Following one's heart becomes very literal in this romantic romp through the scandal sheets...as well as other *ahem* sheets! Stay tuned for my review Following one's heart becomes very literal in this romantic romp through the scandal sheets...as well as other *ahem* sheets! Stay tuned for my review of Chasing Lady Amelia closer to publication.
Merged review:
Following one's heart becomes very literal in this romantic romp through the scandal sheets...as well as other *ahem* sheets! Stay tuned for my review of Chasing Lady Amelia closer to publication....more
Tessa Bowers has always been wild, opinionated, and down right ornery. But there has also always been one man who she would gift with her submission, Tessa Bowers has always been wild, opinionated, and down right ornery. But there has also always been one man who she would gift with her submission, Cole Bridger.
Cole can't seem to resist the fire of his beautiful new wife. A fire that he now sees was almost extinguished by the hateful and demeaning words of her jealous sister and hateful mother.
Acceptance of her beauty, intelligence, and sexuality are just a few of the lessons that Tess Bridger is being taught by her new husband. As she is trained in the art of fellatio. This orally themed look into the world of dominance and submission combines historical elements with those of eroticim in a very new and titillating way.
Full review to come in conjunction with my tour stop for this title with Rock Star Lit.
Merged review:
Tessa Bowers has always been wild, opinionated, and down right ornery. But there has also always been one man who she would gift with her submission, Cole Bridger.
Cole can't seem to resist the fire of his beautiful new wife. A fire that he now sees was almost extinguished by the hateful and demeaning words of her jealous sister and hateful mother.
Acceptance of her beauty, intelligence, and sexuality are just a few of the lessons that Tess Bridger is being taught by her new husband. As she is trained in the art of fellatio. This orally themed look into the world of dominance and submission combines historical elements with those of eroticim in a very new and titillating way.
Full review to come in conjunction with my tour stop for this title with Rock Star Lit....more
What to say about Artemis Jones and her most dastardly, undastardly Duke. This is a book so full of heroes and heroines that it is hard to know where tWhat to say about Artemis Jones and her most dastardly, undastardly Duke. This is a book so full of heroes and heroines that it is hard to know where to look first and why. While it is quite clear that Artemis is opinionated, obstinate, and outspoken. As it seems is the rule of the day for any card carrying blue stocking worth her books. It is often her quiet, loyal, and steadfastly unending support of those she loves that serves to make her a character to love. Though she is admitted flawed. She is the first to own said flaws and makes nor accepts no excuses for the way that she lives her life. Which is a concept that literally flies in the face of the conventional lives of every other person in this book.
As for the Duke... It seems that he is simply a man maligned by polite society. And suffering in silence from the tragic loss of his mentally ill first wife. And his guilt over not being able to save her.
Lady Celeste The perfect poor little rich girl. Wanting so much to be a part of things. But literally trapped in the prohibitive shadow of her father's reputation.
So much of this book is about Artemis dragging everyone that she meets into the intellectual, physical, and emotional light of day. Whether it be through her advocacy for the education of women, sexual responsibility, and on a lesser note... The pursuit of decent reading fodder. ( That...more
There are so many things to love about this charmingly captivating first in the Book Of Love series. The first of which being the characters that readThere are so many things to love about this charmingly captivating first in the Book Of Love series. The first of which being the characters that readers come to know as Goose and Beast. Yes, I am well aware that they are each possessed of both proper names and titles. It is the familiars of Goose and Beast, and all the love and history that they manage to convey. That will undoubtedly will allow the two star-crossed lovers to live on in my heart and the hearts of all who read their story.
In truth... If not for the addition of the red leather bound tome that falls on Goose's/Olivia's head not once but twice. This would be a simple case of childhood friends separated by time and war rediscovering one another. But the book and the questions about the process of falling in love that it poses. Serves as a catalyst of sorts for the exploration and realization of the process by which one actively 'falls' in love. in essence giving Goose and Beast a what seems a relatively 'scientific' way to explore their feelings for each other. But wait... There's more! It seems that Beast and Goose's love match may just be up for the chopping block. That is, if her loathsome and greedy cousin and the newest Viscount has his way. For not only is he determined to sell of as many as the family assets as he can. It seems that he is looking to rid himself of one very pretty little complication. In the form of Goose. By any means necessary! In short!!!! Time is of the essence! For if our dear Goose doesn't manage to 'soothe the savage Beast'. Her goose will indeed be well and truly cooked!
This story also serves to introduce one to other charming players in this series. Poppy and Nathaniel (The Touch Of Love) Penelope and Thaddius (The Taste Of Love) Giving just enough background on all six friends to both set the stage for books to come, and flush out the story at hand.
This is a beautifully composed story that lacks nothing. Yet is surprisingly well under the usual 400+ pages customarily seen in books of its ilk. More importantly... For those of you who love a good binge read. The entire series is available on Kindle Unlimited!!!!
Kat Hollaway and Daniel McAdam are once again at their crime solving best. Although the mystery of missing children and the possible murder of a belovKat Hollaway and Daniel McAdam are once again at their crime solving best. Although the mystery of missing children and the possible murder of a beloved nurse; sees the pair far afield of the pomp and circumstance of Mayfair. The setting for these terrible crimes being the rough and tumble streets of London's East End. The children, the oft forgotten residents of London's Foundling Hospital. The threat to all concerned more deadly than ever.
This fourth offering of the Kat Hollaway Mystery series sees trouble brewing for our beloved heroine at every turn. With her relationship with the rule flouting Lady Cynthia putting her job as cook for the penny-pinching Mrs. Bywater in constant jeopardy. While her quest to help Daniel's adoptive brother, Erroll Fielding, solve the mysteries plaguing the East End. Just may cost her life. This book is by far the darkest of the series. Tackling the very real problem of children in the sex trade. Though the author very deftly handles the subject in such a way that it is neither glorified, nor exploitive. The addition of Mr. Fielding provides a much needed glimpse into the past of Daniel. Serving as the much needed bridge bringing Kat just that much further into both his world and his heart.
Lady Cynthia, ever the maverick. Is making her way ever closer to the shy and scholarly Mr. Thanos. And seeing these two playing what amounts to a very adorable game of "emotional peekaboo" is enough to warm even the most cynical of hearts. It is in fact, the very sweet, almost chaste romance of the adult pairs that serves as the perfect reprieve from the harsher realities that our favorite characters must face.
This book is a sheer joy to read. Captivating the reader from beginning to end. With likeable characters, intelligent plot structure, excellent world building, and seamlessly flowing dialogue. That makes one dread the having to end the story.
This book is the fourth in a continuous series that may be read in its entirety. Or as a standalone.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing the eARC on which this unbiased critique is based....more
Flirtation And Folly is a wonderful "first season" story. A sort of nod to the "not so ugly duckling becoming her very own sort of swan". Though the eldFlirtation And Folly is a wonderful "first season" story. A sort of nod to the "not so ugly duckling becoming her very own sort of swan". Though the eldest girl of the bunch living at home. It seems that Marianne has never been first choice for much of anything. Save helping her mother to care for her siblings. For when it comes to beauty, and all the acclaim of natural social graces. Those laurels will ever be worn by her younger and fairer sister Belinda. So it is no surprise to our dearest duckling that when her very affluent but highly critical aunt Harriette is in need of a companion to fill in while hers is convalescing. Sends word to her mother that the much sought after Belinda is to join her in that capacity. But when Belinda choses the invitation of a prominent family much dearer to her family's more rural social standing. It is the much plainer Marianne who is sent in her place.
Watching Marianne fumble and bumble her way, mostly unaided by those who would claim to be her betters. And in fact ,be left to the often torturous barbs and inside jokes of one Miss Emily Stokes. Resident preening peahen and "mean girl" in charge. Who to be fair, takes a general delight in deriding anyone to whom she might have even the slightest chance of being in any way superior. To whom Marianne spends most of the book being very good natured about her hot and cold whims and paper cut like slights . But learning how to handle her nonetheless.
The situations with the menfolk of this read are no less dramatic by far. Ranging from a with every type cast. From the flirting popular dandy that everyone wants, but no one can seem to pin down. In the form of one Captain Pelteney. The friend of a friend, who really isn't supposed to be there. But the friend insisted. In the form of one Mr. Glass. Her aunt Cartwright's apothecary. And of course there is the dark, and brooding hero on a mission. In the form of Robert Hearn.
There are so many characters with so many subplots. That this book sometimes reads more like an After School Special than a Regency Romance. And that is all before Marianne's sister breezes her way into the picture in all of her vapidly entitled glory.
Please don't mistake my rather dismissive slant on some of the aforementioned characters for a distain of this book. Nothing is further from the truth. It is in fact. One's ability to form such strong emotional ties with this books characters that makes one want to keep reading. In much the same way that one watches a favorite teen soap opera. You know that the just deserts are coming. You just hope that your chosen hero and heroine are on the right side of justice when they do. This is in essence survival of the fittest meets "coming of age" ala Regency. And "oh boy what a ride."
Thank you to HFVT and Ms. Rasche for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions given are my own and have not been influenced in any way by any interested party....more
The story told in Valerie Bowman's The Footman And I is a great foray into almost upstairs / downstairs romance. The friendship turned romance that bloThe story told in Valerie Bowman's The Footman And I is a great foray into almost upstairs / downstairs romance. The friendship turned romance that blooms between Lucas and Frances becomes so real that you almost don't want Lucas to be the Earl of Kendall. Even though you know that is the only way that the conundrums of Frances' unwanted marriage and Kendell's need to find a wife will be solved. Truthfully... One gets so invested in Kendall as Lucas; that any time within the story that he spends as Kendall seems the real charade. Emily is a very smart, compassionate, and socially conscious young woman. Lucas is loyal, forthright, and responsible. Which makes one wonder what their future children will be like.
If there is one detractor from this wonderful tale. It is that Frances and Lucas seem a tad too suited to each other from the very start. Even though there is an attempt by Miss Bowman to throw a bit of a monkeywrench into thinks by way of Frances' besotted lady's maid. It is quite clear however that the infatuation is nothing more than the very loud ringing of a very hollow bell.
In short... The Footman And I is a very good first offering in the Footman's Club series. And a quite refreshing take on the quest to marry for love in the aristocracy. You go boys!...more
This romance is so well written that for a great portion of its first half. I found myself HATING its leading lady. I promise to tell you more in the cThis romance is so well written that for a great portion of its first half. I found myself HATING its leading lady. I promise to tell you more in the coming review. But I will leave you with that teaser for now....more
This reviewer was not in the least bit prepared for the unflappable Miss Theo Bogart. And her very British approach to what might loosely be describedThis reviewer was not in the least bit prepared for the unflappable Miss Theo Bogart. And her very British approach to what might loosely be described as Cozy Mystery. I say loosely because there is very little in the way of cozy going on. In regard to either of the mysteries or the murders which occur in this book. Even Theo's backstory is enough for a feature on the ID Channel. If one is being completely honest. But you know how it is with those Brits. When your family gets a little deadly you just move to another country, buy a building, start a business, and inadvertently solve murders on the side. All the while living under an assumed identity. And hoping that no one will put two and two together. And... Nursing the perfect cup of Earl Grey. With milk, of course. One can get through anything with a good cup of tea. Right? Right!
Now. Let's get back to that pesky thing about being in the right place at the right time to see people get killed. Or find their not so alive bodies. That is the reason that we are all here after all. It seems that Theo, is in just the right spot to see Tim Callahan. Take a very graceless Swan dive out of a third story window. Setting off an unforgettable chain of events. And introducing readers to an even more memorable host of characters.
As you can see my review is a little vague on the deets. The reason... The discovery is nine-tenths of the fun. I will say that you really won't see the end coming. This is a very well written, multilevel mystery that ends in a.serious WTF and leaves you clamoring for more....more
All in all... This is a very readable romance. With a hero and heroine that one can't help falling for. Though not so much in the heart aflutter way. As All in all... This is a very readable romance. With a hero and heroine that one can't help falling for. Though not so much in the heart aflutter way. As the these are two people who have been through life's proverbial ringer and still manage to have hearts of gold way. Meaning that though parts of their story, (i.e. Cooper and squad being thrown headfirst into the middle of Marlee's case repeatedly.) Are admittedly very contrived. After A while... Which is mercifully quite shorter for the reader than the couple in question. One finds A certain happy resignation in the fact that Cooper and Marlee are the only two souls fit for each other in the entire book. In large part, because everyone in their vicinity and age bracket in paired off, and picking out rings and baby things. But I digress. After all, this is the fifth book in a loosely related small town series. Meaning that it has more than reached the point of having to import love interests.
Thankfully the baby-napping / mystery part of the book more than makes up for any flaws in the way of romance. Making sure that is never quite sure whether the suspects are guilty or have truly been wrongfully targeted. Until the end.
All that having been said. If you like A light hometown romance full of cowboys and capers. Donna Grant's Looking For A Cowboy, just might be the read for you.
Reviewer's Notes: Looking For A Cowboyis the fifth book in a loosely related series. And may be read as part of its intended series. Or as a standalone. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based. ...more
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars. Chance Of A Lifetime by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets is for the most part a very sweet second chance romance / loosely formaActual Rating: 3.5 stars. Chance Of A Lifetime by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets is for the most part a very sweet second chance romance / loosely formatted police procedural. Heavy on the romance. Kinda?!
Confused yet? Yes? Thought so...
Picture it! Ireland 1844. Liam O'Connor is a young and impoverished commoner with sticky fingers. Heading a gang of thieves bound and determined to rob the local Squire's house. While he and his household are away. Only Liam, wary of the plan because the Squire had done his brother and his family a kindness the previous winter. And secretly hoping to thwart other dastardly deeds sure to be associated with it. Decides that he will be the one to burgle the noble house well ahead of the proposed date. And thereby prevent an unnecessary damage that the others of his crew intend.
Only to find that it is he who has hos heart stolen. When upon scaling the house and entering an open upstairs window. He finds himself face to face with Cora McCleod. The daughter of the Squire. And apparent 'love at first sight' to our Liam.
The problem...
Young Cora, it seems has been fated to marry her father's solicitor, Finley. And Liam's suit derails that. Thereby not allowing for the birth of a child destined to help humanity. A crime which Liam must answer for at judgment.
Bring on the reincarnation... Along with the all too convenient story set up. Wherein Liam is transported from 1844 Ireland, to heaven, and then on to present day Providence Falls, North Carolina. Without so much as a GPS, 21st century tips and tricks guide, or at least a list of the latest slang and technological advancements. Only a duffle, some clothes, some money, A cell phone... (Which he knows how to use. Strangely enough.) And one directive.
Get Cora to fall for Finley Walsh at all costs. Although I'm quite sure that they did not intend that he become a murder suspect in the process.
Go figure.
As mentioned before. This is a very sweet romance turned mystery. Albeit with a few flaws. The first of which is the fact that quite a few people from Cora and Liam's shared past have all managed to settle in the same North Carolina town. And now either work together or know each other personally. Really??? Also... Liam is a cop with no training, no knowledge of procedure or law. But he can just waltz into the local police department and immediately be partnered with his reincarnated long lost love.
What?????
Annd the coincidences just keep coming.
The only thing that works to save this story is the fact that Liam and Cora are extremely likeable. And readers spend the majority of the book hoping for some sort of "happily..." The attainment of which this reviewer is at liberty to neither confirm or deny. Although one may be in sight by book two.
This is a light read. With just enough readability to keep one on the hook til the end. But sadly lacking the staying power to leave a lasting impression beyond the last page.
Reviewer's Notes I would like to thank Netgalley and Mira for providing the review copy on which this honest critique is based. This book is the first in what appears to be a related series. It is recommended that this series be read in its intended order....more
Karen Odden's A Trace Of Deceit is in a word... Unexpected. From the extremely knowledgeable and emotionally adept heroine readers encounter in AnnabellKaren Odden's A Trace Of Deceit is in a word... Unexpected. From the extremely knowledgeable and emotionally adept heroine readers encounter in Annabelle. To the working understanding that seamless character interaction and dialogue provide about all things art, auctions, the cleaning, restoration, buying, selling, and of course thievery of paintings. All the while integrating the tragedy and mystery surrounding the murder of Annabelle's brother Edwin into things, and managing to give him and his unsung accomplishments a posthumous turn in the spotlight.
Whew! Please give me a moment to rest my typing fingers after writing all that. Because if all of the aforementioned points aren't enough to send you hunting for this wondrous read. Here are just a few more.
Miss Odden's treatment of the very real historical significance of Boucher's Madame de Pompadour within a purely fictional context, is exquisite. It is very apparent that the author has done her research. As well as possessing a personal familiarity with the subject and world in question. With which she is able to imbue all aspects of her story.
Nods should also be given to Annabelle's ability to move about both the art world and her own unimpeded. Given the fact that this story takes place in and era where the rights and beliefs surrounding women as autonomous and free thinking persons. Worthy of their own standing in society. Is still, as yet a new and untried thing.
Last... Lest I go on all day. This story is one that offers readers many stars. There are no small parts or small players here. But many integral parts all working together. To bring this story of love, loss, deception, art, money, and murder to life....more
Laura Childs' latest offering in the Cackleberry Club mystery series; entitled Egg Shooters. Didn't manage to land anywhere near the unputdownable readLaura Childs' latest offering in the Cackleberry Club mystery series; entitled Egg Shooters. Didn't manage to land anywhere near the unputdownable read target this go round. Though all of the usual suspects and just enough new ones to make the story at least somewhat plausible. Were present and accounted for. With leading lady, Suzanne Dietz, front and center. Always managing to be in the wrong place at just the right time to bear witness to a murder. This being her 9th. I tell you... It's high time that someone traded in her chef's hat and tea cozy for a sheriff's badge and a gun. But I digress.
So... We have Suzanne, minding her own business. Just stopping in at the hospital to bring her fiance some chili. When a gunman enters the waiting room. Shoots both the nurse and the security guard Killing the poor guard. But miracle of miracles. Suzanne is not only unharmed. But is also able to send our murderous assailant running for the hills. After she manages to hit him in the face with a thermos full of lunch.
Time to trot out the suspects and innuendo. And make the introductions of those "new people in town". Who could very well have ties to either the murder or the underlying reason that contributed to said murder. Which in this case is drugs.
Now that the proverbial chessboard has been set. All we have to do is sit and watch as the pieces move along their prescribed routes. Starting with our heroine wanting to "help solve the case". And ending with her outsmarting both the sheriff and the killer. Almost getting herself killed... But not...AGAIN! And managing to singlehandedly solve yet another murder. In the sleepy little town where "things like this just don't happen." Oh... And there are recipes In the back. In short. Though this book is undoubtedly well written. The story is... More boring than watching paint dry in Siberia. Let's face it. The best part of the whole ordeal is the murder. SMH!!! Better luck next time Miss Childs. Because apparently, nine times is not the charm.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing the review copy on which this honest critique is based....more
Roan Parrish's Better Than People offers readers the perfect "get to know me to love me" romance. With an unassuming and painfully shy Simon Burke, comRoan Parrish's Better Than People offers readers the perfect "get to know me to love me" romance. With an unassuming and painfully shy Simon Burke, coming to the aid of a very sweet gang of furry friends. While their owner, one Jack Matheson, a grumpy children's book illustrator. Who hasn't drawn anything since being double crossed in a publication deal by the man who was his friend and writing partner. Nurses a rather unfortunate green stick fracture to one of his legs.
Neither of the two ever daring to believe that each could be just what the doctor ordered for the other. With their shared affection for Jack's myriad of pets serving as the perfect bridge to join these two hurt and fragile souls to each other and the world at large.
Bearing witness to the gentleness and patience the both Simon and Jack showed toward Jack's pets. In no way however, prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster that Jack and Simon's relationship becomes; as their story progresses. Revealing both the life altering severity of Simon's social anxiety. And the career ending effects of his long time friend's betrayal on Jack.
But wait... There's more. Because just as these two start to let their respective guards down around each other enough to become comfortable enough as friends. The undeniable attraction they share becomes a very scintillating avenue that they can't help exploring. Giving readers some of the most beautifully expressed love scenes ever. And adding layers to an already complex emotional onion.
This is a book, a story, and a relationship that is so well written that readers can't help becoming increasingly immersed in each detail of these men's lives. In much the same way that the two become singularly wrapped up in becoming a couple.
Readers literally fall in love with Simon and Jack's falling in love. With each managing to be both the tailor made strength and gentleness that the other needs. At the very moment that it is needed most.
Jack and Simon are the quintessential "your imperfections are just the right kind of perfect for me couple. And their story is one of two souls finding their forever homes. Courtesy of a little time, a lot of love, patience, understanding, a broken leg, and more than a few wet noses and sniffed butts.
*WTF Are You Reading? Would like to thank Netgally and Carina Press for providing the unsolicited review copy upon which my honest critique is based.
Unity and Ellen have been friends forever. Always together... Thick and thin, rain, shine, and now hiding.
Unity doing her best to make herself the younUnity and Ellen have been friends forever. Always together... Thick and thin, rain, shine, and now hiding.
Unity doing her best to make herself the youngest member of the Silver Pines retirement community. First, by partaking in a large number of the community activities. Then by making herself an indispensable fixture through her hometown handyman service. Staffed by and servicing the senior community. All the while, making a habit of being as nondescript as possible. And silently grieving the death of her husband and high school sweetheart, Stuart.
Ellen is a teacher, a single mom, a great person and friend. She, like unity, has a very select group of friends, and loves her job, nondescript clothes, and has built a life around her son. And she, like her friend, thinks that her life is fine, fulfilled, and happy. At least, that is until she stumbles into a conversation between her now teenage son and a friend. During which he discloses that he will not be going on the upcoming college out of state college tour to California. Because he has decided NOT to go to school out of state because he has to "be there for his mother" Because he "is her whole life."
Meanwhile... Unity is receiving a bit of a push out of he nest of her own. As she has been declared at 34 to be "too young, tall, and fit to be a member of the senior pickleball team. And has been made an unaware datee and a well intentioned by ill-fated blind date with her senior bestie's great-nephew, Thaddeus.
Something has got to be done. And it appears that Ellen, spurred into action by her son's heartfelt words. Has come up with a plan to prove to herself and the world that she, and Unity by extension. Can and will have a life. Or are perfectly willing to die trying. By way of their "Friendship List". A bucket list of sorts that the two women challenge themselves to complete. While we the readers come along for the ride.
The Friendship List is a very sweet and poignant glimpse into what starting over can mean. When major shifts in the dynamic of one's life occur. In the case of Ellen. The shift from single parent to that of single empty nester. And in the case of Unity. The shift from happily married military wife, sans child. To childless young widow. And the lengths, both long and short, comical and painful that one sometimes must go to. In order to find their way back to self, life, love, and the possibilities of forever.
*Special thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which my non-biased critique is based. ...more
Aubrey and Landon's story serves readers the perfect blend of comic nuttiness, frienemy saltiness, and happily ever after fluff. With the most exquisiAubrey and Landon's story serves readers the perfect blend of comic nuttiness, frienemy saltiness, and happily ever after fluff. With the most exquisite gastronomically centered tale of two chefs that one could imagine sandwiched oh so perfectly in-between.
One can't help falling in love with both the spunky "never say die" persona of leading lady and bakery owner, Aubrey Choi. Especially when paired with the class, polish, and heart of leading man, Landon Kim. Even though in most cases, one is never quite sure where loyalties or blames lie. Due to the comedy of errors that ensues after Aubrey's assistant, Lily, accidentally sells celebrity food critic, Landon, a gummy worm infested bundt cake. About which he then writes and is forced to publish; an unfavorable review. Which sends Aubrey's once booming business into an unchecked nosedive. A fate which Landon is determined correct. Because he and she, each unaware of just who the other was.
Shared a hot and passionate night that neither of the two can seem to forget. But don't exactly have the time to remember. Because his plan has is them joining forces in a race against the ravages of time and bad press. To save her bakery, his reputation and both of their hearts.
Jayci Lee's expressively descriptive writing style is perfect for both the emotional and culinary adventures that one becomes a party to when reading this book. She literally brings the story to life through the sights, smells, tastes, and feelings that her audience is allowed to sample like so many "tasting plates". Just when one thinks that they have mastered the nuance of a particular scene or scenario. There is yet another character, plot twist, or turn of phrase, that completely changes the bitterest of beginnings into the sweetest of endings. With each discovery that Aubrey and Landon make about themselves and each other; adding just the right amount of emotional depth along the way. Bravo Miss Lee!!!! This reviewer thanks you for a Michelin Star worthy romantic masterpiece. That one just can't help raving about.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for proving the digital review copy on which my unbiased and unsolicited critique is based. ...more
Tempting The Dragon King is one of those weird reads. That though not perfect in a literary sense. Has just the right blend of likable characters, unTempting The Dragon King is one of those weird reads. That though not perfect in a literary sense. Has just the right blend of likable characters, uncomplicated plot, and simple readability. That the pages just keep turning.
Tristan Okora is doing his best to heal from the heart-shattering loss of his father. While taking on the momentous task of ruling the Clan that bears his name. When his life takes what is destined to be the strangest and most life altering turn of all. The day that he meets and falls in lust with Juniper Jacobs. All Earth-born. All mortal. And nothing like any female that he has ever met.
As for Juniper... All she knows is that an innocent walk in the woods led to the discovery of the strange craft which she now found herself aboard. Well...a walk, an incurable curiosity, and the mistake of pushing a button that she hadn't known would trigger a pre-programmed flight to an alien planet. But... C'est la vie...and all that. For now, our girl June has got far bigger. And as luck would have it, brawnier problems. The least of which. The gorgeous man standing in front of her with a weapon. That he has no problem using. If she doesn't give him answers to questions that she: 1. Doesn't quite understand. 2. Doesn't have answers for.
And then there is...Tristan. Stuck for several reasons between several rocks and at least one too many hard places. 1. Dealing with his guilt about the death of his father. 2. Assuming the duties of a throne and clan politics that he never wanted. 3. A betrothal to the daughter of an allied clan. 4. The discovery of a scantly Earthing in an enemy ship. 5. His attraction to said Earthling And so much more...
The story told in Tempting The Dragon King reads a lot like a Contemporary Romance. At least as far as the romance between June And Tristan goes. The rest is purely Fantasy. Well...Tristan's part, at least. June is just a simple human. Nothing special, really. Just a lot of compassion and pluck. And an equally sad backstory.
Tristan and his people are where all the world-building and interesting nuance take place. But somehow...it all seems to work. In large part because it is very clear from the start that this is intended to be a light read. And is...when all is said and done, home to a very sweet HEA...more
A Royal Kiss And Tell is the very sweet tale of a prince finding his purpose. Prince Leopold of Alucia, is a second son. A man never expected to hold aA Royal Kiss And Tell is the very sweet tale of a prince finding his purpose. Prince Leopold of Alucia, is a second son. A man never expected to hold an office, serve in the military, or do anything of note. Other than live the "good life," be attractive, and get married. And now that his brother, Prince Sebastian, has finally found his "happily ever after" with his lady love, Eliza Tricklebank. In The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding #1). Choosing to marry for love instead of marrying for political gain. Leo has now been called to the forefront by his parents. And told that he must now take up the political marriage mantle. Making matters worse for Leo. The fact that he can't seem to get the opinionated, vivacious, and forthright, Coraline Hawke, out of his head. And try as he might. He can't seem to avoid her in his daily comings and goings either.
Leo is a man it seems;who can't when for losing. Even when attempting to right the wrongs of human / sex trafficking. After learning that young girls from Alucia, are being stolen, sold and traded in the brothels and private homes of the English aristocracy. Forcing him to secretly... Well... As secretly as a prince can, anyway. Set about the task of finding his endangered subjects. But as news of his comings and going in the streets and byways of London's sketchy addresses becomes fodder for the news rags. People are quick to assume that he is a man who has allowed his baser appetites to get the better of him. And the doors of entree to all of the glitz and glamour that is English society are closing to him faster than he can blink. And he must find out who the "source" of all of the scandalous information about him is. And stop the flood of infamy. Before it drowns not only his reputation. But any hope that he might have of saving the lost girls of his country as well.
A Royal Kiss And Tell is the perfect blend of royal watching, mystery and intrigue, and "girl gets her guy" romance. This is a very sweet and fast paced story as a whole. Even though the back and forth between Caroline and Leo. "Will he or won't he" of their romantic beginnings gets a little tedious. Considering the fact that his private thoughts and unspoken reactions to Caro make it more than clear that she is the girl for him.
If you are looking for a fast, light, romance. Full of characters that you are bound to fall for. A Royal Kiss And Tell will ring all of those bells and more. Please be advised that this title is the second offering of the series. It mat be read alone. Or as part of its intended series.
*WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Netgally and Harlequin Books for providing the review copy on which this unsolicited and unbiased critique is based....more
Christina Henry's The Girl In Red is... Well... It's a whole lotta... Whole lotta... In short... It's part Little Red Riding Hood retelling. Part post apocaChristina Henry's The Girl In Red is... Well... It's a whole lotta... Whole lotta... In short... It's part Little Red Riding Hood retelling. Part post apocalyptic survivors sci-fi read Part social commentary on the evils of the break down of so-called "civilized" social norms and mores. When people are reduced to the basic "fight for survival". Or in the case of many of the rogue militias evidenced. Mob rule, prejudice, and stupidity are allowed to roam unchecked. And oh yeah... Said mob rule and friends also just happen to be armed with assault rifles.
And making her way downtown, Walking fast... Not really... She's really just trying to make her way to Grandma's. On a prosthetic leg, armed with an axe, more prepared than fifty of the best girl scouts, and the finest sense of paranoid over awareness of any "last girl standing" heroine ANYWHERE!! There is Cordelia aka RED.
It used to be Red and people. But you know... People close to the "last girl standing" have to die. Because REASONS! And plot continuity and all that. But I digress... Back to the review we go. So... Now it's just Red. On her way to Grandma's. In a life or death race against contagion, murder, rape, starvation, and a mystery element that I can't talk about due to spoiler potential.
Now on to the technical part of the review. The first 80 percent of the book is great. The world building, the attachment and and investment in Red and her survival. The constant sense of foreboding that seems to shadow her every move. Love...love...love. Even if things start to devolve into the plot of every corny horror flick that anyone has ever been forced to watch through their fingers. But don't worry allowances have been made for this.
But what we as readers are not prepped for. The anticlimactic last 20%. In particular the portion of said 20% relating to that very spoilery unmentionable element that was mentioned earlier. Yeah... About that? Uh....wtf? Really? So much of the latter half of the book is dedicated to that... And that is how it ends? Really? People died! And that is what we're left with. Oh well... Shrugging shoulders and checking my kindle docs for the next read shall begin in 3-2-1....more
WTF Are You Reading?
>
Books:
clever-quirk
(103)
Loading...
