Reviews

October 31, 2021 by acackler Leave a Comment

Restless – Review

Author: Ava Cates
Series: Speechless #2
Published by: Amazon
Publish date: November 12, 2020
Genre: Contemporary fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
Rating: Four Stars

I don’t know how Ava Cates does it, but she really sucks you in. Despite the fact that Restless has just as many technical problems as the first book in the series, it still manages to make me forget everything else while I read it.

Maybe it’s the likable main character, Julia? Or the hunky Xavier? Maybe it’s the way Cates just kind of dangles these teasing hooks in front of you. And you think, eh. It’s not that big of a deal. Where’s her dad? Pretty generic question for YA. And yet… where the heck is her dad????

Restless is available now at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. You can read more reviews for it on Goodreads. And check out book one in the series: Speechless.

This book is also where the love triangle starts developing, though I personally don’t feel like it’s all that much of a triangle. This is where some of Cates’ technical problems come into play.

Some spoilers ahead, but nothing major. You’ve been warned.

So we’ve been kind of seeing the love triangle on the horizon since book one. That’s no spoiler. But for the first 3/4 of Restless, I thought Cates had abandoned the idea in favor of making Jeremy a brotherly/friend type character. He was very protective of Julia, always concerned about her safety and her well being. But in a brotherly way almost. So much so that when they held hands/touched, I felt a little icky about it.

He didn’t flirt with her, didn’t show any kind of affection (other than concern for her well being), and the two didn’t share any intimate moments. I don’t mean dirty moments, I mean deep, relationship building moments.

They keep secrets from each other. There is zero sexual tension between them (no lingering looks, no thinking about mouths, no appreciation of a sexy physique.) No flirting of any kind from either party.

Over all, the impression I got was that Julia considered him to be a home base – a safe place to feel comfortable for a little bit between frustrating interactions with Xavier. Which made him feel like a family member to me.

But at the same time, even though it’s not on the page, I can tell where Cates is going with this. He’s the safe option, the good guy, the best friend. There is potential here for a real relationship, and thanks to all the tropes I’m so familiar with, I can see the bones of it. I just wish it were actually on the page.

And then there’s the Bad Boy…

I’m gonna say it right here and now, I’m Team Xavier all the way. I love me an enemies-to-lovers trope, a forced-proximity trope, a bad-boy trope, an asshole-with-a-heart-of-gold trope, and a grumpy-sunshine trope. And Xavier and Julia are ticking ALL the boxes.

Unlike Jeremy/Luke and Julia in book 1 (and in book 2, come to think of it), Xavier and Julia are on the page. Which leads me to predict that this is the true relationship, the one Cates herself is “rooting for.” This is the relationship Cates enjoys thinking about, so that’s the one that gets properly fleshed out on the page. That’s my guess, anyway. We’ll see how it turns out.

I’m totally okay with that. That’s what I want, too. LOL! So bring it on. I’m here for Xavier.

Technical Problems

The technical problems were better in book two, but they’re still there.

Since the technical problems in Restless were basically the same as the ones in Speechless, I won’t go too deep into it here. As a quick overview: I found plenty of typos and editing mistakes (random half sentences that didn’t get completely deleted during editing). I don’t usually take note of specific typos, but there was one that cracked me up:

…and Luke wondered if he’d ever mustard up the courage to ask her out?
Restless – Chapter 21

That’s not me teasing the author. That’s just funny on its own! Mustard. Lol. Sometimes the most innocent typos can be hilarious. Autocorrect beaters, we call them.

The pacing was a bit better in book 2, but it was still quite rushed. On multiple occasions, we raced from home, to school, to work, to home in just a few paragraphs, when it would have been better to simply not mention school at all.

And this time, Best Friend Jill had just one line, repeated over and over: “You look terrible.” It seems like her only role in Restless is to appear long enough to comment on Julia’s appearance, and then disappear until the next morning, at which point she’d comment on Julia’s appearance again. I’m hoping to see more of Jill in the next book, because there’s a lot of untapped potential there.

The one new problem that surfaced in Restless was the huge cast list. I had a hard time keeping up with at least half the characters. Cates drops names left and right without putting any characterization on the page for me to hold onto. Hopefully those characters will come into better focus as the series continues.

Despite all the problems…

I am still totally into it. I want to know how things will turn out for our love triangle, because despite my confidence that Xavier is The One, honestly I don’t know how things will turn out. And I WANT to know. Cates threw at least a couple of twists that I never saw coming, and now I’m just stumped. She’s really good at that.

And this has nothing to do with Restless, but I just read the blurb for book three (Breathless), and it seems like Cates has set up a much bigger picture than we realize. Now I NEED to know what happens. Time to get reading!

What did you think of Restless (and the series in general?) Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my other reviews before you go. 🙂

October 20, 2021 by acackler Leave a Comment

Someone to Love – Review

Author: Mary Balogh
Series: Westcot #1
Published by: Berkley
Publish date: November 8, 2016
Genre: Historical Romance
Audience: Adult
Rating: Five Stars

If you’re into historical romance, then this book is for you. Period. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve found a book that I can’t wait to get back to. Someone to Love was exactly that book. The characterizations for Avery and Anna were deep, well drawn, and produced a romance that was both inevitable and satisfying.

I don’t think I have a single bad thing to say about this book. The plot was well paced, simple, but never boring. Often the reluctantly-in-love trope can be quite cliche, but Avery’s realization of his feelings and the way he reacts to them are handled very smoothly. He is annoyed by his feelings for Anna, and he’s quite baffled about it. But he doesn’t fight it. He doesn’t pretend, there’s no “if only they’d talk about it!” It just works.

Someone to Love is available in bookstores, on Amazon, and your local library. You can read more reviews for it on Goodreads.

The writing can’t compare to Jane Austin of course (who wrote in a similar time period), but it does a hell of a lot better than most modern-written historical romances. The language is just modern enough to be easy to read without sounding anachronistic. Even better, the voice is quite natural. There’s nothing worse than a historical romance author wants really, really badly to write for a certain time period, but ends up trying way too hard and sounds silly instead. Someone to Love did NOT have that problem.

Speaking of the writing, one of the things that I love so much about Jane Austin is how she can distill a large idea into a single, witty, concise expression. That’s something author Mary Balogh captured beautifully in this book:

Not many people go adventuring. And even those who do have to take themselves with them. That must turn out to be a bit of a disappointment.
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – Chapter 1

“…he was being extraordinarily cruel to the countess and her children [by giving their inheritance to me].”

“Or kind at last to you,” he said.

“There is no kindness in money,” she said.
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – Chapter 7

Avery liked that last line as well. I’m pretty sure every time Anna opened her mouth, he fell in love with her a little more. Which I also loved, by the way.

Characterization

Avery fell in love with her because of the things she said and the actions she took. Not because she was pretty or because there was no alternative. Not because they happened to spend time together. And not because she was disobedient, which I am so tired of these days. Anna had an actual personality, not just “I’ll do what I want!”

And since I’m on the topic of personality, Avery’s was quite refreshing. Plenty of time was spent on developing more than just “hot, rich, grumpy dude.” In fact, he wasn’t all that hot compared to other male characters. He was described as short, thin, and even effeminate once or twice. He had a ton of fussy affectations, but somehow he always felt in charge, capable, strong, and intimidating.

His wit was my favorite part. He always had a sarcastic comment and an innocent expression ready to whip out at the slightest provocation, and I just ate it up.

When asked what he would have done if a certain sergeant hadn’t back down from an argument, Avery said:

“I should have been forced to render him unconscious – with the greatest reluctance. I am not a violent man. Besides, it might have hurt his feelings to be downed by a fellow Englishman no more than half his size.”
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – Chapter 9

When a fussy dance instructor was attempting to teach Anna to dance, he immediately got fed up with the whole thing.

“Or,” Avery said with a sigh, “you can waltz with me, Anna, at the proper pace with music. I shall not count aloud, however, having discovered that is possible to do so silently within the confines of one’s own mind.
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – Chapter 9

After dealing a painful blow to another man in a duel:

“That was a dirty hit,” Uxbury said from between his teeth.
“Did you get dirt on your shirt?” Avery asked. “But I daresay it will wash out.”
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – Chapter 17

I could go on and on, but you get the point.

The only thing…

… I could possible want more of is steam. The book is not prudish by any means. It certainly doesn’t skirt around the big moment and it doesn’t disappoint, but my personal preference is for a bit more heat. Just, one level more would have made this book absolutely perfect. But as is, it’ll have to settle as an almost completely perfect historical romance. I’m happy to trade a heat level for such a fantastic romantic relationship on the page. In my opinion anyway.

And if I just had to come up with another con, then maybe I’d say it was a bit hard to keep up with all the side family members. But all the important people are distinct and easy to follow, so that’s not much of a complaint, really.

Have you read Someone to Love? Let me know what you thought about it in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my other reviews before you go!

October 9, 2021 by acackler Leave a Comment

The Cruel Prince – Review

Author: Holly Black
Edition: Audiobook
Published by: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Publish date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Audience: Young Adult
Rating: DNF

I’m intentionally not leaving a rating this time because I don’t think I’m the right audience for it. But I will say I didn’t finish it.

On one hand, the writing is beautiful and engaging. The characters are fantastic, and the world is just gorgeous. Rich and deep. It was a joy to listen to (I’m an audio book person a lot of the time). Almost cinematic in the lush descriptions of the fairy world. (I’m sorry if I spelled that wrong… audiobook lol) If it weren’t for the awful characters, I’d probably want to live there myself.

The Cruel Prince is available on Amazon and in your library. You can read more reviews for it on Goodreads.

BUT I just couldn’t get past the content. I almost put it down in the prologue, because it has one of my major triggers: parents and small children being separated. Specifically a small child trying to “wake” a dead parent. I mean. Come the eff on. I don’t read books to feel like that. Jesus

But I powered through. Surely this was just a particularly grim beginning, a dark backstory for the main character. She will go on to have a whole life and adventure that’s worth seeing. Probably.

Except it turns out I am REALLY not into bully romances. Just, not at all. All the crap that the MC goes through in early chapters at the hands of the other fairies was so upsetting I just… ugh. Again. I don’t read books to feel like that.

Bullies are upsetting. They upset me. Probably because I had my fair share in real life. That’s certainly not something I want to experience again. If it had been just a couple of harsh experiences in the beginning, I might have been okay. But author Holly Black just friggin piled it on. So I noped out of this one.

But I know a lot of people don’t mind the bully thing. So for those people, this book is probably an excellent choice. I didn’t get far enough to see if the bully redeems himself before the romance begins. I certainly hope so considering how popular this book is.

Don’t forget to check out my other book reviews before you go! And let me know what you thought of A Cruel Prince in the comments below.

October 2, 2021 by acackler Leave a Comment

Wicked Intentions – Review

This is post 5 of 6 in the series “Destructive Romance”

Romance authors hold a bigger influence over society than any other genre. That means they have one vital responsibility at all times: Never portray abusive behavior as romantic.

The Influence of the Romance Author
Reylo
Interview: An Author’s Guide to Not…
Death by Snu Snu – Did Futurama Cross a Line in Sexism?
Wicked Intentions – Review
Within These Wicked Walls – Audiobook Review

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Published by: Grand Central Publishing
Publish date: August 1, 2010
Genre: Historical Romance
Audience: Adult
Rating: DNF – One Star

I was willing to put up with the mediocre writing, because the smut seemed promising. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the steamy scenes hinted at in early chapters, because it turns out Lord Caire is a magnificent asshole.

First and foremost, the mediocre writing comment. It’s okay, not great. Hoyt overuses the word “was” way too much. It’s an extremely common word, but there were plenty of times when she could have used a much stronger verb. She’s also guilty of using frequent filter words.

But the thing that bothered me most was the forced old-timey writing. The book was basically written the way we talk today, but with a few obvious antiquated words thrown in. “Morrow” instead of “tomorrow.” “Naught” instead of “nothing.” That kind of thing. It was entirely unnecessary. If you can’t write in a proper voice, just leave it, you know?

“She and Nell might’ve made this dangerous outing for naught.”
Chapter 1 – Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

But that stuff I can overlook if the characters and the relationships are solid. Unfortunately, that turned out NOT to be the case.

This book seemed quite promising at first. It seemed like decent romance escapism, nothing spectacular, but certainly good enough to enjoy. You’ve got your lady-like main character, Temperance Dews, a young widow with a secret desire she keeps hidden carefully away. And you have the love interest, Lord Caire. He is mysterious, fabulously rich, closed off, dislikes being touched, and claims to be unable to feel. He’s looking for a killer, and Mrs. Dews is the perfect option for taking him around the slummy St. Giles. In return, he’ll introduce her to high society so she can find a new patron for her charity house for orphans.

Wicked Intentions is available now in your local library and on Amazon. You can read more reviews for it on Goodreads.

All the building blocks are there, right? This beautiful, secretly seductive woman will charm the grumpy lord into falling in love, which he never thought possible. Great stuff. Until…

I was enjoying myself perfectly fine until Lord Caire unmasked himself as a gigantic jerk face. I let the first oppressive remark go by. It was a different time. This is common in historical romance. But by the third and the fourth? Nah. I’m out. We didn’t fight for centuries for reform and gender equality to still be putting this kind of crap out into the world.

There were several examples of Lord Caire’s assholery, but I’ll stick to the two that were bad enough for me to stop what I was doing and jot them down.

The First Kiss

This is supposed to be a magical, passionate, romantic, exciting thing. So why in the heck did it get jammed into the middle of Temperance telling an awful, terrible, depressingly sad story about not being able to save children from being sold for profit?

What in the hell? Talk about changing the subject. I’m so sorry Temperance, that’s a very sad story you’re telling me. Let me interrupt you with this “crushing” kiss.

“She sold that sweet baby boy, and I could do nothing to save him.”

One moment she was crying in fury up at him and the next he’d swooped down and caught her mouth. Hard, with no mercy.
Chapter 2 – Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

I mean, you’d think this was him comforting her or something, but it’s not. Here’s his comment afterwards:

“You are such a passionate creature,” he murmured, examining her from beneath half-lowered eyelids. “So emotional.”
Chapter 2 – Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Yeah man. That sounds nice on its own, but in context? Her “passionate” emotion was despair and regret and horror over someone selling children. That’s not your cue for sexy times.

I mean, how fucked up do you have to be to get attracted to a person when they’re seriously upset and horrified over the loss of basic human rights for children?

Obedience, Woman!!

“Perhaps I don’t take orders from you, my lord.”

“Don’t take orders,” he sputtered like an overwrought old woman. One part of his brain was amused at what an ass he was being, while another part found it very, very important that she know that she had to obey him. “Let me tell you—”
Chapter 4 – Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

I mean. At what point can men start liking women for reasons other than disobedience? That seems like the ultimate “basic package” for female characters in historical romances. Beauty, good heart, respectable (regardless of reputation or social standing), a lady in public but slutty between the sheets, and disobedient. Yup, that about sums up 90% of the historical romance females I’ve ever read.

What is it about disobedience in cheap romance? Like, why is that the go-to quirk that the ladies get? That woman isn’t obeying her love interest, and it’s driving him wild, boy howdy!

I mean, what kind of an asshole orders women around, expects them all to meekly obey, but only respects the one who doesn’t? And why would any woman like a man like that anyway?

Oh man, I could do a whole rant on disobedience, so I won’t go too deep into it here. But by god, this whole thing just gets my blood going.

And the Final Straw:

“Mrs. Dews is mine to do with as I please.”

The other man’s glance flicked between him and Mrs. Dews. “And does she have no say in this matter?”

“No,” Lazarus growled, aware that he sounded like a dog standing guard over a bone.
Chapter 6 – Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Yeah, fuck you, dude. I’m so done. This is way beyond the possessiveness that is so popular with these closed-off, guarded, passionate men. That’s ownership talk, possession, lack of consent, taking away her right of refusal. That’s a complete and utter lack of respect for her. That man doesn’t love her. I don’t care what time period this is. That’s effing gross.

So yeah, that’s a Did Not Finish from me. I’m not in this to romanticize assholes.

Have you read Wicked Intentions? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments. And don’t forget to check out my other book reviews before you go!

P.S.

Oh, and just to be official, this one is going on the record as “destructive romance.”

Just in case you couldn’t tell.

Lol.