I’m reviewing Fall Guy by Liz Reinhardt, narrated by Alexandria Wilde and Sean Crisden. I liked Crisden’s narration here (unlike in my other recent listen, Dark Challenge) but the story wasn’t my favourite.
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with a review of Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan, narrated by Sean Crisden. The early books have recently been re-recorded with new narrators. I’m not sure that helped; the book seems dated to me and the narration wasn’t my favourite.
Why I read it: Some of my Goodreads friends were raving about this one so I bought it.
What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start.
Dylan Booth doesn’t have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex’s company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec’s new boyfriend.
The ex suspects Dylan is lying.
Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane.
And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay.
But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real…
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’m not sure I can join in with the raving about how wonderful this book is. I did like it and found it, overall, solidly entertaining. But the numerous editing issues bothered me and I would have liked more exposition of Dylan’s journey of self-discovery, particularly later in the book.
Why I read it: After seeing Kati D’s glowing review over at Dear Author, I thought I’d give this one a go. It was only 99c from Amazon so I thought it was pretty low risk. Plus: Sexy pastor FTW!
What it’s about: (from Goodreads) After years of dreaming, Jessica is finally getting married, but the marriage isn’t exactly what she thought.
Daniel is her best friend, and she’s known him all her life, but he’s never gotten over losing his wife two years ago. His dream is to become the pastor of the church in their hometown, but the small-town congregation keeps balking over calling an unmarried minister. Since Daniel needs a wife and Jessica wants a husband and family, she proposes an arrangement that benefits both of them.
They can get married. They can build a life together. They can celebrate Christmas as a couple. It’s fine that he doesn’t love her. And it’s fine that she’s not exactly suited to be a small-town pastor’s wife. And it’s fine that she’s more attracted to her sexy, brooding husband every day.
Jessica can be practical about this marriage. She knows what she’s getting into, after all…
This book includes fully-developed sex scenes between a husband and wife.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I liked the idea of a modern day marriage of convenience and here, the reasons for it make sense. I don’t go to church these days but I didn’t have any trouble buying that a small community would want a married man as its pastor rather than a young single one. Jessica is largely a loner and even though she has feelings for Daniel, she doesn’t think he could ever return them, especially given how much he loved his first wife, Lila. They are however, good friends and Jessica thinks this will be her only chance for marriage, family and children. Her mother is in a nursing home and her condition is deteriorating – it was never specified but it seemed like some kind of Altzheimer’s/dementia-related illness. Jessica has no other family. Even though she is often happy to spend time alone or with her Samoyed dog, Bear, she still wants to have a family and connection and, as Daniel needs a wife to win his dream job, it seems like a good idea.
Up until 16 December, I read a total of 251 books for the year. Of those, 145 were books published in 2013. Last year, my 2012/all-reading ratio was a lot lower. Good for the newly released books, not so good for the books languishing on Mr. TBR.
Out of all the books I read, only 27 were rated 5 stars, but 144 were rated 4 stars. I’d have to say that’s a pretty good reading year.
Of the books released in 2013, my favourites were (click on the pics to see my reviews):
Fantasy/Urban Fantasy/Paranormal elements
New Adult/YA
Why I read it: I enjoyed the first book in this series and bought this one as soon as I realised it was out.
What it’s about: (from Goodreads) One woman, two lovers. Double the pleasure, or double the trouble?
Rule of Three, Book 2
Former goodie-two-shoes Kassidy now has three pairs of shoes under her bed—hers, Chris’s and Dag’s. While she relishes the hot threesome that makes her friends jealous, she can’t deny things are…complicated. Namely, whom to tell about their unconventional relationship, and whom to keep in the dark.
In the dark category? Definitely Chris’s parents, which should be simple, since they live far away. Except they’ve sprung a surprise for their son’s thirtieth birthday. They’re coming for a visit. Then there’s Kassidy’s best friend Danielle, who’s home from Europe, clueless to recent events, and flirting with Dag like crazy.
Awkward!
Family, friends, coworkers and a wedding put three lovers’ best intentions to the test, making them wonder if this unique brand of love has a chance in hell of working out.
Warning: Spoilers ahoy.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This novella starts off the day after the end of book one and the trio are still trying to find their feet and work out how their relationship is going to work – from who they will tell and when, where they will live, to communication and picking up laundry. I felt that it made a good start on some of the practical issues three people in a permanent menage might have, even if there was a tad too much melodrama for me when Chris told his parents (Dag’s reaction was a bit scary for me actually and I thought it was out of line even though Chris’ dad was a douche). Once again, there was plenty of smokin’ sex – I appreciated that there was a just Dag and Chris scene – I felt it needed to be there so show that Chris was becoming more comfortable with his heteroflexible side.
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