Review: Ruin (Songs of Corruption, Book 2) by CD Reiss

RATING: 5 napkins

**Ya gotta read Spin before you read Ruin**
Antonio is a killer. He's beautiful, educated, a prodigy of a thief and as violent a motherfucker as ever came of the boat from Napoli. 
Theresa knows it, but that doesn't stop her from getting emotionally and physically entangled with him, and this is how, maybe, she got it in her head that she can protect him.
But it's not her job to save him, and she's just not getting that. Every time she tries to protect him, she practically gets him killed, and the tighter he grips her, the more dangerous she becomes.
It's almost as if...well, he'd never admit this....but it's almost as if protecting her the way he does is the one thing he should stop. As if the only way he's ever going to find a moment's peace is to just embrace her as a partner, rather than a defenseless creature.
But he'd never do that. Not this violent motherfucker.
WARNING: This book contains delicious sex scenes with a hot man dirty-talking in Italian; women handling firearms and explosives; and scenes of violence with a crystal Virgin Mary cigarette lighter.

Via Goodreads

If there's a person or a thing that can get me out to blog again, I can't think of a better choice than CD Reiss and her writing. This woman has gripped me from her Songs of Submission and I don't see that grip loosening any time soon...

**Complimentary ARC received from publisher via Netgalley**

Please note that I have my own copy as well.

(Originally posted on Goodreads)

As always, every time I write my "reviews" on any of CD’s books, I feel like I need a moment to collect my thoughts, take a deep breath and let my emotions re-adjust and re-settle. That’s the kind of ride she takes me on every single time, seriously…

So the story of the Napoli prince and the LA princess continues. Antonio, bound by tradition and honor and obligation and guilt and responsibility who’s damned if he does (stay, leave, love, whatever it is he does) and damned if he doesn’t. And Theresa, lost in the jargon of Antonio’s world who’s coming to understand what her love for Antonio means and what it can do to both of them.

If I can simplify it, it’s all about them finding a way to keep each other in each other’s world, and safe at that, considering their backgrounds, what they’ve been through thus far, what having each other means to the rest of their respective worlds as they move forward. Ironically enough, it’s never been about how they feel about each other because that’s just a given, as guaranteed as the sun rising and setting.

”Love is its own decision.”

I will leave it at that because otherwise, I’ll end up giving away the entire story, the twists and turns it took/takes for them to achieve their ultimate goal. And seeing that their story continues, it does end on HFN note…

If I may just add one more thing, and I mean this in the most complimentary way, reading Ruin to me is what feels like if a soap is directed by a 1^st-rate director like Spielberg, or Coppola, or Boyle, or Nolan. There’s so much nuance to every action and thought. You can feel the magnitude of the emotions. It immerses you right from the very first word. And the levity thrown-in in the most unexpected time catches you off guard, then you realize after how much you needed it. I also love how she drops a nugget here and there about the Drazen clan which gets me really excited as I wonder if they’re possible insight to past or future stories of the other Drazens. In short, I am just in complete awe of CD and her beautiful writing.

Once again, hats off to you, CD!!!

~Leftie

Top 5 All-Time Faves (Leftie's Version)

Rightie did her version a while back. Got me thinking if I have one. I guess I do...


1.) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This may be strange but I did not read this book as a child. Crazy, I know. But I'm also glad I didn't read this as a child. Knowing myself, I would have not appreciated this to the degree that it should be. So full of innocence and life lessons.

2.) The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
I have lost count of the number of times I've re-read this book. This almost reminds me of The Little Prince with a touch of mysticism. The lessons sometimes may sound overly simplistic and cliche, but sometimes, there is comfort to be found in the simplistic and cliche.

3.) Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Here's another childen's story that I'm enamored with, read as an adult (am I sensing a theme here?). Well, this did come out in my adult years, so...

4.) Confession of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
ONLY the first in the series, if I may emphasize. I'm saying that only because the series did become repetitive eventually. But the first one had me in stitches! Almost reminds me of someone I know (hello, woman in the mirror O.o). I said just almost, ok? Fortunately for my wallet and hubby, I don't think I'm at the same level of neurotic as she is, but let's just say I may have made the same justifications in my head as the heroine have some of the times. Again, I said just some of the times, ok? hehe

5.) Crossfire series by Sylvia Day
Fifty Shades of Grey may have rekindled my interest in romance (yes, yes, no need to roll your eyes, I'm one of those women) but Sylvia Day's series is what sealed the deal for me as far as the new "breed" of romance genre is concerned.


Whew! How do you narrow down a list like this to just 5, seriously?!? Sheesh!... I guess by this list, I mean these are books of recent memory that I know I can re-read at any time and definitely a sure-fire way of taking me out of a book slump.


~Leftie

Review: The Craft (Teasdale) & Living In Style (Zoe)

Just thought I'd share with you two new fashion/beauty books I really love:

The Craft: DIY Hair and Beauty by Lou Teasdale and Living In Style by Rachel Zoe

Rating: 5 napkins to both

Different target audience, but I enjoyed both:)

 Rachel Zoe's book is filled not only with fashion advice, but also tips on hair &makeup,  house decorating and stuff like how to host a party and travelling. I'm a sucker for this type of books, and Rachel dispenses great advice in my opinion. The book also has gorgeous photos for inspiration.

I want this whole setup, guys!

Lou Teasdale is the hair and makeup person for One Direction, so I think The Craft is geared for teen-agers (I'm definitely not part of the target audience...ahem....), although there is a short section on tattoos, so I don't know.....I love this book just because it's filled with fun and non-traditional beauty tips. There are also product recommendations for different price points (most are UK products, but you can order them online). 

The book is also done like a small scrapbook, and who doesn't love that? (There are also stickers included...my inner tween is happy:D)

Have you read any of the two books? What hair/makeup/fashion books do you like?

-Rightie

Review: Spin (Songs of Corruption, Book 1) by CD Reiss

As my Goodreads addiction continued to fuel and this blog happening, I signed up for Netgalley in the hopes of having access to ARCs (Advanced Reading Copy), or in other words, more books, pre-release or not, that I can read and review. I figure, the $0.99 or $3.99 here and there do pile up whether I admit it or not, so why not hope to get some complimentary copies here and there as well (apparently, I don't get enough freebies on Amazon, Kobo, etc, that I have to increase my options even more O.o). Hey, I think it's a win-win for all anyway. I get a complimentary copy and they get a review. Now whether the review is good or not, that's all part and parcel, right?...

RATING: 5 napkins

Mafia capo, Antonio Spinelli blew through my orderly life like a cyclone.

Gorgeous and passionate, with a breathtaking brutality, he put me under his spell the moment he touched me, drawing me into his underworld of risk, violence and betrayal.

And I found, just as this sophisticated savage didn't trust me, I didn't trust myself. Something happened to me. Some alchemy from the heat between us.

I discovered I was a savage, too.

via

*ARC provided by Fido Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for a review*


(Originally posted on Goodreads)

First off, I just wanna say again that I could not have squee'd any harder or longer when I got the email notification that I've been approved for an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley. It was my first approved one (and I'm not talking the 'read-now' option which is pretty much a blanket approval), and to also say that it's a book by one of my most fave authors, I don't know how much more special that could have been. Just saying... 

Secondly, I fell in love with CDR's writing from her SoS series, and to say that I'm a huge CDR fan is an understatement. So going into this one, I already know that I would love Theresa & Spin's story even before I read it. In other words, just letting you know that this review may be more biased than usual.

Just like Monica in the SoS series, here's another strong CDR h in Theresa. Quiet and understated her strength may be, it radiates in her thoughts and actions throughout the book IMO. Smart, passionate, has a good handle on her emotions, a good friend and sister.

And just like Jonathan in the SoS series who will always have one of the top spots in my book bf list, I realize I also have to make room for Spin now too*g* Spin is another CDR swoon-alicious H. Only this time, on the other side of the law, putting it mildly. Can't get any more bada$$ than that, right? He's ruthless and passionate at the same time, talk about an explosive combo! No emotional pansy there, that's for sure. 

At the risk of sounding repetitive, both H&h are equally strong in their own rights which makes for such an interesting dynamic, and layer that with their backgrounds that cannot be any more opposite; therefore, you get quite an engaging read. Add of course, the heat b/w the 2 is just palpable!!! Love the fierceness of their interaction. It's feisty and just oozes with passion... 

With CDR's writing, I always get the like feeling of being in a movie; like I'm right there next to the characters, seeing what they're seeing but with the added bonus of being in their heads as well... So if I were to describe this book like a movie, I'd say this one has action, drama, laughter, suspense and passion... (actually, I think I can pretty much say that with any of CDR's books, again, just saying...)

Cannot. Cannot. Wait. Long enough for the next one in this series!


~ Leftie

(PS. I also have a purchased copy, so call me crazy but that's how enamored I am of CDR's work)

What To Do, What To Do

Hi, Leftie here!

What with work, my ever-exploding To-Be-Read list of books, my own personal blog, and everything else in between, you'd think I have so much spare time that I continue to wonder in what direction I want to take this book blog. Noticed how I said "I"? Oh Rightie doesn't care, trust me. I suppose we both know who has more vested interest in this thing LOL...

I know, I know, all Rightie and I wanted to do, really, in the beginning, was write reviews on books that catch our attention. But the way I see it, if I'm the one here mostly (did you hear that, Rightie?), it just feels repetitive writing only reviews since almost always, they're reviews that I have written on my Goodreads page already (in case you haven't noticed yet, it's practically a cut and paste job). Now where would be the fun in that, eh?

If nothing else, I thought why can't it be like a blog version of Booklikes? Mind you, I'm still getting the hang of that site so not necessarily the best example...

Now, as far as how this blog will look as we move forward, I'm not quite fully sure yet. You may start seeing small changes here and there in time. Or not... We will see... Or should I say, I will see... hehe

(Surprise, Rightie! bwahaha)

Review: Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper

RATING: 4.5 napkins

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.

It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

via

(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Like I messaged Ms. Topper (I had to *grins*), here is a beautiful story with well-developed characters and written very nicely, to put it succinctly.

It's such a mellow read that packs a lot of emotion, if that makes sense. The H&h's story unfolds nicely as you see Kat first going thru' the loss of her husband, really heartbreaking, then meeting Adrian and their attempt after to build a relationship while saddled with their baggage separately, her with the death of her spouse and him with the aftermath of a music career that took him "to hell and back". I like how the H&h are older, doing their best to handle their situation in a mature way, unlike the usual NA H&h's in their 20's with sometimes OTT drama. The other characters were just as likable, especially Abbey, the daughter. 

If I have a itty-bitty thing to whine about, the pace felt somehow slow at times, and there were a couple of occasions when it felt that things were forgiven quite easily. But in the end, it was a real treat reading it because the writing was exquisite.

- Leftie

Review: Songs of Submission (series) by CD Reiss

Hi there! Leftie here. Long time no write *waves hello* It's been ages, hasn't it? What can I say, life happens, no? I'm quite active on Goodreads where I've been posting all my reviews but I thought it was high time to update things here. The direction of this blog may be slightly(?) changing. Rightie (oh, Rightie, Rightie!) may not be as present here so you'll be stuck with me for the most part *grins*. I figure I'll cover books that really tugged at me or just made me shake my head all over; or not. Also, this most likely will focus on my guilty reads, aka romance, so please consider yourself warned (insert maniacal laugh). So, without further ado...


OVERALL RATING: 5 napkins

(All images via Goodreads and all reviews originally posted on Goodreads)

1.) Beg

via

Strong h, intriguing H, witty interaction, steamy enough... I thought it's a pretty good start for this serialized story, styled like an episodic show like Ms. Reiss said. 

On to series #2!

2.) Tease

via

Really liking how this story is unfolding. Love the feisty, honest spirit of the h and the H is totes alpha *swoons* And the heat! *fans self* lol

Trying not to let the episodic style get to me... which is probably the only reason why it's not a 5* read for me. It's finished just when I'm really getting into it. But then again, the feeling of anticipation does add something to the reading experience...

On to #3!

3.) Submit

via

I think this may be my fave portion of the story so far, despite a really sad part in it. Now we're really delving into how the H&h is working out their relationship. 

"-And let’s talk about the rest later. Today, you are the goddess my universe revolves around."

I know that sounds cheesy out of context but in the situation it was used, such a sweet tender scene even though it was really short, I totally fell for it, le sigh... It was nice to see the H attending to the h's needs during that sad time. 

I admit Ms. Reiss almost lost me when I started seeing more and more similarities with other known book(s) in the same genre (let's just leave it at that*g*) but the way Ms. Reiss writes, I was able to overlook it. The smart interaction continues. Fleshing out the characters continues so naturally, as far as I'm concerned. Nothing feels cheesy (which could happen easily I find when you chunk out a story in pieces). The story is still flowing smoothly thus far... Yup, still on board with this one:)

4.) Control

via

This just keeps getting better and better! I thought Submit was my fave so far but this book just superseded it. Heck, I very well could be saying that again with the next one in the series as I move forward with this story.

First of all, dual POV, yay! The H's POV wasn't as long as the h's but what little there is, I really enjoyed it. He says and thinks the most delicious things*g* The heat b/w the 2 does not dissipate and the relationship unfolds in such a mature manner given their (realistic) struggles. The h continues to be a strong character. 

I know I keep saying things appear to 'continue' because I'm always afraid that the next book in this series will blindside me with something idiotic but I should know better by now, shouldn't I? With Ms. Reiss' writing, I should trust that she won't disappoint at all.

Oh and one last thing, Invictus?! Really, Ms. Reiss? That part alone made me smile, roll my eyes in a took-me-back-in-time good way:p, laugh, and sigh for the imaginative way you wove that into the story. That was too awesome, hot, nerdy, bizarre and sexy all at the same time for words, that's all I'm gonna' say:)

5.) Burn

via

So they were hardly together in this part of the series, as a couple, that is. Things are starting to get really interesting now as issues are starting to be dealt with, be it the ex(es), how to move the relationship forward, or even the h's career. 

LOVE the texting interactions as always (most fave so far is while they're on the plane*g*), AND the ice cube scene!!!;) 

And this particular ending felt like the biggest of the cliffhangers so far, or maybe it's just me, hmmm...

6.) Resist

via 

HOLY EFFING CLIFFHANGER!!! Thank god for the warning, CDR:)

Yes, yes, as expected in any NA, the drama that surrounds the H&h just seems to keep going and going. Heck, with the baggage that the H carries with him, it's no wonder, really. But in this case, I'm ok with all of it as not one part felt gratuitous for me. The dual POV continues. Somewhere in the middle, I actually got confused, mistaking the H's voice for the h's. Usually, that's not a good sign for me but I realized shortly after, it's bec they're both such strong characters, they both have this level of self-awareness, and the wit and sense of humor is not limited to just one of them; hence, the momentary lapse in my reading the POV. 

The highlight for me in this book is really the h's attitude, her maturity and confidence. And the heat of course (hehe), but that's consistent throughout the series, so... lol

What can I say? Clearly, I'm hooked to Jonathan and Monica's story. At this point, I'm actually debating if I should jump in right to the next book, the last one in the series. I want to know but I'm not ready to end my time with the story yet. Decision, decision... (hashtag) first world problems... HAH!

7.) Sing

via

Well, I'll be...

To borrow one of my co-worker's 11-yr old son's words, SON OF A BUTTCHEEK!!! In a good way of course, hah!

My feelings about this book are a little bit discombobulated. And to top that, try describing why without spoilers. Waaahh!!

People know by now that this is an 8-part series that turned to just 7-part. "Cry" was supposed to be the 7th and this book is the 8th but Ms. Reiss scrapped the idea and dealt away with Cry. Well! That title could very well have just stayed bec that's pretty much what I did from halfway thru this book to pretty much the end. But I guess that will be too depressing a title for the last one in the series. So yes, just fair warning.

Let's just say this one put me thru the wringer. I love the h's character but the same trait that made me love her made me upset at her at certain parts. Whatever made me fall in love with the H was not just possible to show given the circumstances. The several "imagery" that the h, mostly, created for the H to keep them anchored to each other felt out of place at times, again, given the circumstances. I wondered to myself, seriously? But at the same time, I totally understand. To say that the drama is guaranteed given the 1 event that fueled this book is an understatement. For me, it almost felt like a cheap shot and unnecessary to draw out that long, given how well Ms. Reiss write in the first place. And because of that, I would have loved to see a longer epilogue. BUT despite all that, given the writing, I totally and utterly fell for it. I was with the H&h the whole time and I loved every minute of it!

"Goddess," he said, his breath on my mouth. "Have me, please. I was wrong. You’re not the sea under my sky. You are the sun I revolve around, the stars that mark me, the moon rising through me. I’m lost without you. And if you won’t have me, I’ll break, I swear to God. I know it’s selfish, and I’m sorry. Let me serve you. Have me as yours. Let me live under you."

I think Ms. Reiss took a chance serializing this the way she did but IMO, it worked. It allowed me more time with the characters; Jonathan and Monica are definitely up there in my list of fave romance couples; and Jonathan, definitely up there as well in my list of alpha H/book boyfriend, way up there, just sayin LOL. And considering this trope is like a dime a dozen these days, I think Ms. Reiss managed to put enough flavor to put another spin on it to make it different and her own. Her writing, as far as I'm concerned, is smart, witty, descriptive and lyrical. What more can you ask for, right?

Ms. Reiss is definitely an auto-read for me from now on.

And to accompany this series is a mini-series, Songs of Dominance. Jessica and Sharon, and Rachel are peaks into Jonathan's past and Monica is sorta' an epilogue to their epilogue.

Overall Rating: 4 napkins

If you love romance stories with a bit of edge, I cannot recommend this enough. This is definitely NSFW, but boy oh boy... that's all imma say... HAHAHA