Amber is the 7th book in the Eminence Shifters series, but can be read alone as a standalone. However, having read Jade before this, it does4/5 Stars
Amber is the 7th book in the Eminence Shifters series, but can be read alone as a standalone. However, having read Jade before this, it does add a little something extra having read the other book(s). In this one we see Amber, meeting her own mates in coyote shifters Mason, Dylan, Hudson and Lucas. It picks up right where Jade left off.
I enjoyed watching Amber, Mason, Dylan, Hudson and Lucas get together. If insta-love/fated mates is not your thing, this probably isn't for you. I would've loved more time getting to see their relationship grow, but I say that all the time. There are a few misunderstandings that need to be resolved. I do appreciate open communication and the fact that the characters aren't irrational when it comes to the misunderstandings that occurred.
The villain's in this story were unhinged baddies and got what they deserved. This also crossed over with Malkin's Pine Falls series, which I may take a look at later since I'm curious as to what became of Sienna. I also liked that we got to see Jade and her mates, as well as the others in this book.
Amber is the 7th book in the Eminence Shifters series, but can be read alone as a standalone. However, having read Jade before this, it does add a little something extra having read the other book(s). In this one we see Amber, meeting her own mates in coyote shifters Mason, Dylan, Hudson and Lucas. It picks up right where Jade left off.
I enjoyed watching Amber, Mason, Dylan, Hudson and Lucas get together. If insta-love/fated mates is not your thing, this probably isn't for you. I would've loved more time getting to see their relationship grow, but I say that all the time. There are a few misunderstandings that need to be resolved. I do appreciate open communication and the fact that the characters aren't irrational when it comes to the misunderstandings that occurred.
The villain's in this story were unhinged baddies and got what they deserved. This also crossed over with Malkin's Pine Falls series, which I may take a look at later since I'm curious as to what became of Sienna. I also liked that we got to see Jade and her mates, as well as the others in this book.
I absolutely loved Phantom Orchid ! With Reverse Harems, it can be hit or miss with me, generally if it's in one book there usually not enough depth,I absolutely loved Phantom Orchid ! With Reverse Harems, it can be hit or miss with me, generally if it's in one book there usually not enough depth, and if it's a series sometimes it drags. In this book, it hit the sweet spot. Do I want more? Of course, but that's because I really enjoyed it and loved the characters and world. This book is lengthy, but it is absolutely worth it. You get to know the characters and the world as well as watch the relationships develop. Could it have been longer, heck yes! I feel like we were just really starting to get to know these wonderful characters and see Lan and her Dragons settle into their individual relationships and bonds. For what it was, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would certainly read more about these characters should the author choose to continue their story.
Leilan (Lan) was an awesome female lead, I loved her. While she does have some awkwardness, sass and occasionally can be a bit of a brat, she is otherwise mature (especially for her age), clear-headed and reasonable. She is both mature and naive, stubborn but willing to adapt. She has been through hardship, and is able to take care of herself and her boys, but knows how to ask for help. I really enjoyed getting to know Lan, her boys (Li Qiang, Zhang Wei - who were each their own characters themselves) and her men.
There is Gregoir Titan, Koa, Miyo, Xerxes, Vasilios, Atlas and Christian Riaan. Each of whom has their own voice in the story (though I do wish we had gotten to know them more - but really this was Lan's story). I did absolutely love that the author gave each male their own voice and perspective in this story, it added a depth we don't always see. Each of them stood out as their own, and had their own individual relationship with Lan, not just as a group.
Let's not forget the plot, which lets face it is not always a main factor in reverse harems. I'm pleased to say in Phantom Orchid it is well thought out and interwoven from the very beginning to the end. It was paced well, and didn't get lost in the story, with little parts of it unfolding at a time appropriately with the rest of the story. I liked that Lan's boys also played a major part of the story and also began to develop familial bonds with not only Lan's Dragons but their extended family as well. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed in comparison with the rest of the book.
And last but certainly not least, the sexy times. Fire. That's it. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. There is enough interwoven throughout the book that it doesn't drag, but it's not overwhelming and nothing but gratuitous sex (at least not for me).
I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future, but if we don't I can certainly see myself re-reading this book and checking out more of Ms. Jade's work in the future.
Trigger Warning:(view spoiler)[Violence, Abuse themes, Sexual Scenes (hide spoiler)] POV:(view spoiler)[ 1st Person - Alternating, but primarily Lan (we do get some perspective from the guys throughout the story) (hide spoiler)] HEA: (view spoiler)[ Yes (hide spoiler)] Sexual themes:(view spoiler)[Oh, Yes. MF, MFM, MFMM, MFMMMMMM and many combinations thereof. No touching or titillation among siblings. This is a reverse harem where the guys are focused on her only. BDSM themes. Omegaverse (Alphas/Omega, Knotting, Heat) (hide spoiler)] Cliffhanger:(view spoiler)[ No (hide spoiler)]...more
Jade is the 6th book in the Eminence Shifters series, I have not read the rest of the series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed reading JJade is the 6th book in the Eminence Shifters series, I have not read the rest of the series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed reading Jade's story, and getting a glimpse into this world. I wish the book was longer, and we really got a chance to see Jade and her Mates (Asher, Barrett, Wes and Troy) relationship really develop. This is a fairly short book, and with this particular content the "fated mates/insta-love" is really one of the only ways to make it work. For what it was, I enjoyed it. There were definitely bonding moments between Jade and each of her mates which I enjoyed, I only wish it was longer and a bit more fleshed out.
I did enjoy that Justin and Beau got their just desserts, I am a little curious as to what happened with the other rogue wolf, but I have my guesses. I am also very curious to see what happens with Amber and Mason given their reactions to each other at the end.
Hope Flames was a pleasant and mostly likable read and I enjoyed it, mostly. It fit my mood, I wanted a contemporary romance and that's what I got. IHope Flames was a pleasant and mostly likable read and I enjoyed it, mostly. It fit my mood, I wanted a contemporary romance and that's what I got. I enjoyed Emma and Luke (our two lead characters) even if they sometimes were a little contradictory and predictable that was all right, nothing wrong with that. If you're looking for excitement and heart-pounding this is probably not your book. This was slower, more character driven it's like settling into your favorite chair with a familiar book rather than riding a roller-coaster, if that makes sense. It's a little predictable and maybe just not enough going on (a little boring) but you know sometimes, that's what you want.
This book could've used a bit more oomph, a bit more of something - mystery, suspense, danger, I'm not sure - it just missed something that makes an excellent read - it was still good just not outstanding. But I enjoyed watching Emma and Luke interact, as they got to know each other and slowly ease into their non-relationship, relationship. Yes it was a bit repetitive but you don't expect emotional and abuse issues to just poof away after one passage (I know that wasn't the only repetitive thing, but there is no point in my repeating the repetitive stuff). It was really focused on the two main characters and their interactions which I tend to like in romance books. Even if occasionally the leads (particularly Emma) confused me.
I like both small town and big city settings, depending on my mood, and I like Hope and it's inhabitants, from Emma's go-getter mom to Logan, Luke's rancher brother, to Emma's friends Chelsea and Jane. Let's not forget the books animal characters - Boomer, Daisy and Annie were adorable. And I am very curious about Molly and Carter's relationship, so we'll see.
*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. This in no way affects my following review.
Safe Beside You was a bit of an emotio*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. This in no way affects my following review.
Safe Beside You was a bit of an emotional ride for me, but I have to say I enjoyed seeing it through! I will say from the beginning it's not for everyone - there are elements of abuse, and there is a resulting effect from the abuse in this book that some readers may be particularly sensitive to. What really sold this book for me was the relationships and the characters - the main focus of the story. I wasn't always thrilled with what was going on but I could understand it.
Carrie and Brian made for a wonderful lead couple. Carrie's personality was strong, competent, confident and intelligent. Despite everything that was going on Carrie could take the lead, didn't panic or whine or complain which I appreciated. As the book went on and she returned to civilization, her character changed to suit the circumstances. I didn't like who she was when she was with Quentin. She began to question him, herself and what she thought she wanted and I just wanted so badly for her to see what the people around her could. But you can't make someone in an unhealthy relationship see the truth before they're ready. They have to realize the truth on their own, this in particularly stood out for me because something similar happened with my brother (except without the physical abuse, he was with a particularly controlling, jealous woman for about a year before finally ending it). Carrie's strength starts showing itself again towards the end after Quentin takes things too far. Brian, was a great guy, he and Carrie were perfect for each other. Brian struggled with his feelings for Carrie because of her 'taken' status. Driven, kind and supportive he was a great male lead. Watching his relationships with Carrie was both very sweet and kind of painful - especially when she was still with her fiance. It really makes a difference when you really love someone as to what you're willing to do - as it showed with the very distinct differences we saw with Carrie/Quentin and Carrie/Brian.
Baron - the beautiful black and white siberian husky was wonderful. He didn't play as big a part in the story as I thought he would but I was always happy to see him (I admit to having wanted to see him take a piece out of Quentin). There was also some wonderful side characters like Sofie & Woody (Carrie's neighbor/best friend and her husband), Carrie's Aunt Harriet, and even Brian's roommates - particularly Blake. Quentin was awful and got off far easier than I would've liked, but I have a vivid imagination and am already picturing what possible fate awaits him in prison.
The conflict of the story was (mostly) internal, among the characters and played out well. The only thing I would have changed is the pacing/focus of parts of the story. It was a strong start, but in the middle it lagged a little. I would've preferred slightly less focus on when Carrie was with Quentin and more on the aftermath of that relationship as she healed, but that may just be me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author. 3.5 Stars...more
*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. This in no way affects my following review.
How do I even start with conveying my*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. This in no way affects my following review.
How do I even start with conveying my thoughts and emotions on One Tiny Lie. I admit this isn't really the genre that I frequent, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But Wow. One Tiny Lie packs a realistic, intense and emotional punch. There were parts I loved and parts I really didn't. It made me shiver, laugh, and cry - it put me through an emotional ringer and back again. I was happy, amused, sad, confused, angry and heartbroken at times. I'm not sure if this is typical of this genre but it's one of those books that when you finish there's a sort of emotional exhaustion (not that this is a bad thing, it's just intense). The pacing and writing was wonderful in this book, it slowly inched up the tension so that you don't realize you've become so absorbed in the book, you're heart beginning to pick up pace in some parts and your body tensing or stilling until the scene passed or something startled you out of the book (in my case it was my dogs barking).
Livie, she struggles through the book - she tries so hard to live up to her own expectations of herself and just can't. She's not a perfect character - and it shows, all put out their for the reader to see. She struggles with her own identity, with her dreams and what she thinks she's supposed to be/want, with her relationships and with school. There is no one more critical of Livie than herself. It was a greatly emotional and heartrending journey to watch as Livie became her own person. Livie is a people pleaser and as a fellow people pleaser there were definitely things I could relate to - what can come off as her having no spine was simply her empathy and drive to please (though there were a few moments). What do you do when everything you thought you wanted is right in front of you but you find out it's not really what you wanted? That's Livie's biggest challenge as the book unfolds and she has her high and low points as she struggles with everything going on.
Ashton, Ashton, Ashton…I teetered between loving him and wanting to strangle him (especially in the beginning of the book). I mean can we say mixed signals? Seriously this guy went hot and cold, he would say or do something that would give me the shivers and make me feel all mushy and warm inside then turn around and say it's a one time thing, forget about it. But slowly, as we got to know him through his actions, he really grew on me. Ashton isn't a talky guy, his actions often speak more then he does (view spoiler)[ like when he ditched practice to go to Livie's dorm to comfort her after she got her midterm back, or when he carried her back to the house after she sprained her ankle or when he drove her to the hospital and stayed with her and the twins for a little while, (hide spoiler)]. It's the little things that really make a big impression. And as his story unfolded my heart broke for him and the boy he used to be - not to mention the unthinkable position he found himself in. Let's just say I understood some of his early actions much more.
These two took me on an emotional roller coaster, up and down and loop through loop both together and individually. In spite of this, when it all came to a wrap I really wanted to see them make it work, because they were both wonderful, real characters that deserved a chance to explore what was between them and be happy. When they were bickering, touching, or just looking at each other the chemistry between them was instant and overwhelming in it's intensity. I could go on about them but then I'd just be repeating myself. I would like to mention I also enjoyed quite a few of the side characters and the other relationships featured - like that between Livie and Kacey and Livie and the twins (Derek and Eric). But particularly the biggest side character that stood out to me, was Dr. Stayner, unconventional and a little nuts - he was also a really insightful and supportive character.
Overall, I really enjoyed the ride and I loved the characters. I wouldn't read a book like this every day, because the emotional aspect is intense and a little exhausting. But I'm glad I did read it - and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Tucker. Intense, emotional and pulling no punches - this you want to read. 4.5 stars. ...more
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