Well this was a short one ... I liked the basics of this story and the possibilities that were within it, but due to the length, I believe it came off unrealistic at parts and too shallow for the amount of issues present.
There were a lot of issues and confrontations that needed to be hashed out and they were never even mentioned. Their is also the issue of almost every minor character gradually fading until it was just the two main MCs, and while I have no problem with that, a little back up is good for depth and without that, there was too much and so much questions.
A whirlwind of scandal and chaos was introduced in the last two chapters, and even though it never directly impact the main MCs, it was just dropped like a bomb and left by the way side. Honestly, I am starting to question the necessity of it at all, if only to make conversation between Meg and Kate. Even though I must say that the situation was unexpected as I had other ideas as to the rift present on Meg's end, so that was a surprise.
I can't seem to get a hold on either Adam or Kate's personality. I get the basics, but I am still confused as to how I feel about them separate, even though I have no problem with them together, as I love them as a couple and how they challenge each other.
There were a few unnecessary scenes, and parts of the story seemed rushed and unfinished, like the base of a really good manuscript, but then there are the whimsical moments and special times that are shared throughout the novel that are intimate, unexpected and memorable.
I believe a lot of depth is missing from this story as it had too much issues to be skimmed the way it was. I wanted to spend more time to get to know all the characters surprisingly, even Emma and Brian, as I felt like there was something with these characters that was neglected or ignored, I don't know which.
Adam likes control and is a very determined man, but that's basically all we know, apart from the fact that he was abused and he loved Kate. As you can see, that poses a problem because I didn't get to connect much with him to find out if he is even worthy of awesome book boyfriend material.
The personality traits of Kate wasn't much better either, as I understood her fears but confused as to why they were not played with a lot more. For a person afraid of human touch, it seems no one even tries in the first place.
Anyways, I loved the foundations in this novel, and only hoped it could have been developed from novella status to a full fledged novel with layers and elements to tie it all together and make it seem more realistic and like a full story where we aren't left confused and full of questions and so much more. Still, I think I might give book 2 a chance, even if it's not about Kate and Adam.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17604928-break-me-slowly?ac=1
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Unbreak Me By Lexi Ryan
I love, love, love Asher!!! This is what a real man looks like!
Not a fan of love triangles, so I was skeptic in the beginning of this novel, but eventually I realize that when a guy is as awesome as Asher there can never be a line much less three!
The theme of this story was honesty. Not that there wasn't lies and secrets all around, but honesty won every time and I love watching Asher draw that from Maggie.
His approach was genius and laced with finesse. He had the right approach from beginning to end and I love the structure that their relationship started upon. That open honesty was a breath of fresh air.
Maggie is a lost and confused soul. She makes some terrible choices and mistakes but she isn't afraid to own up to them. I love her openness when it comes to sex and how it aids in the banters and whimsical vibe of this novel. She is a wild child and loving it! I'd be friends with this chick! Yup! She's that amazing!
I really loved the family scenes, as this was one awesome family and I couldn't get enough of granny and the twins.
Will is a great man, and I am uncertain as to why a world of hurt was piled on his doorstep and I really wish he could have gotten his HEA too. I don't ever understand when good guys are set up for a world of hurt in these novels. I guess it's to show the unbalance that is life.
I got the premise of the story and I gotta say I love it, because it's one I haven't ventured into before from this angle and I always wondered about how a confident, self assured mistress feels in this situation. Totally got my answer!
At the end of this book, I was stunned that all this drama was over one summer. It felt like such a long time and I am not certain if it's due to the length of time the characters knew each other. and the intimate setting of a small town.
I am really sorry we didn't get much more of Asher' s POV and that we weren't present for a lot of the end decisions as well as the abrupt end and short basically unnecessary epilogue, as it didn't have much in ways of the normal purpose of an epilogue. It left me with questions on so much fronts, with practically all the characters.
I am now wondering if there will be a book 2, because there is still so much to say and a few questions to be answered.
Still, I loved this story in what it represents, how it was delivered and the amazing cast of characters that kept you entertained and interested, by telling the truth at just the right pace and time.
Twists were kept secret for as long as possible and while some weren't shockers, because we were in the know from another POV, I still loved the deliveries and timings.
If you are looking for a summer read that doesn't feel like one at all, and sticks to the story without deviations, then this one is for you. It has layers you can peel back and insight you might be able to use.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17841451-unbreak-me?ac=1
Not a fan of love triangles, so I was skeptic in the beginning of this novel, but eventually I realize that when a guy is as awesome as Asher there can never be a line much less three!
The theme of this story was honesty. Not that there wasn't lies and secrets all around, but honesty won every time and I love watching Asher draw that from Maggie.
His approach was genius and laced with finesse. He had the right approach from beginning to end and I love the structure that their relationship started upon. That open honesty was a breath of fresh air.
Maggie is a lost and confused soul. She makes some terrible choices and mistakes but she isn't afraid to own up to them. I love her openness when it comes to sex and how it aids in the banters and whimsical vibe of this novel. She is a wild child and loving it! I'd be friends with this chick! Yup! She's that amazing!
I really loved the family scenes, as this was one awesome family and I couldn't get enough of granny and the twins.
Will is a great man, and I am uncertain as to why a world of hurt was piled on his doorstep and I really wish he could have gotten his HEA too. I don't ever understand when good guys are set up for a world of hurt in these novels. I guess it's to show the unbalance that is life.
I got the premise of the story and I gotta say I love it, because it's one I haven't ventured into before from this angle and I always wondered about how a confident, self assured mistress feels in this situation. Totally got my answer!
At the end of this book, I was stunned that all this drama was over one summer. It felt like such a long time and I am not certain if it's due to the length of time the characters knew each other. and the intimate setting of a small town.
I am really sorry we didn't get much more of Asher' s POV and that we weren't present for a lot of the end decisions as well as the abrupt end and short basically unnecessary epilogue, as it didn't have much in ways of the normal purpose of an epilogue. It left me with questions on so much fronts, with practically all the characters.
I am now wondering if there will be a book 2, because there is still so much to say and a few questions to be answered.
Still, I loved this story in what it represents, how it was delivered and the amazing cast of characters that kept you entertained and interested, by telling the truth at just the right pace and time.
Twists were kept secret for as long as possible and while some weren't shockers, because we were in the know from another POV, I still loved the deliveries and timings.
If you are looking for a summer read that doesn't feel like one at all, and sticks to the story without deviations, then this one is for you. It has layers you can peel back and insight you might be able to use.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17841451-unbreak-me?ac=1
Facade By Nyrae Dawn
This one had a slow start for me. It didn't capture you initially, but it certainly cleared up eventually and brought to light Adrian as I never expected. I figured he had issues being a stoner and all, but boy I never expected that little twist of lemon at the end there.
This story is easy going for most of the way, and while it's a different tone than Charade, it's still as good, but with much deeper roots and connections.
I love how we got to delve into Adrian' s personality and got to clear up some questions from Charade, as well as get his POV on issues from that novel also.
He was honest and funny in a serious way. He was by no means a comedian, but his straightforwardness was contagious and eventually funny. His lackluster attitude and vices were lovely personality traits (had me jonesing for pancakes at 12 in the morning) and if this book lack anything, it wasn't a sense of knowing. You got to understand each character, even if at times the repetition got annoying.
Delaney was like a pixie ... in my mind at least. While I sometimes got annoyed with her constant inner conflict and saw the obvious plot before it occurred, I still loved her character. There was something about her that you just get!
It's like regardless of her short comings, you still love her and just want to forgive her even when she messes up. I loved her honesty and the interactions between herself and Adrian. Honest banter is always appealing! It's as if the games were only being played with the outside world. With each other, there was a sense of understanding. They got it, even if we don't.
It was good to finally get into the reasons behind the constant partying and I love that Cheyenne and Colt were present in this one, and not just a passing thought. The integration was considerate.
Whilst a break up was expected, I love the way the reconciliation was delivered. It was still a little too soon if you ask me, but the reservations compensated for the time frame and I love that it wasn't overly dramatic. It was just the right pace for this series.
While we didn't spend much time with Maddox, I figured he would get his own story, and I must say, it was a great excerpt of the next book in the series. I'm a bundle of excitement and nerves at the possibility of this book. It sounds so good and promising already!!
While Facade didn't blow me out the water, it kept me steady and interested. There were elements and depth. Between it all, there were stories and emotions that were executed well and delivered precisely.
There is something soulful and comfortable about this series, as no story is the same, even with the same set of characters present. I am glad another book will be added to this wonderful series and I can't wait to dive in!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150320-facade
This story is easy going for most of the way, and while it's a different tone than Charade, it's still as good, but with much deeper roots and connections.
I love how we got to delve into Adrian' s personality and got to clear up some questions from Charade, as well as get his POV on issues from that novel also.
He was honest and funny in a serious way. He was by no means a comedian, but his straightforwardness was contagious and eventually funny. His lackluster attitude and vices were lovely personality traits (had me jonesing for pancakes at 12 in the morning) and if this book lack anything, it wasn't a sense of knowing. You got to understand each character, even if at times the repetition got annoying.
Delaney was like a pixie ... in my mind at least. While I sometimes got annoyed with her constant inner conflict and saw the obvious plot before it occurred, I still loved her character. There was something about her that you just get!
It's like regardless of her short comings, you still love her and just want to forgive her even when she messes up. I loved her honesty and the interactions between herself and Adrian. Honest banter is always appealing! It's as if the games were only being played with the outside world. With each other, there was a sense of understanding. They got it, even if we don't.
It was good to finally get into the reasons behind the constant partying and I love that Cheyenne and Colt were present in this one, and not just a passing thought. The integration was considerate.
Whilst a break up was expected, I love the way the reconciliation was delivered. It was still a little too soon if you ask me, but the reservations compensated for the time frame and I love that it wasn't overly dramatic. It was just the right pace for this series.
While we didn't spend much time with Maddox, I figured he would get his own story, and I must say, it was a great excerpt of the next book in the series. I'm a bundle of excitement and nerves at the possibility of this book. It sounds so good and promising already!!
While Facade didn't blow me out the water, it kept me steady and interested. There were elements and depth. Between it all, there were stories and emotions that were executed well and delivered precisely.
There is something soulful and comfortable about this series, as no story is the same, even with the same set of characters present. I am glad another book will be added to this wonderful series and I can't wait to dive in!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150320-facade
Saturday, 6 July 2013
Lick By Kylie Scott
Just what I was looking for!
I was going through a too much heavy emotions phase and this book cleared that right up for me!
I loved the fun, impromptu story of Evelyn and David. I was confused in the beginning, because he behaved like he practically hated her so I wanted to see what would come of this "love story"
Things did move pretty fast and I am a little bummed that we didn't get a full recap of what happened in Vegas or at least for Evelyn to remember what went down. Honestly, now that I think about it, I wonder if book 2 will be about David and Evelyn, because there is still a lot of animosity between important people in her life and her decisions, and a few unanswered questions.
Still, I loved the characters. They were a fun set, at least where David, Evelyn and Mal was concerned. Not that the other's weren't interesting, but only select one was allowed continued entrance into Ev and David's bubble and that was Mal. So we clicked with him more than others throughout this novel.
I'm a more realistic kind of chick so I found the timeline to be a little off kilt and the pace a steady fast, but I guess that's what life is like in this lane.
David was crazy, sexy cool, but unfortunately, other than anger and trust issues, we never really got to delve into his personality. In retrospect, this story was shallow in the personality development department, but it was still entertaining with good conversations and good enough editing.
Evelyn was outspoken and I loved her inner and outer ramblings and fascination. She was uncomfortably comfortable in her own skin (if that even makes sense ...) and the fact she wasn't a size 2 and loving it was an added bonus!
The characters around, seemed like interesting ones, but once again, too much personality traits were bypassed in this novel, so we never got to spend time around much people, other than Evelyn and David or Evelyn and her constant turmoils.
I loved the honesty of the relationship and even though the sex scenes weren't off the charts, they were intimate and special moments. Her thoughts seemed more realistic with regards to her sexual experiences and I loved how she was reserved while being out there at the same time.
I'm not certain as to what to expect for book 2, but if it's more Evelyn and David I am up! If we get to move on to another band member, then it's all good. Either way, this book was a comfortable read that held my attention even if a certain level of depth was lacking.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18047274-lick
I was going through a too much heavy emotions phase and this book cleared that right up for me!
I loved the fun, impromptu story of Evelyn and David. I was confused in the beginning, because he behaved like he practically hated her so I wanted to see what would come of this "love story"
Things did move pretty fast and I am a little bummed that we didn't get a full recap of what happened in Vegas or at least for Evelyn to remember what went down. Honestly, now that I think about it, I wonder if book 2 will be about David and Evelyn, because there is still a lot of animosity between important people in her life and her decisions, and a few unanswered questions.
Still, I loved the characters. They were a fun set, at least where David, Evelyn and Mal was concerned. Not that the other's weren't interesting, but only select one was allowed continued entrance into Ev and David's bubble and that was Mal. So we clicked with him more than others throughout this novel.
I'm a more realistic kind of chick so I found the timeline to be a little off kilt and the pace a steady fast, but I guess that's what life is like in this lane.
David was crazy, sexy cool, but unfortunately, other than anger and trust issues, we never really got to delve into his personality. In retrospect, this story was shallow in the personality development department, but it was still entertaining with good conversations and good enough editing.
Evelyn was outspoken and I loved her inner and outer ramblings and fascination. She was uncomfortably comfortable in her own skin (if that even makes sense ...) and the fact she wasn't a size 2 and loving it was an added bonus!
The characters around, seemed like interesting ones, but once again, too much personality traits were bypassed in this novel, so we never got to spend time around much people, other than Evelyn and David or Evelyn and her constant turmoils.
I loved the honesty of the relationship and even though the sex scenes weren't off the charts, they were intimate and special moments. Her thoughts seemed more realistic with regards to her sexual experiences and I loved how she was reserved while being out there at the same time.
I'm not certain as to what to expect for book 2, but if it's more Evelyn and David I am up! If we get to move on to another band member, then it's all good. Either way, this book was a comfortable read that held my attention even if a certain level of depth was lacking.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18047274-lick
Friday, 5 July 2013
Out of Breath By Rebecca Donovan
So, I was a skeptic when this book began. I have to say I was initially frustrated with this novel , because 10% passed and Evan was still AWOL and Emma was behaving like he's dead or something!!
I literally had to read another's review to make sure that he was even present in this book. I don't know how she keeps it together to write mundane stuff when all I wanted to do is get to the meat of the matter. I almost wanted to stop and read something else were the lead MCs actually interact.
Occasionally I had to check to see if I was reading the right book because I felt like I was starting a new book and learning to love Cole, but it wasn't excitement it was more annoyance at the length of time taken to get to Evan and the feelings being developed for Cole.
But alas! In a beautifully unexpected fashion, we were re- introduced to Evan and we got a dual POV novel that was edited so well that you focused on nothing else but the story. I had thought that Evan cutting in at random intervals would get tedious and annoying, but I couldn't have asked for a better integration!
I almost didn't recognize Emma in this novel, and even though I loved the daredevil she became, I was annoyed at how broken she was that random people kept watch over her like a vigil. I wanted the saucy, daring, confident girl from books 1 and 2 who kept it together regardless.
The realness and raw emotions this novel provoked was profound. There was no rush and just the right pace to this story line. It was no fairy tale, but it wasn't an unrealistic love story either. There were elements and layers.
I was surprised by the complete annihilation of everything and everyone who was anti-Emma and Evan. I honestly hoped for a better transition or some closure. While Emma and Evan got there HEA, there were some people who didn't get that pleasure and therefore left me with a lot of questions.b It was like a not so clean sweep.
Death, despair and a sense of forlorn was the theme for most of this book, even though a couple of crazy times were throw in also. Therefore, this book carried a dreary vibe throughout most of the chapters. Light was hard to come by in this novel and when you got it, you barely had it until you were back to more drama.
Loved the additional characters and growth throughout with the previous characters. It was nice to finally meet the west coast guys and to see Emma and Evan in a different element. The introduction of the girls was also welcomed, and even though Peyton faded with the introduction of Evan, I did like her and wish she wasn't left out in the end.
Cole seems like a nice guy and I would love to read a book with him, because he seemed like a great guy and that's what gave me so much reservation as to why he was added in the middle of the mess that is Emma and Evan's love.
Still, if you can power through the first 30% of this book, you will find an almost perfect ending to an amazingly enlightening series. The first 30% was in no way bad, but I was starved for some Emma/Evan action, but when we got it, it was great. If only we were provided with a few more closures or a sense of finality, we could have had one of the greats!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13638570-out-of-breath
I literally had to read another's review to make sure that he was even present in this book. I don't know how she keeps it together to write mundane stuff when all I wanted to do is get to the meat of the matter. I almost wanted to stop and read something else were the lead MCs actually interact.
Occasionally I had to check to see if I was reading the right book because I felt like I was starting a new book and learning to love Cole, but it wasn't excitement it was more annoyance at the length of time taken to get to Evan and the feelings being developed for Cole.
But alas! In a beautifully unexpected fashion, we were re- introduced to Evan and we got a dual POV novel that was edited so well that you focused on nothing else but the story. I had thought that Evan cutting in at random intervals would get tedious and annoying, but I couldn't have asked for a better integration!
I almost didn't recognize Emma in this novel, and even though I loved the daredevil she became, I was annoyed at how broken she was that random people kept watch over her like a vigil. I wanted the saucy, daring, confident girl from books 1 and 2 who kept it together regardless.
The realness and raw emotions this novel provoked was profound. There was no rush and just the right pace to this story line. It was no fairy tale, but it wasn't an unrealistic love story either. There were elements and layers.
I was surprised by the complete annihilation of everything and everyone who was anti-Emma and Evan. I honestly hoped for a better transition or some closure. While Emma and Evan got there HEA, there were some people who didn't get that pleasure and therefore left me with a lot of questions.b It was like a not so clean sweep.
Death, despair and a sense of forlorn was the theme for most of this book, even though a couple of crazy times were throw in also. Therefore, this book carried a dreary vibe throughout most of the chapters. Light was hard to come by in this novel and when you got it, you barely had it until you were back to more drama.
Loved the additional characters and growth throughout with the previous characters. It was nice to finally meet the west coast guys and to see Emma and Evan in a different element. The introduction of the girls was also welcomed, and even though Peyton faded with the introduction of Evan, I did like her and wish she wasn't left out in the end.
Cole seems like a nice guy and I would love to read a book with him, because he seemed like a great guy and that's what gave me so much reservation as to why he was added in the middle of the mess that is Emma and Evan's love.
Still, if you can power through the first 30% of this book, you will find an almost perfect ending to an amazingly enlightening series. The first 30% was in no way bad, but I was starved for some Emma/Evan action, but when we got it, it was great. If only we were provided with a few more closures or a sense of finality, we could have had one of the greats!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13638570-out-of-breath
Thursday, 4 July 2013
This Man Confessed By Jodi Ellen Malpas
I think I could cry ... I don't want it to be over!!! I love this story too much. I know the story is all told out but God I miss them already!!!
Amazing ending with unexpected conclusions!!! ... that sums it up in a sentence for me.
There's no doubt as to the origins of this novel. Everyone stayed on point and other than a few grammatical errors, this story was well written, constructed and edited.
This story really lived up to it's title because in the end, there was not one of the proverbial unturned stone. This was honest Jessie in all his glory!! If you have a question to ask him, this would be the book for it.
I might not have gotten all present day conclusions, but the door to the past was slammed in true Jesse and Ava style!!! We were no longer in the dark and that's what this book was really about, laying the cards down, one by one and we did that at just the right pace with the right reactions and actions.
My expectations were thwarted indeed! I was not expecting half the occurrences at the wedding (Handcuffs were brilliant) and the epilogue was a definite pleasure filled welcomed surprise. The cliche was removed and normal Jesse and Ava style was enforced.
Regardless of it's length, this book kept me engaged and wanting more from beginning to end. It was a struggle to get any work done! I laughed, I smiled, I frowned, I scowled and so many more! This book had it all, good and bad and it was done to keep the original premise and pace that we are use to in this story.
With secrets being revealed all over, old characters were seen in a totally new light and twists were weaved into the plot at any opportune time. It was a very opportunistic book if you ask me :)
Ava was back and fierce as ever!! I don't know if it's the British heritage in her, but the girl got spunk and so much more. She did her own trampling and she also stayed true to the Ava that we love from book 1. She was strong, confident and so much more than the girl we met from book 1 if that is even possible!
I had a couple initial annoyed moments with this character, but she bounced back nicely around 35% in and we been in love again since :)
A level of maturity and growth was seen throughout this story, or at least after a few tries. It took you on the journey as Ava and Jesse worked on their relationship, as outside and definitely unforeseen forces tried to tear them apart.
Not a lot of conventional things happened throughout this novel, so don't expect it! There was also a reveal regarding Dan that left me a little troubled at the end of this as it completely change my view of Dan. (My Dan the Man theme was crushed) :(
The sex scenes were precise. It wasn't overtly kinky and it wasn't drawn out to the point of losing interest. It was sensual, passionate and beautifully scripted. Don't let the number of pages fool you, it's a great relaxing read that leaves you begging for more and gauging the percentage to make sure you don't finish too quickly while needing to see what's next.
The little quirks of both Jesse and Ava was also retained and I am thankful that lapses weren't overly exaggerated. It was understated elegance indeed!!!
It was a great, comfortable read, as I watched the love pouring out of these characters while I picked up on some ideas. (Ava Wall ... priceless)!!! The possibilities were endless in this novel and Jesse definitely shocked me at times. The man is a walking one man wrecking ball!
It was good to see all the old characters and catch up on what had happened since book 2. The developments were welcomed, scary and intriguing throughout. I'd be lying if I didn't say that the last 80% of the book is where most of the action and the big secret is revealed, ending with an epilogue with a delightful little twist.
The gang was definitely all back and I love that Ms. Malpas stuck to her English roots and gave us a raw, gripping love story with foundation and strength. It was a pleasurable build up to an amazing end! (Sound like something Ava would say and Jesse would do) :)
I must say that I never had any specific feeling going into this novel, but I hoped for the best and got great! I will truly miss this book series to the point where I am considering reading it again. There is something about these characters that leave you wanting 'constant contact'.
I couldn't have asked for it to be written any better. It was nicely done with even treats all wrapped up in between chapters. I can't wait to see what else Jodi Malpas has under her skin, because I am new fan. I shall countdown until then .... three ... two ... one ... zero baby!!!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255265-this-man-confessed
Amazing ending with unexpected conclusions!!! ... that sums it up in a sentence for me.
There's no doubt as to the origins of this novel. Everyone stayed on point and other than a few grammatical errors, this story was well written, constructed and edited.
This story really lived up to it's title because in the end, there was not one of the proverbial unturned stone. This was honest Jessie in all his glory!! If you have a question to ask him, this would be the book for it.
I might not have gotten all present day conclusions, but the door to the past was slammed in true Jesse and Ava style!!! We were no longer in the dark and that's what this book was really about, laying the cards down, one by one and we did that at just the right pace with the right reactions and actions.
My expectations were thwarted indeed! I was not expecting half the occurrences at the wedding (Handcuffs were brilliant) and the epilogue was a definite pleasure filled welcomed surprise. The cliche was removed and normal Jesse and Ava style was enforced.
Regardless of it's length, this book kept me engaged and wanting more from beginning to end. It was a struggle to get any work done! I laughed, I smiled, I frowned, I scowled and so many more! This book had it all, good and bad and it was done to keep the original premise and pace that we are use to in this story.
With secrets being revealed all over, old characters were seen in a totally new light and twists were weaved into the plot at any opportune time. It was a very opportunistic book if you ask me :)
Ava was back and fierce as ever!! I don't know if it's the British heritage in her, but the girl got spunk and so much more. She did her own trampling and she also stayed true to the Ava that we love from book 1. She was strong, confident and so much more than the girl we met from book 1 if that is even possible!
I had a couple initial annoyed moments with this character, but she bounced back nicely around 35% in and we been in love again since :)
A level of maturity and growth was seen throughout this story, or at least after a few tries. It took you on the journey as Ava and Jesse worked on their relationship, as outside and definitely unforeseen forces tried to tear them apart.
Not a lot of conventional things happened throughout this novel, so don't expect it! There was also a reveal regarding Dan that left me a little troubled at the end of this as it completely change my view of Dan. (My Dan the Man theme was crushed) :(
The sex scenes were precise. It wasn't overtly kinky and it wasn't drawn out to the point of losing interest. It was sensual, passionate and beautifully scripted. Don't let the number of pages fool you, it's a great relaxing read that leaves you begging for more and gauging the percentage to make sure you don't finish too quickly while needing to see what's next.
The little quirks of both Jesse and Ava was also retained and I am thankful that lapses weren't overly exaggerated. It was understated elegance indeed!!!
It was a great, comfortable read, as I watched the love pouring out of these characters while I picked up on some ideas. (Ava Wall ... priceless)!!! The possibilities were endless in this novel and Jesse definitely shocked me at times. The man is a walking one man wrecking ball!
It was good to see all the old characters and catch up on what had happened since book 2. The developments were welcomed, scary and intriguing throughout. I'd be lying if I didn't say that the last 80% of the book is where most of the action and the big secret is revealed, ending with an epilogue with a delightful little twist.
The gang was definitely all back and I love that Ms. Malpas stuck to her English roots and gave us a raw, gripping love story with foundation and strength. It was a pleasurable build up to an amazing end! (Sound like something Ava would say and Jesse would do) :)
I must say that I never had any specific feeling going into this novel, but I hoped for the best and got great! I will truly miss this book series to the point where I am considering reading it again. There is something about these characters that leave you wanting 'constant contact'.
I couldn't have asked for it to be written any better. It was nicely done with even treats all wrapped up in between chapters. I can't wait to see what else Jodi Malpas has under her skin, because I am new fan. I shall countdown until then .... three ... two ... one ... zero baby!!!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255265-this-man-confessed
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Smitten By Lacey Weatherford
I like Cami and Dylan/Hunter, but this is not the story for them. The plot and series of events were majorly down played to the point where if not for the lies and continue reminders, I'd think it's a completely different story.
I think this undercover story worked for 'Crush', but it wasn't as appealing for 'Smitten'. I found the premise to be exciting, but the delivery was too teen drama. It was Snow White acting as the evil witch ... not very convincing at all!!!
We were barely engaged with the surrounding characters for an undercover case and I kept waiting for the adrenaline to kick in, and while it did at parts, it burned out real fast!!! It's like the author was afraid to get too in depth into the criminal network. You can have a high school/college romance about crime, but it's gotta be very believing, well written or be written by April Brookshire :)
I liked that Russ was present and that we got to back track and see the changes after the death of Clay and the investigation from book 1, but all of it wasn't necessary and the conversations were bordering on unbelievable and cheesy!!
Ripper seemed like a good guy, minus the stealing and stuff, but the childish side in the author left Cami shaking in her boots for a guy that has yet to show me a mean bone. If you ask me, he seems like a cool guy who actually cared about her. But due to the undying love she is suppose to feel for Dylan, he was always the devil. (Even a smidgen of interest would be more believable)
I never really saw Hunter (excuse me while I interchange name throughout), as a police officer in this one, much less an undercover one. It was easier to believe from book 1 because of the time of the reveal and the story line that focused more on the relationship they had as oppose to the case. In this one, it was all cop work, and it was all bad!
I understand Cami being a virgin but c'mon now ... the one and only sex scene could be better written, without getting all X rated. I had to re-read that part to make sure that the act was actually done. After all this time, we could have gotten more.
Also, everyone seemed to be pretty chill with a civilian planted in the middle of an undercover police investigation and that just once again take me back to the unrealistic level of this novel. I swear everyone from the parents to the best friend should be cited for court because this case was too widely discussed. It was like a gossip tree. I'm surprised Ripper didn't find out on his own or sooner. And no mob is that carefree to the point where they gonna forget about you and let you run away and live your HEA.
Still, I didn't mind reading at all. It might not get your juices going and keep it that way, but it wasn't an awfully written book either. It was well written with little to no grammatical errors. However, the premise and execution was weak. It was too bunny and sunshine for the thrill ride promised. But I did like the Vegas chapel scene ... that was different :)
To top it all off also, the ending was just as unbelievable (not in the exciting way) and very abrupt based on the execution and the crime. Left a lot to be desired and a few questions. I see there will be a book 3, so I don't know if that will be about revenge or just a book for Russ ... we'll see.
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18130513-smitten
I think this undercover story worked for 'Crush', but it wasn't as appealing for 'Smitten'. I found the premise to be exciting, but the delivery was too teen drama. It was Snow White acting as the evil witch ... not very convincing at all!!!
We were barely engaged with the surrounding characters for an undercover case and I kept waiting for the adrenaline to kick in, and while it did at parts, it burned out real fast!!! It's like the author was afraid to get too in depth into the criminal network. You can have a high school/college romance about crime, but it's gotta be very believing, well written or be written by April Brookshire :)
I liked that Russ was present and that we got to back track and see the changes after the death of Clay and the investigation from book 1, but all of it wasn't necessary and the conversations were bordering on unbelievable and cheesy!!
Ripper seemed like a good guy, minus the stealing and stuff, but the childish side in the author left Cami shaking in her boots for a guy that has yet to show me a mean bone. If you ask me, he seems like a cool guy who actually cared about her. But due to the undying love she is suppose to feel for Dylan, he was always the devil. (Even a smidgen of interest would be more believable)
I never really saw Hunter (excuse me while I interchange name throughout), as a police officer in this one, much less an undercover one. It was easier to believe from book 1 because of the time of the reveal and the story line that focused more on the relationship they had as oppose to the case. In this one, it was all cop work, and it was all bad!
I understand Cami being a virgin but c'mon now ... the one and only sex scene could be better written, without getting all X rated. I had to re-read that part to make sure that the act was actually done. After all this time, we could have gotten more.
Also, everyone seemed to be pretty chill with a civilian planted in the middle of an undercover police investigation and that just once again take me back to the unrealistic level of this novel. I swear everyone from the parents to the best friend should be cited for court because this case was too widely discussed. It was like a gossip tree. I'm surprised Ripper didn't find out on his own or sooner. And no mob is that carefree to the point where they gonna forget about you and let you run away and live your HEA.
Still, I didn't mind reading at all. It might not get your juices going and keep it that way, but it wasn't an awfully written book either. It was well written with little to no grammatical errors. However, the premise and execution was weak. It was too bunny and sunshine for the thrill ride promised. But I did like the Vegas chapel scene ... that was different :)
To top it all off also, the ending was just as unbelievable (not in the exciting way) and very abrupt based on the execution and the crime. Left a lot to be desired and a few questions. I see there will be a book 3, so I don't know if that will be about revenge or just a book for Russ ... we'll see.
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18130513-smitten
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)