Manwhore

Manwhore by Katy Evans
Audiobook Narrated by Grace Grant

This is a book I would normally avoid. I did avoid it. It kept coming up over and over again, however, as an audible recommendation. So, I finally took the plunge. I read the negative reviews and thought I'd find the same wooden characters, it was all about some woman so addicted to rather boring and one sided sex with some self centered, insecure, egotistical man...
Wow, was I wrong. I could totally see how some of the things in the negative reviews could drive them crazy. They were things that would drive me crazy normally too. But, I actually liked this book for having Rachel's thoughts, some of her strange ways, etc. They came off like real people with all of the quirks and hang ups, good and bad. Rachel having real reservations about sleeping with this man who is obviously a womanizer makes total sense to me. I didn't see it as slut shaming, but I can totally understand why she didn't want to be one of them. I can't relate to desperate women myself. I don't judge them, I just don't understand them. But, he actually showed real interest in her, his actions showed he cared, he wasn't just abusing and using her. Too me, that is such a more realistic struggle. Being attracted to a guy who's totally hot, treats you nicely, does caring things for you, pleases you both in and out of bed, but not wanting to get involved because he has a major player and womanizing reputation? Yes!! I can see that!! Seems more realistic and healthy to me.
Being in love with some guy who treats you like crap, gets off on hurting you, then you say how nice he was to sooth your bruises and hurts after he inflicted them, let's not forget that you really aren't into his abusive sex, but he likes it so you'll suffer through is so...not interesting. If you want a guy to spank you, tie you up, etc and he does, then yea I get it. But, if you don't and you're just being some guys small tortured animal he can abuse at will and somehow you can't get away from the creep and think that's love, but somehow it's hot and the character doesn't see there's an abuse situation here? I don't think so. not my kind of read. Those stories that show the character understands the problem and is helpless against this persons pull? I can even do that. But, mistaking abuse for love, I just can't get into. It takes all kinds though, and I know some readers love it. So, I'm not judging. But, I digress.
This is the first book I have listened to by Katy Evans and I was MAJORLY, PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. I lost sleep trying to finish this book I was so stuck. I was so glad I read the reviews about it being a cliffhanger, because boy was it. Again, another thing I know some readers don't like. But I don't mind. I thought the inner struggles of the characters and the thoughts were done brilliantly, and that is testament to the author. Because normally, having that much inner dialogue would drive me nuts. But, I was going through the emotional changes and challenges with the characters.
I'm not sure, but I don't believe I've ever listened to anything by Grace Grant and ended up with 2 books narrated by her back to back. She did an awesome job. She really captured the characters and put you into the story. I could see and feel everything. It was like watching a movie in my head. I love her interpretation of the characters and her flow. She has no little nuances that take you out of the story. Great book with a great narrator is win win! I'll be diving in for more of both. 

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews

One Moonlit Night

One Moonlit Night by Gaelen Foley

I love Gaelen Foley's work. But, I often don't do Novella's because they just don't have enough time for character development and things often feel rushed. But, I enjoyed this one. Yes, I would have loved this story to be longer, but Ms. Foley does a great job of creating likable characters and not trying to add to much to a short story. Though one could complain that everything happened too fast, the story and characters were there. It felt full. After the initial first chapter or 2, I found myself fully engaged and enjoying the story. If I'm just hunting for something negative to say, I could pick apart wishing there was more of this or that. But, it is a novella and I enjoyed it. It didn't leave me hanging as if it was actually part of the first book and I was just getting a glimpse at the next one. It was a complete story. And, I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
                                                         http://www.marlajosephs.com/
                                                         Marla's GoodReads Reviews

March to November by Byddi Lee

March to November by Byddi Lee

March to November is about love and loss, betrayal and trust, happiness and despair and the cycles of grief. It details the events of Tracey Duggan and her friends and family lives during the months of March to November, hence the title. The book is set in modern-day Belfast, Ireland. There are 4 predominate characters in this novel. Tracey Duggan, Molly Duggan, Dermot Duggan and Tommy O’Brian. It deals with the doomed marriage of Molly and Dermot, Tracey’s best friend and brother. Molly must accept that her love and obsession has left her for another woman and their impending “love child.” It details past abusive relationships and the terror that comes back to haunt Tracey in her budding relationship with Tommy. The author does an excellent job getting the reader to fall into the lives of these characters and make you feel like you are a fly on the wall watching or as a friend. I fell into despair with Molly at first and in love with Tommy as if I were Tracey. I had a love hate relationship with Dermot because I understood the betrayal Tracey felt but the lingering hope she had in this messed up situation they were in.
I never really fell for Sheila, Dermot’s new girlfriend. She seemed as cold as her apartment, all white and clean lines. She seemed distant and reserved yet at times showed her humanity when she thought of losing Dermot. She never seemed to connect with the pregnancy so the twist at the end was accepted as real.
Molly’s heartache was so real until it became almost too much. Her obsession with Dermot and her demented revenge set the pace for the downward spiral that her life took. I was so happy to see her get to the stage of acceptance and was hurt by the twist that spiraled to a bombshell for everyone to deal with near the end. I was happy to see the growth in Tommy and Dermot by the end of the book.
Out of the minor characters, Orla is probably my favorite. I love her no nonsense “grab life by the balls and hold on tight” personality. I laughed at so many of her comments. She really brought out the Irish setting with her way of saying things such as:
“F*** off! No way did I lead him on. He was drunk as a skunk.”
Fury pummeled Molly.
“Well, he’d have to be. Look at you!” she screamed and jabbed her forefinger at Orla. That slut always threw herself at men, Dermot couldn’t help it!
“Jesus Christ, that’s a bit low. I might not be Scarlett Johansson, but that randy f***er would poke a hole in the wall if the wall let him.”
I would recommend this to anyone looking for bit of romanticism with a twist.

I received a copy of this book from the author and After Dark Reading Nook in return for a fair and honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Click here to find out more about “March to November” by Byddi Lee
Read our interview with Byddi Lee!!

Reviewed by Amanda
Amanda's Book Review Club
After Dark Reading Nook

Three Ways of Desire

Three Ways of Desire by Judith Rook

 

I didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this and being honest, once I started I didn't know how I was going to fee about this book. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Judith Rook is a great author who writes a strong storyline that flow beautifully. The story and writing will draw you in. The characters were good with great character development. If you are looking for a good story with some hot, steamy, panty melting sex scenes - This one is off the charts hot and steamy!! All around I would say this book was a good read that that definitely keeps you turning the page.

I was given this copy for an honest review through The Next Great Read Book Review blog.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

Letting Go by B.A. Wolfe

Letting Go by B.A. Wolfe 

 

Tear, speechless, and more tears. In this companion novella we revisit Away, which completely shattered me, but in Jase's POV. I undeniably fell in love with Jase all over again with Letting Go. Even knowing what was going to happen and trying to prepare myself for what was to come, I still cried. I did not feel like I was re reading the same book again. Jase made it his own and gave it his soul, which just made a completely phenomenal story that much better. B.A. Wolfe is an amazing writer. Each book and character has taken a piece of my heart.

I was gifted this ARC for an honest review.

 

Reviewed by Michelle Thompson
Michelle's GoodReads Reviews

Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain Book One

Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain Book One by Megan Dent Nagle

When I was first sent the book description of
“Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain Book One” by Megan Dent Nagle, to see if I was interested in reviewing it, I quickly found myself intrigued. Magic, imagination, fantasy and a twisting complex plot. I just couldn’t keep myself from wanting to see where the author would take the story and just exactly how it all would turn out. Because of my interest in just the mere description I had high hopes for this book and I wasn’t let down at all.
The author is remarkably talented and describes every detail in a well thought out story. She creates a fantasy world that yet seems so real to the reader. It was a read that kept me completely absorbed all the way through.
The main character, Zora, is easy to like and enjoyable. I found myself cheering her on at times. Megan Nagle is an amazing author who has potential to go far with her creativity and imagination. She weaves a story that books you in and doesn’t let go to the very last page, yet still by then wanting more.
This is a excellent start to a series and I’m sure Book Two will be just as great. I recommend this book to any reader who wants to get lost in another world for awhile and just escape.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Kristin
Click here to read about Azurite and find out how to get yourself a copy!
See the author Megan Dent Nagle’s Interview here!

Reviewed by Kristin Hinkle
The After Dark Reading Nook

I Wish

I Wish by Elizabeth Langston

When I first received “I Wish” by Elizabeth Langston, I was overly excited. After reading the books description, it sounded intriguing, different, and tempting. I couldn’t wait. Upon reading this book I wasn’t disappointed a bit. It was exactly as I hoped and even more.
The main character, Lacey, is very relatable and likeable. I felt how hard she tried and how much weight she shouldered. I believe my favorite aspect of the story is when she discovers the Genie, or as called in the book Benevolent Supernatural Being (BSB). Her BSB, Grant, at first seemed stiff, but quickly he fell in place. In-between chapters when he submitted his reports to his boss it showed his side and how he perceives everything in Lacey’s life.
The author, Elizabeth Langston, out did herself with this one. Her creativity and outcome of the story deserves applause. I can recommend this book to every reader that wants to get lost in a great authors imagination.
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

                                                        Reviewed by Kristin Hinkle
                                                        The After Dark Reading Nook