Ok, I'll admit it. I delayed reading this book for ages. Judging from the title alone, I assumed this would be another fluff piece -- all cheesy summer vacation kind of sex (not that there is anything wrong with that) and no plot with substance (which I prefer). However, I was pleasantly surprised. Wendy's boss sends her to do some research at a beach resort in which the company is considering investing. While she is on the beach, Wendy spots a woman who is seemingly everything that Wendy desires to be -- sexy, confident, and powerful. Making a vow to herself, Wendy sets out to become a new, improved woman. The diary that she keeps, records her innermost thoughts during her time at the resort. There is sex. Oh boy, is there ever! There is vanilla sex, not-so-vanilla sex, threesomes and even some girl-on-girl action. Even though that is the intended focus of the main character, it seems that it wasn't the focus of the author. Her characters are well-developed -- each with a unique personality. As the reader, it was easy to empathize with the heroine when events take an unexpected turn. ★★★★
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People of the Thunder is a masterfully written piece of Native American fiction. The attention to detail is breathtaking -- filled with historical background which the author backs with references. The scene is set around 1300 A.D. The plot depicts the rivalry between neighboring tribes. The tapestry of this story is interwoven with threads of both deception and cunning as well as love and loyalty, while Power shifts back and forth in an effort to seek balance. There are some scenes of violence and there is also some sexual content. However both are depicted very tastefully and are essential to the plot. While most of the story lends to a feeling of tense anticipation, there are several moments of surprising humor due, in part, to amusing dialog between two main characters -- Old White and Trader. In summary, if you are a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. It is by far one of the best that I have read in years! My only complaint about having picked up this book (it was loaned to me by a friend, actually) is that I discovered the book is actually 16th in a series! I will definitely be making an attempt to get my hands on others. Michael and Kathleen Gear rank right up there with iconic historical fictions writers such as Donald Clayton Porter and Dana Fuller Ross. ★★★★★ This book was a very intriguing read from page one. The story flowed smoothly, with an insight into each character, as the suspense built. Reading this novel, I was reminded somewhat of the Elizabeth Smart case from several years ago. There were similarities in that the prime suspect was "known" to or connected to the family in some way. Also, each victim initially denies her identity when confronted by a potential rescuer. Unlike the Elizabeth Smart case though, there was something unique to the characters in this book -- none were very pleasant! The father was the most personable of the lot. At least he was persistent in the pursuit of his missing daughter. The mother, Abby, was absolutely horrid. She was so selfish! She seemed to easily let go of both her daughter and her marriage in her quest for self-gratification. The clergyman with whom she sought "comfort" was a real sleaze - worming his way between Abby and Tom under the guise of religious counseling and adding further strain to the couple's marriage until eventually it crumbles. Officer Ryan appeared to be callous, arrogant and condescending towards Tom --as though he were personally irritated by Tom's persistence and the fact that he was actually having to investigate the missing girl's case. Even Caitlin, the victim, is not very likeable. Her attitude and behavior throughout the story (including flashbacks to her earlier childhood) made it very difficult for me to feel sympathetic towards her. Surprisingly enough, these unamiable characters did not detract from the story at all. As a matter of fact, I feel that their personality traits enhanced the overall mood and added to the suspense which made this book an interesting read! ♥ ♥ ♥
walk on the wild side and live vicariously through characters. Ms. Bradley certainly achieved those goals with "GIRL." Written in first-person view from the eyes of a female slave, we are taken along a dark and deliciously twisted path as she adjusts to life in the training house with her new Master and begins to come to terms with her own needs and desires. Her Master seems to be equally enthralled with his new slave. She quickly becomes one of his favorites. Aimee -- correction: GIRL -- has finally found her place, and the desires of her heart (and body). Or has she? The end of this story is a bit of a cliffhanger, and we are provided a glimpse into the next "Training House" book, "BOY" which piques further curiosity. I for one, cannot wait to read it! ★★★★★
Jayme, I found to be a much stronger character than Anna. She gives the impression of youthful innocence and exuberance. While she doesn't seem to have true self-confidence issues, she is humble enough to not completely grasp the concept of what a big star like Luke might possibly see in a fledgling Journalism intern like her. While Lucas' character did display a certain amount of assertiveness, I didn't necessarily feel like there was a dominance and submission aspect to this story. That factor in the relationship between Luke and Jayme seems to be due more to the imbalance in their social and professional statuses, than to any actual personality traits inherent to each character.
"From the First Touch" is available in a series of consecutive parts that continue the original story-line. In its entirely, I found the novella to be very well-written with well-developed characters and a plot that flows smoothly. I was only disappointed that it ended so soon. I felt that there were many more possibilities that could have been explored between the main characters. ★★★
Gideon is everything that Christian Grey is not. He is dominant without cruelty. He is flawed, but lovable. Rather than coming across as playing "head games" with Eva, it is very clear that his mistakes in the relationship stem from his own tragic past. He is only too willing to go the extra mile to see that his relationship with Eva works and that she is happy. As a reader, I can definitely appreciate the incredible physical chemistry between the characters; but what really sets this story apart from similar books, is the emotional connection and ensuing angst between Eva and Gideon as their relationship develops. I highly recommend this novel to both lovers and haters of the "50 Shades" books, as well as any other adult who enjoys the genre.
What really happened to Sienna? Why is the relationship between the sisters and their father so estranged? Why is their mother so fragile? Who is Jude and where did he come from? There are many more questions in my mind, but I can't elaborate without giving key bits of the plot away. I will say that the story was very tastefully written. There are elements of romance as well as the paranormal, but nothing too graphic. I enjoyed it as an adult and feel that my own teenaged daughters will love it too! If you don't like being left in the dark by books that end in cliffhangers, however, this may not be the book for you. I was left with far more unanswered questions at the end of the story than when I began reading. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series!
*Note: I received an e-copy of this book from the author/publisher via ReadingAlley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
grounded-in-reality type woman, who realizes her mistakes and shortcomings. I can't describe Mia in depth without giving too much of the story away. Although, I can state that her character is depicted with equal clarity. As a reader, I found her to be very relatable and can understand how events unfolded as they did. The point-of-view transitioned back and forth between characters, and the setting took place both during and after Mia's abduction. Despite the frequent transitions, the plot flowed very smoothly without any confusion. The story seems to draw to a natural conclusion; but it wouldn't be a classic psychological thriller without some kind of surprising twist, and this one does not disappoint.
The plot swings back and forth with Erika (often times literally) being pulled in two opposite directions by her leading men. As the owner of a BDSM club called The Gate, Max gently introduces Erika into the lifestyle in the hopes that she is the woman who can fill the empty spot in his life and heart. Chris loathes the other man, and his anger causes a drastic change in his own behavior. While there are some explicit scenes, I felt that they were very tastefully written. The sexual content was not so much the focus of the story that the plot and characters became secondary, as is the case in other novels of similar genre. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. The Gate is Book 1 in The Dark Path Series, and I cannot wait to read Book 2!
*** Note: I received an e-copy of this book from the author/publisher via Reading Alley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Tobias and Etty have a wonderful chemistry from the moment they meet which only grows stronger as the story advances. They compliment each other well, balancing the other's strengths and weaknesses. I think that is one aspect that I truly enjoyed. So many of the "shifter-type" novels seem to focus on a predominately alpha male (or occasionally female) character. In this novel, Tobias and Etty are very much equal partners. The entire concept of the plot with its Council, portals, and magical elements is fascinating; and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
**Note: I received an e-book copy of this book from the author via ReadingAlley.com in exchange for an honest review. ** |
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