Wow, did I love this. I rarely, if ever, give a novella a 5 star rating. I think the last and only time I did was for Father Mine which I read ages agWow, did I love this. I rarely, if ever, give a novella a 5 star rating. I think the last and only time I did was for Father Mine which I read ages ago. So this was well deserved. I can't say enough how much I enjoy Laura Kaye's writing. She's so fearless. The fact that the hero is a bisexual and didn't hesitate at labeling himself that because of his past history just blew me away. I seriously wasn't expecting that and I didn't even know he was bi before reading this. Major kudos to Kaye for that. Caine always intrigued me from the start, the quiet stoic mystery Ravin Rider Sargent at arms. It was so great to see what makes him click in here and finally get his POV. While I really wish he got a full length book this was quite a satisfactory story. Caine McKannon was such a wonderful and intriguing mix of alpha and beta hero, so devoted and hardheaded about protecting everyone around him but such a complete vulnerable insecure softy. I didn't think it was possible for us to get to know this character's whole complicated heartbreaking backstory and show him overcoming that but I feel Kaye handled it in a convincing smart way. The fact that the story covers a month also helped paced things out nicely and not make it seem rushed in a short page count. Not only is Kaye fearless in her writing she thinks things through, she's a meticulous writer which I really appreciate. Every character has some vice or gut wrenching story of some kind but it's not used for shock factor. You can tell she does her research and has a reason for everything, she plays all her character beats really well. The (view spoiler)[LGBTQ shoutout (hide spoiler)] in here is a shining example of that. I thought him and Emma made a wonderful couple. So many sweet, adorable touching moments in here. Sexy too. Lawd, Laura Kaye really knows how to bring on the heat. Good lord. 😓😳🔥
Great read! Really bummed this series was so short but definitely going to try other Laura Kaye offerings....more
Argh. I'm annoyed. Because this was easily going to be a 5 star read up until the 50ish% mark when the syrupy cheesy dialogue took over out 3.75 stars
Argh. I'm annoyed. Because this was easily going to be a 5 star read up until the 50ish% mark when the syrupy cheesy dialogue took over out of nowhere and ruined the beautiful momentum and sexual tension Kaye created in the first half. Whhhhhhhhy? I loved gruff, heartbroken, grieving, world-weary Slider Evans slowly falling for Cora Campbell. The slow tentative build up was so good, believable and delicious. But then Kaye had to freaking ruin it after the couple finally have sex with the constant pouring out of feelings and "sweetheart" endearments jumping out of Slider's mouth that's littered throughout the rest of the story. And out of all the damn endearments that exist, why did it have to be sweetheart? 😩 [image] I'm sorry. I just fucking hate that endearment so much. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me. And I usually love endearments but the one I can't stand at all is 'sweetheart' because it comes off so patronizing even when it's not meant to be. It also comes off unrealistic and trying too hard the more it's used. I usually let these kind of things go when it's not so obvious or obnoxious. But here it was everywhere in the last quarter of the book that it became distracting and watered the characters down a little for me. And that bothers me. My issue is not just the use of it, my issue is that out of anyone Slider of all people would not be using that endearment and so much like this. Yeah he's a complete softy underneath but he never struck me as one who is flowery with his words and pouring it on so thick too, even when not grieving. So yeah it was overkill and just so unnecessary. Especially having the couple confess ILYs at the halfway mark was kind of jumping the shark. Too soon. Not that I wasn't buying the ILYs, I definitely bought these 2 falling for each other, I just wish Kaye paced things better in the later half. The dialogue and tone in the second half started to eerily remind me of another author who does this very OTT sticky sweet thing which turned me off completely from their writing. I really hope Laura Kaye doesn't fall in that same rut of a pattern. The constant gasping and "sweet man" remarks?....oy. Just typing it makes my eye twitch. But other than that, I enjoyed the slow build up in the first half and Slider's 2 boys little Ben and Sam were the sweetest things. Gosh they were adorable and broke my heart. Laura Kaye really knows how to pull at the heartstrings when she wants to....more
Assail & Marisol [image] [image] Surprisingly enjoyed their story in this. I wasn’t a big fan of this couple since they were introduced so I went into this book with zero expectations. That paid off. I didn’t realize exactly how bad off Assail was physically until the opening of this book. So bad it actually stunned me. Which I liked. Made for a more realistic, meatier, emotionally-gripping story. Seeing Assail's grave condition gave more dimension and weight to his struggle and the overall world Ward has created. A+ there for me. It also underlines once again that these vamps are not as invincible as usual Paranormal lore makes them out to be, at least not Ward’s vampires. She makes her characters very human, which has always been a big draw in for me. That being said, I wasn’t sure how believable it would be to see a healthy strong vampire completely ravaged and near death over addiction withdrawal. Thankfully Ward pulled it off here nicely. I believed it. I actually found myself feeling sorry for Assail and wanting to see him pull through to be with the woman he loves who is a human, Marisol. [image] The only negative for me, well actually 2 things really. First, the whole “I’m really a vampire” aspect could have been handled better in the end. (view spoiler)[I mean I loved the initial angst and Marisol thinking she's going to lose him was nicely played out. But near the end it started to really drag out and get ridiculous with how the heroine never put 2 + 2 together, never picking up on the fact that her man is not human. It made her look clueless AF. (hide spoiler)]
Second thing I wish was handled better: Assail's occupation. He's still jobless, puttering around, having no idea what he's going to do with himself since he is now a retired dealer. Uh...ok. [image] *crickets* 😐 What role will him and Sola play in future BDB storylines from this point on? Cause I don't see them fitting anywhere unless Assail goes back into the arms-dealing business in order to help the Brothers with the war. And I definitely don't see Sola popping up to "hang" with the ladies at the compound. 😅 So it's kinda awkward to say the least. Assail's aimless direction while recovering wasn't really resolved at all in here which I thought was a little bit confusing and missed opportunity. I thought for sure he would figure out his new path at the very least. Considering this guy came on as an aimless, selfish, coke-snorting, vampire-at-lesure, this didn't really help ground him onto the canvas IMO. If he has nothing to do after this then what was the point of giving him a storyline and a whole ass book to begin with? *scratches head* Just saying. I've always felt this couple were an forced awkward fit into this series and this didn't really help prove otherwise. What was the whole point then of introducing readers to Assail and Marisol if they don't fit onto the canvas? But on a side note, loved Sola’s grandmother vovo and her interactions with Assail’s twin cousins. Too cute and hilarious! I adore Ehric and Evale and they definitely had some funny moments in here.
V & Jane
I see you, he thought. And you are beautiful to me.
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For a male who existed separately from everyone, even his brothers, he had to have this unity with his female, with Jane. She and she alone was the one who he could be both strong and vulnerable with, his brilliant, beautiful, full-of-compassion female.
The stars of this book for me. ❤️ And I’m so dang happy with the outcome. I was sweating over this book because of what was teased in the last book and that bomb Ward dropped at the last book signing. Trust me, I was expecting to come out of this wanting to rip Vishous a new asshole. V and Jane are very much a polarized BDB couple, some love them while others don't. I'm the former. I've loved them as a couple and loved their story in Lover Unbound. And given that J.R. Ward has already tried messing with these 2 before and the outcome wasn't great, I was naturally very worried that this couple was done for and that the magic was no longer there. But thankfully, I'm happy to report that the Vane magic is very much still there, still alive and kicking. Huzzah! 🎉
"Yup." Her smile was radiant. "I'm still here." As his eyes watered from all the fucking feels, he wanted to cut them out of his skull with spoons. "I am so glad no one else can see me like this, true?"
What saved this from being a complete shit show was the source of conflict was addressed and confronted very early on in the book much to my relief. V being the typical macho gruff idiot he is, does stumble a little with what he attempted but he makes effort to right his wrong. They confront the issue head on and everything that needed to be said is said and they both work towards creating a new rhythm in their relationship and being open and communicating. I enjoyed every single scene these 2 shared, together and apart. This pretty much whiped the slate clean with the nonsense that was pulled in Lover Unleashed. And I’m so happy for that. This is exactly how you circle back to HEA established couples. You get them to talk and touch on things from their history and make effort to create new happy memories. I felt like I was back in Lover Unbound seeing these two reconnect, get all flirty, sexy, serious and honest. Just like old times. It was really sweet and refreshing to see and managed to breathe life into a couple that I honestly thought went dormant after their own book. The constant communication is what worked here and what was needed. Seeing V get all emotional again over his mate was such a balm to this battered Vane fan's heart. 💕🙌
Standout secondary character: Phury- He's actually in this book! 😱 I’m so glad this Brother with the “too big a heart” had dialogue and played an actual role in this. Another angle that felt like the old BDB books and had me feeling nostalgic. His scenes with V felt necessary and organic and made sense. This is how you include and create dialogue for your OG characters, bring them to the forefront for storylines that they need to be included in. I’m hoping him and Cormia share the news they are expecting a bundle of joy soon! ;)
Loser of this book: Vitoria- Or as I liked to call her Boretoria. [image] What a complete drip. Throe and his freaky book weren’t enough? I mean I get it, Assail and Sola needed a direct threat but this bitch was snooze on top of snooooooze with how stale and cliche she was. So cliche it hurt. There is nothing that irritates me more than a boring gimmicky villain. There is nothing cunning or threatening about this character. Even her actions & reactions to certain things was all over the place and inconsistent. I don’t think she was needed at all or added anything to the story and in fact her chapters could have been given to Assail and Sola. But then again, considering how much page time these 2 ate up in Lover at Last, I guess this is karma? Lol
Final Verdict: I really enjoyed this. I enjoyed it so much I will probably purchase this once it goes on sale. In paperback. 😊 Assail and Sola’s story ended up being pretty decent, I wouldn’t say they are a favorite of mine but I enjoyed the angst. And V and Jane stole my heart all over again and proved why they are so perfect for each other even when they have conflict. This arc wasn't as problematic as I (and so many other readers) were expecting it to be. I hope Ward keeps to her promise and leaves them alone after this and lets them keep reconnecting in that bedroom of theirs. Cause uh... gah damn, V. 🔥 Whew. [image]...more
A delightful, witty, smart, hilarious, charming read. Worth all the hype it gets. Seriously. The writing is damn good. I had so much fun just pulling A delightful, witty, smart, hilarious, charming read. Worth all the hype it gets. Seriously. The writing is damn good. I had so much fun just pulling memorable quotes. There are a lot of jewels in this one, too many to choose from. Lucy Parker definitely has a new reader in me. My only complaint and why this was shy of a 5 star is one thing. Well, actually 2 reasons. One, I felt the last 30% really dragged and was just filler till the couple actually faced some kind of conflict near the end i.e the "big conflict" (and the h/hr reactions to the big blow up was a little too on the predictable side). Not sure why the author chose this route. Second, I personally would have enjoyed it more if our grumpy hero Luc fought his attraction to Lily a little more. And by that I mean not deciding to dive into a relationship so soon after acting on their mutual attraction. Let me be clear and say this is not a story where the leads jump in the sack quickly. Far from it. The slow simmer and sexual tension was definitely there (and so delicious) and played up gradually in the first half. That was brilliant. I would have easily given this a 5 star just based on the first half of the book alone. But after they finally gave in to their attraction with a heated kiss, Luc showed no hesitation in being openly demonstrative and playful and going all in with Lily. It was definitely sweet but had me a little bit.... [image] Like......oh. Ok. It caught me a little off guard considering he's so anti-emotions and anti-relationship of any kind. He's very much the prickly one between the two. And Lily is clearly a complete anomaly to him. So I guess what I'm saying is I wish the angst would have dragged out more for why they can't be together. And the concerns and reasons why they can't/shouldn't be together are legit concerns. Not the typical contrived "we can't be together cause you deserve better" excuse used in Romancelandia. But overall, still an enjoyable read. I will definitely try Parker's other offerings if her writing here is anything to go by....more
These Harlequin Historicals are rocking my world! ✨🔥🙌
Mother, what have I become?
[image] Good gawd this was so much fun. What an underrated These Harlequin Historicals are rocking my world! ✨🔥🙌
Mother, what have I become?
[image] Good gawd this was so much fun. What an underrated little jewel this is. I literally felt like I was swept up in a cinematic adventure all over the sand dunes of Egypt. This was my first read by Greta Gilbert and she did a stunning job capturing the rich vibrant world of Ancient Egypt. The details! Oh man. From the prophecies, the high Priests, the dark endless tunnels of the pyramids, the river banks, the lavish lifestyle of the royal palace, the nomadic life out in the desert. I have to say I was really impressed how far the author took it with the details. And the makeup, the wigs, the jewelry! ❤️ Oh my.
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What also really worked here for me was that both hero and heroine toed that line of grey area in the beginning. Tahar and Kiya were so unique in the sense they both started off having ulterior motives. Tahara is pretty much an anti-hero in the beginning given his selfish motives and he used to be part of a tribe of thieves. Kiya's motives are more desperate and understandable. I'll be honest I was a little skeptical in the beginning but the character development really won me over quickly. I see most had issue with the heroine's lying but considering it was done out of pure survival mode and not on a whim and she didn't do it constantly (which was my fear) it didn't bother me. Plus the hero pretty much had her number from the beginning and knew the 2 or 3 times she was lying so it wasn't that big of an issue. *shrugs* The heroine in particular showed such strength and courage and I loved the women empowerment undertones, especially in a time and place where a woman's worth is little to none, especially a poor orphaned one.
‘I disguised myself as a man. I helped pull the carts up the tunnel,’ she explained. ‘I am not a goddess, Your Highness. I am not Hathor Incarnate. I am... I am just a woman.’
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The love story was so beautiful. Nicely built up. Tahar falling for the mysterious woman he captures was so great to see. The gender-bender introduction was cute and created some funny moments. The growth both of these characters go through made this a successful read. I loved how Tahar taught Kiya to open her mind and eyes to the bigger picture. For someone who was pretty much raised on the streets she had a very narrow view of the world and beliefs so it was great to see her grow and learn that there is more out there and more to see of the world. To see both come together and have such clashing differences in beliefs, one more realistic and worldly experienced and the other more spiritual and naive was great to see. I found both of them so refreshingly honest and pure in so many ways. Loved me some Tahar. 😍 Mmm mmm.
So going down the checklist: Epic adventure all over the desert ✓ Angsty love story of captor falling for his captive ✓ Couple facing great odds and trials to reunite ✓
I clearly loved this. I felt like I was watching a movie with the hurdles the characters face and the twists and turns thrown their way until they finally reunite at the end. This covered all aspects of Ancient Egypt in pretty much 4 Acts. You get a nice taste of everything, from the drudgery of workers and slaves working for grain, to the endless miles of sand and scorching unforgiving heat of the desert sun, to the opulence of the King's boat and the cool palace walls. I feel like I've repeated myself enough so I'll stop here. lol This is the kind of book I enjoy. Definitely recommend this one!...more
I...I actually liked this. 😳 I didn't think I would. Motorcycle Clubs aren't my thing. And this started out using some extremely cheesy cliched tropesI...I actually liked this. 😳 I didn't think I would. Motorcycle Clubs aren't my thing. And this started out using some extremely cheesy cliched tropes. But the couple and their chemistry swayed me. I think what saved this besides the connection was the heroine coming out of her "lost broken girl" shell and willing to try new things and learning to be vocal about what she wants. I was very nervous there at the beginning. This still had it's cheesy moments but overall, not bad.
The kiss went on and on as they danced in a slow, rocking circle. When he finally pulled away, he leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. The next words that came out of his mouth . . . were sung. Gravelly, rasping, so damn sexy. “I say, my darling, you were wonderful tonight.” His eyelids flipped open, a note of uncertainty in their brown depths. And Haven kissed that away with everything she was worth.
Dare and Haven were sweet, angsty and sexy. For a "moody" world weary biker, Dare was really sweet with this words and so demonstrative. Love how he let shy Haven take the lead/have a voice in things. And gah damn, Laura Kaye really knows how to write steamy loves scenes. Jesus. 🔥 And I actually want to read about the other guys in this group. Which is another surprise. I just hope 3 books is not all she has to give with so many guys in this club. Come on! Definitely wanting to read Sam "Slider" and Cora's book. Like now. #gimmegimme...more
Sweet emotional story. So happy they got a sequel. It was needed. I liked this one better than the first because this felt more like a full story wherSweet emotional story. So happy they got a sequel. It was needed. I liked this one better than the first because this felt more like a full story where the first one was more of a short story. This felt more complete and realistic IMO. Cause seriously....in the first book you are trying to tell me a couple fall in love after a few hours of getting stuck in a dark elevator. That is sweet in theory but fucking hard to swallow. Anyways, seeing the hero battling his personal demons was intense and not going to lie there was a scene that made me cry. He's been through so much and the depression bout was heartbreaking. It did start to get a little too goopy and mushy near the end with everyone repeating themselves with how the perfect heroine deserves everything and Caden is going to make her so happy. Do I really need to read it every other line? Like I GET IT. Move on. Oh and the epilogue was adorable AF. These 2 are so cute....more
Well this was a surprise. Not what I was expecting at all given that cover and the title. I'm not sure what I was expecting (probably circus themed LOWell this was a surprise. Not what I was expecting at all given that cover and the title. I'm not sure what I was expecting (probably circus themed LOL!) but it wasn't this. And the beginning of the story is very misleading if you aren't paying attention to the blurb. Which happened to me. Ha.
This is my first try with Mary Calmes and her hand at quick humor is superb. Kinda reminded me of Lucy Parker. So good. The back and forth banter between characters is so sharp and realistic and never misses a beat. Loved that. I thought Nate and Dreo made a very sexy adorable couple. Dreo talking to him in Italian?...oof. Swooning switch turned on. My biggest gripe would be I wasn't a big fan of the huge age difference here only because Nate has an adult son who is 1 year younger than his love interest Dreo. That's a tad iffy for me. Nate Qells is 45 years old and Andreo "Dreo" Fiore is 28, so yeah. #AwkwardAlert If that bothers you then this probably isn't for you. It wouldn't have bothered me if Nate didn't already have a kid nearly the same age as his love interest. There's definitely a bit of ick factor there. So it was a bit jarring to get used to BUT....both leads are sweet and endearing and like I said the humor and writing was popping. For me when the writing and characters are good you tend to forgive the flaws. Nate's ex-wife Melissa is a fucking hoot. Lawd. 😂 Her and her husband squabbling and Nate teasing them were probably stand out scenes for me. And yes this is definitely a hot and steamy read. The sex scenes have you damn near blushing. For a stoic soft-spoken Italian young stud, Dreo really knows what he wants and a complete alpha. 😳😓🔥 Jee-zuz. [image]
Another thing that I found a little irksome was nearly everyone in this book is described as "gorgeous" "stunning" "dazzling" or some variety in between. Whether you are a 16 year old girl, 20-something college student or a 70-year old Italian matriarch, you are gorgeous to Nate. I really wish the author toned it down here. Nate is describing everyone as some form of stunning and it was a little extreme and bizarre. Nobody can be a plain Jane in this? Also nobody knows personal boundaries in this story either. A 45 year old man getting touchy feely with a 16 year old girl is a bit much, I don't care how nice and charming the guy is or how good intentioned. Hands off. Bouncy "gorgeous" young college girls grabbing their college professor by the lapel of his jacket to talk because he's the "cool teacher" is awkward and inappropriate to say the least. Everyone always got their hands on shoulders, arms, elbows, face, no matter the setting or how well you know them. I found it so unrealistic and too much. Nate Qells is a likable easygoing gorgeous man (that everyone and their grandmother likes to point out) we get it. And he really is likable. There is literally nothing to hate about him, he's actually a little *too* perfect if I'm being honest. But realistically speaking, you can't get handsy with people all the time and anytime. And it almost felt like because he's an openly gay man it was used to excuse away how touchy feely he is with everyone. Didn't jive for me. But that's probably more of my personal taste. If some random older guy I just met is touching my face calling me "sweetheart" when I was sixteen I would be freaked the fuck out. Not gushing over how kind and handsome he is. Oy. Like I said, boundaries yo. [image]
Oh and speaking of unrealistic AF, a doting father (whose kid is about to have a baby and live in his building) has no reservations and all 'no big deal' about moving in with a man who used to work for the mob (view spoiler)[and killed people for a living (hide spoiler)]? Really? Probably the most contrived thing out of this entire story. It made Nate come off painfully naive in some instances given how easily he would brush off danger just to push the plot along. Someone that protective and caring of his family and loved ones would not be that calm about the mob factor and the ensuing threats. Just saying. You have to suspend major belief to jump that hurdle. Just putting that out there.
But all in all, I really enjoyed this. I do wish the progression of the H/H relationship happened slower. But the chemistry and sexual tension was definitely there and dialogue is great....more
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