Search
Search results

Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Sublime writing, surprising story
This book has blown me away from start to finish. More than that, from about 30%, this book moved me deeply with not only the 'forbidden love' element but the deep connections between friends, lovers and progeny.
Monique and Evelyn narrate this story, Monique as the writer who will document the truth of Evelyn's life as shes about to hit her 70s and Evelyn, as she is finally able to be real to the world about who she is. On the one hand, the backdrop of 1950's Hollywood onwards is compelling but in some ways, that context is rather inconsequential as the characters steal each scene. The fame of Evelyn, her husbands and the friends only matter as an inconvenience. Evelyn has such character growth from her teens to contemporary times. So much happens in her life and the majority of it is spellbinding as she yearns for what she can't have. The focus of this story is forbidden, hiding is essential and acting is required in and out of the studio.
The side characters to this story made me feel so much, Harry especially was wonderful; a friend, a soulmate and he loved unconditionally. Connor although a smaller part, brought such growth in Evelyn. Celia in some ways was hard to love as a character. The twists and especially the final twist were such a gut punch and that element to the story was superb.
I am a staunch fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid but this may be my favourite of her books yet. This book is brave and bold and I love how the book summary was written so as not to expose too much of what is between the pages. It is so beautifully written and vividly crafted that THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is utterly memorable.
"Celia smiled brightly and did exactly as I did. We stood there, in black and green, redhead and blonde, one of us all ass and the other all tits, waving to the crowd as if we ruled them."
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review.
Monique and Evelyn narrate this story, Monique as the writer who will document the truth of Evelyn's life as shes about to hit her 70s and Evelyn, as she is finally able to be real to the world about who she is. On the one hand, the backdrop of 1950's Hollywood onwards is compelling but in some ways, that context is rather inconsequential as the characters steal each scene. The fame of Evelyn, her husbands and the friends only matter as an inconvenience. Evelyn has such character growth from her teens to contemporary times. So much happens in her life and the majority of it is spellbinding as she yearns for what she can't have. The focus of this story is forbidden, hiding is essential and acting is required in and out of the studio.
The side characters to this story made me feel so much, Harry especially was wonderful; a friend, a soulmate and he loved unconditionally. Connor although a smaller part, brought such growth in Evelyn. Celia in some ways was hard to love as a character. The twists and especially the final twist were such a gut punch and that element to the story was superb.
I am a staunch fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid but this may be my favourite of her books yet. This book is brave and bold and I love how the book summary was written so as not to expose too much of what is between the pages. It is so beautifully written and vividly crafted that THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is utterly memorable.
"Celia smiled brightly and did exactly as I did. We stood there, in black and green, redhead and blonde, one of us all ass and the other all tits, waving to the crowd as if we ruled them."
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review.
Sophie Foster has never quite felt like she fit in with her family. Turns out, that's because she isn't human. When she meets Fitz, her entire life changes as she leaves the Forbidden Cities of the human world to join the Lost Cities of the Elves. But her presence stirs up trouble in the Lost Cities as two different hidden factions start fighting over her. Can she navigate this new world and figure out who to trust?
This set contains the first three books in the series in paperback. They are filled with twists, turns, and surprises as well as wonderful characters and a fantasy world I would love to go visit. If you enjoy Middle Grade fantasy, you need to read these books, and when you do, you'll devour these three books as quickly as you can.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-keeper-of-lost-cities.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This set contains the first three books in the series in paperback. They are filled with twists, turns, and surprises as well as wonderful characters and a fantasy world I would love to go visit. If you enjoy Middle Grade fantasy, you need to read these books, and when you do, you'll devour these three books as quickly as you can.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-keeper-of-lost-cities.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
What an incredible story! This was my first book by BJ Harvey and I can surely say I'll be back for more. I LOVED these characters! Callum is not the typical male rich slut found in most erotic novels, having come from a good home and family but this book is entirely from his POV, which was a much-welcomed change. He comes from a pure place that makes his secret sexual desires seem dirty and forbidden to him. Lucia, on the other hand, is a force of nature and I LOVED her beyond words! Again, unlike your typical female lead. She is strong, witty, independent and confident... all the things Callum truly needs in his life. When they push limits together their bond is tested.. yet I never thought for a second these two wouldn't make it.. their connection so palpable, I hoped it would only make them stronger. Incredible love story - Highly recommended!

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Accacias Blood (Sisters of Hex #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
9 of 250
Kindle
Accacias Blood ( Sisters of Hex book 2)
By Bea Paige
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
After saving Rhain from an agonising death, Accacia is determined to find her missing friend Clover and rescue her from the mysterious Fae. With the assistance of her vampire knights, the group head into the forbidden forest of Ever Vale and into a world of mystery and magic.Drawn deeper into the depths of the wood, Accacia learns what it is to have courage, to fight for the ones you love and to know when to let them go.
It’s an easy read and an easy to follow story. I did prefer the 1st book to this one I’m hoping they pick up a little. I’m glad we finally get Ezra to stop being all moody and self involved. Devin had to be my favourite and he’s just gone dark so the next book should be better for me.
Kindle
Accacias Blood ( Sisters of Hex book 2)
By Bea Paige
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
After saving Rhain from an agonising death, Accacia is determined to find her missing friend Clover and rescue her from the mysterious Fae. With the assistance of her vampire knights, the group head into the forbidden forest of Ever Vale and into a world of mystery and magic.Drawn deeper into the depths of the wood, Accacia learns what it is to have courage, to fight for the ones you love and to know when to let them go.
It’s an easy read and an easy to follow story. I did prefer the 1st book to this one I’m hoping they pick up a little. I’m glad we finally get Ezra to stop being all moody and self involved. Devin had to be my favourite and he’s just gone dark so the next book should be better for me.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Black Lions Bride (Warrior Trilogy #2) in Books
Dec 8, 2020
203
Kindle
Black lion’s Bride ( Warrior trilogy book 2)
By Lara Adrian
As deadly as she is beautiful, Zahirah, daughter of the King of the Assassins, steals into the camp of the English army. She intends to murder King Richard, but her plan only delivers her into the hands of the enemy and puts her at the mercy of the dashing Black Lion, Sebastian of Montborne. Seeing only a mysterious beauty in need of his protection, Sebastian is unaware that Zahirah is the enemy he has sworn to destroy. Caught in a web of passion and deception, they now risk their lives to share a forbidden love.
I’m a sucker for historical romances and loved the first book in this series. I also enjoyed this one although I did find it a bit harder to fall into Sebastian is amazing it took me a little longer to like Zahirah! Overall it was a good read and would recommend
Kindle
Black lion’s Bride ( Warrior trilogy book 2)
By Lara Adrian
As deadly as she is beautiful, Zahirah, daughter of the King of the Assassins, steals into the camp of the English army. She intends to murder King Richard, but her plan only delivers her into the hands of the enemy and puts her at the mercy of the dashing Black Lion, Sebastian of Montborne. Seeing only a mysterious beauty in need of his protection, Sebastian is unaware that Zahirah is the enemy he has sworn to destroy. Caught in a web of passion and deception, they now risk their lives to share a forbidden love.
I’m a sucker for historical romances and loved the first book in this series. I also enjoyed this one although I did find it a bit harder to fall into Sebastian is amazing it took me a little longer to like Zahirah! Overall it was a good read and would recommend

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Forbidden Lady ( Historical 1) in Books
May 17, 2023
63 of 235
Kindle
Forbidden Lady ( Historical 1)
By Kerrelyn Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Virginia Munro could not believe her ears. This bewigged, bejeweled, and bedeviling man was trying to buy her? As if she were some trollop on the Boston docks?
Before she's fully able to give in to her outrage, the fop moves on - and Virginia refuses to spare him another thought.
But Quincy Stanton is not what he seems. By day, he poses as a carefree Loyalist with an army of wigs and a wardrobe that favors lavender. By night, he wages a secret war against the British with an impressive collection of eighteenth-century spy gadgets. If anyone were to discover the truth, Quincy would hang, yet he can't seem to stay away from the lovely and saucy Virginia. Will their attraction lead to love . . . or danger?
I really enjoyed it. I do love historical fiction think it has to be one of my favourites and this era is definitely one of the best. I loved the James Bond style espionage going on. I really enjoyed the story if I had one thing that slightly annoyed me was it jumped a little from scene to scene in a strange way. But other than that I really liked it.
Kindle
Forbidden Lady ( Historical 1)
By Kerrelyn Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Virginia Munro could not believe her ears. This bewigged, bejeweled, and bedeviling man was trying to buy her? As if she were some trollop on the Boston docks?
Before she's fully able to give in to her outrage, the fop moves on - and Virginia refuses to spare him another thought.
But Quincy Stanton is not what he seems. By day, he poses as a carefree Loyalist with an army of wigs and a wardrobe that favors lavender. By night, he wages a secret war against the British with an impressive collection of eighteenth-century spy gadgets. If anyone were to discover the truth, Quincy would hang, yet he can't seem to stay away from the lovely and saucy Virginia. Will their attraction lead to love . . . or danger?
I really enjoyed it. I do love historical fiction think it has to be one of my favourites and this era is definitely one of the best. I loved the James Bond style espionage going on. I really enjoyed the story if I had one thing that slightly annoyed me was it jumped a little from scene to scene in a strange way. But other than that I really liked it.

Becs (244 KP) rated Twilight (Twilight, #1) in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Supernatural.
Type: Book one (1) of the Twilight Saga
Audience/ Reading Level: 14+
Interests: Vampires, Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance, Action.
Point of View: Third Person
Promise: A love story between a pair of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship ripens against the backdrop of small-town suspicion and a mysterious coven of vampires.
Insights: I did a buddy read for a reread through of Twilight with a good friend of mine and boy, am I glad I reread it! I’ve always loved The Twilight Saga. But rereading it as an adult, really made me appreciate it a bit more. Yes, there were some grammatical errors that took away from the surrounding text and there were some parts that I found a bit of a bore. All in all, I fell in love with the love story between Edward and Bella again and really grew to appreciate the Cullen’s as a family.
I was surprised that I had quite a few different favorite parts that weren’t my favorite parts before. And I’m tremendously surprised that some of the parts that I loved when I first read Twilight, were actually still my favorite parts. It goes to show that a novel can be appreciated many years later, even though your opinions and tastes change.
Favorite Quotes: “I’d never given much thought to how I would die – though I’d had reason enough in the last few months – but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this.”
“You don’t care if I’m a monster? If I’m not human?”
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was part of him and I didn’t know how potent that part might be – that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
“He looks at you like… like you’re something to eat.”
“No coffins, no piled skulls in the corners; I don’t even think we have cobwebs… what a disappointment this must be for you.”
“Could you believe that, despite everything I’ve put you through, I love you, too?”
What will you gain?: A love story with a bite!
Aesthetics: I’ve always loved the simple and minimalistic cover on Twilight. The story was also a very easy read to get into and I enjoyed the love story (and action!) that took place throughout the novel.
“You are only human after all.”
Type: Book one (1) of the Twilight Saga
Audience/ Reading Level: 14+
Interests: Vampires, Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance, Action.
Point of View: Third Person
Promise: A love story between a pair of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship ripens against the backdrop of small-town suspicion and a mysterious coven of vampires.
Insights: I did a buddy read for a reread through of Twilight with a good friend of mine and boy, am I glad I reread it! I’ve always loved The Twilight Saga. But rereading it as an adult, really made me appreciate it a bit more. Yes, there were some grammatical errors that took away from the surrounding text and there were some parts that I found a bit of a bore. All in all, I fell in love with the love story between Edward and Bella again and really grew to appreciate the Cullen’s as a family.
I was surprised that I had quite a few different favorite parts that weren’t my favorite parts before. And I’m tremendously surprised that some of the parts that I loved when I first read Twilight, were actually still my favorite parts. It goes to show that a novel can be appreciated many years later, even though your opinions and tastes change.
Favorite Quotes: “I’d never given much thought to how I would die – though I’d had reason enough in the last few months – but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this.”
“You don’t care if I’m a monster? If I’m not human?”
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was part of him and I didn’t know how potent that part might be – that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
“He looks at you like… like you’re something to eat.”
“No coffins, no piled skulls in the corners; I don’t even think we have cobwebs… what a disappointment this must be for you.”
“Could you believe that, despite everything I’ve put you through, I love you, too?”
What will you gain?: A love story with a bite!
Aesthetics: I’ve always loved the simple and minimalistic cover on Twilight. The story was also a very easy read to get into and I enjoyed the love story (and action!) that took place throughout the novel.
“You are only human after all.”

Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Blessed Fury (Angels of Fate, #1) in Books
May 22, 2019
Once you face the devils, theres no going back.
Guardian angel Ava Lightway has spent a century watching over her charges, whispering the words of the gods in their ears. But her peaceful existence ends when shes assigned to Liam Striker, a supernatural detective with no memory of his past.
Liam might be Avas biggest challenge yet. Stubborn and dangerously captivating, hell stop at nothing to find the demon who murdered his father. Even if it costs him his life.
Keeping death away from her new partner is an impossible task. And even if their investigation doesnt destroy Ava, succumbing to Liams smoldering touch just may.
Read the sizzling, breath-taking tale of angels gone bad!
Wow; this was an absolute amazing read.
This is an epic adventure of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, Warriors and Erudites.
I love that it has so many different paranormals in this.
So action packed but at the same time there are so many sweet moments that happen with the forbidden romance that is happening.
Really loved the plot and storyline.
I am in love wiyh the characters and can't wait to see them develop further.
I can't wait to get stuck into the next one now.
Recommend reading.
I received an ARC from the very talented author and this is my honest voluntary review.
Guardian angel Ava Lightway has spent a century watching over her charges, whispering the words of the gods in their ears. But her peaceful existence ends when shes assigned to Liam Striker, a supernatural detective with no memory of his past.
Liam might be Avas biggest challenge yet. Stubborn and dangerously captivating, hell stop at nothing to find the demon who murdered his father. Even if it costs him his life.
Keeping death away from her new partner is an impossible task. And even if their investigation doesnt destroy Ava, succumbing to Liams smoldering touch just may.
Read the sizzling, breath-taking tale of angels gone bad!
Wow; this was an absolute amazing read.
This is an epic adventure of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, Warriors and Erudites.
I love that it has so many different paranormals in this.
So action packed but at the same time there are so many sweet moments that happen with the forbidden romance that is happening.
Really loved the plot and storyline.
I am in love wiyh the characters and can't wait to see them develop further.
I can't wait to get stuck into the next one now.
Recommend reading.
I received an ARC from the very talented author and this is my honest voluntary review.

ArecRain (8 KP) rated A Gentleman's Position (Society of Gentlemen, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I dont know what it is about this series that just gets me. This is the third novel I have read in the series and it just keeps getting better and better.
Historical erotica is something I can fully get behind. But a queer historical erotica?! Those dont exist! Well let me inform you that they, in fact, do, and they are amazing. Society of Gentleman by K.J. Charles is not just one of the best historical erotic series I have read, it is also one of the best series period! So far, this one has been my favorite. There is something about forbidden love that just makes it that much more delicious. A lord and his servant? Scandalous! And toe-curling
Again Charles brings her phenomenal character creating to the table and expertly weaves a story that lures you into its web and keeps you there till the very end. I love Charles writing and creativity.
There is really nothing else I feel I can say about this novel without giving it away. Are you looking for a fantastic historical romance featuring two men? Look no further! Seriously dont pass this series up.
Plus look at how beautiful that cover is...
I dont know what it is about this series that just gets me. This is the third novel I have read in the series and it just keeps getting better and better.
Historical erotica is something I can fully get behind. But a queer historical erotica?! Those dont exist! Well let me inform you that they, in fact, do, and they are amazing. Society of Gentleman by K.J. Charles is not just one of the best historical erotic series I have read, it is also one of the best series period! So far, this one has been my favorite. There is something about forbidden love that just makes it that much more delicious. A lord and his servant? Scandalous! And toe-curling
Again Charles brings her phenomenal character creating to the table and expertly weaves a story that lures you into its web and keeps you there till the very end. I love Charles writing and creativity.
There is really nothing else I feel I can say about this novel without giving it away. Are you looking for a fantastic historical romance featuring two men? Look no further! Seriously dont pass this series up.
Plus look at how beautiful that cover is...

Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Jousting and Justice (Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic #5) in Books
Feb 11, 2022
This series just gets better and better!!
Hayden is completely comfy in her new role as the newspaper editor and her life in Destiny falls. She is even falling in love! More excitingly there is a medieval festival being held on the forbidden island that has everybody a buzz with excitement! Hayden then finds the newspaper office headquarters has been broken into and there is a dead body in the archive room and this is just the begging of this adventure can this mystery be solved?
Elizabeth puts so much enthusiasm into her stories they are a joy to read. The right amount of intrigue and mystery so you don't find yourself getting frustrated because it seems to have gone on forever and nothing is being figured out. Also, the right amount of everything else to bring it all together so nice and neatly. I can't help hoping that maybe there will be a double wedding in the future of destiny falls?
Magnificent job again Elizabeth can't wait for the next instalment 4/5
Hayden is completely comfy in her new role as the newspaper editor and her life in Destiny falls. She is even falling in love! More excitingly there is a medieval festival being held on the forbidden island that has everybody a buzz with excitement! Hayden then finds the newspaper office headquarters has been broken into and there is a dead body in the archive room and this is just the begging of this adventure can this mystery be solved?
Elizabeth puts so much enthusiasm into her stories they are a joy to read. The right amount of intrigue and mystery so you don't find yourself getting frustrated because it seems to have gone on forever and nothing is being figured out. Also, the right amount of everything else to bring it all together so nice and neatly. I can't help hoping that maybe there will be a double wedding in the future of destiny falls?
Magnificent job again Elizabeth can't wait for the next instalment 4/5