Andie
I liked the adventure setting, the girl power messages and the characters.
It was a little cheesy at times and the plot is all over the place, felt kind of disconnected.
It was cute.
4.5 stars
It took me a while to finish this one, but I can officially say that I'm obsessed with this series.
I love Kell and Lila. They're my favorite characters. But every single one of the characters in this book intrigues me: Holland, Alucard, Rhy, Lenos, the King, the Queen, Tieren. All of them are interesting characters that kept me invested in the story.
And that ending... it killed me!!! What a cliffhanger!!!
Not a fan of “not like most girls” vibe, though. I still loved it anyway.
I started to understand the hype about ToG when I read the second book. But now I TOTALLY get the hype!
Someone told me that this one was one of the weakest books in the series, but in my opinion it's way better than book 1 and 2. It worked for me! I loved it, couldn't read it fast enough, didn't want to put it down. Absolutely obsessed with the new characters and the dynamic!
Can't wait to get my hands on Queen of Shadows.
Books, Coffee & Passion
This book can be read as a standalone but you'll have way more fun if you read the first book in the series, All Lined Up, so if you have the time, just read both.
I was a little scared when I found out that this was Silas book, because I really hated him in the first book. But Cora surprised me big time. I started reading, thinking that Silas wasn't going to stand a chance with me, and then: BAM! I was already in love with him, didn't even saw it coming and this wasn't an easy feat because I was definitely bent on resisting Silas.
One night, Silas gets involved in a fight and ends up in jail and that's where he meets Dylan who gets arrested for fighting for a cause, she holds dear, in a feisty way. This is the beginning of a sizzling attraction and it's funny how they start talking behind bars. Pickle. I'm trying to avoid spoilers so I'm just going to point out some of the things I liked instead of delving into the story.
Even though Silas came across as the typical jock in All Lined Up, I really loved to find so many layers to his personality that he turned out to be anything but typical.
“The bad seems to follow me. Or hell... Maybe it's me that follows the bad. Maybe I don't know who I am apart from that.”
Sometimes, people aren't what they seem to be and labeling people is restrictive and diminishes one's potential. I really liked that both Dylan and Silas were way more than what they both seem to be, so much more that they act like polar opposites in the beginning but when they start opening up to each other, it becomes clear that they are very much alike. Again, both were trying to live up to a label instead of being themselves. And it's really sweet when they help each other with the demons from their pasts. I also liked the fact that Cora didn't change Silas character, she chose to show the readers what's underneath all his arrogance and cockiness and I loved how sometimes his arrogance with Dylan made their dialogues hilarious. And then there's football, too. I'm a sucker for sports and there's plenty of details of college football, drills, practices, the team dynamics and games which made me love the story even more. I loved this book even more than the first one in this series. If you like well written, sexy, funny and inspiring stories you just can't miss this one. Can't wait for the next one, May 12th can't come soon enough!
“I will never be able to turn this girl down. Whatever she wants from me, it's hers. No matter what she asks for, I'll find a way to give it to her. She may not be mine, but somewhere along the way, I ended up hers.”
“Haven't you ever wanted to do something that everyone tells you is impossible and pointless? Haven't you ever cared about something enough to sacrifice for it? Regardless of how stupid or unlikely it seems. Haven't you ever wanted things to be different?”
Books, Coffee & Passion
This was the first book I read written by Kira Sinclair and I have to say I loved it, so it probably won't be the last.
First of all, let me just say that, in general, I'm not a fan of the angle of lust or deep feelings for the dead boyfriend/fiancée/husband's brother. I usually don't read this books because I always feel it's very difficult for an author to pull this off. But Kira Sinclair totally did it! So, I'm happy I let my curiosity get the best of me and I can say that the cover played a big part in this (another first!).
The characters were strong and the story was captivating, I couldn't put my kobo e-reader down after starting it. Jace's guilty feelings were somewhat understandable but, when the author discloses how his brother died, his intense struggle made perfect sense. The fact that Quinn was being targeted for, basically, helping a woman who had an abusive husband, also felt realistic as well as all the details regarding her job.
There are two reasons why I'm not giving this book 5 stars: 1) the story jumped forward in a few moments that could probably benefit the story if better explored; 2) Quinn's lack of common sense when she was threatened, I mean the guy was rich, well connected, suspected of being involved in shady businesses and she thought he was harmless? Her reaction just didn't seem very realistic.
I totally recommend this book to all the readers that love a HEA.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review .
Books, Coffee & Passion
It's hard to review this book without spoilers but I'll try because, like I said in my review of Here With Me, spoilers will ruin the story for those of you who haven't read it yet.
The book starts exactly where Here with Me ended. Nate, Evan and Ryley are in an impossible situation and hard choices need to be made. The emotional turmoil was beautifully written and it's definitely an emotional read. I really liked the conspiracy story line and I was relieved that we get to find out who betrayed Evan and his team and the motives behind all those lies. I definitely couldn't wait for another book to figure it out!
When the story ended, I still wanted more. I found it hard to put it down because I really didn't want it to be over. I wanted more Evan, more Nate, more Ryley and more Evan again. This speaks volumes of how much I loved both books (and Evan!).
I can add that I didn't really like the way one of the Archer brothers gives up on his love for Ryley (trying to avoid spoilers here). I just think that adding another character that changed the dynamics didn't make much sense to me, it might work out better if Ryley made the choice before that appearance. Still, I loved this series and I'm looking forward to book three.
Books, Coffee & Passion
I couldn't resist to read this book after reading the blurb and seeing some reviews on blogs I follow. Two SEALS fighting for one woman's love is a pretty good incentive but a presumably dead SEAL coming home? That's like Christmas wrapped up in one book. I thought I would enjoy it so I bought it on Kobo, but guess what? I didn't just enjoy it, I fell madly, truly, deeply in love with this story! The minute I read the last page, I went and bought the second book, because I couldn't wait another second to continue reading Ryley and Evan's story. That's right. I wasn't really caring much about Nate at this point, because I love Evan. It's impossible not to.
So, Evan returns home after a 6 year mission with no welcome party. He gets home only to find out his life is gone, because everyone thought he was dead, and Ryley is engaged to another man. His brother, Nate. Ryley buried the love of her life 6 years ago and can't believe her eyes when she sees him waiting for her in their house's porch. This scene broke my heart. It was emotionally powerful and beautifully written, gut-wrenching, I might add.
The way the book starts is perfect, because both Evan and Ryley talk about their relationship (in alternating POV's, of course) while they try to deal with all that's happened to them and figure out how their future is going to be.
I loved both of the characters, the way they pour their emotions and open up to each other is passionate and striking. It's hard for Ryley because she is trapped between the love of her life and the man that helped her heal and love again. It's even harder for Evan because he feels like he's in an alternative reality where everything is upside down. Like I said, it's impossible not to love Evan but Ryley proved to be one hell of a character too.
I really don't want to give away much because I think spoilers will ruin the deep emotional ride that this story offers the readers. And it's so worth it.
I haven't read any other books by Heidi McLaughlin but she definitely burst into my list of authors to watch and read.
I get the hype around this series now.
This was really good, especially the last half. Great pacing, good plot and a killer ending.
I'll definitely read the next book!
I haven't read the previous two books in this series but I was able to follow this story with no problems and fall in love with the Hurley family. I really loved this book. There's something incredible appealing about second chances. I can honestly say it's hard for me to review this book, because I can relate to part of it. My parents got divorced when I was 6, they never got back together because my mom moved on and that's totally ok because they were kind of awful together. I can understand that sometimes great things happen to people at the wrong moments, sometimes we're just not ready to appreciate it, to cherish it. That was my dad's case and that's probably why I understand all the background of this book and why I was moved by it.
Lauren Dane wrote a real touching story. I really loved Kelly, her relationship with her daughters and I liked that Vaughan was determined to do everything to get his family back. The only but here is that, from my point of view, Kelly fell into the relationship a little fast even though she made him work to prove that he changed. I will probably go back to read the first two books in this series and I would love to read a book about Kelly's best friend, Stacey!
I received a copy of this book for free, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review here
Books, Coffee & Passion
Deep can be read as a standalone, I haven't read any of the previous books in the Stage Dive series and I've had no difficulties in diving into the story. I am absolutely sure that I'll go back to read the previous books, though. Because as I was reading Deep, I became more and more curious about the previous stories.
The book starts with Liz finding out she's pregnant and I gotta say the way Ben finds out is hilarious. There's a few flashbacks to show how everything happened between them and the rest is about Ben and Liz trying to wrap their minds around the unexpected pregnancy.
I really liked how Kylie Scott wrote the book and I found myself laughing out loud through some scenes. But this was a tough one for me to review, I stopped reading the book a few times, including when I got to 90%. Why? Because of Ben. Ben was nothing but frustrating and he kept being frustrating until 95% of the book. I spent most of the time wanting to smack him in the head. “I'm here for you”, “Let's try it” and “I can't do this” are key sentences to Ben, and at some point all his back and forth turned out to be a little exhausting.
I liked Liz, even though I thought she should punch Ben but I liked how she tried to handle the changes in her life and how she handled both her sister and Mal. I really liked the text messages between her and Ben and some of the sweet moments between them. I am really curious about Vaughan (a member of the opening band), a spin-off series maybe?
Until 95% of the book, I was rating the book at 3 stars but the ending totally deserved one more star! Overall, a rock star romance full of back and forth and drama.
Books, Coffee & Passion
I fell head over heels for the description of the book in Maya's website, I mean who wouldn't? A book about a man that has been in love, for year, with a woman he couldn't have because she was his best friend's wife, has epic romance written all over it! Maybe my problem with this book was exactly my high expectations.
So, Joss lost her husband, Carson, three years ago in a accident and she finally decides to move on with her life or may I say her sex life. Anyway, she saw herself as a submissive and had fantasies about being dominated, so she ends up bumping with Dash in her first visit to a BDSM club. And Dash is a dom, of course. Not much of a surprise but that scene was written perfectly.
After that moment, I kept getting the feeling the story was going around in circles, it was like the book collapsed.
Joss gave in pretty quickly after Dash confessed he always had feelings for her. I mean, your best friend's husband, who you were never ever attracted to in any way, confesses he always wanted you and suddenly, BAAAM, you're attracted to him too? It could work if Joss was 16 or so, but not like this. Maybe Dash should have been forced to fight for her a little longer at that point. But then it got worse, even though they jump fast into moving together, Joss spends a lot of her time thinking about her dead husband. I think the only times she didn't think or mention Carson was when she was having sex with Dash and all this Carson mentions/thoughts were frustrating. And then, Dash,who desperately wanted Joss for years let it all fall down with a conflict that could have definitely been solved when she was at the hospital. The book was well written but I had to remind myself, constantly, that this was a Maya Banks book, it just felt too repetitive to be hers!
I hope the next book in this trilogy gets better, I really liked Jensen but I bet Kylie is going to be as annoying in her own book as she was in this one.
Biggest crush ever on David!
Books, Coffee & Passion
After reading Deep, the last book in Stage Dive Series, I knew I had to go back and read the previous books. I was really curious about David and Ev's story but I was betting that my favorite book would be Play because of Mal, who became my favorite band member in Deep. Well, even though I haven't finished Play yet (yes, I'm already reading it), I can say that I really don't think that's possible now because I totally loved Lick and David is my newest book boyfriend!
The story starts in the bathroom of an hotel in Las Vegas, Ev wakes up with a killer hangover, a hot and half naked tattooed guy, a huge ring on her finger and no memories of the night before. David, the hot guy in the bathroom with her, can't believe she doesn't remember their night and that they got married. Pretty hard on a rockstar ego, right?
“Let me get this straight, you don't remember anything?”“No,” I said, swallowing hard. “What did we do last night?”“We got fucking married.” he growled.
I fell hard for David, it's impossible not to because even though he was tough to read in the beginning, he definitely didn't have many flaws. But his trust issues, which are totally understandable, are also hard to overcome. He was hurt that Ev didn't remember anything from their night together, while Ev was trying to wrap her mind around waking up married to a total stranger. The first moments of the book were hilarious and I laughed a lot through the story (Mal, Stage Dive's drummer, delivered plenty of funny moments). David and EV's relationship was hot (sizzling chemistry!), sweet and realistic because they had to work through their problems. They really made sense together. I love their story and I am definitely recommending Stage Dive Series to all Romance readers.
3.5 stars
The plot in this one isn't the best, but the character work is pretty solid.
First of all, I was confused for a while because there were too many main characters. I think family trees should have been included. It would have helped me a lot!
Anyway, the main issue I had with it was the plot took a while to get developed. And even when more stuff was finally happening, it felt a little underwhelming.
But these characters... I was obsessed with the dynamics. Anna, Lucie, and Matthew were my favorite characters. I really liked Cordelia too. James was okay, he wasn't exactly himself during the majority of this book, and that's probably why I didn't connect to him at the same level. The core group was amazing and the friendships were so well done! Anna deserved more page time for sure!
Jesse is probably the most intriguing character. I want to know EVERYTHING about that boy.
I despised Grace. I don't care that she had a tough childhood. Nothing justifies her behavior. Unless she does a 180 in the next book and rights her wrongs.
Also, it was great to get Will, Tessa, Jem and Magnus in this book. I loved every single moment they were on page.
Overall, a solid first book in this trilogy. Very entertaining and emotional.
Short review:
Finally, I managed to get to the end of it.
I thought I would love it but honestly I didn't, I know I'm in the minority just looking at these ratings but that's fine.
Anyway, Feyre is ok but Tamlin really got on my nerves. Rhys... I just can't make up my mind about him (but the things he made Feyre do... disturbing is the word I'm looking for).
Overall, I liked Lucien. That's it. But... I'm not ready to give up on these series so I'm already reading A Court of Mist and Fury (and I'm already changing my mind about Rhys...).
3.5 stars
This started slow and Celaena's inner monologue was annoying at times.
However, it got better and I ended up really enjoying this world.
I'm very intrigued for what may come in the next book, so I'll definitely keep reading this series.
This was so fun to listen, I felt like I was listening to one of my friends talk about her life while we chilled out in a coffee shop with an extra large coffee. Mindy has a lot of awkward and interesting stories and she's really, really funny. It's not a deep book, but I enjoyed listening to her stories.
Whoa, there were so many twists and turns.
Not exactly a fan of the MC, Jorg. The writing is great, I was enthralled in the story. It is super dark and gritty.
Jorg's age bothered me, not gonna lie.
Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm curious about the next book. I'll keep reading.
