For the Record by K.A. Linde

I completed 'For the record' a few weeks ago. I wouldn't blame the length of time I took to read this, on anything else, but myself and the book slump I have been in as of late. Too many disappointments had me taking a break.

Still, 'For the record' was another good novel in the Record series, even if it was more tame than the others.

It's life after going public, as Brady and Liz try to acclimate and build a future around scandals, lies, doubts and one tenacious red head and her misplaced hate.

I find that this novel was more about family and politics. Even though they were suppose to be tackling their own demons, this novel was smooth sailing for Liz and Brady, with a few minor glitches.

The mystery was gone, so we focused more on the politics and everyone else surrounding the characters; namely, Savannah and Clay. They were like an old married couple giving out advice. It wasn't the intricate story line I expected and I saw the main wrench miles away!

Though I must give a nod to Callie's master plan, because it had me guessing to the end. It was a good, well placed and underhanded one. Still, the reveal could have used some work and her misplaced hate for Liz bored me.

Liz and Brady peaked as characters, so 3/4 of this novel was about politics. I wasn't disappointed though, because I enjoyed getting to understand and see the behind the scenes of a political campaign. I prefer a new course to a forced romance.

For those sex fiends, I'm sorry to notify you that though there is sex, it's nothing to get excited about. It mostly happens in a bed and Brady is the definition of white collar sex. Hot or not, without the hiding, he's a plain mama and papa kinda guy!

Liz got lost for me. She felt cookie cutter, especially towards the end and while I get that this novel was about transitioning, I wish she was a little more dominant than the one time she put Heather in her place.

'For the record' was an excellently written novel with a stable story line and steady progression. It brought closure with continuity and introduced us to a host of possibilities in continuing the series without Liz and Brady at the helm.

K.A. Linde has yet to fail me on delivering a solid novel and though not what I expected, I adapted and enjoyed it. I would recommend it to those who aren't sure about finishing the series or those new to the series and are looking for a well-written political novel.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22361799-for-the-record

Take Me for Granted by K.A. Linde

In the beginning, I had to double check that this was in fact a K.A. Linde novel. It didn't feel like her usual writing style and it takes you a while to warm up to the characters, if at all. I'm still not the biggest Vin fan. He just doesn't know when to quit!

As usual, there were a few spin to the usual college/rockstar romance drama. Thing is though, this story wasn't riddled with music as much as I expected. As popular and present music goes, there was none and all the musicians outside of Contraband, with the exception of Vin, were tools. I don't know much about the music industry but this was the most unwelcome representation.

Grant is an interesting character because his first impression leaves everything to be desired. He was cheesy, trying too hard and I didn't buy into his "playboy" persona. He was just annoying. As the novel progressed, I started to warm to his character and like him a little more. He balanced the line between fiction and reality, with his 360 upon meeting Ari, but his continued appreciation of the female anatomy. After all, he isn't blind or impotent.

Ari was a banshee from beginning to end but I love her. She took her time, stayed focus and never lost sight of who she is and wanted to be. She never backs down and made for the perfect balance to Grant's character. Her dry humour and sarcasm helped also. Even though she was on the wealthier side, she held a more relateable and realistic tone in comparison to the other characters.

We really only got Grant's background but it was so out of left field and that ending did nothing to reassure or help me understand his past anymore. I was left even more confused and unsure of why we needed a happy, anxiety filled cliffhanger o.O

Overall, I feel like this story is an easy read, that keeps you interested enough to finish. However, there is hardly any substance and playing out all the cliches of a rockstar romance can only take it so far. I wish there was more music and less groupie focus but K.A. Linde has always taken her novel from the opposite POVs and this time was no different. The friends were questionable and God bless the few people who possessed any morals.

Minus the lack of musical influences, shock value and overall point, I would read book 2 mostly to see what's next for Grant, Ari and Contraband. Maybe it will get better as it progress and I would like to be apart of that when if it does, plus I have few questions that only K.A. Linde can answer :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21801311-take-me-for-granted

On the Record By K.A. Linde

First, let me start off by saying what a sexy cover this is and I think that even if this story turned out to be crap, atleast the cover was good eye candy. Now on to the story ...

Why must K.A. Linde write these realistic, fairy tales and then drop us like a hot patty at the end? I will admit I had my moments where I wondered where the hell is she going now but just as I am literally standing in the kitchen, unable to go and have a shower because my kindle reads 98%, she drops a bomb and exits until November?! Do you know how far November is?? Sighz.

It's safe to say that I loved it. I'll get angry, disagree and swear off reading another K.A. Linde novel but I never do. I believe she writes some of the most controversial stories and she does it in a way that feels all too real and relateable, while still giving you as happy as an ending, that she can muster out of the mess she creates.

Hayden dominated this novel but it was hard to lose yourself in their love because I kept having the lingering feeling that it wouldn't last. Though he was made to look like a monster at one point, for the most part, he was the perfect replacement and it was good to see that he was human, as he did what anyone else in his position, who was angry and hurting would do. We are jealous and vindictive creatures, so his actions, though harsh, is no surprise. It made me respect the author for being able to comfortably take this step and knowing the outcome.

There were moments when I couldn't understand or tolerate Liz. She annoyed me to no end and had me wondering what every one saw in her but the girl has spirit and drive. Ply her with alcohol and she's your #1! She is strange but relateable. Her reservations came off as a fairy tale but when she broke out of her shell she made me laugh until I snort and she is the only person in this novel who can make you see Brady Maxwell the man and not Brady Maxwell the politician. I really don't think anyone sees him the way she does and his last chapter moments at the end of these novels always take off that edge that his character carries.

There is sex but it's pretty tame and so much was going on that I preferred conversations as oppose to the bedroom actions. The politics was once again done tastefully and reflected someone who understood politics and wasn't just basing a story around the regular affairs. I love a well thought out and executed novel and K.A. Linde didn't disappoint.

'On the record' is split into two parts and you will have to read both to appreciate and understand this novel. I know there will be another Hayden vs Brady battle after this one but I find that the further we go, the more our perceptions of the characters change. This novel is more than Liz and Brady as a couple and I like that everyone is growing and getting their time in the sun.

It took some time and a few good scenes to develop some mystery and intrigue but in the end, it left me yearning for more and jonesing for an ARC for 'For the Record'. This was a brilliantly written and executed political drama and I can't wait for it's conclusion.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20816084-on-the-record

Off the Record By K.A. Linde

I can't believe I waited almost one full year for this. I stumbled upon this book at the end of one of the 'Avoiding' series and it was insta-love! So you can imagine how elated I am to find out that it was just as good as I had hoped it would be!

Let's remove the fact that it came out on my birthday, as that makes me a little bias, towards it's release. It was still a well written, detailed and developed story. I loved the detail given in the speeches, articles, politics and lectures. The sex scenes weren't as hot as I expected, but the length was just right for the heat it brought!

I understand both characters, but I do lean more on the side of Liz, as oppose to, Brady. There were definitely times when I wished she would just walk away! Occasionally, it felt like Lexi from 'Avoiding Commitment', all over again. Ms. Linde has a common message, that she sends through her novels and it's commitment. The conflict in this one was the clash between what was more important of a commitment.

Liz was fresh, fierce, sarcastic and loyal. The list goes on. I just love the chick! She had me from the first chapter, before this novel was even released. I get her dilemma and reluctance all at the same time. I even get her drive and how she continues to draw the short stick, but stay through it all. Honestly, she is the best candidate to be on Brady's arm and I am crossing my fingers in hope of a better tomorrow for them as a couple.

Brady is a little bit more complicated to understand, but the epilogue of sorts gives you a look into his world, as well as, his advisers. I didn't fully appreciate them, as a couple, until that last chapter. As usual, with a K.A. Linde novel, that's when it all started to unravel.

All the main characters and even some of the minor ones, are distinct and memorable. It would take a while for me to forget their personalities, as detailed and fresh, as it is in my mind right now. Even the ones who are fighting against the main characters, I couldn't find the nerve to hate. I am secretly hoping for more depth into as much of them as possible. Impossible I know, but a girl can dream! Clay and Chris certainly have my attention and I would really love some one on one time with those two.

I am from Jamaica, so I don't know much about the US political system, but this book didn't make me feel inadequate. Experience breathes wisdom and it showed. If you aren't about politics, I don't see you taking up this book in the first place, but it does go as deep as possible without losing you.

It also isn't another 'Scandal' as some might be hoping and the fairy tale ending is far if ever. It's a struggle and I found it hard to stick with the relationship dynamic till the end. I loved Liz and just wanted the best for her. Most times, that didn't seem like Brady.

There are numerous climatic moments within this novel and I loved them all. Despite this being a 445 page novel, I wasn't done with this story yet. I literally had to go to Facebook and see if Ms. Linde had posted any teaser or further information on book 2, because I need to know when and what will be happening next. Something, I don't normally do, because I like a little suspense in my upcoming novels. This time, I don't wanna wait. It feels like it's all just about to begin.

'Off the record' is a politically driven romance novel that will have you guessing, questioning, doubting, surrendering and everything in between. It's not for every body, but it surely works for me. It was descriptive, clear and I actually learned some writing techniques along the way. Whether you are interested in politics or not, you can appreciate a good story and this one certainly gets my vote!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18901105-off-the-record