Saturday 28 February 2015

Review ~ Surrender Your Love (Surrender Your Love #1) by J.C. Reed

Surrender Your Love (Surrender Your Love, #1)
Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: March 15th 2013

Description:
Meeting Jett was like lightning. Dangerous. Better left untouched. And better forgotten. But lightning always strikes twice.

Brooke Stewart, a realtor in New York, doesn’t do relationships. When she’s sent to a remote estate to finalize a real estate deal, she discovers her new boss is no other than the guy she left naked in bed.

Sexy, dangerously handsome, and arrogant Jett Mayfield attracts trouble, and women, like a lightning rod. But the night he meets Brooke he gets more than he bargained for. The green-eyed millionaire playboy isn’t used to taking no for an answer, and he isn’t about to start now.

When he proposes two months of no strings sex, Brooke is intrigued and accepts his proposal. Little does she know Jett’s determined to claim the one woman he can’t have, pulling her deeper into his dangerous world.

A man who doesn't take 'no' for an answer.
A woman afraid to surrender to love.
Two lives that are about to cross...and secrets laid bare

My Opinion

This was an enjoyable read that had its hot, steamy moments, intrigue, and a small bit of mystery. I've never read anything by this author before so I wasn't sure what would develop, but she had an easy style of writing that had me flipping the pages until the early hours of the morning.

I liked the start and Jett's obvious flirting. His character came across instantly and so did Brooke. They both had strong personalities and I liked that she could hold her own against him ... sometimes.

Similarly I did enjoy the romance. I'm will admit that it was predictable, but it was hot and fun.

I did have a problem with Slvyie and her personality. She seemed too clingy for me and hyper. I didn't really get her sense of character. I also did find myself skimming some sections. I thought the book was padded out a little so there'd be enough for a trilogy. A few times the details just went on.


Overall though a good read and it had me picking up the second book instantly.

3

Friday 27 February 2015

Review ~ Slammed (Slammed #1) by Skyla Madi

Slammed (Slammed, #1)Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: December 2nd 2014

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Once upon a time, Selena Graham met a boy named Jackson Quinn… 
This isn’t your typical fairytale, no. This one is twisted and the role of prince charming is filled by one man too set in his ways, haunted by the demons of his past. 

Jackson wants to live his life free of the tribulations the woman in his past put him through and nothing makes you appreciate what you have quite like the reappearance of someone you thought was long gone.

Selena knows he’s too much for her, but he’s the only person besides her best friend who accepts her for who she really is—out of control and desperate for attention. She knows she deserves more, but how can she quit the one thing that makes her feel accepted?

While both struggle to find balance, can Jackson keep his past where it belongs? Can Selena hold on long enough for Jackson to realize what’s good for him? And can he relinquish control and finally let love take over?

My Opinion

Being a fan of the Consumed series I was excited to see Jackson get his own book. He was always a character that intrigued me, and Slammed answers some of the questions raised in the series.

I thought this was a good spin-off/addition. The author did a good job of not making it too repetitive or filled with scenes you've already read. Things moved at a fast pace and engaged me the whole way through. It was great to learn about Jackson's past and why he acted the way he did in the Consumed series. It was also nice to get inside his head.


This book did feel like a major prologue, setting up a bigger story for the next book. And it was a little on the short side but I'll definitely read the next when it's released as I love the characters.

4

Thursday 26 February 2015

Review ~ Alpha Fighter - Part Two (The Alpha Fighter #2) by Ava Ashley

Alpha Fighter - Part Two (The Alpha Fighter, #2)ebook borrowed via Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: December 28th 2014

Description:
The series is now complete. Enjoy the final installment of Alpha Fighter. 

Savannah Santos did the one thing most forbidden to her: she fell in love. But just after opening herself up to love and losing her virginity to MMA fighter Cooper Quin, the skeletons in her closet come knocking. Forced to make a difficult decision between life and death, both for herself and her lover, Savannah goes on the run again. But once in love, the heart cannot forget. 

Weeks before the biggest MMA tournament of the year, returning champion Cooper finds himself in a position he never could have anticipated. Not only did he fall in love with a beautiful girl, but now she has left him and, try as he might, he can't get her out of his mind. The title he has worked to defend all year is his to win again if he can let her go, or he could pursue the damaged girl who just might be his one true love. 

Savannah’s past is catching up with her and she knows that she cannot afford to slip up again, even if that means she has to abandon love. Nowhere is safe for Savannah, and following her could cost Cooper much more than a title. Her deadly secrets could cost him his life.

My Opinion

This novella was a good conclusion that was definitely better than the first. I'm not going to day to much because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but this book was definitely paced better. The action was more prominent, things linked better, and overall the book was more cohesive. Things followed a better timeline and took places over a shorter timespan. Because of this I found myself skimming less and it kept the padding to a minimum.

I will admit that I still found the characters hard to connect with and there could have been more showing than telling, but there was an improvement. Cooper grew on me and there was a small development. He did earn my respect by the end, which was something I didn't think would happen.

Overall this was an interesting couple of books. I am glad I got them free with a trial of Kindle Unlimited, but they did make me curious. The story line was enough to keep me reading so if you don't mind reading between the lines a lot these you may enjoy these.

3

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Review ~ Alpha Fighter (The Alpha Fighter #1) by Ava Ashley

Alpha Fighter (The Alpha Fighter, #1)
ebook borrowed via Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: December 15th 2014

Description:
Savannah Santos is on the run, almost out of options and cash. She fled everything she ever knew to follow her career dreams and not endanger anyone by getting too close. But she wasn't expecting her new roommate to be her dream guy.

For Cooper Quin, being any girl's dream man, is nothing new, but he's determined to stay exactly that: a dream. His focus is on killing it in the brutal MMA ring. With a dark past of pain and betrayal, falling in love is the last thing he intends to do. But his sexy new roommate is nothing like one of his usual one-night stands. With her, it feels safe to let his guard down.

Cooper knows a little about running from the past; Savannah's is still looking for her. He can't leave her alone, but pursuing her might be the MMA fighter's undoing. She knows she can't stay forever--not with two outlaw gangs searching everywhere to bring her back.

My Opinion

This book is a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand I liked the idea behind it. The story was interesting and a good take on the MMA romance genre. However, on the other hand it was let down by the writing.

Alpha Fighter had a good concept and that's what kept me reading. I wanted to see how Savannah's story would play out and whether her family would catch up with her. The strong female lead who runs away to live her own life isn't a new concept, yet it's still a good one. Savannah did come off as a feisty character that you didn't want to say no to and I liked that about her.

However, to get all of these things you have to use your imagination a lot. For me this book had a lot more telling than showing in it. Things moved on too quickly and there was little time for believable development, not only in the plot but in the romance too. Cooper and Savannah fell into things too easily and too quickly. I didn't engage with them or believe in their emotions because there was a lack of them. Things just happened in this book and it left me disconnected.

As well as this, sections were really repetitive. I found myself rolling myself eyes at Cooper's constant references to his SEAL training. I mean I get it, the book is short and my memory's not that bad. I can remember he was a SEAL with out needing to state it 3 times on a page. It just felt like it was padding at times where there could have been more story to help with development.


Saying that though, I will read the next book. The story has me intrigued enough to bare with the writing, and even if I don't think it's reached its potential, I'm curious.

3

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Review ~ The Billionaire Fighter by Katrina Ivory

The Billionaire Fighterebook downloaded via Kindle Unlimited. 

Release Date: February 3rd 2015

Description:
Kelsey is a young recent college grad who is yearning to get her foot in the door and start the dream career she had always hoped for. She is stuck at a job she doesn’t like surrounded by people who don’t appreciate her efforts. Her life is dull and nothing like she had imagined it would be by now. 
Fate has a way of colliding into us from angles unseen and when Kelsey runs into Brandon everything changes. 

Brandon is an MMA fighter who became a billionaire before he was thirty. His life is faced paced and too full for him to have a moment to relax and enjoy his life. Kelsey is looking for something more in life and Brandon is seeking for less of what his life now throws at him. 

Will the two of them find a middle ground or are they both fighting a battle that can’t be won?

My Opinion

I downloaded this via Kindle Unlimited because I had a free trial and I love MMA. It was also a short read, which sounded perfect after a busy day.

However, whilst Billionaire Fighter started off well, things soon became pretty unrealistic. I liked how the characters met--it reminded me of a few other books--and I thought it was going to set up some interesting situations. But, the whole novella after that felt really rushed. It seemed like the author tried to fit too many scenes/events into such a small amount of space, and I never really engaged with what was going on. To me, it was like reading a long list of activities being described rather than living them. Things happened, but not in enough detail for me to care.

Similarly it left me disengaged from the characters. I felt their romance was way too quick especially for someone like Brandon; he trusted too easily. He mentioned he had trouble meeting people because of his money, yet he let Kelsey in straight away?? I just didn't buy their story. Maybe if the book was longer and it took place over a few month, but not a few weeks.


Overall, whilst this was a quick, easy read, I don't think it met its full potential. It has the bones to become an I retesting story but, the writing and pacing needs work.


2

Monday 23 February 2015

Review ~ Broken (Broken #1) by Skyla Madi

Broken (Broken, #1)ebook downloaded via Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: January 25th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Emily's life sounded more like the punch line to a joke than an actual turn of events. 

... a student nurse walks into an illegal, underground fighting club...

Emily Sheppard didn't have much to live for. As a foster child, her life was anything but glamorous and her daily commute through New York's underbelly reminded her of that. Nursing was her life, her only way to help others in need.

Then her pride took it from her. 

Jai Stone wasn't important. The train he rode around New York never let him forget that. Jai had fights to fight and a brother to save, but one random night slipped an innocent into his grasp.

Now they're trapped together.
A fighter and a nurse. 
... and it all comes down to one truth.

FIGHT OR DIE.

My Opinion

Having loved all books in the Consumed series I was eager to start Broken. I was curious to read other works by this author, but I don't think this was my type of read. Everything about it should have hooked me; it was dark, gritty, and violent--everything I love in a book. However I just couldn't engage with it. I think the main reason was lack of speech and interaction. Books that are too text heavy tend to drag for me and I did find myself skimming this. I wanted more from the characters.


Anyway, Consumed is a hard series to live up to and whilst I'll definitely read them again, I don't think I'll be buying book 2 in this series. That doesn't mean to say you won't enjoy this. This author is great, but Broken  just didn't work for me.

2

Sunday 22 February 2015

Review ~ Always Consumed (Consumed #3.5) by Skyla Madi

Always Consumed (Consumed, #3.5)ebook downloaded via Kindle Unlimited.

Release Date: February 14th 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
NOTE:

**This is a Valentine's Day NOVELLA**

This is not a 4th book. This doesn't change the outcome of Seth and Olivia's story from Forever Consumed. This is for the fans who want to spend Valentine's Day with their favorite fighter! :)


In the beginning, you have sex.

Lots of it. 

Then, somewhere in the middle, you lose it. 

Olivia and Seth are stuck in a rut—a busy, sexless rut—and with Valentine's day fast approaching, Olivia wants to force them out of their comfort zones and into fresher waters. Seth, however, believes the trick to recapturing their passion lies in their beginning.

With plans in motion this Valentine's day, Seth and Olivia attempt to rekindle their spark. 

Does Seth have what it takes to sweep Olivia off her feet all over again?

Or is the rut too sticky to pull themselves out of?


My Opinion
I both love and hate that this novella was released. I love it because I get to read more of Seth and Olivia's story, but that's also the reason I hate it. I had just come to terms with finishing book 3! Now I have to miss them all over again!!

This was a quick, steamy read. There was a lot of emotion packed into 71 pages and the characters were great as always. It was a fun read that kept a smile on my face most of the way through and I enjoyed watching the Seth ad Olivia reconnect. I won't say any more about the story as it's so short, but if you've read and loved this series I'd definitely recommend adding it to your collection.

At least I've got Jackson's story still to read do I'm not at a total loss.


5

Saturday 21 February 2015

Blog Tour: Review ~ Camden's Redeption by L.P. Dover

Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off, #4)
eARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: February 19th 2015

Description:
For so long, UFC Middleweight fighter, Camden Jameson lived in his twin brother’s shadow, competing to be the best. When he lost his way, he turned to the Dark Side and did some unforgiveable things. After his betrayal, he tried to earn his redemption, but it wasn’t enough. Now his whole world has fallen apart and he’s on the run from those who want him dead. But he’s not alone. 

Undercover agent, Brooklyn Avery, has been assigned to Camden’s case, to watch and protect him. For months, she’s been in the shadows, keeping her distance. All of that changes when the mission takes a dangerous turn and she needs to get closer to protect him. Their love is forbidden, but once they see past each other’s scars, they realize they have what it takes to heal the other. Unfortunately, Camden still has a price to pay for his sins.

Lives will be lost, some will be damaged, and a dark, hidden secret will be revealed. In the end, Camden finally learns what it means to put everything on the line for love, even if it costs him.

My Opinion

I'm kind of rendered speechless right now. The only word that comes to mind is wow.

In Camden's Redemption, L. P. Dover has done it again. I have been excited to read Camden's story for a while because he's been such a complex character throughout the series, and his book definitely didn't disappoint.

From start to finish this book had me hooked. It takes you on Camden's journey as he grows and develops into a character worthy of redemption. I will admit that I've kind of always had a soft spot for him. He put up a tough front but this book shows his softer side as he comes to terms with the consequences of his actions. He's a tortured and troubled hero you can really vouch for.

Similarly, Brooklyn was brilliant for him. She was strong, feisty, and kick-ass. It was exactly what Camden needed and I liked her unwavering faith in his change. They were perfect for one another.

As well as this just like with all of L.P's books, the story is just as action-packed, and full of steamy romance. Neither of the aspects disappointed and I was kept turning the pages even when I really should have been doing other things.

If there was one thing I'd say, it's things did seem a little quick with certain things between Cam and B (a few reveals come to mind). I also did figure out who was behind things but it didn't detract from the story in anyway because the characters are so great.


Overall I loved this and I'm so sad there's only going to be one more book in this series. I know I say it every time, but L.P's Gloves Off series is my all-time favourite MMA series. Her characters are second to none and I would highly recommend them.


5

Buy:







Excerpt


“One of these days you’re going to realize what you have.”

“How can you say that? You don’t even know me or what I’ve done.”

“Then show me,” I shouted. “Stop pushing everyone away when they only want to help you.”

“Fine.” He ripped off his shirts, baring his scarred and tattooed skin. They were on his arms, across his chest, and all over his back. He must have done some heavy fighting in the Dark Side. “Do you see all of this?” he asked angrily. “I got them all from fighting, from hurting people. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. I’m a monster, Brooklyn. People are scared of me. And for the life of me, I don’t know why you aren’t.”


Friday 20 February 2015

Review ~ Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits, #1.5) by Katie McGarry

Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits, #1.5)Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: January 20th 2015

Publisher: MIRA Ink

Description:
A summer road trip changes everything in this unforgettable new tale from acclaimed author Katie McGarry.

For new high school graduate Echo Emerson, a summer road trip out west with her boyfriend means getting away and forgetting what makes her so…different. It means seeing cool sights while selling her art at galleries along the way. And most of all, it means almost three months alone with Noah Hutchins, the hot, smart, soul-battered guy who's never judged her. Echo and Noah share everything—except the one thing Echo's just not ready for. 

But when the reason behind Echo's constant nightmares comes back into her life, she has to make some tough decisions about what she really wants—even as foster kid Noah's search for his last remaining relatives forces them both to confront some serious truths about life, love and themselves. 

Now, with one week left before college orientation, jobs and real life, Echo must decide if Noah's more than the bad-boy fling everyone warned her he'd be. And the last leg of an amazing road trip will turn…seriously epic.

My Opinion

I loved this just as much as the first. I was slightly worried about how much of a story Echo and Noah had left to tell, but I thought the author did a brilliant job of keeping me engaged. Once again my heart melted and broke for these characters. They were tested over and over, and I rooted for them every step of the way. 


A great read!

4

Thursday 19 February 2015

Review ~ Wings Over Poppies (Over #2) by J.A. Derouen

Wings Over Poppies (Over #2)ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: January 24th 2105

Description:
Perfection. One word. Three syllables. Every reason why I’ll never have the one thing I truly want. I stand dutifully on the pedestal he’s built, waiting for the day he truly sees me. 

Then one amazing night, he lets down his walls, only to leave me the next day. 

Years have passed, and I’ve tried to move on with my life. But I still dream of him. I still miss him everyday. The memories haunt me. How can I look to the future when my past remains a mystery? The time has come to find the boy who stole my heart and ran away without a word. 

But not everyone who is lost wants to be found. 

My name is Alexandra Fontaine, and this is my story of unfinished love. 

Wings Over Poppies is book #2 in the Over series and can be read as a standalone novel. Warning: This is a new adult romance. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

My Opinion

It was the cover that drew me to this book. When I first saw it revealed I thought it was gorgeous so when I then saw it up on NetGalley I couldn't resist requesting it. There's something about beautiful cover that make me unable to turn away from a book.

However, saying that I did put off reading this book for a while. I tried to start it a few times, yet I couldn't get into it. I think this was down to my mood rather than the writing, but finally I found the time.

Wings Over Poppies is a book with a good concept. I like the overall theme of second chance loves, recovering soldiers, and the messages left by the book. I thought certain elements in these parts were developed well and kept me reading. Similarly, I liked the use of art and letter to express the characters' emotions. Having used both mediums myself I found it a believable form of relief and expression that helped you understand what the characters were going through better.

However, whilst I liked the overall plot, it did all feel a bit rushed. The start was hard to engage with and felt a bit slow, then as soon as I hit the present day everything became a whirlwind. I did feel scenes were too short and abrupt. As well as that the character development felt unrealistically quick--especially West. The trauma he goes through was resolved too quickly! For me romances like this need slow growth and this book just didn't do that. 

Similarly I felt the sex in the book was overdone. I don't think all of the scenes were necessary as they didn't develop much in terms of the relationship. I needed more of a build up emotionally before the characters got to that point. I don't know ... Something about these character just didn't connect with me because of the speed at which everything happened. I was cheering for them to succeed and get their HEA, but I didn't feel for them.


Overall I think this book has potential but for me it needs to be slowed down so I could connect with the characters better. It has some good and relevant themes for the world we live in now and it was likeable, I just don't think it's reached it's full potential. There's a lot more the author could have done and I wanted it to be one of those reads that brought tears to my eyes.

3

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Review ~ Bye-Bye Baby (The Baby Saga #2) by Morgana Phoenix

Bye-Bye Baby (Cole & Beth)  #2ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: January 31st 2015

Description:
Love has no expiration.

The morning Beth packed her bags and walked out of Cole’s life was the day he swore the only girl for him would be the six year old who called him daddy. He didn’t have time for love, not between raising his baby girl and trying to figure out what the hell he was going to do with his life. But fate has a funny way of coming around and kicking you when you least expect it. Cole’s new life was no exception. 

As a product of a severely broken home, Beth Doan knew better than to ever get married. She’d seen what that commitment did to people and she loved Cole McClain too much to let marriage destroy them. But the minute she boards that bus she knew she was making the biggest mistake of her life. Only maybe she wasn’t, not when she goes running back home to the only man she ever loved and finds him in the arms of another woman.

When an unexpected accident throws them together four years later, the last thing either anticipated was to become responsible for a little person who needs them a whole lot more than they need their bitterness and hurt feelings. Can Cole and Beth forgive and forget long enough to save the life of a child neither one of them predicted falling in love with?

Or are some wounds just too deep to heal?

My Opinion

I think I preferred this to book 1. I'm not usually one to buy ebooks, however I took a gamble on Forever His Baby and after loving it I couldn't wait to read this follow up.

It definitely didn't disappoint.

This book was full of heart, emotion, and loveable characters. I fell in love with Cole in book one so I'm glad we got to see him in his own book, and got to know him better. Just like Sloan, he is a good, respectable guy who has a big heart and you can't help but love him. His actions are great and he's a moralistic character.

Similarly Beth was a great match for him. Their relationship was sweet when it worked and I liked the growth in it. I thought bringing them back together through Daemon was interesting and that the author dealt with the situations well. At times it was a tough read, but the author clearly focused on the love and rehabilitating actions of Cole ... Watching Daemon grow was touching.

The only thing I wasn't keen on once again was the sex scenes and random references to handcuffs. I have no issues with these types of subjects but I don't feel they're necessary in these stories. They don't seem to fit with the characters and like with the first book seemed out of place.


Overall though this was a touching, sweet read. It broke my heart and brought a smile to my face so is definitely recommend it.

4

Monday 16 February 2015

Review ~ Want Me (Dark Obsession #2) by Cynthia Eden

Want Me (Dark Obsession, #2)eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: January 27th 2015

Description:
She doesn’t play it safe…

Sophie Sarantos has a weakness for dangerous men. She doesn’t like safe lovers—she likes men with a wild, rough edge. But Sophie may have attracted a lover who is too dangerous, even for her. Someone is stalking Sophie, slipping into her home, watching her day and night. The stranger seems to know all of Sophie’s darkest secrets, secrets that should never be revealed.

Out of options, Sophie turns to ex-solider Lex Jensen for protection. Lex is part owner of VJS Protection, Inc., and Sophie hires him as her bodyguard. She thinks Lex is one of the “good guys” out there, but she couldn’t be more wrong. 

He doesn’t play at all…

Lex has his own secrets. Dark, deadly secrets. And as his feelings for Sophie grow, Lex knows that he is going to have to stop pretending to be a gentleman and, instead, he’ll have to show Sophie who he really is. A man trained to kill. A man too used to evil. A man who will take any risk…as long as he can claim Sophie.

Because there is one thing that Lex wants in this world…one person he desires above all others…Sophie. And no one will hurt her, not on his watch.

My Opinion

After enjoying the first book in this series I was intrigued to read the next. Lex and Sophie caught my eye in book 1 so I couldn't wait to find out what their story would entail.

Whilst there were definite good parts to this book, I do however don't think it lived up to the first.

Overall I liked the story. I found this one to be less predictable and the mystery/suspense was set up well. I liked the danger and tension that was included the whole way through and once again the hot bodyguards are a great bonus.

The problem I had was with the romantic side of things. I just didn't buy into it. For me it all felt a little rushed and unbelievable. There wasn't the growth I usually like and declarations, intimacy, and emotions came about way too quickly. I don't know why, but something about these characters just didn't connect with me.


Anyway, Want Me was a quick, easy read. Whilst I don't think it was as good as book one, it was still a nice continuation and I'll be wanting to read book 3.

3

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Review ~ Intimate Geography (The Compass #2) by Tamsen Parker

Intimate Geography (The Compass, #2)
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 2nd 2015

Description:
Fiercely protective of her heart, India Burke let down her defenses when Cris Ardmore went from another notch on her D/s playdate belt to everything she could never admit she wanted. 

But being disowned by your family and betrayed by your lover aren’t easy to get over, and India’s old fears of intimacy creep in against a backdrop of professional drama that forces her return to a place that never really felt like home. 

Though she proved her loyalty when it mattered most, love is about more than grand gestures and Cris wants all of her—which may be more than India is able to give. Can Cris and India navigate to a shared future or will they forever be off course?

*MATURE CONTENT*

My Opinion

I had to start this book as soon as I finished Personal Geography because of the huge cliffhanger. I needed to know how Cris and India's story concluded, yet whilst this book was a good read, I don't think it lived up to the first.

Intimate Geography picks up straight after Personal Geography ends. You're thrown into the emotions and action, which might be a little jarring if you haven't read the first book in a while. However, considering I had this book on hand as soon as I finished book one I enjoyed the start. There wasn't any backtracking that you find in so many sequels.

Similarly the characters do grow in this book--especially India. I enjoyed reading about her becoming more trusting, and how Cris was able to bring a different side out of her to all of the other guys previously in her life. However, the issues between them at times did feel contrived and only there for drama. The same things happened a bit too often.

Moreover, other scenes did feel repetitive, which was the biggest issue I had. I found myself skimming at times because not much happened to move things on. There were once again scenes we were told about and not shown (e.g. Cris' friends) and I was frustrated they weren't included as I thought they'd have added to the development. Things were a bit jumpy because of this. There were a lot of strands to the plot but I never felt fully satisfied they were all tied up at the end. What happened with her dad? etc. Things just got lost a long the way for me without coming to a resolution.


Overall though, this was still a good book. The characters did evolve, but it wasn't as hot as book 1, and I'm not sure it's a great conclusion.

3

Monday 2 February 2015

Review ~ Personal Geography (The Compass #1) by Tamsen Parker

Personal Geography (The Compass, #1)ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 2014

Description:
Powerhouse consultant India Burke is notorious for her razor-sharp mind, her incisive tongue, and for always being in control. But during her “lost weekends”—out-of-town, one-and-done, anonymous rendezvous solely for the purpose of kinky sex—she craves a submissive role.

Cris Ardmore, India’s latest tryst, is a Dominant who calls an isolated Hawaiian paradise home. India’s expecting forty-eight hours of contractually defined sex, but instead of serving as just another BDSM Band-Aid, Cris wants to know the real India Burke. Despite her aversion to anything approaching intimacy, India is hooked by their incredible sexual chemistry.

With tension ratcheting up in her professional life, India needs the release Cris offers more than ever, but her repeated visits come with their own risks. No matter how strong their attraction, India is determined to maintain her boundaries in order to keep her life whole after her first love blew it apart. She must choose between taking a chance and handing Cris the road map to her heart or locking down her borders before he does any more damage.

**MATURE CONTENT**

My Opinion

Erotica isn't a genre I read a lot of book in--I'm more of a New Adult romantic. If you follow my blog you'll even see I don't accept requests in it. However, every now and then certain books catch my eye and I know I'll enjoy them. Personal Geography was one of those. In fact I was so sure (plus I'd seen the warnings about a cliffhanger) I requested book 2 at the same time and will be starting it as soon as this review is published.

Personal Geography was a hot read. I thought the characters were interesting and the BDSM relationship was mixed with real feelings well to keep things interesting. Cris was ... well ... hot, sexy, perfect, and adorable in some way when he showed he cared. India was strong yet submissive, which was an interesting combination even if I didn't really connect with her.

I'm not going to say too much as this isn't a genre I normally review, but I did really enjoy it.

At times I did wish for certain conversations and more day-to-day situations to be described, rather than given a cursory sentence here and there, but that's probably because I'm used to NA novels. I find it harder to connect with characters when these sections are missed out.


Overall this was an enjoyable read. Be warned it ends on a major cliffhanger though!

4

Sunday 1 February 2015

Review ~ Redeemed (House of Night #12) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Redeemed (House of Night, #12)Paperback purchased by myself.

Release Date: October 14th 2014

Publisher: Atom Books

Description:
In the final electrifying novel in the HoN series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her - unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.




My Opinion

Thank God this series is over!! When I first started HON I loved it. The first four books were great. However, it soon became more about padding than plot and I found myself only buying the next book with the hope it was the conclusion. Well... it turns out I ended up waiting 8 books and for that reason I'm not going to write a long review as I've waste too much of my life already on this series. Seriously I think it was 2007 I started it.

Anyway, I should have given up a long time ago. Yet when the next book released I felt I'd invested so much time and money in them that I should at least find out how it all ends.

Well, it turns out I should have gone with my gut and stopped at book 5. When you can read a book and skim at least half of it (and miss out chapters entirely) without getting lost, you know there has to be hardly any story. I feel this whole series has been dragged out way too long and this final book even more so. The fact that the ending was so anticlimactic and over in seconds only annoyed me more. It definitely wasn't worth the wait!

Overall this series started off well but carried on too long. I didn't really want to read this book, but I needed to know how it all ended, even if it was a major disappointment. Thankfully I can finally stop spending money on these books!


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