Review: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Covenant (Book 3)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 330

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                Just like before, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series I wouldn’t read this review. I definitely think the series is getting better as it goes on. There were also a lot of twists and reveals I didn’t see coming. Honestly, I have no idea where the series is going to go since there are two books left.

                Ok. I want to talk about some spoilers in this review.

                First I want to talk about the whole Aidan/Alex relationship. There was some real forward momentum this book. I’m glad they were both willing to take a stand and commit to each other. Plus, I’m not sure I could handle another book with some conflict for them.

                Leon/Apollo and Marcus. I’ve liked both characters throughout the series. Marcus hasn’t gotten a lot of page time but I’ve always felt his love for Alex. He really proved it this book and I hope it stays that way. Leon has been a highlight and the arrogance of being Apollo just makes him all the more interesting. I really hope he doesn’t turn to a douche as the series continues.

                Seth. Seth. Seth. In the past I was conflicted about him. But in this book he bothered me.  I’m sympathetic to his past and have a feeling he’ll be redeemed, but he was a jerk. I found him incredibly manipulative in this book. It was kind of like he had multiple personalities. Like where did the sweet and vulnerable Seth go?

                Well, onto the novella Elixir I go.

~Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

Series: Cocktail (Book 1)

Format: Ebook

Pages: 304

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                Why did I ever not want to read this book?

                It is the funniest book I’ve read this year. And the characters: Oh my God, I want to be their friend. And the plot was executed perfectly. Part of me doesn’t want to read the sequel because this one was fantastic. Of course, I’ve already purchased Rusty Nailed and will read it.

                The plot in this novel is spectacular. Practically all the conflict is driven by Caroline and Simon’s choices and emotions. I love that there isn’t this over the top external conflict pulling them apart or pushing them together.

                And the pacing is great. I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where the characters just jump into bed so this was a breath of fresh air. Caroline and Simon built a beautiful and organic friendship. And they had some of the best banter I’ve ever read.

                Like I said before this book was hilarious. Both the characters and situations they themselves in were so funny. Somehow Ms. Clayton wrote a sitcom. I’m not sure I’ve ever read situational comedy, but she did it and did it well.

                Oh, and Clive. Clive is Caroline’s cat and he’s really a character with personality and sass. I fell in love with that stupid cat.

                If you were turned off this novel by the title or something else please give it a chance. It’s fantastic!

~Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Covenant (2)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 329

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This was a big step up from book one. And while I don’t plan on spoiling anything in this book, but I will spoil Half-Blood so if you haven’t read that don’t read this.

                For the first third I still wasn’t the biggest fan of Alex. But, as bad as this might seem, I started to like her once she was suffering. It was like she mellowed out once things became more serious. Of course she continues to make dumb ass decisions, but it didn’t frustrate me anymore.

                I’m really glad the council in New York. It made the world more real and added a handful of interesting characters. Seeing Alex interact with people she hasn’t known for most of her life shows different parts of her personality.

                I definitely became more emotionally involved in this book. Throughout I felt sad and anxious  and angry. I also felt conflicted about some things that happened. My emotions getting invested really makes want continue with the series. Especially since we’re learning more about the world and the stakes are being raised.

                If you read the first book (Half-Blood) and were a little disappointed like me I would strongly encourage you to read the second book and then decide if you should finish the series or not.

~Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Covenant (.5)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 62

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Paperback

                This is the prequel novella in the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. She does a good job of building the world and Alex’s character in about sixty pages, but I wouldn’t read it before Half-Blood.

                I enjoyed the novella and am grateful for the back story. Being able to see-no matter how briefly-the relationship between Alex and her mom is great. I did struggle with connecting to Alex for the majority of it. This might sound bad, but I only started to like her when she was in trouble.

                That’s it. I know this is short, but it’s just a novella so there isn’t much to say.

~Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Dom Project by Heloise Beallau and Solace Ames

Format: Ebook

Pages: 157

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This isn’t the type of romance I would normally read. After reading Fifty Shades I wanted to read more BDSM books to see if it’s a sub genre I could get into. I was listening to old episodes of the DBSA podcast and Jane talked about this book. It appealed to me because it’s a BDSM story, but more cutesy. Neither of the main characters have deep dark pasts.

                I did enjoy this book, especially the characters. John-the hero- is strong, but not over-the-top alpha. He’s also a good friend. And not just to the main characters. He’s generous and kind to practically everyone he knows. This is an easy way to show he’s a good person. He’s also Asian-American which I don’t think I’ve ever read before.

                Robin is also a well-done character. What I like most is how honest and open she is with her sexuality. She knows what she wants sexually and, for the most part, isn’t afraid to ask for it. And she isn’t ashamed to enjoy herself sexually.

                I only have a few issues with the book and some of them are personal choice. First, there was a conflict that came up with his family that was a little forced for me. The ending was also a little unresolved for me. I feel like some parts of their relationship, especially sexually were open-ended. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it just wasn’t complete for me.

                Like I said before some of my issues are personal. Honestly, I’m just not sure I’m completely on board with BDSM stories. There’s parts of the lifestyle that makes me uncomfortable-especially when it comes to the pain thing. Whether it’s fair or not, those things do pull me out of the story so I have to lower my rating.

                All of that being said: I would like to read some more BDSM stories. I want to give it the best chance I can. What I think would be a really interesting read is a story about a dominant woman and submissive man. I’m sure they’re out there but I haven’t heard of one.

~Thanks for reading!

Holly