Re-read December 2016. Still as good, if not better the second time around. Still cried this time. This one really tugs at the heartstrings while settRe-read December 2016. Still as good, if not better the second time around. Still cried this time. This one really tugs at the heartstrings while setting you at the edge of your seat.
For a novella, this reads better than some other full length books I've read. Pamela Clare is a great story teller, and she knows how to create some great heroes! The build up of tension, suspense, and all the emotions she conjures up in her writing is nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout this book, I held my breathe, lost some sleep, and shed a few tears going through the ordeal with this group of characters.
It's almost Christmas and that means parties. There are two separate parties held at one location, and they both have members and affiliates of the I-Team in attendance. But soon enough, the celebration turns into a nightmare for them all. Some of them are held hostage by a groups of narco-terrorists who wants an imprisoned family member released. Meanwhile, some of their friends and loved ones are on the outside figuring out how to deal with these people hellbent on destruction and killing.
The way Ms. Clare tells the story can be played out like scenes from a movie. And it's on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of movie. I loved every part of it. I have come to love these characters as well so it's hard to let them go. I hope Ms. Clare will revisit them sometime in the future. This book also has the collaboration of Kaylea Cross's HRT men, I haven't read that series but I'm intrigued now after reading this book and will be checking them out soon.
SO. SO. GOOD. Definitely a 2015 favorites!
Merged review:
Re-read December 2016. Still as good, if not better the second time around. Still cried this time. This one really tugs at the heartstrings while setting you at the edge of your seat.
For a novella, this reads better than some other full length books I've read. Pamela Clare is a great story teller, and she knows how to create some great heroes! The build up of tension, suspense, and all the emotions she conjures up in her writing is nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout this book, I held my breathe, lost some sleep, and shed a few tears going through the ordeal with this group of characters.
It's almost Christmas and that means parties. There are two separate parties held at one location, and they both have members and affiliates of the I-Team in attendance. But soon enough, the celebration turns into a nightmare for them all. Some of them are held hostage by a groups of narco-terrorists who wants an imprisoned family member released. Meanwhile, some of their friends and loved ones are on the outside figuring out how to deal with these people hellbent on destruction and killing.
The way Ms. Clare tells the story can be played out like scenes from a movie. And it's on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of movie. I loved every part of it. I have come to love these characters as well so it's hard to let them go. I hope Ms. Clare will revisit them sometime in the future. This book also has the collaboration of Kaylea Cross's HRT men, I haven't read that series but I'm intrigued now after reading this book and will be checking them out soon.
One - This picks up the story where The Beast left off with Rhage and Mary in the process of adopting BThere are two running storylines in this book.
One - This picks up the story where The Beast left off with Rhage and Mary in the process of adopting Bitty, a young girl who lost her mother from domestic violence. Bitty has heard her mother speak of an uncle, Ruhn, but as far as efforts go to locate her bloodline, no one has shown up to claim Bitty. Which is what Mary and Rhage hope for. The three of them are starting to become a family, growing with love and hardships. Bitty was abused by her father and as vampire transition looms, it also threatens her life due to her previous injuries. The scene at Havers nearly broke my heart. But as a family, they will get through this pain. Then their world gets turned upside down again when they find out the uncle does exist and he wants to meet Bitty. I love this story of these people. There was heartbreak, amusement, love, and in the end, a true HEA for a family, one that was impossible considering Mary is infertile. Bitty is a great character and I love the bond she has with everyone in the house, especially with Lassiter. We kind of get to see Lassiter playing in the role of fate in a way, so this may be a slow introduction of him to taking over Virgin Scribe's role?
Two - The other story involves trainee, Axe, and Elise, daughter of an aristocratic family who wants to break away from glymera social norms to pursue her career in psychology so she can help her vampire race. Axe really shows himself to become a soldier among the Brothers. He has a rough family history that was also heartbreaking. He gets hired on to be Elise's bodyguard and their attraction grew from there. There are trust issues along the way but they work through it.
I'm really enjoying this spinoff series as it's a way to read more about the Brothers and their shellans. It'll be interesting to see how the trainees evolve as well.
P.S. Saxton and Ruhn. I'm so ready to see if a book will be written for them....more
Another great procedural book, some people read for the romance, some focus on the process of figuring out the killer. This book gives you bo4.5 stars
Another great procedural book, some people read for the romance, some focus on the process of figuring out the killer. This book gives you both and a bit more.
Eve and Roarke are returning from a party when a naked woman comes stumbling out into the path of their car. After taking her to the hospital, it's clear the woman, Daphne, is a victim of rape and assault. Eve soon learns her identity and as she search the victim's residence, she also finds the dead husband, Anthony Strazza. However, Daphne doesn't recall the events of the night, only that she seen "the devil".
As Eve and her group of trusty cops look for evidence, they learn that there's other similar unsolved cases of rape, assault and robbery. Though those cases didn't involve a dead body. Now as their investigation builds, Eve explores all avenues and person of interests. The case hits close to home as she's no stranger to being a rape victim. Memories from the past surface, but now she has the support system to beat those dark memories back. I love the little moments between Eve and Roarke, them watching The Avengers, and the gift Roarke bought her to give new meanings to an old sad memory. Roarke really knows how to grab a woman's heart!
The killer is quite a piece of work, and I love the way Eve brought him down. The epilogue was also very well executed. And a good message to all rape victims... You are not to blame and it is never your fault.
Now I go and await the next book for 6 months....more
This second book follows the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings. Anthony has always loved being the oldest. He is the first born; first to kn4.5 stars
This second book follows the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings. Anthony has always loved being the oldest. He is the first born; first to know his parents, and the one to love them the longest. But when his father dies at 39, an age when his uncle also died, Anthony believes that it will also become his fate. Anthony is known around the London ton as a rake and a rogue. But believing that he will die early, he decides to marry, so that he can see his children born. Plus, he already has in mind who the next Lady Bridgerton will be.
Kate Sheffield has only made her debut to London society recently, and at the age of 21, it seems rather late. Her younger, more lovelier and beautiful sister, Edwina, is the one catching the eyes of many bachelors. Kate is quite protective of her sister, so any suitors must meet her standards and approval. So when Anthony comes calling, Kate decides he will need to pass the test before he can court her sister. Kate is well aware of his reputation and she knows there's no way Edwina will be his wife. But the more time she spent in his company and learning more about him, Kate find herself falling in love bit by bit. Perhaps he's not as bad as she assumed. But how can she fall for a man who's asking her sister for her hand in marriage?
Anthony and Kate are perfect together. They are funny, smart, and know how to push each other's buttons. They each carry a fear that must be overcome. Anthony comforting Kate during a scene of her phobia was heart-melting. *sigh*
What I love about this book: Witty/funny dialogue and banter ✓ A heroine that I can respect and admire ✓ A hero that I can add to my book boyfriends list ✓ Characters who have family values ✓ Heartwarming moments between H/h but also with their families ✓ Romantic gestures ✓ Laugh out loud scenes ✓ Great writing and characterization ✓ Lady Whistledown's columns ✓
Really, there isn't anything about this book that I didn't like. I have two characters in mind that I suspect as Lady Whistledown, but only time will tell if I'm right (if she is revealed at all).
As one of eight Bridgerton offsprings and the oldest girl who is of marriageable age, Daphne finds herself paraded around London's society parties witAs one of eight Bridgerton offsprings and the oldest girl who is of marriageable age, Daphne finds herself paraded around London's society parties with the hopes (of her mother) that she'd find a suitor. To Daphne, most men sees her as a friendly companion instead of something in the romantic sense. The few who are interested in her hand for marriage... well she feels nothing for them. That is, until a certain duke returns to London.
The Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, had overcome quite a lot since he was young. He's well versed, well traveled, educated, and smart. So you wouldn't have known that he struggled with speech as a child. He's not perfect by any means, but he proved his father wrong who had shunned and disowned him long ago.
With his return to London, Simon finds himself immersed in parties and fending off mothers and their parades of young daughters. Until he meets Daphne and they both scheme to be a pretend couple so that he can avoid the advances of other females, while Daphne may be able to have more suitors come to call if she look more desirable.
This is my first book by Julia Quinn and I quite enjoyed it. I love the large and imposing Bridgerton family. Their meddling ways was entertaining to read. Simon and Daphne were quite fun themselves, I love the witty banter between them. They're not the perfect couple and their flaws make the story have more depth.
I'll be continuing on with the rest of the series. Who is Lady Whistledown?...more
This is my first Eloisa James novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Merry Pelford has already jilted two of her fiancés and she's determined to keep her This is my first Eloisa James novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Merry Pelford has already jilted two of her fiancés and she's determined to keep her promises after her third betrothal to Lord Cedric. That is until she met a stranger on a balcony and proceeds to turn London's polite society on its head.
Merry is an American heiress who have yet to learn all the ways regarding English manners. The man she met on the balcony couldn't care less about English manners and found Merry desirable as she is. Unbeknownst to the Duke of Trent, the woman he met is already betrothed and he's fighting hard against his desires.
I really liked the dance between Trent and Merry as they fought their feelings in the first half of the book, and enjoyed their relationship in the second half. Merry's character is quite likeable, she's smart, stubborn, strong-will, and kind. I liked Trent as well, even though he has a rule to not show excessive emotions such as love. I felt sad and sorry for the boy that he was. But the man he made of himself was admirable. Love his declarations for Merry at the end.
I'm adding more of EJ's books to my list after this....more
I never get disappointed when I go back into the world of Eve and Roarke, and company.
This is another story with the concept of nature vs nurture. In I never get disappointed when I go back into the world of Eve and Roarke, and company.
This is another story with the concept of nature vs nurture. In this case, the nature already stems from evil, and a fatherly obsession that nurtured that evil beyond its scope, honing the skill to kill.
Eve Dallas and the gang has to figure out who these long distance serial killers (LDSK) are before it's too late and the number of deaths rises.
The investigative procedures again, take center stage, and I love seeing the process of it as it unfolds, as Eve, with the help of her genius husband Roarke and his program to find out the killers hideout. It doesn't take long before the bad guys are revealed, however, the motive might make you shake your head in bafflement and ask why? It's a race against time to catch them before more innocent lives are taken.
I enjoyed this installment and as usual cannot wait until the next one. This is one of the books in the series where I would reread based on the procedural a alone aside from its relationships. And of course, Bella steals the show like always. When she kissed Eve's bruise... heart... melted. And when she flirted with Roarke, lol! That kid is going to go places, then again, she's Mavis's daughter, you can't expect any less.
This was rather a heavy one to read considering the content. I can definitely say it was a roller coaster of emotions. This installment involved DenniThis was rather a heavy one to read considering the content. I can definitely say it was a roller coaster of emotions. This installment involved Dennis Mira, a beloved character, whom aside from Feeney, I could see as a father figure for Eve.
Dennis is on his way to a house entrusted to him and his cousin, Edward Mira, when he stumbles upon a murder a in progress and was knocked unconscious. When he woke up, he knew who to contact, none other than Eve Dallas herself.
What unfolded behind the motives of these murders drew the fine gray lines to justice, taking the law into ones own hands. One particular scene was super hard to read, and this is one book where it's easy to not sympathize with the murdered victims.
There were many emotional and memorable moments. Some involving Eve and Roarke (plus Galahad), the scene with Eve and Dennis brought me to tears, and then I was crying with laughter when Eve and Peabody found the dolls *shudders*. After this many books though, there's still character growth in Eve which I loved and then seeing how their love grows deeper with understanding and trust warms my soul.
Like the movie Inside Out, this one turned me inside out from all the emotions. Laughter, amusement, sadness, heartwarming, disgust, and anger. It makes you feel it all. There are some books in the series that has scenes where it's hard to go back and re-read due to its sensitive content, and this one will also be one of those. It might be a while before I can even consider of re-reading this one. That being said, Robb delivered another great read, and a book that will make you think about these characters after it's done.
Reading a new In Death book is like reuniting with an old friend whom you haven't seen in a long time. You can just pick up where you left off. Which Reading a new In Death book is like reuniting with an old friend whom you haven't seen in a long time. You can just pick up where you left off. Which for the most part, these books do.
Eve and the gang are after two sadistic killers who get off on torturing and killing others. Their killing spree have crossed state lines and now they're in Eve's backyard, which will be their biggest mistake.
This book is very procedural, it follow the steps and connections to line up the dots. I liked the deputy introduced in this book and even the victims were created where you would hope they make it through their ordeal. The banter that we come to know and love was there, as well as Eve's mixed up metaphors and quirks. Overall, I enjoyed it and after 40 books in the series, I can honestly say I haven't been bored, which is quite a feat on Robb/NR's part....more
As with any other BDB book, there's a lot of things happening. And I mean a lot. Multiple storylines all woven into one and**spoiler alert** 4.5 stars
As with any other BDB book, there's a lot of things happening. And I mean a lot. Multiple storylines all woven into one and keeps you wanting more.
Rhage puts himself and his Brothers in jeopardy when he ignores V's warning and gets himself killed, only to be saved by his one and only, Mary. The motive behind his hasty action to run out on that battlefield brings lots of emotions to the surface. The issues in this book is parenthood and abilities to have children. Some couples don't want children and that's fine. Other couples want children yet cannot conceive, and in Rhage and Mary's case, it was a sacrifice for their happy ever after. The scene with Rhage and L.W. (Wrath and Beth's baby) tore my heart out, so sweet yet heartbreaking.
Mary is working with a young girl, Bitty, who just lost her mother and she's trying to help the girl open up and deal with the loss. What evolved for their relationship was trust and a lot of food exploration with Rhage involved of course. I love the interaction Bitty had with Rhage, how she immediately gravitated to his charm and personality (I mean, who wouldn't right?). Bitty, for the most part, stolen most of the scenes she was in, from meeting Rhage's beast to greeting everyone at the house by their names, and then walking up to Z and looking past his features and just talking to him like anyone else... Heart melting moments.
Assail seems to be turning over a new leaf, I hope his new loyalty is true. Xcor and Layla remains the same yet not the same, I'm really hoping we get to the end of their story soon, it's dragging out wayyyyy too long. A few other surprises happen, including the Virgin Scribe, plus a couple of new characters introduced and the future of the Brothers will be interesting to see how it plays out.
I don't know which Brother we're revisiting next but I'm looking forward to it already....more
Oh Mackenzie men. They sure know how to make a woman's heart pitter patter. Loved each of their book, every single one of them offering something diffOh Mackenzie men. They sure know how to make a woman's heart pitter patter. Loved each of their book, every single one of them offering something different.
Hart Mackenzie and Eleanor Ramsay were engaged once upon a time, but El broke off their engagement and moved back to Scotland with her father. The reason for the split was unknown but was revealed slowly throughout the book. And through that, it just showed that El is a strong willed heroine who doesn't rely on a man to take care of her, she can manage on her. She has her struggles yes, but that makes her more admirable in my eyes. Hart Mackenzie went on to marry another woman but he lost her and his son through childbirth, and has not loved again since their deaths. When scandalous photographs of Hart showed up at Eleanor's house, she took it upon herself to seek Hart out in order to find the culprit who may ruin Hart's reputation and his goal towards becoming prime minister.
This book gives a bigger glimpse into why Hart is the hard man that he is, the secrets he kept, the reasons why he must win at all cost in everything, even when it cost him his true love, but it also shows his loyalty and love to his family.
While Eleanor is on the trail of the photographs source, Hart's life becomes endangered from political groups who don't agree with his plans. As they work and see more of each other, you see that Hart and El's love never diminished, and it was also great seeing them find their way back to one another.
I love the big boisterous Mackenzie family with their growing broods. And even though this book is focused on Hart, Ian Mackenzie continues to steal every scene he's in. I just love love love his character. I want to wrap him up and put him in my pocket.
This is a wonderful series and as it moves onto the McBrides brothers, I hope they live up to the Mackenzie men, they set pretty high standards!...more
Love this book and the pairing of Cameron and Ainsley. When the Mackenzie men love, they love wholeheartedly body and soul! *swoon*
Both Cameron and AiLove this book and the pairing of Cameron and Ainsley. When the Mackenzie men love, they love wholeheartedly body and soul! *swoon*
Both Cameron and Ainsley have experienced some terrible things from their past. What was done to Cameron was beyond cruel especially when you realize who it was that inflicted the pain, and the sacrifice Cameron made to protect his family. It changed him to the point that he will never take a woman to his own bed or remarry. Until Ainsley. Ainsley is strong and independent, taking no nonsense from anyone, especially when she's helping retrieve the queen's letters from a blackmailer. Cameron finds out and offers to help, with some stipulations of course. Their romance grew beautifully, no angst, no crazy mistresses to come between them. I love the change that evolved with Cameron too, to surpass his fears and allow his heart to soften. We get to see Ian/Beth and Mac/Isabella as well as a glimpse into Hart's love interest.
I'm loving this series so far. The plot in this book isn't strong but the writing and the characters more than make up for a great read. Looking forward to more Mackenzie men and Ainsley's brothers in future books!...more
A great read, though not as comparable to Ian's book. Sorry Mac!
The pace is a bit slower, but I still loved seeing how Mac and Isabella found their wA great read, though not as comparable to Ian's book. Sorry Mac!
The pace is a bit slower, but I still loved seeing how Mac and Isabella found their ways back to each other. Looking forward to the rest of the brothers books. ...more
After 40 books (not counting the novellas) you would think it would get boring reading about the same characters, right? Nope. Not wit5 idolized stars
After 40 books (not counting the novellas) you would think it would get boring reading about the same characters, right? Nope. Not with how Robb writes them. She manages to keep the characters and their development/dynamics fresh. Even the villainous plot remains interesting.
Christmas is over but murder still reigns in New York City. This time, the killer left a message for Eve, making it a personal tie to her. The attachment/obsession the killer have is definitely unhealthy and as more people are targeted, Eve and her team must work quick to track down who is responsible.
The book highlights the growth in Eve's character. Looking back at the first book till now, Eve's circle of family and friends have grown immensely to her dismay. This makes it harder for Eve to pinpoint who may be the next target as the killer sees Eve's friends as obstacles to getting closer to her. In the beginning of the series, there was no way Eve would back down from a case, but you definitely see a change here. She would rather step down from the investigation than put those she loves in harm's way. To me, that's tremendous growth considering being a cop is part of what defines her.
This one kept me guessing all the way, with an intense face-off at the end. There were many light and fun moments that made me laugh, a feature I've come to expect and appreciate about this series and the writing.
If you want to get the full effect of this book, it's recommended to read the series in order as there are several references to Eve's previous cases and the characters mentioned.
Favorite moments: Eve and Peabody interviewing Farmer. Eve and Bella with the "ba-ba". Roarke's suggestion for curing Eve's fear of cows.
Genetically engineered in test tubes, the Dean brothers were made for military operations with hyper-abilities. Then they escaped from the place that Genetically engineered in test tubes, the Dean brothers were made for military operations with hyper-abilities. Then they escaped from the place that created them and the man whom they refer to as the commander.
Years later, one of the brothers, Shane Dean ends up in the hospital with no recollections of his past life, diagnosed with amnesia after being discovered with two other men who were dead. The only ties he had is through Josie Dean, his wife of two months and whom he left abruptly with no explanation two years ago. Now Josie wants a divorce and Shane will do anything to keep her. Then danger keeps following them at every step as Shane tries to fill in his memory gap.
The prologue started out really intriguing, the mystery of Shane's missing years heightened the suspense, but then action fluctuates throughout halfway in the book. Parts of the story were predictable, although I had my suspicion of (view spoiler)[Tom (hide spoiler)] what his true character was surprised me. The other Dean brothers were also very interesting so I'll continue to read about their story and learn more about the ticking time bomb on their backs....more
A little vacation. A little treasure hunting. And a little mischief. Baby Liam aka the Peanut totally stole the show. Can't wait to see what 4.5 stars
A little vacation. A little treasure hunting. And a little mischief. Baby Liam aka the Peanut totally stole the show. Can't wait to see what he'll grow into. ...more
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