So Thirsty is a more a psychological thriller than a horror novel. You spend half the in insecure, overthinking Sloane (the MC) head. And her friend Naomi is annoying and a bad friend. And while I am trying to figure out the violence and vampire orgies, I am still asking myself who are these vampires, where did they come from and how exactly do they all connect. I was disappointed I didn't love this book, because I expected too. The cover is stunning and then you get into it, the am like this was so not what I thought. But decent premise, but I was not wowed by execution. Missed opportunity for a wow book.
I enjoyed Slave of Froize. Good plot, interesting characters, and lots of violence. So much violence it seemed forced. I found the Prince Jett to be weak and not worth swooning over. So luckily while the book does have a small romance component, it is not the main focus. It seems to head that way though and you are waiting for it. I found Laramie to be like a mama and common sense advisor to him. And in this world of cut throat vampires, I don't see how she could have survived so long with her smart mouth and the violent beatings. Also how is vampire spit so acidic but they can kiss and bed humans. So while I enjoyed the story, there was some issues for me. Anyway glad it ends all wrapped up for the most part because I will not be continuing the trilogy.
Baby.,,The Oath was black, mature, successful, sexy, raunchy, classy, wild, and sentimental. So so good. I enjoyed all of it and finished relatively quickly. I must say Tatum got over her reservations over the arrangement very quickly, but I appreciate she put up a fight. I like the maturity of the characters. Grown people doing grown folk things. Although I had to clutch my pearls because for all the insecurities Tatum expressed about her 40+ year old body (very relatable by the way), she definitely ain't afraid to open wide and get freaky. I won't be able to relate to some of her kinks. You do you boo boo. And the guys twist was unexpected, but I'm down. Book was amazing, hot, well written and fun. Go 'head Tati with your bad self.
Tread of Angels was so intricate in building this world of post angel/demons war set in a western frontier settlement that I could see a whole full length longer format novel from it. Very unique. The story itself is an emotional one of the lengths you would go to for family. It ended, at least for the main character, as it should have. Very fitting, and I didn't expect it. The writing is excellent, paced well, emotional, and interesting. I will have to check out more by this author.
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First look at the beautiful cover. I really enjoyed The Darkness Within Us even though I did not read The Shadows Between Us or normally read YA. This may be a bit beyond YA into newer adult if you want a label; however, while there is graphic violence, there is technically no "relations" on page. This story was fun, snarky, sassy, female centered, revenge driven, emotional, relatable, and suspenseful while at the same time keeping me on my toes. I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep. I do think at times the banter between Eryx and Chrysantha was juvenile when it should have been more serious and the ending resolution was more simple than I think it should have been. However, it was an awesome story that kept me engaged and excited to read it from the first to the last page. Story well done. I may consider going back to the first in the series, although this book kinda spoils it for me though.
Pinata scared me at times. Descriptive, bloody and informative. I enjoyed the Mexican culture and historical references to colonialism and the rage of the ancestors. All very relevant. Book was a good time. although slow at times. Lots of descriptions. Great plot would make a good movie.
A Reliable Wife reads like classic literature and is filled with sex references. Completely excessive. Story itself had makings of something juicy but I was kinda bored in the execution. No big wows that you didn't see coming from half a mile away. Ralph, what is wrong with him. He seems slow and hard up for a woman. This book reminds me of Original Sin movie. Overall, I was not pleased with this book.
The Christmas Guest shows you can learn a lot about someone through their diary. This book was a quick read that was interesting front to back. It really picked up about halfway through. I def didn't expect the twists and heart.
Mortal Remains shows there is humanity after death and it takes a special person to deliver that. I was freaked out initially about Lily talking to the dead but it came together. The story took a turn I didn't expect and didn't end how I wanted, but it was entertaining, sad and had heart. The book itself has a beautiful cover. Story was well done. It definitely reads YA, which isn't my jam, but I still enjoyed it.
The Family Experiment is my third book by John Marrs and has solidified I will put him on my definitely read list. Highly imaginative, entertaining, fun, thought provoking and scary. I love how he makes sci fi so easy to read. Loved it.