★★★½ All He Ever Needed is the fourth installment in Shannon Stacey's adult contemporary romance series titled Kowalski Family. Ms. Stacey knows how to★★★½ All He Ever Needed is the fourth installment in Shannon Stacey's adult contemporary romance series titled Kowalski Family. Ms. Stacey knows how to write fun and sweet romances for sure. I immediately adored this series when I first discovered it and have been slowly but surely working my way through.
Overall, I liked All He Ever Needed and thought it to be an good addition to the series, but I personally didn't find it to be quite on the enjoyment level of the other ones I have read. It's still sweet and sexy with a few very moving moments, but something was missing - not sure what but I felt it (or didn't feel it rather). I should note that it took me almost an entire month to read this. That's not a negative reflection on the book, it's just how my life has been...not enough time to sit down for a few hours to read (audiobooks have been my best friend lately). Unfortunately, I only had access to the paper copy of this book. This factor may have very well affected my enjoyment, which is why I added a "benefit of the doubt" ½ star to what was going to be a 3 star review. After all, it's not Ms. Stacey's fault my life is crazy right now!
No matter the reason, nothing could stop me from continuing this series. It's one of my favorites! If you like sweet and sexy romances with a ton of humor thrown in then check out the Kowalski Family series!
My favorite quote: “Honey, love isn't like rappeling into a cave, where you can control your descent and how deep you go. It's just falling into the hole.”
★★★½ All He Ever Needed is the fourth installment in Shannon Stacey's adult contemporary romance series titled Kowalski Family. Ms. Stacey knows how to write fun and sweet romances for sure. I immediately adored this series when I first discovered it and have been slowly but surely working my way through.
Overall, I liked All He Ever Needed and thought it to be an good addition to the series, but I personally didn't find it to be quite on the enjoyment level of the other ones I have read. It's still sweet and sexy with a few very moving moments, but something was missing - not sure what but I felt it (or didn't feel it rather). I should note that it took me almost an entire month to read this. That's not a negative reflection on the book, it's just how my life has been...not enough time to sit down for a few hours to read (audiobooks have been my best friend lately). Unfortunately, I only had access to the paper copy of this book. This factor may have very well affected my enjoyment, which is why I added a "benefit of the doubt" ½ star to what was going to be a 3 star review. After all, it's not Ms. Stacey's fault my life is crazy right now!
No matter the reason, nothing could stop me from continuing this series. It's one of my favorites! If you like sweet and sexy romances with a ton of humor thrown in then check out the Kowalski Family series!
My favorite quote: “Honey, love isn't like rappeling into a cave, where you can control your descent and how deep you go. It's just falling into the hole.”
★★★½ I tried to read this book before, about two years ago, and didn't finish. This month, it is the BOTM in one of my favorite groups so I'd figure I ★★★½ I tried to read this book before, about two years ago, and didn't finish. This month, it is the BOTM in one of my favorite groups so I'd figure I would give it another shot. Again, I found the plot slow and the character development to be overkill, taking up the first half of the book just reading each character's perspective on every little thing. I remembered why I DNF'd the first time around. But, I am so glad I stuck it out because when the family dynamics and mysterious plot began to take shape in the latter half of the book, I became thoroughly invested and ultimately enjoyed the experience.
This ended up being a perfectly timed read with Mother's Day just a few days away. The Last Anniversary shows a variety of mothers doing the best they can, the best they know how, even if their best creates complicated secrets and even if all they know how to do is keep their child alive. Multiple relevant themes were introduced and one in particular: postpartum depression brought out incredible emotion in me. I experienced this condition myself after the birth of my son and Moriarty's depiction of a new mother struggling with this brought both memories and tears. Although I struggled with feeling engaged in any way during the initial half of this book, I would still recommend it. I didn't know what was waiting right around the corner during my first attempt, but like they say, timing is everything. Happy Mother's Day ♥
My favorite quote: "And that’s when it happens, and she can hardly believe it, because, oh my God, it is just like all those stupid mushy new mothers said it would be, a shot of joy straight to the heart, just like the adrenaline that saved her life–a burst of pure, mind-clearing euphoria, powerful, primal, lustful, blissful love for her son. She presses her lips to the soft springy skin of his cheek. ‘Actually, I love you more than anyone,’ she whispers in his ear. ‘More than your daddy, even, but that’s our secret.’ Jake grabs her hair tighter and gurgles contentedly, as if he never doubted it for a moment."...more
Mr. Eskens has written two stories in one in TheThe Life We Bury is a literary fiction/mystery novel written by Allen Eskens. This is his debut novel.
Mr. Eskens has written two stories in one in The Life We Bury. He has created two fairly complex characters, each attempting to bury a part of their life that continues to resurface as guilt and regret eat away at them. The character development was strong and this element felt like a well-rounded story all on its own, but the mystery element quickly became a focal point and offered an impressive amount of dark suspense. I spent many moments in mental strategy as each character that was introduced became a possible twist/turn/suspect in my eyes, and the thriller/suspense scenes were brutal...like stomach churning, edge of your seat brutal!
In addition to the above, The Life We Bury presents issues related to family dysfunction/mental illness, the protective bond between brothers, morality in war, the criminal justice system, and the tragedy of judging before knowing. The Life We Bury was a great book and I'm glad I read it. Keep your eye out for Mr. Eskens...based on this debut, I expect great things!
My favorite quote: "No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can't run away from."
Note: I found three different online interviews with Mr. Eskens concerning this novel. His inspiration along with a surprising number of small details were all based on personal experiences. You can find the interviews HERE, HERE, and HERE. Warning: Read them at your own risk. They may contain slight spoilers.
12/31/15: That was a good book! Review to come......more
The Meeting is a three-page long novella (#1.1) in Richelle Mead's young-adult, paranormal series titled Vampire Academy. This super short story offerThe Meeting is a three-page long novella (#1.1) in Richelle Mead's young-adult, paranormal series titled Vampire Academy. This super short story offers Demitri's POV during one of the first scenes in Vampire Academy when Rose and Lissa are caught from runaway status.
"I also don’t plan on ever underestimating you again, wild girl, I thought, momentarily locking eyes with her. And I’ll make sure no one else ever underestimates you either."
If you haven't experienced this series in a while, the brief revisit may cause you to consider a re-read...that is if you enjoyed it the first time around like me :)...more
★★★★½ Rekindle the Flame is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Kate Meader. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance an★★★★½ Rekindle the Flame is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Kate Meader. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthology titled Baby, It's Cold Outside, which has this story titled as Bringing the Heat. It is also #0.5 in Ms. Meader's Hot in Chicago series. This was my first exposure to a series that now has me very, very interested.
I really liked this one...a lot! Rekindle the Flame was a VERY close second favorite in the anthology. Yes, it's about firemen but not only in the sexy, hot calendar way. Mostly about mending the hurts from your past, finding yourself, and growing stronger. Loved the heroine in this one...and yes, the hero too. Loved it!...more
Safe in His Arms is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Melody Anne. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthologySafe in His Arms is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Melody Anne. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthology titled Baby, It's Cold Outside. It is also #0.5 in Ms. Anne's Unexpected Heroes series. This was my first exposure to the series.
I would classify Safe in His Arms as insta-love to the extreme! However, I did like the theme of family...and not just marriage but the family members you care about and surround yourself with. Nice for the holidays :)...more
★★★½ Saving Grace is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Kristen Proby. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance antholo★★★½ Saving Grace is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Kristen Proby. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthology titled Baby, It's Cold Outside. It is also #2.5 in Ms. Proby's Love Under the Big Sky series. This was my first exposure to the series.
For a short-story, Saving Grace had an impressive setup to include alternating perspectives and even an epilogue. The insta-lust/love had me on the verge of an eyeroll but I couldn't help but think the female lead was completely adorable. I love enthusiastically klutzy heroines ♥. She made the read worth it...the hero grew on me too especially given the mistaken identity. That was a fun addition....more
It's a Wonderful Tangled Christmas Carol felt just perfect for the holidays. Any story from the Tangled series is a good one in my opinion, and I loved this take on A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. It's easy to get distracted from what's truly important by our endless to-do lists, but sometimes, if we're lucky, perspective smacks us in the face and reminds us that all that really matters is the people we love and care about. Sigh......more
Searching for You is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Jennifer Probst. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthSearching for You is an adult contemporary romance short-story written by Jennifer Probst. I listened to the audio version as part of the romance anthology titled Baby, It's Cold Outside. It is also #2.5 in Ms. Probst's Searching For series. This was my first exposure to the series.
Unfortunately, I kept zoning out during Searching for You. I just couldn't stay engaged no matter how much I tried. Two people who used to know each other from their younger years get matched on a dating website. Romance spikes when they just so happen to get stranded together during a snowstorm at his mansion/castle. He's a billionaire btw......more
As sad as it is to admit, I have yet to read a winter or holiday-themed book this Christmas. Well, better late than never...after all, New Year's isn'As sad as it is to admit, I have yet to read a winter or holiday-themed book this Christmas. Well, better late than never...after all, New Year's isn't here yet!
Baby, It's Cold Outside is an anthology of short-stories that fall in the genre of adult contemporary romance. The short-stories are listed in order below, along with their authors, individual ratings (based on my personal enjoyment), and a brief review. An average of the ratings below equals 3.6 stars, which I rounded up to 4 on goodreads.
1. Searching for You by Jennifer Probst Audio narrated by Madeleine Maby ★★☆☆☆ Unfortunately, I kept zoning out during this one. I just couldn't stay engaged no matter how much I tried. Two people who used to know each other from their younger years get matched on a dating website. Romance spikes when they just so happen to get stranded together during a snowstorm at his mansion/castle...he's a billionaire btw.
2. It's a Wonderful Tangled Christmas Carol by Emma Chase Audio narrated by Sebastian York ★★★★★ Now this one felt just perfect for the holidays. Any story from the Tangled series is a good one in my opinion, and I loved this take on A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. It's easy to get distracted from what's truly important by our endless to-do lists, but sometimes, if we're lucky, perspective smacks us in the face and reminds us that all that really matters is the people we love and care about. Sigh...
3. Saving Grace by Kristen Proby Audio narrated by Elizabeth Louise ★★★½☆ The insta-lust/love had me on the verge of an eyeroll but I couldn't help but think the female lead was completely adorable. I love enthusiastically klutzy heroines ♥. She made the read worth it...the hero grew on me too especially given the mistaken identity. That was a fun addition.
4. Safe in His Arms by Melody Anne Audio narrated by Madeleine Maby and Sebastian York ★★★☆☆ Insta-love to the extreme! However, I did like the theme of family...and not just marriage but the family members you surround yourself with. Nice for the holidays.
5. Bringing the Heat (Rekindle the Flame) by Kate Meader Audio narrated by Elizabeth Louise ★★★★½ I really liked this one...a lot! A VERY close second favorite. Yes, it's about firemen but not only in the sexy, hot calendar way. Mostly about mending the hurts from your past, finding yourself, and growing stronger. Loved the heroine in this one...and yes, the hero too. Loved it!...more
The Virgin is part of Tiffany Reisz's erotica/BDSM series titled Original Sinners. It is book #7 in the series as a whole and book #3 in the prequel sThe Virgin is part of Tiffany Reisz's erotica/BDSM series titled Original Sinners. It is book #7 in the series as a whole and book #3 in the prequel series distinguished as The White Years. Some of the previous installments in this series make reference to the time when Nora left Søren. In The Virgin, Ms. Reisz offers the reader generous details about this incident. The factors that led Nora to this decision were painful to read - I didn't cry but the emotions were incredibly palpable.
The Virgin proceeds to detail what Nora's time without Søren was like and also how Kingsley chose to cope with the aftermath. Although Nora's story was an enjoyable focal point, my favorite part of The Virgin was Kingsley's chapters. I also secretly enjoyed the glimpses of Søren grieving the loss of Nora. With so much of this series focusing on the characters emotional dependency on him, it was nice to see that they have the power to equally affect him.
Overall, I liked this addition to what is quickly becoming one of my favorite series, although I enjoyed some parts more than others. Below, I broke down the scenes most memorable to me and rated them accordingly. Of course this is based on my reading experience only.
Nora's birthday present OMG!: ★★★★★ Nora's awakening as a Dom: ★★★★☆ Nora year at the the abbey: ★★★☆☆ (just wasn't a huge fan of Kyrie) Kingsley's time away: ★★★★★+ Søren's grief: ★★★★★ The wedding mystery: ★★★½☆ The kilt scene...or almost scene: ★★★★★ Total: 4.35 Stars
So sad to say I have only one more book to read in this series. If anything, I can start reading from the beginning again. These final books shed so much light on the characters and events from the past that starting over at the beginning will be a fun and insightful experience.
My favorite quote: “I love orgasms. I say a prayer of thanks to God for them every day." "You say a prayer of thanks for orgasms?" Elle asked. "Of course. I mean, they're a gift from God, right? A woman doesn't need to have an orgasm to get pregnant, right?" "Right." "So if they have nothing to do with reproduction, then why do women have them?" Kryie asked. She raised her hand and pointed a finger up at the ceiling, at the sky, where God lived. "Orgasms are God's way of saying He's sorry about periods and cramps." "Apology accepted," Elle said.”
The King is part of Tiffany Reisz's erotica/BDSM series titled Original Sinners. It is book #6 in theOMG! This book was just too much...of everything!
The King is part of Tiffany Reisz's erotica/BDSM series titled Original Sinners. It is book #6 in the series as a whole and book #2 in the prequel series distinguished as The White Years. This installment focuses on Kingsley's story. Kingsley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He might just be my favorite character in the series after reading this one. Ms. Reisz excels at building his character beautifully. He's far more complex (and generous) than I ever suspected.
Readers will visit each and every emotion on the spectrum while learning of Kingsley's experiences and motivations. His love for Søren simply cannot be measured and my heart broke for him time and time again. I was on the edge of tears so many times, but I was also on the edge of something else so many times... OK, I'm not a crude reviewer but the sex scenes in this novel were off the charts. Whether or not you are into mm, mf, mff, bdsm, and any other acronym that may apply, it really doesn't matter because the acts are so secondary to Kingsley's emotions. The scenes are beautiful, they are heart wrenching, and yes, they are orgasmic. Sorry...but they are.
The King is sexy, powerfully moving, passionate, and surprisingly very funny. Why isn't there a goodreads option for 10 stars yet???? Well-done Ms. Reisz!
My favorite quote: "It hurts coming back to life. It's a brutal, dirty business. Paddles on the chest pushing electric current into the dead heart. Doctor Frankenstein shooting lightening through his monster's corpse. Life is a force so strong, it can blow a stone off a tomb. It's never easy, resurrection. It's violent and it hurts."
Red Velvet and Absinthe is an anthology of short-stories that fall in the genre of paranormal erotic romance. In my opinion, erotica is the fDNF @ 30%
Red Velvet and Absinthe is an anthology of short-stories that fall in the genre of paranormal erotic romance. In my opinion, erotica is the foremost genre though ... which is OK but it was just too much for my personal taste. I'm sure fans of erotica with paranormal themes will have fun with this collection though....more
Go Deep: is a short-story written by author Karin Slaughter. I read this as part of her short-story collection titled: Three Twisted Stories. This pieGo Deep: is a short-story written by author Karin Slaughter. I read this as part of her short-story collection titled: Three Twisted Stories. This piece was the longest story in the collection and it offered all of the elements that would allow it to be a full reading experience. It felt like a retro Twilight Zone meets Stephen King (specifically his novel: Thinner IMO). If curses are real then I'm staying away from these characters! This is vengeance-themed horror...and I couldn't help but love every twisted thing about it. This was my introduction to the hallucinatory/noir genre and I think I'm a fan!...more
Remmy Rothstein Toes the Line is a short-story written by author Karin Slaughter. I read this as part of her short-story collection titled: Three TwisRemmy Rothstein Toes the Line is a short-story written by author Karin Slaughter. I read this as part of her short-story collection titled: Three Twisted Stories but this one in particular brought out some chuckles from me. Ms. Slaughter writes this dark comedy using only email messages to tell the story. I know some readers hate the correspondence style of writing but I tend to consistently love this type of storytelling and it totally worked for this piece. The storyline had so many very original but strange factors that I couldn't help but stay incredibly engaged. I get annoyed when I have to read accents off the page (just a pet peeve of mine) so I'm so glad I listened to this one via audiobook - the narration for the rural bayou family was fantastic. I loved Remmy Rothstein Toes the Line and couldn't help but shake my head and giggle at the end.
Ms. Slaughter, I saw some pretty critical reviews concerning your comedy skills but I am a fan for sure. Please keep at it!!!!...more
Three Twisted Stories is a collection of twisted short stories written by author Karin Slaughter. I'm pretty new when it comes to Ms. Slaughter's noveThree Twisted Stories is a collection of twisted short stories written by author Karin Slaughter. I'm pretty new when it comes to Ms. Slaughter's novels but what I've read so far, I've absolutely loved. So seeing this easy audiobook collection pop up at my library had me excited. As you can see below, I loved them! I can acknowledge that they may not be for everyone - you will see that from the variety of reviews - but I am definitely a fan and will be reading many more of Ms. Slaughter's books in the near future.
Go Deep ★★★★★ This piece was the longest story in the collection and it offered all of the elements that would allow it to be a full reading experience. It felt like a retro Twilight Zone meets Stephen King (specifically his novel: Thinner IMO). If curses are real then I'm staying away from these characters! This is vengeance-themed horror...and I couldn't help but love every twisted thing about it. This was my introduction to the hallucinatory/noir genre and I think I'm a fan!
Necessary Women ★★★★★ In this very brief story, Ms. Slaughter manages to incorporate some pretty dark issues related to abandonment, incest, secrets, and (view spoiler)[twisted murder (hide spoiler)]. The story is told through the perspective of a fourteen-year-old girl, and for such a short story, it felt pretty haunting. Couldn't help but love the super dark elements! I just ate it up hehe
Remmy Rothstein Toes the Line ★★★★★ This one in particular brought out some chuckles from me. Ms. Slaughter writes this dark comedy using only email messages to tell the story. I know some readers hate the correspondence style of writing but I tend to consistently love this type of storytelling and it totally worked for this piece. The storyline had so many very original but strange factors that I couldn't help but stay incredibly engaged. I get annoyed when I have to read accents off the page (just a pet peeve of mine) so I'm so glad I listened to this one via audiobook - the narration for the rural bayou family was fantastic. I loved Remmy Rothstein Toes the Line and couldn't help but shake my head and giggle at the end. Ms. Slaughter, I saw some pretty critical reviews concerning your comedy skills but I am a fan for sure. Please keep at it!!!!...more
Defending Hearts is the second installment in Shannon Stacey's contemporary romance series titled Boys of Fall. I am a huge fan of Ms. Stacey's KowalsDefending Hearts is the second installment in Shannon Stacey's contemporary romance series titled Boys of Fall. I am a huge fan of Ms. Stacey's Kowalski Family series and could read those books back-to-back all day long. In comparison, the Boys of Fall series didn't start off to a promising start for me personally but this second installment felt much more reminiscent of Ms. Stacey's writing that I've come to love. I am happy to keep gobbling up this series along with anything else she chooses to write. If you haven't checked out Shannon Stacey yet, I highly recommend her for fans of adult contemporary romance! Enjoy :)
My favorite quote: "Gretchen, you need to let a guy open your pickle jar once in awhile." "Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Because trust me, I wouldn't mind a guy opening my pickle jar once in a while." "There's an electric can opener joke in there somewhere."...more
DNF @ 85% (I know, I should have just finished it...)
This is an extremely sexy novel with some very erotic scenes but it was difficult for me to buy iDNF @ 85% (I know, I should have just finished it...)
This is an extremely sexy novel with some very erotic scenes but it was difficult for me to buy into the actual relationship dynamic. The two main characters immediately felt a physical sexual attraction towards one another but how that developed into an emotional bonded love I'm just not sure...it just kind of happened. I have to put this one aside for now and move on up to the next on my TBR list, but if you like ménage-themed erotica then consider giving this one a try. It might be worth the read for those scenes alone!...more
I love Leah Remini. I love her attitude, her candor, her directness...I think she's hilarious even when she's not trying to be. When I decided to readI love Leah Remini. I love her attitude, her candor, her directness...I think she's hilarious even when she's not trying to be. When I decided to read her memoir: Troublemaker, I expected a lot more comedy than I got. But I wasn't disappointed, I was actually pleasantly surprised.
The audiobook experience was excellent in my opinion. Leah narrates it herself and it's like she is speaking directly to the reader. She discusses her childhood, her family, her entry into the church of Scientology, and her career as an actress. Yes, there was humor for sure, but mostly it was real, down-to-earth discussion about her life. Her past devotion to Scientology took center stage most of the time as she shared the positives and negatives of her experiences, but I didn't hear the bitter ramblings of a disgruntled member. I heard the passionate concern of someone who feels that her fellow Scientologists deserve better, more accountable and ethical leadership.
I knew next to nothing about Scientology before reading Leah's book so I feel like I learned a lot. It wasn't all bad either so for that I have even more respect and admiration for Leah. She could have turned Troublemaker into a total bitchfest, and if I'm being honest, it did verge on that at times, but any issue brought up circled back to the fact that sometimes leadership should be questioned – a system of checks and balances put into place. If prompting her church to consider this made Leah a troublemaker, then it seems she is resolved to keep making trouble. After all, bitches get stuff done. [image]
My favorite quote: “We all have something to offer the world in some way, but by not being our authentic selves, we are robbing the world of something different, something special.”...more
Pretend boyfriend/fiancé romances are my go-to genre when I'm in a reading slump. This romance dynamic never fails to entertain in my opinion. UnfortuPretend boyfriend/fiancé romances are my go-to genre when I'm in a reading slump. This romance dynamic never fails to entertain in my opinion. Unfortunately, I can't say that about The Substitute. Based on my reading experience, I just couldn't connect with the characters or remain invested. The story felt slow-moving, all the lying became annoying after a while, and although there was a lot of intended humor, it felt a bit too over-the-top to solicit the intended laughable moments from me. At the start of the book, I did really enjoy watching these main characters meet though and there were some sweet moments that were memorable but in the end, it was just an OK read for me.
If you enjoy this author or enjoy this particular storyline/genre, don't let this review stop you from trying it out. Lots of goodreads members liked it a great deal.
The Substitute is the first installment in Denise Grover Swank's contemporary romance series titled The Wedding Pact. This is the first book I have ever read from this author.
My favorite quote: “Coffee is the elixir of the gods.”...more
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