Review of The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

"I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."

Thus, bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match becomes as passionate as it is politically expedient. The young lovers revel in each other's company and plan the England they will make together. But tragically, aged only fifteen, Arthur falls ill and extracts from his sixteen-year-old bride a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry; become Queen; and fulfill their dreams and her destiny.

"They tell me nothing but lies here and they think they can break my spirit. I believe what I choose and say nothing. I am not as simple as I seem."

Widowed and alone in the avaricious world of the Tudor court, Katherine has to sidestep her father-in-law's desire for her and convince him, and an incredulous Europe, that her marriage to Arthur was never consummated, that there is no obstacle to marriage with Henry. For seven years, she endures the treachery of spies, the humiliation of poverty, and intense loneliness and despair while she waits for the inevitable moment when she will step into the role she has prepared for all her life. Then, like her warrior mother, Katherine must take to the battlefield and save England when its old enemies the Scots come over the border and there is no one to stand against them but the new Queen.

"It was my dying husband's hope, my mother's wish, and God's will that I should be Queen of England; and for them and for the country, I will be Queen of England until I die."

Raised on the battlefield and in the most beautiful Moorish palace in the world, sent to England alone at the age of sixteen to take her place in a court where she couldn't speak the language, and abandoned and forced to endure poverty after the death of her husband, Katherine remained a woman of indomitable spirit, unwavering faith, and extraordinary strength. Philippa Gregory brings to life one of history's most inspiring women and creates one of the most compelling characters in historical fiction.

In all the TV, film and media, you see Katherine as the old wife that tried to hold on to her marriage.

This book put her in entire different light, and I Loved it. Her Romance with Arthur was so tragic but very beautiful. I never pitied Katherine of Aragon until I read this book. Very Good, 5 Stars

Review of Fury by Laurann Dohner

Book 1 in the New Species series.
Ellie is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such “experiment” captures her heart and she’ll do anything to save him—even if he hates her for it.
Fury has never known compassion or love. He’s spent his life in a cell, chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust betrayed him. Now he’s free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her life but when she’s finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing he wants to do to the sexy little human.
Fury can’t resist Ellie—the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her body wrapped around his. He’s obsessed with the scent of his woman. And Ellie wants Fury—always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants to heal his desolate heart.
But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.
Reader Advisory: This story contains the heartrending aftermath of a rape scene involving a captive male. Another scene involves capture and forced touching by a hurt, vengeful Fury.

This book consumed my free time till it was finished. I really did want to call in sick. An interesting concept and I enjoyed the action packed story line. Added to my favorites...

Review of Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But... they are brother and sister.

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.



This book will always haunt me. A terrifing book that screams this is SO wrong. Everything about this book was wrong, but I can't help thinking it was so right. The characters are believable and the emotions felt by Lochan and Maya were so intense. I am truly in awe of this book. I had my misconceptions .. i immediatley thought..... incest.... gross!!!! But this book is beautiful and it had me laughing and crying all the way through. my new favourite... I have actually learnt a lesson... dont judge the book by the blurb..

Incest is wrong, just in case you think I'm perverted, but this book.....wow!!!

Review of Beautifully Damaged by LA Fiore

Ember Walsh was always the quiet one, enjoying a book and a glass of wine over the noise and crowds of a club, but when her best friend asks her to come out and meet the boy she likes Ember's world is turned upside down. He appears like a mythical avenging angel, inked, gorgeous and completely out of her league but one look and Ember no longer wants the quiet, she wants him.

Trace Montgomery has buried his damaged past with women and fighting until one day he meets an angel and suddenly he wants more, he wants her. For her, he's determined to overcome his demons but will the dark secret that links their pasts bring them closer or will it tear them apart.


Ok, so what seems like a fairly standard virgin girl, meets man whore boy and fall in love, really only touched the surface. When I began reading beautifully damaged I thought this reminded me so much of beautiful disaster, but as I loved beautiful disaster, I was thrilled! So imagine my surprise when this story had a very intricate storyline, and very deep emotions. But what I feel I loved about this book was the emotions that this book rose in me. At one point I had this real feeling of dread, and quite frankly nearly stopped reading it. But I'm really glad that I didn't. A great read

Review of A Forever Love by Kelly Elliott

The moment Garrett Mathews sees the woman of his dreams, he vows to fight with everything he has to win Emma Birk’s heart. Garrett will embark on the longest, hardest struggle of his life to make his dreams a reality.

Emma Birk has every intention of focusing on her last year of high school with no interruptions—until she lays eyes on the one person who will end up turning her whole world upside down. Emma attempts to avoid the feelings she quickly develops for Garrett, only to start slowly giving in to his endless pursuit of her.

As life throws twists and turns at Garrett and Emma, their commitment to each other is tested as they determine if they have a forever love.


A forever love is about garret and Emma. They are the grandparents to the future couples in the books.

Garret and emma have an insta love, which I often feel makes for an unbelievable plot, but the chemistry between Garret and Emma was gorgeous.

There really isn't much plot. They fall in love, marry and get pregnant. What happens in between these events is normal life, albeit full of passion.

A great story which I adored. Garret is my new book boyfriend. .. yummy

Review of Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance---even her closest friends---and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him.
What she doesn't know is that Luc is on a mission. He's been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie's soul. It should be easy---all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn't stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can't be far behind. And sure enough, it's not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie's soul.
But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them


Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, is a story about Frannie, who is your typical high school student. Then two mysterious ( and gorgeous ) boys turn up at her school, Luc and Gabe. Each begin to vie for her affections, and both have an affect on her emotions. however its more than her affections they both want.. it's her soul. Luc is a demon sent by the devil, and Gabe is an angel sent by God. There actions and feelings dictate Frannie and her choice he must make.


There was a little love triangle going on, which was well done but not always my thing. however the whole book wasn't completely focused on this. I loved the descriptions that Desrochers gave of hell, and like the reference to the smells of each emotion.

An entertaining read, with some great scenes and a lot of humour. Would definitely recommend

Review of Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands

The "New York Times"-bestselling author of the Argeneau Vampire series delivers a sexy blend of love, laughter, and mayhem in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

They call him the Devil . . .

He is the most notorious laird of Scotland: fierce, cold, deadly . . . and maybe even worse. Yet Evelinde has just agreed to wed him. Anything, she thinks, is better than her cruel stepmother. Though Evelinde should be wary of the rumors, she can't help but be drawn to this warrior . . . for the Devil of the Highlands inspires a heat within her that is unlike anything she has ever known.

They may call him whatever they wish, but Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, cares only for the future of his clan. He must find a wife, a woman to bear him sons and heed his commands. He has no need for beauty or grace, but one taste of his lovely bride's sweet lips and the sultry feel of her skin arouse an untamed passion. Perhaps there's more to marriage than he thought

Evelinde, the heroine of the story would do anything to get away from her cruel stepmother. Even marry the devil of the highlands.


This thing I loved about this story was the hero and the heroine constantly kept making blunders and mistakes. if they would just say what they thought, everything would have been sorted by page 15.

The Heroine believes the rumours about him and so believes the absolute worst in him the entire way through. To some extent Duncan believes his own rumours and thinks she couldn't love him.

Evelinde is a very child like character, and though this is possibly my own opinion, but reminded me a lot of Katherine from Anya Setons book of the same name. what I mean is they are both naive of the world around them and very innocent. until it comes to the men they love.

A great story with great characters

Review of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philipa Gregory

Everyone knows the fate of Anne Boleyn, but not many know the story of her rise to majesty and the part played by her rival and sister, Mary, who was Henry's mistress and mother to two of his bastard children before the dazzling older Boleyn girl even caught his eye. Philippa Gregory, whose own role as the Queen of historical romance grows more secure with each new novel, has surpassed her self with this epic tale of lust, jealousy and betrayal.

The Other Boleyn Girl charts the lives of both Boleyns--each in their turn "the other Boleyn Girl" - and their fiercely ambitious, conniving family who used the girls as pawns to advance their own positions at the court of Henry VIII. At 13, Mary is little more than a child when she is presented to Henry, ordered by her scheming family to serve her King and country by opening her legs whenever commanded. And while his loins are satisfied, life at court is sweet for the unofficial Queen and her pushy coterie. Inevitably though, the King's eyes soon begin to wander and Mary is overlooked, helpless to do anything but aid her family's plot to advance their fortunes, replace her with Anne and give Henry the greatest gift of all: a son and heir

The story of Anne Boleyn has been told so many times, in many different ways. The story is legendary. One man's ambition to have a son and one women's ambition to haves kingdom. This story takes the point of view of Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister.

I'm a fan of the film, and this was partly the reason why I read this book. For me, the film and the book are nothing alike. The film focuses on Mary's love for Henry, the relationship between the sisters and the ambition of her family. The book however for me was so much better. Mary is a gentle soul, she is obedient, a dutiful daughter. She does everything she is told to do. The film doesn't portray this a strongly. Also the film doesn't show her love for William Stafford, and it doesn't show the level of Anne's vindictiveness - talk about giving the Hollywood treatment

Every page of Gregory's novel is engaging and beautiful. Sheer delight to read.

Review of City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third instalment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.



** spoiler alert ** An amazing end to the trilogy. I love the adventures of Jace and Clary. The entire series is one shocking moment after another. This made me laugh and cry. The death of Max really shocks me. He's 9 years old, and it seems terribly unfair. Now i have read this book before, but due to the release of the next in the series I thought I would re-read. This meant i knew max was going to die, but it didnt make it any easier.

I love the fact that Jace and Clary got together. It's meant to be. From the v...more An amazing end to the trilogy. I love the adventures of Jace and Clary. The entire series is one shocking moment after another. This made me laugh and cry. The death of Max really shocks me. He's 9 years old, and it seems terribly unfair. Now i have read this book before, but due to the release of the next in the series I thought I would re-read. This meant i knew max was going to die, but it didnt make it any easier.

I love the fact that Jace and Clary got together. It's meant to be. From the very first novel, these too were destined and i love that about this story. Jace is my favourite charater in this series. He arragont and in some part cruel, but when he's near Clary, his world almost caves in on him. He's not any nicer, he's still the Jace he was, but complete.

An amazing finale to the series. Clare's world has so much content and information. You can tell a lot of research went into this series. One of my Favourite books ever!!!!

Review of Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The most anticipated story in the blockbuster Dark-Hunter series. The never-before-revealed story of the Dark-Hunter leader, Acheron.  He was made human in order to escape death, but in death he was reborn a god. . .
 Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

After I had read the reviews for Acheron, it took me a while to read this book. In fact, I had read the previous Dark Hunter books earlier this year, but was afraid of this book. I have read 'The League' series, and the last one 'Born of Silence' was horrifically graphic. This stuck in my mind because of the awful torture scenes. Sherrilyn Kenyon loves a tortured bad boy. I love em too.. just not that far gone. If you haven't read Born of Silence, I fully recommend it, just not for the faint if...more After I had read the reviews for Acheron, it took me a while to read this book. In fact, I had read the previous Dark Hunter books earlier this year, but was afraid of this book. I have read 'The League' series, and the last one 'Born of Silence' was horrifically graphic. This stuck in my mind because of the awful torture scenes. Sherrilyn Kenyon loves a tortured bad boy. I love em too.. just not that far gone. If you haven't read Born of Silence, I fully recommend it, just not for the faint if heart. With Acheron, I expected to feel disgusted with the first half of the book. I didn't. I felt sad and overwhelmed at the amount of times poor Acheron got beat, and she didn't hold anything back. A few times I was reading the book so fast, trying to get past a truly horrific scene, whilst my hand was over my mouth in shock. She left plenty to the imagination ( thank God.. or is that Zeus) but it was readable. I especially liked how Sherrilyn used Ryssa's voice for the first part of the book and of course, explain the whole process of the Dark Hunter's, why they were needed. I finally understood Acheron and Artemis' relationship, and the full extent of his humility, morality and honour. The second part of the book is Acheron's chance at an HEA.. after everything that had happened I felt that this was perfect. Tori, was perfect. She had brains, beauty, humour, quirkiness and spunk. She stood up to him; she stood by him. She reacted perfectly for a man who had every person betray him. I loved her... This book was not what I was expecting, it was far better. Thanks Sherrilyn.

Review of The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski

Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the centre of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

This book was about Camryn and Andrew's road trip. they both found each other on a bus, both running from something.. camryn was sick the monotony of life and i an incident involving her best friend, she decide to run away. on the bus she meets Andrew. Andrew is on the bus but for very different reasons. He's going home to see his sick father. They begin a journey which changes them both dramatically.

Camryn had been through a lot, dead love of her life and a skittish best friend and a whole world who just doesn't understand her. Enter Andrew. Tattooed, playboy, with a guitar.. yummy.. also tortured so double yummy.

So for Andrew it's pretty much love at first sight.. his alpha male can't wait to beat down the local scum bag for looking twice at his girl. whilst Camryn is very much reserved due to deciding she should never fall in love again.

They road trip is about having new experiences and living life to the fullest, and falling in love along the way.

I liked the overall pace of the book and i liked the culture references, and the songs choices. Redmerski, describes the locations they visit very well and i do feel almost like i was there. The characters were very likable. A good, enjoy, though provoking novel.

lets hope there is more to come from Redmerski and especially those Parrish brothers...

best quote: You two were meant to be together. It's like some wicked fucking fairytale love story that you just can't make up, y'know?

Review of Making Faces by Amy Harmon

Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore.
Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy, and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us

Review:

I don't think I have highlighted passages of any book as much as this. words used by the author were extraordinary and beautiful.

this book made me cry more than once. its quite unusual for me to cry in a book, but it was very hard not to. I was just glad I was not in a public place!!!!!

this book was about friendship, love, loyalty and grief. it was also funny and endearing, but more importantly it was about seeing the beautiful in every body, both inside and out.

for a romance, I kind of felt that it was a secondary theme. the main themes were grief, friendship and beauty.

an awesome book. recommend to everybody....

“True beauty, the kind that doesn't fade or wash off, takes time. It takes pressure. It takes incredible endurance. It is the slow drip that makes the stalactite, the shaking of the Earth that creates mountains, the constant pounding of the waves that breaks up the rocks and smooths the rough edges. And from the violence, the furor, the raging of the winds, the roaring of the waters, something better emerges, something that would otherwise never exist. “And so we endure. We have faith that there is purpose. We hope for things we can't see. We believe that there are lessons in loss, power in love, and that we have within us the potential for a beauty so magnificent that our bodies can't contain it." - making faces

Review of The Scandalous Duchess by Anne O'Brien

If you will be a great man’s mistress you must pay the price...

1372, The Savoy. Widow Lady Katherine Swynford presents herself for a role in the household of merciless royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, hoping to end her destitution. But the Duke’s scandalous proposition leaves her life of pious integrity reeling...

Seduced by the glare of royal adoration, Katherine becomes John’s mistress. She will leave behind everything she has stood for to play second fiddle to his young wife and ruthless ambition. She will live in the shadows of the most powerful man in England in the hope of a love greater than propriety.

But soon the court whispers – whore, harlot, vile temptress – reach the ears of not just John’s bride but his most dangerous political enemies. As the Plantagenet prince is accused of bringing England to its knees, who better to blame than shameless she-devil Katherine Swynford? Dragged from the shadows, Katherine must answer for her sins.


Quotes

I should warn you that it will be my life's quest to win you for my own- John.

Will God punish us for snatching at happiness in a world that brings a woman precious little of it? - Katherine.

I saw you in my audience chamber and I wanted you. you know that. I wanted you to be mine. I still do, and I won't let you go. You were made to belong to me. It is my right to claim you. - John

Always Know, even hen we apart,when time does not allow me to touch your thoughts over the miles that separate us, that you are held close in my mind. Nothing will separate us. we are made to be together - John.

She will not be sent away. For her is the truth, Constanza. Katherine is the Women I love. She is the woman I wish to have beside me. - John.

Tonight, when I saw you standing there alone, defending yourself with such composure, such courage, I knew what you had come to mean to me. That you are necessary to me as the air I breathe.- John

I regret our time apart with every drop of my blood in my blood.
It was Living death. Without hope. Without happiness.
You are the music that stirs my heart to weep at the beauty of it.
You my Dear man, are the sweet verse that awakens my mind to love's glory - John and Katherine.

Our souls were to replete in each other, as smoothly close-knit as the feathers on the breast of a collared dove- Anne O'Brien.

It's a request for a papal dispensation.. For us, Katherine. To allow us to marry - John

I love you. Death will not destroy what was ours. Such love will outlive the years. The echo of my devotion will remain a constant presence in your thought. I swear it. John

Review of Broken by Kelly Elliott

Layton Morris and his brother Mike grew up not knowing what it would be like to live in a normal home. With no running water or electricity in their home, no parents around to protect them, they quickly learned how to survive and depend only on each other.

When a tragic accident takes Mike away from Layton, and the only other person that he ever let into his heart walked away from him, leaving his heart shattered, Layton focuses all of his time and energy into the ranch he and his brother dreamed of. He makes a vow to himself to never let love in again. The last thing Layton needed or wanted was more heartache.

Whitley Reynolds grew up in a privileged home in upstate New York. When she landed the star football player in high school no one was surprised, not even Whitley. She dreamed of a life with Roger living in New York City and happily followed him there.

The first time Roger hit her for arguing with him about a dinner party, she forgave him. The more it happened, the further Whitley withdrew from her friends and family. One fateful day things go to far. Whitley makes a promise to herself and finds the courage to do the one thing she thought she’d never be able to do.

Fleeing with her best friend Courtney, Whitley was determined to put her past behind her and start a new life in the small town of Llano, Texas, where no one would ever find out about her past.

Will they both ever learn to trust and love again, or will their pasts come back to haunt them, keeping them both alone and…

Broken



I bought this on Audiobook as a wildcard.. however I loved this. It was a perfect cowboy romance, with all the right amount of angst. Also to add to it, The voice of Layton was just pure southern charm..

Whitley, has just got out of an abusive relationship and Layton has issues with people leaving him. They were both damaged, but both fix each other in a very real journey filled with laughs, angst and hot sex..

5 stars

Review of Her Wolf by Rebecca Royce

Ashlee Morrison has a secret obsession—with a dark and mysterious male. The only problem is that he’s a wolf and she’s becoming convinced that she’s insane. But Ashlee’s wolf is no ordinary canine; he is Tristan Kane, third son in the royal family of the Westervelt Wolf pack.

Trapped in his wolf form by his evil father’s men, Tristan has desperately sought a way out of predicament and is shocked to find that the sad but beautiful redhead who has come to the wolf cage can not only hear him, but awakens in him the knowledge that she is his mate, the other half of his soul.

Ashlee, unaware that she is half wolf-shifter, agrees to accompany Tristan back to his pack in Maine to seek answers to her past and understand her future. But as Tristan and Ashlee grow closer, familial betrayals will threaten to destroy the fragile love they have started to build.

With the odds stacked against them, Ashlee and Tristan will either embrace their love to save the Westervelt Wolves or be lost forever to despair.

Another Wolf-Mate story. I am totally obsessed. This story is very different to the ones that I have previously read. I liked the fact all the wolves have their own island, instead of having to hide away in plain sight. Ashlee was a very likable character, she really came into her own. it difficult to believe that the whole story was nothing more than about a week. I liked the magic side of this, which was very well done. Overall a good story, can't wait to read the sequel.

Review of Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Review



I waited until Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed was out till I started this. I was glad I did. This book is everywhere right now, and sometimes with things that are so hyped up, they don't live up. (Breaking Dawn)

However Fifty Shades of Grey did. I was expecting a pervert who was cold and wanted order, I didn't expect Christian Grey. Now that's not to say he's my new book Boyfriend at the present time, but slowly I'm warming up to him. I get that he is emotionally and physically scarred, but still his moods give me whiplash. It's rare to find a character with so much depth, and boy does he have plenty to spare.

When I read the contract Ana was given by Mr Grey, I admit I was a bit shocked at it's crudeness. Not the usual thing one finds in my romance stories. in addition to this, I had heard this was 'mommy porn'. I was imagining all sorts of scenario's and I was blushing. Turn's out I worried for nothing.

Personally after reading the contract I would have run.. far far away, But that wouldn't make a very good Story, now would it? Ana's responses to his 'demands' are perfect, she is the 'sane' one after all. She is highly spirited with all the insecurities that I think someone in her shoes would have. Towards the end I was starting to like that Mr Grey was slowly becoming unravelled by Ana.

E L James has written an engaging, enigmatic novel that I loved, with character's with so much depth that it was hard to not like them. I'm glad that I bought all three books and waited because I would have been very impatient if I had to have waited God knows how long for the next instalment. Five Stars...

Protecting what's His ( A line of Duty Novel) By Tessa Bailey

She’s running from the law, and the law wants her bad.

The opportunity was just too damn delicious for Ginger Peet to pass up. The purse full of money she finds—$50,000 to be exact—could give her and her teen sister the new start they need. So she grabs the cash, her gothy sibling, and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton, and blows outta Nashville in a cloud of dust. Chicago, here we come...

Turns out, Chicago has some pretty hot cops. Hot, intense, naughty-lookin’ cops like Derek Tyler, who looks like he could eat a girl up and leave her begging for more. And more. Tempting as he is, getting involved with the sexy homicide lieutenant next door poses a teensy problem for a gal who’s on the lam. But one thing is certain—Derek’s onto her, and he wants more than just a taste.

And as far as he’s concerned, possession is nine-tenths of the law.

Okay, so all my Lady Parts stood up to attention at this book. The Uber alpha male is a particular vice of mine. I love em.

This was more of an erotic tale with a bit suspense that was building for the entire book, but Derek's possessive, jealousness more than made up for it. This was very easy to read and although there wasn't much dialogue, the inner thinking of their brains was humorous and endearing.

Derek was an all brawn cop, arrogant but oh so yummy. he was no nonsense tough Chicago Policemen. -yum!  No enough handcuff play for me!!  

ok so our heroine was slightly damaged although there was no moping which was so refreshing. Her relationship with her sister was quick witted and realistic.

Would recommend this to anyone who loves a Alpha male in uniform.. sometimes.


Favourite Quotes:

"Like a living thing, the swift and potent possessiveness she provoked in him stretched and vibrated in his belly. He’d wanted women before, but not like this."

“Let me be clear, Ginger, since you insist on talking in circles. I want you underneath me in my bed. I want to be buried inside you so deep that I have to remind you of your own name. And I want those motherfuckers leering at you from the other side of the bar to smell me on you for a week afterward.”

“The longer it takes me to get between your thighs, the rougher I’m going to be when I finally get there. Understand?”

“Listen to me, baby. From the time we walk in the door to my apartment, you will have less than a minute before I put my cock inside you. No foreplay. No kissing. There won’t be any time, because you’ve got me strung so damn tight I can barely think straight. I need you to keep yourself wet for me on the ride home. Starting now.” Reaching across the car’s console, he yanked her skirt high on her thighs. “Put your hand between your legs, Ginger.”

“Do you feel that, baby? That’s your man moving inside you.”

My current obsession.... Audible

Shopping..

Love this gorgeous cover... 

Review of the fault in our stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Ok, so I watched the film first before reading the book, but for once in a long time I just wanted to not completely know the ending. 

I loved the film. I could very easily sobbed, screamed and thrown a complete tantrum. Amazing. So naturally I thought I'd read the book. I am glad that I watched the film first. 

Don't get me wrong the book is just as amazing, which I find so rare. I'm always saying "the book was better" 

John Green has captured something so rare in a book. Although this book is predominantly about dying, it's kind of had the opposite affect on me. It made me feel so much and some things weren't always positive, BUT I have never felt so much in one book before. To me that is a sign of a good book.

I am honestly disgusted by some of the reviews on here where people have been cyber bullied. Seriously, are you freaking kidding me. People opinions are their own, not everyone will like this book. Get over yourselves. 

Rant over.. 

 Ok good book, recommend to everyone that wants to feel so much...

Review of Hurts so good by Jenika Snow

Hurts so good was another short by Jenika snow, about big mean looking tough men, fighting for those they love, in the ring and outside of it. 

In this story Mack and Jane have a past and they hadn't seen each other in 10 years, they haven't stopped thinking about each other every day since. I love a tourtured hero!!!

Having read the rest in the Absinthe series I was really looking forward to this. I love stories involving Russians. (Her russian protectors by Roxie Rivera) this story did not disappoint. 

Mack was hot, possessive and just down right gorgeous, and Jane was a great heroine. 

I loved that we got a glimpse of the past between the two of them and the epilogue was a perfect end.

Can't seem to get enough of Jenika Snow books, and this was by far the best!!  

Review of Her Tattooed Fighter by Jenika snow

A short sexy little read by Jenika Snow, about a man whoring inked up fighter, who has wanted the trainers daughter for a long time. Inviting her to a party, hoping that she feel the same the story trots along nicely. The fight scenes were well choreographed nicely, and the sex was steamy.  

London was a yummy possessive man who I instantly loved. 

Jenika Snow is fastly becoming a favourite author of mine. 

Favourite line

"Yeah, I am pretty fucking drunk, baby." Her heart sank. "But I'm not drunk em ought that I don't realise that the girl in front of me is the one that I've wanted for a long fucking time, but have been too much of a pussy to approach. Or that the girl that I am grinding this hard-on against is the one that will probably have me getting my ass kicked by her dad and a big-ass Russian." 

Looking forward to the big-ass Russians story next. 

Review of The Gladiators Honour by Michelle Styles

This story takes place in a villa in ancient Rome at the time of Julius Caesar. Julia, relative of Caesar, divorced her creepy husband Lucius because he abused her. This was quite a scandal!! Back living with her disappointed father and step mother, Julia all but waits for something to make her feel alive.. 

Enter Valen. A Sexy, tortured, honourable, Muscled Gladiator...

He has been sent to stay with Julia's Family whilst the Arena Games in Rome are being prepared. Having been a gladiator for 5 years, he is destined to fight his last fight as a slave in the arena, with liberty within his reach he doesn't need to distractions. 

Julia is drawn toward the brawny brute, and the forbidden passion he invokes with her.

Through a series of challenging events, dangerous ex-husbands and interfering friends and family, this delightful historical romance was one of the best I've read in a long time. Erotic Romance from Ancient Rome is becoming a bit of an obsession of mine and this did not disappoint. 

The characters were engaging and the story line imaginative. I especially liked the gripping gladiatorial fights!

Overall, styles does a great job of keeping the reader engaged to the very end. This is a great book for anyone who like their Romance Erotica light hearted and vanilla. 

Review of A forever Love by Kelly Elliott

A forever love is about garret and emma. They are the grandparents to the future couples in the books.

Garret and emma have an insta love, which I often feel makes for an unbelievable plot, but the chemistry between Garret and Emma was gorgeous.

There really isn't much plot. They fall in love, marry and get pregnant. What happens in between these events is normal life, albeit full of passion. 

A great story which I adored. Garret is my new book boyfriend. .. yummy

Review of Mating Heat by Laurann Dohner

Rating: 5/5 stars

Alpha: to the max.

Genre: Shifter, romance

This story is about Charma & Brand. Brand is a wolf shifter, but Charma is a half human, half cat shifter.  They were lovers in college however Charma's family have an arrangement with her pride alpha. Charma is to mate Garret, a nasty, spineless violent man & the son of the alpha. Her parents were in a car accident and were severely wounded. In the pride they are considered weak and a liability and therefore termed for death. 

Charma left Brand for nine years, however because of events from the previous books Brand is in trouble with the cat pride.

Seeing that her first and only love is in trouble Charma flees her pride and seeks out Brand.  Once rekindled its like the nine years haven't happened. Brand is determined to mate Charma, however Charma's pride are spoiling for a fight and don't care who gets in the middle...

I am a huge Laurann Dohner fan. I have read everyone of her books. The Mating heat series is my least favourite,  however this book has completely changed my mind. 

I like my shifter romance to be easy, typical. I have pretty much exhausted my shifter romance and find it difficult to find something new. This was typical and traditional. The romamce was believable and the sex was HOT!!  
A great story.  5 stars..

Review of Fifty Shades Darker by E L James

Rating: 5/5 stars
Genre: BDSM, Romance.
Alpha Male: to the max!!! 

The intense second instalment in the Fifty Shades series is just as great as the first. In the end of the last book we see Ana leaves Christian. She's Scared of him and what he his capable of. She's also afraid that he can't love her. Understandable.. he is fifty shades of fcuked up. 

In Fifty Shades Darker, Ana and Christian resume their 'relationship' on the promises of "more". When Ana leaves something clicks in Christian and he can't bear for her to be away from him. Then a new threat of an Ex Sub, Leila, ruins was very little peace they had. He's overprotective and overbearing and at times heartbreaking. 

It's quite surprising how much of this story is everyday situations made extraordinary by both Christian, his wealth and his reactions to Ana's 'disobedience', for example, she wants to go to New York for a work related trip, he orders the company to stop employees at that level go. Considering he just bought the company... that she work's at.. not a coincidence.

My Favourite part is in chapter 13 and 14. Christian has just subdued Leila. Ana comes to the conclusion that he enjoyed still having power of Leila, and maybe he does. Ana sees dominant Christian in all his glory and second guesses his ability to not hurt her in the future. She tries to express her feelings, but he feels she about to leave him again and he breaks. He becomes a bit of a husk. It's quite awful to read really. he's such an opposing character... and that's when I fell in love with the character of Christian Grey. 

Of course, my other favourite part is Christian's birthday party. the Lemon Martini thrown all over Elena.. at Last!!!

I would recommend this to Hopeless Romantics and those in the mood to be blown away by such an intense book.

Review of Highlander's Embrace by Amy Isan

Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: Highlander's, Historical, Romance.
Alpha Male: Not really.. . 

When the Laid of Clan McKenzie is assassinated, his son Gavin, leaves his home in search of the King of Scotland, for help in seeking revenge against the rival Clan, the MacDonald's. Gavin believed that the McDonald's are guilty of slaughtering his father out of revenge for the kidnapping of their daughter, Elyn. 

Along the way to see the sing Gavin comes across Elyn. She doesn't know who she is and neither does Gavin, however they band together to see the King, to plead for the McKenzie clan, and Elyn's family, who have been held hostage. 

However, much more sinister plots are unravelling by the page as Elyn and Gavin fight for country, honour and Love... 


This highlander novel was not like most I've read. For one, the heroine, Elyn, is a flame-haired, feisty chick who's very willing to go into battle, especially to save the ones she loves. she doesn't care about doing hard work or looking filthy. On the other side, the hero was not very confident, he believes that everything was his fault pretty much most of the book, and then finds his fight. That being said, both characters were very flawed, and therefore much more realistic. 

The romance between the couple was nice.. not a bad thing, but i did feel in places it lacked passion. 

The story was a delight to read, very imaginative and I liked how the author used fictional characters as well as incorporating the real life King. 

Peace and Love, Lady Kirsten