This is a great book. Really, the writing flows and the story is gripping. If you don't have a taste for gritty stories, this isn't for you, but beingThis is a great book. Really, the writing flows and the story is gripping. If you don't have a taste for gritty stories, this isn't for you, but being that I LOVE them, I enjoyed this book immensely. Though present tense and first person could have presented a problem with the change in POV, Blakely was able to shift voices well enough that I always knew who was narrating. I liked the plot, the "issues" we're believable, and the resolution was HEA but not too perfect. ...more
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this novel, and I tore through it like someone was going to steal it back out of my hot little hands.
As alwaI was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this novel, and I tore through it like someone was going to steal it back out of my hot little hands.
As always, Van Lowe's story telling is seamless. We pick up after Megan has had an episode of "Bad Megan" showing up at school in her place, and she learns her alter ego has landed her in a serious pot of hot water. As Megan fights to keep herself from becoming Satan's bride, the twists and turns of the Devil's handiwork make the trials and tribulations of teenage life that much harder to overcome. With the help of those closest to her, Megan uses her smarts and her strengths to find an answer to the seemingly impossible fate before her, and learns a very valuable lesson about honesty and friendship along the way.
All of the saga's characters return, including Aunt Jazz (who is forever my favorite), Harrison (who is always played by Matthew McConaughey in my head) and the frustratingly angelic Rocky (who I will never like), even Matt shows up when we least expect him.
In a sea of dark and gritty YA, E. Van Lowe's Falling Angels Saga gives readers a hopeful tale of love, friendship, and family. One of the things that makes me love this series so much is knowing that when my daughters get older, as they are eager to read about love triangles and the dark parts of this world, I can hand them this series and be confident that they are reading about a strong role model who learns and grows and loves – not just a boy – but her family, her friends, and most importantly, herself....more
As you know, I'm a big fan of stories about potential lovers being snowed in together. It's a fabulous premise, if I do say so myself. So, when I got As you know, I'm a big fan of stories about potential lovers being snowed in together. It's a fabulous premise, if I do say so myself. So, when I got the chance to review Harper's Wish, I jumped at it. This story is wonderfully sweet with a dash of a spicy heroine and a hero with just a bit of salty cowboy to him. Throw in a little Christmas magic and you've got the perfect novella to heat up a cold winter's night.
I really liked Harper and her no-nonsense attitude. She's doing her best to build a life for herself in the aftermath of a rather heartbreaking childhood. As for Fin, he's adorable and committed to his family (his brother and nieces to be exact) which is a killer combination, in my opinion.
Fans of Contemporary Romance with a guaranteed spectacularly happy ending will adore this novella....more
I was already a fan of Lawton’s previous works, but I’m truly enamored with her most recent New Adult novel Shelf Life is a painfully beautiful comingI was already a fan of Lawton’s previous works, but I’m truly enamored with her most recent New Adult novel Shelf Life is a painfully beautiful coming of age story that hits hard and peels back the layers of what it means to be a “grown up”.
Pete is easy to love; a guy who’s honest and true, even if he’s a little naive and a lot stubborn. The way Lawton handles his evolution from high school boy to college man is seamless. This is something the author has shown a talent for easing her readers through character growth in her previous work and I was pleased to see her deft handling of the transition in this tale as well.
I enjoyed the way Lawton walked us through the unusual life of Doomsday Preppers in our modern world. Her descriptions of Pete’s life on the farm are rich and winsome. Their sharp contrast to his experiences at the local community college help paint an even more vivid picture of the backbreaking yet beautiful life with his parents.
His relationship with Lindsey is as confusing and frustrating and scintillating as relationships truly are at the tender age of eighteen. And though their love isn’t the main storyline in this book, I’m hoping to see more of them together in the next book in the series.
The end is rough, and I’m not being exaggerative. It’s a fast-paced whirlwind of dramatic events that leave you breathless. Though there is one piece of the end I have sworn not to forgive (I will not spoiler it, just, *sob*), I eagerly await the continuation of Pete’s story in the next installment. ...more
Another fantastic installment in the Miriam Black series. My only complaint: the back cover copy did not prepare me for the actual plot of this book. Another fantastic installment in the Miriam Black series. My only complaint: the back cover copy did not prepare me for the actual plot of this book. That was good because I probably wouldn't have read it if I knew. It totally pushed my limits. Had me so stressed I stayed up until 1am to finish it so I would have resolution and not freak out on night! ...more
Reisz is an undeniably talented writer. No question. I can't complain about anything stylistically or technically. I obviously love this series and I Reisz is an undeniably talented writer. No question. I can't complain about anything stylistically or technically. I obviously love this series and I tell every person I know to read it. I'm committed forever.
The reasons I didn't give this books 5* are:
1. I'm not a Søren fan. The small amount of acceptance The Angel created was washed away seeing him in his younger years.
2. Worse yet was seeing Kingsley as a teenager. I understand we are learning how they got to where they are today, but teen King was disheartening for me.
3. I knew how the Wes/Nora story line would end from the moment it began, so what was meant to be a shocking event was anticlimactic for me.
As always, Reisz's talent reigns supreme. Fantastic dialog, masterful plotting, and rich imagery. She is a shining star in the world of romance.
Yet, As always, Reisz's talent reigns supreme. Fantastic dialog, masterful plotting, and rich imagery. She is a shining star in the world of romance.
Yet, I hold her books to a higher standard, which means most of my complaints are petty. Mainly, I could tell the book was edited quickly and pushed to press without the true fine tuning of the first two in the series.
Outside of that, my biggest issue is Ms. Reisz's heavy handed evangelizing against traditional marriage. I get it, it's a kinky world, but she couldn't leave the one traditionally married couple alone. If you want the mainstream world to accept the kink world, the road needs to go both ways. But I also understand that we all have our issues we feel passionately about and those bleed into our work.
Lastly, the one thing that I felt made Søren understandable and admirable was pretty much shattered for me. So there's that. But I never liked him anyway, so it wasn't a big loss. ...more
I don't have a big heart felt review. Simply put, Glennon is a truth-teller, and if you're NOT a truth-teller, then you will never ever appreciate herI don't have a big heart felt review. Simply put, Glennon is a truth-teller, and if you're NOT a truth-teller, then you will never ever appreciate her writing and you may even get angry or hate her. And that is why I love this book.
Reading the reviews of "oh Daelyn was such a bummer, why couldn't she just look on the bright side" speaks to why our society is still so deeply entreReading the reviews of "oh Daelyn was such a bummer, why couldn't she just look on the bright side" speaks to why our society is still so deeply entrenched in stigmatizing depression.
Harassed and abused from a young age, violated and made to feel unsafe, her self loathing so ingrained at that point she couldn't even trust her parents with the truth, Daelyn is the personification of so many hurting young people.
My FAVORITE device in the story is the suicide web page. FAVORITE. Though some could see it as contrived, and it was a little, it was still a perfect way to help D evolve and answer questions about herself privately, with time to reflect.
And Santana, how do you not love him? He's a truth teller. The truth tellers and always heroes. ...more
Whoa. This book is intense, exhausting, and absolutely brilliant.
I am usually a fast reader, devouring a book in a day or two, but ToD is so heavy, sWhoa. This book is intense, exhausting, and absolutely brilliant.
I am usually a fast reader, devouring a book in a day or two, but ToD is so heavy, so much to digest, that I read it in small chunks until I was done.
Seeing the world through Lela's lens creates a bone-crushing fatigue. My brain could only handle living in her world in small increments. But that's the true mark of genius writing, is it not? To feel everything in the book as if it were happening to you.
I will say the last 1/4 of the book is so fast paced that I read it in one sitting, each page yanking me further into the cacophonous dissonance of Lela's insanity.
I loved this book so much I can't even do it justice in a review. Read it. Just read it. ...more
Let me just start by saying, this short story is a five-alarm fire heat level. If you're looking for sweet and tame romance, just move right along becLet me just start by saying, this short story is a five-alarm fire heat level. If you're looking for sweet and tame romance, just move right along because R. Brennan has brought some serious game with this hot little number. Leap of Faith is part of the "Romance on the Go" line; quick reads that get you where you wanna go, if you know what I mean and I think that you do. Having met Faith and Richard in their previous adventure as a part of the Evernight Publishing Vanilla-Free Christmas Anthology, I was eager to join them for another adventure.
This is a very hot, very naughty BDSM story. Lots of playtime punctuated by touches of tenderness and caring make for one fiery couple. Richard is the firm but caring Dom who saw what Faith had inside of her from the moment they met. He knows what she needs and he knows how to give it to her. Faith is a brave and daring woman, slinking into her new role as a submissive with unabashed passion. Their time together is not wasted on pleasantries and fake smiles; they get right down to the nitty gritty and make the most of their time together.
Leap of Faith is the perfect book read while taking a nice long bath or maybe just before your man gets home. There is no avoiding the effect this book will have on you. This is the kind of erotic romance that's all in, no-hold-barred, dirty fun. I hope there is more to come from these two in the future, as I see lots of series potential.
This book had SO much potential. So much! Kacey, the main character is everything I love; a broken girl who fights back at life after loss. The story This book had SO much potential. So much! Kacey, the main character is everything I love; a broken girl who fights back at life after loss. The story was plugging along fine, really entertaining at some points, and then it took a MASSIVE nose dive in the last 2 pages. Just. NO.
***spoilers follow
Couldn't Kacey's lesson be that she could stand on her own two feet, that she could heal from the trauma of her loss without burning herself in infatuation? Exactly WHY does she need to be with Trent for it to be a happy ending? She doesn't! It was a happy ending BEFORE that nut job showed back up.
***
Honestly, this ending is even less palatable than the ending of the Twilight series. FFS, can NO ONE write a book where the girl just figures her stuff out and maybe meets a NEW guy and embarks on a healthy relationship?
I gave this three stars because I loved the first half. The end made me wanna throw my kindle at the wall. -.-...more
I absolutely ADORED this book. It's everything you hope for in a Presents and more! I was having a tough week and Yates was able to whisk me away to a I absolutely ADORED this book. It's everything you hope for in a Presents and more! I was having a tough week and Yates was able to whisk me away to a beautiful desert landscape so I could forget about my worries.
A secret baby, a marriage of convenience, and two fantastic main characters. I can't wait to tea the rest of her books in this series. ...more
This book is incredibly well written and completely original. I recommended it to a friend who immediately bought it and loved it, too. Kevin Craig's This book is incredibly well written and completely original. I recommended it to a friend who immediately bought it and loved it, too. Kevin Craig's writing is superb, his characters are fully fleshed out into living beings, and he employs amazing attention to detail through out the entire novel.
Sebastian's Poet is a wonderful contemporary work that deserves much more notoriety than it has received. More people need to know about this author. Please, please, trust me when I say that you will love every page of this fantastic story.
I am eager to tear into the rest of Kevin Craig's backlist!...more
As a lover of all things paranormal, I'm always looking for something new. This was an excellent novel with a unique plot and great characters. DylaniAs a lover of all things paranormal, I'm always looking for something new. This was an excellent novel with a unique plot and great characters. Dylanie is truly likable and I love watching her work to find herself, which is fraught with challenges I think most girls can relate to. Jake is an adorable YA Hero, just sexy enough to grab the reader's attention and just tame enough for YA. And Ashley is a bit of comic relief, though she'd be hurt to hear me say that.
Overall, a wonderful YA Paranormal with a thread of spirituality that I really enjoyed. ...more
Let me begin by saying that I kinda thought Isaac could just go ahead and DIAF when Want, the NA companion to Need, ended. Yet, when I finished Need, Let me begin by saying that I kinda thought Isaac could just go ahead and DIAF when Want, the NA companion to Need, ended. Yet, when I finished Need, I was a fan through and through.
"But Annabelle, you hate a**hole guys masquerading as heroes," you say. I know, I really do, but the author didn't cop out and didn't ask the reader to forgive Isaac for his sins based on hotness alone. Lawton masterfully transforms Isaac Laroche from a childish, self-serving coward into a man who takes responsibility for his actions and stands on his own two feet. With the help of Heather and some of her rather, ahem, unconventional methods, Isaac realizes what he thought he wanted wasn't at all what he needed.
Lawton handles this character growth with such a deft hand that you don't even realize it's happening until you reach a point where you say, "Damn, this guy has finally figured his sh*t out." That, my friends, is something rarely seen genre fiction today – especially romance. Even more, this story has a true happy ending, not just throwing the characters together against all odds for the sake of the perfunctory HEA. For me, the emotionally healthy ending is the only true HEA, and Lawton does not disappoint.
I think I actually jumped around my room in joy during certain parts of Need. I find so very few authors who craft with real story arc and character growth. Plus, she uses five-alarm-fire sex scenes to achieve this in realistic and emotionally beneficial ways for her characters.
Some entry–level BDSM fun, the uncovering of even more social politics and secret lives than you would imagine, and lots of emotional upheaval make for a fantastic debut in the world of erotic romance. ...more
Meh. There were parts I hated, and I mean hated. The mid section of the book was bad enough that I stopped between sentences to gather my strength to Meh. There were parts I hated, and I mean hated. The mid section of the book was bad enough that I stopped between sentences to gather my strength to continue. The last 100pages were easier to read and dare I say good. I appreciated the soul's bond to Ian. The ending didn't sway me in one direction or another.
I did not appreciate Meyer's inability to create new characters. We see Bella, Edward, and Jake all over again in this book.
I would have liked to see more of Melanie, the parts of the book when she's absent we're the least interesting. Yet, I found this whole personified internal conflict heavy handed as well as the "symbolism" she used.
In all, not the worst book I've read but not the best. It could have been spectacular with an editor who was interesting in helping Meyer fine tune the story instead of getting the book onto shelves while her name was still hot enough to selling millions of copies.
**spoiler alert** What do you do when you've lost the love of your life? You do your best to function while mending your broken heart.
Meg is doing he**spoiler alert** What do you do when you've lost the love of your life? You do your best to function while mending your broken heart.
Meg is doing her best to get by, but her lingering love for Guy is still clenched tightly around her heart. The reader feels everything Meg does as she goes through the motions with the regular cast of characters. She learns about the local coven of witches by way of an action-packed baking contest as well as more about the abilities she's acquired in her tussles with the supernatural. A new character, who I'm still not sure of, makes you both intrigued and repulsed, proving Van Lowe is a master of manipulation in this battle between Heaven and Hell.
After the shocking and heart wrenching ending of Earth Angel, you would think Van Lowe would give us a reprieve. Alas, he skillfully carries us along in the story, mildly cautious and massively hopeful until the reveal at the very end. I both hate him and love him for not coping out.
Another wonderful installment to the Falling Angels Saga....more
Earth Angel is a fast paced and fantastic YA novel that will leave your hearth thumping in your chest.
As always, Van Lowe brings his readers a vibranEarth Angel is a fast paced and fantastic YA novel that will leave your hearth thumping in your chest.
As always, Van Lowe brings his readers a vibrant cast of character who are endlessly charming and entertaining. From Aunt Jaz to Maudrina to the newly introduced Harrison, and of course, the teenage-embodiment-of-perfection, Guy. Meg is just fabulous as a heroine, always pushing through her fears and subtly flawed. In all honesty, Aunt Jaz is my favorite, as I believe she is keeping bigger secrets than she lets on. Hold on to your hearts, because the end is full of love and sacrifice. This one is not to be missed.
If you have a teenage daughter who wants a good book that is about being a TEENAGER and all that those years bring with them, I highly recommend this series. ...more
Adams has an uncanny ability to take a humorous bent to the more serious topic of social media addictioA fun, entertaining, and giggle inducing read.
Adams has an uncanny ability to take a humorous bent to the more serious topic of social media addiction. I think most of us will see a little of ourselves in these witty and poignant cartoons. A nice reminder to stop and smell the roses. ...more
I'm completely new to the world of Selkies, but that made the entire premise fresh and new for me. Ellie is stubborn and determined to a fault, just
I'm completely new to the world of Selkies, but that made the entire premise fresh and new for me. Ellie is stubborn and determined to a fault, just the way I love my heroines. I'd rather read about a headstrong heroine who stops at nothing to go after what she wants *any day* over a simpering, spineless girl who crumbles as soon as the hot guy shows up.
Speaking of hot guys, Daniel is smokin'! I loved that he could come up against Ellie's fiery passion toe-to-toe and not back down. He's exactly what she needs in life.
The romance is strong, but not over the top. It's a nice added element to an already fantastic story of adventure.
A great book and I hope I'll get to read more about Ellie and Daniel in the future. ...more
Although I loved Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel, it's clear E. Van Lowe stepped up his game for The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. Written with a stAlthough I loved Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel, it's clear E. Van Lowe stepped up his game for The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. Written with a strong voice that resonats with all of the guts and naïveté of a real teenager, this book is welcome relief from overly angsty and percosious YA characters.
I completely connected with Kris. I understood her motivations and felt her struggles right along with her. Plus, I love any heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn't melt at the first sign of attention from a hot guy.
Alex was delish, the cheerleaders were perfectly nasty, and Anne Marie got on my very last nerve. I'm sure that's exactly what E. Van Lowe wanted. I will say Talia is a guilt pleasure and is just too much fun, though maybe I was supposed to take less pleasure in her character than I did.
I can confidently say Van Lowe wrapped me up in his Hollyweird world and I can't wait to read the next installment. ...more
If you don't know what that means or you have absolutely no sense of humor, just read another book because this one is Say it with me now...HYPERBOLE.
If you don't know what that means or you have absolutely no sense of humor, just read another book because this one is gonna go over your head.
Never Slow Dance With A Zombie is a hysterical YA novel with introspective thoughts on youth, our educational system, and society as a whole, with a hyperbolic humor which will leave you shaking your head in agreement.
Precocious teens and good-humored adults alike will enjoy this book for its wit, charm, and insight. Leaving behind the angsty approach so often favored in the world of YA Lit, Van Lowe entertains and enlightens with his approachable writing style.
I loved this book, and laughed so hard at some parts I had to catch my breath. Devising a system to train a zombie to be your boyfriend is nothing short of brilliant. I would love to see this made into a movie!...more
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