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Mercury Striking (Scorpius Syndrome, #1)
Mercury Striking (Scorpius Syndrome, #1)
Rebecca Zanetti | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! After reading the description for this novel, I could not pass Mercury Striking up. I thought it was too much to ask that the story would actually be as great as the description made it out to be, but I was far from disappointed. Thankfully it’s a series because I was blown away by how amazing this novel was. On that note, reading the novella that precedes this may be a good idea. While I felt that I was able to comprehend the story and keep up with it, the novella gives the reader better comprehension of the world/story overall.

I love romance/erotica and I also love post-apocalyptic stories. Going in, I was convinced there was no way someone could write a combination of the two adequately. They are tough genres to combine without one suffering. Zanetti clearly knows what she’s doing. Not only can she write an intriguing dystopian world, she created a love story that grabs at you and won’t let go until you know how it plays out. Her characters are powerful and dynamic, tangible in a world that I had to remember doesn’t actually exist. They captured me heart and soul from the very beginning.

Zanetti’s writing is a triple threat. She knows how to write great characters with engaging dialogue without skimping on plot or romance. If you think this sounds like a story you would like, let me make the decision for: get it. I can’t wait for the nest in the series to come out.
  
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Roxanne (13 KP) rated Bonds of Fire in Books

Nov 14, 2018  
BO
Bonds of Fire
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I must say that I very much enjoyed this short story...as that's what it is...a short story, a VERY short story. There was so much packed into this novella that it definitely had the potential to be a full length novel. Even though things were a little crammed in I didn't feel that the romance elements were rushed in any way just that they weren't explored in very much depth. This is a M/M romance novella, however, it is very tame compared to a lot of other stories out there, especially when compared to some of the ones I have read before *blush*. There is no sex, nothing graphic or explicit, just a bit of flirting...perhaps a little kissing, but that's about it. The attraction between the male characters is very obvious and so if a man lusting after another man makes you feel a little queasy then definitely stay away from this one.

I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.

The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.

Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
  
TT
The Thirteenth Earl
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a delightful read. After being stuck in contemporary romance limbo, it was refreshing to return to a good historical romance especially since there are so many historical romances pumped out. This one had me from page one, especially since it dealt with a lot of topics not typically seen in this genre. The first is the mental deterioration of people as they age and the other two are spiritualism and ghosts. All of these very much existed during this time, but are generally misunderstood or considered taboo. It was interesting to read the author’s take on them in her story.

Overall, the plot is very simple. I felt that the “twist” or surprise wasn’t surprising at all and could be seen from the moment the villain was introduced. Despite that, it was still a delight to read. Thax is among my favorite historical heroes for multiple reasons. He could be dense and rash but his love for the heroine felt genuine and could be seen in his actions towards her. The female characters in this story were equally as enjoyable. They were strong and intelligent without losing a shred of their femininity. I appreciated their resourcefulness.

The Thirteenth Earl is an uncomplicated love story about two people trying to muddle through the drama in their life and end up finding happiness in each other. If you are searching for a heartwarming romance, filled with realistic and likable characters, this novel may be your next rainy day read.
  
Dangerous Behavior
Dangerous Behavior
Nancy Bush | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ties together well with a good ending (0 more)
Extremely slow start (1 more)
Heavy focus on the romance can be off-putting
Killer Couples
I could almost tag this book as a straight up romance given how much time is dedicated to Sam and Jules’ love story. While the romance could be a good hook for some I personally just found it distracting and kind of eye roll worthy. Sam and Jules were high school sweethearts, Sam cheats, and after getting dumped Jules finds her way into the arms of his brother, who took care of her through her family troubles. The book spends an inordinate amount of time on Sam’s miserable love life and how he never got over his first love despite a plethora of women throwing themselves at him. This made the earlier parts of the novel slow down to a crawl as the narrative focus was more about the romance than the actual murder.

It got worse when Jules started getting her memory back and remembers nothing of the love she shared with her husband and instead keeps thinking about Sam and all the great sex they had. Days after her husband is murdered. I groaned. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised and it’s predictable, it’s just so distasteful and was just sort of a big middle finger to Sam’s brother Joe. I couldn’t get behind the romance in the story at all and it really decreased my enjoyment. So much that I actually was really struggling to like the book and had been thinking about rating it lower until I got to the second half of the book.

Thank goodness for the second half, when the mystery really started to come together. The thrill killers were an interesting pair that bring to mind several serial killer couples. It was a confusing twist on an otherwise average murder mystery and at first I had been wondering why they were even in the story at all. As I dug deeper into the story, however, things pulled together nicely and I actually found these characters to be pretty interesting.

This was the part of the book that was actually good, and the ending alone convinced me to push my rating just a little bit higher. It was worth slogging through the romance to get to the good stuff. While I found certain parts predictable and had figured out the dastardly duo immediately when they were introduced I still enjoyed unraveling the mystery and finding a few surprises along the way.
  
The Sun is Also a Star
The Sun is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon | 2016 | Children
8
8.5 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
Surprisingly bittersweet, well crafted
I was initially apprehensive with this book as I assumed it was for young adults, however I was surprised to find how well written and intricately constructed it was.

The narrative shifts between a young undocumented woman, originally from Jamaica but brought up in the U.S., and an American-born Korean, who find each other on her last day before she is deported. In between are segways of an unknown voice who delves into the different characters and their backgrounds. The book explores fate and free will and whether there is an overarching hand that shapes this.

Their romance resembles that of 'Before Sunset', which was enjoyable but obviously the dialogue in this novel is not as intelligent. It's bittersweet, coming-of-age, and takes you back to young love.
  
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)
J.R. Ward | 2005 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.3 (23 Ratings)
Book Rating
*This is a re-read for me, but my first review of the books*

A stellar novel of angst, suspense, blood sucking and romance when you least expect!

J.R. Ward is a phenomenal story teller. She pulled me from page one, and held me captive with Wrath's angst and pain, and with Mary's confusion and love. These characters weren't just created....they were molded into beautiful creatures of the night, and woven into the story line in just the right way.

This story of pain, unexpected love, sorrow and confusion is one that will sit with the reader long after the last page is turn. The Brotherhood is family now, and I look forward to continuing the journeys of each Brother's love story.

Definitely recommended with the highest of 5 stars!