BOOKS ARE EVERYTHING, and it’s time for my book reviews! Reading is my most favorite thing, and during the first 4 months of 2019, I read 13 books that I want to talk about. It’s funny, I used to hate doing book reports in school – and look at me now! My teachers would be so proud. Well, they may not be proud of WHAT I’m reading, but it’s reading all the same. I read anything and everything, but this time around I was all about dark romance and psychological thrillers. I’m happy to report that there were some seriously good ones in the mix!
If you want to take a look at some of my previous book reviews (of course you do!), you can go here. If you’d like to stalk me on Goodreads, go here.
PLEASE NOTE: I typically don’t give spoilers in my reviews, but if I do, I’ll give a warning. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your fine self.
There are affiliate links in this post, however all of my reviews are my honest opinion and I never accept compensation for a positive review. All photography is my own unless stated otherwise.
HOW I RATE BOOKS:
It used to pain me to use the star rating system because there is no feeling attached to it, and books give us all the feels. So that’s when I came up with the donut analogy, and now it’s way more fun. I’m all about the fun! For each individual book being reviewed, you’ll find the number of stars I gave it at the top, and then at the end of each review is the donut I assigned along with an explanation. Here is an example of the scale:
0 Stars: No sugar, no dairy, low carb, gluten-free vegan donuts, because they are basically inedible. EXCEPTION: Keto Fridge donuts; because they’re surprisingly tasty.
1 – 2 Stars: Any donut from a gas station, mini mart or grocery store – not that good, but you eat it anyways because it’s a donut.
3 – 4 Stars: Donut shops like Winchell’s or Dunkin’ Donuts are a solid 3 stars; possibly 4-stars if you get them warm and fresh, first thing in the morning.
5 Stars: Krispy Kreme has your 5-star, willing to wait three hours in line because they are GODDAMNED CRACK donuts. Artisan bakeries and independent coffee shops may have delectable treasures as well.
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any weight you may gain due to binging-out on donuts during or after reading my book reviews.
Book Review #1 – ‘Eye Shot’ by Taylor Adams – 4 out of 5 stars
Description:
James and Elle Eversman are a young couple travelling through the Mojave desert on their way to a new life. When their car mysteriously breaks down they are stranded in the middle of nowhere without much water and no cell-phone reception.
A mile away a deadly sniper has them in his cross-hairs. They are pinned down behind their broken-down car, surrounded by open ground in all directions. There’s nowhere to run and no one to help them. How can they possibly survive?
With relentless tension, razor-sharp prose, and a surprising dose of dark humor, EYESHOT will keep you gripped till its stunning conclusion.
So, the whole reason I decided to read ‘Eye Shot‘ is because Taylor Adams’ newest release ‘No Exit‘ blew me out the fucking water! (You can read my review of ‘No Exit’ here.) I was so enthralled with his storytelling ability that I immediately looked up his other books. This one sounded pretty intense, so I gave it a go. Although it wasn’t quite as good as ‘No Exit’, I wasn’t disappointed at all!
One thing I want to note is that Taylor Adams has a particular style that is recognizable. Between the two books of his that I’ve read, I noticed some recurring phrases and similar inner dialogue with the characters; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in my opinion, but some may be put off by it. He does have quite the talent though, for drawing the reader into impossibly tense situations, and never releasing his grip. I absolutely HAD to know what was going to happen, and read the entire book in one day. The story is written in a way that is relatable, too. Many of the thoughts and decisions of the victims went through my mind as well, and to ease a little of the tension at times, the author uses dark humor – always a plus. I would say the plausibility is a little far-fetched in spots, but not completely ridiculous. There definitely needs to be a movie adaptation, because this was just plain fun!
The bulk of the book takes place on a deserted road in the middle of the desert, where a married couple’s vehicle breaks down and they become hunted by a sniper. We don’t know why. The POV is split between the husband and the sniper (which I loved), and is told mostly in the present tense with a bit of backstory here and there. The situation is grim, and there are other people introduced to the story as it progresses. You soon realize no character is safe – making the book stressful and unputdownable. The descriptions are top-notch; I felt like I could actually hear the bullets whizzing past, and feel the blazing heat of the desert.
I highly recommend this to anyone itching for a quick read with some heart-pumping action. I can’t wait to see what Taylor Adams comes up with next! ‘Eye Shot’ is a fresh, warm cinnamon twist from Dunkin’ Donuts. Downright delicious. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #2 – ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides – 3 out of 5 stars
Description:
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.
Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.
Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations―a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….
I was super excited to read this after all the hype and stellar reviews, but I ended up pretty underwhelmed. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. The big ‘twist’ at the end was a good idea in theory, but unfortunately the delivery of it fell a bit flat. I never had an ‘OMFG’ reaction, and I didn’t feel mind-fucked. I was just all…Meh.
Alicia’s whole refusal to talk thing was more irritating than mysterious for me, and Theo felt like an underdeveloped character. I was actually more interested in some of the other colorful patients that popped into story. The author only eluded to the tortured depths of Alicia’s mind as an artist, but failed to dive deep enough to make an impact on me, and I loved the idea of a conflicted and unraveling psychotherapist, but Theo’s complexities were cut short as well. Being that this was the author’s first novel, I’m willing to cut him a break, though. The writing was decent; I just wish he had plunged into the dark recesses of the mind, rather than just sticking his toe in. I crave pushed boundaries and uncomfortable truths.
‘The Silent Patient’ was a Winchell’s chocolate frosted donut at dusk. Tasty, but leaves you wanting. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
The bestest little reading buddy in the world, who is giving me the stink-eye because it’s past his dinner time.
Book Review #3 – ‘His on Demand’ by Fiona Murphy – 2 out of 5 stars
Description:
To make my dream come true I’ll do anything, even put up with an a$$hole like Leandros Kaplan. Four years, five tops and I’ll have enough money saved to stop working and write full time. I know lying to him to get the job is crazy and stupid. It’s as crazy and stupid as the requirement for his new assistant to be married. I’m not married, and I’m not like his past assistants, the ones who dropped sexual innuendo daily and then would hand him their underwear when he asked for reports. I’m a freaking virgin at thirty-one. I swear I never thought I would fall for him, it doesn’t matter that he’s a gorgeous Greek god billionaire, he’s also a jerk who takes pride in being ruthless and cold-blooded. He’s so out of my league we don’t even play the same game. He’s into dating double zero models. There’s no way he would ever be interested in a plus size like me. When he finds out I lied I’m not surprised he wants his pound of flesh, I’m surprised he wants it in the form of my flesh, naked for him. The retribution he demands is me, whenever, however, he wants my body. I’ll give it to him, everything he demands. He doesn’t want my heart or tears, only I can’t stop giving him both, and it’s slowly tearing me apart. Can he ever forgive me for lying or will that one lie be the end of us?
I probably should have listened to my gut on this one. I don’t typically go for ‘virgin’ romances, unless it is written by an author I know & love. Fiona Murphy is new to me, but I was in the mood for some office erotica and this highly-rated title popped up during my search. I was intrigued by the ‘Plus Size’ aspect, and the line in the description “The retribution he demands is me, whenever, however, he wants my body.” sold it for me. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver the way I was hoping. I was expecting a more Dominant/submissive story, and this was more of a story about two rather unlikeable characters who start having a lot of sex.
I am ALL FOR a hot, arrogant bastard who slowly reveals a gem of a heart inside, but Leo never leaves jerk-status. He runs hot & cold for no good reason, and actually struck me as kinda mental. Alexa is more of a ‘curvy’ girl (she didn’t seem too ‘plus-sized’ to me) who wasn’t all that interesting. She manically flip-flops back and forth between being emotionally ‘tough’ and neurotically twitterpated over her asshole boss, and I wanted to smack her. (I could be projecting, though, because I’m guilty of that kind of behavior at times.) As the story moved along, I thought I would warm up to these characters, but I never did. There has to be something about them that grabs you and reels you in. Something that makes you want to know more. That’s where I felt like this book was lacking; I just didn’t give really care about Leo and Alexa.
For the record, I hate giving negative reviews because I know how hard writers work, and it’s not like I’m all that, either. I also don’t think it’s fair to judge an author on one book. I did finish it, and I didn’t have to, so there’s that. I do think the author has some talent – both in writing and imagination. This story may not have been my cup of tea, but it was far from the worst book I’ve ever read. I feel the plot had potential, but she just went in a direction with the characters that I didn’t care for. All that said, I would still consider reading other novels by Fiona Murphy.
‘His on Demand’ was like having to settle for some Hostess powdered donut holes because you couldn’t find a donut shop. They’ll do in a pinch, but aren’t what you really wanted. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #4 – ‘The Break Down’ by B.A. Paris – 4 out of 5 stars
Description:
If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?
Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods. It was on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, and a woman was sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm, and she probably would have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. Not only that, her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home.
But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code.
The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.
And the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…
This was my first B.A. Paris Book after hearing such good things, and I really like her writing style! This one sucked me right in, and kept me guessing the whole way through. I thought for sure I had everything figured out, but there were a few unexpected turns. I wouldn’t say there was a ‘shocking twist’, but it wasn’t 100% predictable either – and the ending is satisfying. It was definitely intense at times, and disturbing in places, but it isn’t grisly or gory. It’s more of trip down mind fuckery lane.
I don’t want to comment on the details of the story because I could very easily (albeit, unintentionally) spoil it for you, so my recommendation is to go in cold. Don’t read a bunch of reviews. If the description sounds interesting to you, I’d say go for it. I didn’t give it 5 stars because it was more tame than I usually prefer, but all things considered, still a very enjoyable read. I would describe it as a kind of a toned-down Gillian Flynn-style story.
‘The Break Down’ isn’t quite a Krispy Kreme, but it’s definitely a gooey Boston Creme from Dunkin’ Donuts. It’s a treat! (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #5 – ‘Behind Closed Doors’ by B.A. Paris – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Description:
Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.
But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.
Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.
Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.
From bestselling author B. A. Paris comes the gripping thriller and international phenomenon Behind Closed Doors.
After finishing ‘The Break Down’, I decided I needed to explore more of the mind of B.A. Paris! ‘Behind Closed Doors’ sounded a little darker, and I that’s where I wanted to go. I got my wish. It is BEYOND FUCKED UP. Because of this, the reviews are pretty severely divided. This book goes to some pretty sadistic, controversial places, and while I was thrilled, I’ll agree it’s not for everyone. I do NOT agree, however, with some of the negative reviews that state the writing is crap, and that anyone who rates it highly is an idiot. I’ve read a ton of books in my 47 years, and while I wouldn’t categorize this one as profound literary excellence, there was nothing wrong with the writing. Enjoying this type of subject matter (or not), is simply a preference. If I were to critique it in any way, I would say there is a kind of predictability to it at times, but I also think it’s safe to say conversely, that the journey through is filled with disturbing surprises that will likely leave you unsettled for awhile. And to me, that’s a good thing! So, are you TEAM CRAZYDOGMAMA?!?
I am going to say ‘Behind Closed Doors’ is pretty much a Krispy Kreme; perhaps a warm original glazed. Delightfully sinful, but not quite as good as a creme-filled. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #6 – ‘The Couple Next Door’ by Shari Lapena – 3 out of 5 stars
Description:
It all started at a dinner party. . .
A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . .
Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night, when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately lands on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.
Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.
What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.
This is a fun read! It is a suspenseful, sticky web of secrets and lies, where no one is really innocent. I would describe it as a dark soap opera, and it reminds me a little of a Liane Moriarty book – which is a good thing. The whole feel of this story is dark, but not too dark. It touches on the way life can spin out of control on a dime, and how the human condition is a melting pot of emotions, unhealthy coping mechanisms and complex relationships. How well do you really know your spouse? Your family? Your neighbors? These are questions you’ll ask yourself while reading because of the realistic characters in a typical suburban setting. I wouldn’t say the final twist was ‘shocking’ per say, but after everything was uncovered, there is one final scene that may leave you feeling different than you thought you would.
While I enjoyed this book, and do recommend it, I didn’t have that ‘OMG THAT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER’ feeling afterward – it was more of just a satisfied feeling. I liked it. It was good. So, to sum up, this read was a maple glazed Dunkin’ Donut in the afternoon. Not too shabby. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #7 – ‘Still Missing’ by Chevy Stevens – 3 out of 5 Stars
Description:
On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two year old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever- patient boyfriend.
The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.
The truth doesn’t always set you free.
The First thing I want to say is that I was totally & completely captivated by this story. I loved that the author didn’t hold back on the raw, grittiness of being abducted, and there were definitely some intense, cringe-worthy moments. The pace was good, and the characters were interesting. The only thing that kept me from rating this higher was Annie’s dialog during therapy. It bugged the hell out of me, because even though the author is female, I felt like it was a male trying (and failing) to sound like a female. Not the biggest deal in the whole world, but it did take something away from the story for me. It was only during the therapy session parts that I felt this way, though – the rest of the narrative was fine. I think the idea was to show how Annie had ‘changed’ because of her trauma, but she just sounded like a white-trash, beer guzzling guy to me – not an educated 30-something female realtor. But I digress. I can still recommend this read to anyone looking for a dark & disturbing psychological thriller. Also, I thought the ending was realistic and well done.
I’m thinking ‘Still Missing’ is a late afternoon apple fritter from Winchell’s. Would have been better fresh & warm, but it still satisfied my craving. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #8 – ‘Marriage Games’ by CD Reiss – 5 out of 5 Stars
Description:
THIRTY DAYS
That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.
Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he commands. After that, he’ll sign her divorce papers and give her complete ownership of their company.
That’s how long he has to rediscover the man he once was. The Dominant Master he hid when he fell in love with her five years before.
She wants the business they built badly enough to go to the cottage for a month. Cut off ties to the world and do his bidding. She can submit to him with her body, but her heart will never yield.
She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.
She’s wrong.
Let me start by saying this; CD REISS KNOWS HOW TO WRITE BDSM. I could end my review there since that says it all, but I want to gush just a little more. I enjoyed the hell out of this story – the writing is phenomenal, the characters are complex and compelling, and the sexual vibe is intensely erotic. It has it all. A slow-burn that will play mercilessly with your emotions, and you may even find your opinions fluctuating by the end. I want to note also that the plot is fresh and original! It never feels over-done or unrealistic, and it carefully, yet seductively draws you into it’s sexy, addictive world. I highly recommend this for both the curious and the seasoned – it is a rare treat.
‘Marriage Games’ is an incredibly delicious, warm & gooey original creme-filled glaze donut right out of the oven at Krispy Kreme. It was exactly what I wanted, and worthy of licking every finger clean. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
It goes without saying that I will be reading part two ‘Separation Games’ very soon. I am holding out for Adam and Diana!
Book Review #9 – ‘Dirty Ugly Toy’ by K. Webster – 5 out of 5 stars
Description:
Her time is over.
Things are looking up.She’s dirty and ugly.
He’s wicked but handsome.Six months to toy with her.
Six months of vacation and a ton of money.I’ll hurt her beyond repair.
I’ve been through much worse.She’s difficult to control and doesn’t obey.
I’m done submitting to anyone or anything in this life.I should hate her.
I should hate him.The game has changed.
I will win.
K. Webster is one of my favorite dark romance writers. But don’t let this sweet-faced, innocent looking author fool you – that mind of hers is twisted AF! This is not your average romance, and definitely isn’t for everyone. Which is exactly what I love. And how can you not love that cover?!? There is drug use/addiction, prostitution and some twisted fetishes – but of course redemption at it’s finest, as well. I have to admit it is a little over-the-top in places, but that somehow just works when K. Webster writes it. You may think at first you aren’t going to like the female lead, but she gets under your skin in the best way, and there are some parts where I wanted to shout ‘FUCK YES, you go girl!’. This book is a guilty pleasure that smacks you around a bit, but if you like that kind of thing, I say buckle up and enjoy the ride!
‘Dirty Ugly Toy’ is a “Butterfingering” Voodoo Donut all the way! Totally out of control. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
I got this fabulous coffee tumber from the Mystic Box Shop awhile ago, but never knew which book of K. Webster that the quote was from. Now I know! It’s from ‘Dirty Ugly Toy’. 🙂
Book Review #10 – ‘YOU’ by Caroline Kepnes – 5 out of 5 Stars
Description:
When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.
There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.
As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.
This book is making me seriously rethink my whole online presence. It’s THAT fucking creepy. It reads from the POV of the psychopathic stalker, and the narrative is written so cleverly that I found myself almost sympathizing with him in places! How crazy is that?!? Then I shook my head and scheduled some extra time with my shrink. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style because the thoughts of a mad man don’t exactly flow, but once you get it’s rhythm, it wraps it’s claws around you and doesn’t let go. The plausibility of the circumstances is frightening to say the least, and it gets worse and worse as the story unfolds. Not to spoil anything, but don’t expect to feel relieved at the end. In fact, I think my reaction was something like “Oooohhh Fuuuck”.
‘YOU’ is a terrifying novel that may hit a little too close to home, and will kick you right in the face. I loved the shit out of it!! I would compare it to an all-consuming homemade chocolate ganache donut that you devour inside one of those artsy-fartsy coffee & internet cafés. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
I was lucky enough to get a signed copy from the author! Thought it was cool enough to include photos.
Book Review #11 – ‘Gun Shy’ by Lili St. Germain – 5 out of 5 Stars
Description:
A girl with a darkness …
He comes to my room every night. Whispers sweet violence in my ear, one hand wrapped tight around my throat as we do things we shouldn’t.
Maybe it’s wrong when my knees fall open, and his mouth drowns my moans, but I’ll take the wrong. I’ll take whatever he gives me, because without him, I’m nothing.
Not every girl wants a happy ever after.
Some of us just want to survive.
So, this book was one of those throat-grabbing, deeply unsettling, exceptionally dark reads that you will not soon forget. I wouldn’t call this a romance in any sense of the word really, although I suppose you could argue it. If you are looking for a feel-good story – this ain’t it. At all. If you are twisted and wrong like me however, grab a copy and don’t make any fucking plans for the next few days. I am not ashamed to admit I enjoyed it thoroughly because Lili St. Germain is a darkly brilliant, highly talented lunatic. Truly. Her tales will beat the crap out of you – even if you crave the dark side. There was only one part towards the end that I found a little too far-fetched, but only because I can’t fathom how it would be logistically possible in the kind of time frame written that it took place in. (Spoiler: It has to do with a big, wooden box.) Other than that, it’s a perfect nightmare of a story!
‘Gun Shy’ is a total step-out-of-your-comfort-zone Voodoo Donut – one that you might indulge in on a dare, and finish with an evil smile on your face. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Caution! Read at your own risk! 😉
Book Review #12 – ‘Cartel’ by Lili St. Germain – 4 out of 5 Stars
Description:
The first full length Gypsy Brothers novel from the smash hit author Lili St. Germain.
How much is a life worth?
I grew up in Colombia, the daughter of a wealthy drug lord. I lived a life of extravagance, until one day a drug run went horribly wrong and everything came crashing down around us.
I was given away. A payment for a debt. The Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club became my new owners, and I did everything I could to survive.
But falling in love with the man who owned me wasn’t part of the plan…
If you read the review above, you’ll already know I’m a big Lili St. Germain fan. She is wicked in all the best ways, and her books are amazing. I was on a roll, and decided to dive into the world of the Gypsy Bros. next. I was introduced to this author and particular series through the Mystic Box subscription, and if you are interested, you can read my reviews of it here. I’ve developed kind of an obsession for motorcycle clubs with corrupt, and impossibly hot bad boys ever since watching Sons of Anarchy. Jax, anyone? ‘Cartel’ will be right up your alley if you feel the same way. I liked feisty Mariana right away, and I have this ongoing love-hate thing going on with Dornan. I wanted a little bit more character development, but being that it is only the first book in the series, there is plenty of time for that, and I have no doubt Lili will deliver. It wasn’t quite as controversial or shocking as ‘Gun Shy’, but it certainly qualifies as a darker, angsty romance. ‘Cartel’ is like sinking your teeth into a warm jelly Dunkin’ Donut on an oppressively stormy morning – something you just gotta do sometimes. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Book Review #13 ‘Welcome to the Dark Side’ by Giana Darling – 5 out of 5 Stars
Description:
I was a good girl.
I ate my vegetables, volunteered at the local autism centre and sat in the front pew of church every Sunday.
Then, I got cancer.
What the hell kind of reward was that for a boring life well lived?
I was a seventeen-year-old paradigm of virtue and I was tired of it.
So, when I finally ran into the man I’d been writing to since he saved my life as a little girl and he offered to show me the dark side of life before I left it for good, I said yes.
Only, I didn’t know that Zeus Garro was the President of The Fallen MC and when you made a deal with a man who is worse than the devil, there was no going back…
THIS.BOOK. This was my first Giana Darling book, and I was BLOWN THE FUCK AWAY. After reading the description you may be thinking it crosses the line, but it really doesn’t. You gotta trust me on this. This is a solid 5-star read, and if you don’t believe me, look at all the reviews! I am 100% in love with Zeus and Louise. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved characters as much as I love them. Little Louise will absolutely steal your heart from the first page, and Zeus? Fuuuuuuck – he’s huge, he’s badass, he’s hot, and his heart is so big that you’ll find yourself forever comparing every man you meet to him, and no one will ever measure up. These two incredibly complex characters are everything to each other, and you will be rooting for them all the way. Oh, and if you don’t cry at some point when you read this? You are dead inside.
Yes, this is a dark romance, but there is so much heart and light that you’ll forget you are reading erotica. It does a wonderful job of showing you that things aren’t always what they seem, and why you should never be quick to judge. I truly love this story, and of course will be reading the entire series which tells all the different character’s stories. You do not need to read them in order.
‘Welcome to the Dark Side’ is like having TWO maple glazed Krispy Kremes + a Cappuccino. An indulgent feast that spikes your dopamine levels, sending you into a blissful high for hours. Problem is, you may have a sugar crash later if you don’t get your hands on another Giana Darling book fairly soon. I’m just sayin’. (See HOW I RATE BOOKS at the top.)
Bonus Review – I got a new Book Light!
So my old book light pooped out, and I had to get a new one. I chose this one because I liked the idea of having different levels of brightness, and 3 light color choices – cool, natural & warm. Depending on my mood, tiredness and location, these features come in very handy. It is also advertised as ‘The Lamborghini of Book Lights”, so how could I resist that?!? So far, I’m pretty impressed! One thing I also really like is the long length of the charging cord. If the charge starts running low while you are reading, you have plenty of room to plug it into the wall, and still read with it comfortably some distance away. I recommend!
So that sums up my reading so far for 2019! I plan to have some more book reviews for you soon, and I can’t wait to share! Until then, happy reading – and don’t be shy! Drop me a line if you are a fellow bibliophile who enjoys the darker and more delectable side of life!
TTFN, CrazyDogMama – XOXO
Leave a Comment