Some books are good books, but some books touch your heart in a way your brain can't even comprehend or quantify. A Portrait of Emily Price did that fSome books are good books, but some books touch your heart in a way your brain can't even comprehend or quantify. A Portrait of Emily Price did that for me. My sister-in-law, who recommended it to me, asked me why I liked it, and I told her I didn't know. I still don't know. All I know is that this achingly beautiful, deeply profound, and yet so sweetly simplistic book touched my heart and changed my perspective in a way that only a very few pieces of fiction have ever done.
I have to say, I was quite skeptical when this book started out with an "insta-love" relationship and whirlwind marriage (the characters had only known each other for a week). I am glad I stuck with it though. These characters ended up being far more complex than I imagined. Emily is just such a *real* character, and I could relate to her on so many levels. Ben was such a sweetheart, and the entire cast of characters were all so unique, colorful, and endearing.
There are so many elements to this book that just made it all the richer to me. Italy - the culture, the food, the people, and art, to name a few. (I am both Italian and an artist.) The storyline, while it felt long to me at times, was incredibly well-thought-out and heartwarming with just the right amount of mystery to keep you guessing. The romance was sweet and, while not really my style as I mentioned earlier, it was perfectly clean. The themes of Christianity, while very back seat, were still very well done. I actually appreciated how it wasn't overtly "preachy" and giving you all the answers, but rather made you think more deeply. Reay's writing style is absolutely beautiful. Profound, yet simplistic. Poetic, but not overly flowery. The author captures the pure essence of humanity in a stunningly beautiful way.
All in all, A Portrait of Emily Price is an engaging and delightful book that I highly recommend!
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ (view spoiler)[This book is very clean, aside from a few minor things. Quite a few not-described kisses, a couple of mild innuendos, and a child was born out of wedlock, but the situation was not detailed at all. (hide spoiler)]...more
Lynette Eason is back with another action- and emotion-packed suspense novel - And this one does not disappoint. Even the cover is gorgeous.
I loved tLynette Eason is back with another action- and emotion-packed suspense novel - And this one does not disappoint. Even the cover is gorgeous.
I loved the two main characters. Blake MacCallum was a super sweet and incredibly realistic character, and I loved his daddy's heart and relationship with his daughter. Chloe is also a fabulous character; I loved her compassionate, empathetic heart mixed with a hefty dose of spunk. Chloe and Blake's relationship was spot-on. I appreciated the slow, sweet romance not based on physical attraction as opposed to the "insta-love" shallow romances portrayed in novels so frequently these days. The secondary cast of Brady, Linc, Izzy, etc, was great, as well. I loved the cameo appearances of Daniel Matthews and Quinn Holcombe ((view spoiler)[I may or may not have squealed when Quinn showed up on the rooftop. That was awesome. :D (hide spoiler)]) from Eason's Elite Guardians series. Loved that touch, although I found it slightly odd that there weren't the same connections to that series in Oath of Honor.
The plot was sound and the action and suspense kept me reading. Finished this one in less than 24 hours. I was slightly concerned about the subject matter (human trafficking), but Eason did a wonderful job of showing this very real, relevant, and horrendous issue without going into too much gruesome detail. Living in one of the top areas for human trafficking in the country, this was very eye-opening.
Probably the thing I love most about this series is the family dynamic. Family\sibling relationships are so infrequently portrayed in fiction, or if they are, they don't feel realistic. But the Blue Justice series does a great job with the family relationships, and the sibling banter is always epic.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed Called to Protect, and am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3! Highly recommend this series.
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17+. There is a fair amount of violence and some detailing of human trafficking, as well as some light romance. (view spoiler)[Girls are kidnapped, caged, starved, beaten, and sold. Mentions of some girls being more desirable because they are virgins. Lots of guns, attempted murder, bombs, etc. Also some light romance. A few hugs, not-detailed kisses, physical attraction, etc. (hide spoiler)]
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
Both the cover and the description had me hooked when I first saw this on Netgalley, and I'm so glad I decidWow! A fabulous debut from Rachel Fordham!
Both the cover and the description had me hooked when I first saw this on Netgalley, and I'm so glad I decided to read it! It was so lovely to step into this simply-written small-town historical story with heart-melting characters, a sweet romance, and even gun-toting outlaws.
Both Caleb and Em were unique and realistic MCs with so much depth to their characters. I loved their sweet relationship, easy banter, and lighthearted competition. I also loved the secondary cast of Mae and Milly, Margaret, and the Howells, with the exception of Eliza. Her character was a bit . . . odd. I see why she was necessary to show how Em was different, but I feel like Eliza ended up being unrealistic. There are more effective ways to show the contrast, in my opinion.
The story, while a bit slow at times, was heartwarming and enthralling. I loved the contrast of inner beauty vs. outer beauty the author made. I feel like so many romances put such weight on the physical and often forget inner beauty entirely. Fordham did a fabulous job with that subject. The romance was slow and sweet and pure, just the way I like it.
A couple of my quibbles: Eliza, as mentioned above. As well, the writing style seemed a little oversimplified at times, which is probably just my personal preference. Also, some of the dialogue and description seemed historically innaccurate\inauthentic. I'm always a stickler for historical accuracy, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book too much.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed The Hope of Azure Springs and look forward to reading more from this talented author!
Recommended for ages 14+ for mild romance.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
I was sick and my audiobook wasn't cutting it, so . . . I read this in less than a day. As always, Hannon writes a gripping story. The romance was a lI was sick and my audiobook wasn't cutting it, so . . . I read this in less than a day. As always, Hannon writes a gripping story. The romance was a little overboard for my personal tastes, and the villain and the torture scenes were on the edge of my "too-creepy" line, but otherwise, I enjoyed this, and was glad to have finally read Mitch's story!...more
I haven't read many of Hannon's works, but I very much enjoyed this one! The characters were realistic and relatable, and the suspense kept me turningI haven't read many of Hannon's works, but I very much enjoyed this one! The characters were realistic and relatable, and the suspense kept me turning pages. The villain and his motive were well thought out and believable. Hannon's writing style is engaging and enjoyable and definitely left me wanting to read more.
The romance had me docking a star. A little overboard, for my personal tastes, but the story was intriguing enough that I just skimmed over the overly-descriptive parts.
Overall, another very engaging novel from Irene Hannon!
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17+ for romance and violence. (view spoiler)[The MC is kidnapped and beaten, and almost burned to death. Also, lots of physical attraction, noticing her body, wanting to kiss, etc. (hide spoiler)]...more
Wow! This is now one of my top favorite Henderson books, and I don't even know why. Maybe it was the mother\son relationship that was very sweet and rWow! This is now one of my top favorite Henderson books, and I don't even know why. Maybe it was the mother\son relationship that was very sweet and realistic or the background romance that was so beyond perfect and delightful. Or maybe it was just Henderson's classic style that never fails.
Overal, I very much enjoyed this novella, and highly recommend it!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes. (view spoiler)[There are mentions of a character's father having an affair. Not detailed at all. (hide spoiler)]...more
This was the first Susan May Warren novel I have read, and I had high hopes for it. The summary was very intriguing and the beginning captured my inteThis was the first Susan May Warren novel I have read, and I had high hopes for it. The summary was very intriguing and the beginning captured my interest right away. Unfortunately, due to several reasons, Storm Front just didn't live up to expectations.
I found the multiple POVs very confusing, and it drew me out of the story to be constantly switching between four different people's distinct stories. While Ty and Brette are the true main characters, Ben and Kacey's story, while interesting (actually I liked their characters better than Ty and Brette), just muddled things up for me.
The plot felt very disjointed and all over the place, and the characters didn't seem very smart or realistic. (Gotta hurry up and save some people because time's running out, but let's take 5 and make out in the parking lot? Hello?)
And on that note, the another main reason this was a one star for me was the romance. It was nearly entirely based on physical attraction, which is so not what I want to read about. There was a distinct lack of depth and realisticity in Ty and Brette's relationship. Also, far too many overly described kisses for my taste. Um, no thanks. This quote particularly really rubbed me the wrong way:
"You have no idea how you look when you talk about God. He's in you or something because when you say it, I believe it."
"Really?"
"Mmmhmm. And it's completely . . . I don't know. Sexy. Or charming, or maybe just breathtaking."
Really? The definition of sexy is "having sexual appeal". How can someone's love for God have sexual appeal? And if you think it does, then . . . something is not right. It's turning something spiritual into something physical, which just seems weird.
Also, the inaccuracies bothered me and drew me out of the story. There were multiple medical and weather\scientific inaccuracies that had me pausing. For example, Ty twists his previously broken knee severely and thinks he probably won't be able to walk for the next several days. But, he doesn't even get it checked out by a doctor and is completely fine walking, and it's not mentioned again until a few chapters later when he now has a limp.
Overall, this isn't a book I enjoyed, nor would I recommend it. ...more
After not being super thrilled with previous Camden books I have read, this one was a delightful treat!
The characters were absolutely fabulous and quiAfter not being super thrilled with previous Camden books I have read, this one was a delightful treat!
The characters were absolutely fabulous and quirky and so unique. From Anna with her contrasting spunk and mousey voice to Luke, the arrogant but adorable congressman, to Neville, dear sweet Neville.
The historical aspect was very interesting and even taught me some interesting things about that time period that I didn't know - which is always a plus.
Also, can we talk about the coolness of Anna's job? Like, living in the Library of Congress as a librarian??? Sign me up!
Overall, a very enjoyable historical read! The romance was a bit over the top at times for my personal tastes and there were a few times the plot seemed to drag, hence the four stars.
Another wild ride from Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason! I really enjoyed this collection, although maybe not quite as much as the previous one. It's a cAnother wild ride from Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason! I really enjoyed this collection, although maybe not quite as much as the previous one. It's a close call.
BETRAYED: To be honest, this novella wasn't quite what I was expecting from a romantic suspense collection. It was a little light on suspense with little-to-no action and was definitely light on romance. I didn't mind that, though. I always find Henderson's angst- and drama-free romances so refreshing. The premise of Betrayed was very interesting and I would have loved for it to be a full-length novel. I do wish there had been more conclusion to the story, as the ending felt very sudden and didn't seem to wrap things up much. (Dare I think that was purposeful, as in there will be more to the story eventually?) The characters were very interesting and left me wanting to know more of their story. I also loved the reappearance of Paul and Ann Falcon from Henderson's previous series, Evie Blackwell Cold Case. Overall, a very interesting novella, even if it wasn't what I expected.
DEADLY ISLE: Okay, I'll be honest. From the few books I've read, I'm not really a Pettrey fan, but I'm usually willing to give one of her books a go. This one was definitely better than her novella in Sins of the Past, but it still had its issues for me. The characters and their story was very interesting, and for the most part, there wasn't the angsty romance that I've found par for the course with Pettrey, so a definite thumbs-up there. The story kept me on my toes, and the mystery was very well done. The villain(s?) was definitely unexpected.
There was one major issue with this novella that, of course, just happened to be my favorite pet peeve. Please excuse my ranting for a moment. (potential spoilers ahead -->) So Teni gets shot in the shoulder in the course of the book. The volunteer paramedic\nursing student on the island takes out the bullet and stitches her up. A bit of a stretch for that serious of a wound, but it's an emergency, there's no way off the island currently, so I'll let it slide. But then, directly after waking up after the paramedic patches her up, she's insisting on being part of the manhunt to find the bad guy. First of all, she's probably lost a decent amount of blood, so she's going to feel weak. She's also on hefty painkillers, so her head will feel fuzzy, and she'll probably feel really sleepy. But no, she's fine, she wades through knee-deep water, etc, on the manhunt to find this guy. Did I mention this is all during a huge storm? Not very realistic. Teni doesn't seem at all affected by the bullet that allegedly just missed a major artery in her shoulder and the strong painkillers she's on.
Not very realistic. Having heavily researched, as well as spoken with a doctor about bullet wounds in the shoulder for my own story research, this scenario is highly implausible.
To continue on with the issue, only a few days after getting shot, Teni ends up going diving (I won't say why, as that's more spoilers.). Any person with any medical knowledge at all knows this is not a good idea, as there is a huge risk for infection from the water, tearing stitches and\or ripping open the wound, etc. No person in their right mind would go diving with a gunshot wound in their shoulder.
All that to say, the unrealisticness of that scenario really annoyed me, as it would have only taken just a bit of research for Pettrey and\or her editors to realize that that kind of situation isn't really realistic.
All in all, aside from a few issues, I did enjoy this action-packed novella.
CODE OF ETHICS: As a big fan of Eason’s Blue Justice series, I greatly enjoyed this tie-in novella about another of the St. John siblings. Ruthie and Isaac were interesting and realistic characters, and the storyline was fast-paced and unique, filled with Eason’s trademark action and suspense. At times, I felt that Isaac’s recovery from his gunshot wound was slightly unrealistic, but it still worked. Overall, I very much enjoyed this novella, and look forward to reading more Lynette Eason.
Recommended for ages 16+ CONTENT NOTE: (view spoiler)[There is a fair amount of violence in all of these novellas to a degree, such as shootings and gunshot wounds, kidnappings, etc. Also some semi-passionate romance in Pettrey’s novella, and lighter romance in Henderson’s and Eason’s. Nothing much beyond kissing, hugging, cuddling, etc. (hide spoiler)]
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
I had very high hopes for this book when I first saw it. It had "The Mountain Between Us" vibes to it, which excited me.
Unfortunately, Turbulence jusI had very high hopes for this book when I first saw it. It had "The Mountain Between Us" vibes to it, which excited me.
Unfortunately, Turbulence just didn't cut it for me.
My main issues were with the medical inaccuracies. The main character, Paul, is a doctor. After a plane crash, he self-diagnoses himself as having broken a couple ribs. But then he proceeds to administer several rounds of CPR to another victim. Okay, I'll buy that. He's probably got loads of adrenaline coursing through his body, dulling the pain. But afterward, there are only one or two mentions of some pain from his broken ribs for the rest of the book, and he digs around in a burning plane, carries heavy loads, shovels snow, hikes mountains, etc, with no problem. Broken ribs are extremely painful, and the simple act of breathing can cause excruciating pain. But let's say he just bruised his ribs - that's still incredibly painful and he should not be able to hike mountains and shovel snow with little-to-no problem. And if it was a mild bruise . . . considering he's a doctor, I would expect a more accurate diagnosis.
Our superhero Paul pushes on, accomplishing all kinds of amazing things with broken ribs as well as severe cuts on his back from broken glass. Then, he develops a critically high fever within the course of only a few hours, which renders him unconscious. Seems a little sudden to me. Fortunately, he gets medical help and antibiotics and fever reducers that bring down his fever.
Now, at the same time, our other MC, Maddie gets medical help and is diagnosed with a concussion. Strange, because she showed no signs of a head injury for more than twenty-four hours, and even after the strange diagnosis, she still doesn't seem to have any of the symptoms you would think.
But our superhero decides it's a good idea to drive Maddie to see her father because she shouldn't be driving with a concussion. So he leaves the hospital AMA (against medical advice) with an underlying fever and infection to drive her. (The antibiotics and fever reducers didn't take away the infection, just reduced the symptoms.) I am really confused at this point, and even more so when his infection seems to have miraculously cleared up, as it's not mentioned again for the rest of the book.
Aside from those medical inaccuracies (and others. I still find it strange that no one had frostbite or hypothermia), the characters felt unrealistic and unrelatable, and the plot, while an intriguing idea, seemed a little far-fetched. Also, Maddie's issues with faith never seemed to be wrapped up, and Paul has no problem entering a relationship with someone who (as far as we know) has a lot of issues with God.
Overall, Turbulence is not a book I enjoyed, nor would I recommend it. ...more
Yet another fabulous legal suspense novel from Rachel Dylan!
Both Mia Shaw and Noah Ramirez were very interesting and compelling characters. While I diYet another fabulous legal suspense novel from Rachel Dylan!
Both Mia Shaw and Noah Ramirez were very interesting and compelling characters. While I didn't connect with them quite as much as I did with previous characters in the Atlanta Justice series, I still really enjoyed their story.
The opening scene immediately grabs you and doesn't let go until the end. Filled with tension and action, the suspense doesn't let up - even when you think the story is over. I greatly enjoy all the legal details Dylan includes in this series. Honestly, I've learned more about the justice system from this series than I ever did in high school. Dylan explains how the system works in a way laymen can understand, but without seeming to talk down to her readers. I also enjoyed the romance in Breach of Trust. It plays a very back-seat role in comparison to the rest of the storyline, which I appreciate.
Overall, Breach of Trust was a great end to the Atlanta Justice series, and I greatly enjoyed it! Recommended for lovers of good legal romantic suspense!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to violence and action.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
Elizabeth Goddard is the author of numerous titles for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, as well as several titles for Barbour Books, includingElizabeth Goddard is the author of numerous titles for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, as well as several titles for Barbour Books, including the 2011 Carol Award-winning The Camera Never Lies. Never Let Go is the first in her new Uncommon Justice series, published by Revell.
Both the description and the cover immediately grabbed me when I first saw this book. Forensic genealogy and a cold case? I’m in. Our main characters, Willow Anderson and Austin McKade, both have emotion-packed backgrounds, and when they find themselves thrown together once again, they are forced to face their pasts. While I personally struggled to relate to the characters and understand their decisions, they are nonetheless soundly developed characters. Frankly, I enjoyed the secondary cast of characters more than the main ones. Heath McKade, Charlie Clemmons, and even John Houser are incredibly complex characters that I greatly enjoyed reading about.
Goddard certainly knows how to develop a plot that keeps you on your toes! With numerous twists and turns, and loads of action and suspense, Never Let Go will keep you reading late into the night to reach the final outcome. Just when I thought things were starting to resolve, they only got worse. I lost count of the number of plot twists.
Goddard’s writing style is very laid back and casual, and while I can’t say I enjoyed it overmuch, I think others would. I was also somewhat confused as to the villain's motive. I feel like that was revealed too quickly at the end, and therefore wasn't thoroughly fleshed out. My other main complaint would be the romance and the amount of romantic tension. Unfortunately, I found myself more annoyed with it instead of rooting for the characters, but that’s just based on my personal preference for romance.
Overall, if you are looking for a book with loads of action, suspense, and romance, this is definitely one to check out! I am looking forward to reading Heath’s story in Always Look Twice come October 2019!...more
Code of Valor is one wild, crazy ride from page one until the end! I've been so looking forward to Brady's story, and it did not disappoint.
Our femalCode of Valor is one wild, crazy ride from page one until the end! I've been so looking forward to Brady's story, and it did not disappoint.
Our female MC, Emily, is a very complex character, and I greatly enjoyed her story. Eason touches on some very pertinent issues with her character, which I really liked. Brady seemed a little lacking in depth, but I still really liked his character.
The plot is convoluted and gripping, and the action doesn't stop. You will not be able to put this one down! This book might just be my favorite in the series. Also, can we talk about that gorgeous cover? All the covers in the series are just so gorgeous!
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this explosive release from Lynette Eason! Highly recommended!
CONTENT NOTE: Lots of violence, shootings, near-death situations, etc. Some romance, kissing, hugging, attraction, etc. (view spoiler)[In high school, Emily gets pregnant, and the scene is mentioned, although not in detail. Her father is also abusive. (hide spoiler)] Recommended for ages 17+.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
This book was my most anticipated 2019 release. Green has quickly become my favorite historical fiction author, so I was greatly looking for2.5 stars.
This book was my most anticipated 2019 release. Green has quickly become my favorite historical fiction author, so I was greatly looking forward to reading Between Two Shores.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The cover is honestly the best thing about this book.
I loved the rich, complex plots in the previous Jocelyn Green books I have read, so I had high hopes for this one. But to be honest, this book really didn't feel like it had a plot for the first three-quarters of it. The first 45% was almost entirely backstory, and therefore the story took seemingly forever to get going. The ending was very sweet, and I was happy to see some reconciliation between certain characters. I also loved the themes of faith. The final few scenes were very powerful. Although I feel like they could have been far more impactful if spread throughout the book instead of hinted at here and there until the end.
The characters also felt rather flat to me. I didn't even like them, no less empathize with them until more than halfway through the book - and even then, I still didn't really like Samuel. (view spoiler)[I'm sorry, dude. You are a manipulator, and I am very mad that you let Catherine start to fall in love with you again even though you were married. Which you somehow neglected to tell her until well on your journey. (hide spoiler)] I feel like Catherine had the potential to be a really fabulous character, but honestly, she just wasn't there. Also, the lack of romance - while not necessarily a bad thing, I suppose - really threw me, as I was expecting one until a plot twist about 65% through the book.
Overall, I think this had the potential to be a really amazing piece of fiction. But unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
The author of just four published novels, Breslin writes with a polish and finesse that few more experienced authors have. The attention to detail is The author of just four published novels, Breslin writes with a polish and finesse that few more experienced authors have. The attention to detail is incredible, as if each and every word is chosen with specific care. And the amount of historical detail she includes in her novels is always spectacular. I love a historical author that can teach me something about the time period.
I was so excited to finally read Colin's story. We got only a brief glimpse of him in Not by Sight, but I already knew he was a character with the potential for so much depth. And Breslin did not disappoint on this front. Lieutenant Mabry is such a complex and realistic character, you can't help but empathize with him. Literally from page one, I fell in love with him. Johanna Reyer, our female MC, is also an incredibly multiplex character, and I particularly related to her love of her sister and father and her desire to be reunited with them.
This story, set mainly in WW1 France, is full of intrigue, spies, suspense, and so much historical beauty. What a stellar combination! I could not put this down. Both plot and characters kept me engaged from the very beginning and I didn't want to let them go at the end. The complexity of this story is so mind-blowing. Hats off to the author! I particularly loved the historical and regional accuracy in the dialogue. From the accents and the French and Catalan language included, all the way down to the lovely British phrases. With the attention to detail in both dialogue and description, I felt like I was living the story along with the characters. I savored every word of this magnificent story.
The themes of faith, purpose, and love spread throughout this book just put everything over the top. I was so inspired by these characters and their journey.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed Breslin’s newest release, and Far Side of the Sea only cements this author’s place as one of my favorites. If you enjoy suspense, intrigue, history (particularly WW1-related history), spy stories, and sweet romance, definitely check this one out! I promise you won't regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review; these are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
All I can say is wow! This was my first dive into the world of Louis L'Amour books, and I was quite impressed and definitely look forward to reading mAll I can say is wow! This was my first dive into the world of Louis L'Amour books, and I was quite impressed and definitely look forward to reading more! It's clear why L'Amour is the leading author of Western fiction.
While it took me a bit to get into the story, once I did, I couldn't put it down. This short-ish volume packs a lot in! Rye was a very interesting and engaging character and I enjoyed following his story and "seeing the world through his eyes", so to speak. The authentic Old-West setting, marauding bad guys and gun-slinging action that you expect from a Western was all there, in spades. I particularly liked the light touch of romance that further developed Rye's character without going overboard.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed To Tame a Land and look forward to reading more L'Amour novels in the future!
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for violence. (view spoiler)[As expected from a Western, there is lots of gun-slinging, bad guys, etc, and multiple shootings and deaths. None described overly graphically. (hide spoiler)]...more
I haven't been very impressed with any Dani Pettrey books I've read so far, but while there were elements of Blind Spot I did not like, I did enjoy thI haven't been very impressed with any Dani Pettrey books I've read so far, but while there were elements of Blind Spot I did not like, I did enjoy the story overall.
4.5 stars for storyline 3 stars for characters 2 stars for romance
I am very much a character person and love character-driven stories. Unfortunately for me, characters are not Pettrey's strong suit. While I did like Declan, I really wasn't a fan of Tanner, and never really connected with any of the characters in this series. They lack depth and personality and I find myself yawning at times due to their one-dimension-ness.
The story, on the other hand, I did very much enjoy. The plot kept me on my toes throughout each page, and I couldn't put it down at times. My one complaint would be that Pettrey often has soooo many different storylines going at once that often distract and frustrate me, and don't seem connected to the main story arc. Overall, though, I did enjoy the storylines involving Luke and (view spoiler)[the terrorist attack. (hide spoiler)] Yikes! Quite intense.
The romance. Just please no. I found myself so disgusted with all the over-the-top physical attraction that I wasn't rooting for the couple at all. I basically skimmed all those parts. I did appreciate Declan's gentlemanliness in that area. He was very respectful and laidback in that regard, which is so Declan. I also greatly disliked how the couple slept in the same room\same house unchaperoned a few times, even if it was for "protection" and Declan slept on the floor. Made me very uncomfortable.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but not really the romance or characters.
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17+ due to romance and violence. (view spoiler)[ Mentions of a serial killer who rapes his victims, a character is tortured, mentions of gunfights and violence, terrorists, terrorist attacks. Also, a lot of physical attraction and kissing between the couple, and a few thoughts about intimacy after marriage. (hide spoiler)]...more
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