The Howling Heart by April Bostic #reviewshare #amreading #pnr

The Howling Heart by April Bostic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From the description and the cover, I really wanted to like this book. First let me highlight what I liked. The plot and concept were mapped out well and I was easily engrossed with writing style. Paige is on holiday with her parents and wanders off, she meets young Riley whom she mistakes for a puppy. More than a decade later, circumstances force them to meet again and this time he wants her all to himself.

Paige's attitude to a lot of situations are not plausible. Her job, her boyfriend cheating on her, when she meets Riley ... these felt put on as if the writer moulded the story to the character and the character did not lead the story. I have not read other books by this author but I would definitely like to give her other books a try.

Despite an amateurish feel, she strikes me as someone who has an eclectic taste in books which I look forward to reading. The Howling Heart could have been better for me. If you're not in the habit of dissecting plots and characters as I am please do give this book a try.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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Zen and Sex by Dermot Davis @DermotDavis1 #reviewshare #comedy #mustread

Zen and Sex by Dermot Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that you'll love with every funny bone in your body or you will hate. Comedy is the hardest to pull off in a movie, let alone in a book. What one person sees as comedy, another views as an insult. South Park is a perfect example.

In Zen and Sex (I think the title of the book was changed after it was given to us to review), Martin is captivating and funny. The cover gives a whole new meaning to lust vs. love and it is truly the beginning of how good this book is.

I found myself smiling over and over at Martin's thought process and actions because it made me think of myself, people I knew. The sex angle of the story comes from Martin while the zen angle comes from Frances who after several failed relationships who is willing to overlook Martin's age.

She is older than him but young at heart and she accepts him for who he is with a lot of twists and turns that will make you draw comparisons to at least one relationship you have been in or know of. Highly recommended if you are looking a few laugh out loud moments.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.


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#ReviewShare 5 stars - The Strange Year of Vanessa M. by Filipa Fonseca Silva @poshpipa #AmReading

The Strange Year of Vanessa M. by Filipa Fonseca Silva
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a difficult review to write without giving too much away. Suffice to say, the writing is what makes it exceptional and brilliant. Ms Silva develops each character with a skill that has the reader often wondering, what would I do in this case?

The way she strings the relationships together make this realistic novel totally believable and has the reader caring about each character. To some readers, Vanessa is a take it or leave it character, no such thing as small doses about this woman.

This book was full of discovery, at every turn a surprise. Ms Silva is a master of story, pulling the reader towards the next chapter and then the next. Very touching all the way through. In a way, she makes an extremely good attempt at trying to explain "what do men/women want?"

My journey through this novel, has brought me to rethink points in my own life. Ms Silva and her writing have captured my soul, in every sense of the word. All said, this is an incredible book and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.


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Broken Legacy by Colleen Connally #HistoricalRomance #ReviewShare #BookReview

Broken Legacy by Colleen Connally
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? Romance, betrayal, secrets and loyalty. If you are reading this book for its romance element, you will not be disappointed. This book has a similar tone to Amanda Quick’s books. However, if you are true historical romance fan you will notice that the dialogue is a little stilted and the progression of events are not as smooth as I would have liked.

Describe your favourite scene. When Eloise listens to Gerard describe his home and she envisions. This was a quiet, gentle moment in the story of two people who had come together despite their past and spoke of an almost bright future.

Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Eloise was a fascinating character although somewhat predictable at times. The element of danger that surrounded her made the story more interesting although the notion of her being a bastard child and then falling into the arms of the first men she met did not seem realistic.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review

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