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Debbiereadsbook (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 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 (1546 KP) rated To Tempt A Troubled Earl (Regency Rossingley #1) in Books
Mar 24, 2025
loved the interactions between Kit and Lando!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Lando has been grieving his dead lover for 3 years. When Kit and Anne, nephew and niece of Charles, turn up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, his hackles are raised. Especially when he hears WHY they are there. But not all is as it first seems, and there is a duke to ruin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Rossingley!
Lando is grieving, but for the most part, in secret. His staff are wonderful! But Kit throws him for a loop, not least because he is Charles' nephew (sort of) Once reasons are explained, things become clearer. Then there is the neighbour duke, who needs bringing down a peg or three.
I loved the interactions between Lando and Kit, both at the beginning and right through the book. They are well suited to each other! Not especially heavy on the steam, but just the right amount for this book and this time.
I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether! I understood why Lando does what he does, I think it was needed to make Kit see just what he means to Lando.
I'm intrigued by Lando's men, his butler and valet. I need their stories now!
I'm looking forward to returning to Rossingley at some point!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lando has been grieving his dead lover for 3 years. When Kit and Anne, nephew and niece of Charles, turn up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, his hackles are raised. Especially when he hears WHY they are there. But not all is as it first seems, and there is a duke to ruin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Rossingley!
Lando is grieving, but for the most part, in secret. His staff are wonderful! But Kit throws him for a loop, not least because he is Charles' nephew (sort of) Once reasons are explained, things become clearer. Then there is the neighbour duke, who needs bringing down a peg or three.
I loved the interactions between Lando and Kit, both at the beginning and right through the book. They are well suited to each other! Not especially heavy on the steam, but just the right amount for this book and this time.
I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether! I understood why Lando does what he does, I think it was needed to make Kit see just what he means to Lando.
I'm intrigued by Lando's men, his butler and valet. I need their stories now!
I'm looking forward to returning to Rossingley at some point!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1546 KP) rated Daddy Protector (Night Ops Daddies #1) in Books
Aug 21, 2025
cute read
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book, so I will try to keep my comments positive. There are a couple of negatives that DO need adressing though.
I liked the story. It's an easy read, with very little brain power required. The plot is not complicated, or full of twists that you can't keep up with. It was one of those reads that you go to bed early to read a bit and the next thing, you've finished the book.
I liked that Richie and Cole both have a say. I liked that Cole took the fact that Richie was a little in his stride, and slotted himself into the Daddy role accordingly.
This is point one, though. One minute Cole is just Richie's bodyguard, the next, calling him Daddy. I know these sorts of relationshops move fast, but still, felt a little too fast for me. there was no discussion about punishments or rewards or anything. It was just straight in.
The emotional connection between Richie and Cole was missing, for ME. I stress the ME bit. Others might find it perfect but not so much for me.
And there is MUCH repetition of certain phrases. Night Ops Guard is one. Richie is the son of Hunter is another. Almost every page, there was one or the other, sometimes more than once a page. It was annoying to say the least.
A nicce book, an easy read. Maybe I'll try something else by this author, this was my first.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book, so I will try to keep my comments positive. There are a couple of negatives that DO need adressing though.
I liked the story. It's an easy read, with very little brain power required. The plot is not complicated, or full of twists that you can't keep up with. It was one of those reads that you go to bed early to read a bit and the next thing, you've finished the book.
I liked that Richie and Cole both have a say. I liked that Cole took the fact that Richie was a little in his stride, and slotted himself into the Daddy role accordingly.
This is point one, though. One minute Cole is just Richie's bodyguard, the next, calling him Daddy. I know these sorts of relationshops move fast, but still, felt a little too fast for me. there was no discussion about punishments or rewards or anything. It was just straight in.
The emotional connection between Richie and Cole was missing, for ME. I stress the ME bit. Others might find it perfect but not so much for me.
And there is MUCH repetition of certain phrases. Night Ops Guard is one. Richie is the son of Hunter is another. Almost every page, there was one or the other, sometimes more than once a page. It was annoying to say the least.
A nicce book, an easy read. Maybe I'll try something else by this author, this was my first.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1546 KP) rated Riggs (Maddox BRAVO Team #2) in Books
Oct 12, 2025
good solid 4 star read
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the BRAVO Team series and I have not read book one, Sawyer. I don't think I missed anything, other than knowing Sawyer and Camillie's story, who pop up here.
Riggs is assigned to keep Vanessa safe. He's the problem solver for BRAVO and she's an influencer. But somewhere along the line, her comments have turned deadly and she asks for Riggs to keep her safe. Lines blur, and then it all comes to a head.
This is another spin off from Maddox Security and Dean pops but none of the others, I didn't think. You don't need to have read those books to follow these. I have and I enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this too! I did find it HEAVY on the attention to close protection, sometimes repeating the same thing, and while I got that it was Riggs' thing, it did get a little annoying.
Riggs and Vanessa have met before and I wanted that meeting! I don't get it, and I think it would have made this a better read, to be honest.
One point: safe smex, Riggs, safe smex! :-)
I'm liking these books by Chance, these military turned security guys. They all follow a same kinda plot line and that makes them easy reads, that don't require much brain power to follow complicated plot lines or twists and turns all over the place. And trust me, that's a GOOD THING!!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the BRAVO Team series and I have not read book one, Sawyer. I don't think I missed anything, other than knowing Sawyer and Camillie's story, who pop up here.
Riggs is assigned to keep Vanessa safe. He's the problem solver for BRAVO and she's an influencer. But somewhere along the line, her comments have turned deadly and she asks for Riggs to keep her safe. Lines blur, and then it all comes to a head.
This is another spin off from Maddox Security and Dean pops but none of the others, I didn't think. You don't need to have read those books to follow these. I have and I enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this too! I did find it HEAVY on the attention to close protection, sometimes repeating the same thing, and while I got that it was Riggs' thing, it did get a little annoying.
Riggs and Vanessa have met before and I wanted that meeting! I don't get it, and I think it would have made this a better read, to be honest.
One point: safe smex, Riggs, safe smex! :-)
I'm liking these books by Chance, these military turned security guys. They all follow a same kinda plot line and that makes them easy reads, that don't require much brain power to follow complicated plot lines or twists and turns all over the place. And trust me, that's a GOOD THING!!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere