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Justice for Elsie (Mail-Order Grooms Book 3)
6.5
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Elsie Fin is hell-bent on revenge against her father’s murderer. She develops a successful...
Romance Westerns Spanking Erotica Historical Romance
TD
The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky
8.0
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Evolved Publishing presents the literary saga of a young girl plucked from the sea under mysterious...
Blood Fury: Black Dagger Legacy
9.0
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In this sexy paranormal romance novel set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1 New York...
paranormal romance
Fingers Crossed: How music saved me from success
10.0
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Formed in 1988, Lush were part of the London gig scene during one of the most vibrant and creative...
Trigger warning: self harm/ suicide
David McK (3372 KP) rated Battle Ground in Books
Apr 3, 2022
Cue the sound of my jaw hitting the floor, at roughly around the halfway mark ...
Entry number 17 (!) in Jim Butcher's 'Dresden Files' urban fantasy series, although - like many other reviewers/readers - I feel it is only fair to point out that this is, in essence, the 'back half' of the previous (Peace Talks).
By which I mean it picks up almost instantly after the ending of the previous - which, correct me if I'm wrong, is also the first time Butcher has done so? - with Harry, Karrin, Lara and co racing back to Chicage from Demonreach island just as the Fomor launch their all-out invasion.
Cue roughly 300 pages dedicated solely to how that plays out. And I mean 300 pages of action scene after action scene, with all the drivers for the plot laid back in Peace Talks. The other 100 pages or so are the aftermath of this; the fallout, if you will.
Truth be told, you do tend to get a bit punch drunk after a while, which is why I haven't rated this as highly as I usually would for a Dresden Files story.
Well, that, and there's also a shocking event round about the halfway mark, which nearly had my jaw hit the floor ...
I think Jim Butcher had used the title 'Changes' previously, for book number 12 in the series. If that title hadn't already been taken, and if he had been looking for another title for this, it would have fitted like a glove.
By which I mean it picks up almost instantly after the ending of the previous - which, correct me if I'm wrong, is also the first time Butcher has done so? - with Harry, Karrin, Lara and co racing back to Chicage from Demonreach island just as the Fomor launch their all-out invasion.
Cue roughly 300 pages dedicated solely to how that plays out. And I mean 300 pages of action scene after action scene, with all the drivers for the plot laid back in Peace Talks. The other 100 pages or so are the aftermath of this; the fallout, if you will.
Truth be told, you do tend to get a bit punch drunk after a while, which is why I haven't rated this as highly as I usually would for a Dresden Files story.
Well, that, and there's also a shocking event round about the halfway mark, which nearly had my jaw hit the floor ...
I think Jim Butcher had used the title 'Changes' previously, for book number 12 in the series. If that title hadn't already been taken, and if he had been looking for another title for this, it would have fitted like a glove.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Outliers (The Outliers #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2018
Outliers (The Outliers #1) by Kate L. Mary
Outliers is the first in a new dystopian series, where society is split into three separate groups with self-explanatory names. Indra works in the city, for one of the Sovereigns. She is quiet and does her work, trying to blend in as much as possible. To get home, she needs to walk the gauntlet through the Fortis village, before eventually reaching her own Outliers village. There is a love interest in her village called Bodhi, and a Fortis guard who you are not sure of, called Asa. These three, plus other characters, drive the book towards the unknown, the horrible, the shameful, and the hopeful.
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
It’s not often that we’re given the chance to read a book set in the UK from a black protagonists perspective, and here is a great book to do just that. I’d also like to say though, that although this book was lauded as a cross between Bridget Jones and Americanah, I’m relieved that I’ve read a book that was wholly it’s own story. It’s not a comedy, although there are parts that were funny, and it’s not a story of immigration, because Queenie is second generation British-Jamaican. However, it does hold up to us issues surrounding race - how when a white person thinks they’re being accepting of other cultures, many of them aren’t - and mental health.
Queenie has a breakdown after she splits up with her (white) boyfriend, and suffers so badly with anxiety. Her family believe that the ‘cure’ is to pull herself together, and can’t understand the need for counselling. I’m glad she does it though, because her actions after the split had involved risky sexual behaviour, and her life (personal and work) was unravelling. This is just what happens to some people with anxiety. And Queenie’s childhood has been far from ideal.
Queenie is a great character though: she’s funny, intelligent, outspoken, sensitive and independent. She has some great friends, and her family, even though they have their faults (and whose family doesn’t?!), are there for her - and they’re all fascinating characters.
I really, really enjoyed this. It’s not some cute and fluffy read, and it can be quite raw at times.
For those who appreciate trigger warnings, there may well be some in this book, but it’s a book that reflects Queenie’s life.
Candice Carty-Williams will definitely be a name that I watch out for in future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Queenie has a breakdown after she splits up with her (white) boyfriend, and suffers so badly with anxiety. Her family believe that the ‘cure’ is to pull herself together, and can’t understand the need for counselling. I’m glad she does it though, because her actions after the split had involved risky sexual behaviour, and her life (personal and work) was unravelling. This is just what happens to some people with anxiety. And Queenie’s childhood has been far from ideal.
Queenie is a great character though: she’s funny, intelligent, outspoken, sensitive and independent. She has some great friends, and her family, even though they have their faults (and whose family doesn’t?!), are there for her - and they’re all fascinating characters.
I really, really enjoyed this. It’s not some cute and fluffy read, and it can be quite raw at times.
For those who appreciate trigger warnings, there may well be some in this book, but it’s a book that reflects Queenie’s life.
Candice Carty-Williams will definitely be a name that I watch out for in future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Yvonne (12 KP) rated The Devil and the Muse in Books
Jun 9, 2019
The immediate threat is over and happy to live in Italy with Gabriel and her family, Coco is getting more comfortable with her gifts. But when a concerned friend and her paintings highlighted the plight of teenage girls, Coco knows that the Allegiance has got to step in. However, with the team have to split up to cover two missions, things go from bad to worse.
Due to the majority of the characters already known to us, the book seemed to flow a lot quicker and the story was fast paced. Whilst Coco still had a major role to play, the story concentrated on some of the other characters and we learn a lot more about Pelayo, an El Salvadoran vampire and Sabine, a doctor who fights for the vulnerable. Also helping the Allegiance was a vampire with a surprising background. Whilst the main mission concentrates on the missing girls, Prudence has her own mission and it gives us the chance to meet some of her ancestors and learn more about her life. Whilst we know that Kenan is behind the trouble, the story goes further to explain why he is the way his.
Due to the nature of the subject matter, this story came across a lot darker than book 1, but this just helps enforce just what Coco and company are up against. As I mentioned it was a faster pace due to the fact there was always something going on. The art still played a big part in the story and the picturesque descriptions of the paintings enable you to imagine them as you are reading.
A good addition to this fantasy series and I am looking forward to reading The Immortal Muse which came out on 31st March 2019
Due to the majority of the characters already known to us, the book seemed to flow a lot quicker and the story was fast paced. Whilst Coco still had a major role to play, the story concentrated on some of the other characters and we learn a lot more about Pelayo, an El Salvadoran vampire and Sabine, a doctor who fights for the vulnerable. Also helping the Allegiance was a vampire with a surprising background. Whilst the main mission concentrates on the missing girls, Prudence has her own mission and it gives us the chance to meet some of her ancestors and learn more about her life. Whilst we know that Kenan is behind the trouble, the story goes further to explain why he is the way his.
Due to the nature of the subject matter, this story came across a lot darker than book 1, but this just helps enforce just what Coco and company are up against. As I mentioned it was a faster pace due to the fact there was always something going on. The art still played a big part in the story and the picturesque descriptions of the paintings enable you to imagine them as you are reading.
A good addition to this fantasy series and I am looking forward to reading The Immortal Muse which came out on 31st March 2019
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated The Mersey Girls in Books
Jun 15, 2019
Soul Warming
Now, I don't want to spoil anything as I really hope other avid readers will have a read of this book.
One of the main characters in the beginning sort of, fizzles out which is a shame as, it was that character that started the story.
The chapters are so long and I like to stop at a chapter as it's a good stopping point but the whole 394 pages is split into a mere 13 chapters.
The book involves two sides that run concurrently quite well, similarities and differences are seen easily but the timeline is difficult to keep up with.
Although it's lovely that it includes some traditional Irish names, it's hard to read as someone who isn't familiar with them. I also had to google some words and phrases to just make sure I know what it is. For example: Clodagh is a name of a character and I am still not 100% how that is pronounced and what a curragh is.
The plot is very serene - meaning theres no massive things happening just lots of little ones. Not massive drama and although it is slightly romantic, it's quite bland in that, a love story is intruded and that's sort of it, it doesn't seem to cook up it goes from raw to cooked so to speak. The stories core plot is ended sweetly yet kind of anti-climactic. Made me smile but it wasn't as wonderful as I feel it could have been.
Despite this I found the read pleasant, certainly something someone should read if they are a fan of Historical Romances.
One of the main characters in the beginning sort of, fizzles out which is a shame as, it was that character that started the story.
The chapters are so long and I like to stop at a chapter as it's a good stopping point but the whole 394 pages is split into a mere 13 chapters.
The book involves two sides that run concurrently quite well, similarities and differences are seen easily but the timeline is difficult to keep up with.
Although it's lovely that it includes some traditional Irish names, it's hard to read as someone who isn't familiar with them. I also had to google some words and phrases to just make sure I know what it is. For example: Clodagh is a name of a character and I am still not 100% how that is pronounced and what a curragh is.
The plot is very serene - meaning theres no massive things happening just lots of little ones. Not massive drama and although it is slightly romantic, it's quite bland in that, a love story is intruded and that's sort of it, it doesn't seem to cook up it goes from raw to cooked so to speak. The stories core plot is ended sweetly yet kind of anti-climactic. Made me smile but it wasn't as wonderful as I feel it could have been.
Despite this I found the read pleasant, certainly something someone should read if they are a fan of Historical Romances.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Surrender (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Since this is the third in the series and emphasizes the story from previous two, I will include my original review.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
The final in the series is everything you need and more. Even from someone who is bitter that this wasnt the ménage she was looking for. I couldnt have been happier with the ending if I wrote it myself. That being said, there were still many things I was aggravated with. There were few ties to Snow White, little shifter elements, and the story was split in three when it could have easily been one whole story.
Overall, the story was enjoyable if you are looking for a friends-to-lovers erotica.
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
The final in the series is everything you need and more. Even from someone who is bitter that this wasnt the ménage she was looking for. I couldnt have been happier with the ending if I wrote it myself. That being said, there were still many things I was aggravated with. There were few ties to Snow White, little shifter elements, and the story was split in three when it could have easily been one whole story.
Overall, the story was enjoyable if you are looking for a friends-to-lovers erotica.