This is fun! Great writing and storytelling, and great characters. Most of the book sets the world, really, through the perspectives of Skylar and HorThis is fun! Great writing and storytelling, and great characters. Most of the book sets the world, really, through the perspectives of Skylar and Horace. Some time after the end of the segregation war, in a non-shifter a/o/b world, where omegas are worth very little and alphas aren't usually more than beasts led by primal instincts. The main characters break the mold, so to speak, and I really liked that. Skylar is an atypical omega: big, all fire and passion and gumption... and the leader of a gang of thieves. And Horace is an atypical alpha, in a self-imposed isolation, alone at his ranch, intended to fight his natural impulses... and the man hired to catch Skylar dead or alive.
Horace does catch Skylar, and things between them move kind of in a predictable way. And fast. Omega in heat plus alpha confined in a cave - you can imagine. But I really liked them as individuals and especially as bonded mates: imperfect yet perfect for each other.
I enjoyed reading this and I recommend it to anyone looking for an historical alpha/omega romance with a western setting and a happy ending....more
For me, who I've most definitely been daydreaming during the class on The Republic of Venice in school, The Ballot Boy was an utterly fascinating readFor me, who I've most definitely been daydreaming during the class on The Republic of Venice in school, The Ballot Boy was an utterly fascinating read. The author brings a tome that can be considered educational on ...more
I'm torn about how to review this book. The overall storyline was intriguing and the premises was definitely singular. The mystery kept me glued to thI'm torn about how to review this book. The overall storyline was intriguing and the premises was definitely singular. The mystery kept me glued to the pages, but my problem with the book concerns the characters...mainly Hadrian. I didn't particularly like him, nor did I like some of his actions in general and towards Thomas in particular. And Thomas, while endearing, wasn't a character that I came to love completely.
The only way to describe my feelings about the book is to say that I was intrigued by the plot and curious to see how it would end. Yet, while I'm glad that Hadrian and Thomas found each other, I wasn't one hundred percent invested in their relationship. Hence... I'm torn. But, I consider this an interesting story as a whole and worth a read....more
What I appreciated most about this book was the detailed voyage back in time. Thanks to the care the author gave to descriptions, it was easy to visuaWhat I appreciated most about this book was the detailed voyage back in time. Thanks to the care the author gave to descriptions, it was easy to visualize in my mind's eye the people, settings and the nature depicted in the story.
Sharda and Fin (Finella) were delightful. They were opposites in most everything: coloring, manners, origins, education. I was happy they found each other, yet, to be completely honest, I didn't feel their romance. They became good friends, but, in my opinion, the author didn't manage to convey perfectly the spark between them, not enough to make me believe in their passion and romantic connection.
Sadly, I also struggled with the language a bit. Some of the wording and phrasing were heavily old English, so to speak, which created some difficulty in fluidity for me. I'm sure that most probably other readers would consider the language a point in favor of the story, though.
As a whole, I enjoyed reading this book, especially being at Balintore Castle and celebrating Hogmanay with its charming inhabitants.
*ARC provided by IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review...more
With The Schoolmaster's Spy, this author proves that she definitely knows how to write sweet and steamy historical romance, with amazing ambiance of tWith The Schoolmaster's Spy, this author proves that she definitely knows how to write sweet and steamy historical romance, with amazing ambiance of the time period, lovable characters, interesting settings and a gripping storyline.
I loved Mark and Felix. Right from the start, I was completely charmed by their good hearts, complex personalities and quirks. Opposites but wonderfully suited for each other, the development of their relationship was heart-warming, fun and deliciously steamy.
The romance in this book was full of challenges and so rewarding when Mark and Felix managed to build a strong bond of love, comfort and support. When you add the solid writing and the overall fast moving, intriguing plot, for me it became un-putdownable and the lose-sleep-over kind of read....more
Once a Gentleman is a delightful historical romance, angst free and entertaining.
Kit and Andrew started off as not quite enemies yet not friendly, evOnce a Gentleman is a delightful historical romance, angst free and entertaining.
Kit and Andrew started off as not quite enemies yet not friendly, even as they lived in the same house and with their work relationship. Immensely attracted to each other, but they lacked in the communication department. They seemed to speak different languages at times, understanding the complete opposite of what the other said and they've been so much fun to watch. Both prideful and stubborn, reluctant to be the first to let his guard down, which resulted in a push and pull that entertained me to no end. Attraction before friendship and a combustible chemistry, leading to feelings so tender that made me swoon.
I really enjoyed the story and the author's writing. I found amazing dialogues and well researched language and historical details. Recommended....more
This was such an incredibly feel-good story. Despite a few saddening moments, I found myself smiling more often than not.
The main characters were uttThis was such an incredibly feel-good story. Despite a few saddening moments, I found myself smiling more often than not.
The main characters were utter sweethearts. Jonny was colorful and energetic, just a ray of sunshine character and totally lovable. He was practiced, let's say, in the ways of being with another man, and sadly burned by past relationships. Perry, in comparison, was a big, studly guy, insecure and inexperienced, calm and with the gentlest soul. Although these two men were a study in contrasts, they were perfect for each other and I adored seeing them together .
The chemistry between the two is well-written and so darn tender. A gorgeous friendship started between them, followed with Jonny "kindly" introducing Perry to the joys of gay sex. They struggled a bit with the feelings that inevitably grew, both weary, having fears and insecurities. They had to dig out every ounce of courage and risk their hearts, and the resolution to their struggles was heart-warming.
I love how Joanna Chambers always manages to take me back in time. I'm in love with her writing style and the flow of the story was so easy and effortless. Everything was described with humorous undertone, resulting in an easygoing, fun and sweet historical romance.
I'm yet to read a book by VL Locey and not completely love it, and her first dip in historical is as brilliant as I'd expected it to be. The writing wI'm yet to read a book by VL Locey and not completely love it, and her first dip in historical is as brilliant as I'd expected it to be. The writing was vibrant and skillfully managed to capture the old wild west and what life might have been in those times.
The plot was exciting and fast paced, and in some ways moving excruciatingly slow, because of the high stakes and the constant worry for Spencer and Crow's lives. The romance between Spencer and Crow was not a sex-filled romp but a gradual realization and buildup of emotions that was congruos to their circumstances. I loved these two men. Complete opposites in stature, education and personality, the feelings between them grew quietly and steadily, in a slow burn that was beautifully tender.
The ups and downs of suspense and anticipation never let up, continuing until almost the very last chapter, making it hard to put down the book. I loved it and I can't recommend it enough....more
A.L. Lester's stories are a special treat for me, because they always leave me with a happy sigh and feeling wrapped in a warm blanket of emotions... A.L. Lester's stories are a special treat for me, because they always leave me with a happy sigh and feeling wrapped in a warm blanket of emotions... Eight Acts was no different.
The narrator, Percy, was no-one extraordinary, nor was his love interest Adrian or his best friend Les. Simple men, gentle and kind, with simple lives and dreams. But, thanks to how vividly the author wrote them, helping me intimately know their simple lives, their fears and dreams, they became special and unique.
What made my heart ache was Percy's wonder at fully experiencing an encounter with another man, after years of hasty, fearful stolen moments. Things that have been prohibited like kissing, embracing, snuggling all night, he was now allowed to luxuriate in, and he lived all of them with Adrian. I simply adored how their relationship was written. There were no instant sparks, they weren't even supposed to last more than a few months. They just belonged together and they slowly, gently fell in love.
Eight Acts was short, yet incredibly feeling like a full lenght novel. It offered an all encompassing view of the historical period, with its good sides and bad, a romance I was completely immersed into and a beautiful, uplifting epilogue. Loved it!...more
Set first in South Africa then in London, A Leap of Faith painted quite a vivid picture of both locations. The author gave importance to people, surroSet first in South Africa then in London, A Leap of Faith painted quite a vivid picture of both locations. The author gave importance to people, surroundings and even political contexts, which I really appreciated. It gave me an all encompassing perspective on Daniel's and Eddy's lives, their experiences and choices.
There were a series of important subjects treated in the story, like apartheid, shell shock and the war, racism and homophobia. It was a bit angsty and parts brought tears to my eyes, but so many wonderful things shone through the pages. Daniel and Teddy's romance was touching and uplifting, like a soothing balm amidst the fear and the uncertainty.
I was so absorbed by this story I didn't notice time fly. Daniel and Teddy were wonderful men and I wanted beautiful things for them. I didn't expect it honestly, considering the times, but the author gave them... and me... the happiest ending. Thank you!...more
I never miss anything these authors write because their books are always unforgettable and thrilling reads.
As I expected, The Man Who Loved Cole FloreI never miss anything these authors write because their books are always unforgettable and thrilling reads.
As I expected, The Man Who Loved Cole Flores is a vivid and brilliantly written historical novel, with a skillfully detailed old Wild West and a true feel of what life might have been in those times, especially life for and with an outlaw gang. The plot was intense and consuming, a totally realistic to the times slow burn romance. I absolutely loved how the slow buildup allowed more glimpses of Ned and Cole, time for them to really see one another, making their bond standout, passionate and precious. But, it was also excruciating because the ups and downs of suspense never allowed tension to diminish, keeping me almost afraid of what might happen.
The ending left me breathless and wide-eyed, excited to put my hands on the next book. Can't wait!...more
Welcome to the small community of Winsford Green, where once you've found your place in the heart of its people, you have actually found a family. A fWelcome to the small community of Winsford Green, where once you've found your place in the heart of its people, you have actually found a family. A family so quirky that your oddness doesn't stand out and you're accepted for who you are.
I enjoyed watching Arthur slowly become part of the community and fall in love with Joseph. Not an easy process, mind you, because these two men were different in many ways, but, after lots of steamy moments together and talking, they found a surprising dynamic that worked perfectly for them.
I loved them together and I hope I'll see them again in future installments of this series....more
I don't know how Jackie North does it, but her writing is so riveting and all kinds of wonderful. Her stories always take me to places that end up feeI don't know how Jackie North does it, but her writing is so riveting and all kinds of wonderful. Her stories always take me to places that end up feeling like home and leave me in awe and with dreamy eyes. Despite the fantastical feel of her books, especially in For the Love of a Ghost, the writing is ever so earthly, easy to identify with and real.
For all accounts, this should have been a depressing read. The love story seemed doomed from the beginning and it definitely made me ugly cry. But, at the same time, I felt comforted, like living among my own people, my family. And it also made me realize all the things I take for granted. I'm not even talking about modern day commodities, but about freedom. Freedom of choice and equality.
I loved the characters and their connection, and feared they wouldn't get their happy ending. They deserved all the joy in the universe, and I'm so, so happy with how the author managed to work around the adverse circumstances.
Honestly, I wish the author had kept the reasons why Caleb was on the run and hiding for a bit longer. I quite enjoyed the little clues that were giveHonestly, I wish the author had kept the reasons why Caleb was on the run and hiding for a bit longer. I quite enjoyed the little clues that were given through the beginning of the story, keeping me guessing. Just a personal preference and it doesn't mean to say that the story lost its charm once the mystery was disclosed, quite the contrary. Because there was the burgeoning romance between Caleb and Philip...if, of course, Caleb managed to slip through the net of whoever wanted him dead.
Gearheart, as a town, was rundown and nearly dying, but it was a home for a colorful crowd of people. Most importantly, a home for Caleb (and maybe Philip?). Gearheart, as a story, was an intricate combination of romance, historical and steampunk, of past and present, and surprises. I definitely didn't see coming some of the things that happened, especially toward the ending.
Anabela.M.
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