Crossfire- A Series Review

Good evening, bibliophiles! Two posts in one day? What is happening? It's me trying to catch up on the blog posts I want to bring to all of you. I've been slacking, so here's hoping I can start to get back on schedule. 

Tonight, I'm pretty excited because I'm finally bringing you one of my favorite series I've ever read! The books tonight were some of my first real glimpses at the romance genre, and I basically got sucked in afterwards. I'm talking about the Crossfire series by the one and only, Sylvia Day. I read the trilogy over three years ago, and waited for books four and five to be released before properly reviewing the complete set. Needless to say, that day is finally here! Let's delve into the world of Crossfire Industries, shall we? 

Bared to You is where we first encounter the force that is Gideon Geoffrey Cross. He's brooding, isolated, and the master of his own universe, but little does he know, an encounter with a feisty blonde is going to change everything he's ever known. 

Eva Tramell is a recent transplant to New York City from San Diego, California. Gideon Cross is the mogul of majority of Manhattan, one of the most eligible bachelors, and owner of Cross Industries. One day, when Eva takes a jog and visits where she'll be working as an administrative assistant to a massive advertising firm, she winds up in the lobby of the Crossfire, and in the path of one Gideon Cross. When they literally slam into each other, the ground shifts, and both of their worlds are forever turned upside down. 


I just need to say that I am SO glad I met these two! To say I was obsessed with Gideon's intensity and Eva's strength right from the beginning is a total understatement. I had times when I wanted to keep Gideon in my own bed and other times, I was so angry with him that my heart broke...because I still loved him anyway. I can NOT get enough of this man  or this couple! 


If you want a sexy read similar to Fifty Shades but actually written well, I highly suggest this series!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Reflected in You means more Gideon, and more heartbreak! Mine was in my throat for such a chunk of this book and although I had faith in Eva and Gideon, I still worried nonstop. 

When most couples are just starting out, their lives are like a fairy tale and everything is perfect. Gideon and Eva are not most couples, and I kind of admire them for it, because I just had a feeling in my gut that they'd fight for each other. Both of them have pasts consisting of abuse, and as two survivors, they must learn to navigate and build a life together, while also trying to banish their demons once and for all. It's when those pasts come back to haunt them, that all hell breaks loose, and they wind up on the brink of losing everything they've created as a couple. 

What a sexy sequel. I couldn't put it down yet struggled with trying to pace myself just so I could spend more time with this amazing pair.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

I love love loved the third installment in this series, Entwined With You!! I know some other reviews felt it was dragging when it didn't need to, but personally, I adored every second! With book two being the emotional rollercoaster that it was, it seemed like book three and their attempt at a happy ending wasn't possible. I'm so glad that us readers got something worthwhile after everything this couple had been through in their short time together. 

I'm a total sucker for having all loose ends tied up and this did it and I STILL crave more of this couple. I know it seems pointless to keep going with this story to make books four and five, but I think since this series has been bought to be adapted for television, I could see it still going. Oh goodness, Gideon on my tv every week.. Now that makes a girl all warm and fuzzy inside. I can't wait! 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

I've waited over a year for more Gideon, and I finally got that with Captivated by You. Sylvia Day does NOT disappoint! I couldn't form words for this installment once I was done with it.  

Gideon and Eva.. Will this couple ever catch a break? They really do get hit from all angles in this book, but I love how fiercely they hold onto each other to try and get through every obstacle. After book three was done, I breathed a sigh of relief thinking that they got their happily ever after and were in the clear from turmoil, and I was 110% wrong on all counts. 

After a private vacation, the couple have a massive secret they're trying to keep under wraps and enjoy for a little while, but once they get back to Manhattan, it seems the world has turned against them, and their bubble of happiness bursts. 

Gideon is a dream, as usual. I totally need one of my very own. He's fantastic, despite how shattered he has been throughout his life. Eva is such a good match for him, so I wish people would stop trying to destroy what they're trying to build together. I would personally enjoy some Cross babies next but who knows! 

I could NOT imagine what book five would bring, nor the television series! Sylvia could honestly write 20 books about Mr. Cross and I'd never tire of him, or his life with Eva. Now there's an idea!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

The other day, book five, the last in the series, One With You was finally released. Despite a million interruptions, I finished it, and along with the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to this series, I'm also split in two on how I felt once I was finished. I'm sure most of you who have already read it may be wondering what I'm thinking once you see my final rating, but just hear me out. Honestly, I'll do my best to try to explain how my head is compartmentalizing aspects of this last installment. 

I've adored this series since I first met Gideon and Eva back in 2013. These characters were absolute forces to be reckoned with, complete and total storms brewing, and I loved every tortured, agonizing, whiplash minute of their journey. From Bared To You all the way through to One With You, I've enjoyed  seeing how this couple was able to grow and defeat not only their demons, but also every outside. 

For roughly 80-85% of this book, I loved where it was going. I was so excited for everything the pair had coming their way for once. Loose ends were being settled and all the people who tried to tear these two apart were being put in their place. Gideon and Eva were waiting so long for their happily ever after, and I was thrilled they were finally on the same page and ready for the next chapter.

It was towards the end when a random situation with Monica (Eva's mother) happened that everything turned negative for me, and I wound up disappointed. It caused the ending to feel rushed and left too much up in the air and not quite as happy as one would imagine if you were Gideon or Eva. 

Maybe it's because I hate endings (hello, guilty American here.. our shows and books go on for way too long), but if all that nonsense was going down out of the blue, the book could have ended there and then there could have been just one more story in the works. Having to crunch an ending into 50ish pages wasn't the way to go for me, and I was left a bit gobsmacked that after everything I went through with these two, that was all I would get as a way of tying everything up in a neat little bow. I'm trying to be okay with it, but for now, that ending along with the awareness of never having more Gideon and Eva in my life just leaves me feeling sad. If that makes sense. 

The four stars I decided on at the end are because when it comes to the couple themselves, they were perfection as always. I just love their dynamic, and I always have. I refuse to absolutely pan one of my favorite love stories just because of a choppy ending that I didn't picture in my head. No, I'm not happy with it, but I was immensely satisfied for so much of the overall series that I just don't have the heart to feel entirely crushed beyond repair. 

I suppose I'll just wait and see what licensing brings to the tv series (whenever that hits the small screen), and in the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed for at least a novella of some sort, because I just need more of these two, even if it's only a sliver.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

Playing For Love and Beautiful: Cover Reveals Times Two!

Holy Moses, everyone! I apologize for slacking on posts this whole weekend. I just did NOT have a minute to bask in the excitement. What excitement, you ask? We have TWO new cover reveals, and I for one, am positively giddy!

Expanding the blog to incorporate not only reviews, but book hauls, cover reveals, TBRs, etc has already put me behind the eight ball. With work, an attempt at a sliver of a social life, tackling my pile of stories, and bringing posts for all occasions makes me feel like I'm already slacking (which I am). There are only so many hours in the day, but I hope to get to these posts as soon as I'm able.

Now that I've given a bit of a disclaimer, let's dive into the good stuff, shall we?

First up, we have Playing For Love from the one and only J.C. Grant. I reviewed her debut novel, Playing For Keeps a few months back, and needless to say, I'm beyond ready for more of the powerhouse that is David Taylor. BEWARE!!! This is an erotic romance, so read at your own risk!

COVER REVEAL
Playing For Love by J.CGrant
Release Date April 27th
‪
Blurb:

David Taylor is the most possessive, dominant, alpha male I have ever met. Technically he's a stalker. He is bossy, needy, nasty, and so very sweet. He is everything I need him to be. I love him so much it scares me.
Austin James is mine.
Mine to take care of.
Mine to spoil.
MINE.
The first time I saw her, I knew she was MINE.
I saw a reflection of myself in her.
Broken. Damaged. Guarded.
I can't explain the depth of my feelings or why it happened so fast.
I just know she's mine and I'll do anything to keep her.

Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://bit.ly/22cF7iq

 

 

 

Last, but not least, we have the fifth and last book in the Beautiful Bastard series by the amazing duo, Christina Lauren! I've read every single book in this series, plus all the in-between novellas. There are too many to link here, so peruse back through the blog to check out the reviews. It's not a series you want to miss out on at all!  

 

Cover Reveal:

Beautiful, the last book in the Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren has a cover!!! I am all but jumping up and down in my office!

Blurb:
The tenth work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with Beautiful Bastard.

A new couple finds love, and the casts of the previous books join in to celebrate this series finale in the most Beautiful way possible.

"One free spirited Brit. One man weighed down by responsibility . . ....
(Also, a disorientatingly sweet Chloe, confused Bennett, grumpy Sara, Max as you know and love him, travel planner Hanna, chef Will, drunk Ruby, content Niall, George–oh, George–a rented van)
. . . and a whole lot of wine."

Add to GR:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29368164-beautiful…

Preorder:http://amzn.to/1XrmqGq

 

 

I'm seriously so damn pumped for these books to hit the shelves! More awesome contemporary romances with alpha males to add to the book boyfriends list! I can't wait to share reviews with all of you after I get my paws on these two! 

 

You- A Series Review

Greetings, fellow bibliophiles! Long time, no chat! I finally finished my latest series and it's a doozy! I've been meaning to get to these books for awhile so I'm excited to share my thoughts! On a random outing to my local B&N for the latest book haul, I finally came across the complete series of You by Caroline Kepnes. I did, however, do a bad thing. I totally judged these books by the covers. I was absolutely intrigued when I saw both You and Hidden Bodies popping up in my Instagram timeline with readers going berserk for these stories. After grabbing the basic info, I popped on to my goodreads app to get the description and overall rating before adding these puppies to my ever-expanding TBR pile/shelf/bookcase. Now that I've read them both, I'm awaiting more story, the option for the TV adaptation, and coping with my Joe withdrawal. Let's get to it so that you can all run to your closest bookstores and swipe up copies of these novels.  

Book one is the title of the series, You. This might be the least comprehensive review I've written to date because I'm simply flabbergasted, gob smacked, speechless, stunned, so on and so on.

This book grabbed me from page one, hell, from the first freaking sentence. I could NOT put it down. I really and truly mean that with every ounce of sincerity I could muster. I finished this book in the parking lot of a Panera because I just had to have this book with me and had to know how it ended right then and there while I waited for my Pick Two combo to be made.

For me, there's not a single character I this book I could empathize with, but for once, I found that part of the appeal to keep going. Usually, when I'm disgusted with a character or find them unrelatable, I wind up disconnected from the whole story and don't invest my attention, mind, and heart the way I properly should. The opposite happened with this story. Joe is fishy right from the start, but I'm fascinated by how he thinks. I immediately despised Peach and Benji, and once the layers started peeling away (which happens pretty early on), I wound up loathing Beck as well.

In all honesty, I can't say too much because it's very easy for me to say enough to give away major  (and I mean MAJOR) plot points with this story, but just.... Read it, now, no.... Yesterday. I'm absolutely blown away. Despite the fact I couldn't wrap my mind around the lives of Nantucket bred, pretentious Brown kids and their designer drugs and first world problems (I even had to look up the word solipsistic.. I don't work in a used and rare book store.. ugh, I WISH) I gobbled this book up. It's so dark and disturbing that even though there was a sense of an end in book one, I know we're not done with this adventure yet.

If you're a fan of Dexter, Norman Bates, Paul Spector, or the Investigation Discovery channel, pick up this book and get to the page-turning as soon as possible! You won't have nails left, but you sure as hell will have your heart pumping!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Hidden Bodies is the sequel to You, and boy, is it ever a sequel. Every time I attempted to write a proper review of this book, words simply failed me. All I can say is that I'm glad this series is in progress with ShowTime because I'm beyond anxious to see how Joe's story plays out on the small screen. Now all I need is to call my cable company and add ShowTime to my monthly bill because I know I'll NEED this show when it debuts.

I'm a massive fan of Norman Bates, Paul Spector, Dexter, and now, Joe Goldberg. I know I mentioned that when reviewing You. The inner workings of Joe's mind absolutely boggle me and I find myself routing for him even though I know he shouldn't be out and about among what we deem "regular" society.

Leaving the streets of New York and his dark past behind him, Joe is on a mission in Los Angeles, and seems to meet all the right people along the way. It's when the past mingles with the present to ruin the future that Joe has a problem and needs to become even more determined in his life's path.

I had numerous interruptions while reading this book, and I almost wanted to pull a Joe of my very own because this story was so utterly full-to-the-brim of suspense, that it drove me crazy to put it down even for a single second! Kepnes may have just shot to the top of my list of favorite writers. Her story-telling is phenomenal and so thorough. I need more Joe in my life ASAP. I must know where his story takes us next! I'm pretty sure there has to be a book three somewhere, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed just incase.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 

The Nightingale- A Review

Good morning, bibliophiles! Today, I'm going to dive right in to this latest review because it's the day after I closed the book and I'm still absolutely stunned by what I've read. It's a book I've had sitting on my shelf for awhile, and I'm really sad it took as long as it did to get to it! However, I'm really glad I did, and I can't wait to tell you what I thought! The book I'm discussing is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It's been on several Best Seller lists, and with good reason. You should read this review and then go pick up a copy if you haven't already!

This was a gorgeous yet heartbreaking book. Anything else I say will not properly express my sentiments towards the power of this story. Regardless, I'll do what I can to explain and convey my experience in the French countryside the best I can.

There's something about World War II novels that always draw me in hook, line, and sinker. Maybe it's so I never forget what our universe has dealt with in history, maybe it's because the sheer terror of what happened on such a grand scale that borders on unreal when we discuss it these days, maybe it's the tales of the survivors that make me feel empowered as a human being. Who knows, but this one had me savoring pages as if I would never read again.

My heart was in my throat for Vianne and Isabelle the entire story. Living in Nazi-occupied France was an absolute nightmare. These women would wake up each day and not know what to expect. Their tremendous will to survive and live through everything they experienced puts society today into perspective. When these women and their families had to go without things like coffee, bread, a coat, or fitted shoes, my heart shattered for them to have so little. The sacrifices they made, and how they endured for years was nothing short of unreal. The fact they could both call themselves heroes at the end of it all made it so much better and allowed me the opportunity to smile for them and what they achieved. I would go into detail about their contributions to the war efforts, but I'd honestly rather you be surprised and experience their courageous acts on your own.

The ending was powerful and tied past & present together so perfectly. I had a feeling as to who a few mystery characters were, and when their identities were revealed, I was misty-eyed. Although much of the story was sad, and to recall such a horrific time in World History, it also had its triumphant moments as well. That's all we want in tales of darkness, to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and hope that it will all wind up okay.

I could not be more elated that I picked this book up in my travels. It deserves the goodreads award for a reason. Do not hesitate in giving this a read!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

My Life on the Road- A Review

Goooooooooood evening to all my bibliophiles out there! No, your eyes are not deceiving you, I'm posting for a second time today. Earlier, I posted a blog about this literary project I was asked to participate in, and it was really fun. Incase you missed it, you can check it out here! 

I'm not going to waste time rambling, and instead, I'll get right to my latest review. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but I think it's safe to say that My Life on the Road by the one and only Gloria Steinem will be the most significant book of 2016. 

I wandered past this book a time or two in my local B&N, but it wasn't until I came across a headline on my Twitter account that I put it on my "must read" list. I'm sure every bookworm and Harry Potter fan out there knows Emma Watson has decided to start a book club. If you haven't joined it yet, you can do so here. With all of her work with UN Women, she has compiled a list of empowering novels meant for every woman to not only read, but embrace for her own future as well. I'm going to take it a step further and say that not only women should be joining this group and reading these selections. Men and women alike should pick up copies of the books as they are selected and educate themselves on issues that pertain not only to an entire gender, but also to humankind as a whole. The more you are informed, the more you can benefit from the learned material. I digress...

Gloria Steinem is a name I've heard in passing for years now, but I'm ashamed to say, I never paid close enough attention to the work she has been doing for the last several (and lengthy) decades. Reading her story absolutely blew me out of the water. 

Beware. She does tackle serious subject matter. Her experiences deal with so much more than women's liberation and gender equality. I learned more than I ever thought I could about travel and the issues surrounding politics, journalism, sexism, racism, big business, economics, and more. Her knowledge about little nuances when it came the the previously mentioned issues in not only America, but across the globe, left me astounded. 

Don't let the severity of the subject matter deter you from grabbing a copy of this book (if you haven't already). With such intense times upon us in 2016, this book is a must must must must MUST-read. Our words and our actions ripple and affect people we didn't even know we could possibly have reached in the first place. Not only will you gain insight to such social and political thoughts and ideas, but you'll learn tolerance and understanding for those unlike yourself. Gloria's thoughts make it nearly impossible to construct an argument as to why she isn't right in her experience and wisdom. She was a first-hand witness to so much, and also backed up events she witnessed with her own eyes with lengthy references (goodness, I'm a nerd for a footnote). 

I can't thank Gloria enough for touching on and sharing her years on the road for all of us. Because of her, not only do I want to travel more than I already do, but I also want to continue to learn as much as I can about such significant and profound issues in order to contribute to the progression of a successful society. The fact that events she discussed from forty years ago are still relatable today means we need to keep evolving, changing, and bettering our world instead of repeating history. 

Proper words to swoon over this book escape me. I hope these thoughts do it justice for now. If you choose only one book to read this year, let it be this one! 

My Final Rating: five of five stars

Good Omens- A Review

Hey all! Ugh, I've done it again. Life has been semi-crazy so it has taken me a week to read a 369 page book. That's not normal in my world. I apologize for the delay in review! However, today is a pretty fun novel, so you should go pick up a copy if you don't already have it in your possession.

The book in question? Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I honestly forgot how I came across this read. It popped up on some feed of mine and I got caught up reading a summary. Next thing you know, I'm logging into goodreads and scanning several reviews. Needless to say, I picked up a copy from my local B&N, and the rest is history. I'm going to keep this short and sweet rather than ramble endlessly. This is a story I'd really like you to experience on your own without knowing too much about what lies ahead.

I'm a total sucker for a good footnote, so this book had me right at the first few pages. Take some aspects of Christianity, throw in a dice of dogma, sprinkle with some flaws of the human condition, and let a bit of witchcraft prophecy be the cherry on top, and you have Good Omens.

This tale read a bit like a Monty Python episode, and also a little like a Greek tragedy. The characters are witty and sarcastic, the plot borders on the absurd, yet the message is meaningful and powerful in the end (as it should be, right?).

The text jumped around a lot, so you had to pay attention to which characters you were dealing with for the moment (also, I suggest referring back to the cast list at the front of the book), but when it all comes to a head on Dooms Day, all the back-and-forth becomes worth it and absolutely pays off for all involved. As a silent observer to the madness, you have the benefit of getting numerous perspectives, so you're fortunate enough to take away more than one lesson from what you've read.

Even if this book doesn't initially seem quite your taste, it's worth it just for the last few paragraphs about a boy, his dog, an apple, and a hell of a lot of symbolism. Seriously, read this book!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

 

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

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

The Goldfinch- A Review

Hello again, fellow readers! This is the last post for the night, I promise!

So after I finished up with Dirty English, I decided my brain needed a bit of a break from all the romance and erotica. While it's entertaining to read, being a single girl with four cats and reading endless books of everyone in the world finding eternal love and steamy sex can get a tad depressing after awhile. I won't lie, I was feeling bummed, so I decided to give my brain and my heart a break and check out a book I've had my eye on for quite awhile.

The Goldfinch is a solid novel by Donna Tartt. Let me give a bit of a backstory. I discovered Donna's work maybe two years back (I'm honestly terrible with time, it could've been a year) when I picked up a copy of The Secret History from my local Barnes & Noble. I saw it on a "must-read" list for that year and had to give that one a go. Unfortunately, after about a hundred or so pages in, I got distracted and put that book down. I have yet to go back to it. I swear, I will though because I was thoroughly intrigued. Anyway!! Fast forward to just a few months ago when I saw The Goldfinch sitting on the shelf of B&N when I was doing my usual outing. I didn't pick up a copy because I had other books stacked in my arms, and, hello... budget. The cover alone intrigued me (I know, I know.. I totally judged). Once I left the store that night, I swear, this book has followed me. Every time I went into a book shop, I saw this book just hanging out in the open right at eye level. It took a few adventures, but I finally decided to cave and buy a copy.

After all the anticipation and pent up excitement as to what these pages would hold, the story was not quite what I thought it was. Sure, the back cover gave the basic premise, but once I was in the middle of the story, I just saw that it wasn't going the way I thought originally.

I figured there would be a more romantic notion and mystery connecting Theo to the painting of the goldfinch that meant so much to him. Instead, I got a tragic and semi-twisted coming-of-age tale. Not that I was disappointed, but I didn't quite care for the characters and some of the decisions they were making. This brought a disconnected feeling for me, and I couldn't devour this book the way I had planned.

Theo, Boris, and Kitsy were three people out of a cast of characters I just couldn't get on board with for most of the story. Like Theo, I've dealt with death and tragedy, and I know we all handle it in our own way, but I could not relate to anything he was doing or the people he would associate himself with. I find little sympathy for people who cope and hide from their problems by getting addicted to drugs of any sort. I have even less sympathy or understanding for cheaters. These people covered all those grounds and then some, so I found it really hard to get into their corners and thoroughly enjoy the overall story. 

The ending, however, was a total turn-around. I did enjoy Theo finally coming to his senses and talking about his troubles. He grew up and examined his life and the lessons he had learned all throughout his younger years. I appreciated his explanation and insight about how life works and balances the universe to make our day-to-day outcome what it is, in good or bad. Since the ending redeemed a chunk of the book for me, I found this to be an interesting read.

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

Cocktail- A Series Review

Greetings, fellow bibliophiles! I hope this Tuesday finds you all well and ready to discuss/review some books! I finished The Cocktail Series by Alice Clayton the other day and just haven't had time to review all five of these stories properly. I think it's about time we get to it, shall we?

The book that starts it all is Wallbanger. Simon Parker and Caroline Reynolds are neighbors who meet due to continuous loud thumping coming through the walls *ahem*. Simon is a notorious womanizer with his own harem. Caroline is the cat lady who loses sleep every night thanks to Mr. Parker's nocturnal activities. What ensues are a bit of shenanigans followed by friendship, and then... something more. This was an interesting and humorous read, but it was a bit too much for me. The characters reactions to things were slightly overboard for reality, at least for me. Caroline and her friends, Sophia and Mimi would probably not be the types of girls I'd hang out with in my real life. Simon was lovely..of course. Yet another book boyfriend to love. His harem made him slightly less appealing in the beginning, so that was annoying, but thankfully, he came to his senses and knew a good thing when he saw it in Caroline.

I did quite enjoy the last section being from Clive's perspective. That was a nice and humorous treat.

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

Book two, Rusty Nailed, follows Simon and Caroline into what comes next in their journey. I enjoyed this story quite a bit more than book one. The relationship Simon and Caroline have is evolving into something more mature, more intimate, and their trials and tribulations significant. Book one was a just a tad on the absurd side with the bickering and antics, so it was nice to finally see them together, blissful, and conquering their worlds together. Caroline was right, she totally has a fairy tale when it comes to Simon.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

I was a bit sad to open this and not have Simon and Caroline at the front of this story, but the change up was refreshing too. I love that Viv was a wonderful mix of brains and artsy/alternative. Clark is basically my dream man. They're total opposites, so to see the banter going back and forth was very entertaining. Parts of this were a bit slow-moving with not much happening outside of the day-to-day activities, but the last chapter and epilogue make the journey more than completely worth it. I was a bit sad to open up book three, Screwdrivered, and not have Simon and Caroline at the front of this story, but the change up was refreshing too, especially with someone as unique as Viv Franklin. I love that Viv was a wonderful mix of brains and artsy/alternative. Clark is basically my dream man (he had me at tweed jackets and librarian). They're polar opposites, so to see the banter going back and forth was very entertaining considering it was full of sexual tension. Yes, please! Parts of this were a bit slow-moving with not much happening outside of the day-to-day activities, but the last chapter and epilogue make the journey more than completely worth it. Swoon city! It's always the quiet and seemingly stuffy ones who become the completely unleashed animals. Clark did NOT disappoint! I'd like to know where I can find one, myself.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The fourth installment in this series is Mai Tai'd Up, and focuses on Clark's cousin, Chloe. This was a cute read. I'm not about gingers per say, (aside from one Jamie Fraser of course) but Lucas totally won me over. A hot guy with a heart of gold saving animals? Absolutely!

Good for Chloe! I'm so glad she put her foot down and took control of her life before it was too late. Who wants to be a snooty Stepford Wife anyway? No complaints here on her running out on her wedding day. Bravo to her. She became a better and bigger person and is doing something worth while with her life. Sticking with Charles wouldn't have gotten her anywhere aside from being a Real Housewife wannabe with her hair and nail appointments. Chloe has a heart, and it syncs with Lucas perfectly. I really enjoyed these two more than I can say, and the time they spent in the shower may have something to do with it. Totally sexy.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

This ending, Last Call, was short, sweet, and to the point! It had every element I look for in a novella, especially one at the end of a series of stories.

Simon and Caroline, Mimi and Ryan, Sophia and Neil, Chloe and Lucas, and Viv and Clark are all present for engagements, weddings, and babies. Clive and his harem are back and making discoveries as well. This was the perfect way to wrap up this series!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars