Review: Defy

Saturday 27 February 2016 No comments
Defy Defy by L.J. Shen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I really wanted to love this story of forbidden romance but it just jumped around a little too much for me to enjoy. I get that it's a short, prequel novella but I was getting whiplash with all the emotional changes of direction between Jaime and Mel. That said, I loved their connection and the whole teacher/student romance, something that I'm not normally a fan of!

Whilst it's a short story, it certainly packs a punch and offers readers plenty of sexy times to savour.

Whilst it sets the scene for Vicious, I wouldn't say that it is an essential read before starting Vicious, it just adds a little background to one of the four hotholes.



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Review: Vicious

Vicious Vicious by L.J. Shen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another memorable story from LJ Shen.

The book title may not have sold the story to me but the character behind the name definitely did. Baron Spencer aka Vicious is a mean and cruel boy/man in this story but all with good reason. Coming from a wealthy family he has it all, or does he? His father doesn’t pay him any attention but his stepmother and her brother more than make up for his father’s lack of interest, just not in an appropriate way. Vicious is abused, horrifically, during his childhood years and it’s not until he grows stronger that he’s able to fight off his abusers.

There is only one person in Vicious’s world which makes his life worth living and that’s the daughter of his housekeepers, Emilia LeBlanc. Millie is subjected to taunts all courtesy of Vicious but still she is drawn to him. Her problems escalate though when she starts dating one of the Four HotHoles, aka Vicious’ friends. Dean is sweet and kind to Millie, despite her poor upbringing but their relationship makes Vicious turn even nastier than Millie thought possible. Dean also feels Vicious’s displeasure but continues to date Millie. There is only one option open to Vicious and that’s to take things into his own hands in order to tear Millie and Dean apart.

Vicious and Millie’s story then jumps ahead to when they are both working in New York. Millie is still struggling to make ends meet, whilst still supporting her ill sister, and when she sees Vicious at a table in the bar where she works she hopes that he doesn’t recognise her, but he does. Having lost too much time where Millie is concerned, Vicious makes her an offer that she can’t refuse and Millie sets about working for Vicious, albeit briefly!

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. Vicious comes off initially as unnecessarily unpleasant but when we come to realise the reasons why, you can’t help but feel a pull on your heartstrings. Millie is the perfect person to turn Vicious’ emotions around and whilst she is the only person able to push his buttons and to live to tell the tale, she is also the person who suffers most around him. Millie has loved Vicious for years but seeing his cruel and callous ways has made her keep her distance. That said, when she’s backed up against a door, there is only one person she wants pressed up against her!

This was another amazing story by LJ Shen. Her stories pack depth and emotion but are also all very different and extremely rewarding as a result. I can’t wait to read more from her and especially from this series.



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4 Star Review: 9 Letters by Blake Austin

Friday 19 February 2016 No comments
9 Letters9 Letters by Blake Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Don't you just love the magic of books especially when you find a story that makes you cry and smile at the same time. What I'd like to know though is where the hell did this story come from? It was painfully emotional but beautifully told. Blake Austin, you owe me tissues, lots of tissues!

After reading the synopsis, I was 100% drawn to it. The premise was familiar but the story was refreshing. I'm not a lover those “ugly cry” books so this was as close as I am even willing to head into those waters but despite the emotion, the book was also shored up with wonderful message of hope.

5 Star Review: Cruel Water (Portland ME, #2) by Freya Barker

Thursday 11 February 2016 No comments
Cruel Water (Portland ME, #2)Cruel Water by Freya Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a breathtaking story of a damaged heroine supported by an strong man who is still recovering from his own emotional wounds. It takes you on journey towards happiness, forgiveness and above all a hope for a future lived free of a painful past.

I really enjoyed Freya’s writing style and storytelling in From Dust and couldn’t wait to read Cruel Waters. Set around The Skipper once again but this time telling Viv’s story and her “silver-eyed” stranger.

Review: The Offer

Tuesday 9 February 2016 No comments
The Offer The Offer by Karina Halle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There was something about Bram that I new I'd love and I wasn't disappointed. His personality was sweet, despite his past, and the relationship he developed with Nicola and Ava was perfect.

This book did have some hurdles for the couple to overcome, one of which affected poor Ava, but the story wasn't too challenging and it was easy to read and relatively enjoyable, so much so it made me put other books I'd started aside.

I've kind of become quite addicted to this group of friends/family so much so that I can't wait to read on in this collection of stand-alone stories.

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