Review: Need by Todd Gregory

Need
Author: Todd Gregory

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


On the sultry streets of New Orleans, you can indulge every desire. Even when what you crave is blood.

As far as the mortal world knows, Cord Logan died two years ago. In reality, he stalks the French Quarter, searching for victims. Cord knew that coming back to New Orleans would be risky now that he’s broken with the fraternity of vampires who first claimed him. But a chance encounter with an old friend triggers unexpected desire, and reveals a lethal curse that endangers not just his kind, but all of humanity.

Cord’s quest to break the curse leads him on a journey of carnal self-discovery and deep into the bayous. Here, where magic reigns unchecked, Cord must tap into his dark, unpredictable abilities and all his seductive powers. And if he fails, he’ll have all eternity to regret it…

MY THOUGHTS

I admit that the cover is what caught my interest. (Look into my eyes!) I can't resist the dark and broody brow.  Then the blurb captured my curiosity into thinking this might be something different for me to enjoy in the vampire world.

This was a book that I had to force myself to finish.  There were many points where rolled my eyes and hoped I was getting closer to the finish line. This book was also bogged down by history and setup for the character with tons of narration. Back story can be a good thing, but too much is overkill.  I also need my characters to have interaction and less flashback.  While the story had promise with a good foundation, it was one that was overly done without the bang it needed.

Another thing I want to mention is that this book does fall into the M/M category of paranormal romance.  If this isn't your cup of tea, then please step back and go back to your usual reading.  The sex scenes weren't as sexy as I thought they would be, and at times they seemed to be there for page filler.

This was another case of great cover art luring me in, but the story failed to keep me interested or entertained.  This is not to say it was horrible or not worth a try for some, just not one I would want to read again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: All In by Raine Miller

All In
Series: The Blackstone Affair #2
Author: Raine Miller

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.

Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.

Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.

MY THOUGHTS

All In by Raine Miller is the second book in The Blackstone Affair series.  It is told from Ethan's POV this time around instead of Brynne's.

After the last book in the series left me with mixed feelings, I was a little scared to read from Ethan's POV.  While we are reading from his head this time around, it starts where we left off with Naked.  I will admit that Ethan was the main reason I continued -- besides the story needing some answers from the previous book -- and was worried that the author was going to let us down. Well, I was right unfortunately.

For a man who was suppose to be so Dominant, protective and sexy, Ethan came across as a pansy who needed a dose of man-the-hell-up and grow-some-balls medicine.  What happened to the man I enjoyed from the previous book? Why did the author turn him into a drama-king with no backbone?

When it came to Brynne, I wasn't as shocked to discover he dark past but I was shocked that the author went there with some of it.  I will warn readers that it does involve serious issues that may be uncomfortable for some people.  It is just mentioned briefly, but it is one thing that some people may be shocked or offended to read.

Overall, I became bored with the repetitive sex between the two that seemed to happen every chapter that it was hard to focus on the relationship itself.  By the time I got to the 75% mark, I was skimming those scenes and trying to get to the serious parts. After finishing up this read,  I don't think I will be continuing on in the journey of The Blackstone Affair.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Andrew Jenks - My Adventures As A Filmmaker

Andrew Jenks: My Adventure As A Filmmaker
Author: Andrew Jenks

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Meet the filmmaker who is the voice of his generation!

Behind the camera, Andrew Jenks has captured the attention of young adults everywhere with his innovative MTV documentary series, World of Jenks. When asked about his inspiration for the show, Jenks said, "I want to tell the stories of my generation. I want to be a filmmaker that is able to capture what my generation thinks, how they act, and what they ultimately stand for."

Now fans of all ages will be able to discover everything they’ve ever wanted to know about Jenks, from growing up to becoming a renowned documentary filmmaker in this comprehensive photo-biography. How did he do it? By following his own rules for success-always be flexible, fake it till you make it, and never accept no.

MY THOUGHTS

As most of you know, I am not a big fan of memoirs or biography.  Non-Fiction is usually not my cup of tea.  On a rare occasion,  I will read one if it is about someone that I have heard of or want to know more about. So when Scholastic sent me this book,  I was really hesitant on dedicating my time to it.  I have never heard of Andrew Jenks.

Now that I have read this book,  I am still on the fence about it.  The author came across as stuck-on-himself and it didn't really interest me much.  Maybe it is because I never have heard of him before reading this, or maybe it is my usual aversion of these books that turned me off to truly enjoying it.  I also want to state that with this being an ARC copy, most of the photos that go along with the story were still missing and it left some holes in the story that a photo could have helped to tell it.

With that being said, if you are a budding filmmaker -- or one who is planning to be in this field -- then you might have a better time with this book.  Others might recognize Andrew Jenks and be fascinate with learning his journey.  I was not a big fan, but this might be a perfect fit for someone studying the making of film.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Hush, Hush - Graphic Novel

Hush, Hush : A Graphic Novel
Series: Hush, Hush Graphic Novel #1
Author(s): Becca Fitzpatrick, Jennyson Rosero

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She''s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora''s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can''t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life! This title also contains an exclusive, original story written especially for this book by the author. This bonus story tells what happens to the characters between Book 1 and Book 2 of this series and will only be available in this book.

MY THOUGHTS

Graphic Novels can be either an introductory to a series or a refresher on a series.  At least, that is my thoughts on them when they are based on a novel in the Fiction world.  I am a casual reader of these novels and usually only read them after I have read the regular series first.

This graphic novel was honestly the worst ones I have read.  The artwork isn't horrible as a whole, but it is such a contradiction to the original series and characters that obvious flaws are on every single page.  Where one person is suppose to be dark haired, in the graphic novel this person is blonde.  Where one person is suppose to be conservative, the graphic novel reveals seduction and tramp.  I am a firm believer that if you are going to base a graphic novel on a series, keep the descriptions and details the same.  It felt like the illustrator took what the characters are suppose to be and drew the complete opposite.

The only saving grace of this book was the cover.  It had the dark and gritty feel of the original cover, but that is where it ended.  This is definitely not a Graphic Novel that you want to use to form an opinion on the original work.  This is one that you need to take it for what it is, but realize that it doesn't stand up to the original work of fiction.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Body Heat by Susan Fox

Body Heat
Author: Susan Fox

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

On the cusp of her thirtieth birthday, Maura Mahoney has yet to date a man who really excites her. Her quiet routine as a director at the retirement community Cherry Lane is disrupted by the arrival of Jesse Blue, a bad boy on a motorcycle who roars into her life. Jesse has agreed to avoid jail time by serving community service at Cherry Lane. Instantly attracted but wary of Jesse's chickened past and youth, Maura puts him to work in the garden. Despite the growing sexual tension between them, there are many things keeping Maura and Jesse apart, chiefly their own assumptions about one another. But appearances can be deceiving and Maura and Jesse must overcome the expectations of those around them to find their happy ending...

MY THOUGHTS

Body Heat by Susan Fox was thisclose to being a Did Not Finish for me.  From chapter one, I couldn't stand Maura.  She was stuck-up and had a holier-than-thou attitude. Every person she met, she formed an opinion of before even speaking to them.  Jesse was a little more tolerable, but I didn't think there was much spark between the two characters.  Yes, there were sexy times, but the real connection between the two never clicked in my mind.

I also didn't like how the author constantly had describe each person in so much detail that it was taken to the point of Maura comparing everyone to a celebrity name.  First there was the secretary who could be a Lucille Ball clone.  Then there was the lawyer who was a Richie Cunningham look-alike.  Then Jesse is described as a mix of Marlon Brando, James Dean and Russell Crowe. It got to the point where I would skim the descriptions and just find the celebrity name just to get to the next paragraph.

With too much dialogue, not much spark, and characters that graded on my nerves, I finally made it to the last page.  While I am not going to write this author completely off my list for future reads,  I can say that this one won't be one I would read again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

Anything He Wants
Series: Dominated By The Billionaire #1-5
Genre: Erotica / Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Lucy Delacourt's temp position isn't quite her dream job but it pays the bills. The highlight of her day is riding the elevator in the mornings with a handsome stranger. Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Lucy knows he's way out of her league, but a girl can look, right? 

Everything changes the day the stranger seduces her. Completely out of character, she yields without a fight, but she has no idea her wanton acts with a man whose name she doesn't know will change her life forever. Because the sexy stranger is none other than Jeremiah Hamilton, billionaire CEO of Hamilton Industries, and one taste isn't nearly enough to satisfy his need.  As the billionaire pulls Lucy deeper into his world of high stakes business deals and ruthless takeovers, he demands nothing less than her complete surrender.  But even as enemies seek deadly revenge against him, she’ll discover that her greatest threat is falling for her fiercely guarded boss…and yielding to her own darkest needs.

MY THOUGHTS

I had been dying to start this series ever since I saw it offered on Amazon as short novels in a series.  I kept telling myself that I would wait until they were all released before deciding if I wanted to purchase them.  Then I noticed in the store that they had packaged them all in one print book and decided to risk it.

Right after the first chapter I knew I was going to have problems with this book.  The writing was contradictory in so many things.  One minute she is an innocent heroine with little experience and the next she is tramping it up all over the building.  Jeremiah was so dominant at times that he bordered on rapist and walking a fine line for a sexual harassment suit.  For instance, when you are there for a job interview and the man interviewing you makes you bend over his desk so he can look at you while asking interview questions, well then honey you need to run.  Also, can someone please tell me how choking someone to the point of nearly passing out would be something you do to someone who has never participated in a BDSM relationship before?

By the time I was reaching the home stretch of this book, I was finally starting to get a little bit of interest in the plot and characters.  Then the author seriously ends the book the way she did?  I don't think I could see myself reading this story further if the author is planning on continuing the story with another installment.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Just A Cowboy and His Baby by Carolyn Brown

Just a Cowboy and His Baby
Series: Spikes & Spurs #6
Author: Carolyn Brown
Genre: Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


One determined, hell-on-wheels cowgirl. One equally determined, sexier-than-hell cowboy. One innocent baby, who suddenly takes center stage and everybody's priorities are suddenly up for grabs.

With a young baby dropped in his lap, bronc rider Trace Coleman's world is turned upside down. Suddenly, Gemma O'Donnell, his stiffest competition on the rodeo scene, is now the one person who can help him. She's already resisting his sexy smile and even sexier swagger, but she can't resist a baby. When it comes down to it, only one can win, but is winning more important than love and family?

MY THOUGHTS

Alright, I am just going to put this out there.  I am at my breaking point with Cowboy romances.  Why do they have to be so cliched? I am usually a fan of author Carolyn Brown, but lately they have just gone downhill in my opinion.

I couldn't bring myself to care what happened to either of the characters or the plot.  The story itself was stalled in some parts and then rushed in other areas.  Of course since it is a cowboy romance, the romance is set in a rodeo setting.  Can't we just have a cowboy romance that doesn't have so much focus on rodeo and bronc riding? Can't we have cowboys out on the trail like City Slickers? Anyway, I was saying I couldn't get into the characters.  While some parts of the book were funny, it didn't make up for the fact that there isn't much spark between Gemma and Trace.

I think I am going to take a break on cowboy romance for a bit. Obviously I am not getting the feel-good vibe from them and hopefully when I touch base with them again, I will enjoy them and this authors writing again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Nailed by Jennifer Laurens

Nailed
Author: Jennifer Laurens
Genre: Young Adult

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

One girl. Two guys. Who says three's a crowd? When Mandy takes an unusual summer job-in construction-she has to prove she's just one of the guys. But she gets more than she bargains for being the only girl on the job. The mixture of hot guys, sunscreen, raw wood and testosterone proves to be an elixir she can't protect her heart from. Brooding Boston and flirty AJ find themselves looking at Mandy as more than just a girl who holds a hammer. Mandy soon finds herself not only lost in a whirlwind of a male-dominated world, but also the center of an inadvertently "constructed" love triangle. Mandy must choose between two guys who want her heart. But what's a girl to do when she wants them both?

MY THOUGHTS

Usually I am a big fan of author Jennifer Laurens.  I had been wanting to read this one for a while now and never really got around to it.  When it was offered up free on Amazon for the Kindle, I snatched it up and it got shuffled in my list.  Finally, I was sorting through them and came across it and decided to dive in.

I am a sucker for a love triangle.  I guess this would be considered New Adult in the genre realm now as Mandy is 19, just out of high school and working with her brother.  All of the main characters are around the same age except for A.J. who happens to be 27.  Mandy finds herself falling for A.J. and Charlie, AKA Boston, while having to work on a house building project headed by her brother Marc.

First, that cover I think is the reason I forgot about it.  It just doesn't scream 'read me', although I did notice on Amazon that the print version has a different cover.  Second, A.J reminded me of a creepy guy who preys on young girls.  He calls Mandy 'baby doll' almost every time he addresses her and is constantly giving her a full teeth smile.  Then we have Larry, the fourth guy in the crew, who is basically a man slut. He is a player to the extreme level.  Marc, Mandy's brother, should never be in charge of anything because he can't even keep his mind out of the gutter while his sister is standing right there.  Then we have Charlie, who Mandy nicknames Boston. I never could really grow to like him.  He came across stuck up and standoffish.  Lastly we have Mandy.  She was just as boring and dull as Boston so I could see the appeal of the author using them together as part of the triangle.  She was indecisive, snobby, and has no clue whatsoever. After all those characters we have a best friend for Mandy who is basically just there to buy his romance books in the bookstore and to fill page time.

Definitely not one of the authors better books and one I would not read again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: The Stranger by Kyra Davis

The Stranger, Just One Night Part One
Author: Kyra Davis
Genre: Erotica/Romance
ISBN: 9781476711102
Review E-Book Copy provided by NetGalley

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be. 

You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.


It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.

MY THOUGHTS

I am having problems writing this review not because of the writing from the author, but from a major plot point that irks me.  Why are the last few books I have read about one person cheating on another? I don't like this happening in real life and I certainly don't like it in my books.

Kasie is engaged to a man named Dave.  While Dave is orderly and not quite passionate in the bedroom area, he is stable and compatible.  When her friend suggests they go to Vegas, she also tells Kasie to have fling with a stranger.  I didn't find her friend to be to supportive and frankly a lousy friend for suggesting this.

Kasie meets Mr. Robert Dade at the Blackjack table.  They make a wager and Kasie loses.  She now must pay up by having a drink with him at the bar.  Things progress from the bar to his room and leads to a wild and passionate filled escapade.  After the deed is done, Kasie takes off and leaves him alone.

Upon returning to her regular life, she falls back into the role of nice and sweet.  She is not wild and doesn't like people getting the wrong idea about her.  Mr. Dade contacts her company and requests Kasie to work on his file.  When they meet to discuss the plans of the work she will do, Robert throws out how they are going to be doing it again.  He teases her through the meeting and she leaves.  When she shows up early for a regular meeting with his company, they do the naughty again in his office. She tells him this is the last time. She has just been out shopping for engagement rings with Dave.

This is where I couldn't read any further.  While the writing wasn't bad and the author did pretty well with the building of the story, I just couldn't continue reading about the affairs.  Kasie had plenty of chances to break it off with Dave, but she never says a word to him.  To me, cheating is wrong and I just didn't like reading about someone doing this.

If a reader doesn't mind escaping into the fantasy world for a bit that involves cheating, then by all means give this book a try.  The writing is good and the characters are just okay, but this is one story I just didn't love.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

DNF

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard
Series: Beautiful Bastard #1
Author: Christina Lauren
Source: ARC E-Book from Publisher
Genre: Adult Erotica
ISBN: 9781476730103

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

MY THOUGHTS

Seriously? Come on.  What the hell did I just read?  I hate to say this, but I think I just lost 3 hours of my life reading this and I want them back.  I feel a migraine and it started from Chapter One and I don't know how to make it quit.

First let me tell you what I think of the characters.  Chloe is just a plain witch.  I couldn't stand her, her attitude, her mouth and anything that came out of it.  Bennett appeared to be the asshat that the author wanted to portray and even had the attitude to pull it off, but he seemed to have a better grip on emotions and such to rate just a wee bit higher on the scale than Chloe.

Now for the plot. Was there one?  I am still wondering since I am having to purge my brain from all the sex scenes in this book.  I admit, I like to read my smut, but enough already!  It seemed like these two characters had sex every few pages.  I am sure the plot was in between those times, but I must have missed it.

Why is Bennett such a beautiful bastard?  Well, he is described as a smoking hot boss, but the bastard part was never really clear for me.  Why did they not get along?  Still scratching my head on this one too.  It wasn't explained very well, but again maybe the overload of sex in this book covered it up.

The dialogue and pace of this book?  Let me just stop shaking my head at this one for a moment.  I guess the pace was okay but the dialogue was seriously messed up.  I think I might have even laughed when I wasn't suppose to.

If I had to read about one more pair of fancy panties getting ripped I might just explode.  Every freaking time?  You would think she would just quit wearing panties and save some money.

I admit, I was one of the readers dying to read and review this book early.  I jumped for joy and hid from the family for hours just to get the chance to do this.  Then I came out of my hiding place and begged my family to forgive me.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

BUY FROM AMAZON

(pre-order)

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review *

The Suburban Strange by Nathan Kotecki

The Suburban Strange
Author: Nathan Kotecki
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Amazon Vine
ISBN: 9780547729961

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Shy Celia Balaustine is new to Suburban High, but a mysterious group of sophomores called the Rosary has befriended her. Friends aside, Celia soon discovers something is not quite right at Suburban. Girls at the school begin having near-fatal accidents on the eve of their sixteenth birthdays. Who is causing the accidents, and why? As Celia’s own birthday approaches, she is inexorably drawn into an underground conflict between good and evil—the Kind and the Unkind—that bubbles beneath Suburban High. Plentiful references to music and art—along with the intriguing underworld mythology—make this supernatural series debut a page-turner.

MY THOUGHTS

90210? Gossip Girl? Melrose Place?  These are just some of things that came to my mind while wondering about this book.  Was it going to have the drama of 90210? Was it going to have the clique's of Gossip Girl?  Was it going to be suspenseful and dangerous like Melrose Place?  Or was it going to be something that I grew bored with halfway through like I did with each of those shows?

Well, I can honestly say that the shows had more appeal than this book to me.  Too blunt and harsh? Well, I am sorry but I can't lie either.  This book had the makings for something great.  We had the new girl with discovering the mysterious group of girls at Suburban High.  I can see the potential in this book just with the summary.  The first few chapters were pretty good and kept me interested.  Then about halfway -- or even slightly before that -- it just started to get boring and unappealing.  This could have been my reading taste at the time, but after finishing this book I still find myself even remembering the main details of the book.  It just wasn't impressionable and one I found wondering about afterwards.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

BUY FROM AMAZON

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel's Inferno
Series: Gabriel's Inferno #1
Author: Sylvain Reynard
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Source: Publisher
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780425265963

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption.

When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide.

An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love, and redemption, Gabriel’s Inferno is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man’s escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible—forgiveness and love.

MY THOUGHTS

Before I start my review on this book, I want to add some info that I discovered about this book.  You may have heard it already but I am going to add it for the simple fact that there could be others who don't know since I didn't.  Sylvain Reynard is a pen name.  While I am not sure who the true author is -- and there has been speculation from everyone -- I did find out that this book was originally titled The University of Edward Masen by Sebastian Robichaud.  Yes everyone, this is another book based on Twilight Fan Fiction.

While I don't mind reading Twilight fan fiction,  I do want to state that Gabriel's Inferno didn't seem to have the echo's of Twilight to me.  While some intense readers might be able to spot the similarities,  I didn't know about it being based on the Fan Fiction so I didn't find many as I was reading.

I have to wonder though why this book has so many high ratings.  While the book wasn't  horrible, there were definitely some problems with it in this readers mind.  Instead of going through a full review of this book, I am going to just point out what did and didn't work for me.  Other readers are more than likely going to disagree with my opinion -- since this is a popular book at this time -- but I am going to put it out there anyway.

-- Julia Mitchell has to be the most naive and weakest heroine I have ever read about.  She first meets Gabriel at a young, impressionable age and he has just been in a fist fight with his family.  He is drunk and she willingly goes walking with him and puts her complete trust in him.  Plus he is 10 years older than her. Yes readers, she is under age.  She immediately falls madly in love with him and never forgets him.

-- When they do meet up again -- after Julia decides to become a student in his class where he is a Dante Specialist -- he doesn't recognize her and is, well, a class A jerk to her.  He doesn't improve much until later on in the book. Way later on.

-- I think I know more about Dante's Inferno now than I ever did before.  This book is full of references to this book and passages are in almost every chapter.  I for one, had no desire to read Dante's Inferno before, and I definitely have no desire to read about it now.

-- Once Gabriel finally figures out who Julia is -- his alcohol induced fantasy angel of Beatrice -- he suddenly turns into Mr. Nice Guy.  Not just nice, but overly sweet and nauseating.  If I had to read how he wanted to worship his innocent and inexperienced Julia/Beatrice much more, I think I would have ripped the book apart.

Now those things mentioned above are the main reasons I found this book lacking.  I won't get into the details of how disappointing the reasons were in why Gabriel and Julia were the way they were, but I will say that it wasn't some big shocking secret that should cause what it did. I have read worse in other novels and it was far more believable. I also felt like I was reading a textbook because of the SAT like words that were thrown in with each page.  I think I used my dictionary more reading this book than I did in high school.

With all that being said, you are probably wondering if I would read the second book.  Well, yes I would. Why you might ask? For the simple fact that the story still needs to play out.  We have read about their long journey to acceptance, forgiveness and finally some smexy time.  I need to read the next one to hopefully read some angst, conflict and even more smexy time.  I am hoping that the author has left the best for the next book because this book definitely didn't live up to the expectations that I was hoping for.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

BUY FROM AMAZON

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Can't Buy Me Love by Molly O'Keefe

Can't Buy Me Love
Series: Crooked Creek Ranch #1
Author: Molly O'Keefe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Bantam Books
Source: Amazon Vine
ISBN: 9780440423072

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


A girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Tara Jean Sweet knows that opportunity will never knock; she’ll have to seize it. Elderly Texas rancher Lyle Baker has a dying request: He will give Tara Jean a stake in his leather business in exchange for a little family subterfuge. All Tara Jean has to do is play the part of a gold-digging fiancée to lure Lyle’s estranged children home. The mission is soon accomplished. 

Now Lyle’s gone—and his ridiculously handsome son, Luc, an ice hockey superstar sidelined by injuries, is the new owner of Crooked Creek ranch. He’s also Tara Jean’s boss. But being so close to sinfully sweet Tara Jean does crazy things to Luc’s priorities, like make him want to pry her deepest secrets from those irresistible lips. But when Tara Jean’s past demands a dirty showdown, will Luc stay and fight?

MY THOUGHTS

I am still laughing at the plot of this book.  I don't know if it was the writing, the characters or the whole scheme that has me shaking my head in displeasure with this read.

I had a really hard time getting into this story from the first page.  It felt forced, the characters were one dimensional, and there was hardly any spark between the two main characters.  I knew about 50 pages into the story that it was not going to get much better.  Even with the story problems and such, I kept reading hoping for the best.

I still cannot remember one thing I liked about this book.  Oh wait!  The cover has to be my favorite thing.  Those peek at me abs were very sexy, but the romance inside was not.  This is true to the saying of don't judge a book by its cover.  The story was boring, the characters still didn't have any type of personality by the end and left this reader wondering what the heck I read.

Overall, this one was a failure for me.  I did finish the story but it left me with no excitement for a follow up in the series.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review*

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch
Series: Glitch Trilogy #1
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Amazon Vine
ISBN: 9781250002990

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)



In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.


When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.


As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

MY THOUGHTS

How do you write a review on a book that is just okay?  I am still trying to get my thoughts together on this book.  I really wanted to love the story and the characters, but I just couldn't bring myself to really care about it by the last page.  I am not trying to be harsh, but I think I had this book built up in my head to be great and it disappointed me in so many ways.

Again we are reading about a Dystopia/Fantasy like world set in the future.  With the flood of books in this genre jumping on the Dystopian theme, you really have to write an awesome story and even better characters than the last big book.  I found this book to be repetitive, drawn out and slow in building in momentum.

Onto another issue with this book.  Yes there is a love triangle, but it came across all wrong.  Max was sleaze and total jerk.  If Zoe would have stood up to him when his crap started, I might have felt some sympathy towards her character.  Instead she glosses over his behavior for so long that when her back bone finally stands up straight, I was hoping she would get what she deserved.  Seriously, Max really ruined this book for me.  I understand that some characters are needed to move a story, but his just moved it to the back of the pack in my opinion.

I had a really hard time finishing this book.  I trudged through it though and finished it up until the last page.  I can't see myself reading the rest of this trilogy though to see what happens.

MY RATING

     

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Personal Purchase
ISBN: 9780525423287

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.


When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

MY THOUGHTS

Lola and the Boy Next Door had big shoes to fill in my opinion.  After reading Anna and the French Kiss, I was in love with this author and her writing.  It surpassed my expectations in so many ways.  So when Lola and the Boy Next Door was released, I was hesitant in reading it.  I picked it up and put it back.  I eyed it from across the room.  I did not want to be disappointed and have it fall in the trap where second books fall.  I wanted it to be great like Anna.  Finally I caved and started reading it.

I was right though.  Lola fell flat and it fell hard.  I will say that the writing was there and the author can write some amazing scenes.  You could read a paragraph and know it was written by Stephanie Perkins.  I think one of the main reasons I didn't enjoy this book so much was because of the main characters.  Lola was a spoiled girl that is being raised by two Dads.  I have nothing against gay parents raising a child.  Yet when two parents -- no matter the genre -- think it is okay for a teenager who is approaching adulthood dress like it is Halloween everyday makes me rethink their ability to be a parent.  Seriously?  They think it is okay to send their daughter to school in a sheet with a Cleopatra wig and eyeliner?  Lola was also spoiled and bratty.  I couldn't connect with her on any level.

Then we have Cricket.  Oh Ms. Perkins.  Why? Why name a guy Cricket?  Seriously?  Then you step off the ledge and dress him like a dork?  Skinny short pants? Plus we have a plot of them growing to like each other when they were younger and the reason they separate is just laughable. I just couldn't see the reason being enough to cause Lola to act the way she does whenever his name is brought up.

There were just so many cliches in this book that it made it unbelievable and worthy of eye rolling every other page.  I know this author can write.  Anna and the French Kiss is proof of it.  I wish the author would take a step back before her next novel and go back to her roots in writing.  I desperately hope her next novel can reclaim her work to that spot in my heart that Anna is filling.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

(ARC Review) Silver by Rhiannon Held

Silver
Author: Rhiannon Held
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Source: Amazon Vine
Publisher: Tor Books
 (June 5, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0765330376

SUMMARY:

Andrew Dare is a werewolf. He’s the enforcer for the Roanoke pack, and responsible for capturing or killing any Were intruders in Roanoke’s territory. But the lone Were he’s tracking doesn’t smell or act like anyone he’s ever encountered. And when he catches her, it doesn’t get any better. She’s beautiful, she’s crazy, and someone has tortured her by injecting silver into her veins. She says her name is Silver, and that she’s lost her wild self and can’t shift any more.


The packs in North America have a live-and-let-live attitude, and try not to overlap with each other. But Silver represents a terrible threat to every Were on the continent. 


Andrew and Silver will join forces to track down this menace while discovering their own power and their passion for each other.

MY THOUGHTS:

First off, I don't know why this is classified as a Fantasy.  I felt it fit better in the Paranormal Romance or even Urban Fantasy, but definitely not quite as Fantasy only.  What made me want to read this book was the werewolf characters.  It had been awhile since I stepped into the werewolf world and decided to read about them again.

When Andrew comes across Silver during a run for the pack, he is held responsible in finding out where she has come from and where she is suppose to belong.  Sounds good right? You would think this would create some drama or at the very least some suspense.  Well, it could have but never did for me.  This book was choppy, not paced well and all around boring.  I hate to use those words because I know this is an author's hard work, but it is what it is for this reader.  I had to struggle just to finish this book and reading should never be a struggle.

If you want a good werewolf read, look elsewhere.  If you want a Fantasy, look elsewhere.  If you just want something to pass the time, then pick it up.  Don't expect much though from the story though.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Where It Began
Author: Ann Redisch Stampler
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon Pulse
 (March 6, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1442423213

SUMMARY:

Sometimes the end is just the beginning. 


Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. But when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there. 


And Billy's nowhere to be found. 


All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way. 


It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes. 


Especially if it means everything changes.

MY THOUGHTS:

I was so excited to get this book in advance from Amazon Vine.  It sounded interesting and I was in desperate need of a young adult book to bring back my passion for this genre.  Unfortunately, this book was not as great as I was hoping it would be.  I think I will be in the minority in saying that this book is not one that will live up to the hype, but this is only my opinion.

Gabby was not a character I enjoyed.  I was to the point of wanting to rip her from the pages of the book and slap some sense into her.  I just didn't like how the author portrayed her.  At times, she was annoying and a pain in the butt, but then there were times when you wanted to give her a hug and a shoulder to cry on.  While this could be an interesting combination for a character that would leave the reader interested in more, it left me frustrated and to the point of wanting to just put the book away.  I can understand the confusion that the character goes through, but her attitude was not one I wanted to read about.  You can tell that Billy is not someone to trust or want to be with, but naive Gabby doesn't seem to grasp this.  Even a brain injury couldn't excuse the behavior of wanting this boy.

This book starts out great, but quickly falls into the trap of predictability, boredom and characters with shallow intentions.  I felt that this book was a let down, but could have been better with further exploration of the characters and plot.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Daring the Moon by Sherrill Quinn

Daring The Moon
Author: Sherrill Quinn
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Brava
 (February 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0758231888

SUMMARY:

It takes a lot of ruffle Taite Gibson, investigator with the Pima County Attorney's Office. But the enormous, snarling werewolf that's stalking her through the streets of Tucson? Yeah, that oughta do it. 


Those terrifying attacks convince Taite to seek out Ryder Merrick, a reclusive British horror writer reputed to know everything about werewolves, including how to kill them. 


Turns out he also knows how to leave her shaking with desire...On his remote private island, Ryder can live safely with the beast inside him, unable to harm others or himself. Then Taite arrives, her lush, sweet scent and gorgeous curves tempting him to give in to every wicked hunger. And as a full moon rises, the only way to keep Taite safe from the evil that's followed her here is to convince her to trust in an attraction that's deeply dangerous, and wilder than she ever guessed...

MY THOUGHTS:

I really tried to enjoy this book.  When the story even ventured from paranormal to just plain wacky, I kept pushing myself to finish it.  Do you know how hard it is to finish a book when it is not just clicking for you?  Well, this book took me much longer to read than normal because it was one of those books that just didn't bring enjoyment to me.

The only character I truly enjoyed in this book was Cobb.  Yes, the butler is the one highlight of this book that made me even consider finishing it.  Taite was naive and at times lacking any strength.  She is described as being some tough woman but she was spineless enough times to  make me wonder how she even stood on her feet.  Declan was an okay character mainly because his accent brought out some funny dialogue.  He was protective of Taite in a big brother way that was nice.  Ryder was a bit rude to begin with but slowly started to warm up.  One main issue I had with this book was the instant attraction and love between Ryder and Taite.  Ryder barely meets her for a day and is already wanting her for a mate.  The bad guy was pretty easy to figure out as well.  I already knew who it was before the first half of the book had been read.

In my opinion, this could have been a better book if the author had progressed a little more in her writing.  I won't say it is immature, but the writing is still in the infant stages of story instead of mastered.  I really think the author would be better off reworking some of the story to make it better.  Hopefully the authors writing has grown since this book and her next book I pick up will be much more pleasant to read.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

Into the Crossfire by Lisa Marie Rice

Into the Crossfire
Protectors #1
Author: Lisa Marie Rice
Source: Publisher
Genre: Adult Erotic Romance
Publisher: Avon; Reprint edition
 (November 29, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0062085795

SUMMARY:

Sam Reston's world is dangerous, uncertain, violent . . . with no room in it for the helpless and weak. Then the most beautiful woman in the world moves next door to him . . .



Nicole Pearce's life is complicated enough. The last thing she needs is to get involved with a secretive, hard-bodied, hard-headed neighbor. Yet Sam leaves her breathless--her body tingling with desire--and it takes every ounce of her fabled control to resist offering herself to him, no strings attached. What she doesn't know is that Sam Reston is on an undercover assignment . . . and she's about to step into the crossfire.


Never has Sam ached for a woman so badly. Now Nicole's in grave danger and he will become her shield. Because a terrorist plot hatched half a world away is heading to their doorstep--and it can be derailed by only one man and one woman.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I first received this book for review, I should have trusted my instincts.  They were telling me that I never have had a great reading experience with novels by Lisa Marie Rice.  They are usually over the top or lacking chemistry between the two main characters.  While the author does enjoy spicing up the romance and involving action as well, the combustion of sensual attractiveness is never present for me when I read the books.

Into the Crossfire could have been a hit, but it lacked some things to make it great along with an overabundance of narrating that became annoying to this reader.  The first couple of chapters are full of narrative and not enough dialogue to balance it out.  It quickly became boring to me as a reader and I had to force myself to keep going with the story.

The character of Sam was borderline for me.  At times he could be sexy as hell, but other times he would step out of character and not quite fit the bill of ex Navy Seal.  The character of Nicole was not great in my opinion. She was stuck up, indecisive, and at times a risk to them both.  Which also brings me to the plot of the story.  There was one right?  I am still disappointed in the plot because there wasn't much for the reader to go on with it.  We would get small glimpses at it and some information, but then the book would shift focus again.

Overall another book by this author that just didn't cut it for me.  If you are a hardcore fan of this authors writing though, then you might want to pick it up just so you can read the new series that she is featuring.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review *

ARC Review: Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith

Kiss Crush Collide
Author: Christina Meredith
Source: Amazon Vine
Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (December 27, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0062062246

SUMMARY:

Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her. Irresistible attraction, smoldering glances, the bad boy and the good girl—Kiss Crush Collide has everything that a steamy forbidden romance should, and then some.

MY THOUGHTS:

Since this book was compared with Perfect Chemistry, I knew it had big shoes to fill.  I absolutely loved Perfect Chemistry and if it is being compared to it, it better be able to deliver.  Add on the fact that this book hasn't gotten so much hype revolving around -- plus a great cover-- and you would think it would be a winner.  Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me.

I had a really hard time getting into this story.  Leah was not a favorite character for me from the first chapter. I just couldn't connect with her. She didn't really feel bad about making out with another boy even though her boyfriend was still in her life.  She had annoying family that was at times a little too much.  Within the first few chapters we are introduced to so many characters that it left me confused and wishing I was taking notes.  The book is also off balance with most of the story revolving around Leah and lacking story from Duffy.  The romance was instant -- making out the first time they meet -- and forced for the reader to accept it.

Overall, it is definitely not a book I would reread again.  This was a big miss in the young adult genre, but others might enjoy it as it is.

MY RATING:

       

I did not like this book at all!

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*