Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews of romance books with a fair look at positives and negatives of each book.

Review: Claimed

Posted on by
Reply
Review: ClaimedClaimed (Outlaws, #1) by Elle Kennedy
Series: Outlaws #1
Published by Signet on October 6th 2015
Genres: Futuristic
Pages: 368
Goodreads
three-half-stars

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you can’t always get what you want?  I think someone even wrote a song about it once.”

“I don’t care.  I still want to come with you.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but this is a boys-only club.”

Her agitated expression gave way to indignation.  “Wow.  So you’re rude and sexist.”

FINAL DECISION:  A mixed bag that started out slowly but won me over by the end with its intriguing characters.  By the end of the book, I liked this book enough to want to continue to read the series.

THE STORY: In a dystopian future, the world consists of an authoritative government which tightly rules cities and outlaws which exist without rules and without resources hunted by the enforcers of the government.  Hudson Lane, a privileged woman from a city, runs when an unwanted marriage is going to be forced upon her.  In the outlaw world, she finds Connor Mackenzie who leads a small band of men.  Hudson begs Connor to give her refuge.  Despite his reservations, Connor agrees to show Hudson the ways of the Outlaw world which is violent and intensely sexual.  Hudson, however, has secrets which will cause Connor to distrust her.

OPINION: This book was mixed bag.  Sometimes a first book of a new series that involves world building can feel uneven as too many things have to be accomplished in the first book.  That is true here.  For me, the book started out slowly as the numerous characters from the series are introduced and the highly sexual, violent world is introduced with its particular rules.  During these pages, I found it difficult to get connected with the characters — especially Connor.  In a way, the beginning mirrored some of the worst of erotica, with sexual encounters more about titillating with body parts and multiple partners rather than any emotional connection.  By the end of the book, I decided that some of the emotional disconnect is purposeful as it reflects the emotionless sexual encounters that are common in the outlaw world.

Once Connor and Hudson began to emotionally connect, the book got much better for me.  I genuinely began to care about the characters and their journey.  The pace of the story also began to pick up at that point as the drama of Hudson’s secret became more relevant.

Women and men in the Outlaw world are fiercely independent and both have sexual autonomy without moralistic constraints or restrictions.  Just about everything goes in the Outlaw world.

I also liked that this first book leaves some questions about what is going on with the enforcers and what the future holds in this world.  I especially like that the series seems to be created with an overarching storyline.  I prefer my series to truly be connected rather than just having completely separate storylines.

By the time this book ended, I wanted to read more about Connor’s men and this world.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a lot of sex combinations in this one.  MMF with depictions of MFF.  The hero and heroine have sex with other people during the book both with and without the other present.

CONNECTED BOOKS: CLAIMED is the first book in the Outlaws series.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 3.5 stars.

NOTE:  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher at the RT Convention. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions contained herein are my own.

three-half-stars

Review: Something Wicked

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Something WickedSomething Wicked (Malloren, #3) by Jo Beverley
Series: Malloren & Friends #3
Published by Signet on January 4th 2005
Genres: Historical
Pages: 374
four-stars

FINAL DECISION:  Loved how Beverly made this enemies to lovers story feel real.  The issues involved are paced out so well.  I loved the connection between Elf and Fort even as I initially thought the premise was going to be ridiculous.

THE STORY: Lady Elf Malloren is on the shelf at the age of 25, the youngest of the Malloren sibling, Elf has a wild side that she feels pulling at her as her twin brother has married.  With her friend, Elf attends a masquerade at Vauxhall.  The night ends with her being kidnapped by her family’s enemy Fort Ware, Earl of Walgrave.

OPINION: I loved how this story came together.  Fort hates the Mallorens for something that happened in the past.  Fort is coming apart and doesn’t know how to handle it.  He struggles with his guilt and anger.  When he comes across a young masked woman that he ends up kidnapping, he doesn’t realize that he has captured Elf.  The attraction between Fort and Elf is palpable.

I questioned the premise of this book.  I found it improbable that Elf could hide her identity from Fort.  I still found it somewhat incredible, but ultimately, it only diminished my enjoyment in a minor fashion.

I especially liked the story after Fort learned Elf’s true identity.  There was no quick resolution to the conflict.  These “enemies” still had a ways to travel for them to have a happy ending.  Fort is a hero who evolves through the book in surprising ways.  His conflict is not what I would have expected.  Without using the words, he is clearly suffering from depression combined with guilt and self-loathing.  I have a great fondness for wounded heroes and I liked Fort as this incarnation of wounded hero because he is clearly a funny and gentle man who is tormented.  He was my favorite part of the book.

Elf is an intriguing heroine.  A conventional life does not satisfy her.  Her intelligence and determination are central to her character — along with her wickedness.  The dialogue and situations are snappy and fresh.

This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of this series.

WORTH MENTIONING: After reading this book, I want to read the others in the series.  That is the best testament to this book.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  SOMETHING WICKED is the third book in the Malloren & Friends series. It is not necessary to have read the other books in the series.  I haven’t read them and easily figured out everything I needed to know.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Bay of Sighs

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Bay of SighsBay of Sighs (The Guardians Trilogy, #2) by Nora Roberts
Series: The Guardians Trilogy #2
Published by Berkley on June 14th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Paranormal
Pages: 319
Goodreads
three-stars

FINAL DECISION:  I enjoyed this book but it felt like the middle book it is. It is dependent upon knowing what happened in the first book including the relationships which developed there and in the end the story feels incomplete because there is another book left to go.

THE STORY:  This book begins right after the events of Book 1 of the Trilogy.  After acquiring the first star in their quest, the band of six have moved on to the search for the second star.  Annika, the mermaid, has a special role to play here in the search for the water star.  Granted legs for only a few months, Annika enjoys her life on land and her flirtation with Sawyer King.  Sawyer is the traveler with control of a compass which can take one through space and time.  Sawyer is attracted to Annika but worries about getting involved with the lovely mermaid who will only be on land for such a short time.  As Sawyer and Annika along with their friends search for the star, danger lurks with the reappearance of their enemy. She has a new minion to threaten the six as the danger increases.

OPINION:  I really wanted to like this book.  I had been looking forward to the story of the mermaid because it had ready made angst involved since she was only given legs for a limited amount of time.  What disappointed me most in this book was the resolution or lack thereof of that impediment.  I have hopes that the issues might yet be resolved in the final book, but as a story, I was disappointed in the poor version of a happy ending that Annika and Sawyer have to endure.

I also thought that their romance was given short shrift here.  The romance seemed expected and neither fought too hard. The drama in the story came from the plot regarding the stars.

On the other hand, I thought that this was a good continuation of the first book in the series and set up the final book in a way that made me highly anticipate it.  The story was action packed and I love the relationship that has developed between the six.  The book would have been more highly rated by me except for my disappointment with the resolution of Annika and Sawyer’s story.

WORTH MENTIONING:  I want to read the final book about the immortal and the werewolf more than I wanted to read this one.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  BAY OF SIGHS is the second book in the Guardians Trilogy.  This book relies heavily on having read the first book in the series.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 3 stars.

three-stars

Review: Beauty and the Billionaire

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Beauty and the BillionaireBeauty and the Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club, #2) by Jessica Clare
Series: Billionaire Boys Club #2
Published by Berkley Intermix on July 16th 2013
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 261
Goodreads
one-half-stars

FINAL DECISION:  Disappointing because I did not find the story interesting beyond the concept and I felt no connection between the hero and heroine.

THE STORY:  Hunter Buchanan lives alone with his scarred face and body.  When he sees Gretchen Petty, he wants to find a way to get her into his life so he arranges for her to be offered a book deal that requires her to live in his mansion for a month.  Gretchen needs money and some space so she accepts the job.  Things go wrong when she meets Hunter for the first time when he is in the nude.  As Gretchen tries to convince Hunter that she is interested in him, she has to overcome his aloneness and his mistrust.

OPINION:  I love Beauty and the Beast stories and this one had an interesting concept.  Unfortunately, I didn’t like much else about the book.  I found the heroine annoying, self-absorbed and pretty thoughtless.  For two people who lived together for a month, there didn’t seem to be much between them except sex and frankly that wasn’t that exciting either.

I was bored by the entire plot of the book and couldn’t wait for it to end.  For me, I just felt that Hunter would realize that there are better women out there once he got some experience and opened himself up to other people. It’s not a good sign when I hope the couple doesn’t get together.

WORTH MENTIONING: Virgin hero.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  BEAUTY AND THE BILLIONAIRE is the second book in the Billionaire Boys Club series.  It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 1.5 stars.

one-half-stars

Review: 738 Days

Posted on by
Reply
Review: 738 Days738 Days by Stacey Kade
Series: 738 Days #1
Published by Forge Books on June 7th 2016
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 432
Goodreads
five-stars

“Oh yeah, she’s definitely not ready.  And neither am I.  This is such a bad idea.”

FINAL DECISION:  A powerful, angst filled story that retains a great amount of charm and humor, 738 DAYS is the story of two people who are rebuilding their lives and find inspiration in each other to become their better selves.

THE STORY:  Amanda Grace was abducted at the age of 15 and held for 738 days until she was rescued.  In the small room where she was held there was a poster of teen heartthrob Chase Henry which Amanda credited for helping remind her of home.  Now at the age of 20, Amanda is struggling to get her life together.  She fears that life will never consist of anything but her fears and her difficult relationships with her family members.  At 24, Chase is washed up.  A recovering alcoholic after experiencing the excesses of Hollywood, Chase is trying to pick himself up again.  When his publicist suggests surprising Amanda with a personal visit and the opportunity to go to the set of the movie Chase is working on, Chase believes it is a chance for him to get some good publicity.  Instead, things go horribly wrong. Despite that beginning, Amanda and Chase strike a deal.  Chase will get some good publicity and Amanda will get a chance to experience life away from her family. These two survivors don’t expect the growing connection between them.

OPINION: 738 DAYS is the story of two people who have experienced so much pain, mistakes and heartbreak in the young lives. As the two struggle to rebuild their lives, I especially liked that they don’t make one anther better rather each makes the other want to be a better version of themselves.  The story shares the truth that we cannot change for someone else, but we can become better to be worthy of those we love.

I was enthralled and mesmerized with this book which I couldn’t put down. The personal journeys of both Amanda and Chase were painful and yet redemptive. I especially loved that two people with so much pain in their lives had such a sweet and gentle love between them.  They have a difficult road and this book doesn’t shirk from that reality.  But their relationship is also funny and innocent and something quite beautiful. That reality is which compels them to chance their lives.

Told in alternating POVs, this book really digs into the emotional and mental journeys of Amanda and Chase.  Both begin the book allowing others to dictate their lives.  As the story continues, each learns to seize control of their lives and accept responsibility for their actions.  The dual POVs are important here where Chase could have otherwise come off as a serious jerk.  Because I could understand how he allows things to get away from him, I had more sympathy for him than I would have otherwise.

These two lost souls are bound together before they even meet and their journey is one of getting to know the real person beyond the headlines.  I think that focusing on the reality amidst the tabloid media gives the relationship between Amanda and Chase an intimacy, a focus and a reality that makes their story grounded rather than being a Hollywood fiction.

This book has a lot contained in it.  Both Amanda and Chase have individual redemption stories and then there is their romance along with some drama and mystery to push the story forward.  What is surprising is that everything gets resolved in a thoughtful manner.  By the time the book ended, I wanted more because the story was so good and I could read about these characters for hundreds of pages more.  Leaving readers satisfied but wanting more is a great accomplishment.

WORTH MENTIONING:  This is not a book I normally would have picked up.  Recommended in the Washington Post, I was intrigued by the blurb. Sometimes trying something new and unusual is greatly rewarded. For me, this was one of those occasions.

CONNECTED BOOKS: 738 DAYS is a standalone.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Seeds of Deception

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Seeds of DeceptionSeeds of Deception (Kate Burkholder, #7.5) by Linda Castillo
Series: Kate Burkholder #7.5
Published by Minotaur Books on May 31st 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 74
Goodreads
three-stars

“Zimmerman’s Orchard was the last place fourteen-year-old Katie Burkholder wanted to be, especially with her older brother, Jacob.”

FINAL DECISION: An intriguing little story that gives more background and depth to Kate and her family and friends, this short story gives readers a glimpse into Kate’s life as a young teenager.

THE STORY:  Fourteen year old Amish Kate Burkholder is avoiding her chores with her best friend Mattie. When a barn burns, Kate is torn between the evidence and believing her best friend’s version of events.

OPINION: This short story taking place in Kate’s teenage years gives some interesting insights into Kate and her relationships with her Amish friends and family. Kate is as dogged as an adult and also willing to go for overall justice even if not particularly factual. I liked seeing this glimpse into Kate before her life became more dark and complicated.  I didn’t think this story was needed to understand Kate or those around her and I don’t think I would reach for this as a re-read but I was satisfied with the story.

WORTH MENTIONING: This story takes place not long before Kate’s rape.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  SEEDS OF DECEPTION is book 7.5 of the Kate Burkholder series.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 3 stars.

three-stars

Review: Marrying Winterborne

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Marrying WinterborneMarrying Winterborne (The Ravenels, #2) by Lisa Kleypas
Published by Avon on May 31st 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 416
Goodreads
five-stars

“I can’t be a gentleman,” he said hoarsely. “Not even for you.”

“You don’t have to be a gentleman. Only gentle.”

FINAL DECISION: Absolutely and completely adored Rhys, who might be one of my all time favorite Kleypas heroes.   I knocked down the rating a bit because I didn’t like Helen as much and became somewhat annoyed by her keeping secrets from Rhys.  Regardless, I overall enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the next in the series.

THE STORY: Rhys Winterborne is a Welsh commoner who has managed to create an business empire for himself. To complete his triumph he only needs an aristocratic wife to give him an entry into society.  Everything is going well with his engagement to Lady Helen Ravenel until their brief engagement is called off by Helen after their first kiss.  Then Rhys is surprised when Helen comes to him to plead with him to continue their engagement.  The gentle and quiet Lady Helen Ravenel seems a mismatch for the brash Rhys but something about him attracts her. She knows that she does not want to end their engagement although he overwhelms her. Helen scandalously comes to Rhys alone and is willing to do scandalous things in order to ensure their marriage.  As she falls for Rhys, however, Helen realizes that she has a secret that might destroy any chance they have together.

OPINION:  I would read this book again for no other reason that Rhys is so wonderful.  A self-made man who has the arrogance and determination required to be so, Rhys is also forwarding thinking, willing to adapt and change and take risks.  Incredibly supportive, understanding and really willing to do anything for Helen, I simply adored him.  What surprised me and endeared him to me most was his reaction once he discovered Helen’s secret.  Who could resist a man like that?

For me, the weakness of this book is Helen. She begins as a product of tradition and the stuffy aristocracy, but seems willing to break the chains in order to be with Rhys. Then he proceeds to keep secrets from him (which obviously will not be able to be kept secret) and fails to trust in him.  My annoyance with her grew as she takes bigger and bigger risks but won’t tell Rhys the truth.  (In comparison, Rhys is a saint).  It felt to me that she only revealed the truth when there was no other option rather than trusting in Rhys’ love for her.

I very much enjoyed this book and would read it again, but my reaction to Helen keeps this from being an instant classic for me.

WORTH MENTIONING:  Oh, oh I can’t wait for the next book of the series.  The preview for the next book gets 5 stars.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MARRYING WINTERBORNE is the second book of the Ravenels series.  Because the relationship between Rhys and Helen begins in the first book of the series, it is better to read that book first.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.

UPDATE Feb 2018: I’ve given this book a 5 star review on re-read. Sometimes expectations of books can impact me when I read. This was one of those books. It didn’t go in the direction I expected from the reviews I had read and thus I was a bit deflated upon the first reading. Reading it a couple years later, I found that I found a subtlety of the relationship between Helen and Rhys that I really loved this time around. Also, the secrets in the story felt less forced this time. I truly loved this book this time around.

five-stars

Review: The Suffragette Scandal

Posted on by
Reply
Review: The Suffragette ScandalThe Suffragette Scandal (Brothers Sinister, #4) by Courtney Milan
Series: Brothers Sinister #4
Published by Courtney Milan on July 15th 2014
Genres: Historical
Pages: 260
Goodreads
four-half-stars

THE SUFFRAGETTE SCANDAL is the fourth novel in the Brothers Sinister Series. It can be read independent of all the others, but the others are so good that a reader should start with the prequel novella THE GOVERNESS AFFAIR. THE SUFFRAGETTE SCANDAL is the story of Frederica “Free” Marshall, the younger sister of Oliver from THE HEIRESS EFFECT. Free is a modern, strong, independent woman. She is a supporter of women’s rights and runs her own newspaper. Edward Clark is a self proclaimed scoundrel. Having been abandoned by his aristocratic family, Edward has spent years making himself. He returns to England to help an old friend and ends up involved with Free.

I loved this book. Free and Edward are characters that I haven’t seen before. Free is strong and independent without being strident and yet has brought pain to herself. Edward is damaged and believes himself unworthy of a happy ending. These two are haunted by their pasts but Edward has a very poor self image. I liked how adult and reasonable these two are. This book is also funny. From the beginning Free and Edward have a repartee that had me lagging, smirking and giggling. For me the pages flew in this book.

The romance ended up being sweeter than I expected, but I was completely happy with how the book turned out. Milan has a wonderful way of subverting expectations and tropes. The language, characters and resolutions always end up being fresh and vibrant. The previous heroes and heroines appear but not in ways that works befuddle new readers.

There is one additional novella that follows that will finish off this series. Huzzah!

Save

four-half-stars

Review: Out of the Frying Pan

Posted on by
Reply
Out of the Frying Pan by Courtney Milan
Series: Turner #2.5
Genres: Historical
four-stars

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN is a short vignette posted on Milan’s website that gives more insight into the friendship/animosity between Richard Dalrymple and Smite Turner and the secrets they share. This short vignette is not intended to be read alone but rather is an add on for those who have read the series. Much of the information is disclosed in UNRAVELED as well, but having read it first, I understood some of the mysteries that were hinted at in UNVEILED.

This is a nice addition for fans.

Save

four-stars

Review: Proof by Seduction

Posted on by
Reply
Review: Proof by SeductionProof by Seduction (Carhart, #1) by Courtney Milan
Series: Carhart #1
Published by Entangled: Edge on July 7th 2014
Genres: Historical
Pages: 311
Goodreads
four-stars

Story of People Trapped By Their Pasts

PROOF BY SEDUCTION is the first book in the Carhart series (there is a prequel novella as well). It is the story of Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely who is determined to save his cousin from the fraudulent fortune teller who Gareth believes is taking advantage of his cousin. Madame Esmerelda is actually Jenny Keeble who doesn’t intend to allow Gareth to judge her as unworthy.

This is Milan’s first book and is not as polished as her more recent books. Milan, however, has such an interesting take on characters. Jenny and Gareth are an interesting mix of hope and despair, optimist and pessimist. Both are constrained by what they see as their role in life although Jenny had taken the “bad” road while Gareth never deviates from what he sees as his role as Marquess. Jenny is adorable in this book and Gareth is hard to like because he protects himself with coldness and he has trouble connecting with people. I liked how Jenny challenges Gareth and he changes.

I ultimately liked this story because I felt that there was real change and growth in the characters.

The version I have is an enhanced edition that includes some additional information that reveals Milan’s thoughts about the book and explains some of the events, relationships, and quirks of the book.

Save

four-stars