Book Review: The Best Laid Plans of Boys and Men by Anne Conley

Title: The Best Laid Plans of Boys and Men
Author: Anne Conley
Published: Janurary 3, 2015
Publisher: Self.
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book to review by My Family’s Heart. All opinions are my own.

Rating:

Synopsis:
The Best Laid Plans of Boys and Men tells the story of the whirlwind May/December romance between Taylor and Alexander. While Taylor is completely caught off guard by Alexander’s maturity and the difference between him and every other boy she’s dated, Alexander’s busy trying to figure out how to tell her he’s the lawyer suing her pants off.

This is a standalone story of approximately 30 thousand words, not part of any of Anne Conley’s series.

I LOVED this book. The characters were absolutely amazing and well rounded, and so believable which is something that really makes or breaks a book for me. Alexander is an interesting hero choice and I love his interactions with Taylor. Their chemistry from the first page was apparent and it only continued to escalate as the pages went by. Their story was intriguing and intense, and really kept me hooked until the last page.

The main story line really raised some great questions when it comes to relationships, and the importance of honesty from the start. This is a great intense read, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer, but as with other great books it’s just because I was so into the story. I’ll come back to this story and re-read it, it’s that good. The emotions, characters and plot are believable. It’s a wonderful story and I want everyone to read it. This is my first story by Ms. Conley, and it won’t be the last.

Overall:

4Nov2014

Book Review: The Wolf by K.R. Thompson.

Posted in Book Tour, Rating: Four Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: The Wolf
Author: K. R. Thompson
Published: July 24th 2014
Publisher: –
Disclosure: I was sent this for review.

Rating:

Synopsis:
Before the legend of the Keepers, came the story of the Wolf.

Once upon a time, there lived a man whose fate would rest with two sisters. One will hold his heart. With her, he will find a love that will last forever, though it will come with a price.

From the other sister, he will learn fortitude as he discovers that she holds the power to destroy all he holds dear. For as easily as one sister captures his heart, the other will trap his soul.

Captivating and enticing from the first word, I was instantly hooked, and swept away in this story. There is a beautiful and authentic narration within this short and I really loved how it kept true to the Native American voice. The characters were well developed, their love and attraction real. I really fell for their love story, and the pain was so real when they were ripped apart. The Wolf is a prequel to Ms. Thompson’s upcoming Keepers series, and I have to say I’m really intrigued. Being a prequel it is a short read, but there’s romance, mystery, revenge, and one of my all time favorite things, shifters. Each page is worth it, and it doesn’t drag or linger too long on one thing. The history of the shifters is presented here, and it’s so neat to to see the world building so carefully tended.

Overall: A brilliant introduction to what will be an amazing series. Chock full of history and captivating details. It read more like an old folk story told around a campfire.

11Jul2014

Book Review: Breaking Free by Brandy L. Rivers.

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Urban Fantasy, Rating: Five Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Breaking Free
Author: Brandy L. Rivers.
Published: June 10, 2014
Publisher: Goodreads.

Rating:

Synopsis:
They say that dreams can come true, but as a Dreamwalker, Devlin had yet to experience anything but nightmares. Then again, the druid had been held by sadistic vampires and dark mages for twenty years, forced to do their bidding. Newly escaped, he stumbles upon a dreamrealm where he can’t resist a little werewolf.

Jamie just wants someone to call her own. She feels like she’s been waiting for an awfully long time, when a man who teases her memory begins to visit her while she’s dreaming. From the moment she feels his turmoil, she’s drawn in, wanting nothing more than to heal his broken soul.

Before Devlin can decide what to do, he has to make a trip to Edenton. His first goal is to make sure someone who can’t remember him is safe and happy. The little werewolf of his dreams happens to live there, and she’s even more irresistible in real life.

When you’ve been taught all your life to run, what will make you change? Can Jamie convince her mate to stay and fight? Will he risk everything to have what he needs? Or run to save them all?

I could not put this book down. I devoured it in a matter of an hour and a little bit, and it blew my mind. Devlin is by far one of my favorite male leads of anything I’ve read this year. He’s strong, smart, sensitive and tough. He’s been held prisoner for years, but some seriously nasty villains, and despite torture and terrible things happening to him, he remains true to himself–a healer not a fighter. Which just makes me so happy.

Jamie is another great character, she grew on me pretty steadily throughout the novel. I really love their chemistry together, and the fact that the female character was the stronger in the relationship. Devlin is not an alpha male–but it works so well with Jamie who pulls him out of everything and works to make their world better. This is the fourth book in a series, but it didn’t feel like I was coming into the story mid-way. Characters from previous books show up and are mentioned but there’s enough context to determine who is who without giving away their stories.

Overall: I loved this. I’ve already purchased the other books in this series.

I was given a copy of this book for honest review.

13Jun2014

Book Review: Beasthood by A.Z. Green

Posted in Book Tour, Rating: Four Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Beasthood
Author: A.Z. Green
Published: February 17, 2014
Publisher: Self

Rating:

Synopsis:
What would you do if you discovered you weren’t human? That you turned into a bloodthirsty monster against your will?
What if your instincts, emotions and desires were torn between your own and the dark, dangerous animal lurking inside of you?
If it could make you yearn for someone you shouldn’t, make you say and act in ways you wouldn’t and overwhelm your whole existence?
If everything you’d ever known about your life was a lie?

In a world where a deeply hidden community is swathed in mystery, deadly secrets, betrayal and murder, Jaz Barker struggles to fight against the dangerous Beast within her and the emotions and desires it thrusts her way.

When tensions ride high and people she cares about are put in danger, she will have to decide how much of her newly awakened animal-side she’s willing to let in.

And if it is worth the risk…

Beasthood is a wonderful urban fantasy book with some great horror/mystery elements to it as well. This is a quick read full of twists and turns and no one is who they say they are. The prologue sets up a great driving plot and also introduces the bit of intrigue and mystery into the story. Jaz is a great character. I like that she’s well developed, has a backbone and frankly doesn’t take too much crap from anyone. What really fuels my slight obsession with this book is the werewolf culture. These shifters are different from others that I’ve read, and I really appreciate that. I like their society and reading about their laws and the way that they act with each other.

There’s a lot going on, but the story doesn’t seem rushed at all. It’s beautifully thought out, paced well and there’s always just enough hinted at to keep me engaged and wanting to read. I didn’t want this book to end, and I’m sorry to say that the second hasn’t been released. I love the scenes between Jaz and Nic and I want more. This is a great fast paced story. It kept me guessing to the end and wanting to keep reading long after it was over.

Overall: I’d love to read more of this world.

I was given a copy of this book for review by My Family’s Heart Book Reviews and Tours. I am not being compensated or influenced in any way.

8May2014

Book Review: Night’s Embrace by Brandy L. Rivers

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Urban Fantasy, Rating: Four Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Night’s Embrace
Author: Brandy L. Rivers.
Published: April 2, 2014
Publisher: self

Rating:
Synopsis:
It all started with a song.

Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her whole world.

Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce her to his world.

There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they’ve taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe.

Roxy learns that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined, and that not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless.

Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?

I LOVE this book. This is my first time reading anything by Brandy Rivers, and I’m kicking myself for not getting into her books sooner. She’s got an impressive way with words, and her characters are to die for. Trevor is a great male lead, alpha male, without being over the top, and Roxy is a wonderful female lead. I like that she’s strong and can speak her own mind, but at the same time has issues and things that she needs to keep close to herself. Their chemistry together is off the charts. There’s insta-lust, but being that there are shifters/mates involved I’m not too upset by that.

This is a spin off of another series by the same author, but it doesn’t feel like you’re walking into the middle of a story already in progress. A few characters from her main series do cross over, and it just makes me want to read the other books even more. The story itself was great. There was tons of action, a bit of mystery and all around great writing. I loved Roxy and Trevor and how their relationship grew. I seriously cannot get enough of this book. I’m tracking down the other stories written by Brandy and I’ll be sharing them with you guys.

Overall: It’s a fast paced, sweet urban fantasy featuring shifters. Amazing characters and scorching scenes and chemistry between the two leads, plus it’s set in one of my favorite cities. I could feel the Seattle vibe and it made me want to go up and get lost in the city for a day (though at this point, it’s hard for me to get lost in the city). Great story and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this for review.

10Apr2014

Book Review: Lady’s Destiny by A.R. Von

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Fantasy, Genre: Romance, Rating: Four Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Lady’s Destiny
Author: A.R. Von
Published: February 1st, 2014
Publisher: self

Rating:

The Summary:
When dreams haunt you in the most delicious ways and fate pulls you into destiny’s path, what can be done other than to accept and submit to it.

Can Iria truly get what she’s always dreamed of or will it always just remain a memory? Being a rare creature such as her with exceptional beauty and rarity of existence should be enough. Though, all she wants is her desire, her destiny… To be with a man—one man.

Are these dreams she’s having real? Could she really take on human form and become a Lady to be with the man she craves?

Dezso discovers a magical creature—a being of incredible light and peace. He is drawn to it again and again, and his feelings grow with every encounter. He carries a dark secret that he wishes never existed. The only thing that truly brings light upon his existence is the beauty that warms his heart but seems to only exist in his head—with dreams and visions of a magical woman, full of heartwarming light.

Will he ever know true love and happiness? Will he ever be able to lighten the weight and share his dark secret with another…?

Darkness is growing stronger, weakening the light and killing off what makes the world a beautiful place to live in. Enter a world of fantasy and dreams, passions and temptations. A world where dragons, unicorns, magic and mermaids really do exist. A world where love WILL conquer all!

I feel almost guilty getting the chance to review this. It’s a beautiful fantasy world full of mythical creatures and magic. Most importantly, Lady’s Destiny is a sweeping love story that toys with the emotions and heartstrings, and I for one got so caught up in it, I couldn’t put it down. A unicorn longs to be human so she can be with the man who is haunting her dreams. Her wishing and wanting for the man she feels such a strong connection to is nearly tangible. I felt for Iria the entire time. Like all good love stories, her wish is granted, and she finds her way to the arms of the man she so desperately wanted to be with–Dezso.

Dezso is a smoldering hero. Dark and delicious with secrets of his own he scorches the pages he’s on. His chemistry with Iria is amazing. I love the two of them together, and I really care for them. A.R. has a wonderful way of storytelling and making her characters believable and real. I won’t give anything away, but the two not only have to fight for their lives, but their love. There’s plenty of action (both kinds), and it’s all done so tastefully and wonderfully. There’s themes of good vs. evil and the hope that love conquers all things and there’s a happily ever after–again, I’m not giving any spoilers. You’ll have to read and see.

The dual narrator/split narrator works really well for this introduction to their world. Dezso and Iria have independent voices and they carry their story well. If you’ve read A.R.’s Wunder series (And if you haven’t go, read it) the overall story telling tone might be a little different at first. This is a fantasy world, a high fantasy world, and that’s also reflected in the dialogue and the way the characters communicate. The antagonist, Than, is a nasty nasty piece of work, and provides good contrast between the other main characters.

Overall because Unicorns. No really, it’s a great fantasy read, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of this world.

I was gifted a copy of this book for review. This does not influence my opinions.

3Apr2014

Book Review: At Their Service by Isla Munro

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Erotica, Genre: Fantasy, Rating: Five Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: At Their Service
Author: Isla Munro
Published: March 7th 2014
Publisher: Etopia Press

Rating:

Synopsis:
Forced to be a maid to her family, nursemaid to her birth-mother, and slave to her step-mother, the only high point in Drella’s life is a new job at the palace. She will get to meet the handsome Prince Abran. However, Drella is not expecting to be attracted to both the prince and his valet. The equally handsome Oshan invites Drella to enjoy a night of passion with both men…all three of them together. Can Drella put the messy relationship between her own four parents aside and accept the love offered by a prince and his valet?

Prince Abran is heir to the throne of Erotania. He loves his country and he loves his valet, Oshan. But his passionate relationship with the manservant cannot produce his own heir. In a culture where family groups consist of up to four bi-sexual adults and their offspring, it’s not much of a leap to bring a woman into their bed chamber. But what woman will be acceptable to his mother, attracted to both men, and willing to put up with his arrogance?

Oshan loves his master and knows he needs an heir. When Drella starts work in the palace, he can tell that Abran is attracted to the pretty maid. But Drella has her own challenges to face. Can Oshan and the man he loves discover Drella’s demons and help her fight them and can a prince, a valet and a maid defy the impossible and find their very own happily ever after?

This story is scorchingly hot, well told, and an all around amazing read. At it’s bare bones it’s a Cinderella retelling. BUT it’s so much more than that. Ms. Munro builds an amazing world, full of fantasy and allure, creating an interesting family dynamic as well as world view. The fantasy world is breathtaking and I really fell so in love with the story. The characters are amazing, and I’m so in love with Oshan. (Sadly, he’s taken). Abran is arrogant, alpha-male and a bundle of yum as well.

The relationships are a pivotal role in this story. What I like about this, is that all the three main characters share the same amount of bedroom time. What I mean by that is no one is left out, no one is cast off when it comes to another person in the trio. They’re all equal, and powerful with each other and together. The sex scenes in this novel nearly melted my kindle. Drella is a component of the relationship between Oshan and Abran–she’s not thrown in there, simply because the Royal Family needs an heir. I really like that. I like that she’s welcome with them, and the way that their relationship evolves and changes. The people of Erotania’s views on sex are interesting, and I think it works well for this story, adding to the plot and the re-telling of a fairy tale, rather than a device for more sexy times.

I do feel that it wrapped up a little too nicely with a bow on top, but it’s nice to have a happily ever after, and this is a story that I’ll come back to and read again, and recommend to people. This is a story I hadn’t realized I had been looking for, but I’m really glad I found. The messages of equality and love between partners is amazing. It’s a great story, and I feel like I keep gushing about it, but I can’t not gush. Check this out if you’re looking for a great fantasy erotica piece that’s well worth it.

Overall: Steamy, swoony re-telling of Cinderella this melts right off of the kindle app, and leaves the reader wanting for more.

This book was provided by My Family’s Book Reviews & Tours solely for review purposes. I am not being compensated for my review.

24Mar2014

Book Review: Desire by B.L. Wilde.

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Erotica, Genre: Romance, Rating: Three Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Desire (The Seductors Series #1)
Author: B.L. Wilde.
Published: November 30, 2013

Rating:

The Summary:
Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.

With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

I’m torn with this book. It’s a great story with extremely strong, well voiced characters. But on the other hand it feels a little rushed and I’d really like to know more about Jade and the other Seductors. The author hints at relationships (both romantic in nature and platonic) between the various characters that work in this secret organization, but there’s not enough there to build a mental image of their relationships. I would have rated this higher if I could have gotten to know Jade and her backstory more.

However, I did enjoy this story. Jade is an amazing character–most of the time in this type of book the female character (main or supporting) is seen as a wilting flower, or damsel in distress just waiting for the hero to come in and sweep them off their feet. Jade has nothing of that, even while pretending to be something she’s not. Her interactions with Oliver were interesting, I liked how the ‘love/lust at first sight’ gave way to feelings, and compromised missions. [No further spoilers 😉 ] The character of Oliver was great too. An alpha male who went after someone that he wanted, but at the same time there’s tenderness and gentleness that I find isn’t in a lot of alpha-male characters. He and Jade are electric together and I found myself falling for them together.

The plot was decent, it worked with what the characters had set up, and worked well with the world. I enjoyed the ending. I won’t talk anymore about that, other than I really liked it and it left me wanting more. I want to know more about where the characters go from here.

Overall: few repetitive phrases, and a too mysterious heroine on the downside, but the story carries itself well and redeems itself slightly.

This book was provided by My Family’s Book Reviews & Tours solely for review purposes. I am not being compensated for my review.

4Mar2014

Book review: Dancing on Air by Nicole Hurley-Moore and Giveaway

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Historical Romance, Rating: Five Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Dancing on Air.
Author: Nicole Hurley-Moore.
Published: November 1, 2013
Publisher: Escape Publishing.

Rating:

The Summary:
Cinderella meets Swan Lake in this Victorian-era set story about a ballet dancer, an aristocrat, and their class-crossing romance…

Lisette yearns for freedom, security and love, but none are offered on the run-down stage of The Imperial Theatre. Instead she has hard work, a tyrannical aunt, and the hope of one day becoming a prima ballerina. Dancing on the stage she catches the attention of two powerful men: Lord Gainsworth and Lord De Vale.

Lord Evander Gainswith never expected to fall in love, let alone with a woman so wholly unacceptable to his family and his peers. The sinister Lord De Vale covets Lisette’s youth and strength, and is willing to pay well for it. Lisette may dance roles in fairy tales and fantasies, but the real world is about to intrude, bringing with it the harsh realities of life for a young girl with dreams of rising above the demimonde.

It took me about two chapters to fall in love with this story. It’s a sweeping love story, one of the first historical-romances that I’ve read, and it just took me away. Lisette is a strong character, who cares about the people around her, and falls head over heels in love with Lord Evander Gainswith. The two start a secret romance, meeting between performances and sneaking away in the middle of the night just to be with each other. It’s a very sweet romance, and their love is so real and true that I was rooting for them the entire time.

The romance while important to the story isn’t the driving force. Rather it’s the ballet, and Lisette’s growing fame within the troupe. She rises quickly through the ranks and becomes the prima ballerina after the head ballerina suffers a terrible accident. There are twists and turns to this story, mystery and intrigue that kept me guessing page after page. The villains in this story are wonderful. They are evil and non-repentant and I just love it.

Overall: if you’re looking for a sweet Victorian romance, look no further than Dancing on Air. It’s a beautiful love story with a great plot and great characters.

Connect with Nicole Hurley-Moore!

Amazon Author Page | Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$25 Amazon Gift Card

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This book was provided by My Family’s Book Reviews & Tours solely for review purposes. I am not being compensated for my review.

28Feb2014

Book Review: Going Nowhere Fast by K.D. Bloodworth and Giveaway!

Posted in Book Tour, Genre: Romance, Rating: Three Umbrellas, Review 2014 by Raindrops and Pages

Title: Going Nowhere Fast
Author: K.D. Bloodworth
Published: December 2nd 2013
Publisher: Planettopia Publishing LLC

Rating:

The Summary:
Leave your mundane cares behind, sit in your favorite chair and be prepared to travel the road of love, loss and no return. Travel down roads most women would never dare. Delve into the lost and found of life’s trials and tribulations by ‘Going Nowhere Fast’.

Going Nowhere Fast is a fast paced, fly by the seat of your pants kind of read. Dawn and Kelley are two pool playing, country hopping friends that live on the road and make no promises to settle anytime soon. Dawn is a character that is very passionate and daring. She gets into trouble, and manages to get herself out. She’s adventurous, progressive for the time period of the book (1960s and 70s) and is a free spirit. She finds love, lust and a whole heap of trouble within the pages of this book. It got off to a rocky start for me and I had a lot of trouble connecting to Dawn as a character but as the story went along I came to really like her narrative.

Overall: Not really my speed when it comes to books, I found it a little fast paced and difficult to connect with, but the book is nicely written and Dawn is a force to be reckoned with.

Connect with K.D. Bloodworth!