The Last Resort by Ember Leigh

Summary

Rose Delaney is a baby bounty hunter, rescuing children from fugitive ex-spouses. All she wants is to return a recovered child to its mother and get back to her regimented solitary life. But when a snow storm leaves her and baby Emmy stranded, Rose has no choice but to lean on the ruggedly handsome rescuer, who thinks the baby is hers. Holed up in their mountain resort-under-construction and unable to contact Emmy’s mother, Rose’s priority is hitting the road—even if Garrett’s erotic touch entices her to ride out the storm.

Construction boss Garrett Galo loves his job, but he never imagined a perk like being snowbound during a whiteout with the sassy brunette he just rear-ended. He’s learned to stay away from women who want a family, especially when they come with a kid in tow. When passionate nighttime encounters flare between them, Garrett begins to question what he’d risk to keep Rose.

This isn’t the time or the place for romance—but will five days on a mountain make these loners reconsider giving in to love?

Characters

The two main characters are Rose and Garrett. Rose is the baby bounty hunter who has walls around her heart and the wish for a normal but not entirely normal life. She doesn’t want kids. Ironic since she saves babies but that complication is from her past. No spoilers – you’ll have to read it. Enter Garrett: Handsome, hotel renovator, and can nail fancy dives (former swimmer with the bod to prove it). There is really only one supporting character and that is Wesley ‘Wes’ who is Garrett’s brother. Technically Emmy, the baby, is also a secondary character – wouldn’t want to forget the bundle of joy!

Plot

There are two plots. The romantic plot, which plays it safe with a nice twist of being non-conforming. Also it ends with a realistic ‘happy for now’ ending which I really appreciated. I would have not enjoyed it as much if the author would have taken that extra step. The second plot is Emmy.  Rose is mid-way to bringing Emmy back to her mother from her deadbeat dad that violated their shared custody when a white out snow storm hits. Technically Rose isn’t working outside the law – just in a ‘gray area’ but she doesn’t trust the brothers and decides to pose as Emmy’s mother. The plot continues from there and adds an extra zing to the story.

Overall

The book was easy to read and was enjoyable. Rose and Garrett are perfect for each other. They practically sizzle off the page. It is nice to get both Rose and Garrett’s point of view but there are a few POV issues where they cross over.

The plot was interesting and you really wanted Emmy to get home safe. The one things that stuck was some of the story line was just a little bit too convenient and the inner dialogue was repetitive. That were the only issues with the book though. Despite that it was a cute romance the was easy to read.

Rating

4 Stars

If you like romances that are for those that are non-confirming to societies expectations this is the right book for you! Interesting read but the inner dialogue and some of the plot was a little repetitive.

I received a copy of this in exchange of an honest review.

Beauty and the Beast: An Erotic Tale (Sensual Fairy Tales Series Book 1) by Jax Lawrence

Summary

Every year the village sacrifices a maiden to the beast. The maiden disappears, and no one knows what happens to her.
Beautiful and passionate Belle couldn’t care less, she’s more interested in catching the eye of her father’s handsome stablehand. All her fears are realized when she’s kidnapped by the villagers and left, bleeding and naked, at the mercy of the beast.
Yet the Beast does not turn out to be what she expected. For one, he’s the sexiest thing she’s ever seen. For another, he’s not interested in killing her. He’s interested in something else, something she’s always fantasized about.
Is the the one who can break his spell? Can she sexually dominate him for three days?

Characters

Belle is naughty from the first chapter. Will seems like he will be an important character but doesn’t get much of a role after Belle is taken. There were talking inanimate objects, which was surprising and nice to see. As to the Beast I felt like he didn’t really have a personality or it just paled in comparison to Belle’s.

Plot

It is an erotica. Most times when I read a book, even an erotica, I look for certain things. There were so many ways this book could have gone and been a little more creative. It was a good read, but it felt like all the other parts were RUSHED through. Weird for me to think a book went too fast but it did. The premise was a bit much for me and I was left wanting on the plot side.

Overall

It was a quick read that lived up to its genre. It is a darker erotica and gets into domination. As short as this was, it did have some steamy scenes. The explicit scenes were well detailed and left very little to the imagination – a good and bad thing in my opinion. The writing itself was satisfactory and the book contained limited errors which did not distract during the reading.

Rating

3 stars

I thought it was okay. I sort of shrugged when it was over. This needs a little more to make it a worthwhile read in my opinion That being said, if you are looking for a short read that is all about the naughty moments, not much for plot and limited characters this is a great book.

This is not a standalone book and there appears to be more to the story.

The Secret of Sinbad’s Cave (The Natnat Adventures Book 1) by Brydie Walker Bain

Summary

Nat Sheppard’s world is turned upside down on the first day of the school holidays by the discovery of a secret room containing cave maps with clues to an ancient treasure. But Nat and her friends soon discover they’re not the only ones chasing the jewels. Professional treasure hunters are on the trail – and they’re prepared to eliminate anyone in their way.

Characters

There was an array of fun loving characters in this book. Nat is hilarious. She is spunky but caring. Her siblings are great characters, though her brother, Jack, gets more spotlight then her younger sister, Kathleen. Also the Lima brothers were a nice addition – one mischievous and one serious, but both seemly good boys. Unlike most books that cut the adults out, this incorporated them enough to keep them involved but honestly this book was all about the kids.

Plot

I had thought this book was going to be a very straight forward treasure hunting book – kind of like The Goonies. Yes, it sure had treasure hunting but it also had mystery, magic, and mystical creatures. It was entertaining and I could see a younger version of me absolutely loving it. That being said the plot was very easy to figure out and left little to the imagination in the way of twists or turns, even the big final twist. Despite its lack of secrets, it was still a wonderful read with tons of adventure.

Overall

Half of the fun was the setting was in New Zealand. This made it all that more exciting. This is a perfectly fun book for the readers it was intended for – middle schoolers. My only major complaint would be the over the top ‘villains.’ The kids were great, the story was enjoyable, and it had enough adventure that even as an adult, I had fun reading it. However, the villains were very one dimensional. The author did an amazing job building the main character and the supporting characters but left me wanting on the villains.

Star Rating

4 Stars

I liked it. Despite its ‘bad guy’ pitfall and at times its tenancy to run long, it was fun! I know I keep using that word – fun – but it really was! Nat is so great and as an adult I was very proud of her throughout the story. Despite the fact that this book sets up more books you can enjoy this book alone. Overall a great book for you and/or your kiddos.

 

The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #4)

Once more the three miserable children face an impossible situation. Sadly my least favorite of the books so far.

Characters:
Each child had to go a but out of their element which was new. The ‘guardian’ was a little over the top and surprisingly played a very low key role. There were two mostly useless but hopeful personalities.

Plot:
The limbermill is a sad place. Miserable and coupons. It is a business hurting the little people and a greedy ridiculous boss who thinks children should work. Not good but not surprising.

Overall:
Disappointing. I still thought it was okay but unlike the first 3 this one fell short. It did have a lighthearted ending which helped redeem much of the letdown.

Spinnings by Marian L. Thorpe

Spinnings is two short stories that takes you from native american hauntings to fairy-tale dreams.

Characters:
The Spider’s Spinning: Christian is fascinated by a house. Curiosity killed the cat but it did something else entirely to Christian. In the short time you are with him, you get a feeling for his resolution to his own story.

In an Absent Dream: Claire is somewhere between want and need. She dances the line between truth and reality. You don’t necessarily identify with her because much of it remains a mystery but you are intrigued by her.

Plot:
The Spider’s Spinning: Christian is looking for the house. A famous house that is old and holds many secrets. Christian will find out one of those secrets – to his own end. A form of end at least.

In an Absent Dream: You are dropped right into the middle of the main character’s recounting of events. You follow it along and believe you are reading something left for someone else to find. But where is she going?

Overall:
Spider’s Spinning deserves 5 stars. It is creepy and expertly executed. In an Absent Dream was a little confusing at the beginning and somewhat jarring but it quickly improved and is a solid 4 stars. It really was vividly told and allowed the reader to quickly grasp Claire’s life. The poem is quaint and is a nice intermission between the two. Overall I loved it and would recommend it without hesitation to others.

5 Stars

The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3)

The poor Baudelaire children onto their most vivid adventure yet! This adventure was absolutely stunning and utterly miserable.

Characters:
Klaus has to be exceedingly clever and stubborn that there is something there. The ‘guardian’ was a so set in her ways. Terrified and ridiculous. I loved her for all of it. Of all the guardians so far that the Baudelaire children have encountered, this one is afraid of everything. I wonder what she would have been like before her dear husband Ike died and if she might not have made a good home for the children.

Plot:
Once more the children are up against Count Olaf and his tricks. Either he may get them or the cold meals every night will. An adventure with a sailing boat across the storm and hungry leeches. More misery and cleverness to be sure!

Overall:
I loved this one. Just loved it. The house, the cool library, the guardian’s fears. I could picture all of it happening just as it was happening. From the sad clown restaurant to the leeches! I laughed more in this book then any other book.

5 Stars

Uninvited by SheHopes

Summary 

An unsolved murder and a haunted cabin leave Abby Redding fighting for her life. Is there really a ghost trying to chase her out of its home? Or is there something more sinister afoot?

Characters

When you start this book Alex Carter is an unmitigated jerk and Abby Redding is a broken soul. I have a feeling that that this book is as much about Abby and Alex becoming better people as it is about the haunting.

I am not going to lie, when this book started I didn’t like Abby. You just wanted to pull her shoulders up and say ‘get a backbone!’ By then end, I was going to miss reading about her with every new update. That is one of the great powers of this book and author – she can develop the heck out of characters!

Beyond a snafu with a characters description and age (Wally), I felt like every character was well detailed and covered in exactly the right way. The characters that needed to be there were there and the ones that weren’t detailed it was for good reason. She left enough to the imagination for other characters that it was left up to the reader to put the pieces together.

Which means these characters were perfectly written for this genre. Only as much detail to progress the plot.

Plot

Haunted cabin, creepy dolls, laughter, and a dark energy. This is a book that definitely allows ones imagination to run wild! There are parts where the reader isn’t sure if Abby is just losing her mind or if it is really haunted. It is practically chilling!

That being said, the overall mystery is also well done. Which is saying a lot because normally I pick up on something early on and know exactly who is the person responsible. I got quite a bit into the book before I was pretty sure I figured it out. Then I was almost through the book entirely because I was 100% sure that my initial guess was right. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This author know show to push your buttons. From character’s internal debates to the romance aspect. That may sound like a critique – it is a compliment. If you aren’t emotionally invested in the story or the characters, it isn’t as good. This one is and it takes you through a range of emotions.

Overall

This is a great paranormal book. It covers personal growth, overcoming ones demons, and how important the truth can be. Not to mention the romance angle is great!

That is all without touching on the paranormal portion. Some times you have no idea what is going on. The author is clever at leading you down rabbit holes of thought that can mislead. It was great reading parts and not being sure how it fit into the bigger story or whether Abby is just losing her mind. As a reader I was completely caught up in finding out the answer.

You get sucked in from the first chapter, and can’t stop until all the converging plot threads come together into one huge reveal.

Rating

4.5 stars.

Something about this one really got to me. Halfway through the book I was not happy with the characters, the plot was coming together nicely, and I was leaning towards a 4 star book. By the end of the book I wanted to give is a 5 star review. Why did it come up .5 short? Loose ends.

I don’t know how there could be a second book and there was one big loose end that annoyed me. We never find out one major detail – Abby and her ex-boyfriend Bryce. I won’t say which detail but it was frustrating not knowing! That were other loose ends that were left floating in the wind but they were understandable for this genre. The other little problem was the abruptness of the ending. Despite those two little things – it was such a great book!

Where did I get it? 

Wattpad – Free