K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 5
March 28, 2021
Book review: S.P. Dawes – The Vine Coda
Jesse and Hayley had finally built their life together. They had been through hell, suffered, and somehow managed to salvage what they had and made a life for themselves. If anyone deserved some peace it was them, and with Hayley’s father promising them it was over, it was almost like they could breathe. Hayley was still fragile, reliving trauma. There are still things she hasn’t told Jesse, secrets. And now in one last bid for power those secrets have returned to haunt her, threatening to take away everything she has fought to protect.
The Vine Coda is the final book in S.P. Dawes Vine series, and what a conclusion it is. Heartbreak, second chances and danger combine as the complex plot ties together the events of the last two books and leaves no question unanswered. I loved the progression of the characters and how things seemingly unconnected were in fact woven into a complex web and scheme. This series truly is a masterpiece of mystery, suspense, and peril, and the ending was just perfect. If you’re looking for a deep, dark, and disturbing read that explores the depravity of the human mind and the lengths some people will go for power, then this is definitely one for you. With engaging and relatable characters and a gripping tense plot, you will not be left wanting.
March 22, 2021
Book review: Ruthless – Michelle Heard (@MichelleAHorst)
Marcus had spent his life protecting his heart, protecting others from the monster he feared he would become. His mother had once told him he was just like his father, but after what he did, that praise became his deepest fear. He built his walls, protected himself, and let no one inside. That was, until he met Willow. There was something about her that got to him. she saw through his façade, ignored his attempts to push her away, and somehow she did the unthinkable, she breached his defences. He wants nothing more than to love her, but he can’t especially now he knows every beat of his heart is for her.
Ruthless is book four of five book in Michelle Heard’s enemy to lovers series. Having read the others to this point, I enjoyed filling in the blanks. As the series has unfolded we have learnt a lot about the involved characters, each book centring around them finding their own HEA, and Marcus’ story was every bit as gripping and intense as those which came before it. We watch Marcus as he spends years fighting his heart, unwilling to take a chance when it could spell heartbreak and disaster. Having read the other books, I had pieced together what I thought would happen, and while in some respects I was right, there are things in the book I hadn’t considered. there is definitely more than one tear-jerking moment and as many that will make you smile. I must confess, having read all the books until this point, I am really looking forward to reading Rhett’s story.
March 20, 2021
Book review: Missing Pieces – Ivy Smoak (@IvySmoakAuthor)
The final addition to my, ‘how the hell have I not left a review for this book yet?’ reviews is for the third book in the amazing Ivy Smoak’s Men of Manhattan series. Although I’ll be honest, I’ve spotted a few more books that slipped by unreviewed, but I plan to give then another read and a proper review. I mean, it’s what they deserve after all. (Sorry Ivy – your books are just so good i get swept away by them)
It’s hard review this book without including spoilers from The Hunted Series, so before you feast your eyes on this short and sweet summary if you haven’t already read the amazing series, start there.
Missing pieces follows Tyler’s journey of self discovery. Torn and heartbroken, he has made a decision that will affect the rest of his life, and it all starts with a road trip. What he didn’t expect to find on this journey was the one thing he had been missing. Her name is Hayley, and she’s joining him on the road in a desperate attempt to save everything she loves. She needs to find hope, he needs to find himself, but together they find each other. This is a really sweet book that gives you a glimpse into Tyler’s past that also sheds some light on the boy we first meet in the Hunted series.
I read this originally on KU and ended up buying it on my second read through.
Book review: Third Chances – Ivy Smoak (@IvySmoakAuthor)
So, just like my review for City of Sin, this is another one of those kicking myself reviews. I last read this book in December, and that was the second time I had picked it up. The problem with books by Ivy Smoak is they’re addictive, you can’t just stop at one. I said on my last one, that I think I forgot to review because I went through all her books so quickly, but that is really no excuse, because every book I have ever read by this lady has been brilliant and deserves recognition, even if that’s in the form of a quick review I write months after reading it.
I would like to say Third Chances centres around one of my favourite characters, Rob, but anyone who has picked up any of Ivy’s books knows it’s pretty much impossible to have a favourite. Her characters are so alive and vibrant that it becomes impossible to just pick one, but there is a special place in my heart for the free spirited, prankster with a heart of gold, and seeing him find Daphne was truly amazing. I love how the two of them fit. They have difficulties, couldn’t be more different, and yet with effort they come together amazingly. Whilst Rob often seems free, in this book we get a glimpse into the things he hides beneath his confidence, and discover parts of him we didn’t know existed from the times we encounter him in the other books. Daphne, however, has a trouble past herself, and the more she uncovers about Rob, the more those red flag in her mind begin to spring. Sometimes the only things getting in the way of happiness, is yourself.
Book review: Ivy Smoak – City of Sin (@IvySmoakAuthor)
I am really annoyed at myself right now. I have read this amazing book twice already, how have I not reviewed it? I review pretty much everything I read. Well the answer is simple, once you get drawn into Ivy’s world of books life goes out of the window and you find yourself reading from one book to the next, and before you know it you’ve read all thirty+ of her books and are still hungry for more.
So this book follows Mason, who we meet in the Hunted and Light to my Darkness series, not to mention in the newer Empire high series. I absolutely love this guy, he is just brimming with personality, as is Bee, the love interest, the two could not be more different, Mason is a play boy with a kinky streak and somewhat darker desires, and Bee is a future cat lady, let down by love, hurt, passionate, and ambitious and the last thing she needs is to find herself on a date with the biggest player in New York. Well, hold on to your hats, because this book will take you on an amazing ride you won’t soon forget, and you know what, it’s just as amazing the second time around.
This is another one of those books I read on KU, and ended up buying because the books are just so damn good. And whilst I don’t normally post short reviews like this on my blog, I’m making an exception because this author’s books deserve all the recognition they can get.
Of course, what’s more annoying than realising I didn’t leave a review for this amazing book, is seeing I didn’t leave one for any book the the amazing Men of Manhattan series. More short reviews to follow.
Book review: Acts of Manipulation – Maggie Cole
After seeing her brother arrested for murdering his best friend, Gabriella struggled. She fought to keep herself sane, and failed. there were times when even the smallest thing could destroy her. But she was better now, she fought and clawed and finally got herself to where she needed to be. She had boundaries, and as long as she looked after herself she was fine. But then Triker, the new leader of the Twisted Hearts sets his sights on her. It didn’t matter that she was with Javier, that they had fought to be together, he wanted her. And what he got he wanted. The Twisted Hearts were known for taking women, breaking them, wearing them down. Can Gabriella remain strong, knowing that Javier will move mountains to find her, or will she find herself doing whatever it takes to survive, and losing herself in the process?
Acts of Manipulation is the third book in Maggie Cole’s Together we Stand series. This one focuses on Gabriella and Javier’s story. Instead of picking up from where book two ends, we find ourselves backtracking, which is normally a pet peeve of mine when I have to relive the same story from an alternative perspective, however, there are some cases where this works, because while the previous book centred around Chloe and and Ryland, this one has us seeing the relationship and troubles that Gabriella and Javier have to overcome, only for adversity to step in. When Gabriella is kidnapped, you can feel the pain and confusion, see the mind games, ask yourself the same questions she asks. It’s an amazing story where you can’t help but become invested in the characters and wonder how it will end.
Book review: A Price to Pay – Jason Hubbard
In Jason Hubbard’s A Price to Pay, Melindra awoke with no idea who she was. The face in the mirror was unfamiliar, the people she should know, strangers. But her instincts told her not to let on, that not everyone near her could be trusted if they saw her weakness. It’s hard to play along with plans when you don’t know what it is you’re doing and fear asking too many questions. But one thing becomes clear, she is not the person she thought she should be. When fragments return, and she sees the truth of her past, she has a decision to make, to continue on her current path, or embrace the life once led. No matter her decision there will be a cost, but which price is she willing to pay?
A Price to Pay by Jason Hubbard is an epic fantasy that explores the concept that one person has the power to change the world, for better or for worse. The third person narrative is descriptive and engaging allowing you to get a great feel for the world and characters. I enjoyed the travel to alternate worlds and Melindra’s interpretations on things she hasn’t seen before on Earth as she relates it to the knowledge she has. I’ve read countless amnesia stories, and thought this was executed really well, with a few questions and twists included along the way. I enjoyed the way flashbacks were brought in via diary entries, and the complex plotting and undertakings that develop through the plot. I thought the idea of how the Fire, the source of magic in a person, is obtained was unique and found myself drawn towards some of the side characters. Although their roles were small, their influence was great. A great fantasy with everything from magic and war, to vampires and a play for power as one woman fights to make a decision that will influence the very future of the world.
March 18, 2021
Book review: Storm of Emotions – Tabitha Womack (@TabithaWomack_1 )
The last thing Kerah wanted to do was run. She was a proud warrior, strong, fast, loyal. She wanted to stand and fight beside her uncle as the world crumbled around them. Instead she was torn from the battle, dragged out to sea, and announced to be her uncle’s heir. But misfortune followed her even on the waters. A violent storm takes everything, leaving her at the mercy of their rescuers. But their safety has a price. Impressed by her strength and intellect, the captain of the ship decides he will take her as his wife, and there is nothing she can do to change his mind. But trouble has followed her from Egypt, and old obsessions will not lie. Especially when a vast fortune and a beautiful woman is the prize for the victor.
Storm of Emotions by Tabitha Womack is a historical romance set in the 1800s. I have to admit, I’m not normally one for historical romance but this one really pulled me in. With a strong cast of characters, filled with intrigue, mystery, and their own agendas, it is easy to find yourself swept up in their tale. I loved how well the Scottish accent was written, I always enjoy it when an author goes that extra mile and, instead of saying, he spoke with a Scottish accent, uses appropriate words and phonetic spellings to really breathe life into the engaging dialogue. Being a collection of three books, I enjoyed following the story and watching it unravel in surprising and entertaining ways. Action, pride, adventure, and loyalty all merge to create a gripping plot that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
March 16, 2021
Book review: The Great Balance – Terrene A. Davenport
In Terrene A. Davenport’s The Great Balance Brie had been haunted by nightmares since the death of her mother, dark figures and sinister occurrences plaguing her sleep. But little does she know that these night terrors are just the tip of her troubles. For years she has worked to get her fashion business of the ground, and with great publicity and a plan, it’s ripe for explaining, the thing is, she knows never to take risks with her own money, so an investor is just what she needs. But this investor brings more than money to the table, he brings trouble, and now it’s too late to turn away.
The Great Balance is book one in Terrene A. Davenport’s An Angel and Saviour Fantasy Adventure Sage written from the first person perspective of a handful of characters. The author does a brilliant job with pacing and the introduction of mystery, secrets, and intrigue that ensure you want to keep reading. From the moment we met Brie I knew I was going to like her as a character, strong, independent, yet also troubled and seeking guidance. When that guidance comes, it’s in the form of Eric, an enigmatic man who lays her destiny at her feet. Mystery, intrigue, romance, suspense, and fear mingle in an epic search and recover style adventure where Brie must not only find what Eric asks of her, she must also find herself. With great pacing, imaginative antagonists, and realistic characters, this cross between science fiction, action adventure, and religious fiction is sure to keep everyone happy.
March 14, 2021
Book review: The Anti-Bachelorette – T.L. Quinn
Emory loved her dad, since her mother first dropped him at her door and left when she was five years old they had been inseparable. She’d also loved working side by side with him, until she came back from vacation to find an antagonistic, arrogant asshole had taken over as foreman on the site. As an old friend of her father’s, Alaric had gone from being absent to everywhere, and she hated him, they pushed each other’s buttons and got under one another’s skin. The anti-bachelorette party seemed like the perfect place to blow off some steam, but he was there too, and one stupid dare changed everything.
The Anti-Bachelorette is an enemies to love romance by T.L. Quinn. From the start we are drawn into plot through the first-person perspective of Emory, a developed and vibrant character who engages the reader from the start. I loved how I could really feel the mutual distain between Alaric and Emory, which made the push and pull of their relationship all the more enjoyable. Conflict, passion, and a touch of danger combine to deliver the kind of read you want to out down, even if it means going to sleep in the early hours of the morning.
