"Abby Lewis never pictured herself on the survival game show, Endurance Island. She's just not the survival type. But when her boss offers her a spot on the show and the opportunity of a lifetime, she packs her bags and heads to the tropics to be a contestant. Once in the game, though, it's clear that Abby's in over her head.

No one's more competitive than sexy, delicious and arrogant Dean Woodall. Sure, he's clever, strong, good at challenges, and has a body that makes her mouth water. He also hates Abby just as much as she hates him. That's fine with her; she'll just ignore the jerk.

But the rules of Endurance Island are working against them. Abby and Dean are teamed up & alone on the beach. It's either work together, or go home. Stuck with no one's company but their own, they learn they might just make a good team after all. And Abby learns that with just a little bit of kindling, the flames of hate can quickly turn to flames of passion.

This book features enemies, lovers, enemies who become lovers, and lots and lots of tropical
heat." (Jill Myles)

Title: Wicked Games (A Games Novel)
Author: Jessica Clare (Jill Myles)
Published: 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance

TL;DR Review:

I  am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with the novel, to quote Twilight. Wicked Games is a cliche novel with a predictable romantic ending, clichéd characters and brilliant crafting and writing. I couldn't put it down and I wanted so much more. The characters were witty, sarcastic, intelligent and endearing. It doesn't help that Dean is swoon-worthy and Abby is the epitome of a modern yet feminine woman. It is Judith-McNaught-worthy with a plot that follows a simple equation and characters that you can't help but love. I look forward to reading more of Myles' work if all of them are as good as Wicked Games.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

There are few novels where I will flat out jump for joy and tell you that I loved it with no beating around the bushes. Wicked Games is one of those. It is one of those classically clichéd novels where you can practically guess the ending and the outcome yet you are "unconditionally and irrevocably in love" to quote Twilight.

In fact, to me, this novel read almost like a Judith McNaught novel complete with dark, tall and handsome hero (Dean) but the witty, intelligent and sarcastic heroine (Abby) is not a McNaught trope. She is the epitome of a modern yet feminine woman. She chews you a new behind and doesn't need to rely on a man. Myles made the novel read-worthy with her portrayal of Abby who was Dean's equal rather than his arm candy.

The plot line was easily predictable in the typical McNaught format:

1. The novel begins with the characters not liking each other and/or fighting
2. They then fall in love over the course of many adorable instances
3. They confess their love,
4. One causes the other heartbreak,
5. The one who causes the heartbreak makes up for it OR the heartbroken one realises that the heartbreaker isn't a heartbreaker at all.
6. Happy endings.
(I guessed the plot twist in the second plot (not Dean/Abby's romance) way before it was revealed. I'm not too sure if others did)

I know authors don't like to be compared but Ms. Myles, if you are reading this, know that when I compare you to McNaught, it is extreme praise because I have yet to find anyone who writes as charmingly as she does. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. It is the only book to have made me cry and assault me with feels in a long while. Even though I could guess the ending, I was shedding tears when the heartbreak occurred.

Clare/Myles has a way with words that makes you fall in love with her characters and feel the same things that they felt. Although this novel was told from Abby's point of view, at the beginning of each chapter, there is a quote from Dean from interviews. It is a clever way to show readers what Dean is thinking without interrupting the flow of the novel. I think I am biased because the characterisation of the two leads are my favourite sort of characters to read. Dean is an a**hole with a soft spot and good looks to match while Abby is an intelligent, sarcastic and honest woman.

Still, cliched characters, plots and story lines are saved by Clare/Myles ability to craft a believable and heartwarming novel.

I couldn't find fault with it at all. It came at a time when I was sick of reading ebooks (acquired for free through BookBub) with cheesy and cliche plot lines and badly, badly written characters. Not to mention, my guilty pleasure then was MTV's Are You the One?.

So, kudos to Clare/Myles for writing an ebook and self-publishing that did not make me want to cringe or throw up.

Some Quotes:

(I was too engrossed to make any notations or even stop to decide if I like a line or not. I just powered through.)

Rating: 5/5
Other Details: I read the Kindle Edition, approximately 160 pages and published 2013.

Title: Tempted by the Bride: Blue Moon Brides #1
Author: Anne Marsh
Date Published:  October 26th 2012
Publisher: NA
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotica

I am not usually drawn to erotic novels but I do love a good werewolf romance novel as opposed to it's vampire ilk. Perhaps it's the primitive animalistic appeal of a werewolf as opposed to their cold, fang-y counterparts. I wasn't expecting to like this novel considering that it is an erotic novel and I've reserved their likes only on certain occasions when I know I won't get bored with the insane amount of sex. I have too many books to read and this was the latest one I downloaded but for some odd reason, I was drawn to this book and I couldn't help but read it.

TL;DR Review:

Despite this being an erotic novel, I feel that the characters and the world have been sufficiently built to serve the purpose of the limited story. Rafer (and his many brothers) and Lark's character and personality clearly shone through and they were individualistic. What I loved very much is Lark's feisty and headstrong personality, always ready to headbutt. She wasn't some simpering heroine who crumpled and fell at the feet of the sexy, brooding male lead. I also love the emphasis on consent. Nothing is more important in a sexual relationship than consent. Readers should keep in mind that this is an erotic novel and they shouldn't expect much out of it (even though it surprised me). The only things that got me rolling my eyes was the overused vampire vs. werewolf battle and a ménage, having to share booty calls. It could also use some editing as there are some issues with sense of space. Overall, it is a simple and clean read, perfect for a couple of hours of leisure.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

Compared to what one reader on Goodreads has pointed out about not having much world and character-building, I think the characters and world has been sufficiently built to get the point of the book across. Despite it's novella-esque length, it communicated very well the setting of the bayou (I am somewhat familiar with the bayou setting from Sandra Brown's Slow Heat in Heaven) with one shaman woman, lengthy descriptions of the bayou and multiple mentions of the danger that it presents. I kept constant images of the water and houses on stilts in my mind. Perhaps a stereotyped vision but still, that was the image the novel presented. Although, I did find the flower farm rather out of place in the bayou area.

There was also enough character to read that the heroine, Lark Andrew is not a weak and submissive woman as more than one erotic novel has painted their heroines. She is the kind of heroine that I would love immediately and I could feel that my mental had made a connection with Lark (despite not having to pay a mortgage yet or suffer from monetary problems). I loved her from the first moment I read her. There was just something humanising about her, rather than just a sex object/character to achieve the means to and end in a book. However, towards the end, I experienced some disconnect on her level and things started to get a bit...awkward.

Somewhat Spoiler Alert: There was a less than exhilarating ménage where much like a sex scene in a movie, it was confusing, not knowing what was what and who was what part of the human body. It felt like a fight scene from Transformers where you can't tell what body part belongs to whom. Also, when I have a man that I am highly interested in, I will not share him with my sisters, no matter how desperate for pro-creation they are. I am highly selfish and possessive when it comes to my mates so, it is personal preference/disdain for this menage. I can see why Lark would consent to it though but I do not approve. And it certainly was rather awkward.

Some have commented that it ended abruptly but I think the ending worked rather well. It was a simple and clean ending to Rafer and Lark's romance which is exactly what the novel is about. It presents conflicts in the form of werewolf-hunting vampires but the main point of the book is not the conflict in the vampires but the conflict between Rafer and Lark. Take a look at the other books in the series and it is not a continuation of Rafer and Lark's story but rather the focus is on the rest of the Pack finding their mates. (There was the hint that Rafer wanted to turn Lark into a true werewolf but she wasn't ready. Perhaps we'll see this in future books.)

However, I did feel that the build up to the ending was rather rushed and not properly thought out. It felt like it was still a first draft.

Marsh has a rather fluid style of writing, drawing in the reader instantly, especially when it comes to a dark, sexy and brooding male lead, or rather, leads. However, there are a couple of things that should have been noted and cleaned up during editing. One glaring problem with the novel was the lack of sense of space. For example, in one scene, Rafer and Lark are on the porch of Lark's house but several passages later (and without any transition), they are suddenly in Rafer's bed. And there are many other instances more where space hasn't been given much thought and the characters appear to be able to tele-transport.

Overall, it was an amazing and simple read. It could use some clean-up but I was very pleased with what I had read. In fact, this is the only ebook where I was actually quite desperate to get the rest of the series. Now, if only I didn't feel so bad using the credit card, I would actually get it.

What I Liked:

1. The lead characters of Rafer and Lark had character and four-dimensional qualities, contrary to how characters are in erotic novels.
2.  Consent, Consent, Consent. The characters always asked and stressed consent before having sexual intercourse, Lark's well-being was always taken care of.
3. Tempted by the Pack jumps right into things without all the beating around the bush nonsense. (Although I did question how well it would work out)

What I Didn't Like:

1. Oddly enough, the book starts with Rafer stalking Lark. Perhaps he can be forgiven because of his wolf/animalistic side but it still drew a red flag for me.
2. The same, repeated and cliched vampire vs werewolf battle.
3. The typical woman-saves-man trope, where a man needs the loving of a good woman to save him from his "animal" or "wild" side which is threatening to consume him.

Some Quotes:

Chapter 1: "She smelled of sunlight, of honey and sage." (pg. 3)
Chapter 1: "A blue-moon brides always dreamt, sexy, erotic dreams that would wake her early and leave her sleepless and aching for a lover's touch." (pg. 4)
Chapter 3: "She was the spiritual and moral anchor that completed him. The missing half they all needed to find because they were unrepentant, soulless bastards who knew how to kill and how to fuck but not much more."
Chapter 7: "Skins touches were an important part of Pack life, and it was the responsibility of the female wolves to make sure the unmated wolves had what they needed."
Chapter 9: "Somewhere, somehow, her nice, ordinary life had done a 360 and the unexpected geometry had brought her here."

Would I recommend it: Yes. Definitely. (Although paranormal romances have only a small following) This is the only free novel I had gotten through BookBub where I really wanted to get the rest of the series.
Rating: 3.5/5

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Zeke is no longer a geek—he’s gorgeous. And Mandy doesn’t feel so magnificent since her marriage fell apart and left her up to her eyeballs in debt and despair. One look at Zeke, and she knows he’s exactly the kind of trouble she should avoid. One look at Mandy, and Zeke turns his relentless ability to get what he wants into a full-on seduction. But can Mandy face down the secrets of her past to find a fairy-tale future with Zeke?" (Goodreads)
Title: Secrets on the Sand (The Billionaires of Barefoot Bay #1)
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Date Published: December 9th 2013
Publisher: South Street Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook

Again, this is another free ebook procured from BookBub's wonderful curating skills. I finished this book in about a couple of hours before realising that it was a novella. It being a novella affects my review somewhat.

I'm surprised by how many readers on Goodreads and Amazon can stand this sort of almost-trashy material and give it four to five stars. I, for one, was almost vomiting rainbows by the time the book ended. Although, I have to admit that I was hooked from the beginning.

Review:

I started the book out rather optimistic about it. The premise seemed rather interesting with a high school queen bee falling down to status of maid and high school geek raised to the status of Greek God Adonis (my description). It's something rather undone in the realm of contemporary romance where it's usually the shy, pimpled and gangly girl who blooms into the English rose and the male lead is always an Adonis.

However, this book was extremely disappointing. Perhaps, I set the bar too high as I had originally read St. Claire's Bullet Catcher series and was blown away by how articulate and how well-written the characters and the books were.

As always, I have my pros and my cons although, sadly, the cons outweigh the pros. And because the cons outweigh the pros, the cons go first this time.

1. It was so extremely cheesy and can only be considered a time-filler. I would not pick up this book again for the sole purpose of delving into the written world again. It reminded me very much of the Mills and Boons archetype (although I have never read any M&B) Like I said, I was vomiting rainbows and sprinkling glitter dust wherever I went. It was just that cheesy and it left a bad taste in my mouth. (If it has yet to be obvious, I hate, hate, hate cheesy romances)
2. St. Claire tried very, very hard to maintain the uncommon role reversal and I give her credit for that but far too many times, she slipped and Zeke was your typical romance novel "hero". He was cocky and overly confident and then suddenly, he slips back to being shy and bashful and humble. It doesn't work that way. No, it doesn't. He is either shy and bashful around his childhood crush, even tentative. He isn't both. It's very annoying and it grates on my nerves that his personality was constantly changing. St. Claire, I love your writing but you've got to write a better "nerd".
3. The time span of the relationship was insanely unrealistic. Of course, when reading a romance novel, I hardly doubt that many demand realism but a week? To go from imaginary girlfriend to fiancee in a week is so unrealistic that I was yanking my hair out by the end of the book. (Figuratively, of course) I understand that it is a novella but she could at least have tried to go from imaginary girlfriend to girlfriend rather than straight to fiancee. 
4. The relationship development was unbelievable. Zeke's attraction to Mandy is understandable but on Mandy's part? There seemed nothing but her infatuation with his good looks and possibly, on an unconscious level, his fat wallet and bank account. Oh, that and Zeke is suddenly so sexually confident that she couldn't resist him. Not to mention, Zeke bought her clothes and gifted her with designer dresses and even helped her get a divorce. It seems very much to me that Mandy and Zeke would never work out. She's interested in his wallet but he's madly in love with her. Plus, she seems very, very much like a bought woman.
5. This ties in to point two. Perhaps it was my feminist red flags flaring up but Zeke's handling of getting into Mandy's pants doesn't help feminists around the world. I don't see any signs of consent. All he did was put his hands on her and coerce her into sleeping with him with sweet talk and a few caresses here and there. He was domineering and he didn't respect her boundaries nor her "NO"s. What does he not understand? No is no. And they even draw up a contract saying "No" but he decides to find loopholes in that. Perhaps some women find that enchanting and adorable but it made me so sick to my stomach. And Mandy said no so many times yet Zeke still presses. It reinforces the notion that when a girl says "No", she really means "Yes". Not once, not once did Mandy ever explicitly say "Yes". I was so extremely appalled.

Title: Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued
Author: Anna Elliot
Published: April 20th 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Skip ahead to section that says review if you don't want to hear me ramble about the preludes of me reading this book. Instead of studying and working on an assignment, I spent my early morning finishing the rest of Georgiana Darcy's Diary. In truth, I started reading this book while on the can so I didn't feel guilty about reading while I was supposed to be earning my grades.

If anyone knows me, I cannot resist a good Regency novel, especially one that involves Jane Austen and her characters. And when I saw that it was free, I snapped it up immediately because well, who cannot resist a free book. (I've got a huge collection of free books on Kobo ever since I discovered the beauty that is BookBub who never fails to update me on new books. Check them out on Facebook and see if you can find a few steals as well)

I won't give away too many spoilers because for one, I can't remember well or am articulate enough to recount the whole novel or give away any spoilers.

Review:

First and foremost, I enjoyed Elliot's take on Pride and Prejudice immensely and I couldn't put it down. Immediately after I finished Georgiana Darcy's Diary, I wanted to read the continuation. Unfortunately, it wasn't free.

I avoid reading Pride and Prejudice sequels mainly because I can't imagine having my most favourite characters in the world ruined by some writer who fails to capture what I imagine Elizabeth or Darcy is like. (My fault but I digress, most of P&P sequels are awfully written) I previously have read a sequel about Mary Bennett and that wasn't too bad so Georgiana Darcy, why not? She was a minor character and could use some imagination (and liberty) to bring her to life. Written in journal/diary format (as the title says), it centers the novel around Georgiana and her thoughts, bringing extreme life to a girl who was so often associated with George Wickham.

1. As with sequels who take minor characters and make them major, I expected that there would be a massive epiphany where they come out of their shells or grow from dowdy ladies to beautiful lilies on a summer's pond. Elliot didn't disappoint where the once shy and pitiful Georgiana bloomed into a fiery, headstrong woman of nineteen in a manner of pages. Of course, I found it pretty hilarious since that is pretty much the guidelines of bringing minor characters to life. You have to make them a round character or there wouldn't be much story to tell. I wouldn't say I am extremely pleased with turning her so sharply into a bold character, it was a necessary move on the part of Elliot.
2. I loved how Elliot turned a minor and shy character into a vibrant young woman that you want to cheer and root for. She took quiet, pitiable Georgiana and gave her some wits and some bravery and some ability to take initiative. It was nail-biting to watch Georgiana grow and battle with her inner shyness. And once she bloomed, it was wonderful to watch her often doubt herself. All in all, Elliot portrayed Georgiana wonderfully and I think a lot of young women who are just coming out of their shells can relate. Although I can't say that Elliot's Georgiana is the role model for shy wallflowers who want to become firehouses but she does show that shyness can be overcome. And that bravery is one of the better qualities to possess
• Not to mention, Georgiana is portrayed as a regular young woman and readers come to associate her with her own characteristics rather than the girl who was conned by Wickham.
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh, although received a brunt of the expected negativity, she was humanised as well. 
3. Elliot made her book accessible. Readers who have never read or heard of (likely story) P&P would be able to pick this book up and read it without being confused. For one, in one of the earlier chapters, Elliot makes it a point to introduce readers to the characters. It seemed a bit odd for me (since I am familiar with P&P) but perhaps to non-Jane Austen fans, it would be a good introduction to the characters.

Of course, I have some grievances which became more prominent towards the end of the novel. It felt like the ending was rushed and things seemed more manufactured (duh, it's a novel) than the chips simply falling into place.

1. Halfway through the book, I realised that something was a bit off with the language in the sense that it was far too modern. Of course, having read way too many Regency-era novels, this isn't too big a problem since it's to make the book as accessible as possible to the public. However, when you consider that it is JANE FUCKING AUSTEN, the extreme modernity of the book is slightly put-offing. I honestly doubt a nineteen year old Regency girl would write like that in her diary.
2. Often times, throughout the book, Elizabeth Bennett is described as playing the pianoforte. To my knowledge, Elizabeth does not play the piano. At all. The pianoforte is Mary Bennett's forte, no pun intended. And if my P&P memory serves me, she has spoken ill of these "supposed" talents that young ladies are supposed to possess.
•  Furthermore, Elizabeth sings. Elizabeth Anne Bennett does not sing. Maybe in private and to Fitzwilliam (Darcy) only but hell no would Elizabeth ever sing in public. Not even to Georgiana, much as she adores her sister-in-law (in Elliot's novel).
3. Somehow, Edward (Darcy)'s trauma from the war seems pretty...mild. Considering that he experiences flashes of the war in ballrooms, suffers from nightmares and doesn't fit in to society, I figured that his PTSD would cause him to react more. Perhaps it is because I am enamoured with Lisa Kleypas' Love in the Afternoon where her hero is in the same place as Edward. His (Christopher Phelan) seems so much more real and poignant than Edward who seems merely to be feigning PTSD.