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love books like this, books that push MY buttons, in ways I didn't like before.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Patrick has been let down by the Cuff'd app, but a message from a new Daddy makes Patrick wish. It makes him wish he lived in Italy, where Akker lives. And Akker wishes too. Akker uses his friends to get Patrick to Italy. But that let down also follows Patrick and Patrick has to dig deep to get through.
I read a lot of kink books and I make no bones about what I like and what I do not like. And this book surprised me! In all the best ways!
There are some aspects of Patrick's kink that are at the very VERY bottom of my like list, but quite HIGH on my dislike list. I'm not going to say what, cos spoilers, but suffices to say, Sayle dealt with said kink very well. So very well, in fact, it wasn't till I finished that the penny dropped! I mean I read about it, when Akker and Patrick were together, but it did not click, it really didn't! So well played there!
I loved, I mean LOVED that Patrick showed Akker some things that he really hadn't considered his own kink. To be fair, I don't think that Patrick realised it was one of his kinks till the point he did what he did. I loved that an experienced Dom can learn new things, things that push his own buttons in ways he never knew could be pushed.
I didn't think this was especially hawt, in the grand scheme of things. Indeed, the smexy times are quite low, but the kink level is high. It is very emotional, for Patrick especially, I thought. He has some demons to slay, and Akker and his connections help him slay them.
I found it incredibly high on the too stinking cute and the warm and fuzzies scale though! I loved the interactions between Patrick, Beau and Jessie, who are sharing a house in the beginning. Jessie has his own story in His Boy To Tease, but Beau needs a story too! And Lowell, the poor kid who got dragged into this whole mess, he needs a happy every after, I felt sorry for him!
I love books like this, books that push MY buttons, in ways I didn't like before.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Patrick has been let down by the Cuff'd app, but a message from a new Daddy makes Patrick wish. It makes him wish he lived in Italy, where Akker lives. And Akker wishes too. Akker uses his friends to get Patrick to Italy. But that let down also follows Patrick and Patrick has to dig deep to get through.
I read a lot of kink books and I make no bones about what I like and what I do not like. And this book surprised me! In all the best ways!
There are some aspects of Patrick's kink that are at the very VERY bottom of my like list, but quite HIGH on my dislike list. I'm not going to say what, cos spoilers, but suffices to say, Sayle dealt with said kink very well. So very well, in fact, it wasn't till I finished that the penny dropped! I mean I read about it, when Akker and Patrick were together, but it did not click, it really didn't! So well played there!
I loved, I mean LOVED that Patrick showed Akker some things that he really hadn't considered his own kink. To be fair, I don't think that Patrick realised it was one of his kinks till the point he did what he did. I loved that an experienced Dom can learn new things, things that push his own buttons in ways he never knew could be pushed.
I didn't think this was especially hawt, in the grand scheme of things. Indeed, the smexy times are quite low, but the kink level is high. It is very emotional, for Patrick especially, I thought. He has some demons to slay, and Akker and his connections help him slay them.
I found it incredibly high on the too stinking cute and the warm and fuzzies scale though! I loved the interactions between Patrick, Beau and Jessie, who are sharing a house in the beginning. Jessie has his own story in His Boy To Tease, but Beau needs a story too! And Lowell, the poor kid who got dragged into this whole mess, he needs a happy every after, I felt sorry for him!
I love books like this, books that push MY buttons, in ways I didn't like before.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After #2) in Books
Oct 20, 2022
loved this much more than book 1!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series. I don't think its fully necessary to read book one, Winging It, before this but it might give you a better picture of the world these players live in. And I really enjoyed that book. Dante and Gabe do pop up, but knowing their story isn't essential, just helpful, especially with Tom and Kitty (side characters) playing a large part here.
Ryan is traded out and his new team is a mess. Their star player, Nico, even more so. But Ryan can see that Nico is hurting, in more ways than one. Finding his sense of humour was a great start. The Ryan messed it all up. And just what is going on with the coach?
I really enjoyed book one, gave it 4 stars, but I found this a much more engaging read, a deeper emotion read. I loved it.
Neither man is in the closet, so there was none of the coming out issue. What there was, though, was a lot of anger on Nico's part and much was misplaced. Ryan needed him to focus that anger, on the ice, rather than punishing himself. Falling for the other gay teamn member was in neither man's plans but fate has a way, huh?
I loved that it really did creep up on them both. Yes there was attraction from the start but the feelings came later and they both fought it hard. Ryan messing up, though? THAT came out of nowhere and I did NOT see that coming! I was reading, and then I was "OH MY GOD, RYAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?!" out loud and my partner was somewhat shocked at me! Oh he does redeem himself, but I loved that Nico makes him work hard for that redemption. There is not a quick fix, either, and it does take time for them to be really together.
I loved that we caught up with Dante and Gabe from book one. And Tom and Kitty. I think this is a couple of years after Winging It, since Tom is captain of Ryan's new team, and has a couple of kids. Kitty surprised me though!
Are there any more planned?? I'm loving this series, but these authors are growing on me, as a duo.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series. I don't think its fully necessary to read book one, Winging It, before this but it might give you a better picture of the world these players live in. And I really enjoyed that book. Dante and Gabe do pop up, but knowing their story isn't essential, just helpful, especially with Tom and Kitty (side characters) playing a large part here.
Ryan is traded out and his new team is a mess. Their star player, Nico, even more so. But Ryan can see that Nico is hurting, in more ways than one. Finding his sense of humour was a great start. The Ryan messed it all up. And just what is going on with the coach?
I really enjoyed book one, gave it 4 stars, but I found this a much more engaging read, a deeper emotion read. I loved it.
Neither man is in the closet, so there was none of the coming out issue. What there was, though, was a lot of anger on Nico's part and much was misplaced. Ryan needed him to focus that anger, on the ice, rather than punishing himself. Falling for the other gay teamn member was in neither man's plans but fate has a way, huh?
I loved that it really did creep up on them both. Yes there was attraction from the start but the feelings came later and they both fought it hard. Ryan messing up, though? THAT came out of nowhere and I did NOT see that coming! I was reading, and then I was "OH MY GOD, RYAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?!" out loud and my partner was somewhat shocked at me! Oh he does redeem himself, but I loved that Nico makes him work hard for that redemption. There is not a quick fix, either, and it does take time for them to be really together.
I loved that we caught up with Dante and Gabe from book one. And Tom and Kitty. I think this is a couple of years after Winging It, since Tom is captain of Ryan's new team, and has a couple of kids. Kitty surprised me though!
Are there any more planned?? I'm loving this series, but these authors are growing on me, as a duo.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Immortal Detective (The Immortal Detective #1) in Books
Dec 8, 2023
you need the first book before this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm gonna jump straight into this, cos that is exactly what the book does!
Celeste is transitioning from human to vampire. We don't know how she got to this state, but some things become clear as the book moves on.
For the most part, I did like this book but a couple of things are niggling at my book brain, and ya'll know I can't NOT tell you!
This is, according to the bit at the back of the book, a sequel to The Immortal Twin. I wasn't told that, when this came through to the blog, and I should've been. It meant that I didn't have the full picture of this world, and Celeste's place in it. That meant, even though I knew it was jumping straight in, I didn't fully appreciate this book.
I got a bit. . . .lost, I think is the best word, about Celeste and her place in this world. About her family dynamics, and the child whom she calls her own. The child, Raina, caused me the most confusion. She is, I think, a vampire, but has been going to a day school?? Again, I think the fact that I hadn't read the first book meant I suffered somewhat.
There is much, actually, that is niggling but I cannot dig it out.
Celeste has the majority voice here. A couple of her vampire teachers also have a single chapter each. I think I would have liked it better had they NOT. One chapter each is not enough for other voices to be fully heard, and they did have some interesting things to say! I felt cheated! And there were other who I wanted to hear from, but don't.
It does have a cliff hanger ending. And I liked this book sufficiently to want to know what happens next. I want to know what Celeste does about the situation she finds herself in, given what happens here, and her family's reaction to her news.
I think, for me, I should have read the first book so I'm going to say this: if you come across this review without reading The Immortal Twin BEFORE this one, I strongly, so strongly, recommend that you do. You really do need it.
I can't stretch to 4 stars, I'm afraid, even though I do wish to see what happens. Too much is not sitting well here so:
3 good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm gonna jump straight into this, cos that is exactly what the book does!
Celeste is transitioning from human to vampire. We don't know how she got to this state, but some things become clear as the book moves on.
For the most part, I did like this book but a couple of things are niggling at my book brain, and ya'll know I can't NOT tell you!
This is, according to the bit at the back of the book, a sequel to The Immortal Twin. I wasn't told that, when this came through to the blog, and I should've been. It meant that I didn't have the full picture of this world, and Celeste's place in it. That meant, even though I knew it was jumping straight in, I didn't fully appreciate this book.
I got a bit. . . .lost, I think is the best word, about Celeste and her place in this world. About her family dynamics, and the child whom she calls her own. The child, Raina, caused me the most confusion. She is, I think, a vampire, but has been going to a day school?? Again, I think the fact that I hadn't read the first book meant I suffered somewhat.
There is much, actually, that is niggling but I cannot dig it out.
Celeste has the majority voice here. A couple of her vampire teachers also have a single chapter each. I think I would have liked it better had they NOT. One chapter each is not enough for other voices to be fully heard, and they did have some interesting things to say! I felt cheated! And there were other who I wanted to hear from, but don't.
It does have a cliff hanger ending. And I liked this book sufficiently to want to know what happens next. I want to know what Celeste does about the situation she finds herself in, given what happens here, and her family's reaction to her news.
I think, for me, I should have read the first book so I'm going to say this: if you come across this review without reading The Immortal Twin BEFORE this one, I strongly, so strongly, recommend that you do. You really do need it.
I can't stretch to 4 stars, I'm afraid, even though I do wish to see what happens. Too much is not sitting well here so:
3 good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Devil in Books
Mar 6, 2022
Passed a very enjoyable, if slightly longer than usual for this page length book, couple of hours.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A rare male Omega, Skylar becomes The Devil, an outlaw. Horace, an Alpha, is the Pinkerton tasked to capture him, and bring him in, dead or alive.
So, first things first.
This book is translated from Italian. English is my first (and only!) language and in places, it comes across as very proper. There is no slang, or abbreviations. Its all very correct, mind, just very PROPER. It does make for a slow read, for me, cos my mind was making it more . . .what's the word . . . . .common? I suppose that's the best fit. I kept translating the very proper English, into everyday.
It was, however, a very good read! I liked it, quite a lot.
Horace is Alpha, and a Pinkerton, and needs to bring in Skylar. But something about Sky's picture and then his scent throws Horace. He can't give the man up. Sky doesn't want an Alpha for his heat, he'll ride it out like always. But this heat is particularly bad, and Horace arrives at the right time. It's primal, their first mating.
I liked that things with Sky's gang aren't fully explained at first. It all comes out, just not in one go. It does take a little bit of time for things to fully be explained though, and I did manage to put some of the clues together correctly (for a change!)
I liked the world building, that Alphas and Omegas (both male and female) were dying out, given how the female Omegas were now treated. Betas are the dominant type. I liked that the war ran sorta along side the American civil war, that sort of time line.
It's well written and, proper speak aside, well delivered. It's short and steamy and both Horace and Sky get a say.
Passed a very enjoyable, if slightly longer than usual for this page length book, couple of hours.
I should mention, but it in no way affected my reading, is the formatting is slightly different to a standard form. It just looks different, is all. I know that some people have issues with stuff like that, and so I thought knowing ahead of time would make it easier. It certainly helped that I was given a heads up.
First I've read of these two authors, I will certainly read more.
4 good, but very proper, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
A rare male Omega, Skylar becomes The Devil, an outlaw. Horace, an Alpha, is the Pinkerton tasked to capture him, and bring him in, dead or alive.
So, first things first.
This book is translated from Italian. English is my first (and only!) language and in places, it comes across as very proper. There is no slang, or abbreviations. Its all very correct, mind, just very PROPER. It does make for a slow read, for me, cos my mind was making it more . . .what's the word . . . . .common? I suppose that's the best fit. I kept translating the very proper English, into everyday.
It was, however, a very good read! I liked it, quite a lot.
Horace is Alpha, and a Pinkerton, and needs to bring in Skylar. But something about Sky's picture and then his scent throws Horace. He can't give the man up. Sky doesn't want an Alpha for his heat, he'll ride it out like always. But this heat is particularly bad, and Horace arrives at the right time. It's primal, their first mating.
I liked that things with Sky's gang aren't fully explained at first. It all comes out, just not in one go. It does take a little bit of time for things to fully be explained though, and I did manage to put some of the clues together correctly (for a change!)
I liked the world building, that Alphas and Omegas (both male and female) were dying out, given how the female Omegas were now treated. Betas are the dominant type. I liked that the war ran sorta along side the American civil war, that sort of time line.
It's well written and, proper speak aside, well delivered. It's short and steamy and both Horace and Sky get a say.
Passed a very enjoyable, if slightly longer than usual for this page length book, couple of hours.
I should mention, but it in no way affected my reading, is the formatting is slightly different to a standard form. It just looks different, is all. I know that some people have issues with stuff like that, and so I thought knowing ahead of time would make it easier. It certainly helped that I was given a heads up.
First I've read of these two authors, I will certainly read more.
4 good, but very proper, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Hunt In The Night (Blood and Bonds #3) in Books
Aug 9, 2024
Saved the best for last!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Blood and Bonds series and you really MUST read book 1, Touch in The Night and book 2, Bleed in The Night. It is a continuation of the ongoing story arc, and much is NOT recapped.
Book three has to be my favourite!
This book follows Mason, the police detective tasked with finding out who is killing haemophiles and humans, and more importantly, WHY. He is joined by Cai, a former police dective who wa turned against his will. There is some clashing at first, but Mason finds himself attracted to Cai and he is straight, right?
So, book three. It wraps up everything that has been happening, with a big fat bow. BUT! I did NOT see that coming at me, not at all! I had it all worked out, who was doing all this and why. Then, I'm thrown for a loop as to who turned Cai those ten years ago, and it appears the bad guy was playing the long game.
THEN! There was another thing thrown at me that I did not see coming as well! I mean for the most part, this book kinda threw me, but in the best way!
Again, the book is told only from Mason's point of view but I knew it would be, so I was prepared.
I'm being deliberately vague, I know but I don't want to give you spoilers.
We get, eventually, a wonderful wedding of Jesse and Emory (from book 1) and there is a return of Tyler and Lucien (book 2) for said wedding. So it was nice to catch up with them.
But the best bit?? The epilogues! Told from Emory, Lucien and Cai's points of view. While I would have LOVED to hear from them in their respective books, getting this little glimpse into the minds of the haemophiles was the best thing! We get the fear of these guys, at falling for a human, and the joy they feel at finally admitting they needed someone in their lives. I loved it because it was so unexpected! This is not a spoiler thing, either, cos other reviews have mentioned it already, and I NEEDED to say how much I loved getting into THEIR heads, just for this little bit.
I cannot fault this one, I really can't so...
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Blood and Bonds series and you really MUST read book 1, Touch in The Night and book 2, Bleed in The Night. It is a continuation of the ongoing story arc, and much is NOT recapped.
Book three has to be my favourite!
This book follows Mason, the police detective tasked with finding out who is killing haemophiles and humans, and more importantly, WHY. He is joined by Cai, a former police dective who wa turned against his will. There is some clashing at first, but Mason finds himself attracted to Cai and he is straight, right?
So, book three. It wraps up everything that has been happening, with a big fat bow. BUT! I did NOT see that coming at me, not at all! I had it all worked out, who was doing all this and why. Then, I'm thrown for a loop as to who turned Cai those ten years ago, and it appears the bad guy was playing the long game.
THEN! There was another thing thrown at me that I did not see coming as well! I mean for the most part, this book kinda threw me, but in the best way!
Again, the book is told only from Mason's point of view but I knew it would be, so I was prepared.
I'm being deliberately vague, I know but I don't want to give you spoilers.
We get, eventually, a wonderful wedding of Jesse and Emory (from book 1) and there is a return of Tyler and Lucien (book 2) for said wedding. So it was nice to catch up with them.
But the best bit?? The epilogues! Told from Emory, Lucien and Cai's points of view. While I would have LOVED to hear from them in their respective books, getting this little glimpse into the minds of the haemophiles was the best thing! We get the fear of these guys, at falling for a human, and the joy they feel at finally admitting they needed someone in their lives. I loved it because it was so unexpected! This is not a spoiler thing, either, cos other reviews have mentioned it already, and I NEEDED to say how much I loved getting into THEIR heads, just for this little bit.
I cannot fault this one, I really can't so...
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Lodrick & Godefroy (Ambrosia #1) in Books
Sep 10, 2024
loved the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
5 full and shiny stars
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Nephilim's Fate (War of the Nephilim #1) in Books
Oct 27, 2024
There is much misinformation passed down!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book .
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE, did she NAIL it!!
BUT! Cliffhanger, people, of the most EPIC proportions, and I did not see it coming, and I am NOT happy!!
She’s a witch, he’s a Nephilim – and a simple kiss could kill them both. That is the tag line for this book, and it is perfect!
Nate is Nephilim, and all he knows is that witches would kill him, if they got intimate. Alissia thinks she is human, but actually, she's one of those deadly witches. But she's also a scientist, and after research by them both, she comes to the conclusion: it's a load of hooohaa, and then gets down and dirty with Nate! But there are forces trying to keep them apart, and Alissia will have a difficult decision to make.
I really REALLY liked this, not quite loving it, but mostly cos of that cliffhanger! Both Alissia and Nate get a say, so that made me happy, cos I do like to hear from the important people in a story.
It's dark and deadly: there is violence here, and it is graphic, but I think it's needed, to get the point across. It's steamy and smexy: explicit scenes from that very first page! If you follow my reviews, you'll know I do prefer my books on the smexy side, but I don't think I've read another book, where it starts right on the first page! I loved that, while it is explicit, that first scene is actually a dream and neither Nate nor Alissia knew the face of the person they were dreaming about!
There is much misinformation passed down, from both the witches and the Nephilim. Getting to the bottom of it took some time, and I do think that I might have got a *bit* lost with it, somewhere, but it all came to make sense.
I loved that Nate wanted to question his superior when it came to the child they rescued, a Nephilim child. I do hope he gets his way on that one!
So, the cliffhanger came out of nowhere, mostly because I wasn't paying attention to the time left in the book and I am NOT happy about it!!
I have just ONE burning question: when can I get my hand on book 2??
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is, according to some sites, the author's FIRST book. And OOOOEEEE, did she NAIL it!!
BUT! Cliffhanger, people, of the most EPIC proportions, and I did not see it coming, and I am NOT happy!!
She’s a witch, he’s a Nephilim – and a simple kiss could kill them both. That is the tag line for this book, and it is perfect!
Nate is Nephilim, and all he knows is that witches would kill him, if they got intimate. Alissia thinks she is human, but actually, she's one of those deadly witches. But she's also a scientist, and after research by them both, she comes to the conclusion: it's a load of hooohaa, and then gets down and dirty with Nate! But there are forces trying to keep them apart, and Alissia will have a difficult decision to make.
I really REALLY liked this, not quite loving it, but mostly cos of that cliffhanger! Both Alissia and Nate get a say, so that made me happy, cos I do like to hear from the important people in a story.
It's dark and deadly: there is violence here, and it is graphic, but I think it's needed, to get the point across. It's steamy and smexy: explicit scenes from that very first page! If you follow my reviews, you'll know I do prefer my books on the smexy side, but I don't think I've read another book, where it starts right on the first page! I loved that, while it is explicit, that first scene is actually a dream and neither Nate nor Alissia knew the face of the person they were dreaming about!
There is much misinformation passed down, from both the witches and the Nephilim. Getting to the bottom of it took some time, and I do think that I might have got a *bit* lost with it, somewhere, but it all came to make sense.
I loved that Nate wanted to question his superior when it came to the child they rescued, a Nephilim child. I do hope he gets his way on that one!
So, the cliffhanger came out of nowhere, mostly because I wasn't paying attention to the time left in the book and I am NOT happy about it!!
I have just ONE burning question: when can I get my hand on book 2??
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3) in Books
Nov 12, 2024
Ryan's trauma is front and centre, Simeon's is not.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Seer (The Secret Tales #3) in Books
Jul 24, 2025
Theo was very much attracted first to Claire's mind but he soon became besotted with her!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The couple from the first two books do take part here, but you don't need to have read their stories to follow this one. I did, however, LOVE those first two books, so as a personal recommendation, read them.
But this one?? I don't know what it is about this one, but I couldn/t love it, and it did take some reading. I might be able to wiggle it out my book brain as I type, but we shall see.
Claire has a theory about the white on the Greek marbles and statues: they are not meant to be white. But as a woman, no one will listen. Theseus finds Claire's mind attractive but he is well aware of the constraints on women of his time. A trip to Greece is just what they both need: Claire to prove her theory and Theseus to return some Greek marbles to their rightful home. But someone is out to stop him, and it might just get them both killed.
I liked that this faded to black and it was a very slow burn. Theo was very much attracted first to Claire's mind but he soon became besotted with her. Especially after she befriended his sister and managed to shoot some bandits! But apart from some kissing, he waits until they are married to do anything else, and I did like that.
I did like the twist with the bad guy! I did not see that one coming at me.
Theo's sister, Penny plays a part here. She does get a say too, but I think I would have liked Spyros as well as Penny, given as to what happens to them.
There are many descriptions about the Greek statues and the history of them. I found these a bit too much, to be honest and I struggled to follow them all. I think *THIS* might be why I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two.
I did like that we caught up with Lottie and Patrick, and Rosie and Rhys. They are all blissfully happy and their families are growing.
What I did LOVE though, was the epilogue!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Secret Tales series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The couple from the first two books do take part here, but you don't need to have read their stories to follow this one. I did, however, LOVE those first two books, so as a personal recommendation, read them.
But this one?? I don't know what it is about this one, but I couldn/t love it, and it did take some reading. I might be able to wiggle it out my book brain as I type, but we shall see.
Claire has a theory about the white on the Greek marbles and statues: they are not meant to be white. But as a woman, no one will listen. Theseus finds Claire's mind attractive but he is well aware of the constraints on women of his time. A trip to Greece is just what they both need: Claire to prove her theory and Theseus to return some Greek marbles to their rightful home. But someone is out to stop him, and it might just get them both killed.
I liked that this faded to black and it was a very slow burn. Theo was very much attracted first to Claire's mind but he soon became besotted with her. Especially after she befriended his sister and managed to shoot some bandits! But apart from some kissing, he waits until they are married to do anything else, and I did like that.
I did like the twist with the bad guy! I did not see that one coming at me.
Theo's sister, Penny plays a part here. She does get a say too, but I think I would have liked Spyros as well as Penny, given as to what happens to them.
There are many descriptions about the Greek statues and the history of them. I found these a bit too much, to be honest and I struggled to follow them all. I think *THIS* might be why I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two.
I did like that we caught up with Lottie and Patrick, and Rosie and Rhys. They are all blissfully happy and their families are growing.
What I did LOVE though, was the epilogue!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Crimson Jewel in Books
Oct 2, 2025
I wanted Raiden, and I didn't get him!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
The thing I love most about reviewing is finding brand spanking new authors. Finding those new authors who smash it out the park with their first book is just the icing on the cake! This is such a book.
But while I loved this book, I really did, I hated it too. And I'll tell you why in a little bit!
It's a kind of fairy tale retell: Jack and the Beanstalk. I loved the play on words with that.
It's a kind of why choose, but Bea HAS to choose. Except her choice isn't one she is allowed to make, as Raiden forsaked (not sure that's a word, but I'm keeping it!) his First-Born Son status.
Bea has multiple partners, but not at the same time. I liked that she did that, to be honest, and it made the connection she had with Raiden more intense.
It's dark and deadly in places: Bea gets kidnapped, thrown into a ravine, and almost drowned, after all. Someone doesn't want her to make her choice, and I was a little surprised who was behind it.
Not totally surprised, there were some very VERY obvious culprits but a couple threw me!
I really REALLY want there to be more books, about the First-Born Sons and what happens to them! They play a huge part here, even if only for a week or two, but they too need a happy ever after and I hope the author writes them.
So, I loved this book, yes. But as I said, I hated it too. Why??
Single person point of view!
Only Bea gets a say and I wanted, needed, so DESPERATELY needed to hear from Raiden, and I do not get him. I wanted to know what he felt when he first met Bea. When he realised what she had done, and what that meant. When he found out she had been with others before him. And when that happened all at the end (not saying what, for spoilers!) I needed to hear from him when he found out what finally happened to his parents.
And I don't get him and this is the only reason I gave this book . . .
4.5 stars (but rounded UP for the blog!)
Well done, Ms Gordon (apologies if you go by anything else, I couldn't see otherwise!) seriously, VERY well done!
*Same worded review will appear elsewhere
The thing I love most about reviewing is finding brand spanking new authors. Finding those new authors who smash it out the park with their first book is just the icing on the cake! This is such a book.
But while I loved this book, I really did, I hated it too. And I'll tell you why in a little bit!
It's a kind of fairy tale retell: Jack and the Beanstalk. I loved the play on words with that.
It's a kind of why choose, but Bea HAS to choose. Except her choice isn't one she is allowed to make, as Raiden forsaked (not sure that's a word, but I'm keeping it!) his First-Born Son status.
Bea has multiple partners, but not at the same time. I liked that she did that, to be honest, and it made the connection she had with Raiden more intense.
It's dark and deadly in places: Bea gets kidnapped, thrown into a ravine, and almost drowned, after all. Someone doesn't want her to make her choice, and I was a little surprised who was behind it.
Not totally surprised, there were some very VERY obvious culprits but a couple threw me!
I really REALLY want there to be more books, about the First-Born Sons and what happens to them! They play a huge part here, even if only for a week or two, but they too need a happy ever after and I hope the author writes them.
So, I loved this book, yes. But as I said, I hated it too. Why??
Single person point of view!
Only Bea gets a say and I wanted, needed, so DESPERATELY needed to hear from Raiden, and I do not get him. I wanted to know what he felt when he first met Bea. When he realised what she had done, and what that meant. When he found out she had been with others before him. And when that happened all at the end (not saying what, for spoilers!) I needed to hear from him when he found out what finally happened to his parents.
And I don't get him and this is the only reason I gave this book . . .
4.5 stars (but rounded UP for the blog!)
Well done, Ms Gordon (apologies if you go by anything else, I couldn't see otherwise!) seriously, VERY well done!
*Same worded review will appear elsewhere