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Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Pieces of Eight (Lost Souls' Treasure #1) in Books
Jul 13, 2021
wonderfully easy read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Griffin returns to Florida to help his old mentor to strike gold, literally. He just never realised he’d find his own pot of gold: in the form of a former circus performer called Bug. Bug never told Griff how she felt about him, and she won’t now, not if he’s leaving again. But a trip to Martinique changes everything, and could end it all before it really begins.
This is a delightfully easy read, with just enough of everything to keep you engaged.
There enough of the past, of Bug and Griff but mostly Griff. Enough of now of them both (they both get a say) Enough drama, both with these two and with the team. Some wonderful characters in the team, and when Hannah (Griff’s ex) turns up, I’m sure she’s ruffled a few feathers! Enough steam to make it smexy, but not overly explicit. Enough emotions from both of them, and you understand why Bug is so angry with Griff in the beginning, once those emotions are fully explained.
It’s well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It’s a really GOOD book, it just doesn’t blow me away. And I’m sorry about that! Will I read future books in the series? Possibly.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Griffin returns to Florida to help his old mentor to strike gold, literally. He just never realised he’d find his own pot of gold: in the form of a former circus performer called Bug. Bug never told Griff how she felt about him, and she won’t now, not if he’s leaving again. But a trip to Martinique changes everything, and could end it all before it really begins.
This is a delightfully easy read, with just enough of everything to keep you engaged.
There enough of the past, of Bug and Griff but mostly Griff. Enough of now of them both (they both get a say) Enough drama, both with these two and with the team. Some wonderful characters in the team, and when Hannah (Griff’s ex) turns up, I’m sure she’s ruffled a few feathers! Enough steam to make it smexy, but not overly explicit. Enough emotions from both of them, and you understand why Bug is so angry with Griff in the beginning, once those emotions are fully explained.
It’s well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It’s a really GOOD book, it just doesn’t blow me away. And I’m sorry about that! Will I read future books in the series? Possibly.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1753 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 (1753 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
Debbiereadsbook (1753 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 (1753 KP) rated The Roots Run Deep in Books
Oct 27, 2024
These are short, sharp shocks into the mind of Foster, and how they tell their stories!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a collection of stories, billed as horror.
Now, pre-kindle days, I was a horror reader, and it's been some time since I delved into the genre. And while these are mind-provoking, I wouldn't quite class them as horror, as such.
That said, they are all short, sharp shocks into the mind of Foster and how they tell their tales. I've not read any of their work before, though, and I really enjoyed this little peek into their mind.
Some stories were grabbing, and didn't let go. Some were just good. I got lost in the space story, to be honest but I did read them all.
I will never look at a glazed doughnut in the same way, ever again! Moths are definitely on my nope list, and the beach after a storm will be a bit dicey!
So, scary? Yes. Make you think? Yes. But for me, not quite what I would call horror but still an extremely good set of shorts, that make me want to read something longer and more in depth by this author.
4 very good stars across the set, but stand out for the beach story, the doughnut one and the tree.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a collection of stories, billed as horror.
Now, pre-kindle days, I was a horror reader, and it's been some time since I delved into the genre. And while these are mind-provoking, I wouldn't quite class them as horror, as such.
That said, they are all short, sharp shocks into the mind of Foster and how they tell their tales. I've not read any of their work before, though, and I really enjoyed this little peek into their mind.
Some stories were grabbing, and didn't let go. Some were just good. I got lost in the space story, to be honest but I did read them all.
I will never look at a glazed doughnut in the same way, ever again! Moths are definitely on my nope list, and the beach after a storm will be a bit dicey!
So, scary? Yes. Make you think? Yes. But for me, not quite what I would call horror but still an extremely good set of shorts, that make me want to read something longer and more in depth by this author.
4 very good stars across the set, but stand out for the beach story, the doughnut one and the tree.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 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 (1753 KP) rated Ravished by the Rhubarb (The Rhubarb Effect #3) in Books
Nov 25, 2024
Apollo doesn't like custard!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the nail on the head every time!
Apollo thinks his mate rejected him, and tries to not be in Glass' company. But Glass did NOT reject Apollo, he was just overcome by meeting his mate. In an effort to get Apollo to talk to Glass, the pair are set up on camera duty, and Glass brings a bag of things. Turns out, the pride and or the bunch of rhubarb (which has a name but I can't remember it!) was sneaky and someone swapped the contents for some more adult toys!
What I am really enjoying about these books is that while they are a lot, and I mean A LOT of fun, there is some drama here too. In this book, Apollo thinks he can't have his mate, because he doesn't like custard. And, you really need to read the other books to get what I mean by "custard" :-p
There is a way round that, and the pride comes good with their ideas to see both Apollo and Glass happy. And they get VERY happy!
Red and Gordon are next and we might find out just who wants Red and more importantly, WHY!
4 absolute fun stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the nail on the head every time!
Apollo thinks his mate rejected him, and tries to not be in Glass' company. But Glass did NOT reject Apollo, he was just overcome by meeting his mate. In an effort to get Apollo to talk to Glass, the pair are set up on camera duty, and Glass brings a bag of things. Turns out, the pride and or the bunch of rhubarb (which has a name but I can't remember it!) was sneaky and someone swapped the contents for some more adult toys!
What I am really enjoying about these books is that while they are a lot, and I mean A LOT of fun, there is some drama here too. In this book, Apollo thinks he can't have his mate, because he doesn't like custard. And, you really need to read the other books to get what I mean by "custard" :-p
There is a way round that, and the pride comes good with their ideas to see both Apollo and Glass happy. And they get VERY happy!
Red and Gordon are next and we might find out just who wants Red and more importantly, WHY!
4 absolute fun stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated How to Chain Your Dragons in Books
Aug 15, 2025
good but I felt much was missing
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I really REALLY enjoyed this book but my review will be short and sweet cos if I leave myself free reign, it might come across as negative and it really was a good book!
I loved Jaz. She is strong willed and determined, but really just wants to be cut a break! These dragons, though, want more from her. She isn't sure she can give it, not to the invaders of Earth.
The dragons themselves are very different, with stron personalities and differing skills and fears. Zyair, Rhodes and Xandros all want one thing: their fated mate. Finding out she is human, kinda throws a spanner in the works but they really do all go in, eventually.
I was expecting a space romp here, and I get a lot more.
BUT
I feel like there is much MUCH that was not said here. It feels like there should've been a book before this one, giving all the information about Earth being invaded and all that jazz, or Jaz! I just felt it needed MORE, you know??
It also felt like the beginning of a series, there are many characters who I want to read about, so I hope we get more, I really do.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
For the most part, I really REALLY enjoyed this book but my review will be short and sweet cos if I leave myself free reign, it might come across as negative and it really was a good book!
I loved Jaz. She is strong willed and determined, but really just wants to be cut a break! These dragons, though, want more from her. She isn't sure she can give it, not to the invaders of Earth.
The dragons themselves are very different, with stron personalities and differing skills and fears. Zyair, Rhodes and Xandros all want one thing: their fated mate. Finding out she is human, kinda throws a spanner in the works but they really do all go in, eventually.
I was expecting a space romp here, and I get a lot more.
BUT
I feel like there is much MUCH that was not said here. It feels like there should've been a book before this one, giving all the information about Earth being invaded and all that jazz, or Jaz! I just felt it needed MORE, you know??
It also felt like the beginning of a series, there are many characters who I want to read about, so I hope we get more, I really do.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Riding Pine in Books
Nov 12, 2025
super low angst, but super good!
Independent reviewer for Neon, I was gifted my copy of this book.
There is a bit at the front of this book, and I don't usually read those notes but I'm glad I did. It sets the tone of the book beautifully!
Ben lands the job of Slappy, beaver mascot for the Bloomburg Aspens hocky team. he isn't supposed to tell anyone. But he and Lukas are already hooking up, and he doesn't want any secrets. What can go wrong??
And, my dear peeps, is the sum of the angst in this book! What will happen if anyone finds out that Lukas, of said hockey team, knows who the top secret mascot is??
It is SUPER low angst between Lukas and Ben. Super hot chemistry between them. Super sweet as they keep getting together. Super super SUPER!
I loved this book, I really did. I think that note gets you into the mind of Ms Neill when she wrote this and I feel a bit . . .I dunno . . .closer to her. . .maybe?? She is right though, the world has gone to pot. And books like this make it a little bit better, so thank you, Ms Neill!
A short review, but one that needed reigning in before it ran into 6 pages!
5 full and shiny stars, but honestly, I'd give more if I could!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
There is a bit at the front of this book, and I don't usually read those notes but I'm glad I did. It sets the tone of the book beautifully!
Ben lands the job of Slappy, beaver mascot for the Bloomburg Aspens hocky team. he isn't supposed to tell anyone. But he and Lukas are already hooking up, and he doesn't want any secrets. What can go wrong??
And, my dear peeps, is the sum of the angst in this book! What will happen if anyone finds out that Lukas, of said hockey team, knows who the top secret mascot is??
It is SUPER low angst between Lukas and Ben. Super hot chemistry between them. Super sweet as they keep getting together. Super super SUPER!
I loved this book, I really did. I think that note gets you into the mind of Ms Neill when she wrote this and I feel a bit . . .I dunno . . .closer to her. . .maybe?? She is right though, the world has gone to pot. And books like this make it a little bit better, so thank you, Ms Neill!
A short review, but one that needed reigning in before it ran into 6 pages!
5 full and shiny stars, but honestly, I'd give more if I could!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Ziggy's Gift (Liverpool Boys #5) in Books
Dec 14, 2025 (Updated Dec 14, 2025)
a very fitting end for Marc and Ziggy!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a novella in the Liverpool Boys series, and you really should read Saving Ziggy before this one. Much will not make sense if you haven't.
Ziggy and Marc are 7 years married, settled into life happily. But *something* is missing, they both cannot pinpoint what, so a break away over Christmas seems perfect. What they find, will change their lives forever.
I found this the most PERFECT end to Ziggy and Marc's story!
It's so full of love! Marc and Ziggy are very much in love. That fact shows on every page, and finding the bundle in the summer house? Makes their lives complete.
I loved that there was very little steam here! Ziggy and Marc make plans for *fully* enjoy their down time, but plans go awry!
It emotional, though, on a deep level. Finding a baby will wreck anyone, but taking that baby on? Takes a huge amount of emotional upheaval but Ziggy and Marc own it, beautifully!
All the other *boys* and their partners are talked about, and some pop up at the end, so that was a lovely catch up with everyone.
This really is, the most fitting end to Ziggy and Marc's story.
5 full, but very sweet stars
*same worded review wil appear elsewhere
This is a novella in the Liverpool Boys series, and you really should read Saving Ziggy before this one. Much will not make sense if you haven't.
Ziggy and Marc are 7 years married, settled into life happily. But *something* is missing, they both cannot pinpoint what, so a break away over Christmas seems perfect. What they find, will change their lives forever.
I found this the most PERFECT end to Ziggy and Marc's story!
It's so full of love! Marc and Ziggy are very much in love. That fact shows on every page, and finding the bundle in the summer house? Makes their lives complete.
I loved that there was very little steam here! Ziggy and Marc make plans for *fully* enjoy their down time, but plans go awry!
It emotional, though, on a deep level. Finding a baby will wreck anyone, but taking that baby on? Takes a huge amount of emotional upheaval but Ziggy and Marc own it, beautifully!
All the other *boys* and their partners are talked about, and some pop up at the end, so that was a lovely catch up with everyone.
This really is, the most fitting end to Ziggy and Marc's story.
5 full, but very sweet stars
*same worded review wil appear elsewhere