Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Protection by T. Baggins (S.A. Reid)

Absolutely stunning. It's more than I couldn't find the words to write when I finished this one, it was the fact my throat was simply closed to making sounds. I could just breath in and out while my tears were drying on my face. 

Before I begin talking about the book itself, I just want to note there's a short chapter called "Coda" at the end of the book that could be seen as an Epilogue. It's a free bonus by the author. HIGHLY emotional but SO worth the closure! 

Monday, December 29, 2014

Risky Maneuvers by Aleksandr Voinov & Barbara Sheridan

This is quite different from my usual "thing". Why you ask? well, there were ALIENS! I swear! hehe I'm not usually into science fiction but this one was a really fun read and even though it was pretty short for me it was somehow enough as a full story leaving me with a happy smile.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Swim Recruit by Jennifer Lane

I had this really short novella on my list for a long time. I wasn't sure about reading it since I'm not really into Young Adult. I have my problems with the immature behavior of teenagers.. I just don't have the patience for it. Here I had other problems actually.. mostly that half of the story was "swim talk" I didn't understand AT ALL. While I enjoy swimming I don't know anything about swimming as a sport so all the things mentioned here were just words and words that might helped Abby, a recruit for a swimming team, make her small talk and get to know people around her, but for me it meant nothing..

Coming In From The Cold (Gravity #1) [Willow Reade & Dane "Danger" Hollister] by Sarina Bowen

Beautiful, sensitive, heart clenching and yet heart warming. Quite short yet giving us a feel of a full novel. Really enjoyed both main characters - Willow and Dane. They both had a tragic life, both not knowing how to get their happily ever after even if in the separate sense and not while looking for a significant other. 

Willow is stuck running a farm that she bought with a boyfriend that soon left her with debts making it impossible for her to pursue her real interest in life - finish her training as a Psychologist. On a stormy ride home to her chickens she crushes not into but close enough to Dane, an Alpine Ski Champion on his way to visit his dying brother. Stuck in his jeep until the storm is over they make a real connection. But Dane won't allow it to become more than a one time encounter as he knows that soon he would deal with the same illness his brother has and die slowly and horribly. I"m not going to write which disease it is, I took an educated guess since I've learnt of it in my BA. 

Saturday, December 27, 2014

The Hook Up (Game On #1) by Kristen Callihan

I really wanted, and actually expected, to fall in love with this book but sadly I was mostly annoyed and finally put it down at 10%. It's not usually my style, I usually give a book at least 20-30% before I declare I'm thoroughly finished but here, both MC behavior and inner dialogue just put me off. 

Friday, December 26, 2014

Letting Go (Thatch #1) by Molly McAdams

This book is VERY hard for me to review, first because my opinion changed throughout the book and second because some things I want to "complain" about would be quite the spoiler.. 

It started as a solid 5 star read. 3 days before Ben and Grey's wedding at the age of 20 after being together from the age of 13, Ben dies of a heart attack leaving Grey broken hearted, totally shattered and not knowing how to continue her life.  Her only constant is Jagger, her childhood best friend as well as Ben's best friend. Even before Ben's death Jagger is always there for her, taking care of her, demanding nothing, and after Ben's death - the only one willing to talk about Ben with her, encouraging her to keep on going and calling her strong and capable when everyone says she looks terrible and isn't improving. He sees the little changes, he's there and he is determined to help her get better. 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Darkest Touch (Lords of the Underworld #11) [Torin & Keeley] by Gena Showalter

I wanted to enjoy this one as much as I did the other books in the series. But after struggling like crazy through the first 9% of the book I decided to let it go. I might return to it when the next installment is out, but I'm not sure if I will (continue the series). 

The Darkest Facts (Lords of the Underworld Companion) by Gena Showalter

This is an awesome idea. Really happy I got my hand on it. You know how it is with these kind of Paranormal Series, after a while you kinda forgot what was "that guy's" problem, or who was his love interest, or maybe what was his special ability / curse etc. After ten (and more) books it meshes in together, especially as most of us read more that one Paranormal series and all the characters get mixed up in our head... So having this guild helps put order in our head especially when there's a new book out and you want to remind yourself of some details before or during a read (that was probably a year away from the previous one).


Personal Shopper by Tere Michaels

I'll start by saying I don't like the cover, not sure really why but I SHOULD say it has something to do with the fact that I've already read a short novella (an okay one) with this cover.. Then I discovered another one! (all 3 by MLR Press). I don't get why use the same cover several times.. After I got THAT out of my system - since I just finished the Faith, Love & Devotion series and LOVED it -it was obvious I would try more of Tere's books - this was my first try.

I had a REAL struggle with this one. I started reading it, fell asleep TWICE before I decided to put it down at 36%. Then I moved on to the next novella I had on my list and finished it (a bit disappointed) I went to sleep only to wake up at about 3 am feeling bad I didn't give it enough of a chance. I felt Tere deserved I finished before I pass my judgement and since I couldn't fall back asleep I gave it my full attention and finished it. 

New Beginnings by Kyle Adams

The idea of this short novella was nice, but I think somehow it was too sugary and sappy. I don't know.. I waited for something.. I'm not sure what, something MORE. But it stayed the same... and well, from a certain point VERY predictable so yeah, it was kind of a struggle to finish and quite disappointing with the predictability. 

Monday, December 22, 2014

Cherish (Faith, Love, & Devotion #4) [Evan & Matt] by Tere Michaels

I must say I'm not really sure what I thought about this one. I mean, I liked it, but I didn't love it. I really enjoyed getting another fix of Evan and mostly Matt who is SUCH a sweetheart. Evan as usual struggling with everything while Matt is "simply there" half the time and the other half he is fixing right about everything. 

Duty & Devotion (Faith, Love, & Devotion #3) [Evan & Matt] by Tere Michaels

Another beautiful installment of Evan and Matt. While the first installment finished with a very positive note there were things that still needed to be addressed and worked on. I guess with most novels I'd be content to be left with a positive note and not an absolute closed ending. Also I usually don't appreciate reading of a formed couple which is why in a way I was a bit worried about getting the (almost) final HEA for Matt and Evan. I'm so happy that I was proved wrong and enjoyed the HELL out of this one. 

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Love & Loyalty (Faith, Love, & Devotion #2) [Jim & Griffin] by Tere Michaels

Absolutely beautiful!!! I knew I will enjoy Jim - Homicide Detective James Shea - when we met him on the previous installment but it didn't really prepare me to utterly fall in love with him and with screenwriter Griffin Drake. Utterly beautiful and sensitive love story. Truly a joy to read!

I had about two days "off" from my readings as I was preparing for a dog show on the weekend. When I returned from the show exhausted beyond words (as were the dogs) the only reasonable thing to do was cuddle together in bed and read. This is how I sat to read this one from start to finish.

We start this book with a trial Jim is attending of a murder case he investigated. To say the least on the day of the trial things end badly and not only because of what happened that day, Jim established a friendship with Ed Kelly - the father of the girl who was murdered. Ever since the trial people have been trying to buy "the story" to produce a movie, write a book, but Ed isn't interested. Not until the famous actress (and much loved by his deceased daughter Carmen) Daisy Mae and her childhood friend and screen writer Griffin Drake makes their offer. Daisy "buys" Ed with her beauty and charm and Griffin makes an honest appeal to Ed's heart which convinces Ed to go for it! his only real condition is Jim reading the script as well, as well as giving his approval (mostly for the way the police is brought in) but that's not the only reason.. there is something Ed isn't willing to share with Daisy and Griffin. It's his and Jim's secret.

The romance start with Griffin having a writer's block deciding to "hop" on a plane to Seattle and have a light meeting with Jim just to try and kick start his script which by now has only a title with no lines.. The dinner "date" goes out of hand as their attraction for one another brings them back into Jim's apartment. But what's going on there is no anonymous sex, it's also not the kind of deal Jim or Griffin are used to, there is more there under the surface which they don't want to address.

Since Griffin didn't buy a return flight he stays the night. One night turns to a few nights and suddenly they are in a relationship without even realizing they are in one. Daisy find's it amusing, Jim's friends are ecstatic! But both Griffin and Jim are confused. They want each other's company but they are not sure about a relationship, at the moment, in general..  You might also remember Jim has a "crush" on the guy who used to be his roommate, leaving him confused as to what he actually wants. Yet when Griffin finds out Ed's "little secret" their relationship becomes a real one as he stands by Jim's side as he feels he should.

There is more drama going on with the script as well as Daisy and Griffin's relationship. As there are things that Jim hadn't told Griffin, what Griffin is hiding from Jim is pretty big and might change the way he sees Griffin, honestly he is scared to even admit his immediate problems.. and what I loved the most was the part where Griffin FINALLY tells Jim his huge problem (it escalated as time went by). Any other author would have made SUCH a big deal and a huge fight over misunderstanding, trust issues etc. Yet as the truths are revealed they both stay level headed and committed, to their promises as well as for one another.

I loved the way this one ended as well, such a beautiful and happy note. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one, getting back to Evan and Matt.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as was the previous one. You don't need to read the previous one to understand this one as Matt appears for maybe a page.. You can totally read it as a stand alone


Additional Details: Format Kindle Ebook, 253 pages, 20 December 2014 / On GoodReads
 
 
ABOUT THIS SERIES
 
Faith, Love, & Devotion is a MM Romance series by Tere Michaels
Most of the series centers around the romance between New York City Vice Detective Evan Cerelli and former Homicide Detective Matt Haight. The second novel in the series centers around another couple - Jim (Homicide Detective James Shea) & Griffin Drake (A screenwriter) - after their novel the series continues with two more books of Evan and Matt (concluding the series after these) including a meetup with Jim & Griffin in the 3rd novel. 

This series is absolutely AMAZING. The romance between Evan and Matt was beautiful and sensitive especially because they were both in a very difficult state when they met and also because they were both "straight" and never considered they might be attracted to men. So the romance between them had a "confused feel" to it on both sides, trying to deal with life, label and stereotypes as well as the "simple romance". I loved that even though it was very heart clutching at times and very emotional I didn't feel it was stretched just for the sake of having an argument, it all felt very genuine and real. The struggles feeling very understandable. With Jim and Griffin it was different, and not only because they are both openly gay. They had a different relationship but also a very sweet one, the love building in a very easy going way. 

The 5th installment was published as a bundle with the 4th one. Better buy the bundle now since the 5th installment isn't available as a standalone (both together are about a novel's length). These two installments aren't very necessary to the general plot but I guess you mostly need to read them to understand Where Jim and Griffin are in their relationship as well as what's up with Miranda (Evan's oldest daughter). 

The 5th and 6th installment are different in the sense we get both couples together. It's a bit crowded yet having them both together is like getting a cookie and a piece of cake together :) The HEA was beautifully made in the 6th installment. 

Then we got the very last one. If you wanted a HEA a true one, I believe we've totally got it in the very last installment. It's not the usual book with a coherent story line, it's a collection of stories, of our three couples (though it's mostly Evan and Matt), the kids, growing up, getting older, getting married, having kids. Life. Family. Love. All entwined together. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Books

1. Faith & Fidelity [Evan & Matt] (Published 23 September 2008) ★★★★★
2. Love & Loyalty [Jim & Griffin] (Published 8 September 2009) ★★★★★
3. Duty & Devotion [Evan & Matt] (Published 23 March 2010) ★★★★★
4. Cherish [Evan & Matt] (Published 20 November 2012) ★★★★
5. Cherish & Blessed [Evan & Matt/Jim & Griffin] (Published 13 February 2015) ★★★★
6. Truth & Tenderness [Evan & Matt/Jim & Griffin(Published 1 May 2015) ★★★★ 
7. Forever & Ever: A Collection of Stories [EVERYONE!] (Published 25 December 2018) ★★★★★
 
 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Faith & Fidelity (Faith, Love, & Devotion #1) [Evan & Matt] by Tere Michaels

This one was a total emotional ride, the kind I REALLY enjoy. Both main characters felt very genuine to me, I could really understand their struggles and difficulties. This is a BEAUTIFUL love story between two men that prior to finding each other never considered they might be gay / bi. Though I think it's a bit odd, I don't hold it against them or the author I think it sort of makes sense thinking about the characters and who they are. 

Monday, December 15, 2014

The Boyfriend Mandate (The Boyfriend Chronicles #2) [Tyler & Memphis] by River Jaymes

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I remember when I started reading the previous one, I didn't like Tyler, well, no wonder! He dumps Alec "without a second thought". Yet as the story continue and we learn more about Tyler his reasons turn out to be different from what you'd expect and from that point I REALLY wanted to hear his story and see how he find his HEA. 

Nearing the ending of the previous one, Alec Ty and Noah talk about a fund raiser for Alec and Ty's clinic, I can't remember WHY Memphis who is a famous stuntman got elected as the best possibility for the commercial they have in mind (Noah had something to do with it FOR SURE). Tyler sounds very reluctant to go and speak with him though we don't really know why.. 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Best Man: A Second Service Novella [Holly & Michael] by Adrienne Bell

This is the final novella in the Second Service Series. I must say, I found this one totally by mistake as I was looking for something else by Adrienne on Amazon's website. I was surprised I didn't find it on GoodRead (and actually added it myself). I read the Second Service Series a while ago and really enjoyed it so I was happy to get the final one out and hoping it would be as good as they were (As I was a bit disappointed with the two short novellas Adrienne published).

Friday, December 12, 2014

One Lucky Night (A Snow Creek Christmas Novella) by Adrienne Bell

I've recently read the "Second Service" series by Adrienne and really enjoyed it, thought I'd give her first short novella (originally published on "Love on Main Street" Anthology) as well as a new novella - both published under this title. 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Brad's Bachelor Party by River Jaymes

I'm freaking IN LOVE. That coming from me sounds a bit off, even to my ears, and I'm not sure what it even means except I HAVE to read everything River Jaymes writes. EVERYTHING and also the minute it's out, well, 10 minutes after I arrive from work the day it's out and to think this was River's debut novel, ach, it blows my mind.

So yeah, it's kinda obvious I LOVED this one, right? and it doesn't even make sense as right from the start I knew we will deal with things that I absolutely dislike - (a)  celebrating a bachelor party in a stripper bar and (b) infidelity as this one is taking place a few days before Brad marrying Jenny, and since this one IS a MM Romance it's quite obvious this relationship won't be continuing for long..

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Evernight (Darkest London #5) [Holly Everlight & William Thorne] by Kristen Callihan

I'm quite reluctant to write this review.. while this one started and continued on being a total and absolute JOY to read, near the ending I just felt lost, annoyed, tricked and mostly pissed off at the tricks of the Fae. The ending even made me reluctant to read the next one.. I guess it's better then that it will be published in about two months so I'll have my time to cool down and try and forgive Kristen for ruining this one for me. 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Shadowdance (Darkest London #4) [Mary Chase & Jack Talent] by Kristen Callihan

Another amazing installment in the Darkest London series! Absolutely LOVED this one, adored Mary Chase was totally in love with Jack Talent. Both of them are much more than they seem, well, mostly Jack - there is SO MUCH we don't know about him, maybe guessed, maybe guessed wrong :P (yeah, I'm talking about myself here..). My only complaint about this one is it took a bit too long for us to really get to the part were the truths of Jack's past and why he acts the way he does with Mary. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Entwined (Darkest London #3.5) [Luella Jane & Eamon Evernight] by Kristen Callihan

What a sweet sweet innocent story! I was totally wrong about the MC, I thought it would be of the "grand revolation" in the previous book but actually it's exactly who it proclaims to be - Eamon Everlight - whom we heard of in the previous installment as a special crafter and soon after we met his grand daughter - Holly - a weapon engineer for SOS (also the MC in the fifth installment).

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Winterblaze (Darkest London #3) [Poppy Ellis Lane & Winston Lane] by Kristen Callihan

Another GREAT installment in the Darkest London series. I have no problem admitting that the first thing that drew me to this book, and surly to this series was the cover of this one! Yet after actually reading it (and the two and a half previous installment) I'm utterly HOOKED. Though Historical Romance isn't exactly my "style" I can't wait to continue exploring London and it's unnatural and not so unnatural inhabitants. 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Moonglow (Darkest London, #2) [Daisy Ellis Craigmore & Ian Ranulf] by Kristen Callihan

OMG. This book was IMPOSSIBLE to put down. I started one day Saturday evening, quite late, so I just managed 20%, then on Sunday I was reading non-stop until on 12:30 am I resigned myself to go to sleep but I just couldn't fall asleep! So I told myself, yeah, a little bit more and that's it. So I read for about an hour then went back to sleep but AGAIN, I just couldn't! So I just finished off the book and THEN fell asleep peacefully :)