"I'm here if you need me, you know. Day, night, always, forever."
I read Beautiful Maids All in a Row just a few weeks back. I had these
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"I'm here if you need me, you know. Day, night, always, forever."
I read Beautiful Maids All in a Row just a few weeks back. I had these characters fresh in my mind and I was glad to be back in their world.
Dr. Iris Ballard survived her second encounter with a psychopath (barely) and this close encounter catapulted her back into notoriety. She has been asked to speak on many TV shows keeping her schedule super busy in the last few weeks. She's ready to relax and enjoy a date with Luke when her mother calls her begging her to come home. Her brother has joined a cult and Iris needs to come home and help save him.
At first, Iris is not sure that what her mother is saying is accurate since she has a tendency to take things out of proportion but she knows she will sleep better if she finds up what's really going on in her childhood home of Grey Mills, PA.
Going home is not easy on Iris. She and her twin brother Billy were called names growing up since they are both bastards. Their half-sister is responsible for most of the name calling. As a teenager, Iris made a decision that impacted her life and thanks to her half-sister, everyone found out. Yet, Iris won't back down. She's determined to know more about Mathias Morning, the guy in charge of the New Morning Movement.
In all honesty, cults really do scare me. They prey on vulnerable people. They know the right thing to say to attract people to their lair and then indoctrinate them. Sad, really.
I believe Jennifer Harlow did a great job portraying the way a cult works. She made me hate Mathias and I wanted Iris to bring him down. I felt sorry for Billy. He was so lost. He made HUGE mistakes but I still felt sorry for him.
Let's talk about (hottie) Luke Hudson. Oh my, he was amazing in this one too. I was devastated when he was not with Iris from the beginning but I understood why it was important for him to be away. He melted my heart when he finally had that serious conversation with Iris. MELTED ME!
What can I say about Iris that I haven't said before? She's an ex-addict (alcohol and pills) with some serious self-destructive issues. She knows her own weaknesses and at least is trying to help herself now. What no one can deny is that she knows how to profile very dangerous individuals and she's great at it. Faults and all, she's a character that I won't forget anytime soon.
Don't hesitate and buy Darkness at the Edge of Town. It's definitely worth it. A page-turner for sure. I do encourage readers to read Beautiful Maids All in a Row first to get the full spectrum.
I really wish the next one was out already. I hate waiting for a good book.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group- Alibi via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"I'm here if you need me, you know. Day, night, always, forever."
I read Beautiful Maids All in a Row just a few weeks back. I had these characters fresh in my mind and I was glad to be back in their world.
Dr. Iris Ballard survived her second encounter with a psychopath (barely) and this close encounter catapulted her back into notoriety. She has been asked to speak on many TV shows keeping her schedule super busy in the last few weeks. She's ready to relax and enjoy a date with Luke when her mother calls her begging her to come home. Her brother has joined a cult and Iris needs to come home and help save him.
At first, Iris is not sure that what her mother is saying is accurate since she has a tendency to take things out of proportion but she knows she will sleep better if she finds up what's really going on in her childhood home of Grey Mills, PA.
Going home is not easy on Iris. She and her twin brother Billy were called names growing up since they are both bastards. Their half-sister is responsible for most of the name calling. As a teenager, Iris made a decision that impacted her life and thanks to her half-sister, everyone found out. Yet, Iris won't back down. She's determined to know more about Mathias Morning, the guy in charge of the New Morning Movement.
In all honesty, cults really do scare me. They prey on vulnerable people. They know the right thing to say to attract people to their lair and then indoctrinate them. Sad, really.
I believe Jennifer Harlow did a great job portraying the way a cult works. She made me hate Mathias and I wanted Iris to bring him down. I felt sorry for Billy. He was so lost. He made HUGE mistakes but I still felt sorry for him.
Let's talk about (hottie) Luke Hudson. Oh my, he was amazing in this one too. I was devastated when he was not with Iris from the beginning but I understood why it was important for him to be away. He melted my heart when he finally had that serious conversation with Iris. MELTED ME!
What can I say about Iris that I haven't said before? She's an ex-addict (alcohol and pills) with some serious self-destructive issues. She knows her own weaknesses and at least is trying to help herself now. What no one can deny is that she knows how to profile very dangerous individuals and she's great at it. Faults and all, she's a character that I won't forget anytime soon.
Don't hesitate and buy Darkness at the Edge of Town. It's definitely worth it. A page-turner for sure. I do encourage readers to read Beautiful Maids All in a Row first to get the full spectrum.
I really wish the next one was out already. I hate waiting for a good book.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group- Alibi via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a huge MC book reader. When I saw Christine Feehan was writing a new series, I didn't hesitate to request it. I'm glad I did.
Judgment Road revolves around the Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club. This club has males and females. Both females are full-fledged participants. All of them are Russian. They met while being captive in a place where despicable things were done to them. Now, they have made Sea Haven their home. They are a lethal club but they try to remain away from any trouble unless trouble comes looking for them.
Reaper is the MC's enforcer. He's great at his job. He can kill without remorse and he's ready to die protecting his club. They are his only family. He does care for the President's wife, Blythe. She and her adopted kids are all under the club's protection.
Reaper has a hard time relating to anyone who's not part of the club. This is why he can't understand at first why he's at the club's bar night watching from the new bartender from afar, Anya. She's sexy, he'll give her that but no woman has stirred any emotions from him because he has not let himself lose control.
Anya is happy bartending at the club's bar. She's living in her car and is trying to make enough money to get a new place for herself. She had to run away from her last job after she overheard something she shouldn't. She admits to being intrigued by Reaper but he also scares her. However, when she learns he's threatening her job, she loses her temper and lets him have it. This begins an explosive relationship between these two.
I'm going to comment on the things that bothered me first. I thought Reaper was a tad too possessive. He wanted to make all the decisions in their relationship and that could get boring. I understood why things needed to be his way but still after a while, it would've been nice to see that Anya was able to put her foot down on things. I also didn't like what the club agreed to do to her and hated that Reaper didn't protect her from it. I understood why he didn't go against his club but still, I didn't have to like it.
Now to the things I liked. I love how close this group of Russians were. They pretty much could read each other's thoughts. They worked so well together. Seeing them in action was impressive. I also liked that two females were part of the MC and they were both lethal just like the guys. Last, I like that they had a purpose as a club and I was on board with it.
I can't wait to read the next one. Bring it on!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I have to admit this is my first Tessa Bailey's book. I own a bunch of her novels but have never read any. That being said, I ca
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First off, I have to admit this is my first Tessa Bailey's book. I own a bunch of her novels but have never read any. That being said, I can see why people like her stories so much. They are refreshing and engaging.
Indecent Exposure begins when Katie McCoy meets Jack Garrett. You wonder how? Outside a bar in New York where a mob hit happened years ago. Katie has an obsession with mob hits and she was determined to see them while on her first trip to NYC. Next thing she knows, an extremely handsome man is offering his company as a tour guide.
Katie doesn't go inside bars for a personal reason while Jack seems to live in one. So how could a relationship between them work? It just does. Tessa Bailey does a wonderful job of bringing these two characters together.
Katie is originally from Ireland. She is a markswoman and an Olympian medalist. She's in NYC to train the new police recruits on firearms. What she wasn't expecting was to see Jack as part of her class.
Jack uses the bottle to forget his past. He joined the police force after losing a bet with his best friend Danika. He's not interested in his new career except for getting paid and helping his mother stay afloat. Things do change when Katie crosses his path. She sees something in him and it makes him try to do better.
Indecent Exposure had a solid plot. The addiction angle was a good one. It was easy to like the characters and root for them. The one drawback for me was the almost insta-love feel. I would have had Jack get the help he needs and remain apart until he was stronger than before. Yet, the epilogue was wonderful.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I'm very happy that Faith Hunter decided to expand her Jane Yellowrock world to include Nell Ingram in it. She's a smart heroine who thinks
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I'm very happy that Faith Hunter decided to expand her Jane Yellowrock world to include Nell Ingram in it. She's a smart heroine who thinks before acting. Her strength comes from the land. Her power comes from Soulwood. Nell is able to communicate with the land and if necessary defend herself using it.
In this latest installment, Nell has finished spook school and now she's the new probie with Unit 18 for the PsyLED. She's getting used to her job and learning the natural interactions outside the Cloud Glory Church sect. The rest of the team is composed of Rick LaFleur, T. Laine, Occam, Jojo and Tandy.
At the beginning of the novel, Unit 18 gets assigned a new case. It has a paranormal component to it and Nell will be very useful in helping determine what is attacking several important families. The case is full of suspense. As always, Nell's intelligence and power of deduction are a great asset to the team. The baddies in this one gave me the creeps. Nasty things!
Flame in the Dark is full of character development. Not only for Nell but for the rest of the team too. Of course, the one which was the most impressive was Nell's. She's learning about her true power and how to use it. She's also helping her younger sister "Mud" understand she's not human either. Nell has learned from her past mistakes and she wants to protect Mud from her family and her own power.
Nell will also have to deal with other thorns in her way. There's the issue of the vampire tree who seems to be getting more powerful but also more demanding, and of what to do with evil Brother Ephraim, who seems ready to attack her.
In regards to the romance, slowly but surely Occam is becoming Nell's leading man. He's a very patient man who's smart enough to give Nell time to adjust to a life outside the "church". Yet, he made his intentions towards her clear as day.
Don't hesitate to grab Flame in the Dark. Faith Hunter knows how to write great Urban Fantasy!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Ace Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question?”
Another great novel by Kristin Hannah!
Between Sisters had a blend of romance, despair, and hope impacting a very dysfunctional family.
Two sisters have been estranged for decades. Meghann Dontess and Claire Cavenaugh grew up together until events in their lives separated them.
Meghann the oldest, took care of Claire when their mother was more interested in dating and later on acting than taking care of the baby. Meghann did everything for Claire but in the present, they don't even talk much to each other. The occasional phone calls always seem to be forced.
Meghann is a successful divorce attorney. Her firm is sought by many. Her plate at work is always full without time for anything else. When she needs company, she just takes a younger man to bed from a bar she frequents and that's that. Meghann realizes she has issues. She has been undergoing therapy for years but she tries never to share things that are too personal with Harriet, her therapist. She prefers to joke about it than to admit she's lonely.
Claire Cavenaugh is a single mother. She works hard at her father's resort. She came to live with Sam, her father when she was just a little girl. She has good friends she can trust and she's happy with her life. The one thing missing is the love of a man. Someone to hold her and share her the rest of her life.
Shortly, both women will have a chance at happiness and a chance to connect with each other again.
“They were always doing that to each other, misinterpreting, imagining the worst. No wonder every conversation bruised one or the other.”
It's hard to stop reading a book by Kristin Hannah. Once you start it, the world she creates keeps you trapped. Between Sisters is not an exception.
I liked both main characters. Meghann with her blunt and straightforward personality. Claire with her content and happy attitude. From the beginning, I was rooting for them to bury the hatchet and forgive each other. In a way, they reminded me of Kate and Tully from Firefly Lane. As with such book, it's probably a good idea to have some tissues close by.
"The girl with the Blazing Skates has this boy on the ropes."
I couldn't wait to dive into So Over You. I'm a huge fan of Kate Meader's
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"The girl with the Blazing Skates has this boy on the ropes."
I couldn't wait to dive into So Over You. I'm a huge fan of Kate Meader's books. I knew the banter was going to be incredible and I was right!!! Kate's books always make me laugh out loud. The best part, her secondary characters are always memorable.
So what's this one about?
We met Isobel Chase in the first book in this series. She's one of the three sisters who are the co-owners of the Chicago Rebels. The franchise was a gift from their not-so-nice-father. Isobel used to play professional hockey herself until she was injured during a National game. She is now a coach and she's interested in coaching the players to improve their game. The first player she has to help is none other than the man who took her virginity.
Vadim Petrov has been traded into the Chicago Rebels. He suffered a knee injury and he's still not at one hundred percent. He has no choice but to let Isobel assist him. They have history, he was attracted to her and they had only one night together before her father interfered changing their destiny. When he learns that he was not able to make Isobel happy in bed all those years ago, he'll do anything to remedy the situation.
This was a fun read. It had plenty of great banter and funny situations. Both main characters were easy to like. Although, I had to warm to the Russian.
There was only one situation that I was not happy with. I believed Vadim made a huge mistake and I sided with Isobel, no questions asked.
If you enjoy romance and love hockey, this one is for you!
"Past, present, future, Bella, I am yours. That will never change."
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“It wasn’t as though the farm hadn’t seen death before, and the blowflies didn’t discriminate. To them there was little difference between a carcass and a corpse."
With so many glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to start The Dry. After reading it, I'll need to disclose that I thought The Dry was just like its name....DRY. This year, I've read other thrillers which I enjoyed much more.
The Dry begins when Aaron Falk returns to his hometown. Although, I shouldn't really call it that since he and his dad left town in a hurry when he was a young man. Aaron doesn't have many good memories of Kiewarra. The only reason he's back in town is that his childhood best friend Luke Hadler has died. Apparently, he killed his wife, his young son and himself leaving his baby daughter Charlotte alive.
Luke's mother doesn't believe this is true. She wants Aaron to look into it since he's a federal agent. Yet, the last thing Luke wants is to stay in this town too long. The town has no lost love for him. They made it clear two decades ago he was persona non grata when Ellie's body was found in the water with a letter with his last name Falk. As teenagers, Aaron, Ellie, Luke, and Gretchen did everything together until Ellie's death.
The Dry is a slow paced novel. At times, it was painful to continue reading it. The twists were placed at the right time but some were easy to guess. I never got the WOW feeling I was expecting. If anything, I thought it was lacking. There was nothing spectacular. Believe me, no one is sadder than me that I didn't love it.
My understanding is that this is becoming a series. I'm not sure I want to continue. For anyone reading this review, I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
“Magic will find those with pure hearts, even when all seems lost.”
I had seen this series go through my Goodreads feed for a while. So
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“Magic will find those with pure hearts, even when all seems lost.”
I had seen this series go through my Goodreads feed for a while. Some of my book friends have really enjoyed it. Since I had the audiobook and I had a long drive, I decided it was the perfect time to begin it.
Falling Kingdoms has four main characters. They each have their own voice in this novel.
There's Cleiona Aurora Bellos or Princess Cleo for short. She lives a pampered life and is the second daughter of the King of Auranos. She loves her older sister who's the responsible one and someday she shall be queen. During an outing to the Kingdom of Paelsia, where wine is involved, a young man ended up dying. Cleo runs back home but the damage has been done. Peace is broken.
Jonas is a young man who's from Paelsia. When his brother is murdered right in front of his eyes. He promises revenge and he will do anything in his power to bring Auranos down especially Princess Cleiona.
Lucia is a sixteen-year-old princess who has no idea about her past until she discovers she's adopted and she has magical powers. She's a powerful sorceress and her birth was foretold in the stars.
Magnus is the Prince of Limeros. He's the true son of the King of Blood. For years, he has been harboring feelings for Lucia even though, he believes she's his sister. When he finds out the truth, he will do anything for her. He will become her protector despite Lucia not sharing his amorous feelings.
“Even in the darkest and most cruel person, there is still a kernel of good. And within the most perfect champion, there is darkness. The question is, will one give in to the dark or the light? It's something we decide with every choice we make, every day that we exist. What might not be evil to you could be evil to someone else. Knowing this makes us powerful even without magic.”
I have to say that the idea of these three Kingdoms going into battle for power and for the search of the kindred, was enticing. However, I couldn't stop feeling like the main female characters were immature, self-centered and without real goals. I liked Magnus at the beginning but by the middle of the book, I was disillusioned by him.
“Then his heart, now broken into a thousand pieces, slowly began to turn to ice.”
The character that was more interesting to me was Jonas (maybe because he is not a prince?). Yet, he had the least page time. I hope this gets rectified in Rebel Spring.
I expect both female characters to improve in the next few books. I want them to show me they are fighters. Worthy heroines.
“Sometimes you don't realize how strong you are until you're tested”
“She's a princess and you're a jock," he says. He thrusts his chin toward Bronwyn, then at Nate. "And you're a brain. And you're a criminal. You're all walking teen-movie stereotypes.”
Engaging debut thriller!
The description for One of Us is Lying is accurate. This novel reminded me so much of one of my favorite movies, The Breakfast Club. I haven't read nor watched Pretty Little Liars but now I know I want to.
The story begins when five kids are sent to detention but only four leave the room alive. There's Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon.
Bronwyn is the good student. Her destiny is Yale. She's an overachiever. Addy is the homecoming princess who's dating the perfect guy. Cooper is the star athlete. The one being scouted by the major leagues. Nate, the drug dealer who's on probation already. Last, there's Simon who's a threat to everyone because he's the mastermind behind the gossip app who has destroyed several lives at Bayview High.
When Simon dies, the rest of the kids are the main suspects.
Is one of them lying? Did they plan it together? Or is it one of them the culprit? Worse, is someone else framing them?
These are all valid questions which Karen M. McManus does a beautiful job at disentangling them.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Surprisingly, I ended up liking all the suspects but my favorite one was....you know it...bad boy Nate.
Nate has been given a bad deal. He comes from a broken home with an alcoholic father and a no-present mother. He has raised himself and he made the wrong decisions to pay the bills. He's in trouble with the law already. His future as a suspect looks grim.
Bronwyn was my second favorite. She's smart and protective of her younger sister. Her character grows as I was turning the pages. Her loyalty and dedication towards another character won me over.
Addy's life crumbles in front of her eyes when Simon's death affects her perfect relationship. She looks for solace in her family, specifically her older sister who supports her no questions asked. I was glad she had her. Addy's was the character that grew the most and who developed a backbone when she needed it the most.
I was not sure what to think about Cooper at first. I thought he was shallow but I soon realized he was the one under the most pressure. He was hiding things that if known, could affect the rest of his life. Even when his future is threatened, he has time to do small things in support of the other suspects.
One of Us Is Lying played in my head just like a movie. It had the perfect combination of suspense, intrigue and captivating characters. The plot, as well as the dialogue, was well developed and entertaining.
I won't hesitate to read another book by Karen M. McManus.
“Unless one of us is lying. Which is always a possibility.”
This is the second book in the Blood and Glory series. I liked Dirty Boxing and I was looking forward to reading about the nex
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3.5 Fangs
This is the second book in the Blood and Glory series. I liked Dirty Boxing and I was looking forward to reading about the next couple.
Megan Sinclair feels an attraction to Gabriel Maddox from the moment she meets him. She's a journalist and her next assignment involves learning more about the MMA, its fighters and what makes them tick. She was not counting on her own's body reaction towards Gabriel just from their first interaction. He intrigued her. She knew there were things he was avoiding and this piqued Megan's curiosity. By the end of the interview, she couldn't deny his allure. Soon after, when he offers a fling, no strings attached, she doesn't want to walk away from it.
Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox suffered a terrible loss. For this reason in the last few years, he has dedicated himself to the MMA sport. His training routine is punishing. He's also the current champion in his class and he wants to keep it this way. He lives a quiet life and he likes it this way. Nevertheless, meeting Megan has caused chaos in his self-imposed romantic detachment. He will fight their connection and he will make it clear to her that nothing else can come from their arrangement. But, we all know about best-laid plans.
Like I said earlier, I enjoyed reading Dirty Boxing and I couldn't wait to learn more about Maddox. He was punishing himself for an event which changed his life. He was trying to keep himself from love or being loved. He didn't think he deserved happiness. He was sure he couldn't offer anything else to Megan.
I can understand why Megan wanted more. On the sexiness department, there were no complaints but after what she has dealt with, she was not going to settle. As soon as she knew things were changing for her, she was honest with Maddox.
In the end, I think they both grew as characters and they were able to help heal each other.
I do have one complaint about the plot and it had to do with something that happened during the last fight scene which is the main reason for my rating. I thought it was unnecessary.
Anyway, I was happy with the ending and I do want to read the next one in the series.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I don’t create beauty, I just reveal what’s already there.”
What a sweet story!
Mia Sheridan writes deep-meaning romances. When I buy o
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“I don’t create beauty, I just reveal what’s already there.”
What a sweet story!
Mia Sheridan writes deep-meaning romances. When I buy one of her books, I know the story will connect with me at some level. To this day, Archer's Voice is still one of my favorite books.
In Most of All You, two people come together by chance. Both have suffered and had a hard childhood. Gabriel Dalton comes asking for help from Crystal but I believe he's the one who gives Crystal hope again.
“You can’t fix me, you know.” “No, I can only love you.”
Crystal has been hurt so many times, that she has pretty much given up on fighting. She doesn't feel like she deserves anything better. When she spots Gabriel, she knows he doesn't fit into her life and she tries hard to discourage him but as fate will have it, she will be the one needing to trust Gabriel instead.
It's hard to say more without spoiling their pasts and the reasons why their romance works. I was amazed by the growth Gabriel has had despite what happened to him as a child. He was able to view the world with a serenity and a positive disposition. He gave Crystal the support she needed but he also understood that she needed to heal herself.
“I don’t mind chasing you, Ellie. Just let me catch you once in a while.”
Crystal was so used to being disappointed that when she meets Gabriel, she knows he's dangerous to the mask of indifference she wears. He can get to her. His patience, friendship, trust, protectiveness can steal her heart and she's not ready to let her walls come down. She fiercely protects her heart but who can blame her after everything she had to deal with?
I like the pace of Most of All You. I felt that the events unfolded in just the right sequence. I love how Mia was able to make both characters grow and overcome their issues. Their healing process took a natural turn. Nothing felt rushed.
This is another story by Mia that will remain with me for a while.
This is book 2 in the Conflict of Interest series.
The main character Jaxon Bentley was introduced in the first book. We know he took some time off and he's back and ready to work. His next case involves a widow Scarlett Reyes who has been accused of murdering her husband, who was a cop. Jaxon doesn't know if the woman is telling the truth but he's good at his job and he likes to win.
After deeper investigation, he realizes Darren was not a good man. He not only was cheating on Scarlett but he was a dirty cop. He's sure Scarlett is innocent but proving it's another matter.
Scarlett came back from Europe when she was accused of killing Darren. She's still trying to find herself after being abused by her husband for many years. She wishes she could make plans for her future but not knowing if she's going to remain free or if she's going to prison makes her put the brakes on her decisions, including sexy lawyers who make her heart beat faster.
It was easy to like Jaxon since I knew him from the first book. He was smart, resourceful and his connection to Demon gave him a shade of grey. Jaxon was ready to do whatever it took to keep Scarlett safe. Also, he helped her find herself and he gave her enough breathing space for her to make her own decision and choices.
Scarlett deserved happiness after so much unfairness. It was great seeing her develop a backbone and open up to Jaxon and then creating new connections and friendships. Those friendships were all so different but in a way, they made sense.
The best part was being able to see the characters from the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series popping in. Demon in particular. He was amazing!
There's a twist I didn't see coming. It was intense. I can tell you, I didn't agree with the choice Chantal Fernando made. Why did she do it?
Overall, Seducing the Defendant was another good addition to the Conflict of Interest series.
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I’m really happy when I’m with you. I get the feeling you feel the same way. And if that’s true, I don’t think you should give a fuck about wh
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“I’m really happy when I’m with you. I get the feeling you feel the same way. And if that’s true, I don’t think you should give a fuck about what people may or may not think of our age difference. Furthermore, if our ages were reversed, no one would bat an eyelash. Am I right? So now it’s just some sexist, patriarchal crap, and you don’t strike me as the kind of woman who’s going to let that dictate her happiness. All right? Next issue…”
I hated the ending. There I said it.
The only way this could work for me is if Robinne Lee is thinking of writing book #2.
I have read prior books where there is an age difference between the leading female and male character. On the Island and The Education of Sebastian, both have older women falling in love with a younger counterpart.
Solène Marchand is thirty-nine-year-old when she meets twenty-year-old singer Hayes Campbell. How does it happen? When her ex-husband fails to deliver taking her twelve-year-old daughter and her friends to the hit popular boy band August Moon's concert. Solène and the girls meet the band players but only one of them makes his interest clear. Soon she's making up clandestine dates with Hayes and what's starts as a fling morphs into a real relationship. But, Solène has many doubts. First, her daughter is infatuated with Hayes. Then, there's her age difference, the girls, and women trying to get the band players and of course the paparazzi who can destroy her privacy and her daughter's too.
“I’m saying it because I love you.”He was quiet, weighing the moment. And then he smiled, wide. “What took you so long?”I laughed. “I was just making sure it was you, and not the idea of you.”
Hayes is mature for his age. He has traveled the world and he knows what he wants when he sees it. He has charm, looks, and sincerity in his words which is the main reason he was able to woo Solène in the first place. He made her feel important and sexy again. He was also a good listener. Although I kept on thinking at twenty, you really don't know what life is all about.
“This is insane. You realize that, right?” “Only if someone gets hurt.” “Someone always gets hurt, Hayes.”
I went into this book blind. I didn't read the blurb but I knew it was nominated for a Goodreads Award and I didn't have any books in this category.
I started late at night (big mistake) and it pulled me so thoroughly, I couldn't stop. I knew from the beginning their relationship was doomed. An older woman with a young famous artist in a world where there is a double standard on age in relationships was not going to be easy. The heartache was expected. The "world" pulling them apart was expected and yet, it touched me on a deeper level. My heart broke for them and I only wish that Robinne Lee could put it back together by giving me a sequel. After all, a property was up for sale.
"Long, long before I had stopped loving him.
Don't hesitate to read The Idea of You you just need to be aware of its content and if the age difference is a problem then you're missing a great piece of fiction.
I want to do things that feed me. I want to surround myself with art and fascinating people and stimulating experiences … and beauty. I want to surprise myself.” Hayes smiled then, slow, knowing. “It’s like unfolding a flower.” “It’s what?” “You, revealing yourself. You, who vowed to share as little as possible.”
“I think this is the first time I have seen you speechless," Lir says with laughing eyes. "Had I only known, I would have removed my shirt sooner.”
I have had this book for a couple of years now. One of my friends loved it and it was time for me to read it. It is no mystery that I love the Lux series which I think are the only books I've read with aliens in it. I have enjoyed alien movies a lot. Starman, E.T, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, MIB, Independence Day, Contact and Signs to name a few.
Broken Skies is about Jax Mitchell, a teenager who's living in a dystopian world. Decades ago, ninety percent of the world died during a war. After the war, aliens move in. They are named the E'rikon. Until now, humans have ignored the aliens and vice-versa. Jax lives with her brother in a small settlement. Jace, her brother has adapted well to living within. Jax wants nothing but to leave it and take Jace with her. When she was ready to tell him about the plan, Jace is taken by a group of aliens. Jax will do anything to get him back including partnering with an E'rikon named Lir.
Jax doesn't know why Lir was close to their settlement but she knows he's the only one who knows how to get her inside their protected Alien city.
The premise of Broken Skies was interesting. I like both main characters. Jax was a strong-willed young woman. She was a survivor despite having PTSD. She was also loyal to her brother. She knew the danger but she never gave up trying to rescue Jace.
Lir was mysterious. He could also be funny and sweet. He was hiding things from Jax but neither trusted each other completely.
Two things bothered me. The first one had to do with Jax. Three consecutive scenes had her vomiting. If she vomited so much, how did she have the strength to keep on going without food in her stomach? and Lir, being at a complete loss during the travel through the forest. I don't know I was hoping he was more useful.
Overall, Broken Skies was entertaining, fast-paced and had good world building. I do want to continue reading the other two books.
It's so crazy good going back into the Tracers' world!
Laura Griffin has a talent for romantic suspense and police procedure description th
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It's so crazy good going back into the Tracers' world!
Laura Griffin has a talent for romantic suspense and police procedure description that keeps my interest from start to end. Sometimes when a book is too descriptive about the investigation associated with a case, my eyes glaze over but it's never the case with her stories.
The main couple is composed of Brooke Porter and Sean Byrne. We have met them in other books and now it's their time to shine.
Brooke is a CSI with the Delphi Centre who's called to the murder of a young woman. Brooke gets there before the police arrive. She knows something doesn't add up with the crime scene. Something big is missing. Brooke is very good at her job but not so much with her personal life. Her relationships have never worked and her latest one with a cop is still affecting her since she doesn't seem to be able to shake him. That's why she's taking a break from men except Sean makes her want to break her own rules.
Sean is the homicide detective assigned the case Brooke is on. Sean has been watching Brooke for a while and he's very interested in getting to know her but he knows he has to be patient. He can tell something is going on with her but when she keeps on making the case personal and he believes she's attracting the killer's attention, he won't be able to keep his distance any longer.
I like this couple. The romance was smooth and it was easier to believe since they have known each other for a while. They each have respect for the other's jobs. There was only one instance when I thought Brooke was taking the wrong path. I was screaming in my head: you have no weapon, no training, no self-defense moves, quit jumping the gun!
Laura also gives us a look into a future couple and I'm already liking them together. Callie needs someone strong for her and I think "weapon guy" is just what the doctor ordered.
I love the Tracers series and I can absolutely recommend it. Pick up Touch of Red, it won't disappoint you.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So after putting my baby to sleep who was part of my family for thirteen years, we decided to adopt a new puppy. She's a rescue and I wanted help gettSo after putting my baby to sleep who was part of my family for thirteen years, we decided to adopt a new puppy. She's a rescue and I wanted help getting to establish good behavior and socialization early on. Since I love reading, I went and bought a bunch of books including this one.
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan it has some cool anecdotes and I do believe it has some helpful insight into vaccines, puppy behavior, and intervening early on when a puppy is developing an issue. However, I found it lacking in details.
In this book, Cesar adopts five calm puppies (most from elite breeders) and raises them from puppyhood. Yet, not all puppies are created equal and a calm puppy is not always available or what you end up getting.
I would say the one thing I learned was to treat your puppy the same way a mother dog does instead of treating them like human babies.
Overall, it was an entertaining tale but had too much filler.
I hate it when this happens. I've looked forward to reading The Bronze Horseman for so long. My book friend sent it to me one Christmas (it
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I hate it when this happens. I've looked forward to reading The Bronze Horseman for so long. My book friend sent it to me one Christmas (it's autographed!) and it has been on my shelf ever since. I kept on thinking, I'm going to read it soon. Well, I finally did it and I can only say that for the most part, I wanted to throw the book against the wall.
The setting is WWII. Tatiana lives in the Soviet Union, more specifically, Leningrad. She lives with her parents, grandparents and her siblings and they share a small area in one building. Tatiana shares one room with her sister Dasha. One day, Dasha comes home full of happiness, she has met a soldier and she knows he's the one. Later on, the news is grave. The Germans are invading Russia. Tatiana is given money to purchase food but instead, she decides to read (she's alone at home while everyone else is working). Much later, she leaves her home but instead of going directly to buy food, she decides to eat an ice cream. Here is where she meets a soldier by the name of Alexander. He's tall and handsome with a beautiful smile. When they strike up a conversation, Tatiana can't help but feel something for this stranger. She has never been in love and has never felt this way before towards the opposite sex. Much later, Tatiana realizes there's no food left anywhere but Alexander saves the day by helping her buy food from where the soldiers have their choice. Then, he offers to help her carry it home with the help of another soldier, by the name of Dimitri. This is where Tatiana realizes her feelings for this man can't go any further. You see, the soldier is the man Dasha has fallen for.
From this, you get the idea. Nothing is easy for this couple. Tatiana doesn't want to hurt her sister's feelings so sacrificing her own happiness is a given. Alexander wants Tatiana but he has no problems staying with Dasha while pursuing Tatiana behind her back and this is the main reason why Alexander rubbed me the wrong way. He couldn't stay away from the sisters. It nagged me that he was having sex with Dasha or left to be with Dasha alone just in the next room while Tatiana was fighting Dimitri's advances day after day.
By the end of the book, I had no sympathy for Alexander. He was nothing but abusive. He was dominating, possessive (he was jealous of little old ladies who took some of Tatiana's time), controlling, violent (hitting the wall next to Tatiana's face) and selfish. And let's not forget, he had no qualms about sleeping with Dasha while making Tatiana miserable.
Then, there's Tatiana who deserves the Nobel prize for the best doormat. She let her family, Dimitri, Alexander and complete strangers abuse her. She had the martyr thing down. She was able to sacrifice everything including food (in a starving Russia) without thinking it twice.
The only thing that kept me reading was the setting. I did enjoy getting the perspective from someone from the Soviet Union during the German invasion.
“We've had a minute, Tatiana thought. We had our minutes on the bus. And at Kirov. We had our minutes in Lugo. And in the Summer Garden. Breathless minutes, we had. What we want, she thought, keeping herself from welling up, is eternity.”
Ready for Wild delivers the perfect ending to the Grand Valley series!
Liora Blake has the perfect formula for romance and she has a perpetual fan in me. She knows how to mix two very different characters and make them irreplaceable to each other.
Amber Regan travels to Colorado to scout different areas for her hunting show. She has always loved the outdoors and her uncle taught her to hunt when she was just a kid. Her show was very popular and made her quite famous. It helps that her exterior is nothing short of a bombshell. Unfortunately, the last season of her show didn't get high ratings and in a desperate move, she believes if she comes back to her roots, she can make the big wigs renew her contract. She's determined to prove them and herself that she can do one hunt all by herself.
"This is when my body decides to perk up and take real, carnal notice of a man? And for this guy? Mr. Jolly Green Giant with a bad attitude?"
Braden Montgomery is one of the Grand Valley game wardens. He projects a "sourpuss attitude" and he appears to be grumpy most of the time. We met his character in the last two books and I was dying to see a smile on the face of this big guy. By chance or maybe by fate, Braden picks the short straw (literally) and it's the one chosen to meet Amber and her team. Of course, he is not blind and his body knows Amber is a knockout but he has nothing bad disdain for people who don't understand what being a hunter and respecting the prey is. He has all these preconceived ideas about Amber and he's not scared to share them aloud.
"The dark hair and the scruff, the serious sage eyes, and a sourpuss attitude many a woman would love to claim she single-handedly charmed into submission. All of that and he’s built like the caricature of a lusty lumberjack."
It was absolutely amazing reading the characters banter. I was smiling or laughing the whole way through Ready for Wild. So many great interactions and I love when Garrett was giving Braden a hard time and the scene with the selfie.
I loved discovering the real Braden and Amber. Amber was someone who took her job seriously. She knew how to respect nature despite being a hunter. She was a good sister and she cared for her co-workers. Braden's real personality was not surly. He was a book nerd who loved the outdoors and healthy eating. The scenes with his dog Charley had my heart melting. He also realized his preconceived ideas regarding Amber were wrong and he was man enough to admit it.
I have no idea why this is the last book in the series. Liora introduced two couples who could continue this series or a spinoff: Trey and Dayton and Colin and Teagan. I hope she gets to write their love stories.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's hard to rate this book. I'm kinda disappointed in it. I'm so used to more drama an
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3.5 Fangs
"I can be the man you're looking for."
It's hard to rate this book. I'm kinda disappointed in it. I'm so used to more drama and my heart breaking with multiple crying spells but Crazy B!tch didn't have these components. Don't get me wrong, the book is good is just not what I'm used to when I read a JB's novel.
Crazy B!tch has known Calder Riggs for many years. Once, she was infatuated with him but he messed up by not showing up to her home at the right time. Instead, he was with someone else and high as a kite. Crazy B!tch doesn't give second chances. She has given too many already to other people and she's done. She wants to find a nice guy and settle down like most of her girlfriends have.
Calder Riggs knows he made a lot of mistakes. He hurt his brother, the MC and Crazy B!tch. He has never forgotten her and seeing her with a looser doesn't help. He knows they can have something good if only she will give him a chance.
I love Calder. He owns up to his past mistakes and transgressions and he's trying to make amends to all the ones he wronged. He knows he hurt so many but he will live the rest of his life clean and dedicated to his club and family.
Crazy B!tch was not as crazy as I thought she could be. She was loyal to a fault and she just wanted to feel loved and supported. She could defend herself and her friends. She didn't give her heart lightly but once she did, she was all in.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book. First, the Treasure Hunt and the one behind it, Greer. He has this evil funny side and loves to torture the Last Riders which made me love him even more. Then there was Gavin. My heart broke for him. It was so nice to see his brother and Calder trying to help him heal. I can't wait to see who's the lucky gal to steal his heart. As for the funny moments, I can tell you, they were plenty. Penni provided a lot of them. I was in stitches laughing. Poor guys, that's all I'm going to say about it.
One thing, I wish Jamie would have expanded more is about Lucky and his ordeal. I wanted to be a fly in the Last Rider's compound and hear everything those characters were going through. Hopefully, we learn more on the next Last Rider's book.
I can't finish my review without saying how much I enjoy this crazy world and how Jamie Begley has made me fall for so many characters and their stories.
The characters from The Blackbird Season were dysfunctional but interesting. However, none of the characters pulled me into their lives and
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The characters from The Blackbird Season were dysfunctional but interesting. However, none of the characters pulled me into their lives and made me root for them. I guess if I had to choose one, Bridget would be the saving grace.
The Blackbird Season starts with the fall of a thousand starlings on the high-school baseball field. The little town of Mt. Oanake, P.A. is the setting for this grim occurrence. This coincides with the shocking news that a beloved teacher was having an affair with a student.
Nate Winters is married. His wife Alicia is a stay at home mom who takes care of their autistic child. Nate is the teacher in question. He's known for befriending his students and following them on social media. He takes particular interest in Lucia Hamm, a student who comes from a broken family.
Alicia is the frustrated wife. She's not working any longer and it's solely dedicated to her son. She's frustrated with Nate for not helping out. She's frustrated with how her life turns out. She was hoping for more. When Nate is accused, Alicia can't defend him. She has her own doubts.
Bridget Harris is Lucia's teacher. She's best friends with Nate and she is the only one who thinks he's not guilty. Bridget, a recent widow, knows she can't let it go despite not liking Lucia very much.
Lucia Hamm comes from a broken home. Her father is gone and her brother is an abusive junkie. Her only outlet is writing her thoughts and reading tarot cards. Her situation at school is not any better. She's bullied and called a witch.
It was hard to like Nate. He crossed so many lines a teacher shouldn't. He made mistake after mistake and when Lucia disappears, he didn't help himself by lying.
Lucia had a tough life but she contributed to her own school drama. There is one situation where she had all my sympathy but for the most part, I didn't like her.
My biggest problem was with Alicia. She was so frustrated with her own life that she never gave Nate the benefit of the doubt. She was first to write him off. Shameful, really.
Like I said earlier, Bridget was the saving grace. She was nice and was the only one looking for the truth.
I would categorize The Blackbird Season as a mystery more than a psychological thriller.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Atria via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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