Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin

Review of Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin

Published: May 14, 2012
4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "Taken prisoner by a ruthless group of anarchists deep in the Cambodian jungle, anthropologist Jocelyn Hewitt is isolated in a dark prison cell. Without chance of rescue. Or hope. Until the man in the next cell reaches out to let her know she's not as alone as she thinks.

CIA agent Oliver Shaw has been held prisoner for over two years. Forced to witness the brutal torture and slow murder of his entire team, his spirit is not just broken, it's crushed. He no longer believes in hope. Until he hears Jocelyn through the wall, and suddenly feels like a glimpse of light is trying to reach in...

Jocelyn's heart aches for the tortured man whose presence and voice give her the courage to risk their escape. But first she'll have to remind Oliver who he once was, what he once loved, and bring him back to life. Only then will they have a chance for freedom-and the kind of love neither ever thought possible."

Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin is a story about finding the beauty in life even under the most tragic circumstances.  What I love about this book is how Joise and Oliver while they meet under dyer events actually keep one another alive and connect on a deeper level because of what they have experienced. I also love that this book is a story about romance, but it is deeper than that and is not a story that revolves around the romance itself.  This story is realistic, sad, hope and hopeless in its beauty within Joise and Oliver.  They survive for not only themselves, but ultimately for one another.  I give Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin 4 smirks because the story is unique and the characters transformations are magnificent.


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Tycoon's Secret Daughter by Susan Meier


Review of The Tycoon's Secret Daughter by Susan Meier

Published: June 5, 2012

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "The CEO’s second chance...
Max Montgomery had it all: charm, good looks and a career as CEO of the family business. Marriage to Kate Hunter was the icing on the cake. Until a devastating family secret sent his world—and then his marriage—crashing down around him.

Years later, Max is accidentally reunited with Kate, who also has a secret—the daughter he’s never met! Bonding with adorable Trisha may come naturally, but with the shadows of the past still haunting him, recapturing the heart of the woman he’s never stopped loving is quite a different matter…"

The Tycoon's Secret Daughter by Susan Meier is a story about the harsh realities of life and the consequences you must face when your past comes back to you.  This story which had a lot of harsh reality to it voiced it in such an innocence perspective it was really different and is what made me love this story.  I think it is easy to voice in a story about darkness and violence, but when you put into that voice a certain innocence it becomes tamer and easier to deal with.  I loved how we as readers got a background of Max and Kate without having to go through the background with them.  I also love how even after years of distant their love can be rekindled within moments of seeing each other again.  Both Max and Kate are similar characters who approach life differently which is what makes their chemistry so undeniable.  And while Trisha is a part of Max and Kate's story, she is not the center of it which is what I believe drew me into the story and ultimately gives readers the impression that what Max and Kate share is not dependent on Trisha.  I give The Tycoon's Secret Daughter by Susan Meier 4 smirks because it is a feel good, heartwarming story about living in the present, hoping for the future, and keeping the past in the past.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang

Review of Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang







Published: June 5, 2012

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "The Marshalls...

A rich, powerful family that mixes business, politics…and pleasure. If the U.S. had a royal family this would be it!

The tabloids just couldn’t get enough of A-list couple hotshot producer Finn Marshall and Hollywood wild child Caitlyn Reese. Then Caitlyn fled the glaring lights of Tinseltown, leaving an indelible mark on the Walk of Fame—and an empty seat on the back of Finn’s motorbike.

Now Cait is back! She’s still got the X factor, and Finn is struggling to banish his X-rated thoughts! Because one thing is for sure…he isn’t interested in just a quick Hollywood retake. To interest him, it’ll have to be."

Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang is a feisty story about two characters who are so stubborn they make cows look cooperative. Cait and Finn have some serious chemistry and a fighting streak to match.  I love how Cait and Finn are so in tune with each other on so many things, but totally out of whack when it comes to what each of them ultimately needs for a relationship to blossom. I thought the idea of a movie bringing these two characters together was perfect for them.  Cait is innocent in a way which is uniquely not in sync with how she grew up or how she lives her life.  Finn being someone who decides to shrug things off because to him showing an invested emotion is weak and a way to get hurt.  What this book brings to light is how moving past your hang ups in order to be with the person you were meant to be with is actually a strength.  Always rooting for the underdog I give Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang 5 smirks, this is a funny, witty, heated, story about finding the one who just gets you.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Review of Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Published: July 24, 2012

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors…

Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface—a skill that serves him well as the Guardians’ region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can’t read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories.

Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side—and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both…"

Seduced by Blood by Laurie London is a great continuation of this series!  Out of all the book in this series so far, this is by far is my favorite!  I loved getting to know Roxy and Santiago. I thought these two characters were very complex, but oddly enough alike in so many ways. I loved their banter and wit, how the story of this series still progresses, but is ultimately about how Santiago and Roxy find each other (even if at first they don't like one another). I enjoyed how almost always Santiago and Roxy are honest with each other even if the truth hurts, I felt this was a very realistic part of a relationship.  I also enjoyed the ending because who wouldn't enjoy that? (I'll never tell). I give Seduced by Blood by Laurie London 5 smirks because Santiago and Roxy are two loners who will touch readers hearts and bring a smile to their faces.