Book Blog of a Hufflepuff

Not much 'romance', but a great read!

8:17 pm 29 October 2014

Vika and Solo were very interesting characters, and definitely different than most you end up reading about! Solo is considered 'ugly and hideous' throughout the book by...well, pretty much everyone, including himself. He's strong, fierce, and will do whatever it takes, whenever it takes, to get the job done. Then we have Vika. And POOR Vika! You really empathize with her character, after the first chapter she's introduced I was already hoping for justice. Seriously, my heart went out to her. And the fact she's so sweet, and hides her 'disability' so well, is incredible. Her adaptability and will is noteworthy. And the fact she takes a liking to Solo...it just melts your heart!!!

Now, to mention my side-note from the beginning. While I'm a HUGE Showalter fan (Lords of the Underworld anyone?!), this book didn't have the 'steamy romance' that her books usually have. Is that a bad thing? No, definitely not. But there's a lot of buildup to that point in the book, and while romance happens, it's just mentioned that it happens. Like, in a paragraph or two. This book is very story based, and while Vika and Solo fall in love and overcome overwhelming odds, there isn't much romance. Like I said, which is FINE, the story does great without it, I just...expected it, I guess? It sounds odd I'm complaining about it, when the story was very well done!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The only reason I gave it a 4 out of 5 is because of: A.) the beginning of the book, and several parts along the way, were very confusing to me for a while (lots of information to process, but I suppose it's needed to set the stage) and B.) as a Showalter fan, I expected more steamy-ness and was disappointed by the lack of romance. But otherwise a GREAT read, and I will definitely be picking up book 2!

Twist of Fate (A Holiday Romance Novella)

6:00 pm 15 October 2014

I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! And I must say, I ADORED it!

This is my first Rachel Anderson book, and I was not disappointed. Not to mention, Christmas/Holiday stories are one of my favorite types to read, and I tend to hold them to a higher standard than most because of this. This book was a joy from start to finish!

Ty and Kenzie are wonderful characters, and from the moment the book starts with them meeting in the hall I wanted them to end up together. Kenzie is such a wonderful girl, full of cheer, happiness and smiles. Ty is a very down to earth kinda guy, reserved but kind. Plus, I love their full names - such a cute idea!

How Ty feels about Kenzie was so sweet, but he knows he can't act on his feelings since Kenzie is engaged and soon to be married. And after accidentally receiving a postcard that was meant for Kenzie, revealing that her fiance has met someone else and is breaking the engagement, he knows he can finally act and see if Kenzie could fall for him. And his attempts to woo her are just so adorable. Of course, drama must happen that I can't talk about due to spoilers, but this story is so interesting and the dynamics are so believable, and I love the family involvement that's added in as well. And the struggles both characters go through, along with their thoughts and feelings, just pull you in.

I also want to give a shout out to how the author leads us through the story. It's very episodic and I like it that way, it goes well with the story. She gives us the important details, when we need it, and doesn't have any fillers. Each chapter goes by a date, and gets closer to Christmas as it goes along. She doesn't give us boring parts, she goes straight to their interactions and shows them both getting closer to each other. I really felt like their relationship progressed nicely because of this.

Anyway, I adored this book, and is now one of my favorite Christmas reads! I read through this book in one night, I couldn't put it down! And I was so bummed when I finished, I wanted to keep reading more! I totally recommended it to anyone wanting a nice holiday story that will make the romantic in you happy!

The Wicked Wallflower

6:00 pm 25 September 2014

To start, this is my first Maya Rodale book, and I really enjoyed it! (I'm actually kind of confused why it's received such bad reviews? I thought it was lovely! But to each their own I suppose...) I originally picked it up because I LOVED the cover! Isn't it gorgeous?

Blake and Emma were endearing characters. Especially Emma, I have a fondness for wallflowers and felt empathetic with her throughout the story. Without trying to get to spoilery, Emma and her wallflower friends have had several seasons ending in no suitors, and are starting to despair. After a night of sherry-drinking, her friends concoct a plan of writing a letter to the local newspaper announcing a 'fake' engagement between Emma and the Duke of Ashbrooke, Blake. They don't mail the letter, but after an accident the letter disappears and ends up, you guessed it, in the newspaper. The Duke, instead of calling her out on it, goes with the idea, as he'd benefit from it as well.

Throughout the story, they grow closer together through trials and tribulations. And Aunt Agatha, of course. But what I really liked was Blake's transformation from a carefree rouge to someone who truly, deeply falls in love, and has no idea how to cope with it. It's quite charming really!

So I definitely recommend this read! Especially for other wallflower lovers out there! And I can't wait to find book 2 in the series! :)

Playing With Fire

6:00 pm 24 September 2014

Another great book by Cynthia Eden! I am effectively hooked on this series! :)

What else can I say about these characters, besides they are AMAZING?! Dante alone is, pardon the pun, on FIRE, with his strength, confidence and bluntness. But Cassie - she ranks as one of favorite heroines EVER! Not only is she strong of will, she's smart, kind, and resourceful. She's also selfless, which gets her and Dante in more than a few scrapes, but you have to love her for it. She never backs down from Dante, especially when he wants her to back down and quit, when she knows there are people counting on her. And most of her thoughts and feelings tugged at my heartstrings. I was rooting for her the WHOLE TIME. Cassie needed her happy ending!

I dunno if I could pick a favorite book from this series. I loved all three books for different reasons. I might pick book one, but just because it was the introduction to this world and it's all been so wonderful and refreshing. Seriously, I've loved it from start to finish! And I'm hoping there is going to be a book 4? :D

So what do I say? GO BUY THIS BOOK. BUY THE WHOLE SERIES. Believe me, you won't regret it!

Once Bitten, Twice Burned

6:00 pm 21 September 2014

I loved this book so very much! I was so anxious to read it, I ended up signing up for a free trial of Amazon Unlimited just so I could read it (instead of having to wait to have it shipped).

Sabine and Ryder were such a dynamic couple! He's so strong and sure, and she's so new to this world, and what's going on. I loved their chemistry!

Can I also mention, that I loved the different scenes that took place in this book versus the first? And you got so much more out of the book because of this, if you read the first one too. What I mean - without trying to being too spoilery - is there are scenes that either feature Ryder, or are from his POV, briefly in book 1. And in this book, while Eden touches on a few of them that happened again in this book, in more detail, she doesn't go over each and every one of them again, choosing to create new ones instead. Does that make sense?

(SPOILER) For example: In book one, when Ryder is following Cain and Eve to the second lab to find Sabine, he kills the man at the hotel that had drugged and captured him, sending him to Genesis. All this was from his POV. In this book, Ryder only mentions it briefly in passing to Sabine. Or when Cain and Eden encounter Ryder in the club when searching for a lead to find Wyatt - that scene wasn't in the second book. But if you read the books in order, you got so much more of a backstory to what Ryder went through to get Sabine back. Eden didn't make us go through those experiences again, because they were already done in book 1. There are several scenes like that, and I appreciate it more because of it. (END SPOILER)

Anyway, I LOVED this book! The characters were great, and I can't wait to read book 3! :)

Beauty Dates the Beast

6:00 pm 20 September 2014

Once I started this book, I COULD NOT STOP! Don't believe me? It's 3:46AM. I haven't moved since I started reading this yesterday.

What can I say, other than I LOVED THIS BOOK TO PIECES?!

I adored Bathsheba and Beau, as individuals and a couple. Bath is a strong character, who puts family first and everything else second - even herself. She's resourceful, and smart. She doesn't think about putting herself in danger if it protects the ones she loves. And Beau is fantastic, his charisma is charming and I love how he is with Bath. He's so kind and gentle with her, it's adorable. From the moment she talks to him on the phone for the first time, you hope they get together. Did I say he was charming? Bath is very independent, and Beau is used to being in charge. And they love that about each other. And talk about the tension between those two! The chemistry is lovely! And Beau's attempt at romance is sweet.

The world Sims made for us is great, I love the idea of shifters/paranormals, but that not everyone knows about them. And the different types of shifters is very interesting, and the clans as well. And the suspense! Trying to find out who/what was hunting them, and what was going on, and solving the mystery - it was wonderful! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - I was just disappointed when the book ended!

All in all, LOVED this book. And I'm totally going to go get the second book in the series! I just hope more of Bath and Beau pop up in the other books, I want to see how their romance keeps unfolding!

Burn For Me

6:00 pm 19 September 2014

This is my first Cynthia Eden read, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!! FAR from it!

I'd heard a lot of good things about this book before picking it up. An from all my paranormal readings, I'd never read a book about a phoenix. And the cover is pretty, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to look in it it. And I'm so upset I didn't read it sooner!

The chemistry between Cain and Eve is phenomenal! And I adore both characters. Both are interesting, engaging, and leave you wanting to learn more. Cain is dark, powerful, and never hesitates to point out that he's not a good guy. (But that also doesn't make you a bad guy now, does it?) And Eve is the perfect heroine. She knows she's not powerful, but she's smart, resourceful, and sticks to her beliefs and doesn't back down for anyone. She is FABULOUS. And I love how often she throws Cain off because of this. She doesn't run away or back off, and isn't afraid to admit when she's terrified. And Cain just speaks his mind, and wants everyone to burn (most of the time). It's just- I adore them together!! They're on FIRE! (Haha sorry, bad pun.) They compliment each other nicely.

I also love the world that Eden build for us. Modern-day, and paranormals/immortals were just introduced to this world recently. And I think she painted a good portrait for how humans would actually react - some with adoration, some with hate. She also gave us an impressive bad guy, who is equal parts insane and terrifying. Oh, and smart. And creepy. Anyway, she did a wonderful job creating and fleshing out this world. And I love her take on some of the species she's introduced so far. I can't wait to see where this series takes us!

Speaking of which, I'm very upset that my bookstore doesn't have book 2 in the series. I'm seriously contemplating trying out Amazon Unlimited just so I can start reading the next one NOW. I don't think I can wait a couple days for them to deliver it, haha!

But yes - FABULOUS BOOK! Eden got me hooked good, and I'm happy to be enthralled in this series. Let's see how book 2 does, eh? :)

Accidentally Married to...A Vampire? (Accidentally Yours)

6:00 pm 14 June 2014

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads! This is my honest review of the book :)

This is my first time reading one of Pamfiloff's books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much in fact, that I ended up spending my whole day off, from morning until night, to finish it. I couldn't put it down!

I actually really liked how the book started out. Niccolo, our vampire-hero, finds a goddess to help him get out of his crazy queen's rule. However, she's a bit fuzzy on the details and well...knocks him out. Then modern times roll around and Helena comes along and...you'll just have to read the book!

Helena was a great character. I truly loved how she stood up for herself to not only Niccolo, but other vamps in his army, as well as other characters that come 'round later (no spoilers!). She takes life in her own hands, and doesn't let others make the decision for her. And I LOVE her career choice! Smart heroines are always a bonus!

And then there's Niccolo, who you love to hate. Or hate to love? Either way, I think you get the idea. He's a great character, but so stubborn and thick headed sometimes you just want to throttle him. Or hold your head and sigh. Or beat him over the head a couple of times and tell him to BE NICE and THINK BEFORE YOU SAY THINGS. To give him credit, he's not used to any of this either, haha!

The only thing that kept holding me up was how fast their relationship developed. BUT - to give the book credit, both Helena and Niccolo mention this MANY times throughout the book - especially Helena. She's confused why they're moving so fast, bonding so quickly, and questions her decisions involving Niccolo at times. There are several reasons for the quick development of feelings, and they do get explained in the book - it was just a little hard to grasp at at times. I also thought the ending got summed up a little too quickly, but it was still satisfying! (I also think I didn't want the book to end and just wanted to keep reading.) Those are the the only reasons I didn't give it a full 5 star review.

All in all, I loved the story, and I loved the characters. I will definitely be picking up the others in the series as well! Mimi Jean Pamfiloff has gained another raving fan! :)

Oracle's Moon

6:00 pm 12 June 2014

Thea Harrison did it again! Every time I finish one of her books in this series, I keep thinking "THIS one is my favorite! There's no way another can top it!" and then BAM - I read the next one, haha!

This book was fabulous from start to finish. Khalil and Grace were wonderful characters, both one their own and together. I also thought the children, Max and Chloe, were adorable too!

Possibly my most favorite thing about this book is that the characters didn't fall in love instantly. Or for a good portion of the book. When they start out, Grace does. not. like. Khalil. At all. And the feeling is totally mutual. After a while, they become grudging acquaintances, then sort-of friends-ish, and then fall head over heals for each other. It keeps you squealing the entire time, because it was so adorable to watch. And most importantly - it was believable!

My heart totally went out to Grace throughout the book too. Not only did her sister (the previous Oracle) and her husband die, but she suffers through her damaged knee, takes care of her niece and nephew full-time, while still trying to be a student and full-time Oracle. You really feel for her. Her money problems, her stress problems....her Djinn problems, haha!

But when those two start realizing their maybe-feelings for each other, they fit so well together. And Khalil grows so much. I just couldn't stop reading this book. I'd go to work, wishing I was reading it. I'd go to bed unhappy because I had to stop reading to sleep. Summary: Go read this book. You will not be disapointed!

Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)

6:00 pm 9 June 2014

This is my second Donna Grant book, and I loved it too! The Dark Kings series has grabbed another fan!

Foremost, I want to give Grant a shout out for making such an amazing heroine. Denae is not only smart, witty, funny, but she kicks butt and takes names. She earned her spot in M15 for a reason. The fact she doesn't back down from fights, and actually helps the dragon kings in tight spots, is down right fabulous. She can hold her own, and she's still so real. The whole time I was cheering for her. I need a shirt that says "Team Denae" on it!

Kellan is also awesome, but very...Kellan-y. Throughout, well, the whole book really, Kellan dislikes humans. So he's generally a grumpy guy. But Denae puts him in his place, so no worries there. Also? How can you not root for a guy who falls head over heels for a girl, and doesn't know what to do about it, hmm?

I loved the pacing of the book, the setting, and especially the characters. My only issue with the book, like the other Grant book I had read, is it seemed that there were some characters introduced throughout the book that it felt like I should have "known" them already. Almost like this wasn't the first book of the series, but it was. Did some digging - turns out there are prequels! (And lo and behold - I had bought the book on a whim months ago and didn't even know it!) So I will remedy this issue and read 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 and get caught up!

To summarize: LOVED THIS BOOK, GO AND READ IT! I can't wait to read the prequels, and then move on to #2! :)

Midnight's Master

6:00 pm 2 May 2014

This was the first Donna Grant book that I've read, and I was very pleased with it! Gwynn and Logan were delightful characters, and I adored their story!

The mystery behind Gwynn, finding her father, Logan's past and the fight against evil all keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more! It was hard to put this book down. And I will definitely be picking up the next in the series!

The only thing I had trouble with was all the characters in this book. There seemed to be a LOT of characters introduced at once, at the beginning and mid-way through the book, and it was very hard to keep up with. It was almost like this wasn't the first book in the series, you know? And maybe it isn't (but I thought it was), so it's something I want to look in to and read the others first.

Otherwise, great book, and I will definitely keep reading this series!

Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard

6:00 pm 28 April 2014

This is my first Vanessa Kelly book, and I adored it!! I'm going to get the next in the series the next time I go out for books!

Vivien was such an excellent heroine! You felt like you were right there with her. Through her family and finance troubles, and working out her feels for Aden. And poor Aden! The guy struggles with his feelings so much, you just want to give him a hug. And their relationship felt so real too. It took a while for it to developed, which I really liked!!

I also want to give a shout-out to Aden's mother. I truly enjoyed her as a character too! And the mystery behind the kidnapper had me on the edge of my seat! A good mystery never goes unappreciated!

And I just have to give a thumbs up for the cover too - it's gorgeous!

Serpent's Kiss

6:00 pm 23 April 2014

I have yet to be disappointed with any of the books in the series! I've loved them all so far!

Rune and Carling are just fantastic together. I've been waiting for Rune's story since he popped up in the first book, and Carling is such a fascinating character! They are PERFECT for each other!

Can I also say, that the mystery behind Carling's ailment had me sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book?! I love a good mystery, and it had my clinging to every word!

Definitely a must read, especially if you're a fan of the series! :)

Storm's Heart

6:00 pm 6 April 2014

Oook, so if you read my previous review of the first book in the series, Dragon Bound, you know I LOVED IT. And instantly went out and bought this book, along with the third in the series, the day I finished it, because WOW. Thea Harrison is a fantastic writer. (And I suggest if you haven't read the first book, to go READ IT NOW!)

So when I get home and read the back of Storm's Heart, I see this is Tiago's book. And I think "OK, was really hoping for Rune or Grayson..." because we only got to see a teeny tiny glimpse of Tiago in book one. That's all right, I think, I'll read it anyway.

WORD'S CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW GOOD THIS BOOK WAS. I might like it more than Dragon Bound. Which let me tell you, is a feat in itself.

Dr. Death (aka Tiago) is just such a BAMF that words fail me. He's freakishly strong, powerful, and once of the ancients. Just don't mess with the thunderbird, ok? And Tricks (aka Niniane) is just brilliant. I love how snarky she is - and ONLY like this with Tiago. It drives him insane - the warlord is used to issuing commands and them being followed.

I also want to give a shout-out to Niniane, because the reader relates to her so much during the story. She's trying to reclaim her rightful spot as queen, and the whole way through doubts herself and if she'd be a good leader and knows she lacks the right stuff for it. And you see her try to make decisions on what's best for her kingdom and trying to make allies without compromising who she is, and just, it's a real struggle. It's great to see how both her and Tiago grow!

To sum it up, I LOVED THIS BOOK OMIGOSHGOOUTANDBUYIT. Tiago is awesome, adorably possessive and in control, and Niniane is the perfect heroine. Just, go read it ok? ;)

Dragon Bound

6:00 pm 29 March 2014

I originally added this book to my to-read list because the hero, Dragos, was in an Alpha Showdown and (if I recall) got pretty far in the ranks. So I thought, might as well give it a try, right?

I read the first page, THE FIRST PAGE, and was hooked. I adored Pia. She was a great heroine - funny, smart, and the right amount of sarcastic sass. Not to mention, just all around awesome. Dragos is of course crazy strong, and it's adorable how he grows and softens during the book. THEY'RE JUST PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER, OK?

The whole book is gold, it keeps a wonderful pace and is interesting from the first to last page. What Pia is, who's trying to kill Dragos, what they want, it's all so GOOD. Not to mention Dragos and Pia's relationship. (Getting him to say please is hilarious, I'm just saying.)

All in all, I'm so glad I ended up buying this book. The characters were fantastic, the story was wonderful, and I already went and bought the next two in the series. And I can't wait to read them too :)

Never Seduce a Scot

6:00 pm 15 March 2014

I adored this book! I'd never read one of Maya Banks' books before, and I'm so glad I picked this one up! I was hooked from beginning to end!

The premise was a little hard to believe at first, especially at the beginning of the book - but it totally fits - Banks makes it work and it works well. Two families have been feuding for years, and the King is finally sick and tired of it. He issues a command that the head of the Montgomery clan, Graeme, is to marry the only daughter of the Armstrong's, Eveline, to end the feud so they can focus on more important matters the king deems necisarry. Naturally, both families are against this, but have no choice in the matter.

From the start of the book I loved both Eveline and Graeme. And it was to my surprise that Graeme was gentle with her from the get-go, even when they met. Yes, he just resigned himself to being stuck with the daughter of his enemy, but he vowed never to treat her as such. Which shows how sweet he was. And so loyal. Not to spoil anything, but WOW is Graeme just amazing. The lengths that he goes to to protect Eveline is just swoon worthy!!

And Eveline herself is such a strong person. The hardships she goes through living in the Montgomery clan and...well, again, no spoilers. She's just such a loving and strong willed person. She's easy to adore!

All in all - FABULOUS book! I laughed, I cried, I cursed, and now have to go find the second book in this series. Definitely a great read!