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Debbiereadsbook (1694 KP) rated On Warmer Shores in Books
Aug 4, 2024
stunning 5 star read!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I've followed Ms Adams from the very beginning, and I can honestly say, I'm loving the way she is honing her craft.
This is a step out of her comfort zone, I think, and I bloody LOVED it!
Vince has watched his best friend fall in love with someone else, and an invitation to the wedding is just a step too far for his broken heart. Jetting off to France for a week seemed like a good idea. Meeting Sylvain seemed the answer to his prayers, right?
I loved this, I really did.
It's sweet and smexy, emotional and funny, and everything inbetween, while being a delightful tale of two men meeting and falling in love, when they least expect it!
I did NOT like Theo, even after it all went down. The man really couldn't see who was under his nose the whole time and he couldn't see what an idiot he was getting.
Loved the best friend, Lexi but hated the position that Theo put her in with Vince.
The best bit? Sylvian letting Vince set the pace of their physical relationship. I loved that we never actually got to The Main Event! I mean, its steamy and lots of smexy times, but The Main Event never happens, and I actually LOVED that, I really did.
It's a much lighter read from Ms Adams, and I loved the direction this took.
Amazing read, thank you!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1694 KP) rated Bed Hopping: Island Confidential Novella in Books
Jul 24, 2025
Not ever so steamy but emotional!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Second Drafts (Matchmakers #2) in Books
Sep 1, 2017
Second Drafts (Matchmakers #2) by G.R. Lyons
Second Drafts is the second book in the Matchmakers series - set in a world similar yet different to our own. This book is about Chance's brother, Shain, and his demons, plus Ellidan, and his monster. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! Okay, so I might have said that about book one too, but seriously, this one got to me. I loved the relationship between Shain and Ellidan, although I was all for kicking Shain during most of the story! Ellidan thinks he is so broken, and yet he is so strong. Shain thinks he has everything under control, and yet really doesn't.
You also get the opportunity to catch up with Chance and Remy, which I loved. I didn't love Shain and Chance's father turning up to the wedding, or what happened with Ellidan, but I'll leave that there. You also see Bryan acting out at Matchmakers, and yet still don't know why. Danny is trying to deal with him, and that is such a delightful teaser for the next book.
Still, I'm getting ahead of myself. This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoiled my reading flow. I adore how Chance is an editor, and Shain is a writer. Books/writing/editing, set in a fantasy m/m scene? I can't ask for anything else! Ticks all my boxes, that's for sure.
Second Drafts certainly doesn't suffer from being a 'gap' book. I was caught up in every scene, every word, and loved it from beginning to end. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
You also get the opportunity to catch up with Chance and Remy, which I loved. I didn't love Shain and Chance's father turning up to the wedding, or what happened with Ellidan, but I'll leave that there. You also see Bryan acting out at Matchmakers, and yet still don't know why. Danny is trying to deal with him, and that is such a delightful teaser for the next book.
Still, I'm getting ahead of myself. This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that spoiled my reading flow. I adore how Chance is an editor, and Shain is a writer. Books/writing/editing, set in a fantasy m/m scene? I can't ask for anything else! Ticks all my boxes, that's for sure.
Second Drafts certainly doesn't suffer from being a 'gap' book. I was caught up in every scene, every word, and loved it from beginning to end. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
b.Young (97 KP) rated Butterfly Islands (Chronicles of the Twenty-One Butterflies Book 1) in Books
May 8, 2018
Girl pirates (4 more)
Magic
Quests
Amazing setting
Action & Adventure
Girl Pirates, Treasure, Sword Fights, and Adventure! Yes, please!!!
I read this book because the Kindle version was offered for free on Amazon.
I didn't know what to expect and I honestly thought it was going to be a failed version of some of my most loved pirate stories. But because it featured female pirates, I knew I HAD to read it! And, girl, am I glad I did!
This is the first of a series of 5 books and it did not disappoint! This book had action, adventure, life changing decisions, sword fights, a treasure hunt, pirate ships, and even a couple villains that I ended up truly hating.
The story begins with 15-year-old Casey fleeing her marriage to a much older, very cruel man, which was arranged by her abusive step-father. Casey struggles with leaving because she knows what horrible fate awaits her mother at the hands of her step-father.
As Casey makes her escape, in her wedding dress, she is easily trailed by the very sadists that insist she make good on her step-father's arrangement. Casey runs deeper into the jungle and is rescued by the Twenty-One Butterflies just as the dogs are loosed on her.
Once she observes the ways and learns the values of the group of women that are the Twenty-One Butterflies, Casey makes yet another life-altering decision to join them.
Adventure, danger, training, sword fights, and sisterhood ensue as Casey embarks on her journey to become a Twenty-One Butterfly.
I fully intend to continue the series and discover Casey's fate as well as the fates of the rest of the Twenty-One Butterflies!
I didn't know what to expect and I honestly thought it was going to be a failed version of some of my most loved pirate stories. But because it featured female pirates, I knew I HAD to read it! And, girl, am I glad I did!
This is the first of a series of 5 books and it did not disappoint! This book had action, adventure, life changing decisions, sword fights, a treasure hunt, pirate ships, and even a couple villains that I ended up truly hating.
The story begins with 15-year-old Casey fleeing her marriage to a much older, very cruel man, which was arranged by her abusive step-father. Casey struggles with leaving because she knows what horrible fate awaits her mother at the hands of her step-father.
As Casey makes her escape, in her wedding dress, she is easily trailed by the very sadists that insist she make good on her step-father's arrangement. Casey runs deeper into the jungle and is rescued by the Twenty-One Butterflies just as the dogs are loosed on her.
Once she observes the ways and learns the values of the group of women that are the Twenty-One Butterflies, Casey makes yet another life-altering decision to join them.
Adventure, danger, training, sword fights, and sisterhood ensue as Casey embarks on her journey to become a Twenty-One Butterfly.
I fully intend to continue the series and discover Casey's fate as well as the fates of the rest of the Twenty-One Butterflies!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Miles from Where We Started in Books
Mar 5, 2019
These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.
Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.
The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.
Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?
My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.
The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.
Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.
The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.
Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?
My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.
The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Crimes Past ( Mac Faraday Mystery #13) in Books
Apr 26, 2019
Ever wonder what would happen if you left a murder get away with killing two people with no evidences. It like it goes cold. It just so happens it heats back up 15 years later or so when the reunion is all booked and their a wedding to preform.
It all happens to be happen around Mac and the victims daughter no less. We know that Mac will not and has not given up on the case. It seems Mac need a little help. So who knew that someone would be called in to help for just a little bit. Laura Carr brings in some one new but it so nice to see the series get intertwined together.
If you read Winter Frost you will now find out by his name. This man to be called in to help him though a connection with Washington is Chris Matheson. Mac needs some help with information and help solve his case he is sent Chris Matheson.
Laura Carr Crimes Past is no different then any of her other books. You will get hooked on her books and want more just after reading one of her books. Does not matter what series you start with or what book. You will want to read them all sooner or later or listen to them all.
The book is action packed, heart throbbing and you will not want to put the book or stop listening. It got twist and turns and surpises all the way to the end. You will be left guessing as to he the killer is and not only that there a bigger surprise left that you will not see see coming. You know Mac will have his brother or half brother David involved to help him.
It all happens to be happen around Mac and the victims daughter no less. We know that Mac will not and has not given up on the case. It seems Mac need a little help. So who knew that someone would be called in to help for just a little bit. Laura Carr brings in some one new but it so nice to see the series get intertwined together.
If you read Winter Frost you will now find out by his name. This man to be called in to help him though a connection with Washington is Chris Matheson. Mac needs some help with information and help solve his case he is sent Chris Matheson.
Laura Carr Crimes Past is no different then any of her other books. You will get hooked on her books and want more just after reading one of her books. Does not matter what series you start with or what book. You will want to read them all sooner or later or listen to them all.
The book is action packed, heart throbbing and you will not want to put the book or stop listening. It got twist and turns and surpises all the way to the end. You will be left guessing as to he the killer is and not only that there a bigger surprise left that you will not see see coming. You know Mac will have his brother or half brother David involved to help him.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Gone Girl in Books
May 14, 2019
Outstanding.
Now I guess you have heard about this book as there was and still is a big debate about Gone Girl, you either love it or hate it and I loved it! Gone Girl definitely gained a lot of media coverage especially as it has been adapted to a film since. I have seen both the film and read the book and both were brilliant! It is no wonder Gone Girl is a global bestseller book with many twists and turns that are bound to keep you reading until the end. For my personal review Gone Girl deserves the five stars I have awarded as it kept me glued to the story and is full of suspense and mystery, alongside it being an excellent thriller that will keep you up reading all night. This is the first book I have read by Gillian Flynn and I have already put a selection of her others onto my wishlist already. Let me know what your views are on this book below, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
Gone Girl reveals the secrets at the heart of Nick’s and Amy’s modern marriage. When Amy’s and Nick’s fifth wedding anniversary arrives Nick reports that his wife Amy is missing! Under pressure from friends, family, the police and media will Nick be able to contain all his hidden lies, secrets and deceits? Did Nick kill his wife or is there more hidden beneath the depths of the story? Will Amy ever be found? With an intelligent and cleverly written plot I would highly recommend that you read this book and choose a side of the discussion to join, will you love it or hate it?
Gone Girl reveals the secrets at the heart of Nick’s and Amy’s modern marriage. When Amy’s and Nick’s fifth wedding anniversary arrives Nick reports that his wife Amy is missing! Under pressure from friends, family, the police and media will Nick be able to contain all his hidden lies, secrets and deceits? Did Nick kill his wife or is there more hidden beneath the depths of the story? Will Amy ever be found? With an intelligent and cleverly written plot I would highly recommend that you read this book and choose a side of the discussion to join, will you love it or hate it?
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Don't you dare in Books
Jun 5, 2019
‘Don’t You Dare’, by author, A.J. Waines was a riveting, taut and cleverly choreographed read from start to finish!
Although a mistake, and seemingly justified at the time, Rachel, accidentally kills the man her daughter Beth was having an affair with. From then on, both women are forced to cover their tracks to not only hide evidence from the police, but Beth’s fiancé, Peter, too. Beth’s marriage to Peter was supposed to be the answer to all their financial worries and further her acting career, but if this ever got out, well you can imagine, not only would the wedding be over because of her affair, but if caught for murder their lives would be inevitably ruined forever with prison awaiting.
Written from from both mother and daughter’s point of view in first person, this edgy psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page.
‘Don’t You Dare’ was one heck of a fast, tense read for me. Watching the mother desperately trying to sort out her mess, and keeping her daughter from going into a full on meltdown and revealing all, kept me on edge throughout. On top of that, each time I thought I knew all the answers the storyline branched out into another direction, and upped the stakes for both ladies even more.
The ending is superb! I loved how twist after twist the final scenes came to a satisfying end, whilst at the same time the story took on a different angle where an underlying threat would always shadow the two women. Yes, I’m being cryptic for a reason! This is indeed heart-stopping as the hype suggests! I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller, and A.J. Waines’ entertaining writing.
Thanks to A.J. Waines, Bloodhound books and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest opinion of Don’t You Dare.
Although a mistake, and seemingly justified at the time, Rachel, accidentally kills the man her daughter Beth was having an affair with. From then on, both women are forced to cover their tracks to not only hide evidence from the police, but Beth’s fiancé, Peter, too. Beth’s marriage to Peter was supposed to be the answer to all their financial worries and further her acting career, but if this ever got out, well you can imagine, not only would the wedding be over because of her affair, but if caught for murder their lives would be inevitably ruined forever with prison awaiting.
Written from from both mother and daughter’s point of view in first person, this edgy psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page.
‘Don’t You Dare’ was one heck of a fast, tense read for me. Watching the mother desperately trying to sort out her mess, and keeping her daughter from going into a full on meltdown and revealing all, kept me on edge throughout. On top of that, each time I thought I knew all the answers the storyline branched out into another direction, and upped the stakes for both ladies even more.
The ending is superb! I loved how twist after twist the final scenes came to a satisfying end, whilst at the same time the story took on a different angle where an underlying threat would always shadow the two women. Yes, I’m being cryptic for a reason! This is indeed heart-stopping as the hype suggests! I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller, and A.J. Waines’ entertaining writing.
Thanks to A.J. Waines, Bloodhound books and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest opinion of Don’t You Dare.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Annie's Recipe in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Annie’s Recipe by Lisa Jones Baker is the second book in the Hope Chest of Dreams series. Annie Mast and Levi Miller were childhood best friends. Then one day Levi was gone. Levi’s father, John, had broken the rules of the Ordnung and was shunned. John quickly packed up his family and moved away. Ten years later, Annie is at the wedding of Katie and Jeremiah when she notices an Englischer in the crowd. Upon closer inspection, she notices that it is Levi. They agree to meet at their special place at Pebble Creek. When they meet, it is like they have never been apart. Over the next few days, the two meet whenever Annie can get away. Levi wants to spend the rest of his life with Annie, but, there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness. Levi does not feel he can return to Arthur, Illinois and live. He feels he will always be known as the son of the shunned man. Levi knows that Annie would not be happy in the Englisch world and asks if she would be willing to compromise. Annie’s heart, though, is in the Amish world where she grew up. Annie believes that God can work miracles and, if she is meant to be with Levi, God will find a way.
Annie’s Recipe is nicely written and is easy to read. The book reminds me of a sappy romance novel with Christian faith and theology tossed in. Annie’s journal entries remind me of those written by a lovesick teenager. Annie’s sponge cakes are mentioned frequently throughout the book.
I received an advanced reader's copy from Kensington Books and Zebra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Annie’s Recipe is nicely written and is easy to read. The book reminds me of a sappy romance novel with Christian faith and theology tossed in. Annie’s journal entries remind me of those written by a lovesick teenager. Annie’s sponge cakes are mentioned frequently throughout the book.
I received an advanced reader's copy from Kensington Books and Zebra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Necole (36 KP) rated The Other Woman in Books
Sep 2, 2018
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …