Tag Archives: Charm

Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers #1) by Penny Reid

Posted on July 13, 2015 by charmouabb

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!
Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…
But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-headed heart is she willing to risk?

I have been acting like some next level creeper-stalker person over this book… Ever since I read the excerpt for this story in the Shiver Anthology last year I’ve been counting down the months until I could get my hands on ALL of the story. So when I finally got hold of it last week I was a very VERY happy human. Since everyone knows my Penny Reid fan status (Big, HUGE fan) I’m going to try and keep this review less on the fan-girl side and more on the explaining why I’m fan-girling so much side…. So here goes!

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters most, in the end” – Ernest Hemingway

Truth or Beard is the first instalment in the series that Penny Reid has dedicated to the 6 Winston brothers who were first introduced to us in Beauty and the Mustache. I love this idea, I love how this series connects with the Knitting in the City series. I love how we are going to get a (much) more in-depth look at each brother and his story, because they were so intriguing in BatM. And most of all I love how I just know that Penny will take each brother and create a story that is as unique as he is. Starting here, with Duane.

I love Duane! Yes, he comes across distant and broody on the outside, but once I got into his head he was so much more. The depth of his feelings made him a complex character. For a lot of the book he was battling his own emotions as much as he was battling Jessica’s. He had big plans for the two of them and no matter what he wanted to make sure everything was planned and executed to perfection so that he could give her everything that he felt she deserved. However, what Duane didn’t take into account was that life can’t be organized perfectly, sometimes you just have to live and chase your dreams. He was so busy trying to do the right thing by everyone that he almost missed out on his own dream in the process.

He nibbled on my ear, whispering my name like it was a dirty word – but not a curse word – a dirty word. Something erotic and scandalous. I had an odd thought then, that I liked my name on his lips more when it was whispered.

Jessica was instantly likeable. I loved that she was busy obsessing over travelling and experiencing the world rather than obsessing over finding a husband and a white picket fence. She had long dreamed of all of the places she would go and she was determined. So determined, that when her heart started to travel on it’s own path she had no idea what to make of it or how to reconcile the fact that even if she hadn’t planned on love, it may have found her and if it had found her, then how on earth was she going to be free to embark on her childhood dream?

Penny Reid is super duper talented at dual POVs. She knocks it out of the park every time. The tone, the subtle details, these things really make all the difference when you’re the reader. She always gets it right and this book is no different. So I LOVED having the book set up like this, the story called for it. It really added to the back and forth between Jessica and Duane. The angst of not knowing what to do next with their feelings, the hotness of the hot looks, the intricacies of their relationship and themselves… All of these things were magnified from being able to look through both sets of eyes.

…I wanted to hold on to this moment for as long as possible, because it was the first time – and maybe the only time in my life – I felt truly seen, known and understood. And I wanted to give him everything in return. I wanted him to know I saw him. I knew him, too.

So! Like I promised, fan-girling moments aside… I FREAKING loved this book! Penny Reid is an exceptionally talented writer who never shies away from writing exactly the type of story she feels like she needs to write. I’m positive this is why her books always hit the mark and why every time I read a new one I find it harder and harder to have a firm favourite. This is a definite must read whether you are familiar with Penny Reid’s work or not. This book… This freaking book… It’s definitely made it into my top reads of the year that’s for sure,

ARC received in return for an honest review

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Posted in 5 Stars, Contemporary Romance, Series and tagged Amazingness, ARC, book boyfriends, Book Series, Can't get enough!, Charm, Contemporary Romance, Cool Chicks, Favourites, Favourites Author, love love love, Penny Reid Love. Bookmark the permalink.

Book Review – Attraction (Elements of Chemistry #1) by Penny Reid

Posted on April 22, 2015 by charmouabb

One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.
Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.
When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

I actually read this first instalment of the Elements of Chemistry series twice. I’m not usually a huge NA reader, in fact I find it quite hard to find a book in that genre that really captures my full attention so pre-Attraction I was a little unsure… Also to be honest, I didn’t know how I felt about the name Martin? But very quickly I was totally immersed in the world of Kaitlyn Parker and Martin Sandeke AND I realized that actually Martin as a name was more than fine, also more specifically, I was super excited to discover that even when Penny Reid ventures into the NA genre she still creates characters that you can’t help becoming infatuated with.

Kaitlyn (Parker) is quirky, freaking hilarious and everything that is amazing about Penny Reid creating characters. She is more than just a quiet nerdy type college girl. She is sweet but feisty, she is inherently good, she is instantly likeable, yet she still is a bit of a puzzle, even to herself at times. Parker does her best to keep out of the way of pretty much everything going on outside of classes at college. Until she is unwittingly privy to an ugly plan which could really hurt her lab partner Sandeke… And you know, being inherently good and all that, Parker knows she needs tell him what she knows.

In hindsight, I realized I’d been acting like a crazy person. Proximity to Martin made me lose my sense. I’d been senseless. Without sense. Not any sense. No sense. Nonsense.

But what she doesn’t know is Sandeke has had her on his radar. Martin Sandeke is someone who is used to getting exactly what or who he wants. Hot, popular, domineering, charismatic and completely in control (seemingly) he isn’t used to girls being unaffected by him, in fact, he isn’t used to a lot of what Kaitlyn is all about. But the heart wants what it wants and by sheer determination he manages to convince Kaitlyn to go away over spring break with him.

What follows is a week of so many things. SO MANY THINGS! Kaitlyn is convinced that there is no way on this earth they would ever work together, so Martin really has his work cut out for him. Cue all of the ups and downs you would expect to follow when a bunch of college students are on a luxurious island… What prevents this from reading like another non-descript NA is the quirk, not enough can be said about the importance of being truly original. When the main character is talking about a (figurative) Bunsen burner in her pants you know you’re reading pure Penny Reid!

As long as I live and breathe, as long as I have a shred of humanity left, as long as I have it in me to care, I will be here for you. Always.

So while this book does contain a lot of the ‘usual’ NA type plot points, it didn’t read as though it did and I certainly didn’t eye-roll my way through it. I really appreciate that Penny Reid has made an effort to mix it up and challenge what we think of particular genres, I for one know that’s what I needed. My only serious complaint is I seriously felt like angry slapping a certain someone at the end…Rarrrrr!!!

ARC received from author in return for an honest review ❤

NEW RELEASE! Review – Drowning in the Dark (The Veil Series #4) by Pippa DaCosta

Posted on February 27, 2015 by charmouabb

“I wasn’t demon enough to defeat my brother before. Things have changed.”

As the veil begins to fall, and the demons bleed through onto the streets of Boston, Muse knows the battle is lost before it’s even begun.

To make matters worse, Adam and the Institute have captured Akil at a time when the city has never needed him more. Muse believes Akil’s incarceration is a ruse, because if he truly is at the mercy of the Institute, she must choose which side she’ll fight for. Human or demon?

The princes are coming. Valenti, Muse’s immortal half-brother, leads the charge. The Institute is not ready, the people of Boston are not prepared, but one man is. Stefan knows what it will take to beat back the netherworld. Will his demon allow him the freedom to right his wrongs?

Muse’s loyalty will be tested. To save those she loves, she must give up that which she cherishes most. Her humanity.

The Mother of Destruction is about to go nuclear.

Can we please just take a moment to relive the amazingness that was that prologue…

…The things she’s doing to me. I am not this man. I am demon. And yet this impossible woman undermines everything. Undermines me. Burrows deep. Deep into shadows, into darkness, into facets I’ve refused to acknowledge.

Oh my LIFE Akil. The prince of Greed is seriously off kilter, it’s unsettling, especially for Muse. Common sense tells her that he is deluding himself thinking that he feels something for her. But she can’t seem to get away from the fact that his actions are trying to prove otherwise. Welcome to the very complicated world half-blood Muse. Right from that prologue I knew that I was going to be lost to this book. I have been an avid follower of this series and as the story has twisted and turned into hell and back I have had my emotions wrung out too many times to count. That doesn’t change here in book 4, in fact I think my heart was lucky to survive this instalment.

We land in this story right as the Institute makes their biggest move yet and captures Akil AKA Mammon. Muse is horrified, Akil needs to be out in Boston helping them fight the demons and Princes that are heading Boston’s way, but no one is listening to her. Muse knows she has a limited amount of time until chaos claims her and she wants to do everything she can to prevent the two worlds from colliding. This is where Stefan comes in. He’s back and it seems that he and his demon are wanting very different things.

I don’t want to say too much more specifically about the story because you really want to be able to feel shocked, stunned and spun-out as the story demands it. Because that is one of the strengths of this series, these demons really keep you on your toes! I’m still unsure where each demon stands exactly in relation to Muse and humanity. I am in love AND hate(!) with parts of both Akil and Stefan, which is completely owing to the care Pippa DaCosta takes in her character building. Demons by their very nature should be confusing to our human sensibilities and that absolutely is achieved. I don’t know half the time if I want to love these guys or kick them! So yes, I’m conflicted. I don’t know if I should be, but I am.

Meanwhile Muse is still the badass chick I have come to expect. Even at her darkest hour, even when she feels her control slipping away. Even when she’s not sure she has anything left to give or to fight for, she pulls out the biggest guns that she can and she hits full throttle. Every. Single. Damn. Time. You can’t beat an epic female character and Muse definitely delivers.

So you need to read this book. Like you seriously need to read this book. Obviously if you’ve been following this series then you’ll already be one step ahead and will be currently reading this book… But if not then get onto it! If you’re new to this series then you REALLY need to get onto it and read all of the books! I will end with one word of warning… The ending of this book… it almost killed me, mostly from multiple heart attacks, but also from knowing that I now have to wait until APRIL to find out what on earth had just happened! (In more ways than one) I’m still slowly coming to terms with Drowning in the Dark (can you tell!) I need closure…. So I swear nothing is coming between me and the final book in this series…

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review

Drowning In The Dark: A Muse Urban Fantasy (The Veil Series Book 4)

By Pippa DaCosta

Series Love…. (Charm’s summer reading)

Posted on January 26, 2015 by charmouabb

Nope I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth! Although at the moment it does seem like I have a wee bit. No, here in New Zealand we are in the middle of one of the most beautiful summers we’ve had in the last couple of years, so while I have been reading… I’ve also been camping, swimming, fishing and BBQing (not in that exact order!) So in short, it’s been a busy time of sunshine fun!

Home Bay, Motutapu, New Zealand 2015

Anyway, back to reading…We took a little break over the Christmas holidays and in that time I decided to read a series that I’ve been DYING to read forever (recommended by Kristal) AND re-read a series that I’m in looove with… So in case you’re after a new amazing series, here is a little rundown on each of them.

The Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels – Magic Bites (Book #1)

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels)

By Ilona Andrews

This urban fantasy series is everything I hoped it would be and SO much more! I have to start by saying, if I could be anyone, ANYONE from a book then I want to be Kate. She is so badass it’s ridiculous. She gets in and gets the job done. No whining, no frivolity, no damsel in distress. She fights till the very end every. single. time.

This world where magic and technology battle is gritty, violent and not at all a kind of fairy-tale magical land. The cold hard reality is people die (often gruesomely) there are endless villains and bad things always happen to good people. I love the authors vision in these books, the world is expertly detailed and you can picture everything in your mind. A magical ward collapses? You see it buckle and shatter. A werewolf changes shape, you see it in your mind, gruesome detail and all. Like I said, the detail is just stunning.

Which brings me to my last point, Curran. Uh, this beast of a man has pretty quickly knocked all other book boyfriends off their comfy pedestals. Seriously. Oh and the chemistry between him and Kate is so entertaining that I would re-read this entire series right now just on that basis! I’m currently up to book 6 and haven’t tired of the story at all, in fact it’s taking a lot of willpower to space out these last two books instead of devouring them in 2 weeks like I did with the first 5! Whether or not you are an Urban Fantasy fan this is definitely a must read.

The Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid

The KitC Series – Neanderthal Seeks Human (Book #1)

Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance (Knitting in the City) (Volume 1)

By Penny Reid

Romance series aren’t always for me, I find a lot of the time I read book one and am happy with where the story ends and then voila, there’s a book two and suddenly the characters are going through all kinds of unneeded angst… This is where Penny Reid is oh so different and is also why she is one of my very favourite authors. In the Knitting in the City series each book is focussed on a different woman from a knitting circle they all belong to. So not only do we get a book dedicated to each one of them, but we also get to see their story get little mentions and begin to develop or carry on and flesh out throughout the stories of the other women too. It’s the BEST. THE BEST.

Another reason why I think I love this series so much is that these women (and their leading men) are all different and a little quirky. We’re not talking run of the mill romance… No we are talking about complete originality. Each character definitely has their own voice and their own original story. Now, the thing with this is, every time you read another book from the series you change your mind about who is your favourite character! I swear even after re-reading this series, after each book I was like ‘oh this couple is TOTALLY my fav’… until the next book where I’d be busy deciding that no, this couple is actually my fav!

“His everyday voice was a thing of beauty, but his growly voice made me want to lick his face”

— Sandra – Love Hacked (KitC Book #3)

I still have trouble picking my favourite book out of the five that have been published so far (potentially BatM)… I love that while they do have an order, you can read them as a standalone (excluding Neanderthal Marries Human) although I guarantee once you read one you’re going to want to read them all! Penny Reid has definitely taken this genre and made it her own with her unique and fun take on everything romance related. The women are freaking awesome, the men are freaking hot and the stories will have you laughing, crying and swooning (sometimes all at the same time). I kid you not.