Close Enough To Touch by Victoria Dahl

Close Enough To Touch by Victoria Dahl

4 out of 5 smirks

Published: September 1, 2012

Synopsis: "For makeup artist Grace Barrett, Hollywood isn't the land of golden opportunity. It's the land of difficult divas, cheating boyfriends and unemployment. So when her great-aunt offers her a free place to stay in Jackson Hole, Grace thinks she'll spend a little time in the sticks to figure out her life, and then move somewhere exciting to live out her dreams. But it turns out that there are a few more thrills in this small town than Grace was expecting….

Cole Rawlins is a rugged Wyoming cowboy born and bred. Yet he can't help but be drawn to the fascinating big-city girl who moves in across from him. He wants to get close enough to Grace to see past her tough facade, but if he does, she might see the real Cole. The one with a Hollywood history gone bad. As they discover a sizzling attraction, it becomes harder for him to keep his demons at bay—and those fires from long ago may burn them both.

They'll need more than scorching-hot passion to make this opposites-attract affair work. But if they can learn to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets, they just might have a chance at forever."

Close Enough To Touch by Victoria Dahl was surprisingly surprising. I thought the storyline had a fresh accent and it twisted and curved in ways that weren't typical (which as an avid reader is very important).  Grace is this hardcore character who I'm not sure is really hardcore, but I really want to dye my hair purple in support of her.  I also find myself softening towards her witty sense of humor and her decorating style (who doesn't love modern clean style?).  I find that I didn't always follow her logic, but solidarity sister! When Cole entered as a character, I was all "Yeehaw! Cowboy!" So enticing was his open shirt, I could clearly see myself touching his toned abs...And then I found out he was vulnerable and sensitive as well, I was lost.  However there were times I wanted to scream at Cole as a character, but I imagine that's why I fell in love with the story itself.  Why read something you aren't invested in?  There were characters I do want to find out more about, but this is just the start of the Jackson Hole series and hopefully we as readers will get to see more of those side characters.  As for Close Enough To Touch, Grace and Cole, I give them 4 smirks for their individuality, stubbornness, and for making me want to dye my hair purple.

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs



Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

 

5 out of 5 smirks

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs is the third installment in her Alpha & Omega series that follows two spectacular characters, Charles and Anna.  In this installment, as readers we see how Charles and Anna's lives have evolved since the last book and especially their mate bond has drastically changed.  What I really enjoyed about Fair Game is how it is not just Charles and Anna's lives in their pack that we get to see, but rather a full glimpse of everything intertwined (fae, werewolves, witches, humans).  I love how the center of this storyline revolves around a serial killer who has been active for decades and it takes the input of the whole supernatural community as well as the un-supernatural community to solve the crime.

I think what will really draws readers into not only Fair Game, but the Alpha & Omega series in general is how relatable Charles and Anna are.  Both characters have this sincere vulnerability about them which is hard to turn away from and even harder not to relate to.  Half the time I'm reading I'm feeling all of Anna's feeling and want to seriously hit Charles over the head with something. I also think what is truly revealing and great about this series is Brother Wolf.  In this installment, we as readers get to hear a lot more from Brother Wolf himself and it changes the whole dynamic of the characters (how they interact with one another, how they speak to one another, how we as readers see the characters).  I give Fair Game by Patricia Briggs 5 smirks because of the unique storyline, the heartwarming clarity of Charles and Anna, the comic relief Brother Wolf brings, and for the different points of view of each character that will have readers demanding for more books of this series for years to come.

 

Favorite Author Series Post: Victoria Dahl

Victoria Dahl, I wish I could write a song about you.  As an author she writes the books readers need to have to go back to.  The mouth-watering characters you have dreams you wish you could gush about with your co-workers, but don't want to seem like you are over sharing (and also, hello fictional characters).  Her storylines are always fresh, witty, and have a certain sass to each that draw readers to not only the stories themselves, but more often than not the towns where the stories take place. Victoria Dahl is one of my top authors because even after I am done reading one of her books, I have to re-read it and then a few months go by and I need the same book again.  The same can be said for all her books I have read and I have read almost all of them.   Her books are like Meth, without the unflattering spiders crawling under your skin sensation (oh stop! I have a minor in Substance Abuse Treatment, I don't do drugs).

While I can and very well could go on and on about how wonderful each and every one of her books are (and write reviews for them) there is another very important reason why this author is fantastic.  Victoria Dahl as a person is hilarious or the person behind her Twitter account is, I mean I'm assuming it's her and I truly believe it is her.   I admire someone who isn't just promoting all the time, but is genuinely real.  I also love that when you have something to say to her, she always acknowledges you and writes back (very rare and appreciated).  I know that if she ever reads this she will appreciate when I also say that she is a marketing genius!  I'm very thankful for that as I have gotten behind in my reading and can now successfully catch up with the Jackson Hole series for a very reasonable Kindle price.   I will leave you all with my "smirk" reveal below (which I forgot to do with my last post).  Enjoy!  And Victoria Dahl, if you ever read this, thank you for all the hot, witty, men who visit my dreams so often.

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl - (Sexy Police Chief and Erotica Writer = HOT, HOT, HOT)- 5 smirks

Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl - (Such feeling, brings out real emotion)- 5 smirks

Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl - (Sparks fly off the pages)- 5 smirks

Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl - (So witty!!)-  5 smirks

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl - (Oh Jamie! I would faint if there was a couch around. Storyline is such fun and excitement!) -5 smirks              

Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl - (Every page was another surprise and readers are in for a side of Eric they've never seen before.  And readers will cherish Beth!) - 5 smirks

Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl (OMG! I FREAKING ADORE CHLOE!!! And MAX...*sigh* Just read, so worth it!)  - 5 smirks

Favorite Author Series Post: Richelle Mead

 

As the New Year has already begun and I promised to be more active in blogging, I wanted to start off with a post about my favorite authors.  I have a trend, I lean more towards Romance novels/series books because the boys/guys are so much more reliable than anyone I am currently seeing.  Whether I will change genres in the future remains to be seen, but I love what I love.  I've decided because I have a handful of favorite authors that I may turn this post into "posts."

My first favorite author I would love to gush about is Richelle Mead.  First series I ever read by this amazing, wonderful author was The Vampire Academy and I was instantly addicted (and a little ticked off).  I mean I went to the bookstore, saw this book, picked it up, thinking I'm just going to see if I like it.  6 hours later I'm done and I have to drag my ass out of bed to the bookstore again and get the next two books because that was all that was out in the series at the time.  And let me just say, ending on the third book in any series of this author is NO GOOD!!!! Please if you do this, I caution you to take anti-depressants.  How great is it though, that an author can reach an audience and make them want to take an anti-depressant because they are so addicted to the storyline, characters that their hearts are ripped out of their chests and they are balling their eyes out?

Needless to say after I read my first Richelle Mead book, I bought every book listed on her author site.  Even to this day, if she has a new series I don't even bother reading what it's about because I know I'll love it. I know that sounds horrible, but I have such faith in her writing, characters, storyline, and draw it isn't even a question anymore.  If you are looking for characters with wit, who are fun, have complex psychological quirks, who are easy to fall in love with, who you can and will cry for and with I HIGHLY recommend Richelle Mead.  Any book.  Any series.  REMEMBER EVERY THIRD BOOK IN HER SERIES, HAVE TISSUES, WINE, CHOCOLATE, PUPPIES ON CALL.

To A Fresh Start

To Everyone who still checks in,

It has been a rough couple of years.  I try to read every now and then, but rarely have time to write a review.  I watch A LOT of new shows and movies and again, rarely have time to write a review.  I have higher hopes for this year though.  I want to get back to what made me happy.  Though I know I may very well be talking to myself and stating opinions about books and shows that people could not care less about, someone somewhere might think it could be relevant some day.  It could be the difference between a kindle purchase of $7.99 or $0.99.  I hope to hear from you all in the coming year either via comments or through other social media outlets.

Love,

Miss Snarky

Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

Review of Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

Published: June 1, 2012

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone . . .

For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all . . . anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor."

Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis is a story about finding the confidence in yourself you've always had or lost due to circumstances.  What I love about this story is how instantly connected Mallory and Ty are.  They just know instinctively how the other one thinks and how to help out when they can.  I also love how much, even in serious situations, Mallory and Ty laugh with one another.  It's refreshing to read a story where the woman knows how a man feels and knows that he has to figure it out himself.  Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis  is a fun, intense, romance story about finding your other half and knowing what a life fulfilled really means.  I give this book 5 smirks because the characters are awesome and I can't wait to read more about Lucky Harbor and its shenanigans.

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry

Review of Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry

Published: June 26, 2012

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: "Imagine her shock when Violet Colby discovers she has an identical twin sister she never knew existed. Why her family was torn apart remains a secret no one can answer—yet. Hoping to develop a sisterly bond, Violet invites her sophisticated city twin to the Colby Ranch in tiny Grasslands, Texas. But when her sister’s former fiancé arrives with questions of his own, country girl Violet finds herself drawn to handsome businessman Landon Derringer. And learns that true love requires faith—and a heart as big as Texas.

Texas Twins: Two sets of twins, torn apart by family secrets, find their way home."

Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry is a story about family and finding your way to love.  I love how a chance meeting with Landon gives Violet everything she really wanted out of her life.  I love the instance bond Violet and Maddie have with one another and how that bond is a strong foundation for bringing other members of the family together.  I love how this book was not a typical romance story, the story is really about uncovering the mystery surrounding the split of a family.  On the romance side of the story, Landon finally finds someone he wants to confide in and for Violet she finds someone she can trust to lean on.  I give Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry 5 smirks because I can't wait to uncover this mystery in this series and I already love most of the characters as it is.