Tag: book reviews

Book Review: A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson

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A Cold Dark Place (Cold Justice, #1)A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

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Death and BeautyDeath 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: Tales of the Odalisque by Josie Litton

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Tales of the OdalisqueTales 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+

Get TALES OF THE ODALISQUE on Amazon!

Book Review: Little Dancer by Brianna Hale

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Little DancerLittle 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!

Book Review: Christmas at Bramley Cottage by Samantha Rose

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Christmas at Bramley Cottage: five heart-warming short storiesChristmas at Bramley Cottage: five heart-warming short stories by Samantha Rose

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic collection of short stories set at Bramley Cottage. You get a little taste of everything here, and once again Samantha Rose proves that she is an author who can really draw the emotion out of me. I shed several tears across multiple of these stories; the author has a real knack for articulating life’s struggles with nuance and tact. Really well done, and definitely a recommended read around the holidays!