Ember Dante
I really enjoyed the premise of a “faux” medium who turns out to be real, and the cat and mouse game between her and the police. The suspense built fairly well the first half of the book, and kept me engaged. However, I felt the ending was a bit rushed which–I think–lessened the impact of the “twist.” That being said, I still enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!
In my review of The Player, I stated I wish I had read these books sooner. And that is true. However, I'm kind of glad I didn't since I was able to immediately jump into The Catch. The Player left me wanting the rest of the story, and I'm so glad I didn't have to wait for the sequel. I'm not ashamed to admit this book hit me right in the feels several times and a few tears were shed. The woman knows how to reach right in and yank out your heart (and I appreciate that in an author).
I'm not a huge sports fan, but for some reason, I love sports romances. Go figure. I'll admit it's taken a while to get to this duet, and I hate that I didn't read them sooner. Kristy is an amazing author and her characters never fail to pull me into their story. The Player was just angsty enough, and I was rooting for Easton and Scout as they each worked through their own difficulties. LOVED IT!
I've been so behind on my reading and I finally got around to this little gem. I'm glad I did! There were a couple times I wanted to slap the main characters and say, “Oh, come on now!! Say it! Say it!” All-in-all a sweet love story with a few dark twists and turns that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
I'll definitely never look at cupcakes the same way. ;)
First let me say that I've never been into MM, but ... WOW! I loved getting another dose of Vaughn, and his chemistry with Slate was hot, hot, hot!! There were a few obstacles along the way, but seeing them fall further and further in love while they worked through them pulled me in and wouldn't let me go! After reading Sensation Fantasies 2, I had said I wanted more of Walker and Ayla, but now I want more of Vaughn and Slate!!
I'm always a sucker for celebrity love stories where the jaded player doesn't want a relationship, and then unexpectedly meets the right woman. Well, add to that the super-steamy atmosphere of Sensation, you have a WINNER! The characters' chemistry was off-the-charts and I devoured this book...though I will say, I want more Walker and Ayla!
This book took me completely by surprise. It was INTENSE. Just when I thought I knew where the author was going...BAM!
It wasn't just intense...it was twisted...and surprising. My only criticism would be that the ending felt a bit too quick and convenient. It didn't dull my enjoyment of the book, but it did feel a bit rushed. Otherwise, it was an AMAZING read. You should give it a go!!
This book was hot, hot, hot!! I will say, though...while I loved the story, I'm not sure I would have the guts to tell my husband everything she told hers. And I know mine wouldn't be as eager to indulge my fantasies.
Overall, it was a super-steamy read that I devoured in a matter of days (regardless of my tardiness is posting a review). I'm dying to see how everything plays out in Twisted Marriage. Thank gawd I don't have to wait much longer to find out!
What can I say? I absolutely love the characters Kimberly creates! This book hit me hard. I didn't know what to expect, and without giving anything away, I DID NOT expect the earth-shattering revelation Kimberly delivered. Easton, Brooke, Avery, and Nicole feel like old friends now, and I'm sure I'll have to revisit them often.
This book f**ked with my head. No joke. There were times I sympathized with Christopher and Hannah, and times I wanted to smack the crap out of them (mainly Chris). I thought this would be the one book I absolutely could not finish, but it was so well written I couldn't stand not knowing what happened next. I won't lie...it's intense, and will most likely offend/trigger many people. If you have thick skin, I definitely recommend giving this book a chance.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept of this book, as well as the fact that it featured a strong, kick ass female lead–without diminishing the strength of the male characters. I find this to be increasingly rare in books and movies (especially movies), where the only way the story teller can create a strong woman is to make the men look like bumbling jackasses. That was not the case in this book, so BRAVO!
My only negatives were that the story felt a bit choppy at times, and the endearments were a bit overused, IMO. That could have just been ME, simply because I'm not a big “term of endearment” gal. I'm usually happy with a “babe” or “baby” sprinkled here and there. Again, that's probably just my preference and not a direct reflection of the book or author's talent.
This is the second book I've read by E.M. Shue, and I really enjoy that she writes strong heroines. The story line was promising, but in the end I felt things were tied up too neatly, almost in “Scooby Do” fashion (i.e., clearly telling the reader, “this happened, then this happened...oh, and then a few years later, this happened.”) That's not a bad thing, per se, but apparently it's just not my cup of tea (or perhaps, I've become a very critical reader). Sometimes I prefer things not to be tied up in a neat bow. I also thought there was a little too much back and forth, wishy-washy thinking by both the hero and heroine.
“Good guys” are pretty rare in romances, so I just love it when I get to read one! Ryder really was a good guy, and it was great watching Lexie get comfortable with that fact. I loved how “Fate” was working in their favor and they kept meeting up while they were both working. It was a quick, fun read that left me wanting more!
I liked the stark contrast in personalities between Thea and Lawrence. The man definitely had a stick firmly planted up his backside, and she was a good remedy for that. However, I found myself getting irritated with Thea. I totally understand how she was raised, and that she didn't see anything wrong with any of her actions (not paying the restaurant check, pulling food from a dumpster to make him dinner, teaching their 2yo to pick pockets, etc), but how many times does someone NOT from the same background have to ask/tell her not to do those things? I do have to commend Thea for standing up to the arranged marriage BS, though. Everything else? I was irritated to the point I'd have to put the book down and walk away. Overall, this was an entertaining story, but I definitely felt my blood pressure rise more than once.
This was a well-written, sexy, steamy, forbidden romance. I loved meeting Tyler Statler as a college student after his introduction in Dibs. I loved watching Tyler and Hayden fall in love, and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the inevitable, when someone would expose their relationship. My only criticism was Tyler's decision to give up his dream job to stay home with Hayden. I understand not wanting to be away from his boyfriend, but six months wouldn't have been that huge a sacrifice, and would have been a huge addition to his resume...not to mention the opportunity of a lifetime!
Merged review:
This was a well-written, sexy, steamy, forbidden romance. I loved meeting Tyler Statler as a college student after his introduction in Dibs. I loved watching Tyler and Hayden fall in love, and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the inevitable, when someone would expose their relationship. My only criticism was Tyler's decision to give up his dream job to stay home with Hayden. I understand not wanting to be away from his boyfriend, but six months wouldn't have been that huge a sacrifice, and would have been a huge addition to his resume...not to mention the opportunity of a lifetime!
I had a major book hangover when I finished The Dance, and couldn't wait to find out how Blake's story would end. My heart broke for Blake when Stacey left him at the altar. I hoped the author had a few tricks up her sleeve, and she did not disappoint. It was worth the wait to watch things play out.
After being jilted, Blake goes on his ‘honeymoon' anyway, if only to get out of town and clear his head. Fate had plans for him and he runs into a familiar face at the resort in Mexico. Then...the sparks flew!!
This was an amazing conclusion, a rollercoaster ride filled with angst, love, laughter, and even a few tears (I have no problem admitting I teared up in a few places). I loved this ending to Blake's story, and that he finally found the right woman for him.
Finally, it's Blake's side of the story! When I read Where I Need to Be (and its sequels), I had a poor opinion of Blake, seeing him as the problem child, and couldn't truly connect with him as a character. Hoo-boy, was I wrong! Yes, Blake still has a curious outlook about life and relationships–and he's definitely got a massive inferiority complex because of his “perfect” brother–but I loved seeing the world through his eyes, and was finally able to empathize with him. Watching him grow as a person, finally maturing, and realizing it was OK to let someone in, was [chef's kiss] amazing. I love a bad/wounded man who finds himself. I loved, loved, loved this book and highly recommend!
My only problem with this book? It ended...and now I'm chomping at the bit for part 2!!
The perfect conclusion to Drew and Aron's story! Their chemistry is off the charts, and I loved watching them find their way back to each other, despite all the obstacles in their way. The romance between Aron's father and Drew's mother was especially sweet, as was how supportive they were of Drew and Aron's relationship. A great read!!