C+ Reviews

REVIEW:  Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

REVIEW: Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man(…)

REVIEW:  Captive But Forbidden by Lynne Raye Harris

REVIEW: Captive But Forbidden by Lynne Raye Harris

Dear Ms. Harris, In a recent comment thread about reading and writing multicultural characters, you talked about your latest Harlequin Presents release, which features a half-South Asian hero. I was intrigued and interested to read about someone who was neither a Maharajah nor a Bollywood star. My reaction to your story turned out to be(…)

REVIEW:  Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Dear Ms. Frost: I haven’t read you in a quite a while but many readers, including those in my “trust” circle thought this was a great story. Given that it was the start of a new series, I felt like I could safely enter the world without being too confused. I was able to rustle(…)

REVIEW:  The Hunter and the Hunted by Kelley Armstrong

REVIEW: The Hunter and the Hunted by Kelley Armstrong

Dear Ms. Armstrong, Bitten was one of the first urban fantasy novels I read from the current subgenre that sprung up during the last decade. I loved Elena, Clay, and the world you introduced. When you expanded the Otherworld setting beyond the werewolves, I had mixed feelings. I have a weak spot for the pack.(…)

REVIEW:  Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

REVIEW: Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

Dear Ms. King, I requested Sharing Hailey from Net Galley because it contains two of my favorite tropes, a monogamous ménage and what I like to call the “I love my brother’s best friend” trope. In this case, Hailey Anderson loves her brother Jake’s, two best friends, Mark Allen, a woodworker and Tony Adamo, a(…)

REVIEW:  Hawaiian Gothic by Heidi Belleau,Violetta Vane

REVIEW: Hawaiian Gothic by Heidi Belleau,Violetta Vane

Dear Ms. Belleau and Ms. Vane, I really enjoyed the free short story of yours I read and have been on the lookout for your other work. Hawaiian Gothic sounded like something up my alley, even with a ghost angle: an m/m with multicultural characters set in Hawaii with a mystery twist and a gothic(…)

REVIEW:  Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

REVIEW: Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

Dear Ms. Hoyt: You are a superior writer and because you are a superior writer, you can get away with things that lesser writers cannot. First, let me commend you for writing about non titled characters. This is such a rarity in historical romance that the success of your series is a testament to your(…)

REVIEW:  One Moment by Kristina McBride

REVIEW: One Moment by Kristina McBride

Dear Ms. McBride, I’ve been in a reading slump lately. It’s probably the result of a speculative fiction overdose. I love these genres but sometimes a girl needs a change. When I saw your novel offered up on NetGalley, I decided to give it a look. I always say I need to read more contemporary(…)

REVIEW:  Lust Ever After by Rose de Fer

REVIEW: Lust Ever After by Rose de Fer

Dear Ms. de Fer: I’m not sure what I expected when I requested this erotic novella; the blurb I read intrigued me, though: London, 1881. The brilliant Dr Frankenstein has a thriving practice in the city, treating ladies for ‘hysteria’ and seducing them along the way. Through his pretty chambermaid, Justine, he spies the perfect(…)

REVIEW:  Red by Kait Nolan

REVIEW: Red by Kait Nolan

Dear Ms. Nolan: This book came to my attention when it made the slate of finalists in the DABWAHA tournament. The tournament entries are a compilation of nominations from the DA reviewers and Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches. Sarah loved this book, particularly your handling of Elodie, the main female protagonist. This is a Young Adult(…)

REVIEW:  Chase Me by Tamara Hogan

REVIEW: Chase Me by Tamara Hogan

Dear Ms. Hogan: I’ve been trying to read different sounding paranormals as much as possible in hopes to revive my love and interest in them. “Chase Me” is a blend science fiction with traditional paranormal myths however during much of the book I kept regretting I hadn’t started with the first in the series because(…)

REVIEW:  Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

REVIEW: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Dear Ms. Bardugo, After your debut YA, Shadow and Bone, was recommended to me, I looked it up. What I read about it got my attention, because the book is a historical fantasy set in a world based on Russia. I ordered an ARC through NetGalley and began to read. Shadow and Bone gets off(…)

REVIEW:  Let Me In by Callie Croix

REVIEW: Let Me In by Callie Croix

Dear Ms. Croix, I enjoyed your book but am baffled it’s listed as a BDSM novel. Carina Press is touting it as such and it’s not. Yes, hottie Liam Brodie likes to call the shots between the sheets and he’s had a (straight) sexually adventurous past. But, even though he has some smoking sex with(…)

REVIEW: Revived by Cat Patrick

REVIEW: Revived by Cat Patrick

Dear Ms. Patrick, I’ve been on a sci-fi YA kick lately. It’s a result of my wanting to love the dystopian sub-genre but continually being disappointed by its offerings time and time again. I know these are just marketing labels and can shift based on current trends. (With the success of the Hunger Games movie,(…)

EPIC JOINT REVIEW: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

EPIC JOINT REVIEW: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Janine: When I emailed the DA loop to see if anyone wanted to review Tangle of Need with me, I had no idea what spark I ignited.  Jennie took me up on it, and the resulting review is epic in its length and scope.  Hope you guys enjoy it. Jennie: This is apparently the 11th book in the(…)