This was a weird story for me. I haven't read many prison romances, but I was excited to try this one because of some rave review from my friends. I wThis was a weird story for me. I haven't read many prison romances, but I was excited to try this one because of some rave review from my friends. I was expecting something violent and gritty, which this book was. However, the romance for me was totally lacking, and I thought that Dane was a serious dick.
I'm very willing to suspend reality for romance books, and I do it all the time, but seriously?? With this one?? I don't even understand what was happening most of the time. Dane shanked like 100 people with no consequences in this book, and got off with just a shrug. The cop that sort of helped Dane out? What was his deal? The whole prison system made absolutely no sense.
Also, I didn't see why Bailey liked Dane at all. He was a royal ass, and I didn't see how or why there was any spark between them. The GFY was waaayyyy too fast and easy, and Dane was too flip-floppy as a character. It was a hot mess, if I'm being honest.
It wasn't all bad, but a lot of the book was "huh??"-worthy for me. Just not my speed.
Merged review:
This was a weird story for me. I haven't read many prison romances, but I was excited to try this one because of some rave review from my friends. I was expecting something violent and gritty, which this book was. However, the romance for me was totally lacking, and I thought that Dane was a serious dick.
I'm very willing to suspend reality for romance books, and I do it all the time, but seriously?? With this one?? I don't even understand what was happening most of the time. Dane shanked like 100 people with no consequences in this book, and got off with just a shrug. The cop that sort of helped Dane out? What was his deal? The whole prison system made absolutely no sense.
Also, I didn't see why Bailey liked Dane at all. He was a royal ass, and I didn't see how or why there was any spark between them. The GFY was waaayyyy too fast and easy, and Dane was too flip-floppy as a character. It was a hot mess, if I'm being honest.
It wasn't all bad, but a lot of the book was "huh??"-worthy for me. Just not my speed....more
Another good story from Valerie Bowman, though it was a little too abrupt for my tastes.
I've been really loving Valerie Bowman recently, and I think Another good story from Valerie Bowman, though it was a little too abrupt for my tastes.
I've been really loving Valerie Bowman recently, and I think that this book had a lot of potential, but the novella format stopped it just short of being great.
Mr. Hunt, I Presume was a very sweet second-chance romance between a long-ago separated couple. Colin is a workaholic and Erienne is resigned to be no more than a governess. Everyone from the side characters to the main couple were great, full-fleshed out characters, which is hard to get in a novella. I enjoyed the lightness and good-natured humor in the story.
However, I didn't love the fact that all of the tension in the story relies on a long-ago misunderstanding, and I think that Erienne and Colin still had years of turmoil to work through when the story ended. I wanted more time with them as a couple, getting to know one another again. Still, the relationship was fulfilling and lovely, and it made me want to read more Playful Brides novels to find out what else Valerie Bowman can come up with with a full-length story.
Another good story from Valerie Bowman, though it was a little too abrupt for my tastes.
I've been really loving Valerie Bowman recently, and I think that this book had a lot of potential, but the novella format stopped it just short of being great.
Mr. Hunt, I Presume was a very sweet second-chance romance between a long-ago separated couple. Colin is a workaholic and Erienne is resigned to be no more than a governess. Everyone from the side characters to the main couple were great, full-fleshed out characters, which is hard to get in a novella. I enjoyed the lightness and good-natured humor in the story.
However, I didn't love the fact that all of the tension in the story relies on a long-ago misunderstanding, and I think that Erienne and Colin still had years of turmoil to work through when the story ended. I wanted more time with them as a couple, getting to know one another again. Still, the relationship was fulfilling and lovely, and it made me want to read more Playful Brides novels to find out what else Valerie Bowman can come up with with a full-length story.
Merry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I shMerry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should have liked it more.
The story had everything that I normally eat up like ice cream. We get a shy virgin MC, a holiday romance, a jock/nerd dynamic, and a sweet love story. However, I kept putting it down, and it took me over four days to finish (unheard of for a Keira Andrews book!).
I think I struggled with how incredibly insecure Jeremy acted all the time. I get feeling unattractive, but it was every. single. interaction. I think it just wore me out. The physical relationship also moved a little quickly for me (I prefer lots of sexual tension and buildup), but that's just personal preference.
I enjoyed the snowy Canadian setting and the maple syrup farm, the non-white MC, and Max's adorable family dynamics, but it never moved above just pleasant for me.
Though this wasn't a home-run for my tastes, I would recommend it to friends who want to read a light holiday romance, which is more important this year than ever. Ho, ho, ho, everyone!
Merry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should have liked it more.
The story had everything that I normally eat up like ice cream. We get a shy virgin MC, a holiday romance, a jock/nerd dynamic, and a sweet love story. However, I kept putting it down, and it took me over four days to finish (unheard of for a Keira Andrews book!).
I think I struggled with how incredibly insecure Jeremy acted all the time. I get feeling unattractive, but it was every. single. interaction. I think it just wore me out. The physical relationship also moved a little quickly for me (I prefer lots of sexual tension and buildup), but that's just personal preference.
I enjoyed the snowy Canadian setting and the maple syrup farm, the non-white MC, and Max's adorable family dynamics, but it never moved above just pleasant for me.
Though this wasn't a home-run for my tastes, I would recommend it to friends who want to read a light holiday romance, which is more important this year than ever. Ho, ho, ho, everyone!
I have a mixed history with E.J. Russell, but she really pulled this story off. While you certainly could read this as a stand-alone, I enjoyed having some of the backstory from Single White Incubus first.
Cas and Rusty were adorable together. I loved their lighthearted banter and the way that they really stood up for each other. They were such a good couple.
I also dug the plot of the story. E.J. Russell can tend to be long-winded and get caught up in tangents, but this story really worked. The plot had some twists and turns, but I think it all ended up flowing well and feeling well-paced.
And that ending!! I love when a book leaves me swooning at the end. I actually left the story wanting more (maybe a short story that takes place in their future?!) or a glimpse of them in an upcoming book. I'm attached to these MCs!
A very good, light supernatural book that will make you smile. The best work yet from this author.
I have a mixed history with E.J. Russell, but she really pulled this story off. While you certainly could read this as a stand-alone, I enjoyed having some of the backstory from Single White Incubus first.
Cas and Rusty were adorable together. I loved their lighthearted banter and the way that they really stood up for each other. They were such a good couple.
I also dug the plot of the story. E.J. Russell can tend to be long-winded and get caught up in tangents, but this story really worked. The plot had some twists and turns, but I think it all ended up flowing well and feeling well-paced.
And that ending!! I love when a book leaves me swooning at the end. I actually left the story wanting more (maybe a short story that takes place in their future?!) or a glimpse of them in an upcoming book. I'm attached to these MCs!
A very good, light supernatural book that will make you smile. The best work yet from this author.
I enjoyed Surreal Estate by new-to-me author, Jesi Lea Ryan. I read a lot of paranormal books and books with psychics, but I don't think I'*3.5 stars*
I enjoyed Surreal Estate by new-to-me author, Jesi Lea Ryan. I read a lot of paranormal books and books with psychics, but I don't think I've read one yet that the psychic communicated with houses. I thought it was a cool premise.
I really liked Sasha, who went through so much with his mom and being homeless. He was young, but he really had his head on right. I connected with him a lot.
Nick... was a bit of a mess. He is the older MC by over a decade, but he didn't have his act together at all. Of course, I loved the bisexual aspect (I love a bi MC), and I liked how the relationship was sort of slow-burn, but I related to Sasha a lot more.
I really liked the slight mystery aspect, and I loved the paranormal aspects, even more than I was expecting. I think my only complaint was the pacing, but it was a very, very solid read. I'd read this author again in a heartbeat.
I enjoyed Surreal Estate by new-to-me author, Jesi Lea Ryan. I read a lot of paranormal books and books with psychics, but I don't think I've read one yet that the psychic communicated with houses. I thought it was a cool premise.
I really liked Sasha, who went through so much with his mom and being homeless. He was young, but he really had his head on right. I connected with him a lot.
Nick... was a bit of a mess. He is the older MC by over a decade, but he didn't have his act together at all. Of course, I loved the bisexual aspect (I love a bi MC), and I liked how the relationship was sort of slow-burn, but I related to Sasha a lot more.
I really liked the slight mystery aspect, and I loved the paranormal aspects, even more than I was expecting. I think my only complaint was the pacing, but it was a very, very solid read. I'd read this author again in a heartbeat.
I'm very into the Townsends series by the talented Lily Maxton, and though Claiming The Highlander's Heart isn't my favorite in the series, it was a strong book that really veers from the expected norms of historical romance, and actually romance in general.
To start, I wish I didn't have to completely suspend belief for the beginning part of the story... but I did. To accept that a band of thieves would take a random woman and trust her with their stories of thievery (yeah, I know they tested her, but that is AFTER they admitted to being thieves!) pushed my boundaries of what I could accept. I found it extremely hard to believe that a woman related to royalty, even if she grew up more modestly, could adapt and thrive in a rough living environment so easily. I also didn't quite see the intensity of emotions between the two MCs, and wasn't feeling the love that early on in the story. However, once the second half of the book started, my enjoyment level really started to pick up.
I'm not going to spoil details of Georgina's medical condition, but it was actually central to my enjoyment of the book. I have to discuss it all in spoilers, but be warned that I have A LOT to say about it!
(view spoiler)[I loved, loved, loved that Georgina was unable to have penetrative sex due to a medical condition and the male MC, Mal, ACCEPTED THAT and didn't make a big stink over that. That is just revolutionary in romance, where so much of the culmination of all the sexual tension depends on penetrative sex, whether it be in straight or queer romance. For women (and men) who are unable, for whatever reason, to have penetrative sex to know that they still can have that romance-y, romance happily ever after with no "penalization" is really awesome. I love that Lily Maxton wrote her female MC like that. I also love that Georgina's inability to have children wasn't also magically fixed.
On the topic of Georgina's medical condition, I was immediately interested. The medical professional in me right away went to diagnosing her. With her lack of any period or mensuration and her underdeveloped vaginal width and depth, my mind immediately went to Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complet...). I mean, there are other conditions that it could be of course (like Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser), but the fact that we possibly got an intersex female MC was awe-inspiring for me.
I wish I knew even more about Georgina's condition, but the fact that she even had something that made her unable to have penetrative sex and made her infertile was so cool for me as a romance reader. (hide spoiler)]
The ending of the book wrapped up really strongly, and that, coupled with the details in my spoiler, bumped this book up to 3.5 stars, edging near 4 stars. Recommended for fans of Lily Maxton and for those who want a strong female MC and an atypical historical romance.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
*3.5 stars*
I'm very into the Townsends series by the talented Lily Maxton, and though Claiming The Highlander's Heart isn't my favorite in the series, it was a strong book that really veers from the expected norms of historical romance, and actually romance in general.
To start, I wish I didn't have to completely suspend belief for the beginning part of the story... but I did. To accept that a band of thieves would take a random woman and trust her with their stories of thievery (yeah, I know they tested her, but that is AFTER they admitted to being thieves!) pushed my boundaries of what I could accept. I found it extremely hard to believe that a woman related to royalty, even if she grew up more modestly, could adapt and thrive in a rough living environment so easily. I also didn't quite see the intensity of emotions between the two MCs, and wasn't feeling the love that early on in the story. However, once the second half of the book started, my enjoyment level really started to pick up.
I'm not going to spoil details of Georgina's medical condition, but it was actually central to my enjoyment of the book. I have to discuss it all in spoilers, but be warned that I have A LOT to say about it!
(view spoiler)[I loved, loved, loved that Georgina was unable to have penetrative sex due to a medical condition and the male MC, Mal, ACCEPTED THAT and didn't make a big stink over that. That is just revolutionary in romance, where so much of the culmination of all the sexual tension depends on penetrative sex, whether it be in straight or queer romance. For women (and men) who are unable, for whatever reason, to have penetrative sex to know that they still can have that romance-y, romance happily ever after with no "penalization" is really awesome. I love that Lily Maxton wrote her female MC like that. I also love that Georgina's inability to have children wasn't also magically fixed.
On the topic of Georgina's medical condition, I was immediately interested. The medical professional in me right away went to diagnosing her. With her lack of any period or mensuration and her underdeveloped vaginal width and depth, my mind immediately went to Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complet...). I mean, there are other conditions that it could be of course (like Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser), but the fact that we possibly got an intersex female MC was awe-inspiring for me.
I wish I knew even more about Georgina's condition, but the fact that she even had something that made her unable to have penetrative sex and made her infertile was so cool for me as a romance reader. (hide spoiler)]
The ending of the book wrapped up really strongly, and that, coupled with the details in my spoiler, bumped this book up to 3.5 stars, edging near 4 stars. Recommended for fans of Lily Maxton and for those who want a strong female MC and an atypical historical romance.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
Sarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her sSarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her stilted writing made me feel disconnected from the story.
I had a major issue with how Paulo was written. The story is told in alternating POVs, so for half of the time we are inside Paulo's head. Now, why on earth would Paulo speak in odd, hesitant language in his own head? I would expect him to have difficultly speaking out loud in dialogue, but in his head it should be smooth. I have a pet peeve when authors write without contractions, and, in this case, it made Paulo sound stiff and formal.
Paulo had not paid attention to the names of the riders. He did not speak much English and there were no other Brasilians around.
I also had issues with how Portuguese words were inserted into dialogue and then defined right afterwards. Also, it is like the author looked up a few words in Portuguese and then used those same words over and over again, just to make the character more authentic. I didn't like the repetition, and I thought that the insertion of Portuguese words when the character was speaking inside his own head was distracting. I could see if he used Portuguese in dialogue, but inside his head felt... odd.
This was interesting, this cowboy who had much curiosidade. His curiosidade was making Paulo more than a little curioso on his own.
Aside from those little issues, I found the relationship between the two MCs to be lacking in chemistry a bit. I didn't like the rush to call each other boyfriends, and the jump to the epilogue at the end. Mitch goes from this terrified, closeted character to suddenly... not. I was left scratching my head.
While not a bad story, I wouldn't call it good either. I won't be continuing on in this series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
Sarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her stilted writing made me feel disconnected from the story.
I had a major issue with how Paulo was written. The story is told in alternating POVs, so for half of the time we are inside Paulo's head. Now, why on earth would Paulo speak in odd, hesitant language in his own head? I would expect him to have difficultly speaking out loud in dialogue, but in his head it should be smooth. I have a pet peeve when authors write without contractions, and, in this case, it made Paulo sound stiff and formal.
Paulo had not paid attention to the names of the riders. He did not speak much English and there were no other Brasilians around.
I also had issues with how Portuguese words were inserted into dialogue and then defined right afterwards. Also, it is like the author looked up a few words in Portuguese and then used those same words over and over again, just to make the character more authentic. I didn't like the repetition, and I thought that the insertion of Portuguese words when the character was speaking inside his own head was distracting. I could see if he used Portuguese in dialogue, but inside his head felt... odd.
This was interesting, this cowboy who had much curiosidade. His curiosidade was making Paulo more than a little curioso on his own.
Aside from those little issues, I found the relationship between the two MCs to be lacking in chemistry a bit. I didn't like the rush to call each other boyfriends, and the jump to the epilogue at the end. Mitch goes from this terrified, closeted character to suddenly... not. I was left scratching my head.
While not a bad story, I wouldn't call it good either. I won't be continuing on in this series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I'm being generous and giving this book 3 stars when I want to give it even less because it never grabbed me and sci-fi romances are right up my alleyI'm being generous and giving this book 3 stars when I want to give it even less because it never grabbed me and sci-fi romances are right up my alley.
I'm going to have a hard time with this review because there was nothing wrong with this book, per say. Except... I just wanted to put it down the entire time I was reading it. I'm not exactly sure why. There was lots of sex (check!), there was a plot (though it was total fluff), interesting secondary characters, and the writing was competent. However, something about this book was missing.
I think part of my problem was that they had hot fighting sex for the whole book (which is great, don't get me wrong) and you could tell that they wanted each other, but when they started calling it love... that is where this book lost me. I couldn't feel the love at ALL here. I also think the writing veered a little bit towards the cheesy side during the sex scenes. I mean, Torin described Rain's dick as smelling like "lightning".... um, what? And if I hear ONE MORE TIME that a guy's kiss tasting "spicy", I will shoot myself. Unless you have just eaten some Thai food, it is weird to describe someone's lips as tasting spicy, just saying...
Moving on to the next in the series and hoping that Cookie has something good up his sleeve!
Merged review:
I'm being generous and giving this book 3 stars when I want to give it even less because it never grabbed me and sci-fi romances are right up my alley.
I'm going to have a hard time with this review because there was nothing wrong with this book, per say. Except... I just wanted to put it down the entire time I was reading it. I'm not exactly sure why. There was lots of sex (check!), there was a plot (though it was total fluff), interesting secondary characters, and the writing was competent. However, something about this book was missing.
I think part of my problem was that they had hot fighting sex for the whole book (which is great, don't get me wrong) and you could tell that they wanted each other, but when they started calling it love... that is where this book lost me. I couldn't feel the love at ALL here. I also think the writing veered a little bit towards the cheesy side during the sex scenes. I mean, Torin described Rain's dick as smelling like "lightning".... um, what? And if I hear ONE MORE TIME that a guy's kiss tasting "spicy", I will shoot myself. Unless you have just eaten some Thai food, it is weird to describe someone's lips as tasting spicy, just saying...
Moving on to the next in the series and hoping that Cookie has something good up his sleeve!...more
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see th*1.5 stars*
**Review may contain some minor plot spoilers**
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see the positive in everything. However, with this book... it was hard to find anything that I enjoyed about it.
I want to talk about a few things that bothered me a great deal. First of all, the editing. I'm not usually one to notice grammar or editing mistakes unless they are really obvious, but I couldn't get past all of the errors.
"Good, good," Quinn said twice.
Wait, he said "good" twice or "good, good" twice?
Darting in and out and each thrust deeper than before, warm tears prickled the backs of Ethan's eyes as Quinn's hands massaged his buttocks and thighs.
I dare you to figure out what was darting in and out. The warm tears? His hands? You can't figure it out, can you?
There were SO many sentences that just plain made no sense or felt wrong. While I can overlook some mistakes, many of these really took me out of the reading experience. In addition, there were a lot of plot inconstancies that threw me for a loop. I was sure that Ethan said that he and Randall were broken up, that Randall moved out and cheated on him, but then he says they were dating all along? And he said something about being out of a job, but then that was murky too. Also, there is a scene where Ethan says he is going to buy some new clothes so he can help with the farming, then complains later that he has nothing to wear to do dirty work in. It was just sloppy feeling, all around.
In addition, I haven't hated a character as much as I've hated Ethan in a LONG time. He is a snobby, pretentious slut-shamer, and not in a way that is meant to show how much he can grow over the course of the book. He was loathsome, to be honest, and he was until the very end of the story.
"Nooo," Ethan said on a long exhale. "That's Shelly 'The Slut' Sanderson? She hasn't changed a bit, except maybe for a few extra pounds and an even trashier wardrobe. Just look at that top. It leaves nothing to the imagination."
Ethan turned his attention to his Range Rover and Randall's Mercedes parked side-by-side, gleaming in the morning sun, the two vehicles complementing each other. They spelled success, accomplishment, and triumph to anyone who saw them. He was now like the people in the magazines that he had once combed over, and he intended to stay that way.
Ethan never really changed any of his ways, only sort of ending up with Quinn because... I'm not sure exactly. I didn't really get them together and didn't see why they even liked each other. And Randall... ugh. He was like a bad parody of a snobbish gay man.
"You are sadly mistaken." Randall raised his chin and looked down his nose at Quinn. "I only sweat when a personal trainer who I'm paying a hundred dollars a session is involved."
All in all, I just didn't get this book. The plot seemed to go nowhere, I didn't like the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry. A miss for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
*1.5 stars*
**Review may contain some minor plot spoilers**
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see the positive in everything. However, with this book... it was hard to find anything that I enjoyed about it.
I want to talk about a few things that bothered me a great deal. First of all, the editing. I'm not usually one to notice grammar or editing mistakes unless they are really obvious, but I couldn't get past all of the errors.
"Good, good," Quinn said twice.
Wait, he said "good" twice or "good, good" twice?
Darting in and out and each thrust deeper than before, warm tears prickled the backs of Ethan's eyes as Quinn's hands massaged his buttocks and thighs.
I dare you to figure out what was darting in and out. The warm tears? His hands? You can't figure it out, can you?
There were SO many sentences that just plain made no sense or felt wrong. While I can overlook some mistakes, many of these really took me out of the reading experience. In addition, there were a lot of plot inconstancies that threw me for a loop. I was sure that Ethan said that he and Randall were broken up, that Randall moved out and cheated on him, but then he says they were dating all along? And he said something about being out of a job, but then that was murky too. Also, there is a scene where Ethan says he is going to buy some new clothes so he can help with the farming, then complains later that he has nothing to wear to do dirty work in. It was just sloppy feeling, all around.
In addition, I haven't hated a character as much as I've hated Ethan in a LONG time. He is a snobby, pretentious slut-shamer, and not in a way that is meant to show how much he can grow over the course of the book. He was loathsome, to be honest, and he was until the very end of the story.
"Nooo," Ethan said on a long exhale. "That's Shelly 'The Slut' Sanderson? She hasn't changed a bit, except maybe for a few extra pounds and an even trashier wardrobe. Just look at that top. It leaves nothing to the imagination."
Ethan turned his attention to his Range Rover and Randall's Mercedes parked side-by-side, gleaming in the morning sun, the two vehicles complementing each other. They spelled success, accomplishment, and triumph to anyone who saw them. He was now like the people in the magazines that he had once combed over, and he intended to stay that way.
Ethan never really changed any of his ways, only sort of ending up with Quinn because... I'm not sure exactly. I didn't really get them together and didn't see why they even liked each other. And Randall... ugh. He was like a bad parody of a snobbish gay man.
"You are sadly mistaken." Randall raised his chin and looked down his nose at Quinn. "I only sweat when a personal trainer who I'm paying a hundred dollars a session is involved."
All in all, I just didn't get this book. The plot seemed to go nowhere, I didn't like the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry. A miss for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book [image]
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book that clicks for everyone else just whooshes right over my head. This was my first Allison Cassatta book and my third Kade Boehme, and despite the positive press around this one I just didn't feel it.
The beginning of this book is really compelling. Riley getting kidnapped and then rescued was a very powerful start to the story. However, I didn't really get why his parents abandoned him after he was found, and I felt like that was an avenue that could have used more exploring.
Once Riley and Hunter meet in Hartfield I was expecting the story to really get going. Instead, my pet peeves seemed to just pile up. I don't like when characters are constantly reading emotion in each other's eyes, like "sadness" or "hunger" or "longing." It just seems like a cop-out way of telling instead of showing emotions. There was a lot of that here. I also felt like Riley trusted Hunter way too easily and that their relationship grew too intense over such a short period of time. With Riley's painful past, I was expecting him to be much more guarded and less open. It didn't feel right with his character.
Sometimes, I can attribute my lack of connection to the audio reading, but I think that the narrator, Michael Ferraiulo, did a nice job. It wasn't the best audio I've heard, but I liked the differentiation between the two voices and his effort overall.
I'll admit, because I was so disconnected from the story, I sped up the narration quite a bit in an effort to finish. With an audiobook that is 7+ hours long, if you aren't interested after 3 hours of listening, it is hard to stay motivated to listen.
I know I'm in the very, very minority with this one. Some of my most trusted friends loved this. However, it just didn't mesh well for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
[image]
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book that clicks for everyone else just whooshes right over my head. This was my first Allison Cassatta book and my third Kade Boehme, and despite the positive press around this one I just didn't feel it.
The beginning of this book is really compelling. Riley getting kidnapped and then rescued was a very powerful start to the story. However, I didn't really get why his parents abandoned him after he was found, and I felt like that was an avenue that could have used more exploring.
Once Riley and Hunter meet in Hartfield I was expecting the story to really get going. Instead, my pet peeves seemed to just pile up. I don't like when characters are constantly reading emotion in each other's eyes, like "sadness" or "hunger" or "longing." It just seems like a cop-out way of telling instead of showing emotions. There was a lot of that here. I also felt like Riley trusted Hunter way too easily and that their relationship grew too intense over such a short period of time. With Riley's painful past, I was expecting him to be much more guarded and less open. It didn't feel right with his character.
Sometimes, I can attribute my lack of connection to the audio reading, but I think that the narrator, Michael Ferraiulo, did a nice job. It wasn't the best audio I've heard, but I liked the differentiation between the two voices and his effort overall.
I'll admit, because I was so disconnected from the story, I sped up the narration quite a bit in an effort to finish. With an audiobook that is 7+ hours long, if you aren't interested after 3 hours of listening, it is hard to stay motivated to listen.
I know I'm in the very, very minority with this one. Some of my most trusted friends loved this. However, it just didn't mesh well for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically ret**2.5 stars**
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically retched at the sight of lady parts so that was a BIG giveaway.
I didn't love the saintly characters, the strange way Gabe said "shitfire" all the time (sounded kind of old-manish), and the storyline with Todd's parents. Everyone seemed a little bit like caricatures, too perfect, too convenient. It didn't have the real quality. To top it off, the sex scenes missed the mark.
Despite my issues, there was something about this story that kept me up late at night reading. It was easy to soar through the pages, and I found charming elements amidst all the trouble spots. At times I even liked it a lot but then a scene would come along that was so eye-roll-inducing that all of my issues with the story would come rushing back.
I think perhaps cinder-fella isn't my favorite theme. I don't love a damsel in distress story so maybe this one started at a disadvantage? Either way, despite a nice cover this one wasn't a win for me. Sad face.
Merged review:
**2.5 stars**
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically retched at the sight of lady parts so that was a BIG giveaway.
I didn't love the saintly characters, the strange way Gabe said "shitfire" all the time (sounded kind of old-manish), and the storyline with Todd's parents. Everyone seemed a little bit like caricatures, too perfect, too convenient. It didn't have the real quality. To top it off, the sex scenes missed the mark.
Despite my issues, there was something about this story that kept me up late at night reading. It was easy to soar through the pages, and I found charming elements amidst all the trouble spots. At times I even liked it a lot but then a scene would come along that was so eye-roll-inducing that all of my issues with the story would come rushing back.
I think perhaps cinder-fella isn't my favorite theme. I don't love a damsel in distress story so maybe this one started at a disadvantage? Either way, despite a nice cover this one wasn't a win for me. Sad face....more
I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss.
Merged review:
I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss....more
Keira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longerKeira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longer story (that Keira HAS to write). It's like the first few chapters of a full book. It was such a tease, such a taste of greatness that it almost made me mad.
I read this eagerly in one sitting, and I almost cried when I got to the last page and there wasn't more. Write fast, please!
Keira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longer story (that Keira HAS to write). It's like the first few chapters of a full book. It was such a tease, such a taste of greatness that it almost made me mad.
I read this eagerly in one sitting, and I almost cried when I got to the last page and there wasn't more. Write fast, please!
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening inju**4.5 stars**
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening injuries... this is the most ANGSTY Amy Lane book I have read to date! It is a wonder the MCs made it out alive!!
I am already an Amy Lane fan-girl, so I went into this book expecting greatness. Did I get greatness? I think I did, despite my issues with this book.
I actually didn't like the beginning. I wasn't into the way the characters were introduced. I wanted to know more about Parish and Deacon and they were kind of just thrown in there. I actually debated putting this one down for a little while but my inner voice said, "Heather, come on, it is AMY LANE. Push through, girl!" And I am so glad that I did.
What Amy Lane does better than anyone else is create these EPIC romances that feel so so real. You get a sense of the absolute depth of the love that these guys have for each other. These two fought tooth and nail for their love and their relationship and it left me feeling haggard and in awe of them as a couple. Amy Lane manages to create this affect, time and time again.
She also creates characters that are deeply flawed yet honorable. I love that she made Deacon not a saint (he is stubborn, proud, and has substance abuse issues), and Crick is rash and insecure. It makes the character feel REAL.
On the negative side, this book was almost teetering on the edge of angsty to the point of being ridiculous. I mean, what these characters went through was just unbelievable. However, Amy Lane's incredible skill as a storyteller allows her to pull this story off.
I want to keep going in the series because I want to see what happens with the secondary characters. I also want to give a shout out to Jon. I can't tell you how much I loved his relationship with Deacon. These characters all stole my heart and made me want more and more.
**Find this review and more like it on myfictionnook.com**
Merged review:
**4.5 stars**
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening injuries... this is the most ANGSTY Amy Lane book I have read to date! It is a wonder the MCs made it out alive!!
I am already an Amy Lane fan-girl, so I went into this book expecting greatness. Did I get greatness? I think I did, despite my issues with this book.
I actually didn't like the beginning. I wasn't into the way the characters were introduced. I wanted to know more about Parish and Deacon and they were kind of just thrown in there. I actually debated putting this one down for a little while but my inner voice said, "Heather, come on, it is AMY LANE. Push through, girl!" And I am so glad that I did.
What Amy Lane does better than anyone else is create these EPIC romances that feel so so real. You get a sense of the absolute depth of the love that these guys have for each other. These two fought tooth and nail for their love and their relationship and it left me feeling haggard and in awe of them as a couple. Amy Lane manages to create this affect, time and time again.
She also creates characters that are deeply flawed yet honorable. I love that she made Deacon not a saint (he is stubborn, proud, and has substance abuse issues), and Crick is rash and insecure. It makes the character feel REAL.
On the negative side, this book was almost teetering on the edge of angsty to the point of being ridiculous. I mean, what these characters went through was just unbelievable. However, Amy Lane's incredible skill as a storyteller allows her to pull this story off.
I want to keep going in the series because I want to see what happens with the secondary characters. I also want to give a shout out to Jon. I can't tell you how much I loved his relationship with Deacon. These characters all stole my heart and made me want more and more.
**Find this review and more like it on myfictionnook.com**...more
Props to S.E. Jakes for bringing the heat back onto my kindle! These guys are HOT together. This book is action-packed, man-loving, roman**3.5 stars**
Props to S.E. Jakes for bringing the heat back onto my kindle! These guys are HOT together. This book is action-packed, man-loving, romantic suspense and a nice follow up to Catch a Ghost. Overall, I really liked this book but I had a few niggles that I'll explain later.
I love seeing these two alpha males together. They are macho, macho with sizzling chemistry between them. It is like when you see a picture of a bunch of hot military guys and you think... "damn, those guys would look so hot together" and your mind wanders to some filthy places involving butts, butts, and more butts- this book is like that smutty fantasy come true! It is all growling, grunting, and sex scenes involving rope and duck tape (use your imagination... or better yet, read the book!). Can you tell that I liked Prophet and Tom together??? So obviously the sex scenes were a highlight for me. I also liked the action, the fast-pace. It hustled the book along and kept me interested and reading all day. I think that S.E. Jakes knows her audience and pumps as much attitude and adrenaline into her books as possible.
However, I had some logistical issues with this book. First of all, I swear, some of those sexual positions and the number of times these two men orgasmed in like 3 hours is physically impossible. I often was scratching my head, thinking, "Okay, Prophet's legs are up here, so I guess he is facing this way, but how is Tom kissing him then? Like from behind? Or maybe upside-down? Huh?" In that same vein, sometimes the characters would be in one locations, and I swear, 5 minutes later they were in a whole different scene and I had no idea how they got there. I missed some of the transitions. I often wanted to say, "slow the heck down, S.E. Jakes! Can you explain a few things a bit more!" It felt kind of herky-jerky, which I also felt during the first book. Also, all of the military or military-esk organizations and groups of men got really confusing for me.
My last issue is that I wanted more romance. I feel like these guys are making progress together (I think?) but it isn't enough for me. I want more tenderness or something. You know how Ty and Zane started being more intimate? I feel like it is going to take forever for that to happy with Prophet and Tom. I want even more from them.
Overall, this book was exciting and really good, but I could have used a few tweaks here and there.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
**3.5 stars**
Props to S.E. Jakes for bringing the heat back onto my kindle! These guys are HOT together. This book is action-packed, man-loving, romantic suspense and a nice follow up to Catch a Ghost. Overall, I really liked this book but I had a few niggles that I'll explain later.
I love seeing these two alpha males together. They are macho, macho with sizzling chemistry between them. It is like when you see a picture of a bunch of hot military guys and you think... "damn, those guys would look so hot together" and your mind wanders to some filthy places involving butts, butts, and more butts- this book is like that smutty fantasy come true! It is all growling, grunting, and sex scenes involving rope and duck tape (use your imagination... or better yet, read the book!). Can you tell that I liked Prophet and Tom together??? So obviously the sex scenes were a highlight for me. I also liked the action, the fast-pace. It hustled the book along and kept me interested and reading all day. I think that S.E. Jakes knows her audience and pumps as much attitude and adrenaline into her books as possible.
However, I had some logistical issues with this book. First of all, I swear, some of those sexual positions and the number of times these two men orgasmed in like 3 hours is physically impossible. I often was scratching my head, thinking, "Okay, Prophet's legs are up here, so I guess he is facing this way, but how is Tom kissing him then? Like from behind? Or maybe upside-down? Huh?" In that same vein, sometimes the characters would be in one locations, and I swear, 5 minutes later they were in a whole different scene and I had no idea how they got there. I missed some of the transitions. I often wanted to say, "slow the heck down, S.E. Jakes! Can you explain a few things a bit more!" It felt kind of herky-jerky, which I also felt during the first book. Also, all of the military or military-esk organizations and groups of men got really confusing for me.
My last issue is that I wanted more romance. I feel like these guys are making progress together (I think?) but it isn't enough for me. I want more tenderness or something. You know how Ty and Zane started being more intimate? I feel like it is going to take forever for that to happy with Prophet and Tom. I want even more from them.
Overall, this book was exciting and really good, but I could have used a few tweaks here and there.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
This was a decent start to a new paranormal romance series. The author managed to cram a lot in a short amount of pages without making the story feel This was a decent start to a new paranormal romance series. The author managed to cram a lot in a short amount of pages without making the story feel rushed or overstuffed.
Maisie can't catch a break. There is a zombie outbreak in London and it is every human for themselves, but when she stumbles upon a family about to get attacked, Maisie feels compelled to help. Luckily, just as she herself is about to be overwhelmed by zombies, a lone werewolf, Seth, steps in to offer his assistance. Though the two have an instant attraction, they both have other things on their plate- like how the zombie attacks seem more and more coordinated and how they are both going to survive a deteriorating London.
What was good was the pacing and the strong heroine lead. I think there are some promising elements here and could lead the way to a nice little series. However, I also had a few little niggles with this book. It really, REALLY annoyed me when all of the characters kept saying "idjits" over and over again. What is wrong with good, old-fashioned "idiots"??? It was odd and it got under my skin. I also thought that the chemistry between the two characters fell totally flat. I didn't get much a sense of heat between then and when they had their final sex scene, I could barely focus over my incessant yawning.
I did enjoy the writing and so I think I would read more books by this author, but I hope that she steps her game up a bit for the next installment.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
This was a decent start to a new paranormal romance series. The author managed to cram a lot in a short amount of pages without making the story feel rushed or overstuffed.
Maisie can't catch a break. There is a zombie outbreak in London and it is every human for themselves, but when she stumbles upon a family about to get attacked, Maisie feels compelled to help. Luckily, just as she herself is about to be overwhelmed by zombies, a lone werewolf, Seth, steps in to offer his assistance. Though the two have an instant attraction, they both have other things on their plate- like how the zombie attacks seem more and more coordinated and how they are both going to survive a deteriorating London.
What was good was the pacing and the strong heroine lead. I think there are some promising elements here and could lead the way to a nice little series. However, I also had a few little niggles with this book. It really, REALLY annoyed me when all of the characters kept saying "idjits" over and over again. What is wrong with good, old-fashioned "idiots"??? It was odd and it got under my skin. I also thought that the chemistry between the two characters fell totally flat. I didn't get much a sense of heat between then and when they had their final sex scene, I could barely focus over my incessant yawning.
I did enjoy the writing and so I think I would read more books by this author, but I hope that she steps her game up a bit for the next installment.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to m**3.5 stars**
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to make one book. I can't imagine a logical break point in the story so I'm happy that it was reworked into one cohesive work.
Do you like geeky boys and hot men with disabilities? If so, this story is for you. I really dug the character of Alex. He is a Maker geek, designing a technologically advanced robot, and has little time for a personal life. I had never heard of the "Maker" movement, but it isn't hard to follow along with the story if you haven't either (if you want to check out the wikipage, here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maker_cu...). I happen to have a weakness for geeky men (my husband is a computer nerd!) so I automatically get all squishy inside when I read about hot geeks looking for their HEA. I also liked the character of Christian, the hot ad exec has trouble opening up after his accident. He was a character with a lot of potential and a past that I wanted to know more about.
What do I wish the author had done differently? Well, I would have liked more buildup to the romance. Things moved along quite briskly for the two guys, which isn't really my taste. I also wanted to know much more about Christian's emotional scars from his accident. For someone who claims that he has problems with intimacy, I was surprised at how quickly and easily he trusted Alex. I just could have used more tension there, more deep emotions.
I think overall this was a very enjoyable story and I am pumped to see what this author can come up with for our guys next. I also am extremely curious about Micah's relationship. I could use a whole story about how that came to be!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
**3.5 stars**
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to make one book. I can't imagine a logical break point in the story so I'm happy that it was reworked into one cohesive work.
Do you like geeky boys and hot men with disabilities? If so, this story is for you. I really dug the character of Alex. He is a Maker geek, designing a technologically advanced robot, and has little time for a personal life. I had never heard of the "Maker" movement, but it isn't hard to follow along with the story if you haven't either (if you want to check out the wikipage, here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maker_cu...). I happen to have a weakness for geeky men (my husband is a computer nerd!) so I automatically get all squishy inside when I read about hot geeks looking for their HEA. I also liked the character of Christian, the hot ad exec has trouble opening up after his accident. He was a character with a lot of potential and a past that I wanted to know more about.
What do I wish the author had done differently? Well, I would have liked more buildup to the romance. Things moved along quite briskly for the two guys, which isn't really my taste. I also wanted to know much more about Christian's emotional scars from his accident. For someone who claims that he has problems with intimacy, I was surprised at how quickly and easily he trusted Alex. I just could have used more tension there, more deep emotions.
I think overall this was a very enjoyable story and I am pumped to see what this author can come up with for our guys next. I also am extremely curious about Micah's relationship. I could use a whole story about how that came to be!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
This was an unexpectedly good, short PNR shifter story. I didn't expect the zombie twist, which was kind of fun. It is hard to tell a com**3.5 stars**
This was an unexpectedly good, short PNR shifter story. I didn't expect the zombie twist, which was kind of fun. It is hard to tell a complete story in only 61 pages but Shawntelle Madison does a very nice job of it. My final take is that it was a enjoyable read but I probably won't remember it in a day or two.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
**3.5 stars**
This was an unexpectedly good, short PNR shifter story. I didn't expect the zombie twist, which was kind of fun. It is hard to tell a complete story in only 61 pages but Shawntelle Madison does a very nice job of it. My final take is that it was a enjoyable read but I probably won't remember it in a day or two.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
My first book by Mary Calmes and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was perfect for my current mood. It was sweet and sexy with very little conflicMy first book by Mary Calmes and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was perfect for my current mood. It was sweet and sexy with very little conflict. Just a feel good straight up romance with some hot cowboys to boot (what can be wrong with that!). I will definitely be trying more Mary Calmes in the future.
Merged review:
My first book by Mary Calmes and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was perfect for my current mood. It was sweet and sexy with very little conflict. Just a feel good straight up romance with some hot cowboys to boot (what can be wrong with that!). I will definitely be trying more Mary Calmes in the future....more
I usually like Annabeth Albert's books, but Up All Night was hard to finish. It just felt... bland, emotionless, and didn't do it for me. It 2.5 stars
I usually like Annabeth Albert's books, but Up All Night was hard to finish. It just felt... bland, emotionless, and didn't do it for me. It took me ages to finish, which is a shame because it doesn't get me pumped up for the rest of the series. ...more
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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