The Swedish Prince by Karina Halle
DNF – sorry ladies, I was hoping this one would enchant me as much as “A Nordic King”. Sadly, the best friend is annoying AF. I just coudln’t get past it which is silly. I’m a big girl and she’s probably just in the first few scenes to help set the stage for more….
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Love Hurts: a Delaney Brothers Novel by Emily Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
WARNING! POTENTIAL UNPOPULAR REVIEW- Tread forth at your own risk.
Book friends- I’m not going to lie to you. I’m a tad pissed off. This is the 11th book by Emily Snow that I’ve eagerly read. I’d consider myself one of her loyal and avid readers. So why the heck do I walk away from this book with a sour feeling in my stomach?!? Honest-to-God I feel cheated. I’ve waited oh, so patiently for this book to be released. The previous book ended on a MAJOR cliffhanger so I’ve been all a flutter to find out more.
Sinking my teeth into this story it took me a bit to reengage with the characters, their nuisances, and history…far longer than I’d expect. Nevertheless I pushed forward, watched the characters endure agony all in pursuit of the answers from book 1’s cliffhanger. Now here’s where I feel cheated. The characters may have aged since the first book but that’s about it. As a reader I still feel tormented, confused and now annoyed. The cliffhanger from book 1 isn’t answered until the final scene of book 2. Aside from that- nothing else was accomplished in the pages in-between. This series should have been 2 books and not stretched to 3. It’s my humble opinion that by forcing this into a triology the author sacrificed the integrity of the pacing, character development, and substance. All tormented souls…no substantial plot for the readers.
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The Slow Burn by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First and foremost- Daphne and Margot are “mom goals”. Wow- two powerful characters who’s influence spanned generations. Gorgeous characters and a beautiful story.
While I found the very first scene between Toby and a random hookup to be mind numbing and annoying I loved every other moment of the book. Also- thanks be to the ultimate book goddess Kristen Ashley for giving us so many opportunities to revisit Izzy and Johnny.
I’m glowing in my post book consumption glory. Carry on my lovely book buddies!
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Maid for Love by Marie Force
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first reaction to the book cover… ah man. This is going to be a cheesy romance like they sell at the grocery stores. Reminding myself not to judge a book by its cover I dove into the story and did my best to reserve judgement. What did I find amongst the pages of this book? Insta love, a flare for the dramatic, and (sorry, not sorry) cliche characters. So… in this case it’s absolutely fair to judge a book by its cover.
If light and fluffy romances with cute kids are you’re thing – download or pick up this book immediately. I can see this being a popular choice to read by the pool this summer. Pour yourself something sweet to sip and dip into this romance.
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Twisted Pride by Cora Reilly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cora Reilly doesn’t just write books. She spins literary gold in mafia form and this was no exception.
If you’re familiar with Cora’s other masterpieces you’ll know that Remo Falcone is the most warped, psychotic, and intriguing character that has been mentioned throughout her series. Prior to reading this book I was curious to see how she’d be able to twist this monster of a man into someone you’d want to see happy. And what female character she would possibly craft that could take on such a villain. Worry not my book buddies! Cora has everything beautifully and masterfully under control.
What can I say about Remo that I haven’t already hinted at? He’s more monster than man. Feels little-to-no pain and does not fear death. He’s obsessively, fiercly protective and loyal to his brothers and nothing else. As capo he rules the mafia underworld with barbaric violence and shows no mercy. In an attempt to retaliate against the Cavallaros in Chicago (they breached his territory) he abducts the capo’s niece (Dante is capo of Chicago) on her wedding day.
I won’t give away too much more but the bride-to-be isn’t a fainting wallflower that Remo can use and throw away once his game is won.
Brilliant story, twisted characters, and so much fun! Enjoy book friends!
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Breaking Without You by Carrie Ann Ryan
I preordered this book and have been counting down until the minute it was downloaded onto my Kindle. I have enjoyed other books by this author and have several others camping out on my “Want to Read” list.
Unfortunately- I didn’t connect with any of the characters and felt there was too much ambiguity throughout the story. Spoilers ahead- while, yes, I understand that Allison committed suicide, didn’t leave a note, and left everyone in her life wondering “why”. I don’t think the rest of the book had to follow that same empty, confusion. My biggest complaint is “why” when it comes to Cameron’s motives years prior. He find out his POS druggie mom needs help and heads back to Cali. Ok- gotcha. Why on earth did he leave on such bad terms with everyone… especially his girlfriend and twin?!? It sounds like Violet wonders for years why he left without knowing. Why was this a mystery and Violet kept in the dark?!? Tell your girlfriend that you’ve found out your druggie mom has another kid that needs help. No drama, keep in touch, and save yourself the angst.
I’ve chosen not to leave a rating. While this book didn’t strike a cord with me- it might just be the highlight of another reader’s week. I would hate for my negative rating to hinder someone from reading this book. Hopefully my review sheds some light on my reaction and thoughts. If you have a different opinion after reading it please let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Sex, Not Love by Vi Keeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Glorious finish to a great story. Why the 4 star rating? Because for the first 55% of the book the reader is tormented with the sassy (annoying) games by Nat AKA Natalia. In the very first scene Nat is chatting with her best about finding someone… anyone to hook up with. Lo and behold a gorgeous, nice, muscular man… also the best friends’s husband’s best friend. He eager offers his services to which Nat shuts him down OVER and OVER again for more than half the book. Eventually she tries to rationalize her shenanigans by saying she had a feeling a hook up with Hunter would be “more”. Le sigh.
For what it’s worth the second part of the book was dynamite. Great chemistry, angst, steamy scenes, and character building. Wish the first half would have moved at a more clipped pace or the author would have used other obstacles to delay the couple’s eventual connection.
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