Baltimore Homicide
Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to
endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that
her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put
the past to rights, even when she becomes a target. It’s
former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but
he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie.
Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the
wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when
Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do
whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a
killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...
Comment: This is the most recent book by this author. I've been a fan since book #1 years ago...I loved and still do love her writing style and combination of thriller and romance. I thin she manages to keep a good balance of both in every story. This new book is Clay and Stevie's story. We've known them from several books ago and have slowly seen the development of the relationship between them. It has been a journey full of chemistry and caution but after a amazing end in the previous book, we finally have the chance to see them get their HEA in a story that puts Stevie in the front seat of a race against something from her professional past. But Stevie has friends and Clay, and it's their turn to find happiness... Once more, I really loved a story by this author. Ms Rose got her readers used to wonderful stories and characters whose lives we still follow and wish the best for. One of the best things in her books is how special the romance feels after so many obstacles in the main character's paths. This book loosely follows the action from the previous stories, and it tides up many subjects. It's easily read by any unsuspecting new reader, but for those loyal ones we see many subjects getting solved. In fact, it's clear the author is ready to tidy things, considering she already said whose story is next and how after that, she will change location again. Let's see what is on the move... As for this story in particular, I have no beautiful words, just my sincere appreciation for a good romance. I loved Clay and Stevie's relationship. I thought at some moments she was a bit annoying but if I did the exercise of putting myself in her shoes, who knows what I'd do to protect my child, to keep my sometimes wrong pride and my fear to take a chance on love, just like she did? I don't think she acted wisely but she didn't do anything out of there either. I think her and Clay's romance was slow to reach happiness but I liked how it happened. I was surprised at Clay, he is such a wonderful character...I don't remember details but I do recall when he first showed up and I thought he would be one of those alpha nonsense men, and after all he has a warm, loving side so amazing...it was really special to see him through that perspective. It was wonderful to watch them together too and I loved seeing them finally compromise on an HEA after some misunderstandings and stubbornness actions.
The crime part was as mysterious as ever despite us knowing who the bad guy is. I keep saying my least favorite parts in her novels are when the bad guys do and think things. I get it's a good way to see things happen instead of knowing about them, but personally, I could do without the drama and the annoyance of bearing those mind processes, so unfair to good people! Anyway, the mystery parts had their interest and some things did surprise me, but I confess it's not what makes me most eager to read. I liked seeing beloved characters and others that have grown up during the series...like a family and I do like series with this. There are clues about a secondary romance in this book which I also loved...it was a good way to solve two people's fates without much air time but in an important way, so..good work. In the end, a great book and romance and once again, this author doesn't disappoint me. I keep being eager to read more and her biggest fault is the whole year it takes to get a new book out...with all those pages it's understandable but still not easy to bear in mind...a faster process would help! Grade: 9/10
Music is back. This song is by a Portuguese singer. His work is spread out int he world...I don't know much of what he does, but this song told me something...I like it very much. Enjoy!
Before her
court-martial, Captain Chasidah "Chaz" Bergren was the pride of the
Sixth Fleet. Now she's a fugitive from the justice of a corrupt
Empire. Along with her lover, the former monk, mercenary, and telepath
Gabriel Ross Sullivan, Chaz hoped to leave the past light-years
behind until the news of her brother Thad's arrest and upcoming
execution for treason. It's a ploy by Sully's cousin Hayden Burke to
force them out of hiding, and it works. With a killer targeting human females and a renegade gen lab breeding jukor
war machines, Chaz and Sully already had their hands full of treachery,
betrayal not to mention each other. Throw in Chaz's Imperial
ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and a Kyi-Ragkiril mentor
out to seduce Sully, and not just loyalties but lives are at stake. For
when Sully makes a fateful choice, changing their relationship forever,
Chaz must also choose between what duty demands and what her heart
tells her she must do.
Comment: For this month, the challenges' theme is series catch up. I have tons of these so to pick one wouldn't be hard. When I was fixing the challenge page my eyes went to one of my shelves and the first boo part of a series I saw was this one, so this was pretty much my reason to pick sci fi romance, just a random look. Linnea Sinclair writes sci fi romances of course, and this book is the second in her Dock Five series. So far the series has 4 books, I have no idea if more are to come, but obviously I'm late on this one, so another good - secondary though - reason to read this for the challenge. This book follows the things that happened in the first book, Gabriel's Ghost. In that book, Gabriel rescued Chaz from prison and asked her help to destroy a common enemy, while they dealt with possibilities in their relationship and consequently, fell in love. Gabriel, or Sully, had a secret he shared with Chaz and she not only didn't push him away, she welcomed him and proved she loved him; it was a romantic story indeed. Now, their mission goes on but things get more complicated when other people's ideas get in the way, especially people they trust at first. Help isn't always welcome when it comes to hidden agendas neither Sully nor Chaz know about and perhaps when they do it's already too late to solve things... I was very eager when I started the book because I knew it would feature two people in love and I couldn't wait to see their relationship solid and true. One of the best things about series is to see the confirmation of everything the characters have worked for settled and strong and even hopeful. This subject actually left a certain negative impression in my mind, though. The way the story ends isn't very clear on how things stand in reality for them. We know they are together but what happened during the book shaped them differently...I have to confess I finished the book a bit worried about them, it's almost like something was left untold, unsolved, in the air... the following books in the series will have different protagonists, so I worry about the relationship between Sully and Chaz. This left a worrying note for me...I hope it can be explained or solved in a future boo, but the way it ended wasn't good enough for my taste. As for the plot, once more we see the author's talent with imagination and description of situations and characters not easy to portray so readers can fully understand the author's vision. I'm still amazed by how easy it seems to see what the author pictured in her own head...I guess it's a matter of talent because many authors write sci fi and honestly many are boring but m Sinclair does a great job in describing all the machines, beings and even weapons in a completely made up world. Very interesting. Also interesting is the emotions played here. After reading the first book the idea of prejudice seemed a key stone in the plot and once more, a feeling, an emotion, sort of, seems to play a good role in this novel as well. I'm talking about expectations. Perhaps it was me, after all every reader sees things from their own POV so, every comment is personal and different... Well, in this story both Sully and Chaz have expectations about their relationship, and I think this was played well by the author. But then a new character showed up and created situations where everyone had their own expectations about behavior, opinions...attitudes. People are just wired to expect something, whether feelings or actions. I think in this novel expectations proved too much for some things...I think the fact Sully expected something and trusted what those expectations meant was one of the reasons things went wrong at some point. I'm not talking about him and Chaz but it got to them too. If people wouldn't have to follow expectations and the consequences of failed actions...I mean, in this case, Sully trusted someone and expected a certain result but things got really complicated and something bad happened. I don't know if those are expectations one can live with in the end... Expectations can shape out ideas and our actions but after the dust settles, can we really say it was a god thing to follow them? Something to really think about... In the end, a good story where one can see the writing skills and technical talents of the author. As for the content, some troubles for me there but I can' say it was bad, just too much in the air, in my opinion. Let's see the next book - when I read it - and if it's as good as people say it is. Grade: 7/10
As a wildcat Shifter and
leader of his Shiftertown, Eric Warden knows his own kind. When he sees
Iona Duncan, he realizes that although she appears human, she is a
half-Shifter wildcat living without a Collar—and that if she doesn't
acknowledge her true nature and her mating hunger, it may kill her… Iona
finds the mysterious and powerful Eric alluring, even though she has
vowed never to reveal her Shifter side, lest her mother pay the price
for hiding her all these years. But her mating hunger is rising, and
with Eric so close, she may not be able to resist…and her desire may
lead to the very doom they are fighting to deny…
Comment: This is another book in the Shifters Unbound series by ms Ashley. Although I feel this series isn't as strong as her historical one, I still read these books fast and happily. This series has a lot of novellas as well, and I plan to read them too in the future. This book features Eric Warden. He's a character we've known since a couple books ago and he always showed a strong and solid presence. Knowing his past I was very eager to see his story. He met Iona at a bar one day and he found out she was half shifter, something humans don't know and if they do, she has to use the Collar and banned from human rights. Their relationship starts with Eric teaching Iona bout what it means to be a shifter but soon what's between them gets stronger. This was a solid read in the series. The world is established, we know the rules and we get new characters too, to make th story evolve and get more that feeling of community, even among shifters of different species. I think many characters have a lot of potential to be protagonists, but the novellas have quite the page number too, so nothing would feel like a letdown I imagine. Eric and Iona's relationship was funny to watch. Once more I felt appreciation with the fact they had a good chemistry but weren't sexually intimate right away. It's really boring when they have sex and their relationship revolves around that from the first pages. I prefer romances as with this case, where they get to know each other step by step until they can't hold on their feelings anymore...it's so much more romantic this way... Iona was the character with more challenges I think. She has an established life as human but she suffers the issues shifters have, like stronger pheromones and desires. She sees Eric as a threat to her human life, but slowly she gets to know him and care for him. I liked how she learned about being a shifter and how strong the sense of family was for them too and she didn't have to let go of her previous family to be with Eric. The end was interesting for the whole community! Eric knew how to behave, how to help Iona but he was helpless to fight his attraction to her even when he showed restraint to let her pick the pace. I think his character was quite well done. The plot follows the same settings as before, shifters have Collars to control their fighting urges but things aren't as simple as that and one lesson to take from this book is, people should have patience and shifters, having longer life spans, consider Collars as a step towards freedom, because time passes faster for the humans who want to control them. It's an interesting idea and it gives an extra help to understand the world and how the shifter community face their lives in these books. Personally, I had lots of fun with this story, it was a pleasure to rd it and many times I felt I couldn't put it down. I love shape shifters stories and except for book #1 which didn't feel as special, these series has proven to be fascinating. Grade: 8/10
Riley’s past comes back to haunt him both professionally and personally. His
dead brother left more than just bitter memories for Riley to deal
with. The FBI get involved and suddenly it is more than his good name
that is on the line. Jack is always there for him but how much more can
Riley’s husband reasonably be able to understand? Especially when Riley finds out on his delayed honeymoon that he has an eight year old daughter he never knew existed...
Comment: Here's a short comment...This is the sequel for the first book set in Texas in this apparently developing series. In this second installment we follow the lives of Riley and Jack after they married for love in the end of the previous book. This time someone from Riley's past returns to change his life again, now that things were looking up for him and his family. However, Riley has the support of many people, especially Jack, and whatever comes to surprise him won't be such a chore as he imagined... I liked this story overall. Riley and Jack now have a more established relationship, more solid than before even despite the little things any couple has to deal with. I liked the sense of family that we find in this story. Obviously family matters to both guys and many of their actions revolve around family issues. I still think there's a certain layer of soap opera in this, but not as much as in the first book. I suppose the author didn't plan to write more? Well, if that was the case we can see why the suddenly touch to several subjects here, perhaps the course of action seems forced at times, jut to exist a justification about keeping up with the series after fan's requests, but considering the whole book, this wasn't a bad job. I had some fun reading this and I do confess I read it quite fast.
However, something just annoyed me so much that I found it influenced my final opinion...Despite the action being good enough and the romance maintaining a good sense of heartfelt feelings and mutual respect, it was annoying as everything to still have the expression "his husband" repeated over and over, likely in almost every paragraph! I get the point and the writing tactic but for a reader is just too much...or perhaps it was for me...one of the guys thinks something about the other and there it is....really distracting and I couldn't not thin about it. In the end, a good attempt and effort, but really annoying writing habit that took me some enjoyment from the reading experience... Grade: 6/10
Daydreaming of her wonderful castle, she imagined that it contained a handsome, brave knight --
Suddenly, her eyes flew open. She scrambled over her chair, looking with
alarm at what was quivering in front of her, only an inch away from
where her toes had dangled off the edge...
It was a sword.
"I'll not miss my mark a second time." A deep voice grated from behind her.
She whirled around.
It was her knight.
It was also her ghost.
Genevieve Buchanan had inherited a castle - and a ghost to go along with
it. But Kendrick de Piaget was no typical ghost. He was a handsome and
infuriatingly arrogant thirteenth-century knight. At first he wanted to
frighten Genevieve, though she was more charmed than scared by his
ghostly tricks...But when his thoughts turned to wooing her instead,
Genevieve had to face her greatest fear: falling in love...
Comment: I no longer remember when and why I got this book.It's one of those that lingers in the pile for a long time before you realize it's there. After checking it at GR I even found out it's was #11 in a series! Truthfully I wasn't in the mood to back list the other 10 stories so I jumped into this one anyway. It was my first book by the author and I really didn't have any expectation or comparing story either. It would be a discovery in all senses.
This is the story of Genevieve, she's a young woman with a business, the only steady thing in her life. After knowing about and rejecting the inheritance of a castle in England, her life crumbles and her business is ruined faster than a bullet. Her only remaining option is to accept the castle and try to find a new life there. But a ghost lives at the castle an wants her to sign if off to him, so he can die and rest in peace at last, after 700 years trapped in the castle and its land. But Genevieve isn't like the previous owners of the castle and she meets the ghost eye to eye...and the ghost isn't ugly or easily ignored...Genevieve proves to be the perfect match to him... Well...many things could be said about the novel but the one that comes to mind is too much going on. Many elements in this story and the tone in which it is told wasn't the most fascinating to me, so in the end this book resulted in an average reading for me. Let's go by parts... The plot. It was imaginative yes. I liked how they seemed so apart but close in what mattered and how interesting it was to see the relationship between the two main chaarcters develop. The reasons for Kendrick's presence were sad and his attempts to be free of his curse weren't done the best ways but I guess if it were to be true, 700 years is too much to hang onto one's patience so... The characters. I liked them enough although after they got together, it's like the dynamics between them changed too much. It was better on one way, but I felt their closeness and feelings changed in a way that let go of that special things that united them before. It's complicated to explain. I don't thin the sex part which annoys some readers as that weird...for some people sex isn't easy I guess. I actually though the whole situation was done well enough. I think both of them had layers to unravel while reading. Kendrick wanted freedom but he found something even better when he was almost giving up. I understand his behavior and attitude but after he changed, I no longer found him as special as that. I liked Genevieve too, but once again, nothing about her stood out as much I imagined she could. In a way, they were quite balanced together but I wouldn't say they are the most romantic or perfect couple ever in romances... The writing. Well, as a first try, I didn't think this was a bad book. I just thought there was an obvious inner humorous tone to the story I didn't like that much. I mean it's not that it is badly done but I think something a bit more serious would suit better. Although this isn't a comedy, not even close, I read this with a sense of humor always there somehow and sometimes I wanted some ore seriousness included. Based on this novel alone I don't feel the will to try another book. But this one won a RITA and this author is quite well received by many...I wonder, was this the bad book to start or is this author just not for me, personally? I'll give her another try in the future, one day... but this book despite the acclaimed ovation didn't seduce me that much, when I thin about it as a whole, so... better luck next time, I hope. Grade: 5/10
Sex. Drugs. Rock ‘n
Roll. Nick Gorman’s got it all. He’s on top of the world, living his
dream, playing guitar on stage in front of thousands of people with
non-other than Marlowe. The famous singer could have had his choice of
anyone to replace his former guitarist, but he picked Nick to tour with
him. Now Nick’s star is on the rise, all thanks to Marlowe, who’s not
only Nick’s idol but is fast becoming a terrific friend. In the
blink of an eye, it all turns upside down. A drug-hazed time in a bed
alone with Marlowe forces Nick to be aware that the rock star’s interest
in him is more than just friendly. Then, before he can even react to
that, both singer and guitarist are in a near-fatal accident that could
ruin both their careers. What now? Marlowe’s in jail for two
years and Nick is broken. Could they ever play together again, let alone
explore the sizzling reverberations that still exist between them?
Comment: I consider myself a fan of this author's writing. I've read many of her stories and when I can I get her latest things as well. This is one of her most recent books although it was released in 2011. I got it only last year not sure when but I finally read it. Tis story starts with an accident, sort of. Marlowe is a genuine rock star and he's high when he attempts to seduce fellow band member Nick. There's some attraction between them but Nick never thought things could go that way because he sees himself as a straight guy. After the accident that could have cost him his career he wants only distance from Marlowe but not even time can erase his feelings and when a chance to get back to the music world comes up in the person of Marlowe, Nick finally lets go what he really feels... This is, once more, a gay-for-you story, something the author has become quite the specialist on. I've enjoyed all her stories with this them not because of its believability (which isn't much in real life) but for the romance of it all, the fantasy that indeed what matters isn't gender or sex but the person, what we might feel for that special person in our lives. I've always thought t would be brave of someone to chance their hearts like that, even if their usual attraction wasn't towards someone of the same sex. In a way, I think ms Mykles does achieve a little bit of realism in her stories with this tactic. In this book the romance doesn't start well and the path to happiness is full of doubts. But here's the thing, Marlowe goes to prison because of his reckless actions and Nick if full of resentment. Of course we think they should be together and there are obstacles but the thing I liked best was how Marlowe changed and realized he should let Nick make his own decisions. I liked how their romance didn't feel pressured or forced to happen just because. Usually I really like how the seduction works in this author's work, the characters always tend to feel a bit of angst before reaching happiness. I don't think all authors can make angst scenes well, but this one can. Plus, the sexual tension was evident too because once again the author uses her writing skills to insert sentences where we see the characters struggle with their feelings and their thoughts. I like this. Then when happiness is possible, we all cheer for the HEA to happen in the end. It seems I loved this story and for the most part I did. But there's something in this novel which I think wasn't good nor positive nor morally enjoyable. I'm talking about the whole drugs issue. In this story drug use is quite talked about and seen and honestly I didn't like it. I think, what kind of message goes through? That is ok for musicians and rock stars and groupies to use as long is controlled? Really a no go for me. Marlowe is an addict and I understand the reason why someone might think drugs are a way to deal with their problems, but that's stupid. I think drugs are stupid. Simple. But although Marlowe pays for his drug induced actions he doesn't let go of the world completely and surrounds himself at times with consuming people. I got why and in real life it must be so for many, but this isn't wise. I really disliked his character at first and even considered not reading the story because of this. I really hated the scenes where people used or were seen doing drugs. If I could wish for something even before world peace I'd wish for the eradication of drugs, it's a plague, for sure. I didn't feel comfortable reading about this, although I recognize done well it can teach a lesson. In this case I didn't have that feeling. Drugs are just wrong, period. I really couldn't put aside my personal opinion about the issue out of the enjoyment of the novel and from my point of view, the story doesn't explore the situation in the most positive way, showing how wrong and destructive drugs really are. Even in the end when something almost expected happens we don't really see any measure against the results of that...sorry for the mystery, it's a spoiler... I really think it wasn't done well and for me it put a stain on an almost great romance story. Grade: 5/10
Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare… Four
years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and
started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and
forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working
well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she
meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core. Braden Carmichael
is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn
into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship,
Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense
attraction without any strings attached. But after an intrigued
Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just
mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing
her… down to the very soul.
Comment: This book was picked as the read of the month in one of my book clubs. Well, the one I have now, because the other has taken a sort of pause...anyway, this was the chosen book and I didn't knew about it, although it's already translated to my country and apparently it has originated some opposite opinions because the publisher here decided to change th cover and presented it as a secret box or something..weird and exaggerated in my opinion because this book isn't about secrets...it's about love and trust and hope. This is the story of Jocelyn Butler. Something tragic happened when she was a teenager and she never really got over that. She moved from the US to Scotland and lives a simple life and works as a waitress in a bar. Her previous roommate had to move so the story starts when Joss is looking at a apartment on Dublin street and she immediately wants to live there with Ellie, someone friendly and full of joy. She gets a surprise when Braden, Ellie's sister is the guy she met in a cab on the way over...and with time, Joss accepts and embraces many truths and who knows what else... I liked tis story a lot. I think ms Young did an amazing job of portraying someone with deep fears and reluctance because of traumatic things in the past, but still not so over the top that doesn't appreciate life. I think one of my favorite things in the book was how serious Joss was. This story isn't about sex or erotic experiences or anything like that. There's sex yes, but to me it wasn't exaggerated or too much. At least I never had that feeling, and this isn't read as erotica and those who say it surely haven't read any hard core erotica books before. Therefore, a mildly serious main character and not that many sex scenes in the reader's face made the perfect duo for my personal taste. In fact, the main couple doesn't have sex until well into the story, if not half way through, then close to it. There's a lot of sexual tension and chemistry I really enjoyed seeing. Like I said once before, sometimes it's sexier to see the game of seduction and sexual tension than the actual sex. Joss has some issues and she took not so good choices because of what happened. I don't think I'd have reacted like her but everyone is different and people react differently to the same things so...I can't say it isn't believable. However, that shaped her view of the world and she decided to be o the safe side and never to trust completely in anyone...I liked how she gradually, slowly changed after meeting Braden. He always challenged her and the way I saw it, not in a domineering way...yes he had some "I'm the protector" vibes but I don't think everything was a power play for him. In the end their personalities matched and I thought their romance was good. I loved their epilogue! Some people say this reminds them of BDSM relationships...I can't say I saw that. Actually, the thought never crossed my mind while reading. I think this comes from people's preconceived ideas about the origins of the story or perhaps some influences but the book stands on its own. I really liked it a lot! In the end I was very happy to have read this. I plan to read the others when I finally find the opportunity to get the rest of the books. I recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary. This has many elements and the secondary plot related subjects are also interesting to read about. Something to really keep up with. Grade: 8/10
This year, Becca Timm
knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny
Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to
war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on. So
she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the
rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest
on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns
her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded
in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters. As the power
of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she
once loved has become a strong and confident man. An the most delicious
Christmas present she can imagine.
Comment: I am keeping up with this series. This was the next installment to go through and once more I found a story with powerful scenes and emotions and was quite glad with it. This is the story of Becca Timm, she travels to Virgin River to check on Denny Cutler and put him over her life because she wants to move on. But an accident stops from leaving and she gets to talk and know the new Denny and she finds out that, after all, things aren't as solves as that. While she deals with her feelings for Denny she meets a welcoming town and even the idea that might change her life... I liked this story. I don't consider it my favorite but I enjoyed the feel of Christmas and holidays a lot and even more the feel of a small town welcoming someone from the outside but always with respect. It sounds a lot more easy and perfect than the realistic reality I'm sure! This author always does a great job of creating larger than life characters that fight for what they want, who deal with things mostly in a very adult and responsible way...I sometimes feel some things are a little too perfect, but honestly, I can't really say this is a bad thing. This story in particular was very warm because it talked about second chances. Things weren't finished between Becca and Denny and although I don't tend to enjoy romances where previous lovers reunite again, I think the author does a good enough job to distract me of that notion, especially considering the setting and the community around those two. The focus isn't only them and what happened before and that helped too.
I liked how Becca seemed to work out well for the town too. Sometimes some characters show up and we don't have the feeling they are rally suitable for the plot or the genre or the idea of the story and we think if he/she could be different...but in Becca's case I liked her enough to think she was good for the story and amazingly she found a place that worked well for her and the others too.
The romance was cute and full of beautiful moments... Like I said I don't like this type of stories that much but in this case it wasn't so bad. I liked that they talked and worked things out without much drama. All in all, a good enough romance. Like I said to someone, these books are more about the cozy feelings they can make us feel and how hope is real after reading such light drama things...we can hope even in the worst moments, something good is out there! Grade: 7/10
When Clara Endicott and
Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that
was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of
them thought possible. But time has changed them both. Daniel
is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic
journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers. Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts--and lives--hang in the balance?
Comment: I got this book mostly because of the cover. I'm not a reader that buys because of covers, but here and there I confess I find myself marveled by some gorgeous cover and that prompts me to see if I might buy that book, which, in this case, was so. Even the back is gorgeous with the manuscript letters and plain design...I liked it. Although the blurb isn't the most thrilling thing ever, I still went with it and purchased the book. And this month it was the first read of February. This is the story of Daniel and Clara, they come from different sides of the society where they are growing up in but they're friends and they share a passion for classical music. One day, an accident shapes up the rest of Daniel's life and his goals. After years apart, they reunite again and although Clara still fights for those who can't, Daniel also still sees only his main purpose in life, to get revenge. Will these two find common ground again? Based on the blurb alone I might not have gotten the book. I don't like the friends to lovers trope much and even worse the lovers reunited. Thankfully this is a Christian book so things weren't intimate like that in this story but they did have a sort of past together. I don't enjoy these much because I prefer the spark of a new relationship, to see the development of the chemistry between characters, I don't know, but there's something boring about reading about reconnection. In this story we don't see it as much because nothing ever happened between them except friendship. Still, they had an opinion about each other and inevitably that shaped up their current relationship too. This was my first book by this author as well. So, a new style and voice to get used to. I can't say I found it bad, because it's a very simple, fluid writing. But I also thought she used too many things in her story. It was the character's personal challenges in life, the main plot, then a sort of villain who wasn't as obvious as that, then the political plot, then the society environment....really too many things that I think were confusing and too much. I think the author had many ideas and by inserting them all, some didn't seem to belong in the plot nor did they feel right. The romance. This is a Christian story, so no intimacy between the characters and kisses are simple and more affectionate than passionate. Still, I believe in trying to be subtle and keeping things quiet, it seems the main idea that comes out is they are friends, but there's not a real love between them...I think books with no sex are easy to accomplish and not having the protagonists in sexual scenes doesn't men they can't show how in love or how much passion they feel. I think that, in this case, it looked like they weren't really in love. They had a good relationship based on years of friendship, common ideas (after a while of course) and companionship, but I didn't feel their passion for each other. I don't think there's nothing wrong in making it obvious they want each other even if we don't see it on the pages. Other author did it successfully in this genre. The main characters have a very solid personality and social goals that drive them in terms of action, but the personal development I saw didn't convince me much. It suited the idea of redemption in a way, but I wasn't totally convinced about it, so...a bit of a lacking in this part of the story. Now I don't know if the other stories are in the same flow, meaning not very developed where I think it matters. Of course, everything is a matter of personal taste and the blurbs in her other novels seem much better to me, but if this one didn't wowed me as much, I fear for the others...to think about more later on. This one was OK in everything but if I were to pick all the details that I would change it would still be quite many. So, although some things were good enough, most of them weren't and I was left with a feeling of wanting more and better. Grade: 6/10
Reaver is an angel with a
past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to
fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his
wings on a one-way mission to hell-he's agreed to go where no angel has
ever gone before...to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of
Satan himself. Harvester is one of the
Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an
undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she's
been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can
snatch her away from Satan's lair, even if they can fight their way out
of the underworld's darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can
never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel's blood...
Comment: I'm a fan of the books by ms Ione. This was one of my auto buy books and from the moment when it arrived to the time I started it, not too long has gone. I knew some friends were already reading it and talking a lot about things in it, so I knew it would be intriguing an full of surprises. But to be honest I read these books almost as a comfort reading because we know what to expect and how things will turn out overall. This is Reaver's story. he's been a well known character since the beginning of the whole Demonica world the author has created and we've leaned many things about him throughout the books.At this point, when his story is finally here, Reaver is an angel and he wants to rescue another angel from Sheoul because she helped him before without his knowledge and he wants to say thank you by bringing her back from there. While in that adventure, Reaver will interact with many characters and learn even more things about his mysterious past... I liked the story well enough. I wasn't expecting to be very surprised because I kind of knew how it would end an the how in the way was also predictable even if I didn't know all the little details of the rescue mission. Still, many things were new by the end of the book and the author has inserted many clues about future plots and outcomes. The book itself was predictable like I said. Many characters had here a role with bigger impact and we got to learn things by association or related to what those characters said or did. The author does a god job in describing things and letting the readers see for themselves instead of making characters tell everything all the time. Of all those characters, some are apparently very important and will most likely have important roles in the future also. Of course, the action is fast and full of things we never thought could be enjoyable to read about. The bad things happening to some characters are just too much and some descriptions are really awful but being this paranormal, we kind of manage to have a certain detachment from that because it's just too impossible to believe or imagine in reality. It adds flavor to the plots and the idea of good vs evil, but frankly, it's something easily put aside after reading. The romance has a bit of lovers reunited vibe and I really don't care for this romance device but things were special enough here to make me forget that at times. The main couple's relationship was expected based on their interactions previously and in this book they seemed different, probably due to the circumstances of when they met; all this is explained in the book. As usual, my favorite part was when we could see so many of the beloved characters of the series, their interactions, sometimes just glimpses of them in the background and if there's one thing this author does well is to create this feel of unity and family, of community among characters with traits that wouldn't make them humane, even when they're not human. I like this a lot. In the end, a good story, all the elements needed to create and maintain a plot full of adventure and hot romance and clues about things to make us eager for more. Although it wasn't the surprise of year, it still had enough news to make the reader more than eager to keep reading. Grade: 8/10
Peyton Muldoon needs a
man bad. No, not that way. What she needs is a trainer for her
struggling stud ranch. And only a true life horse whisperer will do, a
man with the right touch and real know how. Redford Callahan’s on
a hot streak. Not in the sack. But with the ranch owners who hire him
to gentle their animals without breaking their spirit. He can pick and
choose his next gig, so he’ll be damned if he’s going to waste his time
on a mismanaged operation like the M-Star. Not until Peyton sashays into
his motel room one night to make him a deal he can’t refuse. Now Red’s
days as a loner are numbered and he’s starting to wonder if there’s one
spitfire he won’t be able to tame…
Comment: I got this book after seeing a review in Hilcia's blog. I thought it would me something along my references and I was curious to see if I'd find the romance as balanced as Hilcia said. I've had it since last year, but I kept moving it along until finally january it was. This is the story of Peyton Muldoon, she's the only person in her remaining family to care about the ranch where she grew up. She's been taking care of things but the ranch isn't safe yet and she knows she needs to change many things before putting the ranch's name in everyone's path. Peyton wants to have a successful ranch and she nows having a known and respected trainer for her horses would speed that so that is why she asks Red Callahan even though they seem to despise each other. But with time, it's obvious it isn't so... I liked the story yes, but I also felt the author took the easy way here and there in several situations. I guess it's as good tactic as everything else, but I think the story could have used a more serious tone at times, I don't know how to explain it better. The romance was believable enough I think, personally I'd have preferred to see a better acceptance of their feelings for each other sooner or the opposite, they could have "fought" a bit longer so their reunion could have been sweeter. I guess my issue is Peyton at first kept saying he was proud and could do anything so why would he bother with her ranch so I was really surprised by how quickly she invited him to work for her. Ok, speed was needed to move things along, but in a real world people don't swallow their own pride so fast and as politely as Peyton, at least in their own heads. Peyton was a grown up and she knew what the right thing was, but even in her inner thoughts she accepted the right thing to do so easily, it didn't seem to match the outside vibe she gave...
As for herself and Red's relationship, well after they got together for the first time it was more balanced I think, they sort of matched. I thin their romance had a real fast ending, until the end things weren't as boldly stated even if understood, but they talked about it really fast and that was that. I expected a bit more feeling.
Red was interesting to know, his issues seemed deep and strong to deal with. I think he had a positive attitude abut the whole thing, personally I know it's not always easy to just accept the other's faults like that, but thinking he had years to deal with it...still, his behavior was understandable. And I liked how he decided he could be happy and have a happier future. The plot was OK. Not much of a surprise after some clues and really obvious after a while into the story. I liked how we got to see the other characters have an important role already and I'm curious about the next stories. I hope they're good. Grade: 7/10
As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to
dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravoron manages to inspire in
her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the
new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the
opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin
to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.
To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a
reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work
together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight
draws forth more passion, culminating in an explosively sexual
confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and
Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical,
before the entire Wyr is threatened.
Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Elder Races series by the author. I've read the first 4 books being the first and the 4th wonderful and the one in between really boring, in particular the second one. I've skipped the 5th because I didn't want to go again into the same story but this one has been in my radar since I've read the blurb, I was immediately curious over the chemistry between the main couple that surely would sizzle the pages. Therefore, this is Aryal and Quentin's romance. They seem to have a wonderful chemistry..for hate. They don't hide how much they dislike the other and secretly plot ways to kill the other. Things reach a point where Dragos puts them together in a mission to rescue a group of fey in a land recently devastated. While traveling to the place and fighting a surprising enemy, Aryal and Quentin actually talk and realize the other is exactly what they need to find happiness... I was very happy with this book. There's always the fear any story by this author is a repetition of the experience with the second book, which was such a disappointment I can't even think about it. But this book was wonderful, fast paced all the way and structured in a way I enjoyed a lot because it felt balanced, meaning all the time dedicated to the character's inner thoughts, their romance, the plot, the going on with the rest of the world, all these things always went forward with a good time and development. The story not only felt in motion all the time, but it also allowed the reader to feel the time was well worth it and definitely not boring to go through. The plot is based on a mission and it had many interesting elements, I was eager to see if they could find out what happened and if they could help the fey that were missing, people who had gone before to look for clues about what had happened. the reason was both imaginative and sad...because a feeling was the base of everything and sometimes the more we look for a way to solve a problem, the more we might loose ourselves in that quest. Still, the other side of the book, the idea not the romance, was quite well thought and an adventure I enjoyed seeing develop. As for the romance, well obviously I loved it! I like several kinds of plots, but when the protagonists don't seem to get along but of course that means their relationship is doomed for bliss ever after, is one of my favorites. I love the notion time and common experiences and reluctance can be little things that ultimately unite people and they can see sometimes first impressions aren't all there is. Aryal had good reasons to hate Quentin but I confess she was a bit too much into her hate. Quentin seemed to hate as a reply to Aryal's behavior, something they sort of worked out after a conversation without much fight. From then on they seemed to see in the other worthy characteristics. Then feelings made an appearance besides lust and I was quite glad with the way their romance progressed. They believably went from hate to appreciation and love and in a way that didn't seem rushed or silly. I think the author did well in this. In the end, I liked them together a lot. I was impressed with this book. I was very glad the author did such a good job and I was positively surprised with the plot and the relationship between the protagonists. All elements seemed to work well together in this book. I hope future stories go along this style and structure as well. Grade: 8/10
It is 1851,for gold has
swept the American frontier. Two brother - the notorious Eli and
Charlie Sisters - are on the road to California, following the trail of
an elusive prospector, Hermann Kermit Warm. On this odyssey Eli and his
brother cross paths with a remarkable cast of characters - losers,
cheaters, and ne'er-do-wells from all stripes of - and Eli begins to
question what he does for a living, and whom he does it for. Comment: Months ago, when I was browsing GoodReads about the books people most liked or talked about or some research idea like that I came across this title. The cover seduced me, I confess and I clicked on it. I haven't read full opinions, just saw the average mark and a word here and there in two or three readers. According to that I impulsively went and bought the book, back in August of last year, more or less. I've put it on hold but this month was it and I was going to read it. This is the story of the Sisters brothers, Eli and Charlie. The two brothers work as assassins to the Commodore and they are told about a new job in the beginning of the book, they are supposed to kill a man in California. Being from Oregon, the story is what they see and live during the trip and what they do once in California. Eli is out narrator in this gritty story about a job, dreams and a purpose of living. The first thing I actually read about this book were the several nominations to literary awards. I was impressed although I don't tend to read books included in any literary level, or at least I don't go as much into the fiction literature, I'm more into romancelandia, but here and there I like to read something away from my usual taste, just to give more flavor to my readings.
The story started well I thought. I liked Eli's voice because he had a hard job, not a forgivable one, but his mind was sharp and he had sensible and fair attitudes. I liked him a lot and throughout the story I got to learn about his dreams and what he hoped and even when faced with adversity, he never changed completely. I thin his brother Charlie was meant to oppose Eli totally. He was a much harder man, but in a way, more realistic. He knew he had a job to do and didn't care much about fairness. I guess when he tried to change his ways was the time he paid for it and I think the lesson to take from here is, don't change who you are just to please what others think it's best. Sometimes it's best to stick with what you know... but at the same time I think about Eli and his attempts to make the people around him feel a bit better through small actions like giving money to prostitutes just for their apparent friendship or to the young boy who thought things would be better in California. The story has a big cast of characters, all of them offer a certain idea of behavior, of emotions that we see through Eli's eyes. I think this book is meant for the reader to wonder and think about what it's the best way to deal with each chapter offers. Lots to ponder. Still, I can't help but saying sometimes I got a bit lost in all the things happening that I needed to pay attention to. At first I was very focused on reading but as time went by I saw myself a bit uninterested and I thin this affected my final opinion of the story. Some things just weren't as interesting... I recognize the author has done a study of emotions here, where what was happening at a scenery would judge each character's actions and fate. I think, once again, the lesson is not always the ones who deserve get the HEA or the good things they should have. Life can be tricky. Overall, I liked the story and the somewhat depressive mood in it. I just thought such a good story was sometimes lost in so many things that didn't appeal to me. I know many readers who liked this say it's also funny. I didn't think so. Eli has a special personality but I wouldn't consider anything funny about this. I'm more on the side that says it's sad. In the end, a good enough, sad but well structured story. Just not always as addictive as that and I thought that, to be really wonderful for me, it had to be addictive always, to really make me eager and interested in going on. Grade: 6/10
A wealthy and bitter
exile, he most dangerous and desirable man in all of England, he burns
to possess a proud, headstrong beauty who is promised to another. But
winning Emma Stokehurst's exquisite hand through threats and
determination does nothing to fill the empty spaces in Nikola's
heart—until passion's magic carries the handsome, tormented prince back
to a bygone era of splendor and romantic dreams. For there his destiny
awaits him in a distant life. And in one remarkable woman's tender
touch—achingly familiar but gloriously new—he must seek the elusive
promise of ecstasy...and learn, at last, to love.
Comment: I've had this book to read for a long time...I've read the prequel, Midnight Angel many years ago and I don't remember many details only the impression it was a good romance in my opinion. Later I've discovered there was a sequel, this book, and I got it, but circumstances never seemed right to read it. For this year I've decided to update my Lisa Kleypas's pile of titles. This was the first and I had hopes for a wonderful story. This story is all about Emma and Nicholas. He is an exiled Russian prince and a long time ago he decided he would marry Emma and waited until she was the right age to do so. Something about her seemed addictive to him and he doesn't stop at nothing to get her, even ruining her relationship with another man that despite unsuitable was still someone she cared about at the time. They marry and there is when the true challenge starts. Well, the book wasn't as amazing as I thought. I expected something more romantic but despite this not being as good as I imagined, something in there still got on my nerves even more than the cliched romance. The story is divided into four parts, when Nicholas seduces and captivates Emma, then when they're married, then Nicholas' experience with the past and finally how he deals with what he learned. Obviously, this experience I mentioned is what made me a bit leery of the story...you see, Nicholas hits his head and he dreams or has a strong experience of another lifetime of one of his ancestors. But this part is told like he actually lives there while dreaming. It's a weird twist although not a novelty altogether. Still, I thought it didn't suit the story. I know something had to happen for the main hero to change fro selfish overbearing jerk into the romantic hero we expected but, come on, a sort of time travel experience wasn't the way, I think. I think there were better ways for sure to make the hero's change of attitude happen without looking as forced or unlikely as the one used. What he learned while having the dreaming experience could have been achieved in another way and the things he learned in terms of history and family happenings could also appear in the plot in a different way. All in all, not the most captivating thing. As for Emma, at first I wasn't mush into her, then I changed my idea and liked her more and in the end, the more I think about it, the more I feel she wasn't as special as that. I think they worked well as a couple in several moments but not all the time. Their relationship was rocky and with too many suspicion and hidden agenda to feel balanced. I know these types of romances aren't as easy to explain as contemporaries, but it would have been nice to see some more considered behavior on both their sides. The plot isn't new, I've seen it many times in historicals. The twists aren't amazing and to be honest, the way the romance develops and how it's told isn't the best one I think. The previous book was both sexier and more emotional. I think this story was a bit lacking despite having the elements needed to work out. In the end, a good enough story but I counted too many unlikable things to make this book work completely for me. It's readable, not as strong or weak as that, just average. And not as good as it could be, considering both the plot and the writing skills of the author. Guess it's not her best work. Grade: 6/10
