4 stars – Liz Meldon – Romance Author

Book Review: Death and Beauty by Samantha MacLeod

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

Death and Beauty by Samantha MacLeod

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: 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: Little Dancer by Brianna Hale

February 16, 2018February 15, 2018 Liz MeldonLeave a comment

Little Dancer by Brianna Hale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, I’m super thrilled to have found Brianna Hale. She’s been added to my must-read author list, and I’ll definitely give every book she’s got a try.

I docked one star from Little Dancer only because I didn’t find myself enjoying the DD/lg dynamic as much as I did in her other works. I found Abby to be a little too young, a little too helpless in the big bad adult world, and I just didn’t vibe with her because of it. The writing was still great, and the sex scenes were more plentiful and steamier, but Abby was just too much of a little for me. And, really, that comes down to personal preference more than anything. People who really dig the kink will likely enjoy the dynamic!

Get LITTLE DANCER on Amazon!