Afterwords

CHARADE was a really good read and I enjoyed it! It had a really good plot, nice characters, some hot damn chemistry, great writing, and it gives hope for the future, something I personally adore.

I find it hard, close to impossible, to write a review for this book. I simply don't have much to say about it. We didn't click, in a way that I don't even know to explain much why. I didn't hate it - I didn't love it. It was okay. It's more of an issue of... not having an opinion, really. 

At first, it was really hard for me to get into the book. Later on it got better, I got more interested, but I never really felt much toward it. 

I thought the main characters, Sophie and Patrick, were fine. I didn't overly like them, I didn't overly hate them. I didn't connect to them, on any form of level. 

Their romance was okay, though again - I found myself more inclined toward indifference when it came to this book. 

I also didn't quite understand all that they did to make Sophie countess... I felt like this should've been explained better, or I don't know what. I mean, I get part of it, but I was never really convinced with the explanation. It just felt... lacking, to me.

And I was not convinced by the villain. He was...

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Before I start this review I'd like to ask you to go to my Goodreads review of this book to see the state of mind I was in when I finished this book. That is to say I was losing my mind. I went into a full pledged panic-attack-freak-out. I don't even know how capable I am of writing a proper review for this book, but I'll try. Wish me luck.

As I'm still kind of... off... about this book, I'm going to divide this review to sections to better focus myself :]

Is gorgeous!!! LOL, had to get that out of the way. I simply adore the cover. It's the main reason I decided to start reading the book now (shallow as that may be). Aside for the cover being beautifully done, there is the kiss itself. There is something so sweet and cute and loving about this kiss, which fits Callie and Kayden perfectly in my mind ♥

"Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence, but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved." 

--First paragraph of The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

The plot is not easy to stomach. It deals with the uglier parts in life, with abuse and the worst kind of human nature. It's the kind of plot that makes you sick. The kind of plot where the heroine and hero did not win, were not saved, but lost and got lost in the clatter. In life. It's the kind of plot where they try to mend the breaks, to put the pieces back together. Where two broken people make one whole together. 
It's the kind of plot that gives you hope people can overcome such horrible things... at least, until the end of the book. 
It's the kind of plot I, for one, can't afford myself to be 100 percent connected to--I have to keep myself detached--or threaten my mental health. It's easier to read this book, to remember it is a book and no one actually hurt them like that, when you're detached. 
Half way through, though, I couldn't maintain the... wanted... distance from those characters, hence the small meltdown when I read the ending. 

I wasn't even 10% into the book when I decided I really, really wanted to give both Callie and Kayden a hug. There is just something so...

If may not have reviewed the other three books in the series, but I'm telling you now that if you haven't read them yet - you damn well should, especially if you're a fan of time travel. They've been truly enjoyable and each of them received 4 stars from me. 

We first met Simon in the first three books of the series, when he was only a teenager.Well, he's not a kid anymore--ask Helen, she'll tell you. I've been really looking forward to Simon's story (And Cian, and Amber's and now for the story of all the MacCoinnich kids, which I sincerely hope will happen!) and it didn't disappoint.

I warn you - this is not going to be a well written, deep and through review. I'm not sure if I can even call it a review. Mostly because I find I don't know exactly what to say about this book. It's a good read and I enjoyed it and recommend it and the entire series as a whole, but I don't have a lot to say about it still.   

Simon has become a highlander to the bone; kilt, muscles and protectiveness honed to perfection. It was really weird trying to compare the kid he was and the man he is now, but it was fun. 

Helen fits Simon. As always, the females in this series are headstrong, smart and brave, and Helen is no exception.

Together, they made a really cute couple, and I loved the ending for them both. I'm so happy for them <3 Their romance was well build and I found it easy to believe it. 

For the first time...

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I've long known that Maya Banks is a master of writing, so it came to me as no surprise that this book was absolutely fantastic! I could feel every character, the plot was engaging and interesting, the writing outstanding--as always--and I was left with the widest grin on my face at the end - despite the fact I nearly cried on more than one occasion in this book.

I've always rather liked the whole theme of love-after-marriage. There is something rather compelling about a couple of people brought together by... well, for lack of better terms; fate and destiny. It's like God himself intervened and made sure these two people got together - whether they want to at first or not. 
And Never Seduce a Scot has exactly this theme and a couple perfect for each other.

Eveline is the heroine of the story, and she's one unique character. First of all - she's extremely adorable. Every time she smiled cutely and then patted Graeme's cheek I grinned like mad (Still am!). Then there is the fact that she's... well, deaf. As in - she can't hear. It was so unique and amazing to read about such a person, more so because Eveline's condition is based on Banks's husband's hearing condition. 
Aside for that, Eveline is just the sweetest, kindest soul out there, but she wasn't weak or meek. She knew what she wanted and she went for it with all her strength. 

Graeme... Well, yum. Do tell me where I can find highlanders like this. He's this...

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Well, it's official - the Mackenzies are damn delicious! I sooo want me one. This book was so good! I can't think of one complaint, and for me--as a critical reader--that's an odd feeling. 
Cam and Ainsley's story was as amazing as the first books in the series, and I loved every second of it. 

This book had wonderful characters.

The heroine, Ainsley, is a compassionate and strong woman who's been through quite a bit in her life. She is perceptive and opinionated and never shies or hides her feelings for Cameron in front of him, or to herself. She is loyal and wins over everyone who comes her way.

Cameron is a sexy (not surprising, he is a Mackenzie...), kind person wrapped in a harsh exterior and a mask of indifference. He's a wonderfully scarred man, both inside and outside (and girls - we all know how much we love emotionally scarred men), and there is something so endearing in seeing (I mean reading) about a man so big and strong feel fear like that. The deal with his wife is revolting. It's amazing a cute person such as Daniel can come from the woman. Speaking of which... 

Daniel is Cameron's son and I enjoyed seeing this child grow.  He's definitely turning into a Mackenzie hunk, and he might be one of the smartest Mackenzie's out there! He's got wisdom beyond his years, and...

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I found Angel Baby through a friend's blog, My Life Through a Book, and I am exceedingly happy to have decided to pick it up. So, thank you Elle for letting me know about this adorable, sweet and loving story!

This story has everything you can ask for; great leading characters, a romance to melt your heart with, a steady pace and the most adorable baby out there.

Claudia is an inspiring leading female. She's lost her husband and had to go through her pregnancy all on her own, yet she still holds strong. She puts her baby, Sarah, ahead of everything but never once complains about it. She's capable of great love and kindness, and she's proud, but not to the point that she refuses to listen to others because of it.
She was very sweet and I loved her!

Sarah is Claudia's infant daughter, and one heck of an adorable baby!! *Squeak* she is too cute for words! The characters tend to call her "Angel Baby" because of her angelic face, but beware this little kid once she gets moving. She's fast as lightning and likes stairs too much for her own good :P

Chase is yummy. Sorry...

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At first, I really didn't know what to make of this book. I disliked the way it started, and felt rather confused by a lot of things. But at the end, I ended up enjoying it and even looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which I assume will be of Abby and Seth's friends (as already you can detect two upcoming couples).

As I stated above, I didn't like the beginning much. It felt rather stuck and awkward there. Maybe we should've started with Abby, or made the entire thing more interesting and exciting, as we did talk about hunting Shem. But something in it was just missing. The farther I went in the story, though, the better it got.

Abby is the main female character. I liked her enough, even though she cried and shattered a lot, because of the past she overcame. She may not have contributed much to the situation--sometimes making it worse by making a move only an extra on a horror movie set would make--but all things considered she took things better than imagined. The way she reacted to Seth's secret proved she is not a weak kind of person, even if sometimes she seemed that way. 

Seth is the main male character. He has this cavemen vibe going on with his protectiveness  but as Abby was threatened I think that was understandable. Aside for that he was sweet, kind, sexy and... well, angelic. Pun intended. 

I thought the romance of the story was well done. I had some issues with it, such as ....

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Beautiful Creatures has been on my to-read list for... well, basically forever. But for some reason, one that I can't explain, I never read it. But with the hype over the upcoming movie, I decided it was high time to read it.

It was a good book, one I can certainly see where all the love to comes from. The only reason I'm not giving it higher stars is because it took me about ten days to read it. I usually read books super fast, to the point my friends think I'm some kind of a machine, so when it takes me over a week to read a book...
The book was interesting, but once I put it down I wasn't tempted or compelled to open it up again straight away. In fact, one time I actually put it down on my table and picked it up three days later. 

The book was well written, interesting and had good characters.

Ethan is the main male character, and he's the one who tells the story. It was really interesting to read a story from a male POV (especially as the authors are females) and he was a very good main character, because he was very human and easy to relate to. He's kind, loving, and stubborn, and I really liked him. 

Lena is the main female character, a Natural Caster (controls the elements) and a girl who is....

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Starkissed is a fun, light, quick read. Great for when you just want something light to pass time with, something to warm your heart and make you smile.
I'm actually the most stupid person ever. I received this book months ago, back when I wasn't a blogger. The author opened a discussion on GR giving away copies, and I requested one; got it; saved it; forgot all about it.
I know - I'm horrible. I honestly think I should be hang for it, but at least I got to it in the end.  

I liked this book a lot, as stated above. In fact, I finished it in one sitting. It was very easy to get lost in the pages of this book, and I looked forward to finding out how things would get resolved. 

I liked Sydney's character; how she was so "normal" but was never swayed by apparent popularity and people disguising themselves as her friends only when it suited them. She was also rather unusual by her response both to being kissed by Grant and the spectacle it led to.Not a fame seeker, nor a girl who wealth and power appeals to, she likes her quiet and ordinary life. 
I also liked how she was the average sister among five exceptional ones, a thing that promised she'll somehow turnout to be the most extraordinary of them all. 

Sydney's five sisters first looked very bad...

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'm a fan of historical romances, and I think Compromising the Marquess might be one of my favorites so far - so you should definitely check it out!
My affection for the book mostly has to do mostly with the characters and the romance of the story.

First we have Leah who is a girl from low statues; curious, loving, caring, intelligent-- With her parents gone, she has no choice but to sell secrets to keep her and her sick sister afloat; even if she rather likes the people she's gossiping about. 
Two things set her apart from the common heroine;
One - she was not beautiful. Not ugly by any means, but Leah Elliot is not a beauty to be reckon with. She's just a person, who's personality sets her apart from everyone else; she listens to no one, has opinions of her own (and she's not afraid to tell them), she is courageous andunashamed--everything a "lady" isn't. 
Then there was the fact she had prior knowledge of the sexual process through her readings, which really set her apart from the normal virgin heroine.
And I really loved her for all those.

Second there is Hal, who is a swoon worthy guy. Aside for being totally...

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I know many people will hate me for this (please don't kill me), but I absolutely hatedthis book. You may notice I don't hand one-stars easily; in fact, I hate giving books that rating. There are barely any books I disliked enough to do this to them. This is one of them. 

The summary for this book was so promising, I was sure I'd like this book. 
But it all went downhill from about the moment I read the characters' names. I know it sounds silly, but names like Pagan, Leif and Dank kind of put me off. I could've ignored it, had the rest of the story been good. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel like good characters make good stories. Not always, of course, but often enough.

Pagan, was not a good character in my book. I truly and honestly couldn't figure out what either guy saw in her. Not to mention I found her soul far from "beautiful".
She was okay at first, but from there she turned to horrible very quickly.
Prepare yourself for a rant.
First - Pagan uses Leif. She claims to have fallen madly in-love with Dank, yet kisses and messes with Leif just cause he's "real". I hated this about her. Not to mention it made her a stinking cheater. 
Then, there was her...

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BAD GIRLS DON'T DIE was a great read I couldn't put down. It was well written, gripping, and you just had to know what would happen next. I was a little reluctant about picking it up as it counts as Horror, but the amazing trailer and the beautiful book cover convinced me to give it a shot. And, anyway, I've been opening myself up for new genres lately - so I thought this might be a good place as any to start.

Edward's back , Bella is no longer pathetic (though as depended on others as ever), and all is well with the world again! Well, except...
We still have that annoying love triangle *deep sigh*

Eclipse was a lot better than New Moon plot-wise, but I wish the whole Bella x Edward x Jacob didn't exist. 

I might not have mentioned it in my previous reviews of the series, but I hate love triangles. I believe one can be attracted to two people in the same time, crush on two people on the same time and definitely lust after two people in the same time. Love, though? I don't believe that. 
Some books handle the love triangle well - that is to say they manage to write it in a way I don't mind it. Unfortunately, Eclipse is not one of these cases.

Considering the Twilight Saga deals with the supposedly ultimate love between Edward and Bella, it's even more aggravating that Meyer chose to push this series into a love triangle. How can you expect us to believe, as we did in Twilight, that these two truly have the purest and deepest love, if Bella herself doesn't seem so sure of that? In fact, she's so unsure she falls for another guy! I didn't stomach this well, to say the least.  

This book yet again lowered my impression of Bells. For someone who basically gave up living the moment Edward was out of her life, she is very... 

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J.D Robb's In Death series is quickly making its way up my favorite series list. If anything, it keeps getting better with each book!

This is really going to be just a quick, short review, cause I don't have much to say I haven't informer reviews of the series: It still has the same wonderful characters, still has wonderful plots, still has the same wonderful writing.

RAPTURE IN DEATH begins in Eve and Roarke's honeymoon. 
If you haven't read the other books and don't know who those are, Eve is a homicide detective in a futuristic world. She's tough, intelligent, intuitive and cares a lot for the victims she investigates--even when no one else does.

Roarke is the guy who owns half of that futuristic world (and who wasn't always on the right side of the law), a person whose name probably represents un-measurable wealth and influence in the dictionary, and the guy who managed to catch the tough detective.
Both of those people have had a hard past, but both managed to make something of themselves despite of it.

The two of them together make one of the better couples I've ever read about; they complete each other in a way that's absolutely amazing to read about. I can't imagine Eve or Roarke without one another. 

So...

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I'm a re-reader. When I give a book 5 stars, it means re-reading it is not an option - it's a demand. Because it's that good. This little feature is for whenever I re-read, to let you guys know if I still felt the book was as good as I thought before!

The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie is one of the best historical romances I've ever read. It's got real characters, woven together by beautifully threaded words into a plot that captures you attention, your heart and your soul.
If you haven't read this one yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. I reckon you won't be disappointed. 

The Story starts with Lord Ian MacKenzie buying a Ming Bowl. I know, I know--say what?! but the odd beginning gives as a valuable insight into Ian's character, and outlines it straight away. It also introduces Beth and how they're going to meet. I found the start quite charming and I fell for the dear lord almost immediately. There's just something about him.

The plot itself revolves around Ian and Beth's relationship, of course, but it also combines a murder mystery inside!

Ian MacKenzie, the main male character of this book, is a person with a form of autism previously mentioned by the author to be Asperger's. But living in an era no one knows about the existence of such illness, he's viewed as a mad men. He, himself, believes that he's mad. 
Ian can't look you straight in the eye. He doesn't understand jokes. He can't lie. He'sblunt and honest and doesn't understand subtlety. Sometimes, he's prone to ever-consuming rages that he fears will make him hurt his loved ones. 
In other words; he's completely swoon worthy.
I know, I know; what? But...

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