no kink

Throwback Thursday- Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Immortal in Death (In Death, #3)
Grade-B
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Series-In Death #3
Genre-Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay
322 pages

Eve Dallas’ latest case hits a little too close to home. Her best friend, Mavis is accused of murdering a top fashion model who used to date Mavis’ current boyfriend, Leonardo. Mavis had a few physical altercations with Pandora (the model), so when Pandora ends up dead, naturally Mavis is in trouble. Eve has to prove Mavis is innocent, she has to. So she enlists the help of Feeney (spell), Peabody, a illegals cop named Casto and Roark of course.

She goes into the most seedy clubs and meets sketchy characters all in her quest to prove Mavis’ innocence. And all the while getting ready for upcoming wedding to Roark. What she doesn’t realize is that proving her friend’s innocence is just the beginning of this mystery.

I really do like this series more and more as I go on. I love the characters and the relationships that take place here. Eve is a tough bitch, Peabody, a straight laced, no nonsense cop, Feeney, comic relief and Roark is sigh worthy, as always. I have already started book four and look forward to the next mystery to be solved.

Adventure in Parenthood by Dawn Atkins

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Adventures In Parenthood
Grade-C
Hotness Level-Blaze
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kay
384 pages

Aubrey has a popular blog where she chronicles all the outdoorsy challenges that she attempts. She is all about taking a risk. Dixon works for a charity organization and is all about being safe and stable. He avoids risks at all costs. When Dixon’s brother and sister-in-law (who happens to be Aubrey’s sister) die in a car crash, Dixon suddenly finds himself responsible for his 4 year old twin nieces. Aubrey wants to help too. As attraction builds between Dixon and Aubrey, so does the tension surrounding Aubrey’s lifestyle. Can she help Dixon give the girls the stable life they need?

This book seemed rather formulaic. Take a risk-avoiding character and throw them together with a risk-taking character. Throw in two cute little kids. Add a dash of risk-related conflict. Mix well. Top with a sprinkle of predictable ending.

In general, I don’t mind a predictable read. There’s something comfortable in reading something new, but yet somehow familiar. However, I didn’t like the ending. I just can’t see the characters being happy in the long term. It seemed like too much of a huge change for one of the characters, rather than a compromise of sorts.

Baiting the Boss by Coleen Kwan

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Baiting the Boss
Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-No Kink
Genre-Contemporary
Reviewed by Kate
184 pages

Company owner and CEO Lachlan sends his assistant Grace to find his grandson, and heir-apparent, Jack and bring him back to Sydney and the family business.  Grace finally tracks him down on a tropical island and all sorts of romance ensues.

I really liked the story. A lot.  It was a fun and easy and comfortable read, lacking any sort of external conflict (which I appreciate).  Like I said, I liked it a lot.  Until we get to the 96% mark.    So what would have been an outstanding story (a B+ rating) quickly became only okay.

I do want to also note that while the sex scenes were steamy and hot, earning an inferno rating, there were only a few. I would have like to had more in the story.

I wouldn’t hesitate to read more from Coleen Kwan, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one anyone who loves low-conflict romances with a touch of the tropics.  I just wish it had a different ending.