June RAK Wrap up

Hello to all ,

                Welcome  to my Random Act of Kindness  wrap up post for June. This month has been really difficult for me due to several health problems and i was really afraid i wasn't going to be able to make any RAK. However with a lot of persistence, i've managed to do the two i wanted for this month; it took longer to make them but it was finished on time and i'm really happy for that even if i didn't receive anything this month.

Recap  In June i sent:

My first Handmade unicorn Keychain to Amber from  The Musings of Almybnenr 

A Handmade rose Bookmark to Abbey from Abbey Ann's Bookland

Received: In June i received no RAK.

How was your RAK in June?

Biannual Blogathon Bash Wrap Up post

Hi!

        The blogathon is finished for me after accumulating 34hours and 19min of working , crazy? oh yes and if i was better there are several things that would have taken less time but, being in the state i'm, i had to start again several times ( but i'm persistent and didn't want to give up). And i was a bit helped by the football fans that kept me from resting with all the noise they are making for nothing -_- ; ( seriously some still have  exams , some are unwell and need resting 5h-in the middle of the night- of illegal celebration that's too much>_<)
So before i go back resting like i well deserved it's time for a small wrap-up.

First of all thanks to all the host of mini challenge for the very informative posts and the help i really needed ( i must have seemed stupid and desesperate more than once^^;;).  Not everything was useful for me but i've learned a lot from you. Thank you Kathleen/Callista for this organisation and your time.

Now what were my goals: you can see them here.
What did i manage to do?

• Write the reviews i was late ( 3 of them)- check
• Create a Review Policy ( thank you again Stella for the help)
• Create a better design ( mini challenge) - see the images in the sidebar have been resized to fit *_*, an About page, improvement on contact page and some other changes that you don't see yet perhaps
• Create a google calendar- mini challenge- ( you don't see it but it will help the blog)
• Create a blog notebook - mini challenge- i'm really a paper girls so having everything in one files instead of several pages everywhere will help me to stay organised.
• Create a listing of the reviews done
• I've put some order in my books stack for the challenge - could still be improved but it's better
• Clean and complete the giveaway pages, challenges page
• I'm on Picket fence - you can click on the button in the left side bar ( under the challenges i'm participating)
•  how to create a photo collage- mini challenge
• I've learned about the no-follow links and how to do them - a big thank you Leila
• I've learned how to improve my writing and learned sme tips how to write a better book review ( 2mini challenge)
• I've learned some Html and used it to improve the blog( mini challenge) thanks for all your Help Aeryn Lynn, i know i wasn't a easy student and you really were kind and great
• Ok i've completed some other mini challenges like how to find help, learned what was SEO and how to apply it , etc but i'm really to tired to go on ^^;; sorry

Conclusion: It was really great but  i shouldn't do this kind of event when i'm so sick, yes there wasn't a minimum hours to attend but i don't like to give up. That's my nature and thus i'm worse than when i started. ( oki working when there was a lot of noises also helped to keep me calm but still).
There is a lot i didn't know and so much i still need to learn but i met wonderful people and that's the most important. Thank you for this wonderful experience

Good night ( for me it's 3am) and See you later !

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians 1) by Dianne Duvall

In my attempt to do all i have to for June, i've seen that i forgot to do my participation for the challenge hosted by Reading romances. The topic of this month was read a book by an author with a first and last name starting by the same letter.

Surprise i had one in my to be read pile: Dianne Duvall and it's with pleasure that i share with you my review of  " Darkness Dawns" first book of her immortal Guardians series.

Enjoy!

Publisher: Zebra paranormal romance

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  1420118617

Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: mild
Langage: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodread :

In this dazzling, sensual novel, Dianne Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts…where passion can last forever, if you’re willing to pay the price…

Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control…

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible—when it means forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect

My opinion:

          I really enjoyed this book. Dianne Duvall’s writing style is captivating and the universes she created is fresh and has a great potential.

I loved her idea of the gifted ones and the impact of the vampirism virus on them however I’m really intrigued by Seth now seeing as it seems he is really, really special and doesn’t explain the origin of the gifted ones, those who look like human being but have a difference in their DNA that gave them one special ability (empathy, telepathy, healing, mind reading, etc). So the red line of the series is more than interesting and makes me want to read the following book quickly to learn more. There isn’t really a cliffhanger because the story of this book is centered on the romance between Rowland and Sarah and with have this one complete but there are allusions about much more and that’s make the book a good start for the series.

I appreciated discovering what is the difference between vampires and immortals with Sarah, it was instructive, needed and completely normal in the story, no interruption of the action just a normal course with characters like those two. It’s also something important and specific in this universe as Dianne created it.  Each immortal has his own history marked by the time where and when he is born and how he became an immortal. Adding to that the fact that their gifts are quite unique, you get characters with different psychology and this part is really great. In this book we are learning about 3or4 different gifts, other are cited but with no explanation we also discover the past of 3 immortals while a lot more are cited and/or are second character is this story. It’s really promising.

Rowland has suffered a lot and suffered many treacheries, the result is that he has deep trust problems and prefers to live and fight alone. While he is saved by Sarah he is surprised and has some difficulties to adapt. However he is also an healer, that is gift and he has the need to save and to heal even he it means suffering for him. Sarah reminds him of some of the treacheries he lived but she also act so differently that he start opening himself under the surprised look of his immortals “friends”.

Sarah is a teacher; she is a logical person and has a lot of sensibility. When she heard and see a man beating to death she interferes and do her best to help him without thinking. When she learns Rowland’s real nature she is a bit afraid but soon tries to learn more and ask questions. Her view isn’t biased and that help him to confront his own past.

It’s really a great book for paranormal romance fans and someone who wants to read books with vampires. I really enjoyed and will be very happy to read the following one.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received  in exchange for this review

Score:  4/5

Challenges:



Ce livre s'intègre dans le challenge de Natasia

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge


 

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading




Book read for the Reading Challenge 2012




Blogathon mini Challenge: photo collage

Coucou, hello,

 I'm starting to be completly out but i wanted to participate in one more mini challenge for the blogathon. Erin from the blog American mon in England explained to us in this post how to make a Photo collage with PicMonkey. She was very precise so if you need tips and all go to see what she wrote.

Now our challenge was to make a Photo collage  to express something, tell a story. I've decided to share with you what help me to keep going when i'm really sick like this month. What gives me hope and love?

Here is the answer: first and foremost my dog and cat who are the best support and healers in the world,who comes to me as soon my blood pressure drops and stay on the bed with me as long as needed.

Also the plushes, even baby plushes my favorite being the WWF's ones so well done, for a just cause and i love them. When i go to see my friend in London i always to go Hamleys it's a paradis for the children and the adults , row and row of beautiful plushes ^^ i always to save to buy myself at least one ( one every 2/3years that's not lot) the turle was a "coup de coeur" but i didn't got it but i was offered the hedgedog ^^ ( thanks again my friend)

And yes, my cat is really supecting the plushes to be important for me and jaleous as always .

The Darkest Hour ( KGI 1) by Maya Banks

Hi to all,

                 June isn't easy for me, while participating in the blogathon bash , i've put some order in the books i have to read for my challenge- it's a lot more work that it seems- and i've discovered that i still have 3 books military romance the topic of this month. Great ? yes and no because i managed to read only one of those so i will try to add one before July; if i can't you will have those reviews but later.

Anyway today i introduce you to an author Maya Banks that writes in several genres (so you will see more of her here) however to stay in the topic today it's her military romance series called KGI that caught my interest. So without waiting here is the first book  "The Darkest Hour".

Publisher: Berkley sensation

Publication: 2010

Genre: romantic suspense/military romance
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 


Short description from goodread :

 The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock hard body, military background

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the US government can’t…


It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he's built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond… until he receives anonymous information claiming Rachel is alive.

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

My opinion:

          Maya Banks’ writing style is captivating and the book seems well documented those two advantages make reading a wonderful experience. I was like a part of the team along the characters and I was suffering with them as well as sharing their joy.

The military part is well represented with the advantage but also the consequences it can have on the people and on their family. I loved to see both parts of that because it was really important for the plot and to help us to understand the Kelly. The story becomes immediately more real and we are drawn in it.

This is the first book of the series however Maya takes the time to introduce us to each member of the Kelly’s family, all different but with such a solidarity and loyalty. We can prefer one man or another but all of them are an aspect of the whole. Ethan is devastated and I’m a bit surprised that the army didn’t see it was becoming a bit unstable after Rachel’s miscarriage, yes he resigned from it but he should have gotten some support. I was really feeling sad learning how his life went down without someone trying to help.

Rachel is a strong woman, her life wasn’t easy but she found stability and love with the Kelly. She is thinking about the others before herself and that’s a part of the problem with Ethan at first when each one wants the other to be happy even if it means their own suffering. Now I don’t think a lot of people could survive like she did, even without the drugs that’s already really hard. I appreciated to see that she was still human with her doubts, fears and temptations. The romance slow and tentative was realistic and so well written.

Really a good military romance book, I will read the other books of the series with pleasure.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score:  4/5

Challenges:

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge

Dying Bites (The Bloodhound Files 1) by D. D. Barant

Hello to all,

Sometimes you can make the best discoveries without knowing. The first time i've read the summary of this book i was hooked, intrigued and i wanted it, i got the book but it was lost in my TBR pile, forgotten too quickly.

When i was looking to put some order in my books for a challenge i've entered i refound this one, however i wasn't really sure how to classify it, could i use it for the challenge and thus should i wait or should i give it a try and see? I've devoured it and i got my answer: it can enter the challenge so you will have to wait before i read and review the others books of the series but i will do it because The bloodhound Files is a real urban fantasy pearl.

So without waiting here is my review of Dying Bites first book of The Bloddhound Files by DD Barant.

happy reading

Publisher : St. Martin's Press

Publication : 2009

ISBN:  0312942583

Genre: urban fantasy, romance
Violence: strong
Langage: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodread :

 Her job description is the “tracking and apprehension of mentally-fractured killers.” What this really means in FBI profiler Jace Valchek’s brave new world—one in which only one percent of the population is human—is that a woman’s work is never done. And real is getting stranger every day…

Jace has been ripped from her reality by David Cassius, the vampire head of the NSA. He knows that she’s the best there in the business, and David needs her help in solving a series of gruesome murders of vampires and werewolves. David’s world—one that also includes lycanthropes and golems—is one with little knowledge of mental illness. An insane serial killer is a threat the NSA has no experience with. But Jace does. Stranded in a reality where Bela Lugosi is a bigger box office draw than Bruce Willis and every full moon is Mardi Gras, Jace must now hunt down a fellow human before he brings the entire planet to the brink of madness. Or she may never see her own world again…

My opinion:

          Exciting and original! Those were my first impression of this book. The summary was intriguing but the story is even better than that.  If you like the paranormal genre and TV shows like Criminal Minds you will love this series. It’s a perfect mix of suspense, investigations and paranormal with a touch of romance.

Jace is a strong heroine and more adaptable than other. In the space of one night she arrives in a new universe and she isn’t crazy or completed overwhelmed no she just does her job. Now it’s true that being a parallel universe, part of the whole are similar or at least look likes things she knows but  there humans are a minority, less than 1 percent of the population whose majority is vampire, werewolves and golems. Magic also is legal and quite common. However what is rare is “psychological troubles” so when a murderer, one crazy one, must be arrested they need a specialist and thus they “kidnapped” Jace. Of course nothing is that simple but the reader can’t feel lost. Immediately in the first chapters we get a explanation of the universe and one official explanation about why the humans being are so few and along the story we will learn others explanations and historical facts so we don’t get confused and that’s really great.

I was sick while reading this book so concentration wasn’t easy but with this one I was captivated. I loved how everything wasn’t how it seemed, I disliked Tanaka and I wanted to sympathize with Charlie the golem.

The rhythm of the story isn’t too slow neither too rapid, the plot is unfolding bits by bits like a real investigation and the action and revelations keep the readers grounded, trying to decide which is the good side if there is one.

The characters are interesting and complex; I can’t wait to see how DD Barant will develop the rest of the series and what we will learn about the whole team.

It’s really a good book for the fan of the urban fantasy genre.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score:  4,5/5

Challenge:

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading

Blogathon Bash start participation, goals and mini challenge to achieve

Hello to all,

                        Being new blogger or already and experimented one, there is always room to improve and because you aren't alone in this aventure there blog hop and event to help you discover news things and give you tips: The  biannual Blogathon bash is one of those event.

My health isn't great ( or not good at all would be more honest ) since end of May and the result is that my blog was as down as me lately, this is the reason i've decided to participate in this blogathon -like i told you 2days ago here- as well as the fact that i'm really bad in informatic so any help is good^^.  Now what i plan to achieve, which are my goals; here is a small list, there are things that need to be done on the computer and a few that don't need it  but are still part of the work for the blog, since the weather is really stormy and that the power went already down a few time , i prefer to plan both kind of goals so i don't start worrying i can't do anything.  I don't think i will manage everything since i'm still unwell but i will do my best.

• Do the reviews of the book i've read already ( 1-2-3)
• Read and Review one book by reena Jacobs
• Create a page with a list of the reviews done by authors
• Create a google Calendar ( mini challenge) done
• Post the link to my reviews in the challenge linky
• Put some order on the giveaways page ( clean it)
• Enter the contest i can in the mid summer eve giveaway blog hop
• Enter the contest i can in the favourite book giveaway hop
• Write a review policy.
• Fill a complain to the post ( for the stolen books and the taxs undues)
• Select the books i will need to the challenge i've entered and organise them.
• Create  a blogging notebook ( mini challenge) like this-see picture- model by Clarinda done

Perhaps i will change or and some goals, there are also some mini challenge i've asked some info for so it's a list of what i hope to do but life being what it is i will see the result at the end of this great event.

The blogathon bash is officially starting now to the 25 june at 8am EST ( europe 14h) and it's still possible to enter so if you have some time ( no need to try to saty up all the time, you choose when and how long you spent in it) give it a try there is nothing to loose and events some prizes to win! You can also follow the event to see the tips without entering the event

Good luck to all participants and happy reading to the others!!

Biannual Blogathon bash

Hello to all,

                   while i'm waiting for my medecine, i've decided that i was going to try to motivate myself a bit. Being sick i'm late in my reviews and about what i thought doing on the blog so i decided to participate or at least try to participate in a blogathon.( if i'm at least a bit better then*hope*)

So this blogathon is organised by biannual blogathon bash and start from friday 22june at 8am Est ( i will have to check when it's is in my country) and finish on 8am ( est ) on the 25 june.
You still have time to enter so if you want to make some improvement on your blog , you can try it- it's my first experience so i hope i won't disappoint


all the best

Bodyguard par Elaine Barbieri

Bonjour à tous,

                             Permier post en français du mois, je suis un peu en retard mais ma santé n'est vraiment pas bonne en ce moment et en prime ce sont les examens, pas évident. Toutefois je n'abandonne pas les challenges auxquels je me suis inscrite et ce mois-ci était dédié à la découverte du sous genre " romance militaire", je vous présente donc mon avis sur le livre d'Elaine Barbieri intulé " Bodyguard"

Bonne Lecture,

Editeur VF: Harlequin  collection intrigue 2006
Titre original:Silent Awakening ( edited 2005)
Genre: romantic suspense/military romance
Violence: moyen
Langage: normal
sexe: moyen
Public: 18ans+

Prix : 4,7euro
Obtenu par achat

Quatrième de couverture de l'éditeur Harlequin:

Quand elle apprend que l'inspecteur Brady Tomasini va assurer sa protection vingt-quatre heures sur vingt-quatre, Natalie Patterson ne sait plus que penser. Brillante chercheuse à Atlanta, elle ne s'imaginait pas un seul instant, en effet, qu'en aidant la police de New York à arrêter un dangereux tueur en série, elle serait à son tour la cible de menaces de mort. Mais l'idée de passer ses jours, et surtout ses nuits, en compagnie du policier qui l'a séduite dès le premier regard ne cesse de la troubler...

Avis:

J’ai beaucoup apprécié ce livre. Certes nous savons dès le départ ou presque qui est le coupable mais on peut

de ce fait mieux apprécier tout ce qui se déroule en dehors de l’élucidation des meurtres. Bien que connaissant l’identité et les motives du coupables, la police ne parvient pas pour autant à l’arrêter immédiatement et c’est capital pour la compréhension de la psychologie des personnages. Natalie panique et perds son assurance au fil du temps qui passe, la menace peut ne pas être imminente mais elle reste pesante et cela finit par avoir de lourds impacts sur son comportement. Elle fait des cauchemars, des crises de paniques et est grandement fragilisée.

Brady qui d’abord avait une attitude de mépris vis-à-vis de la jeune chercheuse, finit par être touché par sa vulnérabilité. Peu à peu il va admettre ce qu’il ressent vraiment mais étant en charge du dossier et de la protection de Natalie, il se refuse à agir selon ses sentiments et essaie de garder de la distance. Il a certes une réputation de don juan mais c’est justement ça, une simple réputation et non des faits. Il est aussi déstabilisé de la voir devenir tellement dépendante; et effrayé que ses sentiments ne soient que le produit de sa peur. Le temps qui passe lui permet d’approfondir ce qu’il ressent et de renforcer son attachement.

Au final, l’auteur se concentre donc plus sur le développement de la romance dans le cadre d’une menace de mort et multiples tentatives. On suit l’enquête certes mais plus selon leur point de vue et les conséquences qu’elle a sur leur relation.

J’ai vraiment passé un bon moment à conseillé au fan de romance et d’intrigue.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score: 4 /5

Challenges:

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge

Kiss of Fire ( Dragonfire 1) by Deborah Cooke

Hello to all,

                it's not a good week for me, i haven't read a book so far and i'm still completly exhausted waiting for the results of my analyses that will perhaps say what medecine i need . If it wasn't enough the exams started and ..just let's forget yesterday when i was crying pitifully while trying to stay up.
The positive thing is that before i got worse i had read and managed to finish some review so i won't let you down.

Today i will introduce you to Deborak Cooke and her series Dragonfire with the first book " Kiss of Fire", a really good paranormal romance.

Happy Reading.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse paranormal romance

Publication: 2008

ISBN:  0451223276

Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodread :

For millennia, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as the Pyr have commanded the four elements and guarded the earth's treasures. But now the final reckoning between the Pyr, who count humans among the earth's treasures, and the Slayers, who would eradicate both humans and the Pyr who protect them, is about to begin...

 When Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt's New Age bookstore, she's not looking for adventure. She doesn't believe in fate or the magic of the tarot-but when she's saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she's losing her mind-or about to lose her heart...

 Quinn Tyrrell has long been distrustful of his fellow Pyr and a self-reliant loner. So when he feels the firestorm that signals his destined mate, he's determined to protect and possess Sara, regardless of the cost to himself. Then Sara's true destiny is revealed-and Quinn realizes he must risk everything- even Sara's love-to fulfill their entwined fates...

My opinion:

          A book about Pyr, meaning shape shifter Dragon, was a new change for me, I loved to see one in Dragon bound by Thea Harrison and I wanted more so I discovered Deborah Cooke series DragonFire and I’m really happy with it. In this universe, Pyr have an affinity, a power over one element and each one has a speciality but life isn’t easy for them. They were created to protect the earth however a schism appeared centuries ago and now two camps exist. One camp, the “true” Pyrs stay true to their mission of protecting the earth, including simple human beings because they are considered a treasure of the earth. They are fewer than before because of the war ongoing and they want to breed but that can only happen when a there is a magical state called firestorm between a Pyr and a human female since all Pyr are males. The firestorm is made to show a Pyr his destined soulmate and affect both parties. 

The second camp, their enemies, is made by Pyr called the Slayers. They are Pyr that decided that to save the earth all human must be destroyed and that included mate to be and other Pyr that loves humanity. They don’t hesitate to kill other dragons even if they are fewer and fewer. However a prophesy is starting to take place and they want to destroy it for that they break all rules that a normal Pyr follow and even capture and torture the wyvern, only female dragon that should be sacred being the only one, really rare, that has the power to know when a firestorm will take place and who it will concern.

Now of course there is some part quite common in the paranormal romance genre like the destined mate, the soulmate, a fierce and nearly irresistible attraction and such. But it’s really well written and done in a new universe with rules and all so if it can’t be said that a story completely original it’s still a really great book and wonderfully written.

The romance is there but the way it develops can be changed for each character, the romance is building not too quickly and the action make the reader more than interested in learning more about those dragons and their specificities because they are fighters first and foremost.

The characters are well thought; their past is really influencing their present and explains their reactions. A dragon being nearly immortal, some more than a millennia old you understand the number of  squeletons in the closet they can have and the numbers of enemies too. It’s well shown in this story as Quinn doesn’t know who the good guys are because of his troubled past. He has to learn to reinterpret his memories and to makes decision based on instinct but not only.

Sara is balancing him well, she refuse to accept what she is but has no problem with the past and try to stay open minded. She has been hurt too in the past and must overcome that, and being honest I found that she did it a bit too quickly. She is a fighter too not a simple damsel in distress and both will have to admit that and takes it into account. I love Madga’s ghost is funny; I really hope we will see more of it, it’s really a great help.

Deborah Cooke writing style is fresh and I like the idea of the elements as an important tool and part of the identity of the dragons. So in a whole that‘s really a great paranormal romance to recommend to those who love all dragons’ things.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score:  4/5

Challenges:

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge

Ce livre s'intègre dans le challenge de Natasia

To the Edge ( Bodyguard1) by Cindy Gerard

Hello to all,

                  i'm sorry i didn't post more this week but my heatlh got a little worse when i thought i was done, now after a second blood analysis my treatment will be better i hope, once i receive the results. Before that..or even with all that it's an exam weeks, finals, tests etc  and i can't keep my eyes open yet so a bit stressed but i will do what i can.

The good thing is that i didn't forget you so today i will share my opinion on To the Edge the first book of the bodyguard series written by Cindy Gerard, a military romance.

Take care and happy reading.

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication: 2005

ISBN:  031299091x

Genre: romantic suspense/military romance
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 


Short description from goodread :

 The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Jillian Kincaid grew up with bodyguards shadowing her every move-and she hated it. Now a TV anchorwoman, she refuses to let another hired thug follow her around. Not even when she begins to receive terrifying death threats. Not even when the bodyguard is the darkly seductive Nolan Garrett...

Trained in Special Ops, bodyguard Nolan Garrett has been hired by Jillian's father to keep her out of danger. But it's clear from the start that Jillian isn't going to make his job easy. Far from the spoiled princess he expected, Jillian is tough, independent, and totally sexy. And she's fighting him every step of the way.

As Jillian's stalker raises the stakes, Nolan must keep her close if he wants to keep her alive. But being so close can only turn up the heat that's been simmering between them-a heat that could explode into passion at any moment...

My opinion:

          In a whole it was quite a good book. The suspense was well written and I didn’t guess the culprit or his motive before the end; the romance was developed in a interesting way and the psychology of the characters well thought but I wasn’t into it. It’s really strange because I’ve liked this book and in the same time I’m not looking forward to read the next one of the series.

I found the military part interesting because that’s part of what Nolan his and the reason for his behaviour. The psychology part of this seems really accurate and I was essentially drawn by it. Also Jillian seems a realistic character, having lived under a lot of pressure and all she wants her independence, very understandable. Now her parents aren’t as well constructed in my taste, her mother is depressive that is not the problem but the way she completely changes at the end of the book is done too quickly for me. Same with her father reaction, after sometimes yes he could think that way but just days after an attempted murder on his daughter…not likely. I love happy end but here it was too stretched…even more no words about her father opinion on her relationship? Him being so protective and all…it didn’t ring well with me. The plot is well constructed just some details are making me a bit disappointed with this book but I love the writing style of Cindy Gerard and I will check her others books.

So a good book with a lot of suspense, action and romance but not my favourite.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score:  3,5/5

Challenges:

Book read for the 2012 TBR reading

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge

Operation Midnight (Cutter’s Code 1) by Justine Davis

Hello to all,

                     I hope you had a great Weekend, mine was spent trying to recover but it will still take some time but at least now it seem i have the good medecine so soon i will be well and before the exams would be better.
Anyway, as you could guess, june will probably be a special month with less reviews because i have to concentrate on school first but i will try to gave you at least one per week and as soon as i finish my exams i will post more again because i want to complete the challenge i've entered and i need to read.

June would be about military romance ( a subgenre of romantic suspense) with some paranormal romance books too because it's still my favorite genre so far but the priority of my reading after the lessons books, texts books and all will be military romance.

Today, i will start with a military romance Operation Midnight, by an author i had discovered and loved in February Justine Davis. As soon as i saw this title i wanted to know more and i contacted  Justine that kindly answered me so i can already tell you that it's the first book in a new series with, as a link between the different books, the so cute Cutter.

Happy reading,

Editor : Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Publication : 2012

ISBN:  0373277652

Genre: romantic suspense/ military romance
Violence: mild
Langage: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodread :

 Being spirited away—with her dog, Cutter—by armed men in a black helicopter is the last thing Hayley Cole ever expects. And why is her usually savvy dog so friendly toward their lean, dark-haired leader? She's determined to escape. Unfortunately, Quinn with his intense, searching gaze is always three steps ahead—and much, much too close….

For Quinn Foxworth, control equals safety. Taking Hayley is the only way his undercover witness-protection team can protect her and their client. But convincing her he's one of the good guys is easier than guarding himself from her innocent courage. And with danger closing in, can he risk letting Hayley into his heart for good?

My opinion:

          I loved this one; really I’m fond of Justine Davis’ books. Cutter is wonderful, intelligent and so funny…even better ^^ Belgian, I was imagining that and when I’ve read in I was just even more immersed in it that before.

The suspense is high because you only get answer in the two last chapters but it’s not bothering at all. You think about several things while reading but theses answers while very important and interesting stay behind the secret and mystery of Cutter and the romance that’s building. I was totally hooked on this book.

Hayley is a strong heroine, stronger that even she know and giving her background that perfectly understandable. I loved her loyalty to Cutter and how she was a bit jealous of the way he acts with Quinn. I could recognize myself in her.  How wouldn’t want a dog like him and with the man added it’s even better.

Quinn is the boss of a elite squad, all members except one are from the military, that act when there aren’t any others options. He is loyal, has a lot of honour and he is very good to his men. I loved the way he doesn’t act superior and can put them before his comfort. (A true alpha^^;;). He kidnapped Hayley without thinking and while he regrets it , he can’t help to feel attracted to her as she fight him while afraid, push his buttons and keep asking questions. Since he doesn’t like to feel destabilised he fight back by threatening, being sarcastic and such.

The others members of the squad aren’t left all, all of them have a speciality and they do their job very well. I love Liam and Teague. Rafter isn’t bad but he is more secret so for me it was a bit more difficult to appreciate him.

Now, I loved this book to the end but I couldn’t help to ask myself if it was going to stay a stand alone or be the first of a series. I sent an email to the author and I received an answer: it’s the first book of the new series called Cutter’s Code. Why did I think about that? The story is finished except for one detail. You can stop at that and imagine what will happen, let your imagination wander or that could receive a answer in a next book starting off where this one stop. You are happy either way. Justine Davis did a great job to make you feel at ease in any case.

To recommend to the fan of romance slowly building and action, secret, suspense with the military touch that make it so much more believable.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Score:  5/5

Challenges:

This book enter in the Romance and Me Challenge