M.L. Sparrow's Blog, page 22

Remote Resort: Rescue

Remote Resort: Rescue, (Remote Resort Series, Book 2), by Roselynn RanderodBlurb:Hudson and Rena risk everything to get Lila back, but will they find that her ordeal has changed her?Meanwhile, back at Xanadu, they continue to offer service with a smile, although not all of the ups and downs take place between the sheets.It’s business as usual at the remote resort, where the special staff takes customer service to an entirely new level.After really enjoying the first book, I have to say I was a little disappointed with this one. Yes, it was good and it got my attention. Yes, the characters were good. But... it was a little anti-climactic, excuse the pun. I kept expecting something dramatic to happen but it didn't. If I'm honest this book just felt like a bridge between the first book and the next one. Also, I really liked Lila in the first book, however, in this one I felt like perhaps she should have been more affected by her kidnapping.Despite that though, the sex scenes were hot and I enjoy the large cast of characters, as well as the alternating view-points. I'm looking forward to the next book because I want to know more about Debbie and LT! And let's not forget Jon and Bruno! Can't wait to see what happens next at Xanadu...My favourite quotes from 'Remote Resort: Rescue':'It was disorientating being granted a second chance at a life that she had completely given up on.''Money is freedom.'"Just remember he who yields is not always the weak one.""This isn't the movie Pretty Woman and I don't need saving."

Forbidden

Forbidden, by Tabitha SuzumaBlurb:She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But... they are brother and sister.Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.Wow... So I was hesitant about this book at first, simply because of the brother/sister thing, but in the end I really enjoyed it.I loved Lachan and I felt so, so sorry for him. A seventeen year old juggling three kids, housework and school? No wonder he was stressed and I could honestly feel it. He was so desperate to hold everything together, even though everything was against him. I didn't feel the same desperation from Maya, nor did I feel as attached to her, however, she was a likeable character.The brother/sister thing was done well, but I'll be honest it never impacted me all that much because they never really felt like brother and sister. I understand the message that you should be able to love anyone - after all they weren't hurting anyone and it does seem harsh that you'd get jail time for consent love when many real criminals get off scott-free, but their love that wasn't what hooked me. The thing I found most devastating and emotional about this book was the stress they were under and their circumstances. And the ending... it tore my heart out, but I wish there had been a little bit more from Maya's perspective afterwards. Plus, I would have liked to have seen their mum get her comeuppance.All in all though, a very good book and though he wasn't your stereotypical hero Lochan was definitely one of the best male characters I've read in a while.My favourite quotes from 'Forbidden':'He may hate me, he may resent me, he may blame me for everything that's wrong in his life, but if I give up on him, then he has no one left at all. His hatred of me will have been completely justified.''I finally ceased lying to myself, ceased pretending it was only one kind of love I felt for him when in reality it was every kind of love possible.''How will we be able to watch each other leading separate lives, knowing what could have been?''...I love you, so much that it's killing me, yet all I can do is push you away and hurt you until eventually your love will turn to hate.''... I will not think of the future, that gaping dark hole in which neither of us can exist, together or apart... I refuse to allow my fears for the future to ruin the present.''There are no laws, no boundaries on feelings. We can love each other as much and as deeply as we want.''I could never deny her that right - the right of any human being to choose the life they want to lead.''I point out that our father's desertion does not somehow magically give her the right to desert us too.''I want to tell her that I can't pull her down. I want to tell her that she has to let go of my hand in order to swim. I want to tell her that she must live her own life. But I sense she already knows these options are open to her. And that she too has made her choice.''As long as one person isn't forcing the other one, then I guess any love is allowed.''You don't let Kit lose! I want to shout at the officers. You don't let any of them lose! Even when giving them a run for their money, you always, always let them catch you in the end.''How stupid I was to ever ask her to do this, I realize, to expect her to sacrifice my freedom for hers. My happiness meant everything to her, as much as hers did to me.'

Blood Moon Rising

Blood Moon Rising AnthologyIn this anthology you can read my short story 'The Seventh Night', as well as a collection of other short stories.Download yourFREEcopyHERE!

Managed

Managed, (VIP Series, Book 2), by Kristen CallihanBlurb:It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.Let the battle begin…In Idol I was intrigued by Scottie and was so pleased when I heard book two would be his story. And I definitely wasn't disappointed! There is something about an acerbic, yet kind hearted guy that is so sexy. Plus he's British! I would have like to have heard a little more about his past, but as it was I thought he was an interesting, complex character and it was nice to see the changes in him. Sophie was also a good character and she fit Gabriel perfectly, though they were complete opposites and I loved the banter between them. I also really enjoyed the scenes with the rest of the band and I liked Jules - I hope she ends up with a book!I liked the fact that the plot focused on the character devoplment and the romance between the two, instead of one ridiculous drama after another, which happens in so many books nowadays. However, without giving anything away, I would have liked just a tad more drama in the end; I felt like the altercation could have been fleshed out a bit better.All in all, a really good book and I look forward to the next one! I really, really hope Jules ends up with one of the guys!My favourite quotes from 'Managed':'One brow rises in the haughty way only a Brit can truly pull off.''A terrified flyer. But one who clearly would rather the plane actually crash than admit this.''Everything is personal. Especially business.''I want someone to know the real me, not the shiny shell I show the world.''I expected it. I didn't expect it to bother me.''I've had enough of living by myself. I don't need to feel like I'm in my space. I like being in his domain.''You are my greatest weakness because I have no defense when it comes to you.''Paradise is a state of mind, not a location.'' "I thought," I answer with a shaking voice, "I meant enough to you that you wouldn't make ugly assumptions. That you wouldn't worry about soothing Killian's feelings at the expense of mine." '' "You didn't give her space, did you?" Killian sounds horrified.I gives me pause, and I peer up at him. "Wasn't I supposed to?""No, you don't give them space," he wails. "That's only some shit they say to see if you'll fight for them."Outrage punches through me. "Why the bloody hell would they do that to us?" '

Fifteen Dogs

Fifteen Dogs, by Andre AlexisBlurb:It begins in a bar, like so many strange stories. The gods Hermes and Apollo argue about what would happen if animals had human intelligence, so they make a bet that leads them to grant consciousness and language to a group of dogs staying overnight at a veterinary clinic. Suddenly capable of complex thought, the dogs escape and become a pack. They are torn between those who resist the new ways of thinking, preferring the old 'dog' ways, and those who embrace the change. The gods watch from above as the dogs venture into unfamiliar territory, as they become divided among themselves, as each struggles with new thoughts and feelings. Wily Benjy moves from home to home, Prince becomes a poet, and Majnoun forges a relationship with a kind couple that stops even the Fates in their tracks.I will never look at my dogs the same way again! This book was so clever and the end was absolutely heartbreaking. The psychology in this book was so deep, but simply written so that the book wasn't hard to follow and I was amazed by how well - I imagine anyway - the author captured the thoughts of dogs, the confusion over human customs and thoughts about their own instincts. I'm probably going to sound crazy for saying this, but in many ways it reminded me of reading Homer's Iliad, just because it was Gods messing this mortal lives without a care... and you can see at the end that they're not repentant.Prince and Majnoun were so sweet and I felt so sorry for them at the end. Majnoun's devotion to Nira was beautiful. My only problem was that these were the only dogs I felt any kind of attachment to. Most of the others were mentioned so briefly that I never really had time to get to know them, either that or they were hard to like, though still great characters. Despite that though, this was a really good book, imaginative, funny at times and beautifully touching.My favourite quotes from 'Fifteen Dogs':'No one can silence the words inside, but you can ignore them.''... a pack needed unity, and unity meant they all understood the world in the same way or, if not the world, the rules, at least.''... his actions forced Benjy to reconsider where and how he wanted to live, forcing on him the unexpected dignity of a choice.''Perfect understanding between beings is no guarantor of happiness. To perfectly understand another's madness, for instance, is to be mad oneself.''Majnoun could barely keep himself from attacking the man who'd spoken Miguel's name. It seemed to him that no one else had the right to make such an important sound.''... I'm sure you'll find they're to blame, though some might blame you since you're unable to control your children...''No other being has encountered the word love as Nira has or used it in quite the same ways...''Prince was not one to lose hope, but now hope abandoned him.'

The Demon Inside

The Demon InsideBlurb:Darcy was a perfectly normal teenage girl, enjoying the summer after completing her A Levels with her boyfriend Alec. Until the night strange creatures begin falling from the sky, infecting people and transforming them into crazed, animalistic cannibals.Having lost everything in one foul swoop - her parents, her home and all future plans - all Darcy can do is try to protect the people she does have left. Together, she and Alec, along with her younger sister, sarcastic best-friend and Alec's alcoholic father, set off on a journey to find somewhere safe in a world where everything is different.However, when they do finally discover a haven, a place to call home again, along with a community of fellow surivors, can they remain? And who will survive?For an EXCERPT clickHERE.Get your copy NOW!Amazon UK Amazon US And all other Amazon sites!

Mischief and the Masters

Mischief and the Masters, (Masters of the Shadowlands, Book 12), by Cherise SinclairBlurb:She wants a short, sweet Master. One Master.The two devastatingly dominant Drago cousins have other ideas.Her life destroyed by a stalker, Uzuri Cheval starts anew in Tampa and joins the exclusive Shadowlands club. Unconvinced of her claims that she can overcome her fear of big men without help, Master Z gives her a time limit. And she is improving--until she hears the stalker is out of prison. Now her time limit is up, and the Masters will intervene, which is okay--as long as whoever helps her is short. Okay, sweet and gentle would be good, too.But two Doms? Dangerously experienced and dauntingly powerful cousins? No way.Having volunteered in every hellhole in the world, Dr. Alastair Drago is ready to settle down. Detective Max Drago has joined him and, once again, the cousins share everything. A house, lives, problems…and whatever submissive catches their interest. One mischievous submissive has definitely caught Alastair’s. However, having been burned by a woman, Max remains detached…until little mischief’s troubles turn deadly.Another great addiction to this series! Anyone who follows my reviews knows I love, love, LOVE this series; Cherise Sinclair is my favourite erotica author because her books have it all - good writing, swoon-worthy doms, spunky subs, kinky sex, romance and generally strong plots. This book was no exception.I've been intrigued by Uzuri for a while and I liked her even more once I got to know her and her issues. Also, as I've said in other reviews, I like that Cherise Sinclair doesn't pretend that past traumas just magically go away as soon as her heroine meets her hero, or in this case heroes; those issues still need to be worked through and they still rise up sometimes. Max and Alistair were perfect for her and I have to say I fell in love with both of them - Max now ranks second on my list of favourite Doms! I also liked that Holt got a little 'screen time' and I hope his book is next. It was also nice to see characters from the other books and I was laughing my head off when the Shadowkittens got together. And I'm now even more in love with Ben than I was before ;-)Now for the plot... as usual I have no issues. Though predominantly an erotic romance, there's always a little action, this time provide by Uzuri's stalker, though I do think it could have been put on a bit thicker in the middle to up the threat level.To end this review, I will just say that I'm always sad when I finish one of Cherise Sinclair's Shadowlands books because I don't know when the next one will be out, or if there will even be a next one. I really, really hope so. I would hate to see this series end and Holt and Saxon, at the least, still need their stories!My favourite quotes from 'Mischief and the Masters':'Courage is endurance for one moment more.''... don't give her a chance to let her anxieties overcome her courage.'' "Going into a fight, you know you might get hurt, but baby, I want you fucking determined that you'll be the only one standing at the end." ''Wasn't it funny that she could love them so, so much and give them only pain?'

The New Hunger

The New Hunger, (Warm Bodies Series, Book 2), by Isaac MarionBlurb:The end of the world didn’t happen overnight.After years of societal breakdown, wars and quakes and rising tides, humanity was already near the edge. Then came a final blow no one could have expected: all the world’s corpses rising up to make more.Born into this bleak and bloody landscape, twelve-year-old Julie struggles to hold on to hope as she and her parents drive across the wastelands of America, a nightmarish road trip in search of a new home.Hungry, lost, and scared, sixteen-year-old Nora finds herself her brother’s sole guardian after her parents abandon them in the not-quite-empty ruins of Seattle.And in the darkness of a forest, a dead man opens his eyes. Who is he? What is he? With no clues beyond a red tie and the letter “R,” he must unravel the mystery of his existence–right after he learns how to think, how to walk, and how to satisfy the monster howling in his belly...So this book actually takes place before Warm Bodies which to me seems a little redundant, though it was a good read it didn't actually reveal much that we didn't already know. Despite that, I really enjoyed this book, especially the parts about Nora and Addis. I love Isaac Marion's style of writing, the dark humour but also the way he describes some things so beautifully using imagery that never would have occurred to me.I seriously can't wait until February for the next book and I desperately want to know more about that happened to Addis - that ending almost broke my heart and this book has made me even more desperate to hear more about Nora and M!My favourite quotes from 'The New Hunger':'Nature is hungry. It is ready to take back what the man stole from it by living.''... she has seen more nightmares come true than dreams.''She has no destination, or even a direction. She is making them walk because motion is the only plan she has. Because stillness is death.''It's a strange feeling, being judged by a child. He's seven years old; where the hell did he get a moral compass?''Just because they made us doesn't mean they are us.''... don't waste bullets on other people's problems.''How could I have known my choices mattered?''... ending his brief foray into the world of unbroken people living unbroken lives.''When a corpse tells you how to live, do the opposite.''Life is only fair for the Dead, who get what they want because they want nothing.'

A Precious Jewel

A Precious Jewel, (The Ideal Wife Series, Book Two), by Mary BaloghBlurb:She was unlike any woman he’d ever met in the ton or the demimonde. But Sir Gerald Stapleton frequented Mrs. Blyth’s euphemistically dubbed “finishing school” for pure, uncomplicated pleasure–and nothing else. So why was this confirmed bachelor so thoroughly captivated by one woman in particular? Why did he find himself wondering how such a rare jewel of grace, beauty, and refinement as Priss had ended up a courtesan? And when she needed protection, why did Gerald, who’d sworn he’d never get entangled in affairs of the heart, hasten to set her up as his own pampered mistress to ensure her safety–and have her all to himself?For Priscilla Wentworth, the path leading to Sir Gerald’s bed had been as filled with misfortune as it suddenly seemed charmed. But Priss couldn’t allow herself to believe she’d ever be more to a man like Sir Gerald than a well-cared-for object of pleasure. Now, despite Gerald’s deep distrust of marriage, neither scandal nor society’s censure can keep them apart–only the fear of trusting their hearts.Okay, so I love the premise of this book; though it's a story line that has been done many, many times, it's one that I never get tired of because there is so much emotion to play with. However, though this book got off to a good start I ended up being disappointed.Priss was a good character and I could sympathise with her feelings entirely, but I just couldn't understand her love for Gerald. To me he just wasn't a hero I could fall in love with. I felt for him at times because of his lack of self-worth, but mostly I found him to be a bit of a jerk and even at the end I never really felt that he loved her. Also, I HATED it when he called her a 'good girl'; it just sounded so condesending and I think if it had been me I would have smacked him.Also, I kept expecting something exciting to happen - like a confrontation with her family - but it never did and I just felt that everything fell a little short, which is a shame because I remember enjoying The Ideal Wife, the first in this series, and other books by Mary Balogh.All in all, a light hearted read that you don't have to think too much about, but not one that I felt invested in. However, reading about the Earl of Severn before his marriage has made me want to go back a re-read The Ideal Wife!My favourite quotes from 'A Precious Jewel':'A man expected his mistress to have only one set of skills and one body of knowledge.''... is it right to deprive another creature of its liberty merely for our pleasure?''If it comes to a choice between you and the approval of my neighbors, then I'll take you.''... who you are is so much more important than what you are.''For the moment he had forgotten that the hand that reaches out to help always gets slapped aside.''When one knew that an inevitable end was approaching, and emptiness and pain, it was sometimes better to do something to hasten the end, to feel that one had some small measure of control over one's destiny.''He stood beside the bed for a few moments, gazing down at her so that she wanted to reach out and take him by the hand. Put it into words, she wanted to tell him. I cannot read your eyes.''The best way to cope with pain was to pass it on to someone else. Be slapped and slap right back. Be hurt and hurt right back.'' "... Priss deserves happiness.""Yes," she said. "Unfortunately, Sir Gerald, people rarely get what they deserve in this life. Perhaps that is why we have had to invent a heaven." ''If you choose to be unhappy, then Miles and I will make you as comfortable as we may.'

The Fire of our Lives

The Fire of our Lives, by Shea WilsonBlurb:Rick, Harv and Bob, just graduated from college, are embarked on a late 20th century version of the Grand Tour when a chance encounter on the outskirts of Lander, Wyoming changes everything.  After things go awry, our travelers benefit from a tenuous temporary legal technicality to escape Lander and continue their sojourn through Colorado and New Mexico, before arriving at one final moment of truth.  Join these three 22 year olds—not yet truly men, but clearly beyond being boys—as they grapple with a seminal inflection point in their lives while exploring the landscapes, flora and fauna of the American West.  Along the way they learn things about themselves . . . and how sex, class and money affect the daily interactions we call our lives.  So buckle up for a rollicking ride through the Rockies.  And see if it surprises you how it ends up.Find Out More...WebsiteFacebook