Review: The Gentleman Mentor, by Kendall Ryan

Part of a series? Yes.

Cliffhanger? No.

Category/Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Self-published

Pages: 364

Blurb:

She’s a client. That’s all.

Or it should be.

But with every lesson, she’s becoming more.

The secrets I’m hiding behind the image of the Gentleman Mentor make telling her the truth—and having anything real—impossible.

I’m training her for another man, and that fact guts me every time I think of it.

I know she’s not mine … but part of me won’t accept that.

Am I willing to risk it all to keep her?

He calls himself the Gentleman Mentor.

Just reading his ad makes me feel more alive than I have in years.

He promises to teach me the art of seduction … and show me the most sinfully erotic pleasures. He’s going to help me become the kind of confident, sexy woman men can’t ignore.

Six lessons … with the most gorgeous man … who happens to be a Dom.

The only problem … now that I’ve experienced his brand of delectable domination will anyone else ever compare?

THE GENTLEMAN MENTOR is a full-length standalone novel.

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

 

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REVIEW:

I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

This is the first book in the Lessons with the Dom series. This installment is a standalone novel, so don’t think you’d have to buy the next book to get a real end for Hale and Brielle.

This is not the first book written by Kendall Ryan I have read and I have been very much intrigued after reading this blurb. I’ve had a really good time with this book. I’m not disappointed at all!

The Gentleman Mentor is a quick read with a  writing that flows very well. And if you’re looking for some heat, don’t look anywhere else! Some scenes had me blushing a little. 😉

As you can see, I had a really good time reading this book, but I think some things could have made this book even better for me.

For example, I couldn’t miss the chemistry between Hale and Brielle, but I had a harder time seeing the transition from pure physical attraction to the beginning of deeper feelings. Either it’s too sudden for me or it’s more because the plot revolves around Hale mentoring Brielle sexually and considering it’s supposed to be only carnal, it took me a little while to really feel and/or believe that Hale and Brielle were falling for each other, and so soon. At first, it kind of fell in my lap and I had a WTF moment for a few seconds. But nothing that stopped me from reading the rest of the book!

Then, the characterization while real nice, I think the characters could have been even more fleshed out. I can’t really pinpoint a real flaw in these characters unless you count Hale’s “hangup” a flaw (which I don’t). I wouldn’t have minded to see more of who they are outside of the sex lessons and the sex scenes because even though they’re well-written, they kind of take a lot of room and don’t leave out any space for a lot of character development. That’s my two cents, of course.

But honestly, this book is a good one in the genre. I recommend it if you’re looking for something quick to read, something with nicely written and hot sex scenes.

What do you think of Hale?

RATING:

 to 4.5

Review: Lick, by Kylie Scott

Part of a series? Yes.

Cliffhanger? No.

Category/Genre: Adult/New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Pages: 232

Blurb:

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride.

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

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REVIEW:

I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

This is the first book in the Stage Dive series. If you’re into rockstar romance books, you must have heard about this one and I’m glad I finally gave it a chance. Took me a while, but when I saw this one on Netgalley I knew it was time!

I really enjoyed this book and yet I have a lot to say regarding the characterization, the depth and so on. But the good thing about this book is that it does what it’s supposed to do; it distracts.

I think that going in and waiting for a lot I would have been disappointed, but I was only looking for a good distraction, something that wouldn’t go too deeply into the emotions and something sexy.

Lick focuses on David and Evelyn, right after they got married in Las Vegas. The first chapter is quite fun to read. It’s a little bit cliché, has a vivid chick lit vibe to it and at first I wasn’t sure if that would be for me, but then it changed a bit and it became easier for me to empathize with Evelyn.  It is a fun introduction to this story and doesn’t waste any time.

After that, I think the author should have been more thorough in the characterization, both of Evelyn and David. Throughout the book I thought that while the characters were nice and seeing them getting closer was great, I didn’t fully know them. And I still don’t.

This is my opinion and this is because I tend to enjoy stories that are very centered on the characters and their characterization, but here I think the author could have given us more to work with regarding David. I like him, but I don’t really know him if you know what I mean. And reflecting on the time frame to which this story is based, I have a hard time buying his and Evelyn’s relationship. That could have been different if the characters were more vivid to me, more fleshed out.

The plot itself is nice, flows well and isn’t very different from most romance out there. I think the rock n’ roll life while hinted at and briefly showed could have been even more used to better emphasize how it’s foreign to Evelyn’s way of life. It could have been a nice touch. But I’m sure it’s more used in the next installments.

What else…

The secondary characters aren’t that interesting even though some things are hinted at regarding the other band members and that’s smartly done because it makes me want to read their story now. But I can’t say I truly felt the interest of Evelyn’s friends or her brother. Honestly, I couldn’t place them or see them in my head while reading. Again, I think it comes back to the characterization because they’re useful at one point or another.

Yet, I think the whole last part of the book once Evelyn is back in Portland is rather nice. It caught my attention again and kept me riveted until the end even though I think the resolution comes out of the blue and suddenly when things weren’t budging much before that. That surprised me and had me wondering if I hadn’t missed a chapter or something for a few pages. But that’s probably just me.

A few words regarding the heat level of this book?

Usually, when you read a rockstar romance book it’s bound to be sizzling hot. Here, while at least once scene seemed rather hot to me, the others aren’t really anything to talk about. They only bring to perspective how Evelyn and David are first trying to connect post-wedding. I expected another chemistry between these characters after reading so much about this book (and this series) but in the end, it’s more of a nice story than a hot and intense one.

But I repeat, I really had a good time reading this book. I can’t resist rockstar romance novels.

RATING:

3.5 to 

Review: Burdened, by Peiri Ann

Part of a series? Yes.

Cliffhanger? Some things are unresolved.

Category/genre: Mature Young-Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Self-published

Pages: 350

Blurb:

(Warning: Burdened contains mature content and strong language some may not find appropriate for readers under the age of 17.)

Eighteen-year-old Tracey Warren is a ‘run-of-the-mill’ high school student on the verge of graduation. She has her friends and her fun; she has life all figured out. Or she thought she did.

Her pedestrian reality crashes around her after an innocuous touch from a diabolically handsome stranger. Just one touch from Nathan Newcomb and her head and her world spins out of control. Soon she discovers that the only cure for the uneasy feelings and pain is Nathan himself. A man whose very existence balances between violent chaos and rigidly controlled dangers.

Nathan knows that the life of a woman mated to a burdened Sephlem is destined for peril beyond a human’s reckoning. But Tracey calls to his desire to experience love in spite of the hazards. And Nathan’s impossibly potent magnetism draws Tracey into a bonding that will put her in mortal danger again and again.

Once the pair becomes one, the threat escalates and nowhere is safe. There are enemies that lurk behind every corner. But the greatest danger may be in the bloodlines that course through Nathan’s veins.

Can a love for all time survive or will their burdened souls surrender and fade away?

ADD IT TO GOODREADS

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Review:

I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review. 

Burdened is the first book in the Burdened series.

What first attracted me, is the cover. Then, upon reading the blurb I knew I had to read this book. I don’t read many paranormal romance books anymore, but once in a while I am drawn. Unfortunately, I had a hard time finishing this book and almost gave up a few times.

The premise is good, the plot has a lot of potential, but the writing has me struggling. It’s my opinion so keep that in mind, but I think the writing is way too stiff. Dialogues and some descriptions seem rather forced, not natural. Sometimes, some characters sound out of character, most characters have the same kind of voice and there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of characters in this installment so it can be a bit confusing when all characters have the same kind of voice. But, maybe it’s just me.

Also, some transitions in this book have me wondering if I missed something. It threw me off a few times, going back a page or two to make sure that I didn’t miss a sentence to make the change, the transition smoother.

The same goes with the descriptions. They show a lot of the main character’s inner thoughts and I’m fine with it. Usually, I’m all for it, but I like it when the descriptions of the settings, other characters, of the character’s feelings are more developed, dig deeper and actually make me feel something. Here, I thought they needed more work to make it more thrilling and to finally keep me riveted.

A lot happens for Tracey and Nathan. A lot and that’s great. But I don’t think the characterization is as polished as I was expecting it and in turns it’s difficult for me to invest myself in the characters. I didn’t connect much with Tracey and Nathan, probably because I didn’t feel like I think I should have…

Regarding the plot, I think too much is happening in this first installment. When I think about it, three huge things happen. I can’t explain or go into details if I don’t want to spoil you, but I think the fact that three huge things happen in this first installment make it more difficult to delve deeper into the characterizations, into the world created. And it’s without saying that the sub-plots take a lot of place too.

Speaking of the sub-plots. I can’t stand Scott and Glen right now. I hope the next installments show them in a better light because right now I find them without much of any depth and not mature. But they’re secondary characters, so I’m sure the author shows them differently in the next installment.

What else…

The romance itself is fast to grow. I understand why (and I can’t tell you without giving something away), but once again, I can’t feel it. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t get into the story for a while because of the writing. I was focusing too much on the broken rhythm and the stiffness of some sentences and dialogues.

I really am sorry for this negative review because I must repeat it; there is a lot of potential. I think there is a lot yet to happen in the next few installments and I’m sure the author will go deeper into the characters’ psyche, but also with the plot itself. Hopefully, things don’t happen so fast and we have more time to stress, to get nervous, to wonder. I need more time to feel.

RATING:

 to 2.5

Review: Laid Out, by Sidney Halston

Part of a series? Yes.

Cliffhanger? No.

Category/Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult.

Publisher: Loveswept

Pages: 302

RELEASE date: August 18th

Blurb: 

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.
  
Growing up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

ADD TO GOODREADS

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REVIEW:

I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Worth the Fight series. Each book can be read as a standalone from what I know considering that each book features a different couple.

I was expecting a lot and while it was entertaining for the most part, I can’t say I’m not a tiny bit disappointed.

I wasn’t expecting to be blown away exactly, but I was expecting a more solid writing. Instead, I think some things are too all over the place.

For example, the dual POV isn’t always clear. The author switches POV almost out of the blue and sometimes it was confusing. But I have an ARC so maybe this is going to be fixed by the time the book comes out. Call me weird, but I like to see a real difference between the POVs, I like it when I know when the author switches and most importantly why that switch is important. Here, I wasn’t always sure who was thinking for a sentence or two and it ended up bothering me a little.

Then there’s also the issue with the number of characters. I like that the author has such a tight knit and interesting group of friends. The intention is good and it’s working to a certain extent, but sometimes the writing doesn’t make it clear enough who’s talking and how they move. And some characters have the same way of talking…There aren’t many scenes with the whole group of friends, but sometimes it was confusing enough to pull me out of the story.

Throughout the book I had a hard time picturing the characters. Not necessarily how they look because that’s pretty much clear, but how they move and what they’re doing. Even their environment isn’t all that detailed. I guess I miss some descriptions. Sometimes the dialogues are too chatty and don’t serve the plot or the rhythm of the story.

Then there’s the plot…There are a lot of good things to be said regarding the premise. I can’t exactly tell you what I love the most regarding Cain and Violet because they go from way back and it’s not stated in the blurb, but it’s good. Yet, I think the characters have too much of a back and forth going and little evolution regarding their thought process to make the change in Violet and Cain’s dynamic fully understandable. Sometimes changes have been a long time coming (too long) and suddenly things would change quite drastically. I wouldn’t have minded if I had felt a real connection with the main characters.

Also, it’s said to be a scorching series and maybe the other installments are, but this installment isn’t all that scorching hot. There are a few sex scenes, but nothing that hot or steamy. At least, I didn’t care much of these.

Even the whole “seduction game“ didn’t really work for me. Cain is contradicting himself too much even though I can understand him at first. But after a little while…I don’t know. I guess I can see why some readers think this is a steamy, scorching read because of how Cain and Violet start to get closer, but in my opinion these scenes aren’t showing their true potential to make them…epic. Yes, I am picky.

I’m really sorry for this review, but I think my disappointment is running too deep to write anything else. I had a good enough time with this book, but nowhere near my expectations or the praises I could find regarding this series.

RATING:

2.5 to