It's the second Tuesday of the month, so you know what that means! It's the Show Us Your Books link up day with Jana and Steph! Here are the books that I listened to and read in January:
Read Jan. 1 - 20 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 4.5/5
Think: A cute story of boy meets girl, but boy just happens to be a prince.
When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement back in 2010, I wondered what dating the future king of England would be like. I mean, it couldn't be a conventional courtship. In the months leading up to their fairy-tale wedding, I often wondered what hoops Kate had to jump through as she prepared to become a royal. Well, although this book is a work of fiction, I have a feeling that some of the events depicted in the book might have a lot of truth to them.
It was a cute and entertaining read. My only compliant is that it was a bit too long. I felt as if some parts could've been condensed and nothing from the storyline would have been lost.
FINAL VERDICT: Recommend
Think: A cute story of boy meets girl, but boy just happens to be a prince.
When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement back in 2010, I wondered what dating the future king of England would be like. I mean, it couldn't be a conventional courtship. In the months leading up to their fairy-tale wedding, I often wondered what hoops Kate had to jump through as she prepared to become a royal. Well, although this book is a work of fiction, I have a feeling that some of the events depicted in the book might have a lot of truth to them.
It was a cute and entertaining read. My only compliant is that it was a bit too long. I felt as if some parts could've been condensed and nothing from the storyline would have been lost.
FINAL VERDICT: Recommend
Read Jan. 21 - February 2 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 4.5/5
Think: Story of a community where everyone plays by the rules and how they react when two newcomers do not.
I thoroughly enjoy Ng's writing style and how she can weave characters and story lines together so intricately. I also like the way she reveals her characters and their personalities. At the end of this book, just like with Everything I Never Told You, I felt as if I had spent some time with these people. That is a rare thing for me to experience. This book would have received a rating of 5 from me, but I had some issues with the ending.
FINAL VERDICT: Highly recommend
Think: Story of a community where everyone plays by the rules and how they react when two newcomers do not.
I thoroughly enjoy Ng's writing style and how she can weave characters and story lines together so intricately. I also like the way she reveals her characters and their personalities. At the end of this book, just like with Everything I Never Told You, I felt as if I had spent some time with these people. That is a rare thing for me to experience. This book would have received a rating of 5 from me, but I had some issues with the ending.
FINAL VERDICT: Highly recommend
Read Jan. 22 - 25 | Format: Kindle | My rating: 3 | Re-read*
Think: Smut.
As I've mentioned before, I occasionally get a hankering for a hardcore romance that includes bad boys who ride Harleys or men who wear kilts. Every now and then, I venture out of my comfort zone and indulge in a hardcore romance that involves a D/s relationship (dominant and submissive). Regardless of the specific subgenre of the book, I like Alpha males and the gentleman in Master of the Mountain does not disappoint. Sinclair's writing is basic, the plot is descent, but her sex scenes are steamy.
FINAL VERDICT: Coin toss. If you're into this genre of romance novels, then give it a try. Just remember that this book deals with BDSM and contains many graphic, sexual descriptions which may not appeal to you.
Simon Says: Mine by Cherise Sinclair
Read January 25 - 27 | Format: Kindle | My rating: 3/5
Think: More smut.
This is a novella that features one of the minor characters introduced in the preceding book, Master of the Mountain. It's short, to the point, and doesn't take very long to get to the "action," if you catch my drift. Something I like about the author is her inclusion of non-perfect women. In this book, the leading lady is a recently divorced, older woman who grown kids. Having gone through pregnancies and being in her 40s, her body is imperfect. The leading man, Simon, is an older gentleman as well who is graying at the temples. I liked their imperfections and found that it made them more interesting.
FINAL VERDICT: Coin toss. If you're into this genre of romance novels, then give it a try. Just remember that this book deals with BDSM and contains many graphic, sexual descriptions which may not appeal to you.
CURRENTLY: I'm listening to The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware and reading Master of the Abyss by Cherise Sinclair.
What have you read lately? Anything that you'd recommend?
FINAL VERDICT: Coin toss. If you're into this genre of romance novels, then give it a try. Just remember that this book deals with BDSM and contains many graphic, sexual descriptions which may not appeal to you.
Read January 25 - 27 | Format: Kindle | My rating: 3/5
Think: More smut.
This is a novella that features one of the minor characters introduced in the preceding book, Master of the Mountain. It's short, to the point, and doesn't take very long to get to the "action," if you catch my drift. Something I like about the author is her inclusion of non-perfect women. In this book, the leading lady is a recently divorced, older woman who grown kids. Having gone through pregnancies and being in her 40s, her body is imperfect. The leading man, Simon, is an older gentleman as well who is graying at the temples. I liked their imperfections and found that it made them more interesting.
FINAL VERDICT: Coin toss. If you're into this genre of romance novels, then give it a try. Just remember that this book deals with BDSM and contains many graphic, sexual descriptions which may not appeal to you.
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What have you read lately? Anything that you'd recommend?
Linking up with:
Yay I loved both The Royal We (I am thinking of re-reading in anticipation of the NEXT royal wedding) and Little Fires Everywhere!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was quite fitting that I finally got around to reading it shortly after Harry and Meghan's engagement was announced. At one point in the book, where Bex is having to jump through the hoops, I thought about something I had read about Meghan. A fan asked her to take a selfie with her and Meghan supposedly replied that she wasn't allow to.
DeleteI read a lot of m/m romance, so I get what you mean about sometimes wanting those types of books, but it all depends on the reader!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you loved Little Fires Everywhere as I DO hear great things - I think I need to finally check it out.
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Exactly! I know that these "specialty romance" books will not appeal to the masses and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks, right? Little Fires Everywhere is definitely worth checking out. Have you by chance read Ng's other book, Everything I Never Told You?
DeleteThe Royal We was such a fun/cute book! I still keep going back and forth on wanting to read Little Fires Everywhere, but am definitely leaning more towards wanting to read it now.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit leery about reading LFE because of the heavy content matter of Everything I Never Told You. Even thought I enjoyed EINTY, it haunted me a bit long after I finished it. I just wasn't sure if I was ready to get into something like that again. LFE, while dealing with many human dynamics issues, isn't nearly as heavy. If/when you read it, I hope you enjoy it.
DeleteLFE was good, but there was one story at the end that was definitely...questionable for me.
ReplyDeleteI just felt like some things were left undone, words left unsaid. Other than that, I had no other complaints.
DeleteOh, I need to read The Royal We! It's one I heard so many good things about when it came out and then I kind of forgot about it. I loved Little Fires and I love your short, to the point summary of what it's about. I think it's so hard to sum up a book in just a line or two but you totally nailed it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is hard to sometimes sum a book up in just a few words.
DeleteI'm interested in checking out Royal We. Have you watched The Crown on Netflix? it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm about to give up on little fires, I can't keep up with the multiple stories and going back and forth.
No, I haven't watched The Crown. I really don't watch that much TV (unless the olympics are on).
DeleteThere were definitely times when I felt confused with LFE (all the characters and history and how their lives were intertwined). But, once I finally got everyone kind of situated I my mind, it got easier.
I've been roping cattle and pumping iron lately, so I haven't read much.
ReplyDeleteBut I liked a graphic bio of Leon Trotsky, by Rick Geary.
LOL! Oh, E Man... you crack me up! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI liked the Royal We too and agree it was too long. The other day I had brunch with some friends and one wanted some good erotica recommendations so I'm sharing your recommendations to her. ;)
ReplyDeleteIf you friend likes alpha males on Harleys, then I would definitely recommend Joanna Wylde's Reapers MC series. ;)
DeleteI really liked The Woman in Cabin 10, but not as much as In a Dark, Dark Wood. And I liked The Royal We, but I think I would have liked a more glamorous ending ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm nearing the end of The Woman in Cabin 10, but right now my feelings are mixed. I'm not familiar with In a Dark, Dark Wood. Will have to look into it.
DeletePart of me felt deflated with the ending, but another part of me (the nonconventional part of me) kind of liked it.
PS. I tried commenting on your page, but it wouldn't let me.
Deletei actually just added master of the mountain to my list the other day. glad you liked The Royal We! i really liked Little Fires Everywhere, but I haven't read her other book yet. On my list!
ReplyDeleteEverything I Never Told You was an audiobook that I had bought and had for over a year before I finally listened to it. I'm not sure why. It does deal with somewhat of a heavy content matter and I think that kept me away. But, once I started it, I was completely pulled into it. I really enjoy Ng's writing.
DeleteMaster of the Mountain... let me know what you think once you read it.
Little fires everywhere is on everyone's list, I need to get my life together!
ReplyDeleteSame here! We can be behind the curve together on that one!
DeleteI feel like it's definitely worth the hype. I hope you like it when/if you read it.
DeleteLOLOL @ "more smut." You crack me up.
ReplyDeleteI liked Little Fires Everywhere so much.
I hated Cabin 10.
There comes a point where you run out of ways to describe erotica and it's time just to call it what it is! I've reached that point! LOL!
DeleteCabin 10... I'm nearing the end and as of right now, the jury is out. Let's just say that I have mixed feelings on it right now.
I really liked Little Fires Everywhere - went back to read Everything I Never Told You and liked it more than LFE. The Woman in Cabin 10 and the Royal We are both on my list to read!
ReplyDeleteI'm torn between which one I liked the best. Both were so different, it's hard to compare. I really, really enjoy Ng's writing style, though.
DeleteThe Royal We sounds so good! I’ve had it on my list for a while and I need to just pick it up and read it! I’m glad that you liked Little Fires Everywhere! It was one of my favorites last year!
ReplyDeleteThe Royal We was very fun, a little long, but fun none-the-less. Yes, I really liked Little Fires Everywhere. I love Ng's writing style.
DeleteSmut. LOL.
ReplyDeleteLittle Fires was an excellent book. One of my favorites of last year.
What do you think of Cabin 10? I read it on Kindle awhile back.
ReplyDeleteCeleste Ng needs to come out with another book now.
Yes, like NOW! LOL!
DeleteCabin 10... Well, the jury is still out (I'm not finished with it). I felt it started out slow, then it picked up and grabbed my attention. About 2/3 of the way into it, though, I felt like it got weird and slowed back down again. I'm now to a point of where it's interesting again, so I'm just waiting to see how it all plays out. The author's overuse of rhetorical questions started grating my nerves, too. What did you think of it?
I've read both of Celeste Ng's books, and both were 5 star reads. She writes the kind of book I really enjoy, and she definitely has a knack for creating complex characters. I didn't mind the ending of Little Fires Everywhere, but I'm also a person who loves ambiguity in books and endings that don't necessarily wrap everything up neatly. I know that doesn't work for a lot of people, though.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like The Woman in Cabin 10. I liked Ruth Ware's first novel, though, so I'd be willing to give her newest book a shot.
I'm still working on The Woman in Cabin 10, so the jury's still out. Right now, I have mixed feelings. We shall see once I'm through.
DeleteI got The Royal We for Christmas. I haven't read it yet because I'm saving it to read the week of Harry and Megan's wedding. I'm glad to hear it was a good book!
ReplyDeleteI read The Royal We a few years ago and enjoyed it. Little Fires Everywhere is on my TBR. I enjoyed the Woman in Cabin 10 hope you do too!! Pam :)
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing great reviews about Little Fires Everywhere, hoping to read it soon!
ReplyDelete