Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a onOriginally posted at
Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a one night stand throws her for a loop. Disgusted with herself, she has stopped drinking, stopped partying, and is looking to complete her next semester from her parents house. She doesn’t want to be “that girl” and hates that she can’t even talk to her friends about it.
Phoenix just got out of jail; broke and homeless. Crashing at his cousins’ house, he knows he needs to get a job and get out. When he meets Robin, he is instantly bowled over by how sweet and talented she is. She is the girl he always wanted but never thought he was good enough for.
As Phoenix and Robin spend more time together, Phoenix sees she is carrying a huge secret but hesitates to push her. When their pasts collide, neither are prepared for the explosive aftermath.
Believe is the third book in Erin McCarthy’s True Believers series. A new adult series that revolves around a group of friends and their issues with drugs, alcohol, and relationships. In Believe we meet Robin and Phoenix. Robin, one of Jessica’s (Sweet) and Rory’s (True) best friends, has been noticeably absent all summer. When she sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend at the end of school, she undergoes a complete transformation and avoids everything and everybody who could trigger a relapse. Three months later, she meets Phoenix. Phoenix, Riley and Tyler’s cousin, has just gotten out of jail after a six month stint. He has anger issues and this time they landed him in jail. While he isn’t the perfect guy for her, there is a connection between them that allows them both to forget their pain and disgust for awhile.
Entertaining and emotionally satisfying, Believe doesn’t have quite the external drama the first two books had. While there is some, the conflict here is more internalized. Robin and Phoenix have issues that affect their views of themselves. McCarty’s signature clean writing style and a easy to follow storyline(s) makes it incredibly easy to become involved in this book. Heavily character driven, we easily fall in love with our hero and heroine from their first meeting.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” “What?” I almost dropped my paintbrush. “No. Why?” His phone slid across the table toward me. “Then give me your number.” “Why?” I said again, which was a totally moronic thing to say. But I didn’t get any vibe he even liked me, let alone was interested in me. For the first time, I saw the glimmer of a smile on his face. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he controlled it again. “Why do you think?” For a split second, I felt like myself, and I said the first thing that popped into my head. “So you can send me honey badger videos?” I joked, because it seemed like a safer response. He was just out of prison, and he had just broken up with his girlfriend ten minutes earlier. So not a good idea to get involved with him. I wasn’t up for dating anyone, let alone him. “Yes. And kitten memes.” “Well, in that case.”
McCarthy does a nice job of characterizing Robin and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. Both protagonists are easy to sympathize with. Phoenix’s childhood involved a co dependant mother whose next fix was more important than taking care of her child. Robin, whose childhood was much better though she has a critical grandmother whose comments are nasty; uses parties and drinking to avoid dealing with her body issues and to boost her self confidence. Both learn that they are worth far more than their face value. The dual POVs enables us to see what each are feeling and thinking at pivotal moments. McCarthy takes their relationship slow, allowing them time to get to know one another and form a trust bond that supercedes their past behavior.
“I want you to remember that forever. Because I will.”
Though I felt the romance happened fast-insta love is never an easy sell-a part of me understood their need to cling to one another. Neither has ever had a relationship that didn’t involve some pretending on both their ends. No game playing and prime communication between our couple made the story more enjoyable in my eyes. The sexual scenes are bittersweet and sexy. The storyline and romance blend together effortlessly, elevating each other with a few plot twists to add to the overall tension.
We see plenty of past characters-Jess, Riley, Rory, and Tyler. I enjoyed their interaction and the outside observations and influence they bring. Seeing where they were at in their relationships and the hints given towards the future assures us they are all working hard towards their HEA. We also see a deviation from the past trope of the bad boy boyfriend the parents hate. Phoenix’s mom and Robin’s parents are rarely seen and when they are, they are there only in a supportive role.. Although, we do see the love/hate dynamics that affected the first book, True. Phoenix loves his mother but realises early on he can’t protect her from herself anymore.
The climatic moment that blows everything wide open isn’t so much a shocker as it is sad. Robin pays a heavy price for her drinking problem but it also frees her to move on with her life. Her guilt was like an albatross hanging from her neck. She may have lost a friend but she gained her sense of self back. The subplot involving Phoenix and his troubles seemed to come out of left field and resolved rather quickly. It didn’t really served a purpose.
While I enjoyed the story overall, I did have a few issues with it. One, Robin’s grandmother. I don’t subscribe to the notion that advanced age allows you to be cruel and I was surprised this wasn’t explored further.
Two, Jessica. I liked her well enough in True and Sweet but she became extremely judgemental in here and I was confused where this stemmed from. She makes noises about Robin leaving their room mate, Kylie, high and dry when Jessica does the same thing. She comes off jealous of Phoenix and I wasn’t buying the custody battle excuse. She didn’t want to share her new found family and it showed. Does this mean no relatives of the boys can ever come to visit? She’s also extra harsh with Robin after the big reveal; even after seeing evidence that it wasn’t all Robin’s fault.
Three, Robin blacked out from too much alcohol and woke up in bed with Nathan. She remembers basically nothing. It was essentially date rape and that aspect is never addressed.
Regardless of my misgivings, Believe is a sweet new adult love story that takes us journey of friendship, self discovery, forgiveness, and love. McCarthy continues to entertain with the third installment of True Believers series. She also includes a brief excerpt from book four, Shatter, which releases in June 17, 2014.
Overall Rating: C+
Merged review:
Originally posted at
Favorite Quote: “Who has two thumbs and just came twice? This girl. Holy crap.”
Robin was the quintessential party girl until a one night stand throws her for a loop. Disgusted with herself, she has stopped drinking, stopped partying, and is looking to complete her next semester from her parents house. She doesn’t want to be “that girl” and hates that she can’t even talk to her friends about it.
Phoenix just got out of jail; broke and homeless. Crashing at his cousins’ house, he knows he needs to get a job and get out. When he meets Robin, he is instantly bowled over by how sweet and talented she is. She is the girl he always wanted but never thought he was good enough for.
As Phoenix and Robin spend more time together, Phoenix sees she is carrying a huge secret but hesitates to push her. When their pasts collide, neither are prepared for the explosive aftermath.
Believe is the third book in Erin McCarthy’s True Believers series. A new adult series that revolves around a group of friends and their issues with drugs, alcohol, and relationships. In Believe we meet Robin and Phoenix. Robin, one of Jessica’s (Sweet) and Rory’s (True) best friends, has been noticeably absent all summer. When she sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend at the end of school, she undergoes a complete transformation and avoids everything and everybody who could trigger a relapse. Three months later, she meets Phoenix. Phoenix, Riley and Tyler’s cousin, has just gotten out of jail after a six month stint. He has anger issues and this time they landed him in jail. While he isn’t the perfect guy for her, there is a connection between them that allows them both to forget their pain and disgust for awhile.
Entertaining and emotionally satisfying, Believe doesn’t have quite the external drama the first two books had. While there is some, the conflict here is more internalized. Robin and Phoenix have issues that affect their views of themselves. McCarty’s signature clean writing style and a easy to follow storyline(s) makes it incredibly easy to become involved in this book. Heavily character driven, we easily fall in love with our hero and heroine from their first meeting.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” “What?” I almost dropped my paintbrush. “No. Why?” His phone slid across the table toward me. “Then give me your number.” “Why?” I said again, which was a totally moronic thing to say. But I didn’t get any vibe he even liked me, let alone was interested in me. For the first time, I saw the glimmer of a smile on his face. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he controlled it again. “Why do you think?” For a split second, I felt like myself, and I said the first thing that popped into my head. “So you can send me honey badger videos?” I joked, because it seemed like a safer response. He was just out of prison, and he had just broken up with his girlfriend ten minutes earlier. So not a good idea to get involved with him. I wasn’t up for dating anyone, let alone him. “Yes. And kitten memes.” “Well, in that case.”
McCarthy does a nice job of characterizing Robin and Phoenix as individuals and as a couple. Both protagonists are easy to sympathize with. Phoenix’s childhood involved a co dependant mother whose next fix was more important than taking care of her child. Robin, whose childhood was much better though she has a critical grandmother whose comments are nasty; uses parties and drinking to avoid dealing with her body issues and to boost her self confidence. Both learn that they are worth far more than their face value. The dual POVs enables us to see what each are feeling and thinking at pivotal moments. McCarthy takes their relationship slow, allowing them time to get to know one another and form a trust bond that supercedes their past behavior.
“I want you to remember that forever. Because I will.”
Though I felt the romance happened fast-insta love is never an easy sell-a part of me understood their need to cling to one another. Neither has ever had a relationship that didn’t involve some pretending on both their ends. No game playing and prime communication between our couple made the story more enjoyable in my eyes. The sexual scenes are bittersweet and sexy. The storyline and romance blend together effortlessly, elevating each other with a few plot twists to add to the overall tension.
We see plenty of past characters-Jess, Riley, Rory, and Tyler. I enjoyed their interaction and the outside observations and influence they bring. Seeing where they were at in their relationships and the hints given towards the future assures us they are all working hard towards their HEA. We also see a deviation from the past trope of the bad boy boyfriend the parents hate. Phoenix’s mom and Robin’s parents are rarely seen and when they are, they are there only in a supportive role.. Although, we do see the love/hate dynamics that affected the first book, True. Phoenix loves his mother but realises early on he can’t protect her from herself anymore.
The climatic moment that blows everything wide open isn’t so much a shocker as it is sad. Robin pays a heavy price for her drinking problem but it also frees her to move on with her life. Her guilt was like an albatross hanging from her neck. She may have lost a friend but she gained her sense of self back. The subplot involving Phoenix and his troubles seemed to come out of left field and resolved rather quickly. It didn’t really served a purpose.
While I enjoyed the story overall, I did have a few issues with it. One, Robin’s grandmother. I don’t subscribe to the notion that advanced age allows you to be cruel and I was surprised this wasn’t explored further.
Two, Jessica. I liked her well enough in True and Sweet but she became extremely judgemental in here and I was confused where this stemmed from. She makes noises about Robin leaving their room mate, Kylie, high and dry when Jessica does the same thing. She comes off jealous of Phoenix and I wasn’t buying the custody battle excuse. She didn’t want to share her new found family and it showed. Does this mean no relatives of the boys can ever come to visit? She’s also extra harsh with Robin after the big reveal; even after seeing evidence that it wasn’t all Robin’s fault.
Three, Robin blacked out from too much alcohol and woke up in bed with Nathan. She remembers basically nothing. It was essentially date rape and that aspect is never addressed.
Regardless of my misgivings, Believe is a sweet new adult love story that takes us journey of friendship, self discovery, forgiveness, and love. McCarthy continues to entertain with the third installment of True Believers series. She also includes a brief excerpt from book four, Shatter, which releases in June 17, 2014.
Two mortal enemies must work together when their lives work is stolen and sold to the highest bidder. A bidder who wants to destroy them all.
Fans of Two mortal enemies must work together when their lives work is stolen and sold to the highest bidder. A bidder who wants to destroy them all.
Fans of Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series will love the Kinsman series. Fated Blades is an ass-kicking enemy to lovers sci fi adventure filled with humor, sacrifice, drama, suspense, and a centuries-old family grudge. You don't have to read these in order to enjoy them.
I've been a longtime fan of Jayne Castle as well as her non de plumes-Amanda Quick and Jayne Krentz. Her harmony series is a top favorite of mine. TheI've been a longtime fan of Jayne Castle as well as her non de plumes-Amanda Quick and Jayne Krentz. Her harmony series is a top favorite of mine. The 14th in this series-Guild Boss-picks up in Illusion Town and what follows is a rambunctious adventure with all the necessary componets guaranteed to entertain....more
Laura Sulivan's Milady is a delightfully robust and thought-provoking addition to Duma's Three Musketeers canon.. Told from Milady de Winters' POV,4.5
Laura Sulivan's Milady is a delightfully robust and thought-provoking addition to Duma's Three Musketeers canon.. Told from Milady de Winters' POV, Sullivan gives voice to the supposed villainess of the story, gifting her with a refreshing no-nonsense and firm unapologetic attitude as she weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, betrayal, and retribution as she forged her own path from the one that was forced upon her. Leaving little to the imagination, Milady verbally wipes the shine from Duma's darlings, giving readers a whole new outlook on the legends behind each Musketeer, Constance, the Cardinal, and most importantly, Athos....more
I’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compeI’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compelling story of second chance love, small-town prejudices, and redemption. A young man is released from prison after evidence is found that exonerates him only to discover his small town doesn’t care what the courts say. Throughout this series, Jordan has built vulnerable heroes and heroines who are forced to face their biggest fears in order to move forward. Not a bad trope though at times, like now, the journey is riddled with ridiculous sterotypical behavior from people 10+ years out of high school and a couple, who in my opinion, allows their bullying to go too far. We meet a man and a woman who fell for one another years ago and circumstances kept them apart. Now they have a second chance but again, their own issues block their way. The chemistry driven romance is strong but it had a hard time competing against the multitude of subplots. Especially the “reporter must lie to the man she loves to get story of a lifetime.” Plus, the constant flashbacks and certain scenes left me hard-pressed to suspend my disbelief. Or anger. Body shaming, slut shaming, prison shaming, economic shaming…so much shaming. The last quarter or so was the strongest part which helped to amp up my interest and the speed. Unfortunately, by then I was ready for the end.
Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.
Favorite Quote: “It was good to be free. Good to be home.”
As Lyonesse is slowly being destroyed, it’s ruler, King Oberon, sleeps deep within his palacFavorite Quote: “It was good to be free. Good to be home.”
As Lyonesse is slowly being destroyed, it’s ruler, King Oberon, sleeps deep within his palace, the victim of an assassination attempt. His only chance at a cure comes in the form of the top Elder Race surgeon, Dr. Katheryn Shaw. When she arrives, her presence awakens him though he is no longer the man he was before. His only means of survival caused his emotions to be stripped from him. Now Katheryn must find a way to not only cure his body but also his soul. Because Queen Isabeau is coming to finish what she started and unless Oberon can come to care about Lyonese and his people again, it will fall forever.
The 3rd story in Harrison’s Moonshadow trilogy gives us King Oberon’s story and the final conclusion to the war between the Fae Courts. Set in the same world as her Elder Races series, the focus here is on the Fae demesnes and the ongoing war. Easily read as a standalone, you do not have to read the Elder Races to enjoy though I do recommend starting with book one of this trilogy-Moonshadow. If you have been following the series, you will remember that Oberon had vanished and Lyonesse has been shut off from the world by the Light Queen’s Hound-Morgan le Fae. Those who managed to escape are seen in book one, rallying for help while book two deals with Morgan Le Fae and his battle to escape Isabeau’s control.
Fans of the Elder Races, especially Dragos, will definitely love King Oberon (King of the Daoine Sidhe) who exhibits the same sense of power, arrogance, and all-encompassing passion. As old as Dragos, Oberon was celebrating the Winter Solace when Morgan le Fae bespelled him. Oberon was forced to put himself into a coma to save his life and the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, when he went to sleep, his power went unchecked and the city became a frozen tomb. When he realizes his domain has been breached, he awakens with a fury, seeking to destroy that which has dared to disturb him.
Pieces of dried fruit lay sprinkled over the trampled crimson-and-gold bedspread like confetti, and there was the sharp, aromatic scent of cheese. Curious, he pawed at a small, overturned tub. As he flipped it over, one of his claws sank into soft butter.
He licked it off as he took in other details. Amid the rubble was a fur-lined cloak and a strange piece of clothing that looked like a formfitting blue coat, and another odd, lightweight sheet of something that looked like metal but was pliable and made of a foreign substance he had never seen before. The interloper had planned a ravishment, and she had brought… snacks?
Dr. Kathyrn Shaw has been a mainstay throughout the Elder Races series. She has saved the day on multiple occasions and her assistance in Moonshadow opened the door to the fight that ends in here. One of the Wyn and trusted by the inner circle surrounding Dragos, she has the moxie and strength to hold her own against the bigger creatures who exist. Intelligent and witty, I found her calm demeanor, crisp mannerisms, and innovative ideas quite amusing as she pits herself against one of the most dangerous creatures in the demesnes.
Silkily, he asked, Cat got your tongue?
Very funny. Her grumpy mental voice sounded much better than her physical voice did. Okay, I apologize. I am so very sorry for what happened—
Come down here and face me properly, or are you too much of a coward to do so? He threw out the challenge carelessly. He had no real expectation she would comply. If they stood face-to-face and she was grounded from flight, he had no doubt he could easily destroy her.And she certainly didn’t seem to be motivated to continue the confrontation on the ground. Instead, she told him in a steady, crisp voice, Oberon, you’re going to die unless you consent to medical treatment.
That voice. That sounded exactly like the voice that had wound through his dreams, interrupting his nightmares of Isabeau. He snapped, I did not give you permission to address me by my name.
She retorted, I don’t really give a shit.
When Kathryn and Oberon come to an “understanding” the real work begins.
Harrison does an excellent job in here of not only expanding on the history and politics of the Fae courts without overburdening us with recaps and unnecessary information while slowly building a romance between two strong-willed people. Warriors who are honor bound to care for those around them. The enormity of their precarious situation is tempered by sharp wit and moments of compassion and sorrow. I love that Kathryn gives Oberon no quarter. She treats him like a patient and slaps him down when he gets a little too autocratic. She has served under Dragos for centuries…Oberon is a piece of cake.
“What other symptoms have you experienced since the attack?” […] I remember having the emotions, but I no longer experience them. In fact, I only feel two things anymore: anger and lust.”
She stopped writing, suddenly inundated with the memory of yesterday’s encounter. The feeling of his mouth moving so urgently over hers as he speared her with his tongue. The delicious sense of weight as he shifted to lie on top of her, and the thick, heavy feeling of his erection pressing against her hip. For one shocking, mindless moment it had been glorious.
His voice sounded softly in her ear, deep and dark as the ocean and rough with the lion’s purr. “But I do feel anger and lust very deeply, Doctor.”
She had gotten so lost in her reverie she hadn’t noticed he had come around to her side of the desk, and she nearly leaped out of her skin. “For crying out loud, Oberon! Back up and give me some personal space!”
She listened to her own exclamation with deep dismay. That was supposed to have come out much more sharply than it had. Instead of sounding disapproving and offended, her voice had sounded as breathless as a gasp.
“Are you sure that’s what you really want?” Callused fingers traced the line of her jaw, down the side of her neck, and lightly pressed against the very spot where he had sucked so hungrily at her pulse. She remembered. Oh, she remembered it all too well. The shadow of his body fell over hers on the desk as he bent over her, and his lips brushed against the sensitive shell of her ear as he whispered, “Or wouldn’t you rather experiment with just how deep and hard my feelings can really go?”
Oberon had her rattled. He knew he did.
But suddenly she laughed, and the bright, carefree sound broke the sensual spell he had begun to weave over them both. “Did you really just say that to me? My lord, that line was bad.”
She wasn’t funny.
Though heavily driven, the strong narrative and steady bites of action and intrigue keep the storyline flowing at a brisk pace. Favorite characters from both series make appearances to this readers delight. I enjoy any interactions with Dragos and the New York demesne, especially when clues are given to what is coming new. We also meet back up with couples from books one and two. I was a little disappointed we did not see Queen Titania and Queen Tricks. As part of the fae demease, it was odd they weren’t a part of this trilogy. I especially loved the scenes with Robin aka Puck. Heartfelt, his journey has been a tough one and everything he went through to save his king was heart wrenching.
Your king is going to die unless something is done for him. Why didn’t you want to bring Annwyn and the troops with us?”
He stamped at the snow desultory. Other than tangling his mane and tail, the wind and the massive cold didn’t seem to affect him at all. “I wanted to judge you for myself while they weren’t around. If you were a threat, I would take care of you.” He looked at her sidelong to see how she took his words.
He might be old, unpredictable, and dangerous, but he had nothing on a cantankerous, bullheaded dragon. She said gently, “You were looking after your king.”
“He told me to guard his place and watch them. A long time ago, Isabeau took me and held me captive for years. I failed him once. I won’t fail him again.”
Lionheart leaves readers happy with it’s firm resolution to the main conflict yet just enough open to allow her back into this world again. As always, Harrison gives readers an adventure overflowing with action, suspense, humor, romance, and just enough tragedy to make the journey unforgettable.
Darby Dixon makes a run for the border when she discovers she’s pregnant on her wedding day. Unable to face being tied permanently to her abusGrade: D
Darby Dixon makes a run for the border when she discovers she’s pregnant on her wedding day. Unable to face being tied permanently to her abusive fiance, she leaves and reinvents herself as a young single mother in a small Colorado town. Picking up a job at a local hotel, she meets a man who reminds her too much of her fiance and vows to stay away but what Scott Trexler, former Marine and top security specialist wants…he gets. And he wants Darby. As Trex struggles to prove to Darby they were meant for one another, there is someone stalking Darby from afar. Someone who also wants Darby back and will kill anyone who gets in his way.
If you have read McGuire’s Maddox Brothers series then you almost for sure know how this story goes. The first in a new series, Crash and Burn, a beautiful troubled woman meets a gorgeous alpha male with a warrior complex who falls instantly in love with her and does whatever possible to make her his. I found myself torn while reading the book. I liked the subplots; Darby’s issues with her abusive ex-fiance and uninterested mother, her job at the hotel, and Trex’s secret new job. I just wasn’t a fan of the romance. Insta love bore me to death. It was predictable, cliched, and overly melodramatic. The religion overtones felt like McGuire was trying to shove a square peg into a round hole and seemed more a way to assure us of Darby’s purity than anything else. Add in the clunky dialogue and obnoxious characters and I was left rather uninspired by it all....more
Fans have waited breathlessly for this installment in Callihan’s steamy and emotionally deep VIP series. Rich in sensory detail and boldly unapologetiFans have waited breathlessly for this installment in Callihan’s steamy and emotionally deep VIP series. Rich in sensory detail and boldly unapologetic, in Fall, Callihan tackles the serious issues of mental health, self-harm, depression, and abuse with compassion and a heavy dose of common sense while building a romance that brims with laughter and heart. Jax aka John Blackwell, lead singer for the band Kill John, has stood out throughout the series as his suicide attempt was the catalyst that flattened the emotional barriers of the other band members. Love, laughter, heartbreak, forgiveness, and healing are the themes of this love story that revolves around two people who have been essentially used and abandoned by those who should have known better. Strong narrative and compelling scenes keep the story moving at a steady base, allowing readers an intimate look at fame, family, and the demands placed by both. Stella and Jax are a delightful couple to watch fall into love though it is only the beginning of their journey towards happiness. Though some may find it triggering, Fall gives a seeming honest portrayal of life with depression and the trials and triumphs that can be had by all.
Jax is back in New York though he is still feeling off-kilter as his best friend is out of the country and he is soon to be trapped by a raging blizzard. A trip to the local market for supplies ends in stolen ice cream and a kiss that sets his soul on fire. Luckily, fate steps in and gives him a name to match the kissing ice cream stealing bandit-Stella. Stella is shocked when her inherited apartment goes condo and she is being kicked out with nowhere to go. Fate steps in again to offer her a job house sitting in a posh Manhatten condo that just happens to be next door to the stranger she kissed on a whim. As Stella and Jax spend more time together, the flames of their attraction build into something deeper and more addictive. But for two people who don’t believe in love or forever, falling for each other may take more trust than either can give.
The Beijing Duck House is a well known local establishment beloved by it’s aging clientele and loyal waitstaff. When disaster strikes, it forces everyThe Beijing Duck House is a well known local establishment beloved by it’s aging clientele and loyal waitstaff. When disaster strikes, it forces everyone with a connection to the restaurant to face the conflicts that have been simmering for years and decide for once where loyalty begins and ends.
Li writes an interesting and emotionally complex multi-generational story that looks deep into the culture of an Asian American family and the conflicts that have ruled their lives as they strive to achieve the American dream promised to them so many years ago. Told from three points of view, we watch as this large family bound by blood and friendship cope with the upheaval caused by one of their own. Darkly humorous and honest, Li showcases her characters in a bright light, taking no pains to cover their flaws as she guides readers through a turbulent sea of family dysfunction, melodrama, parental manipulation, and child rebellion. A little dry and verbose at times, the overall story engaged and I look forward to seeing what Li comes up with next. Grade: C+...more
Favorite Quote: “I always sleep naked.” “Not with me you don’t.” “As this was the first time we slept together, I did not realize we had established proFavorite Quote: “I always sleep naked.” “Not with me you don’t.” “As this was the first time we slept together, I did not realize we had established protocol.”
Alyse Bell was sold into marriage when her father gave her to a friend in the hopes she would be protected after he passed away. Having reached her maturity, she is ready to start her future with her best friend who promised to come back and take her away. Only, he never arrives and her “husband” arranges for the auction to continue so he can marry another. As she stands on the auction block in the center of town, a rope around her neck like chattel and fuming in silence as she watches those she considers her friends and family bidding on her like a fatted calf, a handsome stranger rides into the square and places the winning bid.
Marcus Weatherton (The Scandal of it All) left London after discovering his stepmother was in love with his best friend and his fiancee dumped him for his illegitimate brother. Waking up in jail after an all-night bender, Marcus heads out of town out only to happen upon an auction where a young woman is being sold to the highest bidder. Shocked and outraged by the scene, Marcus intervenes only to discover he didn’t buy her freedom…he bought a wife.
Expecting gratitude, he instead gets attitude and decides to take her to his estate in Scotland and set her up as his housekeeper. But the road to redemption is long and a series of misadventures and close calls shows Marcus that life often gifts you with what you need when you least expect it.
Marcus, the fifth Duke of Autenberry, woke up with a startled jolt face-down in horse shit… So begins the third novel in Sophie Jordan’s Rogue Files series-The Duke Buys a Bride. Delightfully witty and overflowing with snark, guilt, pride, and sexual tension, Jordan writes a compelling and bittersweet story that addresses the lack of female agency and one man’s abrupt awakening to his own privilege. Laughter and a few heart-pinching moments firmly engages the reader as Jordan weaves an opposite attraction romance that delights and enchants from page one.
I love opposite attraction and marriages of convenience, especially when the couple are strong-willed, decidedly independent, and well versed in the art of witty repertoire. Alyce knows her place in the world and has accepted it for the time being because she’s always has a plan. When her plan falls through, she adjusts and adapts. Something women have been doing for ages. Married at a very young age, she was essentially a nanny to the older man’s children and a caretaker for him. It was a tolerable situation because Alyse knew it wouldn’t last forever. Having planned to marry her childhood sweetheart, she is once again denied her voice when he runs away, leaving her at the mercy of the town and her soon-no-to-be husband.
He was supposed to take her with him. He had promised they would begin a life together […] He had agreed. But he left. He had abandoned her. Left her to be auctioned off, sold to any man with the whim to buy her.
Purchased by a stranger, Alyse is determined to use her latest situation to her advantage as they head towards his estate. She attempts to engage Marcus only to find a stubborn, grumpy, and rather stinky man whose speech and carriage tell her he’s not from around there and of a much higher social setting.
“Where are you from?” A beat of silence passed before he answered. “England.” “Obviously.” […] “I hear the highlands are lovely any time of year. I imagine covered in snow they are quite majestic.” At last, he asked in a wearied voice, “Do you plan to talk the entire journey?” “Have you an aversion to conversation, sir? We will be in each others company for a long time and I thought it might help.” “Help? With what? I don’t require pointless banter.” Pointless banter? She huffed out a foggy breath. The man did not win points for charm.
So begins their battle of wits.
Alyse and Marcus are an amusingly prickly couple, tossed together by circumstance. Alyse just wants the freedom long denied her and Marcus wants to be left alone to wallow in his misery. A reluctant hero, Marcus is caught between wanting to save the fair maiden but now that he has, he is unsure what to do with her. His own childhood and a series of blows he has suffered in London has left him weary and disillusioned. He denies the chemistry he feels between them, unable to accept this young woman may be his destiny. Alyse herself has no illusions about Marcus or even romance in general. She has been disappointed so many times. She knows she is not for him and is put out when he cleans up and she can see exactly who he is.
Dear God. This was the man who bought her. Her employer. He’d bathed, shaved, and was positily transformed. He was…beautiful. No, no, no, no. He could not be this. He could not look like this. She could not be stuck with…this.
A series of mishaps follow them on their way to his estate; from sickness to kidnapping, they push their way forward. Marcus fluctuates between bemoaning his situation to worrying about her every step of the way. He repeatedly finds himself in compromising situations with her only to back away and cry foul. He refuses to legitimize their marriage, though when she is abducted, he discovers he cannot live let her go. She has become more than a duty…a burden. She had become a person he cared about.
Their first night together he had simply climbed into bed with her, giving her little thought. Them she was nothing more than a woman he had bought at auction. Someone he had taken pity on and helped through a difficult time.
Now she was something more.
No longer a stranger.
An eclectic cast of secondary characters gives the book some depth and provides amusement. I enjoyed seeing Marcus’ brother and his wife. Alyse’s friend/stepdaughter Nellie was a fierce one and I loved her protective nature. Some minor issues left me a little berate though didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment. I do wish the focus hadn’t been totally on just this couple. I would have enjoyed seeing some resolution from what happened in London though Jordan hints at some reconciliation on that front while preparing the way for the next book concerning Marcus’s sister.
The Duke Buys A Bride is another grand adventure from Sophie Jordan and an entertaining addition to this series.
I have been waiting for Stevie's story since book one. As always, Laureston brings the goods with plenty of outrageous scenarios, a reluctant4.5 Stars
I have been waiting for Stevie's story since book one. As always, Laureston brings the goods with plenty of outrageous scenarios, a reluctant hero, a high strung heroine, and a plethora of family, friends, and enemies whose antics only serve to keep you in stitches as she builds a romance amongst the chaos of this world. Fans will love the effortless blending of various other series as Laurenston widens the arc while working her magic on various ongoing threads and subplots. Another winner from the Queen of paranormal mayhem....more
B+ A deliciously sexy and amusing tale of mistaken identity, family, and first love when a clock setter finds herself teaching two young orphans and tB+ A deliciously sexy and amusing tale of mistaken identity, family, and first love when a clock setter finds herself teaching two young orphans and trying desperately not to fall for their delectable guardian. ...more
A charming story that speaks of love, loss, hope, and the family.
Grade: B+
Susan Wiggs celebrates the love, loss, hope, and family in her newest releasA charming story that speaks of love, loss, hope, and the family.
Grade: B+
Susan Wiggs celebrates the love, loss, hope, and family in her newest release of a man and women who meet under terrible circumstances and through that forge a bond that strengthens while eventually forcing them apart. Emotionally honest and poignant with a delightful thread of humor running through it, Between you and Me introduces us to Caleb Stolz and Dr. Reese Strauss. Told in alternating POVs, Wiggs builds a sweet and witty romance around a experience with them the ups and downs of falling in love as religion, lifestyles, and family try to pull them apart.
Caleb turned his back on his Amish upbringing until his brother’s death brought him home to raise his niece and nephew. The victim of an abusive home and still keeping one foot in the English world, when Caleb’s nephew is hurt badly in a farming accident, Caleb has no qualms with taking him to the hospital for care. Reese is a resident whose uber famous parents have all but decided her career path though lately, she has been wishing for something more. Meeting Caleb opens her eyes to a whole new world and she fully embraces the opportunity to learn more about the Amish and him. The closer Reese and Caleb grow, the harder it is to keep their boundaries in place. And when one of them goes too far, the price for redemption may be to much to pay....more
Favorite Quote: “As long as you stay here, you have a home. I’ll never abandon you.”
Hugh d’Ambray has been cut loose by his master and pseudo-father, Favorite Quote: “As long as you stay here, you have a home. I’ll never abandon you.”
Hugh d’Ambray has been cut loose by his master and pseudo-father, Roland. He wallows in the booze until his will to live and need to save his people overrides his death wish. With no money, shelter, or weapons, the Iron Dogs have no hope of surviving the necromancers that are gunning for them. Until his advisor approaches him with a proposition. A marriage of convenience to one they call the White Lady.
Elara Harper just wants to keep her people safe. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Elara knows there is a war coming and they are right in the middle of it. She needs help and if she has to make a deal with the devil to get one…then so be it.
Hugh needs a home. Elara needs a weapon. And they need to make this relationship as believable as possible if they want to survive what’s coming for them.
Sometimes the devil is in the details.
Iron and Magic, first in the Iron Covenant trilogy, spins off the Kate Daniels series and runs concurrently with book 9 in the KD world-Magic Binds. Hugh d’Ambray has been disavowed by Roland and he and his people are being hunted down and killed by Landon Nez, Roland’s Necromancer. Hugh needs a miracle and it comes in the form of a witch whose own reputation is as sketchy as Hugh’s.
I will be the first to admit I was skeptical when I first heard this story idea. Anyone can write a story of redemption, the trick is not only making the redeeming believable but getting your readers to buy it. Hugh D’Ambray; Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, Nemesis to Kate Danials, has to be one of urban fantasy’s top unredeemable men. First seen in book 3-Magic Strikes, he reappears like a bad penny in Magic Rises and Magic Breaks. Rescued by Roland as a child and trained by Voron, Hugh has strength, power, skill, and an unimaginable ego that Kate has repeatedly trampled on. He has committed some unspeakable acts against Kate, Curren, and their friends and his jealousy of Kate and what she represents is what got him in the mess he’s in now.
“You’ve failed me, Hugh. I have no further use for you.”
The prologue offers us a look into Hugh’s backstory. We learn why he worshipped Roland and blindly followed his lead. We see what led to his downfall and then the story begins with how he has chosen to survive. Is this a story of redemption? No. I think it is more of a rebuilding. Hugh d’Ambray has had his entire life ripped from him. He has hit rock bottom and now must crawl up and out of his hole to keep promises he hs made.
“The bottle of moonshine called to him. He didn’t have to turn around to know exactly where it was, tempting him to do what severed limbs did-wither and rot. And while he rotted, his people would die one by one. No. No, he owned Nez a debt. He was Hugh d’Ambray. Preceptor of the Iron Dogs. The Dogs paid their debts.”
Hugh needs a miracle…and her name is Elara Harper.
“Who will I be marrying?” “The White Warlock.” “You want me to marry a man?”
Elara is an Andrews heroine through and through. Strong, bold, opinionated, powerful, kick arse, and untrusting. Considered an abomination by some and a God by others, she is responsible for hundreds and takes that very seriously. Living in an old castle on an estate smack dab between Roland and Kate’s power bases, Elara knows what is coming and knows the humans under her care will not survive these two heavyweights. A witch of unimaginable power, she is the monster under the bed…the bogeyman used to scare little kids into being good. While she does have a moral code of sorts, it revolves around those under her care. She is a wild card in this series and I am more than ready to discover everything about her.
“She had to teach d’Ambray who she was. The White Warlock. Unclean. Cursed. An abomination. They would come to this meeting tables as equals, and if they chose an alliance, she had to make sure they left as equals.”
I loved Hugh and Elara and I appreciated the care taken to develop them as individuals and a couple. I didn’t come into this story expecting Kate and Curren 2.0 and I was pleased care was taken to make sure there would be no mistaking this couple for anyone but themselves. The old saying, “God made then and the Devil matched them,” describes them perfectly. A relationship built on antagonism and lots of snark, I laughed so hard as this couple bickered, threatened, fought, insulted, and demanded concessions from one another. Elara and Hugh are a lot alike in that their loyalty can be deadly and they will do what it takes to survive. This couple will burn down the world and everyone in it who stands between them and their loved ones. No self-sacrifice in their make up.
Their evolution from strangers to friends is slow and well worth the wait. Both have been betrayed by those they cared for; tossed aside and threatened for their gifts. They have…issues and enough baggage to stock a Samsonite store. The sexual tension is quite intense and the one small sex scene is perfect in its resolve to stay true to this couple’s nature.
Some new and some very familiar faces are seen here as Hugh and Elara prepare for Nez and eventually Roland. I enjoyed meeting the Iron Dogs and seeing them as people with their own hopes, dreams, and desires. Elara’s people are just as interesting and look forward to learning more about their own gifts. Though Kate and Curren are referenced multiple times, we don’t see them. This is not their story. Color me surprised when Raphael and Andrea pay an unexpected visit to the castle. We even get a visit from Roland though it did NOT go the way he planned. *fist pump* I can’t wait for Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels series) and the next book in this series.
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!
Once again, Ilona Andrews have used their powers for good and wrote a story that is what Urban Fantasy strives to be. Action packed with intrigue, suspense, adventure, danger, laughter, sadness, and a cast of characters whose energy and spirit drags you right along with them as they prime their swords and sharpen their tongues for the next battle.
Favorite Quote: “The darkness has always tempted her. The locks. The barriers. The Impossible.”
Felicity Fairclot'sh fall from grace has left her and hFavorite Quote: “The darkness has always tempted her. The locks. The barriers. The Impossible.”
Felicity Fairclot'sh fall from grace has left her and her family in a pickle. From her unfortunate discovery in a man’s bedchamber to her involvement with a married man, Felicity has lost her friends and her social standing, becoming yet another flower on the wall. When anger and pain have her telling a whopper of a lie, she finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game of revenge when she is forced to deal with the devil for her sins. But Felicity has plans of her own and soon decides tis better to rule in Hell than to serve Heaven. Now she just needs to convince her devil of that.
Once again Sarah MacLean crafts a delightful romance overflowing with laughter, adventure, intrigue and glorious sexual tension. Faithful readers will remember Felicity Faircloth from The Day of the Duchess (#3 in Scandals & Scoundrels series). Witty, intelligent, and quick on her feet, Felicity is a delight and I found myself utterly enchanted as she struggles to extract herself from yet another mess and is forced to deal with a man that not only understands her…but accepts her for who she is. She wants marriage and a family but only with love.
The Devil himself (the illegitimate son of a Duke and the King of London’s underground) has a troubled past and it colors his perceptions of people and romance. His reputation is hard won and he wields it like a sword. His insults and slights towards Felicity are countermanded by his overwhelming need to protective her-especially from himself.
“Lock this door behind me. You wouldn’t want a nefarious character coming in while you are asleep.”
“Locks didn’t keep the first nefarious character out of my room tonight.”
Sparkling chemistry sets off a game of wit between this strong-willed couple. It slowly burns only to blaze up as their attraction catches fire. The more time they spend together, their attraction for one another intensifies but Felicity must use all her skills to convince Devil they have a chance if he is willing to let go of his need for revenge. Emotions run high and the sexual tension is delicious as MacLean leads us towards the conclusion.
A dynamic set of secondary characters help to elevate and push the romance. Devil’s backstory includes three other people whose stories will come in the future though MacLean does dole out clues, hinting at what is to come. Felicity’s relationship with her brother and mother is so much fun. You can feel their love for one another in their lively banter.
“Oh, please. I told a tiny lie. […] Plenty of people have done far more outrageous things. It’s not as though I took up work in a bordello.”
“A tiny lie? And you shouldn’t even know the world bordello.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“I suppose you think that it isn’t proper, me knowing the word bordello.”
“I don’t think. And stop saying bordello.”
The ending is predictable though the hero’s grovel and the heroine’s insistence on saving herself and her man left me clapping my hands in excitement. A short sweet epilogue lets us know how our couple and other characters are doing. Another sure-fire winner for MacLean. I am looking forward to the second book in this series-Brazen and the Beast-set to release June 25, 2019