authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
I don’t review every book I read. Not nearly. As much as I wish otherwise, I simply don’t have time—or sometimes the brain energy—to write dozens upon dozens of reviews. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy a book without having to analyze as I read. But I wanted to talk about some of the books I read recently, so I thought perhaps I could compile a series of brief overall opinions for them. A review roundup, if you will. …
Title: Highlander Ever After Author: Paula Quinn Series: Highland Heirs #8 Endearing characters but lackluster plot I would like to thank Paula Quinn, Forever/Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a nice story, but I don’t think it lived up to its full potential. The central conflict was great—Adam and Sina being forced to marry for political reasons. They were caught between a rock and a hard …
Title: Healing Hearts Author: Sarah M. Eden Series: Savage Wells #2 Full of heart and endearing characters but could use more passion I would like to thank Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a great book! It was the right degree of dramatic, it had heaps of heart, and all of the characters were endearing. Well, except the villain, of course, but I …
Title: The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor Author: Paula Quinn Series: Highland Heirs #3 The sweet love story of two endearing characters I wanted to read this book because—well, because it’s Paula Quinn; but I also wanted to familiarize myself with Abby and Daniel, as I suspect they’ll be involved with the next—and last, unfortunately—Highland Heirs novel, out this December. I enjoyed Abby and Daniel’s story very much. They had great chemistry and got along like friends, being pleasant to …
Title: Jilliand Author: Clare Gutierrez Series: n/a Lots of heartbreak, lots of passive voice I would like to thank Clare Gutierrez, River Grove Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I kind of had a minor breakdown while reading this. This is what I wrote at the time: This was a different kind of romance, and not the kind I like. I’m sorry, I didn’t finish it. My heart couldn’t …
Title: Laird of the Black Isle Author: Paula Quinn Series: Highland Heirs #7 Could have been better but who cares because MACGREGORS!! I would like to thank Paula Quinn, Forever/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Two years ago, Lachlan MacKenzie, Laird of the Black Isle, tucked himself away in his dark, empty castle to mourn the murders of his wife and four-year-old daughter. He provides for his tenants, …
Title: Marry in Scandal Author: Anne Gracie Series: Marriage of Convenience #2 Uninspired plot saved by endearing characters I would like to thank Anne Gracie, Berkley/Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The charm of the characters saved this novel. The plot is lazy: A man with a gambling debt absconds with a young, naive heiress to Gretna Green to marry her and inherit her fortune, but some kind …
Title: An Excuse for Poor Conduct Author: Kate Dolan Series: n/a good story, skilled writing I would like to thank Kate Dolan and Author’s Den for allowing me to read a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a nice short story. Dolan’s writing, mechanically, is more skillful than I expected. Quite professional, actually. The setting of the almshouse and the indigent circumstances of the characters were interesting, a welcome change from the privileged doves and roosters …
Title: The Scot’s Bride Author: Paula Quinn Series: Highland Heirs #6 Great characters in a messy plot I would like to thank Paula Quinn, Forever/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Charlie Cunningham has one goal: find a cure for her sister’s affliction and get the heck out of Pinwherry. She can barely stand to look upon her father and brothers since the day they murdered the boy she …
Title: My Fair Lover Author: Nicole Jordan Series: Legendary Lovers #5 Got halfway, decided I had better things to do I would like to thank Nicole Jordan, Ballantine Books/Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t finish the book. I started it two weeks ago (three weeks ago? I don’t remember) and kept telling myself I needed to read it and get it over with (not what a …