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Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Show No Mercy in Books
Nov 20, 2024
i liked the instanta nd powerful attraction
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for his life with a bleeding stranger in tow.
I liked that this book jumps straight into what is going on with Callum, and that Hector gets pulled in. I wasn't sure it was going to work for me, but it holds up well through the book, that start. It's sort of sets the pace for the book.
I did feel though, at times, that the pace was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quick. I found myself struggling to keep up, things were happening so fast. But it's a relatively short book, 195 pages, and you can only get so much on the page count. I would have just liked a bit of a let up from everything, really. Just to catch my breath!
I would have liked some more of the suspense that is tagged with the book. There is, I felt, none. We know, right from the start, who is doing what they are doing to Callum and Hector.
But there is lots of the passion the book is tagged with, and I liked that the attraction and connection between these two men is powerful and almost instant, but it never ever wavers, not even when they are both faced with such a situation they find themselves in.
Only Hector gets a say though. And really this is the only reason I rounded my 3.5 stars down, rather than up.
3.5 stars, rounded down for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hector's blind date goes wrong, and then he finds himself running for his life with a bleeding stranger in tow.
I liked that this book jumps straight into what is going on with Callum, and that Hector gets pulled in. I wasn't sure it was going to work for me, but it holds up well through the book, that start. It's sort of sets the pace for the book.
I did feel though, at times, that the pace was WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quick. I found myself struggling to keep up, things were happening so fast. But it's a relatively short book, 195 pages, and you can only get so much on the page count. I would have just liked a bit of a let up from everything, really. Just to catch my breath!
I would have liked some more of the suspense that is tagged with the book. There is, I felt, none. We know, right from the start, who is doing what they are doing to Callum and Hector.
But there is lots of the passion the book is tagged with, and I liked that the attraction and connection between these two men is powerful and almost instant, but it never ever wavers, not even when they are both faced with such a situation they find themselves in.
Only Hector gets a say though. And really this is the only reason I rounded my 3.5 stars down, rather than up.
3.5 stars, rounded down for the blog.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice in Books
Dec 13, 2024
It's cute and sweet and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 8 in the Once Upon A Holiday series, a multi author series joined ony by the Hook's Book Nook Travelling Library, which pops up in all the books. I have not read any of those, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Luther is suffering after being medically discharged from the Marines, fostering his daughter and trying to make ends meet. Meeting Doug at the local craft market, and the pair embark on a tentative relationship, that sees Doug away from long periods. Can they make it work?
I liked this, a good deal.
It's sweet and cute, its warm and fuzzies and low angst. Not ever so explicit, but I didn't miss that. It's more about the budding relationship between these two, than the smex. I liked that it was low steam, to be honest.
I kinda didn't feel their connection at the beginning though. I felt they met, met again and then jumped into bed together. It just felt a little off, to ME, that's all. The connection DOES build, just that intial bit didn't quite work for me.
LOVED the way Luther introduces Mila and Doug, and how they all get along with Violet, Luther's sister. She has a story to tell, I'm sure! Oh and Oscar! Children and dogs for the win!
A good read, one that passed a very dull shift at work. One that made me smile.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Bleed In The Night (Blood and Bonds #2) in Books
Mar 2, 2024
these books are keeping me on my toes!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Blood and Bonds series, and I STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Touch In The Night, before this one. It will givev you Tyler and Lucien's meeting, but it will also give you the background you need about the haemophiles and how they live in this world. It will, as well, give you what the rest of the haemophiles think of Lucien, that's very important.
Because when we get to hear why Lucien does what he does, I was surprised! He's not quite the bad guy he's portrayed to be.
I loved how Tyler flips his opinion of Lucien, when faced with the consequences of his actions, it made for a speedy turnaround, butit alos made Tyler see, really see Lucien, and what he has been doing, and why. The history of the vampire of this world is different to anthing I've read before and I love that.
Again, only Tyler gets a say. And again, I wish we had heard from Lucien. I really think this would be a 5 star if he had.
Somethinghappens right near the end of thisbook that has thrown me for a loop, and this book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and it makes me think if Lucien and Tyler will appear again. Emory and Jesse appear here, from book one.
Again, 4 very VERY good stars.
These books are keeping me on my toes and making my bok brain whir! Keep em coming, please!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Blood and Bonds series, and I STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Touch In The Night, before this one. It will givev you Tyler and Lucien's meeting, but it will also give you the background you need about the haemophiles and how they live in this world. It will, as well, give you what the rest of the haemophiles think of Lucien, that's very important.
Because when we get to hear why Lucien does what he does, I was surprised! He's not quite the bad guy he's portrayed to be.
I loved how Tyler flips his opinion of Lucien, when faced with the consequences of his actions, it made for a speedy turnaround, butit alos made Tyler see, really see Lucien, and what he has been doing, and why. The history of the vampire of this world is different to anthing I've read before and I love that.
Again, only Tyler gets a say. And again, I wish we had heard from Lucien. I really think this would be a 5 star if he had.
Somethinghappens right near the end of thisbook that has thrown me for a loop, and this book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and it makes me think if Lucien and Tyler will appear again. Emory and Jesse appear here, from book one.
Again, 4 very VERY good stars.
These books are keeping me on my toes and making my bok brain whir! Keep em coming, please!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Island Detour (Sunrise Island #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2024
throughly enjoyable 4 star read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sophie is accused of doing something she knew she did not do, and is suspended from her teaching post. Taking a job in Florida, helping out a friend, seemed the best thing to do during that time. But she was unprepared for taking a lead role in the school and she was totally unprepared for Max, another teacher at the school, trying to get his environmental institute off the ground. They both have demons to fight, but will they be stronger together?
What I especially liked about this book was the slow burn between Sophie and Max. There was immediate attraction, sure, but Max thinks Sophie has ulterior motives for being at the school and he trusts so rarely. It takes him time to see that Sophie can calm his demons, and he, hers. They both just need to admit, trust and give in to each other.
Both Max and Sophie get a say, and I'm glad they did.
There is passion, heat and love here, but I found the smexy times were very much faded to black and I liked that. I do like the smexy books, sure, but I can also appreciate a fade to black book, if the story is a good one.
And this is a good book! It's a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first by this author. I'd like to read something else, something with a bit more bite.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sophie is accused of doing something she knew she did not do, and is suspended from her teaching post. Taking a job in Florida, helping out a friend, seemed the best thing to do during that time. But she was unprepared for taking a lead role in the school and she was totally unprepared for Max, another teacher at the school, trying to get his environmental institute off the ground. They both have demons to fight, but will they be stronger together?
What I especially liked about this book was the slow burn between Sophie and Max. There was immediate attraction, sure, but Max thinks Sophie has ulterior motives for being at the school and he trusts so rarely. It takes him time to see that Sophie can calm his demons, and he, hers. They both just need to admit, trust and give in to each other.
Both Max and Sophie get a say, and I'm glad they did.
There is passion, heat and love here, but I found the smexy times were very much faded to black and I liked that. I do like the smexy books, sure, but I can also appreciate a fade to black book, if the story is a good one.
And this is a good book! It's a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first by this author. I'd like to read something else, something with a bit more bite.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated How To Train Your Human Omega (Coveted Bonds #1) in Books
Mar 24, 2024
very enjoyable read!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I enjoyed this, a lot!
Clay is human, and Arcay is Aldar. Arcay is Alpha and unmated: he will be lucky to ever be, since omegas are very rare, but steppingon Clay's ship changes all that. He just needs to claim clay, and they can both be happy ever after, right? Oh hell no!
I loved that Clay fought Arcay at every turn, he was not gonna be strongarmed into smething he didn't know! Once he makes that clear to Arcay, though, Arcay does try. It's the other alphas on his ship that are sniffing around Clay, while Clay makes his mind up. Some confrontations occur, which push Clay into making a decision.
Lots of misunderstandings in this book due to the language difference but the best one came right at the end! I loved that, but not saying what it is. Generally they were amusing throughout the whole book though.
Steamy and smexy in places, dark and deadly in others. Some difficult topics hit upon, too. Funny and emotional too.
Some things are a little unfinished, I think. So, I hope things are tidied up in the next book.
From what I can see, this is the author's first book, or the first one under this name. In places that comes across BUT I can see that will change as the author continues to write. There is that book 2 planned, and I hope I can get to read it!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I enjoyed this, a lot!
Clay is human, and Arcay is Aldar. Arcay is Alpha and unmated: he will be lucky to ever be, since omegas are very rare, but steppingon Clay's ship changes all that. He just needs to claim clay, and they can both be happy ever after, right? Oh hell no!
I loved that Clay fought Arcay at every turn, he was not gonna be strongarmed into smething he didn't know! Once he makes that clear to Arcay, though, Arcay does try. It's the other alphas on his ship that are sniffing around Clay, while Clay makes his mind up. Some confrontations occur, which push Clay into making a decision.
Lots of misunderstandings in this book due to the language difference but the best one came right at the end! I loved that, but not saying what it is. Generally they were amusing throughout the whole book though.
Steamy and smexy in places, dark and deadly in others. Some difficult topics hit upon, too. Funny and emotional too.
Some things are a little unfinished, I think. So, I hope things are tidied up in the next book.
From what I can see, this is the author's first book, or the first one under this name. In places that comes across BUT I can see that will change as the author continues to write. There is that book 2 planned, and I hope I can get to read it!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Town Bronze Box Set in Books
Sep 1, 2024
it was a wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.
I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.
I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.
The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.
Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.
This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.
And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!
The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.
WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewheree
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Ginger Snapping All The Way (Love In Mission City #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2024
the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Abandon Station (Dyson Bridge #1) in Books
May 6, 2024
it finishes on a cliffhanger I did not see coming at me, and I was not prepared!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
So, here's the thing, right?
I am mighty, MIGHTY annoyed at this book. Why? Because I thought it was a complete story, and it's not: it finishes on a cliffhanger I did not see coming at me, and I hate that! I wasn't prepared, I really wasn't, when it ended, and I am not happy.
It was a great read, though! I was fully engrossed in Merida and her people.
In the now Earth, it was a bit technical,but I kinda read those bits and glanced over the technical jargon used. In the NEW Earth, things were more understandable and I could even follow the politics! There's a lot going on that she isn't privy to, and her people are in danger of being stranded.
But peeps? That cliffhanger means I gotta wait to find out if Merida can get home, if she can find all her people from across the globe, and if her ex gets whatever he deserves!
A quick glance, and I cannot see when I might get my hands on book 2, either. So now, I'm doubly annoyed, with a review to write. Why do I put myself through this, you ask? Let me tell you.
To find books and authors like this: out of my comfort zone and new to me. I loved this book, bar that ending and I'm very pleased, as well as annoyed, that I got to read it.
4 most EXCELLENT stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
So, here's the thing, right?
I am mighty, MIGHTY annoyed at this book. Why? Because I thought it was a complete story, and it's not: it finishes on a cliffhanger I did not see coming at me, and I hate that! I wasn't prepared, I really wasn't, when it ended, and I am not happy.
It was a great read, though! I was fully engrossed in Merida and her people.
In the now Earth, it was a bit technical,but I kinda read those bits and glanced over the technical jargon used. In the NEW Earth, things were more understandable and I could even follow the politics! There's a lot going on that she isn't privy to, and her people are in danger of being stranded.
But peeps? That cliffhanger means I gotta wait to find out if Merida can get home, if she can find all her people from across the globe, and if her ex gets whatever he deserves!
A quick glance, and I cannot see when I might get my hands on book 2, either. So now, I'm doubly annoyed, with a review to write. Why do I put myself through this, you ask? Let me tell you.
To find books and authors like this: out of my comfort zone and new to me. I loved this book, bar that ending and I'm very pleased, as well as annoyed, that I got to read it.
4 most EXCELLENT stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated On Warmer Shores in Books
Aug 4, 2024
stunning 5 star read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts in Books
Nov 30, 2024
wouldn't have enjoyed as much, had I read it.
Indpendent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere