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yviie_reads's reviews
303 reviews
Alora by Megan Linski
Did not finish book.
I'm not going to continue reading this book and therefore won't rate it, but I still wanted to tell you what I thought about it. When I first saw this book I was soooo excited! Just look at the beautiful cover! The blurb sounded interesting as well but ... I probably expected too much. Sadly.
The main idea is actually not that bad but I didn't like the main character, Alora, one bit. She's perfect. At least she thinks she is. All the time. She's also annoying and arrogant and thinks she can do and get whatever she wants and that nothing and no one can beat her ... just nope. It's so easy to NOT like her that I wonder if the author wanted us to feel that way about Alora. Hmmm.
When she meets young August (at the age of 3!) she decides that she wants him for herself - that's already really weird because she's a 16 year old girl. His parents are getting divorced and he leaves town but by the age of 16 he's back again and that's when Alora and August are becoming friends (and even more). I love love-stories, you know? But this one? Nope, I didn't get it. It's weird and unrealistic and like I said I didn't like Alora, so I really don't know how August could like her that much ... they were constantly fighting or arguing and even the "sweet" scenes seemed strange and forced. *sigh*
I read 65% and the "villain" of the book only appeared once (or twice, idk anymore) so far. But to be honest, he didn't seem to be that bad ... he even let her decide her own fate - either she chooses August and a "normal" life or she could choose her Anmortal (the wolf) self but then he'd hunt and kill her - or I simply didn't get it right, who knows. Anyway, he never felt like a real threat to me. Maybe later on in the book but I'll never know.
Would younger people enjoy this a lot more? I don't know but I certainly didn't like it. I guess it was just not my cup of tea. It wasn't entirely bad, don't get me wrong, but there were too many things that disturbed and/or annoyed me. I'm just glad I got this on Amazon when it was free because I wouldn't want to spend my money on books like this one, sorry.
www.thebookishpanda.blogspot.com
Did not finish book.
I'm not going to continue reading this book and therefore won't rate it, but I still wanted to tell you what I thought about it. When I first saw this book I was soooo excited! Just look at the beautiful cover! The blurb sounded interesting as well but ... I probably expected too much. Sadly.
The main idea is actually not that bad but I didn't like the main character, Alora, one bit. She's perfect. At least she thinks she is. All the time. She's also annoying and arrogant and thinks she can do and get whatever she wants and that nothing and no one can beat her ... just nope. It's so easy to NOT like her that I wonder if the author wanted us to feel that way about Alora. Hmmm.
When she meets young August (at the age of 3!) she decides that she wants him for herself - that's already really weird because she's a 16 year old girl. His parents are getting divorced and he leaves town but by the age of 16 he's back again and that's when Alora and August are becoming friends (and even more). I love love-stories, you know? But this one? Nope, I didn't get it. It's weird and unrealistic and like I said I didn't like Alora, so I really don't know how August could like her that much ... they were constantly fighting or arguing and even the "sweet" scenes seemed strange and forced. *sigh*
I read 65% and the "villain" of the book only appeared once (or twice, idk anymore) so far. But to be honest, he didn't seem to be that bad ... he even let her decide her own fate - either she chooses August and a "normal" life or she could choose her Anmortal (the wolf) self but then he'd hunt and kill her - or I simply didn't get it right, who knows. Anyway, he never felt like a real threat to me. Maybe later on in the book but I'll never know.
Would younger people enjoy this a lot more? I don't know but I certainly didn't like it. I guess it was just not my cup of tea. It wasn't entirely bad, don't get me wrong, but there were too many things that disturbed and/or annoyed me. I'm just glad I got this on Amazon when it was free because I wouldn't want to spend my money on books like this one, sorry.
www.thebookishpanda.blogspot.com
Eventide by Daniel Beazley
2.0
I actually feel a little bad for giving this only 2 stars. It wasn't that bad, but just not for me. I can see why other people would love this and maybe I didn't pay enough attention to get things right.
I didn't really care about the characters and was mostly confused because either I didn't read it properly, or there weren't enough explanations. The long chapters (there were only 3 and a prologue, if I remember correctly) were VERY long and took me forever to read, which was frustrating and a bit annoying.
You should still give it a chance because it's different! It's not your typical angel book and there are lots of action scenes and science fiction elements that are very interesting!
I didn't really care about the characters and was mostly confused because either I didn't read it properly, or there weren't enough explanations. The long chapters (there were only 3 and a prologue, if I remember correctly) were VERY long and took me forever to read, which was frustrating and a bit annoying.
You should still give it a chance because it's different! It's not your typical angel book and there are lots of action scenes and science fiction elements that are very interesting!
Sepherene: The Complete Chronicles by Daniel Beazley
3.0
Book 1 - Eventide:
Eventide is the first of four books in Daniel Beazley's Sepherene series. I have to say that, for me, it started off pretty confusing. We get to know Sepherene and her brother, Lazrael, but after this first chapter, we're suddenly with Lucius AND Sepherene in his body. No explanation as to WHY Sepherene is in Lucius body or HOW she got there ... but he seems to be perfectly fine with it.
The long chapters are a little annoying, but that's just a personal thing - I definitely prefer shorter ones because it makes it easier to read. If I have a chapter that takes 40 minutes to complete (according to my Kindle) it's kinda frustrating after a while. Or I'm just weird, I don't know.
It's a very short - although the chapters are super long - book with only 3 chapters and a prologue. I can't really say something about the characters other than that I didn't feel connected to them and so far I don't even care about them, to be honest. That sounded meaner than intended to. I guess they're pretty cool and I COULD like them but 3 chapters is just not enough to get to know them and form a bond with them.
I hope the author's going to explain a bit more in the second book, I just need a few more details as of what's going on, what exactly is their (Lucien & Sepherene's) plan and and and.
Book 2 - Dark Shroud:
Dark Shroud continues were we left off in Eventide - Lucius is being convicted of murder, but has no memories of doing it. He simply doesn't know if he murdered his wife and children or not. It's mysterious and keeps you curious throughout the whole book. Did he do it? Why? Why can't he remember anything? Questions over questions.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one! So much more. I liked the scenes with Lucius best but that's probably because he seems more "normal" to me. Sepherene is an angel and the way she speaks and acts is a little odd for me. I mean, for her it's probably normal because she has no idea how humans usually act but still.
There were plenty of action scenes that I really enjoyed! The first big fight against one of Sepherene's brothers was very cool and descriptive but also pretty disgusting. Seriously, I felt sick while reading those scenes. I'm not really bothered by blood, gore and whatnot else but this? The author described it so well that I pictured it perfectly in my mind. Ugh. But that's just the thing - the writing style is so much better than in the first book. It's easier to read, detailed but not boring and keeps my attention.
Book 3 - Night's Shadow:
In Night's Shadow we finally get some answers to all our questions - the most important one is probably Lucius' past and whether he killed his wife and children or not. But of course I won't tell you anything about it, if you want to know you'll just have to read the book!
Again, I really liked the action scenes and the fallen angels we met throughout the book. I actually grew to like Holus, even though we didn't even know much about him. He just seemed to be interesting and the fact that he's a Watcher made me curious and left me wanting to know more about him. Oh well, didn't get the chance though. *sigh*
I wish there would be more of a connection between Lucius and Sepherene. I mean, they share his body and of course they talk a lot but ... I wish it would be a bit more personal. I know Sepherene isn't really capable of emotions but Lucius changed her as well, so I'm desperate for some deeper, emotional talks between them and hope I get them in the last book, Dawn of Hope.
Book 4 - Dawn of Hope:
In this last book Sepherene and Lucius, together with some friends, are on their final misson to destroy Eberus, another fallen angel. It's an epic and difficult battle where everything's at stake. Will they make it? Can Sepherene redeem herself and safe Lucius and his companions? All that will be answered in this last book ... however there are some new questions that leave room for another book.
That last part bothered me a bit. Don't get me wrong, the ending wasn't bad or anything ... just not what I expected or wished for. I was looking forward to a "happy" ending, an emotional goodbye and hopes to a better life for Lucius. It's not exactly what I got. Instead there's a possibility for a fifth book, that I didn't really expect - there are unanswered questions, Director Egan who also should've been dealt with and the last "twist". How can this be the complete ... oh. Ohhhh. Nevermind, I'm sure we'll meet Lucius again.
It was a good conclusion to Sepherene's story but definitely not the end for Lucius. I wanted it to end a little different but am okay with how everything turned out!
Overall I enjoyed Sepherene's and Lucius' adventure and would recommend reading it if you're interested in a different angel book with some sci-fi elements! ;)
www.thebookishpanda.blogspot.com
Eventide is the first of four books in Daniel Beazley's Sepherene series. I have to say that, for me, it started off pretty confusing. We get to know Sepherene and her brother, Lazrael, but after this first chapter, we're suddenly with Lucius AND Sepherene in his body. No explanation as to WHY Sepherene is in Lucius body or HOW she got there ... but he seems to be perfectly fine with it.
The long chapters are a little annoying, but that's just a personal thing - I definitely prefer shorter ones because it makes it easier to read. If I have a chapter that takes 40 minutes to complete (according to my Kindle) it's kinda frustrating after a while. Or I'm just weird, I don't know.
It's a very short - although the chapters are super long - book with only 3 chapters and a prologue. I can't really say something about the characters other than that I didn't feel connected to them and so far I don't even care about them, to be honest. That sounded meaner than intended to. I guess they're pretty cool and I COULD like them but 3 chapters is just not enough to get to know them and form a bond with them.
I hope the author's going to explain a bit more in the second book, I just need a few more details as of what's going on, what exactly is their (Lucien & Sepherene's) plan and and and.
Book 2 - Dark Shroud:
Dark Shroud continues were we left off in Eventide - Lucius is being convicted of murder, but has no memories of doing it. He simply doesn't know if he murdered his wife and children or not. It's mysterious and keeps you curious throughout the whole book. Did he do it? Why? Why can't he remember anything? Questions over questions.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one! So much more. I liked the scenes with Lucius best but that's probably because he seems more "normal" to me. Sepherene is an angel and the way she speaks and acts is a little odd for me. I mean, for her it's probably normal because she has no idea how humans usually act but still.
There were plenty of action scenes that I really enjoyed! The first big fight against one of Sepherene's brothers was very cool and descriptive but also pretty disgusting. Seriously, I felt sick while reading those scenes. I'm not really bothered by blood, gore and whatnot else but this? The author described it so well that I pictured it perfectly in my mind. Ugh. But that's just the thing - the writing style is so much better than in the first book. It's easier to read, detailed but not boring and keeps my attention.
Book 3 - Night's Shadow:
In Night's Shadow we finally get some answers to all our questions - the most important one is probably Lucius' past and whether he killed his wife and children or not. But of course I won't tell you anything about it, if you want to know you'll just have to read the book!
Again, I really liked the action scenes and the fallen angels we met throughout the book. I actually grew to like Holus, even though we didn't even know much about him. He just seemed to be interesting and the fact that he's a Watcher made me curious and left me wanting to know more about him. Oh well, didn't get the chance though. *sigh*
I wish there would be more of a connection between Lucius and Sepherene. I mean, they share his body and of course they talk a lot but ... I wish it would be a bit more personal. I know Sepherene isn't really capable of emotions but Lucius changed her as well, so I'm desperate for some deeper, emotional talks between them and hope I get them in the last book, Dawn of Hope.
Book 4 - Dawn of Hope:
In this last book Sepherene and Lucius, together with some friends, are on their final misson to destroy Eberus, another fallen angel. It's an epic and difficult battle where everything's at stake. Will they make it? Can Sepherene redeem herself and safe Lucius and his companions? All that will be answered in this last book ... however there are some new questions that leave room for another book.
That last part bothered me a bit. Don't get me wrong, the ending wasn't bad or anything ... just not what I expected or wished for. I was looking forward to a "happy" ending, an emotional goodbye and hopes to a better life for Lucius. It's not exactly what I got. Instead there's a possibility for a fifth book, that I didn't really expect - there are unanswered questions, Director Egan who also should've been dealt with and the last "twist". How can this be the complete ... oh. Ohhhh. Nevermind, I'm sure we'll meet Lucius again.
It was a good conclusion to Sepherene's story but definitely not the end for Lucius. I wanted it to end a little different but am okay with how everything turned out!
Overall I enjoyed Sepherene's and Lucius' adventure and would recommend reading it if you're interested in a different angel book with some sci-fi elements! ;)
www.thebookishpanda.blogspot.com
End of Days by Susan Ee
*4.5 stars*
Whyy oh why is this already over?! To be honest, I'm not quite ready to let this world and the characters go ... I'm sure I'll miss them so, so much! Since this is the last book of the series I won't go much into detail as of what happened but I can say that I highly enjoyed it!
Penryn is still a very, very likeable and badass character! We saw another side of her in this book where she's a little more ... girly. She's thinking about Raffe most of the time and the what if's but I kinda liked that! No character is badass all the time, so yeah. Plus, that meant we got more of Raffe! And heeeelll, did I like those scenes!!! *___*
It started off pretty epic and hot which was AWESOME. Their relationship is just great and I liked how slow everything was between them ... I mean, yes, it was frustrating as hell at times but I wouldn't want it any other way! There were some very sweet scenes, others were serious and emotional so it was everything I needed and wanted. I also liked the change in Raffe, that he finally "admitted" his feelings for Penryn ... or at least he didn't fight them that hard anymore. He's generally one gorgeous guy/angel. *sigh* He said so many cute things in this book ... it was fantastic!
There was lots of action and no dull moments, if I remember correctly. In fact it was really thrilling, exciting and even horrifying. The writing was great, as usual. Very easy to read and still detailed - I can even imagine this to be a movie! How awesome would that be?!
Overall, I can only say that this series is definitely worth reading! If not for the completely crazy and apocalyptic world, then definitely for all those brilliant characters! I'm not kidding! They're amazing and I love them all so, so much! Please read this series, if you haven't done it yet!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
____________________
August 26th, 2015:
OHHHH I can't believe I'm already finished! NOOOO, I don't wanna let go of these gorgeous characters! *sigh* But it was great! Highly enjoyed it! :)
5.0
*4.5 stars*
Whyy oh why is this already over?! To be honest, I'm not quite ready to let this world and the characters go ... I'm sure I'll miss them so, so much! Since this is the last book of the series I won't go much into detail as of what happened but I can say that I highly enjoyed it!
Penryn is still a very, very likeable and badass character! We saw another side of her in this book where she's a little more ... girly. She's thinking about Raffe most of the time and the what if's but I kinda liked that! No character is badass all the time, so yeah. Plus, that meant we got more of Raffe! And heeeelll, did I like those scenes!!! *___*
"You accept me just the way I am, regardless of whether or not I even have wings. Even when I had my demon wings, you've never looked at me with pity. You've never wavered in your loyalty. That's who you are—my brave, loyal, lovable Daugther of Man."
It started off pretty epic and hot which was AWESOME. Their relationship is just great and I liked how slow everything was between them ... I mean, yes, it was frustrating as hell at times but I wouldn't want it any other way! There were some very sweet scenes, others were serious and emotional so it was everything I needed and wanted. I also liked the change in Raffe, that he finally "admitted" his feelings for Penryn ... or at least he didn't fight them that hard anymore. He's generally one gorgeous guy/angel. *sigh* He said so many cute things in this book ... it was fantastic!
"If I were human, I'd plow the nicest farm for you." He sounds completely sincere. "Better than anyone else's. It would have golden pineapples, the juciest grapes, and the most favorful radishes in the entire world."
There was lots of action and no dull moments, if I remember correctly. In fact it was really thrilling, exciting and even horrifying. The writing was great, as usual. Very easy to read and still detailed - I can even imagine this to be a movie! How awesome would that be?!
Overall, I can only say that this series is definitely worth reading! If not for the completely crazy and apocalyptic world, then definitely for all those brilliant characters! I'm not kidding! They're amazing and I love them all so, so much! Please read this series, if you haven't done it yet!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
____________________
August 26th, 2015:
OHHHH I can't believe I'm already finished! NOOOO, I don't wanna let go of these gorgeous characters! *sigh* But it was great! Highly enjoyed it! :)
The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker
After finishing the book I read a few reviews and noticed that people either liked it ... or not. The reviews are all pretty mixed but mostly positive from what I saw. I went into this without knowing too much and I'm really glad about that! Usually I'm not a fan of books about witches and magic but this one intrigued me! I fell in love with the cover and knew I had to read this, no matter what.
I was surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it! Sure, there were some minor things that disturbed me - I wanted more action scenes, for example - but Virginia balanced it out with her great characters that were all very loveable and awesome. Each one of them actually. Well, except for the "bad" ones but yeah.
At first I thought Elizabeth would be a typical YA heroine ... good at everything she does, too perfect or maybe the complete opposite. I was still curious and hoped for the best. I must admit that I really, really liked her because the author made her seem perfect/good at what she does but proved us early on that she isn't. Not anymore at least. However, the changes she went through during her time with Nicholas and the others were very interesting to read!
And speaking of the others ... I liked everyone! At first we met George and well, I thought he'd be a love interest for Elizabeth but gladly that didn't happen. Them being friends and bantering all day long was so much more enjoyable! They're both sarcastic and I had a lot of fun reading their scenes! Fifer is another one I wasn't sure about at first ... she seemed like a real bitch but in the end I loved her as much as everyone else. Her boyfriend Schuyler is someone I'd even want to read more about - he intrigued me and I was hoping to find out more about him ... maybe in the next book!
And then there's John. Oh my dear. He's a healer with such a big and loving heart and I knew I'd like him A LOT. Well, guess what ... I was right. He's amazing, seriously, and I can't wait to read more about him and Elizabeth! ♥ *sigh*
Like I mentioned above I wouldn't have minded a few more action scenes ... don't get me wrong, it was still amazing and thrilling and the end was pure action but throughout the book there could've happened a lot more. The setting/world Virginia created is great, though! I enjoyed the information about magic and seeing/reading how it's used but also wanted more. In the next book I definitely expect more of EVERYTHING - that would be best, haha.
My overall conclusion is: Get the book and read it! It's easy to say I liked it but everyone has a different taste ... if it intrigued you don't hesitate too much and just read it! In my opinion, it's totally worth it and who knows, in the future I might even give some other magic/witch books a try (recommendations anyone?)!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
4.0
After finishing the book I read a few reviews and noticed that people either liked it ... or not. The reviews are all pretty mixed but mostly positive from what I saw. I went into this without knowing too much and I'm really glad about that! Usually I'm not a fan of books about witches and magic but this one intrigued me! I fell in love with the cover and knew I had to read this, no matter what.
I was surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it! Sure, there were some minor things that disturbed me - I wanted more action scenes, for example - but Virginia balanced it out with her great characters that were all very loveable and awesome. Each one of them actually. Well, except for the "bad" ones but yeah.
At first I thought Elizabeth would be a typical YA heroine ... good at everything she does, too perfect or maybe the complete opposite. I was still curious and hoped for the best. I must admit that I really, really liked her because the author made her seem perfect/good at what she does but proved us early on that she isn't. Not anymore at least. However, the changes she went through during her time with Nicholas and the others were very interesting to read!
"You're awfully short," I say.
"Short? Not me! Maybe you're the short one. Ever think of that?"
I consider it. "My God, you're right. You must be very clever."
Geroge cracks a laugh. "If only everyone was this easy to convince."
And speaking of the others ... I liked everyone! At first we met George and well, I thought he'd be a love interest for Elizabeth but gladly that didn't happen. Them being friends and bantering all day long was so much more enjoyable! They're both sarcastic and I had a lot of fun reading their scenes! Fifer is another one I wasn't sure about at first ... she seemed like a real bitch but in the end I loved her as much as everyone else. Her boyfriend Schuyler is someone I'd even want to read more about - he intrigued me and I was hoping to find out more about him ... maybe in the next book!
And then there's John. Oh my dear. He's a healer with such a big and loving heart and I knew I'd like him A LOT. Well, guess what ... I was right. He's amazing, seriously, and I can't wait to read more about him and Elizabeth! ♥ *sigh*
Like I mentioned above I wouldn't have minded a few more action scenes ... don't get me wrong, it was still amazing and thrilling and the end was pure action but throughout the book there could've happened a lot more. The setting/world Virginia created is great, though! I enjoyed the information about magic and seeing/reading how it's used but also wanted more. In the next book I definitely expect more of EVERYTHING - that would be best, haha.
"Nicholas says that magic isn't inherently good or bad, it's what people do with it that makes it that way. It took me a long time to understand that. Once I did, I realized it isn't magic that separates us from them, or you from me. It's misunderstanding."
My overall conclusion is: Get the book and read it! It's easy to say I liked it but everyone has a different taste ... if it intrigued you don't hesitate too much and just read it! In my opinion, it's totally worth it and who knows, in the future I might even give some other magic/witch books a try (recommendations anyone?)!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
Ugly People Beautiful Hearts by Marlen Komar
3.5 stars
First of all: Thank you, Marlen, for introducing me to poetry and sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review! This is the first poetry book I've ever read, so even though I don't have anything to compare it with I know it's something beautiful. I loved the writing, all the words she used and more than once I wanted to see the world like Marlen Komar did.
Of course there are some poems (or sentences) I liked more than others but generally speaking it was a really honest and realistic book. It was easy to picture everything the author described with her words and made me feel them as well.
However I also have to say that I didn't like the beginnings of the poems because some of them started the same ... most times it was always an "And ..." or "You know that feeling?" to start off and even though I should probably see each poem as its own I couldn't get past that very easily. But that's just a teeny tiny negative thing and definitely shouldn't keep you from reading this! I also don't know if poems are supposed to start like this (or similiar), so don't hate me if I'm wrong.
I want to recommend this to people who aren't poetry fans or haven't read (m)any of them. Sometimes it's a good thing to get into something without knowing too much and that was definitely the case in Ugly People Beautiful Hearts. So if you're interested in trying a new genre check it out and let Marlen Komar show you the world through her eyes.
Here's one of the poems that I liked a lot! ♥
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
4.0
3.5 stars
First of all: Thank you, Marlen, for introducing me to poetry and sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review! This is the first poetry book I've ever read, so even though I don't have anything to compare it with I know it's something beautiful. I loved the writing, all the words she used and more than once I wanted to see the world like Marlen Komar did.
"I want life to break me, as hard as it could. I want it to tear at me and make me hurt in the most lovely of ways."
Of course there are some poems (or sentences) I liked more than others but generally speaking it was a really honest and realistic book. It was easy to picture everything the author described with her words and made me feel them as well.
However I also have to say that I didn't like the beginnings of the poems because some of them started the same ... most times it was always an "And ..." or "You know that feeling?" to start off and even though I should probably see each poem as its own I couldn't get past that very easily. But that's just a teeny tiny negative thing and definitely shouldn't keep you from reading this! I also don't know if poems are supposed to start like this (or similiar), so don't hate me if I'm wrong.
I want to recommend this to people who aren't poetry fans or haven't read (m)any of them. Sometimes it's a good thing to get into something without knowing too much and that was definitely the case in Ugly People Beautiful Hearts. So if you're interested in trying a new genre check it out and let Marlen Komar show you the world through her eyes.
Here's one of the poems that I liked a lot! ♥
Seeking: A Reader of Maps.
I'd like to think that the fine lines on my face are like an atlas you can trace. Sit above me while we're in bed; the cold light coming into the room, trying to intrude on our silent conversation.
Brush away rays as they try to run their fingers through your hair, and replace their hands with mine, instead.
Run finger tips across the lines by my eyes: back roads that lead behind us, pointed towards happier times. Trace the corners of my mouth: city maps of laughs that tasted like wine, of grins that came from the darkest parts of three at night. When we leaned out our heads into a sky that looked like the back of a whale's throat.
Notice the wildflowers underneath my skin. Lips that taste like lilacs, stained with poetry. See my eyes that point northeast, like a broken compass. Dust from the sky falling white on our shoulders like crumbling plaster.
Trace your thumb across my oceans and my lands, and ask me what it all means.
Then forget the map, and leaning down, get lost in the wilderness that is me.
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
Tough Love by Skye Warren
5 FREAKING-AWESOME stars!
The prequel is free on Amazon, so be sure to check it out - you can get it HERE
What the hell did I just read?! Seriously, this was so, so good! I didn't think a prequel could get me so hooked and excited but it totally did. It's a quick and easy read but definitely worth it.
This little prequel is out of Clara's POV, a fifteen year old girl and the daughter of a mob boss. Her life obviously sucks and is only bearable when she spends time with Giovanni, the son of a foot soldier who works for her father. He's there for her and wants to protect her from her father and the (probably) new boss Byron. But when the time to escape has finally come, she has to leave the one person she really cares about behind ...
It broke my heart. I instantly felt with Clara and hoped that she and Giovanni could escape together and live the life they both want. Well, if it would only be so easy. Everything was so fast-paced and full of action, I couldn't stop reading. Didn't even want to!
And the ending ... well, damn cliffhangers. I just hate but also love them. I had teary eyes and now I'm sitting here, wanting more! I definitely need to read the actual book soon, even though "Love The Way You Lie" is out of Honors POV, Clara's sister. I'm still really excited and would totally recommend this to others!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
5.0
5 FREAKING-AWESOME stars!
The prequel is free on Amazon, so be sure to check it out - you can get it HERE
What the hell did I just read?! Seriously, this was so, so good! I didn't think a prequel could get me so hooked and excited but it totally did. It's a quick and easy read but definitely worth it.
This little prequel is out of Clara's POV, a fifteen year old girl and the daughter of a mob boss. Her life obviously sucks and is only bearable when she spends time with Giovanni, the son of a foot soldier who works for her father. He's there for her and wants to protect her from her father and the (probably) new boss Byron. But when the time to escape has finally come, she has to leave the one person she really cares about behind ...
It broke my heart. I instantly felt with Clara and hoped that she and Giovanni could escape together and live the life they both want. Well, if it would only be so easy. Everything was so fast-paced and full of action, I couldn't stop reading. Didn't even want to!
And the ending ... well, damn cliffhangers. I just hate but also love them. I had teary eyes and now I'm sitting here, wanting more! I definitely need to read the actual book soon, even though "Love The Way You Lie" is out of Honors POV, Clara's sister. I'm still really excited and would totally recommend this to others!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
Love the Way You Lie by Skye Warren
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
"Love the Way You Lie" and the prequel, Tough Love, are the first books I read by Skye Warren. It's not something I usually pick up and the whole mob/mafia storyline is completely new to me. I really enjoyed it though! The author kept me entertained and excited/thrilled throughout the whole book and I didn't even mind the erotic scenes between Kip and Honor - not that I would ever mind them but I'm usually more interested in emotions, feels and the generel bonding between the characters.
While Tough Love was about Clara, this book focuses mostly on her sister Honor. After they escaped their father and her fiancée Byron, they're now hiding. Trying to stay under the radar, to survive. To do that Honor strips in a dodgy bar and even offers some extras for more money. But when she meets Kip everything's about to change. Is he an ordinary customer? A cop? Something even worse? The only thing she knows is not to trust him ... but somehow he always seems to get under her skin.
Let me tell you: Honor is freaking awesome! At first I questioned her decisions and didn't know if she actually had to go that way. But everything made sense after a while, I understood why she was "safe" at The Grand, why she endured a life like that. She had to protect her sister, no matter what. I really admired her for her strength because honestly? I don't think I'd be as strong as her in a situation like that. Not even close. Actually, I was hoping to see more of the sibling relationship between Honor and Clara - the few moments we got were precious and too amazing!
And Kip, well, he's the mysterious stranger, a bad guy that might not be as bad as he looks at first. But he's dangerous and you should be afraid of him. Why do these guys always have to look so handsome then? Kip is definitely one hot guy! Tall with tattoos, a beard and his dark leather jacket ... oh my. The way he looked at Honor, talked to her ... he's different and towards the end we also got to see another side of him. I really, really enjoyed that! It made him more real, more vulnerable and if I'm being honest, even hotter.
The story was gripping and I've always felt a tension and constantly thought that any moment now something would happen, that they'd find them. I totally get why she was so cautions and worried. I mean, a strip club isn't exactly the safest place ever. I'm not sure if the ending was too rushed or just right but it could have been a bit longer, that would've been okay too. I was nervous, excited, anxious and thrilled all at the same time but in the end I really liked how everything turned out!
So, would I recommed this? Totally! If you're up for some "dark" romance with quite a bit of eroticism - and if you don't mind the used words, especially -, a mysterious but gorgeous Kip and a strong, female protagonist ... well, end your search right now and check out Skye Warren's books! They might be something for you!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
4.0
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
"Love the Way You Lie" and the prequel, Tough Love, are the first books I read by Skye Warren. It's not something I usually pick up and the whole mob/mafia storyline is completely new to me. I really enjoyed it though! The author kept me entertained and excited/thrilled throughout the whole book and I didn't even mind the erotic scenes between Kip and Honor - not that I would ever mind them but I'm usually more interested in emotions, feels and the generel bonding between the characters.
While Tough Love was about Clara, this book focuses mostly on her sister Honor. After they escaped their father and her fiancée Byron, they're now hiding. Trying to stay under the radar, to survive. To do that Honor strips in a dodgy bar and even offers some extras for more money. But when she meets Kip everything's about to change. Is he an ordinary customer? A cop? Something even worse? The only thing she knows is not to trust him ... but somehow he always seems to get under her skin.
"I’m afraid of dying, but I’m more afraid of never living."
Let me tell you: Honor is freaking awesome! At first I questioned her decisions and didn't know if she actually had to go that way. But everything made sense after a while, I understood why she was "safe" at The Grand, why she endured a life like that. She had to protect her sister, no matter what. I really admired her for her strength because honestly? I don't think I'd be as strong as her in a situation like that. Not even close. Actually, I was hoping to see more of the sibling relationship between Honor and Clara - the few moments we got were precious and too amazing!
And Kip, well, he's the mysterious stranger, a bad guy that might not be as bad as he looks at first. But he's dangerous and you should be afraid of him. Why do these guys always have to look so handsome then? Kip is definitely one hot guy! Tall with tattoos, a beard and his dark leather jacket ... oh my. The way he looked at Honor, talked to her ... he's different and towards the end we also got to see another side of him. I really, really enjoyed that! It made him more real, more vulnerable and if I'm being honest, even hotter.
"He's trying to figure me out. He's trying to burrow inside me until he sees how I work. But it will never work, because I'm not real. I'm smoke and mirrors--a magic trick. If he looks too closely, I'll disappear."
The story was gripping and I've always felt a tension and constantly thought that any moment now something would happen, that they'd find them. I totally get why she was so cautions and worried. I mean, a strip club isn't exactly the safest place ever. I'm not sure if the ending was too rushed or just right but it could have been a bit longer, that would've been okay too. I was nervous, excited, anxious and thrilled all at the same time but in the end I really liked how everything turned out!
So, would I recommed this? Totally! If you're up for some "dark" romance with quite a bit of eroticism - and if you don't mind the used words, especially -, a mysterious but gorgeous Kip and a strong, female protagonist ... well, end your search right now and check out Skye Warren's books! They might be something for you!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
The Contradiction of Solitude by A. Meredith Walters
4.5 stars ... or none, I'm not sure.
I'm one big questionmark. I was it all along. Right from the beginning. I have absolutely no idea how to rate and review this book and honestly, I think I can't. Nothing, no matter what I write, would do this justice. Maybe because this is something I haven't read before and I feel like I have to mention that. It's dark and twisted and absolutely confusing, but in a good way. Again: it's really dark. Really twisted. Really confusing ... But totally worth it, if you ask me!
I don't want to give too much away, therefore I can't and don't even want to talk about the plot - I think the blurb is already enough and if that intrigued you and made you curious, you should definitely get the book and read it! Just bear in mind that it's different to what you probably expect. It's a psychological thriller. No usual romance book and even though there's some kind of love in this book, you should definitely go into this without any expectations. Do not expect sweet love scenes and cute, perfect couples. It's anything but that. If you're able to forget and throw that all away, you're good. Well, as good as you can be ...
The characters were unique - there's Layna, the female main character and she's ... I don't even know how to describe her. She's beautiful, fascinating and mysterious but also disturbing and kind of creepy. I can't even say if I liked her or not ... I wouldn't even want to connect with her, to be honest. And Elian, the male main character, is handsome, cute and outgoing. At first. I really liked him and also felt everything he went through ... it's just horrible. This book also really shows how many different sides a person can have and that they're not all good. It's scary, true and makes you think about that a lot. And also about love. Like I mentioned above there's a little "love" story in the book but it's completely different to what I/you usually read. And it scares me. I mean, it's just so freaking weird. All consuming love. And I wonder if that could ever be a good thing - probably not.
I loved the writing style a lot! It was beautifully written, really gripping and freaked me out at the same time! In general, the book was unputdownable and I caught myself reading till 3am in the morning. I didn't want to stop. I'm glad this book is a stand-alone and ended without a cliffhanger because I don't think I would be able to read another book like this anytime soon. Just nope. It messed with my head and made me feel really strange things and I'm not sure if I liked that - I'm actually really torn about my rating, maybe it would have been better to not rate it at all, but I also liked it, so I don't know.
I would still recommend this! You have to be open-minded and would need to be able to forget about any expectations or rules you have set for yourself. If you can do this and you want to read something completely different, do it! Read it and form your own opinion!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
4.0
4.5 stars ... or none, I'm not sure.
I'm one big questionmark. I was it all along. Right from the beginning. I have absolutely no idea how to rate and review this book and honestly, I think I can't. Nothing, no matter what I write, would do this justice. Maybe because this is something I haven't read before and I feel like I have to mention that. It's dark and twisted and absolutely confusing, but in a good way. Again: it's really dark. Really twisted. Really confusing ... But totally worth it, if you ask me!
"I forever tiptoed the line between light and dark, never really knowing which way 'd go."
I don't want to give too much away, therefore I can't and don't even want to talk about the plot - I think the blurb is already enough and if that intrigued you and made you curious, you should definitely get the book and read it! Just bear in mind that it's different to what you probably expect. It's a psychological thriller. No usual romance book and even though there's some kind of love in this book, you should definitely go into this without any expectations. Do not expect sweet love scenes and cute, perfect couples. It's anything but that. If you're able to forget and throw that all away, you're good. Well, as good as you can be ...
The characters were unique - there's Layna, the female main character and she's ... I don't even know how to describe her. She's beautiful, fascinating and mysterious but also disturbing and kind of creepy. I can't even say if I liked her or not ... I wouldn't even want to connect with her, to be honest. And Elian, the male main character, is handsome, cute and outgoing. At first. I really liked him and also felt everything he went through ... it's just horrible. This book also really shows how many different sides a person can have and that they're not all good. It's scary, true and makes you think about that a lot. And also about love. Like I mentioned above there's a little "love" story in the book but it's completely different to what I/you usually read. And it scares me. I mean, it's just so freaking weird. All consuming love. And I wonder if that could ever be a good thing - probably not.
"Her eyes gave her away. Dark and wide and bottomless. Coal black. They were sad and devoid of light. But I knew there was a soul inside there somewhere.
Or at least I hoped so."
I loved the writing style a lot! It was beautifully written, really gripping and freaked me out at the same time! In general, the book was unputdownable and I caught myself reading till 3am in the morning. I didn't want to stop. I'm glad this book is a stand-alone and ended without a cliffhanger because I don't think I would be able to read another book like this anytime soon. Just nope. It messed with my head and made me feel really strange things and I'm not sure if I liked that - I'm actually really torn about my rating, maybe it would have been better to not rate it at all, but I also liked it, so I don't know.
"There's contradiction in solitude."
I would still recommend this! You have to be open-minded and would need to be able to forget about any expectations or rules you have set for yourself. If you can do this and you want to read something completely different, do it! Read it and form your own opinion!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com