"Never knew it was possible to feel like this. To crave someone so deeply, to be consumed with it."
Ever since I finished Blood Guard, I've been dying to get my hands on Idris's book! After the way things ended in Blood Guard, Idris had one purpose...revenge! The Valarian king was his target and his daughter the perfect prey to carry out his plan.
Celia grew up in foster care, never having known her parents or having any family. She lives a quiet life, surrounded by a few close friends...but mostly just going through the motions. She's haunted by nightmares of bleeding trees and shadows in the night, and with no one to talk to she thinks she may be beginning to lose her mind.
Her life takes a drastic turn when a strange creature tries to kill her in the middle of the night. Things take an even weirder turn, when another imposing figure saves her life and kidnaps her.
Idris's plan just got a curveball. He wasn't planning on taking Celia so early, but it appears that someone wants Celia dead and that just won't do. Not until he gets what he wants. And what he wants is information on her father.
At first, Idris doesn't believe that Celia has no clue about her bloodline, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that Celia is telling the truth. And as he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he wants to protect her. But now he must figure out how to reconcile his anger with her father, with the fact that he's falling for his enemy's daughter.
And I didn't miss the fact that when I looked at Celia - I felt like I had purpose. What worried me was that I wasn't quite sure where that purpose would lead either of us.
I was absolutely glued to the pages while reading this book. It's fast paced and addicting. The easy bond between Celia and Idris was all kinds of swoony.
Celia was a smart, strong and likable heroine and Idris was a broody, torn yet protective hero....a fabulous combination to have me immediately invested in these characters. I was rooting for them from the moment that spark appeared...and little by little, I watched that spark ignite into love.
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the first half more than the second. In the second half things progressed a little too quickly for my tastes. The pacing in the first half felt natural and organic, whereas in the second half it was as though the author put her foot to the gas pedal...a list of scenes and events that needed to happen and a certain number of pages to achieve that.
I was still engaged in the story and characters, but it was as if the effortlessness of the first half disappeared. Certain scenes and plot points felt forced and rushed in order to tick off a checkmark in the story (I'm looking at you "first time Celia and Idris are together").
But even though the pacing and some scenes threw me off in the second half, the emotion was still there. I was still invested in these characters, still rooting for their survival and relationship...and still glued to my kindle anticipating what would happen next.
I believe this is the end of the road for the vampire world Megan Erickson created, and I've got to say...I most definitely enjoyed the ride.
If you're in the mood for an engaging and addicting vampire tale with broody and protective heroes and smart, strong, fiesty and immensely likable heroines...this is the series for you!
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***
Merged review:
***3.75 Stars***
"Never knew it was possible to feel like this. To crave someone so deeply, to be consumed with it."
Ever since I finished Blood Guard, I've been dying to get my hands on Idris's book! After the way things ended in Blood Guard, Idris had one purpose...revenge! The Valarian king was his target and his daughter the perfect prey to carry out his plan.
Celia grew up in foster care, never having known her parents or having any family. She lives a quiet life, surrounded by a few close friends...but mostly just going through the motions. She's haunted by nightmares of bleeding trees and shadows in the night, and with no one to talk to she thinks she may be beginning to lose her mind.
Her life takes a drastic turn when a strange creature tries to kill her in the middle of the night. Things take an even weirder turn, when another imposing figure saves her life and kidnaps her.
Idris's plan just got a curveball. He wasn't planning on taking Celia so early, but it appears that someone wants Celia dead and that just won't do. Not until he gets what he wants. And what he wants is information on her father.
At first, Idris doesn't believe that Celia has no clue about her bloodline, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that Celia is telling the truth. And as he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he wants to protect her. But now he must figure out how to reconcile his anger with her father, with the fact that he's falling for his enemy's daughter.
And I didn't miss the fact that when I looked at Celia - I felt like I had purpose. What worried me was that I wasn't quite sure where that purpose would lead either of us.
I was absolutely glued to the pages while reading this book. It's fast paced and addicting. The easy bond between Celia and Idris was all kinds of swoony.
Celia was a smart, strong and likable heroine and Idris was a broody, torn yet protective hero....a fabulous combination to have me immediately invested in these characters. I was rooting for them from the moment that spark appeared...and little by little, I watched that spark ignite into love.
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the first half more than the second. In the second half things progressed a little too quickly for my tastes. The pacing in the first half felt natural and organic, whereas in the second half it was as though the author put her foot to the gas pedal...a list of scenes and events that needed to happen and a certain number of pages to achieve that.
I was still engaged in the story and characters, but it was as if the effortlessness of the first half disappeared. Certain scenes and plot points felt forced and rushed in order to tick off a checkmark in the story (I'm looking at you "first time Celia and Idris are together").
But even though the pacing and some scenes threw me off in the second half, the emotion was still there. I was still invested in these characters, still rooting for their survival and relationship...and still glued to my kindle anticipating what would happen next.
I believe this is the end of the road for the vampire world Megan Erickson created, and I've got to say...I most definitely enjoyed the ride.
If you're in the mood for an engaging and addicting vampire tale with broody and protective heroes and smart, strong, fiesty and immensely likable heroines...this is the series for you!
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***...more
Bastien and James were just too damn adorable together!
Just the perfect blend of sweet and sexy!
Be warned to have food on hand while ***3.75 Stars***
Bastien and James were just too damn adorable together!
Just the perfect blend of sweet and sexy!
Be warned to have food on hand while reading. All the food talk and recipes had me hungry!
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the first 70-75% more than the last 1/4 of the book. I felt the aftermath of the big reveal of James's job as a food critic was a bit over-exaggerated. Maybe it's because I didn't think it was that big of a deal...I dunno.
Buuuuuuuuut, James's method of apologizing was so sweet. I loved the idea, I loved Bastien's reaction to it...ALL OF IT!
[image]
Unfortunately, instead of focusing more on the message and emotion behind the grand ol' plan of apologizing, the last 1/4 of the book was more about the food than the relationship. I didn't need so much detail about the execution of the plan.
But back to the bright spots of the book....I gotta give a shout out to James's meddling family. They were hilarious....a little too up in his business, but they had me laughing nonetheless.
Did I mention Bastien and James were hot together? Yes? No? Who cares....it should be mentioned again! HOT!!
James's dirty talk....A+
"I want to make you come again, and then I want to fuck you while you're over sensitized and begging for it."
[image]
Bastien's hunger for James...A+
"What do you want?"
"I want you to take me apart."
He asked....and it was good.
[image]
And that epilogue? More adorable cuteness and sexiness.
This is my first time reading Meg Harding, but it certainly won't be my last. I'll definitely keep going with this series and will be checking out her backlist.
If you're looking for a combination of sweet and sexy, with a small dash of angst and some great recipes, this is a book you need to pick up.
Merged review:
***3.75 Stars***
Bastien and James were just too damn adorable together!
Just the perfect blend of sweet and sexy!
Be warned to have food on hand while reading. All the food talk and recipes had me hungry!
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the first 70-75% more than the last 1/4 of the book. I felt the aftermath of the big reveal of James's job as a food critic was a bit over-exaggerated. Maybe it's because I didn't think it was that big of a deal...I dunno.
Buuuuuuuuut, James's method of apologizing was so sweet. I loved the idea, I loved Bastien's reaction to it...ALL OF IT!
[image]
Unfortunately, instead of focusing more on the message and emotion behind the grand ol' plan of apologizing, the last 1/4 of the book was more about the food than the relationship. I didn't need so much detail about the execution of the plan.
But back to the bright spots of the book....I gotta give a shout out to James's meddling family. They were hilarious....a little too up in his business, but they had me laughing nonetheless.
Did I mention Bastien and James were hot together? Yes? No? Who cares....it should be mentioned again! HOT!!
James's dirty talk....A+
"I want to make you come again, and then I want to fuck you while you're over sensitized and begging for it."
[image]
Bastien's hunger for James...A+
"What do you want?"
"I want you to take me apart."
He asked....and it was good.
[image]
And that epilogue? More adorable cuteness and sexiness.
This is my first time reading Meg Harding, but it certainly won't be my last. I'll definitely keep going with this series and will be checking out her backlist.
If you're looking for a combination of sweet and sexy, with a small dash of angst and some great recipes, this is a book you need to pick up....more
I may not have gotten as much of the enemies to lovers as I wanted, but you know ***4.25 Stars***
I think I have a new favorite in this series!
[image]
I may not have gotten as much of the enemies to lovers as I wanted, but you know what....
[image]
Tiernan Callahan, who we first met in A Fighting Man, is the NYPD homophobic brother of Casper's deceased fiance. In this book we discover that he's not actually homophobic at all, but a man struggling with betrayal, confusion and grief. He's dealing with a lot of misplaced anger regarding his brother's death and the deep pain he feels that his brother never felt comfortable enough to tell him he was gay....that he felt the need to live a completely separate life. Ultimately, his brother didn't have enough faith in Tiernan's love that he would love and support him, no matter what.
Dario Ramos is Slater's best friend and fellow Army Ranger. He was wounded in combat during his last deployment and lost half his leg during an enemy attack. He realizes how much worse his injury could be, and having known what it's like to hit rock bottom, he vows to live each day knowing how lucky he is to be alive. And now he finds himself constantly thinking about Tiernan Callahan. There's something about him that just gets under his skin. The man is stubborn, rude and the sexiest man he's ever seen.
Tiernan keeps running into Dario and that is not at all helping the fact that he already can't get the man off his mind. He was raised by a very strict and controlling Catholic mother and having any type of feelings towards the same sex will not be accepted or tolerated. Is this what his brother Mason felt? Did Mason die thinking his family would hate him if he came out?
Tiernan and Dario are two men destined to keep colliding and eventually sparks begin to fly. Neither man knows what to do with these new feelings, but one thing is for sure, the attraction and pull can no longer be denied. The two embark on a journey full of self-acceptance, forgiveness, honesty and love. They discover what it truly means to be free to be yourself and be fully accepted. Moments of pain and loss can lead to healing and acceptance.
I absolutely LOVED Tiernan and Dario together. Both men hid behind masks to keep the world from seeing their pain and vulnerability. Tiernan needed to accept his long ago buried attraction to men and Dario needed to feel whole again. He needed to feel like an equal, not less of a man because he was missing part of a limb.
Tiernan really changed my mind in this book. I was wondering how the author would redeem him after the way he treated Casper, but I understood his pain so much more. Tiernan and his brother Michael, were dealing with a lot of misguided anger and resentment regarding Mason's death. They both have a lot of love to give, however it was forced to be compartmentalized by a controlling mother. My heart broke for the Callahan brothers, but I'm so happy to see them come out of the other side happier and freer.
"I'm an asshole. I'm bi and I was a complete and utter jerk to Casper. My brother was too afraid to tell me who he really was and now I'll never get to tell him that I wouldn't have cared. I loved him no matter what or who he was."
"Come here."
"Dario?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for seeing the real me."
"Thanks for showing me."
Even though the book dealt with heavy issues, it wasn't heavy or sad. There are so many lighter moments in here....many of those moments come thanks to Danny, Tiernan's new partner in the NYPD. We get lots of first time gay sex advice, plenty of great banter, a spunky Latina mother and even a proposal (I won't tell you who).
The book was engaging, addicting, funny, heartwarming, low on angst, high on love and filled with some damn good sex. Double cherry popping folks.....DOUBLE! I will say that I wish one of those cherry popping scenes wasn't as rushed, but I can't deny that I'm a greedy whore when it comes to that.
The author introduced us to a couple of new characters and gave some great teasing sneak peaks at what might be in store for some future couples. Two words....I'm salivating!
I've decided to give the last word to Danny....well, because I heart him hard.
"Guys, this is Dario. My boyfriend. Dario, the guys."
There were a few gasps and a few horrified looks, but for the most part, most of them nodded.
"If you have a problem with that, please take it up with the captain. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you."
"No one puts Baby in a corner," Danny chuckled.
[image]
Merged review:
***4.25 Stars***
I think I have a new favorite in this series!
[image]
I may not have gotten as much of the enemies to lovers as I wanted, but you know what....
[image]
Tiernan Callahan, who we first met in A Fighting Man, is the NYPD homophobic brother of Casper's deceased fiance. In this book we discover that he's not actually homophobic at all, but a man struggling with betrayal, confusion and grief. He's dealing with a lot of misplaced anger regarding his brother's death and the deep pain he feels that his brother never felt comfortable enough to tell him he was gay....that he felt the need to live a completely separate life. Ultimately, his brother didn't have enough faith in Tiernan's love that he would love and support him, no matter what.
Dario Ramos is Slater's best friend and fellow Army Ranger. He was wounded in combat during his last deployment and lost half his leg during an enemy attack. He realizes how much worse his injury could be, and having known what it's like to hit rock bottom, he vows to live each day knowing how lucky he is to be alive. And now he finds himself constantly thinking about Tiernan Callahan. There's something about him that just gets under his skin. The man is stubborn, rude and the sexiest man he's ever seen.
Tiernan keeps running into Dario and that is not at all helping the fact that he already can't get the man off his mind. He was raised by a very strict and controlling Catholic mother and having any type of feelings towards the same sex will not be accepted or tolerated. Is this what his brother Mason felt? Did Mason die thinking his family would hate him if he came out?
Tiernan and Dario are two men destined to keep colliding and eventually sparks begin to fly. Neither man knows what to do with these new feelings, but one thing is for sure, the attraction and pull can no longer be denied. The two embark on a journey full of self-acceptance, forgiveness, honesty and love. They discover what it truly means to be free to be yourself and be fully accepted. Moments of pain and loss can lead to healing and acceptance.
I absolutely LOVED Tiernan and Dario together. Both men hid behind masks to keep the world from seeing their pain and vulnerability. Tiernan needed to accept his long ago buried attraction to men and Dario needed to feel whole again. He needed to feel like an equal, not less of a man because he was missing part of a limb.
Tiernan really changed my mind in this book. I was wondering how the author would redeem him after the way he treated Casper, but I understood his pain so much more. Tiernan and his brother Michael, were dealing with a lot of misguided anger and resentment regarding Mason's death. They both have a lot of love to give, however it was forced to be compartmentalized by a controlling mother. My heart broke for the Callahan brothers, but I'm so happy to see them come out of the other side happier and freer.
"I'm an asshole. I'm bi and I was a complete and utter jerk to Casper. My brother was too afraid to tell me who he really was and now I'll never get to tell him that I wouldn't have cared. I loved him no matter what or who he was."
"Come here."
"Dario?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for seeing the real me."
"Thanks for showing me."
Even though the book dealt with heavy issues, it wasn't heavy or sad. There are so many lighter moments in here....many of those moments come thanks to Danny, Tiernan's new partner in the NYPD. We get lots of first time gay sex advice, plenty of great banter, a spunky Latina mother and even a proposal (I won't tell you who).
The book was engaging, addicting, funny, heartwarming, low on angst, high on love and filled with some damn good sex. Double cherry popping folks.....DOUBLE! I will say that I wish one of those cherry popping scenes wasn't as rushed, but I can't deny that I'm a greedy whore when it comes to that.
The author introduced us to a couple of new characters and gave some great teasing sneak peaks at what might be in store for some future couples. Two words....I'm salivating!
I've decided to give the last word to Danny....well, because I heart him hard.
"Guys, this is Dario. My boyfriend. Dario, the guys."
There were a few gasps and a few horrified looks, but for the most part, most of them nodded.
"If you have a problem with that, please take it up with the captain. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you."
Sam, Jory, the kids, their friends, a wedding....and Jory's shenanigans. A great conclusion to a terrific series. I'll miss these two. ***3.75 Stars***
Sam, Jory, the kids, their friends, a wedding....and Jory's shenanigans. A great conclusion to a terrific series. I'll miss these two.....okay, I'll mostly miss Sam, but who's keeping score?
(It's like 75% Sam and 25% Jory).
I craved him as much now as I had when I'd first met him, but along with heat and passion and devouring need, I held the absolute belief that this man would be with me always, and that I was as important to him as he was to me. It made what was between us mean even more.
"You're it. My love. You have my heart."
"I feel the same. You know that."
"I do."
Merged review:
***3.75 Stars***
Sam, Jory, the kids, their friends, a wedding....and Jory's shenanigans. A great conclusion to a terrific series. I'll miss these two.....okay, I'll mostly miss Sam, but who's keeping score?
(It's like 75% Sam and 25% Jory).
I craved him as much now as I had when I'd first met him, but along with heat and passion and devouring need, I held the absolute belief that this man would be with me always, and that I was as important to him as he was to me. It made what was between us mean even more.
Roe Horvat is goddamn magic!! The way he's able to balance eroticism with emotion is absolutely sublime. If you haven't read this autho ***4.5 Stars***
Roe Horvat is goddamn magic!! The way he's able to balance eroticism with emotion is absolutely sublime. If you haven't read this author yet, you're seriously missing out!
Full review to come, but in the meantime, here's some of my favorite quotes:
Christoffer realized, this was real. He was wanted. All of him. Inside that beautiful young man. Insane, horny, dangerous young man...
With Christoffer, he was present. He didn't want to drift, he wanted to be there for every detail. Adam didn't need to fantasize. Christoffer was the fantasy. Every touch, every moan and taste, all of it was flawless.
...the erotic fantasies mingled with dreams of love, devotion, and trust.
The first time Christoffer had held him, he imagined he'd found a treasure. He had no idea the wild fantasy was a foretelling of the truth.
He wanted to be owned without being shackled. He craved to be used without being punished. He would lie down at his man's feet if he could be sure he wouldn't get stepped on. Was such a connection even possible?
Merged review:
***4.5 Stars***
Roe Horvat is goddamn magic!! The way he's able to balance eroticism with emotion is absolutely sublime. If you haven't read this author yet, you're seriously missing out!
Full review to come, but in the meantime, here's some of my favorite quotes:
Christoffer realized, this was real. He was wanted. All of him. Inside that beautiful young man. Insane, horny, dangerous young man...
With Christoffer, he was present. He didn't want to drift, he wanted to be there for every detail. Adam didn't need to fantasize. Christoffer was the fantasy. Every touch, every moan and taste, all of it was flawless.
...the erotic fantasies mingled with dreams of love, devotion, and trust.
The first time Christoffer had held him, he imagined he'd found a treasure. He had no idea the wild fantasy was a foretelling of the truth.
He wanted to be owned without being shackled. He craved to be used without being punished. He would lie down at his man's feet if he could be sure he wouldn't get stepped on. Was such a connection even possible?
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometime
***4 Stars***
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometimes it changes everything, like salt for sugar. The way I feel about you? It's not like a recipe. I don't want to swap out your moodiness for a smile, or your temper for a laugh. It's like...alchemy or something. The way people come together, and it's just...Magic."
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Roan Parrish's writing, and she's easily kept the magic going with her first M/F book (a spinoff from her MM series).
This is a hopeful book about two people falling in love. It's about smoothing out your edges, without losing your shape.
There's no drama, no miscommunication...just an honest look at what happens when you take that scary leap of putting yourself out there, letting someone else see all of your shit, and finding that person who wants you to walk tall beside them.
We were learning each other in small, manageable pieces - mapping each new inch of terrain slowly, to see how far into each other's territory we could venture.
After finishing this book, there are three things I know for certain:
(1) I wanna be friends with Ginger and talk about stupid things while we guzzle large quantities of coffee. Not only was she awesome, but there were these little nuggets of insecurity that were so damn relatable I had to pause and take a deep breath...
...Fear that someday I'd get so lonely I'd compromise in ways I didn't want to. Fear that I'd be so afraid of compromising when I shouldn't that I'd refuse to compromise when I should.
(2) I really want a hug from Christopher. They sound like a glorious cocoon of comfort and joy. And I'm pretty sure they can solve the world's problems. But even if he didn't want to hug me, I'd be okay just being in his warm, kind, and easy company.
He had a fantastic laugh - loud and rich and from the belly, and it terminated in a kind of chuckle, like he wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was the kind of laugh that made you feel lucky that you said something he thought was funny.
(3) I will read anything that Roan Parrish writes.
What if, with Christopher, I could burn the world down when I needed to, and he could extinguish a spot for us in the center of it, carve out a safe place for us while the fire raged outside.
I can't wait to see where Roan Parrish goes with this series. I hear Jude's (Christopher's brother) story is next...and oh man, I'm gonna have to get my feelers ready for that one!
--------------------------------
Ginger's story!! She's Daniel's BFF from In the Middle of Somewhere. We already got a peek at Ginger and Christopher's relationship in that series and now it's time to get their full story!!
[image]
Merged review:
***4 Stars***
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometimes it changes everything, like salt for sugar. The way I feel about you? It's not like a recipe. I don't want to swap out your moodiness for a smile, or your temper for a laugh. It's like...alchemy or something. The way people come together, and it's just...Magic."
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Roan Parrish's writing, and she's easily kept the magic going with her first M/F book (a spinoff from her MM series).
This is a hopeful book about two people falling in love. It's about smoothing out your edges, without losing your shape.
There's no drama, no miscommunication...just an honest look at what happens when you take that scary leap of putting yourself out there, letting someone else see all of your shit, and finding that person who wants you to walk tall beside them.
We were learning each other in small, manageable pieces - mapping each new inch of terrain slowly, to see how far into each other's territory we could venture.
After finishing this book, there are three things I know for certain:
(1) I wanna be friends with Ginger and talk about stupid things while we guzzle large quantities of coffee. Not only was she awesome, but there were these little nuggets of insecurity that were so damn relatable I had to pause and take a deep breath...
...Fear that someday I'd get so lonely I'd compromise in ways I didn't want to. Fear that I'd be so afraid of compromising when I shouldn't that I'd refuse to compromise when I should.
(2) I really want a hug from Christopher. They sound like a glorious cocoon of comfort and joy. And I'm pretty sure they can solve the world's problems. But even if he didn't want to hug me, I'd be okay just being in his warm, kind, and easy company.
He had a fantastic laugh - loud and rich and from the belly, and it terminated in a kind of chuckle, like he wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was the kind of laugh that made you feel lucky that you said something he thought was funny.
(3) I will read anything that Roan Parrish writes.
What if, with Christopher, I could burn the world down when I needed to, and he could extinguish a spot for us in the center of it, carve out a safe place for us while the fire raged outside.
I can't wait to see where Roan Parrish goes with this series. I hear Jude's (Christopher's brother) story is next...and oh man, I'm gonna have to get my feelers ready for that one!
--------------------------------
Ginger's story!! She's Daniel's BFF from In the Middle of Somewhere. We already got a peek at Ginger and Christopher's relationship in that series and now it's time to get their full story!!
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyr ***4 Stars***
She was a figurine atop a music box come to life.
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyrical and hypnotizing Lynn Turner's words are. I know I say this a lot, but I swear I highlighted damn near half the book!
"Dance isn't what I do. It's what I am. It's what I'll be until I can't anymore."
Zack and Mina's chemistry was electric. Their passion for dance, music, the arts...each other...was absolutely palpable while reading.
The dance scenes between Zack and Mina were breathtaking. Lynn Turner created a captivating and evocative movie reel in your mind. I could picture every turn, every spin, every lift, every throw, every sensual caress.
Countless dance sequences where I held my breath and felt my heart skip a beat just imagining what I was reading and letting the emotion of the dance wash over me.
There was nothing lustful in his eyes, only wonder - a desire to be completely attuned with her and the way she moved. It was sensual by nature, in the way it made her feel stripped down to her being - her very existence - and only he could see. It made her feel sexy and fearless...and safe.
"Dancing with you felt...like learning I could fly. Like I didn't know I could fly until that moment, and then you took my hand and said, 'Let's go, petite.' Then, it felt like the sun was at our backs, and the wind was in our hair...and everyone else was watching us from the ground."
Zack and Mina get to know each other through dance. Through unguarded moments of choreography. This book isn't in your face. It slowly evolves...like a blossoming flower. You have to wait for the bloom.
The slow burn is delicious in its torture...but definitely worth the wait.
She tries to hide her feelings sometimes, but when she sleeps, she sighs. I think it's her heart whispering to mine.
But even when they finally get together, Zack and Mina are still hiding and protecting one small piece of themselves. They've already given each other more than they've given anyone else...but they must figure out if they can finally give someone everything...if they can trust the depth of their feelings...and each other.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?
I absolutely adored Mina and Zack. They were such richly developed characters. I was so deeply invested in them...in their fears, their dreams...and most importantly, their love.
Unfortunately, I do have to be a downer and say that this book does feel a little too long. There were a few scenes that while wonderfully written, didn't really add anything to the story or character development. And I found myself a bit bored in places in the second half of the book.
Also, the plot twist, in my opinion, felt completely unnecessary and out of place. Everything that comes with the twist brought a different feel and vibe to the story that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not really sure why it was included?
But even with the couple of quibbles I have, there's one thing I know for sure....I'm keeping my eye out for Lynn Turner.
With one book, she's got a fan in me. Her rich characters, her storytelling, her evocative imagery...all of it is beautifully crafted to cocoon you in the world she's created. And I can't wait to read more of her books!!
If you're a fan of quiet love stories, the arts (whether it be dance or music or whatever) and a slow burning romance filled with passion, sensuality and love...this is the book for you!
"I love you, with all my heart."
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dripped from the flying buttresses overhead. "I love you too, petite," he said into her hair. "Tell me how to love you more, and I will."
***ARC courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***
Merged review:
***4 Stars***
She was a figurine atop a music box come to life.
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyrical and hypnotizing Lynn Turner's words are. I know I say this a lot, but I swear I highlighted damn near half the book!
"Dance isn't what I do. It's what I am. It's what I'll be until I can't anymore."
Zack and Mina's chemistry was electric. Their passion for dance, music, the arts...each other...was absolutely palpable while reading.
The dance scenes between Zack and Mina were breathtaking. Lynn Turner created a captivating and evocative movie reel in your mind. I could picture every turn, every spin, every lift, every throw, every sensual caress.
Countless dance sequences where I held my breath and felt my heart skip a beat just imagining what I was reading and letting the emotion of the dance wash over me.
There was nothing lustful in his eyes, only wonder - a desire to be completely attuned with her and the way she moved. It was sensual by nature, in the way it made her feel stripped down to her being - her very existence - and only he could see. It made her feel sexy and fearless...and safe.
"Dancing with you felt...like learning I could fly. Like I didn't know I could fly until that moment, and then you took my hand and said, 'Let's go, petite.' Then, it felt like the sun was at our backs, and the wind was in our hair...and everyone else was watching us from the ground."
Zack and Mina get to know each other through dance. Through unguarded moments of choreography. This book isn't in your face. It slowly evolves...like a blossoming flower. You have to wait for the bloom.
The slow burn is delicious in its torture...but definitely worth the wait.
She tries to hide her feelings sometimes, but when she sleeps, she sighs. I think it's her heart whispering to mine.
But even when they finally get together, Zack and Mina are still hiding and protecting one small piece of themselves. They've already given each other more than they've given anyone else...but they must figure out if they can finally give someone everything...if they can trust the depth of their feelings...and each other.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?
I absolutely adored Mina and Zack. They were such richly developed characters. I was so deeply invested in them...in their fears, their dreams...and most importantly, their love.
Unfortunately, I do have to be a downer and say that this book does feel a little too long. There were a few scenes that while wonderfully written, didn't really add anything to the story or character development. And I found myself a bit bored in places in the second half of the book.
Also, the plot twist, in my opinion, felt completely unnecessary and out of place. Everything that comes with the twist brought a different feel and vibe to the story that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not really sure why it was included?
But even with the couple of quibbles I have, there's one thing I know for sure....I'm keeping my eye out for Lynn Turner.
With one book, she's got a fan in me. Her rich characters, her storytelling, her evocative imagery...all of it is beautifully crafted to cocoon you in the world she's created. And I can't wait to read more of her books!!
If you're a fan of quiet love stories, the arts (whether it be dance or music or whatever) and a slow burning romance filled with passion, sensuality and love...this is the book for you!
"I love you, with all my heart."
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dripped from the flying buttresses overhead. "I love you too, petite," he said into her hair. "Tell me how to love you more, and I will."
***ARC courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***...more
Why have I not read any Keira Andrews books before? I'm seriously kicking myself in the ass now.
This w ***4.5 Stars***
I absolutely LOVED this!
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Why have I not read any Keira Andrews books before? I'm seriously kicking myself in the ass now.
This was a fantastic book that dips into teenage unrequited love and turns into a beautiful second chance romance.
Charlie and Gavin were such lovable characters. I felt for both guys. So many of their teenage actions were fueled by hurt and fear. They've kept all of that turmoil and anger locked deep inside and I loved seeing them finally move past those bitter feelings and regrets. They opened up old wounds and were completely honest with each other, which healed those scars and allowed the love that never went away to take hold.
This was a novella packed full of emotion, a wonderfully healthy dose of steam and lots of re-discovered love. Just the best combination of all the things you're looking for in a heartwarming, fantastic holiday read.
"I love you, Charlie. All these years, I watched you from a distance, and I loved you. And I was a coward."
"I love you too. Even when I told myself I hated you, I still loved you. It was always you, Gavin. Always will be."
Merged review:
***4.5 Stars***
I absolutely LOVED this!
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Why have I not read any Keira Andrews books before? I'm seriously kicking myself in the ass now.
This was a fantastic book that dips into teenage unrequited love and turns into a beautiful second chance romance.
Charlie and Gavin were such lovable characters. I felt for both guys. So many of their teenage actions were fueled by hurt and fear. They've kept all of that turmoil and anger locked deep inside and I loved seeing them finally move past those bitter feelings and regrets. They opened up old wounds and were completely honest with each other, which healed those scars and allowed the love that never went away to take hold.
This was a novella packed full of emotion, a wonderfully healthy dose of steam and lots of re-discovered love. Just the best combination of all the things you're looking for in a heartwarming, fantastic holiday read.
"I love you, Charlie. All these years, I watched you from a distance, and I loved you. And I was a coward."
"I love you too. Even when I told myself I hated you, I still loved you. It was always you, Gavin. Always will be."
It's all there in my face as I watch Midas. The determination. The refusal. He didn't overplay his hand, he just didn't realize t
***4 Stars***
It's all there in my face as I watch Midas. The determination. The refusal. He didn't overplay his hand, he just didn't realize that there was another player at the table.
I am 0% mad that I have no idea where this story is going.
"You're not pathetic," he murmurs quietly. "You just haven't found it yet."
"Found what?"
"We all have our edge, Auren. One day, you're going to find where yours is . . . You're going to find out just how far you can be pushed until you're tipped over. And when that happens, when you find your edge, just promise me one thing."
My voice comes out like a croak, a single tear dashing down. "What?"
"Don't fall." Time stands still as he leans in and places a kiss on my temple, lips turning to whisper into my ear. "Fly."
A veil has been lifted - a veil I put there, over my own eyes. Now it's ripped away, and I can see everything more clearly.
***4.25 Stars***
A veil has been lifted - a veil I put there, over my own eyes. Now it's ripped away, and I can see everything more clearly.
I definitely now understand the love for this series. The layers are being peeled back and I'm here for it!
And that last 20% . . . .Ms. Kennedy . . . . ma'am . . . . The feels. The reveals. The twists. I'm a fish on your hook.
And in conclusion . . . hello, Commander.
"I hate you."
"Your anger is misplaced, but I like it," he says with a feral grin, sharp canines gleaming. "Every time you let it leak out just a little bit more, I can see you better, Goldfinch."
The muscle in my jaw jumps. "You see nothing."
"Oh, I do," he counters, voice low, rough, like two stones clashing together, trying to ignite. "I can't wait to see the rest of you. When you let it go, when you finally let that out, your fury is going to light up the spirit you've shadowed . . . I hope you burn so bright that you scorch your Golden King down to ash."
Two words sold me on this one instantly: HEDGEHOG SHIFTER
And oh man, it worked....it worked so well!!
I loved Avery! I loved Dylan! I loved the true mates pull. This was just so good!
Dylan and Avery are true mates, but their initial meeting didn't go so well. Avery, who comes from a wealthy southern family, scoffs at discovering that his true mate is a mechanic. What could they possibly have in common? On the flip side, Dylan can't believe that a wolf as strong as he is was given a hedgehog as his true mate. Fate really has a sense of humor.
When Avery gets himself in trouble after losing a bet on the wolf races, the pull of the true mate bond has Dylan hurrying to his rescue. Obviously fate sees a reason that the two belong together, maybe the time has come for both Avery and Dylan to stop fighting the inevitable.
But while Dylan and Avery are trying to figure out what's real and what's a result of their bond, Avery's new job has him on the hunt for a missing girl....and it looks like he may have stumbled upon an underground sex trafficking ring.
The romance is definitely the central theme here, but I like that we got some suspense thrown in in the second half of the book. Seeing Dylan's protective side come out was all kinds of swoony. And what I love most was that he wanted to protect Avery, not control him. He didn't use size and dominance as a way to keep Avery in check, he was supportive and comforting and just all kinds of endearing goodness.
"I don't want you leading me. I don't want you at my back. I want you beside me."
Speaking of endearing....I loved Avery! Hedgehogs aren't the most respected shifter species, but he didn't let anyone bring him down. He may like his designer clothes and expensive shoes, but underneath all that is a heart of gold. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and he stood up for himself when needed.
And hello knotting! This was my first experience with this in a shifter book, and I gotta say....I'm definitely intrigued!
Avery's muscles still holding tight and rippling around him, Dylan felt the base of his cock swell, expand, and lock them together. Dylan rumbled and rolled them onto their sides on the bed, his hold tight as he secured his arms around Avery's chest.
"What...?" Avery gargled, his voice raspy and worn.
As soon as Avery said it, Dylan felt it. The base of his cock enlarged and notched itself into the heat of Avery's already tight entrance. He sighed with the sense of home and peace that engulfed him.
The knot. Another sign of true wolf mates. Fate's way of temporarily joining them together, ensuring a physical connection that symbolized the emotional and mental bond formed in a mating. He would explain later. Even if he could breathe, he didn't have the words. Not at the moment. Not when every sense of rightness flooded him. Later.
Burrowing deeper into Avery's shoulder and placing a kiss over the indentations of his teeth, red and heated, Dylan whispered, "Mine."
WOWZA!!!
I do have to say that there were a couple of lulls where the suspense element overshadowed the romance in the second half, but even then, Dylan and Avery were front and center. These two really are a great team!
This books ends with a solidified future for Dylan and Avery's relationship, but the suspense element still has more to come. I'm jumping right into the next book to get my answers and to continue watching Dylan and Avery grow as a couple.
Two words sold me on this one instantly: HEDGEHOG SHIFTER
And oh man, it worked....it worked so well!!
I loved Avery! I loved Dylan! I loved the true mates pull. This was just so good!
Dylan and Avery are true mates, but their initial meeting didn't go so well. Avery, who comes from a wealthy southern family, scoffs at discovering that his true mate is a mechanic. What could they possibly have in common? On the flip side, Dylan can't believe that a wolf as strong as he is was given a hedgehog as his true mate. Fate really has a sense of humor.
When Avery gets himself in trouble after losing a bet on the wolf races, the pull of the true mate bond has Dylan hurrying to his rescue. Obviously fate sees a reason that the two belong together, maybe the time has come for both Avery and Dylan to stop fighting the inevitable.
But while Dylan and Avery are trying to figure out what's real and what's a result of their bond, Avery's new job has him on the hunt for a missing girl....and it looks like he may have stumbled upon an underground sex trafficking ring.
The romance is definitely the central theme here, but I like that we got some suspense thrown in in the second half of the book. Seeing Dylan's protective side come out was all kinds of swoony. And what I love most was that he wanted to protect Avery, not control him. He didn't use size and dominance as a way to keep Avery in check, he was supportive and comforting and just all kinds of endearing goodness.
"I don't want you leading me. I don't want you at my back. I want you beside me."
Speaking of endearing....I loved Avery! Hedgehogs aren't the most respected shifter species, but he didn't let anyone bring him down. He may like his designer clothes and expensive shoes, but underneath all that is a heart of gold. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and he stood up for himself when needed.
And hello knotting! This was my first experience with this in a shifter book, and I gotta say....I'm definitely intrigued!
Avery's muscles still holding tight and rippling around him, Dylan felt the base of his cock swell, expand, and lock them together. Dylan rumbled and rolled them onto their sides on the bed, his hold tight as he secured his arms around Avery's chest.
"What...?" Avery gargled, his voice raspy and worn.
As soon as Avery said it, Dylan felt it. The base of his cock enlarged and notched itself into the heat of Avery's already tight entrance. He sighed with the sense of home and peace that engulfed him.
The knot. Another sign of true wolf mates. Fate's way of temporarily joining them together, ensuring a physical connection that symbolized the emotional and mental bond formed in a mating. He would explain later. Even if he could breathe, he didn't have the words. Not at the moment. Not when every sense of rightness flooded him. Later.
Burrowing deeper into Avery's shoulder and placing a kiss over the indentations of his teeth, red and heated, Dylan whispered, "Mine."
WOWZA!!!
I do have to say that there were a couple of lulls where the suspense element overshadowed the romance in the second half, but even then, Dylan and Avery were front and center. These two really are a great team!
This books ends with a solidified future for Dylan and Avery's relationship, but the suspense element still has more to come. I'm jumping right into the next book to get my answers and to continue watching Dylan and Avery grow as a couple....more
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the gi ***4.25 Stars***
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's back to coach the high school's basketball team after a very successful pro-basketball career.
What did I love about this book the most? THE PINING!! Oh the pining was delicious.
Jamie's loved Charlie since high school and now that they're all grown up, he's come back to town to finally take his chance and fight for the woman he loves.
"I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago."
Charlie has always had feelings for Jamie, the boy who came down to the other side of town to play some one-on-one basketball with her on the dingy court between their houses. Charlie grew up watching her mom depend on men for all her needs, including her self-worth, and she refused to turn into that...so she kept Jamie at a distance. But seeing him again after so long...
She wanted. She wanted with the desperation of the girl she'd been, and with the knowledge and passion of the woman she'd become.
But those fears still linger. She looks at her mom and sees everything she doesn't want to be. She's worked so hard to make something of herself. But, Jamie has always had a piece of her heart...and now being around him again, he's slowly taking more and more.
"Charlie. Look at me."
Her heart climbed into her throat as she obeyed, swamped with swirling emotion. Desire. Vulnerability. Fear. Joy. She looked at him, both desperately afraid he would see what she felt, understand it, and just as desperately afraid he wouldn't.
For only being novella length, this book packed a punch....both emotionally and erotically. Anne Calhoun can write some erotically charged sex scenes that are equal parts passion and intimacy. Jamie and Charlie set my kindle on fire.
The only disappointment I have is the ending. It's a very tentative HFN. Do I feel like these two will stay together? Yes. Do I feel like it won't be easy? Yes. With Jamie still being on active duty, their future is uncertain and the long distance will be tough.
I wish the book would have ended with at least a little bit of a concrete plan for these two. Dropping the mic on just the promise of giving their relationship a shot feels so incomplete.
I haven't seen who the MC's are later in the series, but I'm hoping that Jamie's brother (the town cop) gets a book! I really liked him....and I'm also hoping we'd get a glimpse of Jamie and Charlie in there too.
Merged review:
***4.25 Stars***
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's back to coach the high school's basketball team after a very successful pro-basketball career.
What did I love about this book the most? THE PINING!! Oh the pining was delicious.
Jamie's loved Charlie since high school and now that they're all grown up, he's come back to town to finally take his chance and fight for the woman he loves.
"I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago."
Charlie has always had feelings for Jamie, the boy who came down to the other side of town to play some one-on-one basketball with her on the dingy court between their houses. Charlie grew up watching her mom depend on men for all her needs, including her self-worth, and she refused to turn into that...so she kept Jamie at a distance. But seeing him again after so long...
She wanted. She wanted with the desperation of the girl she'd been, and with the knowledge and passion of the woman she'd become.
But those fears still linger. She looks at her mom and sees everything she doesn't want to be. She's worked so hard to make something of herself. But, Jamie has always had a piece of her heart...and now being around him again, he's slowly taking more and more.
"Charlie. Look at me."
Her heart climbed into her throat as she obeyed, swamped with swirling emotion. Desire. Vulnerability. Fear. Joy. She looked at him, both desperately afraid he would see what she felt, understand it, and just as desperately afraid he wouldn't.
For only being novella length, this book packed a punch....both emotionally and erotically. Anne Calhoun can write some erotically charged sex scenes that are equal parts passion and intimacy. Jamie and Charlie set my kindle on fire.
The only disappointment I have is the ending. It's a very tentative HFN. Do I feel like these two will stay together? Yes. Do I feel like it won't be easy? Yes. With Jamie still being on active duty, their future is uncertain and the long distance will be tough.
I wish the book would have ended with at least a little bit of a concrete plan for these two. Dropping the mic on just the promise of giving their relationship a shot feels so incomplete.
I haven't seen who the MC's are later in the series, but I'm hoping that Jamie's brother (the town cop) gets a book! I really liked him....and I'm also hoping we'd get a glimpse of Jamie and Charlie in there too....more
Top 5 things that bum me out as a reader is an underwhelming finale to a series. While I did enjoy this, I feel like there was some pa ***3.75 Stars***
Top 5 things that bum me out as a reader is an underwhelming finale to a series. While I did enjoy this, I feel like there was some pacing issues and too many scenes that felt like filler.
I think books 3 & 4 could have been combined and the plot tightened up with a critical eye to focusing on what really matters in the moment and where the greatest stakes are.
This book has some twists and turns, some I liked and some I didn't, and what could have been a monumental moment that was building over the course of the series ended up being a reveal that fizzled within a couple of paragraphs. (view spoiler)[ I wanted Audra's entrance with the women warriors to be grand and epic! I wanted them to have ample screen time to show their badassery and why Thea admired them so much. Instead it was a build up, they arrived, a paragraph of "they kicked ass" and they were gone. (hide spoiler)] Such a missed opportunity!
But at the end of the day, I enjoyed this ride. Helen Scheuerer nailed it when it comes to creating an ensemble of characters that you get invested in and care about. I'm all about an amazing found family.
And the little seeds that were planted about where the spin-off series is going . . . .
"When I stand against the gods at the end of my days," he told her fiercely, "I will regret nothing. Not the lies I've told, nor the lives I've claimed or the rivers of blood I've spilt. I do not regret a single moment, because every one of them led me to you."
I cannot wait to see how this all ends! THOSE LAST 50 PAGES!!!!
This is my 5th book by Carissa Broadbent and though I've enjoyed them all, I've struggled in every single one of t ***4.25 Stars***
More of this please.
This is my 5th book by Carissa Broadbent and though I've enjoyed them all, I've struggled in every single one of them with her pacing. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy romance authors, but in my opinion, pacing is the weakest aspect of her storytelling . . . but not here. This felt fully developed and packed with emotion, world building, romance, and so much more in a perfectly paced less than 200 pages novella that felt like every chapter was crafted with intention.
Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**
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