I cannot believe I have actually turned into a full-fledged, giddy, squeely, girlfan over this series! I'm a serious, level headed book reviewer for hI cannot believe I have actually turned into a full-fledged, giddy, squeely, girlfan over this series! I'm a serious, level headed book reviewer for heavens sake! There is just something about Kate Daniels, her world and most especially, her significant other that draws you in, wraps you up and doesn't let you go. The amazing thing is that it just keeps getting better and better with each new book.
Along with the edge-of-your-seat suspense, the romance between Curran and Kate ratchets up into a main event in this story. Hallelujah!!! It was worth the wait! They are SO combustable yet so incredibly good for each other that even I re-read their interactions over and over just to savor the moments. The big (and I mean HUGE) downside to this series is that I now have to wait until the next installment is published before continuing. There is something to be said for the idea of not starting a series until the author(s) are finished writing the series. Patience is most assuredly NOT a virtue when dealing the Magic!...more
After almost 10 years and countless shifter books later, I still hold to the opinion that Ms. Armstrong writes the most realistic*2019 re-read/update*
After almost 10 years and countless shifter books later, I still hold to the opinion that Ms. Armstrong writes the most realistic and nuanced werewolves in all of publishing. Hasn’t changed. This time around Elena’s character annoyed me even more than the first time, though. Good grief, get over yourself, already!! So, the 4 star stands even after all these years!
4.5/5.0
With the avalanche of paranormal/werewolf offerings on the market today, "Bitten" actually succeeds in the almost impossible, finding a unique twist. Armstrong does this not so much in the plot but in the relationship of the werewolves. Their personalities, their very natures are written with such depth and understanding that the reader not only sympathizes but understands them.
I absolutely LOVE how we see the wolf nature coming out even when in human form, in the playful way Clay and Nick nuzzle Elena's neck or wrestle and nip her ears, then all pile together and fall asleep. Or the way Clay waits at the gate all day long when he knows Elena is coming home -just like a puppy, or a mate. The animal nature is not watered down at all by this. We also see the utter remorseless killing, the instincts to hunt or tease or chase the prey - all natural and inherent in a wolf world. These two natures are interwoven so beautifully that this alone would rate the book far above the pack (hee, hee) of Lupin-related stories. How great, then that the story itself is also riveting.
Clay is now on my short list of all-time favorite heroes. He believes Elena to be his lifelong mate and never deviates from the course, even though Elena refuses to forgive or accept him because of what he did to make her his. He has spent the last 10 YEARS faithfully waiting for her to love and accept him again. Elena is the only reason this story is not a 5 star for me. She absolutely refuses to accept her life and treats Clay with such contempt that I struggle to see her in any sympathetic way. I could understand her anger, her frustration but at some point one must get over it and get on with it for heaven sakes!
If Armstrong's other offerings are as deftly written and interesting as this, I look forward to discovering more!...more
This book is the PERFECT example of the old cliche' "you can't judge a book by its cover". I was confused by the effusive praise for this story, thinkThis book is the PERFECT example of the old cliche' "you can't judge a book by its cover". I was confused by the effusive praise for this story, thinking it just another dime store romance... judging by the cover. Never has that cliche hit home so strongly as when I started reading. Ms. Kinsale has taken an ordinary historical and completely turned it into a deep and riveting story with a richness seldom seen in this genre. In fact, I think the publishers have done a huge injustice to such a fine book by lumping it among the common. It is so VERY much more.
The main reason "Flowers" rises so far above is the subject matter itself. Kinsale has taken a young, prolific and unrepentant jaded rake and thrown him into the nightmare of experiencing a massive stroke, 19th century-style. She then adds a circumspect Quaker girl as his nurse and only hope for sanity or redemption in the asylum he is imprisoned in. The reader is led to see the horrific opinions and practices employed in that era before understanding, as we experience all the emotion, frustration and desperation felt through the eyes of this highly intelligent young man battling to re-learn how to think, talk and move again, all as the world labels him an imbecile and a lunatic.
We also experience the struggle of a young Quaker girl thrust into the rich and materialistic world of the aristocracy. Fighting to live her faith and keep her integrity as she unwillingly falls in love with this tortured Duke. The principles of honesty, frugality and total abstinence from carnal temptations seem totally nonexistent in the world she is thrust into.
Both stories are told with amazing compassion and unbelievable depth in understanding. Two subjects so common, yet so overlooked are addressed so well that I literally ached and cried along with the characters. Most important, I walked away from this story a much better person for having read it. THAT, my friends is a 5 star accomplishment in anyones book!
**disclaimer** There are a couple of mildly steamy scenes, easily skipped if needed. ...more
There are many books I like (3 star), quite a few I really like (4 star) but not many I absolutely LOVE (5 star). This would be as close to a 5 star aThere are many books I like (3 star), quite a few I really like (4 star) but not many I absolutely LOVE (5 star). This would be as close to a 5 star as possible without actually hitting it as a book can come! It is absolutely riveting from page one, the biggest downside being that it ends way too soon!
Ms. Snyder has taken a subject that has rarely been explored, the job of a food taster in a royal court, and educated and enlightened us while weaving an absolute tapestry of intrigue around it. This dangerous but often overlooked subject shows the harsh reality that undoubtedly existed for those unlucky enough to be required to taste for poisons on a daily basis. The characters display strength and depth with flaws that come across realistically but sympathetically. The historical aspects are gripping and unique with just enough fantasy to allow the reader a reprieve. The romance is subtle, yet beautifully written, if there is any shortcoming in the book it would be in this area, though, we are left aching to know and understand more of the complex relationship between the two main characters and are left with little.
Wow, I'm actually having trouble finding the words to describe what a deeply touching book this is. It is a surprisingly poignant, intensely moving anWow, I'm actually having trouble finding the words to describe what a deeply touching book this is. It is a surprisingly poignant, intensely moving and beautifully written love story. I found myself caring and loving the characters of Elly and Will as if I knew them personally. Their story brings a tear to the eyes, a sigh to the heart but most importantly a smile to the face when closing the final cover....more
I am becoming quite a fan of Jaimey Grant! Her books are traditional historical romance with meat. While "Heartless" is not as dark as previous books,I am becoming quite a fan of Jaimey Grant! Her books are traditional historical romance with meat. While "Heartless" is not as dark as previous books, it holds more depth than many romances on the market today while still allowing for the HEA. Leandra's character is especially rich, she lives with the stigma of illegitimacy with not only acceptance but with grace. She is not just one dimensional, however, Grant writes her so well that we are allowed to see both her incredible strength and her incredible vulnerability with all the deftly painted nuances involved and grow to love her for them. The same can be said for The Duke of Derringer but from the exact opposite point of view. We grow to care about him in-spite of his harshness because we are allowed to see his weaknesses.
The author did such a wonderful job of drawing the reader in that I was actually disappointed with the confession that ended the book. I wanted more! I felt so close to the characters that I needed Derringer to explain himself, at least for a couple of paragraphs after so I would rest assured Leandra was OK (and that becomes my only complaint about the book). Keep up the good work, Ms. Grant!...more
Having been born and spent much of my life on the West Coast, I have never come close to experiencing what it would be like growing up in the deep SouHaving been born and spent much of my life on the West Coast, I have never come close to experiencing what it would be like growing up in the deep South, especially during the 60s. I have studied about civil rights, read Martin Luther King and applauded people like Rosa Parks but it has always been "head" knowledge. Thanks to "The Help" it is now, at least beginning to become "heart" knowledge. Thank you Ms. Stockett for a truly wonderful and enlightening story....more
This book felt like a set up for a series from the very beginning. There was a lot of explanations and back story that seemed irrelevant unless it wasThis book felt like a set up for a series from the very beginning. There was a lot of explanations and back story that seemed irrelevant unless it was to come into play later on. With that being said, the story itself is a really promising one. I like the character of Mercedes Thompson as much a any female heroine I have read in a long time. I love the way Ms. Briggs has caught the "normal" in her that we all feel while showing her strength, courage and character in a situation that is very NOT normal. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series to see if it holds up....more
I have never been much of a fan of Westerns. Having grown up in a family of cowboys, then taught and grown close to many Indians on various reservatioI have never been much of a fan of Westerns. Having grown up in a family of cowboys, then taught and grown close to many Indians on various reservations, I find most novels dealing with the subject so trite and cliche-ridden that they sound silly and only end up annoying me. That is why "Comanche Moon" was such a revelation, it was wonderful! Both the white and Indian characters were written honestly and intelligently. Ms. Anderson doesn't white wash the problems but deals with them in a way that is both disturbing (as it should be) and moving. The love story between Hunter and Loretta seemed real, honest, their problems and the way they overcome them believable. Bravo, Ms. Anderson! ...more
Incredible, beautiful, breathtaking... I could go on and on. EXACTLY what a historical romance should be. Although the setting is not usually my forteIncredible, beautiful, breathtaking... I could go on and on. EXACTLY what a historical romance should be. Although the setting is not usually my forte (WWI through WWII), Vandagriff wove information into such a riveting story and through the eyes of such an admirable heroine that I was hardly aware of how much I was learning! The development of each character was handled in such an adept yet understated way that it is not until the very last page that the reader truly understands the incredible growth and depth that has been achieved....more
Love, Love, LOVE this book! It is a completely personal thing, everyone has their opinion of which Julie Garwood historical touches perfection most c Love, Love, LOVE this book! It is a completely personal thing, everyone has their opinion of which Julie Garwood historical touches perfection most closely. I'm just saying this one is it for me. So..... gushing fan-girl review (which may or may not help a single soul) to follow:
I LOVE Brenna, the heroine, in her, I have found my doppelganger. That is both weird and wonderfully amazing. I understand her personality, her choices, her humor and I love every single one of those things.
I LOVE Connor, his strength, his tenderness, even his foibles because they make him human. I love their love for each other, I love the way it is written with passion and humor with just enough realism to make it resonate.
For me, this story encompasses everything I love in a historical romance! A strong, valiant hero, a beautiful, kind heroine, a humorous yet difficult relationship, intrigue, mystery... heartbreak and finally, a happy ending...Sigh... Julie Garwood at her best!!!...more
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