Book Review – Liz Meldon

Book Review: A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson

July 6, 2018May 5, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

So I’m calling it at about 84%. This started off great for me. It’s been a while since I really delved into any contemporary thrillers, and Toni Anderson’s writing really captured me in the first chapter. But then the two leads fell for each other in an instant — like why was there such a draw to Mallory in the first place? Why were EITHER of them all “omg look who’s here – the person I talked to for 30 seconds at wooooork” — and I ended up only being there for the thrill of the chase. Once the baddie was caught, I basically checked out. Sex scenes were just okay, and frankly too often to the point where I just skipped them. Waaaaay too many inner monologuing about being in love and all that — which, let me be clear, I don’t mind, but when I feel the pairing falls into the insta-love/insta-lust trap, I don’t enjoy listening to them wax on about each other.

If you’re looking for an erotically charged romance with a dash of insta-love and crazy villain, then you’ll enjoy this book. For me, it was a little lackluster.

Book Review: Death and Beauty by Samantha MacLeod

June 15, 2018May 5, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Death and Beauty by Samantha MacLeod

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely recommended for fans of mythology romances — Norse, in particular!

At first, I wasn’t sure if I could get onboard with Baldr’s very modern way of speaking, but before I knew it, I was falling in love with him and Hel and the world MacLeod crafted.

The romance between the love interests is sweet, tender, and desperate. I think what resonated most with me about it was that these are two people no one ever really acknowledges — two people no one truly knows. Hel is basically the ice queen of her domain, solitary and hard to onlookers. Baldr, meanwhile, is just this beautiful thing the Aesir have used time and time again. Hell, he dies because they’re all playing a game called Let’s Throw Heavy Shit at Baldr and Laugh When He Doesn’t Die. I mean, do any of them even know who he is? Nope.

I love the trope of two lonely people finding each other and falling in love because they really see each other, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

Book Review: Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

June 1, 2018May 5, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m always such a mess when I read Pepper Winters. On the one hand, I looooove her work. Her writing is spectacular, her dark romances give me all the feels, and the smut is spicy hawt. However, I might be too much of a wimp to handle some of the more graphic sexual violence the heroine experienced in this book. It almost makes me not want to continue with the series, even though I adored Tess and Q. I feel like I need someone to give me very mild spoilers so I can decide if I want to keep reading. Beyond that, all the song lyrics throughout killed me. I felt like, in those moments, I was reading fanfic from fifteen years ago when we all started each new chapter with an angsty verse from the hippest emo band on the block.

So. Once again, Pepper Winters, you leave me vexed. I love your work, but I’m a wuss.

Book Review: Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

May 18, 2018May 5, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. I still love Becky Bloomwood, but I can see why other reviewers may have said that this book lost a bit of its sparkle. I skipped the second book in the series (mostly because I don’t have it for some reason), and I didn’t feel like I needed to read it to figure out what was happening here. Still, the first book is such a beloved classic for me, and I wish more of its humor carried forward with wedding shenanigans. I think the main problem is that the issue Becky faces would be a total non-issue for the vast majority of us, hence why it gets so frustrating after a while.

Either way, still love the series — onto the next!

Book Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

May 11, 2018May 5, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was just a fun read. Becky is akin to Bridget Jones in my eyes, and that’s why I liked this book so much. It’s not something you take seriously, because the way everything ties up nicely for Becky may make you want to pull your hair out. But still… I like the narrative voice. I found the book funny without being cringeworthy with some of the more embarrassing scenes, and that’s usually a plus for me. I’ve read this once before, and figured I’d give it another go. I forgot that the romance, actually, isn’t a huge element in the book overall, and that was surprisingly refreshing for me. It was nice to focus on one character and her growth.

Definitely a recommended book for anyone who enjoys chick-lit!

Book Review: Tales of the Odalisque by Josie Litton

February 23, 2018February 15, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Tales of the Odalisque by Josie Litton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this is the book I’d recommend if you wanted to start reading Josie Litton’s work. Tales of the Odalisque is a sensual, sumptuous, richly thrilling novella that is perfect to read in one or two sittings. If you’re in the mood for something a little sexy, a little taboo, and a little mysterious, then I suggest you give this erotic tale a read.

Having read His Lordship’s Downfall, parts 1 and 2, I can say that this isn’t QUITE as scandalous. If you finished those works and are dying for more naughty tales, I don’t think Tales will satisfy that. All things considered, I found it tame compared to Adrian’s story of wicked debauchery. BUT. That being said, I thought it was fabulous. I loved both main characters. I want to see so much more of them, with Lucius teaching and dominating and being the sexy bad boy that he is. I could definitely read more from this universe, and I’m thrilled at that my opinion isn’t in the minority, and Ms. Litton will be expanding the universe in the future.

GIVE IT TO ME. MY BODY IS READY.

A+

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