WILD: THE IVY CHRONICLES by Sophie Jordan

William Marrow
November 4^th, 2014
978-0-06-227991-0
New Adult Contemporary Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher
3.5 Hearts

 

Georgia is still devastated by her ex’s comments she is boring, too tame, predictable, etc. She is determined to shake things up and for her first time going wild; she goes to the campus secret kink club expecting to change her image from a good girl into a naughty wild woman. Except she never anticipated running into her friend’s little brother, Logan Mulvaney. When he tells her to go home and that good girls don’t belong there, well Georgia is determined to show Logan just how much of a wild girl she is…one explosive kiss at a time.


WILD is the last book in the Ivy Chronicles and though I didn’t read book one or two (Foreplay & Tease), I am looking forward to reading those next to see where this series started. Sophie Jordan is a wonderful storyteller, be it in young adult or new adult genres. She delivers a wild pulse pounding ride from start to finish in WILD and we get to see just how much Georgia loosens up with Logan. The writing is tight; story flows smoothly and keeps the reader glued to the pages till the very end.

What really got to me was how much I fell for bad boy Logan. He is a player, no doubt about it and he makes no qualms about saying he isn’t into relationships or commitment. That is until he meets his match with Georgia then he is caught in her web as she makes him burn for more from this good girl gone bad. Georgia is a woman who is finally allowing herself to fly after years of being told she is one thing or another by others. She does a lot of soul searching and grows with t he story which I loved as well. They say opposites attract but for Georgia and Logan, it’s downright explosive. These two threw off enough sparks to make me wonder if my book was going to go up in flames! They are quite enjoyable to read and very well written. There was a nice balance of steamy and sweet scenes that had me thrilled it wasn’t all about the sex aspect of their relationship but the journey to their true selves.

Author Sophie Jordan really knows how to keep her readers glued to the pages and with WILD it is no different. She has a way of creating characters that just resonate with her readers and in WILD it is no different. I do know I can’t wait to see how Logan got to his story from the first book, Foreplay. If you enjoy a sexy read filled with intriguing characters, heart pounding storyline and some sinfully sexy scenes, then grab the Ivy Chronicles and settle in for an entertaining time! I look forward to seeing where this author goes next.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement.

TEASE by Sophie Jordan

Ivy Chronicles Book Two
William Morrow
May 27^th, 2014
978-0-06-227989-7
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Publisher
3 Hearts



Emerson had three rules when finding a hook-up: Never let them see the real you, Never let your heart get engaged and finally, always leave them wanting more. Following those three rules, Emerson never had an issue finding a guy for a night. Until she meets Shaw and then all her rules fly out the window. He’s sexy as sin, bad to the bone and determined to see the ‘real’ Emerson. For the first time, Emerson is the one chasing after a guy, one who won’t settle for a one night stand or her practiced flirtations. What Shaw wants is the woman he knows is behind the flirty messages and teasing, the one who hides a pain that she thinks no one sees behind her party girl mask. Can Emerson find a way to let down her guard and let Shaw steal her heart while facing a past that has haunted her for years?

I have to say I didn’t read the first book, Foreplay, and I had a feeling if you didn’t read that one first, you might not have gotten as invested in the characters as others had. TEASE was one of those books that was either a hit or miss for me. At times I enjoyed the way Shaw made Emerson take the mask off and show him what she is behind it but other times, I just wanted to walk away and forget about all of Emerson’s drama. Sophie Jordan is a talented storyteller, no question there. The writing was tight and story moved smoothly. The sex scenes felt too over the top at times as well. I get that there are sparks between Emerson and Shaw but did they have to jump one another like rabbits? The author does a good job on dialogue and keeping the tension and angst ratchet up a notch in TEASE.

I had a hard time trying to rate this book after finishing it. Would it be better read after the first book? More than likely but overall, it was an okay read though with a few scenes that left a bad taste in my mouth and shaking my head in disbelief. The thing about this author is that she is consistent in keeping the story alive and well, flowing smoothly and to keep the reader entertained. TEASE is one of those ‘love ’em or hate it’ books and I, for one, am still thinking I need to pick up book one to see how these Ivy friends started out. I do have to say the title of the book captured the context of the story just perfectly. If you enjoy a fast paced story with characters that people can’t get enough of, then you might enjoy the Ivy Chronicles.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

WICKED IN YOUR ARMS by Sophie Jordan

Publisher:  Avon

Published:   July 26, 2011

ISBN:  978-0062032997

Genre:   Historical Romance  

Format:  Paperback
Obtained via:  Publisher

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Gina@loveromancesandmorereviews.com

THREE HEARTS

 

After long years of civil war, his family almost gone, Prince Sevastian Maksimi finds himself in England searching for a bride.  Not just any bride, but one suitable to be the queen of Maldavia.  There is a bit of a fly in the ointment so to speak.  She must not only have good breeding but she must be rich – rich enough to fill the coffers of the war-torn country.

Grier Hadley grew up in a rural town, loved by her parents until their death.  With both parents gone her birth father, Jack Hadley, turns up and Jack has his eye on a title—any title will do.  With a large sum of money to offer as a dowry he pushes Grier onto the marriage mart.  While she prefers the wide open spaces of the country, all Jack cares for is that she land a husband and land him soon. 

It was one thing for Grier to grow up with slights from those of her village, but here in London she’s about had enough.  Choosing to hide behind ferns and enjoy the rather tasty treats served at the interminable parties her father drags her to, she has so far avoided the marriage mart.  But when she overhears Prince Sevastian speak of her in rather nasty terms, she’s had enough.  She promptly pours her glass of lemon water on his head and makes to leave.  Sevastian is not about to be treated as such and engages Grier in a battle of words and wits.  He needs a bride.  She needs a husband.  But society deems them unfit.  Despite what they tell themselves, their hearts object.  Which will win?  Head or heart?

Sophie Jordan’s WICKED IN YOUR ARMS was a pleasant read.  Not a lot of drama, not much emotional pull, no spell binding characters that I couldn’t walk away from.  Just a blandly pleasant read.  I have to admit whenever I read about Maldania I was reminded of the old Moldavian Massacre storyline from the Dynasty TV show…only without the drama. 

I never warmed up to Sevastian or Grier.  I didn’t get their attraction to each other and the constant reminders that they themselves knew how unsuitable each other was grew tiresome after the fourth or fifth reminder of it.  By the end I didn’t care if they got together or not—and I read romance for the chase, the emotion, the passion and finally the promise of true love. 

I did like Lady Libbie and her secondary story.  Now that would have been a great one to read.  The thread in the book had an aura of mystery, romance and a hint of passion ruling common sense. 

The bit with Malcolm at the end seemed to come from out of nowhere, but it was a nice addition.  I just wish there’d been more build-up of what was going on with him.

I don’t see myself continuing on with the series at this time more so because of my rather large TBR.  Fans of Ms. Jordan or those who like a pleasant romance will enjoy WICKED IN YOUR ARMS.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

A Valentine With Sophie Jordan!

Hi Sophie!  You have several long time fans here at Love Romances and more.  It is a thrill to have you here and especially on Valentine’s Day!

Let’s start with an easy one--how long have you been writing?

Hi! I’m thrilled to be here. I’ve been writing on and off since middle school, but in 2003 I officially determined to be a writer and try to get published – a dream which was realized in 2006.

What inspired you to pick up the pen (or sit down at the computer) one day and create characters that capture the imagination?

I’ve always been a dreamer … that’s what led me to reading and, ultimately, writing.

Most people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. What’s your take on this?

Oh … some days I do feel like a superstar. ;)  Like when I’m meeting with producers in Hollywood to discuss my book that they’ve optioned for film. Or flying to Moscow to meet with readers there … or other places in the USA I’ve visited on book tour. Other days, I’m just a mom and wife trying to squeeze in some writing time between laundry and packing lunches. It’s a great and strange life that I wouldn’t change for a second.

What is the most glamorous thing you’ve done as an author?

Probably meeting with producers in LA – and talking with them on the phone. But also being interviewed on television, radio/magazines. I’ve been fortunate to have several pinch-me moments in my writing career.

Your latest book, The Earl in My Bed is the latest addition to your Forgotten Princesses series and centers around a Valentine’s Day ball. Which came first, the idea of writing a Valentine’s story or knowing you wanted to write Paget and Jamie’s story?

I knew I wanted to write Jamie and Paget’s story. For me, the characters always appear first. It was just easy to manipulate a Valentine’s Ball into the story line.

Paget is known for her lemon muffins, are they perhaps a favorite of yours?  If so, you have a recipe to share?

Ha! Um, I always prefer citrus-type cakes and desserts. Lemon, orange, cranberry flavored muffins and scones. That kind of thing. I don’t actually have a recipe for lemon muffins, but I might have to find one.

When I first read Jamie I felt like he was a cross between Mr. Rochester and Heathcliff—that he was the best parts of both of them. Did anyone in particular inspire him as a character?

Thanks for saying that! I just prefer a stoic – at least at the start of the story – hero. I don’t have a specific inspiration for him, but Rochester is actually a pretty good example of the type of man Jamie is.

If you could be a character in any of your books who would it be and why?

Hm. It’s safe to say whatever book I’m currently writing features the heroine I would most want to be.

Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your writing career?

Every year brings new joys. This year I’m excited to launch a new trilogy in a new sub-genre I’ve never written – new adult.

What do you enjoy doing with your spare time, your non-writing time? 

I enjoy watching movies, traveling and spending time with my family. I love cycling.

If you could invite any famous person, dead or alive, for lunch, who would it be and what would you eat?

I would have brunch at Brennan’s – the Gouda grits! And maybe with one of my favorite actors of old – James Stewart.

You’ve gotten the call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring the FORGOTTEN PRINCESSES series to the big screen.  Who do you cast in the major roles?

Ah. Tough. In my upcoming historical, HOW TO LOSE A BRIDE IN ONE NIGHT, I’d say Anne Hathaway best fits the role of Annalise and Chris Hemsworth would play the hero, Owen.

And….they want  you to play a cameo – who will you be?

Oh, someone unassuming … maybe a maid in the background.

What are you working on now? Can you tell us a little about it?

I’m working on several projects. I’m finishing revisions for my next YA (UNINVITED), and I’m writing book #1 (FOREPLAY) in a new New Adult trilogy.

I also have another historical romance releasing this August and it’s titled: HOW TO LOSE A BRIDE IN ONE NIGHT.

Here’s the summary for that book:

He saved her life...

When Annalise Hadley is tossed over the side of her honeymoon barge, the newly-minted duchess knows she's been left for dead -- for her husband's only interest is in her vast dowry, not her muddied lineage. However, she didn't count on a savior. Especially not an honorable, sinfully intriguing earl who will tempt her to risk everything—again.

Now he will seduce her heart and soul

A man with his own demons, Owen Crawford, the reclusive Earl of McDowell, is enchanted by the mysterious, courageous woman he rescued. He will help her heal, teach her to protect herself, and then send her away—so that she’ll never see he’s far from the hero she believes him to be.

But days and nights alone prove that some secrets are meant to be discovered...some desires are too powerful to resist…and some wounds can only be healed by love.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Thank you for taking some time with us today!

Thanks so much for having me!