Fall by Kristen Callihan
VIP#3
Contemporary Romance
October 23, 2018
Plane Jane Books

Fans have waited breathlessly for this installment in Callihan’s steamy and emotionally deep VIP series. Rich in sensory detail and boldly unapologetic, in Fall, Callihan tackles the serious issues of mental health, self-harm, depression, and abuse with compassion and a heavy dose of common sense while building a romance that brims with laughter and heart. Jax aka John Blackwell, lead singer for the band Kill John, has stood out throughout the series as his suicide attempt was the catalyst that flattened the emotional barriers of the other band members. Love, laughter, heartbreak, forgiveness, and healing are the themes of this love story that revolves around two people who have been essentially used and abandoned by those who should have known better. Strong narrative and compelling scenes keep the story moving at a steady base, allowing readers an intimate look at fame, family, and the demands placed by both. Stella and Jax are a delightful couple to watch fall into love though it is only the beginning of their journey towards happiness. Though some may find it triggering, Fall gives a seeming honest portrayal of life with depression and the trials and triumphs that can be had by all.

Jax is back in New York though he is still feeling off-kilter as his best friend is out of the country and he is soon to be trapped by a raging blizzard. A trip to the local market for supplies ends in stolen ice cream and a kiss that sets his soul on fire. Luckily, fate steps in and gives him a name to match the kissing ice cream stealing bandit-Stella. Stella is shocked when her inherited apartment goes condo and she is being kicked out with nowhere to go. Fate steps in again to offer her a job house sitting in a posh Manhatten condo that just happens to be next door to the stranger she kissed on a whim. As Stella and Jax spend more time together, the flames of their attraction build into something deeper and more addictive. But for two people who don’t believe in love or forever, falling for each other may take more trust than either can give.

Grade: A 

Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh
Guild Hunter, #11
Urban Fantasy/Romance
October 30, 2018
Berkley

Wow, we’re at book ELEVEN already? I swear it seems just yesterday I nicked the first in this series out of an old lady’s hand who had waffled on buying just a little too long for me. You snooze you lose! Finally back in Manhattan with our favorite pair main couple, Elena and Raphel, we immediately learn the calm before the storm is over. Using a base dipped in rich mythology and legend; it drapes itself over the story like a possessive lover. Clues from previous stories begin to make sense as Singh weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, betrayal, and sacrifice. I’m being purposely obtuse here as I really don’t want to spoil and there is ALOT to spoil in here. Archangel’s Prophecy is the turning point and there is no going back. Be forewarned, there is a bit of a cliffhanger in here though, in my opinion, it only adds to the overall anticipation once you get over the shock. I did feel the secondary storyline cluttered the main storyline and that the main conflict became a little verbose and repetitive towards the end.

Elena is regressing. The first human to ever be made immortal, she suddenly finds herself becoming more human as the world slowly begins to burn. A voice haunts Elena’s mind as a serial killer stalks the streets and the Cadre learns that the Archangel Favashi is beginning to show signs of madness. As Raphel races to save his beloved consort and mankind, it may be too late for any of them.

Grade: B+

Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan
Devil’s Rock, #5
Contemporary Romance
October 30, 2018
Avon

I’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compelling story of second chance love, small-town prejudices, and redemption. A young man is released from prison after evidence is found that exonerates him only to discover his small town doesn’t care what the courts say. Throughout this series, Jordan has built vulnerable heroes and heroines who are forced to face their biggest fears in order to move forward. Not a bad trope though at times, like now, the journey is riddled with ridiculous sterotypical behavior from people 10+ years out of high school and a couple, who in my opinion, allows their bullying to go too far. We meet a man and a woman who fell for one another years ago and circumstances kept them apart. Now they have a second chance but again, their own issues block their way. The chemistry driven romance is strong but it had a hard time competing against the multitude of subplots. Especially the “reporter must lie to the man she loves to get story of a lifetime.” Plus, the constant flashbacks and certain scenes left me hard-pressed to suspend my disbelief. Or anger. Body shaming, slut shaming, prison shaming, economic shaming…so much shaming. The last quarter or so was the strongest part which helped to amp up my interest and the speed. Unfortunately, by then I was ready for the end.

Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.

Grade: D

On My Kindle

I’m currently reading Jasmine Guillory’s The Proposal and enjoying. Stronger then book one and the flow seems smoother.  I have a few one clicks I picked up for reading so we shall see.

Next Week’s Reviews: 

Barbarous by Minerva Spencer. I LOVED this one. So charming and funny. Also reviewing AND offering a giveaway of 1 copy of Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews (Outstanding).