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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Double Dose (Research & Desire, #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sorely disappointed in this book. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe I could escape the overbearing Alpha male trope. But alas I was sorely mistaken. From the very beginning Ari is a Alpha male through and through, and not in a good way. I am sure he was supposed to be dark and brooding, but I quickly lost patience with him. It was around the third time he picked Daphne up to carry her around that my mood turned sour and never sweetened. While Benjy was better, I found that, after a while, his playful antics seemed more childish than endearing.
I wanted to like this novel, but I just couldnt get behind it. The chemistry seemed forced and though it actually had an in depth plot, it wasnt one I could care about. The author does have a good writing style that flows easily. My problem was with the story itself, not the writing.
Sorely disappointed in this book. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe I could escape the overbearing Alpha male trope. But alas I was sorely mistaken. From the very beginning Ari is a Alpha male through and through, and not in a good way. I am sure he was supposed to be dark and brooding, but I quickly lost patience with him. It was around the third time he picked Daphne up to carry her around that my mood turned sour and never sweetened. While Benjy was better, I found that, after a while, his playful antics seemed more childish than endearing.
I wanted to like this novel, but I just couldnt get behind it. The chemistry seemed forced and though it actually had an in depth plot, it wasnt one I could care about. The author does have a good writing style that flows easily. My problem was with the story itself, not the writing.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Two Dukes and a Lady in Books
Jan 18, 2018
ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A historical menage a trois involving childhood friends? Sign me up please! As soon as a I read the synopsis, I requested this book immediately. This is everything I wanted. Historical erotica is the best. Childhood friends to lovers is my weakness. Throw in a menage a trois and I am sold 100%.
And the novel didnt disappoint. Overall, it was as erotic as it was romantic. I was a little annoyed at the characters, their actions/reactions to situations, and how they handled them. I mean, they havent seen this woman they loved for years, and the first time they do, they practically ravage her in the street after not contacting her in forever. It felt similar to reading a YA where the couple hasnt quite figured out how to interact with their significant other as an adult.
Barring that, it was a great read. I wish I could find more novels similar to this mold (that arent garbage.)
A historical menage a trois involving childhood friends? Sign me up please! As soon as a I read the synopsis, I requested this book immediately. This is everything I wanted. Historical erotica is the best. Childhood friends to lovers is my weakness. Throw in a menage a trois and I am sold 100%.
And the novel didnt disappoint. Overall, it was as erotic as it was romantic. I was a little annoyed at the characters, their actions/reactions to situations, and how they handled them. I mean, they havent seen this woman they loved for years, and the first time they do, they practically ravage her in the street after not contacting her in forever. It felt similar to reading a YA where the couple hasnt quite figured out how to interact with their significant other as an adult.
Barring that, it was a great read. I wish I could find more novels similar to this mold (that arent garbage.)
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Long for Me (Luminous, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A boss romance involving BDSM. Sounds like the perfect recipe right? I thought so too, but I wasnt 100% happy with this novel. On one hand, the erotic scenes were as graphic as they were hot. The chemistry between the leads was undeniable.
The being said, I wanted to punch the heroine in the face on multiple occasions. Okay, I know that is a bit extreme. Overreactions aside, she could be pretty obnoxious. I understand that she is supposed to have the PTSD from past abuse back story but she over the top with it. Even after the long extensive conversations with her best friend about the BDSM community, she still cant separate from abuse. Even after going to the club and seeing consenting couples enjoying themselves. She still cant separate it from abuse. I had to put the book down multiple times because she was so annoying.
If that doesnt bother you, or you can get past that aspect, the story is pretty enjoyable.
A boss romance involving BDSM. Sounds like the perfect recipe right? I thought so too, but I wasnt 100% happy with this novel. On one hand, the erotic scenes were as graphic as they were hot. The chemistry between the leads was undeniable.
The being said, I wanted to punch the heroine in the face on multiple occasions. Okay, I know that is a bit extreme. Overreactions aside, she could be pretty obnoxious. I understand that she is supposed to have the PTSD from past abuse back story but she over the top with it. Even after the long extensive conversations with her best friend about the BDSM community, she still cant separate from abuse. Even after going to the club and seeing consenting couples enjoying themselves. She still cant separate it from abuse. I had to put the book down multiple times because she was so annoying.
If that doesnt bother you, or you can get past that aspect, the story is pretty enjoyable.
Chrissy (8 KP) rated Bewitching Hannah in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Bewitching Hannah is a page turner about 16-year-old Hannah. It tells an amazing tale of how her life changes, challenges she faces, and survival. Hannah has lost both of her parents, and goes to live with her Aunt J. When she starts school, she makes new friends, and frenemies. Although dealing with these high school mean girls does not happen in the normal fashion.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Murder at the Mansion in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Like Kelly, I always imagine all of California as being warm and sunny. The northern California setting was a new one for me, and I loved the idea of the cozy B&B and Inn along the coast. There is a great supporting cast to help Kelly solve the crimes at Redwood Heights. I think Id like to spend an evening hanging out with the Silver Sentinels, as they call themselves. With plenty of misdirection to keep me guessing, I found this to be an entertaining read.
There are lots of returning characters in this story. I admit, it took me a little while to get them all straight in my head! While the mystery was enjoyable on its own, since this is only the second book in the series, Id suggest starting back at the beginning if youre going to give this one a try.
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.</i>
There are lots of returning characters in this story. I admit, it took me a little while to get them all straight in my head! While the mystery was enjoyable on its own, since this is only the second book in the series, Id suggest starting back at the beginning if youre going to give this one a try.
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.</i>
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Éclair and Present Danger (Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Emergency dessert delivery is the best idea I have heard in a long time - I wish I could actually call up the Emergency Dessert Squad! This was a clever twist to the popular culinary mystery, and I look forward to more of this series.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With her old business closing, a new one just getting off the ground, and the acquisition of a grumpy cat, Winnie barely has time to sleep and eat. Add to that a potential love interest (or two) and a murdered next door neighbor, and she really has her hands full. Thankfully she has a great group of neighbors and friends to help her out.
When the murderer was finally revealed, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it. There were clues right in front of my face that I totally missed, and I love that. This story had a unique cast of characters, and was a great introduction to this new series.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha gave a vivid picture of 2 individuals whose path led to each other and to changing the course of history. It shares personal details of their lives, childhoods separated from family and risking capture, the escape to new lives. They married as virtual strangers but over time they grew to love and admire each other.
The book was extremely well written and researched. When reading you get a glimpse of what life was like at the time, and how Katharina and Martin called on their faith and each other to share their progressive thoughts.
This is a very intimate view of someone who hundreds of years later is a household name. It presents Martin Luther as very human, with doubts and fears, but with courage and the support of a loving relationship, gave Christians another way to live in faith.
I received this advanced reader's copy from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book was extremely well written and researched. When reading you get a glimpse of what life was like at the time, and how Katharina and Martin called on their faith and each other to share their progressive thoughts.
This is a very intimate view of someone who hundreds of years later is a household name. It presents Martin Luther as very human, with doubts and fears, but with courage and the support of a loving relationship, gave Christians another way to live in faith.
I received this advanced reader's copy from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Double Star in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ally's on her way to an interview that will change her life. Little does she know, her life's about to turn upside-down, and not in a way she ever expected.
Double Star is a wonderful book, published by an up-and-coming company that rates its books so readers are prepared for what lies within the pages. I'm incredibly glad I got to read it, as I think it's a perfect example of a story that everyone could, and probably should, read. Throughout, I paused to reflect on my own life, about how I've taken many of the things I have for granted, and what I would do if I ever lost them. I think that's a fantastic thing to take from a fictional story, meant to entertain, and I would definitely recommend this to pretty much anyone. I am certainly looking forward to the next installment, and will keep my eyes peeled for more releases from Clean Teen Publishing.
5 stars =)
Ally's on her way to an interview that will change her life. Little does she know, her life's about to turn upside-down, and not in a way she ever expected.
Double Star is a wonderful book, published by an up-and-coming company that rates its books so readers are prepared for what lies within the pages. I'm incredibly glad I got to read it, as I think it's a perfect example of a story that everyone could, and probably should, read. Throughout, I paused to reflect on my own life, about how I've taken many of the things I have for granted, and what I would do if I ever lost them. I think that's a fantastic thing to take from a fictional story, meant to entertain, and I would definitely recommend this to pretty much anyone. I am certainly looking forward to the next installment, and will keep my eyes peeled for more releases from Clean Teen Publishing.
5 stars =)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Let's Move On in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
We find ourselves where we left off with the last book: a bunch of dirty laundry is now out in the open, pretty much all the main cast has been filled in about the lives of the others, and there's a TON of mixed emotions flying around. However, this group have all been through Hell before, right? They'll definitely get past this, no problem...right?
This series is one of my favorites, because you can really find yourself involved with every single character. This one pays more attention to Zainab than the previous ones, but of course, everyone else still has significant roles. Without giving too much away for anyone who's not caught up by this point, there's a WHOLE lot of drama, many tears, lots of shouting, but also happy-go-lucky moments and love is still in the air. How will your favorite fair in this installment? Definitely read it to find out!
5 stars
We find ourselves where we left off with the last book: a bunch of dirty laundry is now out in the open, pretty much all the main cast has been filled in about the lives of the others, and there's a TON of mixed emotions flying around. However, this group have all been through Hell before, right? They'll definitely get past this, no problem...right?
This series is one of my favorites, because you can really find yourself involved with every single character. This one pays more attention to Zainab than the previous ones, but of course, everyone else still has significant roles. Without giving too much away for anyone who's not caught up by this point, there's a WHOLE lot of drama, many tears, lots of shouting, but also happy-go-lucky moments and love is still in the air. How will your favorite fair in this installment? Definitely read it to find out!
5 stars
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Holy s**t! This book *definitely* lives up to the "extreme horror" label on its cover. The Dills are sick and twisted, the mannequins scared the hell out of me, and it just gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) from there. From the very start, I was completely engrossed in the story and had to tear myself away from it to work, eat, or sleep (which didn't come easily after reading at night). I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves an awesome horror novel, although I'd caution that you'll wind up checking all your locks, under the bed, in the closets, etc. for many nights after you finish. I'm looking forward to the film version if it ever comes to light, but I'm sure I'll make it a daylight viewing.
Thanks for the scares, Mark, and I hope you continue for many years to come! =)
5 stars
Holy s**t! This book *definitely* lives up to the "extreme horror" label on its cover. The Dills are sick and twisted, the mannequins scared the hell out of me, and it just gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) from there. From the very start, I was completely engrossed in the story and had to tear myself away from it to work, eat, or sleep (which didn't come easily after reading at night). I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves an awesome horror novel, although I'd caution that you'll wind up checking all your locks, under the bed, in the closets, etc. for many nights after you finish. I'm looking forward to the film version if it ever comes to light, but I'm sure I'll make it a daylight viewing.
Thanks for the scares, Mark, and I hope you continue for many years to come! =)
5 stars