Review: Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush (Hush Hush #1)

by Becca Fitzpatrick

SYNOPSIS:

A SACRED OATH

A FALLEN ANGEL

A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

MY THOUGHTS:

3 stars

What to say about this? Everybody read it. Most people loved it, some people hated it. For me, the first 75% was super boring. The last quarter was good, hence the 3 stars. (if it wasn't for that last 25%, I would have given it 2 stars)

I think it has potential to get better and since it's the first book in the series, I'm willing to give it a chance (that and the fact that I have the box set...)

Anyway, the writing was good and easy to read. The plot was interesting and it had lots of action. Also there was a scene at a motel that I liked very much. 

My main problem was with the characters. I couldn't connect with any of them.

Vee, the best friend was an idiot, not a very good friend at all, on the contrary, she was so hormone-driven that she didn't pay attention to her friend whatsoever. Also, I think the author tried to make her appear funny and failed miserably.

Nora... well, what can I say about Nora? She is utterly annoying, infuriating. She makes Bella Swan look like Einstein, always making the worst decisions and being so so so so immature and lacking common sense.

And Patch...to be honest, I didn't fall for him. He was mysterious? yes. He had great abs? yes. But sexy? Mmm... nope. At least, not yet.

Furthermore, I don't know when or why they fall in love and that irritates me. a lot. :D

In any case, I will continue with the second book because I want to know where this is headed.

Blitz: Withering Hope

Withering Hope by Layla Hagen 

Publication date: January 19th 2015

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

*This will be a STANDALONE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.*

Aimee’s wedding is supposed to turn out perfect. Her dress, her fiancé and the location—the idyllic holiday ranch in Brazil—are perfect.

But all Aimee’s plans come crashing down when the private jet that’s taking her from the U.S. to the ranch—where her fiancé awaits her—defects mid-flight and the pilot is forced to perform an emergency landing in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

With no way to reach civilisation, being rescued is Aimee and Tristan’s—the pilot—only hope. A slim one that slowly withers away, desperation taking its place. Because death wanders in the jungle under many forms: starvation, diseases. Beasts.

As Aimee and Tristan fight to find ways to survive, they grow closer. Together they discover that facing old, inner agonies carved by painful pasts takes just as much courage, if not even more, than facing the rainforest.

Despite her devotion to her fiancé, Aimee can’t hide her feelings for Tristan—the man for whom she’s slowly becoming everything. You can hide many things in the rainforest. But not lies. Or love.

Withering Hope is the story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope. It is a story in which hope births wings and blooms into a love that is as beautiful and intense as it is forbidden.

Amazon: no pre-order available. Purchase link will go live on January 19th 

AUTHOR BIO

My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough

Author links:

http://laylahagen.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7520984.Layla_Hagen

https://www.facebook.com/LaylaHagenBooks

https://twitter.com/laylahagen

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Review: Queen of Shadows

Queen of Shadows ( Shadow World #1)

by Dianne Sylvan

SYNOPSIS:

Meet Miranda Grey—music and magic are in her blood.

Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people's emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda's powers may affect the vampire world too...

MY THOUGHTS:


3.5 stars

This was a very good book, very entertaining.

The beginning is strong, with a raping scene in one of the first chapters. I didn't particularly enjoy that. I don't think it added anything to the story and honestly, I never like those kind of scenes. This is the only reason why I didn't give it 4 stars.

I liked Miranda's "power". It sounds pretty cool to me, though I could relate to her and the way she felt about it. It may be a little overwhelming to know and feel, what everyone is feeling, ALL THE TIME. That's why she gets away of people, even her best friend.

Although influencing people's mood could have some perks. :D

David is an intriguing character. I'm pretty fond of him. It was weird to see a vampire over 300 years old being that geeky but I think it fits his personality well.

The writing is ok, didn't blew my mind but the pace and plot compensate.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book.

Review: Fish out of Water by Ros Baxter

Fish out of Water  (Aegira Chronicles #1)

by Ros Baxter

SYNOPSIS:

Dirtwater's straight-talking Deputy Sheriff Rania Aqualina has a lot on her plate: a nicotine addiction that's a serious liability for a mermaid, a soldier-of-fortune ex who's hooked on her Mum's brownies, a gorgeous, naked stranger in her shower, and a mysterious dead blonde with a fish tattoo on Main Street. 

Heading home to Aegira for a family wedding, Rania has a sinking feeling that's got nothing to do with hydroporting seven miles under the sea and everything to do with the crazy situation. Now, if she can just steal a corpse, get a crazy Aegiran priest off her case, work out who the hell's trying to kill her, and stop sleeping with the fishes, she might be able to unravel the mysteries. And maybe even save her own ass while she's at it.

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It took me forever to read it (Sorry Ros!!! Don’t hate me!) but I’m glad I could finally get to it.


Originality: 5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Writing style: 4 stars

I was pleasantly surprised with this story in every possible way. For starters, it is original and it takes imagination to a whole new level.

At the beginning it was hard for me to connect with the writing style but once I advanced into the story, I got acquainted with it and enjoyed it very much.
Somehow Ros Baxter managed to unite a mesmerizing world under the sea with a mystery-full story. There was a lot of action. And yes, the first quarter was a bit slow for my taste but once the author built some background it jumped straight to action and the ¾ that followed were amazing.

What I liked the most: the thorough descriptions that transported me completely into that amazing world under the sea.

Favorite character: Lunia (Rania´s mom), she was totally passionate and such a loving mother. Doug was a great character too and has a spot in my heart. 

Less favorite character: Rania. (yup!) I know the idea of a drinking/smoking mermaid cop sounds awesome but I couldn’t relate to her. At one point I wanted to punch her in the face whenever she mentioned her addiction to nicotine. Though, I must admit, she is tough and a kick ass heroine. So maybe my opinion about her will change in the next books :D


Overall it is a book I would recommend to everyone that likes action packed paranormal books with well defined and strong characters.
I am getting the second book right now!

Review: Preservation (Preservation #1)

Preservation (Preservation #1) 

by Rachael Wade

SYNOPSIS:

Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.

Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage. 

When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor. 

But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first. 

MY THOUGHTS:

4 stars

The first half is worth 5 stars for me, but the second part is 3 stars. Hence: 4 stars. 

How many times do we say: “I don’t want to be in a relationship” or “I don’t have time to get involved with anyone right now” ? but those statements die in our mouth because when the person is right, we suddenly want to be in a relationship and we suddenly think we have time for it (even if actually we don’t have time at all)

Well, for these two, that is what happens. He is a player, he has his reasons, yes, but he still is and she is so self-absorbed with her mom’s sickness, work and studies that she is not planning on falling for anyone. And on top of all, both had been hurt, so they fear commitment. They fear the consequences of letting someone in. And then, they meet. 

I loved the cover of this book and that was what at first piqued my interest. But for some reason, I was drawn to this story from page one. I like the writing, the short chapters and the characters. Well Kate lost judgment somewhere after 50% of the book but besides that, I liked her. 

If anything, Carter is a bit possessive at the beginning but then he grows to be one of my favorite characters with the amazing advices that are always perfect and in sync with Kate’s needs. 

And Ryan? He likes The XX, that’s all I need to know! And with his perfect abs and toned body… swoon! (I believe a long time ago I mentioned that every sexy guy on earth in mind looks like Ryan Guzman or Channing Tatum but this Ryan feels like Ryan Guzman :D) Honestly though, he had a few possessive/crazy attitudes that bothered me but I can live with that. 

Regarding Ryan and Kate’s relationship, I understood their attraction, damn even I was attracted to him after a few pages but I didn’t get the “you are too good for me” thing after seeing each other a few times and spending a few minutes together in total… 

Now let’s move to the second half:

- Here it seemed like the author just decided to throw events randomly. I won’t spoil anything. 

- Also… There was a plot hole? I mean, how did Ryan and Carter got a hold of Kate when the gala event took place. I mean, yes, they knew she was at the hotel but how did they figured out exactly where she was and that she was in danger for that matter? As I said, I don’t want to make a spoiler so I’m not getting into details regarding that. 

- St Lucia is a magical place, even though not necessary for the plot. IMHO.

About the end and epilogue:

- Then end is adequate, nonetheless predictable. 

- The epilogue is cute and it’s a ‘happily ever after’. 

Overall a good and entertaining read but I would have liked the second part to be a bit different