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With so many of the country's men gone to war during WWII, the "war-wives" were encouraged to write letters to each other. Letters offering support and advice. Letters to show that they weren't alone. Rita and Glory were matched by the fates drawing a name from a hat, and there were perfect for each other. Both are struggling to adapt to their new life without their men around. Reaching out to each other half way across the country, they manage to forge a bond that saved both of them many times.
This is not a book to read quickly. It is meant to be curled up with in a nice comfy chair, bed, couch, blanket and take a few small sips every now and then. I found myself putting the book aside inbetween letters to let it all sink it. To try and imagine the anticipation they must have felt as they waited for the mail to arrive. It is something we modern folk don't experience much with email, facebook, and twitter connecting people instantly. This was a fantastic look back into ourselves and what it was like to wait - but wait in a good way.
I don't think I can really express how much I enjoyed this. It has been one of the highlights of my reading this year, and definitely makes the must read again list. I'm sure it will just as powerful each and every time I pick it up.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-ill-be-seeing-you-by-suzanne.html#sthash.Pl9shzKJ.dpuf
This is not a book to read quickly. It is meant to be curled up with in a nice comfy chair, bed, couch, blanket and take a few small sips every now and then. I found myself putting the book aside inbetween letters to let it all sink it. To try and imagine the anticipation they must have felt as they waited for the mail to arrive. It is something we modern folk don't experience much with email, facebook, and twitter connecting people instantly. This was a fantastic look back into ourselves and what it was like to wait - but wait in a good way.
I don't think I can really express how much I enjoyed this. It has been one of the highlights of my reading this year, and definitely makes the must read again list. I'm sure it will just as powerful each and every time I pick it up.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-ill-be-seeing-you-by-suzanne.html#sthash.Pl9shzKJ.dpuf
*This novel borders on "New Adult" and does not have a traditional HEA for the book - although it appears there will be one for the series.
I had a hard time deciding whether or not this book fit within our guidelines for paranormal romance, or just romance in general. After looking through some of the descriptions for upcoming books in the series, I decided to go ahead and post it (with the warning above) because I felt it deserved a bit of a chance.
Pierce was a phenomenal characters. J.C. Mells nailed her personality and 'quirks' perfectly. Showing just how different she was without making her seem too freakish to the reader. For Pierce, these are everyday occurances and just a part of her life, the reader feels that with her. Pierce is on the run from the man that abused her as a child, and has his 10 year old daughter with her - trying to protect her from what she experienced. They receive help unexpectedly in the form of our "hero" (I can't say his name or I ruin a surprise) - who has a few secrets of his own that I don't want to give away.
"Hero" and Pierce make the most unlikely couple I have ever seen - but they have potential to be something really great and we see a little bit of it really starting to come out at the end. I hope to see the two of them really cement their relationship in future books in the series.
I had a hard time deciding whether or not this book fit within our guidelines for paranormal romance, or just romance in general. After looking through some of the descriptions for upcoming books in the series, I decided to go ahead and post it (with the warning above) because I felt it deserved a bit of a chance.
Pierce was a phenomenal characters. J.C. Mells nailed her personality and 'quirks' perfectly. Showing just how different she was without making her seem too freakish to the reader. For Pierce, these are everyday occurances and just a part of her life, the reader feels that with her. Pierce is on the run from the man that abused her as a child, and has his 10 year old daughter with her - trying to protect her from what she experienced. They receive help unexpectedly in the form of our "hero" (I can't say his name or I ruin a surprise) - who has a few secrets of his own that I don't want to give away.
"Hero" and Pierce make the most unlikely couple I have ever seen - but they have potential to be something really great and we see a little bit of it really starting to come out at the end. I hope to see the two of them really cement their relationship in future books in the series.
Living London was light, fun, and very entertaining. Jocelyn thinks of herself as an expert in Regency, until she finds herself trying to live it. The etiquette lessons and countless changes of clothes for various affairs (which all include the dreaded corset) weren't what she expected. Through the whole experience Jocelyn finds a handful of close friends that are willing to guide her through the many pitfalls of London's ton. With a romantic lovestory flowing gently along until it causes a huge scandal that leaves society shocked and thrilled at the juicy gossip.
While this wasn't the most memorable read of the year, it was one of the most fun. There was a lot of substance for an almost novella (just a little longer), but it was a little too happy go lucky for me to give too many more stars. I do like a little more drama.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-living-london-by-kristin-vayden.html#sthash.u0Nk4pPT.dpuf
While this wasn't the most memorable read of the year, it was one of the most fun. There was a lot of substance for an almost novella (just a little longer), but it was a little too happy go lucky for me to give too many more stars. I do like a little more drama.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-living-london-by-kristin-vayden.html#sthash.u0Nk4pPT.dpuf
This is a great book for lovers of mythology. I always enjoy a well written story that brings the old gods and goddesses of any mythology back to life in modern times. Eva Pohler held true to the mythology of the Greek gods and goddesses through the story, which was an added bonus as well. Thanatos is the god of death, he guides the souls to the ferryman to ensure they enter his father's Underworld. While he may not be happy, he is at least content and understanding of how important his duty is. Until Therese's spitit visits him while she is in a coma after a tragic car accident takes the lives of her parents (which is an amazing little mystery/sidestory that helps to tie it all together perfectly). He is fascinated by this mortal who shows no fear of him. He is determined to make her his queen, but he does not want to follow in the path of his father, Hades, and use trickery. Instead he appears on the mortal plane ready to win her over. But some of the gods disagree with his choice and are set to stop him, while others think it's just grand and will do anything to help them out. - See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-tour-and-giveaway-gatekeepers-sons.html#sthash.4VW17nWP.dpuf
Marly's choice has a great premise. Marly has grown up with three brothers (older than she is), and as she grew up she developed a huge crush on the oldest, Cade, which later turned into a deep love. The problem with this scenario, is that Cade still refers to her as his "niece" even though he is very very sexually attracted to her and is quickly falling in love as well. While they aren't actually related, the references to the "family relationship" at the beginning kind of rubbed me the wrong way. You can't try to think of someone you want to have sex with as your niece - it's just creepy.
After we get over that, we run into problems with the force Cade tends to use, and that he doesn't take no for an answer. Not that he rapes her by any means, but one scene in particular comes a little too close for comfort.
On the other hand, the story behind the scenes was really really good. Marly has a stalker and he will do anything to get his hands on her. He is a constant presence in the background of the entire story and takes center stage a little more than half way through. Watching the family rally behind Marly was great and really showed how much the loved her.
After we get over that, we run into problems with the force Cade tends to use, and that he doesn't take no for an answer. Not that he rapes her by any means, but one scene in particular comes a little too close for comfort.
On the other hand, the story behind the scenes was really really good. Marly has a stalker and he will do anything to get his hands on her. He is a constant presence in the background of the entire story and takes center stage a little more than half way through. Watching the family rally behind Marly was great and really showed how much the loved her.
I've heard from many people how wonderful Belle Andre's books are and I finally got around to trying one out. I have to admit that based on what I saw in Love Me, all the people are correct. The book was fun, engaging, and very romantic. The couple was perfect from the get go and just needed some not so gentle prodding from life to get them moving in the right direction. This is a shorter novel (or longer novella), and I sped through it. Without any slow spots, it was very difficult to put down at the end of the day.
There was a litte too much denial on the part of Luke, I would have liked to see him come to his senses a little sooner, or it would have been 5 stars all the way.
There was a litte too much denial on the part of Luke, I would have liked to see him come to his senses a little sooner, or it would have been 5 stars all the way.
Roman's Gold has just enough sci fi (hover cars and fancy watch gizmos that do everything) to help set the futuristic stage, but not so much that it takes away from the paranormal romance aspect. Kate has been living in hiding for years - disguising her shifter heritage to save her life, and protect the underground shifter movement. Devon is sent by the police to determine if she is a shifter or not, but he can't seem to complete the assignment - it seems like love at first sight. When Devon realizes the injections that helped him track Kate down also boosted his shifter blood, he realizes he may be on the wrong side of this fight. But it will be up to Kate to try and push him into changing sides.
Kate is a fiesty little mountain lion (I love cat shifters) that hides refugees for the underground shifter movement. The only thing I disliked about Kate (and also Devon) is that the beginning of the book has them having sex with other people. While it is normal (they hadn't met yet) it just sits a little wrong when that happens, but I got over it when their sex was soooo much hotter. There is also some sex that happens while they are shifted. Ann Gimpel handled this very well, and the scenes are written to show how powerful their love for each other really is.
The story of the Underground Shifter Movement is fantastic. As more and more shifters are imprisoned and their rights are stripped away for being "non-human" the shifters have decided to unite and try to fight back. This goal is contantly hovering in the background driving the story forward with the romance helping it all along the way.
Kate is a fiesty little mountain lion (I love cat shifters) that hides refugees for the underground shifter movement. The only thing I disliked about Kate (and also Devon) is that the beginning of the book has them having sex with other people. While it is normal (they hadn't met yet) it just sits a little wrong when that happens, but I got over it when their sex was soooo much hotter. There is also some sex that happens while they are shifted. Ann Gimpel handled this very well, and the scenes are written to show how powerful their love for each other really is.
The story of the Underground Shifter Movement is fantastic. As more and more shifters are imprisoned and their rights are stripped away for being "non-human" the shifters have decided to unite and try to fight back. This goal is contantly hovering in the background driving the story forward with the romance helping it all along the way.
SureFire is an UltraAgent on a mission to prove herself. If she can manage to bring down the elusive thief, Raven, she would earn a name for herself as one of the top agents in UltraSecurity. But, or course, nothing ever works out the way our characters plan. Raven is more than just transhuman - he's something else entirely. And he has a mission of his own.
It's too bad that an old friend of Raven's has a different idea - and of course SureFire gets roped right in (it wouldn't be a very good story if she didn't). SureFire and Raven quickly discover that there is more to each other than either or them first thought. With a couple of Aztec gods and a little time traveling thrown in, they grow close very quickly. But with the rest of UltraSecurity hot on their tail, they may not have time to see if their new feelings are going to go anywhere.
This was a fantastic take on the whole "mutant" human storyline. I love the twist that the Aztec mythology added to everything. With a new surprise around every chapter - the book remained interesting up until the very end.
It's too bad that an old friend of Raven's has a different idea - and of course SureFire gets roped right in (it wouldn't be a very good story if she didn't). SureFire and Raven quickly discover that there is more to each other than either or them first thought. With a couple of Aztec gods and a little time traveling thrown in, they grow close very quickly. But with the rest of UltraSecurity hot on their tail, they may not have time to see if their new feelings are going to go anywhere.
This was a fantastic take on the whole "mutant" human storyline. I love the twist that the Aztec mythology added to everything. With a new surprise around every chapter - the book remained interesting up until the very end.
Cree Walker is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. She delivers again in a humorous romance between a part-vampire and a part-demon. Maple is an odd sort - the sort that has been in college for 10 years and still doesn't know what she wants to be. When her grandmother dies and she is left to take care of Maple Lane Manor she is shocked to find it needs sooo much work, and there is sooo little money. She breaks down and hires a live in handyman who is quite the hunk. Maple is constantly hounded by her nemesis, Stacy, who apparently wants something from the house, but Maple has no idea what it is. Stacy tries quite a few dirty tricks to try and get her way and comes very close to succeeding several times.
The residents of Maple Lane Manor really steal the show at times. They were so perfect and spanned the paranormal spectrum, bringing in several side stories that really helped flesh out the main characters. One of my favorite parts was the geriatric witch smacking the big bad demon around with a broomstick. It was priceless. Maple and Derek are a great couple, but they have quite a few problems to work out as they go. It's too bad this seems like a stand-a-lone. Even though it ended quite nicely I wish I could keep going! A true sign of a good book. I even miss the bad guys.
The residents of Maple Lane Manor really steal the show at times. They were so perfect and spanned the paranormal spectrum, bringing in several side stories that really helped flesh out the main characters. One of my favorite parts was the geriatric witch smacking the big bad demon around with a broomstick. It was priceless. Maple and Derek are a great couple, but they have quite a few problems to work out as they go. It's too bad this seems like a stand-a-lone. Even though it ended quite nicely I wish I could keep going! A true sign of a good book. I even miss the bad guys.