Bea's Reading Den

I love to read romances, any kind!  Check out my blog over at beawriting.com for detailed reviews and such.  I am checking this out from goodreads...

To The Other Side - S.J. Frost For me, when I think S.J. Frost, I think either musicians or vampires; so I was immediately interested to see how she worked with fantasy. Her novels usually contain romance, music descriptions, a world building, sex, and a deep emotional commitment between a group of friends. When you read a Frost book, you can expect a large cast of characters.With all of these descriptions, it could easily translate into fantasy. I believe that she succeeds here. Basic Plot: Garrett is a biologist and environmentalist who attempts to save a portion of forest before it becomes deforested. In his quest in the remote wilds he finds something supernatural and beyond anything he could expect. Bryson saves him and takes him back to his world where even more danger lurks. Can they make their relationship work and will they have enough time to save both worlds? Strong Points: The strong points in this novel is in the writing and descriptions. I love how Frost describes these magical things like dragons and unicorns. Take this first look at the new world by Garrett: No larger than a cat, the dragon pushed off its side to sit up, and was scooped into the man’s arms. Its scales were white, but as the light hit them, an iridescent sheen glistened over them. Two ivory-colored horns spiraled out from the back of the dragon’s refined, small head, which was held up on a long, slender neck. Triangular spikes, the same ivory color as the horns, ran down the back of its neck, back, and tail. The tip of its tail ended in a spear-like point.Another strong point is something that we see in all of her series, the concept that friends are your family. In both Conquest series and her Instincts series, she builds families out of friendships. I love how she shows love and affection easily given between men. The fact that this friendship is so passionate and strong, but it is not written in a sexual manner, rather in comfort and camaraderie. What could be better? Believe it or not, this is not a 5 star review because there was too much sex. One of the greatest things about Frost’s writing is that she is not afraid of giving the readers some sexy and hot scenes. The emotional connection between Jesse and Evan is one of the most intense scenes through sex (Conquest series). But maybe it’s just my image of fantasy books, but I tend to want a great deal of world building and not a lot of sex.That being said, I will say the sex wasn’t until about 1/2 through the book, so there was plenty of time for us to get the world building and plot established before they jumped into the bed. My complaint is just toward the end I started skimming the sex scenes, and I was not overwhelmed with their emotional connection. To be fair, I could be spoiled by Jesse and Evan. Conclusions: Overall, this is an amazing story and I am very excited about seeing this world unfold. I think that Frost has built a solid foundation for a series and I wonder who the next story will revolve around. I loved the descriptions, the friendships, and the love story. The action scenes were incredibly vivid and there were times when I felt like I was watching a movie.I recommend this book to anyone who has read a Frost book and I certainly think that any fantasy M/M readers will like this book as well.
The Boy and the Beast - Dira Sudis This was an amazing book. We have Derek and Stiles in the traditional Teen Wolf setting, but the story is completely unquie. This is described as "beauty and the beast," and what I love about this is how Derek and Stiles become friends first, then lovers.Excellently written book!

Hainted

Hainted - Jordan L. Hawk Read this awhile ago, so don't remember a whole lot other than one character doing something I found very close to morally wrong.
You Don't See Straight - Annber This is an amazing book. It is certainly my favorite fan fic book and my favorite Teen Wolf fan fic specifically. Since I found this book (about 2 weeks ago), I have read it 3 times and I am now reading it for #4.Is it perfect? Of course not, but it satisfies all of my needs:1. Hot sex that might have crossed some sort of "line".2. A character with a strong caring heart but has panic attacks.3. Sexy shifter marking/scenting4. Moody, silent hero5. Sassy, funny, smart hero6. Caring family who accepts son's sexuality7. Actual plot and suspense8. A book length that gives us enough time for both character and relationship development9. Oh, and hot sex.... Because well, that's REALLY important to me.If you like the Sterek, read this book!
His Only Defence - LunaCanisLupus_22 This is the erotica version of this fanfic, very "grrr, you're my mate and now you are mine". Not bad, but really, really hot. I did stay up until 2:30am, so it had to be pretty compelling. But think of it in the Breeds series style with heats and everything.
I've Lived for These Few Seconds - kyrene This one was not that bad, but not as elegant as some other Teen Wolf fanfic out there. There were a few sections that could have been dropped or better explained, but that's what I would expect by something unpublished. Overall, satisfying.
Prince Among Wolves - tylerfucklin,  zimothy Wow, have I read some great fanfic lately, certainly way better than the published stuff.I love the kid stuff here. The children were charming, and not so super sweet that it was unrealistic.The only thing that bothered me about this book was the ending. There as no solution to our two "bad guys" so we are left hanging for that plot line. Otherwise, I loved this book.
Tats of Honor - Vona Logan Meh. I would have given it a three, but there are books way better than this one that I have placed there.Although, to be fair, this book was not bad, just so predictable and stereotypical that I lost interest fairly quickly. I felt no passion or connection between the characters and we spent way too much time on Lisa.
Until Forever Comes - Cardeno C. Well, let me be frank. I liked the first book better.This is a prequel, we meet these guys maybe 40 years after the beginning of this book. So, the main characters have obviously grown and matured. Certainly, Ethan's language skills have improved. And that is really my biggest problem with this book. I feel like the romance is back seat to some sort of sociological study on an isolated backwoods cult.I know what the author is going for, trying to illustrate how some packs have died away because of their refusal to associate with humans. After all, this is possibly in a rural 1970s, so perhaps it was more likely at the time. But it got very distracting.I do recommend this this book if you have read the first, just to get the backstory. But I recommend reading the other one first.
Drastically Redefining Protocol - rageprufrock Enjoyable. There was one almost cheating that was never resolved. Also, the ending seemed prolonged and rushed at the same time.Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
The Student Prince - FayJay Incredibly well written, I am amazed that this is unpublished. While it might be considered "fanfic", how the author uses the characters to create an entirely new environment is brilliant!I completely recommend this book. It is now on my favorites list!
Heart in Hand - salifiable Read this awhile ago, so I have forgotten the details. But it was pretty good.

His Undoing: A Gay For You Erotic Short Story

His Undoing - Aria Grace Just a big 'ol bucket 'o meh.
Prelude - Shira Anthony, Venona Keyes This is a prequel, although there are minor references to the other characters.I was always curious about David and Alex, so I was all over this book. In the other books their love and passion always seemed so strong.As a romance story, I will say it is typical, I knew when we got to the angsty parts what would happen. It was enjoyable, just not outstanding.Then we get to the musician aspect and it blew me away.As a musician ( a mere sub par in my college years) I could completely relate to how the music felt, how you can hear it in your head, etc. To me, this is where the writing shines.Overall, this author is on my auto buy list and this book was extremely enjoyable. Good job!
And Call Me in the Morning - Willa Okati I really liked this book. The plot was angst ridden, super sweet, and extremely unlikely. If you are in the mood for some sugar, then try this out.

Where He Ends and I Begin (Home Series)

Where He Ends and I Begin - Cardeno C. The book did jump around a lot, but I was used to it from reading other books by the author. I suppose that is just how they write. Once I got used to it, it was fine.Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it was a bit "unrealistic"? Cute, but the chances of this happening in real-life seems unlikely.Very sweet.

Currently reading

Training Season
Leta Blake
Progress: 10 %
Evenfall (In the Company of Shadows, #1)
Santino Hassell, Ais