Review: Paper Dolls

Paper Dolls by Courtney Houston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

ARC provided by author.

"Dear Mom,
I found something I wasn't looking for. I think those are the best kinds of things. The kind you didn't even know you wanted until you find it. I think this is what it feels like to have a real adventure. You know what you're doing, but you don't know where you're going.
Love, Mari."

I have to say that I liked reading Paper Dolls. I liked the characters, the plot and the ending. Mari was a good character and what she went through was heartbreaking. She was young to have to deal with what she did and she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was all alone, until Ian. She needed Ian to get her to open up and see that there was more out there for her. As for Ian's character, I wish I could say that I loved everything about him. He was great to Mari and such a sweet guy but it was hard to identify with him. Because he was so aloof and secretive, I wasn't able to feel any connection to him. I think the story could have benefited from more character development in regards to him.

As for the romance, I thought it was sweet. However, the connect between both characters felt to me more like a new friendship. The romantic scenes were good but without the development of Ian's character I didn't feel the connection.

All in all a good read! Grab your copy on August 14th!

Happy Reading!

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Review: Defy

Defy by Sara B. Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“True beauty is what lies inside of us, not what the world sees. A beautiful shell that houses a vile soul becomes sullied over time. But an outer shell, imperfect as it may be, that houses a beautiful, shines with that beauty, radiating it for all who have eyes to see.”

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the story line. Alexa was such a strong character and even though she had her points of vulnerability, she did a good job of putting her duty at the forefront. I enjoyed her character development and her fierce protection of those she loved. Even when she lost everyone she loved, she still remembered what her destiny was. Even if that meant, turning away from the one person that made her whole.

Damian was a sweetheart and even though he loved Alexa, he knew what his destiny was. He was dedicated to release his people from their oppression. When his past is revealed I felt for him and his pain.

“Because you understand. More than anyone. Because you know what it's like never to trust anyone - to be completely alone, lost in a disguise of your own making. Because... because for quite some time I've -”

As for the romance, I was a bit worried that this wouldn't have any. I was wrong. It actually has quite a bit, which made me want a little less. However, it was sweet and all the scenes between Damian and Alexa were great.

Nevertheless, this is now one of my favorites. Grab your copy now!

Happy Reading!

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Review: The Difference Between Us

The Difference Between Us by Rachel Higginson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ARC kindly provided by author.

The Difference between us is the second book in the Opposites Attract series. In The Opposite of You we were privy to Molly’s friendship with Vera . We also met the elusive and pompous Ezra Baptiste. Molly and Ezra’s first interaction in TOoY was not great. He was arrogant and judgmental.

However, in this book we learn who Molly and Ezra are as individuals.

We quickly realize that Molly’s life is unfulfilled. She has a job in which her talent is not recognized, her boss is a jerk, and has no love life. Her only passion is painting. However, that gradually changes as Ezra slithers his way into her life. This is where we the readers finally get to learn who the mysterious Ezra really is. As he begins to open himself up to Molly and not always being in control, we also see Molly learn to control her life. They are both so different, but exactly what they each need. Following their story as they learn this lesson was a great experience, albeit sometimes frustrating (that damn Henry drama!). This book had the right amount fire, passion, friendship, and a slow building romance.

So, why the 4 stars? Well, my only gripe was that I felt that there were too many references to Vera and Killian. I adore Vera and Killian, but I this was Molly and Ezra’s story. Aside from checking in on them to see where they were; I could have done without the recount of their love story.

My final word: Pick up this book if you are looking for a fiery, passionate, and slow building romance. Ezra and Molly will not disappoint!

Happy Reading!




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