Bound to Enjoy

Happy Friday!
It would be much happier if the sun would decide to peek out from behind the clouds for a day. I've been using the dreary days as motivation to plant my big behind in my writing chair. Truth be told, I'd be just as happy to plant it in the sun & write, should spring ever decide to swoop in. What gives, Mother Nature?
Big news on the Elsie Love blog; but first let's get to the review of the week.


1.Bound to Love, Sally Clements.
Oh la-la. What a steamy, dreamy, thrill ride. A romance, rated on the 'softer' side (meaning the details of the encounters between the main characters are juicy but not overly detailed ie erotica. Yes, I need to clarify--not everyone reads according to how many roses or hot peppers or whatever ratings the publisher uses). Well, it sure got my juices flowing. It. Was. Hot. 

Here's the synopsis via Amazon.com:

Jake Forrester, a controlled, self-reliant security expert scarred by his father's murder, is pursuing his goal of an independent life, relying on himself and logic, until he's forced to accept the help of an impulsive, spirited goldsmith who follows her instincts, wherever they may lead. When Tempest MacKenzie witnesses a gorgeous stranger being bundled into a van, she tries to help him, but becomes tangled in a complex web of intrigue. Tempest finds stubborn Jake attractive, compelling and infuriating, his logic the complete antithesis of her reliance on her instincts. And Jake is fascinated and attracted to the feisty redhead. As they spend time together trying to thwart a heist at the British Museum, the attraction between them flares out of control. The thief has a grudge against Jake, and danger stalks their every move. Will Jake learn to trust Tempest's intuition, before it's too late?

Sounds like your typical romance, right? I wouldn't know, I think the last romance novel I read was in the early nineties and all memories of the event have been erased. So here's my break down of the book:

A. The cover: Yum. A++. The cover artist deserves a standing ovation. I've always felt I was supposed to be a red head of the Copper family, so maybe I'm a bit overzealous in my love; but really...look at it! It screams "good book here!"


B. The Plot/Story: B I enjoyed it. It was fun. It was hot. It made me want to build a fire with my husband or jet of to Paris.There was a turn or two that wasn't over the top obvious to me, which earns the book bonus points. I hate knowing every twist and turn from page one. I did find the beginning (which is supposed to be the big draw you in part) a little too cheesy. Jake & Tempest feel a connection that is so overpowering. I would have liked a little more conflict in the beginning working towards the intensity as opposed to instant attraction followed by questioning. 
Overall, it was very well written story. Kudos Ms. Clements, very nice work!


C. Overall Grade: A Caveat: if you are a romance reader, this will be a solid A or an A+. If you are a bits and pieces sampler it will be in the A- to B- range due to the fact that as a romance book, you will find some of the facets to be a little bit out there. I add the second rating only for those that aren't romance readers & are considering a cross over. A summer fling, a juicy dip on the European side...whatever you'd call it. 
The thrill of the heist/kidnapping/craziness rates in the B range...romance in the A range. Make sense?
Overall a great little read. I would recommend you give it a whirl. Currently the book is selling for $3.99 for the Kindle Version on Amazon. Worth the chump change, for sure. Pick it up!


2. New Ratings System (big news)
I'm dropping stars as a ratings system. Maybe it's because as a writer I'm drawn to letters. Maybe it's because I'm a free spirit and I don't want to be penned in by a 'ratings system' that leaves no room for free will. Maybe it's because having to stick stars on my blog creates another tool bar that detracts from the reviews...maybe all three. At any rate I'm now going with letter ratings. 
A=Awesome 
B= A good solid read 
C= Okay, nothing super special 
D= pretty big flaws in story & technique/ and or not really enjoyable 
F= a waste of time & money. 
Got it? Good. Moving on....


3. Follow Friday.
 As always, I'm a little late to the party. I'm working on joining the Follow Friday Blog hop craze to increase my list of followers. There's a button somewhere on the side bar. Find it, add it to your blog, follow me & I'll follow you. It's a little nutty, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
When I hit the big 5-0 on the followers bar I will host a book giveaway.

That's it folks. I've got nothing else to report. Stay tuned for next week's review:

Painted in a Corner
 by Autumn Dickinson


Cheers!