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This one got off to a bit of a slow start for me. The first half was full of both Elizabeth and Ben doubting themselves and their feelings and trying to justify what they felt as something they needed to get our of their systerm - an island fling. Deep down they both know it's more, they were just incredible stubborn and refused to admit it. There were a handful of very memorable scenes in the first half. Their snorkeling expedition and "hanging out" in the boat afterwards were very fun and exciting to read.
They both have business partners with them that seem intent to ruin their personal lives - not intentionally, just by being stupid people. Once the convention they are attending actually gets started things begin to get really interesting. There is a scheme running the the background that I caught onto right away - I think you're supposed to - and it really made we feel bad for Elizabeth. I wanted to tell her to wake up and smell the coffee, but I totally got why she refused to.
The romance itself doesn't seem like it's going to end well. Now, don't worry there is a HEA, but not until after several misses and brush offs. It was just a tad too much for me.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-in-bed-with-competition-by-jk-coi.html#sthash.g1tZ0jxU.dpuf
They both have business partners with them that seem intent to ruin their personal lives - not intentionally, just by being stupid people. Once the convention they are attending actually gets started things begin to get really interesting. There is a scheme running the the background that I caught onto right away - I think you're supposed to - and it really made we feel bad for Elizabeth. I wanted to tell her to wake up and smell the coffee, but I totally got why she refused to.
The romance itself doesn't seem like it's going to end well. Now, don't worry there is a HEA, but not until after several misses and brush offs. It was just a tad too much for me.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-in-bed-with-competition-by-jk-coi.html#sthash.g1tZ0jxU.dpuf
This book made me cry - several times. It takes a lot for a book to do that to me. It was a good cry, an emotional cry, and I felt better when I was done. Zach and Kennedy took me such an emotional roller coaster that I was exhausted at the end of the story. It was almost too much. Their history was full of so much pain for them to overcome that I still don't know how they managed to do it.
Kennedy is a tough as as nails construction worker that has taken over her father's company. She's more at home in boots and jeans checking out a roof than anything else. She has built up a wall around her heart after tragedy struck years ago, and she is determined to never let anyone in. Zach wants to break down those walls, he just doesn't quite understand why they are there to begin with.
A lot of Zach and Kennedy's problems are because neither of them is completely honest with the other. Their relationship is full of misunderstanding and pretending. The truth is too hard for either of them to deal with at first. It was an amazing story that is full of real life issues as two amazing people have to try and wade through them to find each other again.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.qr1x0rN9.dpuf
Kennedy is a tough as as nails construction worker that has taken over her father's company. She's more at home in boots and jeans checking out a roof than anything else. She has built up a wall around her heart after tragedy struck years ago, and she is determined to never let anyone in. Zach wants to break down those walls, he just doesn't quite understand why they are there to begin with.
A lot of Zach and Kennedy's problems are because neither of them is completely honest with the other. Their relationship is full of misunderstanding and pretending. The truth is too hard for either of them to deal with at first. It was an amazing story that is full of real life issues as two amazing people have to try and wade through them to find each other again.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.qr1x0rN9.dpuf
Luck of the Devil was a very fun book. Faith, the devil's youngest daughter is caught up in family drama galore. Her brother has turned her roommate into a succubus, her sister and brother-in-law show up to "visit" uninvited, and they are followed closely by mom and dear old dad, Lucifer himself. There are a lot of things that go wrong in this family and Faith generally tries to stay out of it, but she gets dragged kicking and screaming into this one.
The romance in this one is cute and the characters are addictive. Then it all hits the fan when someone with powers begins to stalk her and send threatening notes. The family gears up to find out who is behind it all, and surprisingly, the hottie across the hall is on board to help in any way he can. More family drama ensues and Faith tries desperately to keep her father from having a meltdown - because the city will be melted down right along with him.
Lots of surprising twists in the story line, and the action just keeps on coming. Faith has a great sarcastic humor that I love to see in my romantic comedies, and Lucifer is just a complete riot! I really enjoy when authors take larger than life figures and give a quirky personality to match. I'll be reading the rest of the series over the next couple weeks. They sound just as great.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-luck-of-devil-speak-of-devil-1.html#sthash.2GKZbKQ0.dpuf
The romance in this one is cute and the characters are addictive. Then it all hits the fan when someone with powers begins to stalk her and send threatening notes. The family gears up to find out who is behind it all, and surprisingly, the hottie across the hall is on board to help in any way he can. More family drama ensues and Faith tries desperately to keep her father from having a meltdown - because the city will be melted down right along with him.
Lots of surprising twists in the story line, and the action just keeps on coming. Faith has a great sarcastic humor that I love to see in my romantic comedies, and Lucifer is just a complete riot! I really enjoy when authors take larger than life figures and give a quirky personality to match. I'll be reading the rest of the series over the next couple weeks. They sound just as great.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-luck-of-devil-speak-of-devil-1.html#sthash.2GKZbKQ0.dpuf
Book Two wasn't quite as exciting for me as book one was. There was still a lot going go, so the book moved forward a nice pace. Two of the orginal Rosary members have left for college, but there are two new students that slip into place fairly nicely, Bruno and his brother Silvio. Now Bruno starts off the year with a huge crush on Celia. She seems to be the center point of the story again, even though much of the book followed Bruno this time instead.
I really enjoyed Bruno - he was a very dynamic and interesting character. We get to follow Bruno as he discovers he is Kind, and his experience is very different than the story we hear from Tomasi in book one. His power is very similar, but manifests in a different and fun way. We also meet another Kind that has found themselves at Suburban High that gives some interesting insights into things. The ghost "haunting" the school is a familiar face that I was very happey to see.
The Unkind in this book takes a very different twist that I really loved. There is also a gatekeeper type that we meet who has a lot of interesting things to say and do, expecially towards the end of the story. A lot of the story was figuring the new characters out and showing how they fit in the grand scheme of things. There just wasn't as much action as there was in book one. Very interesting characters, but a little bit slower. Still a great story, and I'll be watching for book three.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-pull-down-night-suburban-strange.html#sthash.Lv3XlzIp.dpuf
I really enjoyed Bruno - he was a very dynamic and interesting character. We get to follow Bruno as he discovers he is Kind, and his experience is very different than the story we hear from Tomasi in book one. His power is very similar, but manifests in a different and fun way. We also meet another Kind that has found themselves at Suburban High that gives some interesting insights into things. The ghost "haunting" the school is a familiar face that I was very happey to see.
The Unkind in this book takes a very different twist that I really loved. There is also a gatekeeper type that we meet who has a lot of interesting things to say and do, expecially towards the end of the story. A lot of the story was figuring the new characters out and showing how they fit in the grand scheme of things. There just wasn't as much action as there was in book one. Very interesting characters, but a little bit slower. Still a great story, and I'll be watching for book three.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-pull-down-night-suburban-strange.html#sthash.Lv3XlzIp.dpuf
Enemies on Tap was a really fun read. Miranda Sweet comes from the wrong side of the tracks in a small town and hightailed it out as soon as she could. She comes back to flip the family brewery - it needs to make a profit in less than three months or she loses not only the brewery, but her job. Miranda is a no-nonsense type of girl that isn't afraid to speak her mind, unless it's how she feels about the golden child of Salvation, Logan Martin. They have a history that goes back to high school that neither one has really let go.
Miranda has a lot going against her. Most of the town hates her family for good reason. They have always been troublemakers - and the brewery was poorly managed. She tackles the uphill battle head on, until things get out of control and someone tries to sabotage all her plans. Logan wants to fight fair, but has a lot of pressure to do whatever it takes to get the Sweets out of town.
There's a bit of action and a lot of attitude in this story. There were some slow spots, but Avery Flynn does a pretty good job of moving the story along and keeping it interesting. Miranda is one of three triplets so I'm hoping to see more of her sisters in future stories in the series. There are quite a few interesting side characters that I would love to see matched up with someone.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-enemies-on-tap-by-avery-flynn.html#sthash.PntwNuCv.dpuf
Miranda has a lot going against her. Most of the town hates her family for good reason. They have always been troublemakers - and the brewery was poorly managed. She tackles the uphill battle head on, until things get out of control and someone tries to sabotage all her plans. Logan wants to fight fair, but has a lot of pressure to do whatever it takes to get the Sweets out of town.
There's a bit of action and a lot of attitude in this story. There were some slow spots, but Avery Flynn does a pretty good job of moving the story along and keeping it interesting. Miranda is one of three triplets so I'm hoping to see more of her sisters in future stories in the series. There are quite a few interesting side characters that I would love to see matched up with someone.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-enemies-on-tap-by-avery-flynn.html#sthash.PntwNuCv.dpuf
I have always loved Phantom of the Opera - the story, the music, everything about it. Lesa Howard has done a fantastic modern re-telling of this classic tale. Christine is a great ballerina that has earned a spot in a prestigious Academy. She's on the verge of making into their company, but she's missing just that little extra something that could help her make it all the way. When a mysterious tutor offers to help, but refuses to show himself, she takes him up on his offer to help her dance better. And so starts our Phantom.
Christine is not your typical teenager. She attends high school online and her dance career is her life. But she does have some of the typical teenager concerns. She wants a social life and a boyfriend. She wants to experience everything life has to offer without having to give up her dream of dancing. It's a delicate balancing act that she struggles to maintain. Throw into that some family issues and she has a lot on her plate.
Eric, our phantom, is a mystery. And knowing that it is a re-telling, I sat in anticipation for him to make his move. When he does, it's a big move and I was really shocked. Parts of this story aren't for the faint of heart. There are some adult topics that are very important, and while I'm not sure I approve of the way Christine handled all of them, she handled them in a very real way.
There are a few unexpected twists as their story unfolds and Lesa Howard's writing was beautiful. I fell into the story and the characters completely. Christine's life was fascinating. It's amazing how grueling her training and life was and how intense her training was. This is a great read for lovers of Phantom or contemporary young adult.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest reveiw*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-phantoms.html#sthash.vgH1hsZa.dpuf
Christine is not your typical teenager. She attends high school online and her dance career is her life. But she does have some of the typical teenager concerns. She wants a social life and a boyfriend. She wants to experience everything life has to offer without having to give up her dream of dancing. It's a delicate balancing act that she struggles to maintain. Throw into that some family issues and she has a lot on her plate.
Eric, our phantom, is a mystery. And knowing that it is a re-telling, I sat in anticipation for him to make his move. When he does, it's a big move and I was really shocked. Parts of this story aren't for the faint of heart. There are some adult topics that are very important, and while I'm not sure I approve of the way Christine handled all of them, she handled them in a very real way.
There are a few unexpected twists as their story unfolds and Lesa Howard's writing was beautiful. I fell into the story and the characters completely. Christine's life was fascinating. It's amazing how grueling her training and life was and how intense her training was. This is a great read for lovers of Phantom or contemporary young adult.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest reveiw*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-phantoms.html#sthash.vgH1hsZa.dpuf
This book will make absolutely no sense unless you have read book one - which was beyond amazing!
What can I say - Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures was as horribly awful as I expected - it was beyond hilarious and can totally see why it was a career killing novel. Seeing the whole story in one piece makes me love How Hard Can It Be even more. Please keep in mind that this book has done exactly what it was supposed to. It wasn't supposed to be a work of serious literature (or possible be considered literature at all). It is a spoof at it's best and I laughed the whole way through.
You must all go and read book one (which is a really amazing romantic comedy) so can chuckle along with me when you read this one.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-pirate-dave-and-his-randy.html#sthash.BCllRg3L.dpuf
What can I say - Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures was as horribly awful as I expected - it was beyond hilarious and can totally see why it was a career killing novel. Seeing the whole story in one piece makes me love How Hard Can It Be even more. Please keep in mind that this book has done exactly what it was supposed to. It wasn't supposed to be a work of serious literature (or possible be considered literature at all). It is a spoof at it's best and I laughed the whole way through.
You must all go and read book one (which is a really amazing romantic comedy) so can chuckle along with me when you read this one.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-pirate-dave-and-his-randy.html#sthash.BCllRg3L.dpuf
This contemporary science fiction was very subtle at first. We know that Amery is part of a special program, but we aren't entirely sure what it is at first. Her life and history are revealed in pieces as we need to know them. She seems to be quite the average teenage girl - boy troubles, school troubles, parent troubles, but to top it all off she's not actually human.
I loved that the book didn't dwell to much on her accepting the fact that she was different. She had already done that and moved on. This was a unique look at prejudice and how it can make people over-react. The Organization is dead set on having an aliens make their home on earth - especially when it's so hard to tell them apart from the humans. They want Amery dead, and are willing to do anything to make it happen.
My biggest problem with the book was Lochie - for several reasons both big and small. One, I had no idea how to pronounce his name and no matter how I tried it out it sounded silly to me - petty, but that can make a difference on a very small scale. He also seemed to just happen to be places, know something, or have some tool on hand to make things way easier a few too many times. He seemed to just be Amery's "get out of jail free card". Anytime a situation came up they couldn't get out of, he magically pulled a tool out that would solve everything! He was also a bit one dimensional and overly trusting. If I had rescued some girl over and over and she didn't tell me why people were after her I would be mad, I don't care if I loved her, I would be mad.
The story overall was very interesting and had just enough action to make it very well balanced. I do want to know what will happen next. While we have a fairly good resolution at the end, there is much left undone and unsaid to encourage you to read the sequel. I know I'll be getting it soon, I really enjoyed this version of alien life on earth.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-unite-project-integrate-1-by.html#sthash.Znyx5RA4.dpuf
I loved that the book didn't dwell to much on her accepting the fact that she was different. She had already done that and moved on. This was a unique look at prejudice and how it can make people over-react. The Organization is dead set on having an aliens make their home on earth - especially when it's so hard to tell them apart from the humans. They want Amery dead, and are willing to do anything to make it happen.
My biggest problem with the book was Lochie - for several reasons both big and small. One, I had no idea how to pronounce his name and no matter how I tried it out it sounded silly to me - petty, but that can make a difference on a very small scale. He also seemed to just happen to be places, know something, or have some tool on hand to make things way easier a few too many times. He seemed to just be Amery's "get out of jail free card". Anytime a situation came up they couldn't get out of, he magically pulled a tool out that would solve everything! He was also a bit one dimensional and overly trusting. If I had rescued some girl over and over and she didn't tell me why people were after her I would be mad, I don't care if I loved her, I would be mad.
The story overall was very interesting and had just enough action to make it very well balanced. I do want to know what will happen next. While we have a fairly good resolution at the end, there is much left undone and unsaid to encourage you to read the sequel. I know I'll be getting it soon, I really enjoyed this version of alien life on earth.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-unite-project-integrate-1-by.html#sthash.Znyx5RA4.dpuf
This was a really fun and incredibly exciting romantic suspense novel. While it is number two in a series, it does very well as a stand alone, so don't let the fact that you haven't read book one stop you.
Becky was an interesting combination for a character. As a former beauty queen she knows all the tricks - how to walk, how to smile, how to make her hair do that really cool blowing in the wind thing (even when there isn't wind) - and it drives Logan crazy. But what drives him crazier is her attitude. She's a tough cookie that will do anything to protect the very little family she has left, her baby. When an ex threatens her she finds herself thrown in with Logan in a very unusual way, but it may just work out well for both of them.
Logan has a strange past as well, and it wraps up with a contract saying he has to be married by the time he's 30 to inherit the land his father promised him. That's a problem until Becky shows up and a plan begins to form in his mind. She needs protection, he needs a wife - perfect - until they start to fall for each other (it is a romance after all).
What I liked best was that neither of them fell too hard or too fast. They both held back and they did get to know each other a little before diving into a more serious "real" relationship. I also enjoyed Becky's little girl - she's a doll and I can just see her come to life in every scene.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-her-temporary-hero-once-marine-2.html#sthash.ylHELX9u.dpuf
Becky was an interesting combination for a character. As a former beauty queen she knows all the tricks - how to walk, how to smile, how to make her hair do that really cool blowing in the wind thing (even when there isn't wind) - and it drives Logan crazy. But what drives him crazier is her attitude. She's a tough cookie that will do anything to protect the very little family she has left, her baby. When an ex threatens her she finds herself thrown in with Logan in a very unusual way, but it may just work out well for both of them.
Logan has a strange past as well, and it wraps up with a contract saying he has to be married by the time he's 30 to inherit the land his father promised him. That's a problem until Becky shows up and a plan begins to form in his mind. She needs protection, he needs a wife - perfect - until they start to fall for each other (it is a romance after all).
What I liked best was that neither of them fell too hard or too fast. They both held back and they did get to know each other a little before diving into a more serious "real" relationship. I also enjoyed Becky's little girl - she's a doll and I can just see her come to life in every scene.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/07/review-her-temporary-hero-once-marine-2.html#sthash.ylHELX9u.dpuf
While Fates got off to a bit of a slow start while it introduced all the characters, it was amazing once it picked up. Using the theory of multiple universes all influencing each other, Lanie Bross was able to create several diverse worlds and outcomes for our characters to explore - even if they didn't actually want to. I really enjoyed how different each world was and watching our characters' reaction to each one of them.
Corinthe is an exiled Fate - she now works on earth to ensure that humans meet the fates the "Unseen Ones" mete out. She has assisted life, love, and even death in hundreds of lives, but her last task leaves her feeling unsure about if it is the right thing to do. All the worlds in existence will be effected by her decision.
Luc was a bit dry as a character for me. He was very focused on getting his sister back, and until the very end he didn't seem to care about much else. While that is a noble goal, I had hoped to see more about his life goals and desires - especially during his internal dialog sections.
This was a very exciting story overall, and I want to read book two to find out what Luc is going to be up to next - and just how he plans to solve his new problem. While the ending is not a cliffhanger, the author made it very obvious that the story will continue.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-fates-fates-1-by-lanie-bross.html#sthash.bGEHdKMY.dpuf
Corinthe is an exiled Fate - she now works on earth to ensure that humans meet the fates the "Unseen Ones" mete out. She has assisted life, love, and even death in hundreds of lives, but her last task leaves her feeling unsure about if it is the right thing to do. All the worlds in existence will be effected by her decision.
Luc was a bit dry as a character for me. He was very focused on getting his sister back, and until the very end he didn't seem to care about much else. While that is a noble goal, I had hoped to see more about his life goals and desires - especially during his internal dialog sections.
This was a very exciting story overall, and I want to read book two to find out what Luc is going to be up to next - and just how he plans to solve his new problem. While the ending is not a cliffhanger, the author made it very obvious that the story will continue.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/07/review-fates-fates-1-by-lanie-bross.html#sthash.bGEHdKMY.dpuf