Favorite Quote: The first day of school is always the worst.
School just started and Rory Forseti already knows it going to be a bad one. A spartan at the Mythos Academy in Colorado, she becomes persona non grata when it’s revealed her parents were famous Reaper assassins. Even her heroics in helping to defeat Loki and his minions last years doesn’t gain her any respect from the student body. But she doesn’t have time to dwell on that because something weird happening at school. She meets a surly Viking, is asked out by the hottest guy in school, discovers the library has some strange new artifacts and oh yeah, there are chimeras running around trying to kill her.
She might not be the most popular girl in school…but she may be the only one who can save it.
Fans of Jennifer Estep’s original Mythos Academy starring Gwen Frost will remember meeting Rory when Gwen travels to the Colorado school and learns they are cousins. Rory is noticeably antagonistic but that is because she just learned her parents were not the heroes she thought but Reapers. Rory and Gwen soon sort things out and become friends despite the distance. This spin-off of the original series deal focuses on Rory and her journey of personal discovery as she gets her own adventure while she attempts to reconcile the mom and dad she loved with the fact there were deadly killers. I do recommend reading the original series if just to understand the world and long-running story arc.
Spartan Frost opens to Rory acknowledging her anger at her parents’ deception and hoping but not expecting her fellow students to forgive her. An emotionally charged day follows Rory into the library where she is forced to try and save a fellow student and herself when a series of mythological monsters appear to kill them. This leads to her meeting and being invited to join a secret group of students who are working with the Protectorate to uncover the new Reaper leader, his plans, and recover the stolen artifacts. As Rory gets to know her new friends and ferret out the secrets of her fellow students, she is given an opportunity to prove her loyalty to everyone around her and learns a few truths herself.
Estep is known for her adventurous female strong fantasy laced stories that promise and deliver plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and humor. Her YAs are especially popular as the age-appropriate narrative easily connects readers with its high school character base. Plausible world building and slow, very slow, burning romances guarantee a good time will be had. While I am happy to back in his world, the setup, plotlines, characterization-even the romance -gave me some pause as I felt I had already been down this road. Both girls are orphans, a bff who is a Valkyrie, a love interest is a secretive boy, conflict scenes take place in a library, a party, and a dance. And most telling of all, they are each offered a chance to champion for a goddess with the help of a talking sword.
Despite the deja vu feeling, Estep strives to make this story it’s own with its new plot lines, an appealing characterization of Rory, and a goddess whose own feelings of betrayal and redemption mirror Rory’s. Rory’s gift is that of a spartan-she is a female Logan Quinn. :) She doesn’t need to learn how to fight like Gwen did. As Estep used that to build and propel the romance in the first series, I’m curious what will be the catalyst here.
An ambitious cast of secondary characters awaits introduction, though in my opinion, Rory the only unique one who seems to offer readers a new outlook in the world. Lance, Drake, Ian, Takada, Zoe…they are all subdued copies of their originals in the Frost series. A couple of cameos will delight fans though I can’t help but feel this may become the unintentional force that drives people towards the series.
The main conflict is certainly energetic and I wasn’t surprised to see who Estep makes the new Reaper’s leader. Estep adds to twists and turns to keep readers on their toes while offering up clues as to what happens next. While I definitely had issues with this spin-off, my curiosity is peaked just enough for me to try book two, tentatively titled Hard Frost (I have a feeling this will change) and set to release in 2018.
Fans have waited years for Vinni and Avellana. We’ve watched them grow up through the series and now the time has come for their story to be told. We first met them both in book two-Heart Thief. Vinni was born six years before Avellana and knew upon her birth she was his heartmate. We see them again in Heart Change when Vinni convinces the Hazel’s to send Avellana to Signet D’Marigold for help through her first passage. We catch glimpses of them in Heart Fire and Heart Quest. The one common denominator in all this is Avellana is very rarely seen in Druida City. Vinni has had premonitions of her death for years and has used his influence to keep her away from home. However, Avellana is now an adult and refuses to allow Vinni to manipulate her into staying a way any longer.
She had hated those years without Muin. Worse was when she got to Druida City only to be banished again after a month or two. She set her chin. Never again. She would live or die with him.
Vinni is in for more shocks as Avellana informs him and her family that she has invested in a housing project with Antenn Blacktorn-Moss and will be living in this new community. Alone. Vinnie soon realizes that his actions over the years have deeply hurt Avellana and their relationship. As Vinni gets to know his beloved all over again, he is dismayed to discover that the greatest threat to her comes from his own family.
“Someone in my family thinks you are so different and unusual that you don’t belong with me.”
Heart Sight is the fifteenth book in Robin D. Owen’s romance based futuristic Celta series that is based on several families whose earthen ancestors colonized the planet they live on. Though each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, the story arc and the couple featured in here has a history that reaches deep into the series so I do not recommend starting here.
Solid plotting with a well-seasoned base, strong narrative, and characters easily engage the reader as Owens takes us back to Celta and Druida City for another adventure. In her last few books, Owen turned her focus towards the second generation of Celtas; intermingling the families despite the bigotry and elitism exhibited by some first families. Friendships and romantic connections are made with less thought to bloodlines and family names and more to compatibility and loyalty. Yet, as with all societies, there are those who choose to cling to the old ways and will do anything to maintain the status quo.
Avellana Hazel has a powerful and unusual primary flair (gift) that almost killed her as a child and frightened everyone around her. From that day forward, her family and Vinni has strived to hide her gift from the other first families and protect her from herself. She has spent most of her life developing her secondary flair and wanting to start her life with Vinni, Instead, she is shuffled shuttled around like a chess piece from place to place. The past two years however has shown her that in order to have the life she wants, she’ill have to grab her independence with both hands.
“I determine my own actions, now.”
Vinni has also led an unusual and lonely existence for most of his life. With his sometimes unpredictable prophecies, most people avoid him at all costs. Confirmed as Celta’s premiere oracle and Greatlord of the Vine family at the young age 6, he was raised by his cousins and servants after his mother’s death. Despite him now being 30, they still treat him like a child and attempt to manipulate and maneuver him into their way of thinking.
The relationship between Avellana and Vinni is a curious mixture of sexual yearning and innocence and where I had the most issues. While they have long been heart mates, they have yet to heart bond. They promised their families they’d to wait till after the wedding, however, both families have dragged out the marital negotiations for years. While Vinni and Avellana have been intimate both metaphorically and physically, there is an awkwardness to their dialogue and interactions that contradicts their longevity. Their subdued chemistry doesn’t help. Neither does the repetition. Vinni constantly refers to being sexually aroused in some form or fashion while Avellana seems to switch between an independent woman and a Stepford wife.
The mystery and romance play well off one another though I found them both a bit dry. While this couple waxes poetic about their attraction and love for one another, there is little action beyond kissing. The mystery is an ongoing storyline thread that is reactivated and drawn it out to included Vinni and Avellana in its web. Owens finally lays it to rest with an acceptable resolution.
Readers will enjoy seeing some familiar faces and meeting new one as Owens’ continues to expand the world building. As always, it’s the non-human characters who steal the show. The dynamics of their personalities are well fleshed out and add humor and depth. While Vinni and Avellana both have long-term fams, Avellana’s is the star. Proud, vain, and arrogant; he never lets Vinni forget that he, unlike Vinni, has never disappointed or hurt Avellana.
“I take care of MY FamWoman. Always have. Always will. Better than you ‘cuz I stay WITH her.”
The Vine and Hazel residences prove quite vocal and informative as they help to catch the villain(s), plan a wedding, and keep multiple secrets.
The finale drags as Owens tries to prolong the suspense as she wraps up the various plotlines; making sure they are accounted for and dealt with. Vinni, Avellana and the authorities finally root out the mastermind behind the attempts on Avellana’s life and Vinni learns he can’t let fear rule his life.
Overall I liked the story though I felt it wasn’t the strongest in the series. A large part is due to the romance. It has grown through the series without much reader interaction and that hurt my connection with it. I wanted to see their emotional bond grow and strengthen. This felt too much like Owens was relying on the mating bond rather than her couple’s actual feelings.
Regardless of my qualms, Ms. Owens continues to entertain with her futuristic adventures and romances.
Review to comeGrade: C+ I adored the premise of a jaded literary agent who needs a best seller suddenly discovers a magical world when his dog walker lReview to comeGrade: C+ I adored the premise of a jaded literary agent who needs a best seller suddenly discovers a magical world when his dog walker leaves him explicit stories telling him about his dogs’ secret lives and the adventures they have. This eclectic and amusing story captivated me for the first half. Daniel’s idiosyncrasies concerning redheads, witches, and virgins combined with the dog walker’s elaborate fantasies that she weaves around Daniel’s dogs were an utter delight. I enjoyed the bold yet subtle romance that developed from this couple’s very unusual relationship. Then the second half came along and jumped shark, leaving me less enchanted overall. The tone, set up, story arc, conflict…it was all so very different. Donohoe decides to toss in some larceny, betrayal, and deception and we learn everything we just read was not as we thought. It felt as if Donahoe wrote two completely separate stories and jammed them together. Despite the hiccup, readers looking for something a little different in romance will enjoy this unusual portrayal.
Emily is a former athlete turned professional choreographer and enjoys all the perks her Hollywood career has to offer. But when her fame brings an abusive ex-boyfriend back into the picture, her employer hires the best security money can buy.
Carter Kincaid.
Carter is not only the best in the business but also one of the most gorgeous and sexy men Emily has ever seen. But Carter doesn’t mix business with pleasure and he tries his best to keep his attraction to Emily locked up tight. When her ex-boyfriend attacks, Carter tosses aside all his objections and vows to protect her 24/7. But letting Emily into his life means letting her into his heart. And that could be dangerous for both of them.
Bodyguard is the 2nd book in C.D. Reiss’ Hollywood A-List series. I’ve only read two other books by Reiss and enjoyed them both. Each book is this series completely independent of one another and can be read as standalones. Set in the same world (Hollywood) Reiss dives into the world of stars, stalkers, and bodyguards when a young woman’s ex-boyfriend wants her back and refuses to take no (or a beating) for an answer. It had a lot of promise but for me it didn’t deliver. I was disappointed to see that the wit and chemistry that made Bombshell a hit for me was missing in here. This is a completely different iin tone and scope. I enjoyed the premise of a stalker ex, the hints of forbidden fraternization, and the reason behind Carter’s secretive nature but I was bored overall.
Reiss opens in the past, giving us background on the heroine, Emily, and how she went from an Olympic hopeful to a professional choreographer for her best friend-pop star Danielle McKenna. We then hop into the present with Emily rushing to work and getting tackled in the parking lot. She’s about to unload a world of hurt on her attacker only to discover he is a newly hired bodyguard. His company has been hired to help as they get ready for a huge music tour. Danielle has been receiving more than her usual creepy fan mail but when Emily is targeted, Danielle tells Carter to make Emily is number one priority.
Using alternating voices, Reiss introduces the main characters while laying the groundwork for the story. Simultaneously building a thriller/romance, Reiss skimps in some areas and overly expound on others. There are scenes that are set up with the impression that their intent will reveal later; only they don’t. Some scenes play out simply to add drama to the story and it is frightfully obvious. We learn more about Emily’s ex, his abuse, and the extent Emily has gone to get him out of her life. Carter is an ex LAPD detective now private bodyguard who lives with his mother and has a secret that he’ll do anything possible to protect.
Carter and Emily are lust at first sight but Carter doesn’t play where he works. That is until Carter does some maneuvering with his boss and suddenly it’s okay for them to be together. Apparently because, e Emily is THE ONE, this makes it all everything okay. Plenty of internal dialogue on both sides shows us they are interested in one another but the intensity of their feelings, along with the push and pull they engage in is better suited for a couple who has a long romantic history. Their chemistry is more a matter of Reiss skills in writing a sexy sex scene than an actual emotional response. This couple moves really fast and exhibits some inappropriate behavior that just doesn’t jive. Especially when you realise that all this happens in less than a week or two.
We know who the villain is right off the bat, so the story stays more focused on the romance and Carter’s big secret. I It’s odd but I found I liked Emily and Carter when they were in their own heads, doing their own things. When they were together or thinking of each other-that’s when they did some odd things and crossed lines. I found Emily to be nosy, naive, and easily angered when she doesn’t get her way. She carries a fake gun for protection then decides she wants a pink glock because black guns scare her. I don’t even know what to say to that. I liked Carter better though he too had some issues. His over protectiveness was commendable though it caused him to cross multiple lines. His constant hot cold act was annoying but the love he has for his family is wonderful to read about. What saves the story from being a complete write off for me is Carter and his family.
A large cast of secondary characters help to round out the story and give it some depth. For me, this book would have worked a lot better if Carter had been the star and Emily the bodyguard. The ending comes at us fast and wraps up the story neat little bow, leaving readers secure in the fact that Emily and Carter are the perfect couple and well on their way to their HEA. There is even a little inspirational scene at the end. Unfortunately, Reiss never managed to sell me on it.
Favorite Quote: “If you meet one person at a time, eventually you will have met the whole world.”
Alexander Westcott never thought he’d inherit the Earldom after the former Earl passed on but when it comes to light that his Uncle’s marriage to the countess was false, it prevented his cousin from inheriting and propelled Alex into the role. In order to save the estate and the livelihoods of all those living there, Alex knows he must marry for money but he never expected to be proposed to by a virtual stranger.
“You are offering….marriage?”
Wren Heyden is an independently wealthy businesswoman. Raised by her aunt and uncle, Wren has lived a secluded life. Since the passing of her aunt and uncle, Wren realizes she is lonely and decides she would like to marry and experience all the joys that come with it. When she learns of Alex’s plight, she summons him and offers her wealth in exchange for marriage.
“In my own person, I am not marriageable…but I am wealthy.”
Alex is understandably shocked but eventually curious. Wren is neither charming nor affordable and Alex is unsure if he can marry without love or even respect. As he and Wren begin a tentative courtship, he realizes there is a wealth of beauty and spirit beneath the cold shell she presents to the world. But for this marriage to work, Wren needs to find the courage to stand by Alex’s side in public, because he refuses to just be someone she weds.
“I do not mingle with society or even the neighbors.”
“As Countess of Riverdale, you would have no choice.”
Marriages of convenience are a favored trope of mine, especially if it’s the heroine who is proposing. Mary Balogh writes of such a heroine in the third story of her Westcott series, Someone to Love. Each story interacts loosely with one another and deals with the fallout from the actions of Humphrey Westcott, the former Earl of Riverdale and confirmed bigamist though they are all independent enough to be read as standalones. Balogh offers readers just enough background to sail forward confident in comprehension and enjoyment.
Quietly engaging, Balogh writes a pragmatic romance that starts as a business proposition and builds on friendship and respect. A friendship that gradually turns to love as this couple discovers their compatibility. The story about the ugly duckling came to mind as I was reading this. A young woman who is brought low, in her own mind, by her lack of beauty eventually transforms through the kindness and love of those around her.
“You honor me. I can only hope I am worthy of you.”
A strong beginning sets the tone. Wren is an odd duck in Alex’s eyes because she deals with him not as a woman setting her cap for a beau but as his equal and he finds that insulting. She openly discusses his finances or lack thereof and offers him a practical solution though at first, he doesn’t see it that way.
“…how dared she-a stranger-make open reference to it? The vulgarity of it had paralyzed his brain for a few moments.”
The story moves along at a steady pace as Alex takes his time considering Wren’s offer. Alex teeters between his dislike of Wren’s unfeminine attitude and his growing respect for her intellect and boldness. He is the perfect foil for Wren as he acknowledges her pain but is not naive enough to think he can “cure her.” Quiet, intelligent, and reflective, he has his own row to hoe and knows he must do what is best for the estate, no matter his true feelings.
Wren is a true recluse due to a birthmark that covers the left side of her face. While she may go to the factory, she refuses to mix with society. Her aunt and uncle showered her with love though they never forced her into public. They tried to show her that her face didn’t define her as a person but Wren chose to hide, fearing she is hideous. An uncomfortable meet and greet with Alex’s mother and sister highlight the extent of Wren’s fears. There is deep set and it sets their courtship back a few steps but that changes when Wren shows much courage by grabbing hold of an offer of friendship and enters London society on her terms.
Balogh stays true to form and convention for this time period. Some may find it dry reading as her characters remain constrained in their emotions and actions, never moving more beyond polite outrage or delight. It slows the story down a bit as our couple spends a great deal of time deciding what is the right choice.Wren and Alex do share some touching scenes that help showcase their gradual evolution though Wren’s changes are far more emotionally poignant.
“Miss Heydon, you are going to fit into this family just fine.”
A kaleidoscope of characters infiltrates the story, old faces and new ones to help guide this couple and story to the end. I loved the relationship Alex and eventually, Wren came to have with Alex’s mother and sister. Warm and engaging they wanted what was best for both of them, regardless of the outcome. The rest of the Westcotts descend and offer their congratulations as they embrace and welcome Wren wholeheartedly into their fold.
Mary Balogh always guarantees a quiet and elegant romance, perfect reading for a much need retreat. Fans will enjoy seeing the Westcotts again and watching Alex discover his happily ever after. With more Westcotts to be led to the altar, this series is in no danger of ending anytime soon.
The world has undergone an environmental disaster, humanity is becoming more technologically dependent, and TX is its own separate entity. Two young lovers are separated by lies and end up on the opposite sides of a war (I think). Angela is a continental senator and the war minister. Her goal is to help re-elect her mentor as the president-no matter what it takes. His control over her life from childhood has warped her to some degree. Kellon has loved Angela all his life but she sent him away and he never forgave her for that. Years later, a series of circumstances bring them back together to save the world.
I’m not even sure how to describe this book. It somehow managed to overwhelm and underwhelm at the same time. We are buried in technologic terms with a world too weak to support it. Our two leads are polar opposites and while that should guarantee a nice tension-filled reconnection romance, I felt almost no chemistry between them. Angela goes from cold and methodical to sex-starved and clingy while Kellen’s “good old boy” persona grew tedious. We are told he is an outlaw but I don’t see much rebellion in this story. Clunky dialogue and random scene/character placement left me trying to hurry towards the end. It’s only once I figure out exactly what was going on was my interest snagged, but by then, it was too late. I was at the end and relieved to be done....more
Ramses, Cleopatra, and Egypt come back to life under the deft hand of Anne Rice and her son Christopher Rice as they pen the long-awaited sequel to her best selling paranormal horror novel-The Mummy: Ramses the Damned. Ramses is not so damned anymore as he and his now immortal lover are engaged to be married. Finally content and in love, Ramses, now going by the name of Reginald Ramsey, looks favorably towards his future with Julie but knows deep in his heart that he has not seen the last of Cleopatra, his former queen and lover. A reckoning is coming and it will demand a heavy price for redemption.
If you have not read book one-The Mummy-beware the spoilers.
Fans of book one, The Mummy, will remember Ramses the Great. This former Pharaoh of Egypt, adviser and lover to Cleopatra, and immortal being was awakened by an archaeologist. He sat silent beneath his bandages, watching as the archaeologist was poisoned by his nephew, only come alive when it was about to happen again to the archaeologist’s daughter, Julie Stratford. Chaos and mayhem followed as London goes insane over rumors of curses, mummies, and death so Julie takes Ramses back to Egypt. While in Egypt, Ramses discovers the mummified corpse of Cleopatra and brings her back to life with the same elixir that made him immortal but something goes wrong and she comes back incomplete. Ramses’ desertion of her and the onslaught of changes in the world around her cause Cleopatra to stalk Ramses and his party until an argument sends her fleeing towards death. Though Ramses and Julie believe her dead, we see at the end that Cleopatra is not only alive, but planning her revenge.
The Passion of Cleopatra starts in 3600 BC Jericho and introduces us to Bektaten, a former African Queen and keeper of the immortal elixir. Bektaten was betrayed by her prime minister and lover, Saquos, in his quest for her secrets. Now centuries later, they meet in Jericho and once again he attempts to steal what is not his and soon learns that the ingredients to immortality isn’t the only secret Bektaten has been keeping. We then jump to the present (so to speak) day Cairo and meet up with Cleopatra. Still battling her unpredictable anger, paranoia, and vanishing memories, Cleopatra begins to prepare for her next meeting with Ramses. Ramses, is traveling with Julie and Elliott and experiencing this brave new world.
Surprisingly enough, eighteen years later doesn’t dampen the appeal of this sequel. A small but effective recap along with a strong almost standalone perspective written here almost eliminates the need for you to read The Mummy but I don’t recommend. Told from various points of view, a steady hand and loquacious narrative incorporates various mythologies, giving readers an appealing soap opera style adventure filled with action, suspense, danger, intrigue, and of course, romance. The story does start out slow as the world, characters, and conflicts are set up. Some readers may find the sheer amount of characters and plotlines daunting but once the story takes shape and finds it’s groove, it’s settles considerably.
The introduction of Bektaten and her loyal guards is organic and fits well with the tone of this story. The immortality elixir and it’s evolution is the main topic as the Rices dig deep to create an entire legend around it’s very existence and to explain the reasons behind what is happening to Cleopatra while offering Ramses a chance a redemption for his impetuous actions concerning Cleopatra and how he obtained the elixir in the first place. The lush descriptions and epic scenery is a perfect compliment to the prose that directs the story.
Beloved familiar faces and some new ones decorate the landscape, adding to it with their own tales of love, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. Elliott, the Earl of Rutherford, is attempting to redeem himself by rebuilding his estate coffers while his son, Alex, tries to move forward after losing the love of his life. A new acquaintance, Sybil Parker, adds to the mysticism and magic of the story while Ramses and Julie try to help everyone they can but in the end, they to must accept some losses to the little family they have built. I want to add that everyone who read The Mummy will be pleased to see Julie FINALLY stops crying at the drop of a hat.
I feel hesitant to do more then touch on the romance because it is not as visible as it was in book one and it really is only an element in the story. Emotionally, Ramses and Julie are stronger than ever in there love but if you are looking for explicit love scenes, you will not find them in here. I do like that Elliott is given a chance at his own happiness but again, it is only touched upon in here.
The ending gives readers a comfortable stopping point while allowing for more to come should the Rices choose to continue. The Passion of Cleopatra is a fine sequel that more than satisfied. My only issue worth mentioning is the repetitiveness of certain descriptors. We are bombarded throughout the book about the blue eyes and the famed hunger suffered by immortals. Regardless, those who have been waiting for this sequel will be pleased to finally get the rest of the story.
“I’m sorry Olivia the Brilliant, I couldn’t find anything on the web for Savored the Mallory.”
“Xavier. De. Maloret!”
“Okay, here’s what I found for David and Valerie.”
Manderley (Mandy) Maxwell has always been the dependable one her father and siblings leaned upon. When an unfortunate accident claims their father’s life, they discover the estate is submerged in debt. Luckily, their mama left Mandy a sizable inheritance to help stave off the wolves. When sisters’ neediness gets a little overwhelming, Mandy decides to take a work-cation from her problems heads to the Cannes Festival with her best friend and boss. A chance of fate introduces Mandy to the mysterious Monsieur X. Monsieur X who we soon learn is Xavier de Malort, courts Mandy with a vengeance, convincing her she is the one for him. But there was a first Madame de Maloret and no one knows exactly what happened to her. Did she leave of her own free will? Or was it something more sinister? Mandy decides to find out what happened to the first wife…before something happens to her.
Dreaming of Manderley is Leah Marie Brown’s homage to Daphne du Marner’s Rebecca. A lightweight romance that amuses but does not contain the atmosphere or the weight one might expect.. A rather cute opening line…“Last night I dreamt of Jake Gyllenhaal again, “ introduces our heroine and left me curious to see how Brown would choose to frame this story. Set in the present, the story stays modern with a few character quirks that Brown tries to convince us are quaint when really they are just odd. The first couple of chapters lay the foundation, setting the romance in motion and alerting us to the faint similarities to Rebecca while Brown attempts to stamp her own personality on the story.
Mandy is the personal assistant to a famous screenwriter who’s also her best friend. She has two younger siblings whom she acts as pseudo-mother to. While walking the cliffs for privacy and almost falling, Mandy meets a handsome yet elusive Frenchman, Xavier de Maloret, who thinks she is suicidal and jumps to her rescue. As the weeks pass, Xavier and Mandy spend more time together with Xavier rescuing her from various emotional and physical calamities. She may feel his mercurial personality is a bit overpowering, but his debonair attitude and sweet kisses slowly win her over and they marry. He takes her to their new home, she meets his odd housekeeper, hears all the gossip over his first wife, and decides to discover the truth by facing her greatest fear, forcing Xavier to rescue her for the umpteenth time, rather than just asking him.
And that my lovelies, is the end. There s no grand reveal, no hidden agenda, no real meat to sink your teeth into. This is the Disney version of a classic. Pretty, shiny and scrubbed down.
Regardless of its cotton candy-like substance, the story has it’s moments with strong characterization, amusing narrative, and a sub-storyline that focuses on friendship and family. Mandy’s relationship with her bestie, Olivia, and her sisters, Tara and Emma, is overflowing with wit, charm, some pretty astute insights, and endless text messages.
“Why am I Honey Ryder? I would rather be Vesper Lynd. She was clever.”
“Vesper Lynd was cold. You are not cold, Manderley.”
“But Honey Ryder was merely boobs in a bikini.”
“Honey Ryder was MORE than boobs in a bikini. She was a beautiful, mysterious, sexually liberated woman!”
[…]
“Still…I’d rather be Vesper Lynd.”
“Fine! But you know she betrayed Bond and then died, prompting him to speak one of the cruelest lines ever uttered, ‘The bitch is dead.’”
Mandy is the poster girl for what romancelandia likes to call the Mary Sue. Low self-confidence, innocent, naive, clumsy with a slight stutter to boot. She is one who lives to serve others and its here we see just how ingrained that attitude is and why. When Mandy’s mother died, Mandy’s father made her the one they all turned to. She raised her sisters, took care of their father, and essentially set aside her life for theirs. Even now she plays mommy while taking care of Olivia. There is a rather sobering scene where Mandy gives her opinion on women, men, and society that is quite antiquated yet only furthers serves to show us how much she longs for someone to love and care for only her. I did like that none of these women were made villains of the piece in order to elicit sympathy for our heroine.
The romance moves pretty fast for how cautiously Mandy is written but again, she’s subconsciously looking for a savior and once she finds him, she’s not letting go. Xavier is the perfect match for Mandy but we really go to know him well. Brown writes him as the ultimate hero. Dashing, heroic, commanding, handsome, rich, and mysterious. He sees the real Mandy and lavishes her with the affection and attention she’s always wanted but never felt she deserved. Yet, it’s all very superficial. He is written to elevate the heroine. As the main protagonist, Mandy is far more developed and it shows.
Dreaming of Manderley promises more than is delivered but has potential. The adaptation of Rebecca, in my opinion, doesn’t work but the secondary characters and additional storylines help to keep the book from stuttering to an uninspired finish. There are two more sisters and I have a feeling their stories will also be modeled after a classic.
Favorite Quote: “If I didn’t put on my pants for the mayor, I’m not doing it for Leah Nazir. Or our brother.”
Angela Drake’s father was murdered by his brother and sentenced to life in prison. Angela’s mother checked out of life and her cousins came to live with them. Angela is convinced her uncle did not murder her father and is dead set on getting him a new trial. When her cousin, Archer Drake comes home to introduce his girlfriend, the famous Insighter Leah Nazir, Angela thinks this might be exactly what she needs to get results.
“Hon, you’d better speak up if you want to be heard over all our voices and all the voices in our heads.”
I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of reincarnation and the differing philosophy surrounding it. Some feel your actions in one life will affect your next life while others believe you are doomed to repeat the same actions over and over until something happens to break the chain. Some, like me, believe you ascend levels with each new life until you finally achieve nirvana. MaryJanice Davidson’s latest series deals with reincarnation, the influence past lives have on us, and those people who are able to not only see our past lives but try and use that information to help people.
This series is an overly caffeinated dark comedy when one woman sets out to right a wrong. No matter what anybody says. Rather like being on a Tilt a Whirl, Davidson has a multitude storylines spinning independently of one another. It reminded me a little of the movie Inception with its energy and rapidly changing landscape. The beginning confused me. I felt as if I had been dropped in a foreign country with no translator. Davidson does a massive information dump in her prologue, explaining the various events she references in the story and begging forgiveness for certain liberties she takes. The narrative is on speed and head hopping takes some getting used to. Noisy and peculiar in its layout, there is a method to Davidson’s madness. You just have to willing to ride it out until it starts to settle and the truth emerges like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
“Didn’t Archer kill a guy last month? I mean literally murder the hell out of someone?”
“Don’t talk about that either! Honestly! It’s like you guys aren’t even reading the memos I send out!”
Very dry wit and an abundance of eccentric characters adds to the general feeling of bedlam. The Drake family are a study in chaos and entertain from the first meeting. They are a Vegas act ready to take on the road but as you spend more time with them, you can feel the desperation and fear that flows under their jovial attitudes. The death of their father and their mother’s grief has left them all in limbo. Even Angela’s need to prove her uncle’s innocence unwittingly traps them as they all wait with bated breath to see if this time she will be successful.
“We’ve been in a soap opera for ten years!”
“Not even a good one, like Days of Our Lives. A dumb shitty one, like Judge Judy.”
The continuation of Leah and Archer’s story reveals alongside the main conflict though they didn’t necessarily blend well. Leah’s interactions with the Drakes is well done but the occasional moments where it’s just Leah and Archer present seem random and peculiar. Leah seems warmer and more honest with herself as she acknowledges her own unease about her past, present, and future. Some readers may find it odd that while Leah and Archer are the acknowledged series leads, this is definitely Angela’s story. Her character is well defined and very amusing. Her internal monologues are the clues needed to understand her. As the story progresses, we learn of Angela’s own Insighter skills, her various past lives, and the one aspect that motivates her. Her crush on the policeman helping her is deliciously sweet with a hint of tart as she waxes poetic over his choice of socks and quotes movie lines in her embarrassment.
“They didn’t even move the bodies! They just moved the headstones!”
Davidson wraps up the main conflict, giving Angela the resolution she needed while leaving the door wide open for more Drake madness in the future. The subplot concerning Lean and Archer’s relationship is certainly “unique’ and I’m curious to see where Davidson goes with this. While this series requires some patience and ninja comprehension, I am looking forward to seeing where Davidson takes it. I don’t recommend reading the series out of order even though this could be technically considered a standalone....more
DNF Demons, Watchers, and Guardians…OH MY. Warren’s latest PNR involves Gargoyles and saving the world.I enjoyed her The Others series which I found thDNF Demons, Watchers, and Guardians…OH MY. Warren’s latest PNR involves Gargoyles and saving the world.I enjoyed her The Others series which I found the perfect blend of action, romance, and dry humor. I hadn’t read the first five of this series but I know Warren usually writes her books as standalones. Warren starts off recapping the ongoing arc painstakingly explaining the world and the events that led up to where we are now and jumping immediately into the action. The premise is good vs evil. Demons break free their prison to come overtake the world and a group of watchers “wake up” their guardians/gargoyles to fight and dispatch them back to Hell. The gargoyles are then put back to sleep until they are needed again. Of course, after never-ending cycles of this the gargoyles get tired of being used and stop coming to the rescue. Now the watchers are being murdered and a new batch of watchers are being inducted-female watchers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t even get past the first 20% of this one. I couldn’t seem to connect on any level and the dry academic tone bored me....more
Favorite Quote: “We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed.”
Aaron (Rain) Ryland has spent his whole life on the streets due to his mother’s drug addiction. When his mother dies from an overdose, he is sent to live with an aunt he’d never met before in the small town of New Wurzburg, TX. Right off, Rain senses things aren’t right in this town. He soon finds himself drawn to a group of outsiders at the high school. Particularly their leader, Friederike (Freddie) Burkhart.
Freddie isn’t your normal teenager. She tries to warn Rain away as others seek to draw him in deeper but he refuses to back down. He has finally found something-someone- he’s winning to fight for. When Rain learns exactly what is happening in this sleepy little town, he has to ask himself if Freddie is worth dying for. Because someone wants her dead and Rain may be the only one who can save her.
Haven is a young adult paranormal romance that borrows from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series and Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s Beauty and the Beast but with some gender swapping and much needed modernization. Lindsey takes the old classic trope of beauty saving the beast and twists new life into it, introducing us to a whole new paranormal world of wolves, witches, and magic with two outcasts who are determined to solve a series of murders while making sure they don’t lose their own lives in the process.
The similarity to Twilight is strong in the tone and initial setup. Rain Ryland is obviously Bella while Freddie Burkhardt is an interesting combination of Edward and Jacob. Rain is sent to the small town filled with supernatural beings to live with his aunt Ruby who is on the police force and finds himself unnaturally drawn to the mysterious Freddie and her cousins despite their overt antagonism towards him. There are even motorbikes involved. Lindsey expands on a small scene introduced in Twilight, one that hinted at the werewolves being controlled by vampires in the past. This is the base of the conflict but that is where the similarities end. Neither Rain nor Freddie are waiting to be saved There are no attempts to pretty everything up for the sake of love and acceptance. These strong-willed, intelligent, curious teenagers with raging hormones, mercurial emotions, and the survival skills who work together to save themselves.
‘He’d never feared losing something before because he’d never had anything worth keeping. ‘
The theme of witches controlling wolves is not new. Various authors have alluded to it in their stories but Lindsey succeeds in making it her own with her creation of Watchers, Weavers, and their dark history that she painstakingly records. The weavers are witches who use their magic to help the wolves. In return, the Watchers aka the werewolves protect the witches. Over time, this relationship has become warped becoming more slave/slave owner as the weavers decide who lives, who dies and uses deceptive means to introduce fresh blood into the packs.
“You’re romanticizing the monster.”
“And you’re vilifying it.”
Heavily character driven, the large and individualized cast helps to set the story and keep it in motion. I enjoyed experiencing the story through the eyes of a male protagonist. Lindsey does an excellent job building Rain’s character and creating a unique person more than able to handle what is coming his way. Freddie is just as unique and Rain’s perfect match though she maintains her autonomy in all aspects. Rain’s aunt Rudy is an interesting character and does her best to be parent his mother should have been. Lindsey builds Haven with a steady hand, confident narrative, and lots of organic detail; creating a world filled with potential and brimming with action, suspense, intrigue, and romance. Vampires, zombies, and more decorate this multi-layered fantasy. The addition of murder, mystery, and general mayhem helps to ground the story in reality while elevating it beyond the confines of the stereotypical YA paranormal romance.
”I’ve never had a friend before. I’d like that friend to stay alive.”
The romance has the sweet blush of first love with strong sexual undertone that definitely makes this a more mature YA. Lindsey does an excellent job of using the insta love romance as a way to further explain her leads personalities. These are teenagers who have each experienced extreme trauma in their lives so it makes sense they would connect with little fanfare. Lindsey does speed it up the romance as the story reveals but it makes sense due to the mature nature of the conflict and its subplots. Though vocal in their passion, the actual sex fades to black.
‘She all but consumed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and digging her nails into his skin. Hot. Demanding. Perfect’
Haven is a breath of fresh air in YA paranormal fantasy and sure to appeal to readers young and old. I truly hope Lindsey chooses to expand on this world and turns this into a series.
A cute and sexy friends to lovers NA sports romance involving Ty Masters (Knox Master-Sacked). A steady engaging read with low angst and plenty of humA cute and sexy friends to lovers NA sports romance involving Ty Masters (Knox Master-Sacked). A steady engaging read with low angst and plenty of humor and smexy times.
Currently, the whole series is on sale for $.99@...more
Dallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just startiDallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just starting to build the O’Kane name and Lex was a runaway Orchid turned thief. This couple took years to craft their relationship; to mold, tame, and understand the dynamics that brought them together and almost destroyed them.
The 2nd in Rocha’s spin-off of their bestselling Beyond series, it not only takes us back into the world we all adore, keeping us abreast of current news but also gives us more insight into the relationships of our favorite couples. I love digging deeper into Lex and Dallas’ beginnings. Beyond Control gave us their story…this gives us their courtship and answers some questions about Lex's attitude in the beginning. Fast, fun, and furious, this novella is 100% pure O’Kane. WARNING: This novella contains spoilers from the Beyond series.
Paradise Simone (Pari) came to Chicago to escape a personal tragedy, never imagining her loss would open the door to love. Max Kulagin is a temperamenParadise Simone (Pari) came to Chicago to escape a personal tragedy, never imagining her loss would open the door to love. Max Kulagin is a temperamental Russian tattoo artist who takes one look at Pari and sees his soulmate. Max sees the damage in Pari, having suffered himself as a child, and takes his time wooing her into trusting him. When Pari’s past rears its ugly head, Max steps in to make sure she knows she will never be alone again.
Max is a sweet, humorous and very sexy romance between two damaged people who have triumphed over evil and find solace in one another. A fast racy read with cameos by almost all our favorite past characters. Hot and edgy chemistry is highlighted with humor, engaging dialogue, lots of sex. :P A mild suspenseful subplot adds a little darkness to the storyline. Grade: B...more
Favorite Quote: “New rule. Never use the term ‘baby daddy’ again.”
A recent break up resigns Zara Rossi to the fact that she will always be the girl to date but not to marry. A steamy no-strings affair with a sexy out of towner is just the thing to cure her small town blues but a surprise pregnancy changes her tune. After searching for two years for Dave, Zara accepts the inevitable and gets on with her life. Until he suddenly reappears.
Dave Beringer never expected his vacation to Vermont to be anything more than a month of fishing and relaxation but a chance meeting with a beautiful spirited bartender keeps him well entertained till he has to go back to work. When he decides to revisit the small town for some much needed R&R, he learns he left a parting gift and is unsure how to handle this new development. Dave’s childhood convinced him relationships are not for him but sometimes love has a way of sneaking into your heart when the right person(s) comes along.
Bountiful is the fourth book in Bowen’s True North series and connects with her Brooklyn Bruisers series. This sweet, sexy, and emotionally heartfelt contemporary series is set against the backdrop of rural Vermont and is built around a family of farmers-the Shipleys. Fans of Bowen’s will recognize Zara from Bittersweet. She is the ex of Griff Shipley and now besties with his fiancee-Audrey. Dave plays for the Brooklyn Bruisers and has been seen around that series. The book opens in the past. Zara is not feeling so great since she learned Griff is in a serious relationship after dumping her with the “I’m not ready for anything serious” speech. Zara is tired of looking for Mr. Right. She refuses to be like her mother, always waiting on a man. Enter Dave Beringer. Gorgeous, built, and obviously not from around there, he is perfect for Zara’s new life plan of casual sex only relationships.
“There was a naked superhero on my bed. Impressive abs led down to the deep V of muscle between his hips. He had powerful thighs, and when I ran my hand over one of them, the wiry hair on his quads tickled my hand.”
Yummmm. I do love a well-muscled V.
Dave is a veteran player for the Brooklyn Bruisers-a pro hockey team. A talented, witty, quiet man; growing up in a very abusive household convinced him that he is not capable of long-term relationships. His affair with Zara is the first time he has experienced true intimacy with a woman and it scares him. Especially when he can see himself possibly staying longer with her.
“You sure do make me work for it.”
“Your other dates don’t? They should.”
“I don’t date. Not cut out for relationships. Hanging out with you is the closest I ever got.”
“Because there’s an expiration date… You don’t have to look for the exits because you already have one foot out the door.”
Bowen writes a beautiful story teeming with emotion, drama, romance, and humor. The fluid storyline integrates the two series seamlessly as we follow two commitment-phobes whom fates ties together in an age-old manner. All forms of relationships come into play as Bowen effortlessly shows us romantic love, familial love, and the love between friends. The spirited narrative, charismatic characters, engaging scenes, and a delightful romance with a strong sex positive base serve to make this story a worthy addition to both series.
The romance between Dave and Zara is very slow to develop, even with the hot crazy chemistry that continues to snap and crackle between them. Though it started out purely sexual, it deepens the more time Dave spends with his child and her mother. Bowen doesn’t force it, allowing it to reveal organically as Dave and Zara work past their issues towards something wonderful. Dave is honest in his feelings to Zara and himself. He’s shocked and scared but upfront about his fears-he never wanted a family and now he has a ready-made one. Yet he steps right up and gets involved any and every way he can. Watching his relationship develop with Nicole is so sweet and funny.
“I was witnessing something intimate and thing in a way that seemed entirely foreign to me […] I’d never been in so far over my head”
Zara is also scared by everything happening. She wasn’t expecting to become a mom but did and luckily had a strong support system in the form of family and friends. She’s worried about Dave and how involved he’ll be in his child’s life. Visions of a father who blows in when he feels like it reminds her too much of her own childhood. I love how Bowen interjects everyday scenes between Zara and Nicole and her family. The breastfeeding scenes are very intimate and well written.
A vivacious secondary cast introduces some new faces while reuniting us with some old friends. Brooklyn Bruiser favorites; Leo, Castro, and O’Doul along with Zara’s family and friends, especially her brother Benito, all work together to move the story along, adding humor and some bittersweet moments. I especially loved meeting Dave’s sister Bess. Her sheer delight in finding out she has a niece is infectious.
The ending wraps up the small conflict and solidifies the love and happiness of this little family. Dave and Zara both learn that they are not the sum of their parents and they are more than worthy of being love. Bowen gave me all the feels in here and I am looking forward to her next book in all of her series. :)