READING: Iced (Fever #6) by Karen Marie Moning

Publication date: October 30 2012
Published by: Delacorte Press
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Fae, Paranormal
Rating:  ⃠⃠⃠ NO RATING

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.
Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux. 

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.
Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

I can't believe Dani was not my biggest problem in Iced. Who would have thought? I actually have a new appreciation for the kid. 
In my opinion, Iced is one of Moning's best. She manages to morph an unbelievably annoying and unlikable character, into someone you feel and care deeply for, because of the way she grew up, because of her incredibly sad story, because, at 14 years old, she wants to do what's right for everyone, because she wants to save the world. Dani touched my heart in Iced and I hope when Mac comes back as the lead, she doesn't turn into an abnoxious brat again. 
All of Kat scenes were my absolute favourites. Her voice is so lyrical-almost haunted-and I can just imagine her traipsing around the abbey, it's almost she was from another era. Her encounter with Ryodan at Chester's, is one of my top favourite scenes in all Fever books, pure gold.

However! As much as I loved Iced, I cannot and will not get past the overt sexualisation of a 14 year old girl. Some things just ain't right.
You have to wonder why; why would Moning ever create an underage female lead character in such an indecent, X-rated, oversexualised world such as the Feververse? What did she possibly stand to gain from that? 
Honestly? No idea. 
She actually lost someone, Christian, who was so messed up, I just wanted him to die to be put out of his misery. I really liked him in previous Fever books, he was an OK bloke. But in Iced, his character got ripped to shreds, both metaphorically and literally! Every time he appeared, I inwardly cringed. Unless he gets the Unseelie out of him, I hope he doesn't come back. 

And then we have Ryodan, the Cool guy.
Is he though? 
First half of the book he is described as this creep who has his eye on a 14 year old waiting for her to become "acceptably" older - even though he blatantly said that in other worlds girls her age wed and start families...- having constant pissing contests with Christian, who is obviously losing his marbles, and Dancer, another human kid! 
Second half, you see him having a relationship with someone else, which I am not buying for a second, and being all father figure to Dani. I mean, I much prefer that side of him, but I still don't know what to think. Is he the anti hero turned hero? Highly doubt it. He's definitely intriguing, if, again, Dani was older. But she isn't. So, he just looks like an overly pushy and obsessive creep. Even if he tries to care for her and be the dad she never had, parents don't act like that towards their children. At least, oh my God, they shouldn't. 

I don't know if in Burned Mac and Barrons will be leads again and all Iced characters are going to play second fiddle,but I really hope not. As long as Ryodan doesn't creep out on me, or Christian stays where he is (or isn't) I'll be fine.

Stray observations:
-Very sad to read about Chester's, knowing where the name came from.
-Fun fact: a huuuge presence and alleged influencer on GoodReads (with 5,000 followers, #1 reviewer rank etc.) has said about C. S. Pacat's Captive Prince II, a fantasy MM adult romance book, that it focused too much on men's genitals and that she was fed up with their over exposure. Whatever that means.

However, she didn't blink an eye when Christian got hard just by looking at Dani, a 14 year old girl, or that Ryodan was fighting with Christian over who will fuck her first. There was no actual sex or kissing, so all good.

Hm, interesting.😐

READING: Divide & Conquer (Cut & Run #4) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Publication date: October 14 2011
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Crime
Rating: 

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city in alarming distress. Rising violence is fanning the flames of public outrage, and all law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are catching blame. Thus the FBI’s latest ideas to improve public relations: a municipal softball league and workshops for community leaders. But the new commitments just mean more time Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have to spend apart when they’re happily exploring how to be more than by-the-book partners.

Then the latest spate of crime explodes in their faces—literally—throwing the city, the Bureau, and Ty and Zane’s volatile partnership both in and out of the office into chaos. They’re hip-deep in trouble, trying to track down bombers and bank robbers in the dark with very few clues, and the only way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel together requires Ty and Zane to close their eyes and trust each other to the fiery end.

2nd read (Oct 13 2018)
I pretty much have the same opinion of D&C as I did the first time. This time however, I enjoyed parts that I didn't particularly like back in May, and parts I did like back then I was like meh about now. That always happens with re-reads though; you brace yourself for the bad parts, that way they don't look that bad the second time around.
D&C is too convoluted. Important things are happening that should have been explored further but weren't because they were just too many. It's like they shoved all their ideas in a 320 pages hoping it will make for a glorious book, but it didn't.
It's not bad, but it'd be better if the content, properly developed this time, was split between two books. 

Zane realizes he loves Ty, Ty sings (!), Ty's Bronco gets blown up, new female character is introduced (a novelty for C&R books) from Ty's past and she was gone the next minute, Zane is blinded, Zane declares his love to Ty as they slow dance (I mean...), we meet Ty's friends, which is a huge, huge deal, Ty comes out to them, which is even a bigger deal, Nick kisses Ty (!!!), Zane gets his sight back, Zane and Ty are trapped under rubble in an old mausoleum, Zane declares his love to Ty (again), Ty leaves him. Plus, you know. The bombings and bank robberies or whatever. It was just too much.

1st read (May 13 2018)
Omg are you kidding me with that ending???

I still can't decide if this book is a 4 or a 5. There were a couple of moments I didn't particularly like, important moments that were brushed off casually, suffering from bad writing, and others I absolutely loved. It's never been more apparent that these books are written by two completely different people.
Let's say it's 4 and a half. For now.

READING: Fish & Chips (Cut & Run #3) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Publication date: December 6 2010
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense 
Rating: 

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion.
Now they're assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they'd rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment.
As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there's more to being partners than watching each other's backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty's life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.

2nd read (Oct 7 2018)
Absolutely loved it! Can't believe I liked it even more than the first time!
Granted, the story was a bit shitty (no doy), but Ty and Zane's relationship is just so addictive. Its dynamics, their banter, their sex scenes, everything about them just draws you in. 

Ty and Zane's relationship development couldn't have been done in a more beautiful way: having real feelings blending in with their undercover characters actions making them wonder if they are indeed real or something they have to do or say to keep their covers, is just brilliant.
Also, pliant, submissive Ty might be the best thing that's ever happened, just saying. 

Very different vibe than Sticks&Stones; summery and fun, as opposed to cold and miserable. Surprisingly, I loved both and that is solely, and I cannot stress this enough, because of Ty and Zane. If it weren't for them, I would have abandoned all hope after Book 1. Also, I have to enjoy the early good ones while I can, before everything starts going to shit :(

1st read (May 10 2018)

READING: Sticks & Stones (Cut & Run #2) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Publication date: January 25 2010
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense 
Rating: 

Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership.
Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream.
They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other.

2nd read (Sep 18 2018)
Loved it even more than the first time 👌😍
(They can't be the same writers as C&R, surely! It's so differently written, it's bizarre.) Ty might have started as an asshole, but S&S is definitely the turning point for his character and for his relationship with Zane. If you still hate him after this, don't bother reading any further.
The scene with Zane in the mountain where they are both having a cigarette, will forever be embedded in my mind. So tender and emotional-absolutely beautiful.

Sticks&Stones could easily be a stand alone book and an awesome one at that. Hands down the best one of the whole series for me.

1st read (May 9 2018)
It's official: I'm addicted to Ty and Zane ❤️
Much much better than C&R. 

READING: Cut & Run (Cut & Run #1) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Publication date: September 30 2008
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Crime
Rating: 

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.

3d read (Nov 12 2018)

Who would have thought I'd read this one twice in two months?? Definitely not me!
I'm so glad I did though, because third time was definitely the charm.

Reading C&R in paperback was an entirely different experience. Even though I re read it back in September on my Kindle and I didn't really like it, reading it now I realised I didn't remember a few very important things, entire discussions between Ty and Zane forgotten, like the one they had at the apartment at Greenwich for example. Isn't that odd? It's like I was reading this book for the first time wondering how the hell did I miss whole chunks of the story the first two times?? Ty and Zane's connection was way more real and intimate this time and when they had to split, I felt their pain and heartbreak. Even Ty, who I thought was a real dick the first 2 reads, now I found him sad and quite somber, even more so than Zane.

I don't know how to describe it, it was very peculiar reading C&R for the third time in paperback. Maybe now that I have finished all 9 books, it dawned on me that there will never be any new books and I didn't want to let go just yet. Maybe, having read 9 books, makes re reading C&R more emotional but also more comprehensible, I don't know.

For those of you who didn't really like C&R after the first time but ended up liking the series (very big possibility I'm the only one) please give this one another chance. Make sure to get it in paperback and really pay attention to every little detail. I guarantee it'll surprise you!

2nd read (Sep 13 2018)
Slightly worse the second time around. Ty and Zane's connection was not as strong as I remembered and I kinda hated Ty. He was terrible to Zane, using him to let out all his frustration from being closeted, even coming across as homophobic at times. He was an asshole, plain and simple. I still loved Zane, even though I found him a lot sadder this time.
The writing was very bad and editing was non existent.
I keep waiting for this:

"I absolutely do still plan to re-write, re-edit, and re-release the Cut & Run series books[...] As for what I intend to do to them, they will most certainly receive a proper Riptide edit. The POV shifts in the first book will be resolved, and I think we can all agree that's both necessary and a serious challenge. So the first book will look quite different."

That was from 2 years ago, and I am now resigned to the fact that it will never happen :( 

1st read (May 4 2018)

READING: Dawn of Forever (Jack & Jill #3) by Jewel E. Ann

Publication date: February 18 2016
Published by: Jewel E. Ann
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: 

Aric James Monaghan promised Jillian Knight Portland. With a heavy heart and a light bag, she travels to the West Coast for the man she loved. In a blink her worlds collide, holding her hostage to a past filled with lies, deceit, and revenge. 

Four Caskets
Two Bodies 
It all started with a boy and a girl—their tragic love story is shared through the eyes of the enemy. 

Every word fades dreams and shatters memories as life slips away. Jillian needs a Knight, Jessica needs a miracle, and together they need a savior. 

This is so bittersweet for me because I absolutely adored the first book, I loved one half of the second, and kinda didn't mind the third. I stand by my first impression of Jackson's story; I stil think it was absolutely unnecessary-at least not the way it was written!-ridiculous and offensive to women, and abused women especially, so I'm going to forget its entire existence.

On the other hand, Jessica's story was the exact opposite: heartfelt and moving until the very end. The last 50 pages or so were a bit rushed for me, especially the conclusion to J/L relationship.
The scenes at the warehouse were horrifying, just the way they were supposed to be, and even undeniably disgusting, I found Knox a very intriguing character and the flashbacks of his relationship with Sunny were brilliantly written.

All in all, I 100% recommend this series to anyone that looks for a hot romance, with hilarious and smart banter and a story that will melt their heart. Also, to anyone that is willing to overlook (or skip, whatever) Jackson's story.

READING: Middle of Knight (Jack & Jill #2) by Jewel E. Ann

Publication date: October 10 2015
Published by: Jewel E. Ann
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: 

Armed with a sinful past and an equally sinful body, Jackson Knight absolves his vow of celibacy to pursue Sergeant Monaghan’s unsuspecting—older—housekeeper.

Ryn Middleton, on the cusp of turning forty with a snarky daughter, a killer dog, and an abusive ex-husband, finds Jackson’s advances humorous and unbelievable. After intense negotiations including Vera Wang, Ed Sheeran, and sex four times a day, Ryn accepts Jackson’s marriage proposal on their first date.
What could possibly go wrong?

While struggling to lay claim to the woman of the dreams he never had, Jackson is forced to deal with a grief-stricken Jillian trying to hold on to her past without letting go of her future—the doctor who took her heart and the Sergeant who gave her a new one.

Beyond the hope for light, lies the middle of darkness, the illusion of truth, and a haunting past. 

I was ready to hate so much on this book, but that ending? My God, I was reading on the train on my way to work and I wanted to bawl my eyes out! I mean, so heartbreaking and sad and beautiful. Jillian's relationship with AJ in this book is so wonderfully described, you want it to last forever, even though you know it won't. But you still dare to hope, until there's no hope and everything turns black. But even in the darkest moment, that short note on the napkin, is just everything; all the hope, all the love; all the life. Ah, I don't know what to say to do Jillian and AJ's story justice, it's just magnificent. 

Ahem. On the other hand, Jackson and Rhyn's was not. To say the least. I am not one for strong words but I just hated everything that had to do with these two. From his misogynistic, chauvinistic ass, to her childlike ignorance and naivete. And sure, I understand the total lack of self respect from her side. She was an abuse victim for years. What's his excuse? Oh yes, sorry. He's "damaged". Nah, not good enough, plus I'm not buying it. Jessica was damaged, Jillian is damaged and she does not treat people with so much disrespect, to put it lightly. Granted, he kinda realised it at the very end, but it was way too late. Rhyn should have kicked the shit out of him for the way he was treating her! But because of her trauma and the detrimental impact it had on her self esteem, she thought that she should not only not do that, but also be grateful that such a hot guy chose her.
Ugh, just no. 

READING: End of Day (Jack & Jill #1) by Jewel E. Ann

Publication date: August 17 2015
Published by: Jewel E. Ann
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: 

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.
Six months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy. 

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don't kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.

This book is really twisted, unbelievably hot, deeply emotional and overall 100% magical!

Ann does an amazing job building both relationships, AJ/Jillian and Luke/Jessica. We get to know Jessica through very emotional flashbacks with Luke, and also get to witness her transformation to Jillian through present scenes with AJ. Add quick-witted and snarky sense of humor, and you’ve got yourself a remarkable book.

Potential readers: Please keep in mind that these characters are very, very damaged, complicated and because of that, callous and harsh. I don't blame if you if you instantly dislike them. However, they never pretend to be something else to gain sympathy. They own up to each hurtful thing they say, to each evil and wicked thing they do. They never ask for forgiveness because they know they don't deserve it, but neither care for judgment. They are just people who you can either try to understand and trust, or people you absolutely hate, and that’s why this book is so incredible in my opinion: by exposing every tiny piece of these people's souls no matter how ugly, it will make you care for them so deeply and fall in love with them so hard, your head will spin!

Readers that hated the characters-I get it. They make it hard for you to tolerate them, they never let up.
Readers who chose differently-prepare for an epically emotional journey that will have you on the edge of your seat, turning those pages like your life depends on it.
That, in a nutshell, is End of Day.

READING: When It's Real by Erin Watt

Publication date: May 30 2017
Published by: Harlequin TEEN
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, High School
Rating: 

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

I am very disappointed. After drooling over Paper Princess and being relatively OK with Prince and Palace, I at least expected a decent read out of When It's Real. But that was not the case.
First off, I didn't like any of the characters, not a single reedeming quality in any of them. Hated Oakley, despised Vaughn.

Oakley was, to put it simply, an egotistical asshole who thought he is the best thing since sliced bread and everyone should get down on their knees and worship his godliness. He is the kind of guy who describes his biceps as "guns". 1. Gross and 2. who says that? Apart from major douchelords I mean. The very few glimpses we get of an actual heart and feelings are very forced and not believable at all. Every time I thought I would change my mind about him, I always ended up saying "No, he is actually a jerk."
I won't even get that deep with Vaughn, the girl had literally no depth. With the charisma and the personality of a napkin, Vaughn managed to get the hottest and most famous guy to fall in love with her in a period of less that 3 months. Uh huh. Below zero chemistry between them - the love they declared to each other was just words on a paper, didn't make me feel anything.
To me, Oakley appeared as a spoiled brat who constantly seeks admiration and adoration and gets it from Vaughn, who is so spineless and scared to be on her own (can't blame her, sounds terrifying!) that she just goes from on self-centered moron to another.

I am sorry, but this book was just silly. Pure ridiculousness.

READING: Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Publication date: February 4 2014
Published by: Berkley
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica 
Rating: 

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.

Gideon "knew." He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each others most private wounds and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart. 

Things that made me gag:

*Eva consenting to anal sex (didn't put up much of a fight, really) because having this guy she barely knows mark her there (!) would erase and heal her past. Her past being 4 years of sexual abuse. 
The fact that a woman author could write something like that about a sexually abused woman is sickening.

*The number of times Gideon told Eva to shut up. Hell no.

*Eva's endless descriptions of Gideon's exquisite physical appearance. We get it girl, calm down.

*Gideon's obsession with his billions. Such a turn off.

*Cary's no reason of existence other than being a beautiful prop, a small break between all the sex.

*Their going crazy over each other before page 30. I am no stranger to insta love but she just took it to a whole other level.

*Gideon's extreme stalking. Again - new level. 

For all these reasons and more.