creativejunkie

Always on My Mind: Number 8 in series (Lucky Harbor)

7:00 pm 13 September 2013

Of course I'm going to like this book--it's Jill Shalvis. But while I usually like all her books, I've found them to be a little formulaic lately. And that's where this one really stood above the rest. There were different issues and circumstances that fell into play that I felt helped move this into something other than "just another Jill Shalvis book." I really loved both characters, but especially Jack. I mean, who doesn't love a hot firefighter? And this storyline--the friends to more--is one of my all time favorite tropes, and I loved how Jill handled it.It wasn't my favorite in the series, but in a series as solidly good as Lucky Harbor, I think that boils down more to characters and how you connect with them as a reader. Even though it wasn't my favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and, of course, can't wait for the next (I hope Ben!) in the series.

Rumor Has It

7:00 pm 3 September 2013

3.5 stars

Getting Hotter: Out of Uniform Series, Book 8

7:00 pm 12 August 2013

FINALLY NO THREESOMES!!!

Knowing the Score

7:00 pm 10 August 2013

This was a cute book with a great voice full of humor and heat. However, it was also full of tropes. Lots and lots of tropes, and unfortunately not a single one I like.1. THE VIRGINIf you like your heroines pure as the freshly fallen snow, then you'll be fine here. While I really did love the heroine in this, reading about virgins just rubs me the wrong way. No pun intended. Also, virgin sex? There's no orgasms here. Let's be real.2. THE BIG BAD SECRETI am just not a fan of the whole you-could-figure-this-drama-out-with-a-simple-conversation conflict. It bugs me. And it really bugs me when adults aren't adults and don't talk about shit.3. THE ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCYNow, I'll admit, I've read a couple books with this trope that I actually enjoyed. But every single one of them have been at the beginning of the book, thus the push in getting the couple together. I'm just not a fan when it happens in the middle of a book.Minus the tropes, this was a great read. Like I said before, the author has a fresh voice. I'll definitely be checking out her next book. I just hope they're free from the overdone plot devices.

Faking Normal

7:00 pm 4 August 2013

Review to come

Something Like Normal

7:00 pm 3 August 2013

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I picked it up at the library, I checked the verdicts of my friends, and it seemed to be split down the middle. They either really liked it or they really didn't. I decided to give it a go, mostly because it was so short (just over 200 pages), so I knew even if I didn't like it, it wouldn't be a huge time investment. I'm happy to say I actually really liked this one. From the get go, I wasn't sure if I'd like Travis because on page four, we find out he cheated on his long term girlfriend. Many times. That's a big no-no for me, so I wasn't sure I'd connect with him. But after reading about what a gross girl his ex was, it didn't bother me. There were parts that did bother me: the resolution at the end between Travis and Harper seemed thin and, really, quite non-existent. But, honestly, I was so caught up in the emotion of everything else happening that it didn't bother me enough to nix a star. The issues that Travis dealt with after coming home from Afghanistan were heartbreaking and messy and raw, and I loved that about this book. I found Travis's voice to be authentic and real (or what I'd imagine it would be) for a nineteen year old boy. Besides a great story, it was also nice to get a polished, fully edited book in the world of NA.

Making it Last (Novella)

7:00 pm 25 July 2013

This is what I have been waiting for again from Ruthie. While I loved [b:How to Misbehave|17162570|How to Misbehave (Camelot, #1)|Ruthie Knox|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1357019989s/17162570.jpg|22005525], the rest of the Camelot series hasn't knocked me off my feet. They've all been good, but I've come to expect great from Ms. Knox. Well, the rest of Amber and Tony's story didn't disappoint.While this most certainly is a romance, this book is so, so much more. It's for every woman who's felt ignored, defeated, worn out, exhausted, lost, and just plain old beat up by life's day to day moments--the moments that turn into weeks that turn into months that turn into years. I'm not sure there wasn't a passage, a thought or emotion that Amber had that I hadn't experienced at one point or another. So much of this story hit home. I had nearly thirty passages highlighted (in a NOVELLA!) because so much of it spoke to me.And while this story made me ache in the most beautiful way, had me crying already at 7%, it was also funny. Ruthie has an amazing talent for blending humor and emotion, and she did it beautifully in this book. Of course, it helped that Tony is my favorite (FAVORITE!), and I loved his sense of humor.This book is going down as one of my favorites for the year. And I plan to reread. Very soon.Thank you for writing this, Ruthie, and for reminding us moms that we aren't the only one to have ever felt lost.

7:00 pm 21 July 2013

I have zero recollection of this book. Not a good sign.

Love Letters Volume 3: Wicked Whispers

7:00 pm 27 June 2013

I really liked two of the four stories in this collection. J is for Jaded and K is for Kick-start were great examples of how to tell a whole story in a small package. I'll definitely be checking out more from both these authors. I is for Indecent seemed implausible to me, the dialogue forced and awkward, and I couldn't read more than 10%. L is for Lessons simply isn't my bag. I like my smut with a man and a woman, so I can't speak to the quality of that story. I do think, however, this is worth the price if just for the 2 I read and enjoyed.

Ashes

7:00 pm 26 June 2013

3.5 starsMy first foray into Amber Lin's writing, but it won't be my last. She has a lovely way of weaving words into beautiful and flowing imagery. I really loved her voice.This was super short, and I think that's where my only problem came in. There was too much of an insta-connection for me. Other than that little tidbit, I enjoyed this piece.

No Strings Attached

7:00 pm 23 June 2013

Now this is how you do a protective, possessive, alpha male without turning him to a domineering, controlling asshole. Jace was UNF straight from the first glimpse of him we got. I also really loved Hayden. My one and only complaint was this was just too short. I wanted more from them, more of their history.This trope--best friends to lovers--is a favorite of mine, especially when done well. Ms. Day certainly did it well.

Officer Off Limits (A Line of Duty Novel) (Entangled Brazen)

7:00 pm 20 June 2013

2.5 starsI went into this one with high hopes (I know, I know... Bri, you go into all your books with high hopes). But I did. Dirty talking cop? SIGN ME UP. Alas, I didn't connect with either character and that was ultimately the book's downfall for me. While Story was sassy sometimes, other times I wanted to duct tape her mouth shut. And Daniel...he was on the wrong side of the alpha/alpha-hole line for me. Too dominating, too bossy, too caveman for my liking.Another one bites the dust.

Your Room Or Mine?

7:00 pm 18 June 2013

DNFDid not mesh at all with this writing style. It was choppy and way too bogged down with internal dialogue.

Easy

7:00 pm 15 June 2013

Third re-read. Love it just as much.

The Story Guy (Novella)

7:00 pm 15 June 2013

3.5 starsWell, color me surprised. Another beautiful, poetic voice in the world of erotic romance. They are so few and far between, I, for one, am thrilled that Ms. Rivers is finally on the scene.The set-up of this novella is unique and intriguing and...okay, a little weird. It was a little weird when Carrie and Brian first met, too, and I was thinking there was no way there was going to be chemistry between these two characters. And then the kiss happened. And wow.I really felt the struggles of the characters, the push and pull and the wondering, but at times I was frustrated with how Carrie handled some of the situations. I won't say much more than that, so as not to spoil for potential readers, but a few things she did just didn't sit well with me. I wanted--I expected--more from her.The only other issue I had with the book was one of the sex scenes--the sex scene. The language, the flow, the situation...none of it worked for me, but that is totally a me thing. My personal preference, and I don't want to dissuade anyone from reading based on that and that alone.If you're looking for a fresh, poetic voice in erotic romance, Ms. Rivers fits the bill.

Breathe Me In (Ross Siblings, #2.5)

7:00 pm 14 June 2013

4.5 starsLoved it. Seriously. I love this series so much. These men are...UNF. I loved getting into Ghost's head and hearing his thoughts on getting together with Macy. Such a great prequel to Leave Me Breathless. And, yes, I did go back to LMB and reread all the *ahem* good scenes.