Patrycja's Review and Giveaway: If I Break by Portia Moore

Title: If I Break

Series: No

Author: Portia Moore

Release Date: June 6, 2014

Rating: 3.75 stars

If I Break is thrilling, sometimes excruciating and mindfucking read, yet I liked it! I was kept on my toes from the beginning till the end, as nothing was sure and even though it was frustrating at times I just couldn’t stop reading.

Portia Moore created original story that holds much potential and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work. Yes, there were few things that made me roll my eyes or didn’t sit well with me, but still I am going to give this novel four stars.

This story is about Lauren. Her marriage with Cal is far from perfect. She loves her husband very much but he has some secrets and leaves her for long ‘business trips’. Sometimes days pass without him contacting her. She feels alone and not needed. And although Cal's not exactly abusive or bad, he acts like an asshole. Lauren tries to leave him, but it’s hard to do that when she loves him so much she can't be without him. They fight and make up only to nurse they broken hearts after. But when Cal's secrets are getting only darker and darker, Lauren doesn't know what to do...

I didn’t like Cal much, especially at the beginning. It was hard for me to understand his behavior. And I was pretty sure he’s a jerk and nothing will justify his terrible actions. But when I finally did find out what’s really going on, I was mind blown. I’ve never expected that! I was shocked and heartbroken. Everything started to finally make sense. And wow! I wanted to hug Lauren so much then.

While reading If I Break, I was on the verge of losing my mind. It was a true roller coaster ride.

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Review: Transcendence by Shay Savage

Title: Transcendence

Series: Standalone (for now)

Author: Shay Savage

Release Date: February 14th , 2014

Rating: 2 stars

Cliffhanger: No

It’s said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?

Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.

Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.

With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.

Shay Savage caught my attention with incredible as well as a little bit unbelievable idea, that totally did persuade me into reading Transcendence. I just couldn’t pass the opportunity to get my hands on a book about real caveman, could I? After reading so many delicious novels with alpha males aka modern cavemen, not digging into a book with a real one was for me almost a crime.

Not only did I was thrilled to find out exactly how this crazy story would go but I wanted and expected real alpha that would make my panties wet, my ovaries insane and just change into blubbery mess. I didn’t get that.

Honestly, I thought this story will go in completely different direction! I thought our caveman will be homo sapiens not complete primitive. In my mind, I saw this story as a spellbinding romance between modern woman and a man that lived in the wilderness, like Tarzan perhaps? Still caveman but intelligent, up – to – date human.

I’m sorry, but as captivating and original as the idea was, Transcendence is not a real romance in my eyes and it certainly didn’t make me swoon, laugh or have fun. For most of the time I was bored. Bored to tears.

I won’t be even telling you what the story is about, because frankly I could summarize the entire plot in few sentences. Reading the official blurb is as detailed as you could get. Mostly, Edh wanted to make his mate happy – give her water, food, nice cave to live in and baby. In his mind everything was about making babies. So we kind of get horny caveman and that’s all.

Reading only internal monologue of a prehistoric human, as there wasn’t any conversation, was boring. BORING. Yes, you guessed right Edh wasn’t very complex character. He was as simple as a man can get. I was turned off by this lack of conversations or at least some understanding between main characters. Edh was not able to comprehend and learn Elizabeth’s language at all. The only words he could use was his and Elizabeth name-sound (Edh and Beh), no, kiss and love. Nothing more.

Savage done a great job in psychological field of the story, though – I will admit that. I want to congratulate her for being so wonderful and detailed in telling a story from perspective of primitive man. Everything what made Edh a prehistoric human was perfectly thorough and comprehensive. Basic needs as food, water, shelter, safety and an heir were everything for him. But it didn’t make the story. Not for me.

In nutshell, I was pretty disappointed. Transcendence with it’s absolutely mind-blowing storyline should be the hit! Instead it was very slow-paced, meek and plain.

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Review: Lifers by Jane Harvey - Berrick

Title: Lifers

Series: Standalone.

Author: Jane Harvey Berrick

Release Date: February 7th, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Cliffhanger: No

 
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man e
veryone loves to hate.

Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn't changed since he was carted off to juvie all those years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn't even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.

Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memories that haunt him? Trapped in the prison of his own mind Jordan wonders if the pain of living will ever subside?

Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn't behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex is the talk of the town. Add that to her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman, and the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.

As friendship forms, is it possible for two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey's walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, will they find their place in the world? Can they struggle against the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?

Is love a life sentence?

Due to scenes of a sexual nature, not recommended for under 18.
[ Yes (hide spoiler)]

Lifers was definitely story like no other I’ve ever read. Jane Harvey – Berrick created something else entirely, something that caught my attention with unusual plot and heartbreaking storyline. It was not only your normal new adult read where both tortured characters find comfort in each other. Lifers was so much deeper and complex than that. I can honestly say I was hooked from the first page to the last and felt glued to them.

This is very complicated story. Told from dual point of views, Lifers is a novel focused on Torrey, twenty four year old woman who came to live with her mother who’s a preacher in small southern town. She’s wild, she likes to hook up with different guys and is definitely not a good little girl, her mom would like her to be.

Then, there is Jordan who just left prison after spending eight years behind bars. Being on parole makes him live in town where everyone treats him like trash and murderer. Even his parents hate him. The only person in the whole town who seems to be on ease with him is Torrey.

Together they start their journey of true love, loyalty, fighting with guilt and blame as well as finding their new path.

The main characters were awesome! Total opposites yet they were like two perfect for each other puzzles. While Jordan was shy and a little bit antisocial and insecure, Torrey was confident, outspoken, wild and crazy! Every time she made Jordan blush with her bluntness I was swooning. That was something else to see hero who’s not your usual badass jerk and heroine that isn’t naïve virgin. I had so much fun thanks to those two. And don’t worry, despite the fact that Jordan’s not your usual man whore with perfect moves, he’s total beast in the bedroom! Eight years without sex will do that to a man. Honestly, I think it would be even better if author made Jordan virgin, but you know, I was still extremely happy with what I’ve got.

Why not five stars then? Well, I found some parts cheesy and a little bit over the top. While romance was great, and the storyline refreshing there was a tiny, little bit thing missing, the cherry on the top, that would make me give it a perfect rating. Still, I highly recommend Lifers for those of you that want to read something different and well full of angst and hot sex!

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Review: Ravage Me by Ryan Michele

Title: Ravage Me

Series: Ravage MC #1

Author: Ryan Michele

Release Date: February 4th, 2014

Rating: 1.5 stars

After spending the last two years stuck behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, Harlow ‘Princess’ Gavelson’s time inside has finally come to an end, and she’s ready for revenge. Unfortunately, being the daughter to the Vice President of the Ravage Motorcycle Club cuts into her plans, as orders must be followed. Trying to settle back into this life is proving difficult when the tables are turned and the woman who framed her is out for blood. Lucky for Princess, growing up in a MC has taught her how to hold her own.

After spending years in hell overseas, Donavon ‘Cruz’ came home to lose the very thing he went into hell for, sending him to the darkest moments of his life. Joining Ravage two years ago was his safe haven, and he protects his family at all costs.

When a dark-haired bombshell struts into the club’s shop, he’s caught off guard but immediately knows she’s the one he’d do anything for. Tough as nails, and taking no crap from anyone, he’s captivated by a woman who could handle this life. Trying to meet the needs of the MC business and follow his heart proves to be difficult when the two collide, and lives are at stake.

Can these two find a way to be together, or will the needs of Ravage cost them everything, including their lives?

*Contains mature content including, sex and violence. Mature audiences only.*

I tried very hard to like this book. After all, I’m immensely enjoying good, dirty MC books that mix love and romance with dark and gritty.

Ravage Me, though was not a book for me. I really did try to see the positive aspects of it but after I reached the ending I was disappointed in myself. Why is that, you ask? Well, I promised myself hundreds or even thousands times that I won’t be torturing myslef and wasting precious reading time on something that only pisses me off.

And yet here I’m angry, frustrated and completely tired of going against my bookworm’s instinct. I should’ve ditched Ravage Me instantly after finding the thing that ticked me off. But no, I continued the journey through insta-love hell.

The story is about Harlow, a daughter of VP, who just finished her sentence in prison. She was there for two years, and now she can finally go back to her life with MC. Harlow also wants to get revenge on the chick that put her behind the bars and she won’t stop till she her blood on her fingers. 

When she was away the club patched few more members and one of them is sexy Cruz.

Harlow sees Cruz and lust after him immediately. Cruz sees Harlow and wants her pussy, two seconds later… Cruz thinks Harlow is his ol’ lady. Five seconds later… they fall in love and have sex, lots of sex. Oh, and yeah it totally doesn’t matter that Harlow never sleeps with patched brothers.

I felt like Cruz got carried away. In one day he (view spoiler) His actions didn't make sense. It felt to rushed and so unrealistic… [ wanted to claim Harlow as his ol’ lady and make her a mother of his child (hide spoiler)]

The story, the plot, other characters even if they held a great potential were bleached for me, because I simply couldn’t let go of the insta love. I loathed it so much I felt queasy every time Cruz or Harlow were confessing their undying love.

What was wrong with these people? THERE IS NO WAY YOU LOVE SOMEONE AFTER ONE DAY OR JUST ONE LOOK. Yes, of course you can be attracted to this person. Yes, you can lust after him/her but it’s just NEED TO HAVE SEX. That’s it. Nothing more. So please, don’t throw at me this unrealistic bullshit were the unicorns are puking pink glitter and the heroine’s pussy is made of gold. Puhlease. Have mercy.

I love to read good, heartbreaking, realistic romances. I love to see how and why people fall in love. This all process is what intrigues me and catches my attention. Without it the book is just pointless, boring and stupid. Without it I have no interest of reading further.

So, Insta Love is Insta Turn off. You don’t mind it much, go for it. You absolutely, hate, loathe, dislike it? Stay away.

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