Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter

The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter
 
This an adult erotica/romance novel (NC-17)
 
  ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five fluttering hearts)
Book Summary
 
The Pleasures of Winter is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You.

When reporter Abbie Marshall needs to escape Honduras, a private jet carrying a Hollywood A-lister is her only way out. She has a ride home with Irish actor Jack Winter - notorious womanizer and all round bad boy. Abbie is shaken to the core by Winter's blazing beauty and provocative mind.

After the plane's nose-dive into the remote rainforest forces them to fight for survival, Abbie catches tantalizing glimpses of the complicated man behind the image. And the more she sees of him, the more he touches some primal part of her that she is determined to suppress. But after a devastating encounter with Winter's shadow side, Abbie's detachment is shattered.

On returning to normal life, Abbie cannot forget what happened, nor ignore the shocking rumours about the star's private life. Her struggle to make sense of her torment leads straight back to Winter, who is just as obsessed by her. But if they are to have a relationship, Abbie knows she must embrace his hidden desires ... and accept her own.

No longer caring about anything but their intoxicating love affair, Abbie is drawn deeper into the dark heart of Winter - and the secret that threatens to destroy everything ...

'Evie Hunter' is actually two Irish authors who discovered a mutual love of erotic fiction when doing a creative writing workshop two years ago. They are delighted the rest of the world has caught up with them. Before writing The Pleasures of Winter, their first full-length novel, they co-wrote a number of BDSM-themed novellas.
 
 
My Review
 
Is this book a long awaited reprieve for those that love Fifty Shades of Grey.  I’m going to say, YES.  And this is the first time I’m going to say it.  This book has all the flavors of fifty, yet this book stands on its own.  It’s not a recreation with different characters in slightly different roles.  This book is just different.  But the feel, is fifty.
 
The book has an original opening which was fantastic for me for some of the reads I had lately.  The story was fresh and when I thought the author was going left, she went right.  Great.  It wasn’t so much that the twists were new, but she didn’t always take the predicable route.  I loved that this book didn’t base “misunderstanding” as the basis of the relationship when it would have been easy to do so.  Well Done.
 
The characters and storyline were amazingly well written. I don’t say that often.  Just because I enjoy a book, doesn’t mean that I’m think how well written it is while reading.  This one I did.
 
The only drawback was the ending.  It felt a little rush and ending almost abruptly.  However, I didn’t feel cheated as far as the storyline.  I would love more Jack, but I think this book is a stand alone.  I also would have enjoyed more Kit and Kevin, but you can’t have it all.
Overall, this is a winner.  And, I’ve read three winners all in a row.  This is the first of them.
 
My book boyfriend, Jack.
 

 
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2) by J. Lynn

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2) by J. Lynn
 
This is an adult contemporary romance/erotica novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five earth shattering hearts)

Book Summary

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.



My Review


Chad was always the brother for me and this book just paved that way.  I love how this book moved with twist that I thought would go one way and was surprised it went another. 

Half of the time, I felt so bad for Chad.  He got the short end of the stick a few times in this book. Poor guy, Bridget didn’t deserve him, lol. 

I really have nothing bad to say.  The only thing was the nature of the club Bridget went to in the beginning. I wasn’t sure why she would have gone there based on what she thought.  It didn’t seem in her character.  Chad was a dominant but in a very vanilla way.

Overall, read this series. It’s a light but very satisfying read.

My book boyfriend, Chad.

 
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Monday, October 29, 2012

Morning Star (Equinox #1) by Desiree Finkbeiner


Morning Star (Equinox #1) by Desiree Finkbeiner
 
This is a young adult fantasy novel (Rated PG)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Dragonfly Hearts)

 
Book Summary
 
When a mysterious stranger interrupts Brianna’s mundane routine, her eyes are opened to the dark underbelly of reality… immortal rogues, ancient conspiracies, prophetic revelations, savage tribes, mammoth dragonflies…

She’s thrust into a race for her life when Kalen, a warrior from Ethos, discovers that she is harboring a secret… a secret that he’d give his life to protect.

There’s just one little problem… they are tempted by a forbidden romance, which threatens to compromise a divinely appointed mission. They are faced with a choice… love eternal, or the end of the world...
 
 
My Review

This book surprised me in so many ways. The author did an amazing job of writing this and bringing her world to light. It was just simply well written.

Kalen’s character was everything the author set him out to be from page one and even through his growth, he remained so very real for me.

There were only two short comings in this book. The first was Brianna’s character who was 21, but acted more like a 16 year old. Her character seems a bit too pristine/native. Which is fine, but then there would be things she said and did that contradicted the character that was set up. Anyway, there were times her character made reference to things while describing other things that didn’t match up with the character. Such as a reference to a tool/weapon that looked like a tattoo parlor needle. Brianna didn’t have tattoos and didn’t seem to hang out with people who did. How would she know what one looked like to compare. And then there were references to technical names to insect body parts. I mean names that need google to pronounce. And several references to things found on a farm and I didn’t think she lived on one. So, it threw me.

But the biggest problem I had was the insta love. Literally two meets and she’s in love. Okay, she is supposedly native but the girl said she’d heard guys reference her as being hot. So if she was hot, she would have had a boyfriend or two or even advances from other guys quite often. She couldn’t be so native to fall for a guy she didn’t know. Anyway, her character was all over the place. Back to the insta love. This is an intrical part to the story. I can’t explain why without giving away too much. But what I can say, is that the incredible writing got me past this faux pas. And I totally was able to enjoy the book as it moved along.



Audio Review
Jessica Geffen did such an amazing job with this book. She truly brought these characters to life. Her voices were distinct and I had no trouble following each of the characters even if I was multi-tasking. I really loved her voice for Kalen. She made the voice match the words the author wrote for him. I definitely will listen to another book she narrates. She added to as much enjoyment of the books as the words themselves. Awesome job!
Overall, this book is worth a read. I’m looking forward to book two. I wish it to was on audible but alas it is not.

 
My Book Boyfriend, Kalen
  
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Friday, October 26, 2012

Seducing Cinderella (Fighting for Love #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

 
Seducing Cinderella (Fighting for Love #1) by Gina L. Maxwell
 
This is an adult contemporary romance/erotica novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a half pounding hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.

Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.

Soon Reid finds him himself in the fight of his life...winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.
 
 
My Review
 

The good news is, I thought this was a super cute story that I couldn’t get enough of.  I laughed in spots and waited for the magic to happen in others.
The bad news is the beginning and the ending, both have all been done before.  Particularly the ending.  I almost forgave the beginning, but then that ending.  I would have wished for the two meeting at the ball and him asking her to dance.  It would have been better than the overdone scene.  And if you haven’t read as many books as I have or scene as much tv or movies, the ending might not bother you.  It was a good HEA all the same, just over done.
My favorite scene is at the bar with the darts game.  Something typical, but the author made this scene her own. 
Still, I did enjoy the book, my rating is purely because part of the story weren't original enough.  However, I still would recommend a read.  It was good.
My book boyfriend, Reid.



 
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Rise (The Alexa Montgomery Saga #3) by H.D. Gordon


The Rise (The Alexa Montgomery Saga #3) by H.D. Gordon
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(four and a half crash cart hearts) 
 

Book Summary
 
The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa's loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?


 
My Review
 
Like others, I was like WTF just happened in the end.  Not that I didn’t have a couple of those moments through the story. 
Again, this book is told through book Alexa’s and Nelly’s perspective.  At times it felt like I was diving into madness.  It had a similar feel to it like “Joe” did in a way.  This story is darker than the last.
Where Alexa is really becoming the woman she is meant to be, Nelly, well, I won’t spoil it.  Kayden is his ever holy hotness self.  Yum.  Jackson isn’t who I thought him to be from either of the two previous books, but he does do the ultimate thing to redeem himself.  I can see why Alexa has feelings for them both on some level.
Overall, this book really sets up what is to come.  I’m not sure how my heart will handle.  If anything, this book proves not to hold onto anyone dear.  There are no guarantees. 
My book boyfriend, Jackson.

 
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Eighty Days Blue (Eighty Days #2) by Vina Jackson

Eighty Days Blue (Eighty Days #2) by Vina Jackson
 
This is an adult erotica novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(four pulsing hearts)

 
Book Summary
 
Recently settled in New York, fiery, flame-haired musician Summer Zahova is enjoying life as a violinist with a major orchestra. Under the watchful eye of Simon, her attractive Venezuelan conductor, Summer and her career flourish. But a new city, and her new found success, brings fresh temptations, and it isn't long before Summer is lured back to a dangerous underground world of intrigue and desire that she thought she'd left behind her for good. Meanwhile wealthy university professor Dominik, frustrated by his life in London without Summer, is drawn to New York to be with the woman he now knows he cannot live without. But while Dominik believes he can protect Summer from her dark side, little does he realise that his own passions could end up being far more destructive to them both. The addictive second book in Vina Jackson's bestselling romance trilogy is exciting, enticing and full of surprises.
 
My Review
 
There was so much to say with the first book.  It was a messed up trip.   This book however, I found more depressing the further it went.  At some point, since neither is willing to be true or share truth with the other, I almost hoped they would end it.
Victor is a villain of all villains.  He has no motivation which is what is so sick/scary about what he does.  To destroy is his only possible motivation.
The last twenty five percent, I was so heartbroken, I sped read through.  I couldn’t stomach reading it slow.  It was a painful end that was more than awful.
It was the kind of book that affected my mood to the point I didn’t read another book for a bit.  Still reeling over the events that took place and how a simple few words could make it all better.  A life lesson I guess.
I’ll be waiting for Eighty Days Red.  My fear is that there will be no HEA.  And maybe that is how it should be?  Even though I wish differently.
My book boyfriend Dominik.

 
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

 
The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa
 
This is a young adult paranormal fantasy novel (PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥1/2
 
Book Summary
 
The third installment to the "New York Times" Bestseller.

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.
 
My Review
 
The only thing this book did was make me dislike Meghan Chase. SPOILERS
I was so annoyed when she got mad at Puck for saving her “Dad”.  Um, he would have died or worse if Puck hadn’t stepped in and she blamed him.  She asked, why didn’t you tell me.  Really???  She didn’t even know she was fey, how was he going to tell her? Instead of thanking him for saving him from sudden dead she treats him poorly. 
I don’t have to like the main characters to enjoy a story. Look at Hunger Games.  I wasn’t a Katiness fan yet it was a fantastic series.  When it works is when there are reasons why a character is unlikeable. In this case, the author doesn’t intend for us to dislike the character.  So the fact that I do, is a failing in the story.  I really don’t want to read on.  But I bought the audio book months ago for the next one and can’t return it.  So I will be reading the next one at some point. 
***END of SPOILERS
So overall, I’m just not happy with the series. 
Audio Review
Khristine Hvam is continued on the same course as with previous books.  Nothing more to be said.

My book boyfriend Glick.  Why because I’ve already used Puck and Ash.
 
 

 
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Monday, October 22, 2012

Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1) by Katie McGarry


Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1) ~ Katie McGarry

This is a mature young adult or "new adult" contemporary romance novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Thunderous Beating Hearts)

Book Summary

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

My Review



This book began inn its opening pages with a too many times to count scene done in books, tv and movies, that it lacked originality. With that said, if I had not gotten on good faith that this book was awesome, I would have stopped there.

However, things did pick up with each chapter while we learned bits more about each of the main characters. I have to say, I liked Noah more. Echo wasn’t bad, but she was a push over and that annoyed me at times even though it gave the author room for her to grow.

This author "pushed the limits" with the content of this story. Noah’s POV particulary felt authentic and sooo very male. He thought about sex and he did often. Nothing very graphic in the book, but it felt like it. HOT!
Which leads me to the end. Let’s just say that I didn’t feel the ending matched with the rest of the book. It’s hard to go from edgy to syrupy sweet and do it well. No go here. I felt cheated with the ending.

Now, don’t read this if you haven’t read. SPOILER ALERT!

Noah wanted sex. But the good guy he was, he was willing to wait on Echo. Echo wants to take things to the next level, but he stops her. So why in the end, she’s back to not wanting it and him waiting. It was weird to me. They were both adults. Her life was more F’d up before, but now she’s too fragile. It was a cop out. There wasn’t a reason not to have sex, based on the flimsy reason given. Just say she changed her mind. It was a let down to all the build up and didn’t fit the edgy style of the story.

Two and the most important thing that pissed me off…. Echo has been a push over all her life. She’s claimed that she’s changed. So why apologize to the nanny and the dad. The Dad crossed the line of trust. I don’t care if he didn’t mean too. I’m with the mother on this. He should have kept his in his pants. Divorce the wife and met someone new. This relationship of his affected the kids. She didn’t need to apologize. If she wanted a relationship with them fine. But the apology wasn’t necessary and felt like her push over self again.
And because of the unoriginal beginning and didn’t fit the story ending, I have to knock off a heart.

***END OF SPOILER

Audio Revew

The dual narration by MacLeod Andrews and Tara Sands. How I wish they would have blended the two, having them read the male and female POVs, worked. I really enjoyed both very much. I found that even thought when they switched off, having them read the other character didn’t bother me as some other dual narrations in the past. Well done

So overall, I liked it. I will be reading the next story.

My book boyfriend Noah. (Two pictures - keep scrolling - pushing the limits)




 
 
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Friday, October 19, 2012

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5) by Chloe Neill


Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5) by Chloe Neill
 
This is an adult urban fantasy novel (Rated R)
 
 ♥♥1/2
 (Two and a half flatlined hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and Merit the vampire can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn, or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times have never been more precarious for the vampires. If only they could lay low for a bit...

Then magic rears its ugly head when Lake Michigan turns black. The mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows a panic is coming. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for both the vampires and humans.
 
My Review
How I loathe this series let me count the ways.  I’m not sure why I bothered to read or rather listen to this one.  Oh, Oh, I know, it was on sale at audible for 6.95 and I did want to know what happen to Ethan.  I think I could have done without.
The plotline stank to high hell.  SPOILER ALERT -à
First of all who died and made Merit leader.  No one.  Yet she noses into business that has nothing to do with her.  Sorry, I’m going to have to agree with Frank on this one, even though I dislike the guy.  There really wasn’t a reason for her involvement.    I found that nothing that was happening was a threat to anyone.  The author didn’t sell that.
There are three vampire houses out of twelve in Chicago.  I’m still pondering this one.  Are there four in New York and Sin City because I would think Vampire’s creatures of the night would prefer a city like those?  The author just hasn’t sold me on that fact either.  (Hell, I accept Anita in St. Louis but this seems odd.  There is just no good reason for it.)  Anyway, back on track.  There are three vampire houses, none of which Merit is the leader.  None of them have asked her to investigate, but there she goes. 
Then, while investigating she ignores Simon’s shifty suspicious behavior in favor of interviewing other supernaturals who have done nothing????  Oh well (Merit thinks to herself), Simon looks nervous when I ask him what’s going on.  But I’ll file that away.  And she’s supposed to be smart.  And by the end, we still know nothing about Simon.  WTF!  He like disappeared off the face of the book pages.
Okay, this one took the cake for me.  Johan is like what, a vampire several tens or hundreds of years older than Merit.  In the face of trouble at some point, he is unsure of himself and needs a pep talk from Merit.  Come on???
And the resurrection, I just won’t even go there.  Not sure why death was important in the first place.  Second this is an adult book and we got snot for their reunion.  The first book in the series she gives us shock value with overseeing a sex scene with Ethan and another woman.  He’s died and come back and we get squat. 
Three stars is generous.  I’m thinking two and half only because the writing technically is stellar.  The problem with this series is the romance or lack there of.  This author doesn’t know how to create a balance.  An urban fantasy doesn’t have to have romance.  In fact, this series would be a lot better without it.  This author creates tension like dangling a cookie in front of a small child and snatching it back whenever the child reaches for it.  When the child finally gets the cookie and put it to its mouth, she snacks it away and crumbles it.  In this book, she took the crumbs and tried to recreate the cookie in the final chapter. 
Patricia Briggs does a better job at urban fantasy with light romance.  It may be barely there in the first books, but you don’t miss it.  This series, the romance is frustrating.  If I were a guy I’d have blue balls by this romance.

An because Chole Neill doesn't do romance at least not well, why in high heaven is every man she meets in the book good looking.  And I mean everyone one including Tate.  I don't think I heard her say once that any man wasn't impossible good looking. UGH!
Audio Review
Cynthia Holloway was the narrator.  Unfortunately, I’ve listened to a lot of books by this narrator.  And most notably, she does the Morganville Series.  So not paying attention, I would think I was hearing Myrnin.  I’m pretty sure she’s narrated a couple of other popular books I’ve listen too.  Anyway, it was okay overall.
Anyway, I can’t recommend this series.  There is a lot of wasted potential.
My Book Boyfriend, poor Jonah.

 

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

A White So Red by Krystle Jones

 
A White So Red by Krystle Jones
 
A retelling of a classic fairytale (Rated PG-13)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Prince Worthy Heart Flutters)
 
Book Summary
 
Seventeen-year-old Snow’s life changed forever the night her stepmother, the Queen, sent her huntsman to cut out her heart. Fleeing for her life, Snow runs to the Silver Forest, a place as dangerous as it is enchanting, and begins an adventure she could never have dreamed.

With no one at her side but a rowdy band of carnivorous dwarves and an arrogant, rogue prince who’s too handsome for his own good, Snow must confront the challenge that’s been laid before her: Kill the Queen, and take back the kingdom that should have been hers.
But if she is to succeed, Snow will have to tap into a powerful, ancient form of magic, one that may have been sleeping inside her all along.
 


My Review
 
Does this remind you of the movie Snow White and the Huntsman?  Yeah, only because it’s a retelling of the same classic fairytale.  Other than that, the resemblance dies.  This story beats on its own with twist and character traits of Snow, the Queen, the Huntsman and the Prince which differ than other retellings.
This story takes the classic tale and adds true magic to it.  Making it the magical fairytale it was always meant to be.  The dwarves weren’t your goofy or “grumpy” bunch that sang in the woods and wanted nothing for the best for Snow White.  Save that for Disney.  This isn’t.  This tale is darker yet it’s remains firmly YA.

Romance is not the main focus of the story.  However, romance is there and most importantly, it’s there when needed.
Overall, this story is well worth a read.  Enjoy.  I know I did.

My book boyfriend, Caspar.
 
 

 
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Reflected in You (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day


Reflected in You (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day
 
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a half smoking hot hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...
 
 
My Review
 
The read was pretty good, so why the rating you ask?  Well, first of all, I’m not going to say that the author copied Fifty Shades of Grey.  I have no idea when either woman wrote the story or came up with the ideas.  What I will say is that with the success of Fifty, I would have pulled back on the similarities.  And for that, I had to take one heart away off the top.
SIMILARITIES ~ CROSSFIRE SERIES VS. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY SERIES
·         Ana and Eva.  One letter difference between the two.  The only problem is Eva has a V that stands for virgin that belongs to Ana.  And Ana has an N that stands for Nymphomaniac that belongs to Eva, lol.
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both twenty something business moguls rich as all hell and own the city, planes, etc.  But Gideon isn’t Christian.  But I’ll get to that later.
·         Ana and Eva.  Both adore their “fathers”.  Both of their mothers have had multiple husbands.
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both have "drivers" (of their cars/limos)  that are more than employees, more like friends and maybe even family.
·         Ana and Eva.  Both have best friends who have more fashion sense then they do.  There is a little switcheroo in this category. Eva’s bestie, Cary, is a guy and Ana’s bestie, Kate, is a girl.  Ana’s bestie comes from money and Ana doesn’t.  And Eva’s comes from money and her bestie doesn’t.
·         BDSM.  Fifty series is more in your face with the Dom/sub relationship.  Where in Crossfire, the D/s relationship is more subtle, at least so far, but clearly Gideon Doms over Eva and she likes it.
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both guys have a messed up passed where adults took advantage of them sexually messing them up for future relationships oddly not so much mess up in the actual "sex" act, lol.  Although Gideon refuses anal play sort of.
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both had previous relationships with a woman that remains(ed) in their life to the point it affects their relationship with Ana and Eva, respectively.
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both had a string of woman that looked similar to the woman in question in the previous comment. 
·         Christian and Gideon.  Both have little “sisters” that completely adore them.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten something.  Still even this list is too much to ignore.
Now as far as the review of Reflected In You.
I found in this book I didn’t like Eva much at all.  Not to keep comparing, but some didn’t like Ana.  I however prefer Ana.  She wasn’t as whinny and insecure as Eva.  How did Eva get so insecure?  My goodness, at some point I was like your right, you don’t deserve Gideon.  But maybe that was just me lusting over a fiction character, lol.
Gideon, thank god we found out how old he was in this book and we got some answers.  However, honestly, I found Gideon to be a carbon copy of every alpha male (rich, controlling, and does well in bed).  Hell as much “growling” as he did in this book, I thought he might be an Alpha Werewolf.  Anyway, I didn’t find any substance behind Gideon.  I understand he is supposed to be shrouded in mystery, but you have to give the guy personality outside the alpha male traits or make those traits his own and it just didn’t happen again.
Still, the storyline was compelling enough to keep me reading.  So one heart away for the “look alike/lack of originality story and a half a point away for Gideon who didn't shine falling flat unless he was screwing Eva, lol.
Overall, still a good read and worth reading.  I will be getting my hands on the next installment.
Audio Review
Jill Redfield did an okay job.  I think my problem is that I physically read the first book.  So I already had what Gideon should sound like in my head.  Jill did a different impression of him than I had.  Not her fault.  I think he came off a little weaker than the alpha he is suppose to be.  Also, when Eva was aroused, I found myself blushing like a school girl and I'm way past that.  Just a little too over done for my taste.  But I will listen again.
My book boyfriend, Brett because damn he’s hot.  And I did Gideon in the last book review.
 
And in case you forgot, this is my GIDEON
 
 


 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
 
This is a young adult parnanormal fantasy novel (Rated PG)
 
♥♥1/2
(Two and a Half Stars)
 
Book Summary
 
Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?
 
My Review
 
This WILL NOT be a SPOILER FREE review.
Quick and spoiler free review….
 
I wanted to like this book.  I hadn’t read the summary, I went in blind.  If you ignore all the glaring plot holes, there is an undertow of potential that keeps you sucked in when you’re reaching for perches to get yourself out.  Too bad the plot holes are many.
 
Now Full Review that includes SPOILERS (ALERT)
 
 
The good thing about this story is the premise.  It was idea that kept me reading and not giving up.  Then for once, the insta love is handled well in the world building to explain it away. Woohoo!
 
 
However, the promise of the story hit a stumbling block or rather fell into pot holes a plenty along the way.
 
 
Where to even begin, I guess I just enumerate the many transgressions of the story.
 
 
  • First, Bryn was four when her parents are brutally killed by a savage wolf.  Okay, not a bad start.  But she’s four and although that event will forever plague her memory, she is raised by wolves for the next eleven year.  Therefore, why, if they are good to her Callum and Devon, is she resistant to the wolf way of life?  How would she know that accepting into pack life is bad, when nothing they did or the killing of her parents make her think that acting the pack way is bad.  Sorry, I just wasn’t given a reason to accept this.
  • She meets a boy, and if we accept above, she is all of a sudden willing to give into pack mentality just to meet him.  Yet, she’d rather die before than to submit????  What is she going to learn from him?  She has no idea if he will talk to her or have answers for her questions. 
  • At this point in the story, it seems her question is about getting bite and changing into a werewolf.  Why didn’t she ask Callum this question?  Supposedly, she is a go against the grain type of girl who doesn’t hold her tongue.  Why didn’t she ask him first?  Then if he refused, I could see more reason to talk to the boy.
  • She’s human, yet she has a psychic bond to the wolves?  We weren’t given any reason that all human would have this bond.  Thus wouldn’t she suspect something or ask about it????
  • She talks to the boy and they can talk in each others head, but stop midway through.  They seem to be able to do it even despite the orders.  Yet, she doesn’t ask him the tough questions.  Then of course, they are interrupted. 
  • Okay, we get this answer in the end, but before this, why didn’t Callum stay with her when talking to Chase.  Why did he send her in with three wolves when he was powerful enough to handle the situation on his own?  And she never really questions it?  And with everything else, it’s just another annoying nail in the coffin of this story that stops my enjoyment.
Beside this, the story is a little flat for the first 45%.  When it starts to get interesting, we are pulled off the metaphorical reservation and plopped some place new.  We meet characters who don’t really add to the story and it’s boring again.  About the 75% mark, things pick up.  We are finally given answers we’ve been frustrated about for the majority of the book. I’m okay with having information with held.  I should be curious though to find out, not frustrated. 
 
 
Still, there is that undertow that kept me reading.  So I’ll read the next one because all of this won’t be apart of the story. I’ll just have to swallow what I’ve been fed and hope the next book is a whole lot better.
 
 
Audio Review
 
 
Eileen Stevens did a decent job of narrating.  The acting was good.  The voices were okay.  All her male voices sounded pretty much the same.  Thankfully, her male voice is pretty good.  Other than that, I was able to follow along well enough.
 
 
Overall, would I recommend?  The jury is still out.  I’ll see from the next book.
 
 
My book boyfriends are Callum and Chase. (I listen via audio and I can't find their appearence.  So I'm going off a a feeling I got while listening that they looked like.)
 
Callum
 
 
Chase
 
 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.