Magic Academy - By Jillian Keep *Review*

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Out of a young woman’s ambition comes a love triangle that could destroy more than her heart.

Firia has always wanted to be a witch, but even though she’s a natural in magic, there’s a problem: She’s human.

Considered by the elven elite to be inferior, Firia needs an edge to be accepted into the Magic Academy. Out of sheer desperation, she summons the demon Varuj, a terrifyingly gorgeous spirit who helps her win the entrance competition. But at what price?

As the commanding demon does everything he can to penetrate every aspect of her innocent life, Firia still finds herself drawn to her study partner, Mae’lin. Not only is the sweet elf completely different from the powerful Varuj, but their relationship is forbidden.

How is she supposed to choose between the demon she owes her life to and the innocent elf who makes her a better person?

This book truly befuddled me. At first it seemed like I was reading typical YA fantasy and I was totally okay with that. But the further the story got the more it changed until suddenly I felt like I was reading a demon fetish erotica. I was startled by how different the beginning was to the end. Firia is apparently set on becoming the most powerful sorceress despite her human origins. We meet her summoning Varuj, an extremely powerful demon who sports an exceptional "endowment" which is emphasized many times. I admit to laughing at a few of the excessive descriptions. Firia is focussed and with the help of the demon gets into a Magic Academy. Once there she gets into the swing of things only to get hooked on sex and suddenly her determination and focus go bye bye.

Varuj is a oddity. I thought he was simply a misunderstood demon who truly has a heart of gold but then he goes all crazy with possessive rage and spouts mine mine mine. At that point I was convinced he was solidly a "bad guy." He manipulates Firia, stole her father's soul, rapes her best friend, physically and mentally, and then encourages a plot to kill Firia and Mae'lin. Firia never catches on which is unfortunate but whatever right? She gets her demon lover. By the end of the book I still wasn't sure what Varuj's motivations were because I couldn't quite believe he loved her and being with Firia for power went out the window when she lost focus.

The poor third wheel Mae'lin is the sweetest elf man. He's good, kind, honorable and pretty much Prince fucking Charming but he doesn't measure up to forceful demon lover Varuj so he gets dumped. No joke. He's the best guy ever and Firia leaves him because of monster equipment Varuj has well, monster equipment. At the end I didn't even know if Mae'lin was alive, what happened to him - that's how little consideration his character got!

The ending was not satisfying and left more questions than answers. It reads like YA fantasy had a car accident with demon porn and the only thing I was certain of was that I didn't like any character but Mae'lin. I thought maybe it was part of a series but it's not so... yeah. Confusion is the prevailing thought here - utter confusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jillian Keep and Fido Publishing for the copy in exchange for a honest review.

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Now We Three of Human Geometry - By Miranda S Leslau *Review*

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N.W.3 Now We Three of Human Geometry is a psychological thriller and love story, set over 15 years, about three young people who reside in North West London. Amber, Danny and Dave, who grew up together during childhood, find themselves in a complicated love triangle as they reach adulthood. N.W.3 resembles the location where the story is set but also refers to the number three as in the ‘Now We Three’ of Human Geometry. This compelling read convinces the reader there is no right or wrong by exploring both light and dark aspects of human nature. The characters of N.W.3 Now We Three of Human Geometry are genuine and down to earth. The reader will laugh, cry, reminisce and think about all aspects of growing up, love, passion and temptation.

This tale of misspent youth, love and passion taps into the psychological change from experiencing childhood to having the responsibilities of a young adult. The twists and turns in the plot keep the reader engaged in this addictive love triangle. This book is set apart from other books in the thriller genre with its ability to encompass both sympathy and frustration at the same time. As the book reaches the penultimate climax Amber finds herself questioning her moral compass.

If I had known it was going to be a depressing book with mentally ill characters and manipulative plots of revenge I'd have never picked it up. I thought it would be a book about the intricacies of a three person relationship and how it would work but I was wrong. N.W.3 reads like a timeline of horrible events, I don't think there was a single happy moment throughout. The main kicker here is that it really does seem like a factual account. Most of my emotions came from the content, it's truly messed up stuff. Amber is sexually abused, depressed and has a horrible family life. Dave is egotistical, a substance abuser and vengefully manipulative. Danny is depressed, vindictive and also a substance abuser. Put them together and you have the Bermuda fucking triangle. There is no love between these unfortunate characters simply dependency and misguided emotions. There is no happily ever after which the author divulges in the third or forth chapter. The story is stuttered and flits between perspectives in such a ragged manner I often found myself confused about which character was speaking, especially considering both men have horribly similar names. Everyone ends up dead or alone and I ended up wishing I hadn't read it.

3AM Kisses - By Addison Moore

3:AM Kisses Book 1 | Add to Goodreads 
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Baya Brighton is looking forward to her first year at Whitney Briggs University, new friends, dorm life, and finally being close to her brother again. Love is the last thing on the list, but when Baya meets her brother’s roommate she begins to have thoughts and feelings that make even her blush.

Bryson Edwards has a secret he prefers buried in the past and long forgotten. He prefers loose girls, fast cars, and long nights working at the string of bars his family owns. When his roommate’s sister shows up on the scene, she’s far too innocent and sweet for him but he can’t shake Baya out of his mind and worse, it looks like she’s seeping into his heart as well.

Baya seems determined to show her brother she’s not a little kid and equally determined to use Bryson’s body to prove her point. It’s been made pretty clear that Baya is off limits to Bryson but their undeniable sparks explode into a whole lot more than just a few 3:AM KISSES.

Why didn't I like this book? The story drove me nutty. Baya is a "good girl" and by "good girl" I mean she's a virgin and hasn't done anything socially crazy ever. She is more likely to stay home and study etc. Doesn't sound bad until you couple this idea of a "good girl" with the concept of  being worthy of love and good treatment. I was practically foaming at the mouth at the assumption that because Baya was a virgin and hadn't been out partying whatever she was therefore deserving of better treatment than girls who have slept with many guys and party often. Those girls are whores and sluts, you can sleep with them and leave no questions asked. They don't deserve love, good manners and definitely don't take them home to see your parents, right? WRONG. WRONG WRONG. This idea that there are good girls and bad girls with one being the forever kind of girl you treat well and the other being a hussy who you sleep with and leave is ARCHAIC. ALL girls regardless of how many bed partners they have or haven't had are deserving of respect and a loving, committed relationship. It's ridiculous societal values such as the "good girl vs. bad girl" that give males the right to treat females like shit. Bryson has slept with many women at College but he treats Baya differently because of the whole "good girl" concept. What example is this giving young adult women?! Another misconception is that "bad boys" need a "good girl" to make them a better person and change their ways. Yeah, okay that can work but it's not the rule for gods sake! Just because you've slept with more than 0 men doesn't mean you can't also inspire someone to want to be a better person. These implied beliefs lock female sexuality into a do not open cupboard so when the "right guy" comes around you're still the good girl worthy of love. BAHUMBUG! They also perpetuate a culture where women believe their sexuality is the most important characteristic in determining their worth to men. I can't stress how important it is to know that 1) your worth as a person shouldn't be reliant upon men. EVER. 2) If a male doesn't treat you with respect, regardless of sexual experience, he's an asshole. 3) Good girl and bad girl is a make-believe concept developed by idiot fathers back in the middle ages when virginity was a prize to barter off to highest bidder. Keep it in your pants, don't keep it your pants - do whatever the hell you want because this is the 21st Century and you're a grown woman!

So there you go. I did like Moore's writing despite my issues and I will probably read another book in this series hoping for something a little more modern because I'm a firm believer in second chances.  

xxx Literary George

Secret Surrender - By Priscilla West (#COYER)

Surrender Series - Book 2

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

I knew that giving in to Vincent Sorenson was a risk, but it was one I was willing to take. I had hidden my heart for so long and for the first time in a long time, Vincent was close to breaking down the walls.

When a trip to Vincent’s exclusive private island reveals the real Vincent underneath the layers of suave nonchalance, I thought we were close to the start of something special.

Just when things were looking up for us, I would discover the one secret that Vincent never intended for me to find.

I was holding out for a bit more character development in the second book of the Surrender series. I wanted Kristen and Vincent to show me a little more substance in their relationship. Unfortunately, all I got was less conversation, less development and the same ole' sexy time.

The Air that I Breathe - Lila Veen

Where to start? I just finished reading this series and I was hooked after "Burning For You." But something happened in "Drowning in a Dream" which leads me to where I am now in "The Air that I Breathe" book 3 in the Blackwater series. I'm going to just come right out and state my problem for the record - Drama. It seems strange to have an issue with drama when most books require it in order to exist. However, I find that I have come to an example of an overload on drama. I love the story Lila Veen weaves but in this final installment, it was only seconds after everything was sorted that it was tipped on it's head once again. It seemed that everyone was lying or manipulating each other for personal gain. The horrible twisted web of relationships that tied so many different characters together - introduced partially in "Drowning in a Dream" - continued to become even more entangled with relationships being revealed between almost everyone and their brother (it's horrible that I almost mean that literally). I barely had a hold on what was going on and the final straw was the relationship between Theo and Olivia. I just couldn't. I never liked V.C.Andrews penchant for throwing weird twisted family relationships into her books and I cannot stomach it in this one either.

I kept reading despite feeling ill because I needed to know what happened to Leah - it wasn't her fault that the Lavanne family were a bunch of nutters. I'd hoped the ending would bring some much needed relief and happiness but no,

Torn and Seduced - By J.E. and M. Keep (#COYER)

Anjasa was an Elven assassin and courtesan who is now out of a job and out of money. I don't know how awesome she used to be before this novella but in this story she simply wants another drink and some bad boy sexy time. I am all for rough sex and Dom/sub relationships but this is not what happens here. My main issue with this book wasn't that Anjasa wanted sex with the three different men, I don't give a rat's ass about that - you get it girl! No, my issue is that Anjasa is obviously a strong female character (at least I assume that considering she was an assassin...) and she allowed these three men to manipulate, demean and use her. There were little to no benefits to any of the situations for Anjasa, maybe an orgasm here or there. But I'm sorry, you cannot convince me that a previous assassin is now willing to do anything for some douche bag men. Either Anjasa is a strong woman who used to kill people for a living or she is much more needy and reliant on sex/men.

Bunny Club - By Stephanie Beck (#COYER)

*Spoilers Alert*
I don't know who was more surprised and freaked out at the end of this book, me or Jarrod! I went into reading Bunny Club thinking, bunny shape shifters and a sex club that sounds like an interesting read. But the book turned out to be slightly more twisted than I realized. Jarrod and his friend Alex accidentally stumble across a supposed sex club and end up in a situation they desperately regret. The sexy women are in fact vampires and bunny shifters who kill the men they have sex with. The male narrator was not a problem but in addition aggressive, blood thirsty women, I simply couldn't relate to any of the characters. The novel wasn't a romance but nor was it really erotica either. The single sex scene was bare bones oral which was overwhelmed by the freaky vampires and shape shifter bunny women. If you're into slightly terrifying erotic-esque reads then definitely give this novella a read, I, however, have had enough of a taste to know that the F*ck like Bunnies series is not my cup of tea.

2/5
xxx
George
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The Gate - By K.T. Grant

Dark Path Series Book 1

Erika writes books for children and her Daddy is a rich publisher. Max or M.L. Crawford is a media mogul and Chris is the heir to Erika's fathers throne. Erika wants to be with Chris because she thinks he is charming, they make a great couple yadda yadda. Max comes into her life with a zing and they have an electric connection. Max is into Dominance and submission and loves to give a girl a good whip. Erika is innocent to the wider world of sex and yet wants to take the plunge with Max because they have a connection. So goes the story...

I have so many thoughts and feelings about this book. I hate Chris with a passion. He seemed nice to begin with then turned into a slimy douche with the mixings for an abusive boyfriend. I am continuously annoyed by Erika. She can't make up her mind and seems to ignore the obvious. Appears completely assertive one moment and then suddenly can't stand up for herself. She shows moments of fire but I just can't like her. There is something off about her character, I find that she jumps to conclusions too quickly, gets mad about the wrong thing and trusts the wrong people. Max seemed like the regular suave business man with a kink and sob story background yet he too comes off as an asshole. When is using sex as a weapon helpful ever in a fight? Someone is mad at you and you aggressively seduce them into having sex with you. They want it but they're still so mad at you that you get slapped at the end of it. I'm sorry but did that promote any kind of progress?? No.

Those things aside the story revolves around the love triangle and the kink that Max needs that Erika is experimenting with. The shining stars are Catherine and Bryan whose mangled lives warrant a story of their own. I was drawn to them and their dynamic which was written beautifully with so much tension and fluent heat. Things that did not come through in the three miserables love triangle who seemed to bumble through everything with enough clout to knock out an elephant. The Gate was a grand setting I just can't get past these characters and particularly one event in the book.