I've been needing a number of palette cleansers lately to help balance out the more intense fiction that I've been reading. Having something lighter to read has helped me sometimes to keep reading and not getting overwhelmed by all the heavy reads. And so ... I have a number of romance reviews for you ...
Escorting the Player by
Leigh James
My rating:
3 of 5 stars
I wasn't expecting a lot when I decided to read this since it was a Kindle freebie. Yet, I was quite surprised by this one. It was a solid read and I enjoyed the story. It was a little predictable and I never felt like I really connected with the heroine but it was a quick and easy read. This is a perfect light read - a little fluffy yet quite good. The writing was solid and the story was put together well.
When Stars Collide by
Micalea Smeltzer
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Although I hadn't read the first book in this series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by starting with number two. This can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. I really liked the characters in this series (and plan to go back and read book 1). I really enjoyed the story in this one. Although it's based on a fairly typical premise (brother's best friend), I found it to be unique and interesting.
I really liked Xander and Thea ... their banter was great, their relationship felt very real. I had a bit of an issue with the idea that Thea, who has loved Xander for years, would react the way she did to their waking up married in Vegas. But, I was able to overlook that as the story moved past that. Beyond the romance (which I think was quite well done), this novel explores themes that I don't typically see in your average romance such as child abuse and family violence. And, I think it explored it rather well. It was handled effectively and gave the story itself that something special.
All in all, I recommend this one and plan to go back and read the first novel in the series!
The Goal by
Elle Kennedy
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
I just love this series and was so glad to finally get to know Tucker better! I loved this story and I think it was a unique one! I loved Sabrina and Tucker - such great characters. If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it!
Catching Cassidy by
Melissa Foster
My rating:
3 of 5 stars
Nice little romance. Some of the back and forth - oh we shouldn't, it will ruin our friendship - was just beginning to be annoying when it was resolved. But, I love that trope myself! I liked these characters and their challenges. Interesting details to the story. I like Melissa Foster's writing and intend to check out some of her other work. Not bad for a Kindle freebie!
Make Me Whole by
R.C. Matthews
My rating:
2 of 5 stars
I love the idea of a hero with a disability as well as the menage idea. This was just clunky and I didn't love one of the decisions made by the heroine that didn't feel like something she'd do. Just ok.
Lady Killer by
Misti Murphy
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
I really love the Hadleys and I think I liked this one even better than the first book in the series. Tom and Gemma were a great couple and the story was interesting! I'd say this one is more of a 3 and a half stars, pushed to a 4.
Cocky F@#ker by
Misti Murphy
My rating:
3 of 5 stars
Liked finally getting to the bottom of Mace's story but didn't like it quite as much as the others in the series.
Rae of Sunshine by
Micalea Smeltzer
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
I really like the world created in this series. I started with book 2 so going back to the beginning was interesting. I enjoyed this relationship and it's unique challenges. I think it was handled well. Looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.
Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey