[image] I will admit that this has turned out to be one of the hardest reviews I've ever written. I've had ones where I was worried about saying too mu[image] I will admit that this has turned out to be one of the hardest reviews I've ever written. I've had ones where I was worried about saying too much but that's not why this one's hard. I think because when it comes down to it that this trilogy is just one long book broken up in three parts. I'm going to be honest with you I'm not sure when needed three years to have the whole story but saying that I'm still happy I read it.
I loved so many of the characters in this book. You want only good things for those that you've come to really like within the story. I loved the relationship between the main characters and also the ghosts. Sonya is a fantastic character that you'll come to love. She so cares about those around her. If you have already read the first two books in the trilogy then you know all of this. If you haven't you are in for a treat.
With all three stories out now, I think this trilogy will be a much better read. with the long gap of time between books doesn't make for an easy flow and causes us to get too much filler to make the books have enough of a word count. I think this is one of those trilogies that needed to be all published within one year.
Saying all that I still loved each page I've read and hated that it ended without a Christmas party in the ballroom. I was very much looking forward to that. I felt I lived through the ballroom being cleaned out for the party we should have gotten it.
If you haven't yet read this trilogy then I'd advise you to plan on reading all three back-to-back. One to keep up with the story and two so you can know what happens in the end. Speaking about the ending at first, I wasn't sure about it and then I really thought about it and decided that it was perfect. I think if Sonya didn't rush though it all (I'm not telling you what all is) then it would have felt to dragged out. This way worked perfectly.
[image] Ice Cold Christmas isn't your usual Christmas story. It's better. As a romance reader I love holiday stories and even though this one's not a s[image] Ice Cold Christmas isn't your usual Christmas story. It's better. As a romance reader I love holiday stories and even though this one's not a small-town romance it's still has enough holiday in it to be a holiday story.
I will say that this hero and heroine have both gone through it. This is a fantastic story that makes me mad at times. I so badly wanted to hurt her family and the person who hurt her. She is so much more than what people see, and I love that about Cynthia Eden's characters. Often, you'll find that they have layers to them.
Ice Cold Christmas is nonstop suspense. You spend so much of the book wondering who to trust including the hero of the story. At times you're pushed to wonder if he really does love her but then you learn.
Both Victor and Melody must figure out what is going on before Melody finds herself dead. I liked how much Melody trusted Victor even when she had no guarantee that he was on her side. Melody is a very story woman who comes back from something terrible.
These two a meant to be together and you see that as the story progress. You want nothing more than to be on their side and fight with them. I also love Hunter in this story. He cracks me up more than once. He needs his story now. I'm sure you'll enjoy this great holiday story.
[image] Gray is why I read Cynthia Eden. She has a way of writing her alpha men that balances them out between a protector and someone that lets the wo[image] Gray is why I read Cynthia Eden. She has a way of writing her alpha men that balances them out between a protector and someone that lets the woman fly. Often her males are attracted to smart, accomplished women.
From the moment we are introduced to Gray I wanted his story because I knew it was going to be as good as it turned out to be. Poor Gray is in a pickle. He's partnered up with a woman he doesn't want to be with. For many reasons. He also feels like he can't trust anyone other than his partner.
In the prior book, When He Fights you meet Emerson and don't really get much of a read on her. Yes, she's smart but she's always up to something. She does save Gray so we can't fault her any. I wasn't sure if these two would be a good match because she came off as a little mousy but in their book, you find that she really isn't. Shy yes but knows how to stand for herself at least with Gray.
As I learn more about Emerson and Gray you really feel for these two. I love them as a couple and feel they are getting the people that they both deserve in life. They work together so well. Neither miss much and what one does the other notices. Both are willing to fight for each other and die if they must.
I so hated Emerson's mother. She's a terrible mother that doesn't deserve such a good person as a daughter. Now Cass who we meet in this book, I want his story and can't wait to read it. It's next by the way.
Yes, this story can be read as a standalone, but I would read the prior books to get a good feel for the series. You'll like the relationship between the men. It was one of the things I missed in this story. None of the guys were in it. Of course, we got a new character, so I won't complain, much.
[image] For me Eve, Roarke and the gang are a comfort read. This series just relaxes me. You know, like going to sleep watching the ID Channel. I love [image] For me Eve, Roarke and the gang are a comfort read. This series just relaxes me. You know, like going to sleep watching the ID Channel. I love the characters we get to visit with book after book. Plus whom doesn't enjoy watch Eve kick butt?
The ego of some is kind of crazy and that's how I felt with this killer. I will say that this story murders were lower key than some of the other books. But I really liked that. The author still kept the same energy as with prior books, but you also got a very good balance of the friendships of Eve and Roarke.
I will say that the mental gymnastics that the killer did within his own mind to justify killing people are just off the wall. I really couldn't stand him. I spent most of the book looking forward to the killer getting caught.
What I loved about Framed in Death is how fast the book moved I didn't feel like we got any drag in this one. Everything written worked perfectly to make a good story. I will say that there is so much sadness within the story and not maybe in the way you'd think at first. It's really a story that everyone matters no matter who or what they do for a living. They are loved and cared for or at least they should be.
So, like with all the other books in the series this one stands on its own. You have a beginning and an ending. But and this is a big but to me at least if you're a fan of series and like the growth of character that you get from them then this is a perfect series to start from book one. The novellas add but aren't needed. You will thank me when you get to meet the characters when maybe their confidence levels aren't' as high and they start to make their way through life.
[image] I always look forward to reading stories by Kate Meader. She writes fun to read romances with characters that make you want to know more about [image] I always look forward to reading stories by Kate Meader. She writes fun to read romances with characters that make you want to know more about them. Many of those characters seem to show up a lot and one of them is Theo Kershaw. You have love him and his family. Now here we are enjoying a story with is daughter as the heroine.
First off, it's hard to think that Theo is old enough to have a daughter that old. Second, holy crap I'm feeling old. The wonderful thing about Theo is the life he brings to a story so image in that story is about his daughter.
I love how Lars stood for his baby girl. Being thrown into something like that is rough. The shock of it alone had to have him freaking out. I love a single dad story, and Lars makes you love them more. The love and care he has for his baby girl just warms your heart.
Right away you can feel how much they want each other. The pull of these two is strong and because of Lars's friendship with Theo it was tricky. I felt it was handled pretty well. I liked how the story handled all the tricky parts. I do kind of wished we had a bit more of the romance between Lars and Abby but that might just be me.
This is a great start to a new series. The only thing I wished was different was that it wasn't written in first person. I'm not a fan of that writing style so that made it a little hard on me. The story will make you happy that we have another one coming soon.
[image] I've always been a huge fan of anything that Eden writes. I just always love her books. I find her characters flawed while still being strong a[image] I've always been a huge fan of anything that Eden writes. I just always love her books. I find her characters flawed while still being strong and even at time sweet. They often make me laugh and sometimes tear up. They are never who you think they are and always protect those they love. You see that a lot in this book. Both Eb and Naomi show up for each other even though it's not an easy thing to do at first.
Eb goes into this with preconceived thoughts and at times has an issue seeing what's the truth. Some of that is how he feels about Naomi and his past with his feelings for her. As he learns how to deal with those feelings and sees what's right in his face they start to click
You can't help for feeling for Naomi and all she's been through. Her luck with people hasn't been the best. I don't want to give anything away so you'll just have to trust me on this that sometimes the people we think we can trust are not worth it.
I so enjoyed this one and was so glad about how it ended. It made me look forward to what will be next in the Ice Breaker world. Other than Hunter who's been in a few books this one didn't introduce anyone new. Food for thought. Now I can honestly say that this is a standalone but if you have to read them out of order and not go back to book one (not sure why you wouldn't) then at least start at the sister's story and read from there. I forgot to say that I'm a huge Dean fan from Supernatural, so I got Naomi.
[image] This was an enjoyable quick read. I liked both stories. They were both very short though. I know they are novellas, but I still think they coul[image] This was an enjoyable quick read. I liked both stories. They were both very short though. I know they are novellas, but I still think they could have done with each of them having a few more characters. It really would have flushed out the stories more. Of the two I liked Miller slightly more. Not by much but hers worked better for me.
What I didn't like about Miller's, both really was that they felt a bit rushed. It took a bit for both of them to find or show the romance of their relationship, and I have to say that Miller's kind of jumped from meeting each other to love.
I did really like all four characters. They made their individual stories. Without them being so likable I'm not sure how I'd feel. I will say this book in perfect for those who don't have a ton of time to read but still want some to enjoy.
[image] The only thing I have to say is DUST BUNNIES! Okay, that's not the only thing. That would make for a very short review. But if you know, you kn[image] The only thing I have to say is DUST BUNNIES! Okay, that's not the only thing. That would make for a very short review. But if you know, you know. I so look forward every year for a story from Jayne Castle. I just love the world she created. It's a wonderful mix of home and somewhere else. I also love how characters family members show up from her Jayne Ann Krentz book.
I've been looking forward to Leona's book. I enjoy her family and her story. You meet them in the prior book. I personally would read them in order at least for the sisters but each book does stand on its own. Now that she is back on track with her life it does what life often does, it blew up again.
I really enjoyed how Oliver was introduced to Leona. I really liked Oliver; he reminded me of Sam Stark from Trust Me. I think we need to see a relation of his showing up in the Ghost Hunter series. We didn't get to know a ton about Olivers family, but we did get to know him. He's one of those characters you wished you had more of.
This was a fun story that I really enjoyed. I felt they should have learned a bit more about their past but other than that I enjoyed it. I found myself speeding through the story and yelling at myself to slow down and savor it. Not to worry I savored.
The mystery in the story is very good. You spend a lot of the time wondering who and why. Both things I like in a mystery. This gave me my yearly dose of dust bunnies, we'll have to see if it lasts or if I'll have to do a reread of the series.
[image] I don't know about you, but it seems like I've been waiting for what seem like ever for To Kill a Badger to come out. I've reread the series ov[image] I don't know about you, but it seems like I've been waiting for what seem like ever for To Kill a Badger to come out. I've reread the series over and over just to keep everything in order, plus I love this series. Waiting so long doesn't always make for great reading. Which is why this winter I will read the whole series as a whole again just to be able to enjoy it without the questions that come with waiting.
I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy the book because I really did. But at times I felt bad for the author. I'm sure she was under a lot of pressure to have a great book with all the questions being answered. Saying that one of our questions about how Nelle and Keane will be together is answered. They are perfect! She knows how to calm the beast we know as Keane. We all understand why he is the way he is. All the pressure he's been under since he was a kid which makes the fact that he now knows who killed his father such a relief for him that you can almost feel it in the way he acts and treats others
For me the biggest shock of this book in Nelle and her personality. I didn't notice before just how we knew nothing about her and who she is. We get glimpses of the real her in the prior books, but this one opens up Nelle.
I enjoyed them together and how they interact. You could almost feel them falling in love. There is so much good humor in this story and many touching moments. When Charlie gets into bed with Berg and tells him she loves him and what she wants him to do if something happens to her my heart broke for him. He even let got and didn't growl at Dutch being brought up. You also feel for Stevie who isn't used to not being able to figure something out right away. It's killing her not to be able to keep the people she cares about safe.
There are so many things I'd love to talk about in the book, but you need to read it for yourself. It will be so much better that way.
What I didn't care for is that even I felt there were too many storylines going on at once. It is such a busy book, and I was a bit disappointed that some of the past characters that might not have loved the badgers didn't come and help them. I missed the interactions which prior book characters for the prior series.
I am looking forward to the new series even if it's going back in time. I kind of wish it wasn't. I'd like it now, but it is what it is. I love the wolf husbands so I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Them showing up in this book to help was done so well.
As you can tell by the length of this review this is a great story that does a wonderful job of tying up the story. Now I'm back to waiting for what we are getting next.
[image] One of the things I love the most about reading a book by Nora Roberts is her ability to form a world I can fall into with her words. For me sh[image] One of the things I love the most about reading a book by Nora Roberts is her ability to form a world I can fall into with her words. For me she just hits. Many authors can make me become engrossed in their books but for some reason Nora is one of the few that often his me tearing up in the first couple of pages. She's just great at building a world.
The balance between being a female main character and family along with romance is all met within her books. Her story is about the people and what's happening within their lives. Makes them so really.
I truly loved Hidden Nature and the Cooper family. I also enjoyed the Littlefield brothers and felt for them. Being brothers, it made for a nice double romance with the main female looking for nothing more than someone to share some time with and finding so much more.
I will say that this one had a very dark mystery to it. I felt so horrible for the victims. I couldn't stop myself from totally hating the killer. I kept reading as fast as I could because I wanted it all to end. Which I know is funny because I was reading the story for more than the murders and I knew this isn't a real-life story, but it was written so well I found myself feeling like it was.
I wanted justices!
Since I'm a romance girl I will say I enjoyed that too. I loved how Nash and Sloan's brother and sister feel in insta love. It was so cute, and they were so happy. I also liked how Roberts didn't rush the relationship between Sloan and Nash. Sloan had so much gone on in her life in the beginning that a relationship would have seemed rushed.
If you are looking for a good story that you won't be able to put down, then this is it. I'm almost sad it's over. I do have next year's book to look forward too.
[image] I very much enjoyed this story. I was so looking forward to the twins and I was excited to see we got one of their stories. Since we only met t[image] I very much enjoyed this story. I was so looking forward to the twins and I was excited to see we got one of their stories. Since we only met them briefly in their sister's story, we really didn't get to know them. We only knew that they were dangerous men. Reading Jake's story was so enlightening.
First off Wren had a horrible beginning to her life. I felt so bad for her, and she turned out to be the sweetest, caring person you'd meet. I'm so happy she has the twins in her life. And her uncle Milo. She needs love around her. Because of the twists and turns within the story you wonder more than once who's doing what. The author does a good job at trying to keep who's doing all this under wraps until the end.
Jacob is so protective of Wren. So much so that she really doesn't understand why that is for him in the beginning. This is why you need to talk people. Information is gold. I love how Jacob charges home because he is told that Wren is in danger. Without a second thought he's home and standing in front of her in seconds.
The story is very fast moving with Wren being in danger over and over. You'll like how she handles herself and just how smart she is. She uses her past to mess with the killer's head. Sometimes the bad guy isn't as bright as they think.
Besides the romance in the story the mystery is a good one too. You'll enjoy this story very much. As much is this is a standalone within a series, I would say that you should at least read the prior book. A character from that one play prominently in this story. I would also go back and read the whole series because it rocks. I'm looking forward to Eb's story which is next.
[image] I'm always so happy to be reading Cynthia Eden. She writes such great stories. You can't help but fall in love with her characters. It took me [image] I'm always so happy to be reading Cynthia Eden. She writes such great stories. You can't help but fall in love with her characters. It took me a second to remember Ronan. Not that he isn't one of those characters that make you sigh, it had more to do with the number of books and series she puts out. I got lost for a second. Happily, I got caught up very quick and remembered him.
I'm so glad I did because he made this story so good. I was so happy to read about him and his life. He is one of those characters that there is more than meets the eye. Even after the story I don't know if we know the true Ronan.
What we do know about him is that he's such a good guy. I loved watching him fall in love with Luna. She is so perfect for him. She's a sweet, loving woman that brings out the best in Ronan. She not only brings out the best she shows him that there is more to him then what he thinks.
I felt so bad for Luna. One second, she's living her life and the next she's running for her life. I don't know how she survived because she is way too nice to be on the run. She needs someone like Ronan in her life to look out for her. That way she can just be the good person that she is and he can have her back.
This is such a good story, and I loved these two. I wanted so badly to have this story go on more that's how much I liked it. It has wonderful characters and a good suspense. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
[image] I've enjoyed both of these authors in the past. I haven't been reading them lately, so I decided to pick them up again. I'm so glad that I did.[image] I've enjoyed both of these authors in the past. I haven't been reading them lately, so I decided to pick them up again. I'm so glad that I did. Both stories are very good, and I liked them. I did find that I was able to get into Fosters much easier but that is most likely because I've been reading her for such a long time that even with my break of her, I was able to jump right back into her. Yates, I enjoy but I read her a lot less.
When I started the, The Odd Couple right away I felt like it wasn't the first book, so I ran to look into it, and I was right. So, if you follow me, you know I hate reading out of order, so I had to read the two books prior. I enjoyed them so I knew I'd be enjoying this one too. Which I did. I liked how this one didn't fall into the same track as the others. Yes, it seemed like she had a problem man in her life, but she wasn't in any danger. I enjoyed both Ford and Skye. I also liked her sister and I'm glad they are getting closer. Plus, the pups are so much fun.
Force of Nature is a good story I love how much both Lydia and Remington. You can't help liking people who are good to animals. The story is fast moving but I felt a bit off in the beginning. I was almost like the story started before the first page. I don't like that 'dropped into the story' feeling. Because of that I felt the story lack a bit.
As a whole this both stories are very enjoyable and worth the read.
[image] One of my favorite themes is small-town romances. I just love all the history a small town has. How everyone knows everyone else's business or [image] One of my favorite themes is small-town romances. I just love all the history a small town has. How everyone knows everyone else's business or think they do. Who doesn't love a good nosy town.
I found Rustler Mountain to be my kind of book. I really enjoy so much about it. I love the characters and the whole town itself. I felt so bad for Austin. He's seen as a bad boy but there is so much more to him. I don't blame him for being a bit mad at the town and how they feel about him and his family. Austin is a really good guy, and it shows.
He's the perfect other half for Millie. She's slightly uptight and very much a good girl. She needs a bit of wild in her life. I like her and I'm glad she sees the real Austin, not the person others think he is. We all need a little bad with our good.
Together these two work to try and put the past where it belonged, in the past. Sadly, Austin at times couldn't forget about the past and I understood but wanted to push him a little to get over it. As a start to a new series, it's a good one. You'll want the other characters stories right away. So, for me instead of looking at the past, I'm all about the future and the next book.
[image] There is nothing I like better than a book of novella stories. I enjoy reading stories that are smaller but well written. As a whole these stor[image] There is nothing I like better than a book of novella stories. I enjoy reading stories that are smaller but well written. As a whole these stories were very good. I enjoyed reading them and really liked the characters. Each story is a bit different but all of them feel within the books theme. I hate when you think you're getting one thing, and it turns into something else.
I've read Blake and Foster before, so they aren't new to me, but this is the first time I've tried both Allen and Ryan. I enjoyed them all, but I will say that the two authors I've already read were the stories I liked the most but that didn't stop me from enjoying the others too.
Each story is well written and easy to read. As a whole I found this to be an enjoyable book that allowed me to find some new authors.
[image] I'm not sure if the author planned it but this was the perfect book for her 60th! I love the whole idea of getting into the urban wars and the [image] I'm not sure if the author planned it but this was the perfect book for her 60th! I love the whole idea of getting into the urban wars and the heroes of them. Even if no one knew they were heroes. We know from past books a bit about who and what the urban wars were about but with this one you really get to see the people and how the war affected them.
So much happens within the book yet also so little. I know that's a bit confusing but when you read it, you'll understand more. We don't have a bunch of killing in this story, but the first one just wrecks you. This is a very Summerset forward story. You'll learn so much more about him and understand why he is the way he is. We already know he lost so much but no you also see him as the good man he is.
I loved how Eve and Peabody worked this case, and it was exciting having Summerset, and his friends (family) help work the case. I will say out of all her killers this one made me want to hurt him. Horrible person.
There are some funny moments in the story like all her books that helps break the tension. Humor helps us heal. If you've been reading this series from the beginning and if you haven't why not, then you'll really enjoy this one for all the levels of what's happening. I feel the prior books have been leading up to this one. It shares with us more of Summerset's story and we needed it. We now really know about Alice.
Since this is the only series, I read with continual characters I look so forward to each book and I'm happy when they rock. I am already wondering what comes next. I would say to truly get to know each character you need to read the books in order. Or at least the first ten. Each book has its own ending but there is a deeper back story that runs through many of the books from the characters. Either way you read the series I think you'll enjoy it.
[image] As always, I love and enjoy reading Cynthia Eden's books. I just love her character and how she sets up a story. She's one of those authors th [image] As always, I love and enjoy reading Cynthia Eden's books. I just love her character and how she sets up a story. She's one of those authors that I just get lost within their story. I will admit it took me a second to remember who Declan was. I think that was because he was only in small part of the prior story. But once I did, I was off and into a great story.
I loved both Declan and Marley. Both of them are perfect for each other. Even though Declan did all he could to protect Marley he also let her spread her wings and do the job she was being paid to do. He might have decided to hire her under false pretenses but that didn't stop him from letting her do the job anyway.
Marley is such a sweet smart person. She has been through a lot and has come out on top of it. She sees Declan for who he really is, or I should say who he is to those he cares about. Hurt someone he loves, and he'd end you.
I really enjoyed this story and was so glad to read it. I started it and it felt like the next second it was over that's how fast it moved. I love stories like that. I love the twist of the mystery and even when you think you've got it all figured out, you don't.
Now my hope is that you'll get more of stories in this series. We have Delcan's friend and Marly's brothers I want to know more about.
[image] As a whole you have two good stories. I really enjoyed both of them. They are easy to read, and you'll really enjoy the characters. I will say [image] As a whole you have two good stories. I really enjoyed both of them. They are easy to read, and you'll really enjoy the characters. I will say that I think I enjoyed Ask Me Again just a touch more than, The Cowboy. Not by much but enough that for me ones better than the other.
Ask Me Again is my favorite of the two. I think it because I have a soft spot for single dads in general so when Jack's son shows up, I was lost. I will admit that there is less romance in this as there is the story of three people and how they became a family. You'll love how good Jack is with his son right from the beginning. Good start and great ending to this story.
The Cowboy is more of a romance with some mystery. They have to work together to solve a case. I liked these two. The story moved quickly, and you have a bit of humor in it even though the story line is a very important one. They are together a lot so you will understand how these two fell for each other so quickly. Good story.
I was so glad I read In Need of a Cowboy. I love novella's because I always know I have time to read the whole book in one sitting. I look forward to what's next by both authors.
[image] I've been looking forward to the last book in the Lost Night Files trilogy. Even though each book has a different hero and heroine the main sto[image] I've been looking forward to the last book in the Lost Night Files trilogy. Even though each book has a different hero and heroine the main story is a cliffhanger until the very end of this book. With saying that I didn't feel like the prior books ended on a cliffhanger most likely because for me the romance didn't end on a cliffhanger. We had a wonder romantic ending to each of the couples.
The reason I'm summing up the whole trilogy in this review is because of the mystery cliffhanger. If I'll start out with my thoughts on the couple in Shattering Dawn.
With most of Krentz's books her couples aren't overly affectioned it each other. It's how they treat each other and think about them. They are the other half of each other. You will enjoy how they help each other to figure out what is going on and work it all out. I do wish we had a bit more personal information about them and had them interact about more than what was presently going on in their lives. But with even saying that I enjoyed their story.
As a whole the mystery story is a good one. I really enjoy how Krentz makes you understand what she's talking about without feeling not bright enough to follow along. If you've read her books, you know that many of them are on the same wavelength as this series. Sadly, I didn't feel like the story (mystery) is totally over. Yes, you know who the bad guy is but so many questions left open. I'm hoping the next series answers them.
I enjoyed the surprises we got in this story, and I think you'll like them too. You might have thought you already read about Sweetwater but not to worry the name comes up in another series. I'm looking forward to what Krentz has coming next.
[image] I was really looking forward to Natalie's story. We meet both her and Eugene in Housebroken as they are brother and sister of the main characte[image] I was really looking forward to Natalie's story. We meet both her and Eugene in Housebroken as they are brother and sister of the main characters in that book. When you first meet Natalie, she is going through an unhappy marriage that has made her both stressed and a bit of a bitch. You understand with all she's going through, but she wasn't always likeable. You also meet Eugene and think of him as kind of a playboy.
What I love about meeting characters in prior books is that until you are reading their story you don't really know who they are. You learn how Natalie's crappy marriage really pulled her under and caused her to feel like she wasn't anything more than a mom and wife. Her husband didn't really respect her and treated her like she was less than. I liked seeing a happy Natalie. She is a hardworking mom who loves her kids and family.
You also learn much more about Eugene. Turns out he's a workaholic who often gets lost in his job. You also see how much responsibility he has at his job. He seemed kind of carefree a man that lived for the next party but really, he's not like that at all. He's a very hardworking guy who cares about those around him.
I really enjoyed the story and watching Natalie and Eugene fall in love. I liked how sweet he is to her kids and her. They work together even if it took them a while to figure that out. I did feel at times Natalie worried about too much. She seemed to be taking her feelings from her first marriage and mixing it with this relationship. They are two different men and her relationship with each of them will be different.
You don't have to read Housebroken first because neither book is considered part of a series, but I will say that you meet these characters in it and the characters from that book play a big part in this one. I'd read them in order just to enjoy them more.