Review for Moonlight Raider by Amanda Scott:
Okay. This was the weirdest romance novel I have ever read. I will say that I have never read anything by Amanda Scott before so this may just be her writing style, which is completely fine but not my cup of tea.
I am always a little hesitant when a book starts with definitions of words or maps and this book had both. Before I read a brand new author I always do a little research and after finding out that Amanda Scott has a Masters in British History the definitions and map definitely made more sense. I adored seeing the old language and hearing about the terrain and the clothing from that era and I just soaked up all of that lovely historical knowledge. It's quite disheartening when you read an author that didn't even try to educate themselves on the era they are so valiantly trying to write in. Very much so not the case with Amanda Scott. I do wish that there had been more of a focus on the actual romance and the story line verses about 70% of the book talking about the landscape, landmarks, politics, and general explanations of the time period.
I can't even really comment on whether or not I enjoyed the heroine or hero. I didn't get to know them very well. It was a lot of them talking to other people about politics, wars, and history. A lot of them traversing landmarks and talking about landmarks, and directing people using landmarks. There were so many beautiful and exacting descriptions of the time period but when it came to conversations between characters, when personalities and bonds could be developed, it was very quick, no nonsense, then back to the landscapes, landscapes, clothing, politics, landscapes. While I do understand the Scottish and British people were very quick and brusque during this era, it seems like we could have fudged it just a little for the sake of character development.
I will say that I got to know Molly better than Walter. Through her interactions with her family and the people within the Hall. That's not to say that I actually got to know and enjoy her, I just saw more of her personality than I saw of Walters.
There were two sort of "steamy" scenes but the first one was a tease and over in a matter of a paragraph and the second one was vague at best and at the very very end. So, no go there. Normally this doesn't bother me as long as there is a heavy focus on the actual romance and the relationship building, but there wasn't even that. If you take out all of the historical references and descriptions you're left with a solid hour of story and relationship building...in an 8 hour book.
Again, this may just be the authors style, and that is completely fine. I was just left wanting. I wanted to know more about the other characters, I wanted to feel Walter and Molly falling for each other, I wanted intense action, and a daring climax. What I got was a sweet little story, like-able characters, and a very long (though very interesting) history lesson.
I've put her books on my To-Read shelf. I will definitely be exploring her writing further, if for nothing other than the history lessons. I do love Scottish/British history and if I'm going to learn about it, this is a fun way to do it.
Hero: ★★
Heroine: ★★★
Plot: ★★ 1/2
Steam: ★
Overall Rating: ★★★
Favorite Quote: I didn't really have one in this book. Nothing really reached out and grabbed me.
Favorite Scene: Whenever Molly is with Walter's sisters or Grandmother.
***I was given a free copy by NetGalley for an honest review***
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
One Gold Heart (Dominant Cord Book 1) by Sadie Haller
Review of One Gold Heart (Dominant Cord Book 1) by Sadie Haller:
As with most people, the closest I have gotten to the BDSM genre is Fifty Shades of Grey, so this book was about 20 steps outside of my comfort zone. After talking myself in and out of it about a thousand times, I finally just dug in and started reading. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this novella!
I struggle to understand the mindset of the Dominants and Subordinates in the BDSM world so there were a couple of spots where I was slightly uncomfortable and confused. As with most new genres, if you continue to read, the characters and the world start to make more sense. Eventually, you end up completely falling in love with our Hero, Finn Taylor. He always seems to know exactly what our damaged heroine, Mac Wallis, needs both emotionally and physically. With patience, kindness, and complete honesty he is able break down barriers that they had both built around themselves. Of course, both Finn and Mac have troubled pasts that make for some pretty heavy prejudices and miscommunications but, once walls start coming down and common ground is found, it is a quick and lovely fall to their happily ever after.
In all honesty, I've always hated novellas. I never feel like I have enough time to get to know the characters or truly immerse myself in the world. On top of that, the story always feels rushed. Conversations are stinted, and the timelines are usually shortened significantly (at times to the detriment of plot and character developments). This book was no different but I did enjoy the ride and, in fact, wished there was more. If this had been a full length novel I would have been in hog heaven!
Needless to say, this book was a new and strange world for me to step into but I'm very glad I did. Finn and Mac were captivating and I've already gone looking for the next book in the series! If you've never stepped into the BDSM world, I will tell you it's not as frightening, daunting, or awkward as I thought it would be. I was quite judgmental and this genre definitely does not deserve it. Go give it a try!!
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Steam: ★★★★★
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★
Favorite Scene: Finn trying to get out of Mac's bed at Sully's house.
Favorite Quote: "Does something need to change, or do you just need a minute?"
Fun Fact: This is a fantastic book to break into the BDSM genre with. The "scenes" are light, and the world is explained quite well. So much fun!
***I was given a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review***
As with most people, the closest I have gotten to the BDSM genre is Fifty Shades of Grey, so this book was about 20 steps outside of my comfort zone. After talking myself in and out of it about a thousand times, I finally just dug in and started reading. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this novella!
I struggle to understand the mindset of the Dominants and Subordinates in the BDSM world so there were a couple of spots where I was slightly uncomfortable and confused. As with most new genres, if you continue to read, the characters and the world start to make more sense. Eventually, you end up completely falling in love with our Hero, Finn Taylor. He always seems to know exactly what our damaged heroine, Mac Wallis, needs both emotionally and physically. With patience, kindness, and complete honesty he is able break down barriers that they had both built around themselves. Of course, both Finn and Mac have troubled pasts that make for some pretty heavy prejudices and miscommunications but, once walls start coming down and common ground is found, it is a quick and lovely fall to their happily ever after.
In all honesty, I've always hated novellas. I never feel like I have enough time to get to know the characters or truly immerse myself in the world. On top of that, the story always feels rushed. Conversations are stinted, and the timelines are usually shortened significantly (at times to the detriment of plot and character developments). This book was no different but I did enjoy the ride and, in fact, wished there was more. If this had been a full length novel I would have been in hog heaven!
Needless to say, this book was a new and strange world for me to step into but I'm very glad I did. Finn and Mac were captivating and I've already gone looking for the next book in the series! If you've never stepped into the BDSM world, I will tell you it's not as frightening, daunting, or awkward as I thought it would be. I was quite judgmental and this genre definitely does not deserve it. Go give it a try!!
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Steam: ★★★★★
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★
Favorite Scene: Finn trying to get out of Mac's bed at Sully's house.
Favorite Quote: "Does something need to change, or do you just need a minute?"
Fun Fact: This is a fantastic book to break into the BDSM genre with. The "scenes" are light, and the world is explained quite well. So much fun!
***I was given a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review***
Saturday, September 13, 2014
The Maverick of Copper Creak by R.C. Ryan
Review of The Maverick of Copper Creak by R.C. Ryan:
Alright, time for some honesty here...I am just breaking into the world of Western Romance. I've read quite a few but I'm still no expert for sure. That being said, this book was a nice, easy read with a sweet love story, as are most Westerns that I've read.
We'll begin with the story line. Everyone loves a "Rogue comes home to a long lost love" story. Jealousy, regret, passion, banked home fires, etc., etc. In this, our author does not disappoint. The action keeps you coming back, the love story is ever evolving, believable, and fun, and our secondary characters leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series (Griff's book, BTW).
Our Heroine is tough as nails and ready to take on the world. You know me and my love for a strong heroine so, of course, I bonded with Brenna immediately and hung with her to the bloody end. Never one to whine or complain, she makes for a fast moving story line that never bores. I was hard pressed to find anything I didn't enjoy about her...in fact, I can't think of a single thing.
The very same can be said for our Hero, Ash MacKenzie. A true cowboy to the very bone, his fast-acting, no non-sense way of life and love makes you long for a Montana man of your very own. *swoon* Superman is quite apt here, quite apt.
The only issue I had with this novel was a couple of cheesy lines and the overuse of "bro". This may end up just being Whit's personality and something that you just kind of get used to as the novels move along but it was almost to the point of cringe-worthy here. "Bro" and some of the rather uncomfortable and awkward dialogue can occasionally make for some areas of the book being skimmed through but what's good sticks with you, rather like Mad MacKenzie's Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Verdict? A good book, for sure. Characters you want to invite over for dinner. A series worth watching out for and an author that's going onto my "To-Read" shelf.
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Steam: ★★ 1/2
OVERALL RATING: ★★★ 1/2
Favorite Scene: Family fight at the Pub
Favorite Quote: "How could she give her heart to one man, when she'd already lost it completely to the entire MacKenzie family all those years ago?"
***I was given a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review***
Alright, time for some honesty here...I am just breaking into the world of Western Romance. I've read quite a few but I'm still no expert for sure. That being said, this book was a nice, easy read with a sweet love story, as are most Westerns that I've read.
We'll begin with the story line. Everyone loves a "Rogue comes home to a long lost love" story. Jealousy, regret, passion, banked home fires, etc., etc. In this, our author does not disappoint. The action keeps you coming back, the love story is ever evolving, believable, and fun, and our secondary characters leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in the series (Griff's book, BTW).
Our Heroine is tough as nails and ready to take on the world. You know me and my love for a strong heroine so, of course, I bonded with Brenna immediately and hung with her to the bloody end. Never one to whine or complain, she makes for a fast moving story line that never bores. I was hard pressed to find anything I didn't enjoy about her...in fact, I can't think of a single thing.
The very same can be said for our Hero, Ash MacKenzie. A true cowboy to the very bone, his fast-acting, no non-sense way of life and love makes you long for a Montana man of your very own. *swoon* Superman is quite apt here, quite apt.
The only issue I had with this novel was a couple of cheesy lines and the overuse of "bro". This may end up just being Whit's personality and something that you just kind of get used to as the novels move along but it was almost to the point of cringe-worthy here. "Bro" and some of the rather uncomfortable and awkward dialogue can occasionally make for some areas of the book being skimmed through but what's good sticks with you, rather like Mad MacKenzie's Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Verdict? A good book, for sure. Characters you want to invite over for dinner. A series worth watching out for and an author that's going onto my "To-Read" shelf.
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Steam: ★★ 1/2
OVERALL RATING: ★★★ 1/2
Favorite Scene: Family fight at the Pub
Favorite Quote: "How could she give her heart to one man, when she'd already lost it completely to the entire MacKenzie family all those years ago?"
***I was given a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review***
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