The Finn Factor by Rachel Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute story. I’d file this under “nerdy chic”. Similar brainy yet hunky vibe that I got from “Flat Out Love”. (Awesome book! Check it out if you haven’t already read it!)
Category Archives: Modern Day Heroes- Contemporary Romance
BOOK REVIEW- Distraction by Emily Snow
Distraction by Emily Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun, flirty story. Nothing earth shattering or overly life altering. Solid summer book.
BOOK REVIEW- Play It Safe by Kristen Ashley
Play It Safe by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Color me surprised. I expected this to be another solid 5 star Kristin Ashley book but for me it just didn’t have the usual sparkle. The biggest complaint I had was the double standard for Gray and Ivey’s 7 year separation and sexual history. Even prior to their first meeting Gray was quite the “Tom cat”. (I threw in that phrase because my grandpa used it and I think it’s very fitting to describe Gray’s character.) When he and Ivey started dating Cecily (evil reincarnated) threw his history in Ivey’s face. At that point I think Gray should have addressed his past especially since they lived in a small town and I’m sure atheist would run into his former lovers on a frequent basis. Instead Gray allows Ivey to get in a verbal tussle with Cecily and they never have that talk. Secondly and most egregiously is Gray’s reaction to Ivey’s celibacy during they 7 year separation. He’s delighted by it and cherishes that he’s her only lover. Not once does he share his sexual history which IMO was sexist and unsafe… especially considering condoms and protection aren’t mentioned at all in the book. He doesn’t have to glorify his past or share all the details but he should have given basic info to Ivey. Instead Cecily is able to throw that info in her face when they run into each other in a very public place. Lastly, Gray seemed offended that Ivey assumed that he had moved on with a new relationship when she sees him hugging his cousin … yet we learn his did move on to quite a few different partners on Ivey’s absence. Why the reaction Gray???
BOOK REVIEW- Cross the Line by Julie Johnson
Cross the Line by Julie Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! At this point I’m convinced Lila is my spirit animals. Here’s few quotes that I’m half convinced came straight from my brain.
“I’ve had hundreds of boyfriends. So what if they’re fictional? Don’t you dare judge our love.”
“Enough with the sex positions. Why can’t magazines publish an article about reading positions that don’t get uncomfortable after five minutes?”
“There’s a time and a place for stiletto heels. Always and on my feet.”
Nathaniel Knox was a character that really intrigued me in the previous book. I couldn’t be more delighted to spend more time exploring his character in this installment.
My only complaint is that some of the comments made by the characters were unrealistic… considering they were being said by billionaires. I’m not near billionaire status but I do live quite comfortably and even I raised my eyebrows at some of the dialog. For example- in one scene (I tried looking for it and can’t find the exact passage. Sorry!) Basically someone was describing Lila’s future mentioning her husband taking out the garbage once and bragging about it for years even though Lila will be the one to maintain the house on a regular basis. That’s crazy talk. NEITHER of them will be cleaning their house. They’ll have staff for that.
Here’s another example-
“Sunshine, have you been working out?” Chase’s voice is amused. “Last I checked, you couldn’t even break open the paint cans to redecorate the living room.”
REALITY- Billionaires have interior decorators and would NOT be painting the penthouse of their high rise building themselves. I don’t care how “down to earth” the characters are. That just ain’t happening. Especially considering the penthouse ceilings are probably sky high and not accessible without scaffolding and other materials.
BOOK REVIEW- Not You It’s Me by Julie Johnson
Not You It’s Me by Julie Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m glowing. Odd. It’s not ME who walked away with a happily ever after with a gorgeous billionaire. (Darn) Nevertheless I’m glowing after reading this book. Chase Croft was such an interesting character. A gorgeously, damaged, dynamic package of yum. Gemma is was also beautiful yet damaged – but somehow their broken pieces fit perfectly together. Her loony rants were cute as was Chase’s reactions to them.
I do hope to learn more about Shelby’s character. Shelby is one of Gemma’s best friends who is married to someone who never makes an appearance in the story. I’m wondering if perhaps he’s off doing something nefarious and there will be a story about Shelby. Just being hopeful…
Slight spoiler ahead…
My only complaint is that Gemma forgave her mother’s lies way too easily. IMO her mother’s actions were despicable and selfish.
BOOK REVIEW- Collide by Gail McHugh
Collide by Gail McHugh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
DNF- Emily is the ultimate weakling. I genuinely can’t think of any redeeming qualities that can make her a likable character. She’s intentionally naive at the risk of herself and her health. The supporting cast was also an ugly group of people. Trevor claims to be friends both Dillon (cheating bastard boyfriend) and Emily… yet does nothing to protect Emily from Dillion’s behavior. Ummmm helllo… anyone heard of STDs? She has the right to know her sexual partner is active with several others so she can make informed decisions about safe sex. Gavin is the hunk everyone is supposed to cheer on but I found him just as annoying. Why would he allow the woman he loves to be misused for so long? With his vast resources certainly he could have hired a private investigator to give Emily the proof she needs to dump Dillion once and for all. The nail in this book’s proverbial coffin was Gavin allowing holdover Gina to sleep at his house. WTF? Call a doorman to assist you with removing her from your property the instant she showed up!!! Also- he’s fought so hard to finally get Emily yet doesn’t bother to send her a warning text that evil Gina has popped up? Un-freaking-believable.
BOOK REVIEW- 180 Seconds by Jessica Park
TRUTH- Jessica Park wrote my favorite book of all time! “Flat Out Love” is hilarious, quirky and endearing. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve badgered into reading it. When I saw that Jessica wrote another book I was overjoyed! Best.News.Ever.
Allison is a junior in college. She grew up as a victim of the foster care system. After being shuffled from house to house she now has problems relating to people, interacting and in general being “normal” (or what she considers what normal behavior should be). She was adopted at 16 by Simon who is fabulous, fashionable, compassionate and just so happens to be homosexual. (Honestly- he sounds like your idea parent. Allows her space while still making her feel loved and supported.) Please know that I truly, truly tried to immerse myself in this book and it’s characters. I just could not relate to Allison and in fact grew to dislike her. She has a committed adoptive father, loyal best friend and the tools to make something going of herself. She’s at college getting great grades, frequently receives care packages from her loving father and I have to admit I’m disappointed that she wasn’t taking a more proactive approach to healing. Allison frequently grouses that she wished things were different yet remains isolated instead of pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Lord knows I love strong female characters who overcome their troubled past. Allison had all the ingredients to do exactly that. Instead she fell flat as a character (pun aimed at Jessica Park’s previous book). As a reader I found myself less and less interested Allison’s character and what would happen in the story. DNF
BOOK REVIEW- Fall to Pieces by Chloe Walsh
Fall To Pieces by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Damn! I nominate Lee as the new “girl power” spokesman! This character endures brutality -both mental and physical over & over again and yet she continues to recover with an inner strength and compassion that I admire.
Kyle continues to taunt me with his sexy looks yet he demonsstrates weakness and self doubt that’s super unattractive. Come on Kyle! Nut up hombre!
BOOK REVIEW- Break My Fall by Chloe Walsh
Break My Fall by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Confession- I accidentally read the “Treacherous” series before starting this one so I *may* or may not know how this one wraps up. That being said- if I DIDN’T know the ending I’d kick Kyle’s ass. Seriously, home slice drove me bonkers in this story with his weakness for the evil Rachel. Nothing IMO is more attractive than confidence and strength. Kyle could and should have flexed his sexy alpha prowess and do a better job at containing Rachel’s malice. Aside from that- I loved the book. I already purchased the second book in the series and will dive in as soon as I hit “done” on this review.
BOOK REVIEW- Always by Chloe Walsh
Always by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Out of the four books in the series published thus far (ok, 3 books and this novella) I’d have to say this installment was my favorite! Deliciously angsty, sexy with enough mystery to keep you racing through the pages wanting more. I simply can.not.wait for more!