So if you are like me and you love Military Romance, Paranormal, Suspense and great characters then you need *Gifted in exchange for an honest review*
So if you are like me and you love Military Romance, Paranormal, Suspense and great characters then you need to start reading this series.
Seriously I have been glued to the pages of my kindle, and wish Book 4 was out now! (side note - there is an excerpt in the end of the book for a Sci-fi book Thorns Bondmate by Mardi Maxwell its a book 2 in a series but I do like when you are given a sample of another book - its got me interested and added that series to my TBR)
Right - onto Caitlyn O'Leary's Found Series:
I was hooked on this series from book 1, Revealed The 'Found' mysteriously turned up one day on Earth, and now they are grown, they are now gaining powers that some are scared of and want to destroy, while others want to use these powers for nefarious means. This series are Standalones in that they do not leave you on a cliff hanger, but the series is most definitely better read in order.
In Book 3 we are on the trail of the Rixitron Corporation who tried and failed to kidnap Sarah who is a 'Found Healer' for their experimental Breeding program... The team need leads and while they are trying to find out who is involved it means Sarah is cooped up under heavy security.
UNTIL She slips away to help a friend in need, this sends Hunk of Love 'Nate' into a tail spin...
'Nate' *swoon... OMG this guy is everything you want in a Book Boyfriend, Alpha, smoking hot, Honesty and integrity and above all loyalty... He is the leader of the group in charge of finding the Rixitron players and stopping them, and when Sarah disappears he is determined to find her, and is not going to let anyone stand in his way.
Now I am not going to spoil all the fun, go read the series, you won't regret it.
The characters are developed, the world building is too, Caitlyn has a way of mixing in crucial key points for the overall series plotline with a finesse that when you are reading each book, something you remember from the book before pops up in your head and you are like... ahhhh!
The Supporting team are there, we get to re-visit Noah and Kali, and Sierra - she is a character, the only female in the Navy team, she is a no holds barred gal, and she makes me laugh, I hope she gets her own book.
Dakota and Gabriella also intrigued me and I am sure we will hear more of them in the next books too.
I do love book series that deal with a group of characters, its like re-visiting family when you read the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I want to thank the author for choosing my blog to be one of the release bloggers.
Can't wait for the next book ( fingers crossed its here soon!)
Merged review:
*Gifted in exchange for an honest review*
So if you are like me and you love Military Romance, Paranormal, Suspense and great characters then you need to start reading this series.
Seriously I have been glued to the pages of my kindle, and wish Book 4 was out now! (side note - there is an excerpt in the end of the book for a Sci-fi book Thorns Bondmate by Mardi Maxwell its a book 2 in a series but I do like when you are given a sample of another book - its got me interested and added that series to my TBR)
Right - onto Caitlyn O'Leary's Found Series:
I was hooked on this series from book 1, Revealed The 'Found' mysteriously turned up one day on Earth, and now they are grown, they are now gaining powers that some are scared of and want to destroy, while others want to use these powers for nefarious means. This series are Standalones in that they do not leave you on a cliff hanger, but the series is most definitely better read in order.
In Book 3 we are on the trail of the Rixitron Corporation who tried and failed to kidnap Sarah who is a 'Found Healer' for their experimental Breeding program... The team need leads and while they are trying to find out who is involved it means Sarah is cooped up under heavy security.
UNTIL She slips away to help a friend in need, this sends Hunk of Love 'Nate' into a tail spin...
'Nate' *swoon... OMG this guy is everything you want in a Book Boyfriend, Alpha, smoking hot, Honesty and integrity and above all loyalty... He is the leader of the group in charge of finding the Rixitron players and stopping them, and when Sarah disappears he is determined to find her, and is not going to let anyone stand in his way.
Now I am not going to spoil all the fun, go read the series, you won't regret it.
The characters are developed, the world building is too, Caitlyn has a way of mixing in crucial key points for the overall series plotline with a finesse that when you are reading each book, something you remember from the book before pops up in your head and you are like... ahhhh!
The Supporting team are there, we get to re-visit Noah and Kali, and Sierra - she is a character, the only female in the Navy team, she is a no holds barred gal, and she makes me laugh, I hope she gets her own book.
Dakota and Gabriella also intrigued me and I am sure we will hear more of them in the next books too.
I do love book series that deal with a group of characters, its like re-visiting family when you read the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I want to thank the author for choosing my blog to be one of the release bloggers.
Can't wait for the next book ( fingers crossed its here soon!)...more
I have read the first book "Off Your Rocker" when it was released and loved it, this series has quite an emotional range - its got angst, drama and huI have read the first book "Off Your Rocker" when it was released and loved it, this series has quite an emotional range - its got angst, drama and humour as well as Ahhh that was so sweet and loving moments too. If you are a fan of the Rockstar romance genre then you will enjoy this series.
The first book ended with a real doozy of a cliff hanger and so the beginning of this book continues from where it takes off, and if you have not read the first book then I am sorry but this synopsis on the 2nd book will give a little away to what happened at the end of book 1 that had me totally floored. - you may find that a good or a bad thing, it depends on whether you like cliffhanger surprises or not I guess.
SO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BOOK ONE CLICK HERE TO BUY ... if not then you can carry on reading the as spoiler free as I could do review :D
After what happened at the end of Book 1, Colt is left distraught and won't leave Lia's side. He is faced with an uphill struggle to deal with the consequences , will Colt be able to stay on track or will he fall back into his old habits of drugs?
Colt and Lia have a big hurdle to deal with learning to look forwards and this book deals with all the grief, depression and rehabilitation that the situation has brought on. When you think there is a little light at the end of the tunnel, Ms Osborn will make you wait for a little longer and make your heart hurt as you journey a with Colt and Lia, I certainly was sniffing and sobbing as I read the book, but don't think its all doom and gloom, there are some lovely light moments and we also get to catch up on the lives of the other band members.
Just to make things more harder for this unfortunate couple, THE EX puts in an appearance to put the screws on a bit tighter...
my rating is again a 4.5 stars, I really did enjoy the book but for me there were so many hurdles thrown at the pair, but overall I did enjoy reading the finale to this series. You may be thinking... how does Lia and Colt cope with all this stress on their relationship?
Well I will finish by saying read the book and find out, it was a bit of a roller coaster ride reading it but Ms Osborn did eventually give me my HEA... but she sure made sure my tear ducts got a workout first.
I will finish by saying to Ms Osborn - well done at finishing this series off with a really lovely Epilogue I Loved it :D.
Merged review:
I have read the first book "Off Your Rocker" when it was released and loved it, this series has quite an emotional range - its got angst, drama and humour as well as Ahhh that was so sweet and loving moments too. If you are a fan of the Rockstar romance genre then you will enjoy this series.
The first book ended with a real doozy of a cliff hanger and so the beginning of this book continues from where it takes off, and if you have not read the first book then I am sorry but this synopsis on the 2nd book will give a little away to what happened at the end of book 1 that had me totally floored. - you may find that a good or a bad thing, it depends on whether you like cliffhanger surprises or not I guess.
SO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BOOK ONE CLICK HERE TO BUY ... if not then you can carry on reading the as spoiler free as I could do review :D
After what happened at the end of Book 1, Colt is left distraught and won't leave Lia's side. He is faced with an uphill struggle to deal with the consequences , will Colt be able to stay on track or will he fall back into his old habits of drugs?
Colt and Lia have a big hurdle to deal with learning to look forwards and this book deals with all the grief, depression and rehabilitation that the situation has brought on. When you think there is a little light at the end of the tunnel, Ms Osborn will make you wait for a little longer and make your heart hurt as you journey a with Colt and Lia, I certainly was sniffing and sobbing as I read the book, but don't think its all doom and gloom, there are some lovely light moments and we also get to catch up on the lives of the other band members.
Just to make things more harder for this unfortunate couple, THE EX puts in an appearance to put the screws on a bit tighter...
my rating is again a 4.5 stars, I really did enjoy the book but for me there were so many hurdles thrown at the pair, but overall I did enjoy reading the finale to this series. You may be thinking... how does Lia and Colt cope with all this stress on their relationship?
Well I will finish by saying read the book and find out, it was a bit of a roller coaster ride reading it but Ms Osborn did eventually give me my HEA... but she sure made sure my tear ducts got a workout first.
I will finish by saying to Ms Osborn - well done at finishing this series off with a really lovely Epilogue I Loved it :D....more
I have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas hI have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas has written the story in a way that created a compelling read, where Lola eventually with the help of Drew and the Montgomery security team find's strength to face her demon's and fight for her future. I was totally immersed in the storyline, feeling the emotions of Lola, the frustration for Drew, as they battle to get justice for Lola. The Thailand chapters were intense, the scenes between Lola and Drew as their relationship deepens made my heart melt. The next book in this series is Gabriella's story and it was a long time in between this and her book, but although I recently read it I'm going to jump into it because I don't want to leave this world Ms Dallas set around a women's refuge.
If you haven't read the series yet, pick up the first book now and read them on order. My favorite quote in this book was( although I highlighted load's that really resonate with me.)...
“Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.”...more
I get engrossed in Kathy Reich's stories. It is both interesting and intriguing. Tempe is one of my favorite characters in book and TV. This s story brinI get engrossed in Kathy Reich's stories. It is both interesting and intriguing. Tempe is one of my favorite characters in book and TV. This s story brings a few cases together, so this kept me turning the page as each case brings the story to it's conclusion. The twist was a good one, I did Wonder at one point after having watched Bone's, and in the end I think the ending was perfect. I've 3 other Kathy's books in my to read box. I may just dig them out now....more
When you read the blurb you know that your attention will be focused on what's happening between the pages of this book. Ms Babylon has a way of hookinWhen you read the blurb you know that your attention will be focused on what's happening between the pages of this book. Ms Babylon has a way of hooking you from the first few pages and before you know it, the days gone and you're still not wanting to put down the book.
This is Micah Shine's story, now he's a bit of a mystery and I'm sorry to say that we don't really get to know much more about him other than what he likes in bed (swoon/fan's face) and our main female lead is Kylie Miller, who works the Casinos with her friends... she's tough, smart and used to being able to con the gullible high rollers out of their hands.
Her father was murdered when she was a child and then her mother disappeared with her sister when she was just 16, she's had to be tough, and having to pay the mob a healthy cut of any profits. She's barely scraping by.
When she meets Micah Shine, who seemed as if he might be that mythical beast, an honest man. She dared think she'd hit some good luck, but wake's up to a whole heap of trouble.
Micah has an ulterior motive in gaining Kylie's attention, but he finds out he's more interested in her than he should be.... Who's conning who?
The book hints at both their pasts, but we only glimpse clues to what is really going on. Unfortunately we have to wait for the next book to find out.
I enjoyed getting to know these two new characters, and of course there's some hot scenes in it too. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to find out how they're going to get out of the pickle they're in....more
Daniel Esera is the youngest Esera boy and a god on the rugby field, Hes smart, loyal and family orientated, and loves his family and friends with hisDaniel Esera is the youngest Esera boy and a god on the rugby field, Hes smart, loyal and family orientated, and loves his family and friends with his whole heart, but he has one family member who winds him up the wrong way and has done since she came into his family circle.
Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she’s not about to allow anything to derail her plans. Catie has had a hard run most of her life but the Esera family has always been that constant presence. Danny has been that typical family Frenamie - their constant bickering and tricks a normal occurrence the family has just accepted, but when someone does something to threaten the Esera tribe, they stand together united, and just because Catie and Danny may desire to continue the status quo, it doesn't mean they won't defend each other when outsiders threaten one of them. One night threatens both their careers the only way Catie and Danny can stop the press from imploding their lives, is to pretend to be in a relationship... My Thoughts: I loved Danny and Catie, both have been mentioned in the previous books about the Esera Rugby Men, and although I am not a sports fan, OKAY...I do support the "All Blacks" as all Kiwis do! But I don't necessary read books based in the sports world, BUT I will read every book Nalini has written as I have devoured each and every book I have ever read that was written by Ms Singh. Nalini Singh has the skill to write a book about something I thought I had no interest in knowing, but not only does she make the book interesting, she makes me want to know more, I now know about what dedication, perseverance and courage needed to excel in both sport and life with amputation (having signed a form that gave surgeons the permission to cut my arm off if necessary to save my life - I have thought about living with this and am thankful that I am typing with two hands) But Ms Singh brought Catie to life, she was real, her struggles are real, her triumphs real also. I enjoyed her snarky attitude and Danny – he has been on such a straight road, the top star, the good son, the perfect sports icon. But with Catie, he’s Just Danny, the boy who treated her like normal, teased her despite her physical difficulties, the guy who ‘pulled her pigtails’ as they were growing up. That past made their romance even sweeter, it was a romance that I devoured in a weekend, and that I will re-read because they felt like friends – these characters, and reading their story made me feel happy about the world when the world isn’t really that great! If you want a story to uplift you, whisk you away to a new place ( well Aucklands not that far from where I live, but I have no clue about sports that didn’t include a horse!) you will enjoy This book ( well I actually recommend the whole series and any book of Ms Singhs) Thanks to Netgalley and Nalini and her team for allowing me to read this book, I loved it.
Merged review:
Daniel Esera is the youngest Esera boy and a god on the rugby field, Hes smart, loyal and family orientated, and loves his family and friends with his whole heart, but he has one family member who winds him up the wrong way and has done since she came into his family circle.
Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she’s not about to allow anything to derail her plans. Catie has had a hard run most of her life but the Esera family has always been that constant presence. Danny has been that typical family Frenamie - their constant bickering and tricks a normal occurrence the family has just accepted, but when someone does something to threaten the Esera tribe, they stand together united, and just because Catie and Danny may desire to continue the status quo, it doesn't mean they won't defend each other when outsiders threaten one of them. One night threatens both their careers the only way Catie and Danny can stop the press from imploding their lives, is to pretend to be in a relationship... My Thoughts: I loved Danny and Catie, both have been mentioned in the previous books about the Esera Rugby Men, and although I am not a sports fan, OKAY...I do support the "All Blacks" as all Kiwis do! But I don't necessary read books based in the sports world, BUT I will read every book Nalini has written as I have devoured each and every book I have ever read that was written by Ms Singh. Nalini Singh has the skill to write a book about something I thought I had no interest in knowing, but not only does she make the book interesting, she makes me want to know more, I now know about what dedication, perseverance and courage needed to excel in both sport and life with amputation (having signed a form that gave surgeons the permission to cut my arm off if necessary to save my life - I have thought about living with this and am thankful that I am typing with two hands) But Ms Singh brought Catie to life, she was real, her struggles are real, her triumphs real also. I enjoyed her snarky attitude and Danny – he has been on such a straight road, the top star, the good son, the perfect sports icon. But with Catie he’s Just Danny, the boy who treated her like normal, teased her despite her physical difficulties, the guy who ‘pulled her pigtails’ as they were growing up. That past made their romance even sweeter, it was a romance that I devoured in a weekend, and that I will re-read because they felt like friends – these characters, and reading their story made me feel happy about the world when the world isn’t really that great! If you want a story to uplift you, whisk you away to a new place ( well Aucklands not that far from where I live, but I have no clue about sports that didn’t include a horse!) you will enjoy This book ( well I actually recommend the whole series and any book of Ms Singhs) Thanks to Netgalley and Nalini and her team for allowing me to read this book, I loved it....more
Enzio puts on his best behavior to romance the lovely Samantha who he met briefly at a party, they had hit it off, but Sam was getting over being jiltEnzio puts on his best behavior to romance the lovely Samantha who he met briefly at a party, they had hit it off, but Sam was getting over being jilted at the alter, so it just wasn't the right time. When they meet again he is playing the long game so it was a little bit more of courtship which I really enjoyed. There's plenty of action but no actual mission for the SEAL team in this book. Said action really heats up at the end, and we get to see the seedy side of illegal gambling. Overall I enjoyed losing myself in Ms O'Leary SEAL world, and I loved that the Duchess got a HEA too... If your wondering who Duchess is, grab the book and find out....more
This is the second book to focus on Clint and Lydia, and is set 5 years after book 1 Her Loyal Seal (Book #2) which is one of my favorites and althougThis is the second book to focus on Clint and Lydia, and is set 5 years after book 1 Her Loyal Seal (Book #2) which is one of my favorites and although you can read this as a standalone, I think you will get more from the story if you do.
This story focused on the effects of TBI traumatic brain injury.
After a mission that goes pear shaped, Clint wakes up with no memory of what happened, and a brain that doesn’t feel like his own, he doesn’t know what to do, or who to turn to. He's not the same calm and focused Clint Archer, he suffers from uncontrolled outbursts, mood swings and time lapses. Ms O'Leary has done a lot of research and the story follows Clint's recovery, he being a SEAL of course trys to push it, and he has to come to terms with the fact he may not get to the fitness standard for a Combat ready SEAL. Then he finds out that one of his teammates is in trouble, and he needs his help, of course he can’t turn him down, but he's still in the specialist rehabilitation center and with his brain still being swiss cheese, can he keep his head in the game?
The story also focused on how Lydia copes with Clint's injury, she's also got her own worries after realizing something from the incident when she first met Clint and it's stopping her from focusing on their future, but it's something she feels would shock Clint and effect their relationship.
What would you do, when the man you love with all your heart, is not who he once was?
This is what I found the most interesting part of this story, I loved how Ms. O'Leary kept it real, but was also glad that it all worked out in the end....more
Awesome - Rachels First foray into Contemporary has me imatiently waiting for more
This book grabs you and pulls you in. As you read about Rose's life Awesome - Rachels First foray into Contemporary has me imatiently waiting for more
This book grabs you and pulls you in. As you read about Rose's life and the changes and challenges she has to face, being the new girl in the elite school is not for the faint-hearted, just when Rose thought she'd be okay, life turns on her again. This book has twists and turns that keep you turning the page to find what happens next.
If you love books where love is complicated, status is coveted and revenge is best served cold, then get this book. I loved it. Rose has lots of decisions to face, will they be the right ones... Well maybe not, but they'll certainly make an impact....more
This is the final book in the Dragon's Den Casino series. I was quite sad in a way, this series is fun, light-hearted and was a good read to let me esThis is the final book in the Dragon's Den Casino series. I was quite sad in a way, this series is fun, light-hearted and was a good read to let me escape my stressful life at the minute. This last book titled: Dragon's and Fire, is about the last of the 3 witch friends, Ember Niamh, she is an elemental witch, and she is given the duty of 'feeding the serpents that Bethany apparated in the fountain at the casino in book 1, there, of course, are a few mishaps in her magic... leading to some funny descriptive scenes in the book.
The 3rd bachelor of the Dragon Den gang who is hell-bent on staying single and not falling like Mathonwy and Arawn into Mating Fever, Cai Wyvern, falls for Ember, but due to his fathers demise after his fated mate severed the fated mating bond, he is very conflicted and tries to resist, but the pull is too much which leads to some very mixed messages for poor Ember...
The Author - Poppy Wolfe aka Blair Babylon, has wrapped this 3 books series up quite nicely, the book flows well, it concludes each of the 3 misfit witches stories up nicely and we also have the subplot of who will become the next Dragon King, the gatherings at the palace were always funny.
I had a hard time trying to pinpoint the type of book this is, I couldn't think of a series that I had read that would be of a similar tone, but in the end i guess saying that its like a meld of chick-lit/PNR.
A great pick me up and make me smile read, thats full of shifter dragons and loyal witchy friends who have spent their lifetimes being thought of as misfits with faulty magic.
I think I will have this series in my - Re-Read list for a go-to world where I can laugh out loud but still have my fantasy alpha shifter males to drool over ...more
This compilation was quite addictive, These stories have been a favorite of mine and to catch up, get some further clarification to certain events wasThis compilation was quite addictive, These stories have been a favorite of mine and to catch up, get some further clarification to certain events was great, and as I said, has me itching to start the series again, Wulf is a very enigmatic character that the author reveals slowly as Rae starts to get under his icy shell he created to protect himself. So if you haven't read these books the first in the series is free, go grab it and I bet you will be as hooked as I am on these characters and the other stories that branch through this series. THEY ARE ALL EXCELLENT. This review is my own and I have not been coerced or rewarded to place it. ...more
I really loved diving back into Blair Babylons Billionaires world for this final (maybe) book in the runaway princess series. Flicka was one of my Wow
I really loved diving back into Blair Babylons Billionaires world for this final (maybe) book in the runaway princess series. Flicka was one of my favourite characters.
Dieter was one character that has intrigued me since I started reading these books.
The road that Flicka has been travelling on has been one heck of a rough one for a princess, but she has a strong backbone and she survived, grew stronger and took care of baby Alina, oh there were moments when I ached for Alina and Flicka, I cried for that little child.
But don't fret, Deiter is on his way to rescue Flicka, and nothing or no one was getting in his way.
This book is a page turner (they all were to be honest) I thought about them when I couldnt read, stayed up longer just to get in 30 mnutes of me time to read this book, breakfast and lunch too.
I wasn't disappointed, I LOVE the ending, and can't wait for Max's story - now that is going to be one heck of a book - he is such a mystery!!!!...more
Well, I devoured this book in one sitting - My Phone which has the Kindle app lasted till I got to the last page before dying. I pre-ordered this book Well, I devoured this book in one sitting - My Phone which has the Kindle app lasted till I got to the last page before dying. I pre-ordered this book as soon as I heard it was coming out...I wasn't disappointed This is the start of Flicker's story and it was great to see it from her perspective as we travel through the events of not only her wedding but also Wulf and Raes wedding and all the bits in between. Ms Babylon has done a great job at keeping readers in the dark to whom Flicker has had romantic liaisons with and I am not spiling it either... BUT I am eager for book 2 and will be Pre-ordering it ready for MAY omg its too long!!! I swooned, broke, got mad, cried and sighed when I got to the last page. I had a really painful hand injury that kept me awake so I literally did not stop reading till it was finished LOL Yes, this is going on the Top reads List for this year - I just need the rest of the books ASAP!!! PS no bad cliffys in the book, but you will be waiting in anticipation for May and the next instalment....more
Once upon a time, I found the author Blair Babylon, and she hooked me on every book she graces us with, Flickas story is turning out to be a top favouOnce upon a time, I found the author Blair Babylon, and she hooked me on every book she graces us with, Flickas story is turning out to be a top favourite for the year, she has always been a favourite character in the books that I have read before. I will recommend the book to all who listen, so Grab your copy now and get sucked into this fantastic fictional world of Royalty This is going to be a vague review as I do not want to add anything to spoil it. I read this book at every opportunity and each page had me wondering if they would make it without that (insert your word for hidious ex here - mines not printable lol) Dieter has always been my fave of the side characters in these books and Flicka was too so when they got together it was my nirvana and I think I will be keeping this series as my all time Blair favourites. Now this story is hotting up and when you get to the end of this book these characters will have engrained themselves on your heart, omg I can't wait for the next book. Roll on July!
*** This review is my honest opinion, I have not received any compensation for reviewing it, it's just my thoughts after reading and I hope you found my thoughts useful*** ...more
I really enjoyed this book, Dante ‘Zed’ Zaragoza is a character that was introduced in Book 3, which I also enjoyed very much, well I have found I havI really enjoyed this book, Dante ‘Zed’ Zaragoza is a character that was introduced in Book 3, which I also enjoyed very much, well I have found I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read that Ms O’Leary has written, the writing, characters and worldbuilding transport you away, to where Hero’s exist. Marcia was a tough cookie, calm under pressure, but she didn’t mind a helping hand, as long as Zed understood, she was capable of looking after herself.
The storyline kept me turning the pages, plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained. But the spark between Zed and Marcia really had me hooked, they were just a great team together.
If you enjoy books with a military theme, then you will enjoy reading this series, I know I did and I look forward to more of the Black Dawn team in the near future. *** This review is my honest opinion, I have not received any compensation for reviewing it, it's just my thoughts after reading and I hope you found my thoughts useful***...more
I spotted the covers of this series first; they drew me in, then the blurb hooked me, so I bought the 3 books. So this is my review for the first, I hI spotted the covers of this series first; they drew me in, then the blurb hooked me, so I bought the 3 books. So this is my review for the first, I have just started book 2 so that will be up in a week or two. In Cassia's society ‘officials dictate your perfect partner for life, how many children they have, where they work, and even when they die, and it seems that the inhabitants are happy with this status quo…or are they, as you read the cracks start to appear, and when its Cassia’s turn to be matched things start to unravel for her and her family. I really enjoyed this book, I like how in one way it shows that after a long time of citizens being dictated to about everything, that there is still a spark of rebellion in each of the characters introduced. The book reminded me of another YA dystopian book series, Flawed by Celia Ahearn. This story really begins to develop with Cassia’s Matching Ceremony, where she will be shown her match. Who turns out to be a childhood friend, Xander, but when she is given her ‘card’ with information on him, it’s not his face that appears on the screen… Its Ky’s another friend she grew up with. In the book all the characters are perfectly fine living their life's being controlled by Society, and the 3 teenagers live in a suburb called Maple tree Borough in the futuristic Oria Province (at least until the Officials tear down the maple trees and rename it Garden Borough – agh that bit made me sad – oops mini spoiler I guess!) OK we have the typical YA love triangle between Ky, Cassia, and Xander. So we have the dilemma of ‘who should she pick’ but even with the ‘Officials’ hurried explanation to the error, it is enough of a seed for her to start to question the process, this along with the scheduled ‘death date’ for her beloved Grandfather, Cassia begins to see the anomalies in the way the ‘Officials’ dictate everything in their lives. I was pleasantly surprised that although there is a ‘Love Triangle’ its more about the morality and the outcome of Cassia’s choice’s, but in the end, the heart wants what the heart wants, and Cassia tries to be open and as honest with both boys as she can. Trying to be a good friend to both, its about honesty and also the dilemma of keeping secrets and who you trust with them. Xander I guess has been too close for her, Ky is a mystery, and there is always something more intriguing about the unknown. By the end of Book 1 the ‘Officials’ have once again taken choice out of our characters hands, and the more sinister sides of Society are revealed to the characters and of course the reader… And I can’t wait to see what will happen to Cassia, Ky and Xander in book 2. The book reminds me of 2 favourite old films, Logan's Run, and Soylent Green in some aspects, so if you enjoy this type of dystopian theme (Divergent, Hunger Games), this book is for you. ...more
I read this book a month ago, and I have a review somewhere so when I find it I will update this with the original review I bought this book straight aI read this book a month ago, and I have a review somewhere so when I find it I will update this with the original review I bought this book straight after reading Magonia, and I did enjoy reading it (The Cover is gorgeous) but in some ways, I was slightly disappointed. I wish there had been more to the book, more world building, more spent exploring the wonderful imagination Ms Headley has, this world fascinated me, and maybe because it was so pulled in by the wonderful imagination of the first book, that my expectations were too high. but overall I did enjoy it.
UPDATE... OK I found where I wrote my review!!! ...its a long one LOL:
So I finally found where I wrote my Review… on paper in a notepad! How Retro of me. So these were my thoughts whilst reading the first half of the book: The book starts off with Aza and Jason being on constant alert for something to happen after the ending of Magonia, what exactly will happen is unclear, there are various scenarios to choose from. A year to the day of Aza’s Death (return to Magonia) in Book 1, it happens and the reader is transported into a whirlwind of situations that separate Jason and Aza, secrets are revealed, hearts are crushed and the reader is left wondering how the characters are going to move forward now…. After half Way… I thought I would be writing a 5 star review when I first dived into Aerie, but although I literally hopped online and bought this book after finishing Magonia, which I loved. The review I am writing is difficult – I loved it BUT… I feel slightly let down, its hard to pinpoint why, I gess it was mainly because there was a lack of depth to any of the sequence of events that happened… Sorry I don’t do spoilers, so I can’t go into specific details, but Jason… he went from being the nerd with the answers, to a stalkerish control freak who betrays the love of his life in the pretence of keeping her safe, and I just thought that this was out of character from book 1. Don’t get me wrong, I could understand how he was coursed into do doing it, but I would have thought he would have had a backup plan where he then could counteract the coercion, because he had an answer for everything in book 1. Maybe if there had been more context put into the story to why this happened - but it was added as a footnote explanation. I guess this is the main thing I found frustrating with the book, Ms Headley had the ideas and bones of a fantastic fantasy tale, I guess it reminds me of The Golden Compass (I must get that trilogy and read it – the film was so intriguing, I bet the books awesome – I mean books are always better than the films – 99% of the time – I found the Narnia films better than the books!!!!!!!!!! Oops I am getting off topic) Anyway back to the worldbuilding of this book… It never delved deep enough for me… new creatures are introduced, but no background given, and I wanted more about the characters already introduced in book one, but everything is just skimmed over, and I was left imagining what a fantastic imagination the author has, but that for some reason she has not made these characters whole to the reader… maybe for word count or who knows, but I am disappointed (even a month from finishing) Zal (Aza’s mother) well she was as evil as usual, bent on destroying earth (or the inhabitants of the land) but not much is given about her incarceration or the enhancements that she has now (sorry for being vague – non spoiler remember) Dai (the other part of the love triangle – ugh I hate YA love triangles!) I disliked him from the start in book 1, and still do, he is a cardboard cut-out character, nothing about him in either books made me like him one bit. The Flock, well I think I would have liked more details on this particular part of the story… I would have liked more time learning about ‘The Flock’ than all the angst that’s clutters the story, The part that we are given is interesting, but again its skimmed over with introduction, explanation instead of allowing the reader to get settled into learning about this with Aza… it still remains to me a fill in and an ends to a means to resolve and tie off ends at the conclusion of the book. And in conclusion… the book ended too soon, I had too many questions unanswered and the last two chapters, the first was 6 pages of Jason’s POV and the Last Aza’s POV was just 4.5 pages was jus WAY TOO SHORT, and NO EPILOGUE…there should have been a dam epilogue at least since this is a Dualogy and not a trilogy! There were hints of plans for a future in the last chapter (I guess this may be the novella that is mentioned in Q&A sections) who knows but if this is it… then to be honest it ended up leaving me with a bag full of ‘What was…’ ‘What happened to the …’ etc. About the only thing I didn’t need explaining was the ‘Agency on Earth’s Arrogance, as this was so true to form of Human governments. And this is why finally I gave the book a Solid 3.5 stars because the book makes you think about what we are doing to our world… The series gives a good message for Teens: 1) we are destroying the planet that we need to survive on, with plastics, factory farming, polluting our waters and the air we breathe. 2) We are intolerant of the species that we share this planet with (I could have said Races of humans, but we take animals for granted too, and this is an eco-system! We are not the be-all and end-all of this planet, we need the rest of the eco system to survive, and I don’t mean just for food!) In conclusion I want to end with that I LOVE THE AUTHORS IMAGINATION, I am just feeling bereft that I couldn’t explore it more, but in the end I know that the people who work for the Publishers also have a say in the book, so I take this into account and I don’t want to be too critical just because I as a reader wanted much, much more. I would recommend this book if you love fantasy that’s full of amazing creatures and gives the reader a message that we need to become more tolerant and ecologically caring as a species.
And if you got to this bit…Thanks for reading all of my review, I know it’s Long! ( the original written review was 1035 words long)...more
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblin*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat*** Kenna and Dex's story was set when the Black Dawn team are on base, the storyline is centered on their relationship. But their meeting sparks a situation that will test their fledgling relationship to the limit.
Kenna and Dex met via a dating website, kenna has been on it for a while where as Clint from rival midnight delta team had set Dex up on the site as a joke, he'd planned to let all the women who had emailed him down gently, but Kenna's email caught his imagination.
I've enjoyed the story, theres still action, suspense and mystery without a specific mission with the team. I do love the way Ms O'Leary writes, the characters are strong loyal and swoonworthy men, and the women lucky enough to get their attention are just as strong, but also happy to get cared for. If you want characters that feel real, romance that's tempered with good storylines then grab these books... I've enjoyed every one of them....more
*** This review is purely my thoughts and I did not gain any monetary insentive nor was I specifically requested to review this book, its just my thou*** This review is purely my thoughts and I did not gain any monetary insentive nor was I specifically requested to review this book, its just my thoughts and I hope you enjoy what I thought of the book***
OK I have read most of Nalini's books, I am sure if I found some of her earlier published works I would read them also, I love her voice, whether its PNR or Contemporary, her words create a world I would love to visit (and I have lived in NZ so Its like a return holiday)
so I met the Bishop family in Nalinis other Contemporary series Rock Hard, and in this new book we meet Sailor Bishop who has goals in creating a successful landscaping business. He is not wanting a relationship, nothing is to get in his way UNTIL one day while working on a job he gets pashed (kissed) by a red head that 'kissed and ran'. The red head was Isa who after a lifetime of being put second needs a man who will cherish her.
She dreams of one day having a loving family of her own.
Shocked at her mad moment in the school parking lot one she works as a teacher is not how she envisioned meeting her match...
Thinking she will never have to face the gardener again, she is dragged into a summer job by her dragon mother, she goes from shy Poetry teacher to having to take on the role as corporate VP for her mothers business. Her main task? Yep you guessed it...Working closely with a certain hot gardener. "Swoon - Oh my Nalini does know how to write some hot yet funny scenarios.
Sailor feels a connection with that the Hot Curvy teacher he got hot and heavy with but he knows that he doesn't have time for a relationship if he wants to make a go of his business. Both Isa and Sailor have issues of abandonment and the consequences of those feelings has them both being cautious - but at the same time, the spark they feel for each other is too strong to ignore. As Ísa's feelings have her wanting to throttle Sailor one moment then pounce on him the next.
Will either of them open their hearts to the possibility that they have a future together or will the past get in the way.
Nalini has written a charming love story that I couldn't put down, with both the characters family situations gives an insight into how our upbringing affects us. The story is a journey of how we must risk our hearts if we want to grasp for happiness. Isa was a very complex character, she was on the one hand very naive, conscious of her looks and wary of letting people in, and Sailor who on the face of things seemed to have his life in order had deep issues that clouded his judgment. With the supporting characters Nalini has introduced I know that this companion series to the Rock Hard books will be a favourite for years to come. I can't wait for the next book to be released!...more