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Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Tangled In Tinsel in Books
Dec 11, 2021
the letter made me cry!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Taken straight from the blurb, this best describes this book! This gay, Hallmark-influenced romance is a heart-warming, hilarious, steamy mug of Christmas cocoa.
And it really is a wonderful read! I have a lot of holiday stories in my review list this year and this is the most fun read, I think, of the lot.
Dean is chasing that elusive find, the one that would save his business and make his name in the antiques world. Finding it is Tinsel, and meeting Levi again, was fate. Then the snow comes, Dean's nemesis also arrives and Dean is faced with making the decision of his life.
There follows an hilarious tale of two men falling in love, over a cradle; a lot of interruptions to their moments and a horse ride from hell and I really can't go into too much more, save for spoilers!
But it really is a wonderful read. And I loved the connection that Levi had to the cradle, and just what else Levi has to give to Dean.
The letter though, made me cry!
Oh, and the epilogue did too!
I can't see that I've read anything else by this author, and I think I need to correct that, right quick (just as soon as my review list lets me!)
4 wonderful stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Taken straight from the blurb, this best describes this book! This gay, Hallmark-influenced romance is a heart-warming, hilarious, steamy mug of Christmas cocoa.
And it really is a wonderful read! I have a lot of holiday stories in my review list this year and this is the most fun read, I think, of the lot.
Dean is chasing that elusive find, the one that would save his business and make his name in the antiques world. Finding it is Tinsel, and meeting Levi again, was fate. Then the snow comes, Dean's nemesis also arrives and Dean is faced with making the decision of his life.
There follows an hilarious tale of two men falling in love, over a cradle; a lot of interruptions to their moments and a horse ride from hell and I really can't go into too much more, save for spoilers!
But it really is a wonderful read. And I loved the connection that Levi had to the cradle, and just what else Levi has to give to Dean.
The letter though, made me cry!
Oh, and the epilogue did too!
I can't see that I've read anything else by this author, and I think I need to correct that, right quick (just as soon as my review list lets me!)
4 wonderful stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Alpha's Fingerling Surprize (The Weird & Wacky World of Shifters #2) in Books
Nov 12, 2022
More emotional than book one but no less a great read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Commander (Hellfire #3) in Books
Mar 3, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mei has been followed by Kellias as a punishment, ever since she annoyed Lucifer with her attitude when he upset her best friend. She has tried to lose him whenever she can but she never seems to have much luck. When she is sent on a mission to see who is trying to make wildfire with Kellias will she finally get rid of him or find his value?
This is book number 3 in the hellfire series and I have enjoyed every single story in this series. As soon as I had finished one book I was ready to read the next one. There are a couple of novellas as well that I will be reading and I am eagerly waiting for book number 4!
The way that Ella has written these are fresh and exciting. Lots of anticipation about what could happen next and whom it involves. Although this story contains characters from previous books, I think you could read it as a stand-alone. Personally, I recommend you read them all as they are fast-paced, romantic, passionate, and gripping. I really can't praise them high enough they are brilliant!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Mei has been followed by Kellias as a punishment, ever since she annoyed Lucifer with her attitude when he upset her best friend. She has tried to lose him whenever she can but she never seems to have much luck. When she is sent on a mission to see who is trying to make wildfire with Kellias will she finally get rid of him or find his value?
This is book number 3 in the hellfire series and I have enjoyed every single story in this series. As soon as I had finished one book I was ready to read the next one. There are a couple of novellas as well that I will be reading and I am eagerly waiting for book number 4!
The way that Ella has written these are fresh and exciting. Lots of anticipation about what could happen next and whom it involves. Although this story contains characters from previous books, I think you could read it as a stand-alone. Personally, I recommend you read them all as they are fast-paced, romantic, passionate, and gripping. I really can't praise them high enough they are brilliant!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Gamble of Hearts in Books
Aug 8, 2023
ok, but not pushing any buttons.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Lady Amora finds herself sold by her brother, to more than one person, but Lord Alexander takes her in, to keep her safe. Finding her a husband is the safest way to do that. He never expected to be drawn to her. Amora has a secret though, and that might cost her dearly if Alexander finds out. When Amora's life is threatened, Alexander pulls out all the stops.
This is one of those books that I cannot find another word for, other than NICE. It was a nice book.
Yes, some of the storyline is dark: sibling abuse, kidnapping, murder and suicide. Yes, it's a bit steamy and smexy, but not overly so. Yes, it's somewhat proper for the time portrayed, with all the rules and customs of the time. I liked that both Amora and Alexander have a say, in the third person. Another has a short say, but I really didn't see the point of him!
BUT
There are some typos, which should really have been picked up before publication: spelling your main character's name wrong is really rather unforgivable. In a few places, I was confused by the continuity of scenes. I had to double back a couple of times to clarify things.
So, all in all, a NICE book, but one that didn't really push any buttons.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lady Amora finds herself sold by her brother, to more than one person, but Lord Alexander takes her in, to keep her safe. Finding her a husband is the safest way to do that. He never expected to be drawn to her. Amora has a secret though, and that might cost her dearly if Alexander finds out. When Amora's life is threatened, Alexander pulls out all the stops.
This is one of those books that I cannot find another word for, other than NICE. It was a nice book.
Yes, some of the storyline is dark: sibling abuse, kidnapping, murder and suicide. Yes, it's a bit steamy and smexy, but not overly so. Yes, it's somewhat proper for the time portrayed, with all the rules and customs of the time. I liked that both Amora and Alexander have a say, in the third person. Another has a short say, but I really didn't see the point of him!
BUT
There are some typos, which should really have been picked up before publication: spelling your main character's name wrong is really rather unforgivable. In a few places, I was confused by the continuity of scenes. I had to double back a couple of times to clarify things.
So, all in all, a NICE book, but one that didn't really push any buttons.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated When I Look In the Mirror in Books
Aug 22, 2023
liked well enough, but not sure this author is for me!
Independent reviewer for Achaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this, well enough, but I'm not sure this author works for ME. I stress the ME here!
I said in the first book I read from Davenport, I'm With The Band, that I wanted to read another book by this author, but not that series. And this book fits that bill, since it's a stand alone.
But while I read it, finished in under an hour, and there were some things I did like, it just really isn't one for me.
I liked that it doesn't get as scary as I thought it would, once I started reading. Ouija boards are nothing to be messed with, as Tatum finds out here, and I won't ever touch one! Finding a demon in her mists was tricky to deal with but Zach really helps her.
I liked the connection between Zach and Tatum, and how that all plays out. I wasn't sure which way things would play out and it left me hanging for a hot minute!
I didn't like that only Tatum gets a say, I would have liked to hear from Zach.
Like I said, only short, some 70 pages. Not sure it was really for me, but passed a lazy Tuesday morning in bed.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I liked this, well enough, but I'm not sure this author works for ME. I stress the ME here!
I said in the first book I read from Davenport, I'm With The Band, that I wanted to read another book by this author, but not that series. And this book fits that bill, since it's a stand alone.
But while I read it, finished in under an hour, and there were some things I did like, it just really isn't one for me.
I liked that it doesn't get as scary as I thought it would, once I started reading. Ouija boards are nothing to be messed with, as Tatum finds out here, and I won't ever touch one! Finding a demon in her mists was tricky to deal with but Zach really helps her.
I liked the connection between Zach and Tatum, and how that all plays out. I wasn't sure which way things would play out and it left me hanging for a hot minute!
I didn't like that only Tatum gets a say, I would have liked to hear from Zach.
Like I said, only short, some 70 pages. Not sure it was really for me, but passed a lazy Tuesday morning in bed.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated His Precious Omega (Sweet Alps Mates #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2023
Put off by some wording
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Sweet Alps series. I have not read the others and I did not feel I was missing anything by not doing so.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book, I really did.
I liked that it took time for Ry and Daddy Brendan to properly connect. I liked that Ryan tells Brendan of his problems BEFORE they enter into anything. I liked that Brendan seeks help as to how to properly look of Ry when he is little. I even liked the stalker storyline, and how that all panned out. Didn't see that coming at me. I liked that I can see a certain pair of shifters getting together!
BUT
There are some points along the way that the wording of sentences really grated on my nerves. He did NOT "drug" the chair across the room (not actually from the book,but just using to make my point) he DRAGGED the chair. I'm fairly certain this is a local lingo thing, to the author's locality, but to me? Nuh-uh. Once, I can let it go, but it happens more than once. At that point, I switched to "let's get this finished, eh?" mode.
So, I'm sorry, I will not be following this series.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Sweet Alps series. I have not read the others and I did not feel I was missing anything by not doing so.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book, I really did.
I liked that it took time for Ry and Daddy Brendan to properly connect. I liked that Ryan tells Brendan of his problems BEFORE they enter into anything. I liked that Brendan seeks help as to how to properly look of Ry when he is little. I even liked the stalker storyline, and how that all panned out. Didn't see that coming at me. I liked that I can see a certain pair of shifters getting together!
BUT
There are some points along the way that the wording of sentences really grated on my nerves. He did NOT "drug" the chair across the room (not actually from the book,but just using to make my point) he DRAGGED the chair. I'm fairly certain this is a local lingo thing, to the author's locality, but to me? Nuh-uh. Once, I can let it go, but it happens more than once. At that point, I switched to "let's get this finished, eh?" mode.
So, I'm sorry, I will not be following this series.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated The Hot Mess Prince in Books
Jan 19, 2024
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I found this a refreshing change, I really did!
I loved that Thibault loved to rattle Neel, and Neel knew he was doing it all on purpose, but he let him, mostly. I loved that the two of them grew close when Thibault set out to do a bit of an image reboot, given his recent behaviour.
I loved the layers of Thibault! Oh and I love love LOVED the fact that Neel was not allowed to call him Tibs, everyone else did that and he wanted something special in his life that was just his. Neel was his, they just didn't quite see it fast enough!
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This appears to be the author's first book, or it's the only one I can see under this name. In some places, that does show. It's written in third person, and a couple of places flips from one to the other and back again, in the space of a paragraph. Not a massive issue, just enough times for me to notice it and for it needing to be mentioned.
That said, I look forward to reading more work b this author, as they develop their craft.
A very good 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I found this a refreshing change, I really did!
I loved that Thibault loved to rattle Neel, and Neel knew he was doing it all on purpose, but he let him, mostly. I loved that the two of them grew close when Thibault set out to do a bit of an image reboot, given his recent behaviour.
I loved the layers of Thibault! Oh and I love love LOVED the fact that Neel was not allowed to call him Tibs, everyone else did that and he wanted something special in his life that was just his. Neel was his, they just didn't quite see it fast enough!
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This appears to be the author's first book, or it's the only one I can see under this name. In some places, that does show. It's written in third person, and a couple of places flips from one to the other and back again, in the space of a paragraph. Not a massive issue, just enough times for me to notice it and for it needing to be mentioned.
That said, I look forward to reading more work b this author, as they develop their craft.
A very good 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated SWAT for Dummies (Deputy Gemma Stone #2) in Books
Feb 13, 2024
some very funny moments
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Deputy Gemma Stone series. I have not read book one, but I picked this one up quick enough. So I'd say it can be read as a stand alone.
And for the most part, I did enjoy this short read, some 130 pages, I really did.
I just found the fact that Gemma got into so many scrapes and bumps, accidents and getting shot at, it all became a bit too much. FOR ME! I need to stress that, for me, I found it a bit too much in the short space of time it took me to read this book.
There is some kooky going on inthe Sheriff's department, and Gemma, along with her new boyfriend, need to figure it out, especially as it might have some relation to Dante's parent's deaths. And they do, eventually.
Some very funny moments, that really were laugh out loud bits and I think these are what made me give it 4 stars and not 3. It's full of drama, but not real angst. Low on the steam scale too. But I didn't mind that here.
I'm not usually one for comedy in my romance books, but I did enjoy this one. Whether I read more, will remain to be seen, though.
An enjoyable, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Deputy Gemma Stone series. I have not read book one, but I picked this one up quick enough. So I'd say it can be read as a stand alone.
And for the most part, I did enjoy this short read, some 130 pages, I really did.
I just found the fact that Gemma got into so many scrapes and bumps, accidents and getting shot at, it all became a bit too much. FOR ME! I need to stress that, for me, I found it a bit too much in the short space of time it took me to read this book.
There is some kooky going on inthe Sheriff's department, and Gemma, along with her new boyfriend, need to figure it out, especially as it might have some relation to Dante's parent's deaths. And they do, eventually.
Some very funny moments, that really were laugh out loud bits and I think these are what made me give it 4 stars and not 3. It's full of drama, but not real angst. Low on the steam scale too. But I didn't mind that here.
I'm not usually one for comedy in my romance books, but I did enjoy this one. Whether I read more, will remain to be seen, though.
An enjoyable, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Secret Admirer Pact in Books
Feb 23, 2024
kinda cute
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why?? I dunno, but book feelings are strong about this and ya'll know I need to share the book feelings!
It's a fun read, about friends who never really saw each other as anything other than best friends, until the thought of losing each other looms. And it's all laid out for you!
While there is romance here, there is no smexy times. I think that might be my biggest issue. I like my books smexy and I wanted Monique and Will to get their freak on, and they don't. At least, not on page. There's just some kissing.
It's painfully obvious who the secret admirers are, other than Will and Monique, but I didn't see the twist to Monique's boss' situation! So that was a great twist.
It's billed as a comedy romance. Now, I dunno if it was me, but I didn't get much comedy, at all!
It was a nice read (you know I don't like to use that word, but I can't find another one to fit!) one you can just fall into and wile away a couple hours, or less. Took me 90 mins.
I'd like to read something esle by this author, I haven't read her work before, but a longer work.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated The Painted Lady in Books
Jul 27, 2024
Delaney deals with a lot here!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Delaney comes to New Orleans after her mother dies, to find she is now the owner of The Bird House, a brothel. Meeting Alderic is the bright light in a dark place. But Alderic is a smuggler, and Delaney is now a Madam, The Painted Lady. They walk in different circles. Someone, however, wants The Bird House.
What I liked about this, was Delaney did not know what her mother did. She was sent away as a child, and has not returned home for a long time. Remi (who turns out to be far more than a bodyguard!) is her only connection to her mother. But once Delaney got her head round the idea, she embraced it. I loved that the girls in The Bird House were all there voluntarily.
I liked that it took Alderic a LONG time to figure things out! Loved how he got Delaney back!
It's not explicit, at all, given where Delaney now lives, but it is emotional. Delaney deals with a lot here, and it takes a toll.
I'm left intrigued, though. By Alderic's partner, Nye, and his new wife, Sarafina. They have a book that preceeds this one, I want to go back and read it. I have a feeling that Sarafina was a shock to Nye's system!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Delaney comes to New Orleans after her mother dies, to find she is now the owner of The Bird House, a brothel. Meeting Alderic is the bright light in a dark place. But Alderic is a smuggler, and Delaney is now a Madam, The Painted Lady. They walk in different circles. Someone, however, wants The Bird House.
What I liked about this, was Delaney did not know what her mother did. She was sent away as a child, and has not returned home for a long time. Remi (who turns out to be far more than a bodyguard!) is her only connection to her mother. But once Delaney got her head round the idea, she embraced it. I loved that the girls in The Bird House were all there voluntarily.
I liked that it took Alderic a LONG time to figure things out! Loved how he got Delaney back!
It's not explicit, at all, given where Delaney now lives, but it is emotional. Delaney deals with a lot here, and it takes a toll.
I'm left intrigued, though. By Alderic's partner, Nye, and his new wife, Sarafina. They have a book that preceeds this one, I want to go back and read it. I have a feeling that Sarafina was a shock to Nye's system!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere