Tag Archives: contemporary

June 24, 2015 · 5:00 am

Grey by E L James (Book Review)

 

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.  

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

This book is intended for mature audiences.

 
 
 
Seeing the events unfold through Christian’s eyes was enlightening. E L James showed us his softer side, his vulnerability. He seemed almost child-like at times; needing validation of his worth. In “Grey”, I found Christian more likable. 
 
There were several passages revisited (which I knew was to be expected): the contact, bar and a few emails. I actually skipped over several pages because I knew what was going to be said/happen and saw them as pointless to peruse again. 
 
I must say one thing, as I’ve said in the past regarding the movie to my friends/followers, this book backs up my claim THERE ARE discrepancies between the book and movie. That’s why I usually DON’T read a book and watch the cinematic version or vice versa. I will nitpick, as would any true fan. 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 
Paperback / Kindle /  [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]

 

  

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May 26, 2015 · 5:00 am

Kiss Me Hello by Grace Burrowes (Book Review)

 

 

Book Three

MacKenzie Knightley is the best criminal trial attorney in Damson County, but he has no defense against petite, peppery Sidonie Lindstrom, a foster mom who’s moved into the farmhouse where Mack and his brothers grew up.

Sid is grieving the loss of her brother, worried she’s about to lose her foster son, and in no mood for romantic nonsense when Mack drives up the lane. And yet, he’s good with her horses, good with her foster son, and just the sort of solid, trustworthy, guy she might fall for—until she learns that he’s not at all what he appears to be.

 

REVIEW 
 
I didn’t read the first two books in the series but I don’t think that’s relevant to my thoughts on this story. It came across as a standalone book. 
 
Now for my thoughts on this creation….
 
I didn’t particular love or hate this book. For me, it was just eh. 
I didn’t feel a connection between Mac and Sid. There was no sparks whatsoever in my mind. All the characters lacked a human quality which a writer must convey if she or he wishes to entice the reader to keep reading and keep purchasing his/her story. 
 
I did read the whole book but, unfortunately, I won’t be going back for seconds. 
 
The only reason why I am not giving it a 1 ❤ was due to the fact Grace shed some light on the foster care world. It saddens me to see children “forgotten” in the system or foster parents who are doing a great job not get the recognition they rightfully deserve. Trust me, I know not all social workers drop the ball but when they do, it hurts not only the child but those who care for the child – foster families, friends, and their real family (in this case). 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2
 
 
 

PURCHASE LINKS:  Kindle Edition / Mass Market Paperback

 

 

——> READING ORDER <——
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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May 22, 2015 · 5:00 am

Love After All by Jaci Burton (Book Review)

High school math teacher Chelsea Gardner has the perfect plan. She’s tired of dating all the wrong men, and after years of frustration, she’s developed a foolproof list of requirements for finding “The One”.

Bar owner Sebastian “Bash” Palmer finds Chelsea beautiful, smart and fun, but he thinks her list is ridiculous and unnecessary. Intent on proving Chelsea is looking for love in all the wrong ways, he offers to help her find the “perfect” man.

Chelsea knows Bash isn’t the right guy for her—he barely meets one of her criteria—but there’s something about the charismatic man that has her yearning for things that are most definitely not list approved.

Because sometimes, a relationship that looks totally wrong on paper can turn out incredibly right…

 
 
 
 Review 
 
FWB (Friends with Benefits) minus feelings? Yeah, I never heard of it happening either. Usually it doesn’t work out but in the romance writing world, it sure does. 🙂 
 
When you are firing off sparks brighter than a Fourth of July celebration, feelings are inevitable. Speaking of sparks, these two set the pages on fire. What an unforgettable duo. They have quickly became one of my top JB couples. 
 
My only complaint (minor one) – I wish JB would’ve had Chelsea go on more dates so we could see more of Bash’s feelings for the spunky, sexy lass. Maybe have conversations where they discuss the blind dates. I think they would’ve added volumes to their building relationship. 
 
All in all, another great story. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon – Print /  Kindle
 

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May 18, 2015 · 5:00 am

Extreme Love by Abby Niles (Book Review)

Used to the average Joe, Caitlyn Moore is overwhelmed when the supremely masculine Dante Jones walks into her life and expresses an interest in her. At first she pushes him away, refusing to encourage the attention of a cage fighter. Then she learns Dante has a love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation. What better way to fine-tune her non-existent flirting skills than with a male who won’t stick around? But Dante has no intention of being a practice dummy; he’s out for all or nothing. Now Caitlyn must accept Dante—violent career and all—or let him go.

Dante “Inferno” Jones has one goal: win the Welterweight Championship. At a time when focus is crucial, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Yet Caitlyn Moore becomes a challenge he can’t resist. When the light-hearted pursuit shifts to a battle to win her heart, his focus is shot. Faced with losing the biggest match of his career, Dante must decide if his extreme life also has room for Extreme Love.

 
 Review 
 
Hallelujah, finally we have a heroine who isn’t a size 5 or less. I’m not knocking thin women, I am one, but I like the fact Cait was a size 12. Abby was right when she stated a rounder body doesn’t always necessarily mean you aren’t fit. Like Cait, I’ve seen “bigger” people work out harder and longer than “thin” folks. Heart and determination go a long way and Cait had both. So did Dante. 
 
The underlying message should be heard and respected. 
 
Bravo, chickie pie!!!
 
Now lets discuss Dante…. that man is finger lickin’ good. It makes me want to tune into the UFC right now. Which, I think I will. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

 

Paperback
Kindle
[Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]

 

 
 
 
 

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May 10, 2015 · 5:00 am

Long, Tall Texans – Volume III: Ethan and Connal by Diana Palmer (Book Review)

 

ETHAN “Long, Tall Texans #5” (originally published January 1990 in Silhouette Romance #694 and reissued numerous times)
 
Arabella Craig was eighteen when Ethan Hardeman first opened her eyes to passion…and then turned around and married another woman. Four years later, tragedy brings Ethan, still just as tall and handsome, but newly divorced and bitter, back into her life. He runs his family’s cattle empire with an iron hand, yet he refuses to loosen his grip on the reins holding back his heart. But Arabella is determined not to let this Long, Tall Texan escape her again!
 
 
CONNAL “Long, Tall Texans #6” (originally published August 1990 in Silhouette Romance #741 and reissued numerous times)
 
For years, Penelope Mathews worshipped the elusive C. C. Tremayne from afar. Until one night, when, trying to protect the mysterious loner from landing in jail after drinking a little too much, Pepi seeks refuge in a wedding chapel—and winds up emerging as Mrs. Connal Cade Tremayne! When C.C. realizes what happened, he’s outraged and plans to end their “arrangement” immediately. Yet the more time he spends with Pepi, the more he realizes he doesn’t want their marriage to end….
 
 
 
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I’ve read a few of Palmer’s books and until now I haven’t posted any reviews on them. 
 
Why? 
 
The answer is simple. I kept giving her another try to show me something different. That how she portrayed her characters wouldn’t be a recurring theme. Unfortunately, it is and I decided not to hold my tongue any longer. 
 
Diana, I have no idea why you feel the need to have the “heroes” in your stories ridicule, belittle, and speak so harshly to their supposed love of their lives. 
 
Why do the men have to call them fat, ugly, plain, etc because they can’t come to terms they actually love the “heroine”. 
 
The women all (for the stories I’ve read) have pronounced body issues and low self esteem and the men they love throw it in their faces. Then when they suddenly realize they might lose their woman, they confess they were scared, truly love them, and BAM, all is forgiven. 
 
I don’t bloody think so. 
 
If a man called me plain, ugly, fat, yelled at me, told me to leave them alone, I would not fall at their feet when they suddenly have a change of heart. No self respecting woman (or man) would. 
 
I’m sorry to say I regret reading your stories. The money I spent on them. 
 
The only bright spot of the stories (that I’ve read) are the covers. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 
Score: This is a first for me but I am giving this story ZERO HEARTS.
Due to this, I’m not supplying the purchase links. 
 

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