Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.15k reviews by:
paddlefoot55
3.5 Stars ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review.
It has been a while since I read the first 2 installments, so it was good to get back in the world of Simone and Elliot.
The tension just keeps on growing as this series goes forward. Elliot knows he effed up big time at the end of part 2, and now this is him trying to make things right.
Simone, Simone, Simone. I don't know, I guess I just want to slap some sense into her. Elliot is what he is, but Simone flip-flops between the assertive go-get-him woman and then the total opposite.
The relationship as it is is starting to grow, and we start to get more into the light BDSM/pain is pleasure side of their relationship.
We also meet the infamous Aiden, and it is going to be interesting to see where Simone's relationship with him will go.
Now, on to Part 4: Denies Me.....
It has been a while since I read the first 2 installments, so it was good to get back in the world of Simone and Elliot.
The tension just keeps on growing as this series goes forward. Elliot knows he effed up big time at the end of part 2, and now this is him trying to make things right.
Simone, Simone, Simone. I don't know, I guess I just want to slap some sense into her. Elliot is what he is, but Simone flip-flops between the assertive go-get-him woman and then the total opposite.
The relationship as it is is starting to grow, and we start to get more into the light BDSM/pain is pleasure side of their relationship.
We also meet the infamous Aiden, and it is going to be interesting to see where Simone's relationship with him will go.
Now, on to Part 4: Denies Me.....
3.5 stars ~ ARC Received via Netgally for an honest review
Wow, Elliot and Simone's relationship is from one extreme to another.
They finally start to have a proper relationship, then BAM things from Elliot's past pop up to throw a spanner in the works.
I wanted to bitch slap Elliot at times. His behaviour towards Simone goes from sweet, hot, and steamy to cold hearted and downright cruel.
I do like that we have the opposite dynamic to what we get in most books with some BDSM content to it. Love that Simone knows what she likes and what she wants (that bit of pain) while Elliot is very wary of dishing it out.
I am interested to see what happens in the last installment after the turmoil at the end of part 4. Am wondering what ramifications Simone's actions will have on her relationship (as it stands) with Elliot.
Bring on Part 5 (Takes Me)
Wow, Elliot and Simone's relationship is from one extreme to another.
They finally start to have a proper relationship, then BAM things from Elliot's past pop up to throw a spanner in the works.
I wanted to bitch slap Elliot at times. His behaviour towards Simone goes from sweet, hot, and steamy to cold hearted and downright cruel.
I do like that we have the opposite dynamic to what we get in most books with some BDSM content to it. Love that Simone knows what she likes and what she wants (that bit of pain) while Elliot is very wary of dishing it out.
I am interested to see what happens in the last installment after the turmoil at the end of part 4. Am wondering what ramifications Simone's actions will have on her relationship (as it stands) with Elliot.
Bring on Part 5 (Takes Me)
Ever wondered what that person on the train, bus, in the other lane of traffic is thinking? You know you have, don't go denying it. I usually have music running through my mind, and occasionally break out the air guitar or air drums. What do you think about?
City Solipsism gives you an insight to the workings of Jack's mind as he travels the subway on his way to work one day. You never know what is running through someone's mind, even though it may look like they are just mindlessly staring.
And I have to say, the last paragraph made me laugh out loud - so not what I expected.
Zack Love knows how to write a quickie unlike any other.
City Solipsism gives you an insight to the workings of Jack's mind as he travels the subway on his way to work one day. You never know what is running through someone's mind, even though it may look like they are just mindlessly staring.
And I have to say, the last paragraph made me laugh out loud - so not what I expected.
Zack Love knows how to write a quickie unlike any other.
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
The premise of this story is not new ~ rich man falls for the help ~ just this time with a m/m twist.
Too Busy For Love is a sweet story, but being such a short story, it is hard to form any real attachments to any of the characters. We don't get any of the background to the characters that gives us that insight as to how they came to be the people they are today.
So while I liked them, they are not that memorable (especially when you read as much as I do!!) I enjoyed their story while reading it, it just didn't stick.
But I wasn't keen on the epilogue - made me dislike Tommy a bit,and I am certain that that was not the intention!
What I liked was that we did not have an insta-love scenario. Yes, instant attraction and lust, but they characters did not immediately fall into the I love you's.
I did enjoy Too Busy For Love, I just felt that it was too short for the story the story to fully develop.
It did give me some insight into Ms Baker's writing style, which I liked, and I will be checking out more of her works.
The premise of this story is not new ~ rich man falls for the help ~ just this time with a m/m twist.
Too Busy For Love is a sweet story, but being such a short story, it is hard to form any real attachments to any of the characters. We don't get any of the background to the characters that gives us that insight as to how they came to be the people they are today.
So while I liked them, they are not that memorable (especially when you read as much as I do!!) I enjoyed their story while reading it, it just didn't stick.
But I wasn't keen on the epilogue - made me dislike Tommy a bit,and I am certain that that was not the intention!
What I liked was that we did not have an insta-love scenario. Yes, instant attraction and lust, but they characters did not immediately fall into the I love you's.
I did enjoy Too Busy For Love, I just felt that it was too short for the story the story to fully develop.
It did give me some insight into Ms Baker's writing style, which I liked, and I will be checking out more of her works.
ARC received for an honest review
Those of you who have read my reviews will know that I am addicted to m/m books lately. Can't get enough of them!
A Better Man has a bit of everything. Romance, lust, secrets and lies. What it didn't have too much of was angst. While there was a bit (especially regarding Matt's family) this book was more about getting past the pain, rather than the pain itself.
Matt and Julian both have troubles in their past that they are trying to leave behind. While working together, their immediate attraction becomes so much more.
Theirs is a sweet romance. I loved the pacing of their relationship, it felt organic. The story takes place over the period of a year, and for a fair chunk of that time it was just lustful looks and meaningful glances, with the occasional stolen kiss.
There were some secondary characters that I really liked (Sam) and some that I really, really despised (Matt's mum). I especially like the relationship between Matt and Sam.
I couple of things that did grate on me... the "I Love You" "I Love You More" became very repetitive and it did start to irritate me. In the end it started to feel a bit juvenile? But this may just be me.
And the complete 180 degree change in Matt's father's behaviour just felt very rushed. I understand that people have epiphanies all the time, but this just felt like too much of a change too quick. But again, this is just my feeling.
With A Better Man, Jaime Reese has given us the base for what I feel is going to be a very enjoyable series. I am looking forward to sinking me teeth into book two, A Hunted Man
Those of you who have read my reviews will know that I am addicted to m/m books lately. Can't get enough of them!
A Better Man has a bit of everything. Romance, lust, secrets and lies. What it didn't have too much of was angst. While there was a bit (especially regarding Matt's family) this book was more about getting past the pain, rather than the pain itself.
Matt and Julian both have troubles in their past that they are trying to leave behind. While working together, their immediate attraction becomes so much more.
Theirs is a sweet romance. I loved the pacing of their relationship, it felt organic. The story takes place over the period of a year, and for a fair chunk of that time it was just lustful looks and meaningful glances, with the occasional stolen kiss.
There were some secondary characters that I really liked (Sam) and some that I really, really despised (Matt's mum). I especially like the relationship between Matt and Sam.
I couple of things that did grate on me... the "I Love You" "I Love You More" became very repetitive and it did start to irritate me. In the end it started to feel a bit juvenile? But this may just be me.
And the complete 180 degree change in Matt's father's behaviour just felt very rushed. I understand that people have epiphanies all the time, but this just felt like too much of a change too quick. But again, this is just my feeling.
With A Better Man, Jaime Reese has given us the base for what I feel is going to be a very enjoyable series. I am looking forward to sinking me teeth into book two, A Hunted Man
I have loved every installment in Nicole Edwards' Club Destiny series, and Perception is no different.
It's been a while since the focus has been back on Club Destiny, and what a welcome back we get! Rather than the outside forces working on the Club, Perception takes us back to the roots of the series and the people it revolves around.
Perception is Xander and Mercedes story. I've been waiting for Xander's story. Friends since they first met, there has always been that spark of attraction between them, but neither of them has been brave enough to act on it, perhaps because their personalities are so similar that both of them have the same fears about making that step?
Xander, Xander Xander. Sexy. Bossy. Alpha. Dom. There is something so darn hot about a man who knows what he wants and goes for it.
Mercedes. Smart. Fiesty. Domme. I like her. She takes not sh*t.
I loved how Xander and Mercedes push each other's buttons.
Right from the beginning I wanted these two to get their crap together, just knowing it is going to be explosive. And boy, is it ever! Ms Edwards books usually turn towards the kinky side of sex, and it was different that Perception leant to the BDSM side of things. There are so many BDSM themed books out there that you just roll your eyes at the way the characters act.
Not so with Perception. She has dealt with the D/s relationhip is refreshing. Even during the D/s scenes there is so much heart. You can feel the emotions rolling off the page between Xander and Mercedes. There is that push/pull between them as they both try to come to terms with their feelings for each other and the changing dynamics in their relationship.
And I loved the way they finally got together. We always knew that it was going to take something different for them to finally make that move, and this was just perfect for them.
There was a lot more background the Xander and Mercerdes story than other Nicole Edwards books. I have seen that people though there was too much background and not enough action. I don't feel this way. They are such complex characters that we needed so much more background to get into their mindset and to understand who they are today.
I love that the characters from the Club Destiny series make an appearance and their stories all intertwine. Add to that the Walker brothers from the Alluring Indulgence series (sexy, kinky cowboys anyone??) and you have a great read.
Can't wait to see where Ms Edwards takes us next
**Perception COULD be read as a standalone, but as all the characters lives intertwine, it is best to read the series in order to understand all the relationships**
It's been a while since the focus has been back on Club Destiny, and what a welcome back we get! Rather than the outside forces working on the Club, Perception takes us back to the roots of the series and the people it revolves around.
Perception is Xander and Mercedes story. I've been waiting for Xander's story. Friends since they first met, there has always been that spark of attraction between them, but neither of them has been brave enough to act on it, perhaps because their personalities are so similar that both of them have the same fears about making that step?
Xander, Xander Xander. Sexy. Bossy. Alpha. Dom. There is something so darn hot about a man who knows what he wants and goes for it.
Mercedes. Smart. Fiesty. Domme. I like her. She takes not sh*t.
I loved how Xander and Mercedes push each other's buttons.
Right from the beginning I wanted these two to get their crap together, just knowing it is going to be explosive. And boy, is it ever! Ms Edwards books usually turn towards the kinky side of sex, and it was different that Perception leant to the BDSM side of things. There are so many BDSM themed books out there that you just roll your eyes at the way the characters act.
Not so with Perception. She has dealt with the D/s relationhip is refreshing. Even during the D/s scenes there is so much heart. You can feel the emotions rolling off the page between Xander and Mercedes. There is that push/pull between them as they both try to come to terms with their feelings for each other and the changing dynamics in their relationship.
And I loved the way they finally got together. We always knew that it was going to take something different for them to finally make that move, and this was just perfect for them.
There was a lot more background the Xander and Mercerdes story than other Nicole Edwards books. I have seen that people though there was too much background and not enough action. I don't feel this way. They are such complex characters that we needed so much more background to get into their mindset and to understand who they are today.
I love that the characters from the Club Destiny series make an appearance and their stories all intertwine. Add to that the Walker brothers from the Alluring Indulgence series (sexy, kinky cowboys anyone??) and you have a great read.
Can't wait to see where Ms Edwards takes us next
**Perception COULD be read as a standalone, but as all the characters lives intertwine, it is best to read the series in order to understand all the relationships**
ARC received for an honest review
Jack Falcon is the typical 25 year old rich, sexy, playboy. Everything is easy for him, especially when it comes to women. And women love to throw themselves at him.
At first I liked him and his man whoring ways, but I have to say, they got pretty tired pretty quick in this book. I just wanted to slap him around the ears and tell him wake up to himself. He is such an egotistical douchebag for a while there
“Really, I’m not as bad as my reputation makes me out to be. In fact, I’d go as far to describe myself as a decent guy. I just have no interest in a relationship that extends beyond a quick fuck when it suits me. I really don’t see how it’s my fault or problem if a chick falls for my boyish charms. Every woman seems to think she can change me, that she somehow has something all the other notches on my belt didn’t have.”
Belle is the game changer. Jack has never wanted a girl the way he wants her. And when she treats him the way he has treated countless women, it is a real wake up call for him, and he is hooked.
But there is a big "something" that makes a relationship between them forbidden, taboo (not going to tell you what it is though, you will have to read for yourself).
It did take me a while to get into Seduce, but when it grabbed me, it grabbed hard.
We are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride as Jack and Belle embark on their relationship. The heart wants what the heart wants, and they will fight for this relationship, no matter what it costs. I was very surprised at Belle's maturity (so much more mature than the Jack we first meet, I can tell you that now!!).
And then BAM!!! I soooo was not expecting what happens next. I still keep thinking whaaaaaaaaaat!!
Seduce is a quick read, getting us ready for Beautiful Rose, and when you have read it, you will want to dive straight into the next book
Jack Falcon is the typical 25 year old rich, sexy, playboy. Everything is easy for him, especially when it comes to women. And women love to throw themselves at him.
At first I liked him and his man whoring ways, but I have to say, they got pretty tired pretty quick in this book. I just wanted to slap him around the ears and tell him wake up to himself. He is such an egotistical douchebag for a while there
“Really, I’m not as bad as my reputation makes me out to be. In fact, I’d go as far to describe myself as a decent guy. I just have no interest in a relationship that extends beyond a quick fuck when it suits me. I really don’t see how it’s my fault or problem if a chick falls for my boyish charms. Every woman seems to think she can change me, that she somehow has something all the other notches on my belt didn’t have.”
Belle is the game changer. Jack has never wanted a girl the way he wants her. And when she treats him the way he has treated countless women, it is a real wake up call for him, and he is hooked.
But there is a big "something" that makes a relationship between them forbidden, taboo (not going to tell you what it is though, you will have to read for yourself).
It did take me a while to get into Seduce, but when it grabbed me, it grabbed hard.
We are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride as Jack and Belle embark on their relationship. The heart wants what the heart wants, and they will fight for this relationship, no matter what it costs. I was very surprised at Belle's maturity (so much more mature than the Jack we first meet, I can tell you that now!!).
And then BAM!!! I soooo was not expecting what happens next. I still keep thinking whaaaaaaaaaat!!
Seduce is a quick read, getting us ready for Beautiful Rose, and when you have read it, you will want to dive straight into the next book
ARC received for an honest review
Beautiful Rose carries on from the end of Seduce, so you will need to read it first to understand Jack.
After what happens in Seduce, Jack is finally moving forward. Sure, it has taken 3 years but what happens is not something you can just forget. Although he has started to heal, he carried a heck of a lot of emotional baggage with him, baggage that he doesn't want to jettison just yet.
He has started his new life, is opening up a new bar, his relationship with his brother is growing stronger.
Enter Rose. Rose is even more broken than Jack. Alex and Jack are giving her that chance she needs to repair herself, to move on from the things that have shaped her past.
I don't know what it is, but I just didn't connect with Rose as much as I did Belle. It is not because I couldn't understand her, as I could, and have been in some of the situations she found herself in. But there was just something that I just didn't find right with her and Jack? As the story goes on, I feel for her when she finds out things from her past that have been kept from her, but that was about it.
Jack.... He has been through so much and we have had so much change in him through the two books. I can understand him having Harmony as his girlfrind - this girl is a raging bitch and I could not stand her, but that is how Ms Johnson wants us to feel about her. She is the buffer Jack keeps between his heart and falling in love again. Through his "conversations" with her, we can see a bit of the old Jack from Seduce shine back through, the Jack that we all love.
I love the secondary characters in Beautiful Rose. We get to learn a lot more about Jack's brother Alex, who was just the occasional phone conversation in Seduce. The love between the brothers is so strong.
There are also the guys and girls from the bar, who have become Jack's best friends and support group. Ash is just Jack from a few years back, Darcy and Benj are loved up and full of wise words.
Beautiful Rose is a story about redemption, recovery, love realised. Rose and Jack's relationship (which I am still not completely sold on) could be the best thing for them, or could be a tornado that can and will destroy everything and everyone in it's path.
Is their attraction and feelings for each other enough to pull them out of their pasts to forge a new future?
Beautiful Rose carries on from the end of Seduce, so you will need to read it first to understand Jack.
After what happens in Seduce, Jack is finally moving forward. Sure, it has taken 3 years but what happens is not something you can just forget. Although he has started to heal, he carried a heck of a lot of emotional baggage with him, baggage that he doesn't want to jettison just yet.
He has started his new life, is opening up a new bar, his relationship with his brother is growing stronger.
Enter Rose. Rose is even more broken than Jack. Alex and Jack are giving her that chance she needs to repair herself, to move on from the things that have shaped her past.
I don't know what it is, but I just didn't connect with Rose as much as I did Belle. It is not because I couldn't understand her, as I could, and have been in some of the situations she found herself in. But there was just something that I just didn't find right with her and Jack? As the story goes on, I feel for her when she finds out things from her past that have been kept from her, but that was about it.
Jack.... He has been through so much and we have had so much change in him through the two books. I can understand him having Harmony as his girlfrind - this girl is a raging bitch and I could not stand her, but that is how Ms Johnson wants us to feel about her. She is the buffer Jack keeps between his heart and falling in love again. Through his "conversations" with her, we can see a bit of the old Jack from Seduce shine back through, the Jack that we all love.
I love the secondary characters in Beautiful Rose. We get to learn a lot more about Jack's brother Alex, who was just the occasional phone conversation in Seduce. The love between the brothers is so strong.
There are also the guys and girls from the bar, who have become Jack's best friends and support group. Ash is just Jack from a few years back, Darcy and Benj are loved up and full of wise words.
Beautiful Rose is a story about redemption, recovery, love realised. Rose and Jack's relationship (which I am still not completely sold on) could be the best thing for them, or could be a tornado that can and will destroy everything and everyone in it's path.
Is their attraction and feelings for each other enough to pull them out of their pasts to forge a new future?
