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Twimom227

That's What I'm Talking About

I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent. 

 

Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.

 

A+  Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A    Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A-   Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+  Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B    Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B-   Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+  Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C    Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C-   Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D    Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E    Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish

 

updated July 9, 2015

Currently reading

Operation: Endgame (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Book 6) (English Edition)
Philippa Ballantine, Jeanne H. Ballantine, William Morris
Just You and Me (A Contemporary Romance Collection)
Fiona Miers, Caitlyn Lynch, Liz Durano, Deelylah Mullin, Cate Farren, Jacquie Biggar, Vicki Batman, Kate Richards, Brenna Zinn, Dalton Diaz, Tierney O'Malley, Desiree Holt, Nicole Morgan, Ashlyn Chase
Bitter Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 14
Audible Studios, Jennifer Estep, Lauren Fortgang
Progress: 27 %
The Cursed - Alyssa Day My Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Full Review: http://www.twimom227.com/2013/05/review-cursed-by-alyssa-day.html
Originally Posted at That's What I'm Talking About

I absolutely enjoyed The Cursed! The opening two chapters drew me in completely as they painted an intriguing story filled with interesting new characters and concepts. Right away the reader is left wondering - what is the League of the Swan? What is Luke’s curse and why does the League seem interested? The journey of finding out the answers to these questions is exciting, action-packed and just plain fun!

As a couple, Rio and Luke are fabulous! Each had noticed the other for quite some time, but Rio backed off after Luke turned down her offer for coffee. Unknown to Rio, Luke wanted to say yes, but due to his curse, he felt the need to stay far way from (while secretly stalking) her. Once Rio turns to Luke for help, it doesn’t take long for the sparks to ignite. It cracked me up that within mere minutes of Rio and Luke meeting up, Luke was confessing how he wants her desperately (well, why and how he stayed away). He's got it bad for her and it made their interactions very entertaining (and super sexy!).

Both Rio and Luke have their secrets. Luke has his mysterious curse, the truth of which he eventually shares with Rio. Then there is Rio, an abandoned orphan, who knows nothing about her parents or where she came from. Yet that never mattered to Rio and, she was content working in Bordertown, making good friends and not bringing any attention to herself. However a few days before her twenty-fifth birthday, suddenly she’s gained the notice of several different paranormal factions each of which hint she’s more than a mere human.

Ms. Day divulges her mythology and the nuances of Bordertown via finely-tuned and streamlined world-building. She presents everything the reader needs to know to understand her new world, yet there is never an overload of information. The details create a rich, exciting place that begs to be explored. Her universe is a blend of traditional and new fantasy elements that make for a superb read.

Although the story is on the lighter side of the spectrum, there isn’t a shortage of depth. Both Rio and Luke experience positive character growth as they learn more about themselves and how to love one another. In addition, their passion is sizzling. At times the pair are needy and hungry and at others sensual and loving. Rio and Luke are two lost souls, and when they find one another, they make a whole.

In the end, The Cursed is extremely entertaining and the start to what promises to be an excellent new series from Ms. Day. The banter and character interactions are superb. The overall story is light and fun, but at times touching and poignant. The mythology of Bordertown and its denizens is thrilling and unique. Luke and Rio are a fun, sexy duo who have many adventures ahead. There is still so much to learn and explore in Bordertown, and I for one am very excited about this new series.