Search
Search results
Debbiereadsbook (1691 KP) rated Taking What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #4) in Books
Apr 24, 2025
super steamy!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.
Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.
So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.
We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!
I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.
Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!
Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!
There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.
What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but its more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.
What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but its more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
Tami (7 KP) rated Out of the Shadows in Books
Jul 15, 2018
I was very pleased with this book. The characters were likable and brought me great joy when things worked out for them in the end.
The storyline kept me wanting more from page one.
I appreciated that the love scene was further into the book (steamy too) because it gave you something to process their love interets before totally turning it into a sex fest (not that this book is a sex fest, I just hate books that do that.)
I wish the story would have had a little bit more meat on it, it is a short read. I would have liked to have had more backstory on the characters and more of the ex-boyfriend storyline.
I know that the Aztec gods were depicted based on the actual gods, but I, personally, wished that they were a little more pronouceable. I spend a lot of time skimming over the names which left me a little confused as to which god was doing what.
3 1/2 stars leaning toward 4. I plan on reading book 2, so it couldn’t have been that bad.
The storyline kept me wanting more from page one.
I appreciated that the love scene was further into the book (steamy too) because it gave you something to process their love interets before totally turning it into a sex fest (not that this book is a sex fest, I just hate books that do that.)
I wish the story would have had a little bit more meat on it, it is a short read. I would have liked to have had more backstory on the characters and more of the ex-boyfriend storyline.
I know that the Aztec gods were depicted based on the actual gods, but I, personally, wished that they were a little more pronouceable. I spend a lot of time skimming over the names which left me a little confused as to which god was doing what.
3 1/2 stars leaning toward 4. I plan on reading book 2, so it couldn’t have been that bad.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) by Erin M. Leaf
The Elevator is the first in the Close Proximity series, which from the looks of this book, is going to be short and steamy reads!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
David (771 KP) rated Bonded in Blood in Books
Sep 6, 2018
Great modern take on vampire genre
I won this book in a giveaway by Smashbomb, thank you. That said, it will not influence my review.
I haven't read many books with a prologue, this one had one and set the book up nicely that it wasn't going to shy away from the gruesome, being a vampire story you would expect nothing less.
The main characters Taz (no relation to Warner Bros one that ate everything) and Morgana (Morgan) I liked pretty much straight away for their love/hate relationship in and out of the bedroom (Some steamy scenes, be warned). Taz, arrogant, egotistical and generally full of himself, then you have Morgan, she reminded me of Selene from Underworld films in that she took no nonsense and was her own woman. They are forced to work together to solve the gruesome murders that threaten to uncover the centuries hidden vampire world that Kayla (human) thinks she is very close to uncovering.
A book that you can't put down, full of excitement, sex and vampiric action. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read the next book.
I haven't read many books with a prologue, this one had one and set the book up nicely that it wasn't going to shy away from the gruesome, being a vampire story you would expect nothing less.
The main characters Taz (no relation to Warner Bros one that ate everything) and Morgana (Morgan) I liked pretty much straight away for their love/hate relationship in and out of the bedroom (Some steamy scenes, be warned). Taz, arrogant, egotistical and generally full of himself, then you have Morgan, she reminded me of Selene from Underworld films in that she took no nonsense and was her own woman. They are forced to work together to solve the gruesome murders that threaten to uncover the centuries hidden vampire world that Kayla (human) thinks she is very close to uncovering.
A book that you can't put down, full of excitement, sex and vampiric action. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read the next book.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Jaz's Warriors (Bondmates, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is the second book in a series which I haven't read, but that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this short but spicy Science Fiction read.
The story starts with the invasion of Earth, and then jumps forward to when Jaz is already a Matriarch, mated to two and meeting a potential third. Things are done very differently in this world, and some human females are having trouble adapting. Jaz's counselling experience is able to help her and others to cope with a way of living and loving.
Because I haven't read the first book, I'm not sure if Jaz is mentioned in that, or how she met husbands one and two. This isn't a negative, it's just that this is one fast-paced story so I would like to know more about these characters, just to understand all aspects of the story.
If you are after a short and steamy sci-fi romance with multi partners, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The story starts with the invasion of Earth, and then jumps forward to when Jaz is already a Matriarch, mated to two and meeting a potential third. Things are done very differently in this world, and some human females are having trouble adapting. Jaz's counselling experience is able to help her and others to cope with a way of living and loving.
Because I haven't read the first book, I'm not sure if Jaz is mentioned in that, or how she met husbands one and two. This isn't a negative, it's just that this is one fast-paced story so I would like to know more about these characters, just to understand all aspects of the story.
If you are after a short and steamy sci-fi romance with multi partners, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ready, Set, Christmas!
Book
Christmas is coming! Swirling snowflakes have us reaching for our coziest scarves and mittens,...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summer Nights (Wildflowers, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, courtesy of Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review*
This is my first book by the author and it was a light romance with an interesting new idea for a plot about opening a summer camp for adults. It also has a longer story arc of what's happened to Dylan's dad that I'm assuming will be continued in the rest of the Wildflowers series.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the book. I like quite a bit of angst in my romances. I like fights and steamy make up sex. I like tattooed bad boys who get up to mischief while falling for the virgin new girl.
This was far too tame for me personally.
I loved the idea of the summer camp with the cabins and the activities but I don't think there was enough details about a lot of the going ons.
The characters didn't really grab me either. I didn't find myself willing them to get together. I was actually a little indifferent to them all.
This was not my kind of story, unfortunately.
This is my first book by the author and it was a light romance with an interesting new idea for a plot about opening a summer camp for adults. It also has a longer story arc of what's happened to Dylan's dad that I'm assuming will be continued in the rest of the Wildflowers series.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the book. I like quite a bit of angst in my romances. I like fights and steamy make up sex. I like tattooed bad boys who get up to mischief while falling for the virgin new girl.
This was far too tame for me personally.
I loved the idea of the summer camp with the cabins and the activities but I don't think there was enough details about a lot of the going ons.
The characters didn't really grab me either. I didn't find myself willing them to get together. I was actually a little indifferent to them all.
This was not my kind of story, unfortunately.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Swimming Pool (2003) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
Can't stop thinking about this one, that kind of film that sneaks up on you ever so carefully when you're watching it - then delivering a mighty wallop directly afterwards, when you least expect it. Sinks its grasp into you slowly, hypnotically, until eventually revealing and digging its claws in deep during that wild last thirty minutes. Uncompromisingly steamy - a sultry fusion of murder mystery, softcore porn, and perfume commercial aesthetics. In other words, pretty fucking awesome. The robust acting that Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier give to these two fully-formed characterizations lay claim to every ounce of your attention - impossible to miss a single detail. Sort of wish we knew more about a couple of the characters but it may not have even been a necessity when writing *this* cautious leaves the viewer in a constant state of questioning, wondering just where the hell it's going to go every step of the way. At first I was let down by its infamously ambiguous ending, but no sooner afterwards did I love it. Sun-soaked, quiet depravity that contains its pressure for an eventual explosion.
Kiss Me
Book
He's arrogant, hot, and hard to resist...can she keep saying no? Travel back to the mountains of...






