The Book Lovers Codex

The Book Lover's Codex first review!! Real by Katy Evans.

I'd seen a lot of talk about this book over the last few months but I wasn't convinced I'd like a book set in the "underworld" unless it was actually, you know, the underworld, as in waving hello to Hades underworld.
I had all these pre-conceived notions of what the book would probably be like - seedy semi-criminal stuff - because I'm a freakin' idiot! I didn't get the whole "underworld" fighting thing... Now I do. oops
I put the book out of my head and went about my merry business, but it kept creeping back onto my radar.
I read some reviews and thought "what the heck" and purchased it on Kindle. But still, I did not read it. I kept putting it off.
Then one night - ok a couple of evenings ago - I was bored. I was restless. I didn't know what I wanted to read and I swear a little voice was screaming Remy in my ear, telling me I was missing out, begging me to give in, to give it a go, to fall in love with Remington Tate. So I opened the book and started reading....

HOLY HELL!!!

I don't think I can put into words how this book affected me. I was entranced from the minute Remy chased down Brooke, demanded her name and kissed his name onto her lips. *shivers*

The chemistry between Remy and Brooke burns up the pages, honestly it's insane... Sucks you right in.


Remy is a complete caveman when it comes to his woman. Animalistic. He seems to work on absolute basic instinct. To claim, to provide, to protect... It could have been a complete disaster but, for me, it just worked. He isn't an asshole and Brooke isn't a weak little woman. She kicks ass! Seriously, she is a kick ass female who knows what she wants and what she wants is her man. (And so do I!!)

When I finished it, I felt kinda euphoric.

Was it a perfect book? Beautifully written, expertly edited and polished? No. However, it was part of what made it work for me. It felt raw. It had grit and rough edges and it just worked with the story.

I loved this book, Love, LOVE, LOVED it! It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea but it was definitely mine and I can't wait for the next instalment.

* Review copy granted in exchange for an honest review*

First thoughts on this book were that the cover was beautiful and the book blurb was exciting. I couldn't wait to get started reading!

The action begins almost from the get go in this book and there is plenty of action. You empathise with Sabra in that she is nothing more than a -apparently - powerless pawn in a very dangerous game. So many factions are after her and she can't trust anybody. She's confused, tired, lonely and she yearns for the man who held her captive for 6 months. She is a likable character but she has massive body hang-ups and self-esteem issues and at times she is incredibly whiny and it's annoying.

Cain Dath is made out to be a magical terrorist. An evil Warlord. You know that there has to be more to his story than this, and of course you are right! Cain Dath he is a good guy, fighting for good reasons and he genuinely cares for Sabra, whereas everyone else is just interested in what she is and what it could mean for them.

What disappointed me with this book was that Cain and Sabra are supposed to have an intense connection from their very first meeting, but I didn't feel it. Plus, this book is more action than romance and Cain and Sabra spend as much time apart in this book as they do together.

Another thing that was frustrating was that there are several plot threads just left flapping in the wind at the end of the novel.


Who was the doctor who tried to protect Sabra at the hospital? What kind of creature was he?

Are Cain and Sabra the people in the prophesy or not?

Does Cain continue the fight to free the magical community? Or now that he is pardoned does he lay down his arms?

Cain might have a pardon, but Sabra is still a person of interest to the magical mafia and various governments... Isn't she? Is she free now? Or still hunted?

To top it off some of the language (and turn of phrase) used by the author was a bit off putting for me. The amount of references to farting and losing control of bowels just seemed out of place in a romance novel.

Other word choices like "twat" when in reference to female genitalia... Well. It was unexpected but, in the situation it cropped up in, it was kinda funny drugged and heading for a doctors stir-ups. Regardless of the humour, I thought it was a bit out of place.

Overall? I quite liked it. I was a bit disappointed by the weak romance and loose threads but it was still well worth a read on a rainy, boring Friday afternoon

3 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* Review copy granted via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book isn't very long, I read it in a couple of hours. If I had only three words to describe it I would use: short, uncomplicated and forgettable.

The characters are one dimensional so you don't develop any kind of emotional attachment to them, the story is easy to predict and the "romance" has a definite PG rating - there isn't so much as a kiss!

I use the term "romance" loosely with this book too as there isn't much romance... Ellen and Henry meet by chance and there is a bit of instalove (or obsession) going on but no actual courtship or meaningful interaction. The book is written from the first person viewpoint of Ellen and she spends more time rabbiting on in her head about Henry than time actually spent with Henry...

Despite all that I've said I guess you could say that enjoyed the book while it lasted. It didn't make me angry, frustrated or wanting more and it had some funny moments...

Would I read something else by this author? Hmmm... I think it would be fair to say that I wouldn't avoid this author's work, if something came along that I liked the sound of I'd give it a try but I am not going to be actively seeking out her back catalogue or recommending her to friends.

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

This book was previously released back in June 2009 under a Pseudonym of Sylvia Day's - Livia Dare. It's since been re-released in the US on the 24th September 2013 and in the UK on 24th October 2013.

If you are a regular reader of Sylvia Day you will know what to expect in terms of the sexual content of this book. Like all Sylvia Day books, In The Flesh is HOT! Incredibly sensual, explicit, evocative and utterly addictive.

It is set in a futuristic world in which sex for nothing more than pleasure seems to be a core belief of society.

Concubines are highly thought of and valued and undergo years of training before taking up their positions.

Both sexes can serve and throughout the course of their careers they can achieve great wealth and position in society.

What I struggled with in this world was the fact that rich, powerful men had a harem of women and their wives were basically expected to just deal with it.

The King of Sari is in love with his prized concubine Sapphire and refuses anyone elses bed but hers - including his poor wifes!

Sapphire doesn't reciprocate the Kings feelings, feels sorry for the Queen and basically craves more from her life. She is more than happy when the Queen of Sari - to cut a long story short - has her retired.

Retirement in the life of a concubine - at least a successful one like Sapphire - means wealth, independence - freedom.

Sapphire is a very strong woman. She is loyal to those she cares about and feels an instant affinity for Wulf which she doesn't want to feel on account of him being an enemy prince, thus making anything between them impossible without one - or both - of them losing everything.

Wulfric is commanding, ruthless, slightly arrogant, highly intelligent and sexy as hell!

He knows what he wants and he wants Sapphire.

He is conscious of the possible consequences of pursuing Sapphire but he sets about finding work-arounds so that he can have her.

He lets nothing stand in his way and is the driving force in everything that happens between them.

There is plenty of action to go along with the sex 'n' romance.

Lot's of nice twists and turns. Plenty of intrigue.

Overall it is a really enjoyable read.

My only complaint is that the ending leaves loose ends hanging and I'd expect another book to round them off but considering it was originally published years ago it doesn't look likely to happen... Or maybe the fact it has been republished under Sylvia Day means another book will be forthcoming? I guess we'll have to wait and see, but I'll be disappointed if there is not.

I guess to sum it up I'd say that it doesn't steal your soul the way the Crossfire books do but it is definitely on par with Day's regency works, so I definitely recommend!

4 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

I was drawn to this book by it's cover. I was intrigued by the book blurb but slightly put off by the fact our leading lady - Abby - was a minister. I just couldn't see how we could have a nice sexy romance when our main character was sworn to God, but as I said I was intrigued and after reading a few reviews I decided to read it for myself and I was NOT disappointed!

This book was great. Abby and Jack were so sweet, you felt their longing for each other, the chemistry between them was incredible. It was sensual, evocative, passionate... Utterly mesmerising at times.

There is plenty of drama to go with the romance and it's rounded off with a nice happy ending.

I couldn't put it down! It was just the kind of read I needed to break me out of a reading funk. I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I'd recommend to anyone looking for a nice, sexy, romantic read and I'd say if you too are worried about the whole minister thing, don't be. Yes, Abby is a minister but it doesn't really come into it beyond being the reason Abby is in the position she is in, her job could have been anything as she truly doesn't come across all godly.

I should probably also comment on the characters in general.
Jack - Holy hotness! Abby - Kick ass!

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* Review copy granted in exchange for an honest review*

Full Review - with spoilers - on my blog
http://where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/arc-review-crashing-into-you-by-b-d-rowe.html

I can't go into the in's and out's of why I didn't enjoy this book without giving away too many spoilers so I'm going to just say a few general things about it and if you want to read more, you click on the link and read the full review on my blog...

This is B. D. Rowe's first novel and it's an Indie novel (self-published). I'd like to say thank you to the author for writing, I'm sure alot of blood, sweat and tears went into this novel from conception to getting it on the market and I don't want to seem dismissive of all the work or ungrateful with my review but I'm afraid this review is overwhelmingly negative.

I don't know where to begin with this book. I really truly don't but I have to be honest!

The Main Characters:

I'm going to start by talking about Sydney.

Sydney is a self-righteous, judgemental, pain in the ass who is totally lacking in self-respect.

She is in love with her room-mates boyfriend. I love that saying "emotions don't have brains" because they don't. You cant help how you feel. So my problem isn't so much that she is in love with the boyfriend but the fact she is basically desperate for their one year relationship to collapse so she can make a move! Then the relationship does come to an end cause y'know the room-mate dies and Sydney is pretty much hitting on Evan at the funeral!! Who does that?! Throw in the fact that Sydney failed to notice she's sharing a room with a CORPSE for 3 days and yeah... creeptastic!

Now, moving on to Evan.

Evan is a complete tool! He's been with one girl for a year but is leading on the room-mate (blowing hot and cold). You get the impression his relationship with Melanie was ending and me wanted Sydney but for whatever reason wouldn't let go of Melanie - that to me says COWARD. Chuck in some other stuff he does and yeah... He's not very endearing!

Other Issues:

There is no soul in this book. It doesn't make you feel. You don't share the emotions of the characters. All you kinda feel is general annoyance and frustration.
The only bit of the book that caused a reaction in sync with the characters was when Sydney was going to kick Evan to the curb (whoo hoo) and it was ruined by life or death drama. Honestly I almost threw my kindle.

I also hated some of the word choices of the author, for example "Twink" in reference to a gay man. Now, I don't know about the US but in the UK "Twink" is a derogatory term used in reference to gay men and every time is was used I wanted to screech.
Another thing that springs to mind is the use of the term "boy-toy"...

Then, the ending. A cliffhanger. Normally, even when I didn't really enjoy a book, I'll need to read the next one (if it ends on a cliffhanger) cause I just need to know how things end or it annoys me. It's why I never leave a book unfinished no matter how much I don't like it. With this I will quite happily not read the next one as I just don't care how it turns out, the entire novel is being banished to my mental room 101 once I publish this review.

Personally, I don't recommend this book but this entire review is just my own interpretation of the book, it's my opinion and everyone reads things differently so please don't let it put you off, just be prepared!

1 out of 5 stars

The cover of this book caught my eye, the blurb intrigued me and I was really excited to read it, unfortunately the excitement died rather quickly.

The first quarter of this story was just so slow. I was like blah blah Grey blah blah daddy blah mama blah religion blah dancing blah film blah blah - blah.

I really couldn't have cared less but I don't give up on a book once I've started reading it so I kept on reading, waiting for it to get good, to live up to it's blurb... But it didn't. At all.

It's around a quarter of the way into the book when anything interesting starts to happen and it just happens to be that Grey starts stripping. She has her reasons and given her background you expect some kind of reservations, you expect some difficulty but it was just too much. The vomiting, the constant whingeing and tears, I wanted to smack her. Honestly I found Grey to be a highly irritating character and there wasn't much about her that was redeeming. Actually, I can't think of a single thing that was redeeming.

Dawson is an OK character. He sees past "Gracie" Grey's stripping alter-ego and sees Grey. He is sweet and caring and the fact that he puts up with the biggest load of crap from her and still wants her makes me want to give him a medal.

The romance had one or two fluttery feels moments, but it all just felt... one dimensional? There was no depth to the connection between Grey and Dawson and with that connection lacking I just couldn't suspend reality and ignore the instalove.

It was my first novel by this author and I will read another before making my mind up on whether to add her to my regular reading pile. A great author can write a bad book so I'm not yet put off and I don't want to put anyone off the author either. Perhaps just start by reading a different book of hers?

I don't like giving a bad review but sometimes you just can't help it.

2 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* Review copy granted via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I read this book in a day over two reading sessions and I quite enjoyed it, my only complaint would be that it took too long to get to the point. It took forever to find out what happened between Clementine and Donovan seven years before. It took forever for the romance to kick in and when it did you couldn't help but feel it was all one sided, all Donovan, because Clementine just didn't seem to care. However, the longer you read the more this changed and even though it took a little while for the book to heat up, when it did it got HOT!

It isn't a remarkable book. It's not something that I'll probably be reading further down the line, but I enjoyed it and I'd recommended it for anyone who wants a simple, sexy, romance to entertain them for an evening or two.

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* Review Copy granted from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Molly is a complete mess due to childhood sexual abuse on the part of her adoptive father. Throw in the revelation that her twisted "father" has a biological son (whom he abandoned as a baby) and the biological son - Ian - gets everything in the will and Molly is even more of a mess. I couldn't connect with Molly, there was no depth to her.

Ian is a relatively together guy, he's nice... But he was rather 2 dimensional too. I couldn't connect with Ian.

So basically we have a story about two people finding each other, a girl with a damaged past and the guy who is supposed to help her heal... In theory it should have been emotionally wrenching and Mr. nice guy should've made me swoon, but that just didn't happen. I didn't emotionally connect with the characters (they had no soul) and the story wasn't all that exciting.

I don't hate the book, I don't dislike the book, I just don't feel much of anything for this book at all.

It just doesn't stand out from the crowd.

It was a quick read and it'll probably fade from my memory very quickly too. In fact, the only thing I'll probably remember about this book - long term - is penis penis penis. Beautiful Penis. Penis penis penis. Yep, that's right, Molly's (semi)frequent internal blathering about Ian's beautiful penis is what I'm taking away from this book... That and the gorgeous cover.

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* ARC kindly granted by the author in exchange for an honest review *

This is the sequel to Waiting On The Sidelines and starts two years after Waiting On The Sidelines ends, with both Reed and Nolan in college.
I don't want to spoil this book for those who are desperate to read it for themseleves, so I'll keep this short and sweet...

Reed and Nolan are just as loveable in this book as they were in high school but their relationship has definately developed into something deeper and stronger, even if it's not perfect and they still have a few lingering insecurities (mainly Nolan).
The ups and downs in this book all stem from a lack of communication. A few misunderstandings and it leads to a whole world of pain because they just don't talk to each other. It left you angry that all the pain they go through could easily have been avoided if the had simply had a conversation. Honestly, you wanted to jump in and smack their heads together so many times... However, they are young, hurt, scared and they chose to put off the conversations that needed to be had. We've all done it. Everyone has avoided certain conversations in their lives, even when we know they really need to be had, so it was totally relatable and true to life.

The main thing that stays with you after reading this is that it was a joy to read. The ups and downs. The good times and bad. Sharing the lives of Reed and Nolan (and their friends) has been a wonderful experience. Both this book and Waiting on the Sidelines felt like you were reading about the lives of real people. You came to care for these people like they were your friends and you just want them to get their happy ever after... And fear not! They do get their happy ever after and when they do you want to jump up and down squeeeing with happiness (Okay so maybe I didn't just want to jump up and down, maybe I did jump up and down... Just a little....)

I'm really sad to say goodbye to this bunch of people. They've been awesome. Can't wait to see what Ginger Scott writes next.

P.S. I can't thank Ginger enough for giving me an ARC of this book. Really made my day!

5 out of 5 stars!

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

I was granted a free copy of this book by the publisher in a prize draw on twitter. Thank you entangled publishing!

This is book one in a new series by Jennifer L. Armentrout's adult writing alter ego J. Lynn.
It focuses on a divine war between the heavens and Fallen angels with the half-angel, half-human offspring of the Fallen (aka. the nephilim) being used as pawns and cannon fodder in the war.

Lily is a kick-ass Nephilim hunter who hunts the fallen angels, corrupted nephilim and the mindless zombie-like - "deadhead" - creatures that they create in their quest to destroy souls and I don't know.... Take over the world or whatever. That part is never quite made clear.
Lily is spunky, snarky and generally thinks she knows everything, but despite this you like her.

Julian is a Fallen angel and he is quite mysterious, sexy, powerful and protective. However, I found him... he was/is.. Well... A bit boring *ducks projectiles*. I'm hoping we get to see more of Julian in other books and that a distinct personality develops for he really faded into the background for me (in respect to the fact I wasn't all that fussed by him) despite being a major player in this book (I mean, hello! He is the love interest).

The background characters in the novel got a fair bit of "screen-time" and I hope to see more of them and learn more of their stories in books to come (cough - Adrian - cough - Nathaniel - cough - Michael).

I'm not sure where this series is headed from reading book one but I enjoyed the ride enough to want to continue down the road when the next one is released.

Not quite sure what else to say about Unchained really. It was good, it wasn't great (it wasn't gripping from the get go like the Lux or Covenant series) but it was good and I'd recommend it to people that like their Urban Fantasy with a good splash of sexy and to anyone who has read and enjoyed other books by J. Lynn/Jennifer L. Armentrout.

3 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

When I read the synopsis of this book I new it wasn't going to be an easy read, I expected the story to be utterly heart wrenching and was hoping for a fantastic romance that would help soothe the characters pain and bring them happiness in their future.

I was right in that this wasn't an easy read and that the story was utterly heart-wrenching. There are a few chapters (near the end) that take the reader through from little Finn's birth to his death and I swear they ripped out my soul. I was a sobbing, semi-hysterical mess... The emotion of those chapters was breath-taking. Whether my emotions were heightened because I am a mother and I was projecting what I think I would've felt if I had been the one in Corabelle and Gavin's situation I don't know but I was so upset after reading them I had to put the ereader down and not go near it for a while to get a grip on myself.
Picking it up again to finish the story wasn't something I looked forward to doing because I didn't want to face that again... Which I guess is a victory for the author in that she powerfully conveyed a heartbreaking situation that no one should have to face but many do. A situation that people just don't understand - can't truly understand - unless they have been through it. I wanted to draw a line after those chapters, because my soul hurt but those who lose their children don't have the luxury of drawing a line and not going there again so I picked up the reader and finished the story...

The relationship/romance:
As I said, I was hoping for a fantastic romance that would help soothe the characters pain, lead to healing, and happiness... That wasn't what you got in the relationship between Corabelle and Gavin. They are both so unbelievably damaged. Truly broken. Their entire relationship and general behaviour made me want to smack them and tell them to get a grip. I couldn't believe some of the things they have done / do to themselves. Both should have received help after the death of their son, regardless of what happened to them as a couple, as individuals they should have sought help. As for them moving on as a couple, I guess they want to and are going to but I wasn't left convinced that they should...
It was incredibly frustrating. I understand that people do stupid things when they are grieving and the loss of a child must be the most powerful kind of grief but I just couldn't get my head around how they chose to live the last 4 years. Truly couldn't get it at all.

The book finishes in no where's land. Both Corabelle and Gavin's secrets are out in the open but that's pretty much where it ends. At the big revelation. I know there is going to be a second book and I will read it hoping that Gavin and Corabelle come out of it healed (or as healing as they can be). Together or apart but I have to say I'm not looking forward to it for I doubt the next book will be any easier than this one.

This book is classed as New Adult and I guess that's because of the characters ages and the fact they are in college. However, this isn't your usual New Adult. If you are looking for angsty romance and growing up dilemmas, look elsewhere.

If you are looking for a book that will shock you, make you think and re-evaluate opinions, then read this, just don't expect a satisfying conclusion at this point... I think we need the next book for that.

I have no idea what star rating to give this book... I was so frustrated with Corabelle and Gavin for most of it I want to give it 1 star but it was well written, it raises important issues, makes you feel, makes you think, basically it is most definitely worth reading so that would be a 4 or a 5 star rating from me... However, It wasn't an enjoyable book really to read... Argh!! I guess I'll spilt the difference and say...

3 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

* ARC granted by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *

I had never before read a Larissa Ione novel before reading this one, many had previously caught my eye but I just hadn't made reading one a priority and for that I am truly sorry as I have been missing out on reading awesomeness (it's a word, lol) if this book is anything to go by.

I received this book as an ARC back in July but since it wasn't due for publication until this month I delayed reading it so that if I loved it, I could shout about it loudly.... SO CONSIDER THIS ME SHOUTING ABOUT IT LOUDLY :-)

I loved the premise of this story, but the book blurb doesn't exactly describe the story very well (but it's close enough).
I loved the main characters (Riker - swoon) and there is an amazing cast of supporting characters (who I'd love to see stories for in the future).
The general world that was created is just grand... I really enjoyed Larissa Ione's take on vampires and I can't wait to see how this all evolves...
I'm so excited for the next instalment which was very nicely set up at the end of this book and yeah... I'm sorry this is all a bit vague but I don't want to spoil it for anyone!! It's so good you really need to see for yourself...
It is well written, it's incredibly sexy and it's funny...

Honestly, I whole heartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance... I can't see any reason why PNR fans wouldn't like it and I will be adding Larissa Ione to my "to buy" list on amazon!

5 out of 5 stars!

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

Review copy granted in exchange for an honest review

I'm in two minds about this book. Part of me really didn't like it and another part of me really did like it and I'm not sure I can untangle those two conflicting parts of me to say that this book was anything more - or less - than okay.

Kate - for a good portion of this book - is annoying. She has made a lot of bad decisions but the reasons for making them are unknown, to both Kate and the reader, so she just believes that she is weak willed and likes things that are bad for her. Her mother has taken complete control of her life after her downward spiral and Kate doesn't seem to know who she is.

Reed is described as the bad boy of the town, the player but we don’t see any evidence of that, even before his past is explained. Even then we know nothing of what earned him his reputation beyond he hasn't let any woman close to him in a decade due to tragedy in his past.

I guess what really put a bug up my butt about this book was that people were so judgemental and Kate was just weak. Not because she went off the rails for a bit but because she continued to let people treat her like a delinquent...

Another thing that annoyed me was that there was chemistry between Reed and Kate but it never reached a point that gave me tingles and made me desperate for them to have their happy ending. My brain wanted to see it but my heart wasn't all that fussed.

One I really did like about the book is how Reed and Kate made each other better people. That Reed gave Kate the confidence to stand on her own two feet and take control of her life. He helped her see past all the smoke and get to the cause of the fire that destroyed her and gave her the strength to rebuild her life. Kate pulled Reed from his past and into the future. There was growth and it was nice to see.

I liked how the book came to a natural conclusion, that a happy for everyone was achieved without any square pegs being forced into round holes.

All in all, like I said before, it's an okay book. Not one that I'm going to manically recommend and rave about but not one that I'd discourage people from reading either.


I'd say if you are tired of high drama and rip-you-heart-out angst, then give this book a go as its far easier read than a lot of NA available at the moment.


3 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk

Free copy gifted to me as a contest prize - courtesy of Ellora's Cave

I really liked the sound of this story and the beginning did not disappoint. Quiet bookish girl goes to New York to visit her friend, is invited to raid her wardrobe and told to meet her in the bar. Friend doesn't show but sexy guy does, one thing leads to another... So far so good.

Then comes the realisation from Mr. FBI (David) that Gemma isn't a call girl and Gemma discovering Mr. FBI thought she was a call girl and bang! You have some fireworks.

However, as the book goes on, the heat level of the book diminishes as does the excitement. The story is good but it doesn't exactly require alot of brain power to work out what’s what and who's who before you reach the conclusion. Throw in the fact that the chemistry between David and Gemma is just not convincing and I was left feeling a little disappointed. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book, it's just that I thought it could've been better.

Basically I'd sum this book up as follows: good start, disappointing finish but I'd give this author another try as I think there is potential.


3 out of 5 stars

www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk