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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
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Monday, March 26, 2012
Review: Soul Bound
Soul Bound
Author: Mari Mancusi
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Blood Coven Series #7
ISBN: #978-0425245477
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format(s): Paperback (272 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Sunny McDonald and her vampire boyfriend Magnus are on the run—accused of treason and wanted alive...or undead. And her own twin sister is the slayer sent to track them down.
Rayne would do anything to save her sister Sunny from the Vampire Consortium dictator who wants her dead. Instead, she’s been commissioned by Slayer Inc. to bring her twin back for justice…which Rayne knows means certain death. She also knows that if she and her boyfriend Jareth go against orders, they’re not only signing their own death warrants, but those of every vampire in the Blood Coven.
As a rival slayer with a personal vendetta moves in, Rayne and Jareth know they must do something to stop her. So they embark on their most dangerous journey yet, deep, down beneath the streets of New York City and through the Gates of the Underworld itself. But when a greedy god demands the ultimate sacrifice, will Rayne be forced to choose--between her sister...and the vampire she loves?
What B is talking about:
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One of the more persistent problems I have with the Blood Coven Series as an adult is the effort it takes for me to remember that this series is all in fun, as well as the notion that it shouldn’t be so much work to do so. Rayne McDonald, in particular, is exasperatingly self-absorbed. She’s impatient, narcissistic, irresponsible, and over-indulged by everyone around her. I’ve never read a character that causes so much chaos and destruction, yet gets praised for her valor and courage by those who’ve suffered the most. It makes me want to bang my head on my desk.
Here’s the fun part though: Soul Bound is not written for adults. Once I put on my mental Doc Martens and stomped my way through the novel, it was a lot of fun. The entire story is filled with a busload of oddities, from a 700-plus-year-old vampire pouting his emo-hazed eternity away (but I kind of like emo—shh—don’t tell!), to a horrific, yet fairly avoidable, slaughter (oops!), and even an Underworld ruled over by a Vampires vs. Zombies-addicted Hades. And Rayne’s the one driving.
The entire story is impossible and fun; even more so than the previous stories in this series I’ve read. The twins are in trouble—again—and it’s up to Rayne to get them out of it. Unfortunately, she seems capable of only the opposite. There are also some horrific moments in the story, and Rayne’s rapidly evaporating guilt over the trouble she causes is difficult to accept. Luckily, Mancusi makes sure there’s a healthy dose of fun waiting just around the corner.
Soul Bound is either incredibly frustrating, or highly entertaining, depending on your frame of mind. I imagine Mancusi must have had a great time writing this novel. I enjoyed this addition to the series more than the others I’ve read, possibly because I gave up any attempt at a grownup analysis of the story, got comfy, and followed wherever the characters led. If you’re in the mood for something breezy and fun to indulge your inner teen vamp fan, this story may be the perfect thing.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Other reviews from this series:
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday Snippet #97
Sweet Enemy
Author: Heather Snow
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
7 February 2012
She took a quick step back when the target was thrust into her face.
Five shots clustered very near the bull’s-eye.
Liliana cleared her throat. “Well done, my lord.”
Stratford lowered the target and glared. “Is that all you have to say?”
“Well, yes, I –“
“Because I can assure you, Miss Claremont, most of my shooting experience has been from the back of a moving horse,” Stratford claimed. “With a rifle, not a pistol.”
Liliana didn’t know what to say, so she nodded.
“So my victory meets your ideals of sportsmanship?”
Liliana nodded again, astounded. Her plan had worked better than she’d thought.
“Did my stance meet your approval?” he challenged. “Not leaning too far forward or back?”
“Your stance was perfect,” she said slowly.
He raised himself to his full height and looked down on her, cocking a raven brow. “So even you, with your uninformed petty little standards, could find nothing wrong with my performance?”
Liliana narrowed her eyes. Uniformed? Petty? She’d had quite enough of his display. Yes, she’d been rude, but he was being a boor.
She stepped toward him, raising herself as well – she was no shrinking violet. “Since you asked,” she said, simply because she couldn’t help herself, “you didn’t hit the center, not even once.”
She could actually see the blood rising up Stratford’s neck to his face before he exploded.
“No one hits the center with a flintlock!” he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. “It takes so long for the powder to ignite, it throws off one’s aim!”
Liliana shrugged.
Stratford’s fist clenched and he gave her such a fierce stare, Liliana feared to take so much as a breath. Not that she sensed he’d do violence to her person, but she’d never seen someone so angry.
Then he collected himself, a mask of indifference slipping over his features. When he spoke, his voice was nonchalant. “But then, what would a woman know of a man’s pursuits?” He capped his mocking words with a shrug of his own and turned away.
Liliana sucked in a breath. Laughter tittered around her, but it hardly registered through the swiftly rising haze of fury. “A man’s pursuits?” she asked, her voice sounding low and dangerous to her ears. Her entire life she’d been told to keep her nose out of men’s pursuits. As if men alone had a brain worth educating. As if only men were capable of understanding complex scientific theory or making any worthy contribution to the world besides babies.
Well not today. Liliana took a bold step forward. “I’d wager, my lord,” she scoffed, “that this woman can not only make that weapon fire faster, but increase its accuracy measurably.”
Stratford stopped and turned back to face her, both brows raised. People around them hushed in expectation. Liliana heard Aunt Eliza’s groan from the crowd.
“And how do you propose to do that?” Stratford asked, sounding more surprised than scornful.
“That is none of your concern,” she snapped. “Do you take my wager or not?”
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Review: Kung Fu Kitties
Today I have a very special review from my son, C-man. C-man enjoys reading, Legos, Star Wars, lacrosse, and karate. He is 8.5 years old and in the second grade. This review was hand-written by C-man and typed (with minor edits) by me (mom). I hope you enjoy C-man’s review of...
Heroes A2Z #11: Kung Fu Kitties
Illustrator: Lys Blakeslee
Release Date: Sept. 7, 2010
Publisher: Sigil Publishing
Heroes A2Z #11
ISBN: #978-0978564285
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Format(s): Paperback (128 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with own funds
About the book:
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Kids, Cats, or Rats.......Who committed the Purrfect Crime? Traverse City, Michigan is home to three extraordinary heroes. Meet Abigail, the oldest. When it comes to sports, she can't be beat. Andrew is her twin. If it has wheels, he can ride it. Baby Zoe is the youngest but also the strongest. Don't let the diaper fool you. In this adventure things get hairy. Famous felines Chuck Morris, Moose Lee, and Lucy Mew prowl into town to promote a new kung fu dojo. But when all the milk goes missing, the heroes know that Traverse City hasn't gone to the dogs.
What C-man is talking about:
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The heroes (Abigail, Andrew and Zoe) watch their favorite TV show called Kung Fu Kitties. But this episode is special because Mr. Meowee (the kitties’ teacher) is opening up a dojo where the heroes live! When the heroes go to the new dojo, the kitties act like bullies. Something is strange, so the heroes spy on them from a store, and they are right! The heroes and kitties fight. The kitties win and tie up the heroes. They pour milk on the heroes (to frame them), and one of them calls the cops.
When the cops arrive, the heroes are arrested. They are put behind bars. Across from Zoe (who is a baby), was General Chaos (see Heroes A2Z #3: Cherry Bomb Squad). He kept saying “Now who’s behind bars?” He couldn’t stop laughing. Zoe started to cry. She cries so hard that it goes to the window and it leeks out! When a police officer opens the door, tears flow out! Zoe escapes! She frees her siblings too. Then they go to the dojo where the kitties are. They crash through the doors, and to the heroes’ surprise, the kitties are in cages! “Look behind you,” Mr. Meowee says. Andrew looks and there is the kitties’ arch enemy, the Rattler!
I really liked Kung Fu Kitties. One of my favorite things about the book is that Zoe always says one word at a time, and the word starts with the same letter as the title of the book. In this book, she might say “King.” I also liked how the Rattler was illustrated. I thought it was funny that the teacher’s name, Mr. Meowee, is like Mr. Miyagi from the movie The Karate Kid.
One of my favorite parts of the story was how the kitties framed the heroes and made it look like they were the bad guys. There is a picture on page 49 where the kitties are drawn to look like the heroes. Another of my favorite parts is near the end of the book, there is a chase with the Rattler and Abigail in a corn field.
The only thing I didn’t like is I wish they put in more writing!
C-man’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Friday, March 23, 2012
Reviews: Winterborne & Ravenstroke
Winterborne & Ravenstoke
Author: Augusta Blythe
Release Date: Winterborne: January 27, 2012
Ravenstoke: February 8, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Universe Unbound Books #1 & 2
ISBN: Winterborne 978-1469930473
Ravenstoke 978-1469966113
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Winterborne - Paperback (300 pgs), e-book
Ravenstoke - Paperback (228 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Winterborne:
Sixteen-year-old Mia Winterborne is destined to be special. Details are sketchy, though, as her dad disappeared when she was five. Mia only knows that she'll inherit her kickass superpowers on her seventeenth birthday. Helping Mia prepare for her anticipated ascendancy is Loie Bryce, her best friend and eternal sidekick extraordinaire. The girls' intense friendship has never wavered until now, when Andreas arrives in Salcey Ridge. They both fall hard for the British hottie, who quickly becomes a fixture in their lives. When they discover that Andreas is not who he appears to be, the frightening reality of Mia's powers finally hits home. The nearer Mia's birthday draws, the more the danger escalates and long-buried lies are exposed, putting the girls on a path that they never expected.
Ravenstoke:
In Winterborne, Loie and Mia's seventeenth birthdays brought more drama and surprises than they ever expected. Now, in Ravenstoke, they are adjusting to the aftermath and struggling to keep those newfound powers in check. When Andreas is called away to England under mysterious circumstances, a new guy is sent to Salcey Ridge in his place. Cian is smarmy and cocksure and Loie wants nothing more than to unleash a hellhound on him. Unfortunately, Cian isn't the only complication in their lives as the girls must also contend with the reappearance of Mr. Winterborne himself and Loie's most dreaded fear of all - a part in the school musical. Can the girls survive the rest of junior year unscathed?
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Winterborne was a great YA read. I liked the world-building, and I was glad that I had the first book of the series to read, so I wouldn't miss anything. Had I read only Ravenstoke, I think I may have been a little lost.
There were some great plot twists that I hadn't predicted in Winterborne. While I felt most of the story was predictable, the twists threw me for a loop! When they presented themselves, about ¾ of the way through the story, I couldn't put it down. Loie is the back-seat heroine throughout most of the story. It's told from her perspective. I really liked seeing how things looked from her point-of-view. Mia, Loie's best friend, was supposed to gain magical powers on her 17th birthday. Coincidentally, Loie and Mia share the same birthday. Watching the 'girl-drama' between Loie & Mia was NOT the high point of the story for me. While realistic, the story would have been a better fit for me if that part had been left out. I get the mooning over the same guy; I get the conflict...but I HATE girl-drama! I was glad to see it end.
Andreas, the mysterious protector that appeared over the summer is a Universal. He has powers as well. He also is the keeper of a tremendous secret that has the potential to rip apart the Loie-Mia-Andreas triangle. While we do get a description of Andreas, it's not crystal-clear, and I found my mental image of him shifting throughout the story.
With all the 'normal' high school events that kids attend during high school, as well as some external forces, Loie and Mia had a prom they won't soon forget. Even though they weren't speaking, I did like the resolution to the girl-drama during the prom scene.
I didn't find any poignant quotes that stuck with me while reading Winterborne. The typical introverted high school student that was Loie left me with a yearning for a stronger lead character/narrator. While Ms. Blythe did an excellent job with world-building, Winterborne was one of those reads I was OK with finishing.
Ravenstoke picks up where Winterborne leaves off. Loie is 'in training', and spending a lot of time with Andreas, consequently. While she's continuing her high school curricula, Loie appears to definitely be preoccupied with her Universal status and the learning curve. Even though Andreas appears to be an excellent teacher, I get the feeling that Loie's skills are beyond his capacity.
Loie is really snarky. I love it! In the first 10% of Ravenstoke, Loie realizes that many of her acquaintances are partaking of the ritualistic pairing-off into coupledom. Here's a snippet of her sarcastic tongue:
...When did all of this pairing off happen and why have I missed the love train? Surrounded by couples on all sides, I fight the urge to feel jealous and lonely. A few locker doors fly open around me and the loud, clanking sound jolts me back to earth. I glance around furtively, hoping no one has noticed. Everyone is too busy sucking face so I quietly pop each door closed. I remind myself that I have more important concerns than a boyfriend. Deadly Ancients that want to kill me. Powers that require a little fine-tuning. On the other hand, maybe there's a dating website exclusively for Universals. Energy-controlling girl seeks shape shifting boy. Reptiles and rodents need not apply. I'll have to ask Andreas in a quiet moment.
Well, Loie doesn't have to wait long for romance to come knocking on her door! Andreas leaves for a special assignment (as though keeping Loie safe & training here weren't enough), and Cian (pronounced Keene...like the band) arrives on the scene. He implies that he is Andreas' replacement. I really enjoyed watching Loie & Cian's relationship evolve over the course of the book. Cian is very understanding and patient with Loie. He gets that she has Daddy Issues. The most important thing that Cian does for Loie is to give her confidence in herself. He impressed upon her that she can harness her powers on her own, and that if she had a skilled guide, she could move at a faster rate in her training.
Soooo... Loie & Mia join drama club so they can go on the trip to England. So Mia can hopefully see Andreas. Behind her mother's back. Bad teen. Loie learns a lot about the Universals while she's there. She also learns more about different races of Ancients. More than she'd like to know.
Ravenstoke had a great plot arc, and the characters rounded out more with this title. I felt like I knew Loie, Andreas, Mia and Georgia, as well as Cian. I was even pleased with the way Loie's Daddy Issues resolved. I'm going to actually miss these characters, and their interaction. However, I do look forward to reading future installments of this series.
VampBard’s Ratings:
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Winterborne
Liked it, but I had some issues – recommend (B)
Ravenstoke
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Review: Slow Break
Slow Break
Author: Sara Brookes
Release Date: Dec. 15, 2011
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Sypricon Masters Book #4
ISBN: #978-16133317367
Genre: GLBT, m/m romance, BDSM, Erotica, Sci-fi romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jack Cotton thought he’d made the right choice to walk away from Tawse, the only BDSM club on Sypricon. But a life-altering tragedy has shown him the error of his ways. Now, he’s ready to make amends and is more than prepared to kneel before the Dom he left so abruptly.
Denton is bound by the rules of Tawse, and he knows Jack’s membership has been terminated. But Jack’s return is all too personal and his actions can’t simply be ignored. Forced to make a choice, Denton does the only thing his instincts as a Dom tell him. After all, some men, like rules, are meant to be broken.
What B is talking about:
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Jack and Denton make a good pair, and while most of Slow Break is told from Denton’s point of view, it is Jack that is most in need of redemption. As a Dom, Denton has an obligation to his sub, as well as a need to see his own value reflected in Jack’s willingness to submit. Jack, on the other hand, has a lot to make up for, and is determined to show Denton he’s ready to face the truths he’d denied so stubbornly before.
Slow Break is one of those stories that that attempts to explore more than just the characters’ sexuality, which I’ve found is true of most of the BDSM fiction I’ve read. As opposed to some other types of erotic fiction, the BDSM lifestyle, as depicted, goes beyond the kink to the underlying needs, and the reasons for those needs, of all participants, both Masters and subs alike.
Brookes explores the themes of loss, guilt, acceptance, and hope in Slow Break, and does so fairly well in a comparatively brief narrative. It works, I think, because both of the main characters have done the bulk of their soul searching before the story itself ever begins. This leaves the revelations of what they’ve discovered about themselves to provide the emotional connection to the scene, and the means for a happy ending.
Sexually, this story covers a lot of ground in a short span of time. Ranging from a variety of interactions, both heterosexual and homosexual, to discipline and submission, Slow Break has a little bit of everything. Brookes keeps the language naughty but enjoyable, and the emotional tension between Denton and Jack makes the story more accessible than it might have been without it.
While it would have been nice to see the resolution of the conflict happen over a longer span of time, Slow Break was still a very enjoyable short story. My regard for both Jack and Denton increased as their tale unfolded, and I found it easy to let myself hope for their mutual happiness. I definitely recommend this quick, sexy read, and am pleased to have it as an addition to my collection.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
BDSM,
Bs-review,
Decadent Publishing,
erotic romance,
GLBT,
m/m romance,
Sara Brookes,
Sypricon Masters
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2
comments
Review: Black Howl
Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Black Wings #3
(aka Madeline Black #3)
ISBN: #978-1937007331
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago’s dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black’s exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture–or so she thinks…
What I’m talking about:
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Black Howl is the third book in what is coming to be one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series. Madeline Black is an agent of Death - she helps usher the souls of recently departed people (and other supernatural beings) to “the Door.” In the previous two books, we’ve discovered that Madeline is also the daughter of Fallen Angel Azazel and the great (great...) granddaughter of Lucifer.
Book three opens with Maddy doing her duties, when she notices a peculiar-acting errant soul/ghost. She learns from her friend and boss, JB, that this has been happening fairly frequently. In addition, she finds out that her friend and leader of the local werewolf pack, Wade, has been abducted, along with several cubs. Add this to her already crazy life and things get explosive (literally)! Maddy, along with side-kick gargoyle: Beezle, ex-body guard-turned-thrall: Gabriel, second-in-command of wolf pack, Jude, newly found “brother”: Samiel, and JB are out to figure out who is behind the sinister plots. What they discover, however, threatens to change the world for all human and supernatural kind.
This book was fabulous! First I want to mention the plot/s. WOW! Although it can be a bit tough to remember who’s who with all of the Fallens, Fae, wolves and other creatures, the twists and turns in this book make for one heck of a ride. I seriously could not put down the book. It is intense, action-packed, and had me on my toes - never knowing what would happen next. The storyline is well developed, and the twists never felt contrived. I loved it! Some of the developments just blew me away as pieces of the plot were unveiled at the perfect pace.
Next... characters. This book has them. We’ve meet and gotten to know the gang over the course of the first two books, but it is in Black Howl that each comes into his/her own. Jude: I was annoyed with this wolf - carrying a chip on his shoulder and never cutting Maddy a break. WOW did we learn a lot about him, and his development over the course of the story is heart-warming.
Beezel is the perfect comic relief/color commentator. I love this stoney gargoyle with all of his quirks and biting humor. But underneath the complaints and stabs is a trusted advisor and friend with huge heart. He cares deeply about Maddy and her well-being. He is the father-figure Maddy never had growing up.
Now, a few words about Gabriel. We’ve known for two books that Maddy and Gabriel share an unrequited passion, which they cannot ever act on without retribution from the highest leaders in Lucifer's kingdom. After Maddy saved Gabriel (in book 2: Black Night), he became her slave. Gabriel takes his place in Lucifer’s kingdom, and the archaic rules that go with it, very seriously. He’s basically tossing it back in Maddy’s face that he is now HER slave. It’s heart-breaking.
But then, something happens. First we get an unexpected look into Gabriel’s heart. He professes his undying love for Maddy and my jaw was left hanging. I kept waiting for him to say “just kidding,” or some other cruel joke. Then, a bit later, Lucifer pays a visit to Maddy and Gabriel, and, well... I’m not one for spoilers, so you are just going to have to read what happens. But I assure you - you will totally swoon!
The growing relationship between Gabriel and Maddy is sweet. Their star-crossed love is perfect for an Urban Fantasy story. It doesn’t dominate the story, but it is important. To see them have the opportunity to express their true feelings was wonderful... Since only get Maddy's POV, to hear Gabriel's words were touching.
Other characters are equally important in this amazing tale. JB’s mom, the Fae-Queen Amarantha, Maddy’s ex-fiance Nathaniel, and most importantly Maddy’s father Azazel command your attention. Their intricately woven plans reveal the true nature of everyone involved. The twists involving Azazel are by far the best in the book. I am still amazed at what he has going down!
There are a couple of key climatic battles near the end of the story. One involves the nephilim, which killed Maddy in an earlier book. I liked the battle, but for as horrific as these creatures are, I felt that the battle was a little lacking. However, I never left the edge of my seat the entire time!
The other conflict was short, but dramatic and changed the entire direction of the story. The moments following this key part of the book were very touching and had me in tears. JB and Jude’s characters were both superbly written and made this story a step above the rest.
Overall, Black Howl is amazing. The story is riveting, complex and rich with details, humor and action. The twists and turns are complex but not overwhelming. The plot is emotionally satisfying. Maddy has grown up--she learned to take charge and make the tough decisions. Her growing friendships with Samiel, Jude and JB -even with grand-daddy, Lucifier are fantastic. I cannot wait for the next book!
My Rating:
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Series/Purchase Info:
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Guest Review: Waltz This Way
Please welcome Angela, who brings you today’s Guest Review of...
Waltz This Way
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Ex Trophy Wives #3
ISBN: #978-0425245507
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Left without a partner…
When former ballroom champion Melina Cherkasov found out that her famous husband was cheating, she was devastated, especially since she was informed by a sleazy reporter on national TV. Thanks to an ironclad pre-nup and a scumbag ex, Melina has to pack up her dog and her dignity and take refuge in her dad’s retirement community in New Jersey.
...it’s time to take the lead.
To make ends meet, Melina puts her dancing shoes to use as an instructor at Westmeyer—a private school for boy geniuses. Teaching a bunch of hormonal teenagers the waltz is trying, but the school’s sexy handyman proves to be an ample distraction. Drew McPhee is perfect, except for one thing: he doesn’t like dancing. Thankfully, the finesse Drew lacks on the floor is more than made up for by his skills in the bedroom. And after one steamy night, the ballroom diva is the one getting swept off her feet…
What Ang is talking about:
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I would truly like to give this book a B- rating, so like 2.75 stars. The parts of the book I enjoyed, I really truly enjoyed, but the parts that fell flat didn't just fall flat--it's like they were launched off the empire state building as they came crashing down. Since B- isn't a real rating I gave it a B. If you want a beach side read for the summer and aren't put off by the F bomb being dropped 1, 2 or 30 times (seriously I counted) or you're a fan of Jersey Shore you'll probably enjoy this book.
It comes complete with a variety of characters, mostly women who are strong and foul mouthed, who find empowerment and self discovery after nasty often public divorces. The main character Mel is mostly believable as a ballroom dancer turned humanitarian in her own way, and her love interest Drew makes for a believable gentleman with cave man tendencies and more baggage then even Louis Vuitton can take care of. Together it makes for a decent amount of tension and chemistry between the pair as the plot moves along.
The humor, especially in the last half of the novel, was completely enjoyable and well placed as we learn of Drew's issues and Mel draws her line in the sand.
I love Mel's best friend Jackie and honestly believe everyone needs a friend like her. Someone who's got your back, tells you exactly as they see it and helps you pick up the pieces when life is completely unfair.
I also appreciate the voice of reason Mel's father is in the various places he is needed. He helps keep the book grounded when it become just a little too reality TV for my taste. The pop culture references become a bit much at times, almost to the point of distracting, especially if you aren't as up on what is on TV at the moment as our author is.
I also didn't completely buy into Stan or Neil's characters and the bows that were tied around them at the end of the novel. They were just a bit too stereotypical for my taste, and although I enjoy Drew's son Nate, I also found him a bit too far fetched, especially when he becomes the voice of reason for this dad. He's 12 and I really felt like Myraim, the aunt, should have stepped in and had that conversation with Drew not Nate. The story became so sweet at the end in reference to these characters, and everyone for that matter that it nearly sent me looking for insulin.
Of all its faults though the language was by far its worse issue. Too often it felt forced or like it was thrown in for effect, which never sits well with me. For example there are variety of places where Mel drops the F bomb which seems completely out of place for her. She is portrayed as a lady, maybe a damaged one, but ultimately a lady. And in my mind a lady wouldn't throw that word around as frequently as our Mel does. Jackie--maybe, but for Mel it seemed especially out of place. It wasn't just the F bomb that was dropped either, if this novel actually made it to TV the audience would likely have a hard time following the dialogue the cease would be bleeping so much out which is unfortunate given that the overall premise of the novel has such potential.
In the end I'd have to say if you are looking for a more traditional romance you probably won't love this book, but if you are looking for a contemporary piece with good humor, a fair amount of raunchiness and sex scenes that get your motor running, then you are likely to enjoy this book. Although I'd wouldn't give it any prizes, it kept me entertained enough that I wouldn't be afraid to pick another of Dakota Cassidy's novels up. Nor would I be afraid to pass this one along to friend especially if they are a fan of reality TV and/or Jersey Shore.
Angela’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
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