Audio Review ~ Revelation ~ Randi Cooley Wilson

Revelation by Randi Cooley Wilson
The Revelation Series #1
Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie
Release Date: January 5, 2016 (audio)
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Tantor Media audio CD, for review in exchange for an honest opinion
Rating: 2 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER B2B
Goodreads

Synopsis
Eve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she's believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael. Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden. Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her. Caught in the middle of a centuries-old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life. Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies, or will their love destroy everything?

This is rather a hard review for me to write. I requested Revelation for review in audio because the synopsis intrigued me and the book had gotten great reviews. Unfortunately, it didn't work all that well for me. I'm going to break it down into what worked and what didn't work for ease in disseminating my thoughts and feelings. Here goes...

Worked (sort of)

• The premise - I'm a fan of angel vs demon, heaven vs hell stories. That one girl was the key in the upcoming battle - the one who might save the world - I was intrigued to say the least
• The worldbuilding - I enjoyed the ways in which Cooley Wilson used archangels, demons, fae, and GARGOYLES to inhabit the story and I liked the abilities being explored. In some ways they were familiar, but in others she made them unique.

Didn't Work

• The writing - I appreciate detail and I adore words but this was a cacophony of description. A smirk is a smirk - no further description needed. If a character is responding snarkily, the dialog should be sufficient in conveying that - I don't need to be told.
• The MC's inner dialog - mostly her inner exclamations got irritating
• The reasons behind the forbidden romance didn't make sense to me. If you feel strongly for someone, doesn't that increase your desire to keep them safe?
• The narrator - she couldn't hold an accent. I was never quite sure who was speaking because of this. It was distracting and took me right out of the story.
• The MC behaved immaturely quite often. I understood she was only 18 but she went from seeming relatively mature to having a tantrum and that was distracting.
• Inconsistencies - along with the inconsistent behavior of the heroine, the hero was also inconsistent (I can't stay away...I *must* stay away), drinking but the characters are only 18...

I think this may be a case where I'd have enjoyed the story a little more had I read it rather than listened. I think the flaws were magnified in audio. I'm not sure I'll continue the series. But again, this book has many rave reviews so while it didn't work for me, it might work for you.

Beyond the Books ~ Sons of Anarchy

Welcome to Beyond the Books. This post was inspired by Lexxie @Unconventional Bookviews' Up Close and (Un)conventional, who was inspired by Cuddlebuggery. It's meant to be a way for y'all to get to know me better on a personal level ~ Beyond the Books. ;)

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If y'all have followed me for awhile, you already know this. If not, here's a little tidbit about me. I don't watch t.v. Nope. Unless you count my sitting next to Hubs, reading, while he watches football and occasionally has me look up by saying "Hey honey, you have to see this." I used to watch t.v. A lot. But I didn't even finish Lost. I don't know what happened. (don't judge) I just decided one day that, as a wife and mom to 3, I had very limited free time and that I'd prefer using that time by putting my nose in a book (and my head in the clouds.) :D This was a purely personal decision - I have nothing against those of you who love your t.v.

Which brings me to Sons of Anarchy. Now, I knew about SoA because I work at Barnes & Noble and I saw the DVDs there. I'd always been intrigued with this sort of story line because I'd read and enjoyed a few MC books. Plus, Charlie Hunnam. (need I say more?) I admit to being shocked to realize this series began in 2008. Talk about being behind the times, but anyway... I decided at the beginning of January (2016) that I was going to watch SoA - one episode a day while I was on the elliptical. Two birds, one stone. At this point, I've watched 6 episodes. I'm not sure I'll continue past season 1 but here are my thoughts so far:

• I found myself critiquing the show with a reader's eye. Gemma or Jax would do something and I'd think "that's not consistent with your character up to this point."
• This is one dark/crude show. There have been several scenes I wish I could un-see or that I averted my eyes from because it was too graphic. (the sounds were bad enough) And this is where I believe reading beats watching - because no matter how well an author draws a scene, my brain will only conjure an image that I can handle. T.V. is in your face.
• The story is compelling enough that I am curious to see where it goes - to know everyone's story, why Gemma is so evil?!? I probably won't get all my answers by the end of season 1 and it remains to be seen if I'll continue. I'm thinking not at this point since my current read typically appeals to me more and I've found myself reading rather than watching while exercising lately.

Have y'all seen SoA? What are your thoughts on it? Are there shows you watch that make you cringe but you can't stop watching??

Review ~ Nowhere Ranch ~ Heidi Cullinan

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Gift from Robyn
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER B2B, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Love will grow through the cracks you leave open.

Ranch hand Roe Davis absolutely never mixes business with pleasure--until he runs into his boss, Travis Loving, at the only gay bar within two hundred miles.

Getting involved with the ranch owner is a bad idea, but Roe's and Travis's bedroom kinks line up against one another like a pair of custom-but rails. As long as they're both clear this is sex on the side, no relationship, no interfering with the job, they could make it work.

Shut out by his family years ago, Roe survived by steadfastly refusing to settle into so much as a post office box. As his affair with Travis grows into more than just sex, Roe's past catches up with him, threatening the thin ray of happiness he's found, reminding him it's well past time he went on his way.

But even a loner gets lonely, and at this point, there's nowhere left to run. The shame and sorrow of what he's lost will stay with Roe wherever he goes--until he's ready to let love lead him home.

Nowhere Ranch is one of the most beautiful love stories I've read. It was by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's a story of acceptance and the healing power of love.

Roe Davis is a man on the run. Having been kicked out of his home and shunned by his family for his sexual preferences, he's been running from place to place ever since. Then he lands at Nowhere Ranch. He enjoys the work and the peace. But when he runs into his boss at the only gay bar in a 3 hour radius, things get a little weird.

Nowhere Ranch is narrated by Roe as he tells his story of meeting Travis, making friends for the first time in his life, and finally finding a home full of love. The prose is - stark is how I think I'd describe it. Neither Roe nor Travis are big talkers. Their actions and few words say so much though. Roe has always felt dirty, unworthy of love in any form. So seeing Travis and the others at Nowhere Ranch love him and seeing Roe work at accepting it was incredibly satisfying.

Travis is an amazing man. Quiet but loyal and loving. He really did work at giving Roe everything he needed. Love, stability, support - all the things you desire from a significant other, friend and family. And then there's Haley. Oh my was she full of piss and vinegar. I adored every second with her - especially when she told off one of Roe's family members and her pastor. And while I agreed with Roe that you can't fight hate with hate, I appreciated her rant all the same.

Nowhere Ranch is not a read for everyone. There are some fairly graphic love scenes - with interesting kinks - and while they did serve to move the story forward - proving trust - they aren't going to be for everyone. But overall, I'm so pleased with my introduction to Cullinan. She crafted a lovely story that will break your heart and then mend it and she just might restore a little of your faith in humanity.

Review ~ Believe ~ Erin McCarthy

Believe by Erin McCarthy
True Believers #3
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher (Penguin Group) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #CleanSweep, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Robin used to be a party girl... until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend's boyfriend. Now she's faced with being THAT girl, and couldn't be more disgusted with herself. She can't even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix--quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that's good and oh, so bad...

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin's house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he's drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn't care that he's done time, or that he only have five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it's a naive dream to believe that his record won't catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present...

Believe was a nice addition to this series. McCarthy took on some heavy but relevant NA topics and even though things were tied up a little too neatly, I still enjoyed Robin and Phoenix's story.

Robin has been an integral part of Kylie's, Rory's, and Jessica's college lives. She's always been one to happily join in the party, particularly once the vodka started flowing. But one incident at the beginning of summer, one she doesn't even remember, has her withdrawn from everyone and everything she cared about and taking a long, hard look at herself.

Phoenix arrived on the scene after doing a brief stint in jail. He's cousins with Riley and Tyler and the boys and he's well versed in the life as a child of an addict. He has an issue of his own - anger - but he mostly keeps it under control.

When Robin and Phoenix meet, they're both feeling a bit embarrassed and ashamed. They both quickly realize though that there's something they're drawn to about the other. The more time they spend together, the stronger that pull becomes.

What I most enjoyed about Robin's and Phoenix's relationship was how as it developed, they each saw flaws in themselves and strove the repair them, on their own, rather than wanting the other to provide the fix. They wanted to be strong for each other but more than that, they wanted to be supportive of the other making themselves stronger. This became very important once the incident that Robin had been living with came to light.

My issue with Believe was that everything seemed to resolve itself so simply. The resolutions felt realistic but I think it would have taken more time for Robin and Phoenix to get there. For example, I didn't feel like a few minutes in the shower served as enough introspection to come to a momentous conclusion. Despite that, Believe was a moving read. McCarthy has a style that is inherently readable. I love a story with a journey and Robin and Phoenix are definitely on a journey - of self-discovery and forgiveness as well as a journey of falling in love. 

I did enjoy getting to spend time with Riley and Jessica, and Tyler and Rory, as well as Jayden and Easton. Since they're all so intertwined into each others' lives, I'd have missed them if they were absent. It's going to be interesting see what the final book, Shatter, is like with the fallout over events in Believe. But I'm diving in right now.

99 Cent Sale ~ Bring Me Back ~ Karen Booth

"It's not a glam story about a rock star's life...it's real life and it's very poignant." -Bookworm Brandee

Bring Me Back by Karen Booth is a fabulous read featuring a woman who, in her late 30s, gets to meet the rock star she crushed on as a teen! (you can check out my review here) It, and its sequel Back Forever, recently got a new covers and Bring Me Back is currently ON SALE! You can grab it for only 99 cents now through May 15.

Here's the synopsis:

Music critic Claire Abby is a single mom dreading her daughter’s departure for college and worried that turning forty will leave her career running on fumes. She’s floored when she lands a Rolling Stone cover story on 80s British rock legend Christopher Penman. She spent her teenage years fantasizing he was her boyfriend.

In person, Christopher is everything Claire feared he’d be—charming, witty and unwilling to address the rumors he’s dodged for a decade. Still, she contains her adolescent fantasies and manages to earn his trust, unearthing the truth and the devastating secret behind it. His blockbuster story is her first priority when she returns home, a nearly impossible task when Christopher starts calling and flirting. She knows she should maintain a professional distance. She knows she should focus on the story. She knows it would be best to simply walk away. But how can she say “no” to the man she could never forget?

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Canada

Audio Review ~ No Rest for the Wicked ~ Kresley Cole

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #3
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire - a nightmare in his mind - against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live - until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent forced deadened her sorrow - accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings - particularly lust - emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.

The prize of a month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity - as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world - to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

No Rest for the Wicked is my favorite in the IAD series so far. The action and suspense was gut-wrenching, and the interactions between Kaderin and Sebastian were by turns smoldering and humorous. This series keeps getting better.

Kaderin and Sebastian only meet because she heard of a vampire haunting a castle. Since Kaderin is Valkyrie and the Valkyerie have made it a mission to rid the world of vampires, she doesn't mind gong out of her way to dust one. Too bad the one she'd thought to dust is her mate.

Sebastian has lived secluded for centuries so knows nothing of the Lore or the modern world. Kaderin pulls him into the present quickly. Lucky for him, he's a quick study.

That Ms. Cole had Kaderin and Sebastian competing in a Lore contest, The High, was brilliant. Here Sebastian, and the reader, meet other species in the Lore. We also got a glimpse at the lengths some within the Lore would go to in order to win the prize - Kaderin included. The competition added much tension with the danger the contest tasks represented as well as the danger the other contestants posed. And then, of course, there was Sebastian fighting to prove himself worthy of his Bride while she did everything possible to thwart him. 

The other Valkyrie once again provided a lot of comic relief, Regin in particular. I enjoyed getting Kaderin's and Sebastian's history as well as watching them fall for one another despite the draw of being mates. I think that, along with the intense action of The High, are what made this my favorite of the series so far.

Robert Petkoff is amazing. All his accents are spot on. I knew he could rock a Scottish brogue but he nails a Russian accent as well. His pacing and the emotion he conveys had me covered in goosebumps, gasping aloud, crying, and laughing. He's amazing.

I believe the next story is Bowen's and I'm eager to hear it. I know I'm really late to the IAD party but I'm so happy I finally arrived! :D

#ShelfLove Discussion ~ Literary Vacation

As part of the #ShelfLove Challenge, we have monthly discussion topics. May's topic is literary vacation.  

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As some of y'all know, I've been lucky enough to do some literary-inspired traveling. ;) And I promise I'll have a few Travel by the Book posts soon. One place that's on my travel bucket list though is England. Some of my favorite works of literature are set in England...I did focus on British Lit for my English degree. ;) From Shakespeare to Jane Austen to Anthony Trollope to Virginia Woolf to Ian McEwan and J.K. Rowling, England is home to many, many brilliant author and is steeped in literary history. I'd love to see a play performed at The Globe Theater, travel the wilds of the country-side, walk along the Thames. I'd like the see Shropshire, the dramatic landscapes of Yorkshire - particularly the moors, and visit Stratford-upon-Avon. There are so, so many literary-inspired things to see and do in England. Someday...someday I'll get there. ;) Until then, I'll travel via books.

How about y'all? Where would y'all go for a literary-inspired vacation?

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Sunday Post #13 ~ Happy Mother's Day

As y'all probably all know, the Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share my news from the week whether it be book, blog, or just life news. Since I read so many of your Sunday Posts and I wanted to add something new in 2016, I've decided to join in the fun!

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First of all, I'd like to wish all you mothers a Happy Mother's Day. I hope you have a fabulously relaxing day!

This week was a busy one as I finished up projects for band/orchestra, drove to 2 competitions, and prepared to leave for BEA. I'm so excited y'all. And I've decided to just enjoy and not think of all I have coming up until I get back. :) 

I didn't have a lot of time to work at my Spring Cleaning list but I'll finish what I can before I leave for Chicago and work more on it after I get back. Some things will have to wait as we'll have company arriving for Sky's graduation starting the 18th.

Reading-wise, I'm listening to One Second by Dannika Dark. It's so good and I've done some cleaning just so I could listen! ;) I finished Believe by Erin McCarthy and I'm currently reading Shatter by Erin McCarthy (the final book in the True Believers series), The Siren by Tiffany Reisz and The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead.

How was y'all's week?!? I hope this upcoming one fantastic! :D

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Challenge Updates

I made very little progress with my challenges this week but that's better than nothing. :D I actually failed my Reading Assignment Challenge in April but that's okay...I can pick back up this month. I'm off to a slow start with Clean Sweep but hey, I'm gonna get to post a review to Netgalley. ;) And I've scheduled 14 of 15 posts for Blog Ahead. Woohoo!!

#ShelfLove - 34
Blogger Shame - 6
New Release - 16
Goodreads - 57
#2016HW - 6
#CleanSweep - 1
Blog Ahead - 14/15 posts!

How are y'all doing with your challenges?