Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.61k reviews by:
loverofromance
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Act Like It has been on my watchlist for the longest time now, especially when I read so many raving reviews so I definitely had some high hopes for this book and I wish that I could say that I loved this book, that it swept me away and I couldn't put it down....sadly though that wasn't the case with Act Like It. I KNOW I am in the minority here, I definitely know that many won't agree with what I thought but you know....that is okay. So what issues did I have with this book? Well, there isn't too many, but one of the most important factors in reading (at least for myself) is that I am able to be fully engaged in a story. I almost reached 50% of the story before I started liking it. I really struggled with the first half, it just started so slow for me and even though I am a lover of dry humor (which was great by the way) there was just something off in the first half that I couldn't put my finger on. It was enough though that I almost put this away. But I just pushed my way through the story until half way and then the story started to really improve for me.
Act Like It is a story about two involved actors in the London West End. Richard Troy is really rough around the edges, he says exactly what he thinks and isn't shy about it and is not a "People Person" and needs some positive feedback and soon. So this is where we bring in our heroine, Lainie Graham. Lainie is ordered to pose as his girlfriend, to show the world that he has turned a "new leaf". But the job they are asking her to do is much more difficult than she even thought it would be. Soon these two go from enemies who don't really like each other, to really liking each other and this fake relationship starts to turn very real for them.
I will admit that the whole fake relationship set up is one of my favorite tropes to read and rarely do I ever see it in a contemporary setting. And I really enjoyed how the romance played out in the end even if the first half was a bumpy road for me. But once Richard and Lainie started connecting, the story just explodes. I did feel like the drama though was a bit overdone at times, however, the romance that develops between Richard and Lainie was refreshing. They don't have the most conventional of relationships and I liked that a ton. The hidden depths we see from both Richard and Lainie is heartwarming and tangible.
Overall....even though Act Like It wasn't an explosive romance that I was expecting, it was entertaining and an endearing read.
[foogallery id="45587"]
Act Like It has been on my watchlist for the longest time now, especially when I read so many raving reviews so I definitely had some high hopes for this book and I wish that I could say that I loved this book, that it swept me away and I couldn't put it down....sadly though that wasn't the case with Act Like It. I KNOW I am in the minority here, I definitely know that many won't agree with what I thought but you know....that is okay. So what issues did I have with this book? Well, there isn't too many, but one of the most important factors in reading (at least for myself) is that I am able to be fully engaged in a story. I almost reached 50% of the story before I started liking it. I really struggled with the first half, it just started so slow for me and even though I am a lover of dry humor (which was great by the way) there was just something off in the first half that I couldn't put my finger on. It was enough though that I almost put this away. But I just pushed my way through the story until half way and then the story started to really improve for me.
Act Like It is a story about two involved actors in the London West End. Richard Troy is really rough around the edges, he says exactly what he thinks and isn't shy about it and is not a "People Person" and needs some positive feedback and soon. So this is where we bring in our heroine, Lainie Graham. Lainie is ordered to pose as his girlfriend, to show the world that he has turned a "new leaf". But the job they are asking her to do is much more difficult than she even thought it would be. Soon these two go from enemies who don't really like each other, to really liking each other and this fake relationship starts to turn very real for them.
I will admit that the whole fake relationship set up is one of my favorite tropes to read and rarely do I ever see it in a contemporary setting. And I really enjoyed how the romance played out in the end even if the first half was a bumpy road for me. But once Richard and Lainie started connecting, the story just explodes. I did feel like the drama though was a bit overdone at times, however, the romance that develops between Richard and Lainie was refreshing. They don't have the most conventional of relationships and I liked that a ton. The hidden depths we see from both Richard and Lainie is heartwarming and tangible.
Overall....even though Act Like It wasn't an explosive romance that I was expecting, it was entertaining and an endearing read.
[foogallery id="45587"]
Review-Adam This was a novella, so I will just do a short review on this one.
Adam is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Ashley, and after having reading this, I am beyond impressed with this authors abilitiy to transfer between genres. Its very awe inspiring when you see such talent from a favorite author. Most of the time I can’t stand it when authors transition between genres, because it usually means that some of those books won’t be as good as what they normally write…but this fine lady is pure talent when it comes to writing. From what I can gather so far, this series is not full length novels (sad) but maybe that will change. But the first two books are novella length…so we will see what happens. Normally I can’t stand novella’s because I always tend to get the impression that there is something missing, or the ending is too short, but with this story I didn’t feel that way at all…it felt pretty well balanced. Adam is a story of a man that is a stunt man (and oh boy you don’t see this too often but I do love seeing a character that does stunts for a living). He has been in a accident, and lost his best friend. He has suffered a leg injury and burns on his face. His family have a ranch where they train horses for stunts and other things…the bond between the family is quite entertaining, they are close, but banter and tease each other merciessly. They love and protect and fight for one another. Then we have the heroine, Bailey. Bailey and Adam were once a thing in high school, it was short and sweet. But they never lost the connection. Now that Adam has returned, Bailey is aiding Adam in recovering and the sparks begin to fly between them. Both Bailey and Adam have emotinal wounds, and need healing…and what I enjoyed most about this story was how they helped each other without even realizing it. This is a heart wrenching story about healing, redemption and learning to love when it matters most. I loved the raw emotion that is played out in this story, along with the western feel to the book, and the close families ties…and it all brings together a fabulous story to captivate your heart.
Adam is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Ashley, and after having reading this, I am beyond impressed with this authors abilitiy to transfer between genres. Its very awe inspiring when you see such talent from a favorite author. Most of the time I can’t stand it when authors transition between genres, because it usually means that some of those books won’t be as good as what they normally write…but this fine lady is pure talent when it comes to writing. From what I can gather so far, this series is not full length novels (sad) but maybe that will change. But the first two books are novella length…so we will see what happens. Normally I can’t stand novella’s because I always tend to get the impression that there is something missing, or the ending is too short, but with this story I didn’t feel that way at all…it felt pretty well balanced. Adam is a story of a man that is a stunt man (and oh boy you don’t see this too often but I do love seeing a character that does stunts for a living). He has been in a accident, and lost his best friend. He has suffered a leg injury and burns on his face. His family have a ranch where they train horses for stunts and other things…the bond between the family is quite entertaining, they are close, but banter and tease each other merciessly. They love and protect and fight for one another. Then we have the heroine, Bailey. Bailey and Adam were once a thing in high school, it was short and sweet. But they never lost the connection. Now that Adam has returned, Bailey is aiding Adam in recovering and the sparks begin to fly between them. Both Bailey and Adam have emotinal wounds, and need healing…and what I enjoyed most about this story was how they helped each other without even realizing it. This is a heart wrenching story about healing, redemption and learning to love when it matters most. I loved the raw emotion that is played out in this story, along with the western feel to the book, and the close families ties…and it all brings together a fabulous story to captivate your heart.
I was able to obtain this arc through ImaJinn Books via Netgalley. When I was able to get this one, I could hardly wait to read it. Even though its the seventh installment in the series, I found Aden to be a sexy paranormal romance that held my attention from page one. The story begins when Sidonie is desperate to get her story out about slavery. So she meets up with a powerful vampire, Aden, who is close to gaining the power of the Midwest. Sidonie doesn't trust Aden further than she can throw him, but after meeting him she knows she will have to watch carefully, because he could be very dangerous, not physically but emotionally. Sidonie is determined to prove how horrid slavery is and its spreading like wildfire. If only she only knew how Aden feels toward slavery of any form. Aden was once a slave before he became a vampire, and he knows horrific truth of it all. When Aden first meets the redhead, he doesn't want anything more than a sexual nature, however when Sidonie's life is threatened and they are thrown into a war zone, Aden knows that he will do everything to save her even at the cost of losing everything he has worked for.
I loved the style of the story of Aden. Aden is a powerful alpha male that is for sure, and doesn't let anyone stand in his way. That is until Sidonie arrives upon the scene. He has many alpha characteristics, and comes off way strong, but I love how he doesn't let Sid have her way, instead he practically backs her into a corner. Sidonie isn't used to not getting her way, so when she meets Aden every good intention is thrown out the window every time he touches her and inflames the passion that has been hiding beneath the surface. The relationship between Aden and Sidonie is quite steamy at times( a warning that it does have a bit of a BDSM element) , but I also loved how the author put in the aspect of softer side to the relationship. There is quite a bit of a danger and intrigue element that is put into play in the plot, that only strengthened the tone of the story.
Overall I fell in love with Aden. This is the first book that I have read from this author. And until I came across this book the first time I heard of this author. I read the latest book in the series, so I still need to get my hands on the other six. Very excited to read those installments and see if they are just as good as this title was. A thrilling tale of paranormal vampires, sizzling desire, and some intense action packed story. A WINNER!!
I loved the style of the story of Aden. Aden is a powerful alpha male that is for sure, and doesn't let anyone stand in his way. That is until Sidonie arrives upon the scene. He has many alpha characteristics, and comes off way strong, but I love how he doesn't let Sid have her way, instead he practically backs her into a corner. Sidonie isn't used to not getting her way, so when she meets Aden every good intention is thrown out the window every time he touches her and inflames the passion that has been hiding beneath the surface. The relationship between Aden and Sidonie is quite steamy at times( a warning that it does have a bit of a BDSM element) , but I also loved how the author put in the aspect of softer side to the relationship. There is quite a bit of a danger and intrigue element that is put into play in the plot, that only strengthened the tone of the story.
Overall I fell in love with Aden. This is the first book that I have read from this author. And until I came across this book the first time I heard of this author. I read the latest book in the series, so I still need to get my hands on the other six. Very excited to read those installments and see if they are just as good as this title was. A thrilling tale of paranormal vampires, sizzling desire, and some intense action packed story. A WINNER!!
This is the first book that I have read of this series, even though its number 7 LOL, well I don't always read books in the order of the series. Sometimes I just grab a book because it sounds like something I would enjoy reading. I just grabbed this book off of the library shelf, because I love reading from Suzanne Brockmann, and the Synopsis sounded intriguing to me.
You have a Navy Seal Admiral, who has been in the Navy for 30 years or so. In his 50's he is a strong, virile man who has lost his beloved wife three years previous. Then comes along Dr. Zoe Lange who is much younger than he is. However, sparks of attraction fly between them that surprise the both of them. Even though they have a mission and a job to do! There are six canisters of a dangerous agent missing, and if they are released to the public many lives will be at risk. So knowing who stole them, they must infiltrate the compound and take back or destroy the chemical agent. So Jake infiltrates the compound, trying to gain the leader's trust. The plan is to make it seem as if he and Zoe fall madly in love and get married, so that she can properly manage the chemical agent. However despite their playacting, they both know that real emotions are involved. Even though Jake knows that Zoe is way too young for him, sometimes matters of the heart don't take into consideration the matter of age. As stakes grow higher and higher, so does their love and the passionate embraces.
I definitely enjoyed reading "The Admira'l's Bride", it was a thrilling and exciting adventure, filled with heated embraces, tender moments, and a thrilling plot and I kept thinking to myself "Oh no, something bad is going to happen, something that isn't part of the original plan," I loved how Brockmann, had the complexity in the relationship of the age difference. That age sometimes doesn't matter when your in love. I found that Zoe and Jake had much in common, for they both have had to go on missions that were top secret, and both have strong independent personalities, but are able to work as a team to get the job done. Despite their feelings for one another, it doesn't endanger their mission, almost anyway. It was such a poignant story, to see how both Zoe and Jake draw closer together despite the danger that is circling around them. It was a well written and genuine plot that captivated my attention from the first page. And who can resist an stud super SEAL, I know I couldn't. I have to say that this is a page turner 100% and I couldn't put it down, another 5 for Suzanne Brockmann!!
You have a Navy Seal Admiral, who has been in the Navy for 30 years or so. In his 50's he is a strong, virile man who has lost his beloved wife three years previous. Then comes along Dr. Zoe Lange who is much younger than he is. However, sparks of attraction fly between them that surprise the both of them. Even though they have a mission and a job to do! There are six canisters of a dangerous agent missing, and if they are released to the public many lives will be at risk. So knowing who stole them, they must infiltrate the compound and take back or destroy the chemical agent. So Jake infiltrates the compound, trying to gain the leader's trust. The plan is to make it seem as if he and Zoe fall madly in love and get married, so that she can properly manage the chemical agent. However despite their playacting, they both know that real emotions are involved. Even though Jake knows that Zoe is way too young for him, sometimes matters of the heart don't take into consideration the matter of age. As stakes grow higher and higher, so does their love and the passionate embraces.
I definitely enjoyed reading "The Admira'l's Bride", it was a thrilling and exciting adventure, filled with heated embraces, tender moments, and a thrilling plot and I kept thinking to myself "Oh no, something bad is going to happen, something that isn't part of the original plan," I loved how Brockmann, had the complexity in the relationship of the age difference. That age sometimes doesn't matter when your in love. I found that Zoe and Jake had much in common, for they both have had to go on missions that were top secret, and both have strong independent personalities, but are able to work as a team to get the job done. Despite their feelings for one another, it doesn't endanger their mission, almost anyway. It was such a poignant story, to see how both Zoe and Jake draw closer together despite the danger that is circling around them. It was a well written and genuine plot that captivated my attention from the first page. And who can resist an stud super SEAL, I know I couldn't. I have to say that this is a page turner 100% and I couldn't put it down, another 5 for Suzanne Brockmann!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
An Affair Before Christmas was a delightful story and definitely quite unique and a surprise from what I was actually expecting to find here. This is the second book in the series and I found that even though many of the side characters were introduced in the first book I had not much trouble catching on to what was going on between everyone. I will say stick with the story the first 50 pages or so we get a set up of three separate plot
lines so you definitely want to stick with it longer than most normally would. I almost gave up on it, but since I have a deep love for Eloisa James I decided to stick with it and I have NO regrets. Despite how it started the story ended up being so heartwarming and delicious to read.
Our story sets off with seeing our main couple "Lady Perdita Selby "Poppy" and Duke of Fletcher" where they first meet in Paris and fall in love and it takes us four years later. And our main couple is divided and split. They have both struggled with honest communication and they have drifted apart mostly due to their struggles with intimacy and sex in the bedroom. In Poppy's mind, nothing she does is good enough to satisfy Fletch, and Fletcher feels he can't find a way to have her enjoy those intimate moments and the lack of communication about this issue has truly driven them apart. When they separate for a time, it awakens Fletcher to the love he has for Poppy, that he could never have a mistress and endeavors to fight for her and win her heart again.
This was such a delightful story that felt so real especially in seeing that the biggest issue in their marriage came down to struggling with intimacy and lack of honest communication. And considering what both of them were taught about marriage beforehand its no wonder that they had issues. Seeing them work through these problems was a bit heartbreaking at times, But while this drama between them is going on we also get two other stories. One involving a sick Duke who is dying from a wound from a duel and another couple "Jemma and Elijah" and we get their full story in "This Duchess of Mine" and so we get some great intros and storylines between these three couples. We do get an HEA for our sick Duke and an interesting character who is the Duke's cousin and from the reviews I read has his own book but also makes appearances in every book in the series so I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of this character.
What really worked for me in this book was seeing these separate plot lines that somehow meet up at the end of the story during a Christmas house party ball. I really felt like even though there were some issues especially since we see Fletcher seek out another bed partner (but no worries he doesn't do anything) so even though I struggled with his character at first, he definitely grew on me especially when we see that his love for his wife prevails in the end and boy does Poppy put him through some drama first but its reasonable and not too intense or crazy.
Overall I found An Affair Before Christmas to be such a heartfelt and plot packed story that will keep you flipping those pages to delve more into this delightful Christmas story....so grab hold of your boots, because this story will wreak you in ways you don't expect....A TEAR JERKER TO ENDEAR!!!
An Affair Before Christmas was a delightful story and definitely quite unique and a surprise from what I was actually expecting to find here. This is the second book in the series and I found that even though many of the side characters were introduced in the first book I had not much trouble catching on to what was going on between everyone. I will say stick with the story the first 50 pages or so we get a set up of three separate plot
lines so you definitely want to stick with it longer than most normally would. I almost gave up on it, but since I have a deep love for Eloisa James I decided to stick with it and I have NO regrets. Despite how it started the story ended up being so heartwarming and delicious to read.Our story sets off with seeing our main couple "Lady Perdita Selby "Poppy" and Duke of Fletcher" where they first meet in Paris and fall in love and it takes us four years later. And our main couple is divided and split. They have both struggled with honest communication and they have drifted apart mostly due to their struggles with intimacy and sex in the bedroom. In Poppy's mind, nothing she does is good enough to satisfy Fletch, and Fletcher feels he can't find a way to have her enjoy those intimate moments and the lack of communication about this issue has truly driven them apart. When they separate for a time, it awakens Fletcher to the love he has for Poppy, that he could never have a mistress and endeavors to fight for her and win her heart again.
“I miss talking to you.'
'I can't imagine why. We haven't talked about anything particularly interesting in years.'
'I thought it was interesting. Perhaps I like talking about boring things with you.”
This was such a delightful story that felt so real especially in seeing that the biggest issue in their marriage came down to struggling with intimacy and lack of honest communication. And considering what both of them were taught about marriage beforehand its no wonder that they had issues. Seeing them work through these problems was a bit heartbreaking at times, But while this drama between them is going on we also get two other stories. One involving a sick Duke who is dying from a wound from a duel and another couple "Jemma and Elijah" and we get their full story in "This Duchess of Mine" and so we get some great intros and storylines between these three couples. We do get an HEA for our sick Duke and an interesting character who is the Duke's cousin and from the reviews I read has his own book but also makes appearances in every book in the series so I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of this character.
What really worked for me in this book was seeing these separate plot lines that somehow meet up at the end of the story during a Christmas house party ball. I really felt like even though there were some issues especially since we see Fletcher seek out another bed partner (but no worries he doesn't do anything) so even though I struggled with his character at first, he definitely grew on me especially when we see that his love for his wife prevails in the end and boy does Poppy put him through some drama first but its reasonable and not too intense or crazy.
Overall I found An Affair Before Christmas to be such a heartfelt and plot packed story that will keep you flipping those pages to delve more into this delightful Christmas story....so grab hold of your boots, because this story will wreak you in ways you don't expect....A TEAR JERKER TO ENDEAR!!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
An Affair To Remember is one of my favorite reads and I read it years ago and I thought it
was time to get a book review done for it. This is one of the best books from Karen Hawkins. I adore this author and even though I ADORE her latest releases, there is something so heart felt and gives you the warm fuzzies when reading this one. An Affair To Remember has a mix of governess heroine, and seeing the growth and change that we see in the hero and the children that our heroine becomes in charge of.
So An Affair To Remember is the first book in the Talisman Ring series. It begins with our hero, who has inherited five unruly children who are quite the handful. in fact Anthony Elliot, the Earl of Greyley is overwhelmed with these children that he has become guardian over so he hires Anna Thraxton. Anna and her grandfather have fallen on hard times and she is need of this position. However, she doesn't only have issues with Elliot who she believes is an ass but she also has her hands full with the five children who need discipline and guidance. As she takes all in hand, she discovers a hidden passion with Elliot and a family she never expected to find.
I adored this book so much, and in my mind its a true classic and must read for any romance reader. It is one of the "Romantic Treasures" from Avon and these are probably my favorite type of romances that Avon has ever delivered. And this book is a true treasure. I do have a weakness for Governess historical's and this is one of the best out there. I adored the heroine so much, she has spunk and strong willed and creative in her methods in how she brings Elliot and his guardian children to heel. So many moments that are packed with amusement and I really love Karen Hawkins writing style. So witty and lively and the reader is always guaranteed for a good time when picking up one of her books. You can never have any doubts that this book is a classy romance that is a must read for anyone.
An Affair To Remember is one of my favorite reads and I read it years ago and I thought it
was time to get a book review done for it. This is one of the best books from Karen Hawkins. I adore this author and even though I ADORE her latest releases, there is something so heart felt and gives you the warm fuzzies when reading this one. An Affair To Remember has a mix of governess heroine, and seeing the growth and change that we see in the hero and the children that our heroine becomes in charge of.So An Affair To Remember is the first book in the Talisman Ring series. It begins with our hero, who has inherited five unruly children who are quite the handful. in fact Anthony Elliot, the Earl of Greyley is overwhelmed with these children that he has become guardian over so he hires Anna Thraxton. Anna and her grandfather have fallen on hard times and she is need of this position. However, she doesn't only have issues with Elliot who she believes is an ass but she also has her hands full with the five children who need discipline and guidance. As she takes all in hand, she discovers a hidden passion with Elliot and a family she never expected to find.
I adored this book so much, and in my mind its a true classic and must read for any romance reader. It is one of the "Romantic Treasures" from Avon and these are probably my favorite type of romances that Avon has ever delivered. And this book is a true treasure. I do have a weakness for Governess historical's and this is one of the best out there. I adored the heroine so much, she has spunk and strong willed and creative in her methods in how she brings Elliot and his guardian children to heel. So many moments that are packed with amusement and I really love Karen Hawkins writing style. So witty and lively and the reader is always guaranteed for a good time when picking up one of her books. You can never have any doubts that this book is a classy romance that is a must read for anyone.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
An Affair With A Spare is the third book in the Survivor's Series and I was shocked with how much I actually enjoyed this book here. More than the first two books I believe, it definitely had more of a "Shana Galen" stamp on it than the previous two books and this book has lots of SPIES AND LOVERS themes and I adored it. The dialogue has some contemporary phrasing, which is what keeps this book at a 4 rating but the story was solid and adored the romance that develops here.
Our tale begins with our heroine who is from France, and this story takes place shortly following the fall of Napolean Bonaparte and our heroine is out to save her father. He has been taken prisoner since he did work as an assassin for Napolean. But Collette, knows her father and knows that he is a good man that did bad things to save his family. And Collette adores her father and will do anything to save his life. So when they ask her to find England's secret codes, she does it even if she wishes that there was another way to save her father. Then enters our hero of the story.
Rafe Beaumont is the fifth son and so he is at the bottom of the food chain in his family and has always been the "forgotten" child. His mother left them when he was just a boy and he has blamed himself for his mother leaving their family. He has always been on his own though, his siblings have always dismissed him so he found his own way into the Survivor's group where he serves his country through the foreign office and found his brothers in their gentleman club. But then he is put on a new mission, to seduce Collete, suspected to be a French Spy and to gain her secrets and kill her if necessary. What begins as a hunt for secrets turns into a secret love affair where they will have to choose between loyalty and love....
What a fantastic book this story turned out to be and very reminiscent of some of the older novels by Shana Galen where she excelled at writing espionage and boy this book worked for me in so many ways. This was an audiobook, and this narrator was excellent especially in portraying the French accent by Collette, so well done in being able to switch from English and French accents between the characters and the narrator really opens up the story so well and the emotional display we hear is superb, so I can't wait to look up this lovely lady so I can listen to more of her work.
The story itself is fantastic and I really loved seeing this enemy to lovers trope and this is more they are enemies in secret, although who they come out much earlier in the book than I expected it to....so BRAVO to Shana Galen for bringing some twists that I didn't expect. I like that they begin to work together to save Collette's father, although the hero is still struggling because he has a difficult choice to make. Collette's father is an enemy to England but he is falling in love with Collette, so if he chooses to save her father he is betraying his country and everything he holds dear or he could take her father prisoner and lose his Collette forever so there are many dynamics to this story that show true emotion and what difficult choices these two are faced with. But they find their way to their happy ever after and love seeing them on their journey and seeing their love story develop.
What I was really impressed with is seeing how both Collette and Rafe battle with themselves internally throughout the story. You can see how much they hate what they are being forced to do but feel like they have no choice otherwise. And seeing them find their way out together is so precious and poignant. I was impressed with seeing the chemistry between these two, much more steamier than I have come to expect from Shana Galen so very well written here.
Overall I found An Affair With A spare to be a thrilling addition to the stories, a book that brings together two enemies and where they find a love to fight for and find their HEA!! THRILLING FROM BEGINNING TO END!
An Affair With A Spare is the third book in the Survivor's Series and I was shocked with how much I actually enjoyed this book here. More than the first two books I believe, it definitely had more of a "Shana Galen" stamp on it than the previous two books and this book has lots of SPIES AND LOVERS themes and I adored it. The dialogue has some contemporary phrasing, which is what keeps this book at a 4 rating but the story was solid and adored the romance that develops here.
Our tale begins with our heroine who is from France, and this story takes place shortly following the fall of Napolean Bonaparte and our heroine is out to save her father. He has been taken prisoner since he did work as an assassin for Napolean. But Collette, knows her father and knows that he is a good man that did bad things to save his family. And Collette adores her father and will do anything to save his life. So when they ask her to find England's secret codes, she does it even if she wishes that there was another way to save her father. Then enters our hero of the story.
Rafe Beaumont is the fifth son and so he is at the bottom of the food chain in his family and has always been the "forgotten" child. His mother left them when he was just a boy and he has blamed himself for his mother leaving their family. He has always been on his own though, his siblings have always dismissed him so he found his own way into the Survivor's group where he serves his country through the foreign office and found his brothers in their gentleman club. But then he is put on a new mission, to seduce Collete, suspected to be a French Spy and to gain her secrets and kill her if necessary. What begins as a hunt for secrets turns into a secret love affair where they will have to choose between loyalty and love....
What a fantastic book this story turned out to be and very reminiscent of some of the older novels by Shana Galen where she excelled at writing espionage and boy this book worked for me in so many ways. This was an audiobook, and this narrator was excellent especially in portraying the French accent by Collette, so well done in being able to switch from English and French accents between the characters and the narrator really opens up the story so well and the emotional display we hear is superb, so I can't wait to look up this lovely lady so I can listen to more of her work.
The story itself is fantastic and I really loved seeing this enemy to lovers trope and this is more they are enemies in secret, although who they come out much earlier in the book than I expected it to....so BRAVO to Shana Galen for bringing some twists that I didn't expect. I like that they begin to work together to save Collette's father, although the hero is still struggling because he has a difficult choice to make. Collette's father is an enemy to England but he is falling in love with Collette, so if he chooses to save her father he is betraying his country and everything he holds dear or he could take her father prisoner and lose his Collette forever so there are many dynamics to this story that show true emotion and what difficult choices these two are faced with. But they find their way to their happy ever after and love seeing them on their journey and seeing their love story develop.
What I was really impressed with is seeing how both Collette and Rafe battle with themselves internally throughout the story. You can see how much they hate what they are being forced to do but feel like they have no choice otherwise. And seeing them find their way out together is so precious and poignant. I was impressed with seeing the chemistry between these two, much more steamier than I have come to expect from Shana Galen so very well written here.
Overall I found An Affair With A spare to be a thrilling addition to the stories, a book that brings together two enemies and where they find a love to fight for and find their HEA!! THRILLING FROM BEGINNING TO END!
Summary
Holly has a connection to the Knights Rebels, her best friend is practically engaged to their leader. There is one man she has had her eye on Sy. Sy is harsh and a grouch in Holly’s mind and she has a mind to butter him up. But after they share a a couple of steamy nights together, Holly has a surprise, but then she ends up kidnapped, and shot and her life goes down the drain and her mind is in shock and severe grief. She distances herself from everyone for months. Sy has his own past, a past that torments him every night with nightmares. When Holly goes through her own darkness, he knows he is the only one that can bring her back to the light. Its been three months, and little by little he starts to see his Holly again, vibrant and beautiful. But there is a secret that Holly is keeping from Sy, a secret that could destroy the trust and affection they have built with each other…
The Hero
Sylas Dean is a member of the Knights Rebels, his past is murky, and he still suffers from grief and dreams that haunt him. His world is anger and his painful past. He works as a tattoo artist, he is satisfied with his life now, away from any emotional attachments, to be withdrawn and do his duties. I found I loved Sylas, he is very different from our hero in the first book of the series. He is rougher around the edges and in the beginning I wasn’t sure what I thought of him. But after the “Event” you see more in-depth in his character, and his demons, and I fell for him instantly. He is tough and hard, but on the inside is emotionally vulnerable. He has this determination and iron will that I found admirable.
The Heroine
Holly is quite the independent and spirited heroine. She works at a hair salon, she has a connection to the Knights, and she is instantly attracted to Sy and she finds him too brooding and frowns all the time. She is energetic and sees life in a positive way. We see her suffer through a traumatic event, and she withdraws from everyone she loves. We see her inner strength though, and how she deals with pain, I loved seeing her grow in this story, and learn some painful lessons, lessons I feel are necessary if she wants to understand Sy in any real way.
Plot and Story Line
Affliction is the second book in the series, and with each book I read from this author the more I am impressed. If you like Bella Jewel or Joanna Wylde, you need to try this author out. Ever since reading the first book, I have been wanting to try Emma and Sy’s story. This story was so different from what I was expecting, which is good, because I do love a story that brings a bit more than what you expect from it. I enjoyed seeing these two come together, and it doesn’t happen in the average way. Both of the characters suffer from a trauma, and you see how they help each other heal, despite the secrets they both keep from each other. I want to keep this review straight and to the point so I don’t give out too many spoilers, but what I enjoyed most from this story was seeing the emotional development. There is quite a bit of sensual interludes, and boy are they HOT!! So no worries on that score, but you also see that as the plot develops you see the character become more entrenched in the story, and we see Sy and Emma grow emotionally. This is a roller coaster of grief, pain, determination, and finding love exactly when you need it most. For those that haven’t tried this author or the first book, I would highly recommend you try out the first book, “Incandescent” because you get more background on the story and trust me you won’t regret it if you enjoy biker romances.
The Cover
This cover is just so sexy and gorgeous. I love the stance of the hero here, with the slight scruffiness on this face, and all that beautiful art on his body….with the black and white theme, and the purple lettering.
Overall View
Affliction is an emotional biker romance that will have you on edge, a story of overcoming the worst pain and accepting the greatest love, a story of healing and finding hope in the bleakest of moments. TRULY MAGICAL!!
Holly has a connection to the Knights Rebels, her best friend is practically engaged to their leader. There is one man she has had her eye on Sy. Sy is harsh and a grouch in Holly’s mind and she has a mind to butter him up. But after they share a a couple of steamy nights together, Holly has a surprise, but then she ends up kidnapped, and shot and her life goes down the drain and her mind is in shock and severe grief. She distances herself from everyone for months. Sy has his own past, a past that torments him every night with nightmares. When Holly goes through her own darkness, he knows he is the only one that can bring her back to the light. Its been three months, and little by little he starts to see his Holly again, vibrant and beautiful. But there is a secret that Holly is keeping from Sy, a secret that could destroy the trust and affection they have built with each other…
The Hero
Sylas Dean is a member of the Knights Rebels, his past is murky, and he still suffers from grief and dreams that haunt him. His world is anger and his painful past. He works as a tattoo artist, he is satisfied with his life now, away from any emotional attachments, to be withdrawn and do his duties. I found I loved Sylas, he is very different from our hero in the first book of the series. He is rougher around the edges and in the beginning I wasn’t sure what I thought of him. But after the “Event” you see more in-depth in his character, and his demons, and I fell for him instantly. He is tough and hard, but on the inside is emotionally vulnerable. He has this determination and iron will that I found admirable.
The Heroine
Holly is quite the independent and spirited heroine. She works at a hair salon, she has a connection to the Knights, and she is instantly attracted to Sy and she finds him too brooding and frowns all the time. She is energetic and sees life in a positive way. We see her suffer through a traumatic event, and she withdraws from everyone she loves. We see her inner strength though, and how she deals with pain, I loved seeing her grow in this story, and learn some painful lessons, lessons I feel are necessary if she wants to understand Sy in any real way.
Plot and Story Line
Affliction is the second book in the series, and with each book I read from this author the more I am impressed. If you like Bella Jewel or Joanna Wylde, you need to try this author out. Ever since reading the first book, I have been wanting to try Emma and Sy’s story. This story was so different from what I was expecting, which is good, because I do love a story that brings a bit more than what you expect from it. I enjoyed seeing these two come together, and it doesn’t happen in the average way. Both of the characters suffer from a trauma, and you see how they help each other heal, despite the secrets they both keep from each other. I want to keep this review straight and to the point so I don’t give out too many spoilers, but what I enjoyed most from this story was seeing the emotional development. There is quite a bit of sensual interludes, and boy are they HOT!! So no worries on that score, but you also see that as the plot develops you see the character become more entrenched in the story, and we see Sy and Emma grow emotionally. This is a roller coaster of grief, pain, determination, and finding love exactly when you need it most. For those that haven’t tried this author or the first book, I would highly recommend you try out the first book, “Incandescent” because you get more background on the story and trust me you won’t regret it if you enjoy biker romances.
The Cover
This cover is just so sexy and gorgeous. I love the stance of the hero here, with the slight scruffiness on this face, and all that beautiful art on his body….with the black and white theme, and the purple lettering.
Overall View
Affliction is an emotional biker romance that will have you on edge, a story of overcoming the worst pain and accepting the greatest love, a story of healing and finding hope in the bleakest of moments. TRULY MAGICAL!!