Much About Books

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main...and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life."

~Walt Disney

 

"I see, lady, the gentleman is not in your books."

~William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Hotshot - Hot new contemp romance-suspense series with a Hot Male Lead!

Hotshot - Julie Garwood

This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.

WOW! A bang-up start to a new contemporary series, this book is filled with romance, suspense, mystery, and nostalgia.

 

"I want you," he whispered. "I always want you."

 

The book starts with Finn MacBain and his brothers drooling over their new neighbors' pool. But they were already caught and punished for a previous unauthorized use... So as Finn contemplates another go, he sees cute little 6-year old Peyton get too close and tumble into the pool - with no one else around. Finn rushes to her rescue, pushing his neighbor's party guests out of the way and yelling at them to call 9-1-1. He pulls Peyton from the pool and administers CPR until the little girl comes back to them. And thus begins Peyton's long relationship with her "hotshot" hero, Finn.

Fast forward several years to Peyton starting her new job at a culinary magazine in Dalton, Minnesota - an hour or so north of the Twin Cities. Peyton's got a degree in Journalism and spent time in France at a culinary institute, so the job offer at a renowned magazine that reviews restaurants is right up her alley. Peyton will be the new assistant to Drew Albertson, son-in-law to the mogul who started the magazine.

But immediately, we discover that all's not right. Peyton finds herself being sexually harassed by Drew, and no one seems to care. Not HR and not his wife. As Drew escalates his demands and even attempts to break down her hotel room door to get to her, Peyton decides she needs to take action. So she tricks Drew into confessing all in a recording. But Drew's not fooled, and he sends one of his goons to take care of her. As Peyton's leaving Minnesota to return home to Texas, she's nearly run off the road by Drew's goon.

When she returns to Texas, Peyton learns that her Uncle Len wants to give her and her 2 sisters one of his hotel properties in Florida, Bishop's Cove. His deal is that the 3 sisters make at least a 20% profit on the place within a year. He's got some renovations going on that he's paying for. And his only stipulation is that the sisters use his manager, Christopher. Peyton loves Bishop Cove and sees it as her chance to really kick her culinary career into gear. Her sister, Lucy, sees it as an opportunity to put her interior design skills to use. Their youngest sister, Ivy, is finishing up her teaching degree, so she agrees but is mostly out of the picture.

Finn comes back into the picture when he spots Peyton at his brother's wedding, before Uncle Len makes his deal and Peyton goes off to Florida. Finn is HOT! He's now an FBI agent who's somewhat jaded by what he's seen and done and by an on-again-off-again girlfriend, Danielle, who cheated on him after they were engaged. Finn's decided that there's no place for a wife or kids in his life. Until he sees Peyton again....

Then Finn discovers bullet holes in Peyton's car - bullet holes that Peyton didn't know were there. Finn gets the whole story of Drew Albertson out of Peyton in no time. And he determines to help her, especially after Peyton discovers another bullet hole in the roof of her car not long after she's in Florida.

The chemistry between Finn and Peyton is off the charts! Which leads Finn to continue his involvement in protecting Peyton and nailing Drew Albertson.

It takes awhile for Finn to realize that he can't live without Peyton. But when he does... wow!

 

"I've seen some pretty awful things," he continued. "There's real evil in the world, and when you come face-to-face with it, it sticks in your head. You can't get away from it. Even when you're asleep." "As hard as some of those situations have been, I've only been scared...really scared...twice in my life," he said....The first time was when I was fourteen and looked out my window and saw you go under water. I almost forze, I was so scared. To this day I haven't forgotten that feeling." "The second time was when Braxton sent me that text that your car blew up and you were on =the way to the hospital. I didn't know how bad it was, didn't know if you were going to live or die. That same god-awful feeling of real terror was there inside me. I love you, and I don't want to live without you. I'm better with you. It's as simple as that...and as liberating."

===========
I really loved the HOT HOT HOT chemistry between Finn & Peyton. It was sweet and sexy. I loved the banter and interaction between the two of them. I loved how Finn was always modestly in the background, but constantly doing heroic things. And I loved their sense of humor.

At times, the book seemed to lag. I didn't know why I cared about all the details with Drew Albertson until AFTER I realized what she was going to do about it and how that related to Finn and his FBI connections. And when their cousin Debi was involved and obviously sabotaging the sisters at Bishop's Cove, I was frustrated. A little too much of those "extra" details could be trimmed without losing anything.

But overall, I really loved Finn, Peyton, and this first book in what I hope will be an exciting new contemporary romance series!

Quid Pro Quo - First in The Market Garden series... satisfying, sexy M-M short!

Quid Pro Quo  - L.A. Witt, Aleksandr Voinov

RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of GBLT, Fans of Aleksandr Voinov (Special Forces)

 

Once gain, Mr. Voinov hits a home run! This is a short, and it's very short... but the characters of Tristan and Jared and their world of The Market Garden are well-defined, realistic, and compelling.

 

Jared is new to The Market Garden, an upscale London club that specializes in M-M fantasies and "rent boys". Jared's struggling with his university fees, rent, living expenses, and the prospect of buying Christmas presents. He's also got a huge crush on Tristan, one of the "hot" rent boys - the one who gets the big bucks and the best customers.

 

When an American wearing a Rolex sees Tristan and Jared talking, he picks up on their palpable chemistry... and makes an offer. What Mr. Rolex wants is to see Jared & Tristan in action, together, while he watches. Jared's not sure if Mr. Rolex is in the closet or what, but he jumps at the chance.

 

Tristan proves himself to be a master of negotiation, making it clear that each new phase of the night costs Mr. Rolex more money. While Tristan heats things up to major steam with Jared, neither Mr. Rolex nor Jared can resist.

 

And the readers come away with a satisfying, sexy ending.

Take It Off: 2nd in The Market Garden series... Steamy continuation with a nice twist

Take It Off - L.A. Witt, Aleksandr Voinov

This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This short - almost too short - is hot and steamy! It's the 2nd book in The Market Garden series about a London club that caters to the high-end customers with M-M tastes. And it's co-authored by Aleksandr Voinov, one of my favorite authors in the GBLT genre and co-author of my very favorite series in the genre, Special Forces.

This 2nd book picks up not long after the 1st book Quid Pro Quo ends. Jared and Tristan have now become a pair, their success with Mr. Rolex paving the way to offering something different to the high-end clientele. When Mr. Rolex returns and picks up the pair of "rent boys" again, though, we see a change in Jared.

In Quid Pro Quo, Jared was a bit shy and insecure. He was in awe of and had a major crush on Tristan, who was the "hottie" with loads of confidence. Tristan negotiated big money for their last pairing for Mr. Rolex. But in Take It Off, we see Jared taking the lead - he's the assured one, negotiating the scene.

Tristan is the insecure one of the pair, unsure whether Jared really feels anything for him (Tristan) or if it's just part of the job. Tristan is realizing that his feelings for Jared extend beyond their business partnership.

The book doesn't disappoint! I'd love to learn more about Mr. Rolex... such an intriguing guy! And I want more of this series!

I'd just like to see all The Market Garden shorts rolled up into one book - maybe even an ebook where the new installments come out as their published. So the integrity of the short stories remains, but the readers pay one price and are assured that they'll get each new installment.

Wicked Beat: Sinners On Tour - Eric's book is hot, sexy, and surprising!

Wicked Beat - Olivia Cunning

3.75 stars

RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of the Sinners, fans of steamy romances about rock stars

This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.

LOVE the Sinners and their books!!!! While I have to say that the first book, [book:Backstage Pass: Sinners On Tour], is still my favorite of the series, THIS BOOK is probably my 2nd favorite. Why? Eric Sticks!!!

 

"Show me that you want me, Eric," she whispered. "Show me."

Eric Sticks, the Sinners' drummer, has taken a back-seat in this series so far. But this is HIS book, and he really won my heart! Jace might be shy, but Eric's been the good-natured one. The one with the corny jokes, easy smiles, and too-honest quips. The guy who doesn't think he's hot enough to get the girls on his own, so he watches and takes the "leftovers" from his band mates.

We know from previous books that Eric is the real genius behind the Sinners music arrangements. And that the guy can play virtually any instrument. We also know that Eric's got an ongoing, almost co-dependent relationship with Jon Mallory, the former Sinners base player. Jon was forced out of the band because of his addiction problems, but Eric has been Jon's constant supporter. Why? Jon doesn't seem to have changed.

I'm happy to say that fans will be happy to learn the WHYs behind Eric. It's refreshing to see how uncomplicated this complicated man is. Yes, that sounds like a contradiction, and it is. But we see how Eric CHOOSES to be the person that he is.

As per the usual for this series, the attraction, lust, and love are instant. Eric falls immediately for Rebekah, Dave's younger sister. Dave is the Front-Of-House (FOH) live audio engineer (sound guy). The one who not only drove the Sinners bus, but who was responsible for their sound and lighting in their concerts. At the end of Hot Ticket, the Sinners bus was involved in a serious accident - an accident that almost killed Dave. Reb shows up hoping to temporarily replace Dave on the Sinners' make-up tour dates. She's got Dave's blessing and his notes, and she's got the training and drive.

I like that relationship starts with discovering mutual interests:

By some strange coincidence it was dyed the same blue she'd chosen to dye hers-for the sole purpose of ticking off her mother-not a week ago

 

and progresses to interests in restoring old cars... and then into a deal of sorts. Rebekah offers to help Eric with a "problem" that he has if he helps her to relax get comfortable with her body again.

 

Reb thinks that she's making the deal so that she can seduce Trey Mills. But is she?

As hot and sexy as Trey was, she was feeling something more substantial for Eric. She wasn't sure what it was yet. His excitement and enthusiasm made her feel beautiful. Wanted. Irresistible. And he was fun. And generous. And almost as spontaneous as she was. She liked him.

 

Rebekah needs to be wanted and needed - to feel sexy. She's dealing with her own issues, which include her emotional recovery from a hysterectomy needed to remove cancer and save her life. Reb's dealing with the loss of her ability to have kids at the cost of her own life. She's worried that no man will want her long-term, because she can't have kids.

Rebekah is searching for her own life... her place. She's been drifting from job to job, not quite sure what she wants to do. She's part mechanic, part sound engineer, part not-sure-yet. She's been dealing with a religious mom who thinks that Rebekah's life is supposed to be married to the too-perfect doctor Isaac. Her mother is a narrow-minded harpy who doesn't approve of Reb's choices and takes every opportunity to tell her so. Reb was with Isaac for years - he was a good friend to her, helping her recover from her cancer and surgery. But Reb never quite felt that "spark" with Isaac. And Isaac's the one who made her feel less than a woman, because he didn't like having sex with her - especially after her surgery.

Because Reb is anxious to see if she's any good at sex, she jumps into her arrangement with Eric with both feet. There's a LOT of STEAMY, HOT SEX in this book - almost too much. But it's inventive, fun, and fits both Eric and Rebekah. I love that Reb catches herself thinking about Eric's qualities even when she's obsessing over Trey Mills...

When she really looked at him (Eric), he was actually very attractive. Why hadn't she ever noticed him before? Obscenely tall (from her low vantage point) and lean. Rugged features. Strong jaw. Straight nose. Thin lips with a ready smile and a sexy cleft in the middle of his chin that begged to be stroked with her fingertip. He was no Trey Mills, but...

 

I like that Reb notices that when she's around Trey (or others), her body's not instantly turned on like it is when she's around Eric.

Ironic enough, the drama in this book comes more from Rebekah's family, mostly her mother. Yes, Eric feels insecure and not good enough to meet her parents,

"That's a bad idea, Reb. Parents don't like me. Not even my own."

 

And that quote reveals a little about Eric's baggage and his insecurities (which we learn about, too). And yes, Reb has to deal with issues. But mostly, Eric & Rebekah have to deal her mom's intolerance and determination to rule Reb's life.

Which is one of my NITS about this book, and why I have to take away from its rating. I was disappointed in the way that Ms. Cunning portrayed Christians in this book. YES, there are a lot of judgmental folks out there who use "religion" as a way of manipulating others. But Reb's mother is portrayed as a wacko, who's allowed to spout whatever she wishes at those she disapproves of. And for all his tolerance and gentleness, Reb's father does nothing to stop it.

It's also convenient that Reb's mother is off her meds and has had psychological problems. Why is Rebekah the only to see it? Why doesn't her father, the pastor and man who lives with this woman, realize it and do something about it? Is he just uncaring? Does Ms. Cunning see Christians as mean, spiteful, and in need of meds to so that they can be more tolerant? Wacko because they might disagree with the lifestyles of others? To me, this was uncalled for. Especially because Reb's and Dave's father is a pastor. Since he can't control his wife, why should we think that he doesn't believe that what she's saying is true? For the record, not everyone who goes to church or claims to be a Christian is like either of Reb's and Dave's parents.

Another NIT, also about faith issues: SPOILER WARNING! (SKIP TO ==SPOILER END== IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THIS SPOILER!!!

 

 

When Trey is "helping" Isaac figure himself out, Isaac asks for forgiveness before going down on Trey. Does that mean Isaac will do this every time he has sex with a man?

 

IMO, Trey "forced" Isaac to come out of the closet. Does it matter that Isaac enjoyed the experience and repeated it? Or that he finally realized and owned up to being gay? I'm not sure that it does. Just because there was something positive that came of it all... And then Isaac's attempt to talk to his family and the whole debacle with the "engagement" and the way that Isaac comes out to his father... So much in terms of Isaac that we probably won't ever know.

==SPOILER END==

 

I understand Isaac's quandry with his faith, and I appreciate that it's not going to go away for him over night. But this seemed... judgmental again.

Overall, these issues of religion and faith left a bad taste in my mouth. I can appreciate that reconciling the two "worlds" and lifestyles of those with a fundamental faith and a band of metal rockers wouldn't be easy, but Ms. Cunning took the easy way out to add drama and spice to this story. It wasn't necessary or needed. Eric and Reb could have stood on their own; they could have faced down disapproval from her mother (or both parents) without it being so vicious and violent.

Another NIT is the way that Trey comes off and the unfortunate way that the books in this series were published, with Trey's book, which should be last in the series, being published before Jace's story Hot Ticket and Eric's story (this one), we already know about the HEAs before we read them and how they came about. Plus, some of the details of Hot Ticket and Wicked Beat don't show up in Trey's story, which just seems odd. Trey also comes off as super manipulative and a bad guy in this book.

Yeah, we  know that Trey's a slut, but he tries to play Eric & Rebekah and then gets pissy when she doesn't cooperate. Later, Trey decides to "help" Eric get Reb, but his manipulations, especially of Isaac seemed harsh, forced, and too fast. Especially since Trey doesn't stick around; saying that he's got the perfect someone for Isaac doesn't do much for us or Isaac, since will we ever learn how that resolved?
==================


It's sad, to me, that this is the last book in the Sinners series. I really enjoy each member of the Sinners and their books. This book, in particular, had a lot of joy, light, and fun in it, showing how you can CHOOSE to leave your baggage behind and get on with your life.

Seeing how Eric, Rebekah, and Dave chose to overcome their circumstances is inspiring. Having each of the band members happy and in love is always good. And there was even some resolution with Jon and hope for his future. I can only hope that, somehow, Ms. Cunning lets us get at least glimpses into the Sinners' future, perhaps through Exodus End, Dare's and Reagan's band. The Sinners are supposed to be touring with Exodus End... let's hope!

Moody, Confusing Noir with an attempt at NA Erotica: The Silver Chain (Review)

The Silver Chain - Primula Bond

QUICK LOOK:

Steam/Hot Factor: So-so, lots of possibilities, but only 3 out of 5 stars, despite the attempt

Genres: New Adult (NA)-Contemp, Erotica, Wanna-be BDSM (mostly S-M with light bondage)

 

NOT RECOMMENDED, unless you like reading FSOG knock-offs

 

 

An ARC (advanced reader's copy) of this book was provided by the publishers and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. These opinions and this review are strictly my own.

 

Sorry, but this book just doesn't do it for me. It's supposed to be book 1 of a trilogy. But it's just too... weird. And by weird, I'm not talking about the kind-of BDSM or kinkiness that's going on. I mean weird in terms of characters, plot, and phrasing. Here's an example:

 

His eyes are lowered over his cocktail as if he's a soothsayer examining the entrails of a goat.

 

That's how the main character, Serena (Rena) describes the hunky, hot man she's just met in the Halloween fog. This is what she's thinking as she saunters back from the ladies' room towards him, as he sits at the bar waiting. Really?

There are a lot of unrelated scenes in this book, like her cousin Polly's boyfriends' Halloween party, which is as much about Serena's feeling out of place and her turning down sex with a random hunky American rich guy wearing a toga. The point of this entire scene seems to be that Serena is hot watching Polly and Pierre do their thing in public, but Serena can't get off with anyone other than her new found mystery man, Gustav. Who initially thought she was a boy, spying on little girls dressed as witches as they made their way to a Halloween party.

The constant imagery of chains lingers...

There's a chain spanning the space between us, a rope between ship and shore; no more like a jailor's thick chain jangling with keyas and handcuffs. Except this is woven thin like a spider's web, so delicate, so invisible it only occasionally catches the light. I don't know which one of us holds it. Which one is caught.

 

This description comes as Serena is leaving the bar after 1 drink with the mysterious, dark Gustav. But it's important, because the author is obviously foreshadowing the silver bracelet (like handcuffs or a BDSM collar) that Gustav places around Serena's wrist, and the long silver chain that he uses to connect that bracelet to him - whenever he chooses: in public or private.

The whole idea here is that 20 year old Serena is a photographer who now has the money to travel the world and take pictures. The people who adopted her are dead, and without a proper will, she inherited everything. They aren't her parents, and they never acted like parents. They emotionally and physically abused her all her life. Serena is damaged in many ways. But she's a fighter, and she's used her camera and her spunk to find her own light and her own way.

On Halloween night, Serena is in the London fog, snapping pictures of a bunch of little witches headed to a child's Halloween party. She's tucked her luxurious, long red hair up under a cap, and she's dressed in her usual shapeless clothes. Serena is interrupted by a tall, dark, handsome stranger, who mistakes her for a boy or a young man - thinking that she's some sort of Peeping Tom or child predator. Then he realizes he's a she, and she's taking photos... and I kept wondering if I should pick up on the suggestion that Gustav was originally attracted based on thinking Serena was a boy/man? But no. That supposition doesn't come into play in the rest of the story.

Because the 'rest of the story' is really about Gustav being a late 30-something billionaire who's prime interest is in galleries... and he offers Serena a contract: he'll mount and promote her photos in his gallery, and until the collection is 100% sold, Serena belongs to him - in any way that he likes, including sexually. The silver chain bracelet is her "bond" to him.

But there's so much mystery surrounding Gustav's past, mostly his dominatrix wife, Margot, and his younger brother. Gustav is, without a doubt, damaged; he's the first to admit it. And yet, he's not a very good Dom, because he doesn't know how to communicate with Serena and he's not very good at punishments when she doesn't comply. And Serena usually asserts her own will more often than not. And yes, Serena's sexual experience is limited to her hometown, high-school boyfriend, who usually went straight to the missionary position and wham-bam!

What should be a tantalizing, dark tale of a sexual awakening for Serena and some sort of healing or at least building of what's plaguing Gustav is muddled, dark, sordid, and just plain confusing. I didn't connect to either Serena or Gustav. They were constantly hurting one another. Serena was constantly throwing a hissy fit, over-reacting when Gustav didn't behave as she thought he should; but she doesn't KNOW him, and he doesn't know her, as she's quick to point out. So I can only guess at her immaturity.

Then, there's the BDSM angle, which should be seductive, but it isn't. This author seems to be in the camp that people who've been abused need to work out their anger through sex - specifically through bondage and spanking or whipping. It's offensive. She could have made it work, but she didn't. She simply asserted that Gustav thinks Serena needs to be spanked/whipped to work out how her adopted mommy and daddy ill-treated her. What about Gustav? He's obviously damaged by his wife's actions; yet he never offers to have Serena whip him.

What's worse, Serena gets off on the spanking and whipping. There's a highly charged set of scenes at the beginning that have to do with some photos Serena captured while hiding in a Venetian nunnery - nuns flagellating themselves, as penitence for their sins. That's kind of hot. But when we get to the Gustav-Serena stuff, it falls flat. Especially when Serena blunders into dressing up as Gustav's ex-wife in her dominatrix outfit, somehow thinking that she can determine if he's still in love with his ex if she (Serena) is dressed like her. What?

Serena is longing for love, true. But there's no real love in this story, which is why I can't even categorize it as a Romance. Serena falls for Gustav without knowing a thing about him. She expects him to treat her like a lover, when she's entered into a sexual contract with him - selling herself to get establish herself in the art world. She reacts too often like a horny teenager, rather than show any signs of maturity or understanding.

And at the end of the book, we're supposed to be able to picture the next stage in this relationship. Yet, for me, the trilogy is over. I can't take another round, much less 2.

Kooky, Thought-Provoking... The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler

The Bookstore - Deborah Meyler

3 stars
RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of the written word who like the "high-brow", Bookstore maniacs, Contemporary Romance fans

This book was provided by the publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I read an ARC, so any differences in the quotes or plot points are likely changes to from the ARC to the final published version.


"There's no such thing as a used book. Or there's no such thing as a book if it's not being used."


This debut novel is heart-wrenching and heart-breaking. It's full of kooky, robust characters and a story that makes you think about who you are and what your preconceived notions of life are all about. But I just didn't love it.... sometimes, I didn't even like it.

Book Summary
Esme is a transplanted 23-year old English native working towards her PhD in art history at Columbia University in New York City. She's in love with her boyfriend Mitchell van Leuven, a 30-something old-money rich, handsome, charming, economics professor at the New School. When Esme discovers that she's pregnant with Mitchell's child, she initially decides to terminate the pregnancy. But she can't go through it, and so she decides to tell Mitchell about the baby. But before she can, Mitchell breaks up with her, telling her that he never loved her, they were never exclusive, and he was never sexually turned on by her.

Esme turns to The Owl, a somewhat shabby, eclectic second-hand, privately-owned, local bookstore looking for work. By the terms of her visa, Esme can't take employment anywhere but Columbia. But without any other financial support (and not wanting to tell her parents), Esme needs a job. Which George, The Owl's owner, provides in his bookstore. Through Esme's experience behind the counter, we meet a wide range of colorful and kooky characters, including Luke who's handsome, reserved, and plays the guitar; George, The Owl's owner who's into idealism and organic healthfood; and DeeMo, a homeless man who barters odd jobs for money.

Mitchell decides to comes back around, trying to reconcile with Esme, only to discover the baby issue. After trying to convince her to go through with an abortion, he finally gives up and proposes to her. But Mitchell doesn't do anything without a dramatic flair in front of an audience in just the right setting. His snooty upper-crust family don't approve, and Esme quickly finds herself out-of-her-depth in Mitchell's world. Does he really love her or is he simply thumbing his nose at his family?

Esme's confronted with many complex life choices, among them motherhood, religion, relationships, love, and family.

 

(Esme) When people say "to father," they generally mean that one biological act--the act of begetting a child. It is different with the verb "to mother." "to mother" implies care. A man's act of fathering can easily be that one seed sown; a woman's act of mothering can take up the rest of her life.


Lori's Review
I have mixed emotions about this book. Mostly, I like Esme; I don't always agree with her, but I appreciate her POV and her determination to make up her own mind and live her own life. She's faced with a lot of difficult choices and challenges in this book, and yet Esme manages to keep it all from dragging her down for too long.

The Owl certainly seems like just the sort of second-hand bookstore that exists somewhere in the burgeoning metropolis of New York City. And the characters at The Owl are fully realized and distinct. They might be a little crazy, but they're fun and add life to the story. They embrace Esme (mostly) without judgement and help her to find her new "normal".

Mitchell and his family... well, yes, these folks exist in the real world. But I found it interesting that most of Mitchell's "crowd" were painted with negative strokes. While I thought his father might be decent, I quickly changed my mind. Much of what Mitchell says seems reasonable; but colored through his Peter-Pan attitude and his complete self-centeredness, he's just plain unlikeable and unredeemable.

Stella, Esme's neighbor is a hoot. She always livens up the scene.

My issues:
* I'm fairly well-read, and yet I found myself having to constantly look up references to authors and using the dictionary to understand the meaning of several words used in every-day conversations by these characters. At times, the book made me feel downright dumb. But that's MY issue. The characters in this book seem to use language appropriate to who they are.

* I was irritated with Esme to the point that I wanted to SHAKE HER! But the heart wants what it wants, and you can't tell your heart to stop loving someone just because he's a Class-A, Narcissistic Jerk. And yet, I couldn't understand what drew Esme to Mitchell in the first place or why she'd fall in love with him.

 

(Mitchell) "I want to have you in my life as a matter of choice, Esme. I don't like being constrained to it."
(Esme) "You're not constrained to it."
(Mitchell) "You're forcing a connection between us."
(Esme) "That connection is made whether we like it or not, I say. He whirls away from me, as if we are in a movie. "You slept with me yesterday so that I would be easier to persuade," I say.
(Mitchell) "You're wrong," he says, looking out of the window.
(Esme) "Then why?"
(Mitchell )He shrugs. "I wanted to? I thought I wanted to? Why did you do it?"
(Esme) "I wanted to."
(Mitchell) "Okay. So no harm done."

 

And, of course, I fully expected a different ending to the book, it's still a possibility - or I like to think so. And I applaud the author for not taking the easy way out.

I can't say that I like this book... not exactly. I don't hate it or dislike it; but I might not have finished it or skimmed it rather than read the entire thing. I found Mitchell so unlikeable and Esme's love for him so insane, I just didn't want to read about his playing with her - batting her around as if she's a cat's toy. And yet, I'm sure this book will find its audience and its voice.

Unbreakable - Elizabeth Norris

(Janelle) Once upon a time I would have said that I could save myself. But I open my eyes and see Ben's long, dark eyelashes and the perfect curve of his mouth, and I say, "We save each other."


This hold-on-to-your-seat finale to the Unraveling series is a mind-blower! It's everything I could have wanted and so much more. It's unexpectedly expected. Ms. Norris doesn't hold back.

Book Summary
Despite stopping the countdown to the Oppenheimer device in Unraveling, this Earth (Janelle's Earth) is still reeling from the close call. Most of the technology is just plain out - no cell phones, no Internet - not to mention very little basic supplies and homes left. The world has been devastated by earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, tornadoes, and looting. Most folks don't have all of their families in tact, and many are seeking shelter at community shelters, like the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Martial law is in effect. In the U.S., the Speaker of the House is in charge, because both the President and Vice-President were killed in the after-math of the natural disasters. Hundreds of thousands are missing, and the number seems to grow daily, as people seem to just vanish, including those in Cecily's care at Qualcomm.

Janelle is living with Struz and her brother Jared. When Taylor Barclay kicks in the door and demands that Janelle come with him to save Ben from being executed on Prima, it's just the beginning of non-stop action. Janelle has to help Elijah escape from a maximum security jail in Prima, so that she & Barclay can question him about Ben's whereabouts.

Since Barclay's been gone, he's discovered that Ben is part of a white slavery/kidnapping ring; Ben and who knows how many others have been snatching people - some to order - from the various multiverse Earths. But for whom? Where? Why? Ben and Elijah were discovered, arrested, questioned, tortured, and imprisoned. But Ben escaped. And the IA has decided that he's the #1 Most Wanted.

Barclay knows that corruption is afoot inside the IA (Interverse Agency). Someone high up is helping the slavers. But he doesn't know where to start or whom to trust to find the information. Barclay figures that Janelle can find Ben, thus getting the full story, help Barclay get the proof he needs to expose the corruption, stop Ben's and his loved ones' execution, stop the slavery operation, and save the day.

And oh yeah, Barclay and Janelle have 5 days to accomplish the task.

Lori's Review
So much is new in this book, because we spend a lot of time in Prima and in other versions of Earth. Because we're experiencing everything through Janelle's eyes, it's strange and even scary, but we don't have a lot of time to think. We have to DO.

We get glimpses into the doppelganger theory, that each of the multiverse versions of Earth have the same people, but those people are all different from one another, based on their life experiences and choices. The differences in who they are becomes apparent, but just think of how you'd react to running into someone you think you know well, only to discover that person is not who you think at all.

I found this book sad in so many ways, but I applaud Ms. Norris' determination to not follow any of the expected routes. She keeps us hanging with the constant action, twists and turns, and a vision that means no one, not even main characters, are safe from harm.

My only nit is that there are discrepancies between this book and [book:Undone|5203], which features Ben's POV of Unraveled and the gap between book 1 and this book 2. They aren't massive, but having just read book 1, then Undone (book 1.5) before starting this book, the differences were obvious.

Thoroughly enjoyed the ride of this series and its characters! I'll be on the look-out for more of Ms. Norris' books in the future. She's definitely an author to watch!

 

Stats

Pages: XX Kindle story pages

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Tantalizing, Sensuous, Can't-Put-It-Down Tale

Escaping Reality - Lisa Renee Jones

Quick Look

"Hot" Scale: 4 out of 5 Flames - Steamy HOT

 

Recommended For: Fans of the Inside Out trilogy & Contemporary/Erotic Romance with a Mystery Twist

 

Genres: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

 

ARC provided by Netgalley and Julie Patra Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Book hits stores July 22, 2013.

 

Book Summary

From the 1st sentence, we’re off and running with Amy Reynolds. Amy is working a charity event for her employer, Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum. We meet her as she enters the ladies restroom, where she spies an envelope taped to the mirror - with her name on it. Amy knows what that means... it means that she's on the run again. Some dark, mysterious event occurred when Amy was 18 years old - something happened to her home and her family that involves smoke & flames. And that something forced her to flee her home, take on a new identity, and live on-the-run ever since. Amy doesn’t know who’s after her or why; just that someone is, and they think that she knows something they don’t want her to know.

 

The letter in the envelope says, "I've found you and so can they..." and tells her to go directly to JFK Airport. The envelope also contains a key to a locker in the airport, which contains a suitcase and another envelope with her new identity, a bank account in Colorado, new cell phone, an apartment key and address, and a whole new personal history, job history, and resume that she must quickly memorize. Now Amy Benson, she is bound for Denver, Colorado.

 

But her flight is overbooked, and Amy starts to panic. Can she wait? Just when it looks as if Amy won't be able to board, she's told that her ticket has been upgraded to 1st Class, and she has a seat. Relieved, Amy boards, only to discover that her seat is next to the handsome gentleman that she was exchanging interested glances with while waiting for the plane.

 

The "gentleman" is Liam Stone - reclusive billionaire architect, who’s on his way to Denver, too, for business. Liam is not only drop-dead gorgeous, but sexy; he's obviously strong, confidant, successful, and knows what he wants. And Liam wants Amy. He seduces her on the plane, even protecting her when she has a nightmare about the smoke & flames that destroyed her family.

 

Amy decides to flirt, since it’s only a plane ride, right? Wrong. Liam manages to slowly, sensuously wrap himself around Amy and her new life – taking her to her apartment, providing the missing essentials and putting them on his hotel room, and giving her an erotic night to dream of. She figures it’s a one-night stand, and it’s an erotic experience she’d never dreamed of. But the next day, Liam makes it clear that he intends to stick around and be part of her life. Why? Can she trust him? Without real contact from her handler, Amy feels lost and alone… and susceptible to Liam.

 

Amy tries to get her new identity established, check her new bank account, and find her feet in this new city. But she has very little to go on… and nothing seems quite right. Not her hunky neighbor, Jared Ryan,  nor Meg, the new secretary at the real estate agent’s office. Is she just being paranoid or is someone really watching her…. Following her? Who can she trust? Why are all these people suddenly determined to be part of her new life?

 

Just when she lets her guard down and decides to tell Liam everything and ask for his help, she overhears something that makes her fear it’s all over….

 

Lori's Review

I could NOT put this book down! I was so engrossed in it, I couldn't believe it when I was finished. NO! I WANT MORE!

 

This series is so much different from Lisa Renee Jones' other works. It's similar, in that it involves a mystery, a damsel-in-distress, a potential love triangle, and is told in 1st person POV. But this story feels so much more balanced - even better written than the Inside Out trilogy. It teases and tantalizes, grabbing hold of you, making it almost impossible to wait for the next part of the tale.

 

My main nit is that we know so little about what happened to force Amy to live this life on the run. We start to gather bits and pieces as the story progresses, but not enough to understand why it's been 6 years and she's still afraid for her life. Who's helping her and why? Who's the handler? Because it's obviously not Witness Protection.

And the copy I read was an unedited proof, so while there are a few minor areas that don't jive, I excused them. For example, Liam tells Amy not to text him, but a little later he's angry that she didn't send him a text. All things that likely will be fixed in the published version.

 

Stats

Pages (Kindle): 252 story pages

Publisher: Julie Patra Publishing

Release Date: July 22, 2013

Sci-Fi YA That Beats The "X-Files"!

Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris

Quick Look
Lori's Rating: 4 stars!
Recommended For: X-Files & Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans who like a little Urban-Fantasy thrown in for good measure

Genres: YA Romance, Sci-Fi/Contemporary, Urban Fantasy

Book Summary
Just 2 days before starting her junior year in high-school, Janelle Tenner is killed by a runaway truck - a 1997 Velociadad. Yep, a truck never made in the U.S. or in this world. The driver was dead at the wheel and had strange burns... radiation burns that other victims around San Diego are turning up with, too. Janelle's FBI dad has been investigating.

But the amazing part is that Janelle is now alive, thanks to Ben Michaels. Somehow, he brought Janelle back to life and completely healed her broken bones (including broken back) and all her previous scars. No one believes Janelle, not even her BFF, Alex. But Janelle's determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of Ben Michaels - the guy she thinks is just a Stoner.

But Ben is so much more... and in unraveling the mystery of Ben and how he healed her, Janelle and Alex also unravel the mystery of the radiation burn victims, and the mysterious countdown device that her father found and has locked somewhere at the FBI. Can Janelle stop the countdown and solve the mystery in time?

Lori's Review
Wow! This book knocked my socks off! It seems like such a harmless YA book. But it grabs you by the throat and doesn't let up until you're done reading it. And it leaves you gasping for MORE! Thank goodness there's a sequel Unbreakable and a short in Ben's POV called "Undone".

The "chapter" titles are confusing at first. But stick with it - you'll see what they're all about. I confess, I didn't pick up on it until the answer was revealed, I was so caught up in the story.

I appreciated Janelle's (J-Baby) strength. She's smart and plucky, yes. And while it might seem as if she rushes in, Janelle's got a lot of great instincts and training from watching her father all these years. She knows how to investigate and interrogate. She knows how to blackmail, when she needs to. She's been strong, because she's had to be for her brother Jared.

It's tough not to be irritated with her father over mostly ignoring her mother's bi-polar and how it affects the family. The *family* is really Janelle and Jared. Their father is working a lot, and even when he's home, he's working. But he does love his kids, and he tries to do right by them. I think, in part, he's avoiding the whole issue of their mom, because he doesn't want to deal with it.

Alex is such a great best friend - I love him! I'm super glad that he doesn't have a crush on Janelle, as most guy BFFs seem to have on their girl BFFs. It's nice to have that solid friendship without the undertones of him always wanting to kiss her or have her notice him. Alex's mom is a hoot, although I'm glad that she's not my mom!

Ben and his friends Elijah and Reid are ... very mysterious. Ben always seems to be around, watching, and Janelle never noticed him before. Ben is really sweet, and my heart goes out to him; he's been trying to do the right thing for everyone, and that only gets him into more trouble. But he's really smart, too - much more intelligent than anyone other than his closest buds have given him credit for, except perhaps the one teacher. He's been deliberately hiding and keeping his head down, and yet... you just know he's missing his real family and doesn't feel love like he deserves.

Their short romance is sweet, too - very PG. Ben's not "icky" or pushy; he defends and protects. Janelle's got her head on straight; as much as she's now captivated by Ben, she knows that rushing in isn't the right thing to do, especially with everything going on around them. And when it's time, she helps Ben make the right decision - or is it?

 

(Janelle at the end of this book) But I'm alive. I'm alive. More alive than I was before any of this happened. Life if a fragile thing. Apparently the whole world is fragile too. But it'll beat on. Because it has to.
Stats
Pages (Kindle): 480 story pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins Publishers

Don't Bother... It Loses A Lot In Translation

The Story of X: An Erotic Tale - A.J. Molloy

NOT RECOMMENDED

Too much suspension of disbelief. X is too American, too hysterical, and too much. Marc is hot, but too good to be true.

This book wound me up with all the mysteries and steamy sex... the hot Italian rich guy, the hint of mafia, and the strangeness of the Mysteries that X (Alexandra) agrees to take part in. She does so, because Marc (the hot Italian billionaire) has passed into the Fifth Mystery; the only way that she can continue to be with him is if she agrees to also achieve the Fifth Mystery.

BUT... for all of that, there's just a general weirdness. Naples and the surrounding area is described as trashy - literally, trash piled up in the streets, because of some mafia garbage thing. And dangerous. And X is such an American 21 year old. She irritates me with her decisions to pursue things and go into dangerous places just because SHE wants answers... or to explore... or something.

And her behavior at the Mysteries is abominable. OK, so it's probably scary. And no, I probably wouldn't like to be paraded around like that, either. BUT, everyone in this group has been through this; and no one seems to be leering or treating her badly. X gets hysterical too easily. But at the end, we're supposed to believe she's sucked it up enough to do what she did? Hmmmm....

Also too convenient that X is able to get answers from a big mafia guy and be able to get his cooperation not just once, but twice. She also "solves" the Mysteries. Ha!

ONE OF THE BEST OF 2013!

Finding Colin Firth - Mia March

RECOMMENDED FOR: Lovers of "The Meryl Streep Movie Club", Strong friendships between women, Women seeking themselves, and anyone who wants a FEEL GOOD read!


Mia March does it again! This incredible book made me laugh, cry, and sigh. I got so wrapped up in the characters and their lives, that I didn't want it to end. In fact, I really, really want a follow-up!!!

 

Colin Firth is my favorite actor - has been since forever, even before he was Mr. Darcy in A&E's "Pride and Prejudice". This book is about 3 women who find themselves and explore what "Mother" means - being a mother, finding a mother, and becoming a mother.

 

We also revisit in cameos the 2 sisters from "The Meryl Streep Movie Club". So nice to learn more about their lives, post-book.

This book provided by the publishers and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

SPOILER ALERT!

Not Quite...Could Be Better

Complete Me: A Novel - J. Kenner

RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of this series, because you'll want an ending (or is it?)

WARNING: SOME MATERIAL IN THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE CONSIDERED SPOILERS... READ AT YOUR OWN RISK, BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT SPECIFICALLY MARKED!!!!




Well, this book surely runs the gamut and puts both Damien and Nikki through their paces. It does answer most of the lingering questions about Damien's past and what the future is for this relationship. It shows us where Nikki is likely to end up in her life and business.

BUT... this book is almost too full. It's as if the author was trying to cram every last little bit of angst and sex and lovey-dovey declarations and then more conflict and suspense into this last book. Which begs the question, is it really the end of the trilogy? It seems that the fad is now to announce a 3-book arc and then either popular demand or the author doesn't feel as if the story is resolved in the 3 books, and so 1 or more books are planned. Based on this last book, though, I don't think I could take any more Damien and Nikki.

I appreciate that we learn more about what happened with Coach Richter. But the last-minute "save" in the court room seemed too much. It was obvious that the issue wasn't over by a long shot. Someone was still trying to pull the strings. But to what end? That's the crux. And if that were the focus of this book, I would understand. But the focus seems to be pulled in too many directions. Where's Sofia? Why is Damien so worried about her? How does Damien feel about Nikki now? (After her initial arrival in Germany and his initial "I love you" declaration, Damien hasn't said those words to Nikki - not even when the trial is over.) What about Nikki's business opportunities and career? What about Ollie and Jamie? Is there an Ollie AND Jamie? Who is Lisa really? And why does Nikki feel so close to Lisa after only a few conversations? What's up with Giselle?

Again, I appreciate that the author is trying to tie up all the loose ends. But the overall feel, to me, is over-the-top. Drama everywhere. Purple prosey love declarations are EVERYWHERE! If it were a few really choice statements, it would be fantastic. But almost every other page? Too much! And the steamy scenes? Well, a lot of the book felt like it was held together by the ever more outrageous and inventive sex between Damien and Nikki that bridged each and every scene. OK, so we're supposed to know that they can't live without one another. But that doesn't mean that every look or comment has to lead to hot sex? At times, I swore that I'd just read that same sex scene a few pages back.... except there was always one little new twist.

Hate to say it, but I was disappointed in this book. I was disappointed with Damien's decision about not to reveal what happened to him in court; I understand that he wanted it to remain private, but in the end, what did it matter? Was the point supposed to be that Damien realized that his relationship with Nikki was more important? That he grew as a person? Yes, he was trying to protect someone other than himself. And perhaps that's reason enough. But his revealing it all in the end seemed to not only go against who he was and what he'd told Nikki about why he wouldn't reveal it, but to contradict it.

The people involved in trying to keep them apart and their tactics with the media... all too well staged. The threats against Nikki? Seemingly random and then suddenly all pulled together. Perhaps I simply didn't appreciate what the author was trying to do, but it felt too forced. Drama for drama's sake. Suspense because there had to be yet more challenges for Nikki and Damien to overcome or we, the readers, couldn't be assured for their future.

BUT.. in the end, it was a very romantic book. The author did her best to wrap up the lingering questions about both Nikki and Damien - even Jamie and Ollie, to some extent. My dissatisfaction was that this book seemed unfocused; it seemed as if some things were just thrown in to make it a full book, not because it was necessary to the story or even that it moved the story along. Yes, some of those things/events did answer questions though, so perhaps it was simply the way that we were told and not shown. Perhaps the pressure to get this book out there compromised the author's process and overall vision? I'm quite aware that the ravenous public can force a book to come out before it's time.

Overall, I'd rate this series at a 3+ stars. If I wasn't convinced that it could have been better, based on the 1st book, the slower exploration and the showing versus all the telling, I could rate this book and the overall series higher.

This book was provided as an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

"Silly dark elves. Earth is for Druids."

Hunted - Kevin Hearne

RECOMMENDED FOR: Iron Druid Chronicle fans and ANYONE who loves a good adventure chock-full of mythology, Druids, and magic

 

One of the BEST in the series!

 

This book reminded me of why I love this series so much! It had the right balance of action and story. As a reader, I appreciated that we started right back where we left off - it helped me to pick up the action right away. I was truly engaged and absorbed. I could NOT put this book down, and I did so only grudgingly to do real-world stuff, like work and eat and sleep.

I love that Granuaile's POV is included. I felt more of a real sense of WHO she is this time, especially when she was doing the talking. But even from Atticus' POV, Granuaile didn't come across as "just a side-kick" this time. She's really coming into her Druid status and showing her own style.

Oberon is sassy and smart as ever. He's the best comic relief!

(Oberon) "I've never run this fast for so long. It's better than sticking your head out a car window, that's for sure."

 

(Oberon) "Oh, great big bears, Atticus!" he said as he laid into it. "This is the best prime rib ever!.... Stolen and succlent, like forbidden fruit when I'm already starving. This shall be known as the Great Meat Heist of Poland That One Time. All future meals will be measured against this one. It's even better than the Big Juicy Barbecue if Atlanta That Other Time, do you remember tha? Or the Beloved Boar Sausage We Had Once. And do you remember the Heinous Worldwide Bacon Shortage of 2013? This totally makes up for it!"

True tear-jerk moments with the Morrigan, but mostly with Atticus' thinking of her. It was heart-breaking to realize along with him just what the Morrigan had done & said. And how he could see clearly now what he'd missed before. I liked that there was so much *more* to her than what we saw. Her actions and words made so much more sense in this book and during Atticus' musings.

While on the run from the Roman and Greek gods, Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon encounter just about every possible Greek or Roman god possible, along with some Irish gods, an English god (of sorts), and Norse gods. Loki is featured, and he provides one heckuva show at Windsor!

Lots of surprises, a new unique villain, more Leif, and a few other familiar, welcome faces. Love all the twists and turns! Reading this book definitely runs the gamut of emotions! It's like your favorite roller-coaster ride. No matter how scary or how much you scream, it's still a thrilling, fantastic, awesome experience.

In the end, we add to the team... interesting prospects for the next books. I'd hoped that vampire problem in Poland would be mentioned again. I'd "assumed" that Atticus' deal in Tir na nOg would take care of his debt to Malina's coven. But nothing about Malina, her coven, or vampires being killed in Poland was mentioned. (Unless I missed it.) I'm assuming that'll be covered in the next book.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Quotes verified with the first version published June 25, 2013.

Revenge & Reunited Lovers

The Marquess Who Loved Me - Sara Ramsey

3.5 stars
RECOMMENDED FOR: Fans of Historical Romance who like reunited lovers, revenge schemes, and a bit of "steam"

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of angst in this book... it starts out as revenge and ends up as a romance. Regardless, while other reviewers question the consensual nature of the sexual relationship and some go so far as to call it rape, the author makes it quite clear that both her male & female protagonists (Nick and Ellie) are willing participants.

This book is actually the 3rd book in the Muses of Mayfair series.

10 years ago, Ellie scorned Nick, the eldest son of a wealthy 2nd son who has aristocratic ties, but is considered a merchant. In other words, not good <i>ton</i>. Ellie's father was determined that she make a titled match. Ellie was determined to win her father's approval, after being exiled for years simply because she had the audacity to look like the dead wife her father loved most. Nick's cousin, Charles, aka Lord Folkestone, offers for Ellie's hand out of spite, not love; Charles wants to make Nick's life miserable, and he knows that Ellie is hoping that her father will allow her to marry Nick if she completes one Season. Nick & Ellie have been keeping their relationship a secret; but Ellie mistakenly confides in Charles' sisters, who promptly give Charles the means to best Nick. OH, but that's not all... Ellie cuts Nick in a most cruel way, telling him that she could never marry a peasant.

What seems to be the solution ends up a most tragic and wrenching break: Charles dies on the 3rd day of their marriage... in the bed of his opera mistress. Ellie is a widow. Nick is the new Lord Folkestone. You'd think that the two would find one another, and Ellie's father would be appeased by the title and money. NOPE.

Nick leaves London to handle his family's business affairs in India. His brother Marcus is to handle the London affairs. That includes keeping a tally of Ellie's expenses and being her business adviser.

Now, he's returning to London ONLY because someone is trying to murder him. He's not sure who it is, but Nick decides it's time to leave India. And so, he arrives at the Folkestone country home intending to put his dream revenge plan into action. His arrival coincides with the eve of Ellie's birthday - the night that she throws her annual party, usually quite a spectacle. This year is somewhat tame, however, because Ellie's siblings and half-siblings are in attendance after a long separation; and Ellie fears for their reputation should she throw her usual wild party.

Nick is bent on revenge. And he cruelly informs Ellie that she owes him 40 thousand pounds, having long exceeded her dowry and annual allowance. Ellie, completely unaware, is in shock. Nick tells her that she can work it off by being his slave, day and night, for the next 4 months. Implied, of course, is sexual favors; not rape. While Nick postures about taking her as he wishes, the reality is that both Nick and Ellie are still in love with one another. But both have their individual demons of revenge, hurt, and guilt to deal with before they can acknowledge their true feelings.

Thrown into the mix is the mystery of who wants Nick dead and why? That someone is still in the picture, and he's not afraid to pose as a highwayman, shoot his own accomplice in the head to prevent identification, or shoot into a crowd, attempting to hit either Nick or Marcus.

While the mystery portion of the story is thin, it's amusing. Especially at the end of the book, when Nick attempts to interview his prime suspect.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, if somewhat angsty, romance. Well-written with strong characters, including a very strong, independent woman protagonist.

All Dex... All The Time...

Come Alive - Karina Halle

4.5 stars!

 

I'm still reeling from finishing off this book in a little over 3 hours. It's got me worn out, emotionally and mentally.

 

But yes, it's 100% from Dex's POV, which is awesome. But the WHY of that becomes more than obvious 2/3 of the way through the book. Because Dex learns something that could irrevocably break him and Perry apart forever. Or will it?

 

What starts out with joy turns to bittersweet in the city of New Orleans. A ghost-hunting exploration of a very haunted mansion with Max their new producer - no ifs, ands, or butts about it or else from Jimmy - quickly turns into a nightmare of zombies, voodoo, and Dex's mom's hunting and haunting.

 

We learn so much more about Max - if you've been wondering about him and his last name, wonder no more. All is revealed in this book. But what does it all mean?

 

Pippa makes a quick cameo, and THANK GOD for that! And Perry comes to the rescue, oddly enough with Max. But where do we go from here?

 

Dex seems to have made up his mind what will happen next. Problem is, when Perry finds out what Dex learned, what will she do? Or want to do? Will Dex tell her?

========

ARGH! I'm so upset that I gorged on this book so quickly. I knew I would. And I'll likely have to re-read it in a week or two. And discuss it endlessly with my GR friends, to milk every nuance from it.

 

But I'm back in WAITING mode, and I hate that! The waiting for the next book or novella to come out always threatens to kill me. I loved being able to breeze through essentially all the books up until this one, because they were out there by the time I discovered this addictive series.

 

All because of a freebie book - "Darkhouse". Oh yes. Offering a free book does work - if the book and series are as addicting and amazing as they've been so far. Karina Halle is truly an artist, crafting worlds and characters that truly come alive, as she takes us into their heads, hearts, bodies, and minds.... Perry struck me from day 1, because she's so relate-able. Dex is such a guy, and yet such a sexy, mysterious bundle of raw emotions and heart that you just can't help but love him and cheer him on. Ms. Halle makes us WANT things for these characters. Makes you talk about them like they're your best friends or something.

 

Probably more with quotes and all later. After my friends have had a chance to read this book. And after I've had a chance to absorb it and discuss it.

Mysterious & Sexy - Cliffhanger makes you want more

If I Were You (Inside Out Trilogy, #1) - Lisa Renee Jones

2nd read: On this re-read, a couple of things stand out to me:

1. Sara seems to be fake to me - overblown and over-dramatic. It could be my mood. But for all her supposed background of growing up with money, she surely doesn't act like it. It's as if Ms. Jones started her out naive and lower middle-class and then decided that didn't quite fit or was too close to the FSOG series... so voila! Let's give her a powerful, controlling CEO ex-lover and an upper class, controlling father with lots of money. So Sara knows about money and has had it. But now she doesn't

2. Sara's deep insecurities - She makes a big deal out of Chris being so "damaged and broken" and that she is, too. But every little thing seems to make her come apart. This gal is so needy and desperate at times, it floors me. And this big secret hanging over her head?

It feels like she's stuck on Rebecca and trying to have Rebecca's life, because it's an escape of her own life. If she can focus on "helping" Rebecca, perhaps she (Sara) can exorcise her own past. Problem is, I don't know that Sara's past is so dark. In this way, she and Rebecca seem alike; except that Rebecca's Master truly is using her for his own BDSM satisfaction, and Chris's relationship with Sara is still relatively vanilla sex.

=================
1st read: Oct 2012
3.5 - maybe 4 stars

OK, I read it. I was skeptical because it was touted as "50 Shades" meets "Basic Instinct"... and I'm tired of any contemporary romance with a hint of steam being compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and the 3-book series.

So... what I discovered is a more mature, grown-up version of 50 Shades. One that is much more palatable. Neither character in the romance is a young nit-wit or a raging control freak. They don't spout the same lines over and over and over again at one another.

This book is more subtle... more silk... more seduction. It pulls you in gradually. And while it might be predictable (despite the fact that books 2 & 3 aren't out yet), the story and the characters are just intriguing enough... just sexy enough to hold your attention and leave you wanting more. Like when you finish eating a really, really good chocolate - that last little hint left on your tongue is so satisfying, and yet, you know that you'll eventually want more. You don't *need* more, and you won't *demand* more, but you know that when the chance comes to eat that next chocolate, you'll be more than ready for it -- welcome it eagerly, and devour it just slowly enough to savor.

The description of the book doesn't quite do it justice, because the main character is somewhat obsessed with the writer of the journals, Rebecca, but as a consequence of trying to track Rebecca's whereabouts down, she becomes enmeshed in Rebecca's world... perhaps her life. So there's a sense of urgency, yet a sense of surreal, as the main character tries to navigate the maze of the art world and the characters in Rebecca's life.

Yes, there is quite a bit of suspension of disbelief on the reader's part. But not in such an obvious or crass way as in 50 Shades. And the characters are much more likeable, even though the guy's penthouse is almost too reminiscent of Mr. Grey's place. Except this guy paints, rather than play the piano.