During Brianna’s trip to the Ural Mountains of Russia, a life-threatening accident places her at the mercy of a strange, reclusive man. A man whose secrets and unquenchable hunger will change her life forever…
In the huge list of werewolf romances, or even werewolf stories, that I’ve read, this certainly didn’t measure high up the top. It wasn’t awful or bad in any way, I just didn’t rate it incredibly highly. I enjoyed it though. And I would add a few more Sherri L. King books to my shelves. I just won’t be putting them at the top of my wish list.
I think that the thing that put me off the most about this story is the whole feeling each other up while the girl was barely conscious. I mean, that is not a sexy moment. I found it seriously, ridiculously creepy. And disturbed. And just generally not okay. I’m definitely uncomfortable with that entire part of the plot line. And, if it was removed I probably would have loved this story so much more. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of my erotica style stories feature a bit of a DomSub spin, and things that I personally wouldn’t be interested in… but this was just… ick.
Moonlustis a fun and good beginning for a series, and a nice novella. Most definitely not my favourite one, but it’s still fun. And I’m keen to see what else King is able to do with her writing skills and world creation.
Sometimes love is everything you could ever want. Sometimes it’s just a real kick in the teeth.
I really liked the world building in this story. It featured twins that weren’t really twins, a demon, and a long-lost love. There is nothing I love better than a story that has this much power and just plain, downright awesomeness. It drew me in from the beginning and even a few days after reading it and sitting down to (finally) write this review…. I’m still enjoying the storyline.
Relationships are built upon memories. I love that this story is all about those memories. Those key moments that we all have and that each of us remember differently. I love that sin an attempt to reconnect with a lost love, it’s a memory that is shared. The fact that this memory box sends a demon twin into a hell dimension and all sorts of horribleness… well, it just wouldn’t be a good story without such a spanner in the works.
This was an incredibly quick and easy story to read. It swept me away and took me on a fun little adventure. One that I completely wasn’t expecting but enjoyed regardless. I love the idea of demon twins and having to protect demons. Hell dimensions and loves lost or regained. It was just… fun and a great set up in a relatively few number of pages.
Title: The Cad and the Co-Ed Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid Series: Rugby #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport Dates read: 5th – 6th February 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: Avoidance was the best policy.
Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.
THE CAD Bryan Leech is a cad. Or, he was a cad. No one is quite certain. Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act. 8 The only problem is, no one believes him.
THE CO-ED Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed to put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship. The only problem is, her best option – by far – places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.
THE PLAN Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar. Eilish is determined to hid her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires. But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?
As the third book in the Rugby series, this was probably also the most heart breaking. After all, Eilish gets pregnant and kicked out of her family. Bryan is a recovering alcoholic who has completely stuffed up many, many things in his own life. And just, in general, the battles that these two have to face are really sad. And that’s just the first chapter – you know that things aren’t going to be all rosy anytime soon when you start out with a beginning like that.
Yet again, this series took me by surprise. I’ve never read a book that features an alcoholic. Let alone one that features the alcoholic as the male lead in a romance. Whilst this isn’t a dark spin on the issue, it is one that highlights the negatives and difficulties of such a thing. It’s an intense and wonderful journey. I’m someone who has a few people in my life with substance abuse issues, so I was incredibly excited to read about it in such a hopeful manner.
From the beginning of this book, I wasn’t a huge fan of Josey. Everyone has a friend that they’ve known forever and have kind of outgrown. For some of us, it’s more a matter of change and you can reconnect. For some it’s not a painful outgrowing. And then there’s friendships like Josey’s… the ones that really don’t fit anymore. The friendships that are beginning to turn toxic and are more of a chore than an enjoyment. It makes me actually want to put a pause on reading this series… because Josey is featured in the next one and I really didn’t connect to her throughout this whole story.
I’m at the age now that stories which feature parents in any way, shape or form are becoming more and more attractive. I was always told that you like reading about the people who are about the same age as you, and I’m certainly finding that to be the case. Alright, Eilish is a few years younger than I am in this story. But her issues are very adult ones. And her maturity and beauty shines through this whole story.
Title: The Hooker and the Hermit Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid Series: Rugby #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport Dates read: 3rd – 5th February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: It’s boring as fuck, but at least I’m trying.
New York’s Finest Blogging as The Socialmedialite April 22 LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement! You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy.
Well, I have a confession to make…
THE HERMIT Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New Yorks Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actually reality? not so much.
THE HOOKER Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media – social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…
THE PLAN When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggest pairing them together.
What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is?
I did read the Rugby booksa little bit out of order. Mostly because I was so excited to start them, that I received The Player and the Pixie before The Hooker and the Hermit, so sunk into that one instead. But, that meant that the instant this book arrived on my doorstep, I sunk myself right into it. And didn’t really come up for air until I’d turned that final page. Which may explain why I’m a bit behind in all of my adult responsible stuff at the moment…
Annie is the most heart-wrenching, yet beautiful lead female that I’ve read in a long time. She is so completely shut off from the world. I mean, I’ve had a lot of introverts filling up my shelves… but the level of her introversion? Stunning. And horrifying. I also don’t get the social media thing completely (although I do enjoy it a little), so I was completely perplexed about how she has such a strong online identity. Her past, her present, wow. They were seriously intense and made me want to reach through the pages of the book and hug her… tightly.
Since I read The Player and the Pixie first, I knew a little of Ronan’s history with Sean and Brona. But, meeting her in the flesh, so to speak, was so much more… painful. And kind of horrifying to be honest. I mean, I know that people like this exist… and there are hints of them in the many other books that I’ve read… but having to read about this character face to face (so to speak) was even more creepy. It made me constantly feel for Ronan and hope for his happily ever after with Annie. Plus, it made every moment that Annie runs away all that much more painful and tragic.
This is such a wonderful new-age kind of romance. It takes place with technology, twitter and social media front and centre. Something that I don’t see in a lot of romances. I love that it discusses media, and how we are judged for what we look like. And just many, many issues that are front and centre in our own daily lives. It makes it all that much easier to feel connected to and a little more in love with Ronan and Annie.
The Hooker and the Hermit is a fantastic novel and beginning of a series (if you’re not like me and getting WAY too excited). I fell head over heels in love with this story. Head over heels in love with the characters. And head over heels in love with this whole set up / series. Most definitely one of those unforgettable books that I’m going to be reading again and again in years to come.
Title: The Flyaway Bride Author: Langley Gray Series: The Socialites #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 3rd February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: ARC, eBook, Novel Publisher: Langley Gray Year: 2021 5th sentence, 74th page: Even from the base of the hike, the view was picturesque.
JoJo Ellison is a passionate free spirit who may have finally met her match in William Black, Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor. The former supermodel turned designer is viewed by most as a strong force and being in William’s shadow has slowly faded her spark. Her wedding day is looming, but so is a sinking feeling.
The morning of her nuptials, she finds herself in her wedding dress, on a plane to Italy, leaving William at the altar. The Flyaway Bride soon realizes that she can’t outrun the paparazzi and is whisked away on the back of a dusty orange moped by a handsome blast from her past.
Jonny Hall is a talented chef who was an up-and-coming name when he was unceremoniously banned from working in his native London due to a mix up with a notoriously nasty chef. Instead of working in a Michelin-starred restaurant, he finds himself banished to the hills of Tuscany teaching tourists how to make pasta.
Over time, Jonny and JoJo reacquaint themselves with one another while the beautiful Tuscan countryside works its healing magic on them both. JoJo’s passions are rekindled, lighting an unexpected fire in Jonny’s own life.
But will it be enough for JoJo to come back from the mess she’s made for herself? Will Jonny find himself in the crossfire? Find out with this sweet contemporary rom-com.
I received this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I was blown away by how much I loved this ARC. I was expecting a fun journey, and I thought that I would enjoy it. But, from the moment I opened my Kobo, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the storyline. I couldn’t stop reading it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I just generally was grinning from ear to ear the whole way through.
JoJo is a great lead. She’s impulsive and free-spirited, and she’s been trapped in a relationship that has just swept her along to a place she doesn’t necessarily want to be in. The fact that she had the guts to leave a man at the altar because he isn’t right for her… well, she was just wonderful and fun. And the whole time she is fighting to gain her independence and be the free-spirit that she is.
I love that JoJo is able to find her independence and sense of self after being in such a controlling relationship. Even though this is a romance, and she does end up with the dreamy guy… much of the story is about being oneself. Finding those things in life that trigger your passions and happiness and grasping it with both hands. It’s a reminder that even when you find your happily ever after person (be it man, woman or other), you still get to be yourself. Be your own version of happily ever after that you may not entirely expect.
I’ve talked a lot about JoJo in this review. I do love her partner in this – Jonny. But, really, as always, this story is about the woman for me. The fact that it also features three amazing best friends who love her for who she is just makes everything that much better. But, you know… Jonny does cook. And the way to my heart is most certainly food. And books…
Title: Matilda Author: Roald Dahl Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Book to Film, Children’s, Easy reading Dates read: 23rd January – 2nd February 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Puffin Books Year: 1988 5th sentence, 74th page: I like it.
‘We saw Miss Trunchbull grab a girl by the pigtails and throw her over the playground fence!’
Growing up, Matildawas always one of my favourite books. I mean, how could it not be? It’s about a girl that is different, a bit of an outcast and seriously smart. I saw a lot of myself in her when I was a kid. I’m not that smart or that much of an outsider, and I certainly can’t move things with my mind. But I still felt that love for the character. And, reading this as an adult… I can remember why I had all of those wonderful, positive feelings.
Matilda is a reminder that we all have power and individuality. That we should never take advantage of others and always be good. I love Miss Honey, and always wished that I had a teacher like that growing up. Plus, Matilda has an amazing best friend in Lavendar. And just generally great people on her side, once she starts school that is. Plus, even though this is written by a man… it involves strong females. With strong female relationships. Something that I think we all need in our lives.
This is one of those stories that is so ingrained into my childhood that I’m not entirely sure if I read the book or watched the movie first. But, I do know for certain that the whole time I was reading this, I was picturing Danny DeVito (I think that’s the actor) and hearing his voice whenever Matilda’s father was talking. It gave me even more nostalgia and a fondness for aspects of childhood that had kind of lain dormant and forgotten.
It’s always nice to know that you can revisit a beloved childhood tale and still enjoy it. I will definitely be picking Matilda up again and again. It was a fun, light and enjoyable journey. And there were moments in it that I didn’t notice as a child. Something that I love… when something from your childhood stands the test of time.
Title: Soul Deep Author: Lora Leigh Series: Breeds #5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Erotica, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters Dates read: 28th January 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: Two vehicles were behind them, one at their side and two ahead of them and in seconds there were bodies hanging out of all of them, firing at the helicopter streaking toward them.
What couple could be more unlikely than a sassy, independent President’s daughter who doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut and a longer Coyote Breed with a hunger for a cute rosebud mouth that he’s determined to still.
Kiowa’s job is to watch Amanda, the President’s daughter – look, but not touch. just make sure the Secret Service detail assigned to protect her does their job until the new Breed Law is passed. But when the bad guys move in to take her out, Kiowa reluctantly slips i to the rescue, snatching Amanda away to safety. But she isn’t going to come easy and it takes mroe than smooth talking to make her see his point of view.
For a man who’s had nothing, Amanda Marion is food for hte hunger that has tortured him, the reality to every dream Kiowa never dared believe in. What he feels for her is more than heat, more than love. She breathes life into his hardened heart, melting the icy chill and touches a part of him that he thought had died – his soul. And now he’ll kill anyone who tries to take her away from him.
But the one person he can’t fight is Amanda, and when she wants to leave…
This was a bit of a quicker and less conspiracy-theory based story than the other Breeds novels so far. But, it did introduce the idea of the Coyote Breed, and the fact that people of minority groups, such as Native Americans, were kidnapped in this world to create the Breeds. Which meant that although this novel wasn’t as intense in the overall series as many of the others, it was still wonderfully brilliant. And completely impossible to put down.
As with all of the Breeds books, this one just made my toes curl. And left me with a huge grin on my face. There is something a little bit extra lustful and guilty-pleasure-like about this series. Something that always makes me check over my shoulder and spreads a blush across my cheeks because I don’t want anyone to take a peek at what I’m reading. I love that in a good romance and add to that the fact that it’s just generally well written… well, I’m seriously falling hard for these books.
Kiowa’s story really made my heart break. None of the breeds have good background stories, but the way he was treated by his own blood… it just made everything feel that much worse. It also stopped me from wanting to put down this book at all. I had to find out about Kiowa’s happily ever after. After all, he’s already been abandoned and destroyed by his own blood, so you need to know that Amanda is going to stick with his bullshit and they’ll get their happily ever after.
Amanda was such a wonderful female lead in this story. Kiowa and Amanda are a little bit more into the DomSub stuff in the bedroom… but she’s also more than capable of standing on her own two feet when the world requires it. This great juxtaposition helps her to kick Kiowa’s butt when he needs it and get the respect that all women deserve. Whilst still enjoying the benefits of his dominance in the bedroom… 😉
Title: The Player and the Pixie Author: L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid Series: Rugby #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sport Dates read: 25th – 28th January 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: And far too pitiful, aggrandizing, and introspective.
How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehold. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him?
THE PIXIE
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby. As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.
THE PLAYER
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone. His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard body make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sea has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.
THE PLAN
Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world – and Lucy’s big brother in particular – that this is the real deal?
Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love.
As with everything that involves Penny Reid, I was hooked from the very first moment of this story. The fact that it also introduced a new author to my happy little brain whilst taking me into this fun new world… it just made me much, much happier. I love that both Sean and Lucy appear to be a little mainstream… but end up being completely, totally and utterly unique, with some very fun little compulsions…
This may be the first romance that I’ve ever read which features a man who isn’t good in bed. The fact that he’s a player, sexy and just ridiculously well known for all of his conquests… well, it just made everything so much better. I love that Sean has absolutely no idea what he’s doing and ends up being the more vulnerable and kind of sappy one out of the couple. Which, you would think, would make him a bit of a less dreamy lead character. But, somehow it doesn’t. There is still something ridiculously drool worthy and dreamy about the character that still continues to pull you in.
The other aspect of this story that was a whole new experience for me was the fact that this tale features a kleptomaniac. Again, it’s a feature in a character that I’ve never come across. One that worked beautifully and gave Lucy a whole heap of new vulnerabilities that left me smiling. It also highlights how unhealthy some relationships with family members can be – and how we can struggle to manage them. I know that I have my own compulsions when I’m struggling, so it was lovely to read about someone who was kind of worse than me.
I pretty much inhaled this book. Actually, my partner tried to talk to me a few times whilst reading this, and I’m not entirely sure that he got any kind of response out of me. It’s just that good. You fall in love with Lucy and Sean from the beginning. You feel all of their emotions. And you just… enjoy the whole journey. From the very beginning to the very ending.
Title: Over Sea, Under Stone Author: Susan Cooper Series: Dark is Rising #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Adventure, Camelot, Fantasy, Young adult Dates read: 27th – 28th January 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: McElderry Books Year: 1965 5th sentence, 74th page: But they seemed to go for the books, and I can’t vouch for those.
All through time the two great forces of Light and Dark have battled for control of the world. Now, after centuries of balance, the Dark is summoning its terrifying forces to rise once more – and three children find themselves caught in the conflict.
Simon, Jane, and Barney, on holiday in Cornwall, discover an ancient map that leads to a grail: a vital weapon for the Light’s fight against evil. The search for the grail becomes their quest, and they risk their lives in a race against sinister human beings who serve the dreadful power of the Dark.
I bought the box set of Dark is Rising ages ago. Partly because it was on sale, but I also have a tv series based on this series and I’ve heard good things about it. But then, because the covers of my versions aren’t the most attention-grabbing, I kind of kept forgetting about them. And wow, am I kind of regretting that fact. This book was wonderful and intense and seriously, wonderfully enjoyable. Most definitely a great start to a series. One that I plan on reading more of in the (hopefully) near future.
In the past year I’ve started to find and enjoy some Camelot stories. I don’t know a lot about Arthurian lore, not anything that isn’t seriously mainstream. But it’s definitely something that I’m beginning to enjoy more and more. A theme and base that is used beautifully in this story. The whole tale is about the search for the Grail. And I’m getting some serious King Arthur vibes from Simon. There was also that nice little crumb at the end of the story about Merlin which I’m really looking forward to unpacking…
From the moment you open this book, you are pulled into this great adventure. As a child, I might have even tried to solve the little riddles and clues that are riddled throughout the novel. But, as an adult, it was just a lot of fun to be pulled along on this adventure. This unexpected journey that takes you all over the countryside pulling you into a story that you won’t forget anytime soon. One that had me smiling and gleefully turning to the next page again and again throughout.
This is a fantastic, wonderful and very, very enjoyable adventure story. One that has introduced me to a whole new world that I can’t wait to sink further and further into. I love that although the battle is over in this story, you can feel all the hints and horrors of the war to come. And now I can’t wait for the next mystery to be revealed!
Title: Kissing Tolstoy Author: Penny Reid Series: Dear Professor #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romance Dates read: 25th January 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: I couldn’t bring myself to look at him again, so I directed a short wave at the room.
What do you do when you discover that your super-hot blind date from months ago is now your super-hot Russian Lit professor?
You overthink everything and pray for a swift end to your misery, of course!
I fell stupid, crazy in love with this novel. Like, completely, totally and utterly head over heels for it. Not only was it fun and brilliant. But, as with every one of Reid’s books, the characters were a little quirky and impossible not to love. Particularly Anna with her slightly zany and very unique outlook on life. And Luca? Oh my goodness! Completely drool worthy! (Nobody look at my book… there are drool stains through the pages).
Every time I read a story that features academia, I kind of want to return to that world. Although, this is a perfect way in which to return without having all of the crap that actually comes alongside a life in the area. It’s a great window into a world that is seriously intense and complex. One that is fascinating and intriguing. The fact that it’s the setting for this book, and series, but not really a feature of it left me thinking of all of those wonderful positives. Whilst not dwelling on any of the negatives.
This is one of those stories in which things seem to go wrong, one thing after the other. That no matter what Anna tries to do, she’s drawn into Luca’s orbit and just isn’t quite sure how she got there. But, she wants to stay. It’s got that fate kind of feel to it that makes you think that those who are meant to be together will be, even if they’re not quite sure how to go about it. Which, honestly is the kind of thing that I love in a good romance – that feeling of inevitability that lends itself to a happily ever after.
All in all this was a fantastic, fun and impossible to put down book. I completely fell in love with it and don’t know that it is one that I will forget anytime soon. I most definitely can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into Kissing Galileo now!!!
