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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via SmartyPants Romance and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Cathy Yardly has done a brilliant job of putting across a hero, from a traditionally villainous background; and redeem him in ways that you can only thank his leading lady for! :D
Drill, a native of the Green Valley and a member of the Iron Wraith, has started having doubts, far and few in between right now, but he still has doubts over Iron Wraith’s current status. The Wraiths have been his family for the last 16 years; but when he is hit with a double whammy – that his father is dead and his sister is back in town; he is in a bind. He needs to make his sister leave and use the funds from his childhood home for the Wraiths; he doesn’t expect to be hit with a couple surprises along the way – that his sister is pregnant and that her best friend catches his eye and fascination like no other women ever has!
Thuy Nguyen (kudos on the name I can’t pronounce but already love!) is a city girl – she loves the basic facilities cities provide, like WiFi – but she has moved to a farm, in a small town to help her bestest friend, Maddy in the whole wide world; was a small sacrifice to make. The fact that she seems to be falling for her best friend’s older biker brother wasn’t exactly part of the plan.
This unique romance between a librarian and a biker is nothing short of an emotional experience – I adored how even years and distance couldn’t diminish the love Drill had for his sister and Thuy; she was such a brilliant female inspiration; a librarian by trade, I loved how non – judgemental she was and how expertly she handled Drill and every complication that came with him.
Drill and Thuy’s relationship was, inspite of their own rough and traumatic at times childhood, one for the ages – especially considering how absolutely impossible their situation seemed to be, and how they clawed their way to a HEA!
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I tried to get into this book but it just never really happened. These following three things are probably the reasons that I couldn't connect with the book at any point in time, which is really unfortunate because I'm always excited when I get a character who is like me in a story.
1. The writing style. I think I've decided that I'm just not the biggest fan of writing in third person. It makes me feel very disconnected from the characters.
2. No connection to the main duo. I know Drill from past books and its surprising how little I cared about him OR how I felt I found nothing out about him. Same with Thuy. They just seemed to exist and didn't have much dept to them.
3. Catfish. I think his character portrayal really sealed the deal for me. I had been looking forward to having some story about Catfish and Daniella but now I'm having second thoughts. Catfish from what I knew before this point was very much the club is life but he showed he had some good in him. That he was above some petty things. But in this book, the fact that he just let Timothy King do whatever he wanted even if it made him "slightly" cringe really turned me off and made me sad. BIG dislike all around.
Thats pretty much it.
1. The writing style. I think I've decided that I'm just not the biggest fan of writing in third person. It makes me feel very disconnected from the characters.
2. No connection to the main duo. I know Drill from past books and its surprising how little I cared about him OR how I felt I found nothing out about him. Same with Thuy. They just seemed to exist and didn't have much dept to them.
3. Catfish. I think his character portrayal really sealed the deal for me. I had been looking forward to having some story about Catfish and Daniella but now I'm having second thoughts. Catfish from what I knew before this point was very much the club is life but he showed he had some good in him. That he was above some petty things. But in this book, the fact that he just let Timothy King do whatever he wanted even if it made him "slightly" cringe really turned me off and made me sad. BIG dislike all around.
Thats pretty much it.
Answers so many questions for me!!!
I’ve devoured my way through all the Winston Brothers books in January and am starting to make my way through the Smartypants books so I can catch up with any other characters I can. I had some questions about some of the bikers (especially after reading Roscoe and Simone’s book) and this answers a ton of them for me! No spoilers though.
I love how diverse this world is becoming. Thuy is a badass and I love getting in her head. Also, the book recommendations coming out of this book are insane. (Hopefully, I’ll get an entire list like Rory Gilmore gave us.) And poor, misguided Drill... there isn’t much I can say that won’t give anything away. But I will say that he surprised me with how accepting he was. Can’t wait to see if there’s some future short stories with updates on these two.
I’ve devoured my way through all the Winston Brothers books in January and am starting to make my way through the Smartypants books so I can catch up with any other characters I can. I had some questions about some of the bikers (especially after reading Roscoe and Simone’s book) and this answers a ton of them for me! No spoilers though.
I love how diverse this world is becoming. Thuy is a badass and I love getting in her head. Also, the book recommendations coming out of this book are insane. (Hopefully, I’ll get an entire list like Rory Gilmore gave us.) And poor, misguided Drill... there isn’t much I can say that won’t give anything away. But I will say that he surprised me with how accepting he was. Can’t wait to see if there’s some future short stories with updates on these two.
Has some weak points but finished strong. Although I’m still thrown a little bit when it comes to some of the library stuff. All lot of it was spot on but some of it was still a little off. But very much enjoyed.
[a:Cathy Yardley|6777|Cathy Yardley|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1284900222p2/6777.jpg] has a new book!!
**Found this book on Kindle Unlimited**
I think I have this book to thank for helping me decide once and for all how I feel about motorcycle club romances: they really aren't my thing. Cathy Yardley did a good job pulling me back into the Pennyverse and showing what Green Valley may look like to an outsider like our heroine Thuy who is not white and not southern. However, I found that I didn't care a bit about what was going on with Drill and the Iron Wraiths or the romance between Drill and Thuy.
What kept me reading was Thuy's interactions at the library. The passage about how much the library meant to her as a child made me cry. My curiosity about the evolution of the Green Valley Library will probably propel me to read the next book in the series more than the romance.
I think I have this book to thank for helping me decide once and for all how I feel about motorcycle club romances: they really aren't my thing. Cathy Yardley did a good job pulling me back into the Pennyverse and showing what Green Valley may look like to an outsider like our heroine Thuy who is not white and not southern. However, I found that I didn't care a bit about what was going on with Drill and the Iron Wraiths or the romance between Drill and Thuy.
What kept me reading was Thuy's interactions at the library. The passage about how much the library meant to her as a child made me cry. My curiosity about the evolution of the Green Valley Library will probably propel me to read the next book in the series more than the romance.
Guys. I unexpectedly really freaking loved this book.
Not gonna lie...I went into it pretty sure it wasn't going work for me. So far the Green Valley Library books have been sorta misses or on the fence titles and I didn't see much that I would be able to connect to in this story. Even though the Iron Wraiths have been an integral part of the Winston Brother and Green Valley stories, I've never enjoyed those story lines. I don't find bikers or MC clubs sexy or glamorous in any way and I'm not a fan of 'suspense' in my books. This book stressed me out! I had no idea how they were gonna make it all work and the final dramatic set piece of the story had me full of nerves! I bought into it all though! Every relationship, every discussion and ultimately how each thread was woven together to complete the story.
I really enjoyed Thuy SO MUCH. I loved her standing up to the head librarian! Standing up for what she believes in and knows she brings to the table. It was nice that the library parts of the story felt separate from the Maddy/farm and Iron Wraiths parts. Thuy was really the glue that pulled each story line together. She didn't give up, she didn't get scared of much, and she's all in for the things/people she believes in.
I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to buy into Drill as the leading man. I remember him being mentioned in quite a few Winston Brother books. I racked my brain trying to remember if he'd ever done anything that would be too hard to forgive. From what I could remember, his character meshed well with what is presented in this book. The club is his life, or at least it was. He wasn't some innocent bystander but he never did anything so terrible that he wouldn't be able to come back from. There didn't seem to be any malice coming from him, or joy in the things he did...they were the job, he did them, and it wasn't personal. His arc made sense. Anybody living that life would be worn down by it and it wasn't the same club that he'd given his loyalty to all those years ago. I'm gonna be honest though. There wasn't too much wrong he could do in my book after he had a conversation with Thuy about reading. He asked her to recommend a book, she did, and then he said, "ok, I'll read it"....and then he did. UGH. Be still my freaking heart. I just couldn't believe he was bad after that.
The two of them were uniquely matched for each other and I really, really was invested in every part of the story.
Not gonna lie...I went into it pretty sure it wasn't going work for me. So far the Green Valley Library books have been sorta misses or on the fence titles and I didn't see much that I would be able to connect to in this story. Even though the Iron Wraiths have been an integral part of the Winston Brother and Green Valley stories, I've never enjoyed those story lines. I don't find bikers or MC clubs sexy or glamorous in any way and I'm not a fan of 'suspense' in my books. This book stressed me out! I had no idea how they were gonna make it all work and the final dramatic set piece of the story had me full of nerves! I bought into it all though! Every relationship, every discussion and ultimately how each thread was woven together to complete the story.
I really enjoyed Thuy SO MUCH. I loved her standing up to the head librarian! Standing up for what she believes in and knows she brings to the table. It was nice that the library parts of the story felt separate from the Maddy/farm and Iron Wraiths parts. Thuy was really the glue that pulled each story line together. She didn't give up, she didn't get scared of much, and she's all in for the things/people she believes in.
I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to buy into Drill as the leading man. I remember him being mentioned in quite a few Winston Brother books. I racked my brain trying to remember if he'd ever done anything that would be too hard to forgive. From what I could remember, his character meshed well with what is presented in this book. The club is his life, or at least it was. He wasn't some innocent bystander but he never did anything so terrible that he wouldn't be able to come back from. There didn't seem to be any malice coming from him, or joy in the things he did...they were the job, he did them, and it wasn't personal. His arc made sense. Anybody living that life would be worn down by it and it wasn't the same club that he'd given his loyalty to all those years ago. I'm gonna be honest though. There wasn't too much wrong he could do in my book after he had a conversation with Thuy about reading. He asked her to recommend a book, she did, and then he said, "ok, I'll read it"....and then he did. UGH. Be still my freaking heart. I just couldn't believe he was bad after that.
The two of them were uniquely matched for each other and I really, really was invested in every part of the story.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It follows Thuy, a Vietnamese librarian who has some baggage from her childhood. She was able to get past her unconventional upbringing and get out of the life her family chose to lead and make the life she wanted. She didn't do it all alone though, her best friend Maddy from Green Valley helped her out through some tough times. Now back in Green Valley after Maddy's father has passed, Thuy is determined to support Maddy in her time of need. When Drill, Maddy's older, estranged brother and member of the local motorcycle gang, comes back into the picture after leaving her life sparks fly between him and Thuy. He also gets into a huge argument about how to handle the family farm with Maddy. There are several different tense situations between Thuy and Drill as their attraction increases, Drill and Maddy as they butt heads about the farm, and Drill and his gang as he battles with right and wrong and what is good for him and what is good for the gang. Overall I enjoyed the different plots going on in the book. It kept it interesting and the pacing was good.
I loved Thuy and Maddy's friendship. They genuinely loved and supported one another. Everyone should have a Maddy or Thuy in their lives. Someone willing to drop everything and help out. Maybe not drop everything and move to help you start a farm when you know nothing about farming, but you know what I mean. Everyone needs someone to keep you grounded and just be there when you need a shoulder to cry on or a couch to sleep on.
Drill and Thuy are that case of opposites attract. She has left that life of violence and chaos behind her in California, however she just can't help but be attracted to him. Their attraction is a bit insta-lovey for my tastes. I do Drill's redemption arc, where he starts to challenge the mindless loyalty to the club. I also really love Thuy's commitment to the library and the kids of the town. I love the library myself and all of it's various uses. I appreciate that she challenged the traditions in a tactful way to get more kids in the library by talking to the kids.
I really enjoyed this book. It follows Thuy, a Vietnamese librarian who has some baggage from her childhood. She was able to get past her unconventional upbringing and get out of the life her family chose to lead and make the life she wanted. She didn't do it all alone though, her best friend Maddy from Green Valley helped her out through some tough times. Now back in Green Valley after Maddy's father has passed, Thuy is determined to support Maddy in her time of need. When Drill, Maddy's older, estranged brother and member of the local motorcycle gang, comes back into the picture after leaving her life sparks fly between him and Thuy. He also gets into a huge argument about how to handle the family farm with Maddy. There are several different tense situations between Thuy and Drill as their attraction increases, Drill and Maddy as they butt heads about the farm, and Drill and his gang as he battles with right and wrong and what is good for him and what is good for the gang. Overall I enjoyed the different plots going on in the book. It kept it interesting and the pacing was good.
I loved Thuy and Maddy's friendship. They genuinely loved and supported one another. Everyone should have a Maddy or Thuy in their lives. Someone willing to drop everything and help out. Maybe not drop everything and move to help you start a farm when you know nothing about farming, but you know what I mean. Everyone needs someone to keep you grounded and just be there when you need a shoulder to cry on or a couch to sleep on.
Drill and Thuy are that case of opposites attract. She has left that life of violence and chaos behind her in California, however she just can't help but be attracted to him. Their attraction is a bit insta-lovey for my tastes. I do Drill's redemption arc, where he starts to challenge the mindless loyalty to the club. I also really love Thuy's commitment to the library and the kids of the town. I love the library myself and all of it's various uses. I appreciate that she challenged the traditions in a tactful way to get more kids in the library by talking to the kids.
In brief: I never fully believed in the story or the romance.
***
The long version: This book did not work for me at all. I struggled to buy into what this author was selling. I made it to about 40% before skim reading remaining chapters.
Not all fictional characters can or should be redeemed, but I feel like many of these Smartypants books are trying to do just that. I don't want that. Based on my knowledge of Iron Wraith characters from previous Penny Reid books, as well as what we learn about Teddy 'Drill' Blount in this book, I am happy for them to remain as the bad guys in this fictional world.
Thuy Nguyen's character also had me scratching my head. Even knowing why her friendship with Maddy Blount (Drill's sister) was strong, I never fully understood her life. In the blink of an eye she drops her old life, turns her back on her education and career to follow Maddy to a town where she initially has no career prospects and no income. Is this the barometer for BFFs these days?
There's a romance in here some place but I skipped over most of these parts. I just did not feel the attraction Thuy and Drill supposedly felt for each other.
The final nail in the coffin was the ongoing lecture about small town libraries and librarians. Once upon a time, Penny Reid wrote books that, with skill, offered up interesting information about topics I knew little to nothing about. Her recent books, and by association, some of the Smartypants books, have chosen to hammer home to readers an agenda. I find this a turn off. Greater finesse and a lighter hand is needed.
Thumbs up for the scene with Karen. That gave me a laugh.
ARC courtesy of Social Butterfly PR & Smartypants Romance
***
The long version: This book did not work for me at all. I struggled to buy into what this author was selling. I made it to about 40% before skim reading remaining chapters.
Not all fictional characters can or should be redeemed, but I feel like many of these Smartypants books are trying to do just that. I don't want that. Based on my knowledge of Iron Wraith characters from previous Penny Reid books, as well as what we learn about Teddy 'Drill' Blount in this book, I am happy for them to remain as the bad guys in this fictional world.
Thuy Nguyen's character also had me scratching my head. Even knowing why her friendship with Maddy Blount (Drill's sister) was strong, I never fully understood her life. In the blink of an eye she drops her old life, turns her back on her education and career to follow Maddy to a town where she initially has no career prospects and no income. Is this the barometer for BFFs these days?
There's a romance in here some place but I skipped over most of these parts. I just did not feel the attraction Thuy and Drill supposedly felt for each other.
The final nail in the coffin was the ongoing lecture about small town libraries and librarians. Once upon a time, Penny Reid wrote books that, with skill, offered up interesting information about topics I knew little to nothing about. Her recent books, and by association, some of the Smartypants books, have chosen to hammer home to readers an agenda. I find this a turn off. Greater finesse and a lighter hand is needed.
Thumbs up for the scene with Karen. That gave me a laugh.
ARC courtesy of Social Butterfly PR & Smartypants Romance