J. A. Huss Rook and Ronin Series #3-7

All Three: 5/5 stars. My only complaint is that I wish they were longer. I could read about these guys FOREVER!


I should probably split each of these up and discuss them separately but I have to be honest. They were so good and I flew through them so fast I really cannot separate them from one another anymore.I try my best not to give spoilers but it just may happen by accident so on this day of love, lets chat about a series I love!

I think I've mentioned in my review of books 1&2 that I found these books when I was going through a rough time in my life and they helped me through. Rereading them I can see where they are just great story telling. Each character has a strong foundation and a strong backstory. These aren't just books about sex or just about 'winning' the girl. They are so much more.

At the end of Manic there is no question of Ford loving Rook. What he doesn't realize...and you won't realize immediately is that this isn't the same as being in love. It takes finding a girl who really needs an angel, and although Ford believes he couldn't be any further away from being an angel... he steps in and becomes a hero anyway.

There is so much character development and growth in Ford in such a short amount of time that finally... you see exactly why he is the way he is and that he isn't as tough and closed off as he may want you to believe. 'Fucking Ford' really is just a mask. Sure he is a callous person- but for the people he loves? Fierce doesn't begin to cover it.

What is truly magical about this series is that it goes from being all about Rook and Ronin and before you know it they are more in the background and other characters step into the limelight. The kicker is it almost happens without notice and honestly? In an ordinary situation this may be off putting but the other characters have brought you in so deep, there are no hard feelings.

After working through issues with Ford you get to dive right into Spencer and his Bombshell. I mean sure you knew she was a badass by the end of book 1, but the deeper you go in to her story with Spence? This girl is an ACE. Just like her man. I will be honest I haven't finished Gun's for the second time yet but I am anxiously waiting to get my hands back on it.

The end of Gun's is where I stopped reading the first go around and I have to be honest I cannot remember if I stopped because that is where the series stopped (most likely scenario) or if life got in the way and moved too quick for me to backtrack. (also pretty likely.)

Now, you may be wondering what was so terrible to have gone through to look to books for comfort? Well, know that books were not my only source of comfort or resources to move on. I was also seeing a counselor because somethings you just can't move on from even with a strong family and friend support network. It is difficult to talk about but I want you to know you're not alone.

I was in a abusive relationship in just about every way you can imagine. -Mentally, physically, sexually, and financially. When he left me? I was broken. I had been beaten down in to believing that I was dirt without him and crawling out of that kind of despair is not something I'd wish on anyone, even him. These days I'm strong and far enough removed from it to be able to say I forgive him and I've healed.

I'll never be the same woman again though, and reading this series? Even if not on purpose was one of the ways I knew that it was okay to not be the same.person anymore and to own what had happened to me but not allow it to define me.

If you are a victim or worry that someone you love is a victim of Domestic Violence I strongly recommend reaching out. Below you will find a link to the Domestic Violence Hotline. It isn't just a phone number anymore- you can open a chat window too.

Domestic Violence Hotline

J.A. Huss Tragic: Rook and Ronin Book 1 & Manic: Book 2

This weekend I decided to read an oldie but goodie. This is the first book I downloaded and read on my Amazon Kindle App back when I was still reading on my phone in July of 2013. I had just gotten out of a bad relationship and I was broken. This book was everything for me at that point.

You start out meeting Rook. She is more or less a runaway, homeless, and searching for the next step in her life. As fate would have it things began to change quick, fast, and in a hurry. It is amazing how the characters develop and how easy it is to believe the changes that transpire.

This book has just as much *Erotica* as it does character and world-building. The author has carefully created a special place in Colorado and the way these story lines grow is incredible. I've already started re-reading the next installment which is Manic.

If you have any interest in the world of erotic modeling or even surviving the loss of yourself and moving on, this book should give you a taste of all of it.

5/5 Stars


On Hump day eve I finished Manic!

I had forgotten just how delicious this series could be. In the prior book, Spencer Shrike has already been introduced but now you come face to face with Ford. Ronin, Spencer, Ford, and Mardee's past begins to come to light and you are able to see more of their multifaceted relationship. Plus how Rook now factors in. It is nearly impossible to put this book down and return to work each day, or even to get some sleep each night.

As you dive deeper into the mind of Rook you get a real glimpse into the world of not only erotic modeling but also what is like to model as a body paint canvas. On top of a deeper dive into Rook's past and how she ended up in Denver, CO to begin with.

Once again 5/5 Stars

I'm off to finish Panic which is the next installment. Although I've read this all before and in one way or another feel as though I've lived it before... It all feels fresh again. Which is all we can hope for when we pick up a book or in this case series.

Slivered by Kandi Vale

As this story begins you are introduced to Kisa, an ultra sound tech at a hospital that seems to have a nursing home attached. I happen to work in a nursing home as a Social Worker and one of the first things I noticed was how realistic it was. Granted it is a dark fantasy story, there is a whole lot of truth to it too.

Kisa ends up finding herself in a world of BDSM *Erotic story warning* and finally finding some of what she has unwittingly been searching for all along. If you like a twinge of realism and a heavy dose of anticipation in your stories then I highly recommend. I am unsure if I will be reading the second story immediately but it will certainly be on my to be read list. I was left wanting to know what was going to happen next.

This is the kind of story where you don't want to fall asleep because you need to know what happens or happened as there are flashbacks... and yet sometimes exhaustion knocks you out anyway just for you to wake up early for a quick read on how it all turns out.

I will give a 4/5 merely because I found a couple typos and something's were just a tad outrageous... Never the less it was a great 'fun' read.

Til next time!

Strait Reviews

Aging changes tastes

I can understand that at 29 years old on the cusp of 30 I still have a lot to learn about aging. However, as I stand on this precipice and begin the process of realization my days as a 20 something are nearly over, I have begun to notice something.

I had always been drawn to the Young Adult section especially in regards to fantasy. This is probably due to my childhood obsession with The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. I checked the book out so many times the Librarian used to tease about gifting it to me. Keep in mind I was an advance reader even in elementary school.

That being said I was over the moon when Harry Potter came out and I really haven't looked back since. Sure, there are some autobiographical books I've loved over the years but by and large... Fantasy especially YA has captured my heart.

Until... recently. I had never understood the draw in 'Smut Books.' 50 shades of grey never really did it for me. Yes, It was interesting but by and large? Not my thing. The movies? Oh gag. Even worse. Sorry not sorry for the unpopular opinion. Almost a year ago now my Secretary loaned me Gas or Ass by Eden Connor. I am not kidding when I say it changed my life.

This was so much more than a 'Smut Book.' There are so many difficult topics broached and you see it all through the main characters eyes. I have devoured each of the books that come after and am anxiously awaiting the fourth. This is when I started to realize what a snob I had been about them...and was becoming.

Ever since I have not been able to read a book without substance and why some of my reviews may seem harsh or lackluster. After reading something that resonates with such power it is difficult to look back. I think that as I age I am more demanding in what I will accept from a book. I mean if I'm honest here I have spent more time reading than doing anything else in my life aside from maybe sleep. If I'm going to put in that kind of dedication and time I want to read something worth that.

It has only been since then that I actually will stop mid book and not finish. I can count on one hand how many times I've done it. Usually I'll think "I've gotten this far, it has to get better right?" Not anymore. So I guess my point is, don't be surprised if I get a little harsh or my tastes seem to vary greatly.

I'm just growing up.

Accidental Romeo by Nicole Snow

Ya'll, this was the book I was looking for! I cannot say there is anything I would have changed except maybe to wish there were another 5 books on Hunter and Wendy. Holy wow. This book has everything! Sure there's the romantic smut that we all love especially after seeing that book cover; but there is so much more. Espionage, twins, embezzlement, secrets, family, a wedding, and just enough drama to keep it going.
You start off with Wendy who believes that she is plain in the shadow of her sister Rochelle who is getting married. Low and behold Wendy is a cake maker and the one keeping the family business afloat. She has never been in a relationship and somehow-is still a virgin. Through a happy accident she meets Hunter. I must say the cover model certainly does justice to him. He is a business mogul who has taken a step back to care for his teenage son.


This story weaves in so much more than just the meeting of these two characters but I don't want to give anything away because the unveiling is perfect.

Normally I have at least one thing of constructive criticism but not this time! I was happily able to snuggle in for a long snowy weekend and devoured every morsel of this book. I cannot wait to start reading the rest of the series!

I give 5/5 Stars! If you're looking for a palette cleanser or just something that will keep you interested and give your heart a break- This is the book for you.

*Light erotica warning. Nothing too crazy*

Transparent Honesty

To my dear readers,

Which at this point I have none- I am feeling a little discouraged. At the end of the day this project is for me and me alone. That being said I shouldn't feel down that I have 'views' only on my very first blog post which if I'm honest- it was the worst one!

So, that being said I've already read 6 books in 2019...but I am going to wait to write a review on something I actually feel passionate about. A book that sparks in me that NEED to share with someone and that makes me think that I'm a new person or living in a new world. Not just something to pass the time.

Which, I have decided to no longer do reviews I get paid for, or ARC's I don't feel great about. At least not on this forum. Amazon will continue to get the cold hard truth on everything, but who wants to read about a crap book? Not me.

Until I find something good or mesmerizing I'll see you soon!

Strait Reviews

One final review before the new year

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen

by Hendrik Groen

 5/5 Stars

This novel gives you a clear look into the life of our elders even if just for a year. To begin I'd like to say I am a social worker in a skilled nursing facility who really needed to read this book. "Mr. Groen" does a fabulous job depicting not only the realities but what keeps someone like me in the business for the right reasons. I was able to take comfort in his words and find some ease in saying goodbye to the "oldies" I've come to love so much when it's their time to go.

He touches on everything from the prime seating in the dining room, to apartment up keep, to the newest and best mobility scooter ratings. There's a true look into the dating scene or lack there of in retirement communities and how they truly view their friends and family. As well as the start of dignity stripping one goes through as they age.

It is truly heartwarming to hear the stories of Henrik and his feisty cohorts. If I'm completely honest Evert is my favorite trouble maker. At the end you'll see the true value of friendship, love, and accepting the value of friendship.

If you're ready to laugh, cry, and love these feisty old coots by all means get a copy as soon as possible.

I am happy to finally give something a GREAT review. In the new year I'm going to give myself a goal. - to review at least every other book I read. I feel like if I only do ARC reviews it'll get fairly mundane pretty quickly. Several of the books I've been asked to read are similar and I'd rather give an eclectic smattering.

With that being said 2019 goals include
1. Review at least every other book I read.
2. Weekly blog posts
3. Read MORE! :)

Happy New Year All!
 
*Disclaimer- I first read this book early on in 2018 and have loved it ever since.*