The Book Blog at the End of the Universe

An Arrangement of Love is nothing like I expected it to be. Reading the blurb I expected this Alpha male billionaire that gets what he wants all the time challenging the both book and street smart young girl right out of Ivy league, but what goes on in this book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and situations that will enthrall you from the very beginning. When you first meet Jasmine for the first time, you can tell she is a take-no-bullshit type of girl that has worked hard to get out of the poor conditions in which she grew up and a relationship isn't in her immediate future. Everything about her life changes when she interviews for an assistant position with the Billionaire CEO Chase Stone and he wants to her become apart of not just his company but his personal life as well.

This personal life was more than just an intimate relationship, however, and that's where the story took a turn I didn't expect and was quite entertaining. You have this multiple partner arrangement that Chase is involved in with three other women and wants Jasmine to join, plus the murder of the last girlfriends, notice the plural, that has all of them reeling, and her intense attraction to this man that seems like a heart break waiting to happen that have Jasmine in a position of not knowing what to do next. Reading everything unfold and all of the things Chase does to try and lure her in, including multiple trips to foreign countries and lots of wooing, made this story less about a menage and more of an adventure for the main character. Obviously the heat coming off the pages due to these two made this book a love story versus just erotica. You wanted the two of them to fall in love and be together instead of just looking forward to the sexy scenes, and trust me those will not let you down either!

I've never read a book like this before that mix this kind of sexual situation with the little thriller moments throughout, and being unique is always a plus in my own opinion. I want to know what happens with these characters going forward, LIKE RIGHT NOW, and yes there is a little cliffhanger at the end that will leave you reeling for the next installment. However, this book will give you a little bit of everything you are looking for in a read that keeps you on your toes.

Originally Posted; http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-blog-tour-giveaway-arrangement.html

I'm finding it difficult to review this book to be honest. On one hand it was very cute and the story was very adventurous. On the other, it was so simple that it lacked any sort of originality or flare.

I think that's where I'm struggling.

I've heard this story before. Yes you have two children who listen to their grandfather's stories and think everything's made up until they find out it's all real and they can go to this far away land.... Heard it before....more than once. The characters where the same two brother and sister pair you always hear about in a fairy tale (i.e Hansel and Gretel/Jack and Jill/ etc etc) There just wasn't anything new to keep my interest in the story, but it was a fun tale that had potential to be great.

I also had a problem understanding the literal words. Normally I wouldn't comment on something like this but I just found myself not understanding some sentences and other times realizing that words were missing or just plain wrong. In other words, it interfered with me reading the book so I just have to say it.

Originally Posted; http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/10/revoew-amaranth-by-john-kellett.html

As a story, I really liked All My Life. I thought it gave great detail about the lives of the characters we read about and does a nice job of teaching us a lesson about love, or loss. That supporting characters are a nice accent to the main and really moved the story along at a nice pace. I will have to say though, that this book is written in a stream-of-consciousness type of way an can be confusing sometimes. Everything in Kari's head is just tumbling out at once. If you ever heard a teenage girl talk or have a daughter, you can understand my point. It does get smashed together a lot and sometimes I had to re-read parts but I got why the author wrote it that way. You were front row to what was going on in the character's (Kari) head and really felt everything she felt. It was an effective way to bring emotion to a bunch of words and I can respect the choice.

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-all-my-life-by-rucy-ban.html

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because I could really rattle on and on about this book and series all day long. I know there are a number of people really angry about this book and I just have to disagree with them. I loved it and I love this series. I know some of it can seem to drag on about technology and the history behind this city but I felt like I learned the most about their past and present in Allegiant than any other book. We settled a lot different plot lines in these pages plus had quite the number of surprises along the way. If you don't want to be spoiled I would stop reading right now.

Tris had to die. I'm sorry but it's the truth. This conflict was never going to end with her being alive and moving on. She became the hero we all thought she was all along by saving everyone but losing her own life. I thought the author took a major risk doing this to main character but it was the risk worth taking in a series that has been unique as this. Tris went out in a blaze of glory while saving the people that she loved and it felt right. This wasn't the happily ever after that we all want for our beloved character but it was the right ending. The only complaint I had with Allegiant was the narration. We spent two other books in Tris' head and didn't need Fours. I would actually rather have seen the entire book played out in her own head and when she dies have Four narrate the rest. That would have been a much better transition for me to hear. It would have played out much like the novellas that have been interwoven into the series along the way rather than introduce this new perspective in the last book. It seemed strange and awkward but I understood why we needed his eyes at the end.  This series has been a really great ambassador for the YA Dystopian genre and I think aided in gaining a lot of fans from young to old for other books like it. I'm sad to see it go but for me this was a great goodbye

Originally posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2014/05/mini-review-allegiant-divergent-3-by.html

Afternoon Delights offers a fan of any sort of romance what they are looking forward, while still giving you the option of  exploring all different types of romances along the way. From really innocent and sensual to hot and heavy, these authors really know how to write a scintillating story to build a romantic event. Sometimes you don't know where you're going at the beginning of the story but that makes the ending so much better and really catches you off guard a number of times. For short stories to make me have so many feels, that's a remarkable thing.

The other part that I really enjoyed about this anthology was the variety of topics we covered in one book. Usually in a group of short stories like this you get a theme, not just a romance theme, whether it's paranormal or dystopian or contemporary they all have elements of one topic. Not so in Afternoon Delights! There are contemporary stories about couples you would think could be you or me, really interesting paranormal elements that I would love to hear more about in a full length novel, and historical romances that will touch your heart. I enjoyed every story in here and would recommend it to anyone simply because it is going to have something you like in here but expose you to so much more!

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-blog-tour-giveaway-afternoon.html

What do you get when you combine Divergent with The Hunger Games and sprinkle in a little Captain America?

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/06/review-blog-tour-giveaway-aberrant-by.html

I'm going to eat a lot of my own words in this review so don't judge me too hard! In A Shade of Vampire we meet Sofia Claremont, a newly 17 year old girl who's mother was put away in an institution and who's best friend she wished looked at her more than that. That all seems to be nullified, however, when on the night of her 17th birthday she is kidnapped and brought to the vampire stronghold to be a slave of the Prince. The Shade, as they call it, is a place that vampires can protect themselves from those that would eliminate them and keep the sun away through a spell for endless night.

After a harrowing incident with her kidnapper, Lucas (the Prince's brother no less!), she learns what her fate will be in The Shade and who that fate is meant to be tied too. Derek Novak, recently awakened crown prince of his coven, who seems to have an unnatural attraction to her the moment he wakes from his 400 year slumber. From that point on, everything Sofia thought she knew gets turned on it's head, including her feelings on being forced to stay.

Here's where I'm going to renege on most of the reviews I've written. Sofia was kidnapped and normally I'd sit here and say I could never be okay with that, and certainly never condone someone for doing it. I'm not really condoning it because I'm not alright with her being taken, BUT I love Derek. He isn't, however, the one who took her. In fact, he doesn't seem, in my eyes, to be happy that there are kidnappings going on, but his people need to survive on blood and as Prince that comes first. Lucas, on the other hand, I blame for everything in this book, so yes I'm loving a character involved in a crime but I'm directing my wrath at the antagonist that did the dirty deed!

My foot's in my mouth again because of the immediate attraction that was felt between Derek and Sofia. I am a preacher of no love-at-first-sight nonsense.....but it works in this book and here's why. It was clear they both felt the pull towards each other right off the bat, but there was a restraint on both sides that kept the whole thing from falling down that typical rabbit hole. They didn't jump right into bed with each other or get married or anything drastic. They felt a lot but kept their heads on straight and realized they couldn't go crazy considering the whole situation.

::Jumps up and down in a victory dance::

THANK YOU! Some reason in a genre that is bloating with unrealistic romance. If you want me to suspend reality and believe in vampires, at least make the common things like love make sense. This does that really well, balancing the fantastical with the genuine. That's the reason I enjoyed it so much.

The characters were well developed and diverse. From compassionate Sofia to jealous Lucas and everyone in between you got a gambit of personalities that both grate on each other and balance one another out. Seeing as this is a large coven of vampires it makes sense there would be so many different types of people, and you see that. Add the surprising characteristics you find in the story, such as a vampire who misses the sun and a witty psychology studying witch, and I felt the characters brought the story to life not the world.

Don't be quick to the count the world out though, because that is another bright point for me. The way everything is described makes it sound beautiful. From the ominous wall that hides The Shade, to the gorgeous penthouses up in the sky high redwood canopies, the author did an amazing job creating a stunning setting for the characters. You can tell that every detail was thought out from the mountain range transformed into a natural barricade and the added use of tunnels as slave quarters and cells. Nothing in the natural surroundings is left underutilized for The Shae and even though it is always night, I never felt like anything was diluted by darkness while it was being described. In fact it is quite the opposite, I'd picture this a vivid world with lots to explore.

With all of the wonderful things about this story, I'd be re-missed to not discuss the one thing I found missing:

                                         information

I felt like I needed to know more about the past. Derek, vampires, The Shade, hunters, they were all left for a lot of speculation. I wanted to know why he was sleeping for 400 years, it almost seemed like that question was a gaping hole not only in the plot, but who Derek was as a character. Between the past and the little nuggets of info we got about prophecies coming true, it felt like a teaser. Hopefully we find out in book 2, A Shade of Blood, and it was just something we had to be patient about! This book was really great and keeps you enthralled from cover to cover (I read it in about 30 hours!) I'd recommend it to anyone who reads any sort of genre from paranormal to romance and anything in between, you will be entertained!

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-shade-of-vampire-by-bella-forrest.html

Anyone with the name Dr. Giovanni Vecchio will start to peak my interest. How could a name like that not be interesting? Well, A Hidden Fire doesn't disappoint. Add to the hot name a personality that men should kill for, and he's wicked smart? I love books, they make even the most impossible dreams come true!

Take Dr. V and add a witty and smart heroine, B, you get a story that combines paranormal, historical and a whole lot of nerdy. It was really fun and sexy, you will definitely never get bored or put it down! There was a hint of mystery and intrigue to go with it's soft, almost humorous side as well. I loved Beatrice, she was such a strong character that had certain vulnerability in her that allowed for a character like Giovanni to enter her life and stick that it made for a great romance. You could feel the sizzle of attractiveness between them and that was great! I picked this book up for 99 cents, that's right I said 99 cents, and can say it was well worth it!

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/10/reviewmini-hidden-fire-by-elizabeth.html

I can't resist an adorable love story that is Christmas themed this time of year. Dahlia and Liam's fascinating Christmas fling turns into something neither one of the expect, or for that matter, wanted. However these two worked-consumed individuals learn what true love feels like and how seeing isn't always believing. Dahlia, for instance, is an elf. That's right an elf. She is in San Francisco for her year abroad, the time where an elf spends around humans to learn their culture and inspiration for their personal toy they create to become a Master Elf and be a part of Santa's creative team.

Now, before I lose you thinking this is a weird tale of elves, Santa and reindeer, it isn't. In fact the whole story seemed very grounded and easy to believe throughout. For me, that's always a concern when you are talking about something as incredibly niche like Santa's elves because a lot of stories are incredibly corny and more towards the comical side so when you are talking about a romance novella, I had my doubts. However the author does a wonderful job of creating a character who is someone normal which extraordinary details, rather than a character that is outrageous and falls in love. Dahlia was quirky and adorable and very convincing as a young girl falling in love for the first time but still has her own dreams.

To Dahlia's quirkiness, Liam is the serious and anti-love kind of guy. It was refreshing to see the man in the pair being the one that has had his heart broken and isn't interested in love instead of the girl being that way. Not to ramble on about a novella, this story made me smile in this most wonderful time of year. If you're looking for a quick but love filled story to read this Christmas, pick up A Christmas Fling: A Magical Tale of Romance and Adventure

Originally Posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/12/review-christmas-fling-magical-tale-of.html

I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. One being that the paranormal story was different but intriguing and had a lot of depth in it, without giving away too much about the story. What surprised me the most was that I found myself forgetting that it WAS a paranormal story at times, and not in a bad way. A lot of the book is just Jess and her friends in school and dealing with teenager issues, boys/grades/parents etc. Between all that and hearing about her mother's death and how she deals with it inside and out, I was so enthralled with that story that I almost overlooked all the hints we were getting about Peitr and what he really is....almost. 

Although I thought Jess was a little dense for not picking up all the hints and weird things going on, I can forgive her because I did enjoy her as a main character. She was tough but vulnerable, she could handle everything thrown at her but still needed someone's shoulder to cry on, and is very smart though sometimes obtuse. I'll be honest the ending did confuse the hell out of me, and I am still not sure exactly what happened, but it left me wanting to read the next in the series ASAP!!

Originally posted: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/10/reviewmini-13-to-life-by-shannon-delany.html

When I finished You Are Mine I wasn't sure where we would go from there in terms of plot and character. I loved Serena and her story but I was concerned about the diversity of story to be told here, would it be the same breaking-the-mold and fearing for her life just like the first book in the series? I really wanted to know what would happen from that point on especially being a free women in a male dominated world but would it get monotonous? Picking up Mine to Spell I was surprised by what I found mostly because I didn't see it coming.

Changing POVs to Christina, Serena's little sister, was a brilliant move. It gave us a new and refreshing story to tell, along with a different perspective about the changes that we built from the first book to this one. Christina was progressive like her sister but still more timid to change which made her decisions throughout this book stark in contrast to Serena's. That was awesome in terms of keeping me entertaining and guessing at the same time. I wasn't sure what she was going to do at moments throughout the story and that made for a great read.

Her stubbornness mirrored what clearly runs in the family, but what I saw in Christina was more than just a fighter but a survivor as well. Pairing Christina's story while continuing to learn and build about Zade, Serena and all the others we met was what made this story perfect for me. I loved expanding the world but not letting the characters get lost in it by spreading them out. Plus,, the author drew from similar elements, such as the warlock tournament, that created a seam for these stories to woven from that let them shine on their own but still feel like the same series. I can't wait to see what is ahead for our girls in Chardonia and Mine to Spell was a fantastic follow up!

City of Cruelty and Copper by Rhiannon Paille got a cover today!! Check it out here: http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-city-of-cruelty-and-copper.html

Check out the release day launch of Goddess Born by Kari Edgren and enter to win a $100 gift card while you are there!

http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniverse.blogspot.com/2014/05/release-day-launch-giveaway-goddess.html

To be quite honest with you, I liked this story a lot but I don't get all the hype that is associated with the book. I loved the fact that Eleanor is this average girl that comes from a broken home and has to struggle with bullies and other things. I loved that Park was the type of guy that saw through that after some time and they both fell in love. I guess my problem was there was really nothing spectacular that happened. Sure, they went through some tough situations but that ending nearly killed me. It was such a let down that I thought there had to be something MORE. I gave it for 3 stars because it was beautifully written and it was a story that I think everyone can relate too, I just expected more out of it, and didn't get what I wanted

Aubrey Vincent wants what every twenty something does; her career to take off, to be able to move out of her parents home and start a life of her own. What makes her different from most women, especially in this genre, is she doesn't want a boyfriend. She loves sex, lets get that straight, but she is more than happy with one night stands with whoever peaks her interests for the time being. That is until Henry Maximus comes into the picture and everything she thought she wanted in her personal life seems to be turned upside down.

Henry is fan-girls dream. Hot, smart, geeky and oozing sex appeal, I immediately loved him. However, what really solidified him into the book boyfriend hall of fame is that he wasn't trying to get Aubrey into bed but he wanted her to love him....Seriously??? Awwwwww. I loved that the guy character was what you would normally see in a female character in this genre. Plus Aubrey herself seemed like the type to be a great friend and I would love to hang out with. The two of them together make this super executive type couple that truly turn on the heat with each other. I loved that he started to break down her walls and change how she felt about men. That is quite the characteristic in a romance lead.

I did feel like his perspective was missing from all of the this. It is told completely in Aubrey's POV and I really just wanted to get into his head throughout and really find out what he was thinking while chasing her. I did appreciate the fact that Aubrey's character was fully defined and we got to know her from A to Z, which I think is why the author chose to tell the story from her head and not both. I can respect that. The story was great, the romance seemed organic and the book left me wanting more. All of that would make me recommend this book to anyone!

Dorian Sorenson had no idea what he was getting into when he took on his good friends daughter as an intern. In fact what started out as doing someone a favor turned into quite the predicament which he had to figure out if he wanted to keep it professional.....or let it become something more. Of course it wouldn't be a good story if he played it safe, so when Dorian kisses Demitra in the office it sparks a three month build up to something that sparks!

That wait is what I liked the most about this book. There was this slow build of lust and attraction after that kiss that left you on the edge of your seat as to when they were both going to give up and give in! You could feel their sizzle for each other coming off the page and you just wanted to throttle Dorian for his quilt and just act on what he felt. Of course, we women do like a gentleman so his resolve to not give into his body was quite charming, but ultimately you wanted them together and that delayed gratification made it that much better.

The other part of this, I thoroughly enjoyed, was the humor. I didn't expect a funny and sarcastic lead. That's what I got in Dorian's inner monolgue, which in the end really made the story have a light flow with hot sexy scenes. I loved that uniqueness about the story so much that it took it from a sorta middle of the road sexy romance book to a really great. If you are looking for a forbidden lust that gets hot and heavy, this is the book for you!