Ember Dante
I've read this entire series, and Bradley is BY FAR my favorite leading man!! I love watching a tough guy fall...
And, without giving anything away, I would like to add that Cassie's brother is a POS. I have relatives like him, and I've seen what they do to a family–people they supposedly love. As Kimberly infers, blood is not always thicker than water. Sometimes the family we choose is stronger than the one we are born into.
I cannot recommend this book enough...and if you haven't read this series...
What are you waiting for??
Merged review:
I've read this entire series, and Bradley is BY FAR my favorite leading man!! I love watching a tough guy fall...
And, without giving anything away, I would like to add that Cassie's brother is a POS. I have relatives like him, and I've seen what they do to a family–people they supposedly love. As Kimberly infers, blood is not always thicker than water. Sometimes the family we choose is stronger than the one we are born into.
I cannot recommend this book enough...and if you haven't read this series...
What are you waiting for??
Chris has a very lyrical style of writing that truly engages the reader. Throughout this book, he opens his heart to us and gives us a view into the different stages of his life—from childhood to adolescence to adulthood—and all the trials he experienced during that journey. Many of us will have no trouble identifying with his many adventures, joys, and even sorrows. To say I enjoyed reading “I am Nobody” would be an understatement. It made me laugh and it made me cry...many times in the space of a few paragraphs. It would be impossible to read this book and not feel touched by the depth of emotion behind the prose. I think we can expect many great things from Chris in the future.
“Inspirations” was the first book by Chris that I have had the pleasure to read. He includes brief introductions to several of his poems to give the reader insight to his subject. Some are written with the intent to merely entertain while others have a deeper meaning meant to “inspire” the reader. The short stories give us a brief taste of his talent with prose, making us yearn for just a bit more. The commentaries are snippets of his life—also included in his memoir, “I am Nobody”—that leave you with a better understanding of Chris, the person.
I loved so much about this book, I'm not sure where to begin this review. I've always preferred Grimm's fairy tales over the more sedate, watered-down fantasies most of us have grown up with. This retelling of Rapunzel was dark and twisty, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished it one sitting! She did such a great job with the characters, some I hated (Frank Sr, Madam) and others I adored (Zell, Frankie). I caught myself smiling many, many times over Zell's innocence, and even chuckled during her interactions with Frankie (that may have been my twisted sense of humor). The only thing I didn't like was that it ended...I found myself wanting MORE, MORE, MORE!! I wanted to stay wrapped in Zell and Frankie's world a bit longer and felt like I was saying goodbye to my closest friends when the ride came to an end. I suppose I'll just have to re-read it. ;)
I wish I could give it ten stars, but I suppose five will have to do.
Merged review:
I loved so much about this book, I'm not sure where to begin this review. I've always preferred Grimm's fairy tales over the more sedate, watered-down fantasies most of us have grown up with. This retelling of Rapunzel was dark and twisty, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I finished it one sitting! She did such a great job with the characters, some I hated (Frank Sr, Madam) and others I adored (Zell, Frankie). I caught myself smiling many, many times over Zell's innocence, and even chuckled during her interactions with Frankie (that may have been my twisted sense of humor). The only thing I didn't like was that it ended...I found myself wanting MORE, MORE, MORE!! I wanted to stay wrapped in Zell and Frankie's world a bit longer and felt like I was saying goodbye to my closest friends when the ride came to an end. I suppose I'll just have to re-read it. ;)
I wish I could give it ten stars, but I suppose five will have to do.
I had never heard of micro poetry before reading this book, but what a joy it was to read! It is a challenging medium for the author and Chris nails it. I was amazed at the different topics included. Each poem is a brief but fascinating story in its own right. The entire spectrum of human emotion can be found within its pages, and it is a true joy to be led through that spectrum by such a skilled author. Some of the entries had me laughing out loud, while others were very thought provoking. From start to finish, it is clear that Chris has a real gift for storytelling, whichever medium he uses.
I read this book in one sitting–DEVOURED the pages–literally on the edge of my seat the entire time, dying to see where Kimberly was taking me. Just when I think she can't top the previous book, she proves me wrong. I thought Brad was my favorite member of “The Fallen,” but now I think that title belongs to Nick.There's something so satisfying about watching a die-hard never-quitting-the-game bad boy turn into a lovesick man willing to do anything to get (and keep) the girl. I felt everything–Ashleigh's rage and frustration with her sister and family; her hatred of her slimy ex; her trepidation in hiring an escort for a wedding. Then later, the fear that Nick and Ashleigh both experienced, and the uncertainty of what would happen. Oh, I trusted we would get our HEA, but I was DYING. The only thing I didn't like? It ended. I wanted MORE of Nick and Ashleigh. This will definitely have a permanent place on my re-read shelf.
Merged review:
I read this book in one sitting–DEVOURED the pages–literally on the edge of my seat the entire time, dying to see where Kimberly was taking me. Just when I think she can't top the previous book, she proves me wrong. I thought Brad was my favorite member of “The Fallen,” but now I think that title belongs to Nick.There's something so satisfying about watching a die-hard never-quitting-the-game bad boy turn into a lovesick man willing to do anything to get (and keep) the girl. I felt everything–Ashleigh's rage and frustration with her sister and family; her hatred of her slimy ex; her trepidation in hiring an escort for a wedding. Then later, the fear that Nick and Ashleigh both experienced, and the uncertainty of what would happen. Oh, I trusted we would get our HEA, but I was DYING. The only thing I didn't like? It ended. I wanted MORE of Nick and Ashleigh. This will definitely have a permanent place on my re-read shelf.
This was a brilliant crossover between Kimberly's Sensation Fantasies and K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes worlds. I loved reading Ward and Keira's backstory and seeing how they got their HEA. Kimberly did an amazing job incorporating her characters into Sunnyville. A wonderful, wonderful read!!
Blake Montgomery is one of those characters that can drive you nuts...which is what he did when I first met him in the Club 24 series. I knew right away there was more to the bad boy than what we were shown, and this brief look into his past proved that was true.
I can't wait to read his series and find out what he's up to now!!
I had been anxiously awaiting this book, and I was not disappointed! The Sins of Luther was brilliantly written and deliciously dark and twisty. My only complaint is that the author left us with a cliffhanger and now I want MORE! I can't wait to see where Luther takes us next!
I love a good MC romance, and Thunder hits all the right notes. Absolutely adored Thunder and Andy together and I can't wait to read more about the Desert Phantoms!
I loved everything about this story–Rush's tough guy persona and his penchant for disco (I mean, who doesn't love disco??), Tatum's sassy attitude and quirky personality, and the tongue-in-cheek Runaway Bride references. It's always fun watching a tough guy find his soulmate, and when Rush finally realized it–WOW. The man fell hard. The author did an amazing job of bringing them to life and weaving all the threads of Tatum's backstory together. It was also fun to see Mark and Charlie's antics included.
This is the second book I've ready by Alafair Burke. I found it very easy to sink into the story, and the tension between the characters was palpable (and believable). That being said, it seemed a bit formulaic and I figured out the “who dunnit” pretty early on, though it didn't ruin it for me. The journey and how she wrapped it up was still enjoyable.
I loved the banter between Violet and Milo...their scenes definitely kept the story moving. There were a few times I caught myself rushing through everything else just to get back to them. Overall a great read, though I wanted to smack each of them for their stubbornness.
The story and emotion in this gem completely blew me away. It didn't take long to fall in love with the characters and by the time I reached the final page, I felt as though we were old friends. There are highs and lows, but through it all Easton, Brooke, Nicole, and Avery step up to the plate and support each other. It's one of the best stories of love and friendship I've read in a long, long while.
I loved the way Kimberly tied in the beginning of this book with its predecessor, Tattooed Dots, and then took it on its own incredible journey. Avery and Nicole are both VERY stubborn, but I think that's what makes their story so remarkable as they deal with the hand Life deals them. I'm not ashamed to say I cried a few tears along the way—it was that powerful!
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.
“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!
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.
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.
I'm a sucker for second chance love stories, and this was fantastic (chef's kiss)! Sparks flew when Gage and Chase reconnected 17 years after college, and after both had married, had kids, and divorced. This was an amazing story, and I loved the cameos by old friends from Traded and Outed.
I haven't read many MM romances, but I absolutely LOVED this book. There's just enough angst as the two main characters fought against what would inevitably happen between them.
I adored both leads, and completely loathed Drew's narcissist girlfriend. I wish I could say I was surprised when she dropped that bombshell on Drew, but nope. That chick is nothing but trouble, and I can't wait to see how that situation plays out in part 2.
There's one thing that keeps running through my head, even weeks after reading it–the ending. Specifically, the team's captain repeating “Baby?” when he spots Drew approaching Aron's hotel room.
I cannot wait for the sequel. I need it!!
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!!
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!!
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.