Sometimes when you read as much as us, you don’t really get the urge to write super-detailed reviews about some books… sometimes you realize that you’re really behind and still want to share some quick thoughts about things you’ve read. That’s where this post came about. Check out some books we had shorter reviews written for and wanted to share!
The Expert’s Guide to Driving a Man Wild by Jessica Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
So, this was my first book in the ‘Bluebonnet’ series . I liked it well enough, but to be honest, I just didn’t love it.
Brenna is the unpredictable, free-spirit and Grant… well, he’s not. He’s straight-laced and still mourning the death of his wife from five years ago. When Grant’s family shows up for an extended visit, and the pressure is immediately on him to move on, Brenna does the only thing she can think of. Pretend to be his girlfriend.
I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t read the previous novels in this series, because it’s possible, but I didn’t really feel any kind of connection for either Grant or Brenna here. By the end of the book they just felt so flat to me, and that’s even when all the secrets are revealed.
For Brenna, I guess I ultimately understood her issues… but I don’t know if it 100% made sense to me. (view spoiler)
For Grant… I don’t know, I guess for still mourning his wife as much as he apparently did, I felt like he just jumped into bed with Brenna without a second thought. Add in the fact that after the first time they sleep together he’s pushing for a commitment… and It just didn’t really work for me.
That said, Clare does a great job with the chemistry between these two. There are some definite steamy and hot moments in this book! There are of course, the misunderstandings and the making up and it’s definitely a bit predictable, but it works for a lighthearted romance. For the most part, this was a cute read, and I can definitely see where this series will expand.
If you’re looking for a new series with a small town feel, and some definite steam, check out the Bluebonnet Series.
Twisted Fate by Norah Olson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Twisted Fate by Norah Olson was an interesting read. I admittedly couldn’t put this one down but it may have been for all the wrong reasons. In my case, this may just be one of those “it’s not you, it’s me” situations because once I finished this book I found myself a bit frustrated.
Sydney and Alyson are sisters and complete opposites. When their neighbor Graham moves in across the street, immediately Sydney sees a something in him that makes her want to spend time with him. At the same time, Alyson is a bit wary. She thinks he is weird and there is something about him that she doesn’t trust.
There is a bit of a mystery in that Alyson is trying to figure out what Graham’s deal is and she enlists the help of her best friend, Declan. As things unfold, the story got a bit convoluted for me. I have to say, that I wasn’t completely surprised by the ending of this book but I still couldn’t really figure it out. There were a lot of POV’s that I thought were unnecessary and ultimately the twist at the end fell a bit flat for me. I also didn’t really get the obsession that Graham had with his videos and what he was really up to.
As I said, perhaps this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the review copy.
Atlantis Rising by Gloria Craw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I requested Atlantis Rising on a whim as I read the summary and thought it sounded interesting. I am happy that I did as I found myself enjoying this book and while there were some things that were frustrating, overall this was a solid story and one I found myself not wanting to put down.
Alison has grown up an orphan and has found a family in the McKyes. About three years ago, she randomly met someone who knew exactly who she was and where she came from. After being warned to protect herself and hide, Alison makes the decision to withdraw and try to make herself a unnoticeable as possible. Unfortunately for her, it seems to backfire. Overall I liked Alison. I admit, I found it interesting that she would be so trusting and take the things that others tell her at face value, namely the Children of Atlantis. Despite this, I thought Alison was a well-developed character and she
I thought the other characters in this story were well developed too. Lillian, Brandy, and Ian all added to this story and I thought the interactions between all of these characters were believable.
Craw has developed an interesting world around the idea of Atlantis. The idea that there are these beings out there who blend in with humans and can manipulate them based on their specific abilities is an interesting one. I loved the idea of the different abilities from a healer, someone who can influence other’s thoughts, and even someone who draws others to them. It is a fascinating idea.
If you are interested in something different in the YA genre, definitely consider this book. I was glad to have come across it and while I had some challenges with the story, I enjoyed it and found myself turning the pages to find out what was going to happen.
Thank you to Entangled Teen & Netgalley for the review copy.
Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I officially love Warren.
Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover was a nice little surprise as I honestly had no idea Hoover was planning to write something from Warren’s point of view. I loved Warren in Maybe Someday and everything about this novella made me happy.
This book overlaps a bit with Maybe Someday but is all new because it focuses on Warren and Bridgette. We got a peek into Warren’s personality in the other book but this is full on Warren and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the pranks, to his friendship with Ridge, to how he finally breaks down the walls that Bridgette has put up…It was perfect. I have to admit – I love knowing why Warren was really watching all of that porn. It’s good to know that he had a purpose…other than watching the porn, that is.
I also loved that we got to learn more about Bridgette. In the other book we only get tiny glimpses of her interactions with Ridge and Sydney and I have to admit, I was happy to get more information about how she fits into the puzzle and ultimately ended up living with the guys.
If you enjoyed Maybe Someday I think you will definitely enjoy this. I don’t typically write reviews of novellas – mostly because I find it hard to review a story of this length but I had to share my thoughts. Definitely check this one out when you can!
View all my reviews 
Love After All by Jaci Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was my first Jaci Burton book – I know that’s weird right? I don’t know, I’ve always loved her covers but my trusted contemporary romance sources never really raved so I never grabbed them.
Sidenote – this is a book 4 in a companion series – I don’t feel you have to read the full series in order to get into these.
Anyway, this one caught my interest of course… There’s a dog on the cover…. And a dude, who owns a bar, so I was in.
Chelsea Gardner is tired of dating the wrong kind of guys… she’s got a list of things required in “The One” and she isn’t going to settle for anything less.
Sebastian or “Bash” (The bar owner!) is intrigued by Chelsea – she’s smart and beautiful but he thinks this list is ridiculous, and he’s prepared to prove her completely wrong, because he doesn’t fit the ideal man of Chelsea’s imagination but he’s determined to prove that he’s perfect for her.
So… if I’m being honest, I wasn’t blown away or anything by this. The writing is good, the story is fun and light and the sexy stuff is sexy… but it’s predictable and it wasn’t really anything that would have me yelling into the void about how amazing it was.
I don’t know what it was, I just never connected on the level that I need in order to be invested in these characters lives. In fact, for me, it was just one of those books that I found that I read and then moved on to the next. Nothing about it stood out.
I know that isn’t exactly a glowing review, but sometimes, for me, contemporary romance just falls into that category where you find yourself entertained while you’re reading it and then when you’re done it gets quickly forgotten. This is just one of those cases.
If you’re looking for something light and sexy, something with some fun banter and a story about finding love in a place you least expect… definitely check this one out!
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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