Again, Anna Campbell has drawn me in with characters that came to life, made me smile and sigh with delight. In He went off course and found love...
Again, Anna Campbell has drawn me in with characters that came to life, made me smile and sigh with delight. In The Highlander's Christmas Quest we meet a man looking for adventure and takes to the seas to find it. His adventure goes off course when a storm ruins his boat and sends him to an island. Luckily, this island has a very becoming young woman who greets him wearing a pair of men's breeches.
Kirsty believes in love at first sight when she sees the big, strong Dougal. She can't believe her luck when he lands on her shores needing boat repairs. The more she gets to know him, the more she's convinced that he's her destiny. But, the boat repairs will only take a little time. Not enough time to make Dougal fall in love and change his plans. If only she had more time...
I really enjoyed this short little tale and I'm definitely a fan of The Lairds Most Likely series. I admit to having a bit of an issue with how quickly Dougal changed his mind from hate to love, but it is a short story so I shouldn't be surprised. I kept waiting for the reasoning for his abrupt change but it was only expressed as realising he loved her. Hmmm...maybe but it just didn't seem likely considering how cranky he was with Kirsty.
The Highlander's Christmas Quest was a sweet little story that left me satisfied. I'm a fan of Anna Campbell's writing and I will definitely be back for more soon.
Must Love Coffee was exactly what I needed today. Like coffee, it perked me up, made me smile, and gave me the warm fuzzies.I was sold on the title...
Must Love Coffee was exactly what I needed today. Like coffee, it perked me up, made me smile, and gave me the warm fuzzies. Yes, it's extremely short (like every drinking coffee experience feels to me) but it packed enough punch to leave me extremely satisfied.
I absolutely loved the two main characters and their goofy journey to love and was convinced of the longevity of their relationship. Their similar passion for coffee, love of dogs and competitive nature made them the perfect match. That competitive nature is not something everyone could cope with, but for them, it was like, they had to be together because no one else would put up with it. I know that from experience. Hubby is super competitive while I'm NOT. We've learnt to tolerate that fault in each other, but I imagine we would love for each to move a little to meet in the middle.
If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming and sweet story, look no further. For less than a dollar, I definitely got my money worth. It was like a shot of coffee...short, intense and left me with a decent buzz.
The Laird Most Likely...to be a sucker for punishment
The Highlander's Defiant Captive was exactly what I've come to expect from an Anna CambellThe Laird Most Likely...to be a sucker for punishment
The Highlander's Defiant Captive was exactly what I've come to expect from an Anna Cambell historical romance. Her characters are strong, intelligent and determined, with a big heart and an ability to look past the nose on their face...eventually. This latest instalment to The Lairds Most Likely series, brings together sworn enemies looking to end the bloodshed between their clans. Well, Callum Mackinnon brings them together for that purpose... a little unconventionally... a little manipulatively... almost, you could say, kidnapping...ly...
Mhairi Drummond is as fiery as the red hair on her head. When The Mackinnon steals her away from her family, she swears she'll never consent to his mad-capped scheme. A Drummond marrying a Mackinnon to end a centuries-long feud is ludicrous in her eyes... especially if she's the bride. Fighting him with tooth and nail, and even drawing his blood seems to lure him not turn him away. Sure, the devil is quite handsome. Sure, he speaks some sense in ending the war. But, his methods were to make her his prisoner and trap her in the enemies lair.
Callum is sick of having loved ones dying because of a war that no one can recall or agree on its origins. He is determined, as the Laird, to bring peace to his people. Callum hatches a plan to take Bonny Mhairi Drummond, the Rose of Bruard, and make her his wife. He knows of her beauty, but nothing prepared him for Mhairi's fiery spirit. This woman could end the war and make him the happiest of men. If only she wouldn't rather die than marry him. It's going to take a lot of patience, a wee bit of spilled blood, and a lot of self-control to win the woman who has captured his heart.
Mhairi has always had more freedom than the other women she knows. Her father is the laird, and his love for Mhairi has given her a little too much independence. She thinks she has the freedom to marry at her will and choose the husband of her heart. Little does she know, her father, while doting, has plans for her future. The more time Mhairi spends with her captor and his clan, the more she realises that Callum's mad-capped scheme isn't so ludicrous after all.
I really enjoyed reading The Highlander's Defiant Captive. Callum was an amazing hero and I loved him from start to finish. Even when he was kidnapping Mhairi, I never felt she was in danger or that he would take advantage. In some ways, Callum was a sucker for punishment when it came to falling in love with a spitfire. I'm pretty sure a lot of men would have given up rather than put up with her tantrums. Mhairi's determination to thwart Callum's efforts went on a little too long, in my opinion. Like her maid, Flossie, Mhairi appeared to be cutting her nose to spite her face just to keep her supposed freedom. I was glad when she finally realised the wonderful opportunity she was given to become Callum's wife.
I'm a fan of Anna Campbell's storytelling abilities and I loved the characters, storyline and setting she created in this historical highlander romance. I will definitely be back for more in the future.
I've read a few BBW (I think it's Big Beautiful Woman...but don't quote me) stories in my time and I found Closer one of myBody positive done right...
I've read a few BBW (I think it's Big Beautiful Woman...but don't quote me) stories in my time and I found Closer one of my favourites. It can be hard to get the confidence, healthiness and sassyness in the heroine, just right. Mae is confident...and a little klutzy. She is healthy mostly with a personal trainer she works out regularly with...but loves her sweet treats. Mae is a sassy mix of fancy schmancy on the catwalk, and daggy and comfy at home. She says what she's thinking but is thoughtful to others feelings. Where Kylie Scott got this character body positive right, is that Mae is not defined by her size.
Now, saying all of this, Closer is not centred on a BBW successfully snagging a hot guy. Being a short story, I would say the threat to Mae is the major focus of the storyline, wit the romance playing second fiddle. Mae has an unwanted stalker and Ziggy is assigned to protect her. There is an underlying zing between the characters but it's not really known until near the end if it's mutual.
I really enjoyed reading Closer and loved catching up with the Stage Dive gang. With this romance only being short, I found myself a little disappointed that we don't get a lot of time "seeing" Mae and Ziggy together. I would have loved a little bit of Ziggy's inner thoughts and feelings as he was a little too successful with his stoic and professional facade.
If you're looking for a Stage Dive fix, love Kylie Scott's heroines like I do, and just want a quick read, I highly recommend giving Closer a try....more
I really enjoyed the audio for Lies. The narrator does an awesome job and I was enthralled from start to finish. It was an excellent re-read/listen.
I really enjoyed the audio for Lies. The narrator does an awesome job and I was enthralled from start to finish. It was an excellent re-read/listen.
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Sure, there was a wee bit of betrayal, but…
I’ve decided that I’d be happy if hubby came home and told me that he’s an undercover agent. Yes, there would be a bit of hurt and crankiness because he’d kept a secret from me. Yes, I might also be very interested to know what kind of undercover was involved. Yes, I might have to hurt him with a blunt instrument if he’d been intimate with someone else while undercover. BUT…if he turned around to me after 22 years of marriage and said…
"My darling wife, I’m sorry for lying to you but undercover work pays well and I have millions of dollars squirrelled away."
Well, that may put a different light on things. Sure, I’d still be a bit peeved and make him pay with a lot of grovelling, but…PARTY!! I’d retire, move to the coast, get the kids set up with little nest eggs, buy lots of clothes and create the most beautiful study/library with one of those sliding ladder thingamajiggies… I could go on about how I'd spend his imagined hard-earned millions....more
She may have been lost but she found the right path...
I've always been a fan of historical romances but add in a Highlander and I'm normally verra,She may have been lost but she found the right path...
I've always been a fan of historical romances but add in a Highlander and I'm normally verra, verra happy. Each page turned, I was comfortable in my reading experience. The Highlander's Lost Lady flowed in a way that was what I expected, but also what I desired. I need my hero to be a Knight in Highlander Armour who saves his Lost Lady. I want the heroine to be miserable, vulnerable and Lost, so she'll love her Highlander Knight when he saves the day. The baddie needs to be despicable and a nightmare no one would want to be around, so when he is vanquished, leaves you satisfied with his macabre demise. Anna Campbell's story left me extremely satisfied and I achieved my reading happy place.
Diarmid, Laird of Invertavey, cannot believe his eyes when he finds a mermaid washed up on his beach. Well, he's not really surprised to find another victim of the sea washed up, unfortunately. What he is surprised about is that the frail beauty is still alive, unlike the elder gentleman who washed up beside her. Knowing that every minute she's exposed to the weather could be dangerous to her health, he rushes to bring her home with him. Diarmid feels guilt when he accepts his attraction to her beauty and recognises he feels protective towards the Lost Lady.
All seems lost when Fiona realises she's been shipwrecked at her enemies feet. The plans she's made to escape her nightmare have been ruined, and if her rescuer finds out her identity, it could make things even worse. The Mactavish's are not at all as she expected her enemies to be. They are kind, generous and caring which is something she hasn't been exposed to since her father passed. With her nightmare taking this surprising turn, Fiona is not sure she has the strength or courage to do the one thing she set out to do...save her daughter.
I loved that Diarmid was a good man and stayed honourable from beginning to end. It was a treat that Fiona wasn't a heroine who could "save the day" one minute, host a soiree the next, AND be a seductress in the bedroom at the end of the day. Fiona is vulnerable and a wee bit broken. I preferred that she was portrayed realistically and that she wasn't expected to be fixed in a minute or to get over her past. Her journey to happiness had to come with her ability to accept she wasn't alone anymore.
While some readers may find The Highlander's Lost Lady a wee bit predictable, this is what made the story for me. I want a story that takes me back in time to dashing men, coiffed and beautifully dressed ladies and sigh-worthy heroics. Sure, it may not be 100% historically accurate (not that I know what 100% historically accurate is, mind you), but I wasn't distracted by the "modern" feel. It felt accurate so I guess the author hit the mark.
I will admit, Fiona's constant crying was a wee bit trying at times, but she had every reason to, considering what she's faced. Diarmid's martyr act was a wee bit unbelievable, so I'm glad they worked through their problems by the end. This was a very sexy read, so if you're not a fan of intimate scenes with a lot of heat, this might not be the best fit for you. There are some difficult scenes from Fiona's past that can be confronting, but the descriptions were not delved into too deeply. I was never uncomfortable to the extreme, more disgusted by what happened frequently in the past.
If you're looking for an entertaining read, I highly recommend giving The Highlander's Lost Lady a try.
I read a lot of books from different walks of life and appreciate the variety in seeing how others live but IThey speak my language…
***4.5 Stars***
I read a lot of books from different walks of life and appreciate the variety in seeing how others live but I absolutely loved the opportunity to read a book set in my own backyard. Well, not exactly my backyard but pretty much my next-door neighbours’ backyard. Melbourne is just a hop, skip and jump away from Brissy...if you call an 18+ hour drive not too far.
I loved stepping back into Eve Dangerfield's world and catching up with the Silver Daughters Ink characters. These characters speak a language I understand and their lingo and jargon are familiar and comfortable. So Steady left me completely satisfied and desperate for more.
I wasn't sure how I would deal with a storyline where the heroine puts up with a disrespectful, cheating fiance, just to keep her image intact. It's not the kind of behaviour or a person I can relate to and respect. As the story progresses and we learn more about Nicole, it all starts to make sense and her growth makes it easier to see why she HAD put up with the douchewaffle.
Poor Noah!! I loved this character...mostly. There were a few times where I wanted to reach into the book and shake my finger in his face. Consciously making bad decisions that would affect his happiness made me see red. This poor bloke is paying for the sins of his father and feels a burden from leaving the motorcycle club that WAS his "family". His past was ugly and the people who were supposedly his family, do not show him the respect he deserves. I hated that his past still affects his future.
This story is a journey showing two people striving for their own versions of happiness. I loved their attraction, connection and understanding of each other. So Steady was sexy, funny and really entertaining. I loved catching up with the sisters and getting an update on their lives.
Eve Dangerfield again leaves me on a big high and I will definitely wait with bated breath for more Silver Daughters Ink in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image]...more
I’ve spent more of my life as the after me than the before me. I had a major car accident in my late teensIs the before me or after me a better me?
I’ve spent more of my life as the after me than the before me. I had a major car accident in my late teens that left me with a similar brain injury to Clementine, the main character in Repeat. This is the first time I’ve realised this and I’m surprised to realise that I still wonder if the before accident me was a better me than the current me. If you ask my family or friends, they claim they love both me’s but I know deep down, my family would have happily throttled both me’s too.
Meeting Clementine and watching her process and analyse each situation brings back memories of my recovery. I didn’t lose all my memories and was lucky enough to remember everyone from my previous life. I remembered how to make a cup of coffee but for the life of me, couldn’t remember where the coffee cups were. I was looking at buildings that I had driven by numerous times with completely fresh eyes. I’m lucky that with some deep prodding, some memories will come back to me, like people I've met before. Hubby thinks I have selected memory problems…but I guess we’ll never know. 😉
So, of course Repeat hit me a lot harder than the average reader/listener. Seeing Clementine cover her scar self-consciously, try to act blasé when her feelings are hurt, and having loved ones hover constantly, were things I could relate to. You frequently find yourself questioning your thoughts, actions and reactions. Is this how I should react? Am I overreacting? Are they disappointed because I’m reacting differently to how I would have previously reacted? It’s no wonder Clementine and I suffered from severe headaches and a need to recharge often.
You can’t help but feel that Clementine was given a second chance at happiness by having her brain injury. Obviously, you don’t want her to suffer as she did, but there’s this little part of me that thinks she’s happier now than she would have been living her previous life. Maybe, it’s a case of making the best out of what life throws you. Again, I could completely relate to that as I felt invincible and some would even say, a little reckless. You become a person who looks for their happy place and won't settle for anything less. Why waste your life being miserable?
The relationship between Clementine and Ed starts off a little rough and even felt a little hopeless. How on earth is Ed supposed to forgive Clementine for her lack of faith in him? But, then again, how could he not, considering she has no previous memory of it all. I loved seeing them struggle through the attraction and feelings that refuse to go away.
Andi Arndt is a fantastic narrator and she was perfectly matched to Kylie Scott’s amazing story. Andi brings these characters to life and easily makes me feel their emotions. I had no problems telling when the characters changed and I’m a big fan of her male voice.
Repeat is not a long story and I easily finished it in two sessions…which I quickly regretted that I rushed. I loved every moment of Clementine and Ed’s journey to happiness and could definitely see them in their happy ever after. I highly recommend and I’m adding it to my Best-of-the-Bestest Goodreads list.
Dear Ms Scott, please consider writing a story for all of Ed and Clementine’s siblings. Thanks. Hugs and smooches, Stacey (who’s not often Sassy, but likes to think she is) xoxoxo
This is going to sound pretty harsh, but, I never planned to read It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time. I’m all aboutThe push and pull led me here…
This is going to sound pretty harsh, but, I never planned to read It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time. I’m all about supporting my fellow Aussies and their foray into the written word. I just know what I like to read, and if there’s a smidge of a chance I won’t like it, I generally avoid it so I don’t give a bad review. So, I read the blurb, sat and contemplated it for a while, then shoved it in my wish pile to deal with later. Then, I read Strong and there was a tease at the end. Now, I’m not normally into reading teasers but it was like my eyes couldn’t help themselves. I was on such a high from reading Strong that I NEEDED more Kylie Scott.
I was sucked in from the very first word of that tease and I quickly rushed to Amazon to buy my copy. Seriously, I think there was a little part of me that didn’t start it straight away so that it stayed in my library longer. Holy Shamoly!!! That cover is HOT!!! Do you know what made that cover even hotter? Knowing that the hero wasn’t a young whippersnapper. I’m far from old but I have to admit that the young hotties are not doing it for me anymore. This could be because my eldest is getting close to the young hottie age. AND THAT IS SO WRONG for me to even think of a hero who looks even remotely like him. I’m also more inclined to be attracted to a face and body that’s been around the block a time or two.
I’ve admitted that the blurb scared me off a wee bit and the cover drew me in a wee bit, so, I had this push and pull towards It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time. A 15-year age gap and a heroine that’s felt the sting of rejection mixed with a liberal dose of humiliation. These are not appealing to me at the best of times. The thing is though, Kylie Scott’s writing appeals to me all the time. With all the pushing and pulling, I had to give it a go and I’m bloody glad I did.
Honestly, it was the way it was presented to me. I was absolutely stoked to find out that this little gem was set practically in my backyard. I LOVE the Sunshine Coast. Every year we spend two weeks relaxing at Kings Beach, Caloundra. I know the ocean pool, walk beside the Pandanus trees and sit on the exact beach that Adele visits. It is always a pleasure to recognise the sights mentioned in my reads. It made it even better because in 11 days I’M ON HOLIDAYS!!!
So, the biggie question…did this story work for me? Yes. I don’t think it’s that diabolical for a 25-year-old to fall for a 40-year-old. When she was 18…not so much. I’m so glad that Pete didn’t muddy it all by even contemplating it at that time. It just wasn’t a good idea at THAT time. I get that Adele could be a little OTT, opinionated and crazy, but her humour cracked me up. Now, Pete, he was a lot harder to love. Well, not so much harder to love but harder to love for Adele. The man is emotionally stunted. Luckily, he wakes up to himself and comes good.
The characters were interesting, the setting was magical, the steamy scenes were HOT and the storyline kept my attention from start to finish. Kylie Scott brings her “A” game to the table with this one. Not a lot of authors can distract me from Pete’s girlfriend parade that Adele gets to witness, a hero that’s scared to love, and a heroine that faces humiliation and survives. But, I was distracted. The girlfriend was inconsequential and didn’t even ping my radar as being an issue. Pete’s scared to love…but eventually realises he’s more scared to not love and have Adele. Now, poor Adele’s repeat humiliations…well, unfortunately, you act like a twit, you’ll get treated like a twit. Tough, I know, but she did survive.
I really enjoyed It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time and I’m so glad that the push and pull led me here. If you’re a fan of Kylie Scott, then I highly recommend giving this one a go.
I absolutely LOVED catching up with the Stage Dive gang, and to be honest, I think Kylie Scott did me a favour by making itIt's good to be back...
I absolutely LOVED catching up with the Stage Dive gang, and to be honest, I think Kylie Scott did me a favour by making it Novella length. We'll blame it on my SHOCKING memory, but I struggled to even remember Martha. With the little bits of info I was given in Strong, I kind of pieced together what had happened previously. By having it novella length, mixed with my bad memory, I think it helped me get to know Martha without having to get past her previous mistakes.
It's amazing what you will do when you feel threatened. For Martha, she pushes people away before they even contemplate giving her the nudge. She's a wee bit prickly at the best of times, put her in a corner, she turns into a porcupine with PMS. But, there's one person who has been watching silently from the corner. He's always been there watching her back and waiting for her shield to lower a little. When Martha finally explains why she's back visiting from New York, that man in the corner comes out from the dark and nothing will be the same again.
Seriously, this is a quick trip from lust to love, but I kind of had no problem with it. Sure, I would have liked a bit more of everything, but I got enough to satisfy. The connection between Martha and Sam jumps off the pages and I loved seeing Martha taking some of the control. Sam, while not appearing like a man who follows orders, knows that their relationship will be stronger giving Martha some of the power. These two are HOT!!
Plenty of reconnecting with friends, seeing them thrive in their HEA's, and watching their families grow. Mal is still a CRACK UP!! I loved that they still like being together and having fun outside their music.
Glad I got the chance to catch up with the Stage Dive gang but a little sad that this might be my last glimpse of them. I wouldn't be averse to Adam maybe getting a story...hint, hint, nudge, nudge...
I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for poor Brody in The Laird's Christmas Kiss. Just because heIt's amazing what a bit of maturity can bring...
I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for poor Brody in The Laird's Christmas Kiss. Just because he had a wee bit of fun carousing while he was young, does not mean that he can't one day grow up and realise there's more to life. When push came to shove, his "mates" didn't think he was a good marriage prospect. His "mates" didn't think he was capable of having feelings for one woman alone. His "mates" thought he'd be more interested in drinking and gambling than having a family. To be honest, his "mates" weren't particularly nice.
But, then again, Brody was falling for his "mates" sister and cousin, Elspeth, so maybe they were right to be so judgey. It probably didn't help that they also knew Elspeth had loved him from afar for the last 5 years...and he never noticed her.
Poor Elspeth spent a lot of time as the little mouse hiding in the dark. Her family has always treated her differently and she's never fit in with their looks and confidence. Elspeth has been quite happy keeping to herself. She sits back and observes her surroundings, especially when the gorgeous Brody, Laird of Invermackie, is around. But, he doesn't even know she's there. Elspeth is just his friends quiet and frumpy sister and cousin. One day Elspeth decides she's had enough of the dark and the unrequited love. It's time to come into the light and forget about the Laird who doesn't even know her name...or so she thought.
I really enjoyed this sweet little love story. I loved seeing Elspeth gain confidence and acknowledge that while she's different from her family, she's just as good as them. The additional characters I've met before were a pleasure to catch up with again. The Laird's Christmas Kiss was such an easy read to get sucked into, and each page flew by. It felt like I blinked and it was over.
At times I was a little frustrated with how Elspeth and Brody were treated. Elspeth's mother seemed like a self-centred cow and Brody's "mates", Elspeth's brother and cousin, were horrible. I can't wait for Hamish and Diarmid to find their love, because Elspeth and Brody owe a little payback.
The shining star of this story was definitely Marina, the heroine from The Laird's Willful Lass. Her defence and willingness to help Elspeth was something that SHOULD have been coming from her own mother. Marina is still as loving, thoughtful and strong as she was when I first met her. I loved seeing her happily married to Fergus.
I definitely recommend this sweet and short historical romance. Anna Campbell is an author I can count on for a great highland romance and a sneak under the Laird's kilt....more
My first memory of tattoos was back in the day when I worked in my family’s hardware store. Picture this…my blokey 6’Oh, how the tattoos have changed…
My first memory of tattoos was back in the day when I worked in my family’s hardware store. Picture this…my blokey 6’ 1” dad, my English Rose and petite mum, my two sisters and I, selling paint, tools and manly man stuff. This particular day, Dad and I were working by ourselves and I think I was about 13 or 14. Dad stepped out for a minute and I was “Supervising” the store. In walks a very tall, muscly and bearded biker dude. Now, you’d think I’d be intimidated, right? Nope, I was more worried because he asked me to direct him to where the plumb bobs were. “A plumb bob, you say…umm, Sir, could you tell me what that looks like?” I step out from behind the counter and we’re on a mission. 5 minutes later, Dad walks back in and this biker has his arm on my shoulder and I’m giving him the biggest grin EVER. To say that Dad was a wee bit discombobulated is an understatement. But, I FOUND the plumb bob…and he was one of the nicest blokes I’ve ever met.
Boy, how the times have changed. Now, it’s not just the tough blokes that have tattoos. If you have a tattoo or many tattoos these days, there’s a good chance you want to share art. It’s not just naked ladies and skulls, it’s unicorns and sunshine, your babies names, a music symbol, a quote or a face that tells a story. Me, I’m not a fan of tattoos for myself, but I truly can appreciate the beauty in them. I loved that So Wild shows a little of what’s behind being a tattoo artist.
There were so many things in So Wild that I could relate to. I’m an Aussie and this book is set in Melbourne, Australia. The heroine has two sisters and so do I. The hero is a Pom and my mum is a Pom. I recognised the places, food brands and slang used. So Wild, for a little space of time was my happy place and I didn’t want it to end. Sam and Scott’s world came to life for me.
Honestly, this IS my favourite book by Eve Dangerfield and that’s saying something because I’ve loved (nearly...sorry Eve, Taunted was a little too kinky for me) everything she’s written. So Wild made me laugh until I cried. Wait until you meet Tabby. Oh my lordy, Sam’s younger sister is one of the FUNNIEST characters I’ve EVER met. She’s crass, outspoken, flighty, beautiful and a little kooky. So Wild made me cry a little too. It’s kind of emotional getting to know the characters and some of their history. Sam and Scott have known each other since they were eight, and, unfortunately, it wasn’t pretty in the beginning. We’re talking serious PRANK WARS!! You eventually get to hear the hows and whys of the war but it was still hard to witness.
This was not one of Eve’s extreme kinky, sexy books. Sure, there’s a little kink and a little sexy, but if you’ve read her other stories, this would seem almost tame in comparison. Maybe, I could have done with a wee bit more, but that was only because I really got their connection. The sexual tension was sizzling and after their first “connection”, it was obvious they were meant for each other.
I always assumed that people who wear/have tattoos are super confident. I mean, seriously, they almost have arrows pointing at them saying “LOOK AT ME”. In this case, we get to see a little deeper. Sure, there’s confidence, but it can also be a distraction from looking at the person too hard. If you look too hard you might see the vulnerabilities, frustrations and fears that the person wearing them has.
In Scott’s eyes, Sam has always been beautiful but the ten years since he’s seen her, she’s become even more beautiful. Scott is a poshy (Sam’s word for a well-spoken, smartly dressed and rich person) and it doesn’t matter to him that they’re from two different worlds. It was obvious from the beginning that he would do ANYTHING to have and to hold Sam forever and ever. Sam, well, she’s a harder nut to crack. You can tell there’s an attraction to Scott, but she’s so scared of being hurt that she buries all deeper feelings. Seeing these two come together, put a huge and goofy smile on my face.
Holy shamoly, I’ve rambled again. I WANT TO SHOUT IT TO THE ROMANCE READING WORLD – EVE DANGERFIELD IS AWESOME!!! I know I haven’t done this story justice, but, I tried, lordy, how I tried. If you haven’t tried an Eve Dangerfield, I would highly suggest giving her a go. Mind you…WARNING, WARNING…Eve Dangerfield is a wee bit crass, doesn’t hesitate to test the boundaries and swears like a bloody trooper. But, she’s FUNNY!!!! This one's going straight to my best-of-the-bestest shelf.
P.S. Eve, I must apologise for my “wine night” messenger mushy gushy ramblings last night. That scene where Tabby supposedly threw the cat at Scott’s dad was HILARIOUS!!! I promise I won’t stalk you and your boy…much. 😉
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
***DNF at 29% - No rating as I did not finish the story.***
Every so often I get it into my head that I can handle an angsty NA romance. Unfortunately,***DNF at 29% - No rating as I did not finish the story.***
Every so often I get it into my head that I can handle an angsty NA romance. Unfortunately, I always regret it. Honestly, this book will be LOVED by the right audience, and I'm really not the right audience.
Stupid, nasty and immature characters will send me over the edge. A pretty face will not make my brain disappear. Alcohol will never make my loyalty, devotion and love be questionable. My family will always come first. These are things that I know about me and I find it extremely difficult to enjoy stories with characters that don't think or feel the same way.
At my age, I find it harder and harder to read these books for escapism. I spend the majority of the book rolling my eyes and tut-tutting bad decisions.
Don't judge by my review alone. Check out some other reviews and you may find that you're the perfect audience for Bad Boy Rich.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
I don't know Eve Dangerfield at all but from her quirky writing and newsletters, I pictured Autumn is Eve but withKinky, but not too kinky...
I don't know Eve Dangerfield at all but from her quirky writing and newsletters, I pictured Autumn is Eve but with different hair colour. I just picture Eve as a little firecracker with a funny and dirty mouth, who wants to save sick animals. I don't know that for certain, but Autumn is little and Eve looks little from her profile pictures. Autumn is funny and Eve is an absolute crack up in her newsletters. Autumn swears and blabbers on about stuff, and if you've read Eve's newsletters, you know where I'm heading with this...in the nicest possible way.
I'm probably completely off the mark and hopelessly wrong but I feel like Eve wrote the humour and Tessa wrote the sexy times. Not that I'm saying Eve's not sexy and Tessa's not funny...in their writing style. I'm sure they're both really funny and really sexy. Geez, I'm just going to pull my foot out of my mouth (not literally as I'm typing not speaking but you get my drift). What I was trying to say far from elegantly, is that I could see Eve's quirkiness in Autumn. And, in true Tessa Bailey fashion, the sexy times left my heart pumping and I was EXTREMELY fidgety.
What made this sexy story amazing for me is that I could look at the role-playing and sexy times without feeling a hint of uncomfortableness. I didn't feel guilty for being turned on by their kinky play time and it didn't ever feel wrong or bordering on abuse. Trust was established before boundaries were crossed. I was impressed with the way the authors convinced me that they were both comfortable and enjoying their play. Sometimes you read books and it almost feels like one person gets off on the play more than the other. I also find some reads are so close to abuse, that it becomes far from sexy for me. It was bleeding obvious both Autumn and Blake enjoyed themselves.
I loved our Aussie heroine and her big and beastly hero. The storyline was interesting, SEXY and very funny. The authors have done a fabulous job of creating original and quirky characters. Both Autumn and Blake have vulnerabilities and they need to establish trust outside their sexy times to strengthen their relationship.
I found myself a wee bit frustrated that their communication took so long to develop. Autumn took too long to share with her family what was really going on in the big city. Blake needed to share with Autumn where he'd come from and what made him turn into the beastly hermit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this SEXY read and think Eve Dangerfield and Tessa Bailey have created SEXY, comedy magic.
I like reading about office romance’s because I pretty much put them in the “Fairy Tale***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
Where do these "Hot Bosses" hide?
4.5 Stars
I like reading about office romance’s because I pretty much put them in the “Fairy Tale” category. This is because I have never, ever, ever, ever, ever… had a boss I could fall in love with. Even thinking that puts a distinct shiver up my spine. If they’re not married, they’re significantly older than me. A lot of my bosses have been female and I do not bend that way. So, for me, falling for a boss, who’s hot, has plenty of money, dresses well and is bossy in a sexy way is definitely out of my realm of possibilities.
This was my first story by M.R. Field and I was pleasantly surprised how much I was sucked in. Her characters were humorous, the storyline kept my attention from start to finish and my emotions were played with…in a good way. Sure, there were times that I was cranky and upset but they were equally balanced out with wit and steam. I have no problems getting past my cranky if you can bring on a good grovel, or your wooing hits the spot. Lucky for Cole, his grovel and woo were top class and even I was shaking my head at Letty when she took too long to forgive him.
I get a wee bit excited when I come across an Aussie author who manages to show us in a good light without us sounding like Steve Irwin. Not one *Crikey…*, plenty of *Mate…* and only one marsupial was mentioned and he was not the furry kind (wink, wink). This could have a lot to do with the setting, as Melbourne is a very exciting, modern and fun place to be in. It has a hint of “True Blue” mixed with style, character…and COFFEE!! I’m from Brisbane (a couple of hours flight away) and even I admit to Melbourne being better when it comes to dining and shopping.
Story-wise, I think this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’m a sucker for a hero that’s been in love with the heroine for years. Both Cole and Letty have known each other since they were kids. Cole loved her and she loved him, but with the four year age gap, it was never going to happen when they were young. Then, their world fell apart…
Years later and things have CHANGED!!!!!
I loved the concept of Letty’s DNR (Do Not Respond) emails. I wish I was the kind of person who could bite my tongue and keep my feeling to myself. I’m not sure I could write them down after and feel better for it. Maybe, you could call me a hothead, I think I’m more of an open and honest, not one to beat around the bush, kind of person.
Do Not Respond was a great read. I was invested in their romance from the very beginning. Getting to know Cole and Letty better, finding out their history together and apart, and seeing them work through their problems was a great adventure. The additional characters were fun to get to know, and I hold a special place in my heart for Cole’s mum and Letty’s parents. They gave a great mix of quirky, embarrassing and loving, that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing. There was plenty of steam that had my heart pumping and I was squirming as I read. Again, I felt like I was reading a fairytale as the copy machine was witness to a wee bit of shenanigans.
If you’re looking for a new author to check out, wouldn’t mind seeing a bit of sexy office shenanigans, and like to touch down in Aussie land, I highly recommend Do Not Respond. I will definitely be back for more from this author.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
I am an observer, not the heroine...I am an observer, not the heroine...
I tell myself frequently that I must learn to be an observer when it comes toI am an observer, not the heroine...I am an observer, not the heroine...
I tell myself frequently that I must learn to be an observer when it comes to reading. I have a habit of slipping myself into the role of the heroine. Whether it be as a damsel in distress, ruler of the world, seductress, mad scientist, fierce executive, content housewife or even an artist, I become that person. BUT the problem is I am not all those things in real life and sometimes I just don’t get the part I’m supposed to play.
I can’t be unemotional while playing the fierce executive. There would be words and maybe some yelling if I was expected to *Do as I’m told* without any input. I’d feel like a goose if I attempted to be a seductress. An artist…HA HA HA!! I’m also not the type of person who puts her career ahead of love or family. My independence wouldn’t be my burden when I need help. My own happiness wouldn’t be sacrificed to make a point for women’s rights.
So, playing Marina was a little tricky for me. She’s fiercely independent, puts her career ahead of everything, a seductress without trying and an accomplished artist. All of those things are hard for me to play…THEN…SHE’S OK WITH BEING A MISTRESS!!!
Oh boy, my eye was twitching, arms were crossed and I was squirming with uncomfortableness. It’s just something I struggle with in historical romance. Now, sex before marriage in a contemporary…bah…hardly a consideration. Sex before marriage in a historical romance…I’m swooning like a scandalised matron.
The thing is though, it wasn’t an insult to Marina. Even though Fergus (we’ll get to him soon) is doing it for his own pleasure, he’s actually giving her an opportunity to get what she desires without consequences. Her career and reputation will not be ruined by having an affair away from prying eyes.
OH…ENLIGHTENMENT!! Not every woman wants to put a ring on it (nodding my head with this knowledge FINALLY sinking in).
Now Fergus…I really liked Fergus and his bossy ways but I have to admit that his offer of pleasuring Marina left a bad taste in my mouth. Oh his, *mo chridhe* this and *mo leannan* that, you’d think he’d have cottoned on a little earlier that it wasn’t just about the sexy times. Bloody knuckleheads, the both of them. I knew it was more than lust from almost the beginning.
Full credit goes to Anna Campbell for giving us a hero that can step out of his comfort zone, doesn’t give up at the first hurdle and isn’t afraid of putting his heart on the line. Fergus was definitely a hero I came to admire and love by the end.
OK, the storyline was good, the sexy times were HOT and the characters were original and engaging. If I could find fault with anything, it would be that their love story was it. Sure, her career and concerns for her career were interesting but I almost missed that it lacked drama. SHOCK HORROR!! There wasn’t any outside force trying to steal the fair maiden, they weren’t embroiled in a whiskey rebellion and lives weren’t really in danger. Sure, there was a couple of scenes where Marina’s life was at risk BUT Fergus was there.
HE’S A SCOTTISH LAIRD WITH MUSCLES AND STUFF!!
Of course, he’s going to save the fair maiden. Maybe I'm not supposed to have as much faith in Scottish Lairds or something? It’s just that I haven’t met (read) one yet that doesn’t have herculean strength and force of will.
Anyways, Anna Campbell has again delighted my senses with a captivating highland historical romance. Sure, my eye twitched, but once I put on my glasses and started observing instead of playing, it all came good. I can’t wait for more in the series.
I think love makes sense when you find the right one to share your heart with. Before the right one, you***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
Finding the right one…
I think love makes sense when you find the right one to share your heart with. Before the right one, you experiment. You test the waters, make mistakes, think it's love, decide it couldn't feel like this and decide it's just not worth it. Well, it’s different when you’re really in love. You BOTH do anything to make it work and it's never too hard. You’re pushing and pulling to get it right. In my case, sometimes he pushes me out of my comfort zone (which I HATE), and other times I’ll pull from him and take too much. But, in the end, I’ll pull his cord and he’ll push my buttons (OMG, I’m such a dirty bird) but it still comes back to the fact he lights my world and I turn him on...or so he tells me.
Eric hadn’t met the right woman for him until she walked into his bar. Well, she was right looking (besides the baby in her belly), she was the right personality (besides the baby in her belly) and the right attitude (besides the baby in her belly). Eric found the right woman…who was a wee bit occupied with the baby in her belly.
I’ve got to say, Kylie Scott gets blokes. Chaser was completely seen through Eric’s eyes. Sometimes, it can be hard having to gauge feelings and emotions from a hero. Eric, well, we know that he’s dealing with a lot of emotions but he’s completely manipulating things in his mind to lessen the blows.
This is how I see Eric and how he feels...
Guilt – "Well, I guess I shouldn't be trusted ever again" Sorrow – "I don’t deserve pity for my loss because it’s my fault" Affection – "I’m told I’m not a good bet in a relationship, so I should only offer friendship"
Eric keeps barriers up because he doesn’t trust himself to be everything that Jean and Ada need.
Then, he just accepts that he wants Jean and Ada. Fullstop...the end...this is how it's going to be.
Yep, Kylie Scott really gets blokes.
Obviously, Eric takes a wee while to come to that conclusion. While he gets there, we are treated to a fabulous story about a recovering manwhore who meets and falls for a young woman who’s pregnant and later becomes a mother to a beautiful baby girl.
I loved seeing the fun and games of having a newborn from the outside looking in. I could completely sympathise with the sleepless nights, worry about their health and wellbeing and stress over getting it right. There is no way in hell I’d go back and have more of those little hellions who scream blue murder if you DARE to have a shower. I do miss snuggles, cheeky, drooly grins and the beauty of looking down at your baby as they sleep peacefully in your arms. It was fun looking in but I’m happy to only observe.
I really enjoyed Chaser. It was funny, sweet and very believable. There is NO WAY a new mother wants to hook-up or start a relationship straight after childbirth. It takes time and a level of trust must be earned before things can move forward. Eric never rushes Jean and I loved him more for it. Chaser was paced extremely well. The heat doesn’t come until later in the book but it was perfect timing.
If you’re a Kylie Scott fan, you are going to love Chaser. She gets it right on so many fronts. I highly recommend.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
progress: (9%) "Geez, this is making me sad. Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions. Lord Garson is being a right royal tool. You've got someprogress: (9%) "Geez, this is making me sad. Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions. Lord Garson is being a right royal tool. You've got some work to do, my man...and a whole book to do it in. Snap to it." — Mar 14, 2018 01:12PM
**********************
^^^^ I didn't mean literally take the whole book ^^^^
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm sorry to say, but, Lord Garson was a DOUCHEWAFFLE!
I read the whole book because Anna Campbell's writing is engaging and I've loved the whole series, but this was bloody hard work. He was a dim witted, weak buffoon who didn't deserve a happy ever after but like all "Lords" he got it anyway....more
Anna Campbell has again given me a sweet little treat to satisfy my historical romance addiction. In A tasty little morsel that left me satisfied.
Anna Campbell has again given me a sweet little treat to satisfy my historical romance addiction. In Mistletoe and the Major, we are introduced to a young couple that has been separated for nearly 8 years after only two weeks of marriage. Considering the year and how things were done back then, they were practically strangers. Two weeks was hardly enough time for them to know each other, let alone establish trust and communication. Neither knew that it was love at first sight and the 8 years apart nearly destroyed them.
I enjoyed taking a look into the life of a dedicated man serving his country. You can't help but compare it to our servicemen of today. Yes, the times served can be long and painful, but if I'm not wrong, there are quicker and more effective ways to communicate with loved ones. I can't imagine being unable to see my husband for 8 years and only receiving letters that really don't tell the full story. I think he too would try to make it seem better than what it really is.
Another awesome step back in time that made me smile, blush, smirk and sigh. I love Anna Campbell's ability to leave me satisfied with her short tales. I can't wait for more.
I think we can all feel like it's the end of the world when plans go awry. Me, I FREAK when my plans change,Some plans were meant to be...modified.
I think we can all feel like it's the end of the world when plans go awry. Me, I FREAK when my plans change, just ask hubby. I'm getting a little bit better as I get older but it still makes me scowl and look for the closest person to strangle. Now, I might be a wee bit more forgiving of my plans if changing if it was for love...
I know, I'm corny but I really do think you do stupid and crazy stuff for love. I even forgive hubby regularly when he changes his mind or modifies the plans. Proof that I love him.
Playing With Forever is all about making plans and trying to stick to them, even when the biggest distraction walks into your life.
Holy smokes!! I think this was the steamiest thing I've read by Amy Andrews. Like, watch me read and see me squirm STEAMY. I would suggest reading this one in private because it's HOT! What was refreshing is Juliet, the heroine, is not afraid to show and tell exactly what she wants in and out of the bedroom. I can tell you that Ryder, the hero, found it...refreshing too. 😉
I really enjoyed Playing With Forever and catching up with the gang from Sydney Smoke. The characters were interesting, the storyline engaging and sexy times smoking hot. I will definitely be reading more in the future.
I finished Love My Way this morning and went for a walk with hubby. I was a little emotionally fragile. HowSometimes the Way has more than one path.
I finished Love My Way this morning and went for a walk with hubby. I was a little emotionally fragile. How the heck was I going to write a review explaining why this story was so good without telling why it was so good. So, I asked hubby. I gave him some ideas of what I was going to say and he was very against them ALL. Too much information, they don’t need to know that and how the hell will that help…were a few of his responses. So, I came home, decided to take a leaf out of Love My Way and sat by some water (backyard pool) with my laptop and let the water guide me.
Well, it was soothing sitting by my pool but not so helpful in getting the words out.
Hubby was not helpful whatsoever, no inspiration from water flowing…I guess I’ll just have to wing it.
Love My Way was an emotional journey. We are shown a path that looks right and set in stone become a path that leads to another. I couldn't help but think we all start out with dreams and ambitions to follow a certain path. Bad things happen, good things happen…life happens. That certain path you thought was the right way, goes bush. You must then accept that the right way was the right way up till the point when it's not.
Sometimes we deal well with our paths being diverted and other times we timidly walk, hoping that the new direction will lead to better things. A false start doesn’t have to mean the end, you just accept that it’s the wrong path and look for the laneway that leads you to the right way. This story is all about finding and loving the right way when one road ends.
Kate Sterritt is a wonderful author. Her words flowed beautifully. It was a pleasure to experience her words and see the story she’s trying to tell. Kate Sterritt is my kind of Aussie author. Love My Way is set in Australia but there’s no *A dingo took my baby*, *Dinky-di* or *throw another shrimp on the barbie*, thank goodness. It’s real. Australia has feral and dodgy people but we also have educated minds, artistic brilliance and style. Like many countries, we are made up of different cultures, beliefs and education. I loved that I felt at home reading this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed Love My Way emotional gut punches and all. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] ...more
I think it’s easy to be selfish when it’s…easy to be selfish. Do you know what I mean? I’ll give youIT'S ALIVE!!!
Surviving 100 days with Callan Walker
I think it’s easy to be selfish when it’s…easy to be selfish. Do you know what I mean? I’ll give you an example – I can’t cook, so hubby does most of the cooking in our house. Now, when I say I can’t cook, I’m kind of fibbing. I can cook, just not very well, or not as well as hubby does. So, while hubby is cooking dinner each night, I happily spend the time reading. Should I or am I being selfish? Maybe, I should keep him company, or could help chop vegetables or something? But, I don’t. I don’t because it’s easy to be selfish.
Callan Walker has found it bloody easy to be selfish. He’s a good looking bloke with plenty of money and a jet-setting lifestyle. The life he’s lived has been fun and pretty frivolous. Why change a good thing? If it's not broken, don't mess with it. And, if it happens to piss your overbearing, controlling mother off...well that's even better.
Callan’s life takes a pretty big nosedive when Jack, his beloved uncle, passes away. It makes him stop and assess where his life is going. When he finds out that his estranged mother took it upon herself to have Jack cremated with no funeral, Callan is livid. He decides he better head to New York and oversee that Jack’s last wishes were honoured. Imagine his disgust when he finds out his mother hired a stranger to pack up Jack’s goods and calculate his assets for a quick sale. Over Callan’s body…or when Callan meets the stranger…under his body.
Grace has a temporary job she HAS to keep. She has the sole care of her 15-year-old sister and needs the temp job to become permanent. She’s determined to ignore the extremely hot Aussie and his sexy accent especially considering he's the boss's son. Grace is sure that his flirting is a ploy to get whatever he wants…and it may just work.
I really enjoyed Temporary. It made me laugh seeing the American character swooning over Callan's hot accent. HAHAHAHA!! I’ll have to take a recording of hubby to see if we can make my overseas friends swoon. If I sweet talk him, we can get him to say Bloody Hell a few times or maybe even get him to offer to shout us a beer (buy a beer). As an Aussie myself, I can vouch that Callan is the real deal. I’ve met Callan or blokes like him. Actually, that’s a lie. I can’t say I know too many Aussie blokes with six pack abs (unfortunately). They must be all hiding overseas.
Temporary kept my attention from start to finish. There were plenty of scenes that packed an emotional punch. Both Callan and Grace has pretty messed up mothers at completely different ends of the scale. Callan’s mother is a woman who loves work over everything else. She’s controlling, manipulative and evil. Grace’s mother is not there…literally. She’s a drug addict who chose that life over her children and now it’s Grace’s responsibility to raise her sister Olivia. As a mother myself, I found it very hard to relate or imagine acting in either way. I’m far from perfect, but I do love my kids unconditionally and want only their happiness.
The spark between Callan and Grace was evident from the very start. Considering Grace’s need for her job, she held out as long as she could. I understood her logic of why she eventually caved. Even on your hardest days, facing the toughest battles, a little time out for yourself should be a treat to yourself. She didn’t plan on forever, Grace just wanted a bit of a spark to brighten her day. Turns out that spark lit quite the inferno for both of them.
Temporary was a great story about finding love when you’re feeling lonely. Callan, because he’d just lost the one family member he respected and loved and Grace because she was struggling with the pressure of raising her sister on a temp’s salary. Two very different people, living very different lives, finding a connection that neither could deny. It wasn’t easy and it was definitely bumpy. Luckily, Callan can make a mean lah-tay (that's latte, I'm trying to sound out how I say it) and offer an Iced VoVo (bikkies) to tempt your taste buds…and help you forget he’s a drongo.
I will definitely be back for more from this author duo and by that ending, there’s hopefully more already in the works.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
I think Eve Dangerfield is a wonderful and talented author. BUT…every bloody time she sends me a message,Sassy’s heading into the zone…the Kinky Zone
I think Eve Dangerfield is a wonderful and talented author. BUT…every bloody time she sends me a message, the panic sets in. WHAT WILL SHE THINK OF NEXT? This chick loves pushing me out of my comfort zone. More times than not I’ve got to the end of her stories and can’t help but thank her for the shove. This does not make it easier to pick up her next read, mind you. I still get nervous and read the blurbs with one eye open.
So, she sends me the blurb for Act Your Age and asks very nicely if I would like an advanced copy. I ALWAYS accept, but I ALWAYS warn her that this might be the one that pushes me too far.
BLOODY HELL!!
‘Daddy’ play?!?!
Oh boy, this is it. There's no way I'll survive. Eve's pushing me into…The Kinky Zone…
Now, talking about sexy books with a wee bit of kink in them is somewhat embarrassing for me. I’m going to have to ask you to step into my Kinky Cone of Silence… If kinky reads are not for you, stop, step away, and I’ll see you on the flipside.
I started the story a little hesitantly. How does ‘Daddy’ play start? Is this something that happens at a sex club? Do you advertise? The thing that had me gobsmacked was that at first I was like…*Wow, that is HOT!!* Mind you, it was just her using the word and him being a little bit bossy. I thought I could hack it if this is what it’s all about. Boy, was I naïve. Like, really, really naïve. Very quickly I went from HOT to Ewww. Nope, this is definitely not my thing. Hmmm, maybe I ain’t so tough after all.
Funny thing is, the writing was fabulous and I couldn’t stop. I was curious and I couldn’t look away. I started and finished this book in one day. Hubby would come in for something and I would tell him a little bit about what I was reading and his face would go really blank. I’d seen this face before. This face means…My wife is weird, but I love her, so I guess whatever floats her boat…and as long as she doesn’t start calling me Daddy.
What I found amazing about this story was analysing how these characters came to be and what made them feel the need for this sexual outlet. Both the hero and heroine felt years of embarrassment and shame for having the type of sexual fantasies they craved. The amount of inner conflict they suffered through, talking themselves out of wanting what they wanted and settling for something less, made me feel sorry for them. It takes strength and courage to be different and finding someone who wants that same kind of different is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Obviously, Act Your Age is not a book for everyone. Reading this book blasted me past my comfort zone and into the red light district. What made this journey amazing is that even when I was uncomfortable with how the role playing played out, I never felt the need to stop reading. It was fascinating and a little disturbed. The phrase “Whatever floats your boat” was playing on repeat in my head.
This is a love story, that's just a little different. Age doesn’t matter, when you're both comfortable with it. We’re all different but if you can find the person to accept and love your differences, you're very lucky. Each to their own and all that jazz.
I’m stepping out of the Kinky Cone of Silence and heading back to the safe zone.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
Don't get me wrong, I really do love a good undercover cop romance...BUT...I hate knowing that the lie will have to eventuallyHmmm...it's still a lie
Don't get me wrong, I really do love a good undercover cop romance...BUT...I hate knowing that the lie will have to eventually come out. There's this little part of me squinting when the emotions escalate and feelings are involved. I know someone is going to get hurt. I can't help but think, how can you keep lying to someone you like? AND How can you forgive someone who can so easily lie to you?
Let's be real, most of the undercover cops in romance are the hero. Which means, that it's normally the heroine who feels betrayed and hurt. It's a bit emotional, there's going to be tears and there will have to be forgiveness, which may or may not happen pretty quickly. See, if the situation was reversed, all we'd get out of a hero betrayed is a clenched jaw and maybe a chair was thrown.
Am I right or am I right? In essence, we need the formula to stay the same because, while women can be very emotional, we can also forgive a lot more easily. I think men tend to hold a grudge and move on.
Sassy, the Queen of making HUGE generalisations.
So, In His Custody does follow along in the usual pattern of undercover cop romance. Not a bad thing to be honest. It's still pretty cool to see a "teacher" be all badass and bossy, with a smoking hot body and all the right moves. In this case, our copper/teacher is a wee bit kinky. Turns out, he likes to use his handcuffs off duty as well.
In His Custody was a short story that packed a punch. We have a mystery to solve that involves high school students and drugs. Plenty of twists and turns to lead me on a Merry chase.
If you're looking for a short story with a pretty good mystery and a fair dose of sexy times, then I would definitely suggest giving it a go. Bonus, you get to catch up with some of the gang from Fiona Archer's series, Son's of Sydney.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
I have a thing for Tradies. Maybe, I should clarify. A fit and healthy man with a pair ofPerfect…if you like the smell of hard work
***3.5 Stars***
I have a thing for Tradies. Maybe, I should clarify. A fit and healthy man with a pair of hard yakka navy blue shorts, t-shirt and steel toed boots are HOT!! Now, don’t judge me but I REALLY like it when hubby gets dressed for heading out on site for work. His “uniform” is of the “tradie” variety and it really emphasises his well-defined calf muscles…and other stuff. I think it makes it hotter that he’s really a desk/computer man, who sidelines as a “tradie”. His tradie side is like his Superman costume to me. He puts it on…and I swoon.
Well, now that I’ve got myself all fluttery thinking about hubby in his “costume”, let’s get back to the story.
So, Perfect Scents is about finding out that some plans are meant to go off track. Calli is recovering from a broken heart…or, more frankly, a broken bank account. It’s not always easy to find love when your parents are rich. You have to worm your way past the social climbers, money grubbers and career steppers. Calli seems to have a bad habit of picking the worst of the bunch and it’s time for her to step away and fix the mess of her life. Calli’s on track until she’s tackled by the meth dealers who live next door. Well, she thought they were meth dealers…
Kell has a plan…work hard. Everything around that is just stuff. He wants to make something of himself. Kell doesn’t mind working hard because he knows if he has a nice house, fancy car and high earning business, he’s a success (misguided fool). Women, they have a use but he doesn’t want to keep one. Kell’s on track until he finds a young boy casing the joint next door. Well, he thought it was a young boy…
Turns out, love has a way of messing with plans and these two must work out whether their plans can be tweaked to fit each other in.
I enjoyed Perfect Scents. There were a few times that I felt the characters were a lot older than their years. It wasn’t just their maturity or life experience leading them to grow up early. I just found the terms used and decisions they made were something I would see in someone older. I saw them as aged in their late thirties instead of late twenties. To be honest, I would have loved to see more of their falling in love. We're told it's happening but at times I felt like I blinked and missed it. As per usual, the knuckleheads would have suffered a lot less if they had communicated better…but where would the fun be in that?
It was fun getting to see the renovations as they were being done. I enjoyed watching them discuss the benefits of adding more market value but adding a butlers pantry. Or, whether or not plain white tiles were boring or right for the look of Kell’s investment property. The planting side of things for Calli was interesting too. I can kill a flowering bush from 20 paces so a lot of it was completely new to me.
Perfect Scents was a sweet story about finding love when you’re not looking for it. I liked the characters and was satisfied with their connection.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]...more
Snuggle down peoples, I’m here to talk about love. Love is awesome. I’m happy to say that I feel extremely[image]
Real love is hard to move on from.
Snuggle down peoples, I’m here to talk about love. Love is awesome. I’m happy to say that I feel extremely loved. When I first fell in love with my hubby, it was *lusty love* with a cherry on the top. It felt giddy and exciting and all the things that young love should. As time went on, it started to change. *Lusty love* morphed into *I look for you love*. This is the one that carried on and stayed with me. *I look for you love* is where I can be anywhere at any time and hubby walks in the room and I smile. He may have only stepped out for a minute or we may have been apart for a day, but knowing he’s near puts a smile on my face. The next stage, I like to call *devoted love*. *Devoted love* is a little tricky. See, when you love someone to the extreme, you worry there will come a time that they won’t be around. All it takes is the mention of car accidents, cancer, murder and mayhem for me to worry. How will I go on? Will I be able to move on? Should I move on? Is *devoted love* a good thing when the love of your life is gone?
Over the 20 years of my marriage, my attitude has changed. At one stage, it was – I will only love once and that is enough. Then it was – Should I stop living because my love is no longer around? To be honest, I don’t really know the answer and hopefully, I won’t have to even contemplate for many years. But…what if I was told my husband was dead, but there’s no physical proof? Do I wait? How long should I wait? Is there a certain amount of time I should allow before I accept I’m a widow? After reading Catching Captain Nash I have come to realise there isn’t a timeframe. There isn’t an easy answer. You may even get it wrong, then have to pick up the pieces of your life and try to make a new picture. It’s not going to be an easy puzzle to solve, the picture may even look different than what you expected, but maybe the new picture was the way it was always meant to be.
While Catching Captain Nash was my favourite in the series (I have been known to change my mind with each new instalment), it was also one of the most emotional. Robert has spent 5 years in hell with only one thing keeping him sane…returning to the wife he loves. His return is not at all as he dreamed and what follows is heartbreak, emotional upheaval, lust and connection. Geez, this book was HOT!! Now I know what 5 years without touch and connection looks like and what happens when you finally get it back. It wasn’t an easy journey for Robert and Morwenna but I couldn’t help but think that their love passed the test and grew stronger after facing hell and despair.
I have loved the Dashing Widows series from the very beginning. Each one has been a little trip into the past to give me a fix of something I crave. I am a sucker for big fancy dresses that take an extra pair of hands to get in and out of. I love sitting down to tea. I’m curious about all the rules of deportment and hierarchy. I can’t get enough of gentlemen who appear to rule their world, but secretly make decisions after checking with their wives first. Anna Campbell gives me this fix without fuss. I get two and a bit hours of uninterrupted historical romance heaven. I hope that she doesn’t stop this goodness. Look, I might be happy to move on from the Dashing Widows as long as Ms Campbell promises to give me something similar or different…but the same…ish.
Please Anna Campbell give me more. Pretty please with sugar on the top.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
I enjoyed it but it's hard to turn off my mum brain.
I know I can waffle. If you want to skip the waffling and go[image]
Trust me...It's ALIVE!!
I enjoyed it but it's hard to turn off my mum brain.
I know I can waffle. If you want to skip the waffling and go straight to my thoughts on Trust, go to the paragraph starting with ***.
Here’s the thing, I finished Grade 12/Senior at the age of sixteen. I had no desire to go on to further studies so my parents gave me an alternative…get a job or keep studying. I was determined and had a job secured before I even finished school. At seventeen, I was finished school, working and living like an adult. Yes, I was still at home, but, I was expected to act and behave like a responsible adult. Which is why I struggle to understand how an eighteen-year-old can sit in a class and have a teacher treat them like a little kid. I think I would have been attending regular sessions of detention because I told a teacher to stick it where the sun don’t shine.
And…this is why YA and I don’t always jell.
I tried hard, but I really don't get YA and struggle to see myself in their shoes. The teenage "angsty love" in the school hallways is unfamiliar to me because I went to an all-girls Catholic school. The eighteen-year-old who has a curfew seems weird. Facing repercussions for sharing an opinion with a teacher seems wrong. As adults, we have repercussions and choices to make but I learnt them a lot younger than eighteen. I was an adult at eighteen. I did not hide behind my parents if I made a bad decision. I was not sent to the naughty corner to contemplate my bad decisions. If I ran out of money, I did without. That's the way it was...back in the olden days. 😉
I tend to read YA with my mum hat on. I am analysing what I, as a parent, would do if my child went off the rails or was faced with angsty high school drama. When I read about body issues, alcohol, drugs and truancy, I’m wondering if I would have seen the signs. What rules will I have in place? Have I taught my kids right from wrong? Do they know that they’re loved unconditionally? Have I taught them to respect themselves as well as other around them? I can’t turn my mum brain off.
Reading YA kind of feels a little pervy and wrong. While I appreciate the beauty of the cover model, I can't help thinking *he's just a skinny kid*. While I appreciate and enjoy the story, the romance part is a little harder for me to enjoy.
As per usual, I’ve waffled on about stuff...
***Trust was pretty awesome. It was well written, dealt with some tough issues and had me feeling a wide range of emotions. Edie and John have faced one of the most horrific experiences and lived to tell the tale. Both of them came out the other side as different people with a different mindset. Edie realises it’s time to start living and to some extent, grow a backbone. John has lived a wild life but after his experience, he realises wild isn’t so great especially if you end up dead because of it. One wants to go a little wild and the other wants to take a step back from wild. Hopefully, they meet somewhere in the middle.
Look, if I was going to get converted and become a fan of YA, I think it would be Kylie Scott’s style of YA that would do it. The characters aren’t stupidly immature or reckless. Yes, they take unnecessary risks that made me tut-tut a little, but I can honestly say that I didn’t roll my eyes once. To me, that is definitely a sign of success. I liked the characters, found the storyline interesting and never felt frustrated or confused. There are some sexy shenanigans between the main characters as well as some thoughts and chatter about sexual situations. Trust does deal with death, depression, anger and drug addiction. You see it and you also see the fallout of dealing with it as well. It’s all handled really well.
While Young Adult Romance is not something I go looking for, Kylie Scott is. I really like her writing and enjoyed settling in for Edie and John’s emotional journey.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
I know this is unconventional, but I've changed my mind. I got home from work, turned on my kindle, andI hit his belly... ;-)
What once was a D.N.F...
I know this is unconventional, but I've changed my mind. I got home from work, turned on my kindle, and instead of removing it from my device, I hit that hot belly and went back in. Now, I didn't stay where I was, I went to that line at the bottom of the page and picked a spot.
Geez, I picked the right spot. I've gone from not getting...struggling...almost hating the characters, to loving them. I laughed, cried and smirked with the characters as I got to know them better.
This could be seen as a spoilerish kind of thing, but there's this letter that Dean wrote. Oh my Lordy...best love letter ever (well the best one I've read in awhile). There's also a scene that broke my heart. It wasn't centered around the main characters but one of Ash's patients. Made me grateful for my two beautiful boys.
So, I was a little premature giving up and I'm glad I hit his belly instead of delete. Obviously, I can't rate it 5 stars, but what I just read left me so satisfied that I can't help but rate the rest of it 4 stars. I'm breaking the rules...BUT I DON'T CARE!!!
******\\\\\\//////******
DNF at 40%
This was a struggle for me. I didn't particularly like the heroine and her objectives, and really didn't like the way she treated Dean.
This will definitely not stop me from reading more of Eve Dangerfield's stories. She's not afraid of pushing to the edge and shaking things up.
Check out others reviews as I'm just one piddly little reader in a world full of readers. :-)...more
I met Sally Thorne at a book signing a couple of years back and if I hadn’t loved her before then I Being perfect isn’t everything…
***4.5 Stars***
I met Sally Thorne at a book signing a couple of years back and if I hadn’t loved her before then I would have loved her after meeting her. She’s the cutest little thing and she was FREAKING OUT in a *strangers want to TALK TO ME* kind of way. I think we as readers forget that authors are just like us and may or may not love to be the centre of attention. I gave her a hug and tried to convince her that it would all be OK, just take it one fan at a time. She gave me that deer in the headlights look, took a deep breath and returned to her side of the table. I love book signings.
While I was talking to Sally, I was doing my own version of fangirling and congratulating her on The Hating Game. I asked her how her second book was going, and she admitted that she was struggling with the amount of pressure she was under to produce something different but as good as her first. I gave her all the peppy speeches that I thought any new author would want to hear and told her…she’ll be right, mate. And, guess what, she was right, mate.
I admit to starting 99 Percent Mine a little hesitantly. I didn’t want to set my expectations too high. Maybe, in the back of my mind, I was remembering her worries, and I was hoping she had worried for nothing. But, when you’re reading a new author’s second book, especially when it’s not part of a series, you kind of expect it to not be as good.
OMG!! I’m such a horrible person!! I can’t believe I just admitted ^^^that^^^ to you.
Hello, my name is Stacey (who thinks she’s Sassy, but I’m pretty sure it’s all in her head), and I admit to having low expectations when it comes to reading the second book by a new author…
Now, I have that off my chest, let me tell you how I felt about Sally Thorne’s second book.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! There were highs and lows that sent my emotions crazy. I was so frustrated with Darcy for a lot of the book. She’s a self-destructive, scaredy cat who does a runner whenever things go dodgy. So, I was frustrated but could completely relate to her. I even started dreaming of doing a runner myself. How cool would it be to just pack your bags and leave your troubles behind? Obviously, I’d need to pack my hubby and kids bags too, sell the house, try and learn how to home-school my kids…stuff it…too much like hard work.
Anyways, Darcy was a very interesting character. She has been in love with Tom since she was a kid but said the wrong thing to him when she was 18, and nearly ruined their friendship. Time moves along and she runs, runs, runs and runs some more, and Tom moves on with his life. Luckily, they’ve stayed friends because the other most important person in her life, her twin brother Jamie, is Tom’s best friend.
There is absolutely no way I can go further into this storyline because it would take a ten-part-exposition to explain it all. I will tell you this, I loved 99 Percent Mine especially because it wasn’t perfect. The characters are not perfect, the love between the characters broke my heart, and they all made so many mistakes. Secrets, fibs, manipulations and trust are all things that made my emotions boil. It was so bloody realistic. Sometimes you make a bad choice, take a runner instead of standing your ground, and manipulate to get the best outcome. In the end, I was extremely happy with how it all played out and completely convinced that Tom and Darcy would struggle through together for the rest of their lives.
Sally, you so got it right. 99 Percent Mine was perfect in an imperfect kind of way. Who wants to be perfect when it’s so good to be bad.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image][image]...more
I was looking at a blank page for a wee while before writing this review. Something Borrowed was bloody awesome.Before judging...let's take a moment.
I was looking at a blank page for a wee while before writing this review. Something Borrowed was bloody awesome. The characters were interesting, original and a little crazy, the storyline sucked me in from the very first page and the steamy scenes were some of the HOTTEST I’ve ever read.
Let’s blame it on my shocking memory, which hubby frequently claims is selective memory loss, but I completely forgot what the story was about before I started. I had vague recollections that it was about a chick going to a destination wedding and getting stuck on the plane beside someone she detested. That was the extent of my knowledge before starting.
What makes my enjoyment of Something Borrowed even more amazing is that the blurb has a couple of somethings that would normally be a turn off for me. If I had reacquainted myself with the blurb I would have overanalysed...
Unfortunately, he made mistakes in the past, mistakes that involved cocktails, out of control minivans, and a giant misunderstanding that cost him his one and only shot with Elle.
Hmmm…he’s already stuffed something up before he’s even started. Not looking good, mate.
…and he didn’t count on the hot-headed beauty dominating him in the bedroom…or the fact that he'd like it.
Oh geez, does this mean he’s weak???
Well, all I can say is that I feel like an idiot. Those silly narrow-minded ideals nearly made me miss one of the most intense, funny and erotic reads I’ve ever read.
Yes, there were scenes where I wanted to smack him for his previous douchewaffle tendencies. I also wanted to smack her for blowing her top too quickly and overreacting when a situation frustrated her. What really made me love this story was that both of them knew their weaknesses and issues, admitted they had a problem and tried to control it.
As we get to know Elle and Jackson and see behind their façade, there were these little aha moments of enlightenment that made things become clearer. I found it easier to understand where they were coming from and how they ended up with their reputations and attitudes.
Yes, their take on life and choices of expressing themselves were not something I fully understood but I didn’t have to understand. This is not my life and these were not my preferences or desires. I’m just an innocent bystander with an opportunity to look at a different side to life.
Let’s put it this way…I’m not gay and I don’t have any desire to test the waters or see if it’s something I’d like to try. That does not make me look down upon anyone else’s choice or decisions. Each to their own and all that jazz.
If a straight woman who likes to dominate in the bedroom finds a man who, in the bedroom, likes to serve his woman, good for them. I have no desire to test the waters and become a dominatrix but that does not mean that I can’t find it extremely interesting and sexy to be an observer. I can freely admit that I was shocked at how arousing it was. IT WAS FRIGGIN HOT!!!!!
I just thought of something...an Alpha takes his pleasure and a sub gives pleasure. We normally see the Alpha get all growly and demand their partner find pleasure. Well in this story we see the hero concentrates solely on his partner's satisfaction. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if a guy is consumed with the need to see you gain satisfaction. Hmmm...both seem pretty good.
So, if I could be so bold as to tell readers to shut off their pre-conceived ideas and give their comfort zones a blast, this would be the one to try. I laughed, sighed, groaned and deep breathed through this one.
I will warn you that besides the above issues, this is an Aussie story and there may be a few terms and situations that may not make sense. If you decide to give it a go, I’m happy to help with any interpretations or explanations that need to be made.
Something Borrowed was a winner for me and Eve Dangerfield remains one of my favourite Aussie authors.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes. [image]...more
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