K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 6
March 12, 2021
Book review: Careless – Michelle Heard (@MichelleAHorst)
Leigh Baxter wasn’t your normal nineteen year old college student. Already a doctor, she’d taking a break before pursuing her passion, the heart, but while she’d an expert on the ins and outs of this organ, love is a concept she hasn’t fully grasped, although she felt she was close when she crossed path with Jaxon, the arrogant, frustrating man that pushed all kinds of buttons she didn’t know existed. On the cusp of tragedy he held her for one night and took everything she was. She could have loved him, if she hadn’t needed so desperately to hate him. Years later their paths are destined to cross once more, the man she needed to hate, the man she could have loved, stands before her, needing her in more ways than she could ever have thought possible.
Careless is book 3 in Michelle Heard’s Enemies to Lovers series and centres around Jaxon, the alpha male with a heard of stone, and Leigh a genius who values facts over emotions. when their paths collide both experience something they thought impossible. Having read the other books in the series, I could see straight away where this was going to fit, and I couldn’t wait. book two was an emotional ride which picked up pace as we follow not only Jaxon’s story arc, but Marcus’ too. I really enjoy characters that are well-written and appreciate the individual spirit of each character I’ve been introduced to in the series. I honestly can’t wait to read the remaining books and see how everything turns out
March 10, 2021
Book review: Illusion – Joseph Phelps
They say those who fail at higher education turn to a life of crime. In this instance a life of crime is exactly the name of the 21st century based immersive game Kurt finds himself drawn into after being expelled. At first it was a way of reconnecting with Jimmy, but as the stakes increase and Illusion is on the brink of being dominated by an unstoppable force, it becomes about something more. Kurt see a chance to do something important, something that will really make a difference, but in order to pull it off he must risk losing the very thing he wants to protect.
Illusion is a litRPG by Joseph Phelps and it is one hell of a ride, the plot manipulation aspects of fable combine with the high action and violence of Grand Theft Auto and a skill levelling system, something akin to Skyrim, to provide the reader with a non-stop head spinning, action-packed ride through the crime filled streets of Illusion. This book has everything from art heists and shoot outs, to high speed car chases and all out war, not to mention bosses, raids, and drama all unfolding at breakneck speed that propels you through the book. Hold on tight because you’re certainly in for one hell if a ride. Engaging characters, entertaining and fun plots, quests and raids all collide in this gripping tale that leaves you hungry for more.
Book review: Reckless- Michelle Heard (@MichelleAHorst)
Mia loved her brother, she loved his friends, they were close, family, until one day after they left for New York they no longer had time for her in their life. They stopped calling, stopped texting, forgot about her, leaving her alone and rejected. For four years it was as if she didn’t exist, for four years she grieved her isolation, and for the boy she loved but could never have, but just as she’s getting her life in order he walks back in her life, and nothing is quite what it appeared.
Reckless is book two in Michelle Hearts 5 book enemies to lovers romance. This book centres around Mia and Logan, but we still have other stories developing and I can say, without a doubt in my mind, I’ll be reading this entire series. This book is a seriously emotional journey, you’ll be dragged along on a torrent of emotions from heartbreak and sadness, to joy and happiness. There was just one rule amongst the Screw Crew, sisters were off limits. But Logan and Mia couldn’t help the way they felt for each other, nor did any of them understand exactly how their actions had affected the girl they’d left behind. Amazing, intense, and gripping, I can’t wait to read the next one.
March 8, 2021
Book review: Heartless – Michelle Heard (@MichelleAHorst)
Della had no time for boys. She was earning her degree, working to pay her way, because her succeeding wasn’t just about her. It was about the little sister she left at home. Their parents had died when they were still young, and she needed to make sure her sister was looked after. The plan was simple, work hard, get a degree, get a job look after Jamie. She hadn’t expected to become the focus of the screw crew’s latest bet, or the focus of Carter’s ire. The worst part was, there was something about him, even when he made her life hell she wanted to surrender. $400, that was the prize of the bet, but she had no idea that their game would change her life forever.
Heartless is book one in Michelle Heard’s, An Enemies To Lovers Novel (5 Book series) and I can already tell it is going to be one amazing journey. From the onset you are drawn into Della’s world and you can’t help but relate to her and the unique and vibrant characters that cross her path. There were moments in this book that left me with a lingering feeling of dread, and others that made me chuckle. A nice easy and engaging read with plenty of heat, action, and suspense. I can say without a doubt I’ll be picking up book two.
Book review: Sins of Justice – Maggie Cole (@MaggieColeAuth)
He’d killed a man. There had been no choice. Ryland knew this, he’d do it again in a heartbeat, without hesitation, but that didn’t mean it didn’t haunt him. He was barely functioning, consumed by guilt, so when Chloe, the newly assigned FBI agent shows up, wanting to know why he’d called them so urgently, he knew he was in trouble. There was something about this woman that made him want to confess his every sin. The attraction was instant, powerful, dangerous. He can’t stay away, and yet if he wants to keep his secret, keep his family safe, he has to do just that.
Sins of Justice is the second book in Maggie Cole’s Together we Stand series. Having read the first I was curious where this book would take us as it delves into the life of Ryland another of the Brooks brothers as the danger and ramifications of their actions continue to unfold around them. Entertaining, emotional, and wrought with danger. I loved the push pull between Ryland and Chloe, both trying to protect themselves for different reasons. An all round satisfying read filled with secrets, mystery, and a possessive alpha male who seeks to both embrace and reject his nature.
March 1, 2021
Book review: S.P. Dawes – The Vine Tree
Hayley and Jesse had been through hell. It finally seemed like they had chance to get their life together. They had each other, they had their beautiful boy, and they also had argument after argument until it seemed their love was no longer enough to hold the broken pieces together. Traumatised by what happened Hayley tries to get her life back together and move on. But being apart is the last thing Jesse wanted. Unaware that his attempts to reconcile with Hailey are being sabotaged, he vows to do whatever it takes to win her back, especially when a new case lands on his desk that feels a little too close to home.
The Vine Tree is the second book in S.P. Dawes The Vine Series. Having read the first book I was eager to find out where the next addition to the series would take us. watching Jesse and Hailey struggle, and the obstacles that they need to overcome from the guilt and regret they both harbour and the challenges they must face, both existing and new. I enjoyed watching events developed from the newest case that lands on Jesse’s desk, to discovering answers to questions we’ve considered since the first book. Well-paced, intense, and engaging, the Vine Tree was the perfect sequel, and after some of the bombshells in book two I can’t help but wonder where number three will take us. I started this book last night with the intention of reading just a few chapters, but instead I ended up finishing it at 3am.
February 28, 2021
Book review: The Frozen Flame – Sionna Trenz
Celia, aka CC, has spent years protecting her heart, throwing up mental roadblocks, looking for a reason why a good thing won’t last, why the person she is with will let her down. She can’t help it, her past ensured she’d be wary when it came to loving and trusting a man. The problem is, Rowan has caught her attention from the start, something about him sneaks past her defences. Rowan has been drawn to her since he first laid eyes on her, haunted by her beauty, but since their date another vision has been haunting him, one of ice and death delivered by her hand. He dreams in prophet, and knows he must do whatever it takes to stop this from happening. Someone, or something, is bringing trouble to their island once again, he only hopes he can protect those he loves from the fate that seems to wait in their future.
The Frozen Flame is the second book in Sionna Trenz’s Stargazer island series. I was completely enthralled by the first, so I was excited to learn the second book had been released. I enjoyed seeing the return of familiar characters, and witnessing how their life has changed since the short time since the end of the last book. Unlike the first, which revolved around Sonya and Liam, this book’s main focus is on Celia and Rowan. I loved how the author introduces us to diverse and interesting information about Roma culture and I’ve always had a soft spot for when authors insert phrases or words from other languages. The chemistry between Celia and Rowan is undeniable, as is the looming threat. Everything came together wonderfully as chaos and myth combine once more. I enjoyed how the book continues to bring in the characters we know, with something of a promise of more on their stories to come. I didn’t connect with Celia and Rowan’s story as much as I did with Sonya and Liam’s, but the story was still intense, engaging and well-written.
February 26, 2021
book review: A.R.S.E by Nolan Locke and Damien Hanson
Meredith’s plan had been simple. Fulfil Derek’s wildest fantasy and make him hers. She was one of the best in Prestige gaming, a company who revolutionised AR, her work was phenomenal, and it was exactly the tool of seduction she needed. What she hadn’t counted on was things spiralling out of control, glitches are appearing left, right and centre, cross genre merges, bizarre occurrences, but worse still, not matter what she does, Derek isn’t even noticing her. The game word is in chaos, spiralling out of control. Only it seems they are not the only ones playing, the game is playing with them too, and its sole mission seems to be to eradicate them.
A.R.S.E by Nolan Locke and Damien Hanson is a fun, witty, and entertaining addition to the LitRPG genre. The characters are refreshingly unique and the humour woven into the book had me chuckling aloud at times. Fast-paced and imaginative, this book will keep you on your toes and your plunged into the world of unrequited love, friend-zones, and epic glitches, both in the game and Meredith’s attempts at catching Derek’s eye. Light-hearted and tense, this book has it all, from dinosaurs to spaceships.
February 21, 2021
Book review: Julia Cowan – Cells (@juliacowan74)
James Hall hadn’t had the best start in life, his father had brushes with the law, his home felt anything but safe. As he grew older, he too was tempted. He had his brushes with the law, but then one day he crossed the wrong person. It had seemed like a simple opportunity, too easy, too good to overlook. He wasn’t sure why he had even done it, and if he’d know the cost maybe he would have just walked away. But he hadn’t, and he found himself drawn into something he could never have imagined. Confused, disorientated, he wakes in a cell, no way out, alone, and a choice awaits him, one that may seem impossible to make.
Cells by Julia Cowan is a psychological fiction that delves into crime, punishment, and justice, Sick of seeing criminals walk away scot free, two men decide to take the law into their owns hands to ensure the scum of the land get what they deserve, get punished in a way fitting their crime. James Hall is unlucky enough to find himself in one such place, but maybe, if he plays his cards right, there is still hope for him. This book has so many connecting threads woven in that the deeper you get into the story the more you connect the dots and events. I really enjoyed how we move between current and past events, filling in the pieces of a puzzle that is, at first, too large to see. This is masterfully written, intriguing and suspenseful with a strong cast of characters. It certainly held my attention from beginning to end.
February 20, 2021
Book review: Rebecca Ridge – Captivated: The submission of Maizey Randall (@AuthorRidge)
Maizey had travelled. For years she had found her own path, her own adventure, but it had finally been time to come home. Jobless she moves in with her mum, determined to pick up her life. But things have changed Her first love is married, and his brother still stirs desires best left buried. She was in need of a job, he needed someone at his new club, it wouldn’t hurt to work with him right?
Captivated: The submission of Maizey Randell is a BDSM erotica by Rebecca Ridge and it is certainly a hit and steamy read. I loved the characters and the chemistry from the onset, and I particularly appreciated how the author took the time to delve into the reality of BDSM. This book has all the markers of greatness, relatable and developed characters, chemistry, passion, complications and conflict, and an unseen danger. Not to mention the intimacy is well written, and filled with electricity and passion
