The Rancher's Secret Wife by Brenda Minton

Title: The Rancher's Secret Wife
Author: Brenda Minton
Publication Date: July 24, 2012
Source: Harlequin via Net Galley
Summary (from Goodreads):

After knowing the woman for all of three hours, soldier Reese Cooper married waitress Cheyenne Jones. She was pregnant and scared, alone in Las Vegas—and he was about to ship out on a dangerous tour of duty. But months later, Reese comes home to Dawson, Oklahoma, no longer the strong cowboy who vowed to help Cheyenne. Shrapnel and a guarded heart changed everything. But with a wife and baby counting on him, Reese is about to learn what real courage is all about.



                                 Review

I'm a huge fan of Harlequin, mainly their Blaze line, but I loved the cover for The Rancher's Secret Wife and the (short) summary sounded good.

It was a sweet story, and I loved the plot line, but I was a little disappointed. It felt like the story just came together too nicely,. There was no conflict like there would be in a real life situation like this (although the situation was a little far-fetched) or real emotions from the characters. Everything was just too perfect. Also, as someone who has no beliefs, the constant mention of God and praying made the book seem a little religious. But that's just me. I'm sure others wouldn't be bothered by it.

We're told how Cheyenne and Reese meet, but I would have loved to have seen it. A memory from Cheyenne or Reese of them meeting as a flashback would have been awesome. A little question or suspicion from Reese's family about why this woman was suddenly showing up on their doorstep would have gone a long way also. But they just accepted her with open arms and no worries. It just didn't seem real how fast everyone welcomed her. And that bugs me.

But like I said, as much as it seemed just too perfect for my taste, the story was sweet. You have two people who meet, do something crazy because they only see the situation as A and B and never consider there would be a possible C. And suddenly they're thrust into scenario C and aren't sure how to deal with it. I love that the author didn't cure Reese. It was sad what happened to him, yes, but to me the result of his accident while at war was the only real thing about him. It was painful to picture this strong man learn how to do things all over again, yet it was what made you root for him.

I can't say that I loved the book, but I do think the romance lovers of Harlequin will enjoy it.

If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

Title: If I Were You
Author: Lisa Renee Jones
Publication Date: August 24, 2012
Source: Net Galley
Summary (from Goodreads):
  
How it began…

One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expires.

Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—-dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.

The dark, passion it becomes…

Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.

                                 Review

I just recently joined Net Galley, and was browsing the books when I came across If I Were You. The words Fifty Shades of Grey… caught my attention and it was the reason that I almost didn’t click the more information button. I’m sure for most bloggers finding a book that claimed to be like Fifty would be a huge turn on. I’m not one of those bloggers.  I am not a Fifty Shades fan. But the little bit of summary that showed did intrigue me, so I clicked to read the rest and was immediately hooked. I wanted to know more. But still I held off requesting because of the fear that it would indeed be like Fifty.

Finally, after two days being unable to stop thinking about the book with the captivating summary, I sucked up my reservation and requested it. You know what I found out? This book is nothing like Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s SO much better.

There’s actually a plot, unlike Fifty where there is no story line at all. The sex is hot, yet they’re not going at it every three pages. The characters aren’t annoying and controlling in an eat-or-I’ll-force-feed-you kind of way. There are no inner goddess ramblings. The female character isn’t going from virgin to sub in a snap, and it’s well written – something the book it claims to be like is not.

Sarah is a strong character. She knows what she wants and doesn’t let anyone tell her different when it comes to her life – now. There was a time when she let other people call the shots and do things she didn’t want to do but she grew up. She’s walked away from wealth and privilege to find herself and be her own person.

How can you not love Chris? While there may be similarities to Christian in the way he feels he’s fucked up, that’s where it ends. He’s not thrusting bondage disclosure papers at Sarah and demanding things from her, not controlling her life - in fact, he ends up supporting her and her decisions when it comes to her work. Yes, he’s closed off and guarded but he’s also gentle and loving.

But there’s a deeper story than just the two of them. There’s the plot: Rebecca. A woman Sarah fears is in trouble and is trying to find. What happened to Rebecca? I need to know! And who really is the man she’s writing about in the journal? Is it really Mark (who by the way I do not like and think is creepy)? Is it possible it is Chris? I keep thinking there has to be a connection that will tie them all together and I can’t get enough. My imagination is running away with me with all the possibilities where Jones may take this story and then I’m left hanging! Ack! How will I last not know what happens until the squeal is released?!

I’m sure by claiming to be like Fifty Shades of Grey, Jones felt like she was complimenting her book. I think by making the comparison the author is putting her book down for the simple fact her work is superior to that of James’s. If it’s a competition between the two of them for best new BDSM book, this is the one that should be taking the world by storm. Please, Ms. Jones, stop comparing your book to the drivel of Fifty. You’re better than that.

 

Diary of a One-Night Stand by Alexandrea Weis

Title:Diary of a One-Night Stand
Author: Alexandrea Weis
Publication Date: August 1, 2012
Source: Author
Summary (from Goodreads):
   
Resilient and practical, Kara Barton has continually strived to live a respectable life. She went to college, embarked on a promising career as an attorney, married a great guy, and always appeared to be the perfect wife and mother. But all is not what it seems, and the troubling past Kara has been running from her entire life is about to catch up with her. Urged on by her insecurities about growing older, and desperately wanting to feel one more night of passion, Kara agrees to share a tryst in a hotel room with a sexy business associate, Scott Ellsworth. But Scott wants more than one night together, and Kara quickly discovers it is impossible to resist him. Soon Kara finds herself transformed into the kind of woman she vowed never to become, and the secure world she has struggled all her life to build begins to fall apart. Kara Barton is about to find out how a one-night stand can change everything.

                                 Review

I know not many people are fans of them, but I enjoy novels centered around cheating – if the plot is well written and thought out and the character(s) isn’t cheating with everyone in sight “just because”.

Diary of a One-Night Stand tells the story of a woman who I think many could relate to.  She’s married to a man who works too much, spends too little time with their daughter and who she no longer finds attractive – in any way.

During a work party, Kara suddenly finds herself drawn to Scott Ellsworth who easily convinces her to meet him at his hotel room one night and well, the title is born. But of course nothing is ever just that one night, is it? More sex, more complications, a divorce and then the surprise ending all happens along the way.

I can’t say that I was a fan of Kara’s. I wish she had been a little stronger in an independent sort of way. She went from living with her husband, to living with the guy she had the affair with to...well, I don’t want to spoil the ending so I’ll just say that not once did she try and make it on her own. She was so determined not to be like her mother but that’s exactly what she was – depending on men to take care of her. You don’t go from leaving your husband to moving in with some guy you’ve known a couple of weeks, especially when you have a kid and take her with you! No child should be confused like that. I would have respected the character more if she had left her husband and stayed on her own with her daughter.  

Scott…yeah, I couldn’t warm up to him either, although I liked the way Weis wrote him. He presented himself as this great guy, a changed man, but really what a load of bull. Most men with his reputation do not change overnight just because of one great lay. And as devious as you find out he is in the ending I liked how the author made him the same old snake he always was. It made the character more believable.

Surprisingly, my favourite character was Cal. Yeah he could be a prick and he really needed to get his head out of his ass but once he did he was the kind of guy that could definitely sweep you off your feet. Or re-sweep in this case.

There were two things that bugged me: 1) there’s a part in the book where Kara asks Scott how he really feels about her and he (of course) instead of giving her an answer in words he shows her with sex. If it had been slow and gentle and sweet that would have told her what she wanted to hear. But instead he took her hard and rough. Sure, it might have been passionate (for him) but there was nothing loving about it and that’s what she wanted from him. After he was done he told her that’s how he felt about her. Um, okay. So he thinks you’re a quick, hard fuck. Because that’s exactly what the sex was. But she thinks it means he cares for her. Can we say miscommunication?

And 2) the ending. Not the epilogue, because I thought that was good, but the actual ending. The way Kara wasn’t made to choose at all between the two men and fate, if you want to call it that, basically chose for her. I wish she had been made to examine her feelings for both men and (after living on her own for a while!) made it her choice who she wanted to be with.

However, despite those two things, and the way Kara irked me, I still enjoyed the story. Alexandrea Weis creates a very believable plot and characters - yes, as frustrating as Kara’s character was she is believable because there are so many women like her. 

 

Pieces of Us by Hannah Downing

Title: Pieces of Us
Author: Hannah Downing
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Source: Bought
Summary (from Goodreads):

Charlotte Barnes believed her life was perfect until a betrayal forced her from everything she knew and loved. Devastated and trying to put the past behind her, Charlotte sought a new life in a new town.

Now, five years later, her fiancé has convinced her it’s time to return home and face her past. But will the truth she learns and the people she reconnects with destroy her carefully crafted happiness?

Hannah Downing has created an emotional rollercoaster about lost love and the way one indiscretion can change the course of your life. Charlotte questions every decision she’s ever made, but she may discover that when you lose everything, you can truly find yourself.

                                  Review
 

When I started reading Pieces of Us I was immediately overcome with a sense of déjà vu. I started looking through my pile of books. Had I read this one already and not written a review for it? Nope. Turned out I had read it before, but back when it was fan fiction and I hadn’t finished – can’t remember why now. Maybe I just became too busy or maybe I just grew bored. *sigh* Either way, I trudged ahead and I’m glad I did.

The story starts off with a little back story of our two characters Charlotte and Cameron as teenagers-early twenties. And then we’re thrown into the future by two years where Charlotte and Cameron are a happily married couple – or not. Charlotte starts the chapter off by finding a text from her best friend to Cameron and an affair is revealed. Charlotte, having the strength not all of us would have, leaves her unfaithful bastard husband and eventually flees her tiny town and in doing so meets Owen.

Can I just saw how much I loved Owen? He was my favourite. My heart bled for this character so many times in the book. He just pulled me in so deeply.

Owen and Charlotte move back to her hometown and that’s when trouble begins with her ex-husband and Charlotte is torn between her love for both men. Yes, she’s still in love with the lying, cheating ex.

But is all as it seems?

Downing pulls you in with her writing, even when you want to roll your eyes at some of the childish antics of the characters. I wasn’t a fan of the confrontation in David’s office at all and thought that was a real low point of the book.

Although the book didn’t end the way I had hoped, I did think the story had a cute ending and wrapped the book up but still let you imagine for yourself what happens after.

Interview with Alexandrea Weis

Afternoon all!

Back in March I wrote a  review for Broken Wings by Alexandrea Weis. She also wrote a guest post following the review. Well, Alenxandrea is back with another book, another blog tour and an interview this time around.

About the book:

Describe your book in one sentence. Head of an organization of elite spies, Dallas August is asked to uncover what secrets a reclusive woman, Gwen Marsh, is hiding about a mafia kingpin’s death. 

                                                                                                           

Give me a quick blurb about the book and do pitch on why you think readers will enjoy it. A roller coaster ride filled with intrigue and plot twists that will leave the read hungry for more, the life of Dallas August, secret broker, is about to get very interesting.

As the head of an organization of elite spies, Dallas is asked to uncover what secrets a reclusive woman, Gwen Marsh, is hiding about a mafia kingpin’s death. Dallas must pose as a bodyguard in order to get close to Gwen. Soon Dallas learns that others are interested in Gwen when he stumbles upon the FBI monitoring her every move. But Gwen does not make it easy for Dallas and he is challenged by her intelligence and stubbornness at every turn. But with the FBI and the Mafia vying for the woman’s information, he can’t afford to lose his objectivity When Gwen finally lowers her defenses and confides in Dallas, his job is done. He returns to his organization in New York. Ann unexpected turn of events leads Dallas back to Gwen’s doorstep, where he discovers the Gwen Marsh he thought he was protecting, wasn’t Gwen Marsh at all. Who was Dallas protecting? And where is the real Gwen Marsh? Dallas August is about to find out how dangerous life can be as one of …The Secret Brokers.   

How did you come up with the idea for the book? It is part of a series but I like exploring the characters in depth. The storyline comes as I write it. I never know where a novel is going half the time and surprise myself in the process.  

When did you start writing it, and how long did it take you to finish it? The entire novel took about 2 to 3 weeks. I write pretty quickly from start to finish. Then I go back through it and fill in more detail. The entire writing process takes about a month.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?

 I don’t like to pin my characters to an actress or actor in my head. It takes away from what I am writing. I think I would have to go through a lot of casting calls until I found someone who fit what I was writing. There is a lot more to it than looks for me.

About you as writer:

When did you begin writing? I was eight and stared with poetry, by high school I was writing mostly short stories.

When did you first think, wow I have made it as a writer? I am still waiting for that moment. I think all writers are still waiting for that moment.

Do you have any special rituals you do when you sit down to write? Gum. Always have plenty of gum on hand.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there? Write. No matter what just keep writing. The more you write the better you get.  

Silly questions:

Favorite color? Red

Salty or Sweet? Salty

Favorite author? Ian Fleming

Favorite book? The Nature of Alexander/Mary Renault

One thing you cannot live without? Running.

Vampire or werewolf? Vampire

Nursing Second Chances by Maggie Greene

Title: Nursing Second Chances
Author: Maggie Greene
Publishing Date: May 13, 2012
Source: ABG Reads Book Tours
Summary (from Goodreads):

 A Honey Creek Sweet Romance

Kiersten Hart left Honey Creek the minute she graduated high school and never looked back. When her sister Jeanine is widowed and left to raise two children alone, Kiersten moves back on a temporary basis. When Charles steps in and sweeps her off her feet, she has to decide if the wounds from her childhood can be mended.

After his wife died, Charles Webber swore he’d never love anyone again. He buried himself in his work and didn’t look up until he found out his son was sick. Moving to Honey Creek was supposed to make things easier. Kiersten does little to help keep things simple. Though he is taken with her, he soon realizes the casual relationship they agreed on is turning serious. As their expiration date approaches, Charles must decide if Kiersten is worth the risk.

                                 Review

                          

Don't forget to check out Maggie Greene's guest post about what inspired her heroine.

 I always have mixed feelings when it comes to novellas. I like a well thought out plot with characters that have depth. I want a back story. I like to know where they’ve come from, what makes them tick and what has led them to be the kind of people they are. I want conflict and intrigue that’s drawn out enough to keep me interested but not so long that I lose interest and it becomes boring because I just don’t care what happens anymore. And then I want an ending that feels like it has really completed the story- happily ever after or not, it doesn’t matter. I just want to feel like I’ve gotten something out of the read. It’s hard (for me) to feel like I can get that from a novella.

Nursing Second Chances is a sweet story, it really is. I think it has a lot of potential to be a great book, but I just wasn’t feeling it as a novella.

I didn’t really learn anything about the characters besides a few thrown in facts. Charles used to be a big time lawyer and lost his wife in childbirth. How? Not exactly sure because all we’re told is it was “some weird complication.” That could have been built on so much from Charles’s point of view, but it was left at that. Oh, we also learn that he’s a volunteer fireman. Um, yum! That earns Ms. Greene brownie points right there. 

Kiersten ran away from the small town she grew up in because of rumours. Yes, rumours. Again this could have been such a great plot! Found in the backseat of a truck with your boyfriend? Not a big deal, really. Found out your boyfriend made a secret sex tape and showed it around? Yes, that would have definitely been humiliating enough to run away from. If a character is going to run from something, make it worth running from. I just thought the author exaggerated the fallout from the rumour that was spread about Kiersten in high school. I know small towns are built differently – I’ve lived in them and know how suffocating they can be – so yes, it would have followed her around for a while. But, as a reader, I just don’t believe it would have had the consequences the author wrote about. Sure Kiersten would want to run away from her past and go somewhere where she could start over. That I totally get. But…I don’t know. I just don’t think it would have been as blown out of proportion as it was perceived.

I did, however, really love Jason. He was such a sweet little boy and his actions to gain Kiersten’s attention toward the end was almost heartbreaking. I would have loved to have read more interaction between Charles, Kiersten and Jason as a “family” unit. And I really did enjoy the budding relationship between Kiersten and Charles. They were a sweet couple, both coming with baggage and uncertainty about what they wanted, but it was that part of them that helped them discover what they together.

There was one thing that really felt off and that was the reason behind Kiersten moving back home. She was supposed to be there to help her sister after her husband’s death. But we never see Kiersten actually doing anything to help her sister. Considering she was supposed to be there to help with the kids she was rarely with the kids. I just think that could have been included more in the story so we get a real sense of why she’s there.

I know that novellas are rushed stories and it’s hard to fit a lot of information into it because that would defeat the purpose of writing a short story. But as a reader, if I’m going to read a short story I want it to be one that’s well written and interesting. As sweet as Nursing Second Chances is, I really didn’t get enough out of it. And I hate to say that with this one because I truly believe it has the potential to be amazing. 

**I received a free copy of Nursing Second Chances for an honest review

You can find the schedule for the rest of the tour here

Nursing Second Chances is available from
Turquoise Morning Press 
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Title: Not My Daughter
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Publishing Date: January 5, 2010
Source: Bought
Summary (from Goodreads):

When Susan Tate's seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an unimaginable tragedy for both Lily and herself.

Then comes word of two more pregnancies among high school juniors who happen to be Lily's best friends-and the town turns to talk of a pact. As fingers start pointing, the most ardent criticism is directed at Susan. As principal of the high school, she has always been held up as a role model of hard work and core values. Now her detractors accuse her of being a lax mother, perhaps not worthy of the job of shepherding impressionable students. As Susan struggles with the implications of her daughter's pregnancy, her job, financial independence, and long-fought-for dreams are all at risk.

The emotional ties between mothers and daughters are stretched to breaking in this emotionally wrenching story of love and forgiveness. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has given us a powerful novel, one that asks a central question: What does it take to be a good mother?

                                  Review

Not My Daughter is a book about four teen friends that make a pact to become pregnant and raise the babies on their own, sans fathers. The book is mainly centered on Susan and her daughter Lily, who is one of the pregnant teens. Susan, a high school principal, single mom (and a former teen mother herself), is pushed to the limits within the pages both emotionally and professionally when it becomes known that the pact is not only in her school but involves her daughter as well.

At first I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, but I'm really glad I did. I can identify with the main character as a mother, and it made me stop and think 'what if my kids did this?' All the questions that are raised in this book about what makes a good mother definitely ran through my mind. If my child fails in society is it my fault, or is it all on her/him? Did I not spend enough time teaching them right from wrong, good from bad? Did they do this to draw attention to themselves from others or to get attention from me? The relationship between mother and daughter is tested, in what I think, are very real emotions and thoughts.

Even though Lily’s parents are not together, her father is still a part of her life. He’s absent most of the story until Susan tells him about their daughter’s pregnancy and all of a sudden, wonder dad is present and in their lives full time. I found that a bit forced, given Susan never wanted him around in the first place, or at least never wanted to marry him and insisted he go off on his own to find his own life.

I was slightly disappointed in the ending, wishing Delinsky would have put a little more focus on Lily’s labour and birth. But it really is a book based on how a mother feels and what she goes through, despite it being about a teenage pregnancy, so I can understand why she ended like she did. I would have also liked to know why the girls wanted/thought they needed babies. That was never mentioned in the story, and I think it should have been a conversation mother and daughter had.

All in all I thought it was a good read, mainly because it made me think of what I would do in the situation. 

Liebster Blog Award...Part 2

                                                      

Thank you, Kristen, for my second nomination for a Liebster Blog Award! If you haven't yet you should definitely check out her blog Home is where the book is

Since I've already been through this once before and did my nominations for the other blogs - you can check that out here - I'll go ahead and answer Kristen's questions.

1. Kindle or Book? Kindle because it's convenient when I have so many books on the go.

2. Favorite Book? Water for Elephants

3. How long have you been blogging? Three months or so

4. Favorite Author? It's hard to pick one, but I adore Lauren Dane

5. Birthday or Christmas? Christmas

6. Favorite Season? Spring

7. What author living or dead would you like to meet? Stephen King

8. Hardback or paperback? Paperback

9. Favorite song? Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

10. Favorite genre to read? I'm cheating and saying both paranormal romance and adult/erotica romance. Mix the two together and you've got my attention

11. Favorite TV show? The Vampire Diaries

Trust in Advertising by Victoria Michaels

Title: Trust in Advertising
Author: Victoria Michaels
Publishing Date: July 27, 2010
Source: Bought
Summary (from Goodreads):

Lexi White finds herself at a crossroads. After putting everything on hold to care for her ailing father, it’s finally time for her to start living her life again. An exciting new job holds the promise of a fresh start, until she comes face to face with someone from her past who has always stopped her dead in her tracks, and who evidently still has the power to make her forget her own name. This time around, Lexi’s a grown woman who refuses to back away from her dreams, even if it requires working with her old high school crush. Side by side. Every day. Will he end up being her downfall or exactly what she needs?

Vincent doesn’t even remember Lexi from high school, but he begins to take notice when the fiery young woman is hired as his new assistant. Quickly, Lexi turns his world upside down and becomes an invaluable addition not only to his team, but to his life. Having learned a few hard lessons about trust in the past, Vincent is reluctant to let down his guard, especially when it appears that someone is out to sabotage his family’s advertising agency. Professionally, they are dynamite together, but when sparks fly between them personally, will Vincent let lies and jealousy ruin everything between them, or will he finally learn not only how to love, but ultimately trust…in advertising?

Victoria Michaels once again delivers a can’t-put-it-down novel loaded with engaging characters, cheeky dialogue, and powerful emotions. Trust in Advertising is a cleverly woven tale about two people getting to know each other and ultimately themselves.

                                   Review

Before I read Trust in Advertising I read some of the reviews for it. There seemed to be a lot of 1 and 2 star ratings. That didn’t give me too much hope for this book, but I went ahead and read it anyway. What do I have to say about those ratings now that I’ve read it for myself? Crazy, people!

There really isn’t anything I can say about this book that isn’t going to sound like a teenage girl squealing over a Justin Bieber sighting. To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I loved, loved, LOVED this book! It was hot without even getting raunchy. And I’m all for raunchy. Honestly, no one is more surprised than I am that I enjoyed this as much as I did considering I know it originally was a fan fiction. If I’m not aware that the story originated a FF then it’s all good. But when I know that it’s been out there as something else that kind of turns me off.

In this case, I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me from reading it.  

I was Vincent Drake’s bitch the second his arrogant ass showed up in the pages. He owned me from the very first text he sent Lexi. Owned. Me. There wasn’t anything that didn’t make me want to rip his clothes off. Although, we could have found a sexier name than Vincent, couldn’t we? Yes, we could have. But I can overlook the name because that’s what a good, infatuated bitch does.

Lexi was cute and I liked how she didn’t take his shit. She was feisty, yet composed all at the same time. My favourite part of the book was the family cookout and the little playtime between her and Vincent. Ahh-dored the pool play. And don’t even get me started on Hope and Sean because I could go on forever about how great they were! Hope and Lexi were the perfect set of BFFs. Their relationship was fun, honest and loyal.

Usually I don’t like books that draw out the two main characters avoiding the hook up the entire story. I mean, sure it can be a tease to wait, but there’s waiting with a payoff and then there’s the way Michaels wrote it and gave me no sexy play! None! I kept waiting to read the naughty bits but nothing! And yet, I still loved it. Have I mentioned how much I loved it?

Do yourself a favour: grab a glass of wine, settle in with the book in any way you can get your hands on it, and read, babes. Sure you might not like it since that seems to be a popular opinion, but I think it was great and definitely worth checking out.

Hellentic Immortal by Gene Doucette

Title: Hellenic Immortal
Author: Gene Doucette
Publishing Date: May 3, 2012
Source: Publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):

 “Very occasionally, I will pop up in the historical record. Most of the time I’m not at all easy to spot, because most of the time I’m just a guy who does a thing and then disappears again into the background behind someone-or-other who’s busy doing something much more important. But there are a couple of rare occasions when I get a starring role.”

--Adam the Immortal

An oracle has predicted the sojourner’s end, which is a problem for Adam insofar as he has never encountered an oracular prediction that didn’t come true . . . and he is the sojourner. To survive, he’s going to have to figure out what a beautiful ex-government analyst, an eco-terrorist, a rogue FBI agent, and the world’s oldest religious cult all want with him, and fast.

And all he wanted when he came to Vegas was to forget about a girl. And maybe have a drink or two.

“I am probably not the best source when it comes to who invented what. For a long time I thought I invented the wheel.”

--Adam the Immortal

The second book in the Immortal series, Hellenic Immortal follows the continuing adventures of Adam, a sixty-thousand-year-old man with a wry sense of humor, a flair for storytelling, and a knack for staying alive. Hellenic Immortal is a clever blend of history, mythology, sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, mystery and romance. A little something, in other words, for every reader.

                                Review
 

I’m always a little nervous when starting the second book in a series, especially if I loved the first book. Will it live up to my expectations? What if it doesn’t? What if I find it mind numbingly boring because of a crappy plot and characters that lost the zest they had in book one? Will the author’s eagerness to publish the next installment ruin what I loved about the series to begin with?

Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about any of that with Hellenic Immortal.

Adam’s continued journey kept me intrigued and wanting more the entire read. Maybe even more so than Immortal did. I admit I didn’t read the summary before receiving the book – that may have had something to do with me being so damn excited to read it that I really didn’t care what it was about. However, considering how Immortal ended, I expected it to be about Adam going off to find “Eve”. Or maybe even a story about Adam and Clara.

Nope. Not even close. Of course if I had read the summary I would have realized that. The story was so much more than I expected and I once again loved every single page of it. The new supernatural characters Doucette threw into the mix actually made me want to research and see just how much truth there was to the gods he wrote about. Of course I knew some of them were true, but the fact that he made me want to learn more about ancient History is… well, pretty much a miracle.

I had a thing for Mike the second he appeared in Adam’s hotel room. And the more I learned about him, the more I loved him. That also might have had something to do with the mystery behind his being. And I really liked how it was revealed; how Mike didn’t seem to have a clue that he was different.

Ariadne. For a character that didn’t have a whole lot of story time, she sure made up for it towards the end. Although, because of the lack of face time she got in the novel, I found that I didn’t really have any feelings toward her one way or another. I didn’t care about her character or what happened to her even though she turned out to be a fairly important part. I didn’t dislike her, I just didn’t care.

I would have liked some returning characters, like the red-headed woman. It would have been interesting if she had somehow been tied into all that was happening, but I’m not terribly disappointed that she wasn’t part of the book – aside from the little glimpse Adam gets of her at the end.  The same can be said for Clara. Considering she’s now also an immortal I fully expected her to be  more apart of  Adam’s life, but the fact that she wasn’t didn’t really upset me either. And that’s only because Doucette made it to me by writing such fascinating new characters.