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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Otherworld Stories) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'm extremely surprised by how much I enjoyed this anthology! I picked it up intending to just read the stories by authors I know I like—Kelley Armstrong, Ilona Andrews, Carrie Vaughn, Holly Lisle, Jeaniene Frost, Maria V. Snyder. I had never heard of some of the other authors. A few names I remembered seeing in other anthologies and not enjoying their work.
I did, however, deliberately put myself in a tolerant mindset: this is a book of romance stories. It wouldn't be fair to judge them as anything else.
That worked rather better than it has in the past. I still got a little annoyed at having so much of each story dedicated to couples (and all het/mono couples, at that!) rather than some intriguing world ideas, but managed to stay on track.
In the end, I only skipped one story—I just don't like the Weather Wardens stuff at all. I found a couple of others substandard, but all in all, Telep chose very well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance (maybe even those who usually stick to just romance), and most urban fantasy fans.
I did, however, deliberately put myself in a tolerant mindset: this is a book of romance stories. It wouldn't be fair to judge them as anything else.
That worked rather better than it has in the past. I still got a little annoyed at having so much of each story dedicated to couples (and all het/mono couples, at that!) rather than some intriguing world ideas, but managed to stay on track.
In the end, I only skipped one story—I just don't like the Weather Wardens stuff at all. I found a couple of others substandard, but all in all, Telep chose very well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance (maybe even those who usually stick to just romance), and most urban fantasy fans.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Feb 23, 2018
I didn't intend to read this book, as I'd largely heard snark about it. A dear friend recommended it, though, so I finally gave it a read.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Virgin Romance Novelist (The Virgin Romance Novelist, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Yay!
This is the second book today to make me cry. They were really pushing it at the end there and I was starting to panic, thinking I'd be staying up even longer (currently 2am) to buy and start reading the second book in this series just to see what happened with Rosie and her love interest but it all worked out in the end so yay!
Some of this book had me laughing, some of it had me cringing. Some of it, mainly where Rosie was oblivious to her love interests' interest in her, had me screaming at my kindle. I mean, come on!, how oblivious can you be?
Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading The Randy Romance Novelist soon.
This is the second book today to make me cry. They were really pushing it at the end there and I was starting to panic, thinking I'd be staying up even longer (currently 2am) to buy and start reading the second book in this series just to see what happened with Rosie and her love interest but it all worked out in the end so yay!
Some of this book had me laughing, some of it had me cringing. Some of it, mainly where Rosie was oblivious to her love interests' interest in her, had me screaming at my kindle. I mean, come on!, how oblivious can you be?
Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading The Randy Romance Novelist soon.
Kristina (502 KP) rated The Quickie in Books
Dec 7, 2020
BookReporter.com says, "Action? Check." Very true. It was pretty action packed. "Suspense? By the carload." Fact, the suspense, twists, and turns just kept coming. "Romance? Yes." Now I know why their answer is so vague and only one word - anything that could be considered romance occurs before the 11th chapter (and these were some short chapters!). "Erotica? Let's just say that it's not limited to the cover." Error, error! What Patterson has written couldn't even touch the average erotica novel - I've written more erotic scenarios. I know erotica isn't James' forte and it didn't take away from the story, I was just disappointed in this part of BookReporter's review. I can tell you I never would have predicted the ending and there was no way I could have foreseen some of the shocking revelations within the book. It's shocker after shocker. Once again, Patterson has managed to write another brilliant suspense!
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Hunt (Sin City Wolf #2) in Books
Oct 18, 2021
Holy smokes!!
I thought the first in the series was good but Hunt has blown my socks off.
I always love a shifter romance and I wasn't disappointed.
With twists and surprises I was kept entertained from the first page to the last.....And it didn't hurt that there were two smoking hot guys and some even hotter loving going on.
I love the way the characters develop and how they interact with each other, it really helps to create a bigger more rounded picture that ensnares you.
Definitely an adult read, perfect with a cheeky drink and some decadent chocolate.
I thought the first in the series was good but Hunt has blown my socks off.
I always love a shifter romance and I wasn't disappointed.
With twists and surprises I was kept entertained from the first page to the last.....And it didn't hurt that there were two smoking hot guys and some even hotter loving going on.
I love the way the characters develop and how they interact with each other, it really helps to create a bigger more rounded picture that ensnares you.
Definitely an adult read, perfect with a cheeky drink and some decadent chocolate.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated All I Ever Wanted in Books
Apr 27, 2018
All I Ever Wanted really made me happy, and got me hooked on Kristan Higgins. This is why:
First, I loved the characters. Some were quirky (Louis the mortician, Noah her one-legged grandfather), some were funny (Her sister Hester! ROFL) Some were just mean. (MOM.) And some had the biggest heart in the world (Our hero, Ian). The relationships and the characters played out in such a real tangible way, and I loved every minute of it. Although I’m glad my family isn’t like Callie’s… it’s fun to sit back and watch.
Second: I was very pleased with the fact that the characters, dialogue, and plot weren’t perfect (happyland syndrome.) Some of you may know that happyland syndrome—everything working out perfectly all the time—will make me close a book in three minutes. All I Ever Wanted had nothing of the sort. It felt like real life, and because of that, it was relatable.
Third: It was a very sweet, very real, very good romance. And it was CLEAN. Yes! No skipping chunks of pages and trying to avoid unnecessary scenes! This pretty much made my day—maybe my week—that I’ve found a good romance author who doesn’t write sex scenes into her novels. Thank you Kristan Higgins, you’ve just made my bookshelf.
So that’s why I loved it. And that’s why I’ll be reading more of Higgins’ work in the future.
Content/recommendation: little language, very few sexual references. Ages 14+
First, I loved the characters. Some were quirky (Louis the mortician, Noah her one-legged grandfather), some were funny (Her sister Hester! ROFL) Some were just mean. (MOM.) And some had the biggest heart in the world (Our hero, Ian). The relationships and the characters played out in such a real tangible way, and I loved every minute of it. Although I’m glad my family isn’t like Callie’s… it’s fun to sit back and watch.
Second: I was very pleased with the fact that the characters, dialogue, and plot weren’t perfect (happyland syndrome.) Some of you may know that happyland syndrome—everything working out perfectly all the time—will make me close a book in three minutes. All I Ever Wanted had nothing of the sort. It felt like real life, and because of that, it was relatable.
Third: It was a very sweet, very real, very good romance. And it was CLEAN. Yes! No skipping chunks of pages and trying to avoid unnecessary scenes! This pretty much made my day—maybe my week—that I’ve found a good romance author who doesn’t write sex scenes into her novels. Thank you Kristan Higgins, you’ve just made my bookshelf.
So that’s why I loved it. And that’s why I’ll be reading more of Higgins’ work in the future.
Content/recommendation: little language, very few sexual references. Ages 14+
Auburn (57 KP) rated Rules of Summer (Rules of Summer, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Gossip girl but in the Hamptons and the girl is the neice of the housekeeper.
I thought this would have more romance but mostly it is teenage angst, stuck up rich people, and two girls who become friends after some pretty weird stuff happens. It was a short read that was perfect for just having around but honestly I don't think I would pick it up ever again.
I thought this would have more romance but mostly it is teenage angst, stuck up rich people, and two girls who become friends after some pretty weird stuff happens. It was a short read that was perfect for just having around but honestly I don't think I would pick it up ever again.
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen, #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2019
fantastic read
This book is a fantastic story. I was hooked from the first page. This book has both romance and suspense mixed with some very hot steamy scenes, make this book a definite page turner. the characters were well written and really believable. the ending omg !!! what a cliff hanger, really wanted to read the others in the series but the prices to much, sorry.
Highly recommended
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Highly recommended
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Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Taming Lily (The Fowler Sisters, #3) in Books
May 7, 2019
this is the last book in the set, I enjoyed this book, the characters are very strong and well written. the romance between the characters is not a fairy tale one but this only adds to the story line. the story moves at a good pace which keeps you engaged throughout. some of the steamy scenes are incredibly hot.
highly recommended
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highly recommended
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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Gerrity's Bride in Books
Jan 18, 2018
While I enjoyed reading this, it was one of those novels where the main couple butted heads all the time. It was easy and interesting to watch the two fall in love, and I often found myself laughing. The characters were filled with personality and fire, and I always love a romance novel with some drama. Other than the constant fighting, I can find nothing negative to say about this novel.