Friday, November 28, 2014

Everything Between Us by Mila Ferrera



Format: Ebook
Pages: 261
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

                I went into this a little apprehensive. I mean the guy has repeatedly had sex with the girl’s mom. That’s some crazy shit right there. But the girl-Stella-suffers from severe anxiety and as someone who has more mild anxiety I’m a sucker for it.

                The story is in dual POV which is great. If a story has a romantic element I prefer to be in both characters heads. And I loved reading from both of their perspectives. It’s actually very interesting to read Stella’s perspective on her panic attacks and then Daniel’s perspective as an observer.

                Speaking of her panic attacks and anxiety-Ms. Ferrera handled this subject with care. In the real world and fiction it’s easy to tell people with anxiety to just move on or get over it. But she creates a character that is aware of her problems, but feels trapped. And Daniel is appropriately sensitive and confused by her behavior.

                Plus, there’s always the potential issue of someone getting better because of a guy or girl. Now, I definitely believe love can be powerful, but I also think people should better their mental or physical health for themselves. This was balanced well in this story. Daniel does help Stella, but she helps herself even more.

                I feel like I should address the fact that Daniel has had sex with Stella’s mom. From the outside I definitely think that’s weird and I’m not sure it’s something I could get over. But in the story it isn’t weird at all. Stella knows the whole time and I think her acceptance of that made it ok for me. Plus, it’s not like there was any emotion involved in his relationship with the mom.

                My main issue which really knocked it down a star is the ending. I think it wrapped up a little quickly. And there were some fairly big plot points or issues that should have been addressed. I have some serious logistical questions about their lives after the ending. This is why I like epilogues so much.

                I would definitely recommend this book. It’s a great new adult that addresses some important issues without being too angsty. Plus, both Stella and Daniel are enjoyable characters to read about.


Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Lord of Temptation by Lorraine Heath



Series: Lost Lords of Pembrook #2

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                Another Lorraine Heath book. I know you’re probably surprised. And she didn’t disappoint.

                And I definitely stand by my four star rating, but I feel like this book was a little forgettable. It’s only been a couple days but I’m forgetting a lot of plot points.

                I liked both Tristan and Anne. Ms. Heath is very good at creating well-balanced characters. Plus, there was a further look into the brothers. Actually, I’m very eager to read the next book because this one just made me more curious about Rafe.

                Then, there’s the plot. In my experience, her plots are always a little crazy. This one wasn’t quite as crazy, but it was a surprise. There were a few secrets other authors wouldn’t reveal until the end, but Ms. Heath exposed them early and without unnecessary drama.

                She also progressed the romance well. These characters are attracted to each other, but don’t fall in love right away. So many books bring up love too fast and I’m grateful she didn’t fall into that.

                I’m glad I read this book, but I did like the first book better.


Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Redhead Plays Her Hand by Alice Clayton



Series: Redhead #3

Format: Paperback

Pages: 304

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased
               
                So I lied.

                I said in my last review I was planning to wait on this book but I didn’t. This is what Alice Clayton does to me. She needs to write faster so I have more to read.

                Grace actually matured a lot. Part of the reason I wanted to wait was because I was afraid she would back slide. But she didn’t. She learned from the events in book two and tries to use that in this book.

                Which brings me to Jack. His behavior bothered me, but in a good way. I understood why he did what he did, but I was frustrated along with Grace. I think this shows how good of a writer Ms. Clayton is.

                Now, I want to get to some spoilers.

                First, is Holly and Michael. I still like Holly and her relationship with Grace. It’s hard because their relationship is personal and professional, but it works. And I’m so glad the sexual tension is gone between Michael and Grace. I much prefer for them to be like brother and sister.

                Then, there’s the fact that Holly and Michael got together. I didn’t see that coming, but it completely works.

                My only real complaint is the ending. It felt a little quick. The first two books didn’t end where I would have expected and I liked that. And this one was hard, because they just “fixed” their problems. I would have been more satisfied with another chapter or two. Plus, there’s barely any story once their relationship goes public. That was such a big story point I just want a little more.

                That proposal was adorable though.

                Overall, I enjoyed this whole series. I appreciate the age difference storyline and a peak into Hollywood life. I gave all three books 4 stars, but I do have a preference. This is how I like them from favorite to least: The Unidentified Redhead, The Redhead Plays her Hand, the Redhead Revealed.

                I also did a series video review. If you want to check it out I’ve linked it below.


~Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Friday, November 21, 2014

The Redhead Revealed by Alice Clayton



Series: Redhead #2

Format: Paperback

Pages: 305

Rating:  4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This was a pretty good sequel, but it took a slight step down. Obviously conflict is needed, but it’s one of my least favorite kinds-the I know what’s best for you, but won’t have a conversation about my decisions.

                The humor and fun is still there. And I’m falling in love with Jack more and more. He’s sweet, but not overly sappy. Just a little schmaltz.

                And Ms. Clayton subtly builds the relationship between Jack and Grace. It’s not the fact that they hump like rabbits-which they do-but the little things. It’s how they eat Chex Mix or he will come home and start rubbing her feet or that they’ll watch Golden Girls. It’s all of these things that make me believe in them as a couple.

                I’m glad they spent some time apart and Grace had to face some serious insecurities. But I’m afraid the next/last book will have some backtracking. That doesn’t mean I’m not eager to read it, but I might need to take a little break from Grace and Jack.

~Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton


Series: Redhead #1
Format: Paperback
Pages: 318
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

                Let’s start by saying: I love Alice Clayton. In a lot of ways she writes characters I’m not used to reading about.

                I did fall in love with Grace and Jack, but Wallbanger is still a better read to me.

                In true Alice Clayton fashion this book was hilarious. Grace and Jack both have a healthy sense of humor.  Sometimes it’s a little immature, but being a grown up doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate dirty jokes. And it’s refreshing to read about a couple that can laugh together.

                And I love the age difference. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to make it interesting. And I don’t see a lot of older women-younger man stories. Plus, it isn’t the main focus of the story so it’s not over done.

                I also really enjoyed the relationship between Grace and her best friend, Holly. I think Holly’s an interesting character and would love to get in her head. You can tell they’ve been friends for years and completely understand each other.

                That being said they can be a little degrading. I’ve had that friendship where you call each other ‘bitch’ or ‘slut’ so I get it. But as I get older I struggle more with that kind of language. And I know it might bother some people.

                My only real complaint is that there are a lot of sexy times. It doesn’t feel repetitive in description, but I would have liked to cut two or three sex scenes in favor of getting to know each scenes.

                Now, if you don’t mind I need to get to the next book.

~Thanks for reading!
Holly