Review: Playing With Danger by Joya Ryan

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If you haven't read the first book in the Desire Bay series, catch up before you read this one. It's not necessary because it can be read standalone but it would be a fun treat going into Playing With Danger.  The first book was good but this one was fantastic. Not only did the temperature rise at times and I had to check a few times to see if my Kindle was smoking, it was fun and engaging and I really didn't want to put it down. It had everything that you could've asked for to make everything feel so good reading a contemporary fiction romance. So, let's chat about the book.

Hannah Hastings is a very likable character. To an extent your heart goes about to her when you get to know her and understand why he makes the choices she does. She's sassy, independent and strong but like I mentioned before she's had it tough. A mother who left her and an alcoholic father isn't exactly the picture perfect family but she overcame and that made her a more determined person. Her father was the type of mean drunk who never was the father figure but rather the one who made bad decisions and found himself in situations where the kid should've had to bail him out. Only around when he wanted something, she never had someone in her life give or show her the love and affection that she deserved until she met Grant.

Who's Grant you ask? Well, he can call me anytime! Talk about a crazy decision on a whim. Hannah met him on a cruise. There's something about a cruise that does this sort of now or never, shed your inhibitions because they decided to get married. Yes, married! Didn't have a clue about each other but felt what was right and went for it. I think partly she craved for someone to make her feel loved but for him it was about feeling for the first time someone want him for only him and not anything. Their backstory is told from a dual pov past/present explanation but the point is that after this huge decision, she decided to be a runaway bride. What makes this interesting is that Grant has a secret that he didn't share until later which I believe would've be a game changer but after a couple of weeks, she succumbed to her insecurities to bolt. Two people coming from two different places, she is convinced that it won't work out.

The problem is, Grant saw something in her that was worth fighting for despite even though she had no hope. I think much of this had to due with the crappy lifestyle she had with her father not appreciating her affecting her self worth but Grant doesn't give up that easy. Determined to find her, will he be able to convince her that even though they don't know each other that well, is fate and destiny on their side? Can he convince Hannah to stay married or when she left, that meant they were really over?  You'll have to read on to find out!

I'm overly critical about the second book in a series because I want to feel like I want to keep reading. I can't say nothing bad about this book because I thought not only was it great but I thought it was better than the first. It had the right vibe and the length was perfect. The characters were engaging and it just felt right reading. Joya knows how to make you feel good and fall in love with her books. This was the perfect read to get all cozied up with. Without a doubt, add this fun one to your TBR! 

Review: Roommates with Benefits by Nicole Williams

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Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

I really enjoyed the main characters. The actual story itself, there were more than a few problems. It was filled with unnecessary drama and cheap clichés.

The story didn’t need a huge plot centered on jealously and the fear that every man besides the lead male, Soren, looks at the female character in a sexual way. This caused Soren to appear too protective and Hayden extremely naïve. It severely damaged their likeability.

This book was a little unrealistic. Hayden is a model, and after living in New York for a very brief time, lands almost every modeling gig she tries out for. The book never explains why and how, so it is a little hard to suspend the disbelief.

Characters

Like mentioned earlier, I liked the main characters. Soren and Hayden worked great as a couple, and I was rooting for them the entire book.

Besides his desire to protect Hayden from every male in the world, Soren was a good love interest. He was incredibly sweet. There were many times within the book where he would cook for Hayden and give her sweet and meaningful compliments.

Hayden was from a very small town, so it was interesting to see her navigate through New York and try to learn to survive. She came there for a purpose, and it would have been nice to hear more about that purpose and her overall goal. It was casually mentioned in the beginning and never mentioned again.

I can’t ignore that Soren and Hayden acted extremely immature at times. And this was especially true when Soren and Hayden disagreed. The silliness arguments were products of their immaturity and it was a little

eye roll worthy. Many of their problems could have solved if they would had an adult conversation and laid it all on the table.

Final Analysis

Roommates with Benefits is a best when it focuses all the attention on the main characters and just lets them breathe. The drama and jealously was unnecessary and in the end hurt both the book and the characters.

Review: Links by Lisa Becker

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If for only so many this can come true. You know what guy you were madly in love with but didn't know you existed? Then one day your Cinderella dream comes true?

Meet Charlotte. Back in the day, she had the biggest crush on Garrett but he never noticed her. Well known for her bug glass, he coined a nickname for her that made her feel less than attractive. Just like so many gals like her become late bloomers in life, find success when she came out of her shell and once her inside beauty caught up with her outside, she became more than noticed. She was adorned and admired. Then out of the blue, years later, a chance encounter with her made him finally notice. Will she give him a chance?

Now Garrett was a bit of a jerk. Back then and to some extent into his adult years, he is a bit of a player and womanizer. Of course as he was popular then, he found fame as a profession gold player. When he reconnected with Charlotte, typical that he didn't know who she was but through his player lens sees her as someone he has to get with. The problem with Charlotte is that she sees right through him and doesn't trust his motives. Can he convince her he's changed? Will she give him a chance?

The book was fun and a bit steamy at times for me. I love the dual character perspective. It really allows you to connect and understand how the characters feel. It gave much insight into who they were. It was a quick but enjoyable read. Too bad we learned about her mom later in the book. I thought that would've added another dimension to her character because she was really likeable. Her mom was such a big part of her life, it would've been nice for that to be expanded on. Overall, the book was a good one to read that will leave you feeling good. I just loved that ending. 

Review: How to Be a Hepburn in a Kardashian World: The Art of Living with Style, Class, and Grace by Jordan Christy

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How to Be a Hepburn in a Kardashian World, that alone really grabbed my attention. I was really curious where that was going to lead, so going into the book I had many expectations. Being that I am a huge fan of the incredible Audrey Hepburn and everything that she represents, I was a little bit annoyed with the author for even putting anything Kardashian in the same sentence with her. No offense but what they represent is nothing I'd want to look up or have any qualities that I hope young women would aspire to be either. Much to my joy and happiness, that was just a figure of concept rather than anything else. 

I found the book rather useful in so many ways. Jordan really captured that girlfriend vibe that was so inviting and made you feel like she was a good friend giving you great advice to be the best you can be. I was really captivated by her honesty in the beginning. I think her own personal experience is something many young women can relate to which help translate her credibility as someone who from her experience working with different groups of women share some insight input in our lives. She gives women a boost in the self confidence and self acceptance area which translates into all areas that include our person life, dealing with social media, personal style, health & fitness, love life and developing friendships.

Overall, the book was fun and I found her advice useful. I found her relatable and think many young women will connect with the guide to incorporate in their lives. I haven't checked out the preceding book but am curious to read more.

Review: Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis

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What better way to enjoy the holiday season than reading a story that just warms you right up. Not to mention, but reading a Jill Shalvis novel? At the current moment I'm in a happy place and so looking forward to the next Heartbreaker Bay Novel but in the meantime, let's chat about Chasing Christmas Eve.

So, Chasing Christmas Eve, definitely can be read as a standalone novel. What I loved about this book was that people are forever putting a time frame on when you fall in love. What some people don't get is that you can meet someone and everything being aligned perfectly. Just because you just met someone, doesn't mean that the heart doesn't know what it wants. With that said, I was like, can love really happen in in a short amount of time?

Colbie Albright is on the run from her life. She is the definite the people pleaser and nurturer that everyone depends on and expects everything from. On top of being a bestselling author, she literally can't breathe in her life and needs a break. She decided to runaway from her life and go wherever as long as it was far away. Finding herself in San Francisco, on her way to her hotel, gets knocked over into a fountain and but all dramatics gets rescued by the handsome gentleman, Spence Baldwin.

Spence is running from a few things of his own. Smart and successful found his life turned upside down when a so called friend did an interview that was more like an expose that has made him the most sought after person. This has led him to keep a low profile and be very secretive. He really hasn't opened up to anyone excerpt those who he trust around him but when he encountered Colbie, there was something about her that captured his interest and wanted to be near her. Not only was she beautiful but everything about her seemed perfect. Unsure of who she was or why she was there, there was a magnetism to her that he couldn't let go of.

This is the first girl that captured something worth going after but he's got one problem. The last girl he had, he ruined what could've been. Now, here's a chance of something great with possibly the girl of dreams but she is only there for a couple of weeks. Is it possible that two people can be destined to meet?

I really loved the characters especially Colbie. I love seeing someone who takes care of everyone but herself opening up to someone willing to take care of them. That revelation to embrace always feels so good seeing that character transition when they're able to break down their inner struggles of what cripples them.

What really was heart pulling was the familial aspects of the book. In so many families you find a Colbie. In many situations people like her leave and never turn back. It is really damaging to a person where it cripples who they are because they internalized guilt for living for them which she loses herself. It was such a pivotal moment when she finally got the courage to say enough and they learned how to do things on their own. The strength she gained to be herself and know that she can live her life without guilt.

People like Spence, who had a chance for something great but let it slip out of your hands. Many times people like that give up but he was able to open his heart to let love in really made you want to root for him for a second chance at potential love.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. This is my first book to kick off the holidays and I'm so happy that I dove right in with a Jill Shalvis novel. She always knows how to make the reader feel good.The temperature at times rose a little in the book but definitely keep things interesting.The book wrapped up nicely transitioning into the next installment in the series. Jill definitely did what she does well, makes your heart smile with a story to fall in love with.

Review: Investigating Lois Lane: The Turbulent History of the Daily Planet’s Ace Reporter by Tim Hanley

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“After thousands of comics and multiple films and television shows, today Lois is an icon.”

The romance between Lois Lane and Clark Kent/Superman is arguably one of the most popular and iconic superhero romance in comics.  Everyone is aware that Superman and Lois Lane are an item. And many will agree that Lois Lane is his one true love. However, unlike Superman, most non-comic readers don’t know many details about Lois.

The knowledge usually begins and ends with the fact that she’s a reporter and Superman’s love interest. So despite being an iconic character, the details surrounding her character tend to be overshadowed by Superman.

Lois Lane is one of my favorite female comic book characters. Even though she isn’t considered a “superhero”, she is one to me. So my excitement to read this book was over the moon.  And it did not disappoint.

Investigating Lois Lane: The Turbulent History of the Daily Planet’s Ace Reporter examines the history of Lois Lane, while acknowledging the mistreatment and lack of story for her character. The book goes in linear fashion, so it starts at the beginning with the Adventures of Superman radio show and ends with the mention of Gwenda Bond’s YA Lois Lane series.

Investigating Lois Lane: The Turbulent History of the Daily Planet’s Ace Reporter doesn’t just skim over the many appears of Lois Lane in different media, it touches on them all and detail. All the information was categorized. The comics are broken into a section and the TV/Movies are in another.

Hanley gives background information about the creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, of the Superman mythos, the actors who portrayed the iconic characters, and about how certain Superman mediums got developed. The book also gives insight to how audiences wanted Lois to be portrayed and how the comic book writers wanted her to.

That was interesting to read about. The Superman mythos has been around for 70 years, so there have been many writers. So it was interesting to see how different writers wrote the character. In some stories she was thrown in the background, and in others she was front in center.

It was also interesting to how different actresses portrayed the character, and their portrayal impacted the character itself.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t too complicated to read and it provided enough information without feeling overwhelming. I left the book, hopeful that one day Lois Lane will get the treatment she deserves. She’s an icon and should be treated with respect.

Final Analysis

Investigating Lois Lane: The Turbulent History of the Daily Planet’s Ace Reporter is a book that you can read even if you have limited knowledge about Lois Lane. It provides enough information to understand the complicated history of the character and to be caught up to her most recent incarnations. It was a little frustrating to read about the mistreatment of the character by the comic book industry and by Superman himself. But it does show progress, even though it may be a little slow.