[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Book Review Tours and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed [image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Book Review Tours and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are however my own.
So it took me a while to get into this thriller of a book – mostly because it takes a while to lay the foundation of the mystery.
Told in dual POVs – Rebecca Brown, an orphan living with her Grandparents in Scotland and Keller Baye, whose father is on the death row for shooting a man during a failed bank raid.
These two POVs are two different stories, and while it took a while, I knew the foundation needed to be laid for these two to intersect with each other.
Rebecca Brown is curious about her parents, who died a long time back and how she and her siblings came to be living with her grandparents; who aren’t exactly the cuddly type.
Keller Baye on the other hand, actually watches his father be executed by lethal injection and is then sent to live with his aunt, who doesn’t care about him but only for the money state gives her to take care of him.
I was on pins and needles trying to understand how and when these two stories will intersect with each other; a definitely plus point in the author’s side. She makes sure that the plot moves along in steady pace; though I could have done without the extra attention given to the background to the characters, but that’s just me who loves her action strong and immediate.
[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Book Review Tours and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are however my own.
So it took me a while to get into this thriller of a book – mostly because it takes a while to lay the foundation of the mystery.
Told in dual POVs – Rebecca Brown, an orphan living with her Grandparents in Scotland and Keller Baye, whose father is on the death row for shooting a man during a failed bank raid.
These two POVs are two different stories, and while it took a while, I knew the foundation needed to be laid for these two to intersect with each other.
Rebecca Brown is curious about her parents, who died a long time back and how she and her siblings came to be living with her grandparents; who aren’t exactly the cuddly type.
Keller Baye on the other hand, actually watches his father be executed by lethal injection and is then sent to live with his aunt, who doesn’t care about him but only for the money state gives her to take care of him.
I was on pins and needles trying to understand how and when these two stories will intersect with each other; a definitely plus point in the author’s side. She makes sure that the plot moves along in steady pace; though I could have done without the extra attention given to the background to the characters, but that’s just me who loves her action strong and immediate.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tou[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
This is my introduction to the Vengeance Series; and the second book in the series overall – but can definitely be read as standalone.
There is something to be said about women in roles that usually are defined by male attributes – the Valkyries in this series are women who are trained government agents; agents that are the last resort for the government when they don’t want the public to be any wiser regarding the dirty aspects of national security.
[image] But this Valkyrie team has been betrayed to hell and back – and now they are back to wreak havoc on those who betrayed them.
Covert Vengeance is Amber Bown’s turn to inflict pain on those she believes to be in the wrong- she doesn’t always colour within the lines; but for her the end always justified the means. She did at times come forth as fixated; but she knows herself better than anyone else and knows that her fight is for the good. The better.
So when she realises that she has been played, it almost breaks something inside her – but Amber is a strong woman, a Valkyrie and she knows hw wt fight back, sneakily.
And she does so with VENGEANCE.
I absolutely adored Amber – she is who I want to be when I grow up; and the fact that she is on a crazy ride for justice makes it even more thrilling.,/b> If on the way, romance also knocks her on her tush; it just absolutely adds to the thrill of reading this book.
[image] What I also adored about this book is that the heroine takes the center stage in the plot - and it is the hero, Jesse Cordova, an assassin for hire, who is her support system; her back up you might say rather than actually trying to protect the "damsel in distress" - he gives Amber the respect she is due and becomes her staunchest supporter as well as her partner!
And even though, this book was one crazy twist after the other; the sneak peak we got at the end, pretty much cements the fact Ms. Cross hasn’t really shown us her actual crazy genes yet!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
This is my introduction to the Vengeance Series; and the second book in the series overall – but can definitely be read as standalone.
There is something to be said about women in roles that usually are defined by male attributes – the Valkyries in this series are women who are trained government agents; agents that are the last resort for the government when they don’t want the public to be any wiser regarding the dirty aspects of national security.
[image] But this Valkyrie team has been betrayed to hell and back – and now they are back to wreak havoc on those who betrayed them.
Covert Vengeance is Amber Bown’s turn to inflict pain on those she believes to be in the wrong- she doesn’t always colour within the lines; but for her the end always justified the means. She did at times come forth as fixated; but she knows herself better than anyone else and knows that her fight is for the good. The better.
So when she realises that she has been played, it almost breaks something inside her – but Amber is a strong woman, a Valkyrie and she knows hw wt fight back, sneakily.
And she does so with VENGEANCE.
I absolutely adored Amber – she is who I want to be when I grow up; and the fact that she is on a crazy ride for justice makes it even more thrilling.,/b> If on the way, romance also knocks her on her tush; it just absolutely adds to the thrill of reading this book.
[image] What I also adored about this book is that the heroine takes the center stage in the plot - and it is the hero, Jesse Cordova, an assassin for hire, who is her support system; her back up you might say rather than actually trying to protect the "damsel in distress" - he gives Amber the respect she is due and becomes her staunchest supporter as well as her partner!
And even though, this book was one crazy twist after the other; the sneak peak we got at the end, pretty much cements the fact Ms. Cross hasn’t really shown us her actual crazy genes yet!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tou[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been with the Redemption Harbor series since its beginning – it is one of those series, where suspense, romance and familial relationships in the perfect balance.
But it has been Leighton’s HEA that I had been looking forward to – a broody, grumpy and a closed off guy is my kryptonite – and I had so much fun going on this journey with him and his woman.
Its been obvious since the start of the series that Leighton keeps himself apart from his team members; and that there are things from his past that he has yet to come terms with. Yet somehow he doesn’t give much struggle when it came to falling for his woman; I loved how charming and how sweet he was with Lucy; the woman who was part of his mission, but somehow became just his.
Lucy, on the other hand, has had a traumatic past, with her parents dying of a murder – suicide – and though she successfully manages her uncle’s hotel; she doesn’t keep herself open to any emotional relationships. Even though she still hesitant, she stills opens up for Leighton – their connection is that powerful.
But then secrets come out – and somehow these two strong, little broken characters have to find their way to each other!
Covert Games is a fast paced romantic suspense, that I completed within hours of starting the book – that there are cameos and POVs from previous characters that made it all the more fun to read!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been with the Redemption Harbor series since its beginning – it is one of those series, where suspense, romance and familial relationships in the perfect balance.
But it has been Leighton’s HEA that I had been looking forward to – a broody, grumpy and a closed off guy is my kryptonite – and I had so much fun going on this journey with him and his woman.
Its been obvious since the start of the series that Leighton keeps himself apart from his team members; and that there are things from his past that he has yet to come terms with. Yet somehow he doesn’t give much struggle when it came to falling for his woman; I loved how charming and how sweet he was with Lucy; the woman who was part of his mission, but somehow became just his.
Lucy, on the other hand, has had a traumatic past, with her parents dying of a murder – suicide – and though she successfully manages her uncle’s hotel; she doesn’t keep herself open to any emotional relationships. Even though she still hesitant, she stills opens up for Leighton – their connection is that powerful.
But then secrets come out – and somehow these two strong, little broken characters have to find their way to each other!
Covert Games is a fast paced romantic suspense, that I completed within hours of starting the book – that there are cameos and POVs from previous characters that made it all the more fun to read!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tou[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been wanting to read Tiana Fitzgerald’s story, ever since we got to see glimpses of the hard life she has had as a single mother; especially the traumatic incident that her daughter went through – I was interested in seeing how she handles the guilt and bitterness, not only towards herself but also for the opposite sex.
Aiden McIntyre, an ex-Royal Marine and Scotland native, has been working in USA; though he has been having trouble with his via and permission to stay in the country indefinitely. It doesn’t help that he is enamored with the single momma bear; who gives him the cold shoulder, no matter how charming he is to her and her kid, Ella.
[image] I loved how we got the multiple POVs; but more than that I loved how the author showed the struggle Tiana went through, the guilt she harbored as a mother for the trauma her girl went through and the way she overcame those apprehensions and fears to show Ella the best logical way to have a respectful, healthy adult relationship as a role model.
I love the way Kaylea Cross has also shown some amazing strong friendships and familial loyalties that make for an exciting series.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been wanting to read Tiana Fitzgerald’s story, ever since we got to see glimpses of the hard life she has had as a single mother; especially the traumatic incident that her daughter went through – I was interested in seeing how she handles the guilt and bitterness, not only towards herself but also for the opposite sex.
Aiden McIntyre, an ex-Royal Marine and Scotland native, has been working in USA; though he has been having trouble with his via and permission to stay in the country indefinitely. It doesn’t help that he is enamored with the single momma bear; who gives him the cold shoulder, no matter how charming he is to her and her kid, Ella.
[image] I loved how we got the multiple POVs; but more than that I loved how the author showed the struggle Tiana went through, the guilt she harbored as a mother for the trauma her girl went through and the way she overcame those apprehensions and fears to show Ella the best logical way to have a respectful, healthy adult relationship as a role model.
I love the way Kaylea Cross has also shown some amazing strong friendships and familial loyalties that make for an exciting series.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
I have fallen in love with Freya Barker’s writing style – her books are relatable, sedate, and subtle which end up bringing peace to my soul.
I had been looking forward to Luna’s HEA ever since we got a glimpse of her stubborn attitude in Burning for Autumn (Read My Review) – but most of all, because the little tidbit we did get showed that her’s would be one of my favorite tropes of all times; that if “opposites attract”.
Luna is a petite Special Agent with the FBI with “her” size chip on the shoulder – her size and gender had made sure that she has had the “pleasure” o prove her worth more than any other male agent. And can I say that she does so resplendently!
Ouray, the biker President gets on Luna’s nerves – mostly because there is an unwilling attraction to this rough, alpha, possessive, outlaw male that she just doesn’t understand nor is willing to explore.
When an undercover operation puts them in close quarters – proximity is exactly what pulls down the wall of misconception they had about each other.
Luna is exactly the kind of heroine I adore reading about – a certified, strong, brilliant, bad – ass woman who took no prisoner and made no apologies for who and what she is and my respect for her just grew when I was confronted with the past she has worked hard to overcome.
Ouray, on the other hand, who took hold my heart, right from the start – this tough, possessive and protective alpha biker with a soft heart knew exactly what his “sprite” needed from him and he knew it instinctively – he could claim this strong woman as his, yet understand that she is no damsel in distress or a waif – and in the process becomes her rock and support!
The only thing was that I needed a confrontation or rather a showdown with the boogeyman from Luna’s past – but that is the witch in me who never forgives nor forgets *shrugs*
Luna and Ouray’s romances is one that gives me hope – hope that even though I read multitude of romances; there are some that do and can end up making me feel at peace at soul deep level.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
I have fallen in love with Freya Barker’s writing style – her books are relatable, sedate, and subtle which end up bringing peace to my soul.
I had been looking forward to Luna’s HEA ever since we got a glimpse of her stubborn attitude in Burning for Autumn (Read My Review) – but most of all, because the little tidbit we did get showed that her’s would be one of my favorite tropes of all times; that if “opposites attract”.
Luna is a petite Special Agent with the FBI with “her” size chip on the shoulder – her size and gender had made sure that she has had the “pleasure” o prove her worth more than any other male agent. And can I say that she does so resplendently!
Ouray, the biker President gets on Luna’s nerves – mostly because there is an unwilling attraction to this rough, alpha, possessive, outlaw male that she just doesn’t understand nor is willing to explore.
When an undercover operation puts them in close quarters – proximity is exactly what pulls down the wall of misconception they had about each other.
Luna is exactly the kind of heroine I adore reading about – a certified, strong, brilliant, bad – ass woman who took no prisoner and made no apologies for who and what she is and my respect for her just grew when I was confronted with the past she has worked hard to overcome.
Ouray, on the other hand, who took hold my heart, right from the start – this tough, possessive and protective alpha biker with a soft heart knew exactly what his “sprite” needed from him and he knew it instinctively – he could claim this strong woman as his, yet understand that she is no damsel in distress or a waif – and in the process becomes her rock and support!
The only thing was that I needed a confrontation or rather a showdown with the boogeyman from Luna’s past – but that is the witch in me who never forgives nor forgets *shrugs*
Luna and Ouray’s romances is one that gives me hope – hope that even though I read multitude of romances; there are some that do and can end up making me feel at peace at soul deep level.
[image] This romance reminded me of a simpler time in reading and I adored it just for that!
Emma Frank is a recent divorcee; after 7 years of helli[image] This romance reminded me of a simpler time in reading and I adored it just for that!
Emma Frank is a recent divorcee; after 7 years of hellish marriage that ended with her in hospital and her husband in jail. Yet, her brothers-in-law still do not leave her alone. It is just that surviving hell hasn’t actually made her stronger – or so she believes.
Cash Walker is a charming ladies man – no, he is not a playboy, what he is, is a man with a smile that would melt any female’s *cough* heart *cough* within miles of him. He isn’t much for a commitment, mostly because he believes that his actions in the past aren’t what makes him worthy of anyone’s love let alone someone as sweet as Emma.
But he just can’t stay away from her neither can he stop the protective and possessive instincts that flare up for her.
Cash is in one word – yummy *sighs*. Not only is he an actual Cowboy, he is also sweet, patient and definitely amazing with kids, not to mention with skittish women. But most of all, I LOVED that he instinctively knew to be with Emma – and how to make her feel safe. Not many men do that, even if they are the Alpha Men they profess to be!
Emma on the other hand, is a sweet woman; sometimes a little too sweet for me, but it was amazing to see the transformation in her throughout the course of the story – it was not only worthy of respect but also admiration!
The chemistry between Emma and Cash was brilliantly heart-warming – not only because neither of them had known connection like this before, but because they actually did bring out the best in each other!
All in all, this was a sweet romance with hints of action and suspense that only made it a whole lot better! Definitely checking out the rest of the books in the series now :D
[image] This romance reminded me of a simpler time in reading and I adored it just for that!
Emma Frank is a recent divorcee; after 7 years of hellish marriage that ended with her in hospital and her husband in jail. Yet, her brothers-in-law still do not leave her alone. It is just that surviving hell hasn’t actually made her stronger – or so she believes.
Cash Walker is a charming ladies man – no, he is not a playboy, what he is, is a man with a smile that would melt any female’s *cough* heart *cough* within miles of him. He isn’t much for a commitment, mostly because he believes that his actions in the past aren’t what makes him worthy of anyone’s love let alone someone as sweet as Emma.
But he just can’t stay away from her neither can he stop the protective and possessive instincts that flare up for her.
Cash is in one word – yummy *sighs*. Not only is he an actual Cowboy, he is also sweet, patient and definitely amazing with kids, not to mention with skittish women. But most of all, I LOVED that he instinctively knew to be with Emma – and how to make her feel safe. Not many men do that, even if they are the Alpha Men they profess to be!
Emma on the other hand, is a sweet woman; sometimes a little too sweet for me, but it was amazing to see the transformation in her throughout the course of the story – it was not only worthy of respect but also admiration!
The chemistry between Emma and Cash was brilliantly heart-warming – not only because neither of them had known connection like this before, but because they actually did bring out the best in each other!
All in all, this was a sweet romance with hints of action and suspense that only made it a whole lot better! Definitely checking out the rest of the books in the series now :D
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
It is not a secret that I absolutely adore Freya Barker’s works – not only does she constructs plots that easily engage my attention; she also creates characters, whom you can’t help but adore, empathise and cheer for, from the start till the end.
For an already fan like yours truly, we have met the protagonists of this book – Jamie and Titus aka Trunk in Tracking Tahlula (Read My Review) – and even then, I was actually quite invested in how Trunk, a man who is closed off and difficult to crack, will find his Happily Ever After! Jamie has had the shock of her life – from finding out that her husband has been living a double life and moving not only her new baby; but also her mom to a totally new place, its been a year of adjustment for her!
[image] The attraction between Trunk and Jamie is quite immediate; though with Trunk actually playing hot and cold; its more of a push and pull between them. Not that Jamie is exactly receptive to this attraction!
I loved how Jamie and Trunk were evenly matched with each other – both have had a traumatic life; but both have actually made themselves strong and independent enough not to lean on anybody! Their relationship as it progresses, was a wonderful treat to read about, especially the parts where Trunk connected with Rivera, Jamie’s toddler!
Although, I did wish I could see Trunk opening up to Jaime about his past, what made him the kind of man he is – the tough exterior with a soft centre for those whom he loves; that conversation would have made their relationship even stronger in the eyes of the reader!
[image] There are a lot of things at play in the Arrow’s Edge – with a third party trying to disrupt not only their livelihood but also their reputation, Trunk and his brothers have a whole lot on their plates, especially when Jaime’s past somehow gets her involved as well!
Like always Freya Barker has done a wonderful job of tackling quite serious issues of racial discrimination, child abuse and violence in a way that warms your heart and in the end, leaves the reader with a smile on their lips when they close the book!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Buoni Amici Press and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
It is not a secret that I absolutely adore Freya Barker’s works – not only does she constructs plots that easily engage my attention; she also creates characters, whom you can’t help but adore, empathise and cheer for, from the start till the end.
For an already fan like yours truly, we have met the protagonists of this book – Jamie and Titus aka Trunk in Tracking Tahlula (Read My Review) – and even then, I was actually quite invested in how Trunk, a man who is closed off and difficult to crack, will find his Happily Ever After! Jamie has had the shock of her life – from finding out that her husband has been living a double life and moving not only her new baby; but also her mom to a totally new place, its been a year of adjustment for her!
[image] The attraction between Trunk and Jamie is quite immediate; though with Trunk actually playing hot and cold; its more of a push and pull between them. Not that Jamie is exactly receptive to this attraction!
I loved how Jamie and Trunk were evenly matched with each other – both have had a traumatic life; but both have actually made themselves strong and independent enough not to lean on anybody! Their relationship as it progresses, was a wonderful treat to read about, especially the parts where Trunk connected with Rivera, Jamie’s toddler!
Although, I did wish I could see Trunk opening up to Jaime about his past, what made him the kind of man he is – the tough exterior with a soft centre for those whom he loves; that conversation would have made their relationship even stronger in the eyes of the reader!
[image] There are a lot of things at play in the Arrow’s Edge – with a third party trying to disrupt not only their livelihood but also their reputation, Trunk and his brothers have a whole lot on their plates, especially when Jaime’s past somehow gets her involved as well!
Like always Freya Barker has done a wonderful job of tackling quite serious issues of racial discrimination, child abuse and violence in a way that warms your heart and in the end, leaves the reader with a smile on their lips when they close the book!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tou[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Katie Reus is a master of the romantic thriller genre – her books have the exact amount of suspense to temper the romance, enough so that I usually end up reading her books in single sitting!
With Dark Memento; Katie Reus gives a fan – freaking – tastic start to a new romantic thriller series, about a survivor and her war with her past when it comes knocking on her present.
Dark Memento opens to Savannah and Serenity after they have been abducted by a serial killer, Michael Black from their dorm room in college. Only one of the twins survives the ordeal – Serenity escapes & makes sure that the killer who tortured and took away her twin is put behind bars for the rest of his life.
Now, Serenity is a widow and a single mother to precocious little girl, Hannah and has made a life for herself and her daughter in her hometown, Verona Bay. She has her own animal grooming shop that she loves owning and handling & is cruising through her life content. She has no intention of entering any relationship, even if a certain former marine has her heart beating a little faster.
Former Marine Lucas Jordan came to his hometown and didn’t take long to be enamored by the single mother and her young daughter. Even though he made his interest clear, he keeps his distance, once he realises that Serenity isn’t open to anything more as of right now.
But when Serenity starts getting targeted by someone leaving mementos from the serial killer that she survived, and people close to her start getting abducted and/or murdered; Lucas shows exactly the kind of man he actually is – protective, possessive and a man that Serenity and her daughter can depend on fully.
[image] Dark Memento keeps the reader on its toes right from the start – with the author giving a clear opportunity to the reader to identify the killer; in fact the reader has the same clues & revelations that agents investigating the case do – so its actually a race between the reader and the agents to find the culprit first and that’s exactly what makes this a brilliant read!
I am eager to see where Ms. Reus takes this new romantic thriller series to in the future – Lucas Jordan after all has brothers who need their HEA as well *wink wink*
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Katie Reus is a master of the romantic thriller genre – her books have the exact amount of suspense to temper the romance, enough so that I usually end up reading her books in single sitting!
With Dark Memento; Katie Reus gives a fan – freaking – tastic start to a new romantic thriller series, about a survivor and her war with her past when it comes knocking on her present.
Dark Memento opens to Savannah and Serenity after they have been abducted by a serial killer, Michael Black from their dorm room in college. Only one of the twins survives the ordeal – Serenity escapes & makes sure that the killer who tortured and took away her twin is put behind bars for the rest of his life.
Now, Serenity is a widow and a single mother to precocious little girl, Hannah and has made a life for herself and her daughter in her hometown, Verona Bay. She has her own animal grooming shop that she loves owning and handling & is cruising through her life content. She has no intention of entering any relationship, even if a certain former marine has her heart beating a little faster.
Former Marine Lucas Jordan came to his hometown and didn’t take long to be enamored by the single mother and her young daughter. Even though he made his interest clear, he keeps his distance, once he realises that Serenity isn’t open to anything more as of right now.
But when Serenity starts getting targeted by someone leaving mementos from the serial killer that she survived, and people close to her start getting abducted and/or murdered; Lucas shows exactly the kind of man he actually is – protective, possessive and a man that Serenity and her daughter can depend on fully.
[image] Dark Memento keeps the reader on its toes right from the start – with the author giving a clear opportunity to the reader to identify the killer; in fact the reader has the same clues & revelations that agents investigating the case do – so its actually a race between the reader and the agents to find the culprit first and that’s exactly what makes this a brilliant read!
I am eager to see where Ms. Reus takes this new romantic thriller series to in the future – Lucas Jordan after all has brothers who need their HEA as well *wink wink*
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tou[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Fifth book in the Redemption Harbor series; this was the one I was quite looking forward to. Throughout the previous books in the series; it was quite easy to see know that Gage has fallen quite hard for Nova – even though it was a meeting of voices rather than eyes at the start ;)
Nova is quite the strong independent woman who has fallen hard for Gage – not just for his body but for his mind as well. Gage, on the other hand, has tried to keep his feelings and himself in check for he was sort of Nova’s boss and he didn’t want to take advantage of the fact (does it already show how much adored him for this?).
The story takes right off – when Nova receives a troubling message from her best friend and goes off to rescue her all alone. Luckily for her though, Gabe trails behind her to protect her.
Gabe has fallen for Nova quite hard, yet has never crossed the line out of respect for their Boss and Employee relationship. Nova, on the other hand, is the newest member of the team, and tends to keep to herself; but what she does love is needling the one man who has gotten under skin like no other.
As usual, Katie Reus has created a fast paced action plot with precarious, life threatening situations for both Nova and Gage to finally acknowledge their feelings for each other – Hunting Danger was an exhilarating ride that I loved being on; even though the climax disappointed me a teeny tiny bit – I was just expecting more :D
I also loved getting back together with the rest of the team and the fact that author gives a little sneak peak with one of the POV’s for the next book, I can’t wait to see where Ms. Reus takes this team to next!
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Fifth book in the Redemption Harbor series; this was the one I was quite looking forward to. Throughout the previous books in the series; it was quite easy to see know that Gage has fallen quite hard for Nova – even though it was a meeting of voices rather than eyes at the start ;)
Nova is quite the strong independent woman who has fallen hard for Gage – not just for his body but for his mind as well. Gage, on the other hand, has tried to keep his feelings and himself in check for he was sort of Nova’s boss and he didn’t want to take advantage of the fact (does it already show how much adored him for this?).
The story takes right off – when Nova receives a troubling message from her best friend and goes off to rescue her all alone. Luckily for her though, Gabe trails behind her to protect her.
Gabe has fallen for Nova quite hard, yet has never crossed the line out of respect for their Boss and Employee relationship. Nova, on the other hand, is the newest member of the team, and tends to keep to herself; but what she does love is needling the one man who has gotten under skin like no other.
As usual, Katie Reus has created a fast paced action plot with precarious, life threatening situations for both Nova and Gage to finally acknowledge their feelings for each other – Hunting Danger was an exhilarating ride that I loved being on; even though the climax disappointed me a teeny tiny bit – I was just expecting more :D
I also loved getting back together with the rest of the team and the fact that author gives a little sneak peak with one of the POV’s for the next book, I can’t wait to see where Ms. Reus takes this team to next!
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour hosted by the wonderful Indie Sage PR <3
[image] The blur This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour hosted by the wonderful Indie Sage PR <3
[image] The blurb of this GOT to me - and ever since I signed up for this tour to the time I got my hands on this eARC - which meant that due to the time difference I got it in the middle of the night, and then spent the rest of the night devouring this book.
Its WWII time - Charlie is US Army Air Pilot - and is on medical leave for a broken leg. He stumbles (literally!) on Sophie outside the cafe she works at - and thus, starts a love story that took my breath away <3
Yet, at the start of the book - Sophie and Charlie break each other's hearts. And all I wanted to
Told in different time-lines - both yesterday and today - we are shown how they got together and how they went apart - but most of all how they came together again.
Charlie is a very happy go-lucky boy - and yes I say boy - because he isn't older than 21 years - but somehow seems way older than his years. And I ADORED HIM - from the prologue itself - because the strength of his love for Sophie could be seen RIGHT FROM THE START.
Sophie is a typical young girl - except that she refuses to believe that love exists - or maybe it is that she doesn't believe that love ever lasts. But there is something about Charlie's enthusiasm that she just can't seem to stop herself from falling for him. BUT she has demons - demons that she has let rule her life and her fears.
This is a story of how the war made one woman realise that love isn't supposed to be a slave of ear - it is supposed to fly free and the boy who gives her the wings to fly.
This is a beautifully written romance that takes you straight back to the time where things were a lot simpler and love a lot more pure.
I adored the plot, the characters and the way author wove in a story that just took my breath away - but yes there were times that the writing felt a little choppy, especially at the start but that did sort itself out by the middle of the book to make it a smooth sailing.
Honestly, this is one of those slow burn romances that end up creating a home in your heart long after you are done with the book.
“I want to be the guy you run to when the world caves in around you. I want to be the guy who can put a smile on your face and kiss away all the bad stuff…the one who gets under your skin because I’m all you can think about. But mostly I just want to be the guy you call yours, because you’re that girl for me."
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour hosted by the wonderful Indie Sage PR <3
[image] The blurb of this GOT to me - and ever since I signed up for this tour to the time I got my hands on this eARC - which meant that due to the time difference I got it in the middle of the night, and then spent the rest of the night devouring this book.
Its WWII time - Charlie is US Army Air Pilot - and is on medical leave for a broken leg. He stumbles (literally!) on Sophie outside the cafe she works at - and thus, starts a love story that took my breath away <3
Yet, at the start of the book - Sophie and Charlie break each other's hearts. And all I wanted to
Told in different time-lines - both yesterday and today - we are shown how they got together and how they went apart - but most of all how they came together again.
Charlie is a very happy go-lucky boy - and yes I say boy - because he isn't older than 21 years - but somehow seems way older than his years. And I ADORED HIM - from the prologue itself - because the strength of his love for Sophie could be seen RIGHT FROM THE START.
Sophie is a typical young girl - except that she refuses to believe that love exists - or maybe it is that she doesn't believe that love ever lasts. But there is something about Charlie's enthusiasm that she just can't seem to stop herself from falling for him. BUT she has demons - demons that she has let rule her life and her fears.
This is a story of how the war made one woman realise that love isn't supposed to be a slave of ear - it is supposed to fly free and the boy who gives her the wings to fly.
This is a beautifully written romance that takes you straight back to the time where things were a lot simpler and love a lot more pure.
I adored the plot, the characters and the way author wove in a story that just took my breath away - but yes there were times that the writing felt a little choppy, especially at the start but that did sort itself out by the middle of the book to make it a smooth sailing.
Honestly, this is one of those slow burn romances that end up creating a home in your heart long after you are done with the book.
“I want to be the guy you run to when the world caves in around you. I want to be the guy who can put a smile on your face and kiss away all the bad stuff…the one who gets under your skin because I’m all you can think about. But mostly I just want to be the guy you call yours, because you’re that girl for me."
[image] Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by Bloomsbury Indiain exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the revi[image] Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by Bloomsbury Indiain exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
The Vanishing Sky, is the story of a German Family, under the umbrella of the WWII - in a perspective that is so rarely found in this genre.
The Hubers, with mother Etta; a woman is trying hard to hold on to the tether of her family together. Father, Joseph who after retiring is showing signs of dementia. The elder son, Max serving in the German Army and the younger son, Georg, off training in the Hitler Youth.
[image] While their homes in their countryside is sort of away from the action; nevertheless the effects of war that is going poorly shows in their day to day life.
When Max comes back from the war; suffering from the trauma of the war; and the POV of the younger son Georg - all of it, made for a very difficult need.
Because the Hubers are just like you and me; they may have been German in a war where they would have been considered villains; but they were like you and me; common man thrown in a situation, a war that wasn’t his to fight.
It took me over two months to read it; and it’s a sad as well as times a depressing read - and even while I write this review, I still don’t even know how I feel about this book.
I just know that if you are a history aficionado, then it would be an informative read for you.
Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by Harper Collins Indiain exchange for an honest review. [image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by Harper Collins Indiain exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I picked this cozy mystery “Queen Investigates” when I heard the news of Price Philip’s passing. I have got to be honest, I only picked up this book for nostalgic purposes and thus, didn’t actually have a whole lot of expectations - but this book definitely was a surprise.
The Windsor Knot is actually a very snappy and clever title - it actually gives you a hint for the actual plotline - the Queen is having a little soirée in her home, The Windsor Castle with an eclectic collection of guests and believes it to be a success.
[image] Until the next morning, when The Queen is informed that a guest’s body was found in a very compromising position, though neither the staff nor the investigators believe it to be a little more than suicide.
Beyond the actual investigation, The Windsor Knot is far more than just the investigation- its a look at a monarchy, the longest standing Queen in a world in a wholly different light.
The mystery, and the characters within come together to give the readers an intriguing plot and a different insight into the Queen’s personality and working style that made it a wonderful read of a cozy mystery and intrigue.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Colored Pages Blog Tours and the Author as part of t[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Colored Pages Blog Tours and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
“Why Shanghai? …It’s because we believe in certain ideas about this city – that it has the potential to be invincible, that it could be ours.”
Oh this was a beautiful and a lovely coming of age novel – but it was so much more; because this coming of age happens in the 20s-30s for the characters – and I loved that, for you have to know, that growing up can happen any moment in your life.
Crystal Z Lee gives us characters who you can’t help but connect with – set in Shanghai (I have never been there; but the author makes it sound like a wonderful place to visit!); Love and Other Moods is all about taking risks, making mistakes and trying to better every moment of the day.
The characters introduced in the book aren’t perfect; but they are human and thus, oh so easy to relate to. You will find yourself lost in a city that is so unlike your own, but somehow finding yourself within its inhabitants anyways!
Love and Other Moods is a debut that is a read that you do not know what you expect from it, but also one that will still surpass your expectations anyways!
“Home is our mental as much as it is a physical space. It’s where we choose to root our existence, where we decide to build our bliss, our lives, ourselves. … Some people made anywhere feel like home.”
[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Netgalley and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the r[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Netgalley and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
With every book I read from Chloe Liese; I find myself falling a little more in love with her, not just her talent and her writing but her as a human being.
Why you ask? Her first Bergman Novel, that I found accidentally on Netgalley opened my eyes to reading romances that are diverse, could be considered non - conventional but are yet the most realistic representations of love I have had the fortune of reading.
In Ever After Always, Chloe Liese picks up where most romances drop off - the happily ever after - and while most of us would want to believe that everything will always be hunky dory after driving off in the sunset, that is not how real life works.
Weddings are oh so fun and adventurous; but marriage? Marriage is hard work - with a lot of compromises, frustrations and growing up together that somehow is always; and I do mean, always overshadowed by the fun and galore of weddings.
Marriage and weddings are two entirely two different aspects and I truly wish that more people talked about it, especially in romances.
With Ever After Always; Chloe Liese delves into the happily ever after of Freya, the eldest Bergman and her husband of ten years, Aiden. With time, and a decision to move forward in their relationship, thinking about a baby; a gift takes place and somehow over the course of just six months, we see a complete breakdown of communications in their relationship.
With the pressure of outward appearances; and an ever loving, bonkers interfering family, Freya and Aiden try and find their way back to each other; because that’s what they want. Their love hasn’t disappeared; the passion for each other still simmers underneath yet somehow they both let the important aspect of just communicating with each other slide by them.
As a married woman myself, the issues discussed in this book feel as if that the author took a look into my heart, mind and soul - and it is bonkers that these issues aren’t talked about more, especially when they must be all too common.
I have always said, Chloe Liese writes realistic and relatable romances and Ever After Always is another way she just proves me right. Again.
[image] This was my first Roni Loren novel - and while I honestly hadn’t heard about her books (seriously, shame on me, really!) - when I was making my[image] This was my first Roni Loren novel - and while I honestly hadn’t heard about her books (seriously, shame on me, really!) - when I was making my Anticipated Reads For March- it was the blurb that had me immediately putting this one on the list.
Miz Poppy is a veritable celebrity - her dry, sarcastic reviews of anything and everything to do around in New Orleans. Her reviews are not only widely read, but also coveted. In the virtual world, of course.
In reality, Holly the woman behind Miz Poppy is shy, anxiety ridden and panic attack driven woman with Tourette’s Syndrome. With social interactions a big hurdle for her, she is taking little steps to move forward in her relationship life.
Jasper Deares is a strand up and aspiring actor - with a serious relationship just ending when his girlfriend finding her big break and he has no house but to move back to New Orleans to their old group and a job at a coffee shop.
Jasper and Hollyn’s first meeting was a big fat failure - both having their own misconceptions about each other; but it doesn’t take long for both of them to become comfortable with each other. Especially when they end up making a deal for them to help each other in their respective professions.
Character driven plot ones are my jam in romance - and with such a complicated protagonists - Hollyn with her Tourette’s and Jasper with his Impulsive and ADHD - it took a little time for the story to move forward; but it was all worth it.
[image] The connection, the chemistry and the unconditional support Jasper and Hollyn provided each other was not only heartwarming but a wonderful insight to people who always have to wonder of their on desirability because they suffer from something they the society believes to be “abnormal”. And the intimate scenes with each other? Phew *fans herself* It satisfied a need in me that I didn’t realise I really wanted between them.
Yes & I Love You is a well developed, full of emotional and humorous and a wonderful representation of not just Tourette’s but also ADHD + the secondary characters were such a wonderful addition to the plot.
This might have been my first Roni Loren; but you can bet it wouldn’t be my last.
[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Harper Collins International in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expres[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Harper Collins International in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I have been reading a whole lot of thrillers recently, and somehow not many of them have been able to grip me the way a thriller should have – This is How I Lied fall into this category as well. Maggie, our protagonist, is 7 months pregnant and works as a police detective – though she knows that with her medical history she should definitely NOT continue with field work any longer.
Just when she decides to take a step back, a new clue in one of the cold cases she is assigned to; the murder of her best friend, Eve, from twenty years ago crosses her desk. And she knows that she can’t let it go now.
There are so many questions to be answered, and Maggie can’t stop digging into the case to find who is responsible for the murder – was it Eve’s weird sister? Or was it the homeless man they first suspected it to be? Or was it Eve’s boyfriend at the time? What is her father hiding from that time, when he was working as a detective?
There are so many threads left to unravel, and while I enjoyed reading the book; and the unravelling of the twists and turns, it didn’t grip me the way it should have; especially with the secrets that were revealed – all this meant that I wasn’t quite invested in knowing who the actual perpetrator was.
You can pick it up if you interested in passing a few hours; and want something enjoyable and interesting to read; rather than wanting to get lost in the book itself!
[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Publisher via Netgalley in exchnage for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed i[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Publisher via Netgalley in exchnage for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
An intriguing start to a whole new mystery-thriller police procedural.
DS Eleanor has a secret; a secret that would ultimately decide the tale of her latest case - a killer is taking things further with a pretend "kidnapping" experience in the world of BDSM-where women pay to experience the simulated pain as humiliation of an actual kidnapping.
But this killer, is taking the inherent trust required for these games-and violates the trust, by painfully killing women and displaying their bodies for public viewing.
It’s easy to get sucked into the twisted mind of the killer; and I had fun unravelling the threads of the mystery and getting into the mind of this killer so creepy and horrifying.
I am however, in two minds about the protagonist, DS Eleanor-she is a hard woman to like; she is rude, obnoxious, bossy and irritatingly superior. And getting into her good books isn't exactly easy - something her new partner DS white foot finds out immediately after meeting her. But DS Whitefoot I liked. He was charming, easy-going and I am hoping for good things for him in future books.
All in all, this was an intriguing start to what looks to be a long series with twisted plotlines.
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Lonely Pages Book Tours and the Author as part of th[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Lonely Pages Book Tours and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I so very much enjoyed the author’s previous book - A Match Made in MehendiMatch Made in Mehendi (Read My Review) so I was seriously looking forward to getting lost in the cute and adorable book all about the Big Fat Indian Wedding!
Mini, a high schooler has just found out that her older sister will be getting married and while her father isn’t interested in the whole Big Fat Indian Wedding hoopla; once Mini finds that her late mother has actually saved up some jewellery for her daughter’s wedding - she know she needs to do everything right for her sister and for her mother’s memory.
[image] Now, she knows that her father won’t be of help, her sister is too busy with her Medical Residency and she herself has no idea how to go about - so she turns to the only source she knows - the Aunties in her Indian Community.
Sister of the Bollywood Bride read exactly like it’s title - a whole lot of drama, familial loyalty and whole lot of shenanigans as well as an adorable meet cute romance to get your senses tingling!
[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via The Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expres[image] Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via The Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Rarely have I been able to find books that describe the EXACT experience of being/growing up in a world with internet – and the push/pull that comes with being an Indian that oscillates between traditions and modernization.
The Knockout does EXACTLY that.
Kareena Thakkar is an upcoming Muay Thai rising star – a sport that is far more violent and as far from a traditional role of a girl in the Indian Community as one can get. Kareena feels the ostracization keenly, but the sport is her passion and the fact that she has her parent’s support is the only thing that keeps her going.
Now, this wouldn’t be a true #ownvoices read, if there wasn’t a typical Indian drama – and there is, but it all added to the story itself! Of course, the plotline is predictable; but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a wonderful read.
Definitely recommend this one, especially if you want to expand your reading preferences!
Disclaimer: A physical ARC was provided via Harper Collins International in exchange for[image] Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical ARC was provided via Harper Collins International in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Faith: Taking Flight is apparently an origin story of Faith Herbert – a superhero from the Harbinger Universe (I still have to get my hands on the Comics; so I went in without even knowing the back story!) - a bubbly, overweight and enthusiastic teenager who is all geeky and nerdy and all in all a girl that the insecure teenager in all of us would not only recognise but also empathize with.
The book starts off with Faith being headhunted into believing that she has not only has the ability to bring forth her super powers; but will also spend the whole summer with other kids, just like her; a fact that excites her since her two best friends, Ches and Matt will be spending their summer together; away!
But soon enough, she finds herself back with her grandmother, and an absolute need NOT to talk about her summer; not with anyone at all. So, she decides that she will keep everything that happened during the summer under the wraps; especially the fact that she has the ability to fly. A normal school year; hanging out with her best friends; volunteering at the animal shelter and having fun with her favourite show of all times – the fan page for the show anyways.
[image] Things start to look up when her favourite TV Star shows up; and somehow against all odds; seems to be interested in her; romantically – and with a boy she always had a crush on; seems to be finally catching up the nerve to asks her out – this school year seems to be shapi9ng up to be quite interesting!
I was really quite excited to read this one –and I did enjoy it; but the pacing of the plotline felt a little off – the first of the book was absolute fluff; and more than getting to know you part – a part that was honestly stretched far too long and only had sprinkles of what would suddenly bomb into a whole lot of issue in the second half of the book – where to be fair, everything starts happening all at once – and I do mean everything; all the action, the plot twists – the reader gets bombarded with information from all the sides; together.
In spite of this; if you are hankering for an overweight, bisexual teenager; because you are one or identify as one – then trust me; this tends to be an empowering read (hence, the reason for my rating) – and there are still loose threads to knot up; so I am gonna keep an eye out for the sequel as well!