I enjoyed this coming of age/dealing with tragedy novel by Alice Hoffman. Not surprising to me as I've enjoyed most of the Hoffman novels I have read.I enjoyed this coming of age/dealing with tragedy novel by Alice Hoffman. Not surprising to me as I've enjoyed most of the Hoffman novels I have read. Hoffman knows how to write about relationships and the little idiosyncrasies that make them so complicated and yet simple. Shelby annoyed me from time to time with her constant insistence on lack of self-worth, and yet she instills that feeling of worth into those she cares about. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an early read to review copy! ...more
I received a read to review copy of this book from the publisher.
I enjoyed Undercover Empath: Kindred Demon. It's a great start to what I am hoping wI received a read to review copy of this book from the publisher.
I enjoyed Undercover Empath: Kindred Demon. It's a great start to what I am hoping will be a great series. There were a few copyedit issues that threw me off during reading (Hansen vs Hanson, Cinnamon calls her Rose instead of her undercover name or stage name that she was just given, she claims Sugar was a spur of the moment thing but the guy with the clipboard called her that, etc.), but the story was great and made you want to read more. It will be interesting to see what else she comes across and who will have her back. I will love this series if it turns into an episodic tale with a different case for each book, much like JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts)'s In Death series.
Read & Review Copy. I don't know how I lucked out to receive a Read & Review early copy of this book, but many, many thanks to the author for this! I Read & Review Copy. I don't know how I lucked out to receive a Read & Review early copy of this book, but many, many thanks to the author for this! I read this in one sitting. Once I opened the book, discovered the characters, was dropped into the middle of a high tension scene, I sure as hell wasn't going anywhere. Familiar characters to the Fairy Tale of Peter Pan, but definitely twisted and with a lot more depth than the Disney versions we grew up with. This Peter is more along the lines of what I would expect from a boy who never grows up: vicious, mean, selfish, delusional. As the percentage of the amount read kept climbing on my kindle, I gnawed my lip more thinking to myself, "Well, crap...I see a long wait ahead of me for more to this story!" This book reads fast, yanks you right into the action, and leaves you wanting more, but in a good way. I can't wait to continue reading this series! ...more
review to come on release day ! pre-order now for 99 pennies I'm starting to notice a theme: Read a book by Monica Enderle Pierce, give it 5 stars, desreview to come on release day ! pre-order now for 99 pennies I'm starting to notice a theme: Read a book by Monica Enderle Pierce, give it 5 stars, desperately wishing for the power to erase my memory of reading said book so I can read it again and experience it all over again for the first time.
I was first introduced to M.E. Pierce's writing with FAMINE, her apocalyptic dark fantasy novel (Hello Horsemen). It is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. It's been a while, so I think it's about that time where I can go back and reread it without having details fresh in my head so I can ooh and aah over the book again.
I then read GIRL UNDER GLASS (which I have yet to write a review for, but will! I'm a touch behind). This is a post-apocalyptic novel where we have warred with aliens. No less intense than FAMINE, full of adventure, strife, suspense, and yes, romance.
And then there's this novel. High fantasy. Romance. Suspense. Politics.
I am now waiting for sequels in three of her series. Why do I heart them so much? Not only does Pierce create this world that is so detailed it is nearly palpable, but she does it in such a way that I don't feel as if she's droning on and on and describing every vein of every leaf. No, there is no telling here. There is SHOWING. And that's how I like my books. You're plunged into the world of her novels without static, without a break, just seamless entry that seems wholly believable.
And then there are her characters. In this novel, Halina and Gethen are the main characters. Halina. I LOVE Halina. Why? She is no simpering maiden in need of rescue. She is unapologetic about her success on the battlefield, about being an amazing warrior, about caring for the people who are within her domain, and about her loyalty as one of the king's soldiers. She is strong, forthright, and moral. Her sex doesn't make her feel vulnerable and she certainly doesn't act like it. She doesn't use her physical attributes to get what she wants or to achieve her goals; she uses her mind. Gethen is the shadow mage, but he is wholly unexpected as to what we think of as necromancers/shadow mages.
Their adventure begins when Halina realizes that Gethen is right; the kingdoms have a mutual enemy that is driving both of them towards war. Together, they will fight against it. But will they be enough?...more
I finally got to finish my ARC. I fought with my dying Kindle battery all night long (did you know it still drains when plugged in if you're trying toI finally got to finish my ARC. I fought with my dying Kindle battery all night long (did you know it still drains when plugged in if you're trying to read on it if you let the battery get too low? Yeah, neither did I). I loved this book. LOVED IT. I loved it more than WRONG. Everly & Sawyer are my favorite kind of characters - confident, quirky, energetic, they nearly lift from the damn pages and become real people. This entire book was so damn enjoyable. I'm trying not to be spoilery - there was a moment or two in the book where I nearly cried, I was so angry with one of the characters, assumed something while muttering "well if that's the case, that's just STUPID, so it can't be that" and then...all the emotions.
Wonderfully wrought romance. Jana doesn't disappoint with this follow up to her debut, a NYTimes bestseller! ...more
This was a very good, horror read. There were times as I read this book where I sucked in my breath and was successfully creeped out. So often, when cThis was a very good, horror read. There were times as I read this book where I sucked in my breath and was successfully creeped out. So often, when choosing to read horror, I am disappointed at the lack of horror and the distinct downward spiral into campy. Much like with most horror movies.
But Lukavics knows how to write the story to keep you at the edge of your seat, breath held, and ready to jump.
This definitely did not disappoint from the first page to the last, a story really well woven from the beginning to the end, and one that definitely creeped me out as I was up in the late hours of the night reading.
So when writing reviews of books that rocked your world, the inevitable phrases come up: page-turner, un-put-downable, rolreview to come. No spoilers.
So when writing reviews of books that rocked your world, the inevitable phrases come up: page-turner, un-put-downable, roller coaster of emotions, twists and turns, fast-paced, etc.
This review would sound no different. And as always, I try to keep my reviews spoiler free, so here goes to the best of my ability!
When I say I'm becoming accustomed to JA Huss's style, please don't ever take that to mean that I know what the heck is going on in that head of hers or can predict the outcome of her novels. Just know that I KNOW I am in for one hell of a ride and that I'm gonna spend most of my time reading and trying to figure out what the twist is going to be. Because there WILL be something. And ROCK was no different.
At first you think it's the same old trite romance with a rockstar as the lead, maybe his high school sweetheart pining for him at home, he had something to prove to his little podunk hometown, etc. Well, no, and yet kind of, and no definitely not all over again. JA Huss had me scratching my head, bruising my kindle, as I whipped through this book, thinking WTF. Wait I get it. No, I don't. So who is...? Wait, is he...? OH MY GOD.
Yep. That's a Huss book for you. Rock is a standalone. It's a romance. It's a mindscrew. And when you get to the EOBS? I bet you're gonna be searching itunes or youtube or amazon for those songs to see how you get inside the head of an author!...more
review to come on or near release day. love Declan, hate piper. She sucks.
This was a wonderfully wrought fairy tale, flipped and twisted in a way thatreview to come on or near release day. love Declan, hate piper. She sucks.
This was a wonderfully wrought fairy tale, flipped and twisted in a way that kept me reading on. I think some of my notes as I read was "I want a Declan!" It was a lovely romance between Declan and Piper and I liked how the author built the story. With no clear lines on good and evil, the story sticks out a little more. On one hand you have these self-righteous people condemning others and okaying violence and in the same breath they are berating those who do the same.
Piper annoyed me, however, with her hysterics and inability to forgive or accept easily. If I could reach into the book and shake her by the shoulders very hard, I would have! When it ends...oh my gosh, I need to flip to the beginning and read it one more time. More to come?! I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I really enjoy Ruth Hartman's books, whether they are historical or modern day romances, she has a knack for writing characters that make you smile. SI really enjoy Ruth Hartman's books, whether they are historical or modern day romances, she has a knack for writing characters that make you smile. She also knows how to capture characters that are just reprehensible and make your palms itch to slap them.
I love how she always includes cats in her books, being a cat lover herself. It's such a quaint trademark!
Kitty and Nathaniel are endearing characters and I enjoyed reading about them as their relationship slowly and sweetly develops. Her sisters, Lydia and Patience, are going to be interesting to read about as this series continues. Patience shocked me a bit at the end as I had this idea of her as the complete, innocent baby sister. Lydia was SUCH the annoying, pain in the butt sister, but near the end of the book, she makes a comment that had me lifting my eyebrow. Hmmm intriguing. I can't wait to read the next installment and see what Lydia gets up to. ...more
Honestly...this book was riveting. I was so excited when reading the description and then I squealed in my seat when I got notification that I was goiHonestly...this book was riveting. I was so excited when reading the description and then I squealed in my seat when I got notification that I was going to receive an arc. H.D. Gordon is one HELL of a writer who always keeps me glued to the pages and leaves me fully satisfied with my read of the book. The first book I read of hers was JOE and I am now slowly making my way through all of her books.
If you like urban fantasy and the idea of superheroes, you want to pick up The Halfling when it releases. Aria Fae is likable, relatable especially when she is demonstrating how much she loves and cares about her friends, and totally bad ass. I'm very excited that this is going to continue in a series and cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the final copy in a few days and then the next book.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book directly from the author in exchange for my honest review. Hate it or love it, this author trusted me with a copy of her work to read and review. Thanks, H.D. Gordon!...more
I was offered the chance to read and review this novel. No compensation for my review as they asked for an honest one and that's what you're getting! I was offered the chance to read and review this novel. No compensation for my review as they asked for an honest one and that's what you're getting!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect blend of contemporary romance with a hint of paranormal. Quinn's PTSD basically assaults empath Willow every time she crosses paths with him. And there is a mutual crush still lasting from the last time they saw one another, fifteen years ago.
I liked the friendship between Ryan and Willow and seeing how deeply that runs. The hints to those of two natures and Ryan's & Willow's abilities made me wonder what else might be hiding in their town.
And did the Reyburns KNOW or was it just coincidence? Do you believe in coincidences like this? I have to admit, I'm skeptical.
Filled with mystery, romance, second chances, romantics, and one grumpy old man with a story of his own, I gobbled this up whenever I had a moment to read. If Jenni Moen wants to write more novels in this world, I'm placing myself on the waitlist! ...more
For those of you missing Ford, Spencer, and Ronin, along with their strong women and families, this is the best christmas treat ever from J.A. Huss.
TFor those of you missing Ford, Spencer, and Ronin, along with their strong women and families, this is the best christmas treat ever from J.A. Huss.
Told from several different points of views, we get updates on EVERYONE and the sweetest glimpse of Princess Shrike and Five. This was like a family reunion for those of us missing all the characters! I loved reading how each couple is more in love than ever before, what they've been up to, and how their children are turning out.
All of you Rook & Ronin series fans, pick this up for yourself and ENJOY!
**disclaimer: I received an early review copy to read and review.**...more
Writing my review again because it seems to have disappeared...
This was one wild ride as we are introduced to Alpha Lincoln and his Omega. Balance in Writing my review again because it seems to have disappeared...
This was one wild ride as we are introduced to Alpha Lincoln and his Omega. Balance in the world, right? JA Huss dives into the world of super villains/heroes with plenty of action and steamy, erotic, superhero sex. What I love the most about JA Huss's characters is that they are never flat; they all have nuances and stories that make them come alive in your imagination, they are so...human.
If you've ever fantasized about super heroes (or villains), if you've ever wanted to peek into the bat cave, start with Anarchy Found. It's a hell of a beginning to her new series. ...more
I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. I think it took a little too long to get going aI received an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. I think it took a little too long to get going and I found Riley frustrating. She keeps clamoring about being taken seriously, but she's twenty fucking two and acts like it. She acts like a the spoiled little rich girl that she is, with no clue as to how the rest of the world works. I didn't like her description of her friend, I didn't like her attitude, her actions, and had a hard time liking her.
Brandon also acts way younger for someone who should be more mature based on his background. I found him difficult to like as well to begin with.
The story did keep moving forward and I kept reading, but their actions and reactions often contradicted what they said they were trying to be, so this book fell short for me. However, by the end, I was definitely interested in reading more from Aubrey Parker and continuing in the Inferno Falls series. The author was successful in building a world and the start of characters that intrigue you enough to want to keep reading. ...more
This is one heck of a debut romance novel! Witty, funny, and sexy as hell, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author knows how to write romance and lThis is one heck of a debut romance novel! Witty, funny, and sexy as hell, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author knows how to write romance and leads you through great character development, wonderful convos, and an inner dialogue that resonates with me as a reader.
I loved the characters and this is one I would reread when in the mood for a good, modern romance with a touch of naughty....more
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions following are my own and I was not compensated for itI received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions following are my own and I was not compensated for it.
I enjoyed this werewolf romance. I hadn't read the first one, and luckily you do not need to as this can be completely stand alone. I won't rehash the plot for you as you can read it from the book summary. What I will tell you is that I read this all in one go.
It's fast-paced without feeling rushed, the characters are charming and intriguing and you care what is going on with them right away, and the plot moves along steadily. You feel some frustration for the inexplicable rage and hate Isabelle's father has towards the McGrath pack and some more frustration as Isabelle struggles with the issue of her heart or loyalty to her family.
A sexy PNR with just the tiniest bit of angst that is well worth an afternoon's read! ...more
This book gets rave reviews from everyone so I am definitely the odd man out. This just didn't do it for me. By 25% in, I wasn't really intrigued enouThis book gets rave reviews from everyone so I am definitely the odd man out. This just didn't do it for me. By 25% in, I wasn't really intrigued enough to keep going, but I did. By 50% I was kinda wondering why I'm still reading. The storyline isn't dull and yet I was bored and not interested in continuing. When I got to the end, I was annoyed that it was an open ending to continue in another book.
I got this from Reading Alley and really appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I wish I had liked this more and I can't pinpoint why I did not. Paranormal is definitely one of my favorite genres to read and this wasn't BAD. I can only assume it is me. ...more
I enjoyed this paranormal romance, even though I found it frustrating at times. I think it was the mood I was in while reading. I just didn't have theI enjoyed this paranormal romance, even though I found it frustrating at times. I think it was the mood I was in while reading. I just didn't have the patience for all the hate directed towards Markus when their leader is obviously seeing/thinking there's something redeeming about him. And then to dismiss Markus' concerns regarding the new lame puppy they brought in? Argh.
But the chemistry between Alexandria and Markus is palpable and there's the strain of emotions where they both care more than they think they should. I'm sad that I didn't start this series from the beginning and instead jumped in with #4 with an arc from the publisher. While you absolutely CAN read book 4 with no problems, once you're introduced to all the other characters, etc., you really want to know what happened in detail first!
So feel free to jump in with this book, but as for me...I'm going back to book #1 and will start this series from the beginning! Good story telling, good romance, and good action! ...more
This was a fun contemporary romance that blends everything that is really hot and popular right now: Jamie Fraser, rich independent woman, and kilts! This was a fun contemporary romance that blends everything that is really hot and popular right now: Jamie Fraser, rich independent woman, and kilts!
I had the chance to read this for free thanks to Entangled Publishing. IT does not disappoint. This was a fun, great read with likable characters that you root for getting together. The accent is adorable of course and I am really glad that Sloane warmed up to Molly. ;)
While I found her friends obnoxious, they do prove true and you root for the HEA from the beginning of the book. Makes me want to head right back to Scotland myself and find MY Jamie Fraser! ...more