Book review: Malachim by Naima Simone

Secrets and Sins: Malachim by Naima Simone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an excellent read considering this is my introduction to this author. It's part of a series, and is not the first one in it, but it reads fine without missing any details.
The story's strength is in the way emotions unfolded, how one can understand and relate to them without being in an abusive relationship. Malachim and Daniella are both damaged goods because of their histories but they find the strength to trust and believe in love.
There were parts were emotions were repeated, the heroine's stubbornness to hold her secrets from the one man that stood by her side no matter what, was unreasonable, and there were times the constant tension and danger Daniella was in was exhausting. Then again, I think this is what makes this story closer to reality and the heart.
It's not fluffy romance, there are detailed violent scenes and memories but, again, that's what makes this story more real.
If you're into romance, don't mind reading about detailed abuse and self-doubt, then give this book a try. I enjoyed this ride.

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Book review: Deathwatch by Dana Marton

Deathwatch by Dana Marton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked Deathwatch. The length was just right, Kate and Murphy's passion took form and increased to sexual tension at a believable rate, and the ending was left open enough to let me (the reader) give it a conclusion. The author mentioned that Kate and Murphy will appear in her future work, but until then I have my own ending :)
What I loved the most though, was the writing. It was well balanced between sharing the main characters' backgrounds and the here-and-now action. No wasted words, no repeated narrative, and definitely no self pity.


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Book review: Winter Wonders anthology

Winter Wonders by Jenny Twist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter Wonders anthology is of stories that took place in winter, mostly around Christmas time. They all had one thing in common…they warm the heart.

- Christmas Hope by Jane Wakely: 4 stars
What's sweeter than a man who cures animals and genuinely likes them? This story makes a great start for an anthology…Sweet and light on the heart. I'm glad the author didn't forget to punish Simon.

- Christmas Angel by Sharon Donovan: 3 stars
I was torn between liking and disliking the main characters in this tale. On one hand, Oliver came across as a chauvinist when he ordered his wife to have a baby even though they agreed not to before they got married. But then Eve wasn't a sweetheart herself. She was selfish, rude, and flirty with other men in front of her husband. My problem is that even though both characters had flaws, the focus was on Eve's.

- Mantequero by Jenny Twist: 5 stars
Happiness is found through the most outrageous methods and in the oddest of ways. June, overweight and she knows it, has given up on meeting prince charming. She could never be like her sisters, but I have a feeling by the end of the tale she got what she really needed. A well written, thought provoking story…the author went at it from an unexpected (and sweet in it's own way) angle.

- Hearts of Fire by Regina Puckett: 5 stars
Jordan and Samuel belonged together and the author gave them time to reach that goal. The story's development was paced just right to lead to a heartwarming ending. There's something touching about a fireman who has eyes only for his love.

- December Bride by S M Senden: 4 stars
Some people work hard to reach their targets, others take short cuts. Missy is of the latter group. She reached her goal, but at what cost?

- Burgers and Hot Chocolate by Angela Adams: 3 stars
The story is very moving and sweet. The characters were believable and I found myself rooting for them to be together. The problem was the first person POV switch between 3 different characters. Perhaps a dashed or starred scene break would have helped.

- Long Winter by Paul McDermott: 3 stars
Tom is a lonely man whose life is cold and desolate. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story but wish there were a stronger reason for the thaw at the end.

- If Only by Janet Durbin: 3 stars
If only I could understand the secret behind the instant attraction between Raymond and Jenny. I believe in love at first sight but usually there's something more plausible afterwards to sustain it.

- Saving Santa by Melissa Hosack: 5 stars
This tale is a creative and light take on how Santa finds and marries his missus. Santa hasn't been this sexy in fiction (at least the fiction I read.) I thoroughly enjoyed how he handled his future wife. A very suitable last story to end the anthology.

A definite recommendation to read any time of the year, but will be perfect on those cold nights in winter. Fireplace is for wimps :-)

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