M.L. Sparrow's Blog, page 4
March 27, 2019
The Darkest Captive
The Darkest Captive, (Lords of the Underworld Series, Book 14.5), by Gena Showalter
Blurb:For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything. Then he met her. Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow. Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?My ReviewLegion is one of my favourite characters in this series and Galen has also been intriguing, so I was really excited to read this story, although even from the start I had a lot of reservations about it being a novella, considering they had so much to work through. Unfortunately, for me this book missed the mark, by a lot. I've enjoyed most of the books in this series so far and honestly, I feel like the main failing of this book was that it was a novella and there just wasn't enough time to develop the plot, characters or connection between the pair. The romance felt rushed and, for the most part, false, even though I feel they could have worked well together if more time had been given.I also felt like the writing has been slipping in the last few books and especially in this one. I. Hate. It. When. Authors. Do. This. ... and it happens a lot in this book. And the slang... uhhhh! I don't like slang especially, not in everyday life and not in books - I don't care if that makes me sound like a snob. If it's occasional or fits the character, fair enough, but Galen is a warrior made by the gods, thousands of years old, yet when he speaks he sounds like a teenager. Personally, I found it off putting.All in all, I was disappointed in this story. :-( 
My favourite quotes from 'The Darkest Captive': 'Play by the rules, and lose to a rule breaker.' 'He would do anything to protect what he valued. Maybe because there were so few things he actually valued?'' "If ever you hate yourself, tell me. I will like you enough for both of us." ' 'Your worth was not tarnished by what they did.' 'Fear is an anchor. Cut the anchor and soar.' 'I have to do this, and you have to let me.'
Blurb:For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything. Then he met her. Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow. Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?My ReviewLegion is one of my favourite characters in this series and Galen has also been intriguing, so I was really excited to read this story, although even from the start I had a lot of reservations about it being a novella, considering they had so much to work through. Unfortunately, for me this book missed the mark, by a lot. I've enjoyed most of the books in this series so far and honestly, I feel like the main failing of this book was that it was a novella and there just wasn't enough time to develop the plot, characters or connection between the pair. The romance felt rushed and, for the most part, false, even though I feel they could have worked well together if more time had been given.I also felt like the writing has been slipping in the last few books and especially in this one. I. Hate. It. When. Authors. Do. This. ... and it happens a lot in this book. And the slang... uhhhh! I don't like slang especially, not in everyday life and not in books - I don't care if that makes me sound like a snob. If it's occasional or fits the character, fair enough, but Galen is a warrior made by the gods, thousands of years old, yet when he speaks he sounds like a teenager. Personally, I found it off putting.All in all, I was disappointed in this story. :-( My favourite quotes from 'The Darkest Captive': 'Play by the rules, and lose to a rule breaker.' 'He would do anything to protect what he valued. Maybe because there were so few things he actually valued?'' "If ever you hate yourself, tell me. I will like you enough for both of us." ' 'Your worth was not tarnished by what they did.' 'Fear is an anchor. Cut the anchor and soar.' 'I have to do this, and you have to let me.'
March 25, 2019
The Alchemist
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho 
Blurb:Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.My ReviewDespite putting this book off for years, thinking it wasn't my kind of thing, I actually ended up really enjoying most of it. I definitely preferred the first half of the book, once he met the alchemist and did things like turning into the wind I started to roll my eyes a bit - not because I don't like fantasy, I do, I just felt like this book was good without all that and focusing on the power of dreams and 'fate' and following your dreams even when it's scary. The style of this book won't appeal to everyone - at first it didn't appeal to me - it's very slow and dreamy, everything is calm, even the scarce action scenes, yet I ended up liking it and being lulled by it, rather than bored which often happens with this type of writing style. I think it helped that this was a very short book, so there really wasn't much time to get bored; if it was a full length novel I could see myself feeling differently.However, I think the main thing I enjoyed about the book was the main character. Santiago, or as he's know throughout the story, the boy, is a character I can relate very strongly to. I think I enjoyed the first part of the book so much because he had feelings that I have felt and am feeling - the desire to travel and explore and experience life, but the fear of leaving behind what you know and are comfortable with. I've moved from England to Tokyo to Hong Kong and will soon be returning to England, yet despite now being used to it, I still feel the same uncertainty every time, wondering if I'm making the right decision and to read about the boy feeling almost exactly the same at a time when I'm wondering if I really want to leave HK, and the life I've built here, really got to me...As I've said, the second half of the book, for me, wasn't as good as the first. I felt like it became a bit too fantasy like and wishy-washy, however, the main issue for me with this book was that there was very little female representation. In fact, if my count is correct, there were only three women in the whole book - one was only talked about, the girl he first wanted to marry, a woman he asks a question in the Oasis and Fatima, who, for all his declarations of love, is represented as second to his dream. Now, I don't think anyone, male or female, should give up their greatest dreams for someone else - couple are supposed to help and support each other and help each other reach their goals - but after having a whole story with only mentions of women, it was a little grating to then have it said that 'love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend' as if it were a one way street and the woman dreams are nonexistent.Still, despite that main issue, I found this to be an enjoyable, easy read. I know lots of people have conflicting opinions about this one, but personally I enjoyed it for the most part. 
My favourite quotes from 'The Alchemist': ' "... at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." ' ' "No one can be from many places ... I'm a shepherd, and I have been to many places, but I come from only one place..." ' 'People say strange things, the boy thought. Sometimes it's better to be with the sheep, who don't say anything. And better still to be alone with one's books.''I left my father, my mother, and the town castle behind. They have gotten used to my being away, and so have I.' 'A shepherd may like to travel, but he should never forget about his sheep.' 'It wasn't a strange place; it was a new one.'
Blurb:Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.My ReviewDespite putting this book off for years, thinking it wasn't my kind of thing, I actually ended up really enjoying most of it. I definitely preferred the first half of the book, once he met the alchemist and did things like turning into the wind I started to roll my eyes a bit - not because I don't like fantasy, I do, I just felt like this book was good without all that and focusing on the power of dreams and 'fate' and following your dreams even when it's scary. The style of this book won't appeal to everyone - at first it didn't appeal to me - it's very slow and dreamy, everything is calm, even the scarce action scenes, yet I ended up liking it and being lulled by it, rather than bored which often happens with this type of writing style. I think it helped that this was a very short book, so there really wasn't much time to get bored; if it was a full length novel I could see myself feeling differently.However, I think the main thing I enjoyed about the book was the main character. Santiago, or as he's know throughout the story, the boy, is a character I can relate very strongly to. I think I enjoyed the first part of the book so much because he had feelings that I have felt and am feeling - the desire to travel and explore and experience life, but the fear of leaving behind what you know and are comfortable with. I've moved from England to Tokyo to Hong Kong and will soon be returning to England, yet despite now being used to it, I still feel the same uncertainty every time, wondering if I'm making the right decision and to read about the boy feeling almost exactly the same at a time when I'm wondering if I really want to leave HK, and the life I've built here, really got to me...As I've said, the second half of the book, for me, wasn't as good as the first. I felt like it became a bit too fantasy like and wishy-washy, however, the main issue for me with this book was that there was very little female representation. In fact, if my count is correct, there were only three women in the whole book - one was only talked about, the girl he first wanted to marry, a woman he asks a question in the Oasis and Fatima, who, for all his declarations of love, is represented as second to his dream. Now, I don't think anyone, male or female, should give up their greatest dreams for someone else - couple are supposed to help and support each other and help each other reach their goals - but after having a whole story with only mentions of women, it was a little grating to then have it said that 'love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend' as if it were a one way street and the woman dreams are nonexistent.Still, despite that main issue, I found this to be an enjoyable, easy read. I know lots of people have conflicting opinions about this one, but personally I enjoyed it for the most part. My favourite quotes from 'The Alchemist': ' "... at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." ' ' "No one can be from many places ... I'm a shepherd, and I have been to many places, but I come from only one place..." ' 'People say strange things, the boy thought. Sometimes it's better to be with the sheep, who don't say anything. And better still to be alone with one's books.''I left my father, my mother, and the town castle behind. They have gotten used to my being away, and so have I.' 'A shepherd may like to travel, but he should never forget about his sheep.' 'It wasn't a strange place; it was a new one.'
March 20, 2019
P.S. I Still Love You
P.S. I Still Love You, (To All The Boys I've Loved Before Trilogy, Book 2), by Jenny Han 
Blurb:Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?My ReviewI'm going to keep this short. After loving the movie, I though book one was just okay, but was looking forward to this book because I wanted to see how Lara Jean and Peter were as a real couple. I ended up being disappointed; there was no chemistry between them and, although I don't particularly like reading love triangles, I preferred her with John. Honestly, everything in this book just felt flat to me, I didn't connect with any of the characters and was bored by the plot. I don't think I'll bother reading the last book... My favourite quotes from 'P.S. I Still Love You':'This is a relief to me, that even now, with eyes red from crying, Margot still doesn't regret having loved Josh.' ' "You're not my best friend. You're my sister, and that's more." ' 'This is what Margot was talking about, this double standard. Boys will be boys, but girls are supposed to be careful.' 'If we weren't meant to be, how could we both walk away just like that? I guess the answer is, we weren't.''Let's go all in. No more contract. No more safety net. You can break my heart. Do whatever you want with it.'
Blurb:Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?My ReviewI'm going to keep this short. After loving the movie, I though book one was just okay, but was looking forward to this book because I wanted to see how Lara Jean and Peter were as a real couple. I ended up being disappointed; there was no chemistry between them and, although I don't particularly like reading love triangles, I preferred her with John. Honestly, everything in this book just felt flat to me, I didn't connect with any of the characters and was bored by the plot. I don't think I'll bother reading the last book... My favourite quotes from 'P.S. I Still Love You':'This is a relief to me, that even now, with eyes red from crying, Margot still doesn't regret having loved Josh.' ' "You're not my best friend. You're my sister, and that's more." ' 'This is what Margot was talking about, this double standard. Boys will be boys, but girls are supposed to be careful.' 'If we weren't meant to be, how could we both walk away just like that? I guess the answer is, we weren't.''Let's go all in. No more contract. No more safety net. You can break my heart. Do whatever you want with it.'
Renegades
Renegades, (Renegades Trilogy, Book 1), by Marissa Meyer
Blurb:Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice. The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew. Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both. My ReviewSo... this book has everything that should have made me love it. Superheroes, action, deception, friendships, fun banter, a strong heroine, a cute hero and loads more. And yet it took me almost three months to read... Unfortunately, despite having so many of the right ingredients, this book just didn't hook me and I only really became invested in the story and characters near the end and I'm not even sure why. Perhaps it's the authors writing style because I remember trading through Heartless and not being able to get into it either, again despite the fact there was so much in there that I should have loved. I also felt the same way about Cinder and Scarlet, but persisted with the series and ended up LOVING Cress and Winter, so I think I'll probably still check out the last two books in this trilogy but not right away.
My favourite quotes from 'Renegades': 'Perhaps Honey only thrived when she had something to fight against. Perhaps they all did.' ' "And if revenge does not bring you joy?""It's not joy I'm looking for." 'Heroism wasn't about what you could do, it was about what you did.' 'How long before all of humanity gave up on personal freedom and responsibility?' 'He might have been her enemy, but... she didn't believe he deserved to die.' ' "Each of you has the makings of a great superhero. I, for one, would like to see you survive long enough for that potential to be realised." ' 'As long as there are superheroes, there will be people who rely on them far too much.''And as long as the people relied on superheroes to take care of them, they would never learn to stand on their own again.'
Blurb:Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice. The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew. Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both. My ReviewSo... this book has everything that should have made me love it. Superheroes, action, deception, friendships, fun banter, a strong heroine, a cute hero and loads more. And yet it took me almost three months to read... Unfortunately, despite having so many of the right ingredients, this book just didn't hook me and I only really became invested in the story and characters near the end and I'm not even sure why. Perhaps it's the authors writing style because I remember trading through Heartless and not being able to get into it either, again despite the fact there was so much in there that I should have loved. I also felt the same way about Cinder and Scarlet, but persisted with the series and ended up LOVING Cress and Winter, so I think I'll probably still check out the last two books in this trilogy but not right away.My favourite quotes from 'Renegades': 'Perhaps Honey only thrived when she had something to fight against. Perhaps they all did.' ' "And if revenge does not bring you joy?""It's not joy I'm looking for." 'Heroism wasn't about what you could do, it was about what you did.' 'How long before all of humanity gave up on personal freedom and responsibility?' 'He might have been her enemy, but... she didn't believe he deserved to die.' ' "Each of you has the makings of a great superhero. I, for one, would like to see you survive long enough for that potential to be realised." ' 'As long as there are superheroes, there will be people who rely on them far too much.''And as long as the people relied on superheroes to take care of them, they would never learn to stand on their own again.'
March 2, 2019
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
To All the Boys I've Loved Before, (To All the Boys I've Loved Before Trilogy, Book 1), by Jenny Han
Blurb:To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.My ReviewFirstly, I love the cover of this book and I've been meaning to read it for a while, especially since I really enjoyed the film. This was a cute, fluffy, easily readable story. Personally, I felt it was a little flat in places, for example the 'romance', although faked for most of the book, didn't really do it for me, nor did the friendships that were portrayed. Honestly, the best relationship in this book was the ones between sisters, it was relatable and true and very endearing in places. I did like Peter in this book, although he was an arse in places, but I have to say I preferred him in the movie.Still, I'm keen to read the next book in this series, as I want to see how Lara Jean and Peter are together as an actual couple...My favourite quotes from 'To All the Boys I Loved Before': 'Kitty doesn't have one memory of Mommy that we haven't given her.' 'There's no waffling, no regrets. It's like she said: when she's done, she's just done.' 'Margot doesn't see the point in wondering. This is our life; there's no use in asking what if. No one could ever give you the answers.' 'I wonder what it's like to have that much power over a boy. I don't think I'd want it; it's a lot of responsibility to hold a person's heart in your hands.' 'I'm betraying my own sister, and there's no greater betrayal than that.''It doesn't matter that they're broken up. He was hers first, which means he's hers always.' ' "...you're stalling because you don't want to answer the question." "I answered it, you just didn't like my answer." ' ' "If people knew you, they would love you." He sounds so matter of fact.Josh, you break my heart. And you're a liar. Because you know me, you know me better than almost anybody, and you don't love me.' 'Sisters are supposed to fight and make up, because they are sisters and sisters always find their way back to each other.'
Blurb:To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.My ReviewFirstly, I love the cover of this book and I've been meaning to read it for a while, especially since I really enjoyed the film. This was a cute, fluffy, easily readable story. Personally, I felt it was a little flat in places, for example the 'romance', although faked for most of the book, didn't really do it for me, nor did the friendships that were portrayed. Honestly, the best relationship in this book was the ones between sisters, it was relatable and true and very endearing in places. I did like Peter in this book, although he was an arse in places, but I have to say I preferred him in the movie.Still, I'm keen to read the next book in this series, as I want to see how Lara Jean and Peter are together as an actual couple...My favourite quotes from 'To All the Boys I Loved Before': 'Kitty doesn't have one memory of Mommy that we haven't given her.' 'There's no waffling, no regrets. It's like she said: when she's done, she's just done.' 'Margot doesn't see the point in wondering. This is our life; there's no use in asking what if. No one could ever give you the answers.' 'I wonder what it's like to have that much power over a boy. I don't think I'd want it; it's a lot of responsibility to hold a person's heart in your hands.' 'I'm betraying my own sister, and there's no greater betrayal than that.''It doesn't matter that they're broken up. He was hers first, which means he's hers always.' ' "...you're stalling because you don't want to answer the question." "I answered it, you just didn't like my answer." ' ' "If people knew you, they would love you." He sounds so matter of fact.Josh, you break my heart. And you're a liar. Because you know me, you know me better than almost anybody, and you don't love me.' 'Sisters are supposed to fight and make up, because they are sisters and sisters always find their way back to each other.'
February 17, 2019
Heartstopper: Volume 1
Heartstopper: Volume 1, by Alice Oseman 
Blurb:Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore, and he's sort of got a boyfriend, even if he's kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...My ReviewI'll admit I ordered this book because I loved the cover and much like said cover suggests, this is a very cutesy story. The art is adorable and I thought the story line was very cute, though I'll admit I got a little put off by all the pauses and repeating of things. Still, I want to see how Nick and Charlie's romance progresses, so I'll be reading the next one once it's out and I honestly think it'll pick up as the series goes on. 
Blurb:Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore, and he's sort of got a boyfriend, even if he's kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...My ReviewI'll admit I ordered this book because I loved the cover and much like said cover suggests, this is a very cutesy story. The art is adorable and I thought the story line was very cute, though I'll admit I got a little put off by all the pauses and repeating of things. Still, I want to see how Nick and Charlie's romance progresses, so I'll be reading the next one once it's out and I honestly think it'll pick up as the series goes on.
February 6, 2019
Master of the Dark Side
Master of the Dark Side, (Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series', Book 4), by Cherise Sinclair 
Blurb:Real Doms terrify her, so Summer plays with lightweights only. And only in the safety of her club, Dark Haven. But on Western Night, the tough cop who wins her in a sub-roping game is as powerful as they come. Virgil's first taste of BDSM was disturbingly enticing. Hoping to burn out his interest, he visits an infamous San Francisco club, where he wins himself the prettiest little submissive he's ever seen. He's in a quandary. A man shouldn't render a woman helpless, let alone spank her ass. But the nervous little submissive clearly loves being in his ropes. Her need to be controlled is as powerful as his need to control. So he indulges himself, and her. That one night could be the beginning, but instead it's the end. She won't play outside the club and he lives too far to visit often. He'll just have to find a way to forget her...or get her in his ropes to stay. My ReviewAnother novella by Cherise Sinclair that I enjoyed and wished had been longer, although their definitely would have needed to have been more of a plot line in order to have made it into a full length novel, however, it worked perfectly as a novella. I liked Virgil, he's definitely one of the sweetest mom's I've read in a while and it was nice to have a hero who didn't hide his teddy bear side. :-) Summer was also a very relatable character and, after her experience, her fears and issues were very understandable and well worked through. On the other hand, Virgil is new to the BDSM scene and I felt like his idea that being a dom is the same as being a pervert needed a little more working through... All in all though, a good edition to the series and Sinclair didn't disappoint!
Blurb:Real Doms terrify her, so Summer plays with lightweights only. And only in the safety of her club, Dark Haven. But on Western Night, the tough cop who wins her in a sub-roping game is as powerful as they come. Virgil's first taste of BDSM was disturbingly enticing. Hoping to burn out his interest, he visits an infamous San Francisco club, where he wins himself the prettiest little submissive he's ever seen. He's in a quandary. A man shouldn't render a woman helpless, let alone spank her ass. But the nervous little submissive clearly loves being in his ropes. Her need to be controlled is as powerful as his need to control. So he indulges himself, and her. That one night could be the beginning, but instead it's the end. She won't play outside the club and he lives too far to visit often. He'll just have to find a way to forget her...or get her in his ropes to stay. My ReviewAnother novella by Cherise Sinclair that I enjoyed and wished had been longer, although their definitely would have needed to have been more of a plot line in order to have made it into a full length novel, however, it worked perfectly as a novella. I liked Virgil, he's definitely one of the sweetest mom's I've read in a while and it was nice to have a hero who didn't hide his teddy bear side. :-) Summer was also a very relatable character and, after her experience, her fears and issues were very understandable and well worked through. On the other hand, Virgil is new to the BDSM scene and I felt like his idea that being a dom is the same as being a pervert needed a little more working through... All in all though, a good edition to the series and Sinclair didn't disappoint!
Simon Says: Mine
Simon Says: Mine, (Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series', Book 2), by Cherise Sinclair
Blurb:With an empty nest and divorce in hand, Rona decides it's time to explore the fantasies that nourished her through a long, tedious marriage to a man whose idea of outrageous sex was leaving the lights on. At the top of her fantasy list is touring Dark Haven, the BDSM club, but she isn't prepared for the effect of a powerful Dom. When Master Simon takes control and introduces her to toys and sensations she's never felt before, she realizes he could fulfil every fantasy on her list all by himself. But she's vowed to never get trapped in a relationship again. One of the most popular Doms in Dark Haven, Master Simon has had his fill of eager, shallow, young subs. Rona is older, intelligent, independent...and sweetly submissive. After an evening of intense pleasure and despite her obvious attraction, she refuses to see him again. He needs a way to change her mind. She's not the first sub he's taken on a journey of exploration, but he's beginning to think she might be the last. My ReviewI'll keep this review short, since this is a very short novella. I have to say this wasn't one of my favourites, which kinda disappointed me, since I've always been intrigued by Simon. Personally, I really liked the characters, although Rona started to annoy me with her wanting many men nearer the end - I get that she had issues and she was working through them, but still, it got a little irritating - and honestly would have liked them to have a full length novella where there was more room for a stronger plot line. One of the things I like about Cherise Sinclair's books is that they usually have a plot line, besides the romance and BDSM, to keep the story moving and make it so that the book isn't just sex scenes, however, I felt like this story lacked that and personal I was bored...
Blurb:With an empty nest and divorce in hand, Rona decides it's time to explore the fantasies that nourished her through a long, tedious marriage to a man whose idea of outrageous sex was leaving the lights on. At the top of her fantasy list is touring Dark Haven, the BDSM club, but she isn't prepared for the effect of a powerful Dom. When Master Simon takes control and introduces her to toys and sensations she's never felt before, she realizes he could fulfil every fantasy on her list all by himself. But she's vowed to never get trapped in a relationship again. One of the most popular Doms in Dark Haven, Master Simon has had his fill of eager, shallow, young subs. Rona is older, intelligent, independent...and sweetly submissive. After an evening of intense pleasure and despite her obvious attraction, she refuses to see him again. He needs a way to change her mind. She's not the first sub he's taken on a journey of exploration, but he's beginning to think she might be the last. My ReviewI'll keep this review short, since this is a very short novella. I have to say this wasn't one of my favourites, which kinda disappointed me, since I've always been intrigued by Simon. Personally, I really liked the characters, although Rona started to annoy me with her wanting many men nearer the end - I get that she had issues and she was working through them, but still, it got a little irritating - and honestly would have liked them to have a full length novella where there was more room for a stronger plot line. One of the things I like about Cherise Sinclair's books is that they usually have a plot line, besides the romance and BDSM, to keep the story moving and make it so that the book isn't just sex scenes, however, I felt like this story lacked that and personal I was bored...
Master of Freedom
Master of Freedom, (Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series', Book 7), by Cherise Sinclair
Blurb:Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body. Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death. To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him. Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day? Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart. My ReviewThis was a short, enjoyable read and I was impressed that Sinclair managed to fit so much action (a prison breakout and kidnapping being among the action scenes) into such a short novella, since she also managed to fit in dealing with Gin's emotional issues, her introduction to BDSM, Sawyer (Atticus's brother) being in prison and the mandatory hot, kinky sex. This little book was packed! :-)A really good addition to the series, although there's not much else I can say besides the usual - good writing, great characters, interesting plot... wonderful sex scenes!
Blurb:Detective Atticus Ware gave up his beloved Idaho to start again in the mountains of California, close to his imprisoned brother. He has a rewarding job and friends, but the experienced Dominant wants more than the Do-Me submissives who flock around him. He needs a woman who will give her heart as well as her body. Virginia, “Gin,” is damn good at her challenging career as a prison psychologist. However, one problem inmate is mired in misery and unable to overcome his guilt at causing a friend’s death. To clear her mind, she joins a friend’s kinky backpacking excursion, planning to hide in her tent during the evening BDSM pursuits. But Atticus lures her into the activities. She’s read about BDSM, but submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. She doesn’t trust men, doesn’t want a relationship, and yet…wants more from him. Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. But she’s not only his brother’s therapist, but also works in a prison. How can he tolerate his woman walking into danger every single blasted day? Gin knows she has no future with Atticus Ware, but still, hope is rising in her heart. My ReviewThis was a short, enjoyable read and I was impressed that Sinclair managed to fit so much action (a prison breakout and kidnapping being among the action scenes) into such a short novella, since she also managed to fit in dealing with Gin's emotional issues, her introduction to BDSM, Sawyer (Atticus's brother) being in prison and the mandatory hot, kinky sex. This little book was packed! :-)A really good addition to the series, although there's not much else I can say besides the usual - good writing, great characters, interesting plot... wonderful sex scenes!
Edge of the Enforcer
Edge of the Enforcer, (Mountain Masters and Dark Haven Series', Book 6), by Cherise Sinclair
Blurb: One sadist. One submissive. One extraordinary love. WELCOME TO DARK HAVEN AND MAY ALL YOUR DARKEST WISHES COME TRUE Fleeing false murder charges, Lindsey lands in San Francisco. There she builds a satisfying life until, in the notorious Dark Haven BDSM club, she encounters deVries. Moth, meet flame. A security specialist and occasional mercenary, deVries needs an adorable submissive like a knife to the gut. Hell, she’s not even a masochist. But here she is, all big brown eyes and sweet body and sassy mouth. Loyal. Tough-minded. Honest. Or maybe not, considering her ID is forged. If she thinks to lie to him, she’ll learn better. He’s the Enforcer of Dark Haven—his discipline is absolute, his punishments harsh, and his heart untouched...until now. My ReviewYes! Wow! Cherise Sinclair was at the top of her game when she wrote this one! Why did I wait so long to read this? Add this book to my favourite Cherise Sinclair reads! OMG, Zander... Why do I always find the sadists so sexy? Much like Lindsey, I'm definitely not into hardcore pain, but this guy is just... *sigh*. Yes, he seriously annoyed me a few times, jumping to conclusions and generally being an arsehole, however, although it annoyed me at the time, thinking about it afterwards, I did like the way Sinclair gave him issues as well. It kinda gets irritating when it's only the heroine who has things to work through, don't you think? Zander definitely wasn't the perfect hero, not to begin with, but by the end of the book I dare anyone not to be in love with him.Another thing I love about Sinclair's books (there are many, many things!) is that the sex scenes are never the same. Clearly, you have a lot of variety in BDSM and I love that you never know what's going to happen in a scene... although you know it'll be hot. ;-) This story, unlike a few of the others, also had a strong plot line alongside the romance, as Lindsey is running from false murder charges and people who want her dead, which added a flare and some action to the story, which is always something I enjoy.All in definitely one to read if you enjoy BDSM romance and heroes that can melt you with a look! 
Blurb: One sadist. One submissive. One extraordinary love. WELCOME TO DARK HAVEN AND MAY ALL YOUR DARKEST WISHES COME TRUE Fleeing false murder charges, Lindsey lands in San Francisco. There she builds a satisfying life until, in the notorious Dark Haven BDSM club, she encounters deVries. Moth, meet flame. A security specialist and occasional mercenary, deVries needs an adorable submissive like a knife to the gut. Hell, she’s not even a masochist. But here she is, all big brown eyes and sweet body and sassy mouth. Loyal. Tough-minded. Honest. Or maybe not, considering her ID is forged. If she thinks to lie to him, she’ll learn better. He’s the Enforcer of Dark Haven—his discipline is absolute, his punishments harsh, and his heart untouched...until now. My ReviewYes! Wow! Cherise Sinclair was at the top of her game when she wrote this one! Why did I wait so long to read this? Add this book to my favourite Cherise Sinclair reads! OMG, Zander... Why do I always find the sadists so sexy? Much like Lindsey, I'm definitely not into hardcore pain, but this guy is just... *sigh*. Yes, he seriously annoyed me a few times, jumping to conclusions and generally being an arsehole, however, although it annoyed me at the time, thinking about it afterwards, I did like the way Sinclair gave him issues as well. It kinda gets irritating when it's only the heroine who has things to work through, don't you think? Zander definitely wasn't the perfect hero, not to begin with, but by the end of the book I dare anyone not to be in love with him.Another thing I love about Sinclair's books (there are many, many things!) is that the sex scenes are never the same. Clearly, you have a lot of variety in BDSM and I love that you never know what's going to happen in a scene... although you know it'll be hot. ;-) This story, unlike a few of the others, also had a strong plot line alongside the romance, as Lindsey is running from false murder charges and people who want her dead, which added a flare and some action to the story, which is always something I enjoy.All in definitely one to read if you enjoy BDSM romance and heroes that can melt you with a look!
