"Whatever time we have," he said, "it will be time enough."
Eva
Ward returns to the only place she truly belongs, the old house on the
Cornish coast, seeking happiness in memories of childhood summers. There
she finds mysterious voices and hidden pathways that sweep her not only
into the past, but also into the arms of a man who is not of her time.
But
Eva must confront her own ghosts, as well as those of long ago. As she
begins to question her place in the present, she comes to realize that
she too must decide where she really belongs.
From Susanna
Kearsley, The Rose Garden is a haunting exploration of love, family, the true
meaning of home, and the ties that bind us together.
Comment: This is another book by ms Kearsley I've read. This is one of her most recent ones and has a different twist, although it embraces the idea of time travel just like all the others that, somehow, have a connection to the concept of past meets present and vice versa.
This is the story of Eva Ward, she returns to Cornwall after her sister dies. She decides to spread her ashes in the place where they felt more at home while children. While there, Eva starts experiencing time travel, she goes back in time and meets the owner of the house where she's staying in the present and falls into the action taking place in the 18th century concerning two brothers and their smuggling. Things aren't as simple and as time oes by, Eva develops fellings for David, a man from the past, while her situation in the present also gets confusing. How will things end for Eva and those around her, in both times?
The night I've finished the book I stayed awake for a long time thinking about this because I couldn't sleep with thoughts about some scenes from the book still in my head. It was quite disturbing, not in a bad way, but it touched me in such a way, I can't help feeing overwhelmed by what it meant, what it could mean if it were possible....it was a bit hard to digest, especially for me, I hate goodbyes...
Well, the story is very rich in details, mostly because it follows two different action settings although they touch each other in a certain way, mostly because Eva researches the past after her travels there and she is curious to know more about what happens. One of the main ideas discussed here can be the fact not knowing is a blessing because fate will happen anyway and it's heartbreaking to know and not being able to avoid it, like Eva experiences herself.
The plot is easily followed. I think the author purposely meant for the reader to feel Eva's divided attention to what was happening and to her conflict feelings. Eva has everything here but it's in the past she finds what's missing in her life. However, if things remain as they are, her life will always be the same...or not? As the plot moves forward many things start to come together like pieces of a puzzle and we learn why determined actions and things are mentioned or happen. It's quite the clever writing tactic and I think myself a distracted reader because I only saw it when it was being explained.
Towards the end we know more about the time travel experience. I confess some difficulty to bear in mind all those concepts but the main idea remains and after all said, done and explained, Eva has to make a choice, one readers likely know well before that moment, but that will still be quite the shock, because of several factors.
I've finished this disturbed because, like I said, I hate goodbyes and it's obvious, as the plot develops that a goodbye will happen eventually, although we never know for sure. To this day, I can still see the last scene and although this has an HEA, I thin it's disturbing enough to remain in one's mind.
I had the idea this book was more focused on the action, on the actual decision and conflict than any other by her. All the others are easy to accept and to read and put aside because the action never changed even if it was dual. I think this book can be seen as very romantic and timeless...but for me, it has that extra thing that now I can't seem to let go. Some books will do that to you.
I liked this one, it's very detailed, rich and emotional. Too emotional in the end I thought. But still amazing. Plus, the cover is so beautiful...I really have the opinion the best covers are with landscapes and something not almost naked people!
I have one left by her, I hope it's as fantastic as this one!
Grade: 8/10
When jackal shifter
Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in
the
military escaping his father's prejudice before returning to
civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very
rich man. After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically
scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get
through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his
bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to
see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain
Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude. But Roman knows a lot
more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how
many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to
Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate.
Despite
the decades Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s
rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt
departure left the jackal shifters without an alpha heir. As a
psychopath shifter staking claim as alpha draws Quade back home, and
Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a
choice he never anticipated. But doing so means he must leave Roman
behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work
together.
Comment: This was another of my m/m reads of the month. I was a bit interested in it because I've read a couple more books by this author before and overall, I enjoyed them both. I was curious to see if this one also delivered.
The story follows Quade and Roman. Quade is a bodyguard to rich heir Roman and he's also a were jackal. Quade is thinking about leaving his jb because he can't control his attarction to Roman anymore. He's older and has been close to Roman while he dealt with the result of a terrible accident and Quade feels Roman has depended on him too much. When he is close to make that decision, Roman talks and proves him he won't let him go because his feelings are strong and he wants Quade too.
Then, Quade's past comes back. He left his house many years ago to join the military because his family didn't accept he was gay. Now things are different and many people just want Quade to return and accept his position as alpha to help the pack after someone else almost destroyed it. Will Quade be up to all the tasks people demand of him?
I feel divided about this book. It wasn't that bad, but honestly I can't seem to concentrate on the positive aspects and only the things I found annoying are easily remembered.
Quade had some difficulties in his life because of who he is. He tried to do something with his life instead of going with the flow. I thought this aspect of his personality to be the best. When the reader meets Quade he is doing his bodyguard duty and we realize he has feelings for Roman, a younger, rich man who suffered a terrible accident and got part of his body severely burned and still has scars. He isn't attractive to most people but being rich, his family wants to pair him off with some guy because he's gay and out. Quade is feeling the pressure of holding his feelings and is ready to quit. He seems a very controlled person, sure of himself and conscious about the problems and the challenges of letting the man he loves know he is a monster. At this point, I was very eager to see how their relationship would develop, they seemed friends too but I was curious to see how the chemistry would push them into love.
Well, the interest stopped there. After all, Roman knew all along Quade is a shifter and from that point on, several things happenand Quade faces many things at once. I liked the clutter I admit, but I don't think the author dis the best job with making it seem cohesive. Everything happened suddenly, without much guidance, without any sort of sense...for instance, a girl shows up at some pint, out of nowhere to ask for Quade's help. I mean, what? Why was she there, just because she wanted help? I was confused, she didn't have any connection to anything and sort of landed there to enforce the point Quade was a good person, different from the other alpha? I guess this was it...
Other strange apparently random things also happened, people changing behavior and opinions just because Quade was alpha...it was all so messy and it felt like the author didn't have time to organize her ideas and what would follow what.
The relationship between Quade and Roman wasn't as wonderful as I imagined...their interactions show a dedicated, in love couple, but I never felt much balance between them, their scenes together didn't convince me of the strength of their bond.
I don't know what else to say about it anymore. It had its moments and as a romance it has many ingredients to satisfy any reader of paranormal romance, but in terms of plot cohesion and sequence details, I felt it wasn't done the best way. I think the other books I've read were better done.
I think this one had too much, too messy, a bit of a let down because I love shape shifters stories and always root for them to wow and dazzle me. It wasn't the case, although many details were OK. Still, I think this story left a lot to be desired.
Grade: 5/10
Sally Paul is down to her
last penny. As she spends it on a cup of tea--to stave off being at the
mercy of the workhouse--the last thing she expects is an offer of
marriage...from a complete stranger!Admiral Sir Charles Bright's
seafaring days are over--and according to society, that must mean he's
in need of a wife! Discovering Sally's in need of a home, he offers a
solution.... They marry in haste--but will they enjoy their wedding
night at leisure?
Comment: After being so well impressed by the previous books I've read by mrs Kelly, I was quite eager to try one more, because at this point I am convinced this author will do no wrongs. I really like her heroines and how they overcome situations and challenges to become something better or simply to survive.
This story tells the story of Sally Paul, a young widow who just got dismissed from a job she never had in the first place. Sally used all her money to travel and now she only has one penny left which she uses to pay for tea before going to the workhouse.
At the inn where Sally is having tea, is also Sir Charles Bright, a retired navy admiral. He wants a wife to keep his meddling sisters at bay but the women he proposed to apparently doesn't want to go with it because she doesn't show of. Feeling sorry for Sally's situation he starts talking to her and they agree on a marriage of convenience.
But no matter how distant they might want to be, it's not possible to be apart when the other grows to be everything you ever wanted...even with secrets to hide.
I really liked this story. Once more, the author didn't disappoint me and presented a wonderful story for my taste! I was really engrossed and riveted during the reading and it's amazing how easily I can be steered by the character's feelings and emotions while they deal with their issues and battles.
I liked Sally's character. It's no secret I have a preference for heroines who struggle in life but always maintain their morals and personality and when do things questionable it's always for a good reason. I didn't mind Sally accepted an offer of marriage without love because she was desperate, she didn't have anywhere to go or anyone to help her. Characters like Sally is why I keep reading romances.
Sally has a secret, though. On she realizes might ruin not only her marriage but the opinion her new husband has of her. It won't matter their growing affection for each other or the life they're learning to build up together. So, at a point where their marriage is truly a love one, her secret is out and she can't do anything else but explain. However, Charles' reaction is a strong one, an impulsive one, because he loves and feels betrayed. After thinking a while he tries to solve things but that will take months.
Charles is a likable hero, he's not aggressive or domineering and he is a gentleman. He offered marriage for convenient reasons but with time he falls in love with this woman who had so many struggles and tragedies in her young life and now she becomes the person he loves the most. During the book he does things and acts in a way we can't help but love him for what he is. His character is irrepressible and not even his disability is an obstacle to love and to be loved back.
Of course, there has to be some sort of opposition and his reaction to Sally's secret is out of control and really made me emotional. He regrets it but it provided quite the angsty scene.
In the end, there's a wonderful HEA but the best part is how they talk and apologize for omissions and work things out.
This is a lovely romance between two people that apparently are out of time to love. But the writer's talent together with an amazing plot on itself allows for a great story, full of nuances and little details that make the reader think every page is full of meaningful sentences. I loved the idea of reading everything closely and savoring each word.
I can't wait to read more by this author and will do so. As for this one, for me everything worked out really well and I recommend it to everyone who wants a solid and structured story not focused only on how great they are together in bed. Intimacy happens here, but with such meaning it's unlikely one feels distanced. Wonderful!
Grade: 9/10
"The Devil Inside"
Workaholic Caleb Mann used to think blind dates were a waste of time,
but when his ex-girlfriend calls him boring in bed, Caleb becomes bent
on changing his image fast - with the help of the incredibly sexy woman
standing in front of him. He barely knows his date's name, but her sassy
mouth is almost hypnotizing, in more ways than one, and he can't stop
fantasizing about replacing the sleek motorcycle between her firm thighs
and letting her ride him all night long...
"Devil's Jewel"
Ex-soldier and psychic hunter Angelo Devlin has seen evil first-hand.
He knows how perilous his assignments can be, and he doesn't welcome
outside help, which makes his run-in with Jewel Kattalis all the more
infuriating. But instead of sending her away, he wants to grab her, take
her, and tease every inch of her beautiful body. This woman may be more
dangerous than any mission he's ever been on before...
Comment: I've piked up this book for one of the book clubs I have. This is the suggested read for March... I didn't know anything about the author or her work, nor haven't I read anything by her before. I wasn't also aware this is labeled as an erotic story...honestly, I just knew this was it and I started it without any knowledge whatsoever.
This book has two short stories. Both are sequential and part of the same series. The second story features characters that show up in the first one and the hero is brother to the heroine in the first.
The stories follow two siblings who have psychic abilities.
The first story features Gina and her ability to have visions and how she impulsively goes out with a stranger just because she had a vision of them together in bed.
The second story features Angelo, a mind reader, and Jewel, a shape shifter gypsy.
Ok, so my main opinion after finishing the stories is I was bored and didn't find the plots captivating, especially the second one.
The first story has a stronger plot, I was more interested in seeing how Gina and Caleb would hit if off when both of them, Gina mostly, deceived the other somehow during the date. I wasn't very impressed with their personalities but I found some talent in the writing and that kept me going. At this point I understood this was meant to be erotica considering the sexier language and how fast they slept together but I didn't find the sex scenes that special or intense or, should I say, that different from anything else I've read - even non erotica - to evidence that to me. I just thought it was a fast relationship and that was it.
Gina and Caleb seemed to do interesting turnabouts, especially in their thinking, but when heavier psychic stuff entered the scene I thought it was a waste because in my POV, the plot wasn't prepared enough to carry the weight of a strong paranormal setting. The end of the story wasn't impressive to me and I thought something potentially good had been lost between the erotica (which I thought wasn't that much) and the paranormal (which looked unnecessary).
The second story about Angelo was such a mess of things and sequences I lost interest and read it diagonally, which means I skipped some scenes, namely the sex ones. I really wasn't interested in knowing more and usually I liked shape shifters but this being erotica meant the characters were thinking about sex quite often and that plus the paranormal details was all too distracting for me to keep my attention. I easily got bored and didn't invest my patience either.
The end apparently was fine, this being a short story meant everything ended well, but what I remember is how bored I was, not the story itself.
After reading the two stories I reached the conclusion the author does write well, but what she wrote didn't grab my attention fully and I was very confused by what was happening. Erotica paranormal can be fun and fresh but in this case I think it wasn't successful.
As so many readers out there don't agree with me, I believe the best summary I can find about all this is, this series just isn't for me, so I'll stop here.
Unfortunately, these stories didn't suit me at all.
Grade: 3/10
After winning the trust
of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn
has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a
human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The
appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the
humans and the Others, resulting in the murders of both species in
nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in
the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside's shape-shifting leader—wonders
whether their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or of a future
threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more
frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now the Others
and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the
man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that
threatens to destroy them all.
Comment: This has been one of the most talked about books recently. I also couldn't wait to read it and I did start it the moment it arrived. I think the author did such a good job with the previous one I had hopes for this one and, to me personally, she did deliver.
In this sequel to Written in Red, Meg is an established part of the Others' society, opposed to the human one. Despite this, Meg's presence has lead to the acceptance of more humans in the courtyard, especially the ones friends to Meg. At the same time our heroine is setting up her life after the happenings in the previous book, another threat comes to stir the life in the community. War seems to be on the horizon and Meg is once more the key because her talent and abilities are things some people want at any cost. But the Others won't just let what's theirs be taken...
I won't tell much about this book because so many people have reviewed this book recently and I think the majority of the readers agree this is a winning book again, even if they mostly disagree on some points. I, too, thought this book kept the wonderful world building we expected and we could see more of the author's ability to create. Fantasy is beautiful in this, the ability to creation because fantasy authors use settled things to base their plots but they create, they're artists with a pencil (ok, a computer keypad) and they can think a multitude of details to put in the worlds they create and envision. Anne Bishop has the latent and the imagination and also important, the voice. All this is beautiful but she can write things in a very special way, where the reader can learn so many things from a character with a scene, a conversation...this isn't only creative writing, it has to be a talented voice working too. I have complete confidence a good part of her success is her talent and not only her stories.
All this to say, this book has many information, details, scenes and ideas that enrich the plot and the world, but wouldn't be as important without a good writer behind. I think this book has a feeling, a whole aura if I can call it that. It's simply special.
Meg is the main character and she is key to many things, although like so many others have said already, she didn't seem to have such a strong presence in this book. Despite this, we see her evolve, get more confidant and also thinking about her relationship with Simon. This is slowly developing which can be good because of Meg's past experiences and she needs to believe in herself. But on the other hand, I also hope this doesn't take very long because how amazing and interesting it will be to see them interact with each other if they're a couple..and what about the others around them? Hopefully this will happen soon. But this slowness isn't that bad, it just builds up more eagerness to see them and a smile when they do.
As for the plot, I won't say much about it, many things seem to be developing, being set up for the next book...I wonder how many this series will have...and most characters are deep into the situations because of the apparent war in the works. I have faith this won't reach the characters we love directly because each character has importance and a unique print in the story and I hope to see them all more.
My humble opinion is this book is wonderful, a little bit less than the other, after all the novelty isn't as big, but it has so many elements and the author's trademark society interactions as a community, I feel always glad to read and it's like time doesn't exist while I'm reading a book by this author. I still have high hopes for the next one. Despite a little not as well done thing here and there in terms of plot sequence, I still thought this to be good for me and for my enjoyment of it.
Grade: 9/10
When Isabel Darracott
went to London to meet her guardian, the Duke of Marlow, she never
expected to be ravished in the library by a half-clad barbarian--or that
the rogue would turn out to be the duke himself! Though she found
herself devastated by his kisses, prim-and-proper Isabel knew she could
not give in to temptation... for he was the devil in a very handsome
disguise.
Known as the Devil of Dartmoor--the
most man in London--Justin Trevelyan preferred the company of widows and
prostitutes to the charms of innocents. The last thing he needed was
this impertinent maiden and her two young sisters under his wardship.
Yet from the moment he laid eyes on Isabel, he was captivated by her
sweet beauty and somehow needed to protect her as well as possess her.
But before he could gain an angel's trust, he'd have to prove
his...DEVIL'S HONOR
Comment: Another month, time for the challenge post. This time, it's the new-to-you author theme and once again, I had lots to choose from, but decided on this not only because I have had it for years in the pile, but also because I felt like getting it over with, therefore strong reasons to finally read this one. The author is new to me, I no longer remember why I got it in the first place and I had hopes this would be amazing enough that, 1) I'd feel glad it was good and 2) I could make others envious over my good luck, so glad to have read something good.
However, it wasn't as pretty as that.
Te story follows Justin Trevelyan, a duke famous for his reckless ways and not proper behavior. The story starts when he is awakened by a young lady asking about his late father. Thinking the lady is a prank sent by his brother, they kiss - because that is what strangers did in the 19th century - and after making things right, the lady leaves Justin with the news he is now a guardian to three females and they need his help to have means to survive. Justin mans up and goes after Isabel, the recently met and apparent older ward of his.
There's something between Isabel and Justin from the start, although they tend to deny it even when they kiss - again - and among some arguments here and there. Many cliched in historicals to go through, the older friendly grandmother, the gold diggers, the true love knows it all, the innocence meets the experience, real feelings change it all, among other expected things, all until the more than known HEA, something that proves true love exists, as does life after lust.
Well, this book has all the expected elements in historical romances. The story is from the late 90s, so it's not characteristic of older times where women behaved in a certain way. But it looked like the author tried to insert all the things one wants to see in historicals and make a go at it. If it's certain she did a much better job than what I could ever aspire to do, I also think in the end everything sounded a bit boring. I mean, I liked it overall, but there wasn't any detail any new thing, new elements that changed this from cliché to a fresh historical, timeless and amazing. I don't mean only the action or the character's personalities. I mean the behaviors, the plot, the feel one historical has... I wasn't engrossed by the story although I admit it didn't take me long to finish it. But this happened more because of my rhythm of reading than by the story itself.
The plot is more of the same. After all the obstacles are dealt with, true love beats it all. But there wasn't anything about this that made me think, wow the author was so clever by writing it this way or by making me think about this character like this...it just went through the motions.
The characters did their part, both in action and in thinking. I liked them on the surface, but it seemed they didn't have more than just the expected reactions to the usually seen scenes in historicals, jealousy, lack of self confidence, wrong images of themselves, I don't know, everything.
Isabel had her moments but she didn't move me as much as I feel she could. Her attitude was just too plain. And Justin was seen as a libertine, but in truth he wasn't one, despite trying to maintain that image. Things that, with another take, could have been a good challenge, but in reality no, because everything was done only on the surface, it lacked some depth I think.
The author did a good effort, she tried and she delivered a story with the right elements, but all things considered, her writing just wasn't special enough for me. And I think the fact some of the character's actions being there just to fill some apparent expectations of what a romance should be like in this era of sexual content everywhere, where characters act very sexually although certainly it wasn't so in those days, and by putting in evidence the sex side of things instead of the romance and the seduction, well, it was a bit of a let down. I understand the appeal and some author do it well. But in this case it felt something seen so many times... perhaps a different take would have been better, I don't know...
In the end, a good effort yes, but several things that, having been different, could have given a different and better take on tis desired timeless novel.
Grade: 6/10
Time and circumstances may force true lovers apart but the tie that binds them can never be fully severed.
When
Dylen Teris and Riodan Leyhar meet one harsh winter in the
dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, neither expects the encounter to lead to
a fast friendship and abiding love. For a chasm of vastly dissimilar
social stations lies between them, and not all Deira could imagine, let
alone accept, such a relationship.
Circumstances eventually
separate them for what seems forever only to conspire to bring them
together once more in the most unlikely of places—at the court of Rohyr
Essendri, Ylandre’s powerful monarch. Complicating their situation is
the attraction that still lingers between them, waiting to flare once
more into love. But when one is unwilling to venture his heart again or
wholly forgive its breaker, it may take a king’s interference to reunite
these star-crossed lovers for good.
Comment: This is the second book in the Chronicles of Ylandre series. This time it features two different main characters although it's set in the same scenario as the previous one. I was curious enough with the previous book to keep reading despite the little things that I thin could have been better. I was hopeful about this one.
This book starts when Dylen and Riodan meet. Dylen works as a companion, a sort of exclusive prostitute but his services don't always mean sexual intercourse. Dylen lives with his father and a servant and has a very peaceful life. When he meets Riodan in a cold day, he offers him shelter and that is the start of a serious friendship, even if Riodan tells he's ready for more. Time goes by, their relationship changes and gets more intense. However, Riodan finished his studies and starts working. He goes away for 12 years and it's a hard separation to both although Dylen agreed because he wanted the best for Riodan.
One day they meet again when Dylen asks Riodan for help to his ailing father, but the result of that meeting isn't the one Dylen expected. From then on, things no longer were the same until now, when another change puts them together once more.
This story has several changes in time while the plot develops. In a way, it helps the readers to have their own ideas about what is happening because it allows them to see what happens and how Dylen and Riodan's relationship is shaped from the start. On one hand, I liked this for this reason exactly, it helped to understand many reactions and thoughts throughout the time it took for the story to develop. On the other side, it dragged the action through so many times and settings, in a way it lost a bit of power, I'd say. If it had been ore sudden, or just one change total, it would be easier to follow. But all things considered I can't say it was badly done, just that it was obvious enough to remember after finishing the book.
This story focus a certain subject quite heavily, something that revolves around the guys' relationship. Many people said it was something bad and unfair, but without getting into spoilers, I'd say to me, it didn't seem so harsh. I think I wasn't properly invested in their relationship at that point. It didn't bother me as much and I saw it more as a way to separate them which would mean they would have a reconciliation after. However, after thinking about it for a while, I agree it was something bad because despite their mutual agreement on the reasons for the separation and on the separation itself, it still gives the whole thing a bad notion when one thinks about the reactions of Riodan when they meet 12 years later. I said it didn't bother me that much and it didn't, I can't explain well why, but I admit it left a sour note for the rest of the book.
This subject aside, the story was again very well focused on the customs and dealings within this society where aren't no women, where the characters have a very social live and interactions and he world has many details the author inserted to built up more expectations and notions about how everything works and why. Quite the structured world, I think.
The final part of the book, after the main characters meet again is faster happening, it moves along easily and offers many insights to the way everything works and how society is a well of problems but beauty too. I liked it and also the way both Dylen and Riodan worked with their issues personally and professionally, which ended up in an interesting twist and the expected HEA. At this point, their positions in life are different, they both have new status socially and politically, so it's another layer to add to the consequences of their reconciliation.
I'll keep reading the series because fantasy aside, I like to see what happens from the emotional POV. This one was heavy on that aspect, but not as much for me personally that I didn't stomach the worse parts. To entertain it works.
Grade: 7/10
If you hang around with
dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley
Davidson,
part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. Complicated
is her middle name. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her
irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every
way possible.When Charley and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist)
have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and
shut as they anticipate. Cookie's friend Mimi disappeared five days
earlier. Mimi then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling Cookie to meet
her at an nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still
missing. There is, however, a clue Mimi left on the bathroom wall: a
woman's name. Mimi's husband explains to them that his wife had been
acting strange since she found out an old high school friend had been
murdered. The same woman whose name Mimi had scribbled on the bathroom
wall.
Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the
Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is
haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by
demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen.
Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to
heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.
Can Charley
handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a
missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is
there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?
Comment: I've had this book here for more or less one year. When I've finished the previous one I was very impressed and decided I had to get the next one, which I did. A year has gone by. Now that I have finished this one also, I am impressed enough to want to read the following one, but I fer another considerable amount of time will go by until then...
Basically, this story continues the life of Charley Davidson and her adventures as a psychic and grim reaper. In this book her search for Reyes goes on at the same time she has to help her best friend Cookie to look for Mimi, a school friend who has gone missing because several classmates were killed.
Things aren't so simple especially when Mimi is hard to find and she finds out many things about Reyes, herself and what they share since they were born...
Like I said, I was impressed overall by this story. I liked Charley's personality and how she always had some sort of reply to everyone and about everything. It's interesting to learn new information at a very slow pace and usually in a very funny way, but I also will confess this isn't so all the time. Meaning, I like fun and sarcasm often but it would be good to have more scenes with serious tones. They exist but aren't as many as I think would be good. Sometimes, a more serious tone could tell the reader how really important and key something is. With such an aloof feel almost all the time it gets confusing and harder to accept when serious things happen. It's a bit like we always expect easy things and when the harsh ones show up, part of the emotion looses some steam and power.
I liked Charley again, and in particular her way of thinking, of acting, how she speaks and interacts with others. I like her dedication to Reyes but I think part of her charm is lost among so many "flirty" stuff and apparent easiness in life. It's weird but in a way I think a little bit more of seriousness could improve the reader's enjoyment of Charley and even the other characters.
The story like also has new developments, in particular concerning Reyes and Charley's origins and their roles in the big scheme of things. I think things are still mysterious enough not only for series purposes but also because things develop at a very slow pace naturally in that field. I'm curious but with honesty the constant distractions while this sort of sub plot develops gets on my nerves at times. I wish the author could just go on with what she is aiming with all this.
One thing I appreciate is the small cases Charley solves throughout the story, apparently meaningless things to show off her abilities and to fill up space but which gives some character to the goal in Charley's life, which is to help people to cross and to look for peace. Even those who won't want to and stick around, Charley befriends them and is their friend.
All in all, a good effort, a good plot, with some things I would change or switch directions to best absorb what it aims for. My attention is on this world but it's something that, after all things considered, I can rest and wait patiently for the next story and it's easy to wait even knowing it's out there, already released.
Grade: 7/10
Dougal Kincaid has
something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the
Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals
from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he
has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain
lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to
mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.
Vampires? Vampires?!
As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal
creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking
for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even
one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes
sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire
that refuses to be ignored?
Comment: This story is the most recent installment in the Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks. I consider myself a fan but this book didn't manage to have a romance as strong as other before. I thought it was pushed and seemed rushed every time. The plot was actually better because it provided some developments in the overall story line. I hope the following one can have a better balance which I thought this one didn't.
Grade: 6/10
* * *
All London is at Julia
Wentworth's feet—and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But
the glamorous leading lady guards a shocking secret: a mystery husband
whom she does not know, dares not mention ... and cannot love.
For
years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his parents wed
him to without his consent, hoping to legally free himself from
matrimony's invisible chains. And he is astonished to discover his
"bride" is none other than the exquisite lady he'd hoped to make his
mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be
Damon's—until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals ... and her
proud, passionate, and independent heart.
Comment: This book was romantic, and I liked both main characters. Their romance was a bit
unbelievable and I confess I was hoping for the to hurry up already...but in the end,all was well.
But I had the feeling while reading, this set was full of cynicism and coolness, meaning, everything was treated with such distance, such method I thought feelings didn't really matter. Nevertheless, I was happy for the couple, I liked reading this and I am interested in reading the sequel.
Grade: 6/10
Sick of running into her
cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the
Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road
right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's
business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy
Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.
Just like
Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was
disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated.
He's got no time for women; although he spends an awful
lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty
busy ignoring the chemistry between them.
According
to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in
common; they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin
River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And
as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to
his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!
Comment: Here is another installment in the Virgin River series. This is full length book #15, I haven't read the novellas. At this point, things are pretty much stable, the reader knows what to expect and what will be on the page, which is a solid, romantic, well structured story.
This book tells Leslie Petruso's story and how she got finally tired of her ex walking around with a new, pregnant wife and people would stare at her with pity. Having worked for Haggarty Construction for years, she decide to change her life and move to Virgin River to be Paul's administrative. Once in Virgin River everything seems to go well, what she didn't expect was the attraction to Connor, one of the new hands at Paul's company.
But Connor isn't just a single man looking for work, he's in Virgin River with Bree's help after being witness to a crime. His life has taken a turn since that day and he's hiding until the trial. But Virgin River brings its magic to these too as well...
Once again, a story set in Virgin River has all the ingredients to work out and to be amazing.
My favorite thing, as always, was how we could see the interactions of the new characters with the known ones which is a good way to see how their lives are going on, what they are doing, where are they in terms of happiness...it's really great and a wonderful way for the author to use it as a tool to further develop her story lines.
The characters we meet here are interesting.
Connor is in the witness protection program and is living a low life to not bring suspicion to himself. He saw his old life destroyed over a good deed and now he only wants a new start for him and his sister and her children. The distance, to put danger out of the way, is taking its toll on him, as he's never been away from his family for this long. Still, he gets used to the slow paced life in Virgin River and he gets to work with wood again, something he loved since he stated working in his old company, now finished. Working for Paul proves to be a challenge too because of Leslie. One of the rules he should fallow is not to fall in love at the moment, and with a bad marriage in his past, he thins it wouldn't be a problem, but Leslie is everything he might want in a woman and despite he tried to stay away from her, they just end up getting together. The development of their romance was successful, I think, and his struggles with lying to her and trying to not fall in love were believable. He held on until he couldn't deny his feelings anymore. Sweet.
Leslie also comes from a bad marriage. To make things worst, her ex truly believes they can remain friends and should have the same rapport as before, the only change is the marital status, really. Leslie feels put aside and discarded and the last thing she wants is to be friends with someone who hurt her like that, so she tries to go away from him to start a new chapter in her life. She also thinks she isn't prepared to love but Connor pushes her buttons and after thinking she could just have an affair with him, she realizes the best thing about Connor is how perfect he is for her.
I liked their relationship it was very balanced and they suited each other. Connor eventually trusts Leslie his secrets and she has his help after she decides to put her ex out if her life for good. It was important for them to be able to trust on the other and to see how much netter it was to hold on to someone who respected them, who was there for the other.
The plot was ok, mostly based on each main character's life, so, everything else was supporting action, but it was well done.
I can't say this is a favorite, but like I said, at this point most stories follow the same pattern. I'm mostly curious about Nora's story, two stories ahead. As for this one, it had all the right elements, it could have been a bit more passionate, more fast paced, I think, but overall, a good one.
Grade: 7/10
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August
(Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him
from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th
grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know
how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with
an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's
just like them, despite appearances?
Comment: I've purchased this book back in September, in a book fair near the place where I live. I bought the translated edition, of course, and had some expectations because some people whose taste is similar to mine have enjoyed this a lot and did tell me to try it one day. I was reluctant because in my head this was more teenage drama and I try to avoid that these days. After all, this is ore children's fiction, which, somehow, it's easier to swallow.
This is the story of August, he was born with a facial deformity and now has to go to school for the first time. He's afraid but while learning new things about his studies, he will also learn a lot about friendship and courage.
I'll say it right away. I thought this would be more dramatic, intense and with a lot more tears. The story has this sad tone here and there for obvious reason, mostly guilt and prejudice situations, related to August's issue, but not the intense teasing and bullying children go through in this almost "plastic" world of today. I guess, being this targeted to children it's good there's a hopeful and happy lesson in the end, but I don't know if I should feel glad so many children can feel worthy by reading this or if I should feel let down because I didn't see a more realistic situation portrayed.Yes, August felt prejudice towards himself, but nothing someone can't bear to testify.
The story follows August in his experience of enrolling at school, with so many new people and students, he's 10 if I read correctly, and what it means to be the center of attention for a while. I think there's the obvious lesson of teaching how to face your fears, but also the notion school isn't always the worst enemy you can have when you're different. It was interesting to see all those scholar situations and how August went through them.
There are also chapters with other character's POV which helps to see what happens when August isn't there. It's interesting to see what some characters are actually thinking. Sometimes our perspective isn't the most correct one.
The author uses short chapters which makes the story move along nicely and fast. I think it only took em one day to read this.
The reader also sees many family interactions. August is portrayed as part of a loving, united family, with parents who love him and his sister. Yes, one can say there are flaws in there, mostly in the way the mother dotes on August in detriment of the sister, although we see this when it's the sister's POV. obviously life can't be perfect, but it's one of those examples of how sweetened things were, in a way. It would be more realistic to see a loving family yes, but with a more stressed dynamic, which I assume would be closer to the reality. Still, it was an enjoyable read and in the end it was nice to see everyone earning to be a better person and how wonderful is to just be who you are and to accept others as well.
All in all, a good enough read, many good moments, easy to read, easy to understand and to make one thin about several situations and ideas.
But I still think it could have been stronger.
Grade: 7/10
Now or never...
It's the last chance for
Cynthia Brightly, the ton's most bewitching belle. Driven out of London
by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds'
house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England.
Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the
whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond,
renowned explorer and thanks to his brother's disappearance, heir to
the family's enormous fortune.
Miles set
his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought
herself too good for a second son. But now he's heir apparent, relishing
his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he'll keep Cynthia's steamy
secrets and help her find a husband among the guests n exchange for a
single kiss.
What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is
about to discover that it's enough to unleash fierce passion and that
Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.
Comment: This is the second installment on the PennyRoyal series by Julie Anne Long. This time the story focuses on the Redmonds, the enemy family of the Everseas we've met in the first book. I've had this book to read for months and was really eager to get to it.
The story presents us Cynthia Brightly, a young woman in her last resort. She needs to marry for a very simple reason, she's got no one and no money to rely on, so if she doesn't secure a husband in the Redmond's two weeks party, she will be penniless and alone.
Miles Redmond fell in love with Cynthia at first sight in a ball years ago. He heard her say she wouldn't settle for a second son (Mile's brother was the heir at the time) and Miles decided to forget about her. Now she's back in his house and no matter how much fun she is, he knows he has to marry someone else...or not?
I loved this romance! It has many elements I love in romances and a wonderful HEA to finish a superb plot in my opinion. I think this is one of those types of stories that make us believe in happiness and forever love. A really good love story, any romance addict will adore this one, I think.
What I loved best was Cynthia's character. She isn't the aloof belle everyone thought her to be. She was high on praise years before but some reckless, or should I say, irresponsible behavior reduce her chances to nothing. She regrets her past actions and knows she's at the end of her possibilities. Here's a heroine who doesn't have much, in fact she counts her money every night to show herself what will happen if she doesn't find a husband soon. She's practical, some might say a bit cynical too, but considering her position, she has to be. I confess I would have preferred her to show a bit more quietness, but her behavior is one of desperation, so I can't fault her to be abrasive or forwarded at times. The scenes where she shows her heart to Miles are very emotional and perfect. Here is a poor, desperate heroine trying to use her beauty, her only asset, to find security. She isn't after lots of money, power or richness as she might have in the past. She's at a point she'll settle for security and someone to look after her. She wants to forget about love, but while in the Redmond's house, she gets to know Miles and falls in love. How amazingly wonderful when she says she liked what he likes because it's a part of him, how could she not understand that? Ohhh, so romantic!
Miles is one of those smart heroes, who doesn't think much about himself, he loves etymology and after a conversation with his father, he decided to pursue a neighbor's daughter for a wedding with her would secure him funds for an expedition. But Cynthia shows up and he feels not only attracted to her, but in awe of her as well. Still, at first he thinks she's only a gold digger, sort of, but with time, his feelings change, even more so when he learns about her origins and her situation. He tries to help her find a good husband, but not always with the best results. He even tricks her at some point before learning of her money issues and after that his apology is so sincere, it's emotional.
Their relationship is wonderful to watch. In the end, Cynthia takes the course of honor and Miles has a decision to make too. I thought their paths were very similar and it only proved to me, they were wonderful as a couple. One thing bothered me in the end, it's understandable, but still. Otherwise this would have been the perfect romance.
I really recommend this one. It's a wonderful story about misunderstandings, mistakes and wrong impressions. It's a story about forgiveness and falling in love for the best reasons.
I loved it and recommend it!
Will get the next books in this series in the future for sure.
Grade: 9/10
Lately, life has been
unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They
should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking
revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…
A
rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that
threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous
heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their
friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they
unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their
lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge
of the grave.
Comment: Well, here it is. Jeanine Frost has said this would be the last book in the Night Huntress series and here it is, released and apparently loved, if one looks at GR averages. I have to admit, I feel a little bit melancholic over this...books are like friends, they stay with us for so long, and more so books in series we love, because they speak the strongest to us.
My comments won't be very plot related I'm afraid... I feel the idea of seeing a series reach an end after years with it, and this at a point where I can't say it's in decline, as a matter of fact, the opposite happens. I know if the author carried on for...say, more three or four books, certainly she could find sub plots to work out and faithful fans would find intrigue enough to follow.
We all know about and have probably read books part of series that slowly go to their painful end. The author also said she didn't want that to happen with Night Huntress. She wanted it to end while it was on the high end and while people still loved it. She didn't want to keep writing just because and taking the risk of letting the series down somehow and to die at a point where it would be mercy. Well, not her words per se, but it's how I saw it to mean.
In a way I agree with her...many times I've kept going on with series I, personally, feel are dragging and dragging just to milk dry an original story that has given its best and its worst eventually. I applaud ms Frost for her rational decision, although many certainly might feel she just didn't want to go on. I wonder how this could be, after all her books are her family too, she more than any reader would feel that way. It certainly must be bittersweet to finish this. Something that gave her recognition, respect, fans and happiness over its success, now ends and a part of her feels sad too, I'm sure.
But this doesn't mean it's the end for her as a writer or of this world, just not Cat and Bones as protagonists, at least this was how I understood it.
Still, like I said, a part of me is sad over this. I confess when I read the last scene in the book, I didn't cry but I sure felt like it! I think the notion of the end together with the kind of goodbye Bones and Cat give the reader...I won't tell spoilers, but the story ends with Cat and Bones going to live away from everyone for a while... very apropos to the reality, wouldn't you say? Everyone was saying a sort of goodbye and to see the characters almost partake on this idea...it made me sad, despite accepting the reason why is stopping.
The book is the end, so expect the solution to some unfinished business. Expect surprises too, and some emotion. I was riveted to the story as always, and in a way, this book is the proof Cat and Bones are solid, and look out for each other. I couldn't be happier with the notion they are happy and in love forever.
The end is here, then. All of us had to say goodbye to many things and it's hard to think about it. We can live for other things and people after, but despite the memories, there's still the frozen feeling of that moment when you realize it's goodbye. This is hard to deal with. How silly, it's just a book, one we can re-read until exhaustion...but it's still goodbye and I dare any devout reader to not understand the feeling. Curtain's call has come at last.
Grade: 8/10
I saw this picture on facebook, in this page and I thought it was so funny and cute!
Books are worlds, aren't they? There's nothing better than having books to read and countless worlds to discover!
