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Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades of Grey
E.L. James | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.6 (103 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.
  
Stalking Jack the Ripper
Stalking Jack the Ripper
Kerri Maniscalco | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.6 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was one of the few book series that I obsessively read and instantly loved. The romance isn't fast paced, there's historical facts that are interesting, and Maniscalco really knew how to captivate not just me, but other readers too (I got my friend obsessed with this series as well).
I will say, its not for those who don't like the extreme detail on violence and gore, but if you're a fan of crime novels and topics such as Jack the Ripper, then you ought to love this book!
I'm so glad I found this book and would happily recommend this to many people.
  
The Chestnut Man
The Chestnut Man
Søren Sveistrup | 2019 | Crime, Thriller
9
8.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
So having read / listened to a few YA novels recently thinking they would lighten the mood I went back to my usual pick of full-on serial killer gore-tastic and why did I ever leave!?! This is my thing apparently (not sure what that says about me!!)

I enjoyed this dark police procedural it ticked all the requirements, evil but clever killer, a determined but troubled police detective (not too much romance.) I listened to the audiobook narrated by CharlottMelen and appreciated the experience of not tripping over the Danish name pronunciation as would have happened if I'd read it.... Not for the weak of stomach.
  
UT
Until There Was You
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I love Kirstan Higgins so much. She's a good writer, she's funny, she's clever, her characters are awesome, and there's always a cute dog or cat.

Also she rocks at writing kissing scenes. WOW!.

The number-one thing I love about her novels is this: She writes these awesome contemporary romance novels, but she doesn't litter them with explicit sex, which I DON'T like to read (I mean really, I feel like I'm sneaking into a XXX movie when I read stuff like that. It's private, man! The characters don't want you to know what's going on under the sheets!).

Anyway, Until There Was You didn't disappoint. Liam was amazing, Posey was sweet, Nicole (the daughter) was adorable, and the family was family: a-typical in every way and funny and weird and full of life. I love it. I wish I could keep this book forever instead of bringing it back to the library. I tore through this thing in like five hours... I stayed up until 4am reading.

But hey, other people have to read it too, right?

:D
  
Despite being the second in the series, you don’t need to read the first to enjoy this novel.

Overall, the novel wasn’t terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.

I also wasn’t a fan of the author’s writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.

Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.