Newly single 24-year old Cass is back home living with her parents after suffering years of abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Simon. For four yea...moreNewly single 24-year old Cass is back home living with her parents after suffering years of abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Simon. For four years she was isolated from friends and family. Now she’s back to make amends. Hoping to reconnect with her sister, and have a little fun, Cass heads out for a night on the town with her sister in tow. Things go horribly wrong when Cass is brutally attacked by a group of men. Left battered and bruised in an alley, she’s discovered by a group of women who take her home with them.
The women are known as the Kittnz, a well-known local all-female outlaw gang. They’re a powerful group of women, who are strong and capable of protecting themselves, and are equally feared and respected in the community. After spending time with them, Cass decides that she wants to become a member. Cass wants to find a place where she can belong. She wants to feel powerful, be respected, and to feel the love of a family. The Kittnz can provide her with all these things. But the world the Kittnz inhabit is even more cruel and violent than the one Cass left behind, and becoming a Kittn might cost her more than she gains.
Lawless Justice by Karina Kantas was an interesting yet difficult read due to a number of reasons. The beginning was slow, which made it difficult for me to get into the story. There were a few grammatical errors, such as misspelled words. The story became a tad repetitive and predictable by the middle of the book. For instance, I was pretty certain of what the Kittnz were going to do on any given day, and that there would be plenty of blood and violence. A typical day for the Kittnz involved them giving someone a beating, or someone giving them a beating. Rinse, wash and repeat.
The characters, though unique, weren’t very likeable. I didn’t grow to love, or even love to hate, any of them. Cass was a frustrating protagonist. There were moments where she clearly felt that some of the gang’s behavior was wrong, and moments she was clearly uncomfortable, but nonetheless, she continued to participate. While I was somewhat able to sympathize with her pain, anxiety, and hardships, I was not able to sympathize with her whenever she exhibited bully like behavior. In fact, the Kittnz as a whole were more bullies than anything. The self-proclaimed vigilantes, out to rid their community of scum and lowlifes, targeted criminals, but they also violently attacked people who “annoyed” them or “looked at them wrong.” There were even instances where members started fights to blow off steam. For example, they beat up a group of girls because they were giggling.
Though I had issues with the characters, the slow start, and repetitive story, I still found it a somewhat interesting read. Over all, I give Lawless Justice two stars. (less)
When I read the synopsis for Timeless Desire: An Outlandish Love Story by Gwen Cready, I knew that this book was right up my alley. It had all the ele...moreWhen I read the synopsis for Timeless Desire: An Outlandish Love Story by Gwen Cready, I knew that this book was right up my alley. It had all the elements I usually enjoy in a story. A sweet and lonely heroine thrown into the eighteenth century via time-travel, embarks on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, intrigue, danger, and romance. Needless to say, this book did not disappoint.
I particularly liked how Cready mixed real elements of history with fantasy. For instance, the backdrop for this story was the conflict between England and Scotland. There were also mentions of real historical figures and a couple of historical sites and places. I usually learn something new every time I read a historical or time-travel novel, which I enjoy.
I had fun getting to know the characters, in particular Panna and Jamie, and found them to be unique and well-developed. Cready did a wonderful job with character development. None of the characters were perfect, but whether I grew to love them or hate them, I usually understood their reasons and motivations.
Pandora Kennedy, known as Panna to her closest friends, is a sweet, courageous, and likeable heroine, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. At the start of the story she has pretty much withdrawn from life. By the end of the book, she transforms into someone who lives life to the fullest, and isn’t afraid to take chances. I was able to relate to her and every emotion she felt.
Julie Ann Walker is back with a story about the men of Black Knights, Inc.; a small team of covert government defense contractors. In the first book o...moreJulie Ann Walker is back with a story about the men of Black Knights, Inc.; a small team of covert government defense contractors. In the first book of the series, Hell on Wheels, we got to see love blossom between Alison Morgan and Nate Weller. Now, with the second entry in the series, In Rides Trouble, we get to see love flourish between Rebecca Reichert and Frank “Boss” Knight. Believe it or not, this story is filled with even more action than the first book, as well danger, suspense, guns, Somali pirates, and romance. This was one entertaining story that kept me riveted till the very end.
Once again, Walker has a wonderful writing style, and is especially good with writing great action sequences, in particular car and motorcycle chases, as well as realistic fight scenes. She also imbues her characters and stories with a wonderful sense of humor, which lessens the severity of any violence or drama that can be found sprinkled throughout her novels. That’s not to say that any of the violence inflicted upon any of the characters is treated lightly, just that humor helps to add balance.
The characters are colorful and intriguing, from the hero and heroine, to the supporting characters. Speaking of supporting characters, I especially enjoyed getting to know Becky’s big brother and fellow Knight “Wild” Bill Reichert and the newest Knight “Angel” Jamin Agassi. Each man had a unique personality, and had funny and charming interactions with Becky and each other.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to read Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker, but I was ready to take a break from the paranormal and histor...moreI wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to read Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker, but I was ready to take a break from the paranormal and historical romances I’ve been reading lately; I was excited to read something a bit more contemporary. So when I read the synopsis for this book, I was instantly convinced that this sounded like the type of book I would love. A sweet heroine and a motorcycle riding ex-marine, thrown into a thrilling world of mystery, romance and danger appeared to be the perfect recipe for an entertaining read.
One thing I really liked about this book was the author’s writing. Walker’s vivid and descriptive writing made me feel as though I was inside the story. I could almost hear the sounds, smell the different scents permeating the streets of Chicago, and feel the danger. The action scenes were impressive and well-written. And there was just the right amount of humor in the midst of all the danger and angst.
For the most part, I thought the supporting characters were lively, quirky and well-developed. I really grew to like them. Sadly, I had a couple of issues with the heroine and hero of the story, which is a problem because it’s extremely difficult for me to like, let alone love a book if I can’t connect with the main character or characters.
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