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Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Better Together (One Fond Embrace #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2018
a great lazy afternoon read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Dead In The Shop (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #3) in Books
Oct 26, 2018
a very fitting end!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the trilogy, and you MUST read book one, Dead In The Garden, and book two, Dead In The Pond, before you read this one. They are NOT stand alone books and need to be read in order!
With Bishan in the hospital, Valor has to dig deep within himself to keep it together. When there is another murder, the police finally decide that they need to draw the murderer out. And Valor finds himself not only fighting for Bish, but for his life.
I have LOVED these three books, I really have! But I think you would get a better enjoyment if you read them back to back, not with several other books between each one, like I did! Just my personal opinion, though!
Again, only Valor has his say and I did miss Bishan and his off-on-tangents thing, so it would have been nice if they both had their say here, but it doesn't affect my rating , I'm just bloody greedy and always want more!
As always, with Ms Donovan's work, lots of giggles among the drama and murders and lots of lovely ways that show that Bishan and Valor really are perfect for each other.
Some surprises too, with that murder being front and centre, but some budding romances within the supporting cast!
The way it all went down with the murderer was a fitting end, and one I didn't see coming, so that's always good, being kept on your toes!
I shall miss these guys, along with all their friends and family, I really shall!
A very fitting . . . .
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated The Wayward Prince (Mind + Machine #2) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
great follow up to book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
4 years ago, Sebastian stole The Wayward Prince from a young man called Ren. Now, Rem is back and offering Sebastian and his crew a job. Can Sebastian and Ren part again, with their hearts intact?
This is book two in the Mind + Machine series, and I would personally recommend you read book one, Machine Metal Magic, first. Jaime and Rylan plays a huge part here and there is some references to their story. Not necessary just a personal recommendation.
I really enjoyed this one! It's a great follow up to book one. Not quite a five star read but so very nearly!
It's also quite difficult to write a review for this book without giving anything away! There are plot twists all over, and I did not see a single one coming me! And the slightest slip up on my part would spoil that experience for someone else. So, this may well be very vague!
Loved Sebastian. He thinks he's a bad egg but really has a heart of gold. He loves his ship and his on-board family, waifs and strays he's picked up, or indeed, they've picked Sebastian up. And Ren? Well let's just say he's a sweetheart, and he wants to do right by everyone, even to his own heartbreak. But loved his solution to that heartbreak!
Loved the hints that come about each crew member's history! So many stories to tell, those people!
It's told from both men's point of view so we get it all from both of them and you know how happy that makes me feel!
Oh do you know what? I can't find anything wrong with this so . . . .
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
4 years ago, Sebastian stole The Wayward Prince from a young man called Ren. Now, Rem is back and offering Sebastian and his crew a job. Can Sebastian and Ren part again, with their hearts intact?
This is book two in the Mind + Machine series, and I would personally recommend you read book one, Machine Metal Magic, first. Jaime and Rylan plays a huge part here and there is some references to their story. Not necessary just a personal recommendation.
I really enjoyed this one! It's a great follow up to book one. Not quite a five star read but so very nearly!
It's also quite difficult to write a review for this book without giving anything away! There are plot twists all over, and I did not see a single one coming me! And the slightest slip up on my part would spoil that experience for someone else. So, this may well be very vague!
Loved Sebastian. He thinks he's a bad egg but really has a heart of gold. He loves his ship and his on-board family, waifs and strays he's picked up, or indeed, they've picked Sebastian up. And Ren? Well let's just say he's a sweetheart, and he wants to do right by everyone, even to his own heartbreak. But loved his solution to that heartbreak!
Loved the hints that come about each crew member's history! So many stories to tell, those people!
It's told from both men's point of view so we get it all from both of them and you know how happy that makes me feel!
Oh do you know what? I can't find anything wrong with this so . . . .
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Becoming Magic (Sleight of Hand #5) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
David McK (3562 KP) rated Zulu Hart (George Hart #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"The first in a series of books about the Zulu War, this is also the first fictional book that Saul David has written. While he may be a good historian (never having read his works, I don't know), I have to say: I'm not so sure about his ability to write good fiction.
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Black Sky Morning (Mind + Machine #3) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
doesn't quite hit THAT spot!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mind + Machine series, and it's not totally necessary to read the other two books first, but I personally think it would give you a bigger better picture of Jonathan, and his work.
I LOVED books one adn two, this one though, did not quite hit THAT spot, you know? And it pains me, deeply, when I cannot figure out why!
Jonathan is Rylan's brother (book one, Metal Machine Magic) and Xin pops up on both previous books (I think!) they just haven't crossed paths just yet. Not til Jonathan enlists Xin in a mission that goes a bit wrong. But then Xin enlists Jonathan in a mission of his own and the pair end up stranded on a distant planet, faced with possible death. They have to work together to get free. Neither is used to trusting though.
I liked the way the story developed, at an even pace, fast enough to keep up but not so fast you miss something. I liked that there wasn't rally any attraction brewing between them (at least I didn't pick it up!) until Xin brings up a possible physical relationship to get them through their predicament. I liked the way that things crept up on them both.
It's well told, from both Jonathan and Xin's point of view, in the third person. Each voice is clear and distinctive, given their very different upbringings.
I liked the way their story unfolded. I just didn't LOVE it like the other two!
So, gonna leave it with this, a good solid sci-fi read, that I did read in one sitting!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the Mind + Machine series, and it's not totally necessary to read the other two books first, but I personally think it would give you a bigger better picture of Jonathan, and his work.
I LOVED books one adn two, this one though, did not quite hit THAT spot, you know? And it pains me, deeply, when I cannot figure out why!
Jonathan is Rylan's brother (book one, Metal Machine Magic) and Xin pops up on both previous books (I think!) they just haven't crossed paths just yet. Not til Jonathan enlists Xin in a mission that goes a bit wrong. But then Xin enlists Jonathan in a mission of his own and the pair end up stranded on a distant planet, faced with possible death. They have to work together to get free. Neither is used to trusting though.
I liked the way the story developed, at an even pace, fast enough to keep up but not so fast you miss something. I liked that there wasn't rally any attraction brewing between them (at least I didn't pick it up!) until Xin brings up a possible physical relationship to get them through their predicament. I liked the way that things crept up on them both.
It's well told, from both Jonathan and Xin's point of view, in the third person. Each voice is clear and distinctive, given their very different upbringings.
I liked the way their story unfolded. I just didn't LOVE it like the other two!
So, gonna leave it with this, a good solid sci-fi read, that I did read in one sitting!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Altered (The Made Ones Saga #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
The Eleutians are a dying race, their female number has dropped so low, there are few children born anymore. So the Alchemic Clan devise a scheme to take women from the alternate universes they have discovered. Kit is one such woman. After falling down, she wakes up in a place she doesn't know, in a body she doesn't remember having. Rafe, of the Wolf Clan, finds Kit and makes her his. But there are bigger forces at work here, and Kit makes the difficult decision to walk away from Race, even though the thought kills her inside.
Different!! Very good different too.
A bit paranormal, a bit magic, a bit sci fi too. Quite a tricky one to tag outright.
There is, quite clearly, a much MUCH bigger picture to this story, and sometimes, it's so bloody hard to see it! Everyone has a say, Rafe and Kit mostly, but some others who really do need that voice to give you a bit of that bigger picture, for things to mostly make sense.
I did get a bit lost sometimes, though, in the world as a whole, and the people in it.
BUT!!!
A very well written, well delivered tale that I would love to follow up on, since the book is labelled as a saga, there will be more to come. How many?? I don't know, but I suspect at least 2 more, to include Kit's sisters. Couple of hints to other pairings, that may or may not be wishful thinking on my part, but we can only wait and see!
A good solid 4 star read
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
The Eleutians are a dying race, their female number has dropped so low, there are few children born anymore. So the Alchemic Clan devise a scheme to take women from the alternate universes they have discovered. Kit is one such woman. After falling down, she wakes up in a place she doesn't know, in a body she doesn't remember having. Rafe, of the Wolf Clan, finds Kit and makes her his. But there are bigger forces at work here, and Kit makes the difficult decision to walk away from Race, even though the thought kills her inside.
Different!! Very good different too.
A bit paranormal, a bit magic, a bit sci fi too. Quite a tricky one to tag outright.
There is, quite clearly, a much MUCH bigger picture to this story, and sometimes, it's so bloody hard to see it! Everyone has a say, Rafe and Kit mostly, but some others who really do need that voice to give you a bit of that bigger picture, for things to mostly make sense.
I did get a bit lost sometimes, though, in the world as a whole, and the people in it.
BUT!!!
A very well written, well delivered tale that I would love to follow up on, since the book is labelled as a saga, there will be more to come. How many?? I don't know, but I suspect at least 2 more, to include Kit's sisters. Couple of hints to other pairings, that may or may not be wishful thinking on my part, but we can only wait and see!
A good solid 4 star read
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (12919 KP) rated Midnight Exposure (Midnight, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Don't you just love it when you read a book and it is so much more than what you expected? This is what happened to me when I read Midnight Exposure. I thought it would the usual story of hero meets heroine, they don't get on, big calamity, insta-love, everything's fine. That is so NOT what you get with this. You get a well thought out, full of plot, suspenseful story. Yes, there are overtures of romance to the book but they are brilliantly done.
Our main female and male leads both come with baggage and flaws. Jayne is no weeping wallflower mind you. One of my favourite parts of the book was when she used her black belt karate on someone. She is not just going to sit there and be a victim. The supporting characters are all well rounded and develop really well throughout the book.
As for the 'occult' side of things - I thought this was remarkably well written and that's coming from a pagan. Too often in books, knowledge is mis-used or only given in part and the result can be something that makes me cringe as it dumps every earth and nature based religion in with satanism. The parts of this book that were revealing more about the villain and his motives etc, never painted the actual symbolism as black, instead just showing how it was being used for his purposes. I know I haven't explained it very well but trust me, Melinda Leigh did a great job. As for the reviewer who said "we get no clue what kind of religion this is", I suggest you take a re-read as it is written plain as day.
Loved this book and have started on book 2, Midnight Sacrifice. Recommended!
Our main female and male leads both come with baggage and flaws. Jayne is no weeping wallflower mind you. One of my favourite parts of the book was when she used her black belt karate on someone. She is not just going to sit there and be a victim. The supporting characters are all well rounded and develop really well throughout the book.
As for the 'occult' side of things - I thought this was remarkably well written and that's coming from a pagan. Too often in books, knowledge is mis-used or only given in part and the result can be something that makes me cringe as it dumps every earth and nature based religion in with satanism. The parts of this book that were revealing more about the villain and his motives etc, never painted the actual symbolism as black, instead just showing how it was being used for his purposes. I know I haven't explained it very well but trust me, Melinda Leigh did a great job. As for the reviewer who said "we get no clue what kind of religion this is", I suggest you take a re-read as it is written plain as day.
Loved this book and have started on book 2, Midnight Sacrifice. Recommended!
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Poisoned Pawn in Books
Mar 2, 2020
not one for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I am struggling with my review for this one, and I have no idea if any of this will make sense you, since I'm struggling to make sense of the book.
Positives:
It's well written. I saw no spelling or editing errors. It plays well with the Sherlock Holmes and the characters all to do with him, the good and the bad. There is a huge supporting cast of well rounded and developed characters, that fit in, in all the right places. It's very different to my usual reads. I DID like the twist that I did not see coming, not in the slightest!
And I finished it!
Negatives (for me):
Single person point of view, in the first person.
And I have not a single clue about what was the point of the whole book! I kept on reading, since I thought *something* will make sense soon. Something will give me a sign what the whole point of this tale is. And I got nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero clue. There is an EXTREMELY tangled web within the book, and I tried to keep up, I really did, but I got lost somewhere around a key player's murder. I can see HOW everything came together, I just can't see WHY, you know?
Maybe it was just a little TOO far out of my corfort zone, although, pre-kindle days, crime/thriller/police books were my main stay, so I don't know!
Will I read anything else by this author? Probably not, no. Someone will be fully engrossed in the book and it will make total sense to them, but for me? Sorry.
3 stars, since what I read WAS well written, and I DID finish it.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I am struggling with my review for this one, and I have no idea if any of this will make sense you, since I'm struggling to make sense of the book.
Positives:
It's well written. I saw no spelling or editing errors. It plays well with the Sherlock Holmes and the characters all to do with him, the good and the bad. There is a huge supporting cast of well rounded and developed characters, that fit in, in all the right places. It's very different to my usual reads. I DID like the twist that I did not see coming, not in the slightest!
And I finished it!
Negatives (for me):
Single person point of view, in the first person.
And I have not a single clue about what was the point of the whole book! I kept on reading, since I thought *something* will make sense soon. Something will give me a sign what the whole point of this tale is. And I got nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero clue. There is an EXTREMELY tangled web within the book, and I tried to keep up, I really did, but I got lost somewhere around a key player's murder. I can see HOW everything came together, I just can't see WHY, you know?
Maybe it was just a little TOO far out of my corfort zone, although, pre-kindle days, crime/thriller/police books were my main stay, so I don't know!
Will I read anything else by this author? Probably not, no. Someone will be fully engrossed in the book and it will make total sense to them, but for me? Sorry.
3 stars, since what I read WAS well written, and I DID finish it.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
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