Mini Reviews Archives - Page 6 of 8

Series Review: Wind Dragons MC by Chantal Fernando | Part 2

Jul 20, 2019

A couple of weeks ago I shared part 1 of my review of the Wind Dragons MC series, and now it’s time for part 2. As I said in that review, this isn’t my favourite romance, but it’s a fun, addicting series that I couldn’t put down. It’s full of high stakes, high tension and romance that is full of heat and love. Check out my part one reviews now.

Dirty Ride (Wind Dragons MC #3.5) by Chantal Fernando

Pages: 102
Publish date: February 8th 2016
Publisher: Pocket Star
ASIN: B015WNZ60S
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Even by Wind Dragon Motorcycle Club standards, Irish was always a bit of a dark horse. Not one to confide his secrets, such as where he got that mysterious scar across his neck, he’s quick with his fists and even quicker to jump to the defense of his MC. But is he nimble enough to handle the woman he never saw coming? Or will she leave him with a matching scar across his heart?

Dirty Ride:

I really enjoyed getting to know Irish in the other books and I love that he finally got his story. Ardan ‘Irish’ is such a charm. He is hella protective, but he is also very sweet. It’s that strange combination of being a sweet alpha male. I don’t really know how it works, but it does.

Tina is running, She is running from her past, from her present and even from her future. But then she has a run in with Irish and everything changes. Tina was a great female protagonist, probably one of my favourites from this series.

There is a lot of drama in this one though. Not so much between Tina and Irish, but between Irish, Tina and her ex. Sometimes these books take it over the edge for me, and this one was close – very close.

In saying all that, I liked this novella. I loved seeing Irish fall in love and taken to his knees. The romance was both cute and sexy and a great little filler for this series,

Rake’s Redemption (Wind Dragons MC #4) by Chantal Fernando

Pages: 336
Publish date: June 28th 2016
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781501139550
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Rake is known for being up for anything, in and out of the bedroom. He’s wild, he’s deadly, yet quick with a joke or a stolen kiss. Known as the player of the WDMC, he loves women, the more the merrier. However, behind his womanizing façade, Rake hides the pain of losing his first love, Bailey. He hasn’t loved anyone since and doesn’t think he ever will.

Seven years after their split, Rake and Bailey run into each other at the MC’s favourite club. Old wounds resurface, secrets are spilled…and passionate feelings are awakened. But they’ve each done things to hurt the other, hurt them too badly to get over it—haven’t they? Only when Bailey’s connection to Rake puts her in danger from another Club member does he realize that there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her—and claim her as his once again.

Rake’s Redemption:

Rake is a really interesting character, but he isn’t a protagonist that I would normally gravitate towards. However, I still enjoyed getting to know him in a different way through Rake’s Redemption. Rake is a womanizer without a doubt so, at times, it was really hard to like him. He also said and did some things throughout the novel that really didn’t sit right with me. I do think that he is my less favourite male protagonist so far in the series.

However, I really enjoyed Bailey as a character. She was fun and sassy, but also tired and I say tried to stay out of trouble. She liked to push Rake and that was really fun to watch. But the tension and everything that went down between them caused a lot of strain. Like most things, if they only talked at the time, they would have most likely still been together.

What I did love about Rake’s Redemption was the notion of second chance romance. It’s one of my favourite romance tropes and I enjoy the way that Chantal dealt with it here. While at times it was hard to read, when everything was finally out, both Rake and Bailey could be themselves.

Overall, Rake’s Redemption was okay. It’s not my favourite out of this by far, but it was still a good read that moved not only the characters along but the series as well.

Wild Ride (Wind Dragons MC #4.5)

Pages: 96
Publish date: July 11th, 2016
Publisher: Pocket Star
ASIN: B017RNBS12
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

As rival club president Talon has to decide what’s more dangerous: facing down the WDMC, or losing his heart to a woman under their protection.

Talon has a complicated relationship with the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club. He’s the president of their rival club, the Wild Men, but he’s also related to one of their members—who hates him. He could handle that, but he’s also got problems in his own club; someone is leaking information and disrupting their business, but Talon can’t find the mole. So the last thing he needs is even more complication in the form of a beautiful single mother who’s bolder than half the bikers on his squad. But he can’t take his eyes—or his hands—off her…

Tia’s always been a little reckless, up for a good time wherever she found it, but she’s also a great mom to her young son. So even though she thinks Talon is basically sex on a stick, when she realizes she wants to be more to him than just a club groupie, she has to take things a bit slow. Plus, a momentary attraction, no matter how smoking hot, isn’t worth risking her son’s happiness in any way. Is there any chance that Talon might be up for a more permanent arrangement? Or has Tia leapt before looking once again?

Wild Ride:

I loved Wild Ride so much. It was a fun, quick read that gives the reader insight into Talon, someone who has always caught my interest. This one follows Talon as he tries to navigate this club falling apart and his interest in Tia, who he knows he should stay away from.

I’m always interested in knowing more about the ‘villain’ and antagonist characters and the reader really gets to see many sides of Talon in this one. We’ve seen Talon many times throughout the series so far, but in this one where we get to see Talon from not only his eyes but also Tia’s.

Tia was such a fun character, she knows that she is attracted to Talon and she doesn’t hide it. But she also knows that she has to take this slow with him. I love seeing Tia interact with her son. Seriously she is such a great mom and she will do anything for him.

Overall, Wild Ride was great. I do wish that it was a full novel, but other than that I had a great time reading it. The chemistry between Talon and Tia was spot on and it was just great to read.

And that is it for this post! Have you read the Wind Dragons MC series? What did you think of it? Let’s Chat!

Mini Book Reviews: Raven Riders Series by Laura Kaye

Oct 28, 2017

As I received the last in this series – Ride Wild – for review, I thought it would be a really good idea to read the first two books. While this doesn’t need to be done as each new book deals with a new protagonist. I thought it was wise because it all deals with the same world and the same Motorcycle Club – The Raven Riders.

While my review for Ride Wild is coming later this week. I wanted to share my thoughts on both Ride Hard and Ride Rough. And in what better form than mini-reviews. So here we go.

Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

Pages: 320
Publish date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062403339
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted. Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises. Including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life. Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before . . .

Ride Hard:

Motorcycle club books are my new thing! There I said it. Over the past couple of months, I have been reading more and more Romance books and I love it! And now that I have started reading books with motorcycle clubs – um yes, please.

Ride Hard follows Raven Riders Club president Dare Kenyon. He is tough, silent and values loyalty above anything else. But, he also runs a club that makes sure that people good homes, that people are safe. And that is what Haven Randall needs.

After being saved from kidnappers, Haven and her best friend are brought to the Raven Riders club for safety. They are clothed, feed and most of all protected. But when the reasons why they were both running away and capture start to surface, so do the dangers.

Ride Hard was such a good read, I was intrigued by the characters, by the world, and by the plot. This book definitely took me on a ride. Both protagonists took me by surprise and I enjoyed being inside their heads. Dare while he seems hard on the outside, really cares what happens to his club and the people within it. Haven while being very vulnerable because of the situations she was brought up in, was still a very strong female character – and wasn’t exactly the ‘damsel in distress.’

And when you brought these two very different people most of the time together – it was sweet and smokey all at the same time. You understand the hesitation from both of them, but I really liked how they both broke each other walls. And while it was a really quick romance, it wasn’t exactly insta-love.

Ride Hard wasn’t all that I was expecting and I think that’s why I loved it so much. As a romance book, I thought there was going to be a lot of sex, but I was so surprised when there wasn’t much at all.

Overall, Ride Hard was such an enjoyable read. I loved the strong and while the plot was a little out there – it was still believable. Ride Hard deals with finding yourself, believing in yourself and letting yourself fall. It’s heartbreaking, sexy and played with my heart.

Ride Rough by Laura Kaye

Pages: 480
Publish date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062403391
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK –Amazon US – Amazon AU– QBD

Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

Ride Rough:

One of my favourite romance tropes is past lovers/long lost lovers, and so Ride Rough just drew me right in from the get-go. Even before I picked it up I knew I was going to love this book. And I was right.

Ride Rough follows Maverick Rylan, Vice-President of the Raven Riders and while he has a tough exterior, all he wants to do is protect those he loves. And one of those people is Alexa. She was his best friends younger sister and ex-girlfriend. But when her brother died, she both left the world of motorbikes and Maverick Rylan. With a horrible ex-finance, Alexa is in need for help – and she knows where to go.

I loved Maverick so much. I loved his fierceness and willingness to protect both Alexa and his mum, Bunny. His the type of guy that you might move away on the street because of his all ‘macho-man,’ but in reality, he is really sweet. It was tough seeing him love Alexa so much and she does not always reciprocate those feelings.

While at times I really want to just show Alexa what she could have, I thought the situation was dealt with very well. It’s always hard getting out of bad relationship, so Alexa struggle and denial was very true. I really enjoyed her character arc the most as the reader is really able to see her grow. They are able to see her believe in herself.

I adored Mav and Alexa together – they were like fire together. It’s really nice seeing a past relationship come together again and work. They both care so much about each other and a tragedy did rip them apart, but I think it also brought them back together.

Overall, again I really liked Ride Rough. It was sexy and heartbreaking. But, also uplifting and put a smile on my face. Mav and Alexa were made for each other, and I loved how they both realised that, together. Ride Rough brings another layer to these Raven Riders and I cannot wait for more.

Have you read Ride Hard or Ride Rough? What did you think of them? Are you planning on reading them? Have you read any other books by Laura Kaye? Let’s Chat!

#LoveOzYA Anthology Review: Begin, End, Begin | Part 1

Jul 14, 2017

If you don’t know what Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology is, then where have you been? Begin, End, Begin is an anthology highlighting the talent we have in Australia for young adults.

This anthology features authors Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Lili Wilkinson, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer, Will Kostakis and Danielle Binks.

As I wanted to review this anthology, I thought I would do my reviews in parts. A couple of reviews each post and then an overall review of the anthology. Today is part 1.

One Small Step … by Amie Kaufman

Pages: 22
Publish Date: May 1, 2017
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 1460708652
Other Novels Include: These Broken Stars, Illumiane

This story contains: explosions, the first person born on Mars, a greenhouse, two girls, a small tree called Horace, kissing, difficult decisions about what to do after school, action sequences, and that awkward moment when you try to figure out if your best friend is into you.

One Small Step … :

I’ve read three books by Amie Kaufman now and I just seem to enjoy everyone. I am not a massive science fiction fan. I read it every once and a while and most of the time I don’t love the books. But I adored ‘One Small Step…’ And even though it is a short story, I still every much loved the characters.

‘One Small Step …’ follows protagonist Zaida, the first person to be born on Mars. While time skips back and forth effortlessly, we see what happens to get her in a certain situation.

While there are time jumps, it isn’t hard to grasp when time skips or what is happening. Kaufman also did a fantastic job with world building in such a short amount of time. The world was easy to get to get a hold of and although it was a science fiction set in space, it’s quite unique.

I really liked the relationships explored throughout ‘One Small Step…’ From friendship to romantic. It was great to see both those relationship and character grow throughout.

‘One Small Step …’ explores themes of family, friendship, and love. It’s about survival, finding yourself and not letting others decide for you.

I Can See the Ending by Will Kostakis

Pages: 40
Publish Date: May 1, 2017
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN:1460708660
Other Novels Include: The First Third, The Sidekicks

Love is never as simple as Boy Meets Girl, not for a psychic teen anyway. Nothing spoils Boy Kisses Girl quite like a vision of Girl Dumping Boy . . .

I Can See the Ending:

‘I Can See The Ending’ was an interesting read. It follows protagonist Adam who can see the future, and when he sees the girl he likes, dumping him in the future. Well, things don’t go to plan.

While I would normally love something like this, I didn’t connect with Adam. I am not entirely sure why. I liked the concept of the novel, a lot. It was great actually. But because of the loss of connection with the characters, I wasn’t able to fully immerse myself into the story.

In saying that I still really enjoyed the story, I liked the character interaction and the inner turmoil of Adam. It was great to see a story, where someone can see the future struggle with the outcomes. To decide if things are worth the risk. If it’s okay knowing what is going to happen and what you do with that information.

Overall ‘I Can See The Ending’ was an intriguing read. It explores the notion of seeing the future, learning that everything is not what it seems, family and friends. It explores learning to live your life and not let things stand in your way. ‘I Can See The Ending’ about finding out who you are and letting life take its course.

Check out my interview with Will in my #LoveOzYA feature last year.

In a Heartbeat by Alice Pung

Pages: 17
Publish Date: May 1, 2017
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 1460708598
Other Works Include: Laurinda, Her Father’s Daughter

Kim has two heartbeats – one her own, another that she didn’t mean to create – and her mother has hit the roof.

In a Heartbeat:

I had never read an Alice Pung book before I picked up ‘In a Heartbeat,’ and now I am intrigued. ‘In a Heartbeat’ follows seventeen-year-old Kim, who finds out she is pregnant and has to deal with the aftermath of being a pregnant teen.

I really enjoyed this story overall, I like reading stories of teens that do fall pregnant because I think that authors can really delve deep into characters and ups and downs of parenthood.

I loved that we got to see the cultural aspects of a young teen being pregnant and how it does play a part in the way that we live our lives. Kim was an easy protagonist to get along with and it was great to see the interaction between her and her own mum.

However, at times I was confused as to what she was talking about. Kim kept on shifting from mother to grandmother and it took me a while to realise it was the same person. It’s her mother, but her baby’s grandmother. This could have totally been just my fault.

Overall ‘In a Heartbeat’ is a heart-warming story of teen pregnancies and the trails that come along with it. From being a single bother to cultural beliefs. It explores the notion of family, being a teenage and motherhood. It’s one that is really important and it doesn’t take long to read.

Pick up your copy of Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology now, with publication in the US soon.

BUY IT NOW: QBD | Dymocks | Readings | Amazon US

So, I am loving the anthology so far. It’s great to see so many amazing short stories, by Aussie YA authors. It puts into perspective how great #LoveOZYA really is.

Have you read the anthology yet? What did you think? What is your favourite story? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!