One thing we can't say about Amanda Milo is that her booka open on a yawn. The hell they do. First lines always be reeling me in like the fish I am. TOne thing we can't say about Amanda Milo is that her booka open on a yawn. The hell they do. First lines always be reeling me in like the fish I am. This one was no different.
Between you and me, cyborg mermen are the ideal partners. My goodness. Ahem......more
My only question is whhhhyyy - why is it so short?
There is a big bad patriarchal empire that uses a matriarchal mage clans to do the important busMy only question is whhhhyyy - why is it so short?
There is a big bad patriarchal empire that uses a matriarchal mage clans to do the important business of opening portals. But the empire is always punishing women. At the height of its merciless cruelty, women's flesh is to be flayed. It's upsetting. Its enraging. It's a damn good story.
The subtle love story in the backdrop of all of this had me worrying like a mother hen. Like are you ladies even going to survive to anything beyond dinner and a kiss?
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Names are so important in this story and their erasure and replacement with something not belonging has this effect on the psyche. A "traitor" becomes known only as traitor as is her entire family - that is frightful. Imagine a child going to class and they have to answer to the name Traitor. No peace for the ones left behind after the execution.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: Beautifully, tragically crafted. At the height of authority, The main character starmage has no power and is the same as ll the other women on worlds dominated by the Empire. Just a body whose power is to be used and replaced in the mist vicious way.
I mean can I say slam dunk? - What's the one where you score the point but it's not a perfect 5 but it was marvelous to watch? Cause that's this.
FI mean can I say slam dunk? - What's the one where you score the point but it's not a perfect 5 but it was marvelous to watch? Cause that's this.
From Glowups to Glowdowns, heists and shootouts in the streets against the backdrop of the most stunning planet Rada- everything worth happening, happens in New Delphi.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Both main protagonists are married to other people. There's a theft and a legacy at stake. Both protagonists are enemy killing machines. My heart swelled with excitement.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: Honestly, Cassidy Baena and Gabriel Adler can just piss off. In what world did that seem like a good idea? Some people just dive right into the deep end of a bad idea and think they can just keep swimming.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Ramona and Matias, aerial hanging over the Davenport building looking down on a passed out Haider Davenport and Ramona being an absolute badass....more
Well, that started out spicy - I'm still curious abou Bella's managerial style letting two employees bone in the supply closet and actually yelliWell, that started out spicy - I'm still curious abou Bella's managerial style letting two employees bone in the supply closet and actually yelling at the to "not get any fluids on the merchandise". Like Uhm...WTF and also I never EVER want to be that comfortable with my boss. Ever.
Brazen openings are either hit or miss but this time, the sheer audacity of everything in this short is a hit for me.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: It's the year 2145 and things are about as Dystopian-TechAdvanced-Bleak-Yet-Hopeful that one would expect of the future.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: Oh John (Threezed) a former slave turned indentured laborer who used to stream naked at night whilst journaling in a cubicle out there. When we meet him, he's won his freedom. When I said bleak tech future, I was not picturing this much suffering.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: FFS! even the future has these Neanderthals. If you've ever had the "Where are you from originally" question thrown at you - this scene captured the undertones: The man looked at him more closely, his pale blue eyes like flecks of aluminum-doped glass. “Where you from?” “Farm outside Lucky Lake.” The man gave a big-throated laugh that vacuumed geniality out of the air. “No. I mean, where are you from originally?” It was a menacing question.
Is the Koslov Universe just a short story duology? - because if so, that'sa bit cruel- such a likeable set of characters and creatures. I thoroughIs the Koslov Universe just a short story duology? - because if so, that'sa bit cruel- such a likeable set of characters and creatures. I thoroughly enjoyed this duel with biotech and tech versus the antiquated paper records.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Defeating the hackers to regain lost data but it's fun and a little kooky.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: I can feel the insomnia and haze faze rolling of Sean Koslov. Like he could sleep for a week.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Sean And Vern in discussion and Gods and basic worshipper-god agreement: Verne picked up a stick, hefted it in his hand, and hit the idol. Thwack! Sean stopped. “Verne?” “Yes?” “What are you doing?” “He has been a bad god,” Verne said grimly. “He must be punished.” Thwack! Thwack!
PSA: Paging Venturo Escana. Paging Venturo. Oh, wait there you are. This way➡️STRAIGHT TO my Book Husband Shelf you go sir. I will hear no arguments. PSA: Paging Venturo Escana. Paging Venturo. Oh, wait there you are. This way➡️STRAIGHT TO my Book Husband Shelf you go sir. I will hear no arguments. Off with your golden godlike hotness. Get in there, scoot scoot and play nice with the others. I think Valroy is up for a chat? You can hang out with Brishen.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: This was a story of Hope and Hotness and I am here for it. The introduction of Captain Claire Shannon is deeply, exhaustingly, drainingly, traumatically relatable. But it isn't the war that was a fascinating read it was surviving the war, going out as a refugee and finding a way to thrive. It was heartwarming.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: Claire Shannon felt so disconnected in the beginning Even her suicidal ideation was less of a burning flame and more like spent ashes in an ashtray. But her growth was just amazing. She began to "awaken" from the moment she stepped into Gaurdian building. Claire decided to She's All That herself and I loved it!
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: ✔️Well job hunting is hard enough. How do you ace an interview when the lead interviewer is Venturo Escana THE Chief psychic panty-dropper...more
Glitches is satisfactorily sad - and a short but poignant look at life of a newly "hatched" cyborg. "Little Android" was way better. I do like th Glitches is satisfactorily sad - and a short but poignant look at life of a newly "hatched" cyborg. "Little Android" was way better. I do like this world Meyer has created. I might just stick it through and read the series.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Cinder is destined to be hated here. There's a commentary in this, subtle but there. New Beijing is awful for the Cyborg just because of Adri but then again Cinders life was ruined in a Hover crash in Europe and they sold her, an 11 year old kid to some stranger so it's lemons on lemons on either side for Cinder...more
Twice is still a coincidence - but if I stumble upon (and enjoy)a 3rd Mafia in Space style book, I'm going to take it to mean I do actually like Twice is still a coincidence - but if I stumble upon (and enjoy)a 3rd Mafia in Space style book, I'm going to take it to mean I do actually like Mafia Romance - they just need to be in zero gravity or far flung planet. It caught me and hooked me and as voracious recovering speed reader - that's what gets me staying up all night reading instead of sleeping. Pity it was barely a novella. After this though, Clean Sweep.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Oh man rejection and revenge make for something that leaves me wanting a whole lot more.
Two Sentences, A Scene or less - Characters: “Why are you here?” she asked. “You have my heart. Where would I go without it?” “Home, Celino.” “Not without what is mine.”
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: For some reason the two food-related tete-a-tete, mind-tango scenes really got me. ✔️Passion Cones and pink wine in a bakery Or ✔️Delicious soup out in the garden Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: ...more
Surprisingly sweet. It was fun, it was fast, it was Yellowstone but cozier and in Space . Well, if anything now I want to read this series of brideSurprisingly sweet. It was fun, it was fast, it was Yellowstone but cozier and in Space . Well, if anything now I want to read this series of brides for Aliens on Cresca. Alas Sci-fi month is almost over.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Aliens on ranches on an earthlike planet. Speaking my language.
Character Development/Favorite Character: I wouldn't be averse to a full length novel on these characters. They're pretty cute together.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: I know I'm supposed to say the spicy scenes but Rosie making grilled cheese sandwiches just made me hungry and now I'm eating grilled cheese and potato chips.
Guiseppe! Can you make me a real girl! Pardon, I meant Ursula - the difference between sentient and sapiant. Mech 6.0 is a self aware sentient-saGuiseppe! Can you make me a real girl! Pardon, I meant Ursula - the difference between sentient and sapiant. Mech 6.0 is a self aware sentient-sapient android and it's a tragedy.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: What a sweet little tale of a droid and emotion, love, communication all of it - or the essence of human interaction. And pain. Both kinds of pain.
Character Development/Favorite Character: Mech 6.0/Hoshi-Star is a curious droid. And even though that killed the cat - Mech 6.0 is becoming Becoming self aware, becoming curious, becoming something more. She feels fear and rage and is overtaken by spontaneity. And then, there's jealousy.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Mech 6.0 feeling pure reactionary instinct and then diving into a vat of oil. Her machinery recognizes this act ad "self-destructive" sequence. Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: ...more
I did not know how to review this. Not because it was bad, but because my brain was stunned into silence in the first chapter.
You know that scene in I did not know how to review this. Not because it was bad, but because my brain was stunned into silence in the first chapter.
You know that scene in Sherlock (BBC) where cutie-pie Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) is sitting comfortably in his chair, battle armor on in the form of a Vicars collar and some knicks and cuts on his face courtesy of Watson (Martin Freeman) and he is comfortable but ready and confident? And then Irene walks in, in nothing but her battle armor, naked as a summer sky and Sherlock is DISARMED, he can't read her, zipo zilch nada niente? Then Watson walks in, gets flustered, looks everywhere including Irene's boobs then lifts his eyebrows, coughs as if to say "DAMN girl put those weapons away" - you remember that moment? Yeah you do.
That was me, both stunned and speechless and ...more
It's The "Continental" without the hitmen (for now?) but it makes up for it by being a butt-kicking structure with gorgeous guests (looking at you It's The "Continental" without the hitmen (for now?) but it makes up for it by being a butt-kicking structure with gorgeous guests (looking at you Arland) and a pocket sized devil dog. Yeah, a fast favorite. It's cozy and filled with magic! (Imagine Ms Tilda Swinton in Dr Strange doing that thing with her hands as she says: "magic").
So not what I was expecting at all. See, I was expecting high fantasy. But then again I might have "forgotten" to read past the 1st sentence of the blurb and just gut-added to my cart and here I am LOVING it. Another point to Urban Fantasy, looks like I don't hate this subgenre afterall.
Okay, I might just do this, I might binge-read some more Illona Andrews books later today. ...more
I was this close to my first 5 Star 2024! - Can't complain though, this was a blast.
Normally, I steer clear of Mafia Romances, they're just not toI was this close to my first 5 Star 2024! - Can't complain though, this was a blast.
Normally, I steer clear of Mafia Romances, they're just not to my taste at all and as per ush I did not read the blurb. The cover got me real good this time. So, if I had even an inclination that this had "families" and territories and all the hallmarks of Mafia except (earth style) drugs - I'd have passed on it so fast. Thank Mandalore The Great that I am in essence just a scifi ghost within a human shell - I dove right in and had an amazing time.
Plot/Storyline/Themes: Normally for romances I force myself to suspend disbelief, namely because well let's face it, it's way more believable that Chutlhu will enter this world in a lovecraftian apocalypse or that a single father is gifted the power of the Grim Reaper but still has to raise his daughter or heck anything is more believable than some FMC and MMC pairings.
But this one, oh boy. This one was so easy to fall into, from the galaxybuilding, the introduction of the universe's "royal/mafia system" to planets with mineral values that could shape the next thousand years, The whole story was as good as a dark saber in hand. I refused to give up reading it without a good toussle (me vs exhaustion ).
Character Development/Favorite Character: Temper has a fire in her belly, a chip on her shoulder and a lifetime of a negative voice in her head in the form of her mother telling her to be less. She jumps the gun when she's not brandishing it and she self-sabotages when she's not being brilliant. I love her
My only wish is that I would have loved to experience Arcadio from the horses mouth so to speak. But I accept the fact that dual pov is not always necessary and more often than not, first person POV often sounds like the same person. So we see him through Temper and we see everything and everyone through her POV and that's okay. Still, an Arcadio POV book would tickle me pink. Temper judges him too quickly, too harshly and even she knows it.
Supporting Characters Caro, Micah, Itzel - if I had to hope, I'd hope that the rest of the seriea focuses on each one because Fay really brought out such nuanced characters and said "here...just a little taste."
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Arcadio and Temper underground cenote then right up to Cult-Town.
My book cover VS book blurb pistols at dawn is going to get me one of these days - yes I bothered to read the Author's note and knew I was gettingMy book cover VS book blurb pistols at dawn is going to get me one of these days - yes I bothered to read the Author's note and knew I was getting into Porn-plus-plot kind of smut as opposed to spicy romance and that was fine. But it is so badly written - not grammar or structure or any of that.
It is written like an annoying rude gremlin who happens to have an Only Fans and gets paid to swear every second word for a Cussing-Kink customer. And honestly, each to their own. But I wanted to cry the cover was so CUTE!
Plot/Storyline/Themes: I mean it's space kidnapping and finding love with an alien. By all accounts it should have been a blast and there were some really good moments. Those good moments are the only reason I finished this book with a smile on my face.
Character Development/Favorite Character: Opal is not "Sassy but sexy with a cheeky mouth but loveable" like say, Cinnamon or one of the others from the That Time I got Drunk series.NO. Opal is "My God STFU already and live happily ever after" so I don't have to read another word coming outta your mouth kind of sassy.
The Alien dude, Ke'ain ping-ponged between sounding like Opal and sounding like a separate character. But he was sweet and really likeable. His attachè, Gra' eth was decent too.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Aaaw, one of the only Awww moments I had. "My mouth drops open, and the bile rises in my throat. “I can’t eat those, they’re alive!” He looks at me strangely. “They’re no good when they’re dead.” “I don’t think this is my people’s food,” I say politely, not wanting to insult his culture—not after he’s been so protective of me."
If this was the answer to the "Are we alone out here in this vast galaxy?" I'd be content (except for the galactic war) I wouldn't mind living in If this was the answer to the "Are we alone out here in this vast galaxy?" I'd be content (except for the galactic war) I wouldn't mind living in a world where Earth is a safe haven for Aliens fleeing extermination. This gives me such John Scalzi Old Man's War/Human Division vibes but set in romance- it's the layering of intricate details that gets me the most - besides the Alien physiology. I found myself able to see this version of earth vividly. Loved it.
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes: The complications of inter-species courting done with finesse. I would have missed all the signs Lois so don't worry - you're not a nasty cow. It was all very frustrating when Lois was frustrated and it was all gushy and mushy when the layers were peeled back. Such sweetness.
Character Development/Favorite Character: What a unique work environment, you'd be forgiven for forgetting it was a government facility housing a government division and full of government employees. And that's a good thing - any one studying International Relations might want to add Intergalactic Relations and get an internship at DETI. Zir's workplace ecosystem, the IT department has sweet geeks and nerds who only want the best for the big guy. Lois' workplace ecosystem , is more outward facing -riveting, exciting, on the forefront of interacting with aliens and at the end of the day, a close knit family. I found myself attached to all the characters. I wonder if they're hiring.
Favorite/Curious//Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Zir helping Lois find Taz - the entire sequence, such a sweet tender chapter.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: The Volin have interesting idioms.
1. When you want the tree, do not sit on the branch. Zir is a branch-sitter"(Tol to Lois )
2. "you are chasing the ground"(Tol to Zir)
3. Protecting her is more important to them than seeing her clearly(Ban on Volin Males and their curious eye-contact behavior )
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Too many things. I'll list a few:
A) The Volin Crest - no wait - all things Volin B) The Tessian-Rhachak-Ypek Conflict C) Volin NamesDETI
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025 Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025 ...more
"You poor alien plebeian.” - not famous last words, but very Simmi-esque
Simmi! Simmizer, Simmister ole buddy ole pal you did a whole lot of brave "You poor alien plebeian.” - not famous last words, but very Simmi-esque
Simmi! Simmizer, Simmister ole buddy ole pal you did a whole lot of brave stuff right out of your comfort zone. Neary a lab coat in sight. Pat on the back to you good sir - hands sanitized to within an inch of rawness, naturally. Also, if I'd landed in a jungle filled with mosquitos trying to chomp away at me I'd have a panic attack or two - wait a minute ... Well that's already happened. You're in good company Sihmee.
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes: I did expect Simmi to be paired up with his antithesis, but I did not expect Aurora or a kidnapping and you know what, 2024 is the year of pleasant unexpected things I guess. I loved the kindness shown to Simmi and him going against his OCD or better nature to connect with Aurora.
Character Development/Favorite Character: Was Aurora a criminal or fugitive before capture? Some of her behavioral traits really had me going in the first few chapters. I love how full and complete both Simmi and Aurora are before they meet but much better together.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Listen, I love the tropics but I'm in agreement with old Simster - Mosquitos can get fvkd.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: ●"Fool, you tried to slap me on my nose. You're a creature with soft outer flesh. What did you expect to happen?"(Simmi on breaking a hand inadvertently ) ●"What I wouldn't give right now for disinfectant"(Simmi reading my mind) ●"I've never been so female-handled in my life"(Simmi sums up Aurora nicely )
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Being considered alien is relative in the grand scheme of things. Simmi can't believe they would deign to call him alien.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025 Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025...more
Experiments in love and healing - this was utterly adorable
So this would be my second Milo novel and from what I've heard she does scifi smut realExperiments in love and healing - this was utterly adorable
So this would be my second Milo novel and from what I've heard she does scifi smut really well. So I went in thinking this was going to be all levels of debauchery - I did not expect to big AWWWWW the entire time. I mean come on, loveable characters from the opening exposition chapter which I don't usually go for. I had a 2 week holiday book slump and this woke me right up, gave me the blush and the warm and fuzzies
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes: I loved seeing the romance develop through the eyes of this alien, in fact the entire book is the perspective of the alien species and I love his mind. Character Development/Favorite Character: So much emotion conveyed through subtle study of human non-verbal communication - Scientists have such open minds and the main character is no different. He has this childlike wonder to this new alien and it's so cute Favorite/Curious//Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: I mean way to many, let's see: 1. Nancy just straight up peeing in the "habitat" set up for her as a test subject and Simmi proceeding to lose his shit. 2. Erecckk discovering R.E.M Sleep in humans 3. Simmi slapping himself wildly because - hair
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: "You're so ugly you're beautiful", I feel compelled to tell her(Errecck on the nature of fugliness ) "A cough can become a plague"(Don't we know this) "She's a high-powered source of lumens to my formerly candlelit world"(On Nancy/Skynan) Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Loonjag
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025 Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025 ...more
If you can't be bothered to string your thoughts into a coherent book should I bother to review it?
This was a piss poor effort at coherent structIf you can't be bothered to string your thoughts into a coherent book should I bother to review it?
This was a piss poor effort at coherent structure for a story that started out great and could have been thoroughly enjoyable.
The author should barely be called an author. Listen; if I wanted to stream your consciousness and see the story in your mind in the way you see it, I'd wait around for the next Nikola Tesla to be born and invent such a thing - for now, we rely on the story you tell us through this medium. How can we enjoy it when your character errors and grammar amount to literary whiplash? This is middle school level basics. Hell I edit all my textbooks before they go out to print but that's academic curriculum development nonfiction so editors are GOD in that realm. Still, the editor on this is MIA or just phoning it in.
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes: It's a pity. I was looking for a stupid but sappy and sinful, short story or novella to wind down the evening. I wasn't looking for the tome of timeor the greatest scroll on earth - just easy and fun. This was everything up until it was not. Character Development/Favorite Character: Why bother investing and keeping track of the characters when Castle herself couldn't be bothered to do the same. So while I initially loved Nular and Moooordoook or Moordick or whatever (Castle herself misspells it a couple of times so I'm in good company) and Mukkia Muxia whatever the other Zukia - My love for them evaporated when she changed couple pairings literally mid page multiple times. No excuses - Stephen King wrote some of his best work while blitzed and high as a kite and yet it still went through rigorous editing until it became passable as something "not the result" of a drug fueled binge. If he can do that, surely you can spare 90 minutes to review each page before publishing. Favorite/Curious//Ludicrous/Unique Scene:: Not worth investing in a scene Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes: No quotes worth annotating Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: The idea that you can produce work like this and be taken seriously.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025 Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025...more
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