Showing posts with label Book 6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book 6. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Review: HOT WINTER NIGHTS by Jill Shalvis!

Release Date: 9-24-2018

Type: Contemporary, Romance, Series, Book 6, Christmas/Seasonal/Holiday

About the Book: Who needs mistletoe? 

Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once...

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.


My Review: Jill Shalvis is one of those authors that I always enjoy, but every time I pick up a new book by her, I'm reminded just how much I love her, and how perfectly sweet her stories are. Her heroes are hot, her heroines are women I respect and would gladly be friends with, and the drama is genuine. From the first scene - the awkward wake up with no idea how he got into bed with her - to the ending, I was hooked.

 This is technically a best friends-younger-sister romance, though Molly is Lucas' partner's sister, not necessarily his best friend. Both Lucas and Molly are damaged and closed off in their own ways, but you can see both of them start to open up when they're around each other. And the teasing.. I loved whenever they teased each other. It was so cute, fun, and usually - very hot. This was an awesome story, and I loved every second of it!

Cover Lovin': So cute and sweet!

Recommendation: Even though it's book six, it can be read as stand alone. 

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! Jill Shalvis remains one of my go-to's for a solid, feel-good romance. 

Friday, December 8, 2017

Review: CAN'T GET ENOUGH by Gena Showalter!



My Review: I have to start by saying this series makes me swoon. Seriously, all of them have been five star reads. This author takes some classic tropes, such as the wounded hero, and gives them such a fresh spin that I am blown away by the characterization and the story. And this book is no exception. And of all these amazing heroes... Brock is my new favorite. I fell in love, almost instantly. As broken as he thinks he is, I don't think I've have ever read a sweeter, more dedicated hero. Not only has he been added to the book boyfriend list, but he  over right to the top.

Lyndie  and Brock are clearly meant to be. I don't think I have ever read a couple that were more perfect for each other. Really, this is one of those relationships that just works from the very first, it's their own imagined (or maybe not so imagined) hangups that keep them apart. I sat there, reading this book with a huge, dopey grin on my face almost every time the two main characters conversed. The teasing and flirting had me giggling like a loon,  while Brock's kindness and care had me swooning.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. And be sure to check out the rest of the series too!!

Cover Lovin': Fits perfectly with the rest of the series.

Recommendation: Each book in this series works as a stand alone, though they are close friends, so you will get some cross over of couples.

Final rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! Once again, Gena  Showalter  has blown it out of the park!! An emotional ride from start to finish. 

From New York Times Bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes the next standalone romance in the Original Heartbreakers Series—CAN’T GET ENOUGH!

Grab your copy today!

   

CAN’T GET ENOUGH Synopsis:

New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter returns with a  sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale, featuring a rough, tough bad boy brought to his knees by... a kindergarten teacher? The king of one-night stands... To inherit--and destroy--his father’s business at long last, Brock Hudson needs a temporary wife. The ruthless ex-military heartthrob has always avoided romantic entanglements. Women are sweet, but vengeance will be sweeter. Or so he thinks. Only one woman will do, but the vulnerable beauty is more than he bargained for—sexier, wittier, and utterly irresistible.

The queen of the deep freeze… After an abusive first marriage, Lyndie Scott has sworn off relationships. But still she longs for a child of her own. Turns out, the brawler who used to frighten her with only a glance is the answer to her problems. She agrees to his proposal, with a caveat: spend every night in bed with her, then walk away for good when it’s time to divorce. Even if she’s pregnant.

A marriage of breathtaking inconvenience... As the days pass too quickly and the nights heat up, Brock battles a sense of possession and obsession. Will the former commitment-phobe convince his wife they’re better off together, or will she pack her bags and go?

   

Get your copy of CAN’T GET ENOUGH here!

Amazon

     

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

       
   
Gena Showalter’s CAN’T GET ENOUGH – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
December 6th
Angelically Devilish Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Booknerd1107 – Review & Excerpt
Kayns Book – Review
Literary Misfit – Review & Excerpt
NallaReads – Review & Excerpt
Rainy Thursdays – Excerpt
December 7th
I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt
Read. Eat. Love. – Review & Excerpt
Romancing the Laser Pistol – Review & Excerpt
Under the Covers – Review & Excerpt
December 8th
Book Lovers 4Ever – Excerpt
Lover of Big Books Cannot Lie – Review & Excerpt
Novel Addiction – Review & Excerpt
Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Under The Covers Book Lovers – Review & Excerpt
December 9th
Binding Addiction – Excerpt
E-Romance News – Excerpt
KDRBCK – Review
The Romance Rebels – Review & Excerpt
December 10th
Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Francoise's Reading Corner – Review & Excerpt
Jen's Reading Obsession – Review & Excerpt
Nicole's Book Musings – Review & Excerpt
Polished Bookworm – Review & Excerpt
Somewhere Lost in Books – Review & Excerpt
The Vagaries of Us – Review & Excerpt
December 11th
Melissa's Bookworld – Review & Excerpt
Moonlight Rendezvous – Review & Excerpt
Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt
December 12th
All Things Dark & Dirty – Review & Excerpt
Bobo's Book Bank – Excerpt
Loves Great Reads Blog – Review & Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog – Review & Excerpt
The Lovely Books – Review & Excerpt
December 13th
Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt
Jax's Book Magic – Excerpt
Milky Way of Books – Review
Never without a book in hand – Review & Excerpt
The Book Addict's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
The Readdicts – Review & Excerpt
December 14th
Dirty Girl Romance – Review
Evermore Books – Review & Excerpt
PBC – Excerpt
One-Click Chocolate Chick – Review & Excerpt
The Book Lover – Review
December 15th
BJ's Book Blog – Review
Wrapped Up In Reading – Review & Excerpt
      About Gena Showalter: Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series--Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles--and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she's appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black--if you ask her about it, she'll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans    

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Monday, November 28, 2016

Review: INK EXPOSED by Carrie Ann Ryan!

Type: Contemporary Romance, Series, Book 6, Tattooed Hotties, 

My Review: Every book I read by Carrie Ann Ryan makes me fall in love with her that much more. I've seen a million recommendations for the Montgomery Ink series, and I can totally see why - and even offer my own rec's! The family dynamic is addicting, the characters genuine and loveable... Really, it's just all around awesome.

I want to commend the author for the fantastic portrayal of alcoholism and the recovery process. Alex isn't magically cured after rehab, he has to continue the fight even years down the road. I appreciate how true to life that is, and made me fall that much more in love with Alex. And as much as I would love him for myself, I swooned when I read his lovey scenes with Tabitha. They are perfect for each other, and I loved every second of their relationship.

Cover Lovin': Yes, please!

Recommendation: This works just fine as a stand alone, though I'm sure you'll get addicted to the Montgomerys and want to read more.

Final Rating: FOUR out if FIVE stars (4/5)!! This was so good, a one-sitting read for sure.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

InkExposed300 (1) 

About INK EXPOSED

The Montgomery Ink series continues with the brother that deserves a second chance, and the woman who has always loved him.
Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes. Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance. Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.
Add INK EXPOSED to your Goodreads list here!
Get your hands on INK EXPOSED:

Want to win?

Carrie Ann Ryan is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card and swag pack - you can enter via the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway  
mainimage
 

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review. 

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Review: BENEATH THESE SHADOWS by Meghan March & Excerpt!

btshadows-amazon-1
Release Date: October 25th, 2016

Type: Tattooed bad boy, On the run, Series-but-stand-alone, Book 6, Contemporary Romance, Beards, Tattoos, and Man buns - oh my!

My Review: I would like to start by saying before this book, I wasn't really that interested in the whole man-bun trend. Some guys could pull it off, but it didn't float my boat like it did for so many others. But then I met Bishop - and despite being a fictional character, he sold me on the whole idea. Add in the fact that he has a beard and tattoos? I'm a goner for sure. It's no wonder Eden couldn't stay away. No one could blame her.

This isn't my first book by Meghan March, but it is the first one I coudn't put down. I was hooked pretty much from the beginning, and not just because I have a soft spot for books set in New Orleans. I could practically feel the pull between Eden and Bishop, and I rooted for them the entire time, even when I was incredibly nervous about what was going to happen and how they would deal with each others' secrets.

And since I loved this one so much, I will definitely have to check out the previous books in the series. Bishop's friends truly felt like a family unit, and I can't wait to see how they all found their own happy endings. 

Cover Lovin': Yes, please!

Recommendation: Beneath these Shadows works just fine as a stand-alone. I had no problem keeping up with everything and everyone despite not being familiar with the series. But I will be checking out the earlier books!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars! Loved it, didn't want to put it down, and I've already added the rest of the series to my TBR list!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~


Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for review. 

Get the series from Amazon.com today!


btshadows-amazon-1
shadows_fb_nowavailable   
   
 From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes another dangerously sexy alpha hero…
The only permanent thing in my life is the ink I put on my clients.
I drift form city to city, in and out of beds, from one tattoo shop to the next.
Every time I start to put down roots, I rip them up.
Until New Orleans.
Until her.
She’s everything I’m not.
Full of fire and life. An innocent where I’m a sinner.
I want to consume her. Protect her. Keep her.
But first, I have to escape from beneath these shadows.
Beneath These Shadows is a STANDALONE romance set in the world of the Beneath series. You DO NOT have to read any other books in the series to enjoy it.
shadows1
“You ever broken the law before this, Eden?” I expected a quick and unequivocal no, but it didn’t come as fast as I thought it would. “I don’t think so. I mean, I’m sure I have by accident sometime. I’ve jaywalked. But I’m not some kind of criminal.” Well, that makes one of us, I thought. My anger from earlier started to fade and be replaced by the heat of the knowledge that Eden’s naked tits were only inches from my chest, separated by water I could see right through. Last time I’d seen them under her pink bra, she’d been too fucked up for me to take advantage . . . but tonight she was completely sober. I raised my gaze from her chest, expecting her cheeks to be red when she realized I was staring at her nipples, but she wasn’t watching my face. She was staring down at my body. “Like what you see?” That got her attention. Eden jerked her head up to meet my eyes, and the blush colored her skin like I’d timed it. “You’re . . . big.” A booming laugh broke free from my throat at her unexpected response, and her cheeks flamed even brighter. “No, that’s not what I meant. I mean . . . everywhere. Not just, in the . . .” She looked down, then jerked her gaze back to mine. “I’m going to shut up now.” That kind of awkward and fumbling response couldn’t be faked, and protectiveness rose in me again. Eden was no con artist. She was a girl who couldn’t even say the word cock without turning red. “Ain’t no shame in my game.” She reached out a hand and covered my lips with her fingers. “Stop. You’re just making it worse. I wasn’t checking out your . . . package. I mean, I did before you got in the pool, but that’s only because I thought you’d have underwear on because who doesn’t wear underwear?” The babbling continued, and so did my laughter. Hell, I hadn’t laughed this much since Delilah had given in to a customer’s request and tattooed a flexing veined eggplant cartoon on a client so he could send pictures of it instead of dick pics. Eden pulled her hand back and covered her face. “I’m going to stop talking now. I seriously can’t be trusted to say anything that’s not completely humiliating when you’re standing this close to me naked.” “I disagree, and since I’m not ready to get out and put my clothes on, you’re going to have to deal with it.” She mumbled something under her breath. “Come again?” Eden pressed her lips together for a beat before saying, “I don’t know how to deal with it. This isn’t something I’ve ever dealt with before.” A crazy thought popped into my brain. “Are you a virgin?” If there was a red brighter than fire engine, that was the color of Eden’s cheeks. “No! Of course not. Really. I’ve touched a dick before. I mean, just the one, but it still counts. Well, I didn’t really touch it. Except, you know, inside me. Oh my God, I’m just going to shut up now.” Realization dawned on me as her babbled protest silenced. “You’ve had sex with one guy? Once? How old are you?” Eden turned to bolt, but instead smashed her tits into my arm. I stepped close enough so that only an inch of water separated us. Her gaze went skyward. “This is so humiliating.” That’s where she and I had differing opinions. “Why? Because you haven’t fucked every guy you’ve ever met? What’s wrong with that?” Eden’s gaze snapped down to mine and her brows drew into slashes. “Hey, whoa now. You can toss that double-standard crap right in the trash. What if I had screwed every guy I ever met? Would that make me less of a person? I mean, it’s not like you probably haven’t been with dozens and dozens of women. I’m not judging you. Except for maybe that Kitty girl. I mean, really? You’ve got to have some standards.” My laughter boomed out again across the courtyard. “Cupcake, just because I can get most any pussy I want, doesn’t mean I do it.” “Still, double standards are—” When she started on another tirade, I decided to silence her the best way I knew how. I leaned down and covered her lips with mine.
shadows9
meghanmarchpic
About Meghan March:
Meghan March has been known to wear came face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered books, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Review: MAID-SAMA! (2-in-1 edition), Volume 6

Release Date: November 1st, 2016

Type: Manga, Comic, Series, 2-in-1, shojo, young adult, teen, Just Kiss Already!

About the Book: A 2-in-1 edition of the romantic-comedy series where chaos ensues when the student council president’s secret—that she works at a maid cafĂ©—is discovered by the school’s #1 hottie!

As if being student council president of a predominantly male high school isn’t hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret—she works at a maid cafĂ© after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultrasmart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?!

Misaki and Takumi go on a double date with Sakura and Kuga to the hot springs! However, Misaki is still shaken up after learning about Takumi’s past. So what kinds of challenges await her when she unearths even more information about his family. [Description from Goodreads.com]


My Review: I am so very happy that they are releasing the rest of Maid-sama! I started reading this series last year, and I was heartbroken to find out that since Tokyopop closed down, there was no plans to release the rest of the series in English. So huge huge thanks to Viz Media for picking them up and putting them out there for those of us that never learned Japanese (I wish!). I think I continue to read manga series because, for the most part, they are absolutely adorable (or at least the young adult ones are - the adult ones, whoa man). Maid-sama! is no exception - the relationship between this very unlikely pair is just so cute, right from the get-go. 

I appreciate that we're finally delving into Usui's past. I was a little confused when he explained his family history in the previous volume, but we're getting more information now, and even meeting some of his family members. This just makes it all the more interesting, since it pushes Misaki and Usui closer together, working as a team to annoy, or fight back, his family. The bit towards the end - featuring their ninja stalker, was laugh-out-loud ridiculous, and was perfectly done. This manga is great at throwing in the little bit of silliness you need to handle how serious it can get.

Cover Lovin': Fits perfectly with the rest of the series! 

Recommendation: This will be awfully confusing without having read the rest of the series, so interested readers definitely need to start with book one.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). I love this series, and I can't wait for the next volume!


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~ 

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Review: BEARLIEST CATCH by Bianca D'Arc

Release Date: July 26th, 2016

My Review: This is my first time reading a book by Bianca D'Arc, and I will say I'm intrigued enough to read more. If you want to give her a shot, trust me, there is PLENTY to choose from. I enjoyed Bearliest Catch, but over all, there was no wow-factor here for me. But I've already got my eye on a few of her other works, because I liked her voice and sense of humor.

I think what didn't work for me here was not the story itself, but the overwhelming feeling of being told what was happening, instead of being shown. The first third of the book was heavy on the backstory, but I think the history could have been worked in a little more organically than it was. As the book progressed, and we got more into the here-and-now, this was less of an issue, though still present.

I liked the authors voice, and she had some great characters - though unfortunately I preferred the secondary characters to the main couple. I'd gladly look into some of the previous or future books in this series.

Cover Lovin': Whoa boy, look at that arm!

Recommendation: The author catches you up quickly at the beginning, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). This was a fun, quick read. If you like shifters, and the small-town feel, make sure to give Grizzly Cove a chance!
Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Today we have the great new paranormal romance, Bearliest Catch by Bianca D’Arc. Be sure to check it out and grab your copy, and enter her giveawayBearliest Catch BT Ban About Bearliest Catch:   BearliestCatchFinal-72-200x300
 Drew spends his days fishing in the Pacific, far from Grizzly Cove, seeking the peace of the ocean. Jetty lives in the ocean, part of a hunting party of mer folk, in near-constant danger now from the evil creature that roams the deep. When they meet, sparks fly and the ocean comes alive with danger. Can they get her people to safety? IBooks Amazon B&N Kobo  

  About Bianca D’Arc: Bianca D’Arc is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 romance novels. She has twice won EPPIE Awards for her work, along with the Australian Romance Readers Favorite Erotic Romance eBook of 2008 for her first werewolf romance, Lords of the Were. She is a native New Yorker who worked as an executive on Wall Street during the summer of 2001. She changed careers after the tragic attacks of 9/11 and started seriously pursuing publication in 2005. She has a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry, a Masters in Library Science, and a Juris Doctor, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She loves her garden and plays the piano, ukulele and guitar. Connect with Bianca! Website: www.biancadarc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiancaDArcAuthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/biancadarc

  Enter Bianca’s Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway  


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Monday, December 14, 2015

Review: SWEET ACHE by K. Bromberg

Release Date: June 2, 2015


Type: Series, Book 6, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Rock Stars, Rockers trump racers!

About the Book: Hawkin Play, the bad boy rock star with a good guy heart, has lived a lifetime of cleaning up after his twin brother’s mistakes. Hunter’s most recent screwup could land Hawke in jail and risk the band’s future. Hawke agrees to guest lecture at a local college to stay in the judge’s good graces—and a bet with his bandmate to seduce his sexy teaching assistant is icing on the cake.

Sweet Ache (Driven, #6)Quinlan Westin is harder to bed than Hawke imagined. She knows his type and is determined to avoid the rocker at all costs—even if their attraction runs deeper than simple lust.

Just as Hawke might finally be winning over the girl, his brother has other plans. When Hunter realizes his twin finally has a weakness, he’ll stop at nothing to take advantage.... [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: I've had this book for a while. When I was offered it to review, I was in my rock star phased, and before I got the chance to read this, I had fallen into another phase of some sort, and this got left behind. So imagine how excited I was to get back into my rocker phase so I can read this book and fully enjoy it!

I'll start off with what I liked most about this book - I thought the character's reactions to the curve balls life threw at them were incredibly accurate. Everything felt true to the character's state of mind, and what was expected of them. And, quite often, the characters did exactly what I would have in the same situation - which just confirmed how real they felt to me.

I also loved the story itself. I'm a sucker for the misunderstanding. And it goes back to my love of "Bet Me" by Jennifer Crusie - I love the whole "I made a bet but I'm willing to lose because I love you" story trope. Honestly, if "Sweet Ache" is any indication of the rest of K. Bromberg's books, I will be picking them up in the future.

Now to what I didn't like so much - and this is most likely a nit-picky thing only because I was so recently getting a graduate degree. Quin talks about her thesis, but procrastinates so often. It's barely mentioned here and there that she got some work done on it. But I remember the end of graduate school - it's a big deal. It's basically pass/fail, and determines whether or not you graduate. I know the relationship is the main story, obviously - but don't let falling in love ruin your chances, Quin! Don't do that to yourself! 

Cover Lovin': So, when this was offered to me, I jumped on it - mostly because of the cover. Thumbs up!

Recommendation: While this book is book 6 of a series, no need to be familiar with the previous books! This works just fine as a stand-alone. Though I'd love more from the band...

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5)! I thought this book was a fun read. I didn't want to put it down once I got started. But what really stuck with me was how real Hawke dealt with the tragedies in this life. 


Get your copy of Sweet Ache from Amazon.com today! And check out the next book in the series, Hard Beat.



Happy Reading! 
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Review: BATMAN AND ROBIN 6: THE HUNT FOR ROBIN by Peter Tomasi

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Date: June 30, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comics, Comic Books, Superheroes, Batman and the Batlings, Hard to have Batman and Robin without Robin..

About the Book: After losing his son Damian—a.k.a. Robin—Batman has finally found peace with his death. Damian's grandfather Ra's al Ghul, however, has not. In order to resurrect Robin, he's stolen the body and now Batman will stop at nothing to reclaim him. 

Nearly two years of storylines—including threads from Grant Morrison's BATMAN INCORPORATED and Scott Snyder and Greg Capulo's BATMAN—conclude here in BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 6: THE HUNT FOR ROBIN. 

Collects BATMAN AND ROBIN #29-34 and ROBIN RISES OMEGA. [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: Despite Robin being no longer with us, he still has a strong presence in this graphic novel series. But then, I guess it is hard to continue a series bearing his namesake without having him there in some way shape or form. My biggest issue with this graphic novel, was that it felt like since they couldn't team Batman up with Robin, they would just team him up with whomever else was handy - Aquaman, Wonder Woman, even Frankenstein. In a way, it makes sense - hard to have a series based on a team up without some sort of team-ing happening. But it just felt rushed and so-so.

What I think this series does well is the tiny bits of humor they manage to sneak into such a dark series. Even in Bruce's moments of lightness and healing, though they be very few and far between, it is still gritty, like a true Batman comic should be. As a fan of Robin in all his (or maybe her?) forms, I was happen to see a small reunion of former title holders, though I will not spoil how or why.

There is a lot this series does well - the tone, the story lines.. but I will be happy to either move on from Damien, or find a way to bring him back to the story. Frankly, I would prefer bringing him back. I loved Damien. Not my favorite of the past and present sidekicks, but he had his own flair, and I loved seeing him and Bruce work together.

Cover Lovin': Very fitting cover. This title may be called Batman and Robin, but Robin is not exactly in the picture any more - as this cover accurately portrays.

Recommendation: For hardcore Bat-fans, and only for those that have kept up with this series. This is not a volume you can just pick up without the backstory.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Good, but not as dark and gritty as it used to be. This felt like it was missing something (maybe Robin?!).


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

REVIEW: "Aphrodite: Goddess of Love" by George O'Connor

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: December 31, 2013

Type: Graphic Novel, Series, Book 6, Mythology, Love, Gods and Goddesses

About the BookIn volume six of Olympians, graphic novel author/artist George O'Connor turns the spotlight on Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Look for the same thoroughly researched and wonderfully accessible comics storytelling as O'Connor tackles the story of the Aphrodite from her dramatic birth (emerging from sea-foam) to her role in the Trojan War.
O'Connor has outdone himself with this volume: the story is riveting and the artwork is beyond compare. Greek mythology has never been so vivid! (Description from Amazon.com)
My Review: This is the sixth volume of the Olympians series by author George O'Connor. Each volume (series order below) tells the tale of one of the Olympians from Greek Mythology, mixing story and art to tell each God or Goddess' most well-known stories. The first ones I read was done so for an assignment for a young adult services class. This whole series is a great suggestion for anyone that needs a visual reference for Greek myths, or anyone seriously in love with Greek mythology - like myself.
The art is very well done, and while it might be a bit cartoonish in places - it fits. I mean, these Greek gods aren't exactly human. The art fits the story, and everything is told well without being too long or going into too much detail. I do think the choices of stories told were great! Aphrodite's entrance was included, the Pygmalion story, as well as the apple Discord threw to the goddesses. While I would have loved to see Aphrodite's little tryst with Ares played out, I'm glad the author chose to give us stories that show Aphrodite as a strong female lead instead of a lusty lady. 
A fun, great read, I would suggest it to anyone that wants a great Greek Mythology graphic novel!
Cover Lovin': This cover is in line with the rest of the series, and does a good job depicting Aphrodite's stories without giving too much away.
Recommendation: This is a great book, and indeed a great series, for fans of Mythology. For students or avid readers that want a visual retelling of Greek mythology.
Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). I'm a big fan of this series. The art is very well done, and it is a wonderful retelling of the mythological stories featuring Aphrodite. I would definitely reread it in the future.
Series in Order:
1. Zeus: King of the Gods
2. Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess
3. Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory
4. Hades: Lord of the Dead
5. Poseidon: Earth Shaker

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Review will be cross-posted on Goodreads.com.