Reclusive comic book
artist Trip Spector spends his life doodling super-square, straitlaced
superheroes, hiding from his fans, and crushing on his unattainable boss
until he meets the dork of his dreams. Silas Goolsby is a rowdy FX
makeup creator with a loveless love life and a secret streak of geek who
yearns for unlikely rescues and a truly creative partnership. Against
their better judgment, they fall victim to chemistry, and what starts
as infatuation quickly grows tender and terrifying. With Silas’s help,
Trip gambles his heart and his art on a rotten plan: sketching out
Scratch, a “very graphic novel” that will either make his name or wreck
his career. But even a smash can't save their world if Trip retreats
into his mild-mannered rut, leaving Silas to grapple with betrayal and
emotions he can't escape. What will it take for this dynamic duo to discover that heroes never play it safe?
Comment: I didn't have many ideas about which m/m stories to pick this month. Then I saw this book being highly praised in some places and I thought why not go with a new story (instead of the huge pile I already had, I know...) to check if my opinion would follow the trend of positive goodness. This is the story of Trip Spector, he's a nerd, shy artist. Silas is more outgoing and extroverted man, he works with make up and special effects make up. They meet by chance in an event and start looking for the other after but they only manage to be face to face after a while. They both have some baggage and doubts but there's attraction and feelings there and they slowly start a relationship. Then Trip pictures a new comic book, something completely different from the usual... This is a long book. Usually I have no problems by reading long books, but in this case I was a bit bored at times because I thought I wouldn't get to the end of the story fast enough. It's a smart and interesting story yes, but I also thought it took too long for things to happen. Sometimes we read books we wish could be longer because it's so engrossing and addictive we really don't want to stop. With this book I felt the opposite, it was so long and not always as captivating as that and I had the sensation the same thing could have been told in less 100 pages, at least. I mean, I'm not a writer so I can't say which is the best way to put your story out there, but from a reader's perspective, my ow of course, it felt too much. The story was interesting enough. I confess I don't care much about comics and I was never a big fan of those. But it interesting to know more about how that "world" works, the artist's inspiration, the problems, the challenges. In a way it was good to find out, and it's always good when you can learn something from a book. At times it felt like it was too much information for a fiction story because it would clash with the character's personal time all the time and it ended up looking like the two things were linked in such a way it almost felt like one thing couldn't work out in the story without the other right there. The two main characters are well liked by many apparently. I didn't dislike them but now that a couple days have gone by since I finished I thin about them without much applause. They were cute together and each of their personalities had interesting things but I wasn't overwhelmed by them. Trip is a nerd guy and by norm I tend to like these, he has his fears too and I felt empathy towards him. But I also cared for Silas and his wish to help, to respect Trip. Still, it wasn't fireworks for me, in particular their time together, I didn't feel any levels of chemistry that drove me crazy hoe deep and powerful they seemed. In fact, their relationship apart from some angst at a certain point, felt rather plain. At he end I felt bad for not enjoying their romance more, but together with the slow pace all the time it seemed a very unsuspicious story. The secondary characters were funny, I liked Jillian in particular, and they complemented the story, they were the support players and their part seemed good. In the end, I wasn't as captivated y this as I'd have liked after seeing so many people loving it. One more proof what works for one might not for someone else. Even the other book by the author I've tried, Hot Head, felt rather slow, although I enjoyed that one more. I wonder if it's just the author's style...in which case will make me think twice about reading another of his books. It's not that he's bad, his work is consistent and obviously well researched. It's just...a bit boring for me... Grade: 5/10
Troy Sacheverell, fifth Earl of Ravenhurst, was
captured in France. Dragged from prison to an old French manor on the
outskirts of civilization, he was purchased by a twisted widow. But more
dangerous still was the young beauty who claimed him as hers.
Lillian wished to flee Camille, her stepmother, but on her nineteenth
birthday, Lillian became Camille's heir. Her gift was a plaything: a man
to end her naivete, a man perfect in all ways but his stolen freedom.
Reluctantly Lillian did as she was told, marked that beautiful flesh and
branded it with the flower of her name. As she did, she saw there was
no place to run. No matter where she might go, she and this man were
prisoners of passion, inextricably joined by... the lily brand.
Comment: I picked this book because I saw some comments about it in a message board. It was said to be rather dark but with a HEA that would make everything alright. After a while I got it and there it went to my TBR. This month I added to my monthly list and I was quite eager to try it and see if was as challenging as it was made to look like. Besides someone whose opinion I trust in historicals was also positive, so one more reason for me to be interested. This is the story of the earl of Ravenhurst, Troy and his terrible experience after being captured in the war. Following that, he is bought by a black widow who lives near his French prison. She then shows him what to expect of his life and is gifted to the widow's stepdaughter. Lillian just wants to escape the castle and her stepmother. She wants a simple life where men aren't treated like pets or animals. Having Troy as her responsibility isn't something she wants but neither can she deny for her stepmother is someone not to anger. After a final and decisive action, Lillian thins she is free of the past...but it comes for her again... Well, this book is divided in several parts, all focused on a certain time of th main couple's lives. The first part is indeed disturbing because the black widow is like a slave owner who breaks men to her will and pleasure and set up a distorted "world" where her biggest aim is to prove she is superior to men, thus mentally braking them. This wasn't news in terms of knowledge but it's still shocking to read about. Lillian and Troy's experiences in this part are awful to see and I was glad when things turned in another direction.
Then starts a different setting, when Lillian is back with her maternal family in England. She wants to forget what happened but Troy returns and most of the action is how they deal with each other after those terrible happenings in France. I thought we'd see an obviously slow but expected path from darkness to redemption with love in th way. Well, things happen a bit more darkly than this, because the couple's scars are great and Troy has a huge difficulty to see Lillian differently. He thins she was just like the widow and his actions reflect his fear and prejudices. I understand his behavior because what happened to him isn't certainly easy to put aside. But he did treat Lillian horribly and takes too long to see his mistakes. Lillian is a simple character, has her personality, but she just let things happen and doesn't seem to want to change. She lives for her experiences and has a certain martyr complex in there. Not that I don't like this, when well done, martyr personalities are more real than what we might see... But here's the thing, both their personalities clashing makes a very slow romance and not that passionate. It's not even particularly sweet either, which could have helped with my empathy towards them all. I get this is the way things were meant, but I thought if the goal was to see how two people so branded by darkness could overcome their past and find happiness no matter what - the biggest answer to those who want to harm you - I think this wasn't done the best way. The happy part only happened in the very end, so this looked rushed and I wasn't totally convinced Troy changed his mind so suddenly. I think a couple more pages here and there just making us see how they both were changing their minds about the other would have helped see how their feelings were getting different, how they were surviving a unspeakable experience and getting focused on romance. This was my biggest issue with the story because if this were different, than the idea we construct of their lives would feel different too. Anyway, his was interesting to read, had a dark aura very impressive and that did build up the rest of the plot in a very obvious but psychologically interesting way. The writing didn't seem bad and I'm curious to see other work by her, just to see if it's this book or all of her books have this sense of difference from the norm. Grade: 6/10
Morgan Kingsley, a
kick-ass exorcist, can deal with Lugh, the supersexy demon living inside
her, but does he have to moan softly during her intimate moments with
her mortal lover? Understandably, Brian is reluctant to share the
pleasures of Morgan’s flesh with a gorgeous rogue from the Demon Realm. But
personal matters will have to wait when the opportunistic owner of the
Seven Deadlies demon club in Philadelphia enlists Morgan’s help in
heading off a crisis: It seems that demons have started showing up at
the hot spot in alarming numbers and in the unwilling bodies of rough
trade club-goers. Morgan is sure that Dougal, Lugh’s sworn enemy, is
behind this, but why? To find out, Morgan must summon every ounce of
power at her command—or risk becoming just another casualty in an
all-out demon war.
Comment: This is the last book in the Morgan Kingsley series. It's the conclusion to this demon exorcist who saw herself as a host to the demon king and went on an adventure to help him defeat his brother and to secure the throne for that would aid humans to keep their lives, as the demon king was human friendly. During this time Morgan saw and confronted her fears and went from demon hater to friend with some and it was a lesson that no one is the same, no matter the species. This series has five installments all narrated by Morgan. In this fifth novel, Morgan and her friends start to develop a plan to remove Dougal, the throne usurper from the demon realm so they can trap him in the mortal one. This way they will be able to help Lugh, the true king, to have his power back. At the same time, everyone has to deal with their own lives and the little things that put them on the dangerous path, because to trap Dougal is a job that could cost too much... I have to say, being quite the fan of this series in particular, I did have some expectations about the end, about how things should be delivered, considering this is the wrap up of all the things that happened to Morgan and those around her because of the demon succession problems. Throughout the five books Morgan not only had to find the will to accept being a demon host but she also had to deal with emotions, life issues and human interactions while hosting. Not an easy job, even more so because she was anti-demon before. But she learned to accept Lugh and to live with him and his influence on her life and dreams. It wasn't easy but she learned a lesson. Therefore I was hoping for an amazing and explosive end, with perhaps a HEA in there as well. It wasn't exactly like that... The good guys win, there's a happy enough ending but I was a bit disappointed by how simplistic everything was...I wonder if the author actually wanted to keep up and perhaps write more but decided not to at the last minute or wasn't eager to do so or something, because the way I see it, the end was rushed, a bit disjointed and not completely finished! I was hoping for some closure on Morgan and Lugh's situation, something more definitive about their relationship or perhaps some clue abut what would happen in the future, bearing in mind Brian's presence there, but everything was left open ended. Even the solution found to deal with Dougal didn't made many decisive changes in the story and I wasn't very agreeable with the way things were done after. It was understandable but not the thing I'd have chosen to solve things. All in all, not the most brilliant conclusion. This book was good for Morgan's personal development, but of course, even in this we finish the book with the feeling something else is going to happen after this latest adventure is done. I was very annoyed with this. I thin this book is more worth for the experience, for the path it took and by how emotional some parts were. I still turned pages quite eagerly and until the last pages I thought the end would be more embellished somehow. Well, if I weren't such a fan of the overall storyline and Morgan's personality, I probably would be even more disappointed, but all things considered I'm just glad none of the characters did something stupid or died, so.... This isn't the end I'd have chosen and I did want to see something "more", you know, but at least it offered some sort of end to the readers. I really just wished it could have been better. Nevertheless, all the beloved characters showed up and had a role to play. Grade: 7/10
This Portuguese group was quite the success when this song was released. There's something about its tone and melody that just lets you dream on... Enjoy!
When her beloved father
passes away, Florence Fairleigh finds herself alone in the world. All
she wants is a man who will treat her kindly and support her
financially—and she's come to London to find him. Edward
Burbrooke thinks marriage is the only way to save his brother,
Freddie—and their family—from scandalous ruin. As head of the family,
Edward has vowed to find Freddie a bride—and fast. Thrown
together by Edward, Florence and Freddie make a perfect pair—until
Edward realizes he has feelings for his brother's betrothed. The sight
of her nubile young body makes his blood burn with lust. The sound of
her voice makes his heart warm with love. And the sweet taste of her
kiss makes him wonder if he isn't making a terrible mistake.
Comment: When looking for the book for the TBR Challenge of July's theme I went for this author. While trying to pick a title from the ones I had, this one was also a choice but I let it go because it didn't seem as much erotica as some of her other novels. I'm glad I didn't because this one is historical and much more modest than her other work. Nevertheless I was curious to see something by her without such a strong erotic content. This is the story of Edward and Florence. She is a young woman who knows she doesn't have much money left so she leaves for London to find employment or a good marriage asking for help in a friend of her father's. This is how she ends up meeting Edward, his brother Freddie and a cast of people who'll be an important part of her new life. Edward feels attracted as soon as he sees Florence but he is looking for a bride for his younger brother, who might face a scandal. But love and attraction don't pick their players and both Florence and Edward have a tricky path in front of them. I was quite satisfied with this book. In fact, after finishing it, I was quite surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. The story has a certain seductive air but it's not erotica and I think for an author so well known by her erotic books, this was quite the confirmation of her talent because with this novel she proves she can do different and well at that. This story has a classic historical storyline, the older brother finds a bride for his sibling but ends up falling in love with her himself. I didn't find this premise boring. I was eager to turn the pages, to see what else they would be doing. And not only the main couple made me curious, even the brother was curious and had a story to tell. I thought this was quite the entertaining story and well presented. Edward wants to stop the family from social ruin because his brother was caught in a compromising position. He is the head of family, sometimes serious but quite passionate. He starts falling for Florence almost immediately but only realizes it later on. His character is responsible and trustworthy. He acts believing he has to put his family's desires and well being above his own but it comes to a point he can't ignore his feelings anymore. I was thrilled when this happened and it such a passionate scene when they first kissed... Florence only wanted a man to provide for her, someone caring at least. She became friends with Freddie and at some point entertains the idea of marrying him indeed but after finding out why he wasn't as eager for that as her, she seeks help somewhere else because of a misunderstanding. She is quite lovable but I wish she could have shown some more spirit at times. Still, I can't really blame her, after all she finds out her intended is gay, that Edward's family tricked her and that she is in love with Edward...too much to take at the time the action takes place, I suppose. Things work out in the end and I liked how things went until the happy ending. It wasn't easy but it wasn't either as melodramatic as that. In my opinion the romance was quite well done. There are several secondary characters portraying their role and although some are to be expected, the jealous mistress, the angry older woman, the helping aunt...and the gay brother, all of them helped enhance this story and making it pleasant for me. I was quite positively surprised to see a f«gay relationship mentioned and shown and part of the main plot. It was interesting and not as badly done as one would expect. It was sweet and special. So, I guess in the end, this is what matters, it did work for me, so I have to think good of it. In the end, I finished the book with a smile, it took me one day to read it, how eager I was to see what would happen next. I know there's a sort of sequel with different main characters, I can't wait to read it and see if these show up and if it's as addictive as this book. Grade: 9/10
Daughter of a
controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a
nightclub and allowing a strange man's seductive Russian accent lure
her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her
life forever. Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery
lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance
programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems--and supplements
her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She
keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail's
reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind,
her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated
but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from
something--and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be
revealed.
Comment: The theme for this month's challenge is a book that has been raved by many and we missed so now it was time to get a go at it. Last year many praised this book by Nora Roberts but I decided to wait to buy the UK paperback edition. Still, I saw how many people loved the book and even said it was one of her best. I'm a big fan of this author, actually she was the author that motivated me to start reading fiction in English for personal fun. Until her I only read in English school texts. From her on, I'm now an avid English reader, even more so than in my mother language. So, in a way, I own it all to her stories because during months her work was my addiction and since her I never stopped.
This is the story of Abigail and Brooks. Abigail is a freelancer computer analyst but she is kind of a genius with computers. She recently moved to a small town in Arizona and is the target of many conversations among the inhabitants of the town, including the chief police, Brooks. Having a handy excuse to visit her secluded house, Brooks wants to talk to her after a not so good first meeting in the supermarket. Brooks is intrigued by her air of mystery, her isolation and her strange appeal to him... I loved this book! It has many things to love, but I can't say no more until I let out my most favorite thing of them all about this book: This story doesn't have a lunatic or dissimulated villain hiding and hunting our beloved heroes!! Finally, a mystery book where the good guys have the knowledge and the power to strike back while the villain doesn't even need to make a rushed or horrifying presence apart from the first one! Yay! I can't say how grateful I am for not having to bear all those pages of dreading when the villain would attack or kill some beloved character we'd mourn but who has nothing to do with the main plot! Ohhh what a relief, what a breath of fresh air!! This was indeed my favorite thing in the story and it can be done well. This didn't make the book seem weaker or lacking! It works! Oh why aren't more authors trying this..? Mysteries of the universe. My reverent praise stated, I can say I liked the story a lot. There's a little bit issue about Abigail's character I wished could be different, but it's just personal wishful thinking, nothing really related to feel of the story. In the end, all the little details abut this story had an important place and importance. Some things are harder to believe real, but there's nothing impossible, only highly unlikely. Abigail has forged an existence for herself using her head and her computers. I suppose it's not as easy s it looks like from this novel, but bearing the fiction purpose in this, I'd say it was quite the elaborate story and showed the author's well researched subjects and how she had to keep her information straight, otherwise it would look sloppy and all over the place. She does know how to build up the plot and the things happening. The characters. One of ms Robers strengths in writing is how she can create believable personalities and make them seem real and act and how we feel empathy towards them and want to see them happy. I thought the main couple was well suited and I enjoyed their dialogs because Abigail is so pragmatic and to the point and Brooks is more relaxed and their conversations are both balanced and funny. Their relationship starts slowly and but the progress is believable. The romance is well done because Abigail doesn't think she's entitled and Brooks tried his best to make her see that she does. Abigail had had a very weird live because of her relationship with her mother and how she was shaped and told to act a certain way. She feels guilty because she rebelled and that was the starting point of all the bad things in her life. She thinks she is just surviving but love from Brooks also makes her understand she can love and be loved. Her personality is intriguing and her life even more so. Nothing is as simple as that with her and we feel empathy even when she acts in a way not very warm. But we learn to like and support her, just like Brooks, someone closer to reality and with a personality Nora Roberts hot us used to. All their interactions were good. The plot had two main focus. It's Abigail's past and present and what she did, what she does and what she starts seeing is possible to do since she met Brooks and saw the love a family can give her and Brooks' work and what he has to do. These two things aren't exactly connected but by mixing this with their lives, Abigail and Brooks manage to be even more important for each other because as their love grows, also the confidante and trust between them does too. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Little details stop a perfect ten, but it's very, very close. Added to the fact this author is still one of my favorites ever, this was indeed a fantastic book, much better than some of her recent ones, which I agree with other readers when they said some seemed not as strong. I hope what is to come keeps up the good storytelling and the creativity, because Roberts can write an can imagine. This one is a winner! Grade: 9/10
Hugh Prentice has never
had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has
ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since
tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this
brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a
woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her. Sarah has
never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her
family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't
matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his
personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company
they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when
one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose
count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ... New
York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's enchanting third novel in
the Smythe-Smith quartet is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and
tug at your heartstrings in equal measures.
Comment: This book arrived last week, and it's the third in the most recent quartet by the author. Those who know her Bridgerton series certainly remember the Smythe-Smith musicale that happens every year and that mortifies those who listen and...always one of those who plays. This quartet is based on the players, those girls that perform and who dread the incoming year where they'll have to play again. But despite looking like all of the girls hate to play, it isn't so and the reasons why they do it even when they now they're not very talented are explained here. This is the story of Sarah Pleinsworth, she is a cousin to Daniel and Honoria, the heroes fom the previous two books. Sarah knows they play badly. While Honoria didn't mind playing because it was for the family, Sarah focuses on how badly they crucify the listeners so she wants to marry as soon as possible for the only two reasons one doesn't have to play is death or marriage. Now that her cousins are both getting married within weeks of each other, Sarah is asked to make company with Hugh Prentice, the reason her cousin Daniel went into exile and why she didn't have a proper Season in her come out. Sarah hates Hugh - or she says - but for her cousin, she will endure his company...or aren't things as easy as that..after all, she doesn't have all the details, does she? I liked this story. The author always makes a good job in her characterization, in mixing the funny moments and the serious ones. Still, I do think there's a slightly obvious attempt to make this look funnier than what it is and if this were to happen more smoothly I probably wouldn't notice, but considering that I do it seems to me, it's something not easily ignored and somehow I can't put it aside. This is my issue with the book, I don't mind that it has funny scenes and dialogs ans so on, but I also didn't want to be reminded of it so obviously, so...the funny is her trademark, but she used to be a bit more subtle about it. Critics apart, I liked this story and the romance. Sarah and Hugh don't get along, they met years before and had a fight and now they have to bear each other. Their relationship doesn't start very well, but slowly they learn things about the other that are different from what was expected considering neither Hugh nor Sarah thought much about what it is to be in the other's shoes. The time they are spending together bridges not only their differences but their similarities and it's quite the pleasure to see them discover a soul mate. Sarah learns Hugh's side of the story and she starts feeling he isn't the villain in all this. She also hurts her ankle and has trouble walking so she sees herself in Hugh's shoes for a while and she feels compassion and not pity. As time goes by, she starts seeing Hugh as someone she cares about and the more time she spends with him, the more in love the falls. Hugh feels the same. After the misunderstandings from the past are dealt with, Hugh still has to bear Sarah's company because after Daniel forgave him, he still feels he has to do what he can to minimize his guilt over what he thing was the ruin of his friend. So he endures th weddings despite his leg because he feels he owns Daniel something. Being with Sarah starts as looking like she his nanny and he's uncomfortable, but soon he sees in her a person with a good heart and her soul isn't that bad either. The romance was amazing. When they figured they loved each other was quite the scene and when they first kiss was a memorable scene as well. I liked the tone of the romance, from them not liking each other, from bearing the other, from seeing something special in the other until they only thought what it would be like to love the other. I thought it was a romance with many levels and all quite balanced. Their personalities an attitudes didn't feel out of sorts for what we were used to see and I liked the consistency. This book isn't her best I think, but it was quite the romance, the storyline focused mostly on that and I loved it. I do recommend it. A note for this edition...there's something whimsical about the British covers...I think they're so cute and romantic...when I can I do try to get my Julia Quinn's books from this publisher. Isn't this one lovely? Grade: 8/10
Even in Grundy, Alaska,
it's unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle
on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern
transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her
surly neighbor Cooper Graham, who has been openly critical of Mo's
ability to adapt to life in Alaska, has trouble of his own. Werewolf
trouble. For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his
dysfunctional pack, it's love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But
Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people
around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper
has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he's worried
that he might be the violent canine in question. If a wolf
cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is
not the culprit. Except if he's not responsible, then who is? And when a
werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you
supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more
complicated. . .
Comment: This was the book chosen for a book club I participate in. I have another book by the author to read but the chosen one was this so I went and got it. I was a bit optimistic because it has a good rating and it has a werewolf that, as surely those who read my comments know, is my favorite paranormal character, even more so than vampires. So, I was really eager to start it. This is the story of Mo and Cooper. Mo goes to Alaska to be away from her parents because they think differently from her, they are some kind of hippies and she wants independence and to be in a place for herself, without their interference. She is only looking for some solitude and time to charge batteries until she makes a decision to stay or to go after her lease is done. Cooper is a werewolf away from home after some disputes with his family over the fact he's an alpha who took action over something but didn't like how it went. Now he works as a guide in the wild and after meeting Mo, it seems they feel attracted but he doesn't want to like her, so their interactions are often mutually rude. But will this happen all the time? I was hoping for a good story, entertaining, vibrant. I also expected humor and probably silly stuff, considering the cover and some things I've read about the story here and there. I was really expecting a silly chic lit story where the main point would be to see how long the main couple would take to have sex. It's really great when we can be surprised positively, because the way I saw this novel, it wasn't as funny or as stupid as I thought! In fact, it wasn't superficial at all. The story has the funny elements we would expect, like Mo's upbringing, her challenges to start over, her adventures in the Alaska weather, the cliched characters to balance her, and so on. But I guess I had some sort of colored glasses on because apart from the silly scene randomly inserted, I didn't think this was a comedy. This was a lighter paranormal than my usual, but I think it wasn't a silly comedy. The way I saw it, it was about someone with a weird life that just wanted normalcy and she sees herself trying to be as normal as possible in situations that aren't that common, but they can't be said to be an exaggeration. She found friends and a job and a purpose and even love. I consider this book to be a light contemporary, and very good. The paranormal part isn't that exploited besides the basic and I felt the tone used was quite balanced and nothing was made intentionally exaggerated. I loved it! It's hard to find a contemporary that reaches this sort of balance, especially to fit my personal tastes, so...god work, ms Harper! Mo is an intriguing character. The best thing about her, for me, was how down to earth she was. I now many can say it's because she was raised by hippies and she wanted to be normal, do normal things. Yes, it was this, but also her own personality. She was practical but not too stiff or too lazy. She was quite well characterized and she thought things, she had confidence but this wasn't the aspect of her personality that stand out. She was a responsible person and I liked seeing her dealing with responsibility. I really liked her. Cooper was an interesting main character. Not stupid or just a stud to help the heroine, he had something about himself and he wasn't the mighty know-it-all hero that usually alphas in paranormal can be. He had his weaknesses and doubts and it was good to see him needing Mo for her support and not only sex. I was quite impressed with their relationship. it was a great romance. Overall, I liked everything about this book, although by the end things happened a bit rushed somehow...I just felt it could have been a bit slower, that's all. But no complaints, for me this story worked wonderfully! I'm now eager to read more and will buy the rest of the trilogy as soon as I can. I thin this was one of the best romances I've read, no doubts. I hope all the author's work is as engrossing and addictive. Grade: 9/10
The severed head marked
by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but
dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire
Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death,
something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to
discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to
the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo. Savaged in a brutal
attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face
to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and
who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same
vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old
enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in
her. As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might
destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried.
Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a
blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...
Comment: I picked this book because I was curious to see how the author would deal with different characters in her angel world. I admit this isn't my favorite series and I don't feel the love as much as I do with her PSY/Changeling one. Still, I decided to try this and see if I could find something to carry on anyway. This is the story of Dmitry and Honor. Dmitry is the archangel's Raphael second, meaning he does have a lot of power and influence although he isn't an angel, he is a vampire. Dmitry is forever thankful to Raphael for things from the past and he doesn't mind doing whatever necessary to show Raphael has power and strength. When asked to offer help to a guild hunter to solve a mystery, he isn't prepared for Honor, even when he thinks he is. Honor is a guild hunter still hiding after an horrible attack that lasted two months when she was captive by a group of vampires. Now the Director told her she needed to go back to active duty and with no excuses, Honor meets Dmitry. There's something between them and they both wonder if it's only attraction... I have to say I did enjoy this story a lot more than the others in the series. To this day I still think Raphael and Elena are too much of an island to offer a suitable romantic story. They are ok, but not as good as they could. Now, this new couple, is different. The setting is still the same, the focus just changes a bit, but the action follows the last book, so this is best read in order. Being this about new main characters, it's obvious there's more time dedicated to them personally, and what they are, instead of them being a handy help to the plot (sometimes my take on some parts in the previous books). I was very interested in what they thought and how their relationship would play out considering Dmitry was used to do what he wanted but Honor seemed too scared and innocent in a way to oppose him. I'm always eager to see two very different characters fall in love... Dmitry had good life when he was human but his life was ruined the day a vampire took an interest in him. Raphael helped him and he got revenge but not what he lost. Since then he became more and more a inhuman being and the challenges he faces are all about his work. He doesn't seem to care about anything else but when Elena became a part of his boss' life, Dmitry started to change a bit as well. But it was meeting Honor that made him remember many things from his past and how he ever dealt with what his thoughts put him through when that happened. Slowly, Honor went through his defenses and started to make a place at his heart. He had a lot to overcome and a new love, something he never got from the other women who've been in his life, was key to make him feel alive again. Honor had led a simple enough life although not an easy one. She had to overcome many challenges until she became a guild hunter. When her life seemed steadier, something awful happened and she had to endure two months of captivity. Friends helped her but it was hard to live with the memories so she hid until now. Meeting Dmitry woke something in her, and not only her passion to live. The more she knows Dmitry, the more confidante she becomes and the more she sees in him. Strange scenes play out in her head when she's near him and their personal involvement gets more intimate. I lid how they worked out their issues and made a relationship that could help them on the same level. they were stronger together. Plus, their personalities gained from being with the other, because personal things suddenly had a new point of view and when things are shared they don't seem to weight as much. It was good to see them in love and to be honest, the way they ended was also a surprise even when we thought it was easily obvious. The plot had its interest and was played out well to suit the storyline in general and for this romance in particular. Nothing too fancy, but solid enough to have a purpose and not be just because. The villain here was, indeed, unlikely. Despite having loved this book, this romance and how they were fine together, I still have my doubts about any new books in this series. I'll read the following one because it' also with a different couple. Still, this isn't a series that makes me passionate over the characters. However, other couples are as good as this one, then I might enjoy the books a lot more than what I might think. Grade: 7/10
Anne Verlaine's four
year marriage to Geoffrey, Lord D'Aubrey, was a living hell. Her only
comfort was her lovely new home--the village of Wyckerley in the heart
of Devonshire. And even more irresistible was her attraction to
Christian Morrell, "Christy," the vicar of All Saints Church. He looked
like an archangel, his strength something palpable, his golden-haired
handsomeness a source of light in her dark life. Anne's husband
had once been Christy's closest friend, but war and life had scarred
Geoffrey inside and out. Now he was going to leave her behind in
Wyckerley, with the shocking truth of their marriage still hidden as
deeply as his dangerous plans. Anne had no right to want Christy to love
her, and no choice but to need him, even though she risked his
ruin...and her own. But he was everything to her. She would defy this
world for him...and the next.
Comment: I've read a long time ago how a certain book by this author was one of the best romances out there. Naturally I was curious and wrote it down. Later, when I investigated that title I saw it was part of a trilogy, namely the second. So, I told myself I'd follow the "rules" and read things in order. I got the trilogy eventually and it has been in the pile for a long time. This month I've decided to read the first one to see if I wanted to keep reading. I do and next year I'll read the following two (December is full). This is the story of Anne Verlaine, she's married to Geoffrey but their marriage isn't a good one. When Geoffrey's father dies, they come to Wyckerley to Geoffrey's estate. It's there Anne meets her husband's childhood friend, Christy, who is also the reverend. After Geoffrey goes to war, Anne and Christy get closer and get to know each other. A seduction starts between them until the day things can no longer be the same...
This story didn't dazzle me as much as I hoped for. I now it's very well liked by many readers and I expected something out of this world, but after finishing the book, despite the usual time spent thinking about it, I realized I wasn't as marveled by this as I imagined. Once again, taste is personal and despite seeing the beauty of the story I was a bit immune to it in the end.
At first I was a bit put off by the idea of Anne and Christy. Not that they didn't deserve some happiness, in particular Christy, such a humble and beautiful character...but I don't tend to care much for aggressive heroines and although Anne isn't the worst I've read about, I still wished she would be a bit more sedate in her actions. I mean she doesn't do anything improper but added to her inner thoughts, I came to see her through that light. I'm exaggerating perhaps, but that's how I started seeing her and it was hard not to. Christy seemed to good to be true...his faults weren't exactly faults so there was nothing in him I'd change, especially because I liked how good sense he had, he wasn't careless or improper either, he didn't let his emotions get the best of him and he didn't act without thinking. All these things didn't make him look less of a man or a hero, in fact I appreciated these qualities a lot. I thin in this, their relationship had balance. Anne was more impetuous in a way, and Christy calmer. Their romance ended up being quite good, not without challenges and surprises, but then it wouldn't be as thrilling. I have to confess I didn't see coming a thing or two, despite having that feeling that things were being too good to let the guard down and I feared when the characters had to deal with the setbacks. Still, I was more than happy with the end, and not without a bit regret by how some things worked out.
The story offered quite the thoughtful twists. Things aren't as easy as they look and it was quite the lesson to see how we can act when we think we have all the knowledge on our side. Sometimes life surprises us and for me, it was quite interesting to see how surprises made me thin about the story and the actions on it. On a curious note, I always find interesting how reverends can be romantic heroes...being a roman catholic myself and used to priests being celibate, this is always so fun to watch... In the end, this story wasn't as amazing as I pictured it in my head, but I wasn't unhappy either. Meeting expectations is always a hard game for a reader, we all know things don't always work out in a perfect way, but all things considered, this romance was good, offered interesting scenes and did leave me curious about the ones to come. Grade: 7/10
Rory knows better than
to get involved with someone whose first love is their Job.
Unfortunately, chief of Security Jin won't take no for an answer. Rory
has a rather intimidating personal problem: Teradyne Corporation's
chief of security, Jin. Despite his attraction to the dark-haired elite,
Rory knows better than to get involved with someone who's first love is
their Job. Unfortunately, Jin doesn't seem to want to take 'no' for an
answer.
Comment: I've had this one to read for a long time and I only got it because I enjoyed some other things by the author. However, this one fell flat because it was a short story and I don't think it as enough time to develop the characters or their personalities. The storyline had interesting elements but the personal side wasn't as well done. I didn't feel any empathy towards the two main characters and when the story ended I wasn't sorry to see it over. This is set in a futuristic world bu I wished for a more conventional personal development. Grade: 3/10
* * *
Humans have the option
of separation, divorce, and heartbreak—for Corinne Carol-Anne
Kirkpatrick,
sorceress and queen of the vampires, the choices are
limited to love or death. Now that she is back at Green’s hill and
assuming her duties as leader, her life is, at best, complicated.
Bracken and Nicky are rivalling for her affections, Green is gone taking
care of his people, and a new supernatural enemy is threatening the
sanctity of all she has come to love. Throw in a family reunion gone
bad, a supernatural psychiatrist and a killer physics class, and Cory’s
life isn’t just complex, it’s psychotic. Cory needs to get her act
and her identity together, and soon, because the enemy she and her
lovers are facing is a nightmare that doesn’t just kill people, it
unmakes them. If she doesn’t figure out who she is and what her place is
on Green’s hill, it’s not just her life on the line. She knows from
hard experience that the only thing worse than facing death is facing
the death of someone she loves.
Because loving people is easy—living with them is what takes the real work, and it’s even harder if you’re BOUND.
Comment: This is the third story in this series and this time there's another villain to conquer. The story doesn't run away from what we were used to in the first two books, but as always we see a lot of inner thoughts and interactions. Although the storyline doesn't feel like it's that different, there's no doubt it provides quite the emotional ride because all characters show their feelings, their issues and t some point everything is discussed. I think the author does good job showing the reader what can be inside someone's head, no matter the humanity of the subject. This isn't as bad or as good as I thought after the first book, but I can't say it isn't emotional and thoughtful. Grade: 6/10
After years spent on
ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin
River's new veterinary assistant. The secluded community's wild beauty
tugs at his Navajo roots, and he's been welcomed with open arms by
everyone in town; everyone except Lilly Yazhi. Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, traditional
men within her own aboriginal community, and she's not interested in
coming back for more. In her eyes, Clay's earthy, sexy appeal is just an
act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. She can't deny his
gift for gentling horses, but she's not about to let him control her.
There's just one small problem, she can't control her attraction to Clay. But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere.
Comment: In continuing with my read-a-long of this series one book a month this month it was time for Promise Canyon, which isn't the 11th story of the series, but it's the 11th full length story. I was very eager to read this one, as I've aways been for all the books int he series so far. This story is about Clay, he is a Native American farrier and veterinary assistant and comes near Virgin River to work for his old friend Nate. He also wants his teenager son near him and to live a new life away from his ex wife. Lilly is a young native woman and she had terrible things happening in her past, so now she stays away from other native men. However, while delivery the horses feed, she meets Clay and is attracted to him but tells herself to be away because nothing good can come out of it. But while caring for a sick horse, Lilly sees Clay isn't lie any other native and decided to trust him, until the day someone gets in the way and tries to confuse her. Will Clay loose her because of a mix up? I expected this to be a good book and I was proved right. The story is engaging and it h the same style the author had us used to. The storyline is simple, no artifices or exaggeration. This is a story to enjoy and to wish could be longer just because. It isn't my favorite, I think Noah and Ellie will be my favorite couple ever in the series, but I was very hay with the story anyway. I liked how the main couple is Native American. I confess I don't know much about the subject, only that there are many different tribes and they were overpowered by the white man and many were forced to live in reservations. I've read other books with Native characters and the idea they are seen as somewhat inferior or not as respected is seen in many of them. I don't know how much is cultural or used as a fictional segment, but from books and movies I have the idea things aren't easy for them, even nowadays. Anyway, it was an interesting theme of the story and I liked how they talked about their tribes and traditions. It gave a more serious tone to the story and proved they weren't meant just to be different. Lilly and Clay had some not so good experiences in their pasts. Lilly had had a young romance that shaped her whole life and she never forgot. Now with Clay in the picture she had to learn part of her issues was how she didn't get over that although she tried to convince herself she did. I thought her problems were very realistic and true and I felt for her, because I just know so many people have the same fears even when not experiencing the same things, but it was good to see Lilly evolve from what was bad towards a better future and most of it came from hr own mind and not just circumstances. Clay also had some challenging experienced to deal with and he proved he was a man of good heart and his problems didn't shape what he would become. He tried to get out of what was expected of him and grew up to be a better person. I like how the author redeems in a way, her characters, but never easily or superficially. Both Clay and Lilly had some inner stuff to deal with and they did, in a convincing and "human" way. I mean, it wasn't too fast or too obvious or too stupid just to please the reader. As always, the plot is funny and thoughtful and I liked seeing everyone, old and new characters and how the ones we care about are going on. This is a series about family and friendship and it's great, no matter how many people show up. All in all, a good story, there's always a wonderful feel about these stories, even when reading about the not so positive parts. I love this "world" and do recommend it to everyone who likes small town contemporaries. Grade: 7/10
The Byng family,
theatrical down to the youngest, 12 year-old Cordelia, are stunned out
of even their normal self-involvement by the news that their father, the
celebrated Shakespearean actor, has apparently killed his rival on
stage during the last rehearsals for the new production of King Lear.
Waldo Byng is arrested for murder and held in police custody : the press
camp outside the house, detectives attempt to interview the family and
friends, and Clarissa Byng abandons the entire scene by fleeing with her
longtime companion. It is left to the rest of the family to try
to find a way through this disaster and above all to earn some money as
the play is naturally cancelled. The nine months from arrest to the
final trial are a wonderful learning curve about the real world for all
of them, in particular for Harriet, considered the most 'sensible' of
the remarkable family.
Comment: When I fist noticed this book it was its translation edition in Portuguese. The blurb seemed interesting and I immediately imagined a sort of contemporary saga where that family would have to deal with interesting conflicts in particular Harriet, the apparent protagonist. I decided I had to own this book. However at the time I wasn't yet in the brave new world of Internet shopping so I only saw this book at bookstores and being published by a certain publisher, the price was quit expensive. Three years ago I saw it at the capital's yearly book fair with a huge discount and I thought what a great opportunity it was! I purchased it right away but as it happens with most books, it has been languishing in the book pile since then, This month I picked and decided it was time. This is the story of the Byng family. All the members of the family have affinity to the theater except Harriet. The book is a description of everyone's lives after the father is arrested for a murder which he didn't commit. Besides Harriet's parents there are her brother and three sisters, plus family friends. The cast of characters is quite big and they all play some sort of role in this story. We can say the action of this book is how the family deals with some troubles and how they go on with their lives after the father's arrest and the financial issues in their house. Well, after all the time hoping for this book and the three years since I bought it didn't work out in a fine story. I thought this to be sometimes annoying, extremely exaggerated and very confusing. The story does follow many characters in their hardships and common lives as a family and as individuals but despite knowing this was meant to be a satiric comedy, I also expected something more seriously done. It wasn't. The story felt like a circus and not a theater play, no matter how much the characters would act the part. The storytelling was pretty basic but there wasn't much to make me interested in the story, I was more focused on the pages missing to end it. It had some good scene here and there and I did laugh two or three times over some silly thing or sentence. But overall, it wasn't what I expected and what was delivered didn't seem suitable either. This being called a comedy, amusing and silly things are to be expected, but I thought there was no need to exaggerate everything. The characters didn't seem to have any kind of responsible behavior and those who did seemed to act just as a contrast to the others. Nothing they did was totally believable or remotely credible. It appeared anything related to professional or savvy behavior was an alien concept. Only Harriet seemed to have some sort of responsibility, but even her would act quite silly at times. But as the story was told from her point of view, her actions didn't seem to be as annoying. Some of the other characters also had some redeemable qualities but most times I was too annoyed at all that I couldn't really enjoy their better side. A thing that was more interesting was how sometimes some more thoughtful dialogs would show up. People would discuss some silly thing but what they said wasn't always a joke. I liked some of those words and thoughts and was sorry there weren't more of them. There's romance too but I found them all (quite a few) to lack something vital to be more believable or solid. The overall feeling I got was that this was all exaggerated without having to, at least not all the way. I ended up this boo quite relieved because I was a bit disappointed. Apparently the author is recognized by her talent of writing this types of novels, British chick lit I guess, but I wasn't impressed at all. I thin, her niche notwithstanding, she could have given the same comedy impression without being exaggerated in this. I thought the story was too silly, the characters and the conversations and the attitudes and the actions, everything was exaggerated and almost stupid. I thin a bit more seriousness wouldn't harm the inner feel of the plot or the purpose. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this that much. Grade: 3/10
I've had my Bebook Club for two and a half years. It has been working wonderfully all this time. However, this morning there was a light on although I shut it down last night. Apparently it's the battery, which discharged and now it won't charge anymore while I connect it to the PC...I'm so angry and annoyed and sad..I got to depend on it to read my ebooks, just the thought of going back to read them on the PC is like a stone on my head....unbearable thought.... The warrant is already invalid, of course. I don't now if I should try to have it fixed or if it's even possible, or if it's better to look for a new one...it's just such a despairing idea! I bought it online so I can't just go to the store and do it fast. The online store no longer sells them either! I feel worried and doubtful about what to do.... Today sucks!
Charlotte Arkendale knew
all there was to know about men. After all, she'd made a career out of
steering marriage-minded women away from untrustworthy members of the
opposite sex. Yet nothing could have prepared her for Baxter St.
Ives--an arresting stranger too daring, too determined, too dangerous to
be her new man-of-affairs. Still, perhaps he was the perfect person to
help Charlotte investigate the recent murder of one of her clients. So
she gave him a chance, never realizing that Baxter, a gifted scientist,
would soon conduct a risky exploration into the alchemy of desire, with
Charlotte as his subject. But even as he sets out to seduce
Charlotte, a twisted killer lies in wait, ready to part the lovers...or
see them joined together forever--in death. Comment: Another one of the many books by the author that I have. The blurb of this one seemed promising so I left it for later instead of one of the others, as I tend to leave things that seem better for later and thus enjoying them more. It's a personal thing of mine. This is Charlotte and Baxter's story. Charlotte has had a difficult experience when younger and she actually saved her younger sister from a crime. She and her sister were left without any family after that and Charlotte put her brain to work and came up with a job she could do and that wouldn't be what was expected of young ladies with nothing. But now she has a task to accomplish and she needs a man-of-affairs to help her. Baxter is a chemist and prefers his laboratory to anything else because, as a bastard, he had to live with his family's name in the society gossip. But someone is dead and he wants to know who did the deed and clues point to Charlotte. He gets to be her man-of-affairs and tries to investigate, but soon they both reach the conclusion there's more to the other than they thought and more than respect starts to grow between them.
I liked this story a lot. I thin it's one of the author's best in this genre.Although all of them follow a certain formula and can be very similar in terms of plot devices and sequences, I still feel there's some unique feel to each story that makes it more or less enjoyable.
I thought this story was very good and I really liked the main characters. Charlotte has had some challenges but she comes up as a independent and smart woman int he end. I liked how she faced a dire situation but she used her brain and despite working she can also provide help to other women and keeping her respectable position, even though people still thin she's odd. hen she meets Baxter she fears his personality is more than he appears to show and she is proved right later on. But Charlotte is also practical - like most Quick's heroines - and she doesn't let herself be too dazzled. But she still can't help feel attracted and to fall in love. I liked this contrast,she can be down to earth but has a softer side when in love. Their romance happened like most romances by this author do, with an apparent easy seduction but that hides a strong bond. As for Baxter, he's an interesting character, also with his problems in life, but he is a trustworthy person, everyone says so. He helps others even when he doesn't feel like it and he takes charge when needed. But he isn't an alpha type character and part of his charm was due to this. I think I appreciated his behavior more because of this. Problems aside, these two had a good story, they had a good relationship, they had something special between them and most people didn't see what each one of them saw in the other, and I liked how they were something a little bit special just for the other one. The plot was smart, with the usual clichés too, but despite this, still managed to be entertaining and offered some interesting twists. Some things were expected, but it was still enjoyable even when we knew what would follow. There were some details about this plot that also gave some more depth to the overall story, and not always something easily obvious in her other novels. All in all, a god story, good characters, many elements to strengthen the things happening and a main couple that was good together and on their own. Good secondary characters to enhance the main one's personality and in the end, a satisfying conclusion. I liked it a lot. Grade: 8/10
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