Category: 3 Star

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Natasha reviews Lord Of Vengeance by Lara Adrian

Lord Of VengeanceTITLE: Lord of Vengeance
CHARACTERS: Gunnar & Raina
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian as Tina St. John
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/11/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken captive by Gunnar Rutledge, a dark knight sworn to destroy her father, Raina d’Bussy must teach forgiveness to a man who knows no mercy and lives only to exact revenge on his enemy. But time in Gunnar’s keep stirs an unwanted passion in Raina, and something far more perilous, when she finds herself falling in love with the one man she should never desire.
For Gunnar, vengeance is all that matters. He seeks the ultimate price from his enemy’s beautiful young daughter, claiming Raina as his hostage. But the proud beauty defies him at every turn, tempting him like no other. Setting out to break Raina’s glorious spirit, Gunnar instead finds himself bewitched by her goodness, her strength. Can he seize the justice he is due without losing Raina forever?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I’m torn with this book. I absolutely love Lara Adrian and wanted to give a try to the stories she wrote as Tina St. John, so I started with the stand alone book Lord of Vengeance. Unfortunately the book started off really slowly, and I almost put it down multiple times. Raina and Gunnar did not have as much interaction as I would’ve liked in the beginning half of the book. It literally took 17 chapters before they had a full conversation, which was frustrating to me. However, from that point forward the story took on a lot of momentum and I couldn’t wait to finish. Such treachery took place that threw everything into turmoil and it was a very intense second half. I ended up really enjoying the story, especially Raina and Gunnar together. Gunnar is a very special soul and I am happy we got to see the sweet side of him.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Black Swan Rising by Lee Carroll

Black Swan RisingTITLE: Black Swan Rising
SERIES #: Black Swan Rising #1
CHARACTERS: Garet
AUTHOR: Lee Carroll
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When New York City jewelry designer Garet James stumbles into a strange antiques shop in her neighborhood, her life is about to be turned upside down. John Dee, the enigmatic shopkeeper, commissions her to open a vintage silver box for a generous sum of money. Oddly, the symbol of a swan on the box exactly matches the ring given to her by her deceased mother. Garet can’t believe her luck and this eerie coincidence until she opens the box and otherworldly things start happening.
That evening, the precious silver box is stolen. When Garet begins to investigate, she learns that she has been pulled into a prophecy that is hundreds of years old, and opening the box has unleashed an evil force onto the streets of Manhattan and the world at large. Gradually, Garet pieces together her true identity—one that her deceased mother desperately tried to protect her from. Generations of women in Garet’s family, including her beloved mother, suffered and died at the hands of this prevailing evil. Does Garet possess the power to reclaim the box and defeat this devastating force? On her journey, she will meet the fey folk who walk unnoticed among humans and a sexy vampire who also happens to be a hedge fund manager that she can’t stop thinking about. But the fairies reveal a desire to overpower mere humans and the seductive vampire has the power to steal the life from her body. Whom can Garet trust to guide her? Using her newfound powers and sharp wit, Garet will muster everything she’s got to shut down the evil taking over her friends, family, New York City, and the world.

REVIEW:
Have you ever picked up a book, read the synopsis and thought this will be a great book but it ended up not meeting your expectations? That was this book for me. The synopsis had me thinking I would be pulled into this paranormal world of intrigue and really I just wasn’t pulled in at all.

I almost think there is too much going on in this book. It seems like the author thought “how many paranormal creatures can I throw into one book and have people read it?” and unfortunately there are just too many. There are also just too many odd points in the plot.

I don’t know I could tell you a bunch of things that are wrong with this book. Honestly the book just never appealed to me I guess. I went back and looked at some of the other reviews on Goodreads.com just to see if I was the only one but realized that I wasn’t.

Part of me wants to say this story needs work but thinking about it maybe it had too much work and was overexposed, if you understand what I mean.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews One Hot Second by Stacy Gail

ONe hot secondTITLE: One Hot Second
CHARACTERS: Parker & Chandler
AUTHOR: Stacy Gail
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Parker Radclyffe is up against a wall. Thorne Mansion, the mysterious Italianate castle she’s come to Texas to restore, isn’t the problem. No matter how intriguing the relic is, it’s merely an ember compared to the blazing magnetism of its owner, Chandler Thorne.
When his family mansion burned down, Chandler had to watch over a hundred years of proud history go up in smoke. After more than a year, he finally has everything in place to rebuild, including a renowned conservation architect to oversee the restoration. But when he lays eyes on Parker he realizes he’s gotten more than he paid for. Maybe more than he can handle.
Parker is a military brat who never sits still long enough to get burned. Chandler is her opposite, a man with deep roots and deeper family secrets. It won’t be easy to find the common ground it takes to build a home together, but Chandler is a thorn in every sense. He plans to stick with Parker until she sees that love is more than worth the risk.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is another really good story by Gail. I have enjoyed her other stories and enjoyed this one as well. Is it my favorite? Probably not but it was still enjoyable… and hot.

Parker is a great. Someone I would like to be friends with. She can be pretty funny. Chandler is blown away by Parker and I can understand why. They really have a connection that sizzles. I really enjoyed everyone in the story – yes except the Mayor who no one seems to like for obvious reasons.

Parker and Chandler would be a couple I would enjoy going on a double date with.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly reviews The Lost by Vicki Pettersson

The LostTITLE: The Lost
SERIES #: Celestial Blues #2
CHARACTERS: Griffin Shaw & Katherine “Kit” Craig
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLICATION DATE: March 19, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Griffin Shaw and his wife were both murdered fifty years ago. Now a minor angel, Grif’s been granted permission to solve the mystery of his own death… if he helps the Pure angels guide those souls who might otherwise be Lost.

Souls like Jeap Yang, a drug addict in his final moments of life. Grif knows that death is coming, but he cannot intervene. However, Grif’s mortal lover, reporter Katherine “Kit” Craig, isn’t constrained by angelic protocol. If she can stop a death, she will.

But as Kit is about to find out, there are things more traumatic and evil than murder. A strange new drug is literally eating tweakers’ flesh from their bones, and Kit’s crusade to get it off the streets is set to propel her and Grif into a battle with a vicious drug cartel. They’ll have to scramble to stay alive, stay together, and choose their own fate… before it’s chosen for them

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts In The Lost we pick up where we left off with Grif & Kit trying to solve the mystery of “Who killed Griffin Shaw”. But along the way they are sent on a wild ride of ups and downs and tests to their very fragile relationship.

This was another good book by Vicki. This book was filled with a lot more emotional ups and downs for me. It made me love and hate Grif just a little more with each page. But I will say the very last chapter just flat out broke my heart.

If you are interested in r reading this series you really need to start from the beginning. Starting here will just be confusing. On to the conclusion of the Celestial Blues Trilogy. I know what I am hoping for but we will see what Vicki has in store for me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Edelweiss & Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Natasha reviews Fireborn by Keri Arthur

firebornTITLE: Fireborn
SERIES #: Souls of Fire #1
CHARACTERS: Emberly, Rory, Sam and Jackson
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur comes a brand new series featuring heroine Emberly Pearson—a phoenix capable of taking on human form, and cursed with the ability to foresee death…
Emberly has spent a good number of her many lives trying to save humans. So when her prophetic dreams reveal the death of Sam, a man she once loved, she does everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But in saving his life, she gets more than she bargained for.
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a plague-like virus, the Crimson Death—a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am in love with all of Keri Arthur’s work so I could not wait to read this new series! I love the whole idea of the Phoenix and am super excited this series will focus on them. Emberly is a strong female lead, and I enjoy her interactions very much. You can see she’s a genuinely good person who was handed a super bad lot in her many lifetimes. I adore Rory, and love their interactions and connections together. It reminded me a lot of the comradery we saw in the Riley Jensen series! The love interests: Sam and Jackson. I HATE SAM! Let’s just get that out there. I don’t buy the whole wounded animal persona; he’s a flat out jerk and doesn’t deserve an ounce of the emotion he gets from Emberly. The constant pull and attraction she has to him, even with the horrendous things he’s done is frustrating. I really could do without that, it just makes me want to slap them both! Now Jackson, that’s a great character. I love his personality and overall ability to brighten up the pages. I hope he sticks around in the series for a while. Some situations and phrases seemed repetitive but overall the story was interesting and I’ll follow the series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews The Taken by Vicki Pettersson

The TakenTITLE: The Taken
SERIES #: Celestial Blues #1
CHARACTERS: Griffin Shaw & Katherine “Kit” Craig
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLICATION DATE: June 12, 2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he’s an angel, but that doesn’t make him a saint. One small mistake has altered fate, and now he’s been dumped back onto the mortal mudflat to collect another soul—Katherine “Kit” Craig, a journalist whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped.

Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let the sable-haired siren come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a chance to solve the mystery of his own unsolved murder—and dole out some overdue payback for the death of his beloved wife, Evie.

Joining forces, Kit and Grif’s search for answers leads beyond the blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy. But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn’t Grif’s biggest threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives, along with the answer to the haunting question of his long afterlife .

REVIEW:
Giffin Shaw has been stuck in the past for a very long time, 50 years a long time. But when his latest Take is not ready to leave. Grif breaks the rules for her and changes his whole world. Now Grif finds himself back on earth and having to witness his next Take be murdered.

Kit is a by the facts reporter who lives in a world of her own. But when her best friend is murdered Kit will stop at nothing to find out who did it. Only problem is the ones who did it are not out for Kit.

This is not my normal genre of reading but I did enjoy The Taken. There is a lot going on in this new world that Vicki has created. I found the world to be slightly confusing to keep up with all of it, but as I read on the world started to make since. I found that I liked Grif and Kit. I loved learning what a rockabilly lifestyle was (all new to me). Maybe because it was the first book but both Kit & Grif are a little stand offish. But even with that I am looking forward to book 2 The Lost and the continuation of Grif & Kit’s story.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly review Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

cop townTITLE: Cop Town
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Karin Slaughter
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Karin Slaughter, author of the New York Times bestselling Will Trent novels, is widely acclaimed as “one of the best crime novelists in America” (The Washington Post). Now she delivers her first stand-alone novel: an epic story of a city in the midst of seismic upheaval, a serial killer targeting cops, and a divided police force tasked with bringing a madman to justice.

Atlanta, 1974: As a brutal murder and a furious manhunt rock the city’s police department, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the job will also be her last. She’s determined to defy her privileged background by making her own way—wearing a badge and carrying a gun. But for a beautiful young woman, life will be anything but easy in the macho world of the Atlanta PD, where even the female cops have little mercy for rookies. It’s also the worst day possible to start given that a beloved cop has been gunned down, his brothers in blue are out for blood, and the city is on the edge of war.

Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who’s feeling the heat. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When she and Kate, her new partner, are pushed out of the citywide search for a cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach the boiling point. With a killer poised to strike again, they will pursue their own line of investigation, risking everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart.

Relentlessly paced, acutely observed, wickedly funny, and often heartbreaking, Cop Town is Karin Slaughter’s most powerful novel yet—a tour de force of storytelling from our foremost master of character, atmosphere, and suspense

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Is it wrong to want to start opening fire on a whole bunch of characters? Because that is exactly how I felt just a few chapters into Cop Town. I really struggled with the setting of this story (mid-70’s in the south) and the way the men believed that they could behave. I do realize that sadly in our very short history as a country this is how things were back then. But I can honestly say that I would not have been a good lady in the south in the 70’s. I would have gotten myself in a lot of trouble. But anyways back to the review.
But as I pressed on reading Cop Town it became clear that this was a book about more than just murder. It was about the characters finding out who they are, who they are to become and who they really don’t want to be. While the beginning was a little slow and hard to stomach. Karin did an amazing job wrapping up this story with a nice little bow. If you like mystery, suspense and not afraid of a bunch of sexist, racist royal pain in the ass characters you need to pick up a copy of Cop Town.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Bantam Dell, Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Power Play by Mallery Malone

power playTITLE: Power Play
SERIES #: Billionarie’s CLub N.O#2
CHARACTERS: Macy & Raphael
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/05/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Raphael Jerroult a.k.a. the Crescent City Casanova, has fought his whole life—both in and out of the boxing ring. Watching his father suffer for years after his mother’s death, he’s resolved to envelop himself in a shell made of money, MMA matches, and a different woman every day. But when an old flame, and the only woman he’s ever truly let in, comes back in his life, Raphael can’t stop being distracted by the red-headed beauty with the curves that go on for days…
Macy Lovelace has no desire to start things up again with Raphael. Memories of the sweetest torture she’s ever known can’t make her forget that he’s not cut out for long-term love. But Macy’s the only girl who Raphael ever let in, the only girl who really knows his sexy, dangerous side. And with the Crescent City Casanova, the only way to keep up, is to be tied down…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a very short (80 pages) story. It is the second in the series even though it can stand alone. I have not read the first in the series and was not lost at all. Because it is so short everything happens very fast usually that can drive me crazy but because this couple had a history it helped with the pace. It is well written and a fun story to have between novels.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly reviews Taking It All by Maya Banks

taking it allTITLE: Taking it All
SERIES #: Surrender Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Tate & Chessy
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Taking it All is the final book in Maya Bank’s Surrender Trilogy. Taking it All was an extremely emotional story to read. If you have not read the first two books there may be spoilers. So I would suggest reading Letting Go (bk1) & Giving In (bk2) first. **** We have know since book one that something is not right between Tate & Chessy. We just haven’t know all the details of what, why and who? But in Taking it All we finally find out the answers. And some of them are not pretty. In the prior books I felt so bad for Chessy and Tate. In the beginning I figured it would be a simple I am a dumbass please forgive me. Then the restaurant happened and I started not feeling so sorry for Tate. Then he explained. And just when I think things are going to be okay The House scene happens and let me tell you I lost any feelings I had for Tate right then and there. I am happy that Tate & Chessy were able to make amends. I am not sure I would be that strong or forgiving ****
All in all this was a great trilogy. One thing I love about trilogy’s is that you know that the story lines will be wrapped up in a nice bow in a short period. But I do hope that in the future Maya will revisit these couples and give us an update maybe in the form of a novella trilogy. 🙂

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Going Under by Jeffe Kennedy

going underTITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Falling Under #1
CHARACTERS: Emily & Fox
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Knowing all too well the damage online trolls can inflict, game designer Emily Bartwell takes privacy seriously. Living in solitude and working remotely under a male alias gives her a sense of security. The sexy writer renting the house next door ignites desires she’d forgotten she had, and when he invites her to play games of a very different sort, Em is ready and willing. Even if it means breaking all her own rules to abide by his.
Undercover tech reporter Fox Mullins is so close to the biggest scoop of his career: finding the elusive programmer Phoenix. An increasingly erotic adventure with his reserved but passionate new neighbor is the ideal way to heat up the chilly Pacific Northwest nights as he tracks the brilliant gamer.
At first Fox is happy to help Em explore her newly awakened kinky side, no holds barred, no strings attached. But as they push the limits of intimacy, both physical and emotional, Fox discovers he’s not the only one keeping secrets. And revealing hers may mean betraying the one woman who embodies everything he desires.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok here is the thing. I liked the story. The romance/sex of the story is right in line with Kennedys writing and oh so hot but I had a hard time with the whole gaming thing. Maybe I am just old. Did I just say that? But I can’t wrap my head around that world. Yes I know it is out there but it seems so immature for me. Maybe if I lived that life I could have enjoyed this book more.

Kennedy is oh so good at the writing of the BDSM world. She gives such a sense of power to the women who submit and that is extremely hot. I loved the romance/sex in this book very much. Fox and Em have such a great chemistry.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews The Fall Of Lady Grace by Julia London

fall of graceTITLE: The Fall of Lady Grace
SERIES #: Cabot Sisters #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A plan born of desperation…
Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace’s wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.
…and altered by passion.
Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Jeffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace’s temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can’t resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Geoffrey might just see it as a new beginning.

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this story. The story is interesting but I never really felt a connection between the characters. Jeffrey has a form of OCD and while understandable it just gets irritating. And he has these issues with what he feels sexually and I know this is set in historical times but he is only into light BDSM, not torture. I never warmed up to Grace either. I liked her in the first in the series but not much in this one.

That being said the main story is good. The writing is different in the way that Julia London writes but done well.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews Mastering The Marquess by Lavania Kent

mastering the marguessTITLE: Mastering The Marquess
SERIES #: Bound and Determined #1
CHARACTERS: Louisa & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Lavania Kent
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One night of fierce passion and unbound pleasure leaves two strangers craving much more in Lavinia Kent’s sumptuous novel of sensual discovery.
The time has come for the widow Louisa, Lady Brookingston, to move on, but she refuses to remarry at the cost of shaming her late husband’s memory. Their six years together were wedded bliss—even if a war injury prevented him from fulfilling his marital duties. Only one woman can help Louisa: Madame Rouge, the discreet proprietress of a club where London’s elite explore their wildest fantasies.
Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanston, has no intention of agreeing to deflower an anonymous virgin. But when Madame Rouge tempts him with the absolute power he’ll have over a woman who knows nothing of carnal delights, he’s intrigued. Control is the one thing he cannot resist—and control is what he loses during his night with the blindfolded beauty. He longs to take her further, to leave his mark upon her perfect behind, but the mystery woman refuses to see him again. Instead Geoffrey reluctantly agrees to take a wife, the widow of his dear friend, Lord Brookingston—fating them both to a wicked surprise.
Mastering the Marquess is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
Ok so I had a really hard time with this book. Not because it wasn’t interesting because the main part of the story was and even the first section of their meeting and the sexual part of the story was interesting. The problem is first how can two people who had sex with only a blindfold between them not know that the person they run into at a party is the same person? I mean is she the female version of Superman. Put on glasses/blindfold and they are a completely different person? I mean her hair is very distinct and what about the voice? It honestly bugged me too much to enjoy the story.

But the thing is I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed their connection. I enjoyed the writing of the story just not the storyline per se. Maybe someone else can get passed the ridiculousness of the unknowing but I couldn’t. Will I read the next in the series? Sure because I liked the idea and the writing but I really hope the next couple is not as naive as these two are.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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