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Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Brutal Reign (Shadow Heirs #5) in Books
Jan 26, 2025
You should probably start at the beginning!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
So, here's the thing. The blurb grabbed, it really did, even though it's the lsst in series, it says it can be read as a stand alone book. And I have no doubt that for some, it can. But for me? I missed something, I really did.
There were a lot of characters who grabbed me far more than Seb, Ace or River did and I think that's where I missed not reading any previous books.
So, here's what I did like.
All three have a say, and I liked getting into all three heads.
It's a slower burn book,. but once these three get with what Fate has in store for them, it's steamy and smexy. I liked that contrast in the before and after.
I didn't like how Seb and Ace were with River in the beginning, but given what happens later, I fully understand why they did what they did, to keep themselves away from River.
I'm just not sure this was the book for me to start with! And that's entirely my own fault, since it does it's last in series. I will, however, try something else of Primer's work, since this is the first I've read of their work.
But I finished it, and it had a satisfactory ending. I really liked the epilogues!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
So, here's the thing. The blurb grabbed, it really did, even though it's the lsst in series, it says it can be read as a stand alone book. And I have no doubt that for some, it can. But for me? I missed something, I really did.
There were a lot of characters who grabbed me far more than Seb, Ace or River did and I think that's where I missed not reading any previous books.
So, here's what I did like.
All three have a say, and I liked getting into all three heads.
It's a slower burn book,. but once these three get with what Fate has in store for them, it's steamy and smexy. I liked that contrast in the before and after.
I didn't like how Seb and Ace were with River in the beginning, but given what happens later, I fully understand why they did what they did, to keep themselves away from River.
I'm just not sure this was the book for me to start with! And that's entirely my own fault, since it does it's last in series. I will, however, try something else of Primer's work, since this is the first I've read of their work.
But I finished it, and it had a satisfactory ending. I really liked the epilogues!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Who Said Witness Protection Was Boring? (Mobster Mayhem #2) in Books
Feb 14, 2025
fun and flirty with some danger thrown in!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Mobster Mayhem series, and I have not read book 1. I didn't think I was missing anything, honestly, until Leo and Chai turn up in this book and now I wanna read their story!
While the undertone of this book is dark, people are killed keeping the secrets that Matt and Kieran are discovering, the general tone is light and fluffy and these guys are a lot of fun.
Matt and Kieran find themselves on the run from the CIA and Lord knows who else, cos Matt's aunt and uncle are keeping an asset for the CIA. The CIA! Matt is dumbfounded when he discovers that his auntie and uncle, and indeed, his parents, have been keeping such secrets from him, but when he finds himself wound up in it all, he understands.
I did NOT see the twist with Kieran's parents coming at me, so well played with that one!
And you know what?? I did not realise its first person, present tense AND multi point of view until I was filing it, so SUPER well with that!
From what I can see, this is the first I've read of these authors, so they are firmly in my crosshairs!
4 fun and flirty stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Mobster Mayhem series, and I have not read book 1. I didn't think I was missing anything, honestly, until Leo and Chai turn up in this book and now I wanna read their story!
While the undertone of this book is dark, people are killed keeping the secrets that Matt and Kieran are discovering, the general tone is light and fluffy and these guys are a lot of fun.
Matt and Kieran find themselves on the run from the CIA and Lord knows who else, cos Matt's aunt and uncle are keeping an asset for the CIA. The CIA! Matt is dumbfounded when he discovers that his auntie and uncle, and indeed, his parents, have been keeping such secrets from him, but when he finds himself wound up in it all, he understands.
I did NOT see the twist with Kieran's parents coming at me, so well played with that one!
And you know what?? I did not realise its first person, present tense AND multi point of view until I was filing it, so SUPER well with that!
From what I can see, this is the first I've read of these authors, so they are firmly in my crosshairs!
4 fun and flirty stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Dragon's Mate Volume Three: Books 8-11 in Books
Feb 26, 2025
I needed previous books
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of thi box set, 3 books and a novella.
These are books 8-11 in the Dragon's Mate series, and I think, that I SHOULD have read the other books first. It came with a prior reading not required, so I jumped in. And I'm fairly certain I missed something along the way by not reading the previous 7 books.
These 3 main books kinda of overlap each other. Almost layer upon layer, there were the same scenes repeated in multiple books, granted from other points of view, but still. It got a bit...tedious, and I wasn't really enjoying those bits.
I LIKED that all 6 of the couples had a say. I liked the pairings were mismatched and very different. I liked each couples quirks. I liked that everyone came together in the end in the short novella to tie up ends.
It's steamy, but I didn't find it ever so explicit. A little bit of violence in some places, but not too much.
I *DID* like this, I really did, I just think I should have read the previous books first. I think I would have had a better picture of what was going on with those dragon who had been banished/left in the previous books, and seen the BIGGER picture, is all.
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
These are books 8-11 in the Dragon's Mate series, and I think, that I SHOULD have read the other books first. It came with a prior reading not required, so I jumped in. And I'm fairly certain I missed something along the way by not reading the previous 7 books.
These 3 main books kinda of overlap each other. Almost layer upon layer, there were the same scenes repeated in multiple books, granted from other points of view, but still. It got a bit...tedious, and I wasn't really enjoying those bits.
I LIKED that all 6 of the couples had a say. I liked the pairings were mismatched and very different. I liked each couples quirks. I liked that everyone came together in the end in the short novella to tie up ends.
It's steamy, but I didn't find it ever so explicit. A little bit of violence in some places, but not too much.
I *DID* like this, I really did, I just think I should have read the previous books first. I think I would have had a better picture of what was going on with those dragon who had been banished/left in the previous books, and seen the BIGGER picture, is all.
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated A Murder of Convenience in Books
Apr 1, 2025
I liked that we heard from everyone!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2566 KP) rated The Christie Caper in Books
Mar 29, 2023
Honoring Agatha Christie Turns Deadly
Annie Laurence Darling is hosting The Christie Caper, a week-long tribute to the queen of crime on her one hundredth birthday. But the event is being crashed by Neil Bledsoe, a reviewer who hates all but the most hard boiled mysteries and has made lots of enemies. Things have hardly started before the attacks on Neil begin, but he still goes ahead with tearing down Agatha Christie. Can Annie figure out what he is up to and stop him before someone stops him permanently?
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Debbiereadsbook (1753 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 (1753 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 (1753 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 (1753 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