K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 8
February 7, 2021
Book review: Playing a Player by Ivy Smoak (@IvySmoakAuthor)
Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride. That was how the old saying went. But Keira hadn’t been a bridesmaid just three times. All her friends had entered an exciting new chapter in her life, and she had been left behind, desperately seeking another roommate as her last one tied the knot. When Rory arrived at her door she wasn’t what Kiera expected at all, mainly because she wasn’t a she. This godly Adonis was all male, but unfortunately he was all playboy too, and Kiera had fallen for his charms the moment their eyes had met. Determined to win him over she tries to play him at his own game, but when every past relationship has left her feeling she has nothing to offer, can she really offer a playboy enough to get him to change his way?
Playing a Player is an amazing romcom written by Ivy Smoak. I first read this book last year, and it is one of those reads that stays with you. I don’t remember the last time I laughed, cringed, and grinned at a book this muck. The chemistry is Smoaking hot (yes I went there) A common trait in all Ivy’s books is you fall in love with the characters and become so invested in the plot that its hard to tear yourself away, the Sweet Cravings series is no different. You’re gathered in a whirlwind of excitement and emotion that leaves you hungry for more. Sexy, fun, and engaging, this book has everything to offer from mischievous hunks to heart wrenching moments. I rarely reread books, but I’m currently finishing my second round of all of Ivy Smoak’s books. If you haven’t picked up on of her books yet, don’t wait any longer.
February 6, 2021
Book review: Andrew McDowell – Mystical Greenwood (@ammcdow)
Dermot has felt called to the land for as long as he could remember. As a youth his wanderlust caused him all manner of trouble, but now it could be the very thing that saves him. When a griffon appears it puts into motion an ancient promise, a vow made by The Dark Prince to return and finish the task he had started years before. Dermot, with the aid on unexpected allies must journey across the land to seek the only chance of stopping this rising force. Will he find what he seeks, or will The Dark Prince make true his promise and destroy everything Dermot holds dear?
Mystical Greenwood is a high fantasy. Andrew McDowell whisks the reader on a fantastical journey filled with legends, magic, and mythical creatures. With a smooth flowing narrative it is easy to connect to the characters and be pulled into the terrifying plot. I enjoyed the incorporation of old words into the narrative, which I always feel add a little extra something to any fantasy setting. The characters are intriguing and offered the potential to grow and develop as their journey progresses, and watching them change as life tempers them in itself is an adventure. If you’re looking for a high-stakes fantasy plot filled with classic fantasy elements, then this could be just the read you’re looking for.
January 30, 2021
Book review: The Ruin of House Hornbolt by Ivy Smoak and Ryan Hauge (@IvySmoakAuthor) (@RyanHaugeAuthor)
Terric had grown up hearing tales of brave knights and great warriors. He wanted nothing more than to follow suit, to begin his own epic journey, and yet fate was against him. Born as the second son of the House of Hornbolt he is destined to swear his oaths and become a priest. Nothing could be further from what he wanted, nothing more contrary to his nature. With the time of his oath approaching he must act quickly if he is to avoid this life-destroying commitment. Meanwhile, his mother is once more on the trail of her father’s murderer, and it seems the suspect could be closer to home than she had ever imagined. With the tournament to name ‘Arwin’s Lance’ soon upon them the city is flooded with visitors, from the prince who the eldest daughter, Oriana, wishes to marry, to the rouge who wants to steal her heart. Everything is happening, right here, right now, and still so much remains unseen. Will the truth be uncovered before unthinkable plots and secret dealings threaten everything?
The Ruin of House Hornbolt by Ryan Hauge Ivy Smoak is a thrilling and enchanting high fantasy filled to the brim with everything that makes this genre great, from secret guilds, assassins, and knights, all the way to ancient gods, prophecies, and magic. It’s no secret that I love fantasy, and The Ruin of House Hornbolt has something to please even the most fussy reader. A wide cast of characters, each with their own vibrant personalities, ambitions, and flaws will snare your attention while they move through the complex and engaging plot. Action, danger, romance, mystery, and adventure all combine with impressive world building to deliver an epic and immersive plot that leaves you wanting more.
January 28, 2021
Book review: Devotion by Ivy Smoak (@IvySmoakAuthor)
A disaster, a heart breaking, breath-stealing disaster. That was what Penny’s life had become. She should have been walking down the aisle with the man of her dreams, but how quickly those dreams had become a nightmare. Now, instead of her happily ever after she was trying to piece together the parts of her broken life, trying to build herself a future that no longer involved the person who was not just her heart, but her soul as well. Isabella had sought to drive a wedge between her and James, and she had succeeded, but that didn’t change how Penny felt. It didn’t change the fact her heart beat only for James. Will James realise what he has done, and if so can he convince Penny to take one more chance? Even if he does, will his ex-wife sit back and watch as they say their I dos, or will there be another scheme, another way to keep them apart, permanently.
Devotion is the final book in Ivy Smoak’s Hunted series, and what a read it is. Filled with disaster, tragedy, and heartbreak. Right from the start you are whisked away on an emotional rollercoaster. Just as things seem to settle, just as we share the joy of the characters the rug is pulled from under us, sending us into a heart-breaking spiral. There were times when reading this my heart hurt for the characters, a feeling that is becoming all too familiar when reading Ivy’s book. Ivy is a mistress of the written word, a maestro of playing the reader’s heart strings, and her every book is certainly a must read. Hands down my favourite author.
I read this book for the first time last year, and again this year. I thought it was time I did it a full length review.
Book review: Eruption by Ivy Smoak (@IvySmoakAuthor)
Moving to New York as meant to be a fresh start, away from the scandal, from the relentless hounding of the press. With college now completed and certificate in hand the time has come to look to the future and plan the rest of their lives together. But things are never that easy. The years have been hard, but Penny is starting to realise one thing very quickly. Despite everything they’ve been through, James is still keeping secrets. His ex is unwilling to let him go, his parents won’t even meet her, and she has more questions than answers. How can she look to the future when everyone who should be involved in her new life has no intention of welcoming her? She had never liked New York, but now she feels more isolated than ever before. Can she really embrace a future built on lies and uncertainty?
Eruption is the third instalment in Ivy Smoak’s Hunted series. Ivy Smoak is such a talented author that I have already reread each of her books twice, and I am generally not one to reread a book, but these books are just so addictive, because of this I decided it was about time I wrote a full review. The only reason I didn’t do this at the time was because I literally read her books one after the other. I must confess absolutely in love with this author’s writing, Ivy has a way of engaging the reader and pulling her into the world and lives she has created in such a way you can’t help but become invested in the characters and their lives. Life isn’t easy for Penny and James, their relationship is still new and with an ex wife who will go to whatever lengths needed to ensure she doesn’t have to surrender the man she still thinks of as hers. Gripping, intense, and emotional, this series will break your heart as much as it will warm it. Filled with challenges, obstacles, and a person who hands-down, has to be one of the most infuriating antagonists I’ve ever crossed paths with. If you haven’t already picked up one of Ivy’s books, what are you waiting for. Join the addiction, because it’s one you’ll never want to shed.
January 24, 2021
Book review: Haunted by H.G. Ahedi (@HarbeerAhedi)
A suicide was one thing, but when three appear from no where William is convinced there is more to it. Determined to find the truth he begins to dig, his tunnel focus unlocking more dangers than he can imagine. Just when it seems he is close to an answer everything goes wrong. There is more going on than meets the eye, and with recent events there is no denying his suspicions were correct. The question is, who is behind these mysterious murders, and what is their end game. Can the connections be found and the truth be uncovered before it is too late, or will the death toll continue to rise?
Haunted by H.G. Ahedi is the third book in the Cranston Mysteries Series, although in honestly it worked so well as a stand alone I didn’t realise until I came to write this review. I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, which flowed seamlessly between different people’s perspectives, with a great balance between description, character interaction, and development that made for an interesting read. I do love a good mystery and appreciated the clues and hints woven through the plot. There is a great cast, each with their own distinctive issues, challenges, and personalities which ensure you view them not only as real people, but become invested in each part of the story as it comes together. Well executed beginning to end with danger, action, and mystery throughout.
January 21, 2021
Book review: Sally Shadow by Alex Markson (@amarksonerotica)
Sally had not been in a relationship for a while, and the ones she had never lived up to her expectations. When a new man joins the book club and she unexpectedly finds some common ground, she wonders if they can’t be the answer to each others problems. She want to explore something she has never experienced, and he wants to chase his own fantasies. The two of them embark on a journey of discovering, pulling each other from the shadows to embrace things they had only dreamed off, avoiding the question of what they could be to each other, and seeing how far they will go. Both have pasts, both have problems, and for the time being they both have each other. But how far will they be willing to go, how much will they risk?
Sally Shadow by Alex Markson is the first book in the Kinky Companions series. I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives between Marcus and Sally which gives the reader an insight into both of their pasts, issues, their insecurities, and feelings. There is plenty of character development giving you a chance to know and love the characters and become invested in their story as they embark an a fun and exciting journey together. Well-written with great narrative and descriptions. A hot and steamy journey of self-discovery and love, which also takes the time to define what a true BDSM relationship needs.
January 15, 2021
Book review: Ascend – Billie Jade Kermack (@BKermack_Awoken)
Grace had been beaten and left for dead. That was what it took, along with a warning from the beyond, to get Beau back into her life. But even the sweetest reunions are haunted by secrets. Unsure if she can trust him to stay, especially knowing what she does, she resolves her self to silence, but she should have learnt her lesson. Silence can be damning, especially when there are those who want to be heard. Can Grace do what must be done and find a way to hold on to the one person who completes her, or will this new challenge tear them and her sanity apart?
Ascend by Billie Jade Kermack is the second instalment in the Shadowed Veil series. This paranormal Romance will have you on the edge of your seats as you try to uncover the mystery and danger haunting Grace. Her life with Beau is a blessing, he is the only thing that feels right with her world, especially when dark forces from beyond the grave are intent on torturing her as they bend her to their will. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Grace and Beau, it is both bitter and sweet at times. Smoothly written with interesting twists and a healthy dose of intrigue you’ll be whisked along on a journey of danger, discovery, and intrigue.
January 13, 2021
Book review: Frole – Daniel J. Strait (@daniel_strait)
The prophecy spoke of those who must be found, but not of what must be endured. As life and death hang in the balance the small group of heroes finally find the black door to their next destination, but it is a place they were expected, a place where it seems their every move is already known. Science and magic mesh in the most unlikely ways as our heroes try to find the final member of their party. But can they succeed when every action seems manipulated to fulfil the visions these people have had, or will they meet with more challenges than they could ever foresee?
Frole by Daniel J. Strait is the fourth edition to the Silver Tears series. Nakiata, Dravone, Ka’tia, and Tyrog are back on their most challenging adventure yet. The lives of these characters has been anything but easy, but the longer they are together the more complicated things becomes. Personalities clash, danger erupts, and tempers flare as they push ever closer to their goal, finding themselves perpetually challenged, blocked, and manipulated. I enjoyed watching the alteration in relationships throughout this book. Maintaining the same tell-style narrative as the previous books allowing the reader to build a clear picture of events, surroundings, and characters. Action, adventure, manipulation, and peril continue as the end grows closer to the prophecies fulfilment, and even if they succeed and find the final person, the quest is far from over.
I read on KU
January 12, 2021
Book review: Awoken – Billie Jade Kermack (@BKermack_Awoken)
Grace had been lost in despair since her father’s death. Happiness something so far beyond her reach she no longer recalls how it feels. That was until Beau came into her life, this beautiful stranger captured her heart from the moment she first laid eyes on him, he had a way of easing her pain, but little did she know that whilst his love completed her, it was also the most dangerous thing in the world. Plagued by nightmares that follow her to the waking world she discovers a horrifying truth, and Beau may have some answers, but she fears to tell him would be to lose the one good thing in her life.
Dark and haunting Awoken by Billie Jade Kermack is a combination of paranormal romance and thriller as you are whisked into a world a ghosts, danger, and serial killers. I loved the chemistry between Beau and Grace, there was a sweetness to their every interaction that really made you root for them. Both are broken, but perhaps together they can become whole again. Smoothly written, well paced, and enjoyable this plot filled with romance, danger, and terror will keep you engaged from beginning to end, and leave you wanting that next book.
