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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Cursed (Beholder, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
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...
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Jackson's Trust (Fourth Down, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Luckiest Girl Alive in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Ani FaNelli is engaged to a wealthy man, has a great job, and is finally about to lead the life she's always wanted. But Ani is hiding a secretive past - as a teen, she endured a traumatic event and she's kept her secrets hidden ever since. Now, as she's about to get married, Ani is struggling to contain her past and lead the life she's always wanted.
This was an interesting book - Ani is truly a despicable character in many ways, though as her past unfolds, you start to learn more about what has made Ani who she is. Her finance and her school-hood friends aren't much better. Perhaps the best thing about this book is Knoll's ability to eventually make Ani sympathetic, despite many of her faults. She's a complicated and multi-faceted character, which is a refreshing change from many novels.
The novel is suspenseful for sure, but because it was so consistently billed as the next "Gone Girl," I kept waiting for an even bigger twist, which was a bit of a letdown. I probably would have enjoyed the novel even more if I didn't have all these comparisons swirling in my head. In the end, it was a good read and certainly a fast one, but doesn't necessarily live up to its billing.
This was an interesting book - Ani is truly a despicable character in many ways, though as her past unfolds, you start to learn more about what has made Ani who she is. Her finance and her school-hood friends aren't much better. Perhaps the best thing about this book is Knoll's ability to eventually make Ani sympathetic, despite many of her faults. She's a complicated and multi-faceted character, which is a refreshing change from many novels.
The novel is suspenseful for sure, but because it was so consistently billed as the next "Gone Girl," I kept waiting for an even bigger twist, which was a bit of a letdown. I probably would have enjoyed the novel even more if I didn't have all these comparisons swirling in my head. In the end, it was a good read and certainly a fast one, but doesn't necessarily live up to its billing.
HOLY CRAP!!! THAT TWIST THOUGH!!!!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Bees in Books
Mar 15, 2018
When I read the description of this book I was immediately intrigued. A novel that takes place entirely from the perspective of a bee? That was certainly different from anything else I'd been reading lately (although there are sections of "Building Stories" that follow a bee). As such I couldn't help but check it out, and it turned out to be one of my favorite novels of the year so far. The story follows sanitation worker Flora 717 on her personal odyssey through the inner (and outer) workings of a colony of bees. Events push her from one faction to another, as she learns all about the inner workings of her hive and the agendas that different groups harbor inside it. As she does, she also learns more and more about herself. While many behaviors demonstrated are very clearly pure fiction, it is hard not to feel like one is actually learning something about the bees one sees around one's neighborhood all the same. It's also a novel about the effects of blind faith, learning to understand the differences of those around you, life under an oppressive regime, and the lengths one will go to for love. This is an absolutely beautiful book that will linger with you after it's done and have a marked change on the way you look at the insects that exist all around us.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Blood from Stone (Retrievers, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
It feels like a spoiler, but since Gilman says this at the front of the book, I suppose it isn't: <i>Blood From Stone</i> is the last Retrievers novel, at least for a time. She's moving on to focus on other characters in the Cosa Nostradamus universe. I wasn't happy to read that, but after reading the book, I'm okay with it.
<i>Blood From Stone</i> definitely isn't a book to start with if you're new to Gilman's work. The Retrievers series really does need to be read sequentially. If you have read the rest, you know that Gilman has developed a very interesting universe and some very well-developed characters in the series. Book 6 doesn't disappoint at all, and brings the major plot threads to a very satisfactory close. I can't be more specific without real spoilers, though!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in the universe, which will focus on Bonnie and the PUPIs (Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigators). I adore <i>CSI</i>, <i>Bones</i>, <i>NCIS</i> and the like, so I'm curious as to how forensics will work in urban fantasy settings. Jes Battis' <i>A Flash of Hex</i> is supposed to be waiting for me at the library, so by the time I get to <i>Hard Magic</i> I'll have something else to compare it to.
<i>Blood From Stone</i> definitely isn't a book to start with if you're new to Gilman's work. The Retrievers series really does need to be read sequentially. If you have read the rest, you know that Gilman has developed a very interesting universe and some very well-developed characters in the series. Book 6 doesn't disappoint at all, and brings the major plot threads to a very satisfactory close. I can't be more specific without real spoilers, though!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in the universe, which will focus on Bonnie and the PUPIs (Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigators). I adore <i>CSI</i>, <i>Bones</i>, <i>NCIS</i> and the like, so I'm curious as to how forensics will work in urban fantasy settings. Jes Battis' <i>A Flash of Hex</i> is supposed to be waiting for me at the library, so by the time I get to <i>Hard Magic</i> I'll have something else to compare it to.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Poppy (Poppy, #1) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Poppy by Mary Hooper is a sweet novel. The book gives a look at the lives of English nurses of World War One who took care of soldiers who wounded where their injuries were to the extent that caused the soldier to be returned home. Poppy shows World War One in a fresh and touching perspective.
Poppy takes a look at some of the less talked aspects of war. The book foxes on returned soldier who had facial injuries leaving them disfigured and cause damage to themselves to get away from the fighting and being strong. The topics discussed are series and sensitive issues but the author, Mary Hooper, does a great job of addressing and dealing with the issues in Poppy.
One aspect I enjoyed was the letters that were interspersed throughout the story. The letters brought the voice of the character into the story. I felt the story was an enjoyable and quite touching. They writing style flows well and was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.
I give this story 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.
Poppy takes a look at some of the less talked aspects of war. The book foxes on returned soldier who had facial injuries leaving them disfigured and cause damage to themselves to get away from the fighting and being strong. The topics discussed are series and sensitive issues but the author, Mary Hooper, does a great job of addressing and dealing with the issues in Poppy.
One aspect I enjoyed was the letters that were interspersed throughout the story. The letters brought the voice of the character into the story. I felt the story was an enjoyable and quite touching. They writing style flows well and was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.
I give this story 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated The Kiss Quotient in Books
Jun 28, 2018
Bold & Original Romance Adds Up
Back when I read the First Impression excerpt of The Kiss Quotient on Bookish First this past spring, I knew Helen Hoang's novel was sure to be one of the most talked about romances of 2018.
Bolstered by its inclusion as one of June's Book of the Month Club titles (which is where I nabbed my copy), it has fulfilled that promise and more as the genre's most popular summer beach read.
Taking familiar romance genre paradigms and giving them a new spin, Hoang's startlingly sexy title might bill itself as a gender swapped Pretty Woman but it actually reads more like a politically correct version of Fifty Shades of Grey... only with econometrics, martial arts, and fashion design filling in for the Red Room.
Centering its sexy Pygmalion narrative around a heroine with Asperger's whose disability does not define her – a premise that originally attracted me to the novel – the book is both a refreshing step forward for fictional disabled representation and a bold work all around.
While it inevitably suffers from predictable genre conventions including a slightly clunky start that moves from Point A to Z at an unrealistic pace, once Hoang balances out her equation, The Kiss Quotient really adds up.
Note: I would probably give this book 7.5, if able to award half points.
Bolstered by its inclusion as one of June's Book of the Month Club titles (which is where I nabbed my copy), it has fulfilled that promise and more as the genre's most popular summer beach read.
Taking familiar romance genre paradigms and giving them a new spin, Hoang's startlingly sexy title might bill itself as a gender swapped Pretty Woman but it actually reads more like a politically correct version of Fifty Shades of Grey... only with econometrics, martial arts, and fashion design filling in for the Red Room.
Centering its sexy Pygmalion narrative around a heroine with Asperger's whose disability does not define her – a premise that originally attracted me to the novel – the book is both a refreshing step forward for fictional disabled representation and a bold work all around.
While it inevitably suffers from predictable genre conventions including a slightly clunky start that moves from Point A to Z at an unrealistic pace, once Hoang balances out her equation, The Kiss Quotient really adds up.
Note: I would probably give this book 7.5, if able to award half points.
Manda (5 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Jul 11, 2018
Goodreads. Because how else will I know what I’ve read?!?
Secret romance novel readers beware.. no just kidding, or am I? Goodreads is where you go to access scores of novels and reviews for them. You are able to socialize with fellow book readers and follow what your friends are currently reading or have read. ( hence the secrete romance readers beware) I even had an author dm me for giving a review of a novel they had written and let me tell you I was ecstatic for many days.
*Focus
You can challenge yourself each year to read more books than the last while they keep track for you as long as it is read in a device linked with the account.
The only thing I find frustrating is sometimes you have to go through a million steps (exaggeration) just to add a book read in it natural papery scented goodness.
Overall the app is good, a great place to start if you’re seeking an idea of how great or sucky a book is, depending on the personal taste of course.
*Focus
You can challenge yourself each year to read more books than the last while they keep track for you as long as it is read in a device linked with the account.
The only thing I find frustrating is sometimes you have to go through a million steps (exaggeration) just to add a book read in it natural papery scented goodness.
Overall the app is good, a great place to start if you’re seeking an idea of how great or sucky a book is, depending on the personal taste of course.