5 to see how it was all going to work out and I loved it. The only problem with that is the fact that I’ve probably been spoilt for most other MM books now.
That’s not to say it was bad or anything it just didn’t really do it for me, though I’m not entirely sure why. I liked the fact it was based around something different i.e. crime scene clearance, and it was interesting to read about the depth they go to to clean them.
The romance between the two main characters was quite sweet and progressed over time, which I liked much better than some others which just go straight into the hot and heavy. The two were likable in their own ways and when they finally kissed I was cheering them on.
I also really liked Gabe and Dave, they were always just looking out for Jack and trying to help him do the right thing, even if it didn’t always seem like it.
If you’re a fan of MM Romance’s then I’m sure you’ll like this.
I’m rather picky about my MM Romances. I don’t know why, but I am. Josh Lanyon really started me on genre when I got book 4 in his Adrian English series for free one Christmas through All Romance E-Books. As soon as I read it I went and bought book 5 to see how it was all going to work out and I loved it. The only problem with that is the fact that I’ve probably been spoilt for most other MM books now.
That’s not to say it was bad or anything it just didn’t really do it for me, though I’m not entirely sure why. I liked the fact it was based around something different i.e. crime scene clearance, and it was interesting to read about the depth they go to to clean them.
The romance between the two main characters was quite sweet and progressed over time, which I liked much better than some others which just go straight into the hot and heavy. The two were likable in their own ways and when they finally kissed I was cheering them on.
I also really liked Gabe and Dave, they were always just looking out for Jack and trying to help him do the right thing, even if it didn’t always seem like it.
If you’re a fan of MM Romance’s then I’m sure you’ll like this.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Stray (Shifters, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Pros:
*Werecats aren't done much, okay, pretty much at all.
*Paranormals rule (okay, so it's a lame reason and not always true - like in this case, but it's the only other thing I could think of)
Cons:
*Faythe isn't a great character; in fact, the more I read, the more I hated her - she's whiny, bitchy, manipulative, immature, obnoxious, and basically, she's just an all-around unpleasant person (plus I'm sure other adjectives I can't think of). She really doesn't deserve anyone around her; family or otherwise, namely hot guys.
*The plot is constantly stopped so the author can backtrack with history of werecats and what not - I'm not talking now and again, I'm talking it happens all the time! Ugh, enough! There needed to be a better way to do this, so that it actually flowed.
*First person narrative isn't right for what the author is writing - what with Faythe and the history.
*Do brothers and sisters actually act that way? I have two older brothers, and it is nothing like that. And I don't care that it's a werecat pack either.
*The whole deer hunting thing made me slightly sick. I'd rather the author had glossed over that if it absolutely had to be done.
*The whole concept was basically a rip-off of the (way, way better) werewolf books by Kelley Armstrong, especially Bitten.
*Even though it is fiction, the behavior of the werecats was more like wolves.
*I'm sorry but it's impossible to read someone that clearly. Nobody can read every single thought someone has by facial expressions or just because they know someone really well. Yes, there are ways to read people and there are experts in that field, and yes, sometime people can read other people every once in a while. But --- not the way Marc could read everything that went through Faythe's moronic head.
*The book was way too long, redundant, and needed major editing.
Overall:
I really wanted to like this, but I had to put it down after reading more than a third of it. I was very excited to read it because I love cats; it's just too bad it was overlong and had a horrible protagonist. I checked out Rachel Vincent's website to see if her sequels were going to feature someone other than Faythe, but sadly they are not. I'm glad I got this from the library and will not be looking for any other books from this author.
*Werecats aren't done much, okay, pretty much at all.
*Paranormals rule (okay, so it's a lame reason and not always true - like in this case, but it's the only other thing I could think of)
Cons:
*Faythe isn't a great character; in fact, the more I read, the more I hated her - she's whiny, bitchy, manipulative, immature, obnoxious, and basically, she's just an all-around unpleasant person (plus I'm sure other adjectives I can't think of). She really doesn't deserve anyone around her; family or otherwise, namely hot guys.
*The plot is constantly stopped so the author can backtrack with history of werecats and what not - I'm not talking now and again, I'm talking it happens all the time! Ugh, enough! There needed to be a better way to do this, so that it actually flowed.
*First person narrative isn't right for what the author is writing - what with Faythe and the history.
*Do brothers and sisters actually act that way? I have two older brothers, and it is nothing like that. And I don't care that it's a werecat pack either.
*The whole deer hunting thing made me slightly sick. I'd rather the author had glossed over that if it absolutely had to be done.
*The whole concept was basically a rip-off of the (way, way better) werewolf books by Kelley Armstrong, especially Bitten.
*Even though it is fiction, the behavior of the werecats was more like wolves.
*I'm sorry but it's impossible to read someone that clearly. Nobody can read every single thought someone has by facial expressions or just because they know someone really well. Yes, there are ways to read people and there are experts in that field, and yes, sometime people can read other people every once in a while. But --- not the way Marc could read everything that went through Faythe's moronic head.
*The book was way too long, redundant, and needed major editing.
Overall:
I really wanted to like this, but I had to put it down after reading more than a third of it. I was very excited to read it because I love cats; it's just too bad it was overlong and had a horrible protagonist. I checked out Rachel Vincent's website to see if her sequels were going to feature someone other than Faythe, but sadly they are not. I'm glad I got this from the library and will not be looking for any other books from this author.
Merissa (13373 KP) rated Fanning Fireflies (The Limerent Series #3) in Books
Aug 18, 2025
FANNING FIREFLIES is the third book in the Limerent series, although it can be read as a standalone. I have read Caio before this one, which was also a 5-star read. Caio does make an appearance in this story, but as a side character.
Veronica has an inherited gift of being able to see and talk to ghosts, as well as an affinity for fire. Both of these things, she keeps under wraps. After all, in 1944, such things weren't possible... were they? She lives with her mother and brother, Franklin. Her father disappeared, but it was no great loss. The reason Franklin stutters is because of their father. Money is scarce, but both Veronica and her mother have jobs at the local cigarette factory, which helps. Veronica's story really starts when she works for the Draft Board for some extra money and gets to meet some young Black Americans who are signing up to fight in the war. One of them, Lazlo, sticks in her mind, and she acts courageously, even though it might not seem such a big deal nowadays. They meet twice before he is sent overseas. But staying at home isn't safe for Veronica, not with the Knights of Harrisville taking over the town, the Klan in all but name.
This book was simply unputdownable! Once I started, I couldn't do a damn thing until I'd finished it. During my time reading, I had tears, horror, sadness, and anger. I can easily say this is an emotional read. And it isn't done for shock value, either. It gives you an accounting of a time and place that has been well-documented, but with a personal touch that makes it seem real.
I loved the epilogue and the information it gave me, although I was also sad at coming to the end of Veronica's story. And Franklin! Oh, my poor heart.
Anyway, this is a fantastic read that had me gripped from beginning to end. Because of Caio being mentioned, I really want to re-read his story again now, too. Unfortunately, I no longer have the e-book, so I guess it will have to wait until I can get all of these as physical copies. Yes, they're that good! Simply awesome and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Aug 18, 2025
Veronica has an inherited gift of being able to see and talk to ghosts, as well as an affinity for fire. Both of these things, she keeps under wraps. After all, in 1944, such things weren't possible... were they? She lives with her mother and brother, Franklin. Her father disappeared, but it was no great loss. The reason Franklin stutters is because of their father. Money is scarce, but both Veronica and her mother have jobs at the local cigarette factory, which helps. Veronica's story really starts when she works for the Draft Board for some extra money and gets to meet some young Black Americans who are signing up to fight in the war. One of them, Lazlo, sticks in her mind, and she acts courageously, even though it might not seem such a big deal nowadays. They meet twice before he is sent overseas. But staying at home isn't safe for Veronica, not with the Knights of Harrisville taking over the town, the Klan in all but name.
This book was simply unputdownable! Once I started, I couldn't do a damn thing until I'd finished it. During my time reading, I had tears, horror, sadness, and anger. I can easily say this is an emotional read. And it isn't done for shock value, either. It gives you an accounting of a time and place that has been well-documented, but with a personal touch that makes it seem real.
I loved the epilogue and the information it gave me, although I was also sad at coming to the end of Veronica's story. And Franklin! Oh, my poor heart.
Anyway, this is a fantastic read that had me gripped from beginning to end. Because of Caio being mentioned, I really want to re-read his story again now, too. Unfortunately, I no longer have the e-book, so I guess it will have to wait until I can get all of these as physical copies. Yes, they're that good! Simply awesome and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Aug 18, 2025
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Witch (The Cursed Manuscripts) in Books
May 30, 2021
I think I can safely say that I am a fan of Mr Wright's tales; they take me back to my teenage years when I read anything and everything that was described as horror or creepy and even now, in my 50's, I still enjoy a story "from the dark side"!
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
This is a good, short, quick read that has great characters and a great story however, I don't think the blurb makes much sense when you read the book - it doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual story and the only think I can think of is there are more to come ... which is great but a tad confusing.
The story is actually about 2 teenagers who, on escaping some bullies, find themselves stumbling upon a ruined house in the middle of a wood; what they find there defies belief but no-one sees what they do so they decide to sort it out themselves which devastating consequences.
This is a good start to, hopefully, a new series where we will get to learn what the "Cursed Manuscripts" are all about.
My eternal thanks go to the author who provided a copy to me to read and review, this is no way influenced my thoughts on this book and it is is unbiased and unedited.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Twilight Heist (Outlaws #2) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Tuck is in a group of thieves called The Outlaws. Leo is a lone wolf who doesn't let people in. He is friends with one of the Outlaws, Dan, but even he doesn't know about his past and Leo is not about to divulge the information to anybody any time soon! Tuck's past comes calling when somebody from his past calls on him for help. Is there more than meets the eye to this job?
This is book number 2 in the Heist series by Katherine. In my opinion, it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed finding out about the characters and didn't feel I had missed out on anything by not reading the first book. However, I will be looking to download the first book and any more that may come in the series as I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read.
I've read a few series by Katherine now and I feel that no matter what she's writing it pulls you in and takes you with it she is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Tuck is in a group of thieves called The Outlaws. Leo is a lone wolf who doesn't let people in. He is friends with one of the Outlaws, Dan, but even he doesn't know about his past and Leo is not about to divulge the information to anybody any time soon! Tuck's past comes calling when somebody from his past calls on him for help. Is there more than meets the eye to this job?
This is book number 2 in the Heist series by Katherine. In my opinion, it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed finding out about the characters and didn't feel I had missed out on anything by not reading the first book. However, I will be looking to download the first book and any more that may come in the series as I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read.
I've read a few series by Katherine now and I feel that no matter what she's writing it pulls you in and takes you with it she is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa (13373 KP) rated Blood Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy, #5) in Books
Nov 8, 2023
BLOOD WITCH is the fifth book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and, to get the best, you really need to read these in order.
Mabe thinks she is a blood witch, who are reviled for being evil. She doesn't know any differently though, just going by her symptoms. With Arlo's help, she has been drinking blood bags from the infirmary which is all good until the Council sends an Enforcer to find out what's going on. Enter Fin.
As with all the others in this series, it is fast-paced and insta-love. The thing I loved about this one - more than the relationship with Fin - was how Mabe finally accepted she has a coven and friends, not just roommates. Now, going back to her relationship with Fin. Fan yourselves because it's a HOT one. Mabe claims him and I loved the others' reaction to it, mainly because I felt the same!
One character I really don't like, and haven't so far, is Leanna Stolbright! I really want to see her comeuppance and am hoping she gets it!
A great read, so long as you've read the others.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 8, 2023
Mabe thinks she is a blood witch, who are reviled for being evil. She doesn't know any differently though, just going by her symptoms. With Arlo's help, she has been drinking blood bags from the infirmary which is all good until the Council sends an Enforcer to find out what's going on. Enter Fin.
As with all the others in this series, it is fast-paced and insta-love. The thing I loved about this one - more than the relationship with Fin - was how Mabe finally accepted she has a coven and friends, not just roommates. Now, going back to her relationship with Fin. Fan yourselves because it's a HOT one. Mabe claims him and I loved the others' reaction to it, mainly because I felt the same!
One character I really don't like, and haven't so far, is Leanna Stolbright! I really want to see her comeuppance and am hoping she gets it!
A great read, so long as you've read the others.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 8, 2023
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides, #8) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
Buy Now
Amazon
Normally I love Valerie Bowman and I have a weakness for childhood friends-to-lovers stories. That being said, I was disappointed that I didnt enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. Of course it was predictable. I could have laid out the plot for you before I even opened it. But that hasnt bothered me before. I like the main couple although I lost patience with heros stubbornness.
I cant pinpoint anything exactly wrong with this novel. I just felt underwhelmed once it ended? I love Valerie Bowman and will continue to read her novel, but this novel just didnt do it for me like she usually does.
Buy Now
Amazon
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Rose Society in Books
Jan 23, 2020
GUYS. GUYS. GUYSSS. Fair warning.
This book. Is dark. Like really dark. It is not disturbing. It is just plain and downright darker than the pits of Hell and it can only get darker by the time the third book comes out.
Strangely, though, I really liked the sequel to The Young Elites – much better than the first one, though now I’m wondering if I would have liked it a lot more if I read the book rather than listening to the audio version. (I’ve always had a fondness for Adelina because helloooo. She is a villain. Villains are up my alley. The librarian spoke the truth.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
This book. Is dark. Like really dark. It is not disturbing. It is just plain and downright darker than the pits of Hell and it can only get darker by the time the third book comes out.
Strangely, though, I really liked the sequel to The Young Elites – much better than the first one, though now I’m wondering if I would have liked it a lot more if I read the book rather than listening to the audio version. (I’ve always had a fondness for Adelina because helloooo. She is a villain. Villains are up my alley. The librarian spoke the truth.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>