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Debbiereadsbook (1851 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
Debbiereadsbook (1851 KP) rated Embracing the Stalk (The Rhubarb Effect #4) in Books
Nov 30, 2024
full of rhubarb, custard and goat jokes!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Book 4 of seven in The Rhubarb Effect series, and they are still keeping me entertained!
This is the story of Red (a rhubarb) and Gordon (a goat) Someone keeps trying to kidnap Red and he is scared, but Gordon makes him feels safe, secure and happy. If the pair can live cocooned in Red's house, he would be a happy stalk, but it doesn't quite work out and the pair end up in the pack house.
These books are a lot, and I mean a LOT of fun! Full of rhubarb, custard and goat jokes, they are laugh out loud books and I'm thoroughly enjoying them.
They are keeping on tenterhooks too. Because we know WHO is trying to kidnap Red, but not yet WHY and it's annoying that I haven't figured it out yet!
There is steam a plenty in these books, and this is no exception. I loved that it was the ALPHA partner, Gordon, who was inexperienced, rather than the omega, Red. I loved how Red accepted the thing that goats do, when mating in his stride and Gordon was so fretting over it.
So we are 4 down, and 3 to go. I still don't know which of the pride is the sheriff's mate, unless my book brain missed it. And I really NEED to know why the old pride alpha is so intent on destroying the wonderful village that is Valentine.
4 thoroughly entertaining stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Book 4 of seven in The Rhubarb Effect series, and they are still keeping me entertained!
This is the story of Red (a rhubarb) and Gordon (a goat) Someone keeps trying to kidnap Red and he is scared, but Gordon makes him feels safe, secure and happy. If the pair can live cocooned in Red's house, he would be a happy stalk, but it doesn't quite work out and the pair end up in the pack house.
These books are a lot, and I mean a LOT of fun! Full of rhubarb, custard and goat jokes, they are laugh out loud books and I'm thoroughly enjoying them.
They are keeping on tenterhooks too. Because we know WHO is trying to kidnap Red, but not yet WHY and it's annoying that I haven't figured it out yet!
There is steam a plenty in these books, and this is no exception. I loved that it was the ALPHA partner, Gordon, who was inexperienced, rather than the omega, Red. I loved how Red accepted the thing that goats do, when mating in his stride and Gordon was so fretting over it.
So we are 4 down, and 3 to go. I still don't know which of the pride is the sheriff's mate, unless my book brain missed it. And I really NEED to know why the old pride alpha is so intent on destroying the wonderful village that is Valentine.
4 thoroughly entertaining stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1851 KP) rated Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3) in Books
Apr 28, 2025
a bit slower burn, but very good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1851 KP) rated Cowboy Watch (The Watchers #1) in Books
May 11, 2025
I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Kellan inherits her mother's house. She doesn't want it, it holds too many bad memories. But things start to change when she goes home to close up the house and land for sale. She meets Luke for a start. He doesn't want her to sell, for his own reasons. Then someone starts shooting at Kellan, and there is someone watching Kellan.
I liked this. I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice. Not a bad thing, but it needs mentioning. It does carry some violence, on page, to both Kellan and Luke, I do, however, think it was necessary for the pinnacle of the plot.
I think what . . bothered. . . me the most was this book is billed as the Watchers stories. Taken straight from the blurb: Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.
One last chance.
These are their stories . . .
And we get very little, only a teeny tiny bit in the last chapter! I wanted more from The Watchers, how they were feeling about how things were going, and what they were going to do next. How they felt about being given this last chance, and there is nothing from them, other than when they reveal who they are to Kellan and Luke right at the end.
So, a Nice book, with a little drama, that filled a gap between two very heavy reads, but doesn't quite deliver what it promised.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kellan inherits her mother's house. She doesn't want it, it holds too many bad memories. But things start to change when she goes home to close up the house and land for sale. She meets Luke for a start. He doesn't want her to sell, for his own reasons. Then someone starts shooting at Kellan, and there is someone watching Kellan.
I liked this. I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice. Not a bad thing, but it needs mentioning. It does carry some violence, on page, to both Kellan and Luke, I do, however, think it was necessary for the pinnacle of the plot.
I think what . . bothered. . . me the most was this book is billed as the Watchers stories. Taken straight from the blurb: Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.
One last chance.
These are their stories . . .
And we get very little, only a teeny tiny bit in the last chapter! I wanted more from The Watchers, how they were feeling about how things were going, and what they were going to do next. How they felt about being given this last chance, and there is nothing from them, other than when they reveal who they are to Kellan and Luke right at the end.
So, a Nice book, with a little drama, that filled a gap between two very heavy reads, but doesn't quite deliver what it promised.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1851 KP) rated Bed Hopping: Island Confidential Novella in Books
Jul 24, 2025
Not ever so steamy but emotional!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1851 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 (1851 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 (1851 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 (1851 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 (1851 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