Thursday, November 12, 2015

I'm On Facebook!

Good evening, fellow bibliophiles! This is NOT a drill!

I just wanted to stop in and offer a quick note of some news. Ready? You sure? A Blabbing Bibliophile is now on Facebook!

I know to most of you, this obviously isn't news... at least not the breaking kind in any way, shape, or form.

I haven't been anywhere near Facebook in a good..... three years perhaps? Back in the day, I had a personal page, and after some contemplation, I decided to deactivate my account. Out of all social media platforms I've experienced (and there have been several... see below), I just found Facebook to be the place where people could really get on their soapbox and rant about things. I was also guilty of this, and it just wasn't a place I wanted to be. There was a sort of negativity to it that I didn't like seeing, and didn't even enjoy when it came to myself, so I backed off for a long time.

Thanks to other social networking, I've met bibliophiles from all over the world, and I'm beyond thankful for each and every one of them. A few of them have wondered if I had a page, and have asked a couple of times if I ever thought about coming back to Facebook. Obviously, I did more thinking (which gets really old really quick), and came to the conclusion that it might be a great place to branch out and expand my passion for literature. That's how the cookie crumbled.

Anyone who follows my Instagram or blog space already knows how much I truly enjoy not only reading, but bringing reviews and ratings to all of you. I love discussing books and fan-girling over authors, book boyfriends, and great plots more than anything. While I still have no clue how to work the space properly, I am thoroughly excited to a broader future of books and book friends!

For now, I'm going to do this on a trial period and see if people are really interested in hearing more of my rambling mouth. I urge you all to head over to The Blabbing Bibliophile, give the page a like, tell a friend, and discuss all your literary loves with me! I can't wait to meet more of you so hurry up and come say hello!

You can also follow me and my "bookish" addictions on the following pages:

Instagram

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest

Blogger

Goodreads

PS- Okay, someone may need to stage a social media intervention.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The Game Maker- A Series Review

Good afternoon! Happy Wednesday, Hump Day, and most importantly... Veteran's Day! I'm at work right now and just finished up my latest series read, so instead of waiting to post, I figured I would get to sharing right away. The latest batch I've been reading are part of The Game Maker series by Kresley Cole. I've never read anything of hers before, but friends of mine have raved about her work, so I had to dive in eventually, right?

I was wary yet anticipating reading this series. Book one, The Professional, had numerous mixed reviews. However, I couldn't help buying #1 and #2 on a random B&N trip. I've had my eyes on them for awhile, but never went through with purchasing them (until last weekend). With most things that require an opinion (or don't), I decided to see what this book was about and figured I could sort my opinion on my own.

Aleksei Sevastyan is by far one of the most intimidating alphas I've ever met. Why is that? He's not just a dominant man, but also a trained assassin. He prefers to call himself an "enforcer" (cause that sounds much more cozy). He has spent the majority of his life killing, he started at age twelve, and doesn't hesitate to do so in his adult life either.

Natalie, the curvaceous redhead PhD student in the middle of nowhere Nebraska meets Sevastyan in a crowded bar on the most random of chances (or so she thinks). She has her own ambitions, and none of them include a man. She's the total manalyst. When it turns out Sevastyan is working for her long-lost father (who she has never met), breaks into her house, and steals her away to Russia, her life turns into a whirl-wind.

He's ordered to guard and protect her life, and she's intrigued and beyond curious about this pent-up, closed off, angry man in her father's life that he treats like his own son. Needless to say, the two push each other's buttons past the point of anything tolerable.

Aleksei honestly made me a bit nervous from time-to-time, which has never happened to me before when it's come to a dominating man in a book. I knew he had reasons for his brooding attitude, but I didn't know how far back into his past his bad blood ran. Once they get caught up in a relationship, Natalie does what she can to try  to understand him, while also getting him to open up to her and break his walls to bits. Their attempt at compromise is a constant one step forward and two steps back process that nearly destroys them.
 
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
 


I've read my fair share of alpha males, but Maksimilian Sevastyan may have taken the cake as far as terrifying males goes. This book is called The Master for a reason. Talk about an absolutely shattered childhood. His moods and actions are beyond justifiable, yet completely unhealthy. I'm glad he finds such a brave girl in Cat to attempt to become better and see the sun.

He's escaping an abusive and atrocious past, while she's on the run from a murderous husband, and a shadowed history of her own. Both of their walls are built impossibly high, and the more time they spend together, the more you're just waiting for the powder to ignite and the explosion to occur. When it does, it's powerful, and almost destroys everything in its wake. Almost.

Cat was awesome. She's spirited, spiteful, ballsy, and aggressive. Every time you thought Max intimidated her or thought he put her in her place, she'd basically say, "oh yeah?" and (pardon my language) just not give a shit and make life work for her. After the hand she's been dealt, she knows how to survive and make people (even Max) work for her benefit. Plus, the fiery Latina girl mixed in with a tough-as-nails Russian, tempers (and fireworks) flare.

I wondered if either Max or Cat could be swayed from their lots in life, but the more encounters they had, the more their lives snowballed into one life together, and that was exciting to see, even if you know some sort of mess is coming. No matter how closed off and angry they seem to be as individuals, you always want to believe that one partner is out there to make you see life for the better. They're both capable of change and happiness, they just have to allow themselves to be honest and take it.

More than the stories told, I enjoyed the writing as well. That's refreshing. A lot of books nowadays seem to tell a good tale and entertain you enough, but don't always have the greatest way with words, so I'm glad I got that experience as well with this book, and its first installment, The Professional.

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 


Monday, November 9, 2015

Alabama Summer- A Series Review

Happy Monday evening, all! Tonight, I bring you yet another series, and it's a wonderful one! I'm a massive fan of J. Daniels, and I've had this series of hers sitting dormant in my iBooks for longer than I'd like to admit. Anyway, "the time has come", as the walrus says, and I FINALLY got around to enjoying the Alabama Boys! 

Benjamin Kelly destroyed me in the best way possible! 


The first in the series, Where I Belong, is where this crazy gaggle of friends begins. Mia is visiting her  old friend, Tessa in Ruxton for the summer. They have so much fun together and have amazing plans for a solid three months. There's only one problem. Tessa's brother Ben hates Mia, and the feeling is mutual. The trio grew up together, and before Mia had to move to Georgia, her and Ben butted heads non-stop. Now that Mia is back in town, will the bad blood remain? 

The dislike is there, and it's palpable. Mia's summer is not off to the most ideal start. Aside from the stranger in an Alabama bar she gives her V-card to, she winds up back in Ben's life (and in the weirdest way possible). Hatred turns to to sexual tension which obviously leads to a whole lot of "yummy". Yeah, that's the expression I'm going with, so don't judge. Experience this couple for yourself and then come talk to me about them. 

This book was an emotional roller coaster, but it was worth every single minute. I adored Ben and Mia together more than I can say. She's a very lucky girl to have such a great guy. 

I'm not even super crazy about kids, but little Nolan had my heart melting within seconds. I couldn't wait to see what was in store for this little gang!

My Final Rating: five out of five stars


In book two, All I Want, we focus on Luke, Ben's partner on the police force, and Tessa, Ben's sister. Their tale is not one of warm and fuzzy feelings like book one left me with. 

In all honesty, it just about broke me entirely. Luke and Tessa were constantly at each other's throats, and while I wanted to hate each of them for their own insanities, I also sympathized with their reasoning for their actions. For the most part, everything they said and did was justified, but I just wish they would talk to each other instead of jumping to conclusions every five seconds. 

Tessa adores Luke. The sun rises and sets with him, but she's so angry with the fact that he never lets his guard down. He won't let her in.. Let her love him.. So for that, she resents him. I'm not even adding up the drama they went through in book one with their prior relationship and some of the scares they encountered in the beginning. 

Luke loves Tessa, maybe even more than she loves him, but he's petrified because he's spent the last 12 years of his life so neglected, so alone. Aside from his rescue dog, Max, Luke can't show or accept affection. This is the couple's ultimate downfall. 

Their back-and-forth was infuriating. They wasted so much time arguing and throwing fuel on the fire when they could've been supportive and loving. When you think they FINALLY get there, Luke throws the curveball none of us wanted him to throw. 

The end is what makes this story worth its 4 stars. They had to hit rock bottom before they could attempt to bounce back and finally get on the same page. The emotional struggle of a journey was beyond worth it just for the last page alone. 

Also, the Ben and Mia post-baby bonus had me squealing in delight!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars


When I Fall, book three, introduces us to the total lady-lover of the group. 

Reed, Reed, Reed... What a total and utter sweetheart. On the surface, he seems like such a womanizer (and he is, there's no denying that), but once you realize where the source of his pain comes from, you not only understand why he flits from girl to girl, but also know that he deserves true happiness with his soul mate just like the rest of his friends. 

Beth is awesome. She's a perfect mix of vixen but shy and mellow girl next door. She not only adds to what's best for Reed, but also fits in perfectly with the circle of Ben, Mia, Tessa, and Luke. She's had her own rough patch in life, and it was amazing to see how quickly Reed stepped into her life and did everything he could to defend and protect her, regardless of the fact that it went against all of his instincts. 

I'm so in love with this gang of friends.

My Final Rating: four out of five stars


Where We Belong, the little novella, brought every couple's story to their next stages and ended way before I wanted it to. I'm sure J. Daniels has more up her sleeve with these characters and I simply can't wait! 

I couldn't help but chuckle while also sighing in frustration for poor Ben and Mia. They're blissfully happy, but ready to burst at the seams if they don't get a moment alone. 

Reading their adventure definitely had the tension building up. I'm glad they still remain a team and tend not to let less-than-ideal moments together make them distant. It's easy to let love and chemistry die, so I'm ecstatic that they choose every single day to continue being close and remaining a solid team for each other as well as their boys. 

I also adored seeing where Luke and Tessa and also Beth and Reed are at this point in their own adventures. Seriously, more, more more!! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars






Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The Grownup- A Review

I know, I know. I just wrote a review mere hours ago. This is happening purely by accident. I was browsing my bookshelves, along with my Kindle and iBooks apps trying to find something in my never-ending TBR pile that jumped out at me to begin. Nothing was striking my fancy as "must-read", so I went shopping in the iBooks store. Bad move, I know. I can hear my bank account liquidating as I type up this rambling review.

I've been a fan of Gillian Flynn since classmates in my Brit Lit class at university suggested I pick up a copy of Gone Girl. It was all the rage at the time, so I gave it a go and enjoyed it. However, I liked her other novels better. Sharp Objects and Dark Places just had this extra darkness added to them that totally spoke to me. Girlfriend has got one twisted mind when it comes to plot development.

ANYWAY, shopping in the online book store, I came across her latest work, The Grownup. It was affordable, and I basically decided there was no turning back. I had no clue Gillian Flynn had something new out, so I had to swipe a copy and get started! 

As stated earlier, I've always enjoyed and respected Flynn's ability to write completely disturbing and (pardon the language), totally f*cked up stories. This is the fourth tale of hers I've read and I'm still left thinking, "what the hell?" despite being wary of every character who comes into play. 

I'd give this five stars if it were longer. I was amped for new material from Flynn, but immediately deflated at the fact that this was only 60+ pages. The upsides were that I got it done within an hour, and also, that the story stayed short and to-the-point.

Lastly, I wish I read this a few days earlier  and the Halloween season was still in full swing. It had all the proper creepy elements of a spine-chilling ghost story. That's my own fault, so, it is what it is. 

Needless to say, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! I'm beyond ready for more stories from her macabre mind! 

My Final Rating: four out of five stars




Caged Love- A Series Review

Good afternoon, all! I know it hasn't even been 24 hours since my last review, but I was already on book two of this new series when I was writing up my last review. Trying to stay on top of my goodreads challenge and deliver reviews in a timely manner gets a bit daunting sometimes. I'm happy to do it though if it means sharing the literary love!

Speaking of love... let's talk about Deacon Love. He's the latest alpha I couldn't help but swoon over in today's selected reviewed series, the Caged Love series. This began with the debut novel, Love Hurts by Mandi Beck. Thankfully, she eventually added a sequel, because one book containing all things Deacon Love just simply isn't enough.

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. He may have some pent up frustrations he has to fight out (thank goodness for that MMA career of his), but his heart is forever in the right place. He has been in love with the same girl since he was a kid, and that isn't changing. She just can't see that. Or she does, and is too stupid and scared to let a good thing happen to her.

I won't apologize for this. Frankie sucks. Frankie is Deacon's girl. She always has been and always will be, she just loves to do anything she can to sabotage that idea. She says she loves Deacon and always has, but she does little to nothing to show it, from the time they're just friends to the time they cross that line into something way more (and extremely worth it in my personal opinion). For some reason, Frankie is stuck on this idea that she's temporary in Deacon's life. Granted, he's had a revolving door of ladies in his life, he explains that they were all because he couldn't have her (excuse? Maybe). Eventually, he bares his soul to her... and on numerous occasions as time goes on. Every time he does, she somehow finds a way to throw it back in his face and shatter his hope of the two of them having something great and forever-lasting.

I had to read the second book because I needed to know what would happen. I had to hope that Frankie would grow up and stop with all the nonsense before she lost Deacon for good. Girls like her enrage me. You have a good man standing in front of you saying he wants all of you forever (and only you), and you find some excuse to ruin it and break the man's heart. It's really frustrating. Kudos to Mandi Beck for doing her job wonderfully and driving me absolutely batty!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars


So I'm going to eat my words here and say that I thoroughly enjoyed this series now that I've finished Love Burns!

The "stick and move" bit got a little tiring to close out almost every single chapter, but I was pleased with how Deacon and Frankie were able to wrap up their journey. I was definitely less frustrated than I was at the end of the first book.

Frankie became more tolerable in book two, but like they said, they were in different corners a lot, and it was hurting rather than helping them. It was a relief when they finally started seeing things from the same perspective and working as a team rather than against one another to find out how they would navigate their relationship. They loved each other too fiercely to notice the damage they were inflicting due to actions surrounding them.

While I found the bit with the Irish mob a little far-fetched, its results still made me crazy emotional. Goodness, Sonny.

The ending is what really made me so happy I could burst! The crowd, the mic, the adrenaline, it was just building to that point and how I adore Deacon for his enthusiasm. Frankie is one lucky girl to have her champion Hitman... so I hope she remembers that and how much he has loved and will continue to love her!


My Final Rating: four out of five stars




Monday, November 2, 2015

Unblocked (Timber Towers #1-5)- A Series Review

Good evening, fellow bibliophiles! Happy Monday (I say this with a bit of sarcasm). Tonight, I'm bringing you something a little different. It's an erotic romance series broken up into five novellas called episodes. I've done novellas before, but they've always acted as an in-between story between major novels to bridge the gaps in between events. They've always been designed to be an extra treat, in my experience, anyway. 

The series I'm discussing seems to be slightly less known that some of the more mainstream romances out there these days, but I enjoyed it thoroughly! It seems like I was a part of something few romance readers know about. However, I NEED to spread the word because this series is a bit of everything: drama, steamy sex, snark, angst, and total bliss with a stunning specimen of a man. The books in question? Unblocked by Marni Mann. She states on the covers, "one taste was all it took..." and boy, was she right. I know the feeling, and I was just the reader, the silent observer. Let's explore, shall we?

In episode one, we meet our main players. Pay attention because you're going to be carrying them with you for the next five episodes. 

Derek Block. What is there to say about Derek Block? He's a flannel-wearing, filthy mouthed architectural developer and he's looking for the best agent in Boston to have rights to the listing of his prized possession, Timber Towers. Frankie Jordan is the heir to Jordan International, real estate moguls specializing in luxurious properties. 

Derek had his heart shattered two years prior when his ex, Taylor Hall left him high-and-dry for not making enough money. Frankie has thrown herself into work after she caught her fiancé, Reed, cheating on her (literally, mid-act). 

It's obvious upon a first interview that Frankie and Derek have a spark, and that instant attraction is there, and sizzling. Both have their reasons to remain completely professional, but how long can it honestly last?



My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode two, and what can I say? Derek Block is raising the bar almost impossibly high for an alpha male. Good gravy! 

I adore these novellas! They make me feel like I'm plowing through books without being too daunting, yet, still telling a fantastic story full of drama. 

Obviously, Frankie and Derek given into their tension and temptations, because, Holy Moses, is it there and on fire.  They are finally getting hot and heavy, but, of course, there's a cliffhanger and little bombs going off in front of their face. You'll just have to head into episode three wondering if they can stick out the road-blocks together. At least you get more of Derek's filthy mouth. Who can complain about that?


My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode three is where these stories become intense and border on dangerous in their unfolding events! I love these novellas so much (I say that more and more every time)! I'm sad I waited so long to read them! 

Derek is an alpha lumberjack and Frankie is his sleek and polished real estate agent. They're polar opposites, but their worlds are colliding and they're doing it with brutal force ,and, in the sexiest way possible. 

Will Frankie choose Derek, or her father's estate empire? Will Derek choose Frankie, or a bad past that continues to haunt him? Can these two mix business with pleasure, or will they walk away forever?

Their choices will stress you out, I'm sorry to say, but keep on and move forward to see how their future will play out!


My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode four...where things get juicy and begin reaching their peak! Frankie and Derek had some tough decisions to make when it came to both their business and their pleasure. Needless to say, they talk (and screw) things out and come face-to-face with some raw and unfamiliar emotions. Now, they just need to kick all their trash to the curb and find their happily-ever-after. 


My Final Rating: four out of five stars

Episode five and I can finally say.... I absolutely adored this series!! The  rough and rugged architect and and his spicy mouth realtor mogul. What an interesting combo and what an adventure they take together. 

Derek Block is such a perfect mix of alpha, dirty, protective, sweet, and romantic. Frankie is a lucky lady! 

I'm thrilled they got through their road bumps to have a happy future together. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed I get one or two more episodes with a Block wedding and little Block babies. In the mean time I'll miss Derek and his lovely (and super dirty) mouth. Gotta love an alpha male! 


My Final Rating: five out of five stars










Friday, October 30, 2015

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