A (looong) while back, I did a Top 5 BBFs (Book Boyfriends). I can easily do a new edition of that, no doubt. But then what's the point of Top 5, right? Might as well make it Top 50 or 100, or... I can keep going.
I thought why haven't I done one for romance heroines. Granted, just like most women, I'm hero-centric when it comes to my romance reads. BUT the heroine can also make or break the story for me. No TSTL or wishy-washy heroines for me, pls. I see that enough in RL, thank you very much.
On that note, here's my Top 5 heroines in romance:
1.) CD Reiss' heroines
Monica Faulkner (Submission series)... Incidentally, Jonathan Drazen, her H, is also in my Top 5!
Theresa Drazen (Corruption series)
Laine Cartwright (Shuttergirl)
Vivian Foster (Hardball)
I realize this is kinda' cheating but in addition to her lyrical writing, engaging stories, smokin' hot H's, CD has also given me heroines worth their weight in salt.
2.) Jillian Knight aka Jessica Day (Jack and Jill series by Jewel E Ann)
Jillian aka Jessica is quite a unique h. She had tons of sh!t to deal with but I love how her feistiness shines through.
3.) Em Hayes (Devil's Game by Joanna Wylde)
Em surprised me in a way. She's the youngest in the bunch here. She's got so much spirit and fight in her, she's definitely wise beyond her years.
4.) Melody Giovanni (Ruthless People series by JJ Mcavoy)
Melody's got balls, to say the least. The head of a mafia family, she has to, doesn't she!
5.) Tyra Masters (Motorycyle Man by Kristen Ashley)
Tack, her H, is one of my Top 5 BBF, and Tack obviously needs someone equally deserving. She is strong in her own rights, with the right amount of quirkiness. Gah!
This list can also have extended editions, but interestingly enough, doubt that it would be as long as my H list. I don't think that's strange at all. We're talking romance here after all...
... is it just me? What makes a worthy h for you?
Thanks for dropping by!
~Leftie
Tuesday, 2 August 2016
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
REVIEW: Child Star (Part 1) by JJ McAvoy
RATING:
In few pages, JJ gave me an idea of who Noah and Amelia are, and what they mean to each other. Really layered characters, I thought. And seeing this is a serial, bk 1 ends on a “Wuuut?!!?” note.
Book 2&3, I’m coming for ya, for certain!!!
Blurb
CHILD STAR is a novel told in three parts. Each part is about 25,000 – 30,000 words.
**This is CHILD STAR: Part 1**
Amelia London is America's sweetheart. Noah Sloan is America's bad boy. Both are former child stars and once were lovers. When they are cast as the leads in the upcoming erotic suspense blockbuster—Sinners Like Us—they are forced to come to terms with the issues that tore them apart to begin with.
As the whole world watches, can they keep their secrets hidden? After all, everybody is a sinner…
***Read all three parts of J.J. McAvoy’s extraordinary new adult romantic suspense novel – CHILD STAR – and look for the full book, which will be released as an ebook and a paperback***
Review
I wanna kick myself for not playing close attention to the release of this new series by JJ; hence, I missed the ARC request window. But it’s all good; the series is out now as a complete one so no need to wait, whew!
This new series by JJ is about 2 former child stars, Noah and Amelia, who are now all grown up. They were a couple in their young days, but just like some young relationship, and a famous one at that, something happened. 10 years later, almost a has-been status later, they both get the chance to star in a movie racier than what they’ve ever done, especially for Amelia. Right from the get-go, their chemistry shines, something JJ is really good at. Smokin’!
Reading this, I can almost imagine this is probably what Dakota Johnson felt like when first cast as Anastasia Steele. I can’t help it. Furthermore, it almost felt like it’s a parody and homage at the same time to a certain book genre and its fan base. No, it wasn’t done in a condescending way, not at all. Heck, if I really think about it, I can almost imagine JJ's other book characters in the movie characters that she's set up. It’s like seeing it from a different angle, that’s all.
This new series by JJ is about 2 former child stars, Noah and Amelia, who are now all grown up. They were a couple in their young days, but just like some young relationship, and a famous one at that, something happened. 10 years later, almost a has-been status later, they both get the chance to star in a movie racier than what they’ve ever done, especially for Amelia. Right from the get-go, their chemistry shines, something JJ is really good at. Smokin’!
Reading this, I can almost imagine this is probably what Dakota Johnson felt like when first cast as Anastasia Steele. I can’t help it. Furthermore, it almost felt like it’s a parody and homage at the same time to a certain book genre and its fan base. No, it wasn’t done in a condescending way, not at all. Heck, if I really think about it, I can almost imagine JJ's other book characters in the movie characters that she's set up. It’s like seeing it from a different angle, that’s all.
In few pages, JJ gave me an idea of who Noah and Amelia are, and what they mean to each other. Really layered characters, I thought. And seeing this is a serial, bk 1 ends on a “Wuuut?!!?” note.
Book 2&3, I’m coming for ya, for certain!!!
Thanks for dropping by!
~Leftie
Monday, 17 August 2015
BLOG TOUR: Sugar Baby Beautiful by JJ McAvoy
Publication Date: 21 August 2015
When twenty-four-year-old Felicity Harper is dragged to a sugar party, an event where wealthy men and women seek “companionship,” she never expects this one simple decision to drastically change her whole life. Her past is nothing but broken dreams and heartache. Her present is detached and dull. And her future? Well, before meeting Theodore Darcy, the famed film director, writer, producer and CEO of Darcy Entertainment, she would have expected more of the same. Love is just a fantasy and she wants no part of it—even if she can’t deny the undeniable attraction between the two of them. So their arrangement is simple: sex with no strings attracted. But as their intimacy becomes more powerful, so do Felicity’s demons. Can Theo really shoulder her past and his own? And could Felicity even let him?
Review
RATING:
It doesn’t happen very often when I like the H&h equally. For every one of those, there are 25 where I almost always am partial to the H. And this is definitely “one of those”! What a beautiful story about 2 beautiful people!
Interestingly enough, I watched a random show in the past that was all about sugar babies. The whole show followed the lives of a few of them, what it was like, what made them do it, and how they’re doing after. It even showed one of those parties. For all the reality that the show can offer, it showed its “good” side and its bad one. Frankly, while watching it, it felt like a trainwreck moment.
So that was my thought the very first time I read the blurb and as I started reading this. I shoulda’ known that in JJ’s hands, it will be something I didn’t expect. And indeed, it wasn’t!
From the very first moment they met, Theo and Felicity were sizzling as a couple. They’ve got fire, they’ve got hutzpah, they’re witty, and they’re funny! Every interaction feels real and honest, which is a reflection of their personalities.
I love how Theo knew how to be alpha yet sensitive, if that makes sense. Felicity has got such fire in her belly despite her challenges. Nothing felt unwarranted. And I really enjoyed the ease to their communication. Gawd, I seriously just love those 2!
And while I thought the story was just all about breaking down misconceptions and breaking down barriers, it took an unexpected turn that gave it more depth and tackled issues that have bigger consequences if we’re talking about misconceptions and barriers. So it’s taken an even more emotional turn, as if the pitfalls of a budding relationship are not enough. I felt the depth of each other’s feelings and I struggled as much as each other did.
I was so engrossed with the story that honestly, I didn’t even realize I’ve reached the epilogue and I swiped from the last page expecting more. That’s how much I wanted for it to just keep going… sigh… not just because I get more of Theo and Felicity, but also just to expound on some of the family dynamics on each side.
As I read more of JJ's stuff, I love how she just keeps getting better and better, and just keeps surprising me with her story. Love!
About J.J. McAvoy
Friday, 15 May 2015
BLOG TOUR: Black Rainbow by JJ McAvoy
Black Rainbow
by J.J. McAvoy
Publication Date: May 15, 2015
Synopsis:
A sweet and steamy New Adult Romance from Amazon bestselling author of the Ruthless People series, J.J. McAvoy…
After an erotic one-week fling with a musician she meets in a bar, Thea Cunning never expects to see Levi Black again. Then Monday morning comes around, and she discovers that her former lover is not only her professor, but he’s also one of the top criminal lawyers in the state of Massachusetts.
With everyone in class vying to be one of the twelve disciples—a group of twelve students that Professor Black takes under his wing—tensions run high. Thea considers dropping his class, given their passionate week together and their undeniable chemistry. After all, there are other (less infuriatingly sexy) law professors on campus.
But to accomplish her goal and get her father out of prison, Thea knows she needs to learn under the best of the best—and that’s Levi Black.
But can she learn under the best, without being under the best?
REVIEW
RATING:
*Complimentary ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*
I've read most of JJ's Ruthless People series (which reminds me I have to finish that still) and that was one crazy ride of a read what with its story line. Black Rainbow is not like that at all. And I appreciated that even more.
JJ, I think, managed to put enough twist to the student-teacher romance trope by mixing in Thea's back story so not only did I get smokin' hot romance (wink-wink... teehee) but also a good layer of drama and a bit of suspense.
Thea was an excellent h with a lot of fight in her. She's caring, loyal, feisty, and very strong. Given what happened to her in the past, she broke my heart a few times. She deserves every bit of happiness. Levi is a worthy H to Thea... Hmmm... I usually apply this phrase to a h... how about that!... Anyhoot, he really is. I love how he did his best to be honest about his thoughts, how so tuned he is to her, how he took charge, and how swoonalicious he is! *g*
I love how the story flowed. I even liked how the past was juxtaposed with the present in the first part that highlighted the contrast to their interaction. I love their banter. I love the tender moments, even the bittersweet ones and the painful ones. I love the side characters. Selene was just adorable and really had a good head on her shoulders. Then there were Tristan, Bethan and Atticus... But most of all, I love their chemistry!!
I think JJ just keeps getting better, and for what it's worth, I couldn't be more pleased:D
About J.J. McAvoy
J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.”
She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy
Friday, 23 January 2015
PROMO POST: The Untouchables (Ruthless People, Book 2) by JJ McAvoy
I'm so excited for this! I've read the first book, Ruthless People, and glad there's more Liam and Melody, yay!!!
The Untouchables
Ruthless People #2
Ruthless People #2
Publication Date: January 22, 2015
Also in this series: The Untouchables
Everything Melody Callahan has ever been told about her past is a lie. Her father lied. Her husband lied. But like all secrets…they come out. Not only is her mother, Aviela, alive but she won’t stop until she tears down everything Liam and Melody have spent the past year building. With a new target on their back and the media now focused on their family as the Presidential election approaches, Liam and Melody must fight on two battlefronts. Melody is torn between being in love with Liam and wanting to kill him for lying to her. Being in love and showing love are two different things in her world. Liam wants to do anything to protect his family even if that means hurting the people he loves. Family is everything… but what happens when they’re out for your blood? Everything they have been through is nothing compared to what is coming...
***Warning: This book contains adult language and subject matter including graphic violence and explict sex that may be disturbing for some readers. This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***
ENJOY!
~Leftie
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