[REVIEW] Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen
Published: February 2014
Age Group: YA
Series: Landry Park #1

Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal.

In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire. 

Landry Park is hailed as part Downtown Abbey and Gone With the Wind mixed with the dystopia flair of The Selection. We are introduced to the main character Madeline Landry who seems to be the heiress of heiresses. She stands to inherit the proud standing Landry House who are the professed heroes of the last great war. As all dystopia novels seem to follow, our heroine young Melanie Landry is unsatisfied with the constraints and oppressive nature of her privileged high society life and wishes to break free from the norm. This sense of rebellion, and thirst for freedom and free will leads her to the rebellion forces where she finds herself crossed between staying true to her noble lineage or abandoning all for what she believes is moral and true. Add to all this the complications of match making and boy troubles with a splash of debutante drama and war threats and you have yourself Landry Park - a novel that displays equal parts of traditional dystopia literature with scenes reminiscent of 18th century nobility woes. 

Landry Park does not disappoint with its political turmoil juxtaposed with the complicated trifles of love matching between the two protagonists, Madeline and David Dana.

Fans of the Selection should give this a try. The romance is quite heavy in this book but fans of dystopia literature may still enjoy it for the well established division between the wealthy gentry and the oppressed and poor rootless that the author has managed to create in this YA novel. 

[REVIEW] Gilded Lily by Vivian Winslow

Gilded Lily by Vivian Winslow
Published: May 2014
Age Group: Adult - 18A
Series: Gilded Flower #1

Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

When I first read the blurb for Gilded Lily I was intrigued. Stories about women in their twenties who go through a relationship crisis are common and I really enjoy reading those stories especially if it leads to the woman finding her true love in the end. What can I say, I'm a romantic at heart. 

So I started the story and it instantly grabbed me. I sympathized with Lily. I mean what a horrible sister, and they're twin! And let's not get started about this horrible fiancee. I get the whole social class marrying situation but it still doesn't sit right with me. Doesn't help that Lily's mother all but tries to explain to her daughter that affairs are expected and that she should just quietly forget what happened and carry on with the wedding. Well Lily is not forgiving and that was very evident when she calls off the wedding and decides to take a honeymoon for one to clear her head. 

Now here's where the story lost me. I guess I was waiting for her to meet the one, not a bunch of sexual escapades. I just didn't understand their relevance to the story. A clear reasoning for this may be because the story was so short. We weren't given enough time to fully explore and understand each of the characters. I had no emotional attachment to them which made it hard to understand why they were acting the way they were. 

The ending seemed ironic though. What irony she turns into the thing she runs from. 

It was a good beginning. I think the story has great potential. Just personally I need more character development before becoming completely involved in the story. 

MEH

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[Blog Tour + REVIEW] Escaping Destiny by Amelia Hutchins

Escaping Destiny by Amelia Hutchins
Published: Feb 2014
Age Group: Adult - 18A Warning
Series: The Fae Chronicles

The third and latest release in the Fae chronicles. I've anxiously (and impatiently) waited for this release especially after the cliff hanger ending of the second novel. Well it was worth the wait, in some parts, and then anti climactic in others.

I'll start out by saying this is still a really good book. Amelia Hutchins has a way of writing or at least a style that I enjoy and appreciate. The same old characters return, each bringing their own attitudes, charisma and appeal. Boy did I miss them.

I guess I'm sort of conflicted about this. I feel like I have a responsibility, an obligation to praise this book to the moon and back but I really don't feel like this book deserves it.

We end book 2 on a really high note. The story was picking up pace and it was at the height of the crescendo, like all cliff hangers, that we're left hanging and wanting more. And so I waited (and I'm sure many others waited as well) finding ways to twiddle our thumbs and keep busy until this one was released. As soon as I could get a copy I started to devour it. It was good, picked up right where the crescendo peak was - and then I was so abruptly brought down. What was revealed in the first couple chapters of Escaping Destiny seemed to make the later half of Taunting Destiny to be completely moot. Yes, we were introduced to the overall family background of Syn and Adam but the main climax, the heart of the problem, was crushed and essentially kicked aside. How does something still exist if it's heart's been destroyed? Well unless you have two hearts it's not possible. And that's my feelings towards this story. It just felt like we took 3 steps forward and 2 steps back and we end up back to the start but with different players in this game.

Now for the rest of the story. Syn's pregnant. And she knows - now. And so start the dramatic hormone invasions and constant arguments, tears, paranoia, and jealously that ensues. I'll let you in on a secret though: I kind of like hormonal Syn. Syn seems at times to be indifferent to Ryder's actions and keeps everything inside of her, which isn't good. That's why there's yoga and stress relieving balls and therapists. Keeping things inside of you can make you go crazy! And I would prefer if Syn didn't go crazy thank you very much. So now Syn is turning into an emotional woman which is also great because it makes Ryder really confused. Like I said, Syn doesn't usually share emotions and now she's constantly showing them which makes sense as to why Ryder is lost and doesn't know what to do. It's funny in a way that my favourite series all of a sudden turned into a soap opera or comedic drama. I laughed quite a few times with their arguments and disputes.

Something else offsetting about this installment is that it felt like there was some sequence of actions that the story followed. The Fae chronicles consists of big books. These are 400-500 page books and I've always enjoyed the constant action and continuity that encompasses the first and second book. The third book lacked that. I found it to be quite monotonous at times and I found myself disengaged from the story because I felt like I had already read a scene a couple of chapters before or that the plot line didn't seem to be advancing as fast as the other two creating a lack of continuity.

On an ending note, I do like where the story is headed. A great battle is coming and I can't wait to see how some characters play their part. I'm going to say that perhaps this is the middle book and so suffers in comparison to the rest of the series...that seems like a plausible reason.

If you haven't read Fighting Destiny yet and you're a fan of paranormal romance and a strong butt-kicking heroine, PLEASE GO AND READ IT!

MEH

Click the title for my reviews of Taunting Destiny.

Blog Tour Information:

Blurb

I thought things couldn't get worse. I was wrong.

I found out what I really wanted and was forced to give him up. Just as I found out who I really am, I was presented to the elusive Horde King as a gift.

This was the mystical being I was hidden from for more than twenty years.

Although Ryder promised to save me, I couldn't let him get near this creature, so I willingly (sort of) signed myself over to be his new plaything.

Now in the Horde Realm, nothing is going remotely like I thought it would.

My powers and emotions are on the fritz, and each day seems to bring surprises that I am not sure how to deal with.

The Horde King thinks he has me exactly where he wants me.

He thinks he has taken all of my options away.

I still have choices.

Embracing what destiny has planned for me, or escaping it.

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About the Author

Amelia lives in the great Pacific Northeast with her family. When not writing she can be found on her page Erotica Book Club, where she help's other indie authors meet fans. She's an avid reader of everything paranormal.

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[ARC REVIEW + GIVEAWAY] The Redhead Plays Her Hand by Alice Clayton

The Redhead Plays her Hand by Alice Clayton
Published: Dec 2013
Age Group: Adult
Series: Redhead #3

ARC courtesy of Gallery Books, provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!

It has been much too long since Alice Clayton has released a new book. She's one of my most favourite authors for her use of constant witty conversations between the characters and writing style that leaves you wanting more with each new book you read by her. I was ecstatic to know that the Redhead series was being continued. After reading the ARC all I have to say is: George and Gracie are back everyone. Back for more Hollywood fun.

My 5-sentence-or-less-synopsis: George and Jack are back in the Hollywood hills where Jack is trying to cope to life now being the new "Hollywood It boy". Along the way Jack find's a new friend and Grace is not to happy with his new buddy. Grace is also dealing with issues of her own since the play she's starred in is finding it's way to the small screen but there are "differences" between her and the producer that makes Grace have to stand up for herself and what she believes in.

This instalment, although lovely, was not as great as its predecessors. I found it lacked many witty remarks, although there was some there wasn't the large quantity that I found encompassed the Unidentified Redhead and the Redhead Revealed. Also it seemed as if every cliché Hollywood mishap was put into this book. It was interesting to see Grace stand up to her critics but clearly I was not happy with Jack's lose of control. The story also seemed to time jump to more pivotal points. Which I will say isn't that bad but I'm left curious as to what happened during the time gap. Curiosity is always one of my most deadliest enemies. 

The story didn't seem as well thought out. All these things started happening, a pile of Hollywood problems that made it hard to follow at times.

I did love their romance and to be honest I was missing some schmaltz action. Of course all the classic jokes make a come back and it's always a fun time to remember what led to that phrase or word.

This was probably the first book in the series to deal with much more serious issues that surround those living the Hollywood life.  Sort of like a behind the scenes action. Perhaps the tone of the book necessitated less wit in it. There was just, overall, much more emotions portrayed strongly in this story. You can really feel Grace's worry, Jack's stress and everything else. Maybe I relate to negative emotions more. That would be quite be sad indeed but that's what I felt while reading this.

Like I said I didn't love this one as much as the other two. It's still a lovely story but maybe the tone of it was too serious for me. I cherished the Redhead series and it's lightness and playfulness that was embedded in all it's pages that just left you feeling good after reading it. The Redhead Plays her Hand deals with much more intense topics that all the lightness of the previous books was all but gone. I would say though that all the love and chemistry between the characters is still there. So please read this book. Give it a shot if you haven't. It's not a series to disappoint easily.

3.5 - 4

MEH

 



THE REDHEAD PLAYS HER HAND BLOG TOUR INFO!

Summary:

The third sexy novel in USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton’s playful and erotic Redhead series continues the sizzling romance between actress Grace Sheridan and Hollywood’s hottest leading man Jack Hamilton. 
Grace has landed the lead in a new TV series—but when the director asks her to lose fifteen pounds, she goes public with her weight struggles and suddenly develops a huge fan club who support her right to have curves. But between that and the public’s continuing fascination with her “are they or aren’t they” relationship with Jack, Grace begins to wonder if anyone’s really interested in her because of her upcoming TV series, or if it’s all speculation about the size of her ass and her bedroom partner.

Meanwhile, Jack is voted the Sexiest Man Alive and becomes a little too enamored with the party-hard lifestyle. Grace vows to give him the space he needs to find himself, but then he begins to spiral down from lovable Brit to Hollywood brat. People are talking, but are Jack and Grace? Her career is on the rise, and his continues into the stratosphere, but will she be able to catch him if he falls? Will they ever be able to just be a couple who can hold hands when they walk down the street?

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[REVIEW + BLOG TOUR] Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard
Published: December 2013
Age Group: Adult
Series: Gabriel's Inferno #3 [end]
PROUDLY CANADIAN

ARC courtesy of PENGUIN Books, provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!

Gabriel's Redemption was an installment of mix-matched answers to unanswered questions and well deserved karma laced into a loosely composed plot consisting of too many side characters with their own myriad of problems, goals and subplots, all while trying to tie up any loose ends for the fans resulting in a well written fan fiction that leaves me with new questions and a changed perspective on several characters.

It's been some time since I've read the Gabriel's Inferno series.  In fact I'm certain that the series had ended with two installments, which was fine, so imagine my surprise when I saw that there was a SEQUEL being released! I finished Gabriel's Rapture feeling slightly less astounded then I was when I finished Gabriel's Inferno. It was really a means to an end. A way to end the series on a happily ever after.

To note, Gabriel's Redemption is first and foremost a story written for the fans because so many people were asking (demanding) Sylvain Reynard to go back to the story of Gabriel and Julia and tell more of their life after marriage. Well I don't see this as much of a spoiler considering the majority of romance novels follow this pattern but what are we expecting after a marriage? You can answer the question yourself. Anyway, what I'm trying to get is the storyline was predictable. I also found it somewhat repetitive. The newlyweds would follow this pattern of having a conflict, not dealing with this conflict by talking resulting in frustration, anger and a lot of huffing, puffing and foot stomping, only to make up within the next few pages and everything is hunky dory. Until the next few chapters when this all starts again. The first few times I was really engaged, I mean don't all newlyweds (scratch that, couples in general) have their arguments and disagreements? Yes, they do if you have any doubts and so it wasn't out of the norm but the continual use of arguments to reveal important and personal information about the characters soon became boring and I found myself disengaged from the story and uninterested. I understand that some couples argue a lot. I just said it myself earlier that ALL couples will have their disagreements but for a work of fiction, using the exact same method and the same procedure bores on me as a reader. I prefer variety or instant action. Dwelling on details and explanations always seems so mundane to me.

In addition, the book consists of many different characters making "cameo" appearances, telling their stories and what happened for them after Gabriel's Rapture. You have Paulina (Gabriel's ex), and Natalie and Simon (Julia's enemy), Paul (the poor guy who got friendzoned), and Christa (the whore). Some of these stories finish answering any unanswered questions, all of these have "happy endings" (depending on what side you see it from) and all those (who need to) atone for their sins. All I can say is karma is a bitch. These could have been released as short stories. There was very few ties that linked it to the main plot.

Although it is clear that this idea of "atoning for one's sins" is very prevalent in the story, I'm not sure if I agree with Sylvain Reynard's divine retribution towards all villains in the story. I've grown to sympathize with some of the characters. In fact one of them falls in love and oh the cold and heartless bitch known as karma comes and rips it away. I don't understand, why couldn't they be happy? In fact, all the evil characters of the story ended up with sad fates. I understand that this story is geared towards fans, but ruining their fictional lives seems too much for me.

I've also come to despise Julia in this book. I get it, she's Beatrice, Gabriel's Dante but I barely tolerated her in Gabriel's Redemption. I don't what happened to her or perhaps what happened to me but she just seemed very stubborn throughout the story always telling Gabriel what to do. I don't want to ruin the beautiful image people may have of her but she is (now) most definitely not one of my fav protagonists.

Overall I found the story ok. It's not one of those books I would necessary recommend to new readers. Although I would recommend it to already readers of this series since it does tie up any loose ends.

BORROW

 

GABRIEL'S REDEMPTION BLOG TOUR INFO!

Author: Sylvain Reynard

Title: Gabriel’s Redemption (Gabriel’s Inferno Series #3)

Publisher: Penguin Berkley

Summary:

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Bio: I'm interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition - particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I'm also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

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[REVIEW] Taunting Destiny by Amelia Hutchins

Taunting Destiny by Amelia Hutchins
Published: September 2013
Age Group: Adult (18A - MATURE CONTENT)
Series: The Fae Chronicles #2

OMG. This has been the one book that I've been waiting sooooo impatiently for, for the last couple of months now. Even more so then Allegiant (which is to be released Oct22). That's how good and Fighting Destiny was. And I'm delighted to say that Taunting Destiny does not disappoint one bit.

Taunting Destiny is honestly a whirlwind of emotions and drama and conflicts, all that encompass a brilliant story. This is a spoiler free review so I won't reveal anything, only my thoughts and opinions about this brilliant story.

The story takes off right where the last one ended, and I felt, as a reader, that I had seamlessly been captivated by this story and once again thrust into this world full of fae and vampires and smoking, hot romance. Amelia Hutchins is a brilliant writer and I can't help but acknowledge her writing style and how effortless she allows the reader to pick up where they left off months ago and make it seem like I was reading the stories back-to-back without an extended break in between. I feel that most stories give you the "Previously in the other books" before you get into the main plot and action of the current book but Taunting Destiny does little taunting (in bringing the readers back in) and goes straight to it. If anything we were just taunted by the release date! But the author has their own reason for delaying it and being as unhappy and impatient and frustrated as I was, there's nothing you can do but respect that author's decision and wait for the book to be released.

Syn and Ryder are probably one of my most favourite fictional couples. They definitely make the story much more interesting and the spark and connection between them is felt through the pages.

I'm happy that Amelia Hutchins had more of the story situated in Faery this time. It gives more background to these paranormal characters and allows the readers to better understand them. Also who doesn't love a cool Faery fantasy land?

I think Amelia Hutchins, or whoever's her editor or title maker is brilliant. The first book was titled Fighting Destiny and I felt that greatly throughout the story. This one (the second) is titled Taunting Destiny and I also definitely felt that.

I`ll end this by talking about the ending. I wouldn't say it's a cliffhanger but it was definitely a WTF moment. I didn't know what to think, what to say. I just sort of started at my kobo rereading the last couple of lines just trying to process what was going to happen. In fact I'm still trying to process what happened and what will happen - with no luck.

I urge you, PLEAD YOU, please if you haven't read this book yet please go read it! It is absolutely brilliant. Now if you don't like fae or paranormal stories then I can't help you there, everyone has their own tastes but if you don't mind, then I implore you, read this! I'm sure you won't be disappointed. (And if you are, well I ask that you read it again. To make sure your initial opinion wasn't flawed. That's how much I love this book!)

BUY BUY BUY

[REVIEW] The Final Act by J.S. Taylor

The Final Act by J.S. Taylor
Published: August 2013
Age Group: (18A - MATURE CONTENT)
Series: Spotlight #4 [end]

The first thing that I thought when I saw this book was released (and existed): WHAT THE FUDGE??? THERE'S ANOTHER ONE???
I honestly thought that the story ended with the last one "The Director's Cut" but then there's book 4. Okay that does make sense with the title and everything but honestly I had figured with that disastrous third volume there wouldn't be another.

Well I don't like leaving a series unfinished and so I gave it a shot. It was good...not great.

The story starts out where the last one ended. And that's the usual case with sequels so no big surprise there. Now part way through reading I started thinking about what the plot of this story could be. What can they continue after everything's already been settled with in the prior books? Well I spoke too soon, because lo and behold, THE LIPSTICK STALKER RETURNS! Now I personally believe that the lipstick stalker arc is probably one of the best twists I've read. So after reading the second book and fully appreciating all the drama in it, I found the third book to be lacking, greatly. And in some way I'm starting to think that perhaps this story line was brought back because it was the ONLY thing interesting about this series. I know I'm being particularly harsh about this but I'm being honest in judging it and saying that I personally don't think there needed to be four instalments. Three would have been enough, but here I am reviewing the fourth book.

So all's good in Issy and James town. Until the end which is always the case. End a book with a bang and all that.  I'm not particularly happy with the twist. Mainly because it seemed like the author only really focused and developed the character in this book. I think if we were introduced to this character and this character was brought up periodically throughout the series the surprise may have been more of, perhaps an obvious choice, but yet again by focusing on this one character in this novel it also made them the obvious choice. Take my rantings with a grain of salt but it seemed slightly obvious who the villain is. When I first read it though, I'll admit that I was confused about who this character was, mainly because after I was introduced this character I quickly disregarded them as anyone important and went on reading about Issy and James' relationship. Now this may be signs of a very good book twist but I found it to be too much of a surprise. I'd rather have something lead up to it and I'm anxiously waiting to figure out the answer and solve the mystery. Whereas this was more of a "BOO Guess who I am" moment.

There's not much else to say about this book. It was happy ending, albeit a little cliché in my opinion and overall an okay series. Not the best and not the worst. Just a fun read.

3.5 - 4

MEH

[REVIEW] Complete Me by J. Kenner

Complete Me by J. Kenner
Published: July 2013
Age Group: Adult - 18A
Series: The Stark Trilogy [end]
 

ARC courtesy of Random House, provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 

The story takes place where the last one ended. Damien is a suspect in a murder case and Nikki has joined him in Germany where the case is taking place. Damien and Nikki have a lot of trust issues and that's still the same in this book. Damien has a lot of secrets and I think this is the first book where Nikki really comes to a realization that there's a lot she doesn't know about the man she loves.

The story moves at a really brisk pace. The scenes, in my opinion, happened much too quickly. Some events there could have been a couple of chapters dedicated to the emotional response the characters had instead of resolving the issue in the same chapter or the next one.  There wasn't a lot to engage me in this book. I'll admit there were a lot of scenes I enjoyed, particularly involving Damien and Nikki and their lovely romance, and then there were scenes that seemed predictable, and somewhat boring even.

I didn't have extremely high expectations for this book although I did expect it to be good since Release Me and Claim Me were both interesting especially dealing with the character's psychological being and them trying to overcome their fears and their past. Complete Me was just missing all that. I didn't find myself emotionally attached to anyone - I didn't feel anything and as a die hard romantic and avid reader that's what probably hurt the most. This book didn't evoke anything inside me. In fact I finished reading it and didn't really remember any distinct passages that I absolutely loved.

I wasn't that surprised with the climax of this. There was one scene inside the coffee shop where Nikki is talking to a supposed friend and immediately after I read that I knew who that friend was and that I would expect her soon in the book as the villain.

The ending was okay in my opinion. I don't really think it was a complete ending for the series, as Complete Me is apparently the final book in the Stark Trilogy. I think this is a good ending for an installment and is usually how many books like this have ended their second volume.

This book entirely was subpar. Everything was boring and rushed. I'm still not really clear as to how the anonymous stalker turned out to be the same person. It just seemed like the notes from the stalker changed in meaning from the second book to the third. Maybe a detective would tell you that the stalker is getting more violent, or more agitated, or ready to make a move (which is what happened) but I also would believe it if someone told me that these were two different stalkers. In fact the latter seems to be more plausible to me.

I saw many people rating this book quite high and I don't understand why. Perhaps I'm missing something but I just didn't feel like this was an amazing book.

(3 because although I said how much I didn't feel much from this, Nikki and Damien's relationship is still one that I'm intrigued about and do find very interesting. Also because there were a couple of scenes that I quite enjoyed.)

BORROW

(Like many other books that are in the series I would say this is BORROW as a stand alone but if we're considering if one should purchase this based on the series then it would MEH)

[REVIEW] Fifty Shades Darker by E L James

Published: September 2011/April 2012
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House/
Vintage Canada
Age Group: Adult
Series: Fifty Shades #2

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life. (From Goodreads)

NOTE: THIS IS ADULT FICTION, i.e. for MATURE audiences.  It's best not to read this if you're not an adult. Read at your own discretion

This trilogy is probably my new favourite romance.  Of course a great deal of the story is the relationship between Christian and Ana and their, ahem, vigorous love. 

I will admit I didn't fully finish reading the first book before reading this but I was fine.  It was confusing a little bit but it made sense the more I read. 

Christian is probably the ideal man for every women. Think Twilight's Edward Cullen but an adult version.  Then add a troubled past and a very controlling man and that's Christian.  Christian's rich, powerful, handsome and practically AMAZING!!! (if you can't tell, I'm definitely a Christian lover)

Ana on the other hand is supposedly like Bella but I see little to no relation between them.  The fifty shades trilogy started out as an adult twilight fan fiction so I was thoroughly surprised when I kept reading and Ana's personality became more apparent.  In all honesty, this trilogy is much better than Twilight, the only problem is that it's targeted for more mature audiences.

Throughout the book Christian treats Ana like a princess. Sigh, who wouldn't want to be treated like a princess! You can tell he absolutely loves Ana and Ana loves him back. 

I often complain about the fact that romances happen to quickly in stories. Even though this story was probably the exact same thing, it didn't feel like it when I read it.  It felt normal and just right that they would fall in love so quickly. Honestly I didn't even think about it until I started writing this review.

NOTE: When I heard this song on my i-pod, I immediately thought of Christian and Ana.

If anyone`s wondering, the song`s "Smile" by Uncle Kracker.  Although the song`s  little bit more cheerful than the actual book, in my opinion, I still think it fits.
There's a lot of BDSM (think bondage and s&m) but I don't think it takes away from the romance at all. The romance and the struggles they encounter is the main plot.   They also do a lot of, as Christian calls it, "vanilla love."  Oh Fifty, haunting the dreams of so many. Ana seems to be playing along more in this book than from what I've read of the first book. She's getting stronger and a little bit more demanding.. Oh well, Fifty needs to loosen up (which he does).

Whether this story was meant to be written as a fan fiction to begin with, it's still very well written. I'm not sure how much they edited but I honestly couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it, which I've found recently to be very rare. Usually the beginning of a book will be amazing and then I slow down near the end or vice versa. I think the last time this happened to me was when I read Divergent by Veronica Roth, which was back to late last year, so it's been a while.

This book reminds me of the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong, not because they`re alike but because they seem to be complete opposites of each other.  Kelley Armstrong`s series has the main focus on the struggles and the events of the story as oppose to the love, Fifty Shades has the love as the main focus and the events as the sub plots. The complete opposite. I love both these books so I`m not complaining, just thought it was intersting.

On  a last note. I found another song, guess I'm too much of a romantic

The song's "Wanna be Loved" by Scotty James. ♥ describes them so well!

If you love romance, you'll definitely love this book.  It's really really (really!) good. Give it a try!

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[REVIEW] Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

Published: September 2004
Publisher: Plume
Age Group: Adult
Series: Women of the Otherworld #2

It was in Bitten, Kelley Armstrong’s debut novel, that thirty-year-old Elena Michaels came to terms with her feral appetites and claimed the proud identity of a beautiful, successful woman —and the only living female werewolf.

In Stolen, on a mission for her own elite pack, she is lured into the net of ruthless Internet billionaire Tyrone Winsloe, who has funded a bogus scientific investigation of the “other races” and their supernatural powers. Kidnapped and studied in his underground lab deep in the Maine woods, these paranormals—witches, vampires, shamans, werewolves—are then released and hunted to the death in a real-world video game. But when Winsloe captures Elena, he finally meets his match. (From Goodreads)

Stolen is the second book in the Women of the Otherworld series.

In Stolen, paranormals are being kidnapped by a tycoon seeking to build his own collection. Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf and the pack representive, goes to Pittsburgh where she is unexpectadly tricked by a young women who lures her into a trap by pretending to require assistance. Now Elena is kidnapped and imprisoned underground where she is kept for scientific research and the worst part about it is that there seems to be some spell that is blocking her ability to contact with her pack members and call for help. Now Elena has to find a way to escape, on her own, all the while trying to survive from the perverted tycoon who seems to enjoy torturing his prisoners and a lady who wants a more exciting life, and Elena might be the answer to it.

This is probably my fourth time reading this book. 

I love the women of the otherworld series, it's much better then Armstrong's teen series' which I find dull and not very exciting. 

Stolen has everything the first book, Bitten, has. It has action, excitement and hot romantic scenes. 

If I had to say anything bad about this book, it was that the introduction was slow but I understand that they had to set everything up and explain what was happening.

The majority of the book is focused on Elena's entrapment. She does get out, don't worry about that. There had to be some way of continuing the story but what she has to go through...well, it's not pretty. 

What I love about this series is that Armstrong finds a way to weave the different main characters in to each story. Stolen focuses on Elena but the next book in the series I believe focuses on the witches, who are introduced in this book. 

I also really like the covers. Although they're more symbolic then anything, the all black background and the one symbol is very strong and makes a large impact, at least for me. Think the covers of Twilight but more intense. 

So if you love reading abuot paranormals, give this book a try especially if you're starting to find that teen paranormal series' are getting a bit boring because this series is anything but boring.

Enjoy!

5/5!
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