Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mes4 - "This was worth every minute." Stars!
Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mess. How to Save a Life is definitely in that category for me. And although it had me sobbing into a tissue while reading the latter part of it and for a little while after finishing, it is the kind of book that also leaves to with a good feeling inside as well.
[image]
Kristin Harmel is a new author to me, the blurb was what immediately grabbed me, as Jills’ situation is one that no-one ever wants to find themselves in, and its one of those questions that no-one ever wants to really answer - What would you do when you if given a short amount of time to live?
One day more…
There are so many things Jill could have done, I loved that the main role of her life was as a carer to often terminally sick children in that she was a Oncology nurse at Atlanta Children’s Hospital, this is a woman who is quite intimately acquainted with death, so when her own is diagnosed and the number of days she has left are confirmed as few her immediate focus is still on the children that she cares for on a day-to-day basis.
"Time is never a guarantee."
But Logan and a few other children on her floor are doing more than just marking the days until their clock runs down, and with the help of a tree, they show her that you can make right and repair what you thought was broken in your life, before you say your final goodbyes.
"True love only takes a moment. And then your heart belongs to someone else forever."
I like that the love aspect in the book wasn’t the main focus, but Jill’s budding relationship with Jamie as she understood what the time she was given was for did add another layer to the emotional roller-coaster that you are on as a reader. But I think it was her relationship with Logan, the terminally ill, orphan that really grabbed my heart and squeezed hard.
"Some things just are. Some things you just have to believe in."
I suppose some people would think reading about someone who is dying would be depressing, but for me the book wasn’t massively about that until the last few chapters, it was more about Jill having the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a woman whose clock is counting down, and what she chose to do with those precious minutes she had left.
My only niggle, was the end was a little easy-way-out in its direction, and I don’t mean Jill’s dying, you know that is going to happen anyway, it was the resolution of certain other aspects of the story. One thing that I did like was Logan’s ending, I sort of hope that the author has a story for him, because dead, isn’t always the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, that’s for sure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
4 - "This was worth every minute." Stars!
Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mess. How to Save a Life is definitely in that category for me. And although it had me sobbing into a tissue while reading the latter part of it and for a little while after finishing, it is the kind of book that also leaves to with a good feeling inside as well.
[image]
Kristin Harmel is a new author to me, the blurb was what immediately grabbed me, as Jills’ situation is one that no-one ever wants to find themselves in, and its one of those questions that no-one ever wants to really answer - What would you do when you if given a short amount of time to live?
One day more…
There are so many things Jill could have done, I loved that the main role of her life was as a carer to often terminally sick children in that she was a Oncology nurse at Atlanta Children’s Hospital, this is a woman who is quite intimately acquainted with death, so when her own is diagnosed and the number of days she has left are confirmed as few her immediate focus is still on the children that she cares for on a day-to-day basis.
"Time is never a guarantee."
But Logan and a few other children on her floor are doing more than just marking the days until their clock runs down, and with the help of a tree, they show her that you can make right and repair what you thought was broken in your life, before you say your final goodbyes.
"True love only takes a moment. And then your heart belongs to someone else forever."
I like that the love aspect in the book wasn’t the main focus, but Jill’s budding relationship with Jamie as she understood what the time she was given was for did add another layer to the emotional roller-coaster that you are on as a reader. But I think it was her relationship with Logan, the terminally ill, orphan that really grabbed my heart and squeezed hard.
"Some things just are. Some things you just have to believe in."
I suppose some people would think reading about someone who is dying would be depressing, but for me the book wasn’t massively about that until the last few chapters, it was more about Jill having the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a woman whose clock is counting down, and what she chose to do with those precious minutes she had left.
My only niggle, was the end was a little easy-way-out in its direction, and I don’t mean Jill’s dying, you know that is going to happen anyway, it was the resolution of certain other aspects of the story. One thing that I did like was Logan’s ending, I sort of hope that the author has a story for him, because dead, isn’t always the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, that’s for sure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
We return to Zoe Dawson’s SEAL Team Alpha series, with book five giving us Ocean 'Blue' Beckett’s story. If you haven’5 - "You give me hope..." Stars!
We return to Zoe Dawson’s SEAL Team Alpha series, with book five giving us Ocean 'Blue' Beckett’s story. If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I urge you to do so, because it will give added depth to the story, that the author gave this troubled and broken man.
He had upheld his honor… even if it was in shreds.
Take heed of the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book, because the author didn’t pull her punches especially whilst Blue is still being held captive in Kirikhanistan his treatment is horrific, heart breaking and pretty graphically described.
He hurt… from the inside out.
Having read the previous books in the series, and knowing of his situation I was prepared for it, but it still upset me to read of the experiences he went through, being the Teams medic and a master of Zen, you see just how much his experience strips everything he once held dear away from him. And how meeting Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Coventry, and exploring their connection gave him the tools to start rebuilding himself one brick at a time.
[image]
I don’t want to say too much else about the direction of the story, because although it is pretty harsh in places, a little painful to read at points, and a whole emotional rollercoaster to experience alongside Blue and Charlie, it is definitely a journey best travelled in the dark.
He was a ruined angel crowned with golden brown hair and eyes the color of the ocean…
Charlie has her own demons to work through as well, and the balance of her working through her issues, whilst also giving Blue the freedom to release some of the dark ghosts he holds onto is just really well pitched. You get POVs from some of the other Alpha Team members as to how Blue’s experience has affected them as well as the Alpha Team dynamic in general, after everything that has gone on.
"I didn’t build this team to have it destroyed by some bitch and her sick husband in that godforsaken place… We’re stronger than that."
Zoe delivered in spades this time, I commend her imagination and mettle, because reading some of this book was hard enough, I cannot imagine how painful it must have been to try and write it.
"They took so much from me… I don’t know what I have left."
This series just goes from strength to strength, and with Scarecrow up next, I cannot wait to see what direction Zoe takes his story in.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange. [image]
Merged review:
5 - "You give me hope..." Stars!
We return to Zoe Dawson’s SEAL Team Alpha series, with book five giving us Ocean 'Blue' Beckett’s story. If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I urge you to do so, because it will give added depth to the story, that the author gave this troubled and broken man.
He had upheld his honor… even if it was in shreds.
Take heed of the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book, because the author didn’t pull her punches especially whilst Blue is still being held captive in Kirikhanistan his treatment is horrific, heart breaking and pretty graphically described.
He hurt… from the inside out.
Having read the previous books in the series, and knowing of his situation I was prepared for it, but it still upset me to read of the experiences he went through, being the Teams medic and a master of Zen, you see just how much his experience strips everything he once held dear away from him. And how meeting Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Coventry, and exploring their connection gave him the tools to start rebuilding himself one brick at a time.
[image]
I don’t want to say too much else about the direction of the story, because although it is pretty harsh in places, a little painful to read at points, and a whole emotional rollercoaster to experience alongside Blue and Charlie, it is definitely a journey best travelled in the dark.
He was a ruined angel crowned with golden brown hair and eyes the color of the ocean…
Charlie has her own demons to work through as well, and the balance of her working through her issues, whilst also giving Blue the freedom to release some of the dark ghosts he holds onto is just really well pitched. You get POVs from some of the other Alpha Team members as to how Blue’s experience has affected them as well as the Alpha Team dynamic in general, after everything that has gone on.
"I didn’t build this team to have it destroyed by some bitch and her sick husband in that godforsaken place… We’re stronger than that."
Zoe delivered in spades this time, I commend her imagination and mettle, because reading some of this book was hard enough, I cannot imagine how painful it must have been to try and write it.
"They took so much from me… I don’t know what I have left."
This series just goes from strength to strength, and with Scarecrow up next, I cannot wait to see what direction Zoe takes his story in.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange. [image]...more
Her Treasure Hunter Ex is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first book in the Ballybeg Bad B3 - "May the best diver win." Stars!
Her Treasure Hunter Ex is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first book in the Ballybeg Bad Boys series. The title was what grabbed me for this one, and the synopsis sold it to me.
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The second chance love trope is one that I really enjoy, add in an unusual backstory, in that our couple are diving the wreck of the Lusitania off of the Irish coast for missing jewels, and that not everyone on the crew is on the up and up, and Declan and Katy's story kept me entertained for a few hours.
”You’re certain you want to start something with me again? It didn’t end well last time.”
The reason this only got a 3 star rating for me is that our couple have a past between them that isn’t pretty, and I felt that it was all resolved and forgotten about very quickly, and before you know it they were back to being a couple again.
It didn’t quite ring true with me, and the reconnection felt rushed and underdeveloped, if you are going to add (view spoiler)[ a broken engagement and a miscarriage (hide spoiler)] into your story line, I think it needs to be addressed a little more in depth than it was done in Her Treasure Hunter Ex.
The suspense side of the book was well plotted and the ending held a few surprises, and I would certainly look to read more from Zara Keane in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Merged review:
3 - "May the best diver win." Stars!
Her Treasure Hunter Ex is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first book in the Ballybeg Bad Boys series. The title was what grabbed me for this one, and the synopsis sold it to me.
[image]
The second chance love trope is one that I really enjoy, add in an unusual backstory, in that our couple are diving the wreck of the Lusitania off of the Irish coast for missing jewels, and that not everyone on the crew is on the up and up, and Declan and Katy's story kept me entertained for a few hours.
”You’re certain you want to start something with me again? It didn’t end well last time.”
The reason this only got a 3 star rating for me is that our couple have a past between them that isn’t pretty, and I felt that it was all resolved and forgotten about very quickly, and before you know it they were back to being a couple again.
It didn’t quite ring true with me, and the reconnection felt rushed and underdeveloped, if you are going to add (view spoiler)[ a broken engagement and a miscarriage (hide spoiler)] into your story line, I think it needs to be addressed a little more in depth than it was done in Her Treasure Hunter Ex.
The suspense side of the book was well plotted and the ending held a few surprises, and I would certainly look to read more from Zara Keane in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review....more
3 - We’re victims of our own circumstances... Stars.
What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story3 - We’re victims of our own circumstances... Stars.
What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story between the most unlikely couple, considering the background of their initial meeting in the first book, sadly develops into a bit of a soap opera for me in this the final part of their story.
I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this one but I just found the completely Ill-advised TV interviews, asshole reporters, familial drama, and so many unnecessary side plots added around the relationship rebuilding between Katie and Will/Ethan, too much. So much so that that aspect of their story almost became a secondary factor at points. It is such a shame, as Never Tear Us Apart in my opinion is probably one of the best books that Monica Murphy has written, and the ending to that book left me hoping that Never Let You Go would be as emotive and heart-wrenching as it was.
He gave me light, when all I felt was darkness.
Katie and Will together were up and down like a roller-coaster which was a lot like the first book, but it was for relevant reasons then and it didn’t feel that way for a lot of the issues they went through this time.
We can come together so beautifully and less than twenty-four hours later, it completely falls apart.
But pretty much every falling out they then have is due to lack of communication, or one or the other of them listening to other people’s opinions or interference. For someone so wary of everything and everyone in the first book Katie almost about faced in Never Let You Go and went head first into what felt like one stupid decision after another, often dragging a reluctant Will/Ethan along behind her, to try and pick up the pieces and repair the damage done.
"Your pain is my pain."
The last 20%... I can’t lie I am disappointed that the author took the route she did to bring this couple to their happily ever after, the only word that I can come up with is cliché, it felt like I was reading the script of a made-for-TV movie.
We can’t control the monsters.
For all my issues, I did still in the main enjoy most of the book, I have high expectations of Monica, after the first book, maybe they were unreasonable. I don’t know, I just don’t think the route that was taken was in keeping with the gritty, dark, sometimes upsetting Never Tear Us Apart but for all its darker points the author managed to bring light to the story with the relationship aspect between Katie and Ethan. Now back mainly as Will in Never Let You Go the book just didn’t have the impact, or take the direction I was expecting.
I made it. I survived.
I am a huge fan of this authors work, I wish I had loved this book as much as I did its predecessor; sadly it was not to be on this occasion. As I said I am in the minority, and I am sure that will be the case the more people read the book.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
3 - We’re victims of our own circumstances... Stars.
What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story between the most unlikely couple, considering the background of their initial meeting in the first book, sadly develops into a bit of a soap opera for me in this the final part of their story.
I cry for what I’ve lost. I cry for what I’ve found.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this one but I just found the completely Ill-advised TV interviews, asshole reporters, familial drama, and so many unnecessary side plots added around the relationship rebuilding between Katie and Will/Ethan, too much. So much so that that aspect of their story almost became a secondary factor at points. It is such a shame, as Never Tear Us Apart in my opinion is probably one of the best books that Monica Murphy has written, and the ending to that book left me hoping that Never Let You Go would be as emotive and heart-wrenching as it was.
He gave me light, when all I felt was darkness.
Katie and Will together were up and down like a roller-coaster which was a lot like the first book, but it was for relevant reasons then and it didn’t feel that way for a lot of the issues they went through this time.
We can come together so beautifully and less than twenty-four hours later, it completely falls apart.
But pretty much every falling out they then have is due to lack of communication, or one or the other of them listening to other people’s opinions or interference. For someone so wary of everything and everyone in the first book Katie almost about faced in Never Let You Go and went head first into what felt like one stupid decision after another, often dragging a reluctant Will/Ethan along behind her, to try and pick up the pieces and repair the damage done.
"Your pain is my pain."
The last 20%... I can’t lie I am disappointed that the author took the route she did to bring this couple to their happily ever after, the only word that I can come up with is cliché, it felt like I was reading the script of a made-for-TV movie.
We can’t control the monsters.
For all my issues, I did still in the main enjoy most of the book, I have high expectations of Monica, after the first book, maybe they were unreasonable. I don’t know, I just don’t think the route that was taken was in keeping with the gritty, dark, sometimes upsetting Never Tear Us Apart but for all its darker points the author managed to bring light to the story with the relationship aspect between Katie and Ethan. Now back mainly as Will in Never Let You Go the book just didn’t have the impact, or take the direction I was expecting.
I made it. I survived.
I am a huge fan of this authors work, I wish I had loved this book as much as I did its predecessor; sadly it was not to be on this occasion. As I said I am in the minority, and I am sure that will be the case the more people read the book.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
5 - "Once upon a time... There was a handsome cowboy prince." Stars!
I love this series, think of every word you can for good, and that sums up my feel5 - "Once upon a time... There was a handsome cowboy prince." Stars!
I love this series, think of every word you can for good, and that sums up my feelings about Whisper Creek. Every book in the series has delivered more than I expected it to, and I had extremely high expectations in the first place. But Maggie McGinnis has once again given me the story that I wanted so much, but added so many more facets to it that I didn’t even realise it needed.
”There’s nothing regular about you.”
Cole Driscoll and Jess Alcott have been circling around each other for the past two years, having met originally when she and her two friends journeyed to Whisper Creek Ranch for a girly holiday, they have built up a bond, and a pretty solid friendship in the intervening visits.
”Seems to be a common problem for you Boston gals. One whiff of Whisper Creek air, and you’re all packing your bags to move out here.”
But neither of them is quite sure how much further they are looking to go, the feelings are definitely mutual, and watching her friends meet and fall in love with the cowboys of their dreams has given her plenty of food for thought, as it has with Cole, seeing his brother and his best friend fall; hook, line and stirrup for Jess’s friends.
You get a sense in the previous books that there is more to Jess than meets the eye… and Maggie gave this woman one of the most heart-breaking back-stories I have read in a while, but it is the positives that you pull from it, as although her start in life is not the most nurturing or supportive, she has bettered herself and is living her life on her own terms.
[image]
Cole’s potential inclusion into that life going forward, and her gradual revelation of who she actually is to him, and Hayley and Kyla (books One & Two) as the secrets of her past start to catch up with her, really keep you engrossed in this book. Add to that the continual flicker of feeling between her and Cole, as well as the decisions he is trying to make about his own future, and I felt myself going through pretty much every emotion you can for this couple.
Maybe at Whisper Creek… she’d finally discovered a home.
This series has been absolutely stellar, I loved the epilogue in this one, but I hope Maggie hasn’t finished telling stories of Carefree, Montana, the Whisper Creek family may have had their 'happily ever afters', but there are a few people that pop up in the books that I would like to see get their stories told as well, Jenny and Michael spring to mind straight away, but with the expansion of the ranch and the Driscoll’s business interests in general, I hope that there is scope for more books, or maybe some sort of spin-off series.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Merged review:
5 - "Once upon a time... There was a handsome cowboy prince." Stars!
I love this series, think of every word you can for good, and that sums up my feelings about Whisper Creek. Every book in the series has delivered more than I expected it to, and I had extremely high expectations in the first place. But Maggie McGinnis has once again given me the story that I wanted so much, but added so many more facets to it that I didn’t even realise it needed.
”There’s nothing regular about you.”
Cole Driscoll and Jess Alcott have been circling around each other for the past two years, having met originally when she and her two friends journeyed to Whisper Creek Ranch for a girly holiday, they have built up a bond, and a pretty solid friendship in the intervening visits.
”Seems to be a common problem for you Boston gals. One whiff of Whisper Creek air, and you’re all packing your bags to move out here.”
But neither of them is quite sure how much further they are looking to go, the feelings are definitely mutual, and watching her friends meet and fall in love with the cowboys of their dreams has given her plenty of food for thought, as it has with Cole, seeing his brother and his best friend fall; hook, line and stirrup for Jess’s friends.
You get a sense in the previous books that there is more to Jess than meets the eye… and Maggie gave this woman one of the most heart-breaking back-stories I have read in a while, but it is the positives that you pull from it, as although her start in life is not the most nurturing or supportive, she has bettered herself and is living her life on her own terms.
[image]
Cole’s potential inclusion into that life going forward, and her gradual revelation of who she actually is to him, and Hayley and Kyla (books One & Two) as the secrets of her past start to catch up with her, really keep you engrossed in this book. Add to that the continual flicker of feeling between her and Cole, as well as the decisions he is trying to make about his own future, and I felt myself going through pretty much every emotion you can for this couple.
Maybe at Whisper Creek… she’d finally discovered a home.
This series has been absolutely stellar, I loved the epilogue in this one, but I hope Maggie hasn’t finished telling stories of Carefree, Montana, the Whisper Creek family may have had their 'happily ever afters', but there are a few people that pop up in the books that I would like to see get their stories told as well, Jenny and Michael spring to mind straight away, but with the expansion of the ranch and the Driscoll’s business interests in general, I hope that there is scope for more books, or maybe some sort of spin-off series.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review....more
1 - She couldn't leave Hollywood behind - not entirely. She avoided the spotlight, but she still lingered in the shadows. Star.
DNF @ 64%
I have enjoyed1 - She couldn't leave Hollywood behind - not entirely. She avoided the spotlight, but she still lingered in the shadows. Star.
DNF @ 64%
I have enjoyed most of the Kelly Brothers series, so it bummed me out a little bit that the last book in the series left me up to the point I stopped reading frustrated and a little underwhelmed. If I am honest the last couple of books didn’t have quite the spark of the predecessors, but Here all Along sadly fizzled out completely for me.
My frustration stemmed from the fact that this was a book I have been looking forward to in that Gideon Kelly has not really played much of a part in the rest of the books, being a busy movie star his lack of appearance at a lot of the Kelly family events has been explained away due to a hectic work schedule, so I was looking forward to getting in his head and enjoying the ‘friends to lovers’ romance. Sadly it was overshadowed by annoying and unlikeable secondary characters for the most part.
Stupid, stubborn, redhead.
My other issue, and this was the nail in the coffin for me was Sarah Holtz, (view spoiler)[ or more specifically the use of her alcoholism as the mainstay of the story. If you are in recovery for three years, and have been clean in that time, it really doesn’t sit well with me as a reader that the author is then happy to just throw that sobriety ‘off the wagon’ in one foul swoop. I also struggled to get on-board with Gideon’s then easy acceptance of finding her drunk. (hide spoiler)] if you choose to live your life in the Hollywood bubble, and are hiding more than a few skeletons in your closet, it stands to reason they are all going to come tumbling out at some point.
”Please don’t run away from what could be something great between us… Please, red, give us a chance.”
I wish I had loved this book, I really wanted the series to end on a high note, the authors writing style is as strong as it always is. I would still happily read further books by Crista McHugh, I just couldn’t get past my disappointment with all the added extra’s character-wise in this story, and the way the rest of the story was playing out around them, Gideon and Sarah sort of got lost in it all a bit.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.
Merged review:
1 - She couldn't leave Hollywood behind - not entirely. She avoided the spotlight, but she still lingered in the shadows. Star.
DNF @ 64%
I have enjoyed most of the Kelly Brothers series, so it bummed me out a little bit that the last book in the series left me up to the point I stopped reading frustrated and a little underwhelmed. If I am honest the last couple of books didn’t have quite the spark of the predecessors, but Here all Along sadly fizzled out completely for me.
My frustration stemmed from the fact that this was a book I have been looking forward to in that Gideon Kelly has not really played much of a part in the rest of the books, being a busy movie star his lack of appearance at a lot of the Kelly family events has been explained away due to a hectic work schedule, so I was looking forward to getting in his head and enjoying the ‘friends to lovers’ romance. Sadly it was overshadowed by annoying and unlikeable secondary characters for the most part.
Stupid, stubborn, redhead.
My other issue, and this was the nail in the coffin for me was Sarah Holtz, (view spoiler)[ or more specifically the use of her alcoholism as the mainstay of the story. If you are in recovery for three years, and have been clean in that time, it really doesn’t sit well with me as a reader that the author is then happy to just throw that sobriety ‘off the wagon’ in one foul swoop. I also struggled to get on-board with Gideon’s then easy acceptance of finding her drunk. (hide spoiler)] if you choose to live your life in the Hollywood bubble, and are hiding more than a few skeletons in your closet, it stands to reason they are all going to come tumbling out at some point.
”Please don’t run away from what could be something great between us… Please, red, give us a chance.”
I wish I had loved this book, I really wanted the series to end on a high note, the authors writing style is as strong as it always is. I would still happily read further books by Crista McHugh, I just couldn’t get past my disappointment with all the added extra’s character-wise in this story, and the way the rest of the story was playing out around them, Gideon and Sarah sort of got lost in it all a bit.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion....more
Sometimes a book comes out of left-field, slaps you round the head, and leaves you with an unexpected book hangover. 5 - A life for a life. Stars!
Sometimes a book comes out of left-field, slaps you round the head, and leaves you with an unexpected book hangover. Dragons Among Them is a book I wholeheartedly put into that category, and I cannot wait to read more from this series.
[image][image]
Not really sitting in any one genre, the story has element of PNR and Fantasy about it, moving between modern day Britain and the Kingdoms of Edana and Forath. Dragons, wizards and magic are abound, and when Adelaide Miller suddenly stumbles through a portal into the realm whilst out jogging one morning, she gets more than a few shocks and surprises.
"There are things lurking in the neighboring woods far more dangerous than I."
Immediately cornered by a pack of wolves Addie is then rescued by a dragon, not your normal everyday occurrence when out for a jog in leafy Watford. Little does she know that the Dragon is actually Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to the throne of Edana, and that they are both part of a much bigger and more elaborate plan.
"I’m nothing in your world…"
"You’re everything in my world."
Told from various points of view, this is a story that pulls you in, there is more than just the forbidden love aspect building between Zayne and Addie, being promised to a Princess from the neighboring kingdom of Forath, puts a little bit of a spanner in the relationship growing between him and Addie. But treachery is also afoot, with other enemies trying to bring about his downfall, and possibly war between the kingdoms.
[image]
Add in a meddlesome mother, a mysterious wizard and a whole host of interesting plot twists and Kyra Jacobs managed to keep me on my toes pretty much up until the end of the book.
"You have a pure heart… ’Tis a rare and beautiful quality, and not one I often encounter."
The beauty of this story is in the reading and discovering it for yourself, I don’t want to say much more for fear of giving away anything important. But if you are looking for something a little different, really entertaining, with plenty of sexy-times and a bit of intrigue and mystery, then Dragons Among Them certainly ticks all of those boxes.
"You had to go and pick yourself a meek one."
There is a huge amount of scope with this series, and I am interested to see where the author takes us next with the next book in the Kingdoms of Fire and Ice series; Dragons Against Them is due in August, and I am really looking forward to continuing the adventure.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
5 - A life for a life. Stars!
Sometimes a book comes out of left-field, slaps you round the head, and leaves you with an unexpected book hangover. Dragons Among Them is a book I wholeheartedly put into that category, and I cannot wait to read more from this series.
[image][image]
Not really sitting in any one genre, the story has element of PNR and Fantasy about it, moving between modern day Britain and the Kingdoms of Edana and Forath. Dragons, wizards and magic are abound, and when Adelaide Miller suddenly stumbles through a portal into the realm whilst out jogging one morning, she gets more than a few shocks and surprises.
"There are things lurking in the neighboring woods far more dangerous than I."
Immediately cornered by a pack of wolves Addie is then rescued by a dragon, not your normal everyday occurrence when out for a jog in leafy Watford. Little does she know that the Dragon is actually Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to the throne of Edana, and that they are both part of a much bigger and more elaborate plan.
"I’m nothing in your world…"
"You’re everything in my world."
Told from various points of view, this is a story that pulls you in, there is more than just the forbidden love aspect building between Zayne and Addie, being promised to a Princess from the neighboring kingdom of Forath, puts a little bit of a spanner in the relationship growing between him and Addie. But treachery is also afoot, with other enemies trying to bring about his downfall, and possibly war between the kingdoms.
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Add in a meddlesome mother, a mysterious wizard and a whole host of interesting plot twists and Kyra Jacobs managed to keep me on my toes pretty much up until the end of the book.
"You have a pure heart… ’Tis a rare and beautiful quality, and not one I often encounter."
The beauty of this story is in the reading and discovering it for yourself, I don’t want to say much more for fear of giving away anything important. But if you are looking for something a little different, really entertaining, with plenty of sexy-times and a bit of intrigue and mystery, then Dragons Among Them certainly ticks all of those boxes.
"You had to go and pick yourself a meek one."
There is a huge amount of scope with this series, and I am interested to see where the author takes us next with the next book in the Kingdoms of Fire and Ice series; Dragons Against Them is due in August, and I am really looking forward to continuing the adventure.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. [image]...more
Just a Girl isn’t my first read by Ellie Cahill, and although I enjoyed it more than her previous Loveswept offering; Ca3 - "It'll get better." Stars!
Just a Girl isn’t my first read by Ellie Cahill, and although I enjoyed it more than her previous Loveswept offering; Call Me Maybe I was still left with the feeling that something was missing from the overall story.
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I think the main problem I have is that nothing and no-one really stood out for me, the story between Presley and Paul had a really good base, but I just don’t think the author really offered enough expansion on anything. The first 90% was very Shades of Grey a little monotonous and lacking in any real depth of emotion from either of them really, being such a short read it wasn’t a struggle in that I got to that point in relative quick time, but I would attribute to that the fact that a large part of the book also takes place in the form of texts and tweets, so the page turnover was pretty quick.
"If you can get on that stage, so can I."
Presley is kicked out of her up and coming band; Luminous 6 basically because they think she gets too much attention and they would be better off without her, which is even more of a kick in the teeth, when you take into account her on-again, off-again boyfriend is still very much a part of the group. This compels her to return home from the bright lights of LA, and move back in with her parents as well as start back to work in their music shop The Continental. Apart from the obvious peeve at being dumped by her band so unceremoniously, I had to question her actions because it was mentioned more than once that she had been offered several solo deals, in my head I am asking 'why not take one up' seeing as she didn’t particularly want to be back home either.
"Don’t you hate it when that happens?"
My other gripe is her whole relationship with Paul, they literally seem to fall on each other like a couple of rabid dogs without any time taken to get to know the other. The efforts throughout the book to get to know them further as individuals were pretty slim as well over and above the issues Paul have with performance anxiety (playing guitar, and not sexy times wise) and Presley pretty much dry humping him like a dog when they aren’t actually humping. You are given very little depth or emotional attachment between them until it all falls apart in the latter stages.
"I’m not just here for you to snap your fingers and decide it’s okay now."
As I said Just a Girl wasn’t a struggle, but I know it won’t be one I remember too clearly a few months down the road. This author has skill and can put a decent story together, with this one I think more development and added page count into this couple actually getting to know each other rather than all the drama that surrounds them from the off would have helped.
"I choose you."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
3 - "It'll get better." Stars!
Just a Girl isn’t my first read by Ellie Cahill, and although I enjoyed it more than her previous Loveswept offering; Call Me Maybe I was still left with the feeling that something was missing from the overall story.
[image]
I think the main problem I have is that nothing and no-one really stood out for me, the story between Presley and Paul had a really good base, but I just don’t think the author really offered enough expansion on anything. The first 90% was very Shades of Grey a little monotonous and lacking in any real depth of emotion from either of them really, being such a short read it wasn’t a struggle in that I got to that point in relative quick time, but I would attribute to that the fact that a large part of the book also takes place in the form of texts and tweets, so the page turnover was pretty quick.
"If you can get on that stage, so can I."
Presley is kicked out of her up and coming band; Luminous 6 basically because they think she gets too much attention and they would be better off without her, which is even more of a kick in the teeth, when you take into account her on-again, off-again boyfriend is still very much a part of the group. This compels her to return home from the bright lights of LA, and move back in with her parents as well as start back to work in their music shop The Continental. Apart from the obvious peeve at being dumped by her band so unceremoniously, I had to question her actions because it was mentioned more than once that she had been offered several solo deals, in my head I am asking 'why not take one up' seeing as she didn’t particularly want to be back home either.
"Don’t you hate it when that happens?"
My other gripe is her whole relationship with Paul, they literally seem to fall on each other like a couple of rabid dogs without any time taken to get to know the other. The efforts throughout the book to get to know them further as individuals were pretty slim as well over and above the issues Paul have with performance anxiety (playing guitar, and not sexy times wise) and Presley pretty much dry humping him like a dog when they aren’t actually humping. You are given very little depth or emotional attachment between them until it all falls apart in the latter stages.
"I’m not just here for you to snap your fingers and decide it’s okay now."
As I said Just a Girl wasn’t a struggle, but I know it won’t be one I remember too clearly a few months down the road. This author has skill and can put a decent story together, with this one I think more development and added page count into this couple actually getting to know each other rather than all the drama that surrounds them from the off would have helped.
"I choose you."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
3 - "Don’t be afraid to let a little happy into your life." Stars.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Always For You: Jack, is one of those books that was3 - "Don’t be afraid to let a little happy into your life." Stars.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Always For You: Jack, is one of those books that wasn’t a huge struggle to read, but as it progressed I found myself asking a few questions with regards to the writing style, characterization and the path the story took.
"You’re a nice man..."
I think my main issue is that I had real problems trying to see Caitlyn and Jack as people in their thirties, firstly the language and conversation between them is pretty stilted and lacking emotion, but also I just really struggled to see people of the age they are meant to be portrayed as behaving and conversing they way they did. Old fashioned writing, not fitting with the younger characters it is being attributed too. You could almost put Jack back in the fifties and sixties he was that much of an old-school gentleman, which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but if you are setting your book in the modern day it’s just not going to sit right with today’s societal norms.
"Let’s enjoy every moment we can."
I liked the inclusion of Ricky into the story, a troubled child always adds an extra and usually emotive factor to a book, and although it did produce a little readerly feels at points, I really struggled to get any emotion from anyone for most of this book. There was a little bit right at the very end where everyone loosens their corsets a bit... Sorry I meant belts, but for want of a better word it was all very superficial in its telling and delivery. I never really felt we really got into the heads of any of the characters that much more than a cursory glance.
"We might not have been born family, but we’ve become one anyway."
This may be the authors normal writing style, I can’t compare as it is the first book I have read by Alexis Morgan, it had the potential to be a five star read for me, but I just wanted more, depth, feelings, emotional attachments to the characters, everyone involved is grieving the loss of something, or someone, or both and it just didn’t feel like the brevity of the situation and the story-line was given what it needed to carry the weight and impact the tropes used could and would normally have.
Three adoptive brothers, all very different in looks, personalities and the demons they carry due to their past experiences. Jack has had his story told, Tino is up next in Always Be True, due for release in October, and although I am interested to get to know him, I am not sure whether the authors writing style and I are going to get along with each other as a prolonged relationship, or whether I should stick to one-and-done right now.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
3 - "Don’t be afraid to let a little happy into your life." Stars.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Always For You: Jack, is one of those books that wasn’t a huge struggle to read, but as it progressed I found myself asking a few questions with regards to the writing style, characterization and the path the story took.
"You’re a nice man..."
I think my main issue is that I had real problems trying to see Caitlyn and Jack as people in their thirties, firstly the language and conversation between them is pretty stilted and lacking emotion, but also I just really struggled to see people of the age they are meant to be portrayed as behaving and conversing they way they did. Old fashioned writing, not fitting with the younger characters it is being attributed too. You could almost put Jack back in the fifties and sixties he was that much of an old-school gentleman, which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but if you are setting your book in the modern day it’s just not going to sit right with today’s societal norms.
"Let’s enjoy every moment we can."
I liked the inclusion of Ricky into the story, a troubled child always adds an extra and usually emotive factor to a book, and although it did produce a little readerly feels at points, I really struggled to get any emotion from anyone for most of this book. There was a little bit right at the very end where everyone loosens their corsets a bit... Sorry I meant belts, but for want of a better word it was all very superficial in its telling and delivery. I never really felt we really got into the heads of any of the characters that much more than a cursory glance.
"We might not have been born family, but we’ve become one anyway."
This may be the authors normal writing style, I can’t compare as it is the first book I have read by Alexis Morgan, it had the potential to be a five star read for me, but I just wanted more, depth, feelings, emotional attachments to the characters, everyone involved is grieving the loss of something, or someone, or both and it just didn’t feel like the brevity of the situation and the story-line was given what it needed to carry the weight and impact the tropes used could and would normally have.
Three adoptive brothers, all very different in looks, personalities and the demons they carry due to their past experiences. Jack has had his story told, Tino is up next in Always Be True, due for release in October, and although I am interested to get to know him, I am not sure whether the authors writing style and I are going to get along with each other as a prolonged relationship, or whether I should stick to one-and-done right now.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
Another great read from Joss Wood, she delivers on the M&B/Hqn expectations every time, with a likeable couple and story-line with the Another Winner!
Another great read from Joss Wood, she delivers on the M&B/Hqn expectations every time, with a likeable couple and story-line with the inevitable HEA for the reader to look forward too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Another Winner!
Another great read from Joss Wood, she delivers on the M&B/Hqn expectations every time, with a likeable couple and story-line with the inevitable HEA for the reader to look forward too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
In my humble opinion, In Skates Trouble (this review is for this novella only)is worth the cost of purchasing this box-set alone. The story between Ford and Addison didn’t really feel like a novella to me, it was well rounded the characters well developed, as well as a good set of secondary characters to flesh out the story overall.
"Leaving so soon. Mr. Eavesdropper?"
Older woman, younger man is always a trope I enjoy, and the author delivered it up perfectly, yes the difference in age was mentioned but it wasn’t the mainstay of the story, the fact that Ford’s boss was Addy’s ex-husband had more of an impact on the relationship, and due to how things proceeded between them, Ford actually came across as the older person on a few occasions.
"The exchange of phone numbers is the best way to prevent the further exchange of bodily fluids…"
Plenty of sass, snark, and one-liners from both sides, as you would expect from this author, but once again she managed to bring emotion to the story, with the ghosts of Ford’s past.
"You’re staring…"
"...You’re stunning."
Another reason to grab this anthology at its crazy cheap release price, is that this sweet and sexy tale is also the prequel for Kate’s new Chicago Rebels series, and on the strength of this novella I am all sorts of excited to read more from it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
In my humble opinion, In Skates Trouble (this review is for this novella only)is worth the cost of purchasing this box-set alone. The story between Ford and Addison didn’t really feel like a novella to me, it was well rounded the characters well developed, as well as a good set of secondary characters to flesh out the story overall.
"Leaving so soon. Mr. Eavesdropper?"
Older woman, younger man is always a trope I enjoy, and the author delivered it up perfectly, yes the difference in age was mentioned but it wasn’t the mainstay of the story, the fact that Ford’s boss was Addy’s ex-husband had more of an impact on the relationship, and due to how things proceeded between them, Ford actually came across as the older person on a few occasions.
"The exchange of phone numbers is the best way to prevent the further exchange of bodily fluids…"
Plenty of sass, snark, and one-liners from both sides, as you would expect from this author, but once again she managed to bring emotion to the story, with the ghosts of Ford’s past.
"You’re staring…"
"...You’re stunning."
Another reason to grab this anthology at its crazy cheap release price, is that this sweet and sexy tale is also the prequel for Kate’s new Chicago Rebels series, and on the strength of this novella I am all sorts of excited to read more from it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
4 - Talk about the best Christmas present ever... Stars!
Katie Reus returns to the Moon Shifter series for the final time, with a Christmas novella4 - Talk about the best Christmas present ever... Stars!
Katie Reus returns to the Moon Shifter series for the final time, with a Christmas novella, that pretty much gives you a little something from each and every couple from the previous books in the series.
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This isn’t a series that I have read in its entirety, so jumping from one couple to another took me a little time to get used to, but the running theme through the story was Noel and Nathan’s coming together, after a pretty traumatic year has left Noel closed off and feeling a little lonely after seeing a lot of her friends and pack members finding and falling in love with their mates.
"Life’s too short to close yourself off forever."
Although it wasn’t a struggle to read, I think there would be more benefit gained if you have read all of the previous books/novellas in the series. I definitely count myself in that group, as it just made me want to read the books for the couples I didn’t really know. I loved Nathan, he went about wooing Noel, even though she insists on friends initially, it didn’t take her long to realize that he was offering so much more.
"I want to feel you under me, want to be skin to skin."
And there were inclusions from couples that I do remember from the titles I have read in the series, and it was really great to catch up with them and see everything tied up for them and the series as a whole. That-said Katie definitely left a few of the younger members from the pack with potential stories to be told at some point in the future and I hope that she does decide to revisit the series to tell their stories at some stage.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
4 - Talk about the best Christmas present ever... Stars!
Katie Reus returns to the Moon Shifter series for the final time, with a Christmas novella, that pretty much gives you a little something from each and every couple from the previous books in the series.
[image]
This isn’t a series that I have read in its entirety, so jumping from one couple to another took me a little time to get used to, but the running theme through the story was Noel and Nathan’s coming together, after a pretty traumatic year has left Noel closed off and feeling a little lonely after seeing a lot of her friends and pack members finding and falling in love with their mates.
"Life’s too short to close yourself off forever."
Although it wasn’t a struggle to read, I think there would be more benefit gained if you have read all of the previous books/novellas in the series. I definitely count myself in that group, as it just made me want to read the books for the couples I didn’t really know. I loved Nathan, he went about wooing Noel, even though she insists on friends initially, it didn’t take her long to realize that he was offering so much more.
"I want to feel you under me, want to be skin to skin."
And there were inclusions from couples that I do remember from the titles I have read in the series, and it was really great to catch up with them and see everything tied up for them and the series as a whole. That-said Katie definitely left a few of the younger members from the pack with potential stories to be told at some point in the future and I hope that she does decide to revisit the series to tell their stories at some stage.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review. [image]...more
I am not a huge fan of the 'Love-Triangle' trope, it’s just a theme I do not enjoy, I think I can count on one ha4 - "There's always a choice." Stars!
I am not a huge fan of the 'Love-Triangle' trope, it’s just a theme I do not enjoy, I think I can count on one hand the number of books I have read in this genre, I usually have a nasty reaction to all of the lying and deceit akin to the below.
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But I saw a few reviews about Forgetting August being a little different from the norm in relation to the whole 'Love-Triangle' scenario, and add to the fact one of my favorite tropes in the form of one of the leads having amnesia is included I thought I would give it a go.
Secrets have a way of revealing themselves over time.
I think the triangle aspect of this one falls very much into a grey, blurred line sort of area, for me upon finishing the story I don’t personally think any actual cheating took place, J. L. Berg managed to build anticipation between August and Everly at the beginning, whilst she was still with Ryan, without anything inappropriate actually taking place. I think the first time it does could be looked at from two sides, but for me, and taking into account Ryan’s decision at that point I could live with it. Especially as he then had virtually no involvement in the time Everly was then with August.
So many lies… So many secrets.
But I think what kept me reading with this one was more the story-line than the characters for the most part, I can’t say I particularly felt anything positive or negative towards either August or Everly, but the author did really well to craft a story around his amnesia, and her trying to come to terms with the man he is after waking up.
"What kind of man was I?"
In particular the complete change in personality from the guy she ran from, and the fact that there are large chunks of his past that neither of them know about him for obvious reasons and her because of the way they lived as a couple before the mugging took place, that as the story progresses you just know are going to become massive issues at some point.
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And boy do they, I kind of saw both twists coming from a mile off, but again it wasn’t a problem as it is a very well put together story. My one issue if I am being truthful was Ryan, I’ll be honest and say I don’t really ever envisage a man being as easy going and as accepting of things as he was, it just didn’t sit right with me, but then this is book one of two, so maybe the author gives him a back-bone in Remembering Everly.
"It was you. It was always you."
This part of their story does end on a massive cliffy, everything that you think you know about August is literally turned on its head, and possibly not in a positive way. Everly is also not the person you are initially lead to believe throughout the course of the book, and I must admit that I am intrigued to see what direction the author takes their story.
The only thing holding me back from starting Remembering Everly, to find out, is that I am leery of the fact that again their story has potentially moved back into the 'Love-Triangle' area, and I am not sure if I have a strong enough constitution to drag myself through that aspect of it, to find out how everything else turns out.
No more secrets. No more lies.
ARC generously provided by RockStarPR via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]
Merged review:
4 - "There's always a choice." Stars!
I am not a huge fan of the 'Love-Triangle' trope, it’s just a theme I do not enjoy, I think I can count on one hand the number of books I have read in this genre, I usually have a nasty reaction to all of the lying and deceit akin to the below.
[image]
But I saw a few reviews about Forgetting August being a little different from the norm in relation to the whole 'Love-Triangle' scenario, and add to the fact one of my favorite tropes in the form of one of the leads having amnesia is included I thought I would give it a go.
Secrets have a way of revealing themselves over time.
I think the triangle aspect of this one falls very much into a grey, blurred line sort of area, for me upon finishing the story I don’t personally think any actual cheating took place, J. L. Berg managed to build anticipation between August and Everly at the beginning, whilst she was still with Ryan, without anything inappropriate actually taking place. I think the first time it does could be looked at from two sides, but for me, and taking into account Ryan’s decision at that point I could live with it. Especially as he then had virtually no involvement in the time Everly was then with August.
So many lies… So many secrets.
But I think what kept me reading with this one was more the story-line than the characters for the most part, I can’t say I particularly felt anything positive or negative towards either August or Everly, but the author did really well to craft a story around his amnesia, and her trying to come to terms with the man he is after waking up.
"What kind of man was I?"
In particular the complete change in personality from the guy she ran from, and the fact that there are large chunks of his past that neither of them know about him for obvious reasons and her because of the way they lived as a couple before the mugging took place, that as the story progresses you just know are going to become massive issues at some point.
[image]
And boy do they, I kind of saw both twists coming from a mile off, but again it wasn’t a problem as it is a very well put together story. My one issue if I am being truthful was Ryan, I’ll be honest and say I don’t really ever envisage a man being as easy going and as accepting of things as he was, it just didn’t sit right with me, but then this is book one of two, so maybe the author gives him a back-bone in Remembering Everly.
"It was you. It was always you."
This part of their story does end on a massive cliffy, everything that you think you know about August is literally turned on its head, and possibly not in a positive way. Everly is also not the person you are initially lead to believe throughout the course of the book, and I must admit that I am intrigued to see what direction the author takes their story.
The only thing holding me back from starting Remembering Everly, to find out, is that I am leery of the fact that again their story has potentially moved back into the 'Love-Triangle' area, and I am not sure if I have a strong enough constitution to drag myself through that aspect of it, to find out how everything else turns out.
No more secrets. No more lies.
ARC generously provided by RockStarPR via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. [image]...more
3.5 - "He's skilled with his hands... You can't ask for more than that." Stars!
Kate Hardy isn't an author that is new to me, so its no surprise to see3.5 - "He's skilled with his hands... You can't ask for more than that." Stars!
Kate Hardy isn't an author that is new to me, so its no surprise to see a novella released from her, through Tule Publishing due the quality books and novellas that they release. Being the second in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction Series, I have absolutely no reservations in picking up this little gem from Netgalley.
"One night. One dinner."
Although a series, after reading the first two books, I don't think it would offer any problems too read these books as standalones, this story is wholly separate from the first book, although as you would expect there is a little character crossover.
"You're lovely as you are."
Another great thing about the second book in the series, is that it offers a totally different type of romance from its predecessor, this one is strictly romance by numbers, with tried and tested tropes, written beautifully and with great like-able characters, an easy going pace, and plenty of action in the cooking and bedroom department, I was a happy reader.
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Ryan and Rachel were both down-to-earth, easy to get along with characters, I wanted this couple to get their 'Happily Ever After' their story, and the outcome was an absolute delight to read.
The Bachelor's Baby is up next, I am looking forward to reading Dani Collins' addition to this wonderful series.
[image]
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Merged review:
3.5 - "He's skilled with his hands... You can't ask for more than that." Stars!
Kate Hardy isn't an author that is new to me, so its no surprise to see a novella released from her, through Tule Publishing due the quality books and novellas that they release. Being the second in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction Series, I have absolutely no reservations in picking up this little gem from Netgalley.
"One night. One dinner."
Although a series, after reading the first two books, I don't think it would offer any problems too read these books as standalones, this story is wholly separate from the first book, although as you would expect there is a little character crossover.
"You're lovely as you are."
Another great thing about the second book in the series, is that it offers a totally different type of romance from its predecessor, this one is strictly romance by numbers, with tried and tested tropes, written beautifully and with great like-able characters, an easy going pace, and plenty of action in the cooking and bedroom department, I was a happy reader.
[image]
Ryan and Rachel were both down-to-earth, easy to get along with characters, I wanted this couple to get their 'Happily Ever After' their story, and the outcome was an absolute delight to read.
The Bachelor's Baby is up next, I am looking forward to reading Dani Collins' addition to this wonderful series.
[image]
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review....more
