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booksabrewin's reviews
496 reviews
Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have always had a soft spot for shapeshifters and werewolves in particular so when approached by the author to read and review her book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. After reading the synopsis I felt that this would be a really unique spin on the whole werewolf creature as a whole.
In typical werewolf style, Daciana, a moonwulf, is most susceptible to shifting during the full moon. However, it is only after her ceremonial passage into a wulfkin that she can embrace her wolf counterpart and shift as often as she desires. Being a moonwulf and future wulfkin doesn't come without rules within her close-knit pack. She is never to mate with a wild wolf and breed offspring, she is never to attack or kill humans, she is never to choose the human world over her pack, and she is never to fall in love with humans. On the wulfkin's version of rumspringa, she is free to explore the human world before returning to the pack, claiming a mate, and making more pups to increase the pack's ranks. That all changes when she meets Connell, a very human man, and falls in love.
Her whirlwind romance with Connell drives Daciana to not only leave her pack, but to attempt to make herself completely human so she can be with Connell forever. That is not something Daciana's pack or her alpha will allow. It is only after a malicious dracwulf, the offspring of a wulfkin and a wild wolf, starts attacking and feasting on Daciana's friends, that she realizes finding a way to be human and with Connell forever is the least of her problems.
Daciana is forced to lie continuously to the man she loves, hunt down a blood-thirsty monster, stride a careful line in pack politics, and search for a cure to her moonwulf status. No sweat, right?
As I said before, I thought that the premise of this story was incredibly unique and intriguing. The whole werewolves having sex with real wolves and creating pups was a little, uh, unnerving, but I have never seen it done before, so there's that. The problem I found in this book was instead of having a clear rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion, as is the general format, it went up and down. Every time I felt the story was coming to a comfortable close, something else would happen and continue the story. It was a bit frustrating and caused the book to feel drawn out and lose some of its appeal.
With the romance, I find that I generally connect better with characters when I can see their romance unfold. In this book, the romance is already established so the "I love you so much" phrases thrown around sounded a little forced.
Negativity aside, I must have found something in it that appealed to me since I didn't struggle too much to read it. I read it in a matter of two days and was content with it. I didn't leave the reading experience regretting the time spent.
Cloaked in Fur is a twist on werewolf lore coupled with a Romeo and Juliet-esk love. It introduces it's reader to a fantasy world unlike any they have seen before.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
2.0
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have always had a soft spot for shapeshifters and werewolves in particular so when approached by the author to read and review her book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. After reading the synopsis I felt that this would be a really unique spin on the whole werewolf creature as a whole.
In typical werewolf style, Daciana, a moonwulf, is most susceptible to shifting during the full moon. However, it is only after her ceremonial passage into a wulfkin that she can embrace her wolf counterpart and shift as often as she desires. Being a moonwulf and future wulfkin doesn't come without rules within her close-knit pack. She is never to mate with a wild wolf and breed offspring, she is never to attack or kill humans, she is never to choose the human world over her pack, and she is never to fall in love with humans. On the wulfkin's version of rumspringa, she is free to explore the human world before returning to the pack, claiming a mate, and making more pups to increase the pack's ranks. That all changes when she meets Connell, a very human man, and falls in love.
Her whirlwind romance with Connell drives Daciana to not only leave her pack, but to attempt to make herself completely human so she can be with Connell forever. That is not something Daciana's pack or her alpha will allow. It is only after a malicious dracwulf, the offspring of a wulfkin and a wild wolf, starts attacking and feasting on Daciana's friends, that she realizes finding a way to be human and with Connell forever is the least of her problems.
Daciana is forced to lie continuously to the man she loves, hunt down a blood-thirsty monster, stride a careful line in pack politics, and search for a cure to her moonwulf status. No sweat, right?
As I said before, I thought that the premise of this story was incredibly unique and intriguing. The whole werewolves having sex with real wolves and creating pups was a little, uh, unnerving, but I have never seen it done before, so there's that. The problem I found in this book was instead of having a clear rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion, as is the general format, it went up and down. Every time I felt the story was coming to a comfortable close, something else would happen and continue the story. It was a bit frustrating and caused the book to feel drawn out and lose some of its appeal.
With the romance, I find that I generally connect better with characters when I can see their romance unfold. In this book, the romance is already established so the "I love you so much" phrases thrown around sounded a little forced.
Negativity aside, I must have found something in it that appealed to me since I didn't struggle too much to read it. I read it in a matter of two days and was content with it. I didn't leave the reading experience regretting the time spent.
Cloaked in Fur is a twist on werewolf lore coupled with a Romeo and Juliet-esk love. It introduces it's reader to a fantasy world unlike any they have seen before.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Jase by MJ Fields
I received an e-copy of this book from publishers in exchange for an honest review.
What immediately drew me to this book was the cover. The bright blue text with a sexy tattooed man on the front. I had just fallen into a book hangover from the Marked Men series written by Jay Crownover and was looking for another new adult series that was remoniscent of the books that had stolen my heart. I figured I would give Jase a try. That coupled with the fact that I got to experience a new author for the first time. Always a bonus in my book.
Jase opens with Carly, a nineteen-year-old college student who is visiting her father over summer break in New Jersey. While bumming around town with her cousin, Abe, she gets dragged to a couple beach parties. There she meets a dimpled sex god of a man, Jase. Despite her better judgment Carly starts hanging out with Jase. As she gets to know more and more about him she starts to develop feelings for him without even realizing it at first. It is only after Jase gets wind that Carly is turning their fun "fake dates" into possibly more in her mind, that he tries to sever ties. Not long after that, he realizes what a stupid mistake that is and runs back to Carly. Carly tries to resist, knowing that she is going back to college and her mother soon. She knows having a long distance relationship of any kind with a playboy like Jase Steel is nothing but a pipe dream. Irregardless, she can't seem to keep distance between her and the illustrious Jase.
So starts a whirlwind romance that features a damaged boy just looking to no longer be deemed the loser of Jersey shore and a naive girl who has no clue what love and heartache is until she is beaten over the head with it.
This book was kind of all over the place. The writing was almost immature at times (what with the use of "who-who" in the place of other, more well used terms for female genitalia), but after completing the book, I realized was just Fields's way of emphasizing the innocence of Carly. It was a little hard to get through the first little bit of the book BECAUSE Carly was almost child-like in a lot of her mannerisms. It made the sexual tension a bit uncomfortable.
This is not to say that there were not redeeming qualities of the book. I did like the switching perspectives. Often stories are a bit one-sided, especially when written in first person narrative. Both characters where pretty introverted about certain situations so it was nice to gain a little insight each way. Unfortunately, that is probably the only thing I liked about the book sad as it is to say.
Really this book was just not my cup of tea. I can see where the author was going with certain aspects of her writing, but I just couldn't find any sort of connection with the characters. I didn't feel drawn into the story and when that happens it makes reading become more of a chore. I really wanted to like the book but sadly it was a swing and a miss for me personally.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
1.0
I received an e-copy of this book from publishers in exchange for an honest review.
What immediately drew me to this book was the cover. The bright blue text with a sexy tattooed man on the front. I had just fallen into a book hangover from the Marked Men series written by Jay Crownover and was looking for another new adult series that was remoniscent of the books that had stolen my heart. I figured I would give Jase a try. That coupled with the fact that I got to experience a new author for the first time. Always a bonus in my book.
Jase opens with Carly, a nineteen-year-old college student who is visiting her father over summer break in New Jersey. While bumming around town with her cousin, Abe, she gets dragged to a couple beach parties. There she meets a dimpled sex god of a man, Jase. Despite her better judgment Carly starts hanging out with Jase. As she gets to know more and more about him she starts to develop feelings for him without even realizing it at first. It is only after Jase gets wind that Carly is turning their fun "fake dates" into possibly more in her mind, that he tries to sever ties. Not long after that, he realizes what a stupid mistake that is and runs back to Carly. Carly tries to resist, knowing that she is going back to college and her mother soon. She knows having a long distance relationship of any kind with a playboy like Jase Steel is nothing but a pipe dream. Irregardless, she can't seem to keep distance between her and the illustrious Jase.
So starts a whirlwind romance that features a damaged boy just looking to no longer be deemed the loser of Jersey shore and a naive girl who has no clue what love and heartache is until she is beaten over the head with it.
This book was kind of all over the place. The writing was almost immature at times (what with the use of "who-who" in the place of other, more well used terms for female genitalia), but after completing the book, I realized was just Fields's way of emphasizing the innocence of Carly. It was a little hard to get through the first little bit of the book BECAUSE Carly was almost child-like in a lot of her mannerisms. It made the sexual tension a bit uncomfortable.
This is not to say that there were not redeeming qualities of the book. I did like the switching perspectives. Often stories are a bit one-sided, especially when written in first person narrative. Both characters where pretty introverted about certain situations so it was nice to gain a little insight each way. Unfortunately, that is probably the only thing I liked about the book sad as it is to say.
Really this book was just not my cup of tea. I can see where the author was going with certain aspects of her writing, but I just couldn't find any sort of connection with the characters. I didn't feel drawn into the story and when that happens it makes reading become more of a chore. I really wanted to like the book but sadly it was a swing and a miss for me personally.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Harder by Robin York
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was absolutely devastated when West and Caroline had to part ways after reading the first book, but knowing that there was a sequel made me rest easy that they would find their way back to each other in some form. After Deeper shook up my world I decided to keep on rocking away and pick up the second book as soon as humanly possible. That possibility just happened to present itself at 4 in the morning. I didn't get much sleep to say the least, but I had a feeling this book would be well worth the sacrifice.
Caroline has not heard from West except sporadically since he left her at the airport and ventured back to his hometown in hopes of protecting his baby sister from the fall out of his tumultuous, troublemaker parents. She was hurt and angry that he threw the promise to keep in contact with her away and started his life over without her. That anger and hurt gets put on the back burner when West calls and informs her his father has been killed. Caroline books the first plane she can to get to him and be by his side. When she arrives West is anything but welcoming. Every word out of his mouth is about how she shouldn't be there or that she should consider going home. West is determined to drive Caroline back out of his life. He even goes to great lengths to hurt and destroy whatever love she carries for him until finally Caroline doesn't know if her love is strong enough for the both of them.
West knew the minute he got back into his hometown that he would never get out again. He had resigned himself to living and dying in the horrible town of Silt, Oregon. He wanted better for Caroline. He knew if he asked she'd move there and be by his side forever. She deserved more than that. She had already had her life practically destroyed by her last ex. He wasn't going to do that to her as well. However, even after pushing Caroline away as forcefully as he can, he finds himself caught up in the storm he caused and thrust back right where he started. He can't hope to win Caroline back, despite the fact that she seems determined to make herself available to him if he ever decides to try.
Where most of Deeper was about Caroline overcoming her obstacles and realizing her worth, Harder was West's turn. West was forced to reevaluate how he felt for himself. He was forced to strive to better his world and that of his baby sister. West seemed even more damaged than Caroline was after her revenge porn situation. West has always known disappointment and that is all he feels he deserves. I wanted to shake West through the entire book for being so stubborn and pigheaded. I wanted him to see how important he was to his sister and Caroline and have him finally realize he could do great things despite his past. I cried a lot more through this book than I did through the first one. I wanted to hug West so hard the entire story. Poor guy. You sure know how to create a disturbed male lead, Robin.
Harder shows the layers of a troubled man and his determination to do right by his family and the woman he loves.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
4.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was absolutely devastated when West and Caroline had to part ways after reading the first book, but knowing that there was a sequel made me rest easy that they would find their way back to each other in some form. After Deeper shook up my world I decided to keep on rocking away and pick up the second book as soon as humanly possible. That possibility just happened to present itself at 4 in the morning. I didn't get much sleep to say the least, but I had a feeling this book would be well worth the sacrifice.
Caroline has not heard from West except sporadically since he left her at the airport and ventured back to his hometown in hopes of protecting his baby sister from the fall out of his tumultuous, troublemaker parents. She was hurt and angry that he threw the promise to keep in contact with her away and started his life over without her. That anger and hurt gets put on the back burner when West calls and informs her his father has been killed. Caroline books the first plane she can to get to him and be by his side. When she arrives West is anything but welcoming. Every word out of his mouth is about how she shouldn't be there or that she should consider going home. West is determined to drive Caroline back out of his life. He even goes to great lengths to hurt and destroy whatever love she carries for him until finally Caroline doesn't know if her love is strong enough for the both of them.
West knew the minute he got back into his hometown that he would never get out again. He had resigned himself to living and dying in the horrible town of Silt, Oregon. He wanted better for Caroline. He knew if he asked she'd move there and be by his side forever. She deserved more than that. She had already had her life practically destroyed by her last ex. He wasn't going to do that to her as well. However, even after pushing Caroline away as forcefully as he can, he finds himself caught up in the storm he caused and thrust back right where he started. He can't hope to win Caroline back, despite the fact that she seems determined to make herself available to him if he ever decides to try.
Where most of Deeper was about Caroline overcoming her obstacles and realizing her worth, Harder was West's turn. West was forced to reevaluate how he felt for himself. He was forced to strive to better his world and that of his baby sister. West seemed even more damaged than Caroline was after her revenge porn situation. West has always known disappointment and that is all he feels he deserves. I wanted to shake West through the entire book for being so stubborn and pigheaded. I wanted him to see how important he was to his sister and Caroline and have him finally realize he could do great things despite his past. I cried a lot more through this book than I did through the first one. I wanted to hug West so hard the entire story. Poor guy. You sure know how to create a disturbed male lead, Robin.
Harder shows the layers of a troubled man and his determination to do right by his family and the woman he loves.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Elite by Rachel Van Dyken
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I have said in some reviews, I work at a bookstore. It's actually the best way to learn about new authors outside of being a blogger. I had seen a few Rachel Van Dyken books come through the way and was intrigued. When I realized that I actually had a few of her books for review I was even more determined to give this new author (new to me at least) a gander and see if I liked what I read. This series, The Eagle Elite, was not one I had heard about from her. After reading the synopsis my immediate impression was, 'Ooo, secret society?' I wanted to see if my assumption was correct.
Tracey didn't know what to expect when she started school at Eagle Elite University. She knew she would be surrounded by distinguished, upper-class students and wasn't sure how a farm girl from Wyoming would fit in. Her determination to do right for her grandfather after her grandmother's death was the driving force behind her remaining at the school. The students made her life hell. Especially the students in an elite group called The Elect. Nixon, their leader, seemed to have a personal vendetta against her. She sustained tarnished remarks to her reputation, physical and emotional abuse, and all sorts of torment from her classmates. Nixon, while maintaining a superior air, started making it known that she was protected by him. It was then that Tracey started forming a love-hate relationship with the Student Body President.
Eventually Tracey found out that there was more than meets the eye with the handsome Nixon and his posse. What she finds out makes her question who she is, where she comes from, and why she feels so connected and familiar with Nixon.
I genuinely liked this story. I got a little misty when I saw all the torment that Tracey went through. I was even more teary eyed when I started to see just how much Nixon truly cares about her. Everything he does has a reason behind it and most often it's his misguided way of protecting her. I liked the connection between Nixon and Tracey and found them to be an amazing pair of protagonists. I liked the whole secret society situation that appears to be going on and then eventually finding out it's totally different. I had a hard time truly finding much to dislike about this book, which is amazing for me. I normally find at least SOMETHING I don't like.
I think Elite and the Eagle Elite series would be perfect for someone who likes to be surprised at every turn or someone who likes to watch a couple who don't immediately fall in love at first sight. Tracey and Nixon work at their relationship. It's not handed to them. It makes the story believable and real. We all need a little reality in our fiction or the thrill of getting lost in the author's world isn't as satisfying.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
5.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I have said in some reviews, I work at a bookstore. It's actually the best way to learn about new authors outside of being a blogger. I had seen a few Rachel Van Dyken books come through the way and was intrigued. When I realized that I actually had a few of her books for review I was even more determined to give this new author (new to me at least) a gander and see if I liked what I read. This series, The Eagle Elite, was not one I had heard about from her. After reading the synopsis my immediate impression was, 'Ooo, secret society?' I wanted to see if my assumption was correct.
Tracey didn't know what to expect when she started school at Eagle Elite University. She knew she would be surrounded by distinguished, upper-class students and wasn't sure how a farm girl from Wyoming would fit in. Her determination to do right for her grandfather after her grandmother's death was the driving force behind her remaining at the school. The students made her life hell. Especially the students in an elite group called The Elect. Nixon, their leader, seemed to have a personal vendetta against her. She sustained tarnished remarks to her reputation, physical and emotional abuse, and all sorts of torment from her classmates. Nixon, while maintaining a superior air, started making it known that she was protected by him. It was then that Tracey started forming a love-hate relationship with the Student Body President.
Eventually Tracey found out that there was more than meets the eye with the handsome Nixon and his posse. What she finds out makes her question who she is, where she comes from, and why she feels so connected and familiar with Nixon.
I genuinely liked this story. I got a little misty when I saw all the torment that Tracey went through. I was even more teary eyed when I started to see just how much Nixon truly cares about her. Everything he does has a reason behind it and most often it's his misguided way of protecting her. I liked the connection between Nixon and Tracey and found them to be an amazing pair of protagonists. I liked the whole secret society situation that appears to be going on and then eventually finding out it's totally different. I had a hard time truly finding much to dislike about this book, which is amazing for me. I normally find at least SOMETHING I don't like.
I think Elite and the Eagle Elite series would be perfect for someone who likes to be surprised at every turn or someone who likes to watch a couple who don't immediately fall in love at first sight. Tracey and Nixon work at their relationship. It's not handed to them. It makes the story believable and real. We all need a little reality in our fiction or the thrill of getting lost in the author's world isn't as satisfying.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have a healthy respect for the military. I love our men and women in the various armed services and am incredibly thankful for their dedication to protecting this country I live in. Since it was quickly approaching Veteran's Day I wanted something with a little patriotism in it. Something that would make me remember what the people of the military have done over the year. When I read the synopsis I was immediately dragged in. Having to face the death of a parent who was overseas is something more and more people have had to deal with. So I picked up Rebecca Yarros's book and dove in.
December, "Ember", Howard had what she believed was the perfect life until that fateful day when the military men came to her door to announce her father having passed away. Instead of falling apart as the rest of her family did, Ember picked herself up and did what was best for those around her. She refused to let herself feel the hurt she was drowning under because she needed to be there for her siblings and mother. Throughout the course of the book, we watch Ember struggle. Internalizing all that pain and regret slowly eats away at her. That is, until Josh comes on the scene.
Josh comes in and completely captivates Ember. He is there for her when she needs him most and refuses to back down even when she tries to push him away. He is a well known playboy and Ember doesn't feel she has time to be just another notch on his bedpost. However, for whatever reason, Josh seems more smitten with Ember than she had thought. But even Josh has his secrets. Secrets that could end Ember's recovery and threaten to destroy her all over again.
I was enthralled by this book from page one to the very end. I ugly cried so much it became a public service to make sure I read it in the confines of my bedroom and away from those who had to witness my emotional breakdowns. I felt my heart break for Ember and I also felt anxious to drag Josh closer to her when she pushed him away. I found the characters relateable and absolutely perfect. The subject matter was absolutely devastating and made me even more thankful to the soldiers in reality who devote their lives to the service. Also, despite Ember being completely against military men after her father's death, the book made me long for my own man in blue. The uniform, ladies, the uniform. Delicious.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
4.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have a healthy respect for the military. I love our men and women in the various armed services and am incredibly thankful for their dedication to protecting this country I live in. Since it was quickly approaching Veteran's Day I wanted something with a little patriotism in it. Something that would make me remember what the people of the military have done over the year. When I read the synopsis I was immediately dragged in. Having to face the death of a parent who was overseas is something more and more people have had to deal with. So I picked up Rebecca Yarros's book and dove in.
December, "Ember", Howard had what she believed was the perfect life until that fateful day when the military men came to her door to announce her father having passed away. Instead of falling apart as the rest of her family did, Ember picked herself up and did what was best for those around her. She refused to let herself feel the hurt she was drowning under because she needed to be there for her siblings and mother. Throughout the course of the book, we watch Ember struggle. Internalizing all that pain and regret slowly eats away at her. That is, until Josh comes on the scene.
Josh comes in and completely captivates Ember. He is there for her when she needs him most and refuses to back down even when she tries to push him away. He is a well known playboy and Ember doesn't feel she has time to be just another notch on his bedpost. However, for whatever reason, Josh seems more smitten with Ember than she had thought. But even Josh has his secrets. Secrets that could end Ember's recovery and threaten to destroy her all over again.
I was enthralled by this book from page one to the very end. I ugly cried so much it became a public service to make sure I read it in the confines of my bedroom and away from those who had to witness my emotional breakdowns. I felt my heart break for Ember and I also felt anxious to drag Josh closer to her when she pushed him away. I found the characters relateable and absolutely perfect. The subject matter was absolutely devastating and made me even more thankful to the soldiers in reality who devote their lives to the service. Also, despite Ember being completely against military men after her father's death, the book made me long for my own man in blue. The uniform, ladies, the uniform. Delicious.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Layers by Sigal Ehrlich
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I read this, I had not read any Erotica in a long time. I had stuck my head in the proverbial paranormal romance sand and hadn't ventured out. I thought I was due a change so through random draw of all my review books, this one was selected. I went into it with an open mind as I knew there would be no hunky vampires are troubled werewolves to be found. Could I venture out of my comfort zone for a sexy bit of smut?
Hayley has no desire to be hired at the job she is interviewing for. Her friend and roommate conned her into coming with her and so, Hayley did the dutiful best friend thing and went along. As she ventures away from the group to find much needed caffeine she bumps into what she suspects is just another worker named Daniel in the office. They exchange witty comments and leave with smiles. Eventually Hayley starts receiving emails from the CEO of the company she had been interviewing for asking her to come in for a follow up interview. She goes and lo and behold the coffee room conversationalist is no more than the owner of the company. Thinking back on the less than courtesy words Hayley said about the CEO and his company she is utterly humiliated. She leaves in a huff but Daniel has found something special in Hayley and is not willing to let her go.
Hayley decides to explore things with the hot and incredibly domineering CEO. This is her chance to explore a situation where she can explore sex without frivolous emotions getting involved. She is saying goodbye to her need for love and companionship and getting a few orgasms along the way doesn't hurt. But the more time Hayley and Daniel spend together the deeper their feelings grow until they must confront the fact that their no strings attached arrangement may no longer work for them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the alpha male vibe that Daniel exuded. That just plan does it for me. And then to see Hayley give Daniel hurtles to jump through and forcing him to face situations that he would normally shy away from was absolutely adorable. I loved these two characters and the chemistry between them was red hot. I normally like to let myself be drawn into books so I can actually attempt to experience the things characters are. When reading Erotica that makes the experience even more fun. I could identify with Hayley. I have been where she has been where love and relationships just don't seem worth it anymore. That sort of experience in a book is rare and always welcomed.
I think if you like hot sex scenes with a quirky, fun female protagonist and a domineering, troubled bad boy then Layers is the book for you!
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
4.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I read this, I had not read any Erotica in a long time. I had stuck my head in the proverbial paranormal romance sand and hadn't ventured out. I thought I was due a change so through random draw of all my review books, this one was selected. I went into it with an open mind as I knew there would be no hunky vampires are troubled werewolves to be found. Could I venture out of my comfort zone for a sexy bit of smut?
Hayley has no desire to be hired at the job she is interviewing for. Her friend and roommate conned her into coming with her and so, Hayley did the dutiful best friend thing and went along. As she ventures away from the group to find much needed caffeine she bumps into what she suspects is just another worker named Daniel in the office. They exchange witty comments and leave with smiles. Eventually Hayley starts receiving emails from the CEO of the company she had been interviewing for asking her to come in for a follow up interview. She goes and lo and behold the coffee room conversationalist is no more than the owner of the company. Thinking back on the less than courtesy words Hayley said about the CEO and his company she is utterly humiliated. She leaves in a huff but Daniel has found something special in Hayley and is not willing to let her go.
Hayley decides to explore things with the hot and incredibly domineering CEO. This is her chance to explore a situation where she can explore sex without frivolous emotions getting involved. She is saying goodbye to her need for love and companionship and getting a few orgasms along the way doesn't hurt. But the more time Hayley and Daniel spend together the deeper their feelings grow until they must confront the fact that their no strings attached arrangement may no longer work for them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the alpha male vibe that Daniel exuded. That just plan does it for me. And then to see Hayley give Daniel hurtles to jump through and forcing him to face situations that he would normally shy away from was absolutely adorable. I loved these two characters and the chemistry between them was red hot. I normally like to let myself be drawn into books so I can actually attempt to experience the things characters are. When reading Erotica that makes the experience even more fun. I could identify with Hayley. I have been where she has been where love and relationships just don't seem worth it anymore. That sort of experience in a book is rare and always welcomed.
I think if you like hot sex scenes with a quirky, fun female protagonist and a domineering, troubled bad boy then Layers is the book for you!
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Blackout by Robison Wells
I had never read any books by Robison Wells but I had heard about her Variant series and was anxious to try out her writing for the first time. A dystopian book about X-Men-esk teens was the perfect place to start in my opinion.
Aubrey and Jack were friends in elementary school, but once they entered high school they drifted apart. Aubrey became one of the popular girl with the help of the queen bee of the school, Nicole. Aubrey was happy for the most part, but she also felt like a freak. Aubrey could disappear. Not metaphorically, physically. Once the queen bee of her school found this out, she used Aubrey to spy for her. One such mission ended up causing Aubrey to witness the military breaking into their school dance and shooting one of their students dead. The student wasn't a regular student though. He was like Aubrey. He had powers. He was a freak.
Aubrey stumbles across Jack as she flees the military and they start on the run together. Eventually they are caught anyway and that is where they learn the truth about their crumbling world. There are terrorists bent on destroying America. The terrorists are teenagers with abilities just like Aubrey's. The military now needs Aubrey and even Jack's help shutting down the terrorists, but what they don't know is some of the teenagers who are meant to fight the terrorists may be terrorists themselves. Aubrey and Jack must find a way to survive while also dealing with a blossoming romance. Can they save their country or are they better off running as far and as fast as they can?
I was not too fond of Aubrey's character. She was just all over the place. She was wimpy in the beginning and then she was the ideal soldier and then she got wimpy again. I got pretty sick of her rollercoaster of personality shifts. The saving grace for the book was Jack. I loved Jack. He was determined, level-headed, and even romantic at times. I think if he would have had a better leading lady, the book would have been a smashing success.
Now, let me not dwell on Aubrey's shortcomings. The story line was unusual and unique. I loved the variance of powers the teenagers could present with. I would have liked a bit more background on the terrorists and why they were doing what they were doing, but I am hoping that will be covered in later books. It was unnerving how likely this sort of situation could possibly happen. Teenagers are loose cannons, give them powers to destroy and see if they don't find a reason to do just that.
Blackout is a paranormal spin on a plausible apocalyptic occurrence. It's a glowing example of what science fiction truly is.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
3.0
I had never read any books by Robison Wells but I had heard about her Variant series and was anxious to try out her writing for the first time. A dystopian book about X-Men-esk teens was the perfect place to start in my opinion.
Aubrey and Jack were friends in elementary school, but once they entered high school they drifted apart. Aubrey became one of the popular girl with the help of the queen bee of the school, Nicole. Aubrey was happy for the most part, but she also felt like a freak. Aubrey could disappear. Not metaphorically, physically. Once the queen bee of her school found this out, she used Aubrey to spy for her. One such mission ended up causing Aubrey to witness the military breaking into their school dance and shooting one of their students dead. The student wasn't a regular student though. He was like Aubrey. He had powers. He was a freak.
Aubrey stumbles across Jack as she flees the military and they start on the run together. Eventually they are caught anyway and that is where they learn the truth about their crumbling world. There are terrorists bent on destroying America. The terrorists are teenagers with abilities just like Aubrey's. The military now needs Aubrey and even Jack's help shutting down the terrorists, but what they don't know is some of the teenagers who are meant to fight the terrorists may be terrorists themselves. Aubrey and Jack must find a way to survive while also dealing with a blossoming romance. Can they save their country or are they better off running as far and as fast as they can?
I was not too fond of Aubrey's character. She was just all over the place. She was wimpy in the beginning and then she was the ideal soldier and then she got wimpy again. I got pretty sick of her rollercoaster of personality shifts. The saving grace for the book was Jack. I loved Jack. He was determined, level-headed, and even romantic at times. I think if he would have had a better leading lady, the book would have been a smashing success.
Now, let me not dwell on Aubrey's shortcomings. The story line was unusual and unique. I loved the variance of powers the teenagers could present with. I would have liked a bit more background on the terrorists and why they were doing what they were doing, but I am hoping that will be covered in later books. It was unnerving how likely this sort of situation could possibly happen. Teenagers are loose cannons, give them powers to destroy and see if they don't find a reason to do just that.
Blackout is a paranormal spin on a plausible apocalyptic occurrence. It's a glowing example of what science fiction truly is.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Fierce by Clarissa Wild
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I choose to read this book? Two words. Cover. Appeal. Who can honestly look at this cover and say 'nah, not today'? I was curious about Clarissa Wild's writing since I had not read anything by her as of yet. I figured while I am exploring new authors, why not try this New Adult read out and see what I think. On a side note, the downfall of e-books is you can't close the book and admire the cover without losing your place. It's unfortunate in the case of this book.
Autumn is your typical nerd girl. She doesn't normally go out and have fun because there is studying to do. Her parents are not well off so the fact that they saved every penny they could to send her to college just makes her that much more adamant to do her best. She has never had a hard time focusing on schoolwork before. That is, before Hunter. He comes into her life with his smug smirks and stormy gray eyes and completely unsettles her. Autumn finds herself doing things she never would have thought she'd do. But Hunter has secrets that Autumn is dying to get to the root of at any cost. The boy that intrigues her so much is a mystery she longs to unravel.
Hunter has secrets all right and they all seem to center around his brother. He is involved in something nefarious and he just wants to do what he has to do to survive, but Autumn is a road block he wasn't prepared for. Hunter tries to push her away. He tries to tell her he is no good for her, but the sweet bookworm doesn't seem to believe him. Hunter has had a life of being seen as a bad seed, but Autumn seems to see him as much more.
Can Autumn find out what is going on with Hunter and help him find his way out of his troubles? Or will she simply be another smug conquest of Hunter's?
When I first started reading the book, I longed to love it. I wanted so badly to find a book about a nerd who finds love with a hunky bad boy. But, it just wasn't there for me. The writing was a little lackluster and the story just didn't jibe well. It spent most of it's time relaying how scared and emotional Autumn was every single time she thought about Hunter, saw Hunter, touched Hunter... it got tedious and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot of the time. I wanted to fall in love with the characters but they just didn't feel real to me. They didn't suck me in like other authors have been able to do.
Also, there was a gross overuse of the word 'chortle' and 'fazed'. I ended up more focused on shaking my head and grumbling over another use of either of these words than I was on getting engaged in the story. In the case of 'chortle', it got so bad that now, if I see the word I internally grimace. It's a weird word to begin with but having it uttered almost ever ten pages made the word painful within the confines of my mind.
One last pet peeve I found in the book was the fact that the author seemed to gloss over the word 'lesbian' but had absolutely no problem saying words like 'pussy'. If the homosexuality was such an uneasy topic that the correct term can't be uttered, then why include it at all?
I really wanted to like this book. I was DYING to love this book so I could buy a physical copy for my shelf of hunktastic cover models, but it wasn't there for me. It was just not written to the level I would have liked and the characters were not developed as thoroughly as they should have been.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
1.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I choose to read this book? Two words. Cover. Appeal. Who can honestly look at this cover and say 'nah, not today'? I was curious about Clarissa Wild's writing since I had not read anything by her as of yet. I figured while I am exploring new authors, why not try this New Adult read out and see what I think. On a side note, the downfall of e-books is you can't close the book and admire the cover without losing your place. It's unfortunate in the case of this book.
Autumn is your typical nerd girl. She doesn't normally go out and have fun because there is studying to do. Her parents are not well off so the fact that they saved every penny they could to send her to college just makes her that much more adamant to do her best. She has never had a hard time focusing on schoolwork before. That is, before Hunter. He comes into her life with his smug smirks and stormy gray eyes and completely unsettles her. Autumn finds herself doing things she never would have thought she'd do. But Hunter has secrets that Autumn is dying to get to the root of at any cost. The boy that intrigues her so much is a mystery she longs to unravel.
Hunter has secrets all right and they all seem to center around his brother. He is involved in something nefarious and he just wants to do what he has to do to survive, but Autumn is a road block he wasn't prepared for. Hunter tries to push her away. He tries to tell her he is no good for her, but the sweet bookworm doesn't seem to believe him. Hunter has had a life of being seen as a bad seed, but Autumn seems to see him as much more.
Can Autumn find out what is going on with Hunter and help him find his way out of his troubles? Or will she simply be another smug conquest of Hunter's?
When I first started reading the book, I longed to love it. I wanted so badly to find a book about a nerd who finds love with a hunky bad boy. But, it just wasn't there for me. The writing was a little lackluster and the story just didn't jibe well. It spent most of it's time relaying how scared and emotional Autumn was every single time she thought about Hunter, saw Hunter, touched Hunter... it got tedious and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot of the time. I wanted to fall in love with the characters but they just didn't feel real to me. They didn't suck me in like other authors have been able to do.
Also, there was a gross overuse of the word 'chortle' and 'fazed'. I ended up more focused on shaking my head and grumbling over another use of either of these words than I was on getting engaged in the story. In the case of 'chortle', it got so bad that now, if I see the word I internally grimace. It's a weird word to begin with but having it uttered almost ever ten pages made the word painful within the confines of my mind.
One last pet peeve I found in the book was the fact that the author seemed to gloss over the word 'lesbian' but had absolutely no problem saying words like 'pussy'. If the homosexuality was such an uneasy topic that the correct term can't be uttered, then why include it at all?
I really wanted to like this book. I was DYING to love this book so I could buy a physical copy for my shelf of hunktastic cover models, but it wasn't there for me. It was just not written to the level I would have liked and the characters were not developed as thoroughly as they should have been.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Defy by Sara B. Larson
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have found myself on a debut author kick recently and am trying to branch out and get to know different authors' writing styles. There are so many different facets to them and there are good and bad writers (a lot more of the latter when you attach the word 'debut' to their title). Sara B. Larson is a name I heard a lot about after her book Defy came out. I had gotten the e-book for review but with how large my pile is it seemed to have escaped my review schedule. Of course, I had to rectify this and the medieval fantasy vibe of the book intrigued me to no end.
Alexa, the female protagonist of the story, has had a raw deal her whole life. She has had to pretend to be a boy in order to escape an evil dictator of a king's breeding houses. In these breeding houses girls who have matured enough to procreate are used and abused by the king's soldiers in hopes of creating more and more troops for his army. Alexa's twin brother, upon watching their parents burn to death, decides in flash to make Alexa into Alex, his mirror image by cutting her long hair and putting her in boys clothing.
Alex, determined to survive adapts quickly. She even exceeds expectations by becoming one of the best swordsmen of the Prince's royal guard. Her duty is to protect the haughty Prince Damian from harm, however, when an attack is made on the Prince's life, Alex risks exposing herself to protect her honor and her charge. It is only after she, another guard, Rylan, and Prince Damian are captured that she learns that Rylan's affections may not be as brotherly as she first thought and the Prince's fleeting softening may not simply be because of a trying situation. She finds herself caught in the middle of two men she longs to trust but fears she never will. Can Alex protect herself from discovery, free herself and her men, and find a way to help her kingdom thrive?
Alex is a wonder of a woman. I could not imagine having to watch every move I make or every word I say to remove all feminine quality from them. I couldn't fathom having to live a lie for years just to avoid being raped and tormented my entire existence. Alex is a crazy strong heroine who I found incredibly likable. There were a few characters that I was supposed to like that I just couldn't. One was namely Damian. He just struck me as a weasel of a man with nothing but manipulation in his personality. Rylan seemed the more true at heart and the better match for Alex as she navigated the tough waters of her capture and internal strife.
The love triangle hurts me a little. It truly does. If I were a guy and I was feeling a little something-something for my boss or soldier buddy beside me, I'd be a little skeeved. I'd start wondering if I may be a little gay. Nothing really wrong with that, but... I'd question it, oh, I'd question it. In this book... not so much with the questioning. Odd. To avoid spoilers I will just tell you that you will find out in the book WHY that is and it just leads to further disappointment really. If the book had lacked the romantic aspects of the story, it would have been a fundamentally greater book.
Defy is a classic gender-bender bred and nurtured in a medieval world full of evil sorcerers, ruthless kings, and the pursuit of freedom and honor.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
3.0
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have found myself on a debut author kick recently and am trying to branch out and get to know different authors' writing styles. There are so many different facets to them and there are good and bad writers (a lot more of the latter when you attach the word 'debut' to their title). Sara B. Larson is a name I heard a lot about after her book Defy came out. I had gotten the e-book for review but with how large my pile is it seemed to have escaped my review schedule. Of course, I had to rectify this and the medieval fantasy vibe of the book intrigued me to no end.
Alexa, the female protagonist of the story, has had a raw deal her whole life. She has had to pretend to be a boy in order to escape an evil dictator of a king's breeding houses. In these breeding houses girls who have matured enough to procreate are used and abused by the king's soldiers in hopes of creating more and more troops for his army. Alexa's twin brother, upon watching their parents burn to death, decides in flash to make Alexa into Alex, his mirror image by cutting her long hair and putting her in boys clothing.
Alex, determined to survive adapts quickly. She even exceeds expectations by becoming one of the best swordsmen of the Prince's royal guard. Her duty is to protect the haughty Prince Damian from harm, however, when an attack is made on the Prince's life, Alex risks exposing herself to protect her honor and her charge. It is only after she, another guard, Rylan, and Prince Damian are captured that she learns that Rylan's affections may not be as brotherly as she first thought and the Prince's fleeting softening may not simply be because of a trying situation. She finds herself caught in the middle of two men she longs to trust but fears she never will. Can Alex protect herself from discovery, free herself and her men, and find a way to help her kingdom thrive?
Alex is a wonder of a woman. I could not imagine having to watch every move I make or every word I say to remove all feminine quality from them. I couldn't fathom having to live a lie for years just to avoid being raped and tormented my entire existence. Alex is a crazy strong heroine who I found incredibly likable. There were a few characters that I was supposed to like that I just couldn't. One was namely Damian. He just struck me as a weasel of a man with nothing but manipulation in his personality. Rylan seemed the more true at heart and the better match for Alex as she navigated the tough waters of her capture and internal strife.
The love triangle hurts me a little. It truly does. If I were a guy and I was feeling a little something-something for my boss or soldier buddy beside me, I'd be a little skeeved. I'd start wondering if I may be a little gay. Nothing really wrong with that, but... I'd question it, oh, I'd question it. In this book... not so much with the questioning. Odd. To avoid spoilers I will just tell you that you will find out in the book WHY that is and it just leads to further disappointment really. If the book had lacked the romantic aspects of the story, it would have been a fundamentally greater book.
Defy is a classic gender-bender bred and nurtured in a medieval world full of evil sorcerers, ruthless kings, and the pursuit of freedom and honor.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com