#honest react

[IMAGE ID: The cover to “Iron and Magic”. A man dressed in black, holding a sword. Behind him, a woman in white, with magic in her hand. A castle is seen in the background. END ID].

AKA: Resident sad boy teams up with resident sad girl for mutual profit.

Ilona Andrews writes a new book, and I’m #there. This book was no different.

Hugh is your typical Sad Boy: cast aside by the only mentor he has ever known, and suddenly having to decide for himself what he will fight for. He makes the decision, but finds himself unable to help his people. Not without…..

Elara, a Sad Girl; she should not exist, with powers that she uses to help her people to survive. Only, she is not enough any more. Her people need an army. 

Luckily for Elara, Hugh’s army needs a base.

“Marriage of convenience” would be the trope to apply here. This is book one of a trilogy, so I’m ready for the “convenience” to move to “love.” The world building is superb, and really enhances the story here. You can believe that this is a real world; everything about it is crafted to perfection.

Iron Covenant is a spin off of the Kate Daniels series. If you love that world, you’ll love this one. If you’ve never read it, this is a great starting point. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Join me in line waiting for book two to be released.

+ Marriage of convenience (for now).

+ Strong protagonists.

- Sequel isn’t out yet..

[IMAGE ID: the cover of “Magic Bites”. The title is in yellow letters, halfway down the page. A red haired woman holding a sword stands to the left, a lion’s face is on the right. A city is seen in the background. A quote from Patricia Briggs is below the author’s name- “Splendid... an edgy, dark fantasy touched with just the right amount of humor. END ID.]

Rating: ❤❤❤

Move over Buffy Summers...

When the new lockdown restrictions were announced I did what any sane human being would do - poured a massive gin & tonic, dusted off the ol’ Kindle, and started on an old favourite. Who needs reality when there are whole other worlds waiting for me in the pages of a good book? 

Magic Bites is the first book in the amazing Kate Daniels series. Each book in the series is better than the last and it is an immensely fun read and one that I recommend wholeheartedly. It's been a long time since I have read a book that engaged my imagination in such a way. The descriptions are vivid, the characters interesting, and the world is wholly original. 

While Magic Bites is the official starting point, I definitely advise you to read the preceding novella’s first as it may affect your enjoyment of the book as it did mine on my first reading. This is where the book primarily loses points for me. As the first book in a series it shouldn’t rely on novellas to fill in the gaps in the story and it was something that bothered me alot. Let me get this straight, that issue is enough for me to deduct points but it is not enough to ruin my experience of this otherwise great book/series. 

The world building in this book is absolutely incredible. An alternative Atlanta where magic and technology are unbalanced and therefore upsetting each other? Sign me the Hell on up. It is such a simple yet compelling premise and one that Ilona Andrews delivers on tenfold. The setting is so fundamental to the plot but doesn’t overshadow it if anything the fluctuations and issues that it causes characters make it more interesting. The world is full, vibrant, and wholly unique that makes an otherwise stock standard plot shine. 

There is so much to love about this book and what really starts to shine from the get go is the Pack and shifter dynamics. For someone who reads a lot of shifter novels, I was so excited to see this type of thing presented in a different light. It's an aspect of the series that gets explored in great detail and it is worth every single moment. Not only are the members of the pack diverse they also embody their animals in their human form, for example, Curran who as a cat shifter likes high places. It's such a fun way to really help understand their characters especially that they are not separate entities, like many shifter’s are portrayed, but instead one cohesive person. These are not your everyday shifters. 

While the shifters in the book are really fantastic, Kate Daniels, as a character, shines brightly. From the moment she appears on the page you are instantly backing her. Deeply flawed but a character that you want to find happiness and peace, she has sealed her place as one of my favourite heroines. Yes she’s selfish, emotionally constipated, and a little self absorbed yet she is so brilliantly written that you understand her reasons for being so. Utterly alone in the world, she is a badass who never gives up on herself. There is never that moment where you stop liking her or stop wanting her to succeed. 

From the first scene they share, I was captaining the SS. Curran and Kate, a ship that I will go down on. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough Curran in this book but what we do get, boy howdy. For a minor character he makes a lasting impact and honestly I can’t think Kate Daniels without thinking of Curran. 

The chemistry between the pair is electric and wanting to see the development of their relationship is a driving force behind wanting to continue the series. Yes, the world is incredible but as a romantic at heart I’m all about those relationships. 

Relationships in general is something Ilona Andrews excels at. They feel real, dynamic, and are the beating of the book/series in general. You want to learn more about the friendships, the lovers, and the villains. It's absolutely spellbinding if you are like me and like your novels more character driven. 

Rating: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 5 June 2018

Synopsis: Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

The Kiss Quotient is the debut novel by Helen Hoang. I must say I had heard a lot about this novel over the past few months and wow does it ever live up to the hype. As someone with friends and family who have Asperger Syndrome, I was blown away with the accurate and wonderful portrayal of it. I had this one on pre-order and I read it as soon as it hit my Kindle, not stopping until I finished somewhere around four o’clock in the morning. Yes, the day walking around like a zombie was worth it because this book had me on a high.

“Michael was mint chocolate chip for her. She could try other flavors, but he’d always be her favorite.”

Stella Lane is not your average romance heroine. She’s a thirty-year-old woman econometrician who is successful, brainy, and wealthy. When it comes to econometrics she is a certifiable genius, but when it comes to social interactions she barely passes the grade. Having Asperger’s she misses social cues, is overly honest, and struggles with intimacy.

Michael Phan is an escort whose heart just isn’t into it. Struggling with debt and having to keep his family together he is only working as a way to help support his family. Michael is a stand up guy who is just as insecure as Stella is. She fascinates him and he is infinitely kind and patient with her.

The story plays like a gender reversal of Pretty Woman but is way better in my opinion. This is another of those books you really have to read to understand – it’s simply not enough to just read about it. The story was so refreshing, the characters vibrant and alive, and the family dynamics were incredible. Stella’s disorder is never overplayed, never becomes a punchline, and never used to create drama, it’s just apart of who she is.

“She could change her actions, change her words, change her appearance, but she couldn’t change the root of herself. At her core, she would always be autistic. People called it a disorder, but it didn’t feel like one. To her, it was simply the way she was.”

One thing I loved about this novel is how effortlessly inclusive it is. Michael is biracial (Swedish/Vietnamese) and Stella is autistic. It’s so rare to see this in the romance genre and I want more of it. The fact this is a debut has completely blown my mind and I honestly can’t wait to read more from this author.

It had me turning the pages at a record rate. I loved that it was all about Stella and Michael’s relationship without too much distraction. I loved the care put into this novel. I loved how this made me reassess certain aspects of my life.

As I mentioned, I know a lot of people with Asperger’s and I found myself relating most with Michael whose approach to Stella was simply wonderful. It’s a story about being different, a story about finding love, and a story about acceptance.

The thing that stopped me giving it a full five out of five rating was the clichéd ending. It felt like a little bit of a let down after such a fabulous story. However, the book was pure magic.

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 1995

Synopsis: Tough-minded Jessica Trent's sole intention is to free her nitwit brother from the destructive influence of Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain. She never expects to desire the arrogant, amoral cad. And when Dain's reciprocal passion places them in a scandalously compromising, and public, position, Jessica is left with no choice but to seek satisfaction... Damn the minx for tempting him, kissing him... and then forcing him to salvage her reputation! Lord Dain can't wait to put the infuriating bluestocking in her place—and in some amorous position. And if that means marriage, so be it!—though Sebastian is less than certain he can continue to remain aloof... and steel his heart to the sensuous, headstrong lady's considerable charms.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase is the third in the Scoundrels Series. This is the ultimate, in my opinion, romance novel and I can never recommend it enough. It’s one of the novels that stay with you long after you turn the last page. It’s frustrating, touching, and incredibly hot in all the right places. It’s one of my favourites by far.

There is a reason this book consistently tops lists for best romance novels.

Born to Lord Dain and his young Italian wife, Sebastian Leslie Guy de Ath Ballister was quickly considered the ugliest baby ever born with a face only a mother could love. Treated terribly by others growing up because his unsightly looks and Italian heritage. The only person who ever loved him, his mother, was taken away from him. He was a neglected child who grew up to be a man who was only interested in seeking his self-pleasure, dragging everyone down with him. Fiercely intelligent, emotionally stunted, and far more sensitive than he would ever let on. He is all at one a complete bastard and a man you just want to comfort. Easily one of the most interesting and dynamic heroes of all time.

Jessica Trent is woman far ahead of her time. She dreams of opening a store to sell her wares. She is wonderfully intelligent, understanding, and has a back bone of steel. Always one to rise to a challenge, she can’t help but be drawn to Dain who is quite possibly the one person who is entirely unsuited for marriage. To her, he is “adorable” and he is. Jess sees through his façade and likes him better for it.

The chemistry between Dain and Jessica is what really makes this book. Never have I read such a believable pairing of characters and every time they are together it’s electric. The dialogue is razor sharp, the sarcasm is beyond, and always makes you smile.

“I must be besotted,” he said evenly. “I have the imbecilic idea that you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Except for your coiffure,” he added, with a disgusted glance at the coils and plumes and pearls. “That is ghastly.” She scowled. “Your romantic effusions leave me breathless.” 

This novel takes one upping each other to a whole new level, but nothing ever seems forced or unbelievable. It’s simply the way they are. Two competitive people coming together in the most perfect way. What I love about this book is that the sex scenes aren’t explicit but instead focuses on their passion, their devotion, and their vulnerabilities. Together they are better then they are apart.

Dain isn’t a perfect man, he doesn’t even really fundamentally change, it’s his true character that is brought out by Jessica and even from the start he treats her differently. Their marital spats never feel out of place nor do they become ridiculous and they work through them together. Unfortunately, he has ruined me for all other heroes.

The story itself is altogether interesting, moving, and funny. So much happens and the pace never lets up sweeping you from the streets of Paris and to the wilds of Dain’s country seat in England. There are balls, fights, and even a shooting. This is one of the more action packed romances I have read. 

“Jessica frowned at her. “It was very difficult to keep a straight face—but that wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was—” She let out a sigh. “Oh, Genevieve. He was so adorable. I wanted to kiss him. Right on his big, beautiful nose. And then everywhere else. It was so frustrating. I had made up my mind not to lose my temper, but I did. And so I beat him and beat him until he kissed me. And then I kept on beating him until he did it properly. And I had better tell you, mortifying as it is to admit, that if we had not been struck by lightning—or very nearly—I should be utterly ruined. Against a lamppost. On the Rue de Provence. And the horrible part is”—she groaned—“I wish I had been.” 

Rating: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: 25 September 2012

Synopsis: Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Never Seduce a Scot is the first book in Maya Banks’ The Montgomerys and the Armstrongs series and I have to say this is one of my favourite highland romances. It’s fun, sexy, entertaining, sweet, and has just the right amount of cheese for me. Is it historically accurate? Probably not. Is it realistic? Not really. Is it an unputdownable, feel good, burning hot read? HELL YES.

There was so much I freaking adored about this, but I also get that this is a book not everyone will love. It’s cliche, predictable, and not wholly original, but oh man is it down well. Banks definitely ticked off everything on the historical romance list, but it certainly didn’t make me enjoy it less.

The characters are great. Eveline is one of the sweetest, bravest heroines I have ever read even if she was a little misguided in hiding her condition. Though I can appreciate her motivation, she was between a rock and a hard place and either decision wouldn’t work too well in her favour. Graeme was a sheer delight, he is all about his family even if that means he has to marry his enemies daughter who is touched in the head. He has no reason to be kind to her but he is. He has no reason to protect her from his clan but he does and in the end I desperately wanted this two wonderful characters to live their lives in happiness - there love scenes are smoking hot as well. One of the standout characters was Graeme’s sister Rorie who is just such a beautiful person and I loved her and I hope when Bank’s gets around to it she gets her own happy ending.

“I love you, Eveline," he whispered, though he knew she could not hear him. "Somehow, I'll make you hear me and you'll know that I love you as fiercely as it's possible for a man to love a woman.”

The story is, of course, set in the Scottish Highlands (the best setting for a romance in my opinion) and I loved every moment of this. The political intrigue is little, but it’s enough to keep you engaged and interested. It’s the clan feuds that I love to read about and this one has a doozy.

Maya Banks has a wonderful writing style that flows effortlessly. Her dialogue is sweet and sharp and feels natural. I love that she is not overly flowery in her prose but gives you all the information you need. With this particular novel it’s wonderful to see has chosen to write a heroine with a real disability and I want to see more of it.

Okay I’m going to come out and say it. This book was too freaking cute and maybe my judgement is impaired because this is exactly what I needed at the time. It melted my cold dead heart. You know what I loved most about it? There is NO IDIOTIC MOMENTS! There is no stupid reason to break up, everyone is measured and *gasp* rational. This has an alpha male who is considerate and a heroine who is not a total wuss but had a quiet, dignified strength.

So the villain was a little over the top, but who doesn’t love that? Besides he had motivation so it all evens out in the end. The pace was great, just enough action, sex, and sweet moments to keep it going without growing dull. It did, however, end rather abruptly and I wish it had an epilogue because Graeme with babies would make my ovaries explode. Yeah, he is that good of a HR hero.

Not going to lie. I have read this particular book a few times (not something I often do) and I have enjoyed it each and every time. It never gets old and I don’t know why but I sure ain’t complaining.

Rating: ❤ ❤

Genre: New Adult; Fantasy

Release Date: 5 September 2017

Synopsis: In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire. Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken. His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them. But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

I’ll call a spade a spade; Tower of Dawn is a cash grab. 

There is no reason this story would come after  Empire of Storms; with the way EoS ended, you would not delay the conclusion. Tower of Dawn could have been a novella, or even incorporated into EoS. The fact that it is a separate entry in the series, and separates the cliffhanger of EoS with it’s coming conclusion in Kingdom of Ash, only points towards a desire for more money.

And this does not even touch on the issues surrounded Tower of Dawn. I am a fan of Chaol- Chaol as he was introduced to us, before all the characters got a makeover for no discernible reason. I actually looked forward to reading a Chaol-centric story. I was left feeling very disappointed.

What was the point? As in EoS, everyone is suddenly driven by sex- everyone notices how handsome or beautiful everyone else is, we keep getting sexual innuendos, if not actual acts. All this is compounded by the impetus behind the story- Chaol can’t walk, and must seek to be healed so that he can be a man again.

Yes, you heard that right. Because, as we all know, you are not a man unless you are a fully-abled man. 

SPOILER ALERT FOR THE REST OF THE REVIEW. Okay, you’ve been warned. He can walk at the end.  Through THE POWER OF LOVE.

I’ll read romances. My presence on this blog is proof of that. What I don’t appreciate, is the power of love curing people of a disability. It’s weak, lazy writing, it’s been done a million times, and it’s 2017 (when this book was first published); we are more than ready for disabled protagonists to exist.

Yrene Towers, she of the healing hands, is barely readable. She’s supposedly the heir to the healing tower, said to be of great skill, but she comes across as an Aelin knock off, arrogance and all. Chaol ending up tied to her for life was disappointing.

Nesryn had potential, but suffered from being a side character in the Throne of Glass series syndrome- relegated to an interesting sub plot that winds up going nowhere.

And I don’t need to talk about the pro-life stuff at the end, do I?

Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: 23 March 2010

Synopsis:  An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...

Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all. The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart. Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.

The Chief is the first book in Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series and if you’re not already reading this series what are you doing with your life? Honestly, it’s the middle of winter where I am, my feet will never be warm again, but I had Tor and the Highland Guard to keep me warm all weekend.

You know what I loved most about this? It’s one of the few books set in this time period that is actually rooted in history. The characters are 100% fictional, the Highland Guard themselves is fictional, but they are playing in a very interesting, very intense, very real period in history. The author even gives some historical notes at the end which are not only informative but also gives the story an air of credibility. DO NOT LET THE COVER DETER YOU!

Let’s dive right in here. The story… My goodness what an absolute ride I will not forget for a long time. The Highland Guard are recruited as the elite guard for ROBERT BRUCE and takes place shortly after the death of William Wallace (who I will always think of as Mel Gibson. Thanks Braveheart). This is a truly transportive story that whisks you across the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Skye.

Tor MacLeod has spent the better part of 20 years trying to rebuild and bring stability to his clan. He has no interest in politics and certainly doesn’t want to be drawn into Scotland’s war. His brutal, hard, proud, and respected. And it is his devotion to the welfare of his people that truly makes him a warrior after my own heart. He’s not some fairytale prince, he certainly isn’t Lancelot, and he makes a ton of mistakes. But he is always very, very human. He has no need to marry - he already has sons from a previous marriage - and Christina is the last woman on earth he would ever choose. He is very alpha so if you aren’t into that, this isn’t the book for you.

Christina Fraser is a pawn in her father’s political games. She is a young and romantic at heart. While she is suitably naive for a woman of her position, she is not ignorant. Her motivations lay with the need she has to protect her sister from their abusive father and by her marrying Tor it saved both their lives. She sees the very best in Tor and their chemistry is sizzling the entire way through. I wish she had a little more backbone and was a little less codependent but at the same time I was glad she didn’t have a super modern feel to her. She fit the role of medieval nobility very, very well. I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t like her desire to be loved and the fact she wants to please Tor as much as she can, but they also seem to forget that she is an abused woman so those character traits, to me, make a lot of sense and works perfectly for the character.  

The side character’s really fill out this sweeping love story. All of the guard are perfectly unique and the training scenes were some of the best in the story. Each of them get their own books and ah… if they are as good as this one I can’t wait to read them. I mean it’s really not hard to love a special ops/highland warrior story. It’s just so original in the best possible ways.

I could probably fill about twenty pages with all the things I loved about this book but I am going to keep this very short. This is fun, intense, sexy, intriguing, and very engaging. There are a few problems with it such as repetitive conversations, awkward phrasing, and some character frustrations but it works incredibly well as the introduction to this great series.  

Rating: ❤ ❤ 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 19 July 2018

Synopsis:  To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter to formally announce my resignation from Parker International (& the arrogant, condescending CEO) effective two weeks from today. This was a VERY EASY decision to make, as the past two years have been utterly miserable. I wish his next executive assistant all the luck in the world (she'll need it) and if my boss should need me to do anything over the next two weeks, kindly tell him that he can do it [his] goddamn self... Sincerely (Not Really), Tara Lauren That’s the version of my two weeks’ notice I should’ve sent to my boss, because the more professional version--the one where I said I was "grateful for all the opportunities," and "honored by all the rewarding experiences" over the years? That letter was rejected with his sexy, trademark smirk and an “I highly suggest you read the fine print of your contract...” So, I did. And now I've realized that unless I fake my death, poison him, or find a way to renegotiate my impossible contract, I’m stuck working under one of the cockiest and most ruthless bosses in New York. 

Then again, I thought that was the case until he called me late last night with an emergency proposition...

I don’t know if it’s because I’m super sick and super dosed up out of my mind but I really struggled with this book. Two Weeks Notice was seemingly impossible to get into and it never quite hit its stride. 

The couple had zero chemistry and the first half of the book focuses on the two years she was his executive assistant. Something that never should have dragged out nearly as long as it did. It was dry, it was boring, and not even the good drugs I’m on could breathe life into this. Combined with the fact that the premise makes no sense it was hard for me. Truly I struggled with a fairly average length book that should have taken me an afternoon. IT TOOK ME NEARLY A WEEK! It was that blah!

Our resident asshole hero Preston was completely unlikable and I couldn’t see the appeal of him. He’s a workaholic who is a massive dick to his employees... Yeah no thanks. Tara was equally as unlikable and I wanted them both to end up miserable.