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This book just didn't quite do it for me. It had all the right elements, just not in the right amounts. A little too much sex that brought it closer to erotic than I usually read and not enough about the relationship. The relationship that was there was interesting and I really wish I had gotten to see a little more depth to it.
Cass is a writer trying to get the next book in her series done and Jonah is, well we're not quite sure at first. But there is attraction and sparks and they just seem to fall into bed one night. There's a lot of insecurity on Cass's part because she was older and I got a little tired of her doubting herself.
Now once we got into Jonah's history and he struggles, it was very interesting, but by then we were at the end of the book. I just wanted more from this, but if you enjoy books that are more physical, you may enjoy it. Check out some of the other reviews on Goodreads and see what they have to say - the rest of the world seems to like it a lot.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Cass is a writer trying to get the next book in her series done and Jonah is, well we're not quite sure at first. But there is attraction and sparks and they just seem to fall into bed one night. There's a lot of insecurity on Cass's part because she was older and I got a little tired of her doubting herself.
Now once we got into Jonah's history and he struggles, it was very interesting, but by then we were at the end of the book. I just wanted more from this, but if you enjoy books that are more physical, you may enjoy it. Check out some of the other reviews on Goodreads and see what they have to say - the rest of the world seems to like it a lot.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
The Greek gods are real - living in a realm called Myth. They have human agents on Earth, families that help them do their business in the "real" world. The members of these families are called Influentials; they have power, pretige, and loads of wealth. Siobhan Law is the daughter of one of these families. Protected and cherished, it is her destiny to marry the son of a family and run their household. Too bad, Siobhan has more modern ideas of how she wants to live her life.
While attending a practice for the orchestra (she's first chair violin), a new musician shows up and challenges her for her place. Liam Argyros is beautiful - too beautiful and Siobhan instantly knows that he's not an ordinary mortal. What she doesn't know is that he's really the god Apollo come to earth to win her heart.
Their relationship is a strained one. Siobhan hates that he lied to her about who is, and it repeatedly come up (a little too much). They are on agian and off again throughout the book, but their feelings for eash other always seem to trump their problems. Parts of their relationship were very touching and sweet, and parts were very overbearing and I was surprised Siobhan put up with any of it.
It ends with a bit of action that was very nicely placed and wrapped up many of the loose ends in the story and brings in some more of the mythology. With a happy for now ending, it still had enough resolution to leave me satisfied, but enough untold to keep me wondering "what next".
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.jlCL1DG3.dpuf
While attending a practice for the orchestra (she's first chair violin), a new musician shows up and challenges her for her place. Liam Argyros is beautiful - too beautiful and Siobhan instantly knows that he's not an ordinary mortal. What she doesn't know is that he's really the god Apollo come to earth to win her heart.
Their relationship is a strained one. Siobhan hates that he lied to her about who is, and it repeatedly come up (a little too much). They are on agian and off again throughout the book, but their feelings for eash other always seem to trump their problems. Parts of their relationship were very touching and sweet, and parts were very overbearing and I was surprised Siobhan put up with any of it.
It ends with a bit of action that was very nicely placed and wrapped up many of the loose ends in the story and brings in some more of the mythology. With a happy for now ending, it still had enough resolution to leave me satisfied, but enough untold to keep me wondering "what next".
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.jlCL1DG3.dpuf
This story had so many different elements to it...a zombie plague, a ghostly policeman, an airship crash, crazy scientists, and a touch of the paranormal. It was almost too much to keep up with. I can's imagine how Sir Newbury managed to keep up with it all, but somehow he did with the help of his beautiful assistant, Veronica.
The story starts off with the investigation of a glowing policeman that seems to be responsible for several murders. As Sir Newbury begins the investigation he is instead directed, by the Queen herself, to investigate an air ship crash. Somehow all of this and the zombie plague tie together fairly neatly in the end, but in a very odd way.
While I did enjoy reading the story, there were times it seemed to jump around a bit, and I could not find myself truly loving any of the characters. The saving grace, and what piqued my interest, was the final chapter. It just may compel me to give the second book a chance and see what happens.
3/5
The story starts off with the investigation of a glowing policeman that seems to be responsible for several murders. As Sir Newbury begins the investigation he is instead directed, by the Queen herself, to investigate an air ship crash. Somehow all of this and the zombie plague tie together fairly neatly in the end, but in a very odd way.
While I did enjoy reading the story, there were times it seemed to jump around a bit, and I could not find myself truly loving any of the characters. The saving grace, and what piqued my interest, was the final chapter. It just may compel me to give the second book a chance and see what happens.
3/5
Lumiere has only made me love steam punk even more. It was a fantastic book - full of adventure, amazing contraptions, and a dash of romance. Out two main characters are refreshingly imperfect. While Eyelet may be beautiful, her seizures are slowly ruining her life and place her at risk of being institutionalized - she must hide them from everyone. On the other hand, Urlick is in perfect health but has a physical "deformity" that ostracizes him from society. But that's not the only secrets these two keep from each other.
They are both in search of a fantastic machine, the Illuminator. Both hoping to use the amazing device to cure themselves - to make them perfect. But as they search for the key to running the machine they uncover so much more - about the machine and about a sinister plot for ultimate power. Throughout their adventure they rely on many of Urlick's amazing (and very unusual) inventions - including Bertie who is just adorable, and Eyelet's quick thinking and problem solving.
I mentioned that I loved the gadgets. They were spectacular and unique. Many that seemed to be just window dressing on the world ended up being very important to the story - so pay attention!! I love when a book can tie up all the loose ends so neatly and completely. The machines really put the finishing touches on this well developed world and brought it to life (with a little help from the ravens).
The ending was very satisfying, but as with most series, did have a cliffhanger. The main story seems to be resolved (for the most part) with a whole new adventure set up by how the first one ends - definitely want to read the next to see what other fun things will be thrown my way.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-lumiere-by-jacqueline-garlick.html#sthash.EmovQwP1.dpuf
They are both in search of a fantastic machine, the Illuminator. Both hoping to use the amazing device to cure themselves - to make them perfect. But as they search for the key to running the machine they uncover so much more - about the machine and about a sinister plot for ultimate power. Throughout their adventure they rely on many of Urlick's amazing (and very unusual) inventions - including Bertie who is just adorable, and Eyelet's quick thinking and problem solving.
I mentioned that I loved the gadgets. They were spectacular and unique. Many that seemed to be just window dressing on the world ended up being very important to the story - so pay attention!! I love when a book can tie up all the loose ends so neatly and completely. The machines really put the finishing touches on this well developed world and brought it to life (with a little help from the ravens).
The ending was very satisfying, but as with most series, did have a cliffhanger. The main story seems to be resolved (for the most part) with a whole new adventure set up by how the first one ends - definitely want to read the next to see what other fun things will be thrown my way.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-lumiere-by-jacqueline-garlick.html#sthash.EmovQwP1.dpuf
I have always been a lover of Wuthering Heights so I thought this would be right up my alley. The writing style, very formal and journal like, did remind me of the classic and it was well done. However, the story itself didn't do as much for me as I had hoped.
It starts with a noble, Hammel, traveling to the far and uncivilized north for a change of scenery. The story sort of begins here with him having a horrible run-in with his landlord. I was incredibly confused because the characters in the book did not seem anything like the back blurb at this point. But then we jump back in time quite a ways as the housekeeper tells Hammel the story of Lina and Damek. This is the majority of the story is told from Anna's perspective, looking back and telling her story.
Lina and Damek's story is the perfect tragic romance and fits the gothic description very well. Doomed from the start by so many things. There was just too much to it though. The story seemed to drag on too much, the history being told with many rambling sidetracks. The story is intriguing and wanting to know how it ended kept me going, but at times it was hard to do.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-black-spring-by-alison-croggon.html#sthash.Nj4bN0vn.dpuf
It starts with a noble, Hammel, traveling to the far and uncivilized north for a change of scenery. The story sort of begins here with him having a horrible run-in with his landlord. I was incredibly confused because the characters in the book did not seem anything like the back blurb at this point. But then we jump back in time quite a ways as the housekeeper tells Hammel the story of Lina and Damek. This is the majority of the story is told from Anna's perspective, looking back and telling her story.
Lina and Damek's story is the perfect tragic romance and fits the gothic description very well. Doomed from the start by so many things. There was just too much to it though. The story seemed to drag on too much, the history being told with many rambling sidetracks. The story is intriguing and wanting to know how it ended kept me going, but at times it was hard to do.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-black-spring-by-alison-croggon.html#sthash.Nj4bN0vn.dpuf
Dyed and Gone was everything it promised me. It was funny, romantic, and touching with just a dash of suspense mixed in with the mystery. Azalea March has some memorable friends with her when she goes to Vegas to a hair styling convention. The most memorable was Juan Carlos - I had to stop writing quotes of his down when I realized I was pulling one from every scene he was in - it was priceless. There were times he almost stole the show from Azalea. Now Azalea was written in the most perfect way I think it could have been done. She was a real person!!! She wasn't perfect, but her quirks and attitude made me love her so much. But when Dhane (a big wig in the hair community) is found dead, her curiosity gets the best of her and she just has to know who-dun-it. And so our story begins.
Along the way we meet a host of very, very, very strange characters. But there was something about the way they were written and something about the way Azalea just went with it that made them seem almost part of everyday life (maybe they are for her). So she follows the bread crumbs and lands in a heap of trouble herself. Super sexy cop, Alex, has to come to her rescue several times, but as long as he gets a date out of it he doesn't mind.
This was an incredibly humorous contemporary romance that will hit the spot for a multitude of genres. I love that it's a series because I must see more of Azalea (and hopefully Juan Carlos, too).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-dyed-and-gone-by-beth-yarnall.html#sthash.mD6D6tOZ.dpuf
Along the way we meet a host of very, very, very strange characters. But there was something about the way they were written and something about the way Azalea just went with it that made them seem almost part of everyday life (maybe they are for her). So she follows the bread crumbs and lands in a heap of trouble herself. Super sexy cop, Alex, has to come to her rescue several times, but as long as he gets a date out of it he doesn't mind.
This was an incredibly humorous contemporary romance that will hit the spot for a multitude of genres. I love that it's a series because I must see more of Azalea (and hopefully Juan Carlos, too).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-dyed-and-gone-by-beth-yarnall.html#sthash.mD6D6tOZ.dpuf
They say that once you visit Holiday Harbor you never want to leave. Well, I can say that I might leave, but I will definitely want to come back. This series has been the perfect vacation book for me (not in the sense that I'm on vacation). When I need a break from the booding males, the flirty females, and all the super hot sex scenes - this series is becoming my break. (Book two is a christmas one so I'll probably read that closer to the holiday).
This book in the series was ever so slightly more preachy than the first, but it's still very subtle and not hitting you over the head with a bible. Lauren is a little fragile when she shows up in the small village looking for a place to find herself and figure out a new path in life. Ben is the perfect "good boy" to make make her feel comfortable and relax again for the first time in a long time.
Their relationship unfolds over a length of time very naturally - I think that is one of the things I like best about this series so far. It's real life. They have a handful of communication break downs. They both have some baggage to deal with, but when you get down to it, it's two nice people falling in love. It's just the type of story you need sometimes.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
This book in the series was ever so slightly more preachy than the first, but it's still very subtle and not hitting you over the head with a bible. Lauren is a little fragile when she shows up in the small village looking for a place to find herself and figure out a new path in life. Ben is the perfect "good boy" to make make her feel comfortable and relax again for the first time in a long time.
Their relationship unfolds over a length of time very naturally - I think that is one of the things I like best about this series so far. It's real life. They have a handful of communication break downs. They both have some baggage to deal with, but when you get down to it, it's two nice people falling in love. It's just the type of story you need sometimes.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Remember the one that got away? What if you found a way to have a second chance years later - and found out that they had grown in a way that made you want them even more. Enter Alex, determined to prove to Kiara that he has what it takes to be boyfriend material. Kiara, on the other hand, isn't so sure.
This sweet but sexy novella follows them as Alex tries to prove himself to her. It was cute and I loved Kiara's character. She was quite the diverse one with a mix of likes and features that I hadn't really seen before. With such a short novella it's hard to get too much story in, but Rosemary Clement-Moore does a pretty good job by giving us just what we need without a lot of fluff inbetween.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-passionate-persuasion-by.html#sthash.0Cb4yW9F.dpuf
This sweet but sexy novella follows them as Alex tries to prove himself to her. It was cute and I loved Kiara's character. She was quite the diverse one with a mix of likes and features that I hadn't really seen before. With such a short novella it's hard to get too much story in, but Rosemary Clement-Moore does a pretty good job by giving us just what we need without a lot of fluff inbetween.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-passionate-persuasion-by.html#sthash.0Cb4yW9F.dpuf
The Winner's Curse is a very interesting look at war and strategy. I have read several reviews that list this as a romance - but I saw it as more of a fantasy novel about revolution, compromise, and war. Kestral is the daughter of the general and many expect her to follow in her father's footsteps, becoming a great soldier and leader. But Kestral has a secret - she can't fight. While she is excellent at strategy, she has never been able to grasp the fine art of physical combat.
Arin is a slave. He is Herrani, one of the people captured by the empire and forced to choose death or slavery. But he is more than just an ordinary slave. When Kestral purchases him she discovers that he is intelligent and sly. As her strategic mind begins to put the pieces together, she isn't quite fast enough. Disaster strikes Kestral's people and while she may be the only chance they have of survival, she is also the reason it succeeded.
I think I loved the mental sparring in this book the best. It was very political, with moves and counter-moves throughout society and on the field of war to be analyzed with fast minds that could make quick decisions. Is there a romance? Sort of. It certainly isn't one that I would want to be a part of, but it is incredibly important to the story. There was not a lot of physical action or conflict until after the half way point of the book, but the author managed to create a lot of tension without it.
I found this book very hard to put down. There were a few small things that bothered me about Arin and the way he reacted and accomplished things - especially when it came to Kestral. I'm definitely going to be watching for the next book. While the story didn't exactly end in a cliffhanger, you can tell there is much more to come and I'm hoping some things aren't exactly as they seem.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-winners-curse-by-marie-rutkoski.html#sthash.M9QzxAMr.dpuf
Arin is a slave. He is Herrani, one of the people captured by the empire and forced to choose death or slavery. But he is more than just an ordinary slave. When Kestral purchases him she discovers that he is intelligent and sly. As her strategic mind begins to put the pieces together, she isn't quite fast enough. Disaster strikes Kestral's people and while she may be the only chance they have of survival, she is also the reason it succeeded.
I think I loved the mental sparring in this book the best. It was very political, with moves and counter-moves throughout society and on the field of war to be analyzed with fast minds that could make quick decisions. Is there a romance? Sort of. It certainly isn't one that I would want to be a part of, but it is incredibly important to the story. There was not a lot of physical action or conflict until after the half way point of the book, but the author managed to create a lot of tension without it.
I found this book very hard to put down. There were a few small things that bothered me about Arin and the way he reacted and accomplished things - especially when it came to Kestral. I'm definitely going to be watching for the next book. While the story didn't exactly end in a cliffhanger, you can tell there is much more to come and I'm hoping some things aren't exactly as they seem.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-winners-curse-by-marie-rutkoski.html#sthash.M9QzxAMr.dpuf
Pippa Bared All is the last in the releases of the short novellas revolving around Honey's wedding. They have all been a riot and seeing how the mesh together over a series of time was a lot of fun. Pippa is the final one to show up for the wedding, and she is the one that seems to cause the most scandal doing it. Leave it to her to show up in a too revealing black dress for a wedding! But the one she ran away from thinks it's just perfect - and he's determined not to let her run away again.
Pippa was wonderful - the girl from the wrong side of the tracks that somehow managed to become friends with the popular crowd. Griff is the rich bad boy that refused to fall into the mold his parents made for him. They are the perfect couple. It's all wrapped up with a really short story about Honey on the way to her honeymoon. It was the perfect happy ending to follow up with all the rest.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-pippa-bared-all-by-ally-blake.html#sthash.1o1MiMLR.dpuf
Pippa was wonderful - the girl from the wrong side of the tracks that somehow managed to become friends with the popular crowd. Griff is the rich bad boy that refused to fall into the mold his parents made for him. They are the perfect couple. It's all wrapped up with a really short story about Honey on the way to her honeymoon. It was the perfect happy ending to follow up with all the rest.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/03/review-pippa-bared-all-by-ally-blake.html#sthash.1o1MiMLR.dpuf