Taming Val By: Trevion Burns

This is book one in the Romanovsky novella series. This book introduces us to Val Romanovsky the elder of the clan and love Zoey Black.

Val has just found out from his doctor at such a young age he is infertile with his playboy lifestyle he had no idea that one day he would want a family until the option no longer exists for him. The only problem is Val’s dating list doesn’t look like the A-team for parenting. In a moment of weakness he breaks down and considers the only option that technically isn’t an option.

Zoey has always been very adamant about not wanting kids at all. Due to the circumstances surrounding her parent’s death she doesn’t want a child to feel the hurt and abandonment she did as a child. Although taken in by the Romanovsky clan since the age of 12 she still doesn’t feel like she is quite yet a member of the family. Older brother Val makes a point to tell her every day that she is not his “sister” nor will she ever be. The need to belong mixed with hopelessness and lust Val and Zoey find themselves in a very precarious situation.

Val’s and Zoey’s “relationship” started off a bit rocky. Val has kept Zoey at a distance for so many years its a hard transition for him to just open up and let her in. Zoey wears her heart on her sleeve and although a bit naïve she does love hard and very deep. In the beginning of their growing relationship Val seemed emotionally abusive. At times I wish Zoey would stick up for herself and stop allowing him to jerk her around. When she finally did grow a spine she forgave him so easily. One cute and funny part in the story was Zoey’s lasagna. I won’t give too much a way but this was a very light part of the story.

Although this is a story about Val the elder brother we get a glimpse into the other three brother’s storylines as well. For instance brother Roman finds out some life altering news in this book but the author merely glosses over the issue. I know this is a novella and Roman’s story will be next. But why bring up such a dramatic shift in the story and just leave it hanging there? The family called but didn’t try to find him.

As a reader I would have liked to have seen more about the parent’s perspective on this issue. There were a lot of issues in this story that could have been given more attention or not brought up at all. As a reader I like to visualize what the characters look like and in order for me to do that physical descriptions are needed. In this story there were no real descriptions of Zoey except that she had long hair down her back and that she was black. The author kept making mention to Zoey’s “blackness” in the story. For example after agreeing to help Val the old fashion way Zoey brings up some issues about the two having a child together. One of them being that the child will be black and that the name would have to reflect that. She goes on to say that Marcus is a black name and a suitable one for the child and Val needed to accept that as a name for their kid because the kid would be black. I know you might be thinking that I am nitpicking here but that whole scene was problematic for me. For one the superficial concern of Val and her having a kid would be the name not the fact that he was to be like a brother for her since the age of 12. But to assign color to a name? I don’t understand why this was even brought up in the story if race was an issue I think there could have been a better way to tackle the issue.

One of the biggest issues in this story were the inconsistencies. (Possible Spoilers) If the doctor Val was seeing was said to be a hack why didn’t Val expose the doctor as being unethical? With his personality he seemed like the type to try to ruin this doctor. For someone who got devastating news why not research all your options? I understand it was an emotional time and to receive such news is devastating but when Zoey and her friend gave him new information he just jumped on board with no reservations. Throughout the story the author kept mentioning that Val was incompetent. The word is impotent. If he was incompetent how is he running a billion dollar online real estate business?

Despite my issues with this story it wasn’t all bad. I did find the “fling” Reggie storyline to be interesting and added some depth to the story. Val’s secret and how he and Reggie know each other make for a good follow-up story. But is this to be uncovered in the next story because the next story seems about Roman and Val’s friend? Like I mentioned before this is a novella and unfolds through the length of four stories about each brother. I just wished as a reader some issues regarding Val and Zoey were explored before moving on to the next storyline and brother. For instance we only got information on Val’s hate for Zoey out of a dying attraction but not much on their newly developed relationship except sex scenes. Hopefully the next story will be more fleshed out.

Note to the author and other readers: This is not a personal attack on the author or my attempt to bash the author in any way but the thoughts of one reader and reviewer. I know lately a lot of authors have taken to social media about “hurtful” reviews. This is not intended to be hurtful in any way just my thoughts on this book. And let’s face it not everyone is going to like your work. Not everyone finds my reviews helpful and that’s ok. I know I stated my truth and I will leave it at that. Judge this book for yourself and not based solely on this one review.

Santa's Helper By: Yvette Hines

It's that time of year again! Holiday/Christmas stories are here. If you are like me I love a sappy Christmas story. On a cold gloomy day nothing lifts my spirts more than a sweet Christmas read. It’s like watching the Hallmark Channel you know it’s so unrealistic but sweet just the same. One of the first of many Holiday reads that are yet to come is Yvette Hine’s, “ Santa’s Helper.”

The story starts off with a steamy sex scene introducing the lead heroine Nicole. She works as a Christmas helper/slave/errand-girl and elf for the Marco family business. Laverne Marco her boss has an issue with Nicole especially when it comes to her boys. Hired by one of her eldest and playboy son Steve, Nicole can’t see anything past the middle brother David who consumes her thoughts with one shared butterfly kiss under the mistletoe.

Although this is a Christmas story it’s not a story without some bit of anguish. Steve has quite the issue with his roaming eyes and hands when it comes to the female staff. He has his eyes set on Nicole and unfortunately for him so does his brother David.  Nicole is overworked, sexually harassed constantly and very much so ignored by David. Required to work the Marco family Christmas party her path crosses with David dressed as a very sexy Santa. With just one look her blood begins to heat and her body reacts to just one heated look from him. Nicole although she does need to grow a backbone when it comes to his mother does not shy away from her sexuality. Dressed as a curvaceous Elf she forces David to leave the room out of fear of making a scene. A mishap with her car and being left alone with David sparks ignite and now winter doesn’t seem so cold anymore. One thing I will say that Yvette knows how to write a steamy sex scene.

This is a very sweet, straightforward short read. My issues with short reads is that I always wish that the relationship between the two characters are more developed. With this read Nicole and David have limited interaction although she has been working for his family for 3 years it was never said why they loved each other just that he felt she was different because she didn’t fall for his brother’s charm. And on her end she is very much so sexually attracted to him. I felt that some issues should not have been brought up especially the sexual assault if nothing was to come of it. David even admits himself as to not get involved with his brother antics because it hasn’t hurt the business. I just didn’t see David as a traditional Alpha-male. I did love that he wore glasses and was classified as a sexy nerd. But he seemed like a push over and not very dominate. I will say that towards the end of the story there is a turning point and after some good loving Nicole finally gets a backbone. I know this is a simple short read and I’m probably reading more into it then should be but I do love complete stories.  For a short Christmas read this story does fit the bill I just wished for more details. This was a very sweet, sexy read no typos and that cover is very hot!!! Like I always say don’t judge this book based on this one review judge for yourself.

 

Brand New Time For Me

I know you guys are wondering what's up with the repeat posts? You may know me from the site: http://cocofiercebookblog.wordpress.com Well it seems I was "reported" for my content. Initially I was upset maybe that's to little of a word pissed off royally. My issue is that my blog was a personal book blog and if you don't like the content don't visit the site. I could go on and on about how annoyed I was being locked out of my own work and words But I won't.

To give this issue more light is to let my haters and trolls win. The adage goes, "let your hater's be your motivator's" and whoever has reported me or deemed my work malicious did just that. I'm not mad I just want to say thank you because you have made me that much stronger and better. I used to say in all my posts, "please judge this book for yourself and not based on this one review." My friend and confidant used to get on me because it was as if I was apologizing for my opinion. I honestly didn't see it that way I just though of it as a way to say, "hey I am not attacking you this is just one reader's opinion." Now I have learned to be unapologetic about who I am. You see this person who reported me and got my blog shut down came into my lane and when you merge into someone else's lane you need to put on your blinkers because that's how you get into accidents. They came for me and now be ready because a new day is here and I'm back and better than ever!!!!

Melancholy ( Jokers' Wrath) By: Bella Jewel

This is the second book in the Jokers Wrath MC book by Bella Jewel if you haven’t read the first one before this I suggest you do because a lot of the characters show up in this story. I pre-ordered this book because in the first story Santana and Maddox had this sexual energy that was jumping off the pages. Let me just say that while I did enjoy this story there were a lot of issues that annoyed me.

First let’s start off with Santana she has a very codependent personality understandably so because she was a drug addict. What I did love where the flash backs between how Santana came to know Maddox and more about her background. But she and her sister Pippa seemed a bit weak at times. Granted what they had to endure as young girls was a lot but as a reader I noticed that Santana in each situation was looking inadvertently for a man to save her from her situations. i.e. Alec/Maddox/Kennedy For instance Santana mentions "He could be what gets me out of here." Why can't she save herself? She makes no mention of any goals. I don't like how weak she was portrayed. At what point was she going to stop blaming others and get herself together? She had the tools.

I don’t want this to seem like I am just not enjoying this story because I actually did and look very much forward to the next story in this series but this story just seemed very immature. Without giving too much a way but Santana and her love interest have a scene where he tells her to, “prove it too me.” Ummm….this is 2014 does that line still work? I am noticing a trend with this author and her female characters this weakness and damsel in distress stereotype is so played out. This author writes really well and can do better than this. The situation with Alec had me thinking huh?! I don't understand how now after the fact you have some sense. With Santana’s background and who she lives with where is her street smarts? The characters seem inconsistent with how the author is trying to portray them. For Mack ( Maddox brother) to have all his issues he tells it how it is I’m looking forward to his story. The back in forth between Santana and Maddox was like a slinky. At times it got a bit redundant. In some ways Santana is still an addict she is so codependent on men and her sister on her. I didn’t know how old she and her sister were but I am guessing young because Santana at times seemed like a high schooler. I wanted more out of the storyline. The whole sister and I don’t know who I love got a little old. It was hard to believe that majority of the book was devoted to this one storyline revolving around the sister and Santana trying to work through her feelings. You kind of have to suspend your belief in reality. I understand they are family but I agree with Mack that this is a bit too much for her sister. I know it seems like I didn’t like the story I actually did but I just wanted more meat to the story this story read like YA mixed with some erotica. This is not to bash the author just stating a different opinion. This book was a 2.5 for me. Please don’t judge this book based on this one review but for yourselves.

 

What's Up With That Part Deux

A while back I had this post I called, “What’s Up With That”  where I just vent about what I have noticed going on in the “author” world. For me it’s a venting session as a reader not to bash any author but just to question some things that I feel are important. I think social media can either help or hurt many authors. The help part is that we as readers get to see snippets of upcoming books, teasers etc. The hurt part is that some author’s like many people share way too much on social media to the point where for me it will turn you off. I know you may say CoCo it’s their Facebook page and if you don’t like it don’t watch. Which is true but what happens when author’s share too much on their author pages? I feel like as a reader and blogger at times I have to censor some of what I want to say because some authors not all see it as a personal attack one or two they don’t like an opposing opinion and their fan girls end up bullying you. And sometimes the criticism or whatever the issue is can be seen as helpful and great dialogue between author and reader.

Lately I have noticed many authors posting about book reviews and how important they are. And I would completely agree. Reviews are important for the author and other readers. But on the flipside I have seen many readers comment about how long their t.b.r. (to be read) list is so long they have yet to tackle it. Here comes the issue! Recently an author posted that she is considering no longer writing because of low reviews and so forth. My issue is writing is a business. Many authors have street teams, Facebook pages, book chats, etc. How do you expect reader support and loyalty when you don’t engage your readers? (This is not directed at this particular author just stating an issue I see in general) Which leads me back to the social media issue. Back in the day we never had social media an author would release a book once a year and in the back of the paperback would be a card where you could write the author. (Sometimes I miss those days) In the world of instant gratification and social media, over sharing between readers and authors alike the lines have blurred. Where readers think they “know” the authors on some personal level based on what they share. I am getting off subject. My issue with the post about basically retiring from writing is that isn’t this your craft? I don’t understand if a person is passionate about something nothing should detour you. It’s not going to be a smooth road. Why not go to the readers, back to the drawing board and revamp yourself. I would love others take on this issue. Because I was rather annoyed myself about this issue.

My next issue is that because publishing has become so easy I feel everyone is doing it. Especially in the IR (Interracial) genre it has become flooded with fetish type books. And I’m sure there is an audience out there for that. But it makes the rest of the books in the genre look like a joke. Another issue is the lack of stories with substance, plots, descriptions, and just plain lack of story. Lately there has been a trend of really short stories that are overpriced. Now I don’t mind paying for a story if it is a complete story. I recently saw an author post that her story for 80 pages priced at $5.99 in her eyes was reasonable because that’s a lot for her to write. Ummmm….isn’t writing what you do? My thing is that the stories lack substance it’s more sex and less story and just when the story begins it ends. Also the lack of descriptions. How can one read a story without having any physical descriptions of the characters? What color are the characters? And why are the characters color being described in terms of food? I know for myself when I read a story I like to picture what the characters look like. I can’t fully engaged in the book without a good grasp on who I am reading about.

Last Issue I promise!!!! Please stop oversharing! The thing with social media is you control what you share. I understand being close with your readers but it’s a fine line between what you share and shouldn’t share. I have seen authors post so much about their personal life drama I wonder why not write a book on it? I appreciate the authors who engage with their readers because many don’t. But at the end of the day this is a business. Marketing and how you brand yourself is important. Please let me know what you think about this issue. Even if you feel differently than I.

Side note I have noticed lately I have been doing less reviewing and more cover reveals. Not that I mind doing the cover reveals but I am going to get back to basics and try to focus more on my reviews. So be prepared more of CoCo Fierce is yet to come. xoxoxox

What's Up With That

I have been noticing a trend lately with authors when they get bad reviews and is disconcerting. As a person who loves books and to chat about them I take offense to the fact that if you offer an opposing view than the majority you are a hater and that’s when the bullying begins. I left a very tasteful review once explaining why I didn’t really enjoy a certain story I even mention as I do in all my reviews judge the book for yourself. So tell me why this particular author goes on a rant on her page trashing my review and then proceeds to allow her “fans” to follow suit.

I wasn’t upset I actually found it quite comical. My thing is that if you open yourself up on any public forum then you open yourself up for public opinion. Like anything that’s open to the public there will be criticism. Even with my reviews I receive the, “you don’t know what you are talking about or you are not a writer.” And they are correct I am not a writer no do I proclaim to be. But this is my opinion just like they are entitled to theirs. But what I don’t understand why are these authors in their feelings about an opposing opinion? I get it’s your craft. BUT, Stephen King has criticism that doesn’t stop him from writing or doing what he does. He doesn’t take to his twitter and focus on the negative reviews. What’s sad is that I have noticed a lot of Indie authors whom I fully support doing this on their website. Why are you focusing on the few bad reviews and not on the positive? Just like with anything take it with a grain of salt.

 I am starting to feel with the time these authors focus on the bad reviews and posting it to every social media account they have there may be some truth to it. It annoys me because it seems like they are seeking validation and sympathy from their readers. Let naysayers and people do what they do. Focus on fine tuning your craft. Even with my blogging I am new to this and have a long way to go. I appreciate the help with how I can do better. Criticism is fine as long as it is coming from a loving place. With the way you can just easily publish a book on Amazon and how the IR genre is being flooded with work. You should want to put out your best work. i.e. edit, review, and get beta readers. This is a business get a thick skin! Ok that’s the end of my rant. So what do you think?

Made A Sempre Novel By: J.M. Darhower

Corrado Moretti had a hard introduction to life. His mother Erica was a drunk and father Vito was absent but his secret life would have long lasting effects on the family. Corrado has learned at a very young age never to get attached to anyone either they leave you or the hurt is just too much to process. Because of this hard lesson Corrado has not allowed himself to feel anything except one summer when he and his twin sister are dropped off to the DeMarco’s for protection. There he meets young free spirited Celia being in her presence ignites something in him and from there the attraction between the two grows.

This story is told in parts and each part equals the whole of the man who is Corrado Moretti. Like I mentioned his introduction to life wasn’t pleasant his mother was an abusive drunk, his sister was a manipulator and his father although he wasn’t there was young Corrado’s savior. Out of desperation Corrado chooses a life that would be his life until death. La Cosa Nostra “this thing of ours” because for Corrado that’s all it could ever be. He works his way up in the Mob by taking on a job that no one else could do or even willing to do this gets him noticed by the boss and brings him back full circle to Celia his enchantress.

Much of this story is about Corrado’s life inside the Mob. Having no emotional attachments works for Corrado especially being one of the DeMarco’s notorious hit men. Although, wanting to be like his father Vito who is a Captain in this family, Corrado makes his own way and become’s a man of his word which is a direct contrast to his spineless father. Parts of his life in the Mob are very hard to read at times especially when the subject of human trafficking appears but the author gives a great contrast of his Mob life to the life he has with Celia.

Celia is very sassy knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to use her charm to get it. Growing up in the life she offers Corrado a comfort he can get nowhere else. If ever there was a definition to ride or die chick Celia would be it. As I mentioned beforehand some of the subject matter in this book is very heavy I liked the contrast between his relationship with Celia which was very playful to the seriousness of the Mob life. This added a little light to the darkness that is Corrado’s life. Made is very complex and is told in layers just when you think you know something another layer is unfolded.

I do wish that more would have been told of his relationship with Celia. I wanted more interaction between the two. Some information I felt could have been omitted and more insight could have been given to other areas. This story is not your usual HEA lets ride in the sunset kind of book. It’s very dark and heavy and being the lifestyle that they live the ending was as it should be. At times I was very frustrated with Corrado’s lack of emotion I wanted him to speak up say something fight the abusers back but as the quote goes, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
There is a line in the book that says, “without villains there would be no superheroes.” I think this is very poignant because it leaves the reader to guess who played what role in this story. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.