Tag Archives: Romance

The Detox Factor by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

detox-factor

Title: The Detox Factor
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Billie appeared at the top of the stairs and halfway through her descent she stopped dead in her tracks, having spotted Katlin.

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Synopsis

Shannon and Billie might think that they’re on a weekend treat just to detox, but they’re soon going to have to get rid of a whole new poison from their systems…

Thoughts

Although this is a ghost story, and a phenomenal one at that, it also makes me want to do a health detox. After all, that was the instigating factor for the paranormal chaos that followed. Plus, the idea of removing toxins from the body is always an interesting one. Although, each and every person tends to have their own take on how this works, I mostly enjoyed the idea that the detox focused on removing things like alcohol and cigarettes. Yes, there were other aspects of the detox factor, but the idea to find a happier, healthier you was inherent within the characters’ motivations – something which I can appreciate. The fact that a happier, healthier body meant better access to the paranormal world and the girls’ spiritual understanding? Just a fantastic angle to the story!

There were two stories within The Detox Factor – that of Shannon and Billie, their detox, and their growing experiences of the paranormal; and Katlin’s life and death. It was Katlin’s life and death that I really enjoyed. Although her tale was tragic, and gained it’s happy ending almost a century after her death, her steadfastness and inherent goodness shone throughout. Her willingness to forgive he those who wronged her in life in the hopes that they can achieve peace in the afterlife really stuck with me after I finished this tale. That, and her ability to hold out for true love even when there seems to be no hope is a great reminder that true love does exist. The parallel discovery of true love in Shannon’s life just helps to drive this beautiful message home.

 <- Ghostwriting Review In the Limbo of Luxury Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

The Crown by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-crown

Title: The Crown
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “Yes?”

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Synopsis

A Selection can only have one winner.
A princess only has one heart.

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illea to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. But as events at the palace force her even further into the spotlight, Eadlyn realizes that she might no be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairy-tale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…

Thoughts

After the disappointment that was Eadlyn’s character in The Heir, The Crown COMPLETELY restored my faith in the child of Maxon and America. In the finale of this series, Eadlyn not only finds herself and a way to rule her country in her own way, but she finally gives love a chance and lets it in. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better way to tie off a beautiful series that really makes you believe in true love. Not only is there a happy ending, but you also get to find out how Maxon and America spend the rest of their lives.

I really enjoyed that in spite of all of the negative publicity that Eadlyn received throughout her Selection process, she not only turns this around, but also finds a way to stay true to herself in the process. Her final words on the Report show how she has finally accepted this too. It is a great reminder that no matter what we do, not everyone is going to like us or our actions. Sadly, this is even more of an issue for women, especially those who are strong and able to stand tall amongst crowds of men.

Although I had guessed at the possibility of Eadlyn’s love interest in her two stories, it was still somewhat of a surprise when his name was finally revealed. There are hints peppered throughout both The Heir and The Crown and it was still kind of surprising to have her love interest revealed in the final chapters of this story. Where America’s love story was passionate and full of twists and turns, even though you just knew that her and Maxon would eventually end up together, Eadlyn’s falling was so much more organic. It was a slow and gradual thing that spoke of their control and the ways in which they were able to build on mutual trust and understanding in their courtship.

<- The Heir Review Happily Ever After Review ->
Image source: Kiera Cass

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-heir

Title: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He was followed by a boy with a drawl so thick I had to really focus to catch his words.

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Synopsis

Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon – and they lived happily ever after.

Eadlyn doesn’t expect her own story to end in romance – she has no interest in repeating the fairy tale. But a princess’s life is never entirely her own – and Eadlyn cannot escape her very own Selection, and one particular entry who may just capture her heart…

Thoughts

I honestly don’t think that I liked Eadlyn until the very last page of this story. She was self-centred, over-privileged and convinced that no one else is as good, or powerful as her. The vulnerability that was revealed in some of her words did help to lessen my disgust at her character, but it only lessened it. Eadlyn’s very make-up and personality screamed over-privileged, spoilt child, and after reading about America’s plight to find love in the preceding three books, it was difficult to see how she could have created such a difficult-to-like young woman.

It was incredibly fun to find out how Maxon and America’s lives together turned out twenty years after they finally managed to find their way to one another. Their four children and the legacy they built in Illea was such a sweet, tangible reality to grasp on to. The stark differences in all of them not only indicates their place within their social hierarchy, but how different siblings can be while still having that integral connection to one another. The way that Eadlyn’s brothers stand up for and support her when she is upset is admirable. However, each one of them are also able to shut her down and remind her that she is not perfect, and there is work to do.

Although Eadlyn’s inability to see through her self-centred tendencies is frustrating, I find it incredibly difficult to completely disregard her. Although she is incapable of letting people in and finds it incredibly tough to form any kind of bond with, well, anyone, she is forced to deal with a lot. Her very way of protecting her heart against harm is what actually does the most harm. Likewise, although she may be more callous, the actions that she takes in her Selection, which are very similar to those which her father performed, are greeted with far more negative responses. It is such a beautiful and stark reminder of the fact that where actions are completely acceptable for a male, it is considered horrific for a female to act in the same manner.

<- The One Review The Crown Review ->
Image source: The Selection Wiki

The Favorite by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-favorite

Title: The Favorite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2.6
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: As they whipped the canes around, warming up, I averted my eyes.

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Synopsis

While America Singer’s heart was torn between Aspen and Prince Maxon, her friend Marlee knew exactly what she wanted—and paid the price.

Thoughts

Marlee and America’s relationship is what we all want in a girlfriend – somebody who sees into the very heart of ourselves and still loves us, regardless. Her punishment for falling for a guard was a GIGANTIC turning point in the series, and it was interesting to see what truly happened in Marlee’s own words. This tale also helped to show the character of Marlee, her sweetness, her faithfulness and her amazing inner strength. The willingness to do anything for love is such a noble trait that quite frankly, few people have, and for me, Marlee epitomises this in such an understated way.

Discovering what happened to Marlee and Clark before their whipping, and what hand Maxon played in it helped to further the simple beauty of their love. But, it also showed that Maxon truly tried everything to save these integral characters, and truly had no hard feelings for what many saw as a very public betrayal. The ending to the tale, and the revealing of how Marlee and America were finally able to continue living their lives together helped to seal this faith in Maxon and trust that everything eventually turned out alright for all of the characters.

<- The Guard Review The One Review ->
Image source: Epic Reads

The Guard by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-guard

Title: The Guard
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2.5
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: When she left, my thoughts turned back to America.

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Synopsis

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .

Before she entered the Selection . . .

She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Thoughts

I found Aspen kind of difficult to love when I first met him, not that I disliked him in any way, shape or form, but I just didn’t quite love him. To be fair, it took me a while to truly fall in love with Maxon too – both men seemed to have a fair chance with America and they are both flawed enough to have made the falling for her difficult. However, The Guard helps to provide more insight into why he acted like a total and utter twerp. Well, other than being the beginning of the story and love triangle that is so integral to the series.

Although most of Aspen’s words focuses on his regret and love for America, it was his insights into the castle and King Clarkson relationship with his son that I enjoyed the most in The Guard. His abusive and underhanded nature was slowly revealed throughout the first three Selection books, but it was the overheard conversations and his horrifying actions that truly revealed this. I’m glad that I only read this short story after I finished reading The One, because it wasn’t until that point in the series that his actions truly began to make me worry not only for the overarching love story, but for America’s life itself. That’s not to say that it’s not worth reading The Guard before The One, but I enjoyed finding out how truly horrible the man was through America’s eyes.

<- The Elite Review The Favorite Review ->
Image source: Kiera Cass

The Prince by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-prince

Title: The Prince
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #0.5
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Reaching toward the back of the rack he pulled out a pair of denim pants.

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Synopsis

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection…

Before Aspen broke America’s heart…

There was another girl in Prince Maxon’s life…

Thoughts

The Selection, The Elite and The One tell us the love story of America and Maxon, but all from his point of view. It was incredibly enlightening to see some of his first impressions of the Selection process and America in The Prince short story. His awareness of his father’s manipulations and his reluctance to truly trust anyone lest they hurt him helped to make more of his somewhat questionable reactions to America and their courtship more understandable and enlightening.

I always found it hard to understand why a somewhat sheltered prince like Maxon would keep America in the Selection process after their first meeting and first date. However, by enabling a porthole through which to view his ideas and how truly close he came to dismissing her, it seems far more realistic. And honestly, when I read a romance story I want it to be realistic. Blinding devotion and an inability to view the others’ flaws is all well and good in fantasy-land, but it is incredibly unrealistic, and I find it more than a little painful to read about.

<- The Queen Review The Selection Review ->
Image source: Fanpop

The Queen by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-queen

Title: The Queen
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #0.4
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I took my seat in the dining hall, blushing when Clarkson winked at me.

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Synopsis

Before America Singer’s story began, another girl came to the palace to compete for the hand of a different prince….

Don’t miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series. This prequel story takes place before the events of The Selection and is told from the point of view of Prince Maxon’s mother, Amberly. Discover a whole new Selection with this inside look at how Maxon’s parents met—and how an ordinary girl named Amberly became a beloved queen.

Thoughts

If it wasn’t for the introduction that Cass wrote at the beginning of this short story, I would find this a slightly awkward story to read. Although later in The Selection series, we realise that Clarkson is quite abusive, and even as a Prince, something was obviously not quite right about the man. Amberly’s blinding devotion to the man also sent shivers up my spine – I can’t comprehend anybody being that singularly obedient to one being.

Having said that this story gave me slight goosebumps, and not in a good way, Amberly’s innocence and sweetness did leave me feeling quite content in her character. Her ability to soothe even the tempers of Clarkson is not something to be misjudged, and it makes you wonder what could have happened if she had used this talent a little more. Although, as she was just as flawed in her own way, that probably could never have eventuated.

Cass’ use of The Queen to illustrate how two severely flawed characters can fall for each other was not only touching, but also very insightful into the different ways in which relationships can develop. Her knowledge of their past helps to inform why even to the end, Amberly loved her husband dearly and was able to sacrifice everything for him.

<- Happily Ever After Review The Prince Review ->
Image source: The Bookwhore Diaries

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

happily-ever-after

Title: Happily Ever After
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection Short Stories
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I took my seat in the dining hall, blushing when Clarkson winked at me.

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Synopsis

America’s story wasn’t the only one with a happy ending…

Before Amberly came to the palace… She was a Four in love with a One.

Before Maxon met the girl of his dreams… He was the boy of someone else’s.

Before Aspen opened his heart to someone new… He was determined to fight for his first love.

And before Marlee could fall for a prince… She was swept off her feet by a guard.

Thoughts

I didn’t know what to expect out of this collection of short stories – The Selection series seemed to be pretty much complete at the end of The One. I was completely wrong though, finding out about Amberly, Maxon, Aspen and Marlee’s tales just helped to build on the intrigue and beauty of America’s love story. Their views of each other and the characters, and their histories helped me to further understand some of the actions that I found so frustrating while watching Mer fall in love.

It wasn’t only the four short stories that were in this collection, Celeste’s short reflections on key parts within their Selection process provided insight into a somewhat hard to like girl. Her insecurities and doubts actually made me like a character that I found truly hard to stomach throughout the series. Add to this a short that lets you know how Lucy fell for Aspen, and a collection of pages which tell us where each of the girls in the elite ended up, and not only was this novel a great read, but it also left me feeling even more complete and happy with America’s love story than before. Now to discover more about the daughter in The Heir…

 <- The Crown Review The Queen Review ->
Image source: HarperCollins

The Beast of Blackmoor Bog by Milla Vane

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

night-shift

Title: The Beast of Blackmoor Bog
Author: Milla Vane
In: Night Shift (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He stared into the fire, his broad chest rising on a series of deep breath.

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Synopsis

A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn’t a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

Thoughts

This short story was a constant surprise for me – the tale never took me where I expected, which is always such a pleasant surprise when reading a new story and author. The twists and turns that The Beast of Blackmoor Bog took me on in such a short story were thrillingly enjoyable and I am now busy hunting for more writing by Vane.

This story had a really old school, medieval feel to it – I couldn’t help but think of Conan the Barbarian while I read it, and it was a really nice change from the majority of stories that I seem to be sinking my teeth into at the moment. The battle field and the setting in which this story takes place is all too easy to see and compare to the landscape of pre-Christian Europe. A locale full of potential when writing and reading a new story.

Vane excellently flicked between the POVs of the two main characters – it was subtly done, but all the more insightful for it. This change between third person POV allows the reader to gain understanding of both of the characters’ motivations and drivers, their hopes and fears throughout the tale. But, due to Vane’s incredible talent, it was done without interrupting the flow of the story.

<- Lucky Charms Review Night Shift Review ->
Image source: Audiobooks

Wickedly Ever After by Deborah Blake

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

wickedly-ever-after

Title: Wickedly Ever After
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #2.5, Baba Yaga World #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Chudo-Yudo spat out his bone with a thunk.

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Synopsis

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one…

Having triumphed over a powerful enemy and ended up with both a wonderful guy—Sheriff Liam McClellan—and an adorable adopted daughter to raise as a Baba Yaga, Barbara Yager is ready to welcome her happily ever after.

But first she must bring Liam to the Otherworld and get the Queen’s permission to marry him. The Queen, however, is not so easily persuaded. She gives them three impossible tasks to complete in two weeks’ time—and if they fail Barbara will have to watch Liam slowly age and die like all humans, and kiss her happily ever after good-bye forever.

Thoughts

As with the rest of the books in the Baba Yaga series, Wickedly Ever After reminds us all that we get a happy ending, even not-so-wicked witches. Although Barbara and Liam get engaged at the end of Wickedly Dangerous, their story isn’t quite finished, and it was such a pleasure to revisit their love in this short story. No matter what happens in these stories, I always turn the last page with a huge smile on my lips. Who wouldn’t? They are sweet, endearing tales of triumph and love in the face of numerous obstacles.

The Queen is a great representation of the fae – they are known to be fickle, demanding and at times, uncaring of others. Or at least, that’s how the court fae are represented in folklore. Blake’s use of her as a representative of this supernatural group is not only a great catalyst within the stories, but also a fantastic use of pre-existing mythological notions. I also love how she represents the id in our desires – none of us are truly able to pursue our own desires and whims, the Queen is able to though. This makes things not only difficult for others, but a figure that is both intimidating and enviable. Who doesn’t want to follow their own dreams and desires?

Wickedly Ever After is a great novella in the Baba Yaga universe, it ties in the lives of the three witches and their eventual marriages. I love the small side stories within the main plot line, they add an extra layer of texture and characterisation within the series that continues to make my heart soar and my mind believe in true love.

<- Wickedly Wonderful Review Wickedly Powerful Review ->
Image source: Open Book Society