Showing posts with label escaping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label escaping. Show all posts

Monday, 24 February 2014

[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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Wednesday, 28 August 2013

[REVIEW] Escaping Reality Lisa Renee Jones

Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Published: July 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Series: The Secret Life of Amy Benson #1
ARC courtesy of Julie Patra Publishing, provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!

This is a spoiler free review.

Escaping Reality is, if you can't tell by the series name, the secret life of Amy Benson - if that is actually her name.

The story starts out with a "Mission Impossible" feel. I was immediately captivated by the quick moving actions and the panic the character was feeling that I had completely forgotten about the romance/erotica aspect of this book, until there is mention of a hot male who happens to catches the main character's attention. There goes my thoughts and I start reading about this whirl wind romance that takes place throughout the rest of the story.

I greatly enjoyed the story. Readers aren't given very much information on who the character Amy actually is.  We're given the chance to read about flashbacks of her past life when she experiences them but I feel that under no means are these meant to be taken as the absolute truth. Why should we as the readers believe everything when she herself doesn't know what's true or not. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid. I blame the initial feelings of being in a spy movie. Like I said Amy's past is not shared, which makes her a very interesting character to read about. I kept wondering what is it that she's running from? And who was she at first?

Along with the mystery is the steamy romance between the two main characters, Amy and hot-as-can-be Liam Stone, who is a billionaire, "recluse", architect.  Their romance takes off and usually I don't question these fast paced romances but maybe the nature of this story leaves me skeptical that this guy ONLY loves her and isn't getting close to her for ulterior motives. They just got together too fast! Also he has a goatee... I'm not a fan of goatees... and so maybe it's just personal taste but there's something off about this guy. He's your typical alpha, dominating male who wants to protect his girl and expects you to listen to him. What I noticed from him that was different from other alpha males is that he has a sort of compassion to him. He doesn't question Amy's past, even though it's obvious there's more to it than Amy is telling him, and he doesn't push her to tell him. A guy who doesn't pressure a lady to tell him about herself is a plus in my books. Liam also makes Amy feel wanted. Who doesn't want to feel wanted? Especially if it's a hot guy who wants you! But Amy is a different story, she's been alone on the run and has never truly felt a belonging to anyone until Liam. I find their romance to be a template of what most women want in a relationship and it tells a very endearing tale of two people who just want to be together and love one another.

Overall the story was quite lovely. Amazingly written. I like fast paced books that keep me engaged and attached to the storyline and this did just that. Add a very surprising cliffhanger and you have yourself a wonderful book that I think you definitely try. I haven't read any of Lisa Renee Jones' other books but I think I'll definitely give them a try after Escaping Reality. I ensure you that once you're done reading this book, you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the sequel to be released, like I am right now.

MEH
 
P.S. I love math and very much appreciated the pi tattoo Liam has. Thank you very much Lisa Renee Jones ♥

Infinite Possibilities (The Secret Life of Amy Benson #2) is expected to be released October 2013.