PLBR Book Reviews 2018 - ELLES BOOK BLOG

ELLES BOOK BLOG

NEAT BY KANDI STEINER

9/30/2019

Kandi Steiner delivers a superb and angsty romance within Neat and I am consistently falling in love with each and every book she writes. I recommend this one to all romance readers.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: September 5, 2019
Genre: Forbidden Romance
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 275 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

My life is over.

I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of.

It can’t be that bad, I thought.

Until I realized my new boss was Logan Becker.

The Becker brothers have a reputation for being trouble, and since I love trouble, it’s no surprise to me that I’m infatuated by that forbidden fruit the first day I walk into the distillery. That lean, whiskey-eyed, too-hot-for-his-own-good man hates me — and I can’t blame him. His family has been at war with mine for decades, and for good reason.

THE ELEMENTALS BY MICHAEL MCDOWELL

9/29/2019

The Elementals is a one of a kind horror novel. While I did like it for the most part (the Gothic undertones were amazing) it was a little too slow for me.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: October 1, 1981
Genre: Horror. Haunted Houses.
Series: None. Complete Standalone.
Pages: 288 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

After a bizarre and disturbing incident at the funeral of matriarch Marian Savage, the McCray and Savage families look forward to a restful and relaxing summer at Beldame, on Alabama's Gulf Coast, where three Victorian houses loom over the shimmering beach. Two of the houses are habitable, while the third is slowly and mysteriously being buried beneath an enormous dune of blindingly white sand. But though long uninhabited, the third house is not empty. Inside, something deadly lies in wait. Something that has terrified Dauphin Savage and Luker McCray since they were boys and which still haunts their nightmares. Something horrific that may be responsible for several terrible and unexplained deaths years earlier - and is now ready to kill again ...

A haunted house story unlike any other, Michael McDowell's The Elementals (1981) was one of the finest novels to come out of the horror publishing explosion of the 1970s and '80s. Though best known for his screenplays for Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, McDowell is now being rediscovered as one of the best modern horror writers and a master of Southern

SERENADING HEARTBREAK BY ELLA FIELDS

9/27/2019

Serenading Heartbreak is one hell of a emotional roller coaster! This book slayed my heart and soul- something Elle is VERY good at. I highly recommend this one to romance readers.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Genre: New Adult. Love Triangle. Emotional.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 350 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

My first love was my brother’s best friend.
A lead singer in their band.
A picture of rugged perfection.
And a drunk soul mate who couldn’t commit.

My second love was an arrogant baseball player.
A player in every sense of the word.
A smooth-talking, reliable best friend.
And a chance at something beautiful and true.

The problem with having a first and second love?
That would be loving them at the same time.
My story isn’t some sexy triangle.
It’s exquisite agony.
Fate gave me two men to love,
but none of us knew which one I could keep.

TRULY YOURS BY KENNEDY FOX

9/25/2019

Kennedy Fox is quickly making their way to my top favorite authors spot as each and every book of theirs that I read, I fall in love with. If you haven't had the chance to read this duet you are missing out! I highly recommend it.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Roommates-to-Lovers
Series: The Mason & Sophie Duet #2
Pages: 312 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

I knew within moments of meeting Mason Holt that he would change my life forever.
I just didn’t realize how much.

As my world spirals out of control, he continues to stay by my side, protecting and taking care of me. Being just friends is all he’s been able to offer, that is until both of our lives are threatened. Now that our relationship is blossoming into something more, I can’t be what he needs even if I wished I could.
Bad timing strikes again.

When I think we can finally be together, someone threatens to tear us apart. I’m not the same girl Mason met three years ago, but I’m determined to fight for what I’ve always wanted--him.

**This is book 2 in the Mason & Sophie duet and must be read after Truly Mine. Recommended for ages 18+**

CASTAWAYS BY BRIAN KEENE

9/24/2019

I used to obsessively read signet horror novels back in 2009 and Brian Keene was one of the authors I had meant to read but haven't. Well, I am so glad I jumped back on that train because this book was everything I wanted and needed!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: February 1, 2009
Genre: Horror
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 320 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

They came to the deserted island to compete on a popular reality television show. Each one hoped to be the last to leave. Now they're just hoping to stay alive, because the island isn't deserted after all. Contestants are disappearing, but they aren't being eliminated by the game. They're being taken by the monstrous, half-human creatures that live deep in the jungle.

The men will be slaughtered. The women will be kept alive as captives. Night is falling, the creatures are coming, and rescue is so far away...

Deadite Press is proud to present Brian Keene's tribute to the late, great Richard Laymon!

"Bloody, vile, violent and nasty. Castaways is a can't put down page turner." -House of Horrors

BEST OF ME BY L.K. FARLOW

9/22/2019

I really enjoyed Best of Me by L.K. Farlow! This is a forbidden romance and one that is sure to make any reader swoon! I highly recommend this one to all romance fans!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: September 5, 2019
Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden Romance
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 209 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

After eighteen years of living in her shadow, I couldn't wait to escape--to finally be my own person. Yet here I am, I'm back in my hometown, once again in Valorie's shadow. Only now, it's eternal.

I had life all planned out: join the force, marry Valorie Parsons, and start a family of our own. I have the job, but the girl and all my dreams died before my very eyes.

At the urging of my friends, I agree to a blind date. Imagine my shock when I arrive and find, Valorie's twin sister, waiting across the table from me. Mallory should be a reminder of all that I've lost, but instead she feels like my redemption . . . like maybe life's giving me a second chance.

But, how can I be enough for her when I've already given her sister the best of me?

BUTTERFLY IN FROST BY SYLVIA DAY

9/21/2019

Sylvia Day is a wonderful writer and Butterfly in Frost shows us just how talented she is. While it's been a long time since I have read her novels. I was immediately swept back into her writing with this one.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 200 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

From #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon Sylvia Day comes a hotly anticipated and passionate new love story.

Once, I would never have imagined myself here. But I’m settled now. In a place I love, in a home I renovated, spending time with new friends I adore, and working a job that fulfills me. I am reconciling the past and laying the groundwork for the future.

Then Garrett Frost moves in next door.

He’s obstinate and too bold, a raging force of nature that disrupts the careful order of my life. I recognize the ghosts that haunt him, the torment driving him. Garrett would be risky in any form, but wounded,

JAWS BY PETER BENCHLEY

9/20/2019

I wanted to read Jaws as summer was winding down because let's face it, it's a summer novel! While I liked the book, it wasn't a favorite. I actually enjoyed the movie more.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: May 6, 1973
Genre: Horror
Series: Standalone.
Pages: 340 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

When Peter Benchley wrote Jaws in the early 1970s, he meticulously researched all available data about shark behavior. Over the ensuing decades, Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers on expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks. Also during this time, there was an unprecedented upswing in the number of sharks killed to make shark-fin soup, and Benchley worked with governments and nonprofits to sound the alarm for shark conservation. He encouraged each new generation of Jaws fans to enjoy his riveting tale and to channel their excitement into support and protection of these magnificent, prehistoric apex predators.

This edition of Jaws contains bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to producer David Brown with honest feedback on the movie adaptation, and excerpts from Benchley’s book Shark Trouble highlighting his firsthand account

BIG SEXY LOVE BY KRISTY GREENWOOD

9/18/2019

This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time! If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh until you cry (just as the cover says) then you need this book!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 29, 2017
Genre: Chick Lit. Romanitc Comedy.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 350 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

Olive Brewster is a scaredy cat. She doesn't do new or risky. She’s happy enough with her job at the local market, it’s cool that she has no boyfriend to fret over, she even likes that she still lives in her childhood home. No drama, no fuss, no problems. Everything is fine. Super duper fine.

Except … Olive's best friend in the world, Birdie, is dying.

Birdie has one final wish. She wants to track down her first love, Chuck, and because she's stuck in the hospital she needs Olive's help to do it. But there’s a teeny problem: Chuck is somewhere in New York and Olive has never even left her home town, let alone roamed the crazy streets of Manhattan.

As if the big city isn't scary enough, Olive has to contend with Seth, a cocky comedy TV writer who thinks she’s a joke; Anders, a bored socialite who’s taken a shine to her; and the fact that no matter

HATED YOU THEN BY M. ROBINSON

9/16/2019

Hated You Then by M. Robinson is one of my top FAVORITE books of 2019! This is an excellent enemies-to-lovers romance and the first book in an epic duet! I highly recommend it.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: September 17, 2019
Genre: Enemies-to- Lovers. Coming of Age Romance.
Series: Love Hurts Duet #1
Pages: 320 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

From Wall Street Journal & USA Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes Hated You Then, book 1 in the Love Hurts Duet.

A coming of age, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance filled with angst and all the feels.

I couldn’t remember a time before her... Harley Jameson.

Before she owned me.
Hated Me.
Needed me.

Before I hated her…

Things were simple.

LAKE REDSTONE BY J.D. HOLLYFIELD

9/15/2019

Lake Redstone by J.D. Hollyfield is a hilarious romantic comedy! It's also a story about a fake relationship so if you love that trope make sure to pick this one up!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: July 22, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 211 pages
Format: eBook. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

Casey doesn’t have much luck in the dating department, so when her girlfriends ditch their girls only weekend for a couple’s retreat, she's forced to take desperate measures.

Refusing to be the only single one, she does what any quick-thinking girl would do:

She lies.

It was almost too easy hiring a stranger to pretend to be her hot, rich, successful boyfriend. What she didn’t plan on was him being hot, successful, and way too much trouble for her liking.

Jim was in a slump in his everyday life. He was bored and needed something to spice up his life. Accepting a gig to play the perfect boy toy was not what he had in mind, but it was too good to turn down.

BROKEN PIECES BY TORI FOX

9/13/2019

Tori Fox is a new to me author and I am so excited to have found her! This is such a wonderful book filled with realistic themes. I can't wait to read more in the future.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 20, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: White Creek #2 (can stand alone)
Pages: 320 pages
Format: Paperback. ARC.

A steamy, small town standalone about two people fighting to put together their broken pieces.

I've been broken. Time and again.

My body.

My heart.

My soul.

I'm tired of pretending I'm happy. Even when he makes it seem easy. But my heart is incapable of loving again.

________________________

She thinks she can't love.

THE RUINS BY SCOTT SMITH

9/12/2019

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book based on the lower ratings but I am so glad I took a chance. This is one of my top favorite horror novels EVER.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: July 18, 2016
Genre: Horror
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 508 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

Trapped in the Mexican jungle, a group of friends stumble upon a creeping horror unlike anything they could ever imagine.

Two young couples are on a lazy Mexican vacation–sun-drenched days, drunken nights, making friends with fellow tourists. When the brother of one of those friends disappears, they decide to venture into the jungle to look for him. What started out as a fun day-trip slowly spirals into a nightmare when they find an ancient ruins site .

. . and the terrifying presence that lurks

HANDLE WITH CARE BY HELENA HUNTING

9/9/2019

Helena Hunting always gets me excited when she writes a new romantic comedy and I am continuously impressed with them. While this is the 5th book in the Shacking Up series it can stand alone. I highly recommend it!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Series: Shacking Up #5 (can stand alone)
Pages: 320 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.

Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.

Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t

BROKEN KNIGHT BY L.J. SHEN

9/6/2019

LJ Shen can write the hell out of new adult romances. It shows in each and every book she releases. This is an emotional and agnsty read and a must read for fans of her work!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: August 17, 2019
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: All Saints High #2 (can stand alone)
Pages: 320 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

Not all love stories are written the same way. Ours had torn chapters, missing paragraphs, and a bittersweet ending.

Luna Rexroth is everyone’s favorite wallflower.
Sweet.
Caring.
Charitable.
Quiet.
Fake.
Underneath the meek, tomboy exterior everyone loves (yet pities) is a girl who knows exactly what, and who, she wants—namely, the boy from the treehouse who taught her how to curse in sign language.
Who taught her how to laugh.
To live.
To love.

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