Mud Vein- A Review

Good morning, all and Happy Mischief Night! I know, another review already, but I just devoured this latest read and couldn't wait to tell you all about it! It's Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher.

Fisher has quickly become one of my main inspirations to pick up old projects and finish a novel... Sooner rather than later. I must thank her profusely for that alone!

I'm not even sure how I'd classify her stories. There's drama, thrill, angst, psychology, romance, death, darkness, mystery etc. Mud Vein certainly did NOT disappoint!

Through Senna and Isaac, I was able to see what true love and real soul mates consist of and what they can accomplish together as a team. Considering this story was nothing that I expected, I'm glad I kept the pages turning to see how their story would end. I would love to elaborate more on all of this, but instead, I'm going to remain obscure and let you guys go pick up a copy and find out for yourselves. You're welcome

If you're looking for steamy scenes and a happy ending of rings, weddings, the taking of names, vows, and a gaggle of babies, then this book might not be for you. Yes, love is a key element in this tale, but it doesn't blossom the way your run-of-the-mill love story comes about. Isaac and Senna have to weed through seemingly eternal darkness and even embrace the idea of death on multiple occurrences in order to be set free and realize their truth. Even then, they're not out of the woods. What they have is profound and raw, and I admire them for finding that in each other.

The question becomes, have they found love too late?

My Final Rating: five 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

The Big Gamble (Gambling on Love #1)- A Review

Good evening, all! Wow! It's my 40th post! In honor of that, tonight, I'll be bringing you something I haven't done yet. I'm going to be posting two book review for two different novels! What can I say? There were many contributing factors on this one. First, it's been a little bit since I've posted a review. Second, I'm sick, so I have some time after work to rest and catch up on some reading (although I'm STILL behind on my goodreads challenge). Third, life at the office has been tame for me, so in between being a working adult, I can squeeze in chapters randomly during office hours. Thankfully, my boss doesn't mind. Fourth (and last), 40th post!! Hooray!!! On with the show!

Up to bat is a new(er) release by author M. Andrews called The Big Gamble. Now I know I said I'd post series books together as one big review. This book is the first in a series, but the rest haven't come out yet, so in this case, I'm making an exception. I actually picked this one after finishing a longer novel (which I'll be posting about next). After coming off of an almost 800 page book, I needed something quick, easy, and entertaining, and this one did not disappoint.

If you're up for a steamy romance that has its fair share of cheesy moments and filthy, dirty talk, then give Officer Brian Gamble and his lady, Brooke McCoy a go! As an aside, I'd just like to say, breakfast table and syrup. Holy Moses.

Brian is your known alpha male who had his heart crushed by his nasty ex. Brooke has been single for two years after losing her fiancé, Jake, to an aneurysm. Their paths cross when they wind up as neighbors who don't necessarily get along.

This was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Maybe not everyone would be on board with fast-tracking a relationship the way Brooke and Brian did, but they made it work. They just knew they couldn't pass each other up. Needless to say, I'm glad they didn't. Sometimes, people just click instantly and know how perfectly everything has fallen into place and doing everything they can to be together for the long haul. I have to give them credit for doing something so brave. 

I saw some similarities between this and Wallbanger , (the obnoxious neighbor, hating each other for a bit, being friends, baking goodies, and giving into temptation) but it came into its own as a romance and I just really enjoyed seeing Brooke and Brian heal old wounds and becoming better individuals and a strong couple due to each other's support. It was really refreshing! I'm also thrilled that these two allowed their hurtful and tragic pasts to stay in the past and were able to move on to their happy beginning as a team. 

Cheers to more book reviews to come! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Dirty English- A Review

Other than the fact I think these characters moved slightly fast in their relationship, I adored this book. It was weird reading about Elizabeth, because I could see myself in her (sort of). We both enjoy our Downton Abbey, I'm an English Major, she works in a bookstore (hello, dream!), and we both have a massive thing for British blokes. She found Declan, I could only hope I'd ever be so lucky... and c'mon, he's an English Major too... swoon! What happens to Elizabeth when we first meet her is I know, I know. Another book review already. I was already in the middle of today's selection while I was writing up my series review for the Cocktail series. Today, I'm discussing Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills. The damaged soul of an American girl meets a brooding and sexy Brit at university. Obviously, the sexual tension and fireworks fly. Other than the fact I think these characters moved slightly fast in their relationship, I adored this book. It was weird reading about Elizabeth, because I could see myself in her (sort of, and not just because we have the same name). We both enjoy our Downton Abbey, I'm an English Major, she works in a bookstore (hello, dream!), and we both have a massive thing for British blokes. She found Declan, I could only hope I'd ever be so lucky... and c'mon, he's an English Major too (with a soft spot for Romanticism)... swoon! What happens to Elizabeth when we first meet her is horrifying and tragic. I could not even fathom putting myself in her shoes. I'm glad she didn't go with her pact to never fall in love, otherwise she would've missed out on a wonderful man who cares deeply for her. Like I said, they move quickly (falling head-over-heels in love within a few weeks), but I guess it worked for them. They tried to resist and fight what they both knew was happening between them, but it clearly didn't work. For some reason, they both insisted they were bad for each other, and not what the other needed. Oh, how wrong they were. I would've loved even more back story and details on each of their lives, but I knew enough to make it through this book without too many questions arising once the end drew near. They both had motives for acting how they did towards each other, and they got their happily ever after. Hello, who refuses time in London from a gorgeous British man!? My Final Rating: four 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         

Up In The Air- A Series Review

Good evening, fellow bibliophiles, and happy (almost) Friday! This week has been kicking my butt over in Adulthoodland, so it has taken me a bit to get to my reviews in a proper way! It has been another long week, but when I realized it was coming to a close, and I had one series finished with no review posted and another series half-read, I had to get to it. Here, I am with some more books and a gorgeous man for everyone to fall in love with. On to the review! 

Tonight, I bring you the Up In The Air series by R.K. Lilley. These started out as a trilogy, but wound up having a fourth, sort of spin-off book added into the mix. I had finished the first three awhile back, and never posted my reviews anywhere else save for goodreads. Last weekend, I decided I needed a stand alone story I could get done in a day before I tackled another series I had already lined up to fill this week. Confused? I kind of am. Pardon me, it's been a long day, as previously stated. Now that I finally completed the entire set of books, it's time to post my complete thoughts. We'll count this as both a new review, with a hint of Throwback Thursday thrown into the mix. Let's dive in, shall we?

When I finished book, In Flight, one in August of 2014, I had just come just come off of reading the 50 Shades trilogy. Needless to say, I saw a lot of similarities when reading this story. James is lovely (and a total powerhouse) and Bianca is just a bit different than the other girls I've read recently. However, the plot mirrored too much from my previous reads which sat in the back of my mind the entire time. It got a bit irritating as I continued with the series. I had already started it though, so I obviously had to continue onward to see how everything would come together. 

I did, however, cheer continuously for James and Bianca to get past their issues and the numerous skeletons in their closets so they could find their happy ending. We all deserve one, so they weren't excused from theirs. 

My Final Rating: three out of five stars

Mile High is the second installment in this series. I think I officially fell in love with James before this book was over. Shocker, I know. Another over the top alpha male to drool over. 

This story is where things start to build properly and deviate from the Fifty Shades path to become something all their own. This portion had a bit more angst than the first one, and for some reason, I knew it was going to end a bit oddly, but book three is where everyone will see if James and Bianca can get through both the good and the bad to survive together. 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

As I said earlier, Mr. Cavendish has stolen my heart and has since officially been ranked close to the top of my favorite book boyfriends! He proves this thoroughly by book three, Grounded. 

At one point, I was wondering if things would be wrapped up in a neat little bow for James and Bianca, and there was a point or two when my heart was absolutely in my throat, but the ending more than made up for all my questions and worries. My nerves may have been temporarily shot, but it was all worth it for the ending it received. 

I do wish the epilogue was a bit longer, I always want more when stories get to the point that theirs reached. Lovely series.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

I loved the Up In The Air series as a trilogy, and I was devastated when it ended, so I obviously freaked out when Mr. Beautiful was released not too long ago. It clearly took me a bit to get to, (it sat in my ibooks app awhile), but once I did, I was glad to see this whole crew again. knew I would love what came next in James & Bianca's story. Lilley sure did deliver!! 

A lot of the time, spin-off stories like these tend to get repetitive and I lose interest and wind up skimming most of the text since I had just read the same thing in books prior. Not with this batch! 

James creates his own tale of what happened between him and Bianca by only touching on key points in his life that made him the man he is today. That was really important. He didn't ramble on incessantly about the mundane day-to-day about what he and Bianca we're going through. Mr. Cavendish really kept to moments of significance and really made me understand his side of things. 

I didn't just get the perspective of James, but of Stephen (Bianca's best friend) as well, so I was really happy to get into both of their heads for awhile. I didn't get to do that as much in the trilogy. It was lovely to see how fiercely they both care and desire to protect Bianca and make sure she is loved so thoroughly. 

I was, of course, all about the Cavendish wedding and litter of gorgeous babies. James as a daddy was more than I could ask for. His kids are quite the handful... So I would love to see him handle them when they hit their teen years!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

The Devil On The Doorstep- A Review

Good morning and happy Monday! I just came off of a weekend that actually didn't involve a ton of reading. After the last few books I've chosen, I just needed the mental and emotional break. However, I did finish up a quick read I discovered through Instagram. It sparked my interest, so I had to order a copy and see what this book was about. Today, I bring you, The Devil On The Doorstep: My Escape From A Satanic Sex Cult by Annabelle Forest.

This story is based on true events of a girl in Wales who is brought up in a dark and twisted world of sex by her uncaring mother and a diabolical and completely creepy "cult" leader, Colin Batley. Due to religious beliefs, Anna is never allowed outside of her cul-de-sac neighborhood and stays among other clan members. From childhood, she witnesses her mother and other women of the group performing sexual acts on Colin, and being traded off to other men for relations and marriage. Anna doesn't know any better when it comes to what is going on, until it begins to happen to her at age eleven. She endures the wrath and oppression of Colin for over a decade. Thankfully, shortly after she gives birth to her daughter, Emily, Anna finally gathers her strength and courage to run away and never look back.

To start, I'm oddly fascinated by cults of any kind, so I had to give this a go despite the subject matter involved. Massive, MASSIVE warning to anyone interested in this book: this is a TOUGH read. There were parts of this story where I thought I would have to put it to a stop and walk away, and I can tolerate almost any topic/genre/what-have-you. In the end, I kept turning pages because I felt I owed it to the author to hear her full story. Shutting the book before I was done would be like turning my back on all those years of torture she endured, so it didn't feel right to give up on what she had to say.

The things the author had to go through from the age of eleven were unthinkable and almost (almost) unbelievable. It's despicable to think there are people out there like Colin Batley who are capable of such atrocities. His ability to corrupt and brainwash numerous people into his nonsensical and perverted beliefs is pure insanity.

Anna is one of the most courageous people I've read about in quite awhile. I'm thankful she escaped and overcame her suppression and was brave enough to share her story with the world. She saved herself, her daughter, and the rest of the women and children who served Colin and his bizarre beliefs he tried to pass off as religion. I'm ecstatic that after everything, Anna was able to find her happy ending.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars