ARC Review: Sun-Kissed by Laura Florand

Title: Sun-Kissed (Amour et Chocolat, #7; Snow Queen, #2) 

Author: Laura Florand

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: May 20th, 2014 

Sun-Kissed is a beautifully written coda to Florand's Amour et Chocolat Series. Bringing together Mack Corey, the father (or father-figure) to three of the heroines from this previously six-book series) as well as Anne Winters, the mother of Kurt from Snow-Kissed, Florand ties together the loose threads in this extended family of French chefs, chocolate-lovers, and emotionally strong individuals who have found love, often in the most unlikeliest of places. Without a doubt, I'd recommend reading Sun-Kissed only after having finished the rest of Florand's back-list, merely because the sweet cameos of past couples and references to prior love stories will tug at your memory, further adding to the experience of this short novel.

Sun-Kissed is a compelling romance, primarily because its protagonists are far older than the typical age-group associated with young love. Which is precisely what this story is not. Sun-Kissed is far from a tale of first love, with its healing kisses and gentle caresses. Instead, it is a story of the building affection and burning love between two adults; adults who have been knocked down by life, who have built walls of steel and ice around their hearts, and who have -- somehow -- persevered through watching their young family age and travel away from them. Set during the wedding of Jaime Corey, Mack's youngest daughter, and Dominique Richard, an absolutely swoon-worthy French chocolatier, Mack and Anne slowly realize that the only path they want into their future is one traversed together.

It isn't an easy romance, though. For Mack, facing the reality that both his daughters have married, found spouses they want to spend more time with than their own father, and are moving to another continent entirely is a difficult admission to deal with. Mack's entire life has revolved around his daughters; caring for them, providing for them, making enough money for them, and loving them enough for two parents. Now, to witness them simply leave everything he has built for his not-so-modest son-in-laws is -- to put it mildly -- a bit of a shock. Moreover, for Anne, the tough facade she walks under refuses to drop. In order to have become a wealthy and successful single-mother, Anne chilled her heart with ice and sharpened her gaze with steel, intimidating every man who dared challenge her and knock her down. Thus, to open her heart to Mack Corey is no easy task. Florand builds their romance gradually, though, making sure to intersperse within their love story the familial issues that plague them, due to their age. Kurt and Kai's heart-breaking situation follows us into Sun-Kissed as Anne acknowledges the fact that she may never have grand-children and, worse, that her son fell in love with a woman as far removed from Anne herself. It is the myriad of all these dilemmas -- both inner and outer -- that make Sun-Kissed such a masterpiece to inhale.

Moreover, the brief appearances made by my absolute favorite Florand heroes, from Sylvain Marquis to Philippe Lyonnais, only elevated Sun-Kissed as Florand manages to keep her large host of characters distinct in their individual personalities, despite the similarities many of them share, and displays their relationships with a balance of poise and realism. Nothing is sugar-coated and though this novel seems to be full of happily-ever-afters, they are endings hard-won; endings that will only continue to be hard-won as well.

Romance Mini-Reviews: Jill Shalvis, Sherry Thomas, and Molly O'Keefe

Title: It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor, #7)

Author: Jill Shalvis

Rating: 4 Stars

With a decent sprinkling of snow on the ground and the covers of my comforter up to my chin, a warm, breezy romance fit my mood precisely. I've been on a bit of a romance kick lately - one I almost feel guilty about as it means I'm disregarding my ever-growing pile of ARCs - but flying through love story after love story on a chilly weekend just feels so right. I picked up Simply Irresistible a few months back and, ever since, have been meaning to return to Lucky Harbor. Both the sequels following Simply Irresistible, however, had such summer-friendly covers that I wasn't quite in the mood  for this winter season but I couldn't resist the allure of a cop and the beginning of a new mini-trilogy within this expansive series that It Had to Be You had going for it. And, let me tell you, Luke gives Jax Cullen a really good run for his money! ;) Needless to say, Shalvis is a must-read for readers on the lookout for a lovely romance, quiet depth, and a slow simmer.

Title: Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor, #4)

Author: Jill Shalvis

Rating: 4 Stars

Dear Publishers,

I regret to inform you that you have chosen the incorrect candidate to bestow your ARCs upon. In fact, this individual in question needs to be placed under surveillance for she hasn't reviewed a novel in a very long time and neither is she actively reading the ARCs you have been diligently sending to her doorstep. No, she is instead caught in Lucky Harbor (or Victorian England if you want to discuss the historical romance novels she's been flying through!) and, therefore, is unable to attend to upcoming novels. A pinch of pixie dust to snap her back into reality may be necessary.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Reader

---------------------------------------------------------

Since I seem to be mastering the art of "Ignore the ARC", I figured another trip to Lucky Harbor couldn't hurt. And, trust me, Lucky in Love hurt in only the right places. If you're a fan of the strong and silent type of hero alongside a heroine who's hiding an inner bad girl, this is your best bet. Quick, steamy, and ever-so-sweet, it'll bring a gust of luck and a dopey smile or two on your face for sure. (Although, diabetics, beware! Shalvis does not hesitate to mention chocolate...again and again and again. Thus, tread with caution! A craving for chocolate in practically guaranteed should this book fall into your unsuspecting hands...)

Title: The Luckiest Lady in London 

Author: Sherry Thomas 

Rating: 4 Stars

I swore off of Sherry Thomas after Not Quite a Husband destroyed me, leaving me an emotional wreck. With just a mere string of words Thomas held my heart far above my reach and the palpable pain she portrayed within the pages of her romance was unbearable. Needless to say, I've sought much happier, less bittersweet love stories since and, thankfully, The Luckiest Lady in London fits the bill. While it still contains Thomas's signature skill of character and persona, developing complex - and deeply flawed - heroes and heroines for us to love, the emotional scarring was minimal, though still felt. For fans of historical romance, this is a definite winner, filled with an enticingly entertaining courtship and a wonderfully contained marriage afterwards. Very, very highly recommended.

Title: Wild Child 

Author: Molly O'Keefe

Rating: 4 Stars

I've been finding it really, really tough to write a review for the Molly O'Keefe books I've read. Firstly, because the covers make this book seem like erotica or hard-core contemporary romance when it's more of a raw, realistic, and brutal look at life. It's an adult novel, so yes, it has fairly explicit sex, but the sex is only one aspect to the depth these books contain. Of course these characters are broken, but they're the kind of broken that passes for normal until it doesn't. And these are the kind of relationships, messy and unflinchingly honest, that we all sustain, at some point or the other, in our lives. I really wish I could articulate how perfectly O'Keefe writes really complex story arcs, with plenty of swoon to counter the dark places she takes her characters, but I can't. If you're one for realistic novels, ones that use sex as a means of empowerment, take characters out of the boxes we've labeled for them, and is downright un-put-downable, read Molly O'Keefe. I just don't think you can go wrong with her.

ARC Review: Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard

Title: Strange and Ever After (Something Strange and Deadly, #3) 

Author: Susan Dennard

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: July 22nd, 2014

From the first moment we met parasol-wielding Eleanor in Something Strange and Deadly, I've been a fan of this series. While A Darkness Strange and Lovely clearly suffered from Middle Book Syndrome, Strange and Ever After most definitely did not. Out of all the conclusions I've read lately, this installment feels the most conclusive. Dennard not only notches up the pace of this final novel, but she also heightens the risk and danger. As such, Strange and Ever After is a non-stop, page-flipping adventure, incorporating elements from the previous two novels into an explosive finale that may not necessarily satisfy, but definitely will not be forgotten.

Strange and Ever After starts out in Paris, quickly moves to Marseille, and finally ends up in Egypt. When the novel opens, Allison has just arrived from Philadelphia, bearing the unfortunate news that Eleanor's mother has passed away. Stuck on Daniel's hot-air balloon with nothing but her grief, worry for her best friend Jie, and anger at Marcus, Eleanor slowly begins pushing everyone away. Yet, there is hardly time to dwell on emotions for Marcus is becoming more and more powerful by the minute and if Eleanor ever wants the hope of a normal life, she will have to stop him...before he stops her.

While Eleanor's motives and personality in A Darkness Strange and Lovely remained obscure and changed, in Strange and Ever After I was finally able to understand her agency. Eleanor's relationships don't start out in a very strong place and, more often than not, she is readily testy. Not only has Eleanor lost the trust of Ollie, her demon, but her relationship with Daniel is fragile and uncertain for he dislikes her abilities as a necromancer. With Allison on board, Eleanor's situation is no easier and her heart, mind, and emotions pull her in different directions. One of the best aspects of this novel, though, lies in the fact that Eleanor grows to open up to those around her and carry meaningful conversations with them. While she still struggles to control her abilities, she is determined not to succumb to darkness and maintain the relationships she shares with others - which she does.

While Eleanor and Daniel's romance truly took off in this installment, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments and touching dialogues, the relationship at the forefront was that between Ollie and Eleanor. I couldn't get a grasp Ollie's character in A Darkness Strange and Lovely as I was unsure whether or not to trust him. Even in this installment, he is exasperating, pushing Eleanor to her breaking point at times. But as we grow to understand Ollie, to see life from his perspective, the friendship between him and Eleanor becomes ever-stronger. I grew to love his character by the end and, in some ways; he even eclipses Daniel (but never in my heart).

With such a large host of characters and emotional ties, Strange and Ever After never falters in its plot. The Spirit Hunters are constantly on the move, uncovering pieces of information about Marcus and the Old Man in a timely fashion. Moreover, I really enjoyed the change of setting from one novel to the next. Dennard has mastered the art of world-building and the richness of the reality she has created, as well as the mythological references that cropped up, made this story such a delight. Even the final showdown with Marcus is brilliantly written, proving that every victory has its sacrifices. We've seen Eleanor up against Marcus before and though she is stronger, he is still a formidable opponent. It is only with the help of others that she is truly able to put an end to his evil once and for all.

Where this story faltered for me, though, is in the unexpected death of a main character. I anticipate and look forward to character deaths in a concluding novel because of the emotional upheaval they bring. With this death, though, I felt blindsided and surprised. It's a death I struggled to rationalize and cope with because it was so unfair and while I have qualms about it - particularly regarding its necessity and the fact that it represents that the character in question never saw themselves as worthwhile - it also makes for a bittersweet, albeit surprising, conclusion. I'm not sure how I expected this series to end, but I'm glad it's done. Dennard's debut trilogy has had its ups and downs and while I wouldn't recommend against it, I'm not sure I'd shove it upon a friend either. Nevertheless, I look forward to whatever Dennard has up her sleeve next. I may harbor mixed feelings towards this series as a whole, but towards her writing? None at all.

Review: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Title: Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #1) 

Author: Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4 Stars

If the distasteful rumors of an impending love triangle within this new series wasn't enough to steer me away from the latest Ilona Andrews, my disappointment following Magic Rises certainly was. Months after the last Kate Daniels release, however, I found myself - quite inevitably - in the mood for Ilona and Gordon's work. With the Edge Chronicles inconveniently checked out of the e-library, I was left with Clean Sweep to borrow. A resigned sigh, the click of a mouse, and the title was downloaded onto my Kindle.

And, lo and behold, I really, really liked it.

First and foremost, allow me to dispel any - and all! - rumors of a love triangle within these pages. While there are, admittedly, two love interests for Dina, our protagonist in question, it is clear just who Dina has feelings for. Moreover, the second love interest - who only makes an appearance a little over half-way through the book - fails to display the same level of romantic interest in Dina. Although he could, very well, be a true contender for her heart as the series progresses, I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that Ilona Andrews steers clear of that path. It hasn't been their style in the past and I certainly hope they do not adopt it for the future.

While Clean Sweep is certainly a stronger introduction to a promising series than Magic Bites ever was, it still lacks the epic nature of a Kate Daniels installment. Nevertheless, Dina is a formidable heroine; strong, resilient, and determined to carry out her job. Dina, the owner of a magical inn, is duty-bound to protect her residents when danger comes knocking on her doorstep. Moreover, as the daughter of two innkeepers who have mysteriously gone missing, Dina has taken it upon herself to maintain neutral territory on her grounds, all while enticing more visitors in the hopes that someone, someday, will know what happened to her parents. With unknown dangers lurking around the corner however, Dina will need all the help she can get - even if it's from her frustratingly handsome neighbor - to keep her community safe.

It seems Ilona Andrews can still be relied upon for a quick, pick-me-up Urban Fantasy read. Though Clean Sweep starts off a little shakily, it quickly gains momentum and maintains a solid pace throughout. I cannot wait to see where Ilona and Gordon take this series next. With such a lot of promise, originality, and heart captured within the pages of this first installment itself, I have no doubts that Dina's books will soon become just as memorable and adored as those of Kate Daniels as well.

ARC Review: Tease by Sophie Jordan

Title: Tease (Ivy Chronicles, #2) 

Author: Sophie Jordan 

Rating: 2 Stars

Release Date: May 27th, 2014

In a rare display of symbolism, the cover of this novel is every bit as off-putting as it needs to be. When I first looked at the ARC of this novel, I was originally disappointed as I felt the cover image - with those models looking at the viewer and at each other so oddly - would work against an otherwise excellent novel. Unlike its predecessor, however, Tease is exactly the typical New Adult novel it is projected as. Where Foreplay managed to draw me into the college lifestyle, warm friendships, and a romance that defied stereotypes while playing within them, Tease follows an all too-familiar cookie-cutter formula which has, fortunately or unfortunately, run its course.

Tease follows one of Pepper's best friends, Emerson, as she finally meets a guy willing to get to know the real her beneath her multiple layers of barriers. Frankly speaking, I am not exhausted of this particular plot-line. I think that with maturity and time, there comes a point in every relationship where honesty is needed above "faking" it and considering the state of women's self-esteem all around the world thanks to the media, I am not surprised that this a theme authors keep returning to and readers keep embracing. After all, every character is different and their approach to their growth isn't the same either, appealing to certain types of audiences more than others.

In the case of Tease, though, this wasn't the case. Emerson is estranged from her family, bitter at the world, and uses guys to further the image of her sexual experience. Moreover, she enjoys teasing guys as it gives her a modicum of welcome power of her life. I get that. Where I had a difficult time with this story, however, is in the fact that Emerson's growth is peppered with recycled tropes playing a large role in her agency. Whether it be the alpha-male, Shaw, whose insistence at control forces Emerson to give up her own control and learn to trust and open up to him or the sexual abuse which drives forward her present-day motives, Emerson's story line dulled my senses, causing my eyes to skim over the pages instead of lean in with barely-contained excitement.

Admittedly, my dislike for alpha-males is a personal one and, as far as they go, Shaw is definitely one of the better, nicer guys whose dominance doesn't dictate his every action. Nevertheless, Shaw's personality as a love interest never came alive for me and, moreover, his connection with Emerson seemed purely physical. No, not purely physical, but if Emerson had met a different stubborn, alpha-male she would have likely fallen for him too as his controlling qualities would have forced her to open up under his probing gaze, just as she did with Shaw. Moreover, I am growing a little disgusted by the blatant use of sexual abuse in every single New Adult novel to further the plot line. I am not denying the fact that the percentage of women who experience sexual abuse is high - it is - which makes the chances of all these characters suffering from some type of sexual abuse a realistic statistic, but the manner in which this is explored is never to the full depth and capacity it needs to be. In Tease, this aspect of Emerson's past is a negligible detail, mentioned and utilized to increase the drama of the story line instead of address serious allegations of potential rape and our societal view of it. Emerson's trauma and baggage is big enough to deal with without adding sexual abuse into the mixture, so its presence only clouded an already disappointing story.

For fans of Sophie Jordan, I have a feeling Tease may prove to be a success. Seeing as I've only ever enjoyed Foreplay, I am certainly the first to admit that I went into this with grossly high expectations and have had to pay for those hopes dearly. Perhaps, for me, Foreplay was only a one trick pony. Either way, I won't be lunging for the next book in this series; lesson learned.