Posts

BRINK OF DENIAL (SONS OF SINDICATO BOOK 2) by SONYA JESUS AND CAM JOHNS – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Brink of Denial (Sons of Sindicato #1)Brink of Denial by Cam Johns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drama. Suspense. Intrigue. Whew! This book has all that and then some. A page-turner- I enjoyed the dark and scandalous complexity of the storyline. The plot is brilliant and engrossing. I appreciated that the heroine took the opportunity to find herself, made mistakes and figured out what she wanted and not necessarily what others dictated. I felt that there were three subplots within the story, one concerning Dane, another Mila and the third with them finding their way as a couple. It was not messy or confusing, all three subplots gave way to the smooth transition of the big reveal (I did not see that coming!). The sarcastic humour and witty comebacks added extra layers to this novel. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel.

View all my reviews

Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Original. Engrossing. Page-turner. These are just a few words that I’d use to describe T.S Simons’ Antipodes. The storyline for this novel was organic, unique, creative and unpredictable. With reading any novel the reader has an inkling of the outcome. T.S captivates the reader’s attention with artistic curveballs and a storyline that makes you sit up and take notice. There were multiple elements encompassed in this story that made the storyline more thought-provoking.

View all my reviews

Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

ChasedChased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I was not a fan of some of the scenes within the novel, I have got to admit that Felicity does have a way with words and is a creative storyteller. I was escorted out of my comfort zone and invited to take a ride on the literary wild side. That is the beauty of story writing – although the reader and the author may have opposing views- the author is enticing, alluring, and engaging enough to capture and maintain the readers’ attention and interest; Felicity did just that. A short, spicy, and delectable read.

View all my reviews

Try Right (Aloha Series book 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Try RightTry Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone loves an underdog. I enjoyed that Jill did not stick to the script. Try Right is fun, witty, breezy, whimsical, romantic, and downright compelling. I was rooting more so for the ‘underdog’ as opposed to the ‘lost love’. The characters are relatable; the fear of Henry’s perceived inadequacies resonated with me and made his and Claudia’s relationship more touching and special. I will always be a fan of the girl/boy next door finally being enough and getting their deserved happy ending.

View all my reviews

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novel. I appreciated the pace of the characters coming together. Effie highlighted that while love is not always easy it is worth it and for Mia and Nicholas’ relationship, it was perfect. Effie’s utilization of the flashback technique provided a better understanding of certain elements and insight about the characters and strengthened one of the themes (destiny) in the novel. I admired the complexity of the main characters. It was easy to follow, engaging and romantic in every sense of the word. Love by Designed is packed with layers (pages) and the more you read the more you want to know, the more you are intrigued.

View all my reviews

Luminoso (The Luminara Series, Book 4) by SJ Molloy – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Luminoso (Luminara, #4)Luminoso by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It just keeps getting better and better. After reading Luca’s Lust, I anticipated that the ending chain of events would transition to the beginning of Luminoso but alas SJ had other plans. I delighted in the fact that predictability is not an ingredient in this novel. SJ captivates the readers’ attention and leads them towards an emotionally charged rollercoaster of a literary adventure. I was a bit bummed out about the conclusion of Michael’s character (blame it on me feeling vindictive). SJ created a work of art by incorporating a powerful description of the characters and plot of the story, a good balance of tension and release (at one point I almost threw my Kindle in the wall-almost) and a satisfying conclusion (all is right in the land of Lex & Luca). Overall, I would recommend this book- and I’m hoping that there is something in the works for Cameron- I’d love to see his story be told.

View all my reviews

Sure As Hell (Life Is Hell Book 4) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Sure As Hell (Life is Hell #4)Sure As Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A remarkably interesting and captivating read. The characters come alive through Naomi’s masterfully crafted writing. To be honest, my typical read and it took me out of my comfort zone, however, it was quite a literary adventure. I would recommend this one to anyone willing to embark on a uniquely erotic paranormal adventure.

View all my reviews

The Luminara Series: Box Set – Volume 1 (Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust) by SJ Molloy – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

The Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria - L'amore -Lucca's LustThe Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria – L’amore -Lucca’s Lust by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intricately woven and creatively written novels. I enjoyed these novels immensely- I appreciated that each novel depicted various aspects of Luca and Lexi’s relationship. Love is patient, which is a predominant theme throughout this series. Luca’s love, patience and devotion to Lexi enabled her to be receptive to intimacy not only on a physical level but also emotionally. Readers beware of the erotic scenery that jumps off the pages at you. A promise is a promise.

View all my reviews

Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1) by Izzibella Beau – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1)Revelations by Izzibella Beau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not a fan of cliffhangers, and when a book ends on one, I predict the ending and am satisfied with my conclusion. In this case- the book worm in me refuses to be satisfied with any but Izzibella’s book 2. I enjoyed every bit of this novel. The plot was easy to follow, whimsical and I appreciated that Emily and Zach’s relationship was organic. Sometimes secondary characters may come off as annoying- but not this was not the case, I found that they added to the creative balance of the book. At one point I was rooting for Madison and Jacob- their chemistry is explosive. Izzibella does have a knack for producing an entertaining and engrossing novel- do not just take my word for it, read it for yourself I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

View all my reviews

Spiteful Punks: dolls and douchebags part one by Madeline Fay – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Spiteful Punks: dolls and douchebags part oneSpiteful Punks: dolls and douchebags part one by Madeline Fay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying: this novel is not for the weak at heart. The first chapters were a bit difficult to get through- I should have paid more attention to the disclaimer that the dark themes may be sensitive for some readers- did this take away my overall reading experience? Absolutely Not!

The cards that Tillie was dealt made her character more relatable and had me likening her to the phoenix bird, who will be reborn from the ashes and signifies a journey through fire or adversity. I am waiting with bated breath to see Tillie finally soar. I am rooting for her transformation that I know is coming “I’ll show them all that they are messing with the wrong spiteful girl…”. Tillie, I am right there with you.

I have developed a love-hate relationship with the antagonists. I appreciated that the characters were individually described and then collectively depicting their contribution to the ‘team’. This is not the average run-of-the-mill novel, but a page-turner intricately and creatively written. Predictable- it is not.

My burning question is: Madeline- where is part 2?

View all my reviews

Jordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak -Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Jordan's ShadowJordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“This isn’t about love, like, lust or a happily ever after…” – I read that and thought “okay, there’d be speed bumps, sharp curves and stoplights along the way- but the boy gets the girl. Typical happy ending”. T.R. Cupak took my expectations and predictions and tossed them out the window. This novel is raw, creative, authentically crafted-and wrenches every drop of emotion from you. I experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions, I was angry, sad, happy and craved revenge just as much as Hunter. Jordan’s Shadow is not just your typical novel- it is not. Jordan’s Shadow is one of those stories that you didn’t know you wanted to read- but in the end, it’s the story you know you needed. The characters grow on you, they crawl in your heart and stay there. T.R. highlights the beauty evident in brokenness; the commitment that accompanies love. I literally cannot stop raving about this book- it’s captivating, gut-wrenching, unpredictable and a page-turner. A TOTAL MUST READ.

View all my reviews

Electric Temptation (The Protectors Series Book 5) by Toya Richardson – Review by Opal Nelson

/0 Comments/in /by

Electric Temptation (The Protectors Series Book 5)Electric Temptation by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading a book by Toya- she did not disappoint! Toya has mastered the art of storytelling. Her characters came alive on the pages and her writing style captivates the reader. I tried to squeeze in a chapter before bed and I could not put it down (thank God for coffee!!). A page-turner! I admired her creativity in the characters’ abilities, the vivid descriptions of each scene and the portrayal of strength depicted through the female characters. I was a bit sad when it ended- Electric Temptation is one of those stories that the more you read, the more you want to know- but you don’t want it to come to an end. Well played Toya Richardson, well played.

View all my reviews