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I just couldn't follow where the story was going on this one.
This is a great fantasy book that people of all ages will fall in love with. We open by meeting our story-teller, who just happens to be a bridge troll. He is a pretty good story-teller and I was captivated from page one. He tells us that story of Miss Sophia Landon, a rather down and out young lady that has a heart of gold. She is the perfect fairy tail heroine. A little quick to temper at times, but she is a very incredibly good person, especially to the fairy types that live near her village of Tilby.
As a gift, a friend of Miss Landon's sends her to Aylfenhame for a visit - a bit of a day long vacation. It here she meets a strange young man by the name of Aubranael. He is an elf but has been left horribly disfigured and shunned by his people. The two instantly feel a connection and Miss Landon can't seem to get him out of her mind when she returns home.
The rest of the story revolves around the two of them trying to find their way back to each other - but not succeeding very well. Much of this is Aubranael's fault as he is not used to English society and he does not approach the situation with honesty. It's a great moral tale on the benefits of telling the truth and being true to who you are.
There is a lot of fairy magic and fun all through the book. It is very fun to read and did a great job of holding my interest. With a handful of very cure illustrations scattered throughout the story at just the right moments to help you picture the characters and places. I'm thinking of purchasing a copy for my daughter, as I'm sure she will love it just as much as I did. I will need watch and see if the author writes more in the series. While the book does have a very nice ending, I think there's still more to tell in the story of Aylfenhame.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-miss-landon-and-aubranael-tales.html#sthash.8tiVxzgB.dpuf
As a gift, a friend of Miss Landon's sends her to Aylfenhame for a visit - a bit of a day long vacation. It here she meets a strange young man by the name of Aubranael. He is an elf but has been left horribly disfigured and shunned by his people. The two instantly feel a connection and Miss Landon can't seem to get him out of her mind when she returns home.
The rest of the story revolves around the two of them trying to find their way back to each other - but not succeeding very well. Much of this is Aubranael's fault as he is not used to English society and he does not approach the situation with honesty. It's a great moral tale on the benefits of telling the truth and being true to who you are.
There is a lot of fairy magic and fun all through the book. It is very fun to read and did a great job of holding my interest. With a handful of very cure illustrations scattered throughout the story at just the right moments to help you picture the characters and places. I'm thinking of purchasing a copy for my daughter, as I'm sure she will love it just as much as I did. I will need watch and see if the author writes more in the series. While the book does have a very nice ending, I think there's still more to tell in the story of Aylfenhame.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-miss-landon-and-aubranael-tales.html#sthash.8tiVxzgB.dpuf
This was a new type of book for me. I had not read a romance centered around a motorcycle club before. I happy to see that this particular club wasn't into drugs and weapons - but they were still willing to take care of business in their own way. I also know very little about this culture outside of the 4 episodes of Sons of Anarchy I watched one week.
Tabitha is the daughter of the leader of Chaos, which means she's off limits as a girlfriend (or old lady I guess they're called). She wanted to live her own life and maker her own decisions, and she wasn't afraid to step up and just do it. Shy was a very good bad boy. He was tough, took care of business no matter what, and would do anything to protect his own. I really loved both of these characters. While both grew up in the tough life style, they each had a softer side that made them so loveable.
There were two things that made this difficult to read until I was used to it. The first, was the time jumps. The beginning of the story introduces the character's history as a series of short stories almost. Each one divided by a time frame that had passed. Some of these were very very short and the jumping was not something I overly enjoyed. It made me think of watching the beginning of a movie on fast forward to catch up on the highlights. Once I got through that section and realized how much history there was to tell, I also realized that was probably the best way to share their history without a lot of flashbacks or remembering scenes. It just wasn't my favorite part of the book.
The second thing that was hard for me at first was the dialect and lingo the characters used. It seemed to be spot on (using my limited experience), it just took awhile to get used to.
This was a great introduction to the series and the club. I was able to get to know several of the other members through this story and I look forward to getting to know them better in future books.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-own-wind-chaos-1-by-kristen.html#sthash.2sNKYgDj.dpuf
Tabitha is the daughter of the leader of Chaos, which means she's off limits as a girlfriend (or old lady I guess they're called). She wanted to live her own life and maker her own decisions, and she wasn't afraid to step up and just do it. Shy was a very good bad boy. He was tough, took care of business no matter what, and would do anything to protect his own. I really loved both of these characters. While both grew up in the tough life style, they each had a softer side that made them so loveable.
There were two things that made this difficult to read until I was used to it. The first, was the time jumps. The beginning of the story introduces the character's history as a series of short stories almost. Each one divided by a time frame that had passed. Some of these were very very short and the jumping was not something I overly enjoyed. It made me think of watching the beginning of a movie on fast forward to catch up on the highlights. Once I got through that section and realized how much history there was to tell, I also realized that was probably the best way to share their history without a lot of flashbacks or remembering scenes. It just wasn't my favorite part of the book.
The second thing that was hard for me at first was the dialect and lingo the characters used. It seemed to be spot on (using my limited experience), it just took awhile to get used to.
This was a great introduction to the series and the club. I was able to get to know several of the other members through this story and I look forward to getting to know them better in future books.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-own-wind-chaos-1-by-kristen.html#sthash.2sNKYgDj.dpuf
Highest Stakes is an historical fiction novel with some very strong romantic elements. It was a very interesting mix of romance, class struggle, friendships, and (as you can tell from the cover) horse racing. All these aspects mix in the form of Robert and his pursuit of his employer's daughter, Charlotte. When her guardians refuse to allow him to marry her, he sets off to prove he is more than just a worker - he joins the King's Horse. This is where he befriends Drake, the second son of an Earl. The lives of these three people intertwine in an amazing way. The way their individual stories combined to create this world far exceeded my expectations.
While Robert's story seems to be the main focus, we get to experience life from the point of view of all three characters. It gives enlightenment as to their actions, which at times seems to run counter to logic, but you come to understand their innermost desires and code by watching them make the tough decisions. A lot of these decisions center around the popular sport of horse racing - of which Robert is an expert in both breeding and riding. In fact, he bets many life altering decisions on the outcome of horse races, including being able to wed the love of his life, Charlotte.
Having worked at a stable when I was in junior high and loving horses my whole life, I thoroughly enjoyed the horse aspect of the story. A few of the horses almost become main characters, especially Mars and Amoret, and you really get to know their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I enjoyed their part of the story just as much as I enjoyed the romance and the people.
The plot twists and turns a lot so don't ever be surprised at anything that happens. In the end there is a bit of a happily ever after - for at least some people. You can tell there is more to the story and book two is the continuation of the story of this group of people, their friends and family.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-highest-stakes-georgian.html#sthash.2hW9Wni5.dpuf
While Robert's story seems to be the main focus, we get to experience life from the point of view of all three characters. It gives enlightenment as to their actions, which at times seems to run counter to logic, but you come to understand their innermost desires and code by watching them make the tough decisions. A lot of these decisions center around the popular sport of horse racing - of which Robert is an expert in both breeding and riding. In fact, he bets many life altering decisions on the outcome of horse races, including being able to wed the love of his life, Charlotte.
Having worked at a stable when I was in junior high and loving horses my whole life, I thoroughly enjoyed the horse aspect of the story. A few of the horses almost become main characters, especially Mars and Amoret, and you really get to know their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I enjoyed their part of the story just as much as I enjoyed the romance and the people.
The plot twists and turns a lot so don't ever be surprised at anything that happens. In the end there is a bit of a happily ever after - for at least some people. You can tell there is more to the story and book two is the continuation of the story of this group of people, their friends and family.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-highest-stakes-georgian.html#sthash.2hW9Wni5.dpuf
Don't let the fact that the book summary really doesn't say much turn you off of this one. It was an amazing story about a family trying desperately to move on after a tragedy - and so far failing to do so. Their 12 year old daughter is feeling the brunt of this tragedy - the death of her brother on the day she was born. Her family has never come out from under this cloud, in fact her grandfather doesn't even speak anymore.
Jewel has learned to live life this way, until she meets a new boy in town. He helps her see herself as something valuable and smart. He shows her that she has something to contribute. It was beautiful to watch this family slowly begin to pull themselves back together and build their life all over again.
There was a surprising amount of culture in this story. An interesting mix of Jamaican and Mexican. I learned a lot about Jamaican superstitions and they play a role in how this family functions. They are also the cause of many arguments and long time hard feelings. Yet more things for Jewel to find herself stuck in the middle of.
Bird was a great coming of age story about a family that has hit rock bottom and the daughter that pulls them back up again.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-bird-by-crystal-chan.html#sthash.h7Qwpfvd.dpuf
Jewel has learned to live life this way, until she meets a new boy in town. He helps her see herself as something valuable and smart. He shows her that she has something to contribute. It was beautiful to watch this family slowly begin to pull themselves back together and build their life all over again.
There was a surprising amount of culture in this story. An interesting mix of Jamaican and Mexican. I learned a lot about Jamaican superstitions and they play a role in how this family functions. They are also the cause of many arguments and long time hard feelings. Yet more things for Jewel to find herself stuck in the middle of.
Bird was a great coming of age story about a family that has hit rock bottom and the daughter that pulls them back up again.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-bird-by-crystal-chan.html#sthash.h7Qwpfvd.dpuf
This book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I had a difficult time believing a person like Brooke could exist. She was one of those overly perfect characters that's just far too good to be true. Drew was much more believable, and I actually enjoyed his part of the story. The torn feeling he had between following his work or following his heart and inner moral compass.
Brooke's client that ends up suing her was quite a hoot - until she ends up dead. Now this event takes awhile to happen so we get to see a few very memorable scenes with the snooty woman that had me chuckling. I wish there had been more about this whole part of the story. There seemed to be no real investigation or reason to think Brooke did it - it was just handy to have that happen for the story.
I would have liked to see Roscoe, the bulldog, more involved as well. When I see a book that invovles pets, I expect them to have more of a role than just the pet that happens to be in a lot of scenes.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.g9p6sOu3.dpuf
Brooke's client that ends up suing her was quite a hoot - until she ends up dead. Now this event takes awhile to happen so we get to see a few very memorable scenes with the snooty woman that had me chuckling. I wish there had been more about this whole part of the story. There seemed to be no real investigation or reason to think Brooke did it - it was just handy to have that happen for the story.
I would have liked to see Roscoe, the bulldog, more involved as well. When I see a book that invovles pets, I expect them to have more of a role than just the pet that happens to be in a lot of scenes.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthash.g9p6sOu3.dpuf
The Breaux pack of wolves have found a mate for one of them, now it's time for a couple more to find their elusive blue moon bride. Dre and Landry are used to sharing, and they really hope they will get to share a mate as well. Fate smile on them and grants their wish - but there are several unexpected things that happen along the way.
I really loved Mary Jane and Riley - they were both kick ass, independent women that could handle just about everything. But when they take on Dre and Landry as extra crew, things get way beyond their control. Dre and Landry merged into one character for me. While their differences were constantly mentioned, they just did not maintain their own identities for me. I still couldn't tell you which one did what in the book. I enjoy my men standing out from each other, so this was a bit of a let down for me.
The plot was an exciting one. Lots of fighting in the bayou - a location I haven't read a lot, so I loved seeing something different there. I had hoped to see a bit more of the other brothers - they didn't make an appearance until the very end.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-pleasured-by-pack-blue-moon.html#sthash.3UePzT9q.dpuf
I really loved Mary Jane and Riley - they were both kick ass, independent women that could handle just about everything. But when they take on Dre and Landry as extra crew, things get way beyond their control. Dre and Landry merged into one character for me. While their differences were constantly mentioned, they just did not maintain their own identities for me. I still couldn't tell you which one did what in the book. I enjoy my men standing out from each other, so this was a bit of a let down for me.
The plot was an exciting one. Lots of fighting in the bayou - a location I haven't read a lot, so I loved seeing something different there. I had hoped to see a bit more of the other brothers - they didn't make an appearance until the very end.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-pleasured-by-pack-blue-moon.html#sthash.3UePzT9q.dpuf
I had a hard time with this one. It took me forever (about half the book) to figure out what was going on and who was on which side. Even once I got there, I didn't completely understand everyone's motives, reasons, and goals. Kayci's former team mates were a complete mystery and I wish I'd had more understanding of them. I just felt lost through most of the book - even the cat part didn't do much, and I love when cats are in books. This one just served to make me wonder what the heck the characters were thinking even more.
I really enjoyed the paranormal element of the story. The idea that the brain broadcasts frequencies, much like sound or radio waves, was a lot of fun to learn about. The story goes fairly in depth on how this works and it seems to be very well developed. If only I had gotten into the rest of the plot more, this would have been great. - See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-savior-frequency-frequency.html#sthash.7WZePjH1.dpuf
I really enjoyed the paranormal element of the story. The idea that the brain broadcasts frequencies, much like sound or radio waves, was a lot of fun to learn about. The story goes fairly in depth on how this works and it seems to be very well developed. If only I had gotten into the rest of the plot more, this would have been great. - See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-savior-frequency-frequency.html#sthash.7WZePjH1.dpuf
This started out well, but by about 32% into it, I just couldn't get into the main girl much after her big blow out with her ex.
The Fortune Hunter introduced a few historical characters that I was not too familiar with, Sisi (the Empress of Austria) especially. Sisi is known as the most beautiful woman in Europe, but she is miserable and lonely - which leads her to come to England to enjoy the hunting season. Sisi was quite the fascinating figure - at the same time very observant of protocol and traditions, but shunning them at the same time. She was obsessed with her looks and insisted on keeping people close that would ensure she had her way. This may sound like quite an unpleasant person, but when she was happy - the world seemed happy. Everyone around her would share in it.
Charlotte and Bay are our other two main characters. Charlotte is the heiress to quite the fortune has several hunters out for her hand in marriage because of it. She is an avid photographer, and from the description and reactions in the book, she was quite skilled in the art as well. She, too, was an interesting contrast in characteristics, being both naive and world-wise at the same time.
Her favored suitor Bay causes all sorts of trouble by catching the eye of the Empress. The Empress insists that he attend her at all times, and this drives a significant wedge between him and Charlotte. This wedge was something he would have to work quite hard at pulling out and regaining her trust and affection.
I loved how Daisy Goodwin made her characters so life like. The nobles were quite full of themselves and their traditions and rules, while everyone else was tasked with making their lives easier. That was just the way of the world and you could really feel that on every page. There is a very strong romance that flows through the story, but it is not all happy endings for our three main characters. Having said that, the ending was very climatic and beautifully written. I was sure quite a few times that the worst was going to happen, but it realistically (yet miraculously) turned around and did something quite unexpected.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-fortune-hunter-by-daisy-goodwin.html#sthash.bMmmYSty.dpuf
Charlotte and Bay are our other two main characters. Charlotte is the heiress to quite the fortune has several hunters out for her hand in marriage because of it. She is an avid photographer, and from the description and reactions in the book, she was quite skilled in the art as well. She, too, was an interesting contrast in characteristics, being both naive and world-wise at the same time.
Her favored suitor Bay causes all sorts of trouble by catching the eye of the Empress. The Empress insists that he attend her at all times, and this drives a significant wedge between him and Charlotte. This wedge was something he would have to work quite hard at pulling out and regaining her trust and affection.
I loved how Daisy Goodwin made her characters so life like. The nobles were quite full of themselves and their traditions and rules, while everyone else was tasked with making their lives easier. That was just the way of the world and you could really feel that on every page. There is a very strong romance that flows through the story, but it is not all happy endings for our three main characters. Having said that, the ending was very climatic and beautifully written. I was sure quite a few times that the worst was going to happen, but it realistically (yet miraculously) turned around and did something quite unexpected.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/10/review-fortune-hunter-by-daisy-goodwin.html#sthash.bMmmYSty.dpuf