Sorry I've been absent of late it's just that work has been busy and I've not had time to read that much in fact I haven't read anything in a long while now. There was a time there where I thought I was going to stop blogging and even delete my blog but I felt that when I lost people in my life writing this blog really helped so I just couldn't do that. I'm now hoping that in 2018 I will start reading again as it's only been this week when I've actually missed reading. I still might not be around every week with new reviews but hopefully I'll get in at least a couple of reviews in a month.
Happy New Year everyone!
31 December 2017
18 July 2017
Book Review: Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne
(Click image to take you to Goodreads)
Format: Kindle
Publishers: Loveswept
Published: 18th April 2017
Pages: 218
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance,
Main Characters: Georgianna, Andrew
Date Read: 23rd March - 28th March 2017
Date Read: 23rd March - 28th March 2017
Rating Given:
Synopsis:
Sparks fly between a misunderstood New York socialite and a cynical divorce lawyer in this lively standalone rom-com from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines and Love Story.
Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.
Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.
Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.
Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not too sure about this particular cover as it seems a bit fake especially the female side of the book. I do like the side of the man as it seems more relaxed.
When I first started this book I wasn't too sure I was going to like it as like the cover the main female protagonist seemed so fake and annoying but thankfully for this book there was more to her than she lets on to everyone. I loved that this book was full of humour as I was laughing throughout which is always good when a book can make me laugh as this one did. I loved the relationship between the two main characters throughout this book as it wasn't an instant love they actually seemed to dislike one another in the beginning but the more they saw one another the more the chemistry started to spark. They had a great banter between them as they were able to bounce of one another. In the end I loved this book so much I know that it's one of those books that I will read again and again.
Great characters but the took a few chapters to warm up to. Like I said earlier Georgie did come across fake and very shallow but once we got to know her better the more she seemed like such a sweetheart. Andrew was a good character but there was moments when he said things to Georgie that just wasn't nice but in the end I was able to forgive him this as he didn't mean it the way in which it comes across. There was some other great characters intertwined in the story that added more to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book I just wish there was more as I just didn't want it to end.
30 April 2017
Book Review: The Beautiful Pretender (A Medieval Fairy Tale, #2) by Melanie Dickerson
(Click image to take you to Goodreads)
Format: Kindle
Publishers: Thomas Nelson
Published: 17th May 2016
Pages: 320
Genre: YA, Historical Romance, Fairy Tale
Main Characters: Avelina, Lord Thornbeck
Date Read: 20th February - 6th March 2017
Date Read: 20th February - 6th March 2017
Rating Given:
Synopsis:
What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't really like this cover and I don't really know why it just doesn't sit right for me. I do like that you can tell the genre of the book just by looking at the cover.
With this book I was in two minds whether I enjoyed it or not especially in the beginning as it was so slow but then by the end I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. I did find it rather predictable as I just knew where it was going to go so I would've liked it a bit more if something happened that I wasn't expecting. The relationship between the two main characters I liked in some parts as there was times when they where great together and brought out the best in each other but then on the other hand they also bought out the worse in each other. I did love the ending it was really sweet and had a little humour interweaved in there as well which I think was missing from most of the book.
Most of the characters took a while to warm towards but each of them had there strong points. I feel Avelina was the better character out of the two main characters as she was more likable from the beginning, she did lie a lot but I guess in the end I understood why she did that. Lord Thornbeck was hard to like in the beginning but once we got to see his softer side I found myself liking him. Magdalen was a really sweet character but I felt as though she was too good to be true no one can be that nice.
Overall, I was expecting a lot from this book after falling in love with one of Melanie Dickerson's novel's however this one fell a little flat.
9 April 2017
Book Review: Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay
(Click image to take you to Goodreads)
Format: Hardback
Publishers: Delacorte Press
Published: 23rd July 2013
Pages: 391
Genre: YA, Historical Romance, Retelling
Main Characters: Isra, Gem
Date Read: 8th January - 6th February 2017
Date Read: 8th January - 6th February 2017
Rating Given:
Synopsis:
In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret...
In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.
Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.
As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.
In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.
Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.
As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.
I have joined a challenge on Goodreads called Book Jar where I put in titles in a jar and read whichever book I pull out. When I pulled out this book I was pleased as I've had this sitting on my shelf for a while now, however I was a little disappointed when reading it as it wasn't as good as what I thought I would've.
I love this cover it's stunning and I especially love the colours that have been used although I feel like this particular cover wasn't in keeping with the story as it seems like a sci-fi novel but for me the book didn't feel that much of a sci-fi book.
This was a hard book to review as it was as if it was a tale of two halves as I couldn't get into pretty much most of the book but the last quarter of the book was gripping and I really enjoyed it. I think the reason why I couldn't get into most of this book was because it was so slow with hardly any action, I was pretty much bored throughout. With this being a Beauty and the Beast retelling I was expecting to fall in love with the characters and their romance, however I just couldn't warm to them or their romance until the very end. I really thought there would be more focus on the romance side of the story but it just seemed glossed over and then rushed once it got going. Towards the end when it really started to pick up was when there was more action going on with me on the edge of my seat. The ending was really sweet and in the end I found I was glad were things left off.
As I said above I wasn't overly keen on any of the characters but most of them had their moments when I liked them I just never had that 'I love these characters' moment.
Overall, I was expecting a lot more from this book than what I got but the end part of the story did improve things quite a bit but I just wish it was all as good as the ending.
21 March 2017
Book Review: The Storm by R.J. Prescott
(Click image to take you to Goodreads)
Format: Kindle
Publishers: Indie
Published: 21st March 2017
Pages: ??
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sport
Main Characters: Kieran, Marie
Date Read: 8th March - 19th March 2017
Date Read: 8th March - 19th March 2017
Rating Given:
Synopsis:
From USA Today best selling author, R.J. Prescott...
Marie Kelly is a survivor who doesn’t know when to quit. Against all odds, she’s living a life she never dreamed she could have. It was enough…until a stubborn fighter makes her want more.
Irish charmer Kieran Doherty has been a fighter at Driscoll’s Gym for most of his life. He’s been content to let his best friend take the spotlight, now it’s his turn to make a name for himself in the world of heavy weight champions. Falling in love is the one thing he vowed never to do, but meeting Marie changed everything.
It’s easy to imagine a happy ever after when the sun is shining. But when the storm comes, and all hope seems lost, they both learn that if you want something badly enough, you have to be willing to fight for it.
The Storm is a stand alone companion novel to The Hurricane and The Storm. Heavy language and sexual content means that this book is intended for persons aged 18+.
Marie Kelly is a survivor who doesn’t know when to quit. Against all odds, she’s living a life she never dreamed she could have. It was enough…until a stubborn fighter makes her want more.
Irish charmer Kieran Doherty has been a fighter at Driscoll’s Gym for most of his life. He’s been content to let his best friend take the spotlight, now it’s his turn to make a name for himself in the world of heavy weight champions. Falling in love is the one thing he vowed never to do, but meeting Marie changed everything.
It’s easy to imagine a happy ever after when the sun is shining. But when the storm comes, and all hope seems lost, they both learn that if you want something badly enough, you have to be willing to fight for it.
The Storm is a stand alone companion novel to The Hurricane and The Storm. Heavy language and sexual content means that this book is intended for persons aged 18+.
I was given the opportunity to read and review this book from the author.
I love the cover and I especially love the way in which it ties in with the Hurricane series. I can really see this model as Kieran which is great as it gives me an idea of the look of him without even reading the book. Love the colours as it makes this particular cover/series stand out.
I was very nervous about reading this book as I was scared that I wouldn't love it as much as the others I mean how can you improve on perfection but that's what Prescott did. I don't know why I had to go and spoil myself by reading this book as the last time I read something by R.J. Prescott it was ages before I was able to get into anything else as it was just too good and I have a feeling that I won't be able to get into anything after this one. As soon as I started this book I knew I was onto a winner as I was consumed by it from the very beginning to the very end. In the first chapter I had already laughed out loud and nearly broke down but then towards the end I was in pieces, I haven't cried like that from a book in a long while. Whilst reading this book I felt like I was at home as the relationship between every character and not just the two main characters was beautiful to see I could feel through the pages the love for one another. The chemistry between Marie and Kieran was off the charts they where so good together and seemed to bring the best out in each other. What's great about this book is that it doesn't repeat the same outline as other contemporary romance novels which I think is rather refreshing as I never saw anything coming. I loved the end as everything felt wrapped up neatly as well as left it open for Tommy's book which I'm very excited about.
What I think this book does over any other book that I've read is that Prescott has been able to make the characters come alive and it felt like I could see them all right in front of me. I pretty much loved every character apart from one and even that person had me feeling sorry for him when we find out a bit more with his background. Marie was a great character as she was such a strong person especially going through what she did throughout her whole life. As for Kieran I had loved him from the previous books and I don't know how it happened but I loved him all the more as not only was he a fierce guy but he was also very funny and he showed a softer and vulnerable side to him. I loved getting to see how Con and Em where doing and then there was Tommy he was hilarious and I am so excited to read his next book especially after what had happened to him towards the end of this book. There was some great new additions to the story including Marie's family.
Overall, I could go on and on about how much I love this book. There was not one part of this book that I was engrossed in, it was just amazing and I know that R.J. Prescott is one of my all time favourite authors as she is always able to knock it out of the park and I for one can't wait to read more from her and not just from this series but anything that she creates I just know I will love it.
I was very nervous about reading this book as I was scared that I wouldn't love it as much as the others I mean how can you improve on perfection but that's what Prescott did. I don't know why I had to go and spoil myself by reading this book as the last time I read something by R.J. Prescott it was ages before I was able to get into anything else as it was just too good and I have a feeling that I won't be able to get into anything after this one. As soon as I started this book I knew I was onto a winner as I was consumed by it from the very beginning to the very end. In the first chapter I had already laughed out loud and nearly broke down but then towards the end I was in pieces, I haven't cried like that from a book in a long while. Whilst reading this book I felt like I was at home as the relationship between every character and not just the two main characters was beautiful to see I could feel through the pages the love for one another. The chemistry between Marie and Kieran was off the charts they where so good together and seemed to bring the best out in each other. What's great about this book is that it doesn't repeat the same outline as other contemporary romance novels which I think is rather refreshing as I never saw anything coming. I loved the end as everything felt wrapped up neatly as well as left it open for Tommy's book which I'm very excited about.
What I think this book does over any other book that I've read is that Prescott has been able to make the characters come alive and it felt like I could see them all right in front of me. I pretty much loved every character apart from one and even that person had me feeling sorry for him when we find out a bit more with his background. Marie was a great character as she was such a strong person especially going through what she did throughout her whole life. As for Kieran I had loved him from the previous books and I don't know how it happened but I loved him all the more as not only was he a fierce guy but he was also very funny and he showed a softer and vulnerable side to him. I loved getting to see how Con and Em where doing and then there was Tommy he was hilarious and I am so excited to read his next book especially after what had happened to him towards the end of this book. There was some great new additions to the story including Marie's family.
Overall, I could go on and on about how much I love this book. There was not one part of this book that I was engrossed in, it was just amazing and I know that R.J. Prescott is one of my all time favourite authors as she is always able to knock it out of the park and I for one can't wait to read more from her and not just from this series but anything that she creates I just know I will love it.
Book Blitz: The Storm by R.j. Prescott
The Storm
R.J. Prescott
(The Hurricane #3)
Publication date: March 21st 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Sports
Marie Kelly is a survivor who doesn’t know when to quit. Against all odds, she’s living a life she never dreamed she could have. It was enough… until a stubborn boxer makes her want more.
Irish charmer Kieran Doherty has been a fighter at Driscoll’s Gym for most of his life. He’s been content to let his best friend take the spotlight, now it’s his turn to make a name for himself in the world of heavy weight champions. Falling in love is the one thing he vowed never to do, but meeting Marie changed everything.
It’s easy to imagine a happy-ever-after when the sun is shining. But when the storm comes, and all hope seems lost, they both learn that if you want something badly enough, you have to be willing to fight for it.
—
EXCERPT:
When I finally plucked up a bit of courage, I peeped out of the curtains to see Kieran throwing stones at the window.
“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair,” he mock shouted, when he caught my eye. I opened the window to whisper loudly back at him.“Are you high?” I asked. “Why didn’t you just ring the doorbell or call me?”
“I thought this would be more romantic,” he said.
“If I ignore the fact that my nipples probably have frostbite, I am feeling romanced,” I replied. He looked pained. “What’s wrong?” I asked.
“You said ‘nipples’ and now I can’t think of anything else,” he replied, making me smile.
“Now I’m down here, what’s the chances of seeing an accidental nip slip?” he asked.
“Depends,” I replied.
“On what?” he asked.
“What’s in the bag?” I said.
“Hot chocolate and warm doughnuts,” he said, holding up the bag as if to barter.
“Well, I would have said slim to none, but fresh doughnuts might have just tipped the odds in your favour,” I replied.
“Yesss!” he said, fist bumping the air in victory.
I closed the window and ran to buzz him in. He bounded up the stairwell, his heavy footsteps echoing loudly in the hallway. When he got to my door, he looked me up and down, taking in my short royal blue, silk pyjamas. Dropping the sack, he speared his hands into my hair and pulled me into a kiss that had me melting. Kier didn’t kiss with just his lips; he did it with his whole body. Without shoes on, I was tiny in comparison, but inside of the cage of his huge arms, I felt protected and safe. Despite his size, his lips were so gentle. He didn’t treat me like I was fragile, but like I was precious, as though every touch was one that he was experiencing for the first time and memorizing for later.
Feeling bold, I traced the seam of his mouth with my tongue, and when he parted his lips and touched his tongue against mine, I groaned. Every sensation was too much, and not enough. Breathless, he pulled away from me to nuzzle his face in the crook of my neck. I reached up and gently stroked the short hair at the back of his neck, making him sigh.
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author R.J. Prescott was born in Cardiff, South Wales, and studied law at the University of Bristol, England. Four weeks before graduation she fell in love, and stayed. Ten years later, she convinced her crazy, wonderful firefighter husband to move back to Cardiff where they now live with their two equally crazy sons. Her debut novel The Hurricane was an international bestseller and finalist in the Goodreads Awards in the category of debut author.
8 March 2017
To Love and to Cherish (The Wedding Belles, #3) by Lauren Layne
(Click image to take you to Goodreads)
Format: Paperback
Publishers: Headline Eternal
Published: 18th October 2016
Pages: 320
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance,
Main Characters: Alexis, Logan,
Date Read: 29th November 2016 - 4th January 2017
Date Read: 29th November 2016 - 4th January 2017
Rating Given:
Synopsis:
Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in To Love And To Cherish, the third witty contemporary romance in Lauren Layne's The Wedding Belles series, about three high-powered New York City women who can plan any wedding - but their own. For fans of Jill Shalvis, Julie James and Rachel Gibson.
Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan's premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it's time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who's been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan's all business, all the time-except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.
Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable...until now. Alexis has made it clear that she's on the dating market-and equally clear that he's not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister's last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it's the perfect time to show Alexis that there's more to him than numbers and spreadsheets-and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida's sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan's out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever...
Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan's premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it's time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who's been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan's all business, all the time-except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.
Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable...until now. Alexis has made it clear that she's on the dating market-and equally clear that he's not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister's last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it's the perfect time to show Alexis that there's more to him than numbers and spreadsheets-and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida's sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan's out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever...
I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
With all of the covers in this particular series I've been in two minds about until this one. I love this cover and I think it has everything to do with the colours that have been used as it gives a seasonal feel about it and even though the season has nothing to do with the actual book I find myself not minding as for me it kind of sets the scene.
I was looking forward to reading this book especially after loving both of the previous books and no Lauren Layne book for me has rated under 4 stars that is until I read this one. I was so disappointed with this book as I just couldn't get into it which even though I didn't have as much time to read it with it being the Christmas period but also I found myself not even wanting to pick it up. I didn't believe in the romance between the two main characters as it felt for the most part very much one sided and felt Logan was far too good for Alexis. I understand why Alexis was so stand offish to a point but I think she let it affect every aspect of her life and made her an unlikable person. What I loved about this book is that we got to catch up with the previous couples. The ending was sweet and more enjoyable than most of the book.
Just about every character but the main female character was likable. Alexis was such a selfish person that didn't treat Logan the way in which he deserved. There was moments when I thought she was nicer but it wasn't until closer to the end when I started to like her. It was Logan that really saved this book as he was such a great character and I loved everything about him.
Overall, I felt let down by this book but I'm still excited about any future books by Lauren Layne in the hope that they are like the previous book that I've read by her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)