Review: Branded (The Rogues, #1) by Jenika Snow

Branded by Jenika Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in a world where humanoid aliens, known as Rogues, have established dominion over Earth, this novel takes readers on a thrilling journey as Greta, a human in hiding, encounters Tolcan, an enforcer for the Rogues.

In a society where humans are seen as inferior and subjected to labor or forced breeding, Greta's fear of being discovered is ever-present. When Tolcan, assigned to capturing humans, sets his eyes on Greta, something primal and possessive stirs within him. Going against the beliefs of his kind, he claims her as his own, defying the consequences that may follow.

Snow masterfully builds a world where tension and desire intertwine, drawing readers into the complex relationship between Greta and Tolcan. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, and their connection unfolds in a series of passionate encounters that explore themes of dominance, submission, and desire. While the novel does contain explicit scenes, it also offers a semblance of a plot that adds depth to the story.

What sets the book apart from other erotic novels is its ability to weave together a compelling narrative within the confines of the genre. The author skillfully balances the erotic elements with an engaging storyline, keeping readers intrigued and invested in the fate of the characters. The exploration of power dynamics and the gradual development of an emotional bond between Greta and Tolcan adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, elevating it beyond mere erotica.

Although the novel can be crude at times, it manages to maintain a semblance of plot, offering readers an enjoyable and immersive reading experience. Snow's descriptive prose and attention to detail create a vivid and imaginative world, allowing readers to escape into a realm where desire and danger coexist.

View all my reviews

Review: Candles in the Wood by Anne Rundle

Candles in the Wood by Anne Rundle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helen Comyn, a heiress, returns to her childhood home of Gallowmerry but she has returned a very different person than she was when she left. She is no longer the child of a servant in the manor, she can hold her own among the elite. But some feelings haven't changed, like those she had for Lennox Grant.

I loved the tension and uncertainty Helen faced when she came back to the manor. Her position was completely reversed from how it was when she left but the past catches up and not everyone could forget what she once was.

View all my reviews

ARC Review: The Wedding Guest by Kathryn Croft

The Wedding Guest by Kathryn Croft
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

In the midst of the anticipation surrounding her impending marriage, Emily harbors a truth that threatens to upend the life she's about to commit to. When an unexpected presence among her cherished guests, seated amidst those who hold her dearest, this uninvited figure possesses knowledge of a harrowing event that transpired a decade ago. This person, who seems determined to deny her any happiness, holds the power to expose her deepest secrets. The realization dawns that her past, no matter how fervently she tries to escape it, continues to haunt her.

The question is how to thwart an adversary who appears relentless in their mission to dismantle the life she's worked so hard to construct. And in the face of this relentless pursuit, she must grapple with the lengths she's willing to go to safeguard her carefully guarded secrets.

I found the initial sections of the book far more engaging than its conclusion, particularly in regard to Emily's interactions with Jeremy and Lexi. As the narrative progressed towards its finale, I noticed a sense of rushed pacing, and the ending struck me as somewhat strange.

View all my reviews

ARC Review: Scenes of the Crime by Jilly Gagnon

Scenes of the Crime by Jilly Gagnon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.

A locked-room mystery, a determined screenwriter takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind her friend's baffling disappearance. Set against the backdrop of a remote winery on the Oregon coast, this thrilling story follows Emily Fischer and her group of friends as they attempt to unravel the enigma surrounding Vanessa Morales' vanishing. Vanessa was the heart of the group, and her unexplained absence has haunted them all.

Years later, Emily stumbles upon someone who could be Vanessa's look-alike, sparking her resolve to tell Vanessa's story and unearth the truth of that haunting night. With a brilliant plan in mind, Emily orchestrates a reunion weekend under the pretense of reconnecting. As the group reconvenes, secrets start to unravel. Among the friends - including Vanessa's cousin Brittany, strong-willed Paige, and introverted Lydia - lies the key to understanding what truly happened. Emily must navigate a web of hidden truths and confront her own memories to uncover the reality of that fateful night.

The overall plot line of the story seemed to take an unusual and almost unbelievable turn, which left me feeling quite puzzled and disconnected from the narrative. The progression of events felt rather unusual and even bordering on the absurd, which made it challenging for me to fully engage with the story.

Additionally, the scenes involving screenwriting appeared to lack a certain level of authenticity or resonance. These moments didn't seem to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the story, and at times, they felt out of place or disconnected. As a result, these scenes didn't manage to capture my interest as I had hoped they would, contributing to my sense of disconnect from the overall narrative.

View all my reviews

Review: Captives of the Night (Scoundrels, #2) by Loretta Chase

Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Leila Beaumont has been living her life as she sees fit. Her husband is worthless but with him she is able to get by and she allows him to partake of his own pleasures. But with the appearance of the Comte d'Esmond her life is once again thrown into chaos.

I do like a book where a villain can become a hero. The story once again started off slow in my opinion and didn't really get going until a ways through. I thought the story from the first book in the series was more captivating than this one but I did like the characters a lot more. They seemed fuller and more developed.

View all my reviews

Review: Cliffside Castle by Dorothy Daniels

Cliffside Castle by Dorothy Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nancy Furnivall, having experienced sudden and mysterious deaths that have left her without family, is faced with the daunting task of uncovering a hidden killer before they claim more lives. Determined and alone, Nancy must navigate a treacherous path to unveil the identity of the murderer and put an end to their deadly spree. The stakes are high as she races against time to prevent further tragedy and bring justice to those who have been lost.

I absolutely love gothic romances with all of the mystery and the strong female characters. Dorothy Daniels is an amazing author who incorporates an unforgettable story with amazing characters.

View all my reviews

Review: Arise by Tara Hudson

Arise by Tara Hudson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amelia finds herself in a dangerous situation as dark spirits pose a threat to her loved ones. Determined to protect them, she resolves to take action. Meanwhile, Joshua, with his own motivations, agrees to meet Amelia at a cemetery in New Orleans. Together, they plan to partake in a significant ritual within the Voodoo Circle, fully aware that this decision will have lasting and transformative consequences.

While I found some aspects of the book engaging, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. One aspect that I appreciated was the continuation of the paranormal elements and the exploration of the ghostly world. The concept of ghostly abilities and the interaction between the living and the dead were intriguing and added depth to the story. The author's descriptive writing style helped to create a vivid atmosphere, immersing me in the supernatural world.

However, I felt that the pacing was inconsistent throughout the book. At times, the story moved at a slow pace, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Additionally, I found some plot developments to be predictable, which diminished the element of surprise. I had hoped for more twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Character development was another aspect that left me wanting more. While some characters showed growth and had compelling arcs, others felt underdeveloped and lacked depth. I would have liked to see more exploration of their motivations and inner struggles.

Despite its flaws, the book still provided an entertaining read.

View all my reviews