On Dublin Street- A Series Review

Hello, fellow bibliophiles! Long time, no see! My apologies. I started reading a series that had more books involved than I had anticipated, so I had to get through all of them before I brought you a proper review. I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season, and you're ready to move into the New Year with an endless TBR pile waiting for you! There's a lot being reviewed today, so I'm going to just jump into it. Today, I'm discussing the On Dublin Street series by Samantha Young. With this series, you have to be careful, because there are a lot of little novellas and treats in between each larger story. It's a lot to keep in order, but you'll see as we go along.  

Book one is titled after the series, On Dublin Street. I gave this four stars because it had a lot of things I look for in a romance novel. There was the hot-as-all-sin alpha, angst, seduction, the comforts and excitement that comes with new love, conflict, etc... but there were parts of this story I just didn't love, and even days later, I'm still debating on my rating.

Basically, the heroine of the novel is annoying as they can possibly get. Look, she lost her family in a tragic accident while she was just beginning to navigate her adolescent years, but her ways of coping (or lack thereof) as an adult are just beyond ridiculous and unacceptable. Every human on earth deals with death, we've all dealt with our own tragedies and demons, but at some point or another, you learn to pick yourself up and keep living. I know we all grieve in our own ways, but hers is completely unhealthy and insanely selfish.

Joss is living in a new country, has a new roommate she adores, is finally working on her dream career, and even has a gorgeous man pursuing her to no end, but she's so stuck on the past she never dealt with properly, that she almost destroys it all before it has a chance to even bloom into something gorgeous.

Thank God for Braden. Yes, he's relentless and territorial and everything an alpha is supposed to be, and some women don't like that, but on some level, how can you not? The man wants and cares for her so much that he has this overwhelming need to claim her. He looks to be there for her first thing in the morning, and last at night. He wants to go on dates, practically snarls if other males start sniffing around, and makes her see herself and them as a couple for the better. Parts of his character and methods seem a bit archaic, but they're merited. It was because of his determination to keep her and fix her (even though she absolutely didn't deserve it or him) that I kept reading until the end.   

My Final Review: four out of five stars

 

 

An On Dublin Street Christmas is the first in the novella portion of the overall series. This was a lovely little treat and interlude after coming off of On Dublin Street. After all the heaviness of the first book, it was nice to take a little break and witness Joss and Braden enjoying their Christmas together. Having Joss act like a happy, adult human was what I enjoyed the most. Braden has learned to deal with her panic attacks, and they've settled into a great routine. Fingers crossed for them!

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

 

Here is where things got a bit dicey for me. I somehow missed this one in my chronological journey through this series. I'm glad I double-backed to give it a read. An On Dublin Street Halloween brought some comic relief to my reading journey.

This did not go the way I thought it would, but it was a nice and light interlude in this whole crazy batch of characters. Braden and Joss are not always as sexy as they seem, but I'm glad they offered a few laughs along the way.

I won't be looking at James Bond, Snow White, or The Ghostbusters the same ever again!

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

Until Fountain Bridge also serves as a break before the larger novels of the series return. Already, we have three novellas involved in this batch of books, so it gets a bit daunting. You feel like you're making progress and a dent in your reading, when in reality, you haven't gotten as far as you would have hoped at this point.

 

Anyway, this was a sweet interlude in the series. I enjoyed getting to know more about Ellie and Adam. Their history consists of numerous good and bad moments which makes their time together now even more cherished.

I couldn't quite decide how I felt about the flashback diary entries reading like actual dialogue. I know that no girl would actually write what actually transpired word-for-word in her journal, but then I tried to envision if it were a flashback in a movie, the characters would be acting out the events and talking to each other to make the memory... memorable. When I got into that mindset, it was much more tolerable to read.

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

Now we're getting back into the novels. Down London Road is actually book two in the ODS saga.

 

This story was pretty heart-breaking. Jo has had a rough go in life, and she busts her ass day-in and day-out to provide for her brother, Cole, and keep her alcoholic mother alive. When she meets Cam, everything in her world changes.

Jo has a type of man and a system for which she keeps them. Her focus is her brother and keeping a roof over their heads. Getting emotionally involved with someone isn't an option for her. She can't do anything to mess up and have Cole taken from her by social services.

Cameron McCabe is a tornado in the middle of Jo's world. He's the exact opposite of her type, he aggravates her, makes her laugh, sends chills down her spine, and wakes up the dormant feelings inside her. When they start working together at Club 39, it's not long before they can no longer fight their attraction to one another.

I think out of all the books in this series so far. This one has been my favorite to date. While the couple did push each other's buttons in the worst ways and made stupid mistakes from time-to-time, I kept cheering for them to have their happily ever after.

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

Before Jamaica Lane (aka book three) is my favorite in the series. Nate is to die for.. And Olivia the university librarian? How kick ass?! I related to Liv far more than even I'd like to admit, but she got her happy ending. Maybe it makes me feel like I can get mine too. Who knows!

When they fought, they fought hard, and there were so many gray areas and lines they should or shouldn't cross that when they did fight, I wasn't sure which side to take in the matter.

I kind of love how they did things in such a weird and round-about way. They didn't go with convention, and that made them all the more interesting to me. I hope I hear more from them in the near future!

 

 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

 

 

I enjoyed getting time with Braden and Joss again. While elements of this novella were a bit Twilight-y for me, I liked going on a journey with them to the new chapter in their lives. I was not expecting their wedded bliss to go the way it did for a chunk of this story. It was heart-wrenching and it drove me mad that they didn't just talk to each other, but rather, were content to exist on assumptions. I wanted to scream at both of them to no end! Needless to say, I can't wait for more of these Looky here! We have another novella on our hands (which I almost forgot to include in the review... whoops). Castle Hill brings us back to our original couple, Joss and Braden, and the next chapter in their lives. I enjoyed getting time with them again. While elements of this novella were a bit Twilight-y for me, I liked going on a journey with them to the new chapter in their lives. I was not expecting their wedded bliss to go the way it did for a chunk of this story. It was heart-wrenching and it drove me mad that they didn't just talk to each other, but rather, were content to exist on assumptions. I wanted to scream at both of them to no end! Needless to say, I can't wait for more of these two! I'd love to see what happens next! My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Fall From India Place, book four, is my least favorite in the series. Marco I loved, Hannah, not so much. Her character almost made me stop reading the book. However, I was so close to the end by time I realized how much I disliked her that I just needed to finish.

Listen, I fully understand they both had a ton of shit thrown their way and they both dealt alone and in very different ways.

Marco found his potential and became an adult. His past shaped his future and molded him into something better. He wants to do better and become a better man so the past doesn't repeat itself.

For being such a brilliant bookworm, Hannah sure is stupid (and selfish and cruel) She let's her past shape her, but she lets it get the best of her. She ignores her support system and everything and everyone who wants to help her, and it almost destroys her chance at a happy future. In my opinion, she didn't deserve to have Marco chase after her for as long and as hard as he did for so long. He wanted to prove himself and she kept stomping on his heart. Every time I thought she'd give him a chance, she proved me wrong. It got to the point, she couldn't redeem herself in my eyes.

I get that Marco loved her since they were kids, but I almost wish he was just a bit stronger and chose someone who treated him well. Unless Hannah proves herself more in a later book somewhere, I won't cheer for them the way I should. The ending of the book didn't even make me fee giddy for them.. I just couldn't trust Hannah.

 

 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

I enjoyed getting time with Braden and Joss again. While elements of this novella were a bit Twilight-y for me, I liked going on a journey with them to the new chapter in their lives. I was not expecting their wedded bliss to go the way it did for a chunk of this story. It was heart-wrenching and it drove me mad that they didn't just talk to each other, but rather, were content to exist on assumptions. I wanted to scream at both of them to no end! Needless to say, I can't wait for more of these

 

 

 

Echoes Of Scotland Street take us into the future. Remember Jo's baby brother, Cole? He's all grown up now and making girls weak in the knees! Cole might be a close second to Nate as my favorite. He's a genuinely good guy, and lord knows, there aren't enough of them in the world.

I was so nervous the whole time that Shannon would revert to her old ways, and that's where the drama would come in between her and Cole, but I was pleasantly surprised.

If you're reading this book, I'm assuming you've read the stories prior, so we all know Cole's back story, but hearing Shannon's was something new (sort of). Obviously, she comes with emotional baggage. She has a dark and messed up past that Cole decides to heal once they cross paths.

I'm really glad Cole was right and could coax Shannon into something real, and something GOOD. She never knew good before he came along. Like I said, my paranoia came in thinking she'd revert to her skittish ways thinking she only attracted bad.

I knew they'd work through their issues, the question was just how they would go about it. The ending was a pleasant surprise. I could see it coming, but reading it as it played out was thrilling. Go big, or go home!

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

More novella time! Luckily, this one was my favorite out of all of them. Valentine was amazing! I loved getting to re-visit all the characters while they each got their fair-share of center stage.

Each couple gets a segment to tell their story of Valentine's Day escapades while they deal with marriage, babies, and life in general. Things aren't always as rosy as they seem, but this gang somehow makes it work!

Reading this is one of my biggest fears realized. When marriage settles into comfort and there's the potential for love and passion to go away, it can become utterly terrifying. I'm ecstatic that each of these couples prove that love not only has the potential to be powerful, but also ever-lasting as long as you both continue to work at it on a daily basis. If that day ever comes for me, I could only hope to be so lucky!   

 

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

We're finally at the last of the novels (thanks for sticking with me this far... we're almost there!). Moonlight On Nightingale Way focuses on Shannon's brother, Logan, and his time post-prison. This was a good story, and a bit different from the others in the series. Instead of two people jumping into an instant attraction and falling into bed together, they had to learn how to be civil neighbors, take on a task that somehow involved the both of them, work out all their kinks and faults, and then worry about love later on down the road.

Logan is amazing. He may have done time, but his heart has always been in the right place. I can't fault him for that at all. He may have thought Grace was uptight, but she's just who he needed to keep his head on straight and look forward to a positive future.

Of course, they are introduced to the whole gang and become family. Like I said, it's a bit hard to keep everyone and their kids straight, but I enjoyed watching this brood grow and evolve into the families they've become.

 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

The last novella, and then we're done! One King's Way is a story that maybe didn't need to be told. I can't decide if this book was necessary in this series. It was nice to get a glimpse at one more character and his story, but I didn't love it as much as spending time with the other clan.

Rain and Craig could solve 99% of their problems if they would just communicate. A lot of their problems stemmed from made up scenarios in their heads. Also, their relationship progressed a bit quickly for my liking. It didn't seem believable to have the connection be that intense in that short a time frame. Maybe that's just me.

Rain and Craig had some issues with jealously and I felt they just handled them improperly. There was just something about their journey that I remained slightly disconnected from all throughout the story. Maybe if it was a longer book with more detail, I could get on board. I really feel this series would have been best if left off at the last book.

 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Christmas Carol- A Review/ Reflection

During a time of so much unrest in the world, it was nice to take an afternoon and re-read a classic that focused on the positivity of human spirit and the season of generosity. Reading it for the first time since I was a kid, there was so much I didn't remember. I must say, out of everything to take away from this story, everyone should know how profound a character Fred is. Scrooge's nephew is absolutely under-rated and deserves heaps of credit for his message all throughout the story. The bitHey out there to all my fellow readers! I hope you're getting some much-needed reading crammed in to what I'm sure is a jam-packed holiday schedule! I'm eyeballs deep into a series right now, so I won't be reviewing until I'm done with all of them. However, I decided to embrace the spirit of the impending Christmas season and re-read an old classic. What else could I be talking about besides  A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens? I'm not sure if what I'm about to say below will serve as a proper review, but as more of a reflection during this cheerful... yet also fearful time in the world. What do you think? There has seemingly been nothing but unrest in the world lately, so yesterday (a slow day at my office) I decided it would be nice to take an afternoon and re-read a piece that focused on the positivity of human spirit and the season of generosity. Reading this story for the first time since I was a kid, there was so much I didn't remember. I must say, out of everything to take away from this tale this go round, everyone should know how profound a character Fred is to the overall message Dickens is trying to convey. Scrooge's nephew is absolutely under-rated and deserves heaps of credit for his spirit towards not only the holiday, but also towards his crabby, old uncle who no one else can bear to be around. There was a sliver of his monologue that really jumped out at me. I think it's one of those emotions that was relevant then and is still relevant today. Fred states,  "...I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round- apart from veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it, can be apart from that- as good a time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really we fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys". There is so much going on in society with terrorism, commercialism, an ugly Presidential race (in the US), and general prejudice, bigotry, racism, xenophobia, etc. that I have to wonder... A lot of the world celebrates Christmas as they do Hanukkah, Kwanza, and other festivities this time of year. One is no better than the other, and they're all equally important to each and every one of us. When you sit down to enjoy a holiday movie, time with family, or decide to shut out the world with a timeless story such as this one, pump the brakes a bit before you immerse yourself. Instead of separating each other into our religious, racial, financial, or spiritual denominational boxes, keep the spirit of the holidays in your heart. Show kindness and generosity to those around you. Whether lesser or better, we're all going to wind up in the same place one day side-by-side. I'm really glad I took some time out of my afternoon to focus on the positivity of the lessons Scrooge has learned. It's so easy to get sucked into the negative and think that that's all there is left to the world. Find the good, positive, kind, and generous, and grab on tight! All I can do is keep my fingers crossed that this timeless message and theme trickles into the brains of any others who choose to read this story or snuggle down for the film. Treat every day like it's Christmas and keep that good spirit towards your fellow man all year round! Happy Holidays!! As Tiny Tim so famously states, "God bless us, everyone!"  My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Midnight Mass (Priest #1.5)- A Review

Good morning, readers! Happy Thursday! I know I JUST posted a review, but this little novella I began last night just couldn't wait, so I had to share it with you ASAP.

Those of you who follow me know that a few months back, I read an interesting little book by Sierra Simone called Priest (you can find my review of book one here: Priest). I had no idea that it was going to become a series of any sort, so you can imagine my excitement when this little treat popped up in my life called, Midnight Mass. I jumped on it as soon as it came out and my latest book was finished. I'm warning you now, these books do contain a taboo topic or two, so if you're not adventurous in that aspect, you should probably look the other way.

I love love loved Priest, and now, if it's possible, I may love Midnight Mass even more! Sierra Simone has this power to write something that's both off-the-charts sexy, but it's also real, raw, and teaches you a profound lesson. Who knew I'd get such insight and schooling in Theology and Catholicism from a read like this? Father Bell is as hot as ever, and even though he's not technically part of the priesthood anymore, doesn't make him any less amazing or intriguing. I adored his doctoral disse If you read my review of Priest, you'd know that I love love loved it, and now, if it's possible, I may love Midnight Mass even more! Sierra Simone has this power to write something that's both off-the-charts sexy, but it's also real, raw, and teaches you a profound lesson. Who knew I'd get such insight and schooling in Theology and Catholicism from a read like this? Father Tyler Bell is as hot as ever, and even though he's not technically part of the priesthood anymore, doesn't make him any less amazing or intriguing. I adored his doctoral dissertation process. While it ate him alive, it really interested me and drew me right in. Poppy is thriving with her studio and her foundation as well. Kudos for the girl who is always so hectic yet so put together and flawless 24/7! Three years into marriage, and while this couple is hotter than Dante's inner-most circle of Hell, they are not without their troubles as well. They struggle to get time together, keep their marriage fresh and fun, while also trying to focus on their personal goals. It's a real struggle and something is bound to fall by the wayside when you have too many balls being juggled. When things were good, they were infinitely better than good, but when they were bad, my heart shattered because I didn't think it could get any worse. I lost sleep on a work night because I had to know what would happen with this pair. Needless to say, I can not get enough of Poppy and Tyler, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get even more of their journey together in my near(er) future! My Final Rating: five out of five stars

The Muse (Rothvale Legacy Historical Romance #1)- A Review

Happy Hump Day to my fellow bibliophiles out there! I hope your Wednesday has been full of endless pages of wonder and adventure! 

I bring with my greetings, another review for you all! I know I've said a bajillion times that I would review series books together so that I could 1) space out my reviews and 2) not bombard your feeds with my rambling thoughts. When I decided to to crack open my latest read, I did not realize until after I had read it, that it was part of a series. I have yet to download the other books, and I'm sure I will because I'm OCD that way, but I wanted to bring you my review in the mean time. 

My latest novel brought me back in time to 1812 in Kent, to the time of Lord Rothvale and his new bride, Imogene. I'm talking about The Muse by Raine Miller. 

So I think historical romances might be my new(er) obsession. I absolutely adored this book to no end! 

Raine Miller never disappoints! I started reading her Blackstone Affair series a few years back and I haven't been able to stop since. The Rothvale Legacy series is sort of a spinoff, but also something all its own. Ethan Blackstone has been one of my favorite book boyfriends for quite some time, but Graham Everley might have climbed that list to give good, old Ethan a run for his money. 


While most of this story goes off without much conflict and seems like an absolute fairytale, I knew it had to be too good to be true. Graham and Imogene live in wedded bliss, but when they got hit, they were hit hard with bad tidings. I almost wondered if they'd ever power through to find their happiness again. There was a heaviness in my heart for quite some time, but I continued to turn the page. 


I love how with Miller's stories, we get more than a story, we get a sliver of history, a bit of art, and a sprinkle of period culture, even in her contemporary novels. Her words suck you into a world you only knew growing up through school textbooks and instead lets you feel like you live in a time vastly different from your own with newly found friends. That kind of feeing is what makes a book like this an absolute treasure!

I will be reading books two and three in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled for my thoughts on those as well! Happy reading! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The Wild Side- A Series Review

Good evening and happy Sunday to you bibliophiles out there! I hope you all had a lovely weekend of reading before we all go back to our Mondays. Unfortunately, I've been stuck on a home renovation project, so I had to set my books aside for a few days. I did, however, finish up a trilogy by R.K. Lilley before the weekend hit, so now that most of my work is done, I can review for you all! This is The Wild Side series, and it is awesome! 

Book one, titled appropriately as The Wild Side, is just that indeed! Goodness! Holy hotness in this read! I blushed the entire time! 

Alasdair Masters, recently divorcee and wealthy author has no idea what he's getting into when he comes in contact with Iris at his local gym. There's a massive age gap between the two, but the girl knows who and what she wants and makes no bones about going after him. 

They become entangled in something rather quickly without question, but can they go the distance? 
I thought this was just a fun book of sexy encounters, but it slowly turned into something more, and I couldn't wait to see where it would go over the course of the trilogy!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Book two give us more insight into our main girl and the mystery surrounding her, so it's called Iris. How can a read be super sexy, but also have you wanting to tear your hair out at the same time? R.K. Lilley somehow manages to do just that in this installment. 

Iris and Dair are still hot and heavy, but she comes and goes and keeps her truths hidden deep deep down. Fair can't seem to catch a break when he tries to communicate or discover more about this exciting girl who turned his world upside down.  

Poor Dair. He's such a good guy who just wants happiness. I like Iris, but her lack of answers for anything  drives me crazy. Her and Dair are awesome together, but there's always that looming doom because she can't tell him something real. It makes you wonder if they can make their encounter a long-term one. 

Um the end is absolutely not fair! Absolute cliffhanger. 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Thank goodness Dair, the last book in the series, gives me all the answers I've been looking for this whole time! 

This series did not go at all the way I thought it would. I didn't figure out what was happening until it was basically right under my nose and boom!! Total bomb drop! I had my curiosities but I did not see the ending coming until the last minute. It threw me off completely in the best way! 

There was one point in the story that I wished Dair would grow a pair and stick to his guns when he thought Iris was throwing in the towel. Man, can he grovel and give in like no other to the point I felt bad for him, but I also wanted to yell at him to man up. I'm kinda glad he fought for her in his own way when things were rough with them. 

At first, I thought this was a fun and light read involving some sexy main characters, but it became so much more and I'm so beyond thrilled with the amazing ending! By time it ended, I wasn't quite ready to let go!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

The Air He Breathes (Elements #1)- A Review

Good morning, readers! I'm going to apologize right now because I'm beyond the point of exhaustion today. However, I have another book for you to read ASAP and it's called The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry. Even if you weren't going to get it for the initial story, you should get it just because Franggy Yanez is on the cover. Google image that guy and thank me later. Luckily, the book is amazing too, so you'll get a great read, and a handsome man on your cover. Win win!

This story was absolutely heartbreaking! Having to deal with death is one thing, but to deal with unexpected and accidental tragedy a few times over at once is something else entirely. How Elizabeth or Tristan survived to tell their tales is almost beyond my comprehension.

I would say "how they're coping", but neither of them really are, they're just existing and going through the motions. An accident that steals away your whole world and your whole reason for existing seems nearly impossible to come back from. Thankfully, these two wind up as neighbors so they learn to adapt and start facing their demons head on.

Normally stories start off on a slightly happy note, or at least with regular, everyday life happenings. This book just whacks you in the face from the beginning. Be prepared to deal with some heavy emotions that really never seem to go away.

I was worried there was no healing for Tristan or Elizabeth with the pain that surrounded each of them, but luckily over time, they start to learn from each other. It's when other outside forces try to come between what they're trying to build that threaten to destroy their second chance at happiness.

Needless to say, I couldn't put this book down. It may have ripped my heart right out, but it was absolutely worth it in the end. What I loved most was how honest and raw it was from beginning to end. If you're looking for a sweet romance, you won't find it here.

Lastly, I'm ecstatic that on goodreads, the author has it listed as part of a series. I need more Tristan in my life right now!!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

November 9- A Review

Good morning, fellow readers! It's another foggy and rainy day by me, so my office morning is like torture. The good news is... ready for it... I have another review for you! I grabbed this book off of my shelf yesterday and couldn't put it down! I'm talking about November 9 by Colleen Hoover. This was an impulse B&N purchase I'm thrilled I made!

Out of all of Colleen's books I've encountered so far. This one was my favorite. It absolutely shredded my heart. We all know my first experience with her was Ugly Love and I just wasn't feeling it enough to rave to the high heavens about the tingly feelings it gave me. With November 9, I can do just that and more!

I'm not going to go crazy with any sort of plot synopsis or spoilers in this review because I feel you need to approach this book completely on your own and without any sort of surprises from me.  All I can do is urge you to pick up this book as soon as yesterday and give it a read.

The only (very minor) things I had trouble getting on board with were Ben's thoughts and emotions when it came to Fallon. The end explains it all, but for a good chunk of this book, I thought he was too good to be true. Also, the plot twist. I enjoyed how it was all connected, but I wasn't sure I wanted it to go the way it did. I guess because Ben was so good, I didn't want to think some of the thoughts I did as the end of the book approached. That's all I can say without giving away something major.

Still, the story was awesome, unique, and completely held my attention beginning-to-end. I don't cry very often at books, but in parts of this story, I got a little teary. The emotional journey was absolutely worth it and a day after, I'm still devastated I read it so quickly.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

 

Corrupt- A Review

Good morning, fellow bibliophiles! It is a dreary Tuesday in my neck of the woods. I was also up (sort of) late last night finishing up this latest read and taking on a craft project. Needless to say, as I sit in my office for the next 8-9 hours, I'm going to be kicking myself because I'm wiped.

My latest read is one that has been getting a lot of hype from friends of mine in the reading community. After reading it's summary/description, I admit, I was intrigued. I began on the book on Saturday, and wrapped it up last night feeling... conflicted I guess. It definitely held my attention though, even if I was screaming at the characters in my head, so I still gave it a higher rating. The book I'm talking about is Corrupt by Penelope Douglas.

Honestly, I felt like I should sleep on my thoughts before I posted a review, but I decided it was best to just put my thoughts down via goodreads as they were in my head right after I finished the book.

For two people who love each other, they certainly go about it in the weirdest and most insane ways ever. Rika (Erika) kind of obsessed with her (boy)friend's big brother, Michael because he's dark and dangerous. In return, he's plain cruel to her because she annoys him and seems too needy. Plus, she's ALWAYS around.

Throughout the entire story, Rika is trying to follow Michael and his cronies around. She has a history with him and his family (which essentially remains mostly un-explained until the epilogue) so she's always curious as to what him and his friends are up to. Their antics are dangerous and destructive, but if anything, that intrigues Rika even more.

Michael and his friends Will, Kai, and Damon are good looking, popular, and love raising hell from behind these masks they love to wear. They run their school and even their town. Guys want to be them and girls want to be with them, and Rika is no excuse. She may have been thrown together with Michael's younger brother, Trevor, but that doesn't stop her from pursuing who she actually wants.

While she's still in high school, Rika somehow finds herself as a member of their group, (known as The Four Horseman) and the proverbial shit hits the fan. Michael is tempted by the "forbidden fruit" and Rika is trying to leave her "good girl" image far behind. He pushes her and she winds up pushing back instead of shying away from him. Some of the shenanigans they wind up in with the other guys involve the law and breaking so many rules, the reader has to know all their antics will blow up in their faces, which it does.

Three years after high school, Rika is trying to branch out on her own, and get away from this group she's grown up with in order to become her own woman. She becomes flustered by Trevor and her family being so overbearing. After moving into a new apartment and starting at a new university, she finds herself in the company of Michael again for the first time in awhile. On her own, she becomes a target for him and his old friends who are all recently out of prison. Events of the past have reared their ugly heads and Michael's friends are angry. They think Rika is the reason they were all in jail and plan to get revenge on her. All hell breaks loose.

I kind of wondered (a lot) where the hell this story was going. Parts of it seemed insulting to women, some of it seemed like some kind of kinky fantasy gone wrong, and some seemed like it was straight out of a horror movie. These characters had very little boundaries and didn't even attempt to play nice with each other. However, once things really reach their pinnacle, it all falls into place and begins to make some sense and head in the right direction.

It's explained what happened to the guys and why they ended up locked up for three years, and characters that you didn't think should be anywhere near each other wind up being a compatible match in their own way. Originally, I did want to quit reading this, because I had no idea where it could possibly go and thought no good could come of what was unfolding on the pages in front of me, but I'm glad I stuck it out and got a bit of closure at least once the book was done. I understood the real past, and why things worked out the way they did. I'm glad the characters were corrupted and pushed enough to change them for the better and bring them into the new chapter of their futures.  It was for sure the darker side of romance, but I'm pretty sure that's what the author was going for, so, bravo, Douglas.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

Mara Dyer Series- A Review

Good afternoon, fellow bibliophiles! Hope you all had a lovely holiday and are all putting your lists together for the next batch of holidays down the road! Personally, I think I'll be asking for a stack of books or B&N gift cards.

Anywho, I feel like this last trilogy took me awhile to get through (which, I suppose it did since each book is a good 5-600 pages). I had always seen these books in my bookstore perusing, but I never bought them. I would look them up on goodreads and saw that they had an okay (nut not stellar) rating. On my last trip, however, I was just at a loss at what to buy. My TBR list is ever-growing, but I couldn't pin down a solid novel I wanted to read. I wanted something to jump out at me as I wandered the aisles. After about an hour of searching, these books called to me yet again, and I had to give them a try. Needless to say, I don't regret my decision. Now, let's discuss!


I'm talking about the Mara Dyer series by Michelle Hodkin. The first in the series is entitled, The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer.  Right off the bat, I have to gush over the cover art. I'm obsessed. It's enchanting and haunting at the same time. I totally judged the book by its cover because it drew me in every single time I wandered the bookstore shelves.

This story has a really interesting concept which I was thoroughly pleased in discovering. With novels like Gone Girl or anything with a twist, not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty decent at figuring out where the story is going. When it came to the events surrounding Mara and Noah, I couldn't really tell which end was up. I enjoyed that aspect of their journey because I didn't want to spoil it for myself by figuring out their secrets before they were told to me. With this novel, I wanted to make the discovery as I turned the page, and their adventures accomplished that for me.

I adored that Noah was so intrigued with Mara (although parts of his observations reminded me of Twilight *cringe*) and that there was something so completely different about them as a couple and as people. I know I'm approaching 31 and reading a YA novel, but it wasn't about the bits of high school drama for me. That was put on the back burner so I could focus more on the dynamic between the two of them, and the strange events happening around them instead.

The one part I couldn't get on board with (which is minor) was the extensive vocabulary these characters have (and use... frequently) as high school students. I didn't find it believable because kids these days just don't talk the way these two did. I justified their vast knowledge and grammar with who they become as characters. There's something deeper there... something more. I just had to find out what is was they were hiding from me.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

These books are such a brain buster! If you're a fan of any kind of suspense, thriller, plot twist, etc, then go pick these up ASAP! Book two, The Evolution Of Mara Dyer gets even more intense and I could NOT get enough!

I originally read that these were a sort of paranormal romance, but I don't even consider them in that category. They have a very chilling Shutter Island type vibe that makes a reader uncomfortable, yet wanting (and NEEDING) to keep turning the page.

I had my suspicions all along the way, but as the story and scandal surrounding Mara progressed, little factoids and plot bombs kept dropping which would both confirm suspicions I had while also adding in so much more that I honestly was not expecting.

Thanks to the cliffhanger in book two, I could NOT wait to begin book three!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The final book in this trio is The Retribution Of Mara Dyer. I'm sad that this trilogy took me longer than I had originally planned. What can I do? Life gets in the way sometimes. In a way, it was a good thing to have life giving me delays because I got more time with these characters in their very weird world, so I'm not complaining!

I know I said it earlier, but this was SUCH an interesting read and quite a different story concept that I've read for the first time in a long time. I don't want to give too much away plot-wise beginning-to-end, so I'll just leave it at this: a billionaire who has the means to genetically alter regular young people to give them super-human capabilities while they're completely unaware. They then use these "powers" without even realizing it for both good and evil. Society catches on, and then the subjects are seen as "certifiable" and sent to a rehabilitation center where even more tests are done. It adds this whole good vs. evil, hero vs. demon aspect to the plot which I was just enthralled with all throughout these pages.

For Mara Dyer, her boyfriend Noah Shaw, and friends of theirs, this is their terrifying and unknown reality. Things mysteriously happen to people around them, and they don't quite understand how it's possible for them to be seeing the things they're seeing. When they're left with blood on their hands and all fingers pointing to them when they don't even know what's going on moment-to-moment, events get real scary real quick.

This all started with Mara playing with a Ouija board with her friends Rachel and Claire. Within six months, her friends (and even her boyfriend, Jude) are dead in some freak accident, and Mara is the only survivor. Shaken, and with no answers, her and her family relocate from Rhode Island to Florida. She's left alone and scratching her head as to what happened. Mara remains haunted by their ghosts while also trying to stay sane and navigate in a new environment.

Her Retribution was such a thrilling read. I can't put into words how exciting not knowing what was coming next was when it came to all three of these books. It had so many twists and turns that it kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed how much the past, present, and future are constantly intertwined to help determine the fate of the characters.

Now that I've finished all three books, I wouldn't necessarily call these romance novels. I know some categorize them that way, and while I understand, just hear me out. There is a love story among the rest of what is going on (seriously, Noah Shaw is lovely). In some aspects, with the way Noah and Mara make sacrifices for each other, it reminds me a bit of Romeo and Juliet, a tragic sort of love, but there's also other prominent elements involved that just give these stories something extra. Something unknown and a bit majestic.

As usual, I'm content knowing I didn't let negative reviews I read prior to picking these books up influence my experience reading them. I loved getting lost in such a creative concept and experiencing a story so different than what I've gotten used to reading lately. Kudos, Hodkin, this was a fantastic story with stunning writing to boot! I'm thoroughly impressed!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

Confess- A Review

Good afternoon, fellow readers! Happy Tuesday to you all! Hope it's treating you well!

I'll try to make this short and sweet because, well, you'll see my disclaimer below. I just finished Confess by Colleen Hoover, so let's delve right into it, shall we?

**DISCLAIMER: let's talk about how I've written an extensive review for this book twice now and once, the computer froze so I had to close out of the program, and twice, I hit a random key by mistake in the whole "copy and past" process and deleted everything I had just written..**

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I follow numerous book accounts on Google+, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.. and I never seemed to know more about this story save for the cover (which is aesthetically pleasing). My only other encounter with Hoover's books was months ago when I read Ugly Love, and I just don't have much to say once I was done. I didn't fully connect with that story, or it had something missing for me so I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either.  With that as my first experience with her books, I can't help but admit that I was a bit wary of reading her other books. However, I'm glad I went on impulse and grabbed this book off the shelf on my last B&N run.

As far as plot premise, this story was not something I have experienced before, which is saying something. There's your basics in love and angst, but Confess added extra elements that just make it a special tale to tell.

Owen Gentry and Auburn Reed meet, and it is serendipitous. He needs help for a showing at his art gallery, and she's looking for some extra money. The rest is history/fate! The way their story entwines is really touching. I enjoyed every twist and turn their journey took, despite if it was good or bad.

Auburn loses one of the most important people in her life early on, and it's tragic. Owen loses two people, and you have to wonder how he'll survive and continue on for the rest of his life. Somehow, both of their losses turn into their own gain together. They're both determined individuals and despite all they've been through in the past, they've learned to cope and even attempt to be happy.

The things Owen and Auburn learn from each other in a short period of time is nothing short of remarkable. They make you realize the important things in life and also how necessary it can be to find a deep connection with someone that goes past anything earthly and almost transcends into spiritual. Owen's idea of people deserving second chances really made me smile.

The whole concept behind the confessions and their paintings in Owen's gallery was really spectacular. I read the little author's note thanking her readers for sending them in and I was floored! Kudos to all of you who participated in sharing such secrets. It helps keep us aware of the fact that we're all fighting an unknown battle. Thank you so much for being so brave and sharing an unknown piece of yourselves with the world!

Lastly, the added bonus of the artwork within the text was awesome! The pieces were stunning and really helped to put an image to the description I was reading on the page. I'm contemplating removing them from the text and framing them for my bedroom. They're gorgeous pieces.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

 

 

 

If You Dare (Deanna Madden #3)- A Review

I don't think Alessandra Torre could write a book that I would dislike. I began my adventures with her through her Innocence trilogy before branching into her A.R. Torre side with The Girl In 6E. Whether it's something like Innocence that's a bit softer and more sensual, or Deanna Madden with its Dexter-meets- Fifty Shades vibe, I'm thrilled. As Torre states, Deanna is her "wicked girl". She honestly is, and she'll always have that darkness, but I don't think she'll ever realize her potential fo Good morning, everyone! Happy Monday! I just noticed that this is my 50th post! Depending on how you look at that, it could be a good or a bad thing. I either read a lot, or I have too much time on my hands. I'm assuming you all enjoy your novels as much as I do and are therefore forever looking for suggestions, so cheers to 50 more postings! I know I said I'd group series books together in one review, but when I started the one I'm going to discuss today, I thought it was going to serve as a stand-alone, which was The Girl In 6E (You can find my review here: Deanna Madden #1). Since then, A.R. Torre has put out two more books in this series and they are awesome! You can read my review of Do Not Disturb here: Deanna Madden #2 and today, I'm obviously bringing you my thoughts on book three. I had pre-ordered this book via Amazon and an alert on my phone said it wouldn't be delivered until Tuesday. You can imagine my surprise when it turned up on Saturday morning instead. I basically dropped what I was doing and began reading instantly, and I'm not sorry that I did. If You Dare just made me love this whole series more than I already thought I could. I don't think Alessandra Torre is capable of writing a book that I would dislike. I began my adventures with her through her Innocence trilogy before branching into her A.R. Torre side with The Girl In 6E. I'm not sure which I love more. This author has so many different sides and I'm obsessed with every single one of them. Whether it's something like Innocence that's seemingly softer and more sensual, or Deanna Madden with its Dexter-meets- Fifty Shades vibe, I'm thrilled to the max by these books. They all take up permanent residents in prime spots on my beloved book shelves. As Torre states, Deanna is her "wicked girl" and I don't think I could describe her any better. She honestly is wicked, and she'll always have that darkness that lingers just below the surface of what humanity wants her to be, but I don't think she'll ever realize her potential for goodness the way she should. Yes, she's dangerous, but she targets with purpose, so I find myself siding with her no matter what... Even if she's breaking all sorts of laws. I never read author's notes, it's just something I don't normally do, but I'm glad I did on this book. To know Torre has more in store for Deanna has me thrilled beyond words. My heart raced, it shattered, it was a million things.. All within 300+ pages. Job well done, even if there was a bit of a cliffhanger with the whole J situation. I will be chomping at the bit until there's a book four. I need more of Deanna and her twisted mind. My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Go Set A Watchman- A Review

Good evening, all! For those of you who have already been following me via Instagram, Google+, and Twitter... hello again. Now to extend a warm welcome to the people joining us from Facebook!

For once, I'm sad to be discussing books. With the tragedy that has occurred in Paris this evening, I feel like I should take the night off from posting a review. However, I needed to get my conflicting thoughts on my latest read out of my head. I'll explain why shortly.

To those across the pond, I spent time wandering the streets of Paris not long ago and I was totally enchanted by the city of lights. My heart is heavy and bleeds for you all. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts. Stay strong because the rest of the world is with you in spirit! Je Suis Paris! Vive La France!

Now, bear with me because adulthood is not my friend. I will never get used to waking up as early as I do nowadays, so sometimes when I write these reviews, I need to just hope my thoughts are coherent. Feel free to point out if I'm not making any sense! You'd think I'd wait until I was bright-eyed and fully functioning before sharing my thoughts with the world, but who says I ever do things logically? I digress...

Tonight's selection comes from none other than Harper Lee and her (sort of) newest work, Go Set A Watchman. I finished this book hours ago and I'm still debating how I feel about it. I finished it, so that has to say something. Let's see if I can pull my thoughts together properly and hope it makes sense as a review (and not make it seem like I'm insensitive in my opinion). There's so many gray areas and lines you don't want to cross, but you almost have to in order to write your feelings when it comes to this story. I'll explain...

Obviously, I was psyched when I found out Harper Lee was releasing a book set around Atticus, Scout, and Jem after 55+ years. I read To Kill A Mockingbird when I was 14 and it just really stuck with me as a tried and true favorite. When it came to her Watchman text, I had heard mixed things. I read that it was a sequel to Mockingbird, that it was the original text that never got past the publishers, that Watchman was written by Harper recently, that it was written long ago, and I've read that it was neither but rather a different take on the original characters we all love so much without being an encore of sorts. Needless to say, I had to do what I could to brush all the hearsay aside and approach this piece on its own.

I did also go into this with a lot of people saying how much they hated it or wouldn't read it because Harper took everyone's beloved Atticus and turned him into a total bigoted racist. This is not entirely wrong, but it also wasn't what I had formed in my head as I delved into the first pages.

Go Set A Watchman puts us readers several years into the future. There's no Boo Radley, Atticus is a slightly ailing 72 year old man, Jem is no longer around (**spoiler** he passes away from a heart condition), and Scout is 26 and living in New York. Similar to Mockingbird, Scout is our go-to lady. She's finding her footing in not only adult/womanhood, but also in a new city. When she travels back to the deep parts of Alabama during the early stages of the Civil Rights movement, old memories and new realizations come to the front lines and none of them are pretty. This story handles some of the same tough topics Mockingbird did, but approaches them in a darker and cruel fashion.

Good, old Atticus is still his gentlemanly self. Although he has some arthritis and other mild ailments that come with age, he's still fiercely kind and strong-willed. Scout enjoys being home with her father, the one man she's always looked up to and admired. However, being back in town makes her realize how much she doesn't fit in anymore.

Not only is Scout trying to break away from her tomboy persona and embrace her femininity, she's also trying to decide if she's going to get married to the one guy she's known since she was a little girl. She's not entirely sold on anything being thrown at her, so she tries to distract herself with other matters. This is where Lee turned the plot into its unpopular and controversial matter.

Segregation is not only a major issue in the US at the time, but even more so in the south. When an accident occurs and a town council meeting is called, Scout finds herself following Atticus and her potential betrothed, Hank, to the gathering. What she witnesses shocks her to her core. Every white gentleman in town is present, and they're all as cruel as can be. They're filled with hatred and believe black is black and white is white. The things they say are downright despicable. Scout finds herself sick to her stomach, and what she doesn't understand is how the two men she adores can even allow themselves to be present in such a situation. While neither of them participate in the ugliness being said about dividing the races, the fact that they're in the room is too much for Scout to wrap her head around. She reaches her breaking point and decides to cut her ties and go back to NYC.

The true climax of the story is when Scout finally confronts her father. He has always been her superhero and she never felt he could do wrong. In Mockingbird, we as readers get an example of this when Atticus defends a black man in a rape case against a white girl and wins. Justice was served and Scout always adored how her father did the right thing. After seeing him associate himself with this council to support segregation, she is disappointed and disgusted.

I could see how audiences would be upset with Atticus for taking the stance he does. When Scout confronts him on how wrong he is as far as racial issues goes, he doesn't deny it. He maintains his cool and explains to his daughter that he simply doesn't have a choice in the matter. There's almost too many political details to try to understand, but Atticus tries his best to be reasonable and civil in choices. Racial divide situations in the south are bad and people are seemingly at war. Black may be black and white maybe white, but there's a lack of understanding from both sides. Atticus and his council are the last group between "the Klan" and possible anarchy.

Almost anyone reading this book, and especially Scout's argument with her father will take her side. You'd be crazy not to. She believes in peace and equality and doesn't see why her father would even entertain a level of racism and hatred whether he participated in the meeting or not. Her disappointment runs bone-deep and she can barely look at her father. Playing Devil's Advocate, the only thing I could say in the defense of Atticus is that 1) he is an old man living in the south during the Civil Rights turmoil, 2) he admitted that despite his personal feelings, justice is justice and black or white, if there's an injustice occurring, he will defend what and who is right. The beloved man we all remember from Mockingbird is still alive and kicking despite our recent findings about him, and 3) Even though Scout tries to sever all ties with her father completely, he tells her how proud of her he is. She never wavers in her feelings and emotions, even if that means jeopardizing her loving relationship with one of her only living family members.

Reading this didn't change my thoughts towards the Atticus I remember loving all those years ago. I read this story on its own merits and tried to form the best reaction I could. I'm team Scout. I believe in the same equality she preaches, but I could see what her father said to her as well. He wanted her to open her eyes and see how things were in the south. She left home and was having more liberal experiences in the north. The south was a different story entirely and Atticus wanted her to see that and show her as best he could how his feet were being held to the fire in certain aspects. I'm not saying his personal opinions were right. They were definitely too conservative and mean-spirited for my taste, but I have to say, I'm not surprised. An old man of the law, living in the deep south during such a controversial time was going to be set in his ways. I had to expect at least a degree of racial tension.

The most important thing I took from this piece was how profound it was relating to society today. People like to keep blinders on and act like racism in the USA is non-existent. I hate to say, it's alive and thriving. Parts of this story were eerie to read because of how close they were hitting to current event hot topics. If you were or are a fan of To Kill A Mockingbird, I urge you to read this tale and at least gain new insights to history, because it seems to be repeating itself in this day and age.

My Final Rating: three out of five stars