*I received this book via the publisher as an ARC*
I was lucky enough to get this book ahead of time. The first reading was a true romp; fun and lighthearted. Then it came time to do my review & I couldn't find my review copy, so I bought the book and read it in one night. And I shouldn't have done that.
Lessons in French is the story of Callista & Trevelyn, childhood friends who haven't seen each other in years. Trev's been in France & Callie is a spinster. Trev's mother is dying and Trev comes home to see her.
That's just the beginning. This story is full of adventures; too many adventures. This book is LONG...very, very long. I think if the story had been half the length it would have been better.
The Good:
Trev: He was such a fun hero. And when he realizes how he feels about Callie, it's a sweet scene
Trev's Mother: She's a hoot. Very French and very...sneaky.
The Bad:
Callie: She got on my nerves in a very short amount of time. She went from being a spinster to being a bit ridiculous. I had a hard time empathizing with her, which makes it hard to root for someone when you don't really care for them. *sigh*
The Plot(s): As I stated above, this story is long and full of basic overall nonsense. Schemes and romances and broken hearts and...well, it got to the point where I just wanted it to end already.
Is the story bad? No, it's actually not bad at all. I liked it overall, I just wish it had been shorter. If the story had focused a bit more on Callie & Trev, it would have been a lot better. The love scenes weren't very erotic and were over quite quickly. The most erotic scene has to do with a pair of stockings, of all things.
All in all, it wasn't a bad story, just not as good the second time around. I will definitely not be rereading it.
Overall Grade: B-
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
E-Books...A New Category
By me anyway. Since I seem to be reading more e-books than anything lately, I think one of my new "updates" for the blog will be a monthly update of e-books I've read & enjoyed (or not). I seem to gravitate to one particular publisher, which will become very apparent here in just a minute.
One thing I have to say about e-books before I go any further is the fact that though I read a lot of them, I don't like 99% of them. My reason why? Most of them are too short to really get into the meat of the story. It's hard to root for characters when you never really get a chance to know them. *sigh*
My List (Faves)
Alexandra's Legacy by NJ Walters: I have to say this...I'm not a huge fan of Ms. Walters' work, but I really liked this story. It was pretty action-packed, the sexual tension was smokin hot and the hero was yummy. I love yummy heroes. :)
Blade's Edge by Val Roberts: A unique take on sci-fi(ish) romances. It was fun though and sexy. Sexy's always good! :)
The Sanctuary Trilogy by Moira Rogers: Some are better than others, but overall a unique and fun take on shifters. Whoo!
Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell: I've liked all of her stories (so far), but have to admit this is my favorite of all of them. Hot sex, great action and I so cannot wait for the second book in this series. Whoo!
Hunting Season by Shelley Laurenston: I've liked her other stuff, but this story is hand's down my favorite. A super tough heroine, a great hero and the sexual tension is off the charts. Plus snark and sex is always an excellent combination. :)
Primal Hunger & Primal Attraction by Sydney Somers: Gargoyles! Whoo!
Wolf Flight & Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend: Unique take on shifters, plus hot sex. Whee!
E-Books (Disliked)
Eh, I'm not going to name names, but I've got a couple of issues. If you're going to write a menage, please make sure that body parts go in the right places at the right times. I've read some lately where I'm wondering at the flexibility of the characters; especially the heroine.
If you're going to write BDSM, even if it's mild, please make sure that it sounds realistic and that the hero is NOT a complete and total Neanderthal outside of the bedroom. Eesh!
Also, I know anal sex is the new doggie-style, but I seriously am sick and tired of reading about all of the moist, gooey sex. Truthfully, if a real woman gushed that much, she should be in a hospital for a really bad girl issue and not having sex.
And women do NOT taste like cream, honey or any other food reference out there. I'm not a lesbian and have never gone down on a woman (ew!) but I'm a girl. I know what it's all about, okay? If anything, we're a salty bunch. *snicker*
And that's about it.
PS. Evangline Anderson...I know you're not reading this post, but I'd really, really, really like to know when the next Swann Sister book comes out. Wishful Thinking is one of my all-time favorite eroticas and I cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out. I'm begging you.....PLEASE write that book soon, okay?
Thank you,
Your Greatful Reader :)
One thing I have to say about e-books before I go any further is the fact that though I read a lot of them, I don't like 99% of them. My reason why? Most of them are too short to really get into the meat of the story. It's hard to root for characters when you never really get a chance to know them. *sigh*
My List (Faves)
Alexandra's Legacy by NJ Walters: I have to say this...I'm not a huge fan of Ms. Walters' work, but I really liked this story. It was pretty action-packed, the sexual tension was smokin hot and the hero was yummy. I love yummy heroes. :)
Blade's Edge by Val Roberts: A unique take on sci-fi(ish) romances. It was fun though and sexy. Sexy's always good! :)
The Sanctuary Trilogy by Moira Rogers: Some are better than others, but overall a unique and fun take on shifters. Whoo!
Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell: I've liked all of her stories (so far), but have to admit this is my favorite of all of them. Hot sex, great action and I so cannot wait for the second book in this series. Whoo!
Hunting Season by Shelley Laurenston: I've liked her other stuff, but this story is hand's down my favorite. A super tough heroine, a great hero and the sexual tension is off the charts. Plus snark and sex is always an excellent combination. :)
Primal Hunger & Primal Attraction by Sydney Somers: Gargoyles! Whoo!
Wolf Flight & Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend: Unique take on shifters, plus hot sex. Whee!
E-Books (Disliked)
Eh, I'm not going to name names, but I've got a couple of issues. If you're going to write a menage, please make sure that body parts go in the right places at the right times. I've read some lately where I'm wondering at the flexibility of the characters; especially the heroine.
If you're going to write BDSM, even if it's mild, please make sure that it sounds realistic and that the hero is NOT a complete and total Neanderthal outside of the bedroom. Eesh!
Also, I know anal sex is the new doggie-style, but I seriously am sick and tired of reading about all of the moist, gooey sex. Truthfully, if a real woman gushed that much, she should be in a hospital for a really bad girl issue and not having sex.
And women do NOT taste like cream, honey or any other food reference out there. I'm not a lesbian and have never gone down on a woman (ew!) but I'm a girl. I know what it's all about, okay? If anything, we're a salty bunch. *snicker*
And that's about it.
PS. Evangline Anderson...I know you're not reading this post, but I'd really, really, really like to know when the next Swann Sister book comes out. Wishful Thinking is one of my all-time favorite eroticas and I cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out. I'm begging you.....PLEASE write that book soon, okay?
Thank you,
Your Greatful Reader :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Up, Down & All Around
Boy, I disappeared there for awhile, didn't I? *sigh*
Yeah, things escalated to the point where it was either have a stroke or unload. I unloaded, but it was one of those things where it made it better and it made it worse. Now I'm just tired.
I've decided to keep this blog and will be doing some stuff to see if I can be more consistent in my reviews. I feel especially bad for my contact at Sourcebooks. I owed reviews (for the 2 books below) and not only did my gmail putz out on me, but so did blogger. *sigh*
Anyhoodles, I'm off to bed. Just wanted everyone to know that I'm still alive...I think.
Yeah, things escalated to the point where it was either have a stroke or unload. I unloaded, but it was one of those things where it made it better and it made it worse. Now I'm just tired.
I've decided to keep this blog and will be doing some stuff to see if I can be more consistent in my reviews. I feel especially bad for my contact at Sourcebooks. I owed reviews (for the 2 books below) and not only did my gmail putz out on me, but so did blogger. *sigh*
Anyhoodles, I'm off to bed. Just wanted everyone to know that I'm still alive...I think.
My Dearest Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan
*Received ARC via the publisher*
I've been a big fan of Ms. Lathan's since the first book in her Darcy Saga came out. First of all, it's based, not only on my favorite book, but one of my all-time favorite movies. My Dearest Mr. Darcy takes off where Loving Mr. Darcy ends.
The Darcy's lives are going in directions I don't think of them expected. A baby on the way, a marriage that's still so very new and a love that's more powerful than just about anything.
Whereas the first book was about the very beginning of their marriage and them getting to know eachother and the second book was about them travelling, MDMD is more about them getting ready for their new baby and how they go about doing it.
Ms. Lathan works with babies in her real life and you can see that in how she writes about the Darcy's preparation for their new arrival. Where most books only hint at the baby and then boom it's there, she really goes into detail about not only Lizzie's physical changes, but also the emotional ones that both she and Darcy are going through.
Ms. Lathan also makes the Darcy's pretty forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to how they want to handle the birth.
I'm thankful that this book doesn't have anything bad happening to Lizzie like the first 2 books did.
There are two things I really enjoy about Ms. Lathan's books. One-the true expression of feeling between Lizzie and Fitzwilliam. Their love is something you really believe in. You want them to be happy and to live a long, fulfilling life together. Two-the secondary characters. There are quite a few of them and usually I'd find myself confused, but she's able to pull it off. My favorite secondary character is Fitzwilliam's Uncle.
His uncle is a doctor who spent many years in India and whose past is rather tragic. He's going to be there for the delivery of the baby and the way he interacts with both Lizzie and Darcy brings some much-needed humor to the story.
The end will bring a tear to your eyes, especially if you've invested your time into this world that Ms. Lathan has created. To see how powerful and meaningful the end is and what it does to bring the two of them even closer together...*sigh*
All in all, I have to give two big thumbs up to Sharon. She did an excellent job...again and I can't wait to see where she takes this family that I've come to love.
Overall Rating: B+/A-
I've been a big fan of Ms. Lathan's since the first book in her Darcy Saga came out. First of all, it's based, not only on my favorite book, but one of my all-time favorite movies. My Dearest Mr. Darcy takes off where Loving Mr. Darcy ends.
The Darcy's lives are going in directions I don't think of them expected. A baby on the way, a marriage that's still so very new and a love that's more powerful than just about anything.
Whereas the first book was about the very beginning of their marriage and them getting to know eachother and the second book was about them travelling, MDMD is more about them getting ready for their new baby and how they go about doing it.
Ms. Lathan works with babies in her real life and you can see that in how she writes about the Darcy's preparation for their new arrival. Where most books only hint at the baby and then boom it's there, she really goes into detail about not only Lizzie's physical changes, but also the emotional ones that both she and Darcy are going through.
Ms. Lathan also makes the Darcy's pretty forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to how they want to handle the birth.
I'm thankful that this book doesn't have anything bad happening to Lizzie like the first 2 books did.
There are two things I really enjoy about Ms. Lathan's books. One-the true expression of feeling between Lizzie and Fitzwilliam. Their love is something you really believe in. You want them to be happy and to live a long, fulfilling life together. Two-the secondary characters. There are quite a few of them and usually I'd find myself confused, but she's able to pull it off. My favorite secondary character is Fitzwilliam's Uncle.
His uncle is a doctor who spent many years in India and whose past is rather tragic. He's going to be there for the delivery of the baby and the way he interacts with both Lizzie and Darcy brings some much-needed humor to the story.
The end will bring a tear to your eyes, especially if you've invested your time into this world that Ms. Lathan has created. To see how powerful and meaningful the end is and what it does to bring the two of them even closer together...*sigh*
All in all, I have to give two big thumbs up to Sharon. She did an excellent job...again and I can't wait to see where she takes this family that I've come to love.
Overall Rating: B+/A-
Mr. Darcy: The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds
*I received this ARC through the publisher*
Hi, all! First, I must apologize for the delay in my reviews. I was having some horrible issues with gmail and blogger. Thankfully, they seem to be figured out now. yay!
I received the ARC of this book and I was SO excited to read it. I thought the idea was unique and that it would be interesting to see what would happen. See, the idea of the story is that Lizzie says yes the first time Mr. Darcy proposes.
Instead of all that wonderful tension you get after Lizzie calls Mr. Darcy out on not behaving like a gentleman, she accepts his proposal.
And...then I opened up the book. Started reading. And...in the first few sentences, I was completely turned off by the book. Was it due to bad writing? No. It was due to the fact that the book starts out talking about how Mr. Darcy had been most ardent on their wedding night and how she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
I don't know; maybe I need to stop reading these P&P redos, because more often than not, I'm disappointed in what I'm reading. P&P is the most well-known romance in the world and is probably the most rewritten story. Everyone has their take on how Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennet's life will be like after they marry.
In my mind's eye I see them happy and having a very passionate marriage. I don't know why I couldn't continue after reading how Lizzie felt about their wedding night. Maybe it was the terminology used?
I have no clue, but sadly, this book is a DNF for me. :( Maybe some day I can open it and really WANT to read it, but right now it's not working for me.
Now I feel guilty. Sometimes reviewing books is hard work.
Overall Rating: DNF
Hi, all! First, I must apologize for the delay in my reviews. I was having some horrible issues with gmail and blogger. Thankfully, they seem to be figured out now. yay!
I received the ARC of this book and I was SO excited to read it. I thought the idea was unique and that it would be interesting to see what would happen. See, the idea of the story is that Lizzie says yes the first time Mr. Darcy proposes.
Instead of all that wonderful tension you get after Lizzie calls Mr. Darcy out on not behaving like a gentleman, she accepts his proposal.
And...then I opened up the book. Started reading. And...in the first few sentences, I was completely turned off by the book. Was it due to bad writing? No. It was due to the fact that the book starts out talking about how Mr. Darcy had been most ardent on their wedding night and how she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
I don't know; maybe I need to stop reading these P&P redos, because more often than not, I'm disappointed in what I'm reading. P&P is the most well-known romance in the world and is probably the most rewritten story. Everyone has their take on how Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennet's life will be like after they marry.
In my mind's eye I see them happy and having a very passionate marriage. I don't know why I couldn't continue after reading how Lizzie felt about their wedding night. Maybe it was the terminology used?
I have no clue, but sadly, this book is a DNF for me. :( Maybe some day I can open it and really WANT to read it, but right now it's not working for me.
Now I feel guilty. Sometimes reviewing books is hard work.
Overall Rating: DNF
Monday, November 30, 2009
Oy!
Hello! Miss me? I don't even think anyone reads this here page anymore. I feel so horribly guilty because...well, because I SHOULD be reviewing. I've read a gazillion books and some deserve to be reviewed, but I haven't because I've been insanely busy.
I work retail (thankfully not face-to-face *icky shiver*) and we're in the midst of the holiday season. Oh joy. I think this is why I have such a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. I've got so much going and it's all not fun. Eh
But, I have been reading and reading and reading. And watching movies. And playing video games. In fact, I've been a busy little beaver.
I missed the fact that one of my favorite bloggers quit. I missed a lot of things. Man, do I feel guilty. *sigh*
99% of it is just...well, I've been going thru a lot. Too much work and not enough downtime is 99% of my problem. I'm emotionally and spiritually exhausted. I need a break from everything. I'm ignoring Facebook, I hardly ever Twitter and I'm basically cutting myself off from everything. It's not even being done on purpose...I just tend to step back when I've got too much going on and am feeling overwhelmed.
I dunno...maybe I'll quit this here blog and just review over on my other one...maybe. I've got a lot to think about over the next month. See if 2010 will start out fresh or end up being a complete rehash of 2009. Ugh!
I work retail (thankfully not face-to-face *icky shiver*) and we're in the midst of the holiday season. Oh joy. I think this is why I have such a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. I've got so much going and it's all not fun. Eh
But, I have been reading and reading and reading. And watching movies. And playing video games. In fact, I've been a busy little beaver.
I missed the fact that one of my favorite bloggers quit. I missed a lot of things. Man, do I feel guilty. *sigh*
99% of it is just...well, I've been going thru a lot. Too much work and not enough downtime is 99% of my problem. I'm emotionally and spiritually exhausted. I need a break from everything. I'm ignoring Facebook, I hardly ever Twitter and I'm basically cutting myself off from everything. It's not even being done on purpose...I just tend to step back when I've got too much going on and am feeling overwhelmed.
I dunno...maybe I'll quit this here blog and just review over on my other one...maybe. I've got a lot to think about over the next month. See if 2010 will start out fresh or end up being a complete rehash of 2009. Ugh!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes on thing: her target's strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist...anything she wants...for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns hergift toward avenging her father's murder. With deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano's inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.
Reyes has nothing but his work. Unfortunately for Kyra, he's the best...and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He's been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash...and bring her back to face Serrano's "justice." Dead will do if Reyes can't locate the loot. He's never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce passion and her outlaw heart. So Reyes faces a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.
*purchased at B&N...by me! :P*
First off, I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Things have been crazy busy, but I'm hoping to be better. Hope being the operative word here. lol
So...thoughts. Hmm...I'm gonna Good & Bad it. Bad first!
I don't have a lot of complaints except for one. I found the climax rather anticlimatic. It wasn't anywhere near as...I don't know...aggressive as I thought it should have been. It could have been...more!
Good:
Reyes. Mmm...I love tortured heroes and Ms. Gray has really outdone herself on this one. *sigh* He's just so stinkin' yummy. I can see why Kyra wanted him so badly, so quickly. The attraction's immediate and never really slows down. Le sigh.
Kyra. I liked her a lot. I like how she's never "Oh, whoa is me" and that she ENJOYS her life. It's not great, but she goes out of her way to really like who she is and what she does. Reyes is knocked over sideways by her and just doesn't know what to do with her once he has her. It's great watching the two of them figure each other out.
The overall storyline. It's pretty fast-paced from the beginning. Hot sex, yummy heroes, cool heroines...it's pretty much all there. Yum!
As I said, my only complaint is the villain. He's so evil up until the end and it just kinda seemed...well, it just lacked something. *sigh* Still a great book!
Overall Rating: B+
Reyes has nothing but his work. Unfortunately for Kyra, he's the best...and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He's been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash...and bring her back to face Serrano's "justice." Dead will do if Reyes can't locate the loot. He's never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce passion and her outlaw heart. So Reyes faces a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.
*purchased at B&N...by me! :P*
First off, I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Things have been crazy busy, but I'm hoping to be better. Hope being the operative word here. lol
So...thoughts. Hmm...I'm gonna Good & Bad it. Bad first!
I don't have a lot of complaints except for one. I found the climax rather anticlimatic. It wasn't anywhere near as...I don't know...aggressive as I thought it should have been. It could have been...more!
Good:
Reyes. Mmm...I love tortured heroes and Ms. Gray has really outdone herself on this one. *sigh* He's just so stinkin' yummy. I can see why Kyra wanted him so badly, so quickly. The attraction's immediate and never really slows down. Le sigh.
Kyra. I liked her a lot. I like how she's never "Oh, whoa is me" and that she ENJOYS her life. It's not great, but she goes out of her way to really like who she is and what she does. Reyes is knocked over sideways by her and just doesn't know what to do with her once he has her. It's great watching the two of them figure each other out.
The overall storyline. It's pretty fast-paced from the beginning. Hot sex, yummy heroes, cool heroines...it's pretty much all there. Yum!
As I said, my only complaint is the villain. He's so evil up until the end and it just kinda seemed...well, it just lacked something. *sigh* Still a great book!
Overall Rating: B+
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