Scan barcode
fortheloveoffictionalworlds's reviews
1351 reviews
Find Her Bear by Anya Nowlan
3.0
This review was first published on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was in high school and only recently discovered Twilight, I was quite fascinated with the aspect of humans turning into beasts, one they had to keep controlled. Now that was a fantasy that I wished was a reality.
I know werewolves were first introduced in Harry Potter (to me at least!) but damn if I wasn't intrigued by the full transformation of human into animals. Yes, I have psycho - analysed myself for this intrigue and to keep a long story short let's say I want to let go of the control I have over myself. It wasn't a fun discovery.
So when I read the Ms. Nowlan's request for review on GoodReads, I was instantly transported back to my days of reading Shifter Stories on Wattpad. (And yes, I found some amazing ones. My favorite was about White Tigers!), so I decided to give this genre another try. Especially since, this is not the usual run of the mill - werewolf shifter story. It's about bears. I like bears :D
This story is about Tess, who even though having a PhD and being considered an expert in grizzly bears, has almost no field experience. So when she is given a chance of finding out why the grizzly bear population is on rise in the mountains of Montana, she jumps at the chance of having some adventure in her life.
Now Tess, is an intelligent woman, who is honest to herself. She is one of those characters who has no hidden layers. Now this definitely is not a bad thing, not usually. She is sarcastic, funny and loyal to a fault. And she is also more of a believer in "seeing is believing."
Jack Arder, the forest ranger and the guide of Tess in the mountains, is a huge man, silent and strong. He is also the Alpha of the WereBear clan in the mountains. And he doesn't like the fact there is an outsider clamoring up to reveal their secrets albeit unknowingly.
He is the typical Alpha, or as shifter Alphas usually are. The strong, silent type who do not understand what 'fun' actually means.
But Tess gets under his skin. He can't keep his walls up against her adorableness nor her intelligence. He finds himself talking more, enjoying more, just plain living more. He knows that the secret of him being a werebear can't stay secret for long Tess, on her side, falls for him each day.
First, this is a very short book. Like really really short - in fact it was about 130 pages in the ePub version I was provided with. And that is a sad sad fact. See, Ms. Nowlan writes beautifully. She really does. But this book feels more like prologue than an actual introduction because everything happens in an instant.
This brings me to the other issue I have. Reading this book, I remembered the reason why I stopped believing in shifter series - The Insta - Love angle. Now if you read my review, or have ever talked to me you would understand that I really really hate the concept of 'love at first sight' or the 'instant knowing that s/he is the one for me' sort of love story and that's what shifter stories are. No matter how well written, this point always sticks in my craw.
Now with this book, the 'mate' issue wasn't all that prominent, not until the secrets are revealed. This is the part I actually loved about the book at the start, that though these two were inherently attracted to each other, they took time to get to know each other, but it still irritated (albeit a little) when they decided they were in love with each other.
But yes, Ms. Nowlan did actually peak my interest enough for the rest of series (I have to admit that I do have the ability not to able to stop at one book in a series!).
The shortness of the story aside, the writing style is one that I actually liked and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the rest of the story, I just hope that the rest would be actual full length novels.
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was in high school and only recently discovered Twilight, I was quite fascinated with the aspect of humans turning into beasts, one they had to keep controlled. Now that was a fantasy that I wished was a reality.
I know werewolves were first introduced in Harry Potter (to me at least!) but damn if I wasn't intrigued by the full transformation of human into animals. Yes, I have psycho - analysed myself for this intrigue and to keep a long story short let's say I want to let go of the control I have over myself. It wasn't a fun discovery.
So when I read the Ms. Nowlan's request for review on GoodReads, I was instantly transported back to my days of reading Shifter Stories on Wattpad. (And yes, I found some amazing ones. My favorite was about White Tigers!), so I decided to give this genre another try. Especially since, this is not the usual run of the mill - werewolf shifter story. It's about bears. I like bears :D
This story is about Tess, who even though having a PhD and being considered an expert in grizzly bears, has almost no field experience. So when she is given a chance of finding out why the grizzly bear population is on rise in the mountains of Montana, she jumps at the chance of having some adventure in her life.
Now Tess, is an intelligent woman, who is honest to herself. She is one of those characters who has no hidden layers. Now this definitely is not a bad thing, not usually. She is sarcastic, funny and loyal to a fault. And she is also more of a believer in "seeing is believing."
Jack Arder, the forest ranger and the guide of Tess in the mountains, is a huge man, silent and strong. He is also the Alpha of the WereBear clan in the mountains. And he doesn't like the fact there is an outsider clamoring up to reveal their secrets albeit unknowingly.
He is the typical Alpha, or as shifter Alphas usually are. The strong, silent type who do not understand what 'fun' actually means.
But Tess gets under his skin. He can't keep his walls up against her adorableness nor her intelligence. He finds himself talking more, enjoying more, just plain living more. He knows that the secret of him being a werebear can't stay secret for long Tess, on her side, falls for him each day.
First, this is a very short book. Like really really short - in fact it was about 130 pages in the ePub version I was provided with. And that is a sad sad fact. See, Ms. Nowlan writes beautifully. She really does. But this book feels more like prologue than an actual introduction because everything happens in an instant.
This brings me to the other issue I have. Reading this book, I remembered the reason why I stopped believing in shifter series - The Insta - Love angle. Now if you read my review, or have ever talked to me you would understand that I really really hate the concept of 'love at first sight' or the 'instant knowing that s/he is the one for me' sort of love story and that's what shifter stories are. No matter how well written, this point always sticks in my craw.
Now with this book, the 'mate' issue wasn't all that prominent, not until the secrets are revealed. This is the part I actually loved about the book at the start, that though these two were inherently attracted to each other, they took time to get to know each other, but it still irritated (albeit a little) when they decided they were in love with each other.
But yes, Ms. Nowlan did actually peak my interest enough for the rest of series (I have to admit that I do have the ability not to able to stop at one book in a series!).
The shortness of the story aside, the writing style is one that I actually liked and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the rest of the story, I just hope that the rest would be actual full length novels.
The Arithmetic of Breasts and Other Stories by Rochelle Potkar
4.0
I received a physical copy of the book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review will follow soon :)
The review will follow soon :)
Pune Murder Chronicles by Manasi Sapre
3.0
I recevied a physical copy of the book via Rumor Books India in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating is 3.5 Stars
The detailed review will be up soon :)
Actual Rating is 3.5 Stars
The detailed review will be up soon :)
Correcting the Coeds by Renee Rose, Sue Lyndon, Cara Bristol, Celeste Jones
4.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of BDSM stories with a twist - it is based in the 1950s era and how husbands tend to keep their wives in line :P
While there were parts that did make my independent feminist side cringe, overall every single story was handled so tastefully that I didn't even have any frustration till the time I reached the end of the book :D
My favorite though was "A Husband for Betty" by Sue Lyndon - this story within a short span of time had everything - from a disgraced girl sent off, to a marriage of convenience to secrets to eventual HEA - and that was just perfect. It is the skill of author to be able to tell a full length story in a short span of time without compromising the quality of the story itself.
The one book that frustrated me the most - " Back to Her Future" by Celeste Jones. I loved the science fiction aspect to this story but it ended so abruptly that I didn't even want to believe that it had ended for a few minutes :P
The one That had potential - "Educating His Bride" by Cara Bristol - This book was mostly about the BDSM aspect of a marriage life. Since it was mostly about an established couple, it didn't actually hold that much appeal to me and there were so many issues that were left open that I couldn't enjoy the story as much as I should have.
The One That I Liked Despite My Preferences - Stepbrother’s Rules by Renee Rose - I do not like Stepbrother romances, the almost incest aspect of the story puts off my attention - but this story was handled so delicately that I couldn't help but like it and the characters.
Overall the experience of reading BDSM stories from 1950s era, was quite enjoyable and definitely worth a re-read.
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This is a collection of BDSM stories with a twist - it is based in the 1950s era and how husbands tend to keep their wives in line :P
While there were parts that did make my independent feminist side cringe, overall every single story was handled so tastefully that I didn't even have any frustration till the time I reached the end of the book :D
My favorite though was "A Husband for Betty" by Sue Lyndon - this story within a short span of time had everything - from a disgraced girl sent off, to a marriage of convenience to secrets to eventual HEA - and that was just perfect. It is the skill of author to be able to tell a full length story in a short span of time without compromising the quality of the story itself.
The one book that frustrated me the most - " Back to Her Future" by Celeste Jones. I loved the science fiction aspect to this story but it ended so abruptly that I didn't even want to believe that it had ended for a few minutes :P
The one That had potential - "Educating His Bride" by Cara Bristol - This book was mostly about the BDSM aspect of a marriage life. Since it was mostly about an established couple, it didn't actually hold that much appeal to me and there were so many issues that were left open that I couldn't enjoy the story as much as I should have.
The One That I Liked Despite My Preferences - Stepbrother’s Rules by Renee Rose - I do not like Stepbrother romances, the almost incest aspect of the story puts off my attention - but this story was handled so delicately that I couldn't help but like it and the characters.
Overall the experience of reading BDSM stories from 1950s era, was quite enjoyable and definitely worth a re-read.
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Sins of Her Father by Kathleen Mix
4.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
How do you feel when everything you knew about your foundations turned out to be a lie?
How do you cope? Do you try to move on? Do you try and find answers?
What if the answers you find aren’t the one you are looking for? What if you find something a whole lot more sinister?
Try and have the answers to these questions before you start the book.
And then read the book. Now answer the above questions again. Do you see a change in the answers? Or in your perception of the questions?
I was quite sceptical when I started reading the book and with good reason – the blurb.
Rape and rape victims are quite a sensitive topic and when you add in a child of rape into the mix – it has the potential to go either ways.
The first few pages, it is unclear as what is happening, i.e. it takes a while for us to get into what is exactly going on with Faith – but just when you get the hang of it you can literally feel the shock, the rage and absolute helplessness that Faith feels when she finds out who exactly her father is.
But I have to give her credit – she still keeps her rational head working and devices a plan to exact justice for her mother. Not Revenge but Justice but what she never counted on for her plans was Kent – her father’s stepson.
This is a brilliantly written book. And the wonderful part is that you can feel every single emotion that goes through Faith, Kent and even her father’s minds because the author did a brilliant job of making sure we got every aspect of in this book, ergo she gave us all three’s POV.
The plot itself is wonderfully handled, even the details and since it’s written beautifully, it was treat to see everything turn out the way it did in the end!
It’s a book that makes you think and wonder but most of all it makes you want to put yourself in the protagonist’s place to wonder whether you would have done everything the same way Faith did? Or would you have done something different?
I really hope that no one ever has a definite answer to these questions.
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
How do you feel when everything you knew about your foundations turned out to be a lie?
How do you cope? Do you try to move on? Do you try and find answers?
What if the answers you find aren’t the one you are looking for? What if you find something a whole lot more sinister?
Try and have the answers to these questions before you start the book.
And then read the book. Now answer the above questions again. Do you see a change in the answers? Or in your perception of the questions?
I was quite sceptical when I started reading the book and with good reason – the blurb.
Rape and rape victims are quite a sensitive topic and when you add in a child of rape into the mix – it has the potential to go either ways.
The first few pages, it is unclear as what is happening, i.e. it takes a while for us to get into what is exactly going on with Faith – but just when you get the hang of it you can literally feel the shock, the rage and absolute helplessness that Faith feels when she finds out who exactly her father is.
But I have to give her credit – she still keeps her rational head working and devices a plan to exact justice for her mother. Not Revenge but Justice but what she never counted on for her plans was Kent – her father’s stepson.
This is a brilliantly written book. And the wonderful part is that you can feel every single emotion that goes through Faith, Kent and even her father’s minds because the author did a brilliant job of making sure we got every aspect of in this book, ergo she gave us all three’s POV.
The plot itself is wonderfully handled, even the details and since it’s written beautifully, it was treat to see everything turn out the way it did in the end!
It’s a book that makes you think and wonder but most of all it makes you want to put yourself in the protagonist’s place to wonder whether you would have done everything the same way Faith did? Or would you have done something different?
I really hope that no one ever has a definite answer to these questions.
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Inconceivable by Cherrie Mack
2.0
I received an eARC of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book turned out to be the one that solely rest in "could have been" category! Because let's face it - fairy tale re-tellings are all the rage in YA lit but still has to find a solid base in the Adult Fiction category!
And that's a major reason why I requested this book - but sadly, it fell short of my expectations.
Allie is supposed to be Cinderella but what she turns out to be is the epitome of a whiny spoilt little princess. Her tone from the start is entitled, she is bitchy and not to mention spiteful just for the sake of it. Rather than Cinderella, she seems more like the Evil Stepsister.
What saves the day though, is the plot. The plot while going mediocre for about 60% of the books - turns itself on it's head and goes for a twist that I did not see coming and by the almost 90% of the book - I even started liking Allie and the growth she showed!
The only reason why I gave it two stars is the plot and the fact that I am looking forward to Adrienne's (The Evil Stepsister) book :D
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This book turned out to be the one that solely rest in "could have been" category! Because let's face it - fairy tale re-tellings are all the rage in YA lit but still has to find a solid base in the Adult Fiction category!
And that's a major reason why I requested this book - but sadly, it fell short of my expectations.
Allie is supposed to be Cinderella but what she turns out to be is the epitome of a whiny spoilt little princess. Her tone from the start is entitled, she is bitchy and not to mention spiteful just for the sake of it. Rather than Cinderella, she seems more like the Evil Stepsister.
What saves the day though, is the plot. The plot while going mediocre for about 60% of the books - turns itself on it's head and goes for a twist that I did not see coming and by the almost 90% of the book - I even started liking Allie and the growth she showed!
The only reason why I gave it two stars is the plot and the fact that I am looking forward to Adrienne's (The Evil Stepsister) book :D
For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Bring Me Back by Jennifer Collin
4.0
The review will be first posted on visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour hosted by Indie Sage Pr on 5th October.
Say You'll Love Me by Ally Broadfield
3.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the blurb of the book. The fact that the Hero was portrayed to be an intellectual, rather than the brawny characters usually found in run of the mill Historical Romances. And I had prayed and hoped that the author would do it justice too.
I was sadly, mistaken. Oh don’t get me wrong, both Abigail and Edmund were perfectly likeable on their own. But together? There was absolutely no chemistry, they were more like two people who are forcibly trying to attract each other.
Edmund, is the kind of man who was steadfast, respectful and loyal. While he did not have any interest in the typical activities of the Ton, he did do his duties and wasn’t bitter about not actually being an intimate part of the ton!
Abigail on the other hand, is finally living her dream of marrying her childhood friend and sweetheart. The fact that he doesn’t exactly seem to be bothered by trying to get to know her, or even be interested in her, isn’t exactly a big issue, though she does seem to have misgivings about it. So, when she sees her fiancé almost molesting a maid, she is stunned and when the same maid ends up murdered, she is scared.
And turns to Edmund for help. Edmund being her friend’s older brother also agrees to help her out and this, starts a new journey.
The plot, is in itself interesting, and sadly only interesting. This book had so much potential and it almost hurts me that it didn’t live up to the potential. The romance was sadly lacklustre, the plot could have used a bit of tweaking and there was “something” missing – what that something was I can only guess, because this never did actually hit me in the feels.
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
I really liked the blurb of the book. The fact that the Hero was portrayed to be an intellectual, rather than the brawny characters usually found in run of the mill Historical Romances. And I had prayed and hoped that the author would do it justice too.
I was sadly, mistaken. Oh don’t get me wrong, both Abigail and Edmund were perfectly likeable on their own. But together? There was absolutely no chemistry, they were more like two people who are forcibly trying to attract each other.
Edmund, is the kind of man who was steadfast, respectful and loyal. While he did not have any interest in the typical activities of the Ton, he did do his duties and wasn’t bitter about not actually being an intimate part of the ton!
Abigail on the other hand, is finally living her dream of marrying her childhood friend and sweetheart. The fact that he doesn’t exactly seem to be bothered by trying to get to know her, or even be interested in her, isn’t exactly a big issue, though she does seem to have misgivings about it. So, when she sees her fiancé almost molesting a maid, she is stunned and when the same maid ends up murdered, she is scared.
And turns to Edmund for help. Edmund being her friend’s older brother also agrees to help her out and this, starts a new journey.
The plot, is in itself interesting, and sadly only interesting. This book had so much potential and it almost hurts me that it didn’t live up to the potential. The romance was sadly lacklustre, the plot could have used a bit of tweaking and there was “something” missing – what that something was I can only guess, because this never did actually hit me in the feels.
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
A Moment of Weakness by Brooklyn Skye
4.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Single dads in fiction are my weakness or rather my kryptonite. I love the relationship that these daddy’s have with their kids. It’s not only adorable but is also one of the best relationships out there and it literally makes my uterus squeal to read about this relationship. I know you females know what I am talking about? ;)
Micah Crane is an enforcer for the Mob. He has taken that job because that is the only job that will give his daughter everything she will ever need. So what if the job is on the illegal side? So what if he gets beat up – cracked knuckles and busted eyes are nothing, nothing in front of the smile that graces his daughter’s face when he sees her having the best of everything. But he knows he is in the limbo – he can’t keep leaving his daughter at the back of the bar every time he gets the call for a job. He knows it, but is stubborn and mistrusting of almost every human with his daughter. Lucky for him, his sister does enough to meddle in his life.
Enter Laurel, his sister’s roommate and a destitute teacher in need for a summer job, so when she gets the boot to stay at Micah’s to take care of his daughter, she doesn’t hesitate. Much. She adores his daughter and has a pretty strong attraction to Micah. Which doesn’t fight that much.
Micah and Laurel, while attracted to each other, slowly also slide into relationship, but they only fall for each other, when they see other’s relationship with his daughter and that for me cinched the deal. I loved their interactions, and the way they seamlessly fit together – it was heart-warming, not to mention, adorable to read.
But I did think, that Laurel and Micah’s attraction quite suddenly culminated into a kiss and that made it quite less impactful – I mean to say, that one moment they both were tiptoeing around each other and the next they are kissing, and while this might be okay with other plots, when there is a kid involved I do like my characters to take things slow, but that’s just me. Also, while their chemistry was steamy, it could have been explosive and I think the author sort of missed reaching that potential.
Still I liked this book, mostly cause of Shae and the different plotline, I just wish there could have been more – more steam, more angst, just more!
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Single dads in fiction are my weakness or rather my kryptonite. I love the relationship that these daddy’s have with their kids. It’s not only adorable but is also one of the best relationships out there and it literally makes my uterus squeal to read about this relationship. I know you females know what I am talking about? ;)
Micah Crane is an enforcer for the Mob. He has taken that job because that is the only job that will give his daughter everything she will ever need. So what if the job is on the illegal side? So what if he gets beat up – cracked knuckles and busted eyes are nothing, nothing in front of the smile that graces his daughter’s face when he sees her having the best of everything. But he knows he is in the limbo – he can’t keep leaving his daughter at the back of the bar every time he gets the call for a job. He knows it, but is stubborn and mistrusting of almost every human with his daughter. Lucky for him, his sister does enough to meddle in his life.
Enter Laurel, his sister’s roommate and a destitute teacher in need for a summer job, so when she gets the boot to stay at Micah’s to take care of his daughter, she doesn’t hesitate. Much. She adores his daughter and has a pretty strong attraction to Micah. Which doesn’t fight that much.
Micah and Laurel, while attracted to each other, slowly also slide into relationship, but they only fall for each other, when they see other’s relationship with his daughter and that for me cinched the deal. I loved their interactions, and the way they seamlessly fit together – it was heart-warming, not to mention, adorable to read.
But I did think, that Laurel and Micah’s attraction quite suddenly culminated into a kiss and that made it quite less impactful – I mean to say, that one moment they both were tiptoeing around each other and the next they are kissing, and while this might be okay with other plots, when there is a kid involved I do like my characters to take things slow, but that’s just me. Also, while their chemistry was steamy, it could have been explosive and I think the author sort of missed reaching that potential.
Still I liked this book, mostly cause of Shae and the different plotline, I just wish there could have been more – more steam, more angst, just more!
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds